A/N: I'm back! My dad's out of the hospital now, so I'm in a super-duperly good mood. But, he is sort of annoying now. He's moping. Stupid moping... So, the countdown begins now, at three chapters to go (including this one, and maybe an epilogue). Sad, but exciting too. And then, I'm all over Prodigy and Chemical Romance. Yay.
Non-Standard Warnings: Plotness, Moderate Cliffhangers, Evil Relena, Scary Duo & partially creepy Quatre.
Sea of Silence
Chapter 14
The Instigation
x---x
Duo's eyes remained shut as he scooted further to the opposite side of the bed, arms questing for Heero. He frowned after noticing a lack of bodyguard, and scooted more, and more, until he fell off the side of the bed with a yelp. Violet eyes snapping open, he glared at the empty bed.
Duo jumped to his feet, appraising the room. On the other bed, Hilde was mumbling something about blonde hair, and the rest of the room consisted of one window that stared out on a foreign forest and beach, along with a sandy courtyard full of tired Sanc soldiers.
He frowned. "Shit."
"Mmm," Hilde sighed in her sleep, curling up and burying deeper into her pillow. Rolling his eyes, Duo walked to his sister's side. With a truly evil smile, he leaned down.
"Hilde, precious," he crooned into her ear. "Think you should wake up?" Hilde shook her head, dark blue hair spattering the white pillow.
"Lemme alone...Dorothy's tired," Hilde mumbled, and Duo's jaw dropped open. He quickly restrained his mouth, and leaned back down, all the while his brain going in turbo on how to destroy Relena's bodyguard for corrupting his little girl.
"Dorothy wants you to wake up," Duo said, and did the one thing that could always make Hilde wake up, albeit pissed and giggling. He gently tickled her right behind her earlobe, and the scarred girl's head snapped up, whacking Duo in the forehead as she giggled uncontrollably.
"DOROTHY! Stop that," she giggled, and Duo couldn't help but stare at her, rubbing the side of her head, eyes still shut. Finally, the brunette couldn't take it anymore.
"DOROTHY?! As in, the Pink Bitch's bodyguard?! Holy fuck, Hilde, you sure know how to pick 'em," Duo yelled, and cold navy blue eyes snapped open to glare at him. It almost rivaled Heero's...well, maybe not, even though the scar did make her seem more menacing.
"Shut up, Duo," she snapped, running a hand through her shoulder-length, tousled hair. "Like Heero's any better." Duo made an obviously extremely ticked noise in his throat.
"You listen here, missy! Heero happens to be the sweetest, hottest, sexiest, smartest, considerate-est, caring-est-"
"I get it! Shut up, already, and tell me where we are," Hilde snapped, ignoring Duo's rant and glare. Duo shrugged.
"Somewhere in Sanc. My guess is the nearest castle to Algon, from the state of the soldiers. They've either been fighting for a while, or marching all night," Duo shrugged, and Atropos kicked in.
"How many?"
"Too many."
"Escape?"
"Hell yes. All I gotta do is get in range, and then you just gotta carry me out," Duo shrugged, grinning. Hilde frowned.
"I'm not that big," she stated, and Duo grinned.
"Drag me, then." Hilde whacked him on the side of the head.
"I wouldn't even know where to drag you! Face it, your plan SUCKS," Hilde yelled, and Duo glared at her.
"Well, it's not like you've even GOT a plan, missy," he yelled. "Besides, what do you think'll happen when all those soldiers see you in that skimpy little blue dress?"
"I'd be fine. I can take them," she stated coolly.
"Are you just an idiot now that you've got longer hair, or did I just never notice it before? I doubt you could take an ENTIRE FREAKING LEGION," Duo yelled. Hilde just blinked.
"I could try, though." Duo slapped a hand to his own forehead.
"Why did they have to kidnap you too? WHY? I could be back at the castle cuddling with Heero in my throne, but noooo. You had to-"
"This is MY fault now?! What the hell do you think I did, throw myself at Relena and say, 'Please, please kidnap me; I'd be so sad if you didn't!'-"
"It wouldn't half surprise me, you brainless, love-struck-"
"AHEM!" The feuding siblings' heads snapped to the door, where Relena and Lady Une stood, Relena frowning and Une moderately amused.
"Thank you," Relena stated, and Une nodded. "Now, as you both know, you're at my mercy. Welcome to Sanc, by the way. Atropos, please stay here as Prince Duo and I take a little stroll, hm?" Hilde shrugged, and plopped down on her bed.
Duo accompanied his captor into the stone hallway. Unlike every other day he'd seen Relena, she wore a blood red color, her hair in a bun.
"Your highness, I assume you know you're here for a reason," she stated, and Duo nodded, opting to let the politician get her point out before he killed her. "My country is tired of this war, as yours is. Young men die daily without even a mention in the paper. Battles go unheard of, all for the pride of our ancestors. I believe it is my duty to stop this war.
"As you know, our engagement was to be the treaty between the countries. But, since we both can't stand each other, and it's rather obvious you're in love with someone else, just as I am, that won't be happening." Relena opened a door, and the two stepped into a huge library, windows stretching to the thirty-foot roof. They stared out on the Sanc Legion, now in rows, staring straight at them and looking so genuinely ominous Duo was actually worried.
"So what, you're gonna kill me and take Algon," Duo asked, and Relena smiled quietly.
"No, Mr. Maxwell. I'm going to marry you, and then take Algon. After that, you can go back to whatever hell hole you came from -" Duo smirked at how correct her insult had been. "- since you obviously don't want Algon, or me. Atropos and Heero remain, and you'll be free to go."
"If Heero stays, I stay," Duo said, and Relena's smile turned grim.
"If you stay, you die," she said. "You end up finishing this worthless war with me, everyone dies, I never find my brother, and Dorothy and Atropos die in each other's arms. Heero will marry me when you're dead to save the lives of those remaining, and the war will have completely destroyed both nations. Is that really what you want, Mr. Maxwell?"
"Fuck, lady, are you always this morbid," Duo snapped, and Relena blinked in shock. "You really wanna know what I want to do? I want to kill you RIGHT NOW, but the fact you've got my sis holed up in a room with Une is stopping me...barely. The fact you've got the hots for MY Heero just makes me hate you more. There is no way you can get the fuck out of this fight, bitch. I'm going to tear your head off, do a jig, and eat your soul." Duo was grinning. "And your little dog too. You have no idea who the fuck you're messing with, do you? I'm the God of Death. And you? You're just a stupid little girl." Duo strode toward the door.
"You'll regret this," Relena yelled after him. "You walk out of this castle, and any chance of a peaceful end flies out with you!" Duo's response was to flick her off as he slammed the door.
A guard came running into the library three minutes later, bloody and panting. "My lady! He's escaped," he said. Relena just nodded.
"Thank you," she said, and picked her skirts up as she walked back up to speak with Atropos. The door opened quickly, and Une stood there. She bowed, and Relena nodded. "Leave." Une, as always, did as she was told, and shut the door behind her.
The assassin lounged on the bed in her blue dress, staring lazily out the window.
"He left," she said. Hilde shrugged.
"I know. I'm just fine with it, too, so don't try to force us apart or something," the blue-haired girl said, sitting up with a toss of her hair. Relena looked down.
"I...I have to tell you something rather upsetting," she whispered, and Hilde looked at her warily.
"Eh...Relena? You do know you're the bad guy, right," Hilde asked, and Relena glared at her.
"Did you ever bother to wonder why? They killed Dorothy, Atropos! She's DEAD," Relena screamed, a bit of water trickling down from her eyes. Hilde stared into space. "They found her when she was waiting for you to come back, and they just murdered her."
"No..." Atropos whispered. A tear fell down her cheek as her eyes shut and she shook her head. Could they really do that? Relena had every reason to lie, but...not about this. What did she really have to gain from a scarred little girl on her side?
Logic flowed through her brain. Relena could be lying. She probably was lying. But, she was crying. Could she trust the princess? Were the boys capable of killing Dorothy?
That saddened her to the core. Yes, they were. They were pirates, overprotective, and scared for her. The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
Tear-stained eyes looked up at Relena. "It's your fault, too," she stated, navy eyes almost black. "I'll kill all of you." The woman walked out the door, unhindered as she strode out of the castle.
Lady Une stepped into the room, and Relena smiled at her. "That went well, didn't it?"
x---x
"...Heero," Quatre asked hesitantly. The rhythmic practice his brother performed continued. Twist, slice, jump, roll...the sword fell to the ground with a puff of dirt. Hard blue eyes snapped to Quatre.
"What," he asked, and picked the sword back up from the dirt. Heero was clad in black pants, a loose green shirt, and the same off-white coat as he'd had on at Duo's party. The thing hadn't come off his back in single day since Duo and Hilde had been stolen. They all knew Heero was taking it hard; it's rather obvious when someone spends eight hours fencing with shadows.
"Trowa, Wufei and I have a plan," Quatre finally said. "We'd appreciate your help." Heero just nodded, mussed dark brown hair falling into his eyes. "Trowa and I will be leaving as soon as we're sure Dorothy's safe to leave in Algon. She just keeps yelling at us for Atropos, whoever that is." Heero shook his head. They'd all been there when Hilde had explained her alias...except Trowa and Quatre, his brain admitted. They'd been ravaging each other in the ship.
"Hilde is Atropos," he stated, and Quatre got that thoughtful look he had every time he had a plan.
"Trowa and I are leaving now, to get our forces prepared," Quatre said. "I trust you can take care of things here with Wufei; right now, he's off making sure Meiran will be well taken care of and safe. He kidnapped Sally to watch her in a mountain hut with half the Guard around it. After that's done, he'll be approaching Meiran's parents for help." Quatre chuckled. Heero glared, and strode through the doors, intentionally cutting in front of the scheming blonde.
Upon entry to the conference room, Heero barely dodged the thrust of a rapier. The practice of the previous eight hours kicked in. Twist, dodge, jump, roll.
The blonde let out a frustrated cry and ran forward as Heero brought up his sword. She slashed, he parried. She lunged, he parried. "I know where Atropos is," he finally snapped, sick of having to hold back from killing the annoying twit. The rapier was immediately sheathed.
"Where," she stated, and Heero smirked.
"With Duo," he said, and Dorothy blinked rapidly. "Help us, and we'll get her back along with the prince." She gave him a disdainful look.
"I could care less who rules the stupid countries. Relena's a manipulative, pink-obsessed bitch, and Duo's so apathetic to Algon he'd let Rayth burn to spare his braid from being singed," Dorothy snorted, and Heero glared at her. His Duo was not to be insulted. "I'd have just left the whole thing to Cousin Treize and the Ministry." Heero frowned.
Was that why Lady Une was working with Relena? Because her Treize should have been king? His frown deepened. He had to discuss this with Quatre; politics were his area of expertise. Heero just killed people.
"Will you help us, then," Heero asked, and after a moment of hesitation Dorothy nodded, her long blonde hair shifting slightly. "What do you know about Relena's plan?"
"Hardly anything, other than she wants to kill Atropos for...how'd she phrase it? Ah, yes. For 'tainting' me," Dorothy snorted. It had been one of the conversations before Relena's true betrayal. One of many that should have warned the neglectful bodyguard. "Attie wouldn't taint anyone. Kill them, maybe, but never taint them." Heero nodded.
Just then, Treize strode in, looking absolutely pissed. "Dorothy, dearest, where would my Lady Une be," he bit out, and Dorothy shrugged, indifferent.
"I'm guessing with Relena the Princess Bitch," she said, smiling. Treize smiled harshly.
"And where would that be, my dear cousin," he said, icily smooth.
"With Duo and Atropos," Heero stated. "Help us, we help you." Treize turned slowly to the younger man.
"She has the prince? How could you let that happen," Treize demanded. "AND Une! Sir, you must understand how genuinely angry and upset I am, not only at Relena and my dear Lady, but also with Dorothy for not stopping that silly girl from this foolishness. If you say you can help me, by all means you have my cooperation." Heero nodded.
"My fault?! MY FAULT?! She knocked me out! How the hell was I supposed to stop her? She took Attie! She'll kill her," Dorothy yelled out. Treize gave her a demanding look.
"My dear cousin, I distinctly remember charging you with keeping Relena from her idle fantasies of peace," he sighed. At seeing Heero's intrigued look, Treize explained further. "Since her mother and father were murdered and her brother was sent into hiding here in Algon, Relena has believed it is her duty to bring peace to our two nations. She'd do practically anything to get what she wants." Heero nodded, having a sour taste in his mouth.
At that annoying ball or whatever it was called, the princess had been almost literally throwing herself at him. Heero had been too preoccupied with both keeping Duo safe and from killing his fiancée to set the girl straight. And now, he was sure Duo was paying the price. He'd been woozy for almost twelve hours, which Heero could only assume was from Duo being drugged into sleep.
"I have people to involve with our efforts," Treize began. "People that will benefit us drastically, if you permit it. One of these is Zechs Marquis. The other is Lucrezia Noin. They work together, of course."
"What makes their help so drastic," Heero asked, and Treize smiled tiredly.
"Because, Zechs Marquis is actually Milliardo Peacecraft, Relena's brother. And he's blindly loyal to me," Treize said. "Lucrezia Noin is his everything, and she'll protect my dear cousin's Atropos, since they're sisters. Not to mention Noin and Une grew up together. And, you'll have me as well. Une would never attack me, just as I would never attack her." Heero nodded.
"Two of us are using our connections to gather reinforcements," Heero stated. "I am expecting four ships and at least two hundred warriors who are extremely difficult to kill. There will probably be more, as well, including a circus and the rest of Quatre's congregation." Dorothy raised her eyebrows.
"Quatre has followers," she asked, and Heero nodded.
"A desert tribe believes him to be their reincarnated divine leader named Sandrock," Heero stated. "His supposed retainers, the Manganacs, would be more than willing to die for him, and are practically unstoppable fighters. That's not including the pilgrims he had visiting; I would estimate he has at least five tribes who have sworn allegiance to him. Trowa will be bringing his troupe, most of which have weapon or animal acts, and most likely he'll bring Duo's armada and pirates as well." They both looked impressed. "We ourselves are also invaluable weapons."
"I feel far better about this alliance now," Treize mused. "If I dare ask, what will Wufei be bringing?" Heero frowned.
"He'll be bringing his wife's resources, apparently, along with himself," Heero stated. "Numbers unknown." Dorothy eyed him quizzically.
"And what are you bringing, Mr. Yuy," she asked, and Heero glared at her.
"Me." The authority in his voice was unquestionable, and made it sound as if he could take on the entirety of Sanc barehanded-and win. Treize and Dorothy nodded.
"I'll be back," Dorothy said coolly. "I intend to contribute equally to our alliance, so I have to go get my own resources, don't I?" Treize eyed her suspiciously.
"And who would those resources be, my dear," he asked, and Dorothy met his eyes squarely.
"You'll see, DEAR cousin," she sneered, and walked out the door.
x---x
A/N: MUCH shorter, but that's cuz this is what I call "Set-up". Oooh. How unheard of. Next chapter we get into the actual gathering of forces, some lovely hair pulling, a sweet, fluffy scene or two. Hilde/Atropos on a rampage? Duo eating Relena's soul? Wufei talking to Meiran's parents?! What's NOT to love about next chapter? I'm so excited!!! AAAAH! And whose side will Zechs choose, anyway? (Rubs hands together) This'll be good. Isn't Relena a manipulative little bitch? I'm about ready to scalp her for doing that to poor Hilde. (Wow, that's weird. I'm angry at myself for writing something I'd been planning all along!? I'm so confused...)
OKAY! And, since I feel exceedingly benevolent and neglectful of cute lil' 3x4 fans, I'm informing you of the following: Prodigy's gonna be about equal on the lovin' in a few chapters. So, no worries.
READER RESPONSES!!!:
Myca: HAT! Matey? Ooo! So piratey! I love pirates (If you couldn't tell.). And isn't Relena just EVIL?! I hate her! This is my version of ultimate Relena bashing. Make everyone hate her. Yay! Die Relena, die!
Windy River: I have a joke for you. What did one ant say to the other ant?
TrenchcoatMan: See, the evil of my 3x4-centric fics is that I turn it into pure smut. I hate writing smut, as entertaining as it is. I've always thought they'd be mushy-gushy and sweet, but when I write it, they end up doing very bad things. You're so nice! And, now there's about 2 chapters left. Haven't decided on whether or not to have an epilogue.
Silver Cateyes: I wrote more! I agree wholeheartedly. Poor Hee-chan...And the Zechs Intrigue begins next chapter. So fun!
Lost-Remembrance/Red Tail: Hmmm...I don't know whether to be nice or mean. You compliment my writing, yet insult my plot. Hmmm...I'll just say thanks for reading and reviewing, then. And if you don't like plot twists, BE WARY OF ME. I'm your worst nightmare. (evil grin)
Mistress Koishii: Tempting. And another 1x2 Addict! Yay. Welcome to the club. Worship, you say? (grins) By the way, you're still my beta, if you're okay with that. I'm just extremely slow. Yeah, just a few months slow...(blushes.)
Spellhorn: Don't I?! I'm not sure if I'm going to kill Relena yet. Maybe maim her. Sorry 'bout the cliffhanger...
Danilion: How could Relena be the usurper? Well, she's a freaky little pink-loving princess who has repressed sexual tension towards both Heero (shudder) and Dorothy (shudder again). I can't picture her with ANYONE. Well, I don't WANT to at least. I'm twisted.
Magical-flyingdragon: Isn't she?! I LOVE Hilde! Well, not in that way, but still. She's my 2nd favorite after Une. Bipolar people are fun. I don't know why I like her. Then again, I'm a Lady Macbeth fan too...
The Rogue Prince: OOO! You agree with me! I think Relena's always been manipulative. (Pulls down a chart of scenes in GW & holds a pointer) See? Queen of the World, Lackeys in her school, yelling at Heero to kill her...(chart burns into ashes and blows away). I'm just making it a bit more obvious. And fun.
Mlaine: Poor sick Mlaine! (Gives Kleenex) Relena's so bad. And Dorothy's so cool. Funny, they're supposed to be opposite, aren't they? (shrugs) I'm glad you're feeling better, now!
THANKS FOR READING! PLEASE REVIEW!
(Next Chapter: Not a "The Something" chapter!!! Shocking!)