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Part 9a – When Past and Present collide

"Quatre… Quatre what's wrong?"
The blond boy ripped his gaze away from the mark he was staring at and looked at Heero.
"Nothing…It's just that mark… It's the sign of a Chosen one, isn't it?"
The wizard and the young lord exchanged a long look with each other.

"What do you know about that?" Wufei asked.

"Not much," Quatre answered; "Just what I was told by my tutor when I was a child. H said that those who bare this mark are special, because their actions will in one way or another influence the future."
"Have you ever seen this mark on anybody before?" Heero wanted to know.

The blond boy nodded. "Yes I have. I was born with one."

If Quatre would have suddenly grown a second head it couldn't have surprised Heero and Wufei any more than that simple statement.
"Hmm," Wufei said after a moment. "I don't remember noticing a mark on you, when Treize and I undressed you back in Oakwood castle."

"Well," Quatre blushed as he bashfully pointed at a spot on his right buttock. "It's not a very noticeable place, and you didn't undress me all the way."

***

After Heero brought the king the news, the monarch asked to see Quatre as well as Wufei and Treize.

"I take it you know why I called you here?" Stephán asked the captain as they met in the king's study.

Treize nodded. "Yes, your Highness. Wufei told me about it. I'm surprised to say the least that Quatre was living here in the Sanc Kingdom for so many years and we had no idea. It seems amazing really that we didn't meet the boy earlier."

"Maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Destiny works in strange ways," the king replied. "When I was a young boy, my grand sire used to tell me that everything in life happens for a reason. Although we might not see that reason right away, the day will come when we understand."

"Your Highness," Quatre asked quietly, and somewhat timidly. "May I ask what all of this means? I don't understand…"
"Have you ever heard of the Knights of Destiny, son?"

Quatre nodded. "My sisters told me the story when I was small."

"Heero told me that you, when you saw his mark, referred to it as the "sign of a chosen one".
"Yes, that is what I was told; that only a handful of very special people carry that mark."

Stephán nodded. "Yes, Quatre that's true. Those chosen ones, how you call them, are no others than the Knights of Destiny. And you are one of them."

"Then the legend is true?"
"Yes it is."

"I still don't understand all of this," Quatre said, as he gazed up at the king with a lost look on his face. "What exactly does it mean? What is it I am… we are supposed to do?"
"I'm afraid we are not sure of that either, Quatre. The book of destiny doesn't really tell too much about it. I suppose when the time comes we will know, but till then all you and Heero can do is prepare yourselves."
"How can we prepare ourselves for something we know nothing about?" Quatre frowned.
"I think it is safe to assume that you were born with your abilities for a reason. So you should keep improving them," Stephán replied. "I've heard that your practice with Wufei has been very successful so far. So you should keep working with him."
The blond boy nodded enthusiastically. He loved training together with the young wizard.

"Perhaps it might be a good idea if Quatre also picks up some weapons skills," Treize suggested. "I could train him together with Heero."
"I like the sound of that. I'm sure Quatre and I will benefit if we get to know each others strengths and weaknesses," Heero agreed.
"But I'm not even allowed to carry a weapon," Quatre pointed out.
"Don't you worry about that," the king told him. "I think it's a great idea."

Before he dismissed Quatre, King Stephán reminded everybody that anything that had been said in this room had to stay between the five of them only.

Treize waited until the door had closed behind the blond boy before he said: "Poor boy! He is confused and almost overwhelmed by all of this."

The king nodded. "Yes, I suppose it would be overwhelming for anybody."

"Are you going to set him free, Sire?" Heero asked.
"I am thinking about it. But I will probably a little. I'm afraid that if things keep happening too fast he will be even more confused than he already is."
The captain nodded in agreement. "That's probably a wise decision, your Highness. His life has already been turned upside down as it is."

"We should probably talk some more about this later, but for now I have to go. We have to greet a group of messengers from the Surabian Emirate. They arrived earlier this morning."
"Oh, is that what woke me up at the break of dawn?" Treize asked.

The king nodded before he turned toward his foster son. "Heero, did you get any sleep at all last night?"
"Don't worry about it, Sire. I can go several days without sleep if necessary."

"Oh, to be young again." Treize sighed theatrically. "I got four hours of sleep and I still feel chewed up and spit out.

"That, my dear Captain, has nothing to do with age," the king laughed, "but rather with the amount of wine you had last night. Those hangovers are something terrible aren't they? Besides you shouldn't be complaining about age. You are only half as old as I am."

***

A tall, broad shouldered, Arab with dark brown hair and a neatly groomed beard of the same color, entered the main hall followed by a number of men carrying gifts for the newly betrothed couple. The man was dresses in white pants that hung loose around his legs but were pulled together at the ankles. A light colored shirt and a short blue vest completed his outfit. The man was very tall? He towered easily over everybody in the room including his companions.

As he approached the king, his daughter and the young lord, the man bowed deeply. He introduced himself as Rashid Kurama, representative of the ruler of Surabia.

"This highness the Emir is sending his regards and warmest wished for the young couple. He deeply regrets that his health didn't allow him to make the long journey himself. But he hopes you will accept his humble presents."
With that the man clapped his hands and two of his assistants stepped forward. One of the men carried a black velvet pad. Upon it lay a set of the finest jewelry; a golden necklace adored with precious stones, matching earrings and several arm bands. The other man carried an Arabian Sword hand-made from the finest metals, and lavishly decorated. Rashid clapped again, and more servants brought beautifully woven oriental rugs and cloths of the finest silk in all colors of the rainbow.
Princess Relena smiled at the tall man after he let her gaze wander over the beautiful gifts

"Please let the Emir know we feel honored by his precious and wonderful gifts. His taste is only surpassed by his generosity. We are sorry to hear of his poor health and hope that we will recover soon."
"If there is anything we can do…?" King Stephán asked. "Send him one of our healers perhaps?"
The tall Arab shook his head, regretfully. "I'm afraid the reason for his majesty's illness is more emotionally than physically. He has never really overcome the lost of his only son, although many years have passed."

The king nodded sympathetically. This was something he could very much relate to. "We regret to hear that," he said. "I can imagine that you and your men must be exhausted after your long journey. Let me have somebody show you to the quarters I had prepared for you."
"Thank you, your Highness," the man answered. "You are too kind. But if you don't mind I would like to show you the other presents first."
"More presents?" Relena asked surprise.
The tall Arab nodded. "Yes, my Princess. The Emir learned that your family shared his love for well breed horses and he sent along three of his finest Arab steeds, two young mares and a stallion. They have been broken if you care to ride them, but they are also great breeding material."
"Wonderful. Let's go see them then," the king said, enthusiastically.

***

"Quatre, where in the world have you been?" Orin asked as the blond boy entered the royal stable.
"Forgive me, but his Highness asked to see me," Quatre apologized. "I really didn't mean to leave you with all the work."
The old man made a dismissive gesture. "Don't worry about it. I just wanted to show you something."
"Show me what?" Quatre asked curiously, as he followed the stable master into the yard, where three beautiful horses stood tethered. All three steeds were white with grayish heads and dapples on their shoulders and hindquarters. Their headgear was adored with blue and silver tassels, and each of them was wearing a finely spun saddle blanket in the same colors.

"Where did those come from?" Quatre asked.
"Some royal messengers brought them, as presents for Princess Relena and Lord Yuy. I've heard they came from some far of land in the south." Orin explained, as he stroked the head of one of the mares. "I suppose it is no wonder that the poor things look so scrawny after a long journey like that. But I'm sure with some good oats and a nice rest we will get them back in shape in no time."

Quatre looked at the old man and tried hard to suppress a giggle. But finally he burst out laughing until tears were streaming over his face.
"What? What's so funny?" the old man asked with a scowl.
"I'm sorry, Orin," the boy panted as he finally was able to speak again. "But these are pure bred Arabian horses. They are supposed to look that "scrawny"."

"Don't pull my legs, boy," Orin growled. "How is a mount as skinny as this supposed to carry a rider in battle gear?"
"I'm not lying, I swear, Orin," Quatre assured the old man. "The people who breed these horses don't wear armor. They live in the desert and it is far too hot there."
"People live in the desert?" The stable master asked dubiously.
Quatre nodded. "Yes. Horses like these are raised because of their speed. A good and fast mount can be the difference between life and death if you live in the desert."
"Hmm," the old man grunted as he looked over the horses again. "Looking at their legs and muscles I suppose what you say makes sense," he agreed.
The blond boy smirked. "I told you that I knew about horses, didn't I? So what land did you say they came from?"
"Some place called Surania or something like that."
"Do you mean Surabia?"
"Yes, yes," Orin confirmed "That's it. A group of couriers from that land arrived this morning. They are meeting with his highness right now."
"Do you know if the Emir of Surabia himself was with them?" Quatre asked very quietly.
The old man shook his head. "No, I don't think so. There would have been a more formal reception for somebody of that position." When he looked at the boy Orin noticed that Quatre had grown very pale. "Are you alright, son?" he asked concerned. "You look like you are going to pass out on me. Let me guess, you have been training with that boy wizard again all morning and haven't had time to eat a proper breakfast."

Quatre told the man that he was alright. He assured him that in fact he had eaten breakfast and that there was nothing to worry about. Just then he noticed a number of people approaching them. When his eyes fell onto the tall, bearded Arabian at the king's side the boy was barely able to suppress a gasp.
"I just remember that there is something I forgot to do," he blurted out as he turned and walked away quickly.
"Quatre!" the old man called after him, stupefied. "What in the name of…"

***

"Quatre…"
Rashid's head flew around as he heard that name, just in time to see a slim boy with golden blond hair disappear in one of the stable buildings. His eyes grew wide and his heart skipped almost a beat.
By Allah, it can't be…
"Please excuse me," he stammered, directed at the king and his entourage, before he run after the boy.

"What in the world brought that on," Treize shook his head as they watched Rashid disappear into the stable.

"Hn," Heero frowned. "It seemed to me like he was running after Quatre."
"I'll go to check to see what is going on." Wufei followed the tall Arab before anybody could stop him.

Rashid caught up with Quatre inside the stable.
// "Prince Quatre?!" // he called out, but the youth didn't even react. The man reached out and carefully touched the boy's shoulder. // "Your Highness."//

The blond stopped and turned, eyes narrowed. "I'm afraid you are mistaken me for somebody else."
Rashid shook his head, as he went down on his knees. // "I'm not mistaken, my prince you have not changed much in all those years. And even if my eyes would deceive me, my heart knows it is you. Don't you recognize me, Prince Quatre?"//
Quatre sighed. "Get up. This is embarrassing."

//"Praise to Allah, you are alive."// Rashid exclaimed as he rose to his feet. //"Your family will be overjoyed."//

"I do not have a family." Quatre snapped coldly, as he turned away. "Now excuse me, I do have duties to tend to."
The tall Arab looked like he had been slapped in the face. "My Prince..."

The boy jerked around abruptly, hands clenched to fists, fury in his emerald blue eyes. "Would you please stop calling me that?" he hissed. His right hand went to the collar around his neck. "See this? What does it look like to you, a royal crown? I stopped being a prince a long time ago. But don't worry about me? I'm perfectly happy with who I am now. For the first time in my life I'm finally around people who care more about me than the person who sired me. So please leave me alone."
Rashid made one step to follow the blond youth, but he was stopped in his track by an invisible wall. The man let out a gasp of surprise.
"I believe he made it clear that he doesn't want you to follow him."
As Rashid turned he saw Wufei leaning against the stable door, and for a moment he wondered how long the boy had been there.
"What did you do? Who are you?"
"Just a friend of Quatre," Wufei remarked calmly, as he pushed away from the wooden door and followed in the direction Quatre had left. The invisible barrier didn't seem to affect him at all.

Rashid frowned and reached out carefully, just to check if the wall was indeed still there. Little sparks of energy danced around the tips of his fingers as he made contact, and he quickly pulled his hand away, muttering something in his native language.

Wufei found Quatre in the barn.

"Go away, Rashid," the boy growled without even turning.
"It's me, Wufei. Are you alright?"
"Yes I'm fine," Quatre lied.
"Is it true what that man said?" Wufei wanted to know.
As he walked over to Quatre, the boy turned toward him. "You heard us?"
The young wizard nodded. "I heard, but I'm afraid I don't understand. I thought you said you don't have a family."
"I don't," Quatre snapped. This was a painful subject for him and he became very defensive when it was brought up. "My so called family abandoned me when I was only a little boy. I never want to have anything to do with them ever again."

***

"Is everything alright, Sir?" Treize asked, as Rashid rejoined the small group in the yard.

The tall Arab looked like he had seen a ghost.
"He is alive." Rashid replied. "I have finally found him."

Treize, the king and Heero exchanged a few confused looks. The man's words made absolutely no sense to them. "Who is alive?"

"Prince Quatre, heir to the Surabian Emirate. He was believed to have died almost seven years ago. I praise Allah for leading me to him."

"Prince Quatre?" Heero asked puzzled. "Are you saying that Quatre, our stable boy, is the son of your Emir?"
Rashid nodded. "It is a miracle. I have to send out a courier at once. The Emir and his family will be overjoyed at the news."

"How?" The captain gave the man a skeptical look. "No offence, but he doesn't even look at all like one of your people."
"Prince Quatre got his looks from his mother," Rashid explained. "She had hair as golden as the sun over the desert and eyes as blue as the water of a deep lake. The Emir brought her with him from one of his journeys to the north."
"I think that this calls for some kind of explanation," King Stephán suggested. "Heero, please tell Quatre that I would like to see him, and Wufei as well."

"Yes, Sir." Heero nodded.

***

Only a short time later a small group gathered in the king's study. Stephán had decided that the room was more fitting for the semi private meeting than the main hall would have been.

"I believe I'm not the only one in this room who is curious to find out what is going on here," the king spoke. "Would you mind telling us?"

An obviously nervous Rashid tried to catch Quatre's eyes but failed. The boy appeared to be more interested in the wall paintings. Finally Rashid sighed.
"I'm not quite sure where to begin, so I'll just go as far back as it is possible … His Highness the Emir always felt very blessed. He had six wonderful wives who gave him twenty-eight beautiful daughters. The country was growing and flourishing more than it had never before. But there was one thing he was missing in his life. He still didn't have an heir to the throne, somebody who would take over the Emirate after he was gone. So he prayed every day for a son, and finally Allah answered his prayers. His 1st wife, Quaterine, gave birth to a healthy boy, who was named Quatre in her honor. But Allah can be cruel sometimes. He gave the Emir the son he had wanted for so long, but made him pay greatly for it. Quaterine never recovered from the strain of childbirth, and died only a few days later…"

"That's why the Emir hated me, isn't it? Because I killed the person he loved the most." Quatre whispered quietly, sorrowfully.
Rashid's eyes went wide in shock. "How can you say this, my Prince? Your father loved you very much. Do you really believe he held you responsible for the death of your mother?"
Quatre snorted but didn't say a word.

"Why don't we just get on with the story?" the king suggested.
"As your wish, your Highness." Rashid nodded. "As soon as Prince Quatre was born it was discovered that he had a mysterious mark on his body. At first nobody could identify it or knew what it meant. But there was a strange man, a kind of hermit, who lived alone in the desert near a small oasis. His name was H. People said that he was a crazy old wizard. I'm not sure about that, but he did have some kind of powers and he seemed to know about things that nobody else did. H came to the palace soon after Prince Quatre was born and requested an audience with the emir. Somehow he knew about the prince's mark, although nobody outside the Emir's circle of closest confidants had been told about it. H told the Emir that his son was born with a special gift…"
Quatre gave another. "He called it a gift?" There was a noticeable trace of bitterness in his voice. "I always considered it more of a curse."
Nobody else in the room spoke a word. Rashid gave the boy a sorrowful look before he continued.

:::Begin of Flashback :::

"So what are you saying?" the Emir asked the old man with the strange looking mustache, who had just told him that his son was destined for greater things than becoming the heir to the throne.
"I'm saying that Prince Quatre will need special tutoring if he was ever to learn to control his powers." H said.

"What powers are you talking about?" the monarch frowned upon his visitor. "I have not noticed anything different about my son. He is just like any other healthy baby boy."

"For the moment he is, your Highness. But believe me that once he gets older you will know what I'm talking about."
"So what do you suppose should be done about it?"
"Send the boy with me. I can teach him. I can give him the guidance he needs."
"How dare you to ask me to hand my child over to you. You are lucky I don't have you locked up and executed for your impudence," the Emir spat angrily. "All the guidance the prince needs he will get right here at the palace. Rashid..." He turned toward his personal bodyguard. "Take this man to the city gates and make sure he doesn't return."

Rashid nodded, as he stepped toward H and the man's arm to pull him away.
"If you ever seen within the walls of this city again I swear you'll loose your head," the Emir warned.
"You don't really mean that," the old man replied calmly. "Mark my word, your Highness. The prince bears the sign of a chosen one. His destiny is determined by greater powers than yours."

"Quatre's destiny is to become some day the ruler of Surabia," the Emir bellowed. "Rashid get this man out of my sight."

::: end of Flashback:::

"…For the next few years Prince Quatre grew up normally, or as normal as can expected for the crown prince of Surabia. The Emir and his family had all but forgotten about the old man and his prediction about the prince's powers. But when Prince Quatre was about three summers old strange things started to happen around him. It only increased as he got older."
"What kind of things?" Heero asked. It was the first time that anybody but Quatre had interrupted Rashid in his story.
"Different things," Rashid replied. "One time one of the palace cats had caught a bird. The creature was barely alive when Prince Quatre got a hold of it. I watched as the prince took the bird into his hand. There was a strange glow and suddenly it took off and flew away like it had never been hurt. Prince Quatre on the other hand collapsed and passed out. It scared me almost to death. It took nearly a week for him to fully recover from incident."
Wufei nodded understandingly. "Healing spells take a whole lot of energy. My Sifu didn't even let me attempt my first healing spell till I was almost eight summers old."

"But there were also other incidents," Rashid continued "Sometimes Prince Quatre would hurl objects through the air when he got angry, not even realizing what he was doing."
"And in the end I almost burned the stable down," Quatre added quietly.
"His Highness became concerned that the prince could accidentally hurt somebody or himself. He decided that he couldn't ignore the old man's warning any longer and he sent for H."
"So it's true then what Quatre said." Heero eyes narrowed in condemnation. "He was sent away by his own father because of his powers."

"That's not what was supposed to happen," Rashid shook his head. "His Highness the Emir, wanted the old man to tutor Prince Quatre at the royal palace. But H said it couldn't be done like that. He explained that he needed to take the prince with him to a place where his mind would be free of any unwanted distraction. He said that within a year Quatre should be able to come back to the palace and continue his training there. After the incident with the stable the Emir finally agreed. I personally escorted the prince and H back to the old man's home."

"You just left me there. Do you have any idea how scared I was? I wanted to go home." Quatre's voice was thick with tears he tried to fight back. "I missed my sisters, the palace, even you Rashid. I hoped that father would come to see me. I thought that he would take me back home when I promised to be good. But he never came. I waited every day and he never came."

The Arab looked at the blond boy heavyhearted. "I'm sorry, my Prince."

"What happened then?" Treize asked. "How did Quatre get from his father's land to the Sank Kingdom? How and when did he become a slave?"
"I do not know." Rashid shook his head, and everybody's eyes shifted to Quatre.
Only he could fill in the missing parts.
"Raiders attacked us," Quatre said. "They came during the night while I was sleeping. Before I knew what happened I was taken and thrown over a horseback. I don't even know what happened to H."
"Raiders?" Treize wondered.
"Hostile nomadic tribes," Rashid explained. "They make a living scavenging, but occasionally they also attack small settlements, caravan's or other tribes. If they take prisoners they usually keep them as slaves or sell them."

Quatre nodded. "The man who bought me resold me later to the Duke. I don't think that he or the raiders had any idea who I was. And at that point it really didn't matter anymore."

"My prince, I realize that I can't undo what happened to you," Rashid said. "But now that I have found you, I'll make sure that nothing ever happens to you again."
Quatre frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"I won't leave here without you, my Prince."
"Then you better prepare yourself to stay here for a very long time. Because short of tied to a horse there is no way I'll go back to Surabia with you," Quatre snapped angrily.
"My Prince, what am I supposed to tell your father?"
"Tell him whatever you want. Tell him the truth… or don't tell him anything at all. What do I care?"

"I think," the king interrupted. "I would like to talk to Quatre, privately."

***

Once everybody else had left and only the king and Quatre remained in the library, Stephán looked at the blond boy for a long while before he finally said: "Quatre, I believe that you should go with Rashid back to your father's palace."
Quatre bit his lips. "You are sending me away too?" he asked quietly. His voice trembled as he fought the tightness in his throat and the prickling of tears in his eyes.
The king shook his head, as he softly laid one hand on the boy's shoulder. "I'm not sending you anywhere; not against you will. You are welcome to stay if you do not want to go. But I would like you listen to me. For a moment please try to think of me not as the king, but as a father who has lost a son too and who knows what he is talking about. Whether what your father did was right or not, I'm sure he has regretted his decision hundreds of times. I do understand that you are angry and hurt. But I believe that deep inside you do not hate your father so much that you can't find it in your heart to forgive him. I think that you and your father have to meet face to face to resolve everything between the two of you, so you can make peace with each other. But it is a decision you need to make on your own…"

Quatre opened his mouth for a reply, but the king held his hand up and stopped him before he could say a word.
"I do not want the answer this moment. Right now you are too angry to think clearly. I want you to take your time and think about it. As much time as you believe you need. Rashid and his men will stay here for at least a few weeks to rest before heading back home. So there is no need to rush anything. I do not want you to make a decision you might end up regretting for the rest of your life."
"Thank you, your Highness." Quatre gave the man a little smile. "I have just one more question."

"Yes?"

"If I was to go with Rashid, will you allow me come back?"
"If that's what you want. Quatre, there will be always a place for you at this castle, because I'm convinced that you have found your way here for a reason."
Quatre's smile grew a little wider. "Your Highness, I believe you are the best father anybody could wish for."
For a moment the king wondered if Milliardo would have agreed with that statement. Most likely not, he thought saddened. There were so many times when we didn't see eye to eye.

***

Taking the kings advice, Quatre took his time in making his decision on whether to stay at the Sank Kingdom or return home. It wasn't easy. He still was angry. He still was hurt. But on the other hand, he also saw the truth in the king's words.

Quatre had spoken to Wufei about it. The young wizard had just said that he didn't understand him. He, Quatre, should be thanking whatever god he is praying to, that he was lucky enough to have a family. Others were not that fortunate.

Quatre sighed at the memory of that conversation, as he walked into the training room a little earlier than usually. Just as he had expected Heero was already there. Sometimes Quatre wondered if Heero was interested in anything else but weapons and fighting. There had to be more to life than trying to become a perfect warrior.

"Heero, do you mind if I try something on you?" Quatre asked as he approached the boy.
The other youth looked at him suspiciously. "Try what?"
"I want to see how far I can explore your mind," the blond boy answered. "You seemed to be the only person I know who can sense it when I touch their mind. And I seem to have a deeper connection to you than to anybody else. I wonder if there is more to it."

"Hn" Heero grunted reluctantly. He didn't really like the idea, but after a moment he nodded once. "Alright, what do you want me to do?"
"Nothing, just relax."
Quatre let his eyes fall half-closed, then begun carefully to touch the young lord's mind. At first there was nothing new. Keeping his own perception open, he could feel the other's emotions wash over him. But when he tried to probe deeper it suddenly felt like a giant invisible hand planted itself on his chest, pushing him backward. The blond boy stumbled to keep his balance, took two steps back, and let out a gasp.

Heero's eyes went wide in surprise.

"What did you do?" Quatre asked at the exact same moment as the other youth said. "What did I do?"
And simultaneously they answered: "I don't know."

"Let me try that again," the blonde said. Again he reached out with his own thoughts and again he was pushed away with physical force, as soon as tried to explore more than just the surface of Heero's mind.

"Hmmm," he frowned. "I think your reflexes are protecting you instinctively from my penetration. That's rather interesting. Can you try to open yourself up and allow me to enter your mind deeper?"
"I'll try." Heero relaxed himself. He could feel the other boy touch him mentally and this time he consciously invided him to proceed.
Wow, it worked. Can you hear me?

The brown-haired boy's eyes went wide and his jaw dropped.
Quatre chuckled. I take that as a yes, he sent mentally.
"How," Heero stammered. "How is that possible? I could hear you thoughts."
"I don't know. But I could hear yours too. Let's try one more thing. This time try to resist when you feel me approach."

The young lord nodded, concentrating again. It took several attempts but eventually he was able to block the blond boy out, almost knocking Quatre off his feet at the last try.

Heero had to admit that it was in a way reassuring to know, that he could block himself from the other boy if he chose to.

"This is amazing." Quatre gasped.

"What's amazing?" Treize asked, as he walked into the training room together with Wufei.

The blond boy turned toward him. "Captain, can I try something on you? Would you just relax for a moment and let me try to touch your mind."

The ginger blond man didn't look any more thrilled by the idea than Heero had been, but nodded his approval. Quatre wasted no time. He concentrated as he mentally probed the surface of Treize's mind. He encountered nothing out of the extraordinary and dug deeper. The captain showed no reaction. He didn't even seem to notice was the blond youth was doing.
"Did you feel anything?" Quatre asked after a while.

Treize shook his head.

"Just as I'd thought. Most people never notice when I touch their mind. Heero however does. He can also block my attempt. I assume it has something to do with him and me both being… Chosen ones…. But I'm not positive yet. So just to make sure, let me try it on you Wufei."

"No!" the wizard shouted.
But Quatre had already reached out. Not sooner as he had made a connection, he was pushed backward with such a force that he crashed into the wall across the room.
"Wufei!" Treize gasped, as the young wizard turned and stormed out of the room. He gazed at Quatre, who looked somewhat dazed. "Are you okay, Quatre?"
The boy just nodded, still trying to catch his breath. Rubbing a sore spot on the back of his head, Quatre climbed back on his feet. "Remind me never to do that again."
"What happened?" Heero asked.
The other youth shrugged. "I believe he has been blocking me all along. That's why I never was able to read him."
"But how is that possible? That would mean that Wufei is one of us, wouldn't it?"

"I suppose so," Quatre answered. "It certainly would explain a lot. I'm just not sure why tried to hide it. Did you know, Captain?"

The ginger-blond man shook his head. "I had no idea."

"Perhaps you should go after him, Captain," Heero suggested.

Treize nodded in agreement and dashed after the young wizard.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

T.B.C.

Author's notes:

Feedback is greatly appreciated, constructive criticism is welcome :-)