AN: Hey all, another chapter, another day. Please excuse any silliness or incorrect spelling on this, it's 2 AM and I should really be asleep but my sister is keeping me up.
Warnings: Shonen ai, slight angst I suppose, Duo being serious, violence…and language…from me
Disclaimer: Does Sunrise really give a shit if we write fan fiction? We don't own it and we certainly say we don't. I doubt they really care.
Italics denotes thoughts
***** Denotes scene change
Spoils of War: Ch. 13
Quatre watched Trowa as the taller boy fed the fawn, affectionately dubbed Ginger by Duo and the braided boy's obsession with food. Looking up, the green-eyed boy noticed the blonde's wistful expression.
"Would you like to feed her?" Trowa smiled at Quatre's look of surprise.
"Can I?" the eagerness in Quatre's voice hardly masked. Trowa nodded to the boy. "How?"
"Just hold her head lightly and support the bottle." Trowa instructed handing the glass enfant feeder to Quatre.
Taking it in a loose grip, Quatre knelt next to Trowa. The fawn's bright brown eyes watched Quatre carefully. When the pale boy held out the bottle of milk the hesitation left the tiny creature and it stretched for the nipple. Reaching under the small narrow face, Quatre gently laid his hand next to her gullet. Quatre was grateful when Trowa's hand wrapped around his, reinforcing the hold when the petite animal gave the bottle a surprisingly strong tug.
"She'll try to take the bottle, so hold it tightly," Trowa's soft breath whispered over Quatre's ear making the smaller boy shiver. He nodded in acknowledgement, continuing to watch the baby deer suckle happily. Trowa studied Quatre's face while the blonde's attention was diverted. A small smile of child-like joy curved the full pink lips and Quatre's eyes shone happily. Looking at the wide green-blue eyes of his master, Trowa realized the small prince was indeed doe-eyed1, just like the small fawn he was feeding.
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Heero crept along the narrow corridor silently, alert for any signs of people. It probably wouldn't go over to well if he were found sneaking about the palace without his master. Actually, what was really strange was he wasn't trying to escape; he was trying to find Duo. The braided boy had been working for a while and Heero was getting bored stuck in his room all day. He had followed Duo to the beginning of this corridor everyday, but after that he'd lose all sight and sound of the normally exuberant advisor.
Heero froze as a small sound reached his ears. Listening carefully, Heero waited for the sound to come again. When the crash of two solid objects colliding reached Heero, he moved toward its source. Stepping outside a small door, that he wouldn't have even noticed had he not heard a sound from within, he waited. Soft panting breaths and low grunting noises met Heero's ears. Easing the door open, Heero saw an amazing sight. Duo had a fully armed guard pinned against a wall, no apparent weapons in sight. After a few harsh breaths, Duo backed away from the gasping man, releasing him.
"Are you all right Otto?" Duo asked the man.
"Yes Lord Duo. I just need a minute to catch my breath…" The man, Otto, panted.
"Thank you for sparring with me. Very few soldiers volunteer for the job." Duo laughed.
"It was an honor sir. Your skill has improved greatly from the time of our last meeting." Otto's breathing had evened out to a more normal pace.
"Well you and Howard provided me with a pair of excellent weapons. It was probably His Highness', Prince Quatre's idea to make you head of the armory, wasn't it?" Duo grinned.
"Yes," Otto returned smiling.
"The Prince does have a knack for picking out people's unique skills."
"If you will excuse me sir, but I must return to the armory."
"Then by all means, go ahead." Duo dismissed. Otto bowed to Duo and turned to leave, closing the door behind him. He never noticed the dark blue eyes watching him from behind a stone column. After the man had left, Heero turned back to the black clad boy at the center of the room.
Duo's braid was slightly frayed and stray wisps fell gently across his slightly flushed face. Reaching up, Duo loosened the laces of his shirt until the flaps hung open, dark on pale skin. The cloak he usually wore lay forgotten on the floor. Heero blinked in surprise as Duo's wrists snapped downward and two daggers appeared in his hands. Turning the small fighting knives over in his hands, Duo took a fighting stance. Moving slowly, Duo began a series of downward slashing moves. During this slow calculated practice, Heero watched the subtle change of Duo's hold on the blade. Moving slightly faster, Duo began twirling the daggers for backwards slashes and throwing them in the air to change hands. The easy skill with which Duo maneuvered his daggers with reminded Heero of a dangerously graceful dance of death. Moving out from behind the pillar, Heero admired Duo's lean body and lithe graceful movements as the braided boy moved through his fatally entrancing choreography.
Duo's eyes snapped open as the sound of footsteps reached his ears. Acting on impulse, Duo flipped one of the daggers he was holding to the blade and launched it in the direction of the noise. His eyes widened when he saw Heero dodge the knife and glare at him. Moving to the dagger, Heero dislodged the still quivering metal from the crack Duo had wedged it into.
"Jumpy today?" Heero deadpanned, tossing the blade at Duo. Still gaping, Duo automatically caught the knife.
"What are you doing here?" Duo demanded once he'd found his voice.
"I was curious as to what you did all day." Heero shrugged.
"Well I don't spend a lot of time here, but if you want you can start to come with me to all my meetings and stuff."
Heero nodded and scanned the room they were in. Weapons lined the walls and racks of various training supplies took up a large amount of floor space. A large square of space was clear and covered with a thin rug. Human sized columns of wood stood in the corners.
"Where are we?" Heero asked.
"Oh this?" Duo followed Heero's gaze. "It's just a little training room I created. I guess it's a good thing you found me here. I was planning on showing you and Trowa where you could practice if you wanted." Duo motioned to a corner where a stack of weapons unique from the others in the room was piled. Heero could see his sword and Trowa's bow and arrows carefully placed on top of the pile.
"You want me to practice with you?"
"Well…yeah," Duo scratched the back of his head nervously, "I mean it's probably the only place you'd be allowed to train. In fact, slaves aren't supposed to be able to defend themselves at all."
"Why?"
Duo sighed and looked down at his hands. "We might end up with a rebellion on our hands."
"So you're afraid of being overthrown."
"No, it's not that simple. I wasn't talking about the slaves…Heero… Quatre, as the crown prince needs experience in ruling and governing, even if he does have me and a royal council. So the king, Iman Winner, got this "brilliant" idea that Quatre should get some first-hand experience." Duo walked away from Heero, sliding a dagger from his sleeve. "Quatre is the revolution I've always dreamed of…a chance for a new start."
"A revolution? Pardon me if I don't see it." Heero shook his head.
"Then you're blind." Heero looked up at the cold tone of Duo's voice. The violet-eyed boy leaned his head against a large stone pillar. "Heero, Quatre has such passion and hope. He cares not for himself, but others. The suffering I've seen, and the prejudice…all of it. I never thought it would go…Quatre never gives up…will never give up. The beliefs he has are my own now. I believe that he will abolish all unfair laws. Everyone is equal in his eyes. And I was lucky to meet him. He is hope. But others do not see it that way. They see Quatre as dangerous, his idea dangerous… The other officials…they don't want things to change." The boy turned and Heero found himself pinned by amethyst. "The attempt on Quatre's life and my own the other day were not the first…nor will they be the last."
"Who would want him dead?" Heero slowly approached the advisor. "Much less you?"
"Romefellar."
One word, it rang dully in the silent room.
"But isn't that…"
"Yes that's the army you and Trowa fought against…it's the army Quatre and I fight against. An army of diplomat's with smooth tongues, soft words, and cruel hatred. Sudest has no real army." Duo saw Heero's confusion. The face was oh so still, but his eyes questioned. "Iman Winner is a pacifist by nature, Quatre too for that matter. However, Quatre is not afraid to fight for what he believes in. The war was unavoidable. Nord challenged us."
"Why did you enlist Romefellar's help?" Heero watched as Duo studied the small blade he held in his hand.
"I didn't, King Winner did. It was not my choice."
"I see… Why did Nord challenge Sudest?"
"Because Sudest is a prosperous land, because Nord is a militaristic nation, because Nord hates the Sudest royal family, pick a reason. For all Quatre and I know it could have been nothing more than an argument that got out of hand!" Duo exhaled heavily.
"Quatre is really kept in the dark isn't he?" Heero again approached his master.
"Quatre knows too much already as far as Romefellar is concerned. And he really doesn't know near enough. Even I've been shut out before."
"It sounds as if you need some one who can contract the information you need from the source."
"Yes but it's not easy. Most of the houses that belong to members of Romefellar are so heavily guarded it's near impossible to get in."
"But not impossible." Duo's head snapped up to stare at Heero who was smiling slightly.
"Heero, what are you…"
"Lord Duo!" A loud rapping on the door accented the urgent call.
"Yes," Duo turned from Heero to remove the lock. A guard burst into the room.
"Lord Duo, you're urgently needed in the meeting hall. The meeting with Romefellar and the Alliance is under way and His Highness, Prince Quatre sent me to request your presence."
"I'll be right there." Duo answered the guard evenly. He was slightly surprised when he felt someone reattaching his cloak to his shoulders. He could see the swift movements of Heero's hands as he tied the black mantle securely. Once finished, Heero moved to stand behind and slightly to the right of his master. With a nod to the guard waiting at the door as an obvious escort, Duo strode out. As they walked to the meeting hall, Duo pondered Heero's actions. It was very odd for him to act remotely like a proper slave, not that it bothered Duo any…in fact it seemed that the more, Heero acted like a proper slave, the more Duo was bothered. Duo longed for the guard to have gone do he could really talk to Heero. Reaching the room, Duo thanked the guard and continued in.
The group surrounding the table looked up as Duo walked in. They watched in surprise as Heero entered behind him. Duke Dermail stood, an angry look twisting his already unpleasant features even more.
"Lord Duo, what is the meaning of this? You know slaves are forbidden to be present during private meetings."
Before Duo could speak, Heero stepped in front of him.
"Master Duo has appointed me his personal bodyguard, Duke Dermail. I think you will find he is quite within his rights to do so. And as his personal bodyguard, I am allowed access to any room or event to protect him."
After a moment of silence Quatre spoke up. "He's right." The prince smiled at Heero's quick thinking. "His slave can stay." He held up his hand to forestall any argument. Duo took his place beside Quatre surprised when Heero moved silently behind him to stand at the back and to the right of his chair. Wondering where Heero had learned proper slave etiquette, Duo was slightly disappointed that Heero wasn't acting like his usual self. It would make the meeting much more interesting. As the meeting progressed it became apparent what the main topic of discussion was.
"I propose that we continue the attack on Nord and move for a conquest." Septum a middle-aged man with receding black hair and the most annoying nasal voice spoke confidently. Quatre was about ready to groan out loud. The meeting was definitely going down hill. Continuing the war would only cause Sudest more problems.
"That's not wise."
The gathered officials looked up in surprise.
"Don't speak without permission." Tsubarov stood angrily, pointing an accusing finger at Heero.
"Silence." Duo glared at the offender. "Continue Heero."
The braided boy smiled at his slave who nodded obediently.
"It is not an intelligent decision to move for conquest."
Several other officials nodded their agreement.
"Then what do you propose we do?" Duke Dermail sneered at the boy.
"Move for a peace treaty. A sign that a truce has been called. You've made your point and defended yourself. There is no need for further battle. There is nothing to gain accept the loss of lives." Heero replied readily.
The room was silent a moment as Dermail attempted to collect his jaw politely.
"I don't think that will work." He ground out slowly. "They didn't yield to any of the other treaties we've sent."
Duo clenched his teeth as the man's tone changed to something far more condescending.
"Isn't that right, Lord Duo."
"Yes and no," A forced smile stretched the pale pink lips. "If you recall correctly most of those messages didn't reach their final destination. Sending a delegation as well as a treaty would probably serve us better than attempting conquest."
"But there is much to gain-"
"No there isn't," Heero interrupted sharply, "The war expenses would be far more than any profit that came with victory, IF you even won. Soldiers need to be paid, that was well as animals and equipment would cost exponential amounts."
"How dare you interrupt me!" Septum stood, "Do you even know who I am?"
"No, and I don't particularly care to learn." Heero's tone was dismissive.
"Why You! I am General Septum, leader of the Alliance military!"
"All I see is an egotistical fool."
Septum growled and lunged at Heero. Seeing the impending conflict, Duo stood in between Heero and the general. The crack of a fist connecting with flesh resounded in the room.
"Duo!" Quatre stood and rushed to the longhaired boy's side. The violet eyes were watering as Duo clutched his cheek. Pushing his hand away, Quatre gasped at the dark bruise already forming on the pale skin. Looking at the injury on Duo's face, something inside Heero snapped and he immediately saw red. Turning to his would be assailant and Duo's attacker; Heero curled his fingers into a fist and threw a solid punch into Septum's exposed stomach.
Septum's breath rushed from his body so it took a minimal amount of pressure on his windpipe to knock him unconscious. Glaring at the unconscious man, Duo demanded the guards be called. When four uniformed men rushed into the room they saw Duo and Septum as well as Heero by the slumped body of the unconscious man and grabbed the still slave. Heero didn't protest, he was too wrapped up in wondering why the hell he'd reacted to violently.
"Release him." Duo grunted roughly as he rose from the floor.
"Sir?" one of the guards released Heero's arm and looked at Duo imploringly.
"Heero was only defending his master." Quatre explained. "He is the reason you were called."
The soldier followed the blonde's hand to the unconscious Septum. Nodding he had the other's release Heero as well and drag Septum from the room. Heero continued to stand stock-still in the middle of the room, not even blinking.
"Heero?" the soft questioning tone caused Heero to return from his reverie and look to his braided master. "Are you ok?"
The cobalt-eyed boy nodded mutely.
"Good." Duo turned abruptly and moved to the door. He left without a word of departure or a beckon for Heero. The silent slave moved quickly after his oddly subdued master like a shadow, constant and disregarded. Once they reached Duo's chambers Duo took his hand away from his cheek. Heero's eyes widened as he saw the full extent of the damage. Duo had pale skin so it would predictably bruise easily, Heero's logical mind stated mechanically, but the more irrational part just didn't care. A dark bruise already stained Duo's almost milk-white complexion, its coloring rapidly shifting from the sickly green-yellow of early formation to the darker shades of inky purple. Located maybe an inch and a half under Duo's left eye, Heero knew it would be almost excruciatingly painful for the next few days.
Walking up, Heero unconsciously lifted a hand to brush his fingers across the damaged flesh. He almost recoiled, jerking back, as Duo's hand closed over his. The callused pad of Duo's thumb stroked soothingly over the back of Heero's hand. Azure met indigo and Heero felt something indefinable run through him.
"Thanks." Duo smiled sweetly at the slightly shocked boy who returned the gesture shyly.
1. Doe-eyed means that a person has really big, cute, innocent eyes.