Author's Note: Yeah, next chapter. Set fifteen years after the prologue. There might be some out of characterness. Also, I'm not exactly keeping to the plot of the show, but hopefully more to the spirit of it. Remember, this is a fantasy adaptation of Gundam Wing. Ahh… I think that's it. Please review. Thanks to my beta Storm and my beta-beta Anne-chan.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, or any associated characters. I'm just borrowing them for a bit. Besides, I don't have any money to be sued for.
Fifteen years later.
King Dermail shifted through a sheaf of reports. "So. Tell me of this gift you speak of."
The other man bowed. "There are five. They have been trained by the greatest fighters and killers, and they have never failed. They obey orders unquestioningly. And any who see them die. They are the perfect for your purpose, and can in no way be tied to you."
"Tell me more."
"There is the Dragon, a master of hand to hand combat. He knows half a thousand ways of killing a man with just his hands. There is the Tactician, a master strategist. No plan of his has ever failed. There is the Actor, the master of deception. He is allowed close to his target, by their own choice. There is the Shinigami, a master of stealth. By the time that anyone realizes he's there, it's far too late."
"And this one? The fifth?"
"The first. The greatest of them all. He is trained in the use of every weapon known to man, and is a master swordsman. He is exceedingly clever, totally loyal, and has no emotions to get in his way. He is the Perfect Assassin."
The king smiled. "I am pleased. I shall put this gift to use at once."
The other man bowed again. "Shall I notify the count and turn them over to his command?"
The king shook his head, a wicked grin on his face. "No. No need to tell my nephew of them. He might think that I don't have faith in his abilities."
"Of course, sire." Both men were well aware of the real reason he didn't want Treize to know. Secret weapons should be kept secret, particularly from one whom they might one day be deployed against.
"You may retain command of them. I shall provide a list of names of people I find… troublesome."
"Thank you, your Highness." Lord Barton turned and left the king's audience chamber. He waited until he was out of the room and out of the hearing of the king's guards before he allowed a triumphant smile onto his face. "You old fool."