In this fun and lively Arabian tale told by Quatre everyone is a prince. In the time honored tradition of 'A Thousand and One Arabian Nights,' the Princes Trowa and Quatre spend a night regally the tale of Princes Zechs, Heero, Duo and Wufei. Prince Zechs is the baddie but he's still oh so good. Rated M to be on the safe side. There is some standard and non-standard pairing.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing other more talented people do and they would never want them to be in such pathetic tales. Please don't sue me, this is just a fan fiction written in the spirit of fun not profit.

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Quatre Tales

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"You see Prince Heero was only missing for a short time, he didn't died in an ocean wreak," Quatre finished noting Trowa's look of disbelief.

"A thief? I would had rather drown than to suffer such utter humiliation," Trowa sniffed.

Quatre grimaced internally but he was not surprised at Trowa reaction many nobles would have felt that way. He was happy to see that regardless of the indignity that Prince Heero suffered Trowa seemed to be really enjoying the story—well at least, more interested in the story.

"Well he couldn't have felt any less humility than Prince Zech's did," Quatre mumbled and watched as Trowa's dead green eyes finally light up in interest. "No one in the Sank kingdom knew of the Prince's mishap but Queen Une did."

"How," Trowa asked?

"Because she is a sorceress," Quatre whispered.

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Washed Ashore

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The messenger from the First Lands had just left. He had come bearing regrets and pleas for patience. It seemed that the prince had yet to pass his birth rights so any response to their request would have to be delayed.

"Those people have insulted us for the last time," Zechs spoke to his royal companion his light blue eyes flashing at her from behind his mask. "Not able to respond, it is an insult to my darling little sister."

Relena had not uttered one word of complaint, like a dutiful daughter she had taken the news in good grace. Zechs however had threatened the messenger and vowed that he would never see his sister wed to the foreigner. Only Zechs was wrong, Relena's dutiful response was due to the fact that the princess found the people of the First Land interesting, especially the young and handsome foreign prince.

"Zechs there was never another time," Noin replied trying to smooth his royal highness.

Zechs ignored her. He was about of call in a servant to pour a glass of whiskey for him when he realized he had already picked up the decanter. Zechs put the delicate crystal bottle to his lips and took a healthy swig like a common sailor.

Noin watched him in quiet concern. She knew that the man she grew up with was still there only it was getting harder and harder to see him. Lately it had been worse, not only was he drinking but the bouts of anger were unprecedented.

"It's that horrid mask," Relena had told Noin. "No brother of mine would behave in such a fashion. He's enscrolled."

Noin wanted to believe that, more than anything she wanted that to be true. If he was enscrolled then maybe they could break the spell. Noin said nothing of what she was thinking. She was only a companion for the prince. A female brought and raised to be a comfort for him. Most companions for young male nobles were also male but since Prince Zechs was the only male in the family no one care if he sired a few offspring from the wrong side of the blanket, A bastard from a good bloodline could be handy in the situation where there was no proper male heirs to rule.

Queen Une must have thought that way also since she wanted to arrange having her niece, Dorothy Catonina as the prince's first concubine or maybe if she was lucky a wife. The Sanc's royal family, the Peacecrafts did not approve of such a match since the people of Roma distained pacisfists and were constantly warring. They also believed in slavery and held live executions. Prince Zech's had been in agreement with his parents, that was until the mask.

It had been a birthday gift from Lady Dorothy and it was soon after receiving the mask that Prince Milliardo became Zechs. That he became the man she was watching drink from bottle like a common sot.

"I am going to the City of Roma," Zechs said anger lacing his voice.

"But my lord you just got back from that ill fated trip. You should stay with your family they were very worried," Noin implored.

Zechs didn't replied as he called to his servants to ready his bags for travel. The now half empty decanter was rudely thrusted at a passing servant.

"I missed you," Noin said softly under her breath as she watched her beloved storm away his long platinum hair streaming behind him.

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When Prince Zechs arrived in Roma the palace was in an uproar. "Find that thief, find every thief or take their place," Queen Une yelled at the captain of her guard and the city's magistrate.

"Problems my queen," Zechs said bowing to her.

"You have arrived just in time. This fool allowed a couple of thieves to get the best of him," she informed him.

"My Lord Prince it was not my fault, how was I to know this was the prince of thieves," Berker complained. "He and his companion seemed like ordinary urchins."

"Ordinary urchins bearing a gold winged sword," Queen Une said softly as she slapped the captain hard across the face. Berker flinched slightly but made no other moves. "A sword worthy of a prince."

Zechs stared at the queen. Could this be Wing? He glanced at Berker and saw that the magistrate looked pale and frightened. A palm print blazed bright red on his cheek.

Berker tried to keep a blank face but his heart was racing and he was sure the queen knew it. He didn't know how she had known but after losing the second thief he returned to find the queen in a rage. She had summoned him immediately, something he would never want to repeat. Truthfully he didn't know why he was surprised. She was a witch. Like everyone, he had heard the rumors that Queen Une practiced the ancient arts. Only, this was the first time he had ever been privy to that fact, personally privy to that fact. He saw the prince watching him and he turned slightly away.

"If this is true then why are you standing here," Zechs said menacingly. The magistrate glanced back at him and Zechs wasn't sure who he was more afraid of. Annoyed to think that the man might actually be more afraid of the Queen Zechs glared at him. "You should be out finding my sword."

"Y-your sword?" Berker stuttered.

"You heard Queen Une, worthy of a prince," he quoted. "Do you know of any other princes?"

"No, my lord," Berker mumbled backing away and bowing. He knew better than to answer that question. "We will find this thief, right away."

Zechs watched the man retreat in poor humor. His exit failed to please him. The sword must have washed up on shore and the witch had probably divined the whole sordid event, Zechs thought angrily. He made sure to hide those feelings and let nothing of his thoughts show on his face as he turned to the queen.

"How did he acquire the sword?" Zechs asked suspiciously.

"The same way you lost it," Queen Une laughed confirming his suspicions.

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TBC

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