'Hello, Mr Yuy?... oh, ok, Heero, yes well we've had a bit of a delay, we'll be arriving today though I'm glad to say. Yes, Mr Maxwell is looking forward to speaking to you, he said that your tale of cursed heirlooms sounds VERY interesting,' Quatre shot me an apologetic smile, making small talk with the man on the phone. 'oh, yes I see, perhaps it was a blessing in disguise then! We should be there around lunchtime, but if it's all the same to you, Mr Maxwell does usually like to be by himself for a while first, to get his bearings and such, you understand? … Well yes, we'd love to eat with you, if you're sure? Ok then, but that will just be the three of us... 7 it is then. Bye!'

Duo had zoned out at this point, he had stopped watching where he was going, stopped thinking about anything, wasn't even dreading this little meet and greet, all he saw were they eyes.

'Poor Heero,' Quatre sighed, half sincerely 'he says it was a good thing that we were late really and truly, as he's been so tired recently. Something about some terribly vivid dreams keeping him up.' He shrugged, 'I do hope he's had his malaria shots.'

When they got there, they found that Heero Yuy hadn't even been near the temple. They unlocked the door and stepped through, just Duo and Quatre first of all, to see what state it was in.

The temple was a small dark pagoda style building, made with rich dark wood and red stained walls. All around the inside were statues; an abundance of rich gold, ivory and soapstone creations.

In front of a large statue of the Buddha, was another corpse. This one was lying flat on its back, a knife fallen through between its ribs. Next to it was a dark wood box. The box was well made, hand crafted and still held secure, after at least 300 years. Looking at it though, Duo recognised the hand, the style of craftsmanship, as being that of a certain smith who worked in this area 150 years ago. He opened it eagerly, but cautiously. Inside were several trinkets, a locket and some other jewellery, and a letter. Crumbling away at the corners, the faded and curled writing was barely legible. Duo took it out into the light to read.

16th June 1853

To whoever reads this letter;

The reason it is in your hands is that I have gone ahead with what I am planning right now. I have ended my life, in weakness and cowardice, because I can't take carrying on alone. Some say that loving a person and losing a person you love hurts more than anything, and others say that betrayal hurts most. I am unsure, since I am unable to detangle the two from one another. The person I gave my whole life to the second he asked, the person that I, after just 15 years of life, wanted to spend not a second of the rest of it without, has betrayed me. He left me, ignored me, refused to give up his wealth for his heart. This I can never forgive of him. I curse him and all his descendents, that never shall they keep that wealth or that love until I am avenged.

Sincerely,

William Charles Albert Maxwell VI

Son of William Charles Albert Maxwell V, Lord of Chichester

--ooOoo--

When they walked to Yuy's camp that evening, it was to greet a small affair. Three drab tents stood up around a small fire, but the rich smell of eastern cooking was incredible. There was a serious looking Chinese man crouched by the fire, cooking. A little way off a man was standing with his back to them, talking on the phone in rapid Japanese, dressed in a dark green vest and black cargo shorts. He had a very slender figure, with long legs and a small waist. The back of his head showed scruffy dark brown hair. He hung up, and turned around to greet them.

As he looked to them, Duo gasped. He had a long face with high set cheekbones. He had dark eyebrows, with a distinct arch, and below with an expression of surprise to match Duo's, were a pair of perfectly matched deep sapphire eyes.

--ooOoo--

There we go. It feels rushed. I like it, but I think I'll rewrite it over the summer… Are there any particular parts that need attention? R&R 3

LaVerne x