AN: See I told you, another chapter. I really am sorry that I haven't updated in months. I'm turning into my own worst nightmare! I can't stand it when authors don't update regularly. If it's a writers block thing than that's understandable, but just being too lazy? That's an outrage! It's really been more of an "I really haven't the time" but I suppose I could have always squeezed in a sentence or paragraph in my spare moments. GOMEN NASAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disclaimer: Look I told you! I know nothin' 'bout no stinkin' copy rights, kapeesh! (sp?)
Warnings: MAJOR shounen ai hints, it's more like a slap in the face really, violence, lovable character bashing (not slander, I mean injury), vulgar commentary
Italics denotes thoughts
***** denotes scene change
Spoils of War: Chapter 18
Pulling on the sturdy pair of boots Duo had ordered for him, Heero smiled as he thought about the days ensuing ride. The hours away from the castle were good for Duo, and much to his own surprise, Heero had found he enjoyed the time spent with his braided master. Straightening, Heero adjusted the rest of his outfit. Trowa and Heero had been given their uniforms back a short time ago. They were mended and they each bore the signet of their respective masters. It rather resembled the crest that some of the guards wore. Exiting the room, the dark-haired slave turned down the hall that led to the council room. Duo had been called to a meeting and the council had specifically requested that Heero not attend.
Upon reaching the door, Heero found it blocked by a large guard.
"State your business." The guard rumbled menacingly, eyeing Heero with obvious dislike.
"I want to speak with my master, Lord Duo." Heero spoke with cold civility.
"What odd clothes for a slave to wear… Planning on something today?" the guard smirked condescendingly.
"Nothing that concerns you." Heero assured curtly. "Now, tell the council I will speak with my master."
Narrowing his eyes at the disrespectful young slave the guard grudgingly turned to the door and knocked. A moment later another guard opened the door and looked expectantly at the first.
"Lord Duo's little whore wants his master." The guard sneered.
The second looked at Heero in a disinterested manner then quipped automatically, "Lord Duo is unable to speak with anyone." The guard smiled suggestively. "But maybe I could help the little slut…"
"Try it and I'll make sure you never bear children." Heero glowered openly at the two smirking guards then turned and began walking to his room. As he was walking past a window he caught a glimpse of the forest outside. He slowed then stopped. Duo would like a new twist to the race…
He went back into Duo's chambers, a mischievous smile on his face.
*****
Cold brown eyes watched the dark-haired boy riding out of the stable towards the woods. A cruel smile twisted thin, cracked lips.
"Now is the time to strike." A gruff voice wheezed with laughter.
*****
Heero looked up and around the clearing after releasing Wing from the restraints of the bridle. I hope Duo comes soon… The note Heero had left on Duo's desk left no room for mistake. Had the meeting run over that much?
The sound of hooves drew the slave's attention and the tentative smile that had begun to spread over Heero's face faded immediately, replaced by a confused and suspicious frown. There was more than one approaching horse and, while it was not uncommon for Duo and Quatre to spend time together, the blonde had never come on the rides Heero and Duo took together. What's more there were two horses approaching and Quatre never went anywhere without Trowa these days.
Heero's eyes narrowed as the two men that had been guarding the council meetings rode up.
"I knew you were up to something." One guard, a tall blonde smirked.
"I guess the old man was right." The other, a curly haired brunette, laughed gruffly.
Heero backed up a few steps as they dismounted.
"Now don't be afraid." The first guard smiled patronizingly. "We're just going to take you back to the palace…"
They began to approach Heero as if he were a skittish horse.
"We won't even tell your master that you tried to run…" the blonde continued.
"That is, if you do something for us in return…" the brunette ran his eyes over Heero's body in a manner that left the former soldier feeling in need of a bath.
The blonde began to approach Heero more confidently after a moment.
"Careful, I hear he's dangerous." The brunette watched Heero warily.
"Dangerous!" the blonde scoffed, reaching for the slave.
His harsh laugh was abruptly cut off as Heero twisted the hand that had touched him. Jerking his wrist out of the boy's grasp, the blonde stared at his hand a moment before glaring at Heero.
"You'll pay for that, slave!" he growled.
Heero silently cursed his foolishness as the two soldiers drew their swords. He'd left his own weapons back in Duo's private armory. As they came at him, Heero soon realized the swords had been merely a scare tactic meant to intimidate him. The sharp iron blades never actually came near him. Smirking he used their obvious mistake to attack them on their vulnerable side. As he moved to attack them a second time to finish the fight, the thunder of hooves made him halt. He turned toward the noise, his eyes widening at the sight of ten or more soldiers racing toward them at a full gallop.
The foremost rider lowered himself further into the saddle, charging for Heero. Attempting to dodge the horse, Heero moved to the left. The hard muscled shoulder of the leader's stallion rammed into Heero's side, throwing the slight boy off balance. As the slave stumbled and struggled to regain his lost balance, the hilt of a sword slammed against his temple.
A flash of white blinded him as he fell to his knees. As soon as his hands touched the grass he was shoved backward. His stomach twisted in protest as his equilibrium was jarred again. Collapsing onto his back, Heero struggled against the hands that grabbed him. He drew a panicked breath as the easy subtle pressure that rested against his neck tightened suddenly. His hands were forced together and a heavy weight clamped down over his forearms, making them difficult to move.
His head ached further as he was roughly picked up and carelessly thrown over a horse's saddle like a sack of supplies. The pressure around his neck made it difficult to concentrate on anything else save acquiring enough oxygen to stay conscious. As the horse began to gallop, Heero thanked whoever had forgotten to get him breakfast as his head and stomach protested every step the horse took.
Tbc
AN: ANOTHER CLIFF HANGER! MWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No seriously this was in fact, the best place to cut the chapter. I don't plan on leaving you all in the dark, expect an update soon. Oh, and is it me or are my chapters getting shorter? I'd be ever so appreciative if you'd let me know. Thanks ^-~.