Author's Note: So thanks to my HUGE mistake and klutziness, I had to re-write chapter four. This is the end result. I had to do it from memory, luckily enough tough I didn't remember it word for word, I did remember what was supposed to be where and how things went. So I give you a rather new, but not really improved, yet familiar chapter four.
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Duo woke the next morning to the sound of a crackling fire and violet eyes parted carefully, since the sun seemed to shine through the dense canopy of the trees.
"Up I see."
That voice he remembered from last night and he turned his head to where Wufei sat, packing away what little they had so they could be ready to leave when the time came. It would seem that perhaps they had been waiting for him to wake, and now that he was up, the three of them would be on their way.
Duo slowly sat up on his makeshift bed, his face taking a frown as he realized that Heero was no where to be found. He turned to the dragon to question him, but Wufei beat him with his own question.
"Did you sleep well?", the ebony-eyed man asked.
Duo nodded and Wufei gave him a small smile, walking closer to where the boy sat. He reached a hand out to offer Duo help, and the braided teen willingly accepted it with a soft thank you. A caw distracted them, and Duo looked up to find a black bird circling above them. It looked familiar and he had the feeling that it was watching them.
"Relena's spy.", Wufei provided, his eyes watching the bird in interest.
It flew off soon enough and he mentally cursed. He was hoping that he would have been able to give chase. Though a bit small, it would have been a satisfying start to breakfast. The growling of Duo's stomach told him that he wasn't the only one thinking of food, and he looked to the blushing boy with a smile.
"Hungry I see.", he observed with a laugh, "Don't worry, Heero will be back soon enough. He's gone hunting."
"You mean went hunting."
The voice had the two turning to find Heero walking toward them. He held in his hand a pair of dead rabbits, which had Duo grimacing and Wufei frowning. The choclate-haired fairy also held a sack, which Duo hoped held something that wasn't dead. He ate meat, but the thought of having to see his food skinned and gutted in front of him made him queasy.
"Rabbits?", the dragon questioned, "I'm a dragon, I'll need more than a pair of conies."
"This is for Duo and I.", Heero announced, resting his catch down beside the fire, "You, oh great hunter, can get your own food. There's a farm not too far from here; plenty of cows."
Wufei only rolled his eyes, but did well in hiding his excitement. He hadn't hunted in a while and he wanted to enjoy himself.
"What about the people?", Duo asked, his face worried, "You won't harm them will you?"
Wufei chuckled, moving closer to Duo and bringing his lips close to his ear.
"I don't much care for human flesh.", he whispered, smiling as he watched Duo stiffen, "However, pretty young boys like you. . ."
He let his words trail off and his eyes connect with glaring clobat, before his tongue was drawing slowly along the shell of Duo's ear. The boy's shiver had a husky laugh falling from his lips, which had Duo shivering again.
"Mmh.", he drawled, a second lick for good measure, "Very tasty."
He did his best to hold back his laugh, as he could feel Heero's jealous gaze burning in his direction. Heero need the push anyway, and Wufei knew his friend well enough to know that Heero would take action once provoked. If it took Wufei flirting with Duo to get Heero to make a move, then so be it. The Fairy King needed to move on and it was obvious that he had taken a liking for the prince of old's look alike. He turned without so much of a good bye and took to the air, transforming into his dragon form and disappearing into the sky.
He left behind a flushed Duo and an envious Heero, who moved toward the stunned teenager. Duo looked to Heero, who seemed a bit miffed, and had to wonder what Wufei had meant. Did he really like to eat human boys, or did he mean. . . His cheeks burned brighter at the thought and he tried his best not to think about it.
"Wufei's only teasing.", Heero tried to assure him, "You must be hungry."
Duo nodded, following Heero to the fire and seating himself on a fallen log. He frowned as he looked down at himself, his clothes and new sneakers covered in blood from his fall in the pile of dead animals. Who knew when he'd be able to get clean again, and even then, his clothes and shoes were ruined.
He hadn't noticed when Heero had come closer, but the Fairy King was now crouched in front of him, his clobat eyes looking Duo over. It made the boy a bit nervous and Duo patiently waited until Heero was done.
"Your garments are odd.", the man murmured, pressing closer to study it further.
His hand reached out to a jean clad thigh, running it up Duo's leg. It caused Duo to yelp in surprise, jumping up and causing the Fairy King to fall back. Heero easily stopped himself, his wings causing a gush of air to push him back up into a crouched postion. His head titled in confusion at Duo's reaction.
"What are you doing?", the boy demanded, his heart pounding.
Heero's touch had sent a spark up his leg, even though he was sure the touch was innocent.
"I just wanted to feel it.", Heero explained, Duo sighing in relief, "I've never seen material like that before."
"Well you can't just take it upon yourself to touch whatever you want."
"I'm sorry.", the fairy apologized, thouroughly scolded.
Duo cleared his throat, before he was gasping, as Heero was now face to face with him, their bodies close.
"It will not happen again."
"That's alright.", Duo told him, stepping back, "Just ask next time."
Heero nodded and Duo watched as he turned back to their food, ready to make it edible. He had to say that this was one hell of a morning. He'd rather that they just be on their way, but there was the matter of food. That and now they had to wait for Wufei. He had to wonder what was taking the dragon.
I'm coming.
The sound of Wufei's voice had him looking about, trying his best to see if the dragon was close by. He had to wonder how he could hear him if the dragon wasn't even here.
It's a gift of mine.
Wufei's voice was obviously amused, but Duo was confused and a bit annoyed.
"Would you get out of my head!", he shouted to the sky, looking for any signs of the dragon.
"Duo?"
The fairy's worried voice had him looking to him and Duo opened his mouth to explain. However, Wufei's voice was back.
Watch out.
Duo didn't have much else in the way of warning and a roar sounded just as a shadow fell over them. He was out of harm's way, much thanks to Heero's fast reaction, and staring wide-eyed at the large dragon that could have crushed him had he not been moved.
"Are you alright?"
He looked to Heero, who stared back at him with worried eyes, the Fairy King's arms wrapped about his waist. Heero raised a hand to press against his cheek, and Duo tried his best not to blush, as he nodded in answer to Heero's question. It wasn't until his feet touched the garss that he realized that they had been floating above the ground.
"I'm fine.", he worded, turning to glare in the dragon's direction, "No thanks to someone."
Said dragon only yawned and Duo's glare narrowed even more.
"You could have killed me!"
I told you to look out.
"Two seconds before you landed!", Duo argued, the dragon yawning again.
But warned you none the less. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm due for a nap. I can't fly on a full stomach.
"You flew here!", Duo objected, gently pulling free of Heero's hold.
He stomped his way to where the dragon was lying down, a silver eye looking at the fuming boy sleepily.
And you're making me regret having done that. I couldn't leave you here unprotected, so I came back. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll need no more than an hour's rest.
With that the dragon closed his eyes and settled down to sleep. Duo opened his mouth to further object, but he was interrupted by Heero's voice.
"Let him rest, Duo.", the Fairy King told him, "He flew here on a full stomach, which had to be uncomfortable, so we should let him get the rest he deserves. Besides, we have our own breakfast to attend to."
Duo huffed, but agreed and made his way back to the fire to help Heero. He'd let the dargon sleep for now, but when he woke, he was going to get an earful.
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Remius sat perched in a tree as he watched down at his sleeping quarry. He knew the story of the young boy well enough. He was an infamous thief, the best as far as rumor went; and he belonged to him. Soon enough, Remius was kneeling beside the sleeping form, his eyes raking over the lean body, before it came to rest on the breath-taking face. It was a face that had broken the hearts of both men and woman alike, and Remius knew rumor stated he was a god in matters of the bedroom. He himself had sampled this god and though he did not hold divinity, he could easily come close to claiming such.
His hand went to the auburn-colored locks, gently brushing aside the bang that covered half of the young thief's face. It was a face that Remius himself had been drawn to, or rather it was those eyes that had reeled him in, those which were closed at the moment. His hand left the boy's face, to travel down his torso as he stretched, his shirt riding up to teasingly reveal a taught stomach. Remius smiled when said stomach twitched at his touch, and when he turned back to look at the boy's face, sharp green eyes were smiling back at him.
"Remius.", the boy greeted, a miniscule smirk on his lips, "What a pleasant surprise. What brings you to me?"
Remius chuckled, his hand moving to take a firm hold of his hip, as he leaned over the boy's body.
"Do I ever need a reason to visit you, Trowa?", Remius murmered, his lips close enough to brush against those beneath him, "Perhaps I come in such of your company?"
"Perhaps.", was all Trowa said, before he was lifting his head to press against his.
Their mouths meshed heatedly, Trowa's body arching to press into the dark ex-deity's, his small moan muffled as it sounded. Remius let himself enjoy it, as it had been quite awhile since he had last seen his young servant. Easily his tongue slid its way into Trowa's mouth, gently stroking and teasing the boy of events that he would stall torturously.
Remius pulled away, smiling down at Trowa who gave a mewl of protest as the two parted. He couldn't waste time with this, though he rather wanted to; Relena gave him an order and he would need help fulfilling it. Trowa must have sensed that Remius was here for another reason entirely, since he sat up with another stretch, green eyes asking the question he didn't speak.
"I have need of your talents.", Remius let him know, Trowa's eyes gleaming in interest.
"You mean to say that your Dark Lady needs my talents.", Trowa corrected.
Remius smiled at the boy's sharp mind. Then again, it was another reason why he had caught so much interest in the young man. He nodded to confirm Trowa's remark.
"Which ones?", he asked, his smile sending a shiver down Remius' spine.
The former dark god only gave an amused laugh, his eyes traveling to where the boy's weapons were set aside, and Trowa followed his gaze. He could feel Trowa's excitement jump at the prospect of assasination, but unfortunately, Remius didn't need him for that. At least, not yet anyway.
"In due time.", Remius promised him, bringing Trowa's attention back to him, "That skill I do not require just yet."
"Then what is it that you want me to steal?", Trowa was questioning, his excitment having never wavered.
"You know the tale of the Fairy King.", Remius stated, and Trowa nodded, "Well it is said that he now travels with a boy."
"His prince has been forgotten?", Trowa asked, his tone of remorse mocking, "How sad."
"No, it is said that the boy might be his prince.", Remius informed him.
Trowa's brow rose in interest at the statement, and he silently waited for Remius to continue. He was beginning to become more and more interested with every word the now enslaved god spoke.
"I have seen him myself, and though it seems he could be, I am not sure.", Remius explained, looking into jade eyes, "That is where I need your help. You will bring him to me."
"How so?"
"We will have to think of a way for you to join their company. Then you will gain their trust and when the time is right, you will steal the boy away. I shall distract the Fairy King and the Dragon Lord who travels with them, and you bring the boy to me."
Trowa paused a moment to think things through, return to lying back on his bedroll as Remius' amber eyes watched down at him. He was sure that he was going to say yes, as not only had he been bored as of late, but he knew that he would get a great reward once he completed what was asked of him.
"And what of my pay?", he asked any way, catching Remius' smile.
Remius took to pressing himself closer to the boy, letting his eyes hungrily travel over the lithe body.
"We can discuss such things later.", he murmured in a low voice, his hands latching on to Trowa's hips in a possesive grip, "I'm much too distracted at the moment."
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Angelus' blue eyes looked over the vast cave that he slowly traveled through. It was empty and quiet, save the occasional drip of water from melting ice. It was not just any particular cave, but in fact belonged to someone, who didn't seem to be home at the moment. The unmistakable whistle of wind sounded ahead of him, and Angelus easily followed it. He was soon outside in a snow covered trench, nestled between the peaks of the mountain tops.
The wind blew steadily, as he gazed in awe at the snowcapped mountains. His studying was brought to a stop, as the wind began to blow harder, the loose snow on the ground lifting and twirling about him. It blowing hard enough that Angelus had to brace himself from being knocked back, the wind whistling loud in his ear. It was how he heard the faint question.
"Who dares enter my domain?"
"I come in search of the Great Wind.", Angelus called out, the question going unanswered, "I seek answers."
He tensed as thunder clapped, and the wind picked up speed, his silver hair flying wildly around him.
"Which answers do you seek?", the voice came again, louder to be heard over the noise of the wind.
"You know the legend of the Fairy King, and I come to learn exactly what you know.", Angelus had to shout in order to be heard, though he had a feeling even if he had whispered, his voice would have been carried on the wind, "Your Mistress-"
"She is not my Mistress!", the voice boomed, accompanied by a crack of thunder, "I served her once, but no longer do I bend my back to her!"
The Seer realized he had mad the mistake of angering the Great Wind, proof of it by the large funnel of wind, snow and ice that took form some meters away from him. Ice shards blew about him, and he had to shield his face, blue eyes squinting as the wind blew harder than he could have possibly imagined.
"Tell me what you want!", the wind god demanded, "Or begone from my lair!"
"You were made to scatter the Fairy King's heart!", Angelus screamed, barely able to hear his own voice, "And your job was to be done after that, but I know that your work did not end there."
"Tell me!", the winds roared higher, Angelus stumbling back as lightening began to split the sky, "Tell me what you know!"
"It is said Relena hid the prince!", Angelus began, his eyes narrowing in on the angry wind-tunnel, "Yet I know that she did no such thing!"
"Speak your mind, Great Seer!", the anger and impatience was evident now.
"Where did you hide the prince!"
At Angelus's question, their was a loud boom of thunder, which shook the mountain top but soon everything began to calm. Angelus was able to lower his arms as the winds died down, and the large funnel in front of him slowly began to disappear. He watched as the sillouhette of a man came through and then soon enough, he was staring at no other than the Great Wind himself.
Blue eyes stared back at him in shock from a face that Angelus had not seen in over a hundred years. Dressed in white and grays to match the snow and rock, the Great Wind studied Angelus, his blond hair billowing in the gentle breeze that was left behind after the wind storm he had just caused.
"How did you know?", he questioned, his voice a gentle caress, a drastic difference from the harsh voice it was only moments ago.
Angelus smiled, holding his ground, though he wanted to move forward.
"I didn't."
A frown took the wind god's face at Angelus' words, before he was smiling himself. The Great Seer hadn't been sure, but he had accused him as if he had been certain, getting the answer to his queston without truly asking it. That brought a small laugh from the wind god, who began to make his way over to the Seer.
"Milliardo.", the silver-haired deity greeted, as the Great Wind came to stand before him, "It has been long since we last met."
"Too long.", Milliardo agreed, his hands clapping down on Angelus' shoulder, "There is much to catch up on."
Angelus nodded in agreement as Milliardo's arm went about his shoulder, the wind god leading him back toward the cavern.
"We have much to discuss.", the blond worded, his mood falling just a bit, "As I know the Great Seer does not visit one without good reason."
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Duo tried not to groan as his stomach lurched again, as well as tried not to look down. He was, at the moment, seated atop Wufei's back, the dragon flying high above the clouds. It was cold up here and Duo tried his best to press as close to the dragon as he possibly could. The large, scaled body gave of an immense amount of heat, which he was thankful for.
He would have loved to fly lower, but Wufei had argued that he flew better at such a high altitude. Heero himself was flying lower, since he himself couldn't fly this high. They had been traveling all morning, and quite frankly, Duo had rather they had walked. As his stomach lurched again as Wufei turned and twisted in the sky, Duo found he was beginning to dislike flying.
"Please say we've reached.", he begged, knowing Wufei could hear him.
Yes.
Wufei's voice seemed amused.
We're here.
Duo didn't have time to brace himself, and his eyes widened as suddenly Wufei was diving. He tried his best to press closer, his hand holding on as tightly as he could, and his stomach jumping into his throat. No matter how hard he fought, he was slipping and soon he found himself flying off of the dragon's back.
His eyes clenched shut as he sailed past through the clouds, his clothes dampening as he broke free. When his eyes finally opened, he wished that he had kept them closed. The ground was come closer at a high speed and Duo's mouth opened to scream, but no sound escaped him.
"Wufei!", he was able to shout out, hoping the dragon would hear him.
He heard Heero cry his name, the Fairy King's voice fitted with obvious fear, which did nothing to quell Duo's uneasiness. Luckily enough, a roar sounded below him and then he was landing onto the dragon's back, a pained grunt falling from his lips. With his life no longer in danger, Duo couldn't help himself, and his eyes closed as he fainted.
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He came to a while later, finding himself in a dense forest, though it looked nothing like the one he had met Heero in. White barked trees suurrounded them, giving off an ethereal glow, which had Duo staring in awe. His view was cut off by the sight of ebony eyes peeking down at him, the Dragon Lord sighing in relief to find that he was alright. He was hefted up from the ground just as Heero came flying down through the treetops, landing beside them and taking hold Wufei's tunic with a snarl.
"What the hell did you think you were doing!", the Fairy King demanded, "He could have been killed!"
Duo jumped at the roar that Wufei gave, pushing the blue-eyed fairy away from him, his eyes flashing silver in a dangerous fashion.
"I have more sense than that Fairy King!", Wufei growled out, his eyes darkening again, "I had no choice but to let him fall. I had to menuever the skies better."
"And what reason could you possibly have?", Heero asked him.
Wufei looked up past the canopy to the sky, Heero and Duo following his gaze to find a raven soaring overhead.
"We were being followed.", Wufei told them.
Heero looked back to the dragon, his face still holding its scowl.
"That doesn't excuse that he could have died!", the fairy shouted.
Duo watched as Wufei glared back at the Fairy King, a growl rumbling from his throat.
"I know that!", the ebony-haired dragon snapped, "I wouldn't have let him either way! I'm not stupid!"
"You could have fooled me!"
"Watch your tongue, Fairy King!"
Duo watched as the two began to argue, a wary sigh falling from his lips. Who knew how long this would last? He let them do as they pleased, walking to the edge of the clearing to further study the forest around them. It felt alive, and that was the only way that he could describe it. It was almost as if he wanted to talk with them, the trees would speak to him and he had to resist the urge to try.
His traveling companions were still arguing and he ignored them further, deciding that they would come to an end when they were good and ready. He was about to head off on his own to have a look around, but the ground trembled, stopping him in his tracks. He looked down at it curiously, feeling it quake again.
It would seem that neither Heero nor Wufei felt it, as their argument was still going. The shake came again, a bit harder and Duo slowly back tracked to the two.
"Guys."
His call went unnoticed and Duo huffed in exasperation. The ground shook again and this time Duo looked up into the trees, an odd feeling that something was coming taking his body.
"Guys!"
It caught their attention; that and the hard shake that follwed Duo's call. Another shake came, this one causing the three to nearly lose their footing, and then everything stilled. They stood waiting for it to happen again, but nothing came. A few seconds later, a loud shriek echoed around them, causing Duo to jump and Wufei to frown at the familiar sound.
"What is that?", the braided boy questioned, wide violet eyes never leaving the trees.
As the shriek came again, Wufei's eyes widened in recognition and he reached for Duo, not a moment too soon. A large head came crashing through the trees, a hooked beak snapping shut where Duo had once been standing. Wufei had managed to get them out of the way, the two falling to the ground a few feet away from where a large bird like creature now stood.
"Wufei!"
Heero's warning sounded from in the trees, where the fairy had taken refuge and Wufei rolled out of the way just in time. The creature's beak was snapping closed where they had once laid, giving a shriek of rage as it only managed to take a bite out of the ground.
"Is that a gryphon?", Duo gasped out.
"Yes."
Wufei looked down at him, offering the boy a smile and Duo frowned. This was not the time for the dragon to try and tease him. Not when their lives were in danger.
"As much as you might be enoying this, I'd like it if you'd get off!", Duo snapped, the dragon easily following his order.
He was pulled up on the ground, only to be taken by the waist and lifted into the air.
'Not again.', Duo cringed, not wanting to fly at all.
"Heero, take Duo where it's safe.", Wufei ordered.
He watched as the Fairy King nodded and then flew off higher in to the trees. He turned back to face the gryphon, his eyes lightening to silver as the creature crouched, ready to attack.
"I'll take care of this."
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Duo was rested carefully on a tree branch, Heero crouching in front of him as his eyes looked down to the forest floor. Wufei was going to need help, no matter if he turned into a dragon or not. The guardian of this forest was stronger than it looked.
"Stay here, Duo.", he told the boy, ready to join Wufei, "You'll be safe here."
He was about to head off, when a hand on his arm stopped him, colbat eyes looking back into worried amerthyst.
"And what about you?", Duo asked him, "You can't go back there. Don't leave me here alone."
Heero took hold of the boy's hand, squeezing it reassuringly and trying his best to convince the boy that it would be alright.
"You'll be safe here.", he repeated, this time a promise, "Wufei needs my help."
"But-"
"I'll come back for you.", Heero told him, wanting to put Duo at ease, "I promise."
Duo bit his lip in thought. He knew that Heero was right, but he didn't want anything to happen to the Fairy King. It didn't seem that the man was equipped to fight, being that all he had by his side was a small dagger. Then again, he couldn't leave Wufei down there all by himself. What if the dragon managed to get hurt?
Reluctantly, he nodded and Heero smiled at him, which eased his worries just a little. He watched as the fairy stood on the branch, reluctantly letting go of his hand, before flying back down to where Wufei had been left behind.
"Be careful!", Duo called after him, not wanting anything to go wrong.
He waited, trying his best to stare past the dense leaves to the forest floor. He gasped as he heard Wufei's roar, the sound seeming as if the dragon was in pain. He had to get down there. He should have never agreed to be left up here. As he slowly began his decent, Duo heard the caw of a raven, and he looked up to a nearby branch where a bird perched.
"You.", he muttered, recognizing it from before, "You took my necklace."
He gasped at the flash of smoke, his eyes widening as a man now stood in its place, amber eyes gleaming down at Duo.
"Hello.", the man greeted, his voice dark, "It's a shame that you were left all alone."
Duo's skin grew cold at the sound of that voice and he pressed into the tree, not wanting the stranger to get any closer to him.
"Who are you?", he questioned, his voice small, "What do you want with me?"
The man laughed, sending a shiver down Duo's spine, before he was jumping down onto the branch that Duo stood on. He gave the boy a bow, his eyes and lips smiling at the cowering boy.
"I am Relena's servant. I've been sent to retrieve you and bring you back to My Lady.", he introduced himself and explained, standing straight again and holding out his hand, "Now if you'll just come with me-"
"No!", Duo refused, his face frowning, "I'd rather die than go anywhere with you!"
Remius' brows rose in amused surprise, his smile broadening into a grin as he stepped closer.
"Well now, if that's the way you feel.", he began, his hand reaching out for Duo, "So be it."
Duo grunted as he was harshly pushed, his eyes widening as he soon realized he was falling. Remius watched him as he falled, laughing darkly as he did so. Then he was gone, a raven flying off into the sky.
Duo could do nothing but watch as he fell, branches snatching at him and scratching his skin as he passed them. His arms took to covering his face, hoping against hope that when he hit the ground, he didn't damage himself more than he could handle. He crashed into a large branch, a scream of agony tearing from his throat, as his shoulder sounded with a sickening crack.
Then he was falling again, but was jerked to a stop, his ankle wrenching in pain as it was caught inbetween a forked branch. With his scream of pain dying, Duo hung helplessly, whimpers escaping his throat. At least he had finally stopped falling, so there really was now more danger for him.
"Duo!"
Heero's shout told him otherwise, and it was followed by Wufei's distressed roar. Violet eyes opened, only to find the gryphon beneath him, mouth open with its body coiled and ready to jump. He tried his best to free his ankle, but pain shot through him as he moved it, rendering his attempt useless. As the gryphon jumped, Duo could only close his eyes and wait for his inevitable death.
T.B.C.
Well, I tried to make it as close to the old one as possible, though I know I probably changed some things. Either way, I apologize again and I hope that you enjoyed it. Go read the rest now and please, remember to leave your reviews. Thank you for reading.
