Chapter One: The Yuy Kingdom

"Are you sure we should be doing this, Yohji?" asked Duo, as he peeked through the curtain and staired at the crowd beyond.

"Of course, Duo. We need the money, and we're skilled," Yohji answered, straightening his gold silk veil. "Now let's get out there and buy us dinner!"

Yohji and Duo had arrived in Kunshu, Yuy Kingdom, the day before, after a harrowing journey from Kudou. They'd asked Cousin Ran for help like Duo had suggested, and gotten food, shelter and good horses in return. Also, Ran had explained some of their situation, and given Duo a journal that once belonged to his father. Living off some money Yohji had with him, they traveled steadily toward Kunshu, occasionally stopping to make more money. And yet, all good things ended, and so did their money. That was why Yohji and Duo were currently on a stage in from of hundreds of Kunshuans, dressed in loose, billowing breeches and matching silk shirts, a veil covering half their faces.

A throbbing beat filled the air and surrounded the dancers and silent crowd. Suddenly, Duo leapt from behind the curtain and landed in the middle of the stage, falling gracefully to the ground in an immitation of a petal. Yohji stepped out after him, his slow moves matching the beat perfectly. He circled Duo once, then fell also, managing to show his body to advantage as he descended slowly to the ground. They both remained very still as the music slowed.

Then, simultaneously, the music and the dancers jumped, moving and beating rapidly. Yohji stood and spun away in one motion and Duo did the same until they were as far away from each other as the stage would allow. In quick, jerky movements, Duo swayed in place then dance toward the center. Yohji spun several times on one foot before dropping to his knees and stretching dramatically. His muscles jumped as Duo finally reached him and leaned over. The music stopped abruptly, Yohji bent backwards and Duo hanging over him. Duo trailed one finger from Yohji's navel to his lips, before backing away and sinking to his own knees, prostrating himself before the crowd. Yohji straightened himself out at the same time that Duo looked up, eyes closed. And began to sing.

~~~~***~~~~

Heero, distant cousin of King Odin of the Yuy Kingdom and Captain of the Royal Guards stood before a vegetable stall scowling.

"What do you mean you have no naoru fruit[1]! Everyone has that!" Heero snarled. The vendor, Meru, cowered.

"Captain," said a young man with white hair standing behind Heero. "I don't think it would be wise to kill His Majesty's Royal vender."

"He doesn't deserve to be a vender, Crawford," Heero told his second in command. "This poor excuse doesn't even have naoru fruit!"

"Yes, Captain. What the hell has the world come to," Crawford muttered sarcastically, earning a small smirk from his captain. "I'm sure that vender by the Platform has some." Heero nodded his afformative and Crawford handed Meru a copper. "Thanks for your trouble. May Kami-sama shadow your steps." Bowing, Heero and Crawford headed for the vender near the Platform. They were about to start haggling when Heero heard a heavenly sound.

Allata me sora neysi rel keyo Prta sora le keyo Seyasa uferta Mera telliosa

//Divine sky shining with my tears Heavy sky of tears More crying Many sighs//

Heero stood riveted as the husky alto sang, filling the air with a sweet, pure melody. His heart connected with the voice and he allowed himself to drown for a moment.

"Captain?" Crawford asked worriedly. He was equally enthralled, but he hadn't expected his captain to be. "Captain, daijoubu ka?"

"Hm?" Heero said distractedly, his Prussian eyes darted left and right searching for the source of the beautiful sound. Suddenly another, deeper voice joined the first. This one was just as sensuous, if not more, and rose and fell intriguingly.

Morete me sora neysi rel keyo Tyla sora le gotyl Fora uferta Tyla telliosa

//Open sky shining with my tears Tired sky of blood No more crying Tired sighs//

"What a heavenly sound!" exclaimed one city woman as she passed by. Heero had to agree. Whoever was singing, he strongly suspected they had magic in their voices. Finally his captain persona took over and reminded him of his duty. Arrest any persons using magic for personal gain. Since the sound seemed to come from the Platform, he assumed they were selling their skills for money.

"Crawford," Heero said commandingly. His second was immediately at his side, shaking off the affects of the wonderful singing.

"Hai, Captain?" He asked, standing straighter. Heero coldly approved of Crawford's alertness.

"Whoever is singing is using magic. You know our duty. They must be brought before King Odin and Queen Ryuka, and if not them, Prince Lowell," Heero said, his obvious disgust for the royal family suprisingly evident. Crawford knew little of his captain, but he did know he hated the King, Queen, and especially the Prince with a passion. Crawford felt abit sorry for their soon to be victims. Though their voices were beautiful, it couldn't save them from the justice of the Royal Guard.

"Do you want me to inform the sorcerer, Captain?" Crawford asked. Heero gave a small nod and Crawford pulled out a small crystal ball given to Heero by the sorcerer to call him when necessary. The sorcerer, a Chang Wufei, was a fierce warrior of Dragora and had arrived at Kunshu two days ago demanding to see General Treize. King Odin saw an opportunity, and told the sorcerer he could serve him while he waited for Treize to come back. Lucky that Treize was away, because the warrior then began to rant about the injustice of it all. "Sorcerer?"

"Yes?" came an irritated voice from the globe. An annoyed boyish face appeared and blazing onyx eyes stared at Crawford. Unconsciously he shivered from the gaze.

"The Captain wishes you to come help investigate magic users near the Platform," Crawford.

"Where?" Wufei said.

"Near Vender Narir's stall," Crawford answered. He knew Wufei had never been there, but the sorcerer had his ways.

"Give me a moment," Wufei said. "Tsukiyono! Get your worthless ass up! I'm sick and tired of you lazing! Get me that crystal! No, the other one! Idiot! Arg!" came the Dragorans cries. After a moment crying was heard, then Wufei turned to Crawford again, muttering 'disobedient, incompetent slave.' "Be there in five." Wufei's face swirled and disappeared.

Crawford sighed. He hated how Wufei treated his young slave, Omi. In the two days the Dragoran had been with them, the slave's ocean blue eyes were filled with tears atleast two score times. Not my concern, Crawford told himself. But shimmering blue eyes told a different story. "Dammit!" he muttered.

"Problem?" Heero said.

"No, Captain. The sorcerer will be here right about--"

"Now," said an arrogant, regal voice. "What have you fools not been able to accomplish now?"

"Nani?! You little--" Heero began, his blue eyes flashing. The sorcerer smiled insolently.

"Now, now, Captain. Wouldn't want Prince Lowell to hear you were being rude to nobles, now do you?" Wufei said. Heero growled almost inaudible. He would have responded to the slur on his birth if singing hadn't broken through his thoughts.

Nefertiri lefra torer lamida Ilgad trew lehugio plo Redsa derft berkila Berkila sol nemi gologa

//Beautiful in its own way Those trails of sin Red as blooms Blooming sun with golden tendrils//

"What is that infernal racket?" Wufei asked, irritated. He snapped a finger and his chocolate-haired slave appeared. Omi bowed quickly before Wufei before kneeling. Wufei stepped forward and smacked him, causing Heero and Crawford to wince. "Kneel, bow, then kneel again, you fool!" he snapped.

"Y-Yes, Master," Omi said fervently. Wufei smacked him again and Heero stepped forward threateningly.

"Never stammer! It reflects on me!" Wufei snapped. "Now stand up and open your senses. I need you to let the magic take you, then follow it."

"Yes, Master," Omi said, more confident. Obviously this was something he did often. The boy kneeled in no particular direction, a look of detachment on his face, a moment later the singing reached him, for a happy and slightly remorseful smile came upon his features and he looked with glassy eyes at the pathway to the Platform. He began to walk, swaying slightly. Wufei, Heero and Crawford followed.

Soon they came upon the Platform crowd area, and what met their eyes astonished them. Heero openly stared. There, on the Platform, two beautiful boys danced gracefully, before sinking to there knees to sing. One boy, the one with the sweet alto, had a heart-shaped face, a sad smile, and long chestnut brown hair contained in a braid. Heero couldn't determine his eye- color because they were closed, and his face was raised as if in prayer. The other boy had honey brown hair and had a strong, handsome face. Heero caught glimpses of teal blue eyes every now and then. And even more amazing, they seemed unaware of the magic they wielded. Right at that moment the braided beauty opened his mouth again, his compelling voice drifting through the air toward Heero, Crawford, Wufei and the enraptured Omi. The boy seemed especially subsceptible to magic.

Morete me sora neysi rel Tyla sora le gotyl Fora uferta Tyla telliosa

//Open sky shining with my tears Tired sky of blood No more crying Tired sighs//

The braided boy let his face drop down, braid sliding over his shoulder. Then he stood one last time and drifted gracefully into the other boys arms. The other boy held the braided beauty tightly as they both sank to the floor, one last long note hanging in the air. The entire audience stared, enthralled, then hesitant clapping began until the Platform thundered. The two boys stood and bowed, their hands still clasped tightly, showing they had a deeper relationship than dance partners. Heero felt an unfamiliar pang in his chest. He wondered why.

"That's them," Wufei stated unnecessarily. Crawford couldn't resist a jab at the Dragoran slave owner.

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious, exalted one," He said, sneering slightly. Heero suppressed his own small sneer. The Dragoran sniffed disdainfully.

"Well, time to get to work. Omi, you useless worm!" he snapped. The slave moved quickly, bowed, then kneeled. Suddenly, with shock registering on his face, he looked up. Both Crawford and Heero recognized his mistake. Unfortunately, so did Wufei.

"I said kneel, bow, then KNEEL, you incompetent peasant!!" he screamed. "I'm tired of your constant failures! Twently lashes tonight!" All three boys gasped at the Dragoran's words, and Omi whimpered. Not because he knew that was more lashes than a pedophile got when arrested, but because he knew the Royal Captain and his second wanted to help him and couldn't.

Right then, Omi's fate hanging on a thin thread, a noise alerted the boys of another's presence. Out of the shadows appeared the two boys from the stage, this time dressed in a middle class citizen's tunics and hose. Heero almost gasped aloud. The braided youth was even more beautiful up close. His thoughts were cut short by the angry scowl that marred the beauty's face. He turned to Wufei.

"Whaddya think your doin'!" he demanded. Wufei sputtered as the boy glared. "How come your treatin' this poor kid like he's some slave or sumthin'?!" The enraged boy finally noticed Crawford in the background, doing a 'stop, please!' motion with his hands. He pointed to Wufei's chest, and the Dragon insignia. The boy, who's eyes were revealed to be a startling cobalt blue shade that flashed to violet occasionally, stared at the insignia before comprehension dawned. Both Heero and Crawford breathed a sigh of relief, expecting the braided boy to back down. Boy, where then in for a surprise.

"You a Dragoran?" the boy asked bluntly. Wufei looked surprised, then composed himself.

"Yes. Chang Wufei of the Dragon Warriors, peasant. And you are?" Wufei said haughtily.

"Duo of the Maxwell Abbey novices, slaver," the boy snapped. "I didn't think the Yuy Kingdom condoned such...disturbing practices." The disgust in his voice was evident as he pointedly looked at Heero. For some reason his disapproval didn't sit well with the dark haired Captain, and he hurried to explain himself.

"The Yuy Kingdom does not condone slavery, Maxwell-kun, but we also cannot supress the culture of another. We believe that everyone has a right to their practices. We just hoped they would have the grace and tact not to flaunt it when residing in the Yuy Kingdom," he said, in a sentence so uncharacteristically long even Crawford gave him a strange look.

Duo looked satisfied with the Captain's explantion. "That's okay. I'm sure the Yuy Kingdom cannot keep an eye on all the scum that crawls in," he said, lip curling as he looked to Wufei once more. The boy behind him stepped forward.

"Duo, control yourself," the boy demanded. "We do not want to be in trouble, remember?" Duo nodded.

"To late, abbey brat," Wufei said with great satisfaction. Heero was beginning to regret bringing the boys to the Dragoran's attention. "I've heard of you. Escaped from the Kudou Kingdom, ne? Two boys, one an orphan, the other the Emperor's son?"

Duo's lip curled at the look of supreme satisfaction on Wufei's face. "And that means what to us?"

"It means that I am forced to take you to the Palace for questioning and possible transport home," Heero said, another pang, this time one he recognized as apology, sounding in his chest. He actually had trouble not sending the braided boy an apologetic look. He was so frightened by this sudden surge of unfamiliar emotions that he immediately pasted on his soldier's mask. The action did not go unnoticed by his second in command.

Crawford jumped to Heero's rescue before the stoic captain began acting any stranger. "I suggest you cooperate with us, Maxwell-kun. We do not want to have to hurt you in any way. Arresting you is just standard procedure anyway, since you and your friend were using magic in your performance," he said hurriedly. He turned to the boy beside Duo. "May I ask your name, Your Highness?"

The boy with the honey brown hair looked at Crawford with icy eyes, then opened his mouth and spoke. "Yohji, son of Emperor Hayama of the Kudou Dynasty. Former Emperor-heir," he said.

"Former?" Crawford asked before he could stop himself.

Yohji smiled tightly. "Would you want to inherit a Kingdom destined to be run by a manipulative sorcerer advisor?" Crawford shook his head, growing even more curious as to their story. All he'd heard so far was that the Emperor-heir had run away with his boy-whore, and orphan by the name of Duo. "Aren't you going to tie us up?" the teal-eyed Prince asked. Crawford started, then nodded. He pulled out a piece of rope and stepped forward, starting to bind the young Prince. Beside him, his captain already had the orphan bound. Wufei looked over the proceedings with satisfaction.

"Let's go. No trying to run away, and no funny business. Either way, the sorcerer seems to hate you enough not to let you escape," Heero said. He nodded once to each person, then started out of the crowd. Reluctantly, Duo and Yohji followed.

~~~***~~~

//They are proceeding ahead of schedule, Darling.//

*I know, my heart. Our son is a marvel.*

//I wish you could have met him with me.//

*So do I, love. So do I.*

//Do you think he will realise he has met his soul partner?//

*In time, Dear.*

~~~***~~~

Duo shivered a bit as he followed the Captain of the Royal Guard through the palace gates. The wizard was watching him again, his heated glare boaring into the back of his head. It was making him decidedly uncomfortable.

To try to elevate his feelings, Duo began to think about the young captain leading him through the outer courtyard. The boy -man?- looked no older than Duo, and had unruly brown hair and slanted eyes a startling shade of blue. He believed it was called Prussian. The boy's face was a work of art in itself, with prominent cheekbones, an aquiline nose, and full lips. The captain obviously had royal blood in him, most likely the Yuys, yet the slanted eyes told a tale of East Dragora.

He could admit it. He was in love. That was the only thing he could call the feeling of coming home he had experienced when he'd first seen the captain, or the feeling of warmth he'd felt when the boy had tried to calm him while Duo himself was picking a fight with the Dragoran. Duo could tell that the way the captain had been acting was strange, from the way his second in command watched him.

"All I want is to know his name," Duo whispered to himself.

"What?" Yohji asked, turning to look at his boyfriend.

Boyfriend. Oh, right. Duo looked sort of sad when he remembered that Yohji was there also. Firstly because it was Duo's fault they were arrested, and second because he still had a distinct obligation and mutual attachment to his honey haired friend.

Duo decided to take the plunge. If he was eventually going to be sent back to the Kudou Kingdom, where he would be executed on charges of misleading the Emperor-heir and killing a Spirit Walker, then he should atleast get what he wanted. "Can I atleast know the name of my captors?" he asked, sure to include the white haired man so as not to draw untoward attention to the handsome captain.

The entire group slowed to a stop. The white haired second in command turned with a look of thinly veiled apology on his face. He bowed to Yohji and nodded to Duo. Duo resisted the urge to grin at the courteous man who dared to nod at a lowly novice.

"Crawford is my name, Your Highness, Novice Duo. Second in command to the captain of the Royal Guards," Crawford said, smirking slightly. Duo nodded, then turned expectantly and a little too eagerly toward Heero.

"Heero Yuy," the chocolate haired Adonis said coldly, turning and continuing on his way, Duo dragged behind him. Duo didn't object, and let himself be dragged along, a well hidden smile on his face. So he was a Yuy himself. Interesting. 'Heero,' he thought to himself, floating blissfully behind the boy.

"You okay, Duo?" Yohji whispered, watching his lifetime friend worriedly.

Duo looked up sharply, then shrugged. Yohji didn't back down, so he whispered back, "I'll tell you later."

"Quit conspiring to escape!" snapped the Dragoran slave owner. Duo scowled but said nothing. The Dragoran obviously held a place of power in the Yuy Kingdom, and could probably make their stay much more unpleasant than it was already. The smirk on the slaver's face almost caused Duo to break his resolve, but surprisingly, he held firm. He wouldn't want to make a bad impression on Heero, right?

The captain opened a side door in the palace's outer courtyard and led the small group through a small section of the barracks to the inner courtyard. While there, several guards winked suggestively at Duo, and catcalled. Heero pulled the braided boy closer to himelf, and Duo hid a smile. Once through the inner courtyard, the group reached the Inner Sanctum, as the palace's Entrance Hall was called. Pictures of stuffy Kings, even stuffier Queens, and small thumb pictures of their concubines covered ever vertical surface.

Heero led them down the long hall, passing picture after picture of Kings, Queens and concubines. Every family member was easily recognizable by their unruly hair and coal black eyes, the only spot of color being the concubines and a few of the Queens. Duo almost stumbled when he saw a picture of a concubine with Heero's piercing, slanted blue eyes, chocolate brown hair and lightly tanned skin under a picture of a tall man with unruly black hair, Heero's nose and Heero's soldier posture. It was a picture of King Odin and his oldest concubine. She was obviously a pure blooded Dragoran from East Dragora.

Duo noticed that Heero stiffened when they passed the two portraits. So he was right. What must it be like, born of a concubine from Dragora and a King?

"This is the Royal Audience Chamber. You will conduct yourselves as civilised people while before the King," Heero said in his monotone. He lowered his voice and whispered. "Just remember, this kingdom is just a bit duller than others.." It was an open invitation to reek havoc. Duo gave him a small grin, then resumed his resigned aire. "Ready?"

"Whenever you are, Captain," Yohji said, drawing all his royalty around him like a cloak. Technically, an Emperor-heir was still higher than a King, since they stood to inherit a larger Kingdom. "Duo?"

"Aye, Yohji. I'll be as civilised as you are," Duo answered promptly. "Or atleast as well manner as the Dragoran slaver."

Wufei sputtered angrily, but settled down. Finally, Heero opened the Audience Room's doors. Crawford stepped forward to announce them.

"Captain Heero of the Yuy Kingdom's Royal Guards and Chang Wufei, Dragon Warrior and Sorcerer of Dragora, along with Novice Duo of Maxwell Abbey and High Prince Yohji, Emperor-heir of the Kudou Kingdom, request and audience," he said clearly. A court herald repeated what he had said, and all waited patiently. After what seemed like ten minutes, the herald announced them again and they were allowed inside.

The Audience chamber was huge, with rows of courtiers on either side of a long, red velvet carpet that ran all the way to the thrones of the royal family. On the huge golden throne sat a handsome man with deep black eyes and unruly black hair, on which a big gold crown resided. Beside him was a smaller silver throne which seated a pretty woman with long black hair and black eyes. A space to the side was another chair, hardly raised from the ground. There sat a teenaged boy of about sixteen, his hair matching his mother's straight locks and his eyes that of both parents. Beside him, on a cushion, was a pretty girl with long white blonde hair and forked eyebrows. She was the teen's concubine. Duo thought she looked vaguely familiar. He knew it was important, but he couldn't grasp what it was.

"All hail King Odin, Queen Ryuka and Prince Lowell of the Yuy Kingdom. May their reign be long and prosperous," the herald cried.

"All hail!" the courtiers echoed.

Heero, Crawford and their prisoners stepped forward, Wufei moving off to the side. Heero bowed from the waist stiffly, then knelt on both knees and bowed again. He straightened slightly, but remained on his knees. Crawford did the same. Duo went down on one knee, one hand over his heart and the other resting where a sword hilt would have been, the traditional Kudou Kingdom bow. Yohji remained standing, putting one hand over his heart and the other where his sword would be. He spared the royal family a nod. Prince Lowell turned purple with rage.

"This is an outrage!" the young teen cried, standing so quickly he knocked over his concubine. Duo could have sworn her ice blue eyes flashed red in that moment when Lowell touched her. "Bow properly, peasant, or meet my guillotine!" Yohji just snorted. With wide, disbelieving eyes, Lowell turned on King Odin. "Father!" he whined.

King Odin sighed and stood. "Who dares insult me and mine so?" he drawled in an immensely bored voice.

"High Prince Yohji of the Kudou Dynasty," Yohji said proudly, while dusting imaginary dirt from his woolen sleeve. King Odin almost fell over in shock.

"You are the escaped Prince?" he sputtered. He seemed to compose himself. "Why do you not bow, boy?"

"I outrank you on many levels, Odin, so I suggest you refrain from pulling the indignant king bit on me. A High Prince is the equivalent of a King, if not more, and I do not see the need to bow to you," Yohji said. "Rise, Novice." Startled by Yohji's speech, Duo felt himself compelled to rise. When he really wanted to, Yohji's commanding voice could do wonders on the unwilling. "Rise, Captain of the Guards." Surprisingly, Heero did rise. "Rise, Lieutenant." Crawford rose. Yohji turned to Odin. "Take notes, Odin. This is how you rule a Kingdom." Odin's face turned as purple as his son's. Before he could retaliate, though, Wufei stepped forward, his slave behind him.

"Magic, Tsukiyono?" He asked. Omi shivered, opening his mouth to answer affirmative. He had felt the waves of compelling magic flowing to him, and resisted the urge to rise from his knees. Contrary to Chang's beliefs, Omi had a high tolerance for magic and could ignore it if his wished. He really liked the two new comers, so he said the only thing he could say. "No, Master." Wufei's eyes narrowed, but he backed off. Omi sughed in relief. Use this chance wisely, Your Highness, he thought.

"I think a private audience is in order," snarled King Odin. "Heero, take the Maxwell brat to the dungeons and watch him. Crawford, come with me and the Emperor-heir. I want you to guard the door while we talk. Well, what are you waiting for?"

Crawford and Heero both bowed. "Hai, Odin-sama."

~~~~~**Tsuzuku**~~~~~