-Checkmate-
Again he felt the press of the stillness in the hallway, closing around him and seeming to fill his ears with the very loud nothing. It felt as though it was seeping through his clothes and into his skin as he slowly crept through the darkness, trying to clog his veins with doubt and fear. He tried to tell himself he was just being paranoid and imagining it was worth then it was, but somehow it didn't help and if anything, that cold weight settled more heavily. The world around him was waiting for something and he knew it. Even the blonde beauty in his arms seemed aware that something was amiss.
From the moment the door had clicked shut behind them, Quatre had raised his head and quietly watched everything, even though there wasn't much to see here, with the rapt attention of a child. His eyes drifted to the clock on the wall they passed and Duo was mildly alarm to find himself relieved to hear it's ticking hands in motion, though he didn't understand why. Not painted. He squirmed a bit to study the weave of the carpet below them as Duo walked, then went still as he stared at the wall paper in interest. Duo found nothing too amazing about that particular pattern, but he supposed it was different from the one in the prince's chambers and that was probably enough to make it thrilling through his eyes. It was change.
They crept along through the dark for what felt like hours, even though Duo figured it was probably more like a quarter of an hour then any where close to a full one. He listened to the rise and fall of the unbroken silence, yet none of that did anything to soothe his jumpy nerves.
Going down the stairs and ultimately towards their destination brought another squirm from Quatre. Duo didn't try to scold him for the movement, he just glanced down to make sure the blonde wasn't trying to get his attention, then hurried on. Actually, feeling Quatre move relieved him. It was a very good reminder he was carting around a living thing and ought be extremely careful. But for this time, Quatre had only shifted to watch the banister of the stairs as they plodded onward. He had a feeling once they actually stopped to rest for the night that he was going to be watching the prince wander around wherever they were touching everything, and as long as it was somewhere safe, he didn't think he'd mind just sitting back and watching. Sometimes people forget how beautiful the world around them can be, and by watching a child or innocent soul explore it, it's almost like discovering an old friend.
The conservatory at night was a lot less relaxing then it's day lit counterpart. Duo kept steadily to the center of the of the room once he'd reached the bottom of the narrow metal stairwell, eyeing the hanging limbs of the plants around here as if worried about them suddenly reaching out. In the shadow light, every spider plant's vines looking like very greedy hands ready to grab and hurt and even the small heads of the flowers he could see were bobbing lightly on their stalks as if giggling to one another as they watched him pass. The trees in the giant pots by the corners and the soft breeze traveling through their green arms sounded like whispers to the prophet. It's just a conservatory, you know that so stop this shit right now before you scare Quatre as well. But it was easier to think that then to ever comply. Just another look around the room brought to mind pictures of the jungles he'd heard of, of big snakes that could swallow men whole and of hunting cats the size of small ponies. Never mind that he could see the glass door only a few yards away, you never just walked out of the jungle unscathed, now did you? No, there was always some thing lurking just under that last shrub, it's hungry black eyes drifting over your body and deciding which looked like the most tasty part. And just as you reached for the openness outside that hot plant world, you felt it wrap around your leg and drawing you back. And once it had you -- His thoughts died with a whimper as something wrapped around Duo's ankle.
The prophet went utterly stiff, the messy bangs and stray hairs of his braid rising in automatic fear around his shocked features. The thing, try as he might to brush it off as a plant vine, was -moving-. Steadily he felt that furry grip rise from his ankle and curl around his calf, as if testing and teasing the prophet. It was gone for a second, but back again before he could react, just a feather brush along the line of his shoes… And if he looked down he knew he'd see the upturned face of some closet horror, all sharp teeth ad stupidly malicious eyes. But maybe if he was lucky he could throw Quatre towards the door and get a scream out before it tried to eat him. He could already hear the clear crunching snap of his bones in the jaws of whatever death awaited him just below. All rational thought seemed to be slowly draining from him as he felt that thing pass him again.
"Duo?"
That sounded like it came from miles away, such a sweet sound and one that nearly promised safety. Safety this thing wouldn't allow him. He was going to die, very likely, -they- were going to die and there was nothing he could do to prevent it.
"Duo? Are you okay? … Isn't that a cat? I know I saw one in one of my books once and it looked a lot like that. I thought most people liked them, why are you so upset?"
Cat? He felt the prince shifting in his grip and was aware of a cool little hand pressing against his cheeks. Then suddenly Quatre's face was in front of him, brow furrowed in worry as he checked over the pale and tense features of his would be hero. It's a cat?! Can't he see the fangs and claws and grabby limbs? Doesn't he know we're going to get ea-
"It's just a baby cat, Duo, I don't think it's hungry enough to resort to eating anyone yet."
The violet eyes slowly blinked in confusion, then narrowed in on that pretty face right in front of his. Quatre smiled gently and again stroked Duo's cheek, then drew his hand away and pointed down. That one lowered glance took more effort right now then he could remember starting this whole thing had. His slowly dropped his gaze, waiting for the cheerily grinning monster face to come into sight and wondering why the blonde wouldn't see it… What he saw instead, winding between his ankles with young persistence, was a little black and white cow-spotted kitten. The thing was happily charging between his long limbs and letting it's side and tail strike Duo's pants, and the tail of course was curling around whatever whenever it could.
He just stared at that little thing for several long seconds, watching it's ceaseless, self amusing pattern. Finally it dropped unto his haunches and looked up at him with a squeaky mewl. Quatre laughed in delight at the sound, and that was enough to break away the last of his terror like the cold ice that sometimes clung to one's cloak in the winter. That angelic sound also made up his mind on another matter in seconds.
Bending carefully so as not to drop or jostle Quatre around to much, he scooped one hand under the feline's rolly poly belly and hefted it up. Duo placed it on Quatre's currently level stomach as he eyed the small gap in the floor windows near the door. A missing pane was clearly evident about half way across the room. Well, that explains the breeze and the little 'jungle dweller'. "Hold him close, okay? I don't think we should stop again even if he squirms away."
Quatre stared up at him with delight and with something close to hero worship as he cuddled the little furry being to his chest, and Duo suddenly felt he could probably live through another few spooks like that if he got such a reward each time. As he started walking again, this time with that calm relief anyone felt when discovering the hulking monster in the corner was no more then a stack of blankets thrown carelessly over a chair, his mind drifted to the calming way the blonde had broken through to him. It was almost as though Quatre had known what he was feeling… And thinking. But that was just coincidence. It had to be.
He could predict the future and the current through his visions, yes, but that took effort and lot training, or a source of natural talent. Knowing peoples thoughts before they often clumsily voiced them was something he'd tried and found next to impossible. People were the wild cards of the worlds, and you never knew what to expect as far as they were concerned. It was why his own visions were so easy to divert when one wanted too. Besides, people rarely ever said what they were actually thinking, it was like one of those weird rules all of humanity shared. So, it was just a coincidence that Quatre had used that term to soothe him, nothing else. It wasn't too hard to imagine.
He made it to the door without further incident and let out a pent up sigh when his long pale fingers closed around it's cool latch. Just beyond this fragile glass barrier was the night and freedom. He'd step out, grab the bag that Heero and Wufei had kindly packed for him, then hurry off towards the woods through which he'd originally arrived. They'd rest there and he'd let Quatre wander for a bit, then they'd head out again before dawn. They'd get a horse in the next town and ride it for several long hours. He'd make sure the prince rested during that time, and by the time he woke up again, they'd be far enough away they could relax a bit. Then an inn room and talking, after that who knew? But first the door. Piece of cake.
The door itself wasn't a problem, but he did discover one just shortly after. He couldn't find the bag right away. He looked in the small over hanging arch carefully and didn't see anything, even nudged his foot into the dark of the corner to make sure he wasn't missing it. Thought they said right against the wall here? But his growing annoyance and worry came to a quick cease when he poked his head out of the stoop and saw the mounded shape resting further down against the outside wall. So it was just a little off from where he'd expected, he'd misunderstood and it was nothing to let himself get all worked up again over.
He edged out of the door well and started towards the lump quietly, feeling the rhythmatic slap of his braid on the small of his back and on his bottom and feeling Quatre's warm breaths against his covered chest. He was finally calm and certain of their escape, and that was of course when disaster struck, and struck hard.
At the same time as a torch flared up a few yards to the right of him, something collided brutally with the back of Duo's head. His vision flashing with bright dots, he stumbled and fell to his knees, though to his credit his arms never loosened around the small bundle of the prince. Quatre let out a small sound, then clung closer.
As more torches were lit and he finally looked up with a pained groan, he could see the shadowy forms drawing nearer across the royal lawns. Guards, about twenty of them and without the faces of his friends anywhere among them. Most of them were sneering and looking quite pleased with themselves, and -all- were armed. Duo started to struggle up to his feet, determined to run if he could and to fight if he couldn't, but he wouldn't let them take Quatre when he'd gotten this far.
A heavy hand settled on his shoulder and stopped any motion as it clenched roughly. He grit his teeth against a cry, refusing to give them the satisfaction of hearing that as he slumped and just held the frail form to him.
"I believe you got something there that belongs to the king, devil mage. You'd best be setting him down and moving back if you don't want to get yourself injured." It was a slow drawl, something dry and rough to the ears, like what you'd expect an ogre to sound like.
"I'm not letting him go. He doesn't belong in that room or in this castle. If you try to take him, you'll get him in the end, but I swear I'll kill some of you first… Even if I have to tear your throats out with my teeth. Do you understand me, you ignorant pig? Come any closer to us and I WILL see your blood stain this grass."
The footsteps that had been advancing paused, and he watched from under his bangs as the guards looked at one another warily. This was supposed to be easy and fun for them, they weren't actually expecting a fight. They'd caught him, and he was just supposed to surrender, wasn't he? The brute that had spoken spread his hands and gave Duo a friendly 'we're all chums, here' smile. "Now now, no need for that kind of threat, wizard. We just want the boy. He needs to go back to his rooms, you and I both know that. Hand him over and we'll let you just walk out of here, on my word as a good soldier."
Cool purple eyes narrowed angrily, "You're word isn't worth the manure this garden was planted with. I will not give him over." Then something flickered in his eyes and he tipped his head to get his hair out of his eyes, giving the guard a sharkish grin that sent bumps down the man's back. "Take me to your king. I'm sure he is up now, probably watching and making sure his little canary doesn't get too far from his cage. So take me too him. I will go without struggle."
The guard snorted and rolled his eyes, dark greasing eyebrows lifting in the amusement of it all. "You ain't gonna be allowed to see the king. Think we'd be dumb enough to let you near our Lordship after the things you just said?"
"If he wishes to avoid bloodshed then I expect to see him. One way or another you must take me to him or -nothing- will be absolved. If you refuse, we will either be forced into a fight and one that will benefit neither side, or I will get away even if I must leave him here…" He scrambled up to his feet this time with no one trying to stop him, turning around in a half circle to glare at the loaming shape of the castle and shout- "How would the people of your town react to knowing there is an heir to the throne of a dying king, and that he has been a prisoner for years?! Just a dirty little secret, your -majesty-?" He spat that word hatefully out then plowed right on. "Will they just forgive and forget, do you think? I think they'll remember the tragedy that occurred years ago! They'll remember their guilt, and they'll hate you for it… Especially when they look at his beautiful face and see the features of her who you killed. They'll revolt, Sire, and they will watch as your castle burns to the ground with you in it! Let me see you and speak with you or before dawn, I swear they shall know the truth!!"
As his last shout died into the cold of the night, the silence was uninterrupted for one long and frightening second. Then from somewhere on the second story a window pushed open with a creak. Duo's eyes picked out the motion and narrowed in on it, and on the hulking form within. Over the nervous shifting of the guards a raspy voice lowered to them like a brush of death. "Bring them to the throne room, I shall see him."
-----
He almost missed the oppressing silence as Duo walked within the cluster of armed guards. Their swords clanged loudly against their armor and echoed up into the high ceilings of the main hall then back down to the procession as they marched towards the throne room.
Once the king had spoken, things moved quickly. They'd gathered around him in a half circle and with barked instructions, marched him back through the conservatory and into the main parts of the castle. He saw no sign of Heero or Wufei as they passed through, and part of him was painfully worried on that subject. He could only imagine that he'd been found out through them and hoped they hadn't been tortured or punished for their involvement, though that seemed unlikely. And the guards had left Quatre in his arms, probably more from his earlier threat then because of the king's agreement.
The blonde was frozen into a protective tight ball on his arms, one tiny hand pressed over his ear and his face tensed from all the noise and action. The other hand was wrapped dutifully around the now yowling kitten. Duo could feel the boy shaking against his chest, and worse could feel the hammering and rapid thud of Quatre's heart against the arms that were holding him up. It reminded him of picking up field mice as a child. They were so scared that they sometimes just died of fright in human hands, their little hearts unable to cope. He only kept his own mask of calm in place with the hopes of giving Quatre at least some comfort, and smiled down at him slightly when one cerulean eye winked open and fixed up at him.
In truth, he wasn't scared or even nervous right now, and that fact surprised him… But he was furious. He found the closer he walked to the room where he'd finally confront the king, and with the 'evidence' so to speak cradled right in his arms, the angrier he grew. He hated the bastard that had the nerve to turn what could have been a glorious young boy into this poor fragile creature. It was selfish, it was cruel, and it seemed nearly sacrilegious in his mind. The king -knew- about his son, he knew and he still left the boy up in his room to rot away… Someone like didn't deserve to live, let alone be allowed to continue such treatment. One way or another, he'd persuade the king to release Quatre into his care.
They reached the end of the long hall, and Duo was unspeakable thankful of the moment of silence that fell when the soldiers stopped. Quatre perked up to look around as the muffled thunder heard even through his hand ceased, flashed Duo a worried expression, then hide against his shirt again. And the kitten just went about it's miserable squawking, and Duo didn't blame it one bit.
The gruff guard that had spoken with him out in the garden was the one that emerged from the crowd to open the double doors now. He stepped through the armed men, taking the opportunity to sneer at the prophet on the way by , then lifted the handles with an ominous click and pushed the huge wooden gates aside to allow them into the throne room.
Duo took a deep breath and closed his eyes momentarily, wishing for the best but truthfully expecting the worst. He gave the ashen haired prince a gentle hug, afraid he'd not have the chance to do so after this final confrontation, then braced himself and sternly walked through the huge archway and into the king's chambers.