See all warnings and disclaimers in the first chapter.
A/N: I'm going to give you an advance warning that the following is a major freak-out session: I LOVE YOU ALL TO DEATH! CONSIDER YOURSELVES GLOMPED!
A Plot to Unravel an Empire
He hit Duo hard, letting out a half-yelp, half-snarl when the burning wash of electric energy caught him high in the flank. Every nerve-ending in his lower half went dead, causing him to fall across Duo's legs with a grunt.
"Heero?" Duo whispered, his fingers burying in Heero's thick neck-fur.
"I'm fine," Heero said quickly, panting, trying to marshal his body to movement. "Damn it, they saw you. Stay still, don't give any indication that I'm anything other than a really big guide dog."
"Are you hurt?" Duo asked, his fingers clenching and stroking by turns.
"No. They hit me with a stun blast, that's all."
"Who the fuck are you?"
Heero reacted exactly how a really big guide dog would react. Well, maybe not. More like a really big guard dog. That is to say, he peeled his lips away from his fangs, snarling terribly and lunging to snap at the man. Actually, he more staggered at him. His hind legs weren't working so well at the moment.
"Whoa! Shit!" he exploded, leaping back to tumble into his friend.
"What the hell?" his companion snapped.
"Big damn fucking dog!" the first explained.
"Shit!" the second cursed now, upon seeing Heero. "Shoot the damn thing!"
The woman in the blue dress with scratches on her arms pushed them aside. "What the—" she began.
Feeling stronger now, Heero managed to rise to his feet over Duo, snarling harder now, attempting to leap at them. Two guns came to bear, each whining as they charged, but Relena forestalled any other actions at this time.
"Stop!" she exclaimed. "You idiots, stop!" She shoved their guns down. "I wouldn't expect uneducated dullards like you to know who that is."
"Ma'am?" said one.
Heero resisted the urge to roll his eyes. It was not even close to time to give himself away.
"Does the name Denan Maxwell mean anything to you?" she said in an extremely patient, patronizing tone.
"Of course," said the first.
"Good. That's a start. This is Duo, his son."
Their eyes widened and went to Duo, still prone beneath Heero. At their returned attention, Heero went back to snarling, hackles raising.
"Shit," said the second.
"That's right," she said, her tone sweet. "Duo, my lovely darling, whatever are you doing out in the woods? Hasn't your father told you about the dangers of a blind, pretty boy wandering alone?"
Heero shifted slightly to allow Duo to sit up, enjoying the feel of those warm, slim fingers still buried in his fur. He could feel the sliver of fear curling in Duo.
"I'm not quite alone," he pointed out, a hint of amusement sliding through the words, belying his fear.
"Well, your enormous guide dog aside, it's still quite dangerous, love," she said. "Rashid, get over here, would you? Help Duo to my shuttle. We should get him home to his loving father."
Oh, Heero did not like her tone. He did not like it one bit. That was a call to action if ever he heard one, but . . . now was not the time to act. When Rashid came over and leaned toward Duo, though, Heero reacted aggressively, snarling and lunging.
Duo didn't release his hold. "It's all right, Heero," he murmured, giving the scarves a light tug.
Heero subsided like a good, obedient dog, keeping an eye on Rashid as the large man gripped Duo's upper arm and pulled him upright. He jerked on Duo, causing the boy to stumble over the uneven terrain.
"Careful!" Relena snapped. "Duo is blind, you great oaf. Duo, be a doll and keep your dog on his leash?"
Duo smiled a little. "He's a wolf, not a dog, Relena," he said.
"Oh, you remembered!" she cooed, wrapping herself around Duo's arm. "We only met just once. I was sure you would forget me." She sighed.
Heero rolled his eyes.
"I thought I heard your brother's voice, too?" Duo inquired with a little smile, his tone perfect innocence.
Only Heero could sense his constant unease.
"Oh, yes. Zechs, darling, come over here why don't you? You remember Duo, of course?" Relena purred.
Heero felt Duo's reaction and smelled Zechs' at the same time. Something very close to . . . deep affection. And both deep affection and fear slithered through Zechs' scent. Hmm. How interesting. These two had a history.
"Duo," Zechs said, reaching out and taking Duo's hand to kiss the back. "It's been quite awhile."
"You two know each other well?" Heero inquired, cocking his head in curiosity, eyeing Zechs.
"Moderately well," Duo confirmed. "We met at a social gathering for the obscenely wealthy on Andaria."
"He cares a great deal for you," Heero commented.
"Well, isn't this lovely," Relena said pleasantly. "Zechs, darling, go ahead and get in the shuttle. Duo, we'll take you home. This is dreadfully rough terrain to be navigating blind."
"Don't make a scene, Heero," Duo warned, but the tension could not be masked either in his mind or scent.
Heero followed his lead like a good guide dog, showing no overt interest in the goings on. This was bad. He knew it. He knew nothing of human politics, but he instinctively knew this was bad. Relena sounded too happy, and both Zechs and Duo smelled too afraid.
"What's going on?" he asked as they all settled uncomfortably in her cramped shuttle.
"I'm not quite sure," Duo answered in a voice muted though it was silent. "I only know this can't be good. Do you remember my father saying the daughter of another Prime Chancellor was kidnapped?"
"Yes. She was pretty bad for awhile."
"I have a feeling we're about to find out the circumstances of her disappearance."
Heero's gut curdled at the thought. He would protect Duo no matter what, but even his skills were limited. "There's not a whole lot I can do at the moment," he reluctantly told his Bonded, "but I do have a few options that most wouldn't. If Relena doesn't take us home right away, her actions will be considered a breach of the Treaty of Tel'Mar. I will make my people aware, and they will not stop until we're found and safe again."
He felt his Bonded's surprise. "I didn't know that. I suppose it doesn't matter that she doesn't know you're Telmaran?"
Heero grinned wolfishly. "Not a bit."
o8o o8o
Duo tried to relax, but it wasn't easy. Being blind was bad enough. But being blind in a situation like this? A warm hand suddenly landed on top of his and squeezed. He started slightly.
"I'm so sorry, Duo," Zechs' voice breathed in his ear. "I never dreamed you would get caught up in this."
Duo couldn't repress the warm surge of pleasure Zechs' proximity brought. "This isn't your fault," he whispered back, turning toward the older man's voice. "Besides, Relena was right. I shouldn't have been out here alone."
Strong, warm fingers stroked his palm. "I know what Relena wants. Hopefully I can convince her to leave you out of this. The chances of her actually taking you home right now are slim."
Duo nodded, feeling a tiny bit of heat flush his cheeks at the touch.
"You only know him moderately well?" Heero said, and Duo could feel amusement mixing with his concern.
"Well, we hit it off, I guess," Duo said, stroking Heero's ears rather absently. Out loud he said, "Where will she take us?"
"For now? She's been hiding out in Kentan for the last little while," Zechs said, shifting, causing his thigh to brush Duo's.
Rashid made a sound in his throat, and Zechs squeezed Duo's hand as though warning him to be quiet. Since he could not see, Duo was particularly adept at reading non-visual cues so he held his peace. The chances of him landing at home tonight were slim, which meant he would have a chance to speak with Zechs later. Without prying ears and eyes.
And after perhaps twenty minutes, Relena spoke from somewhere aft. "Duo-love," she called, "there's been a little change of plans. We're stopping over at my place for awhile, give you a chance to rest. Then we'll take you home."
Duo resisted the urge to say that his home in Hedara's capitol, Hedara City, was much closer than Kentan. He didn't think she would appreciate it, and as long as he went along with her little game, perhaps he would come out of this unscathed. Ajyira, the girl who'd been kidnapped those weeks ago was a loud-mouthed trouble-maker; chances were good she'd freaked out and gotten herself hurt.
It took two hours to reach Kentan. Duo, Heero, and Zechs were rushed into a modestly large house on the outskirts. A lovely display of meticulously trimmed bushes well over ten feet high provided a perfect cover—neighbors would have to scale them to see into her wide, lovely yard with a tall fountain in the center of her lawn. At Heero's mental description, he almost wished he could see it.
"You can go anywhere you like in my house," Relena said in her syrupy voice, "but please don't go outside. I have big dogs, and I wouldn't want the guards to mistakenly shoot you." She tittered like a silly fool before he heard her leave.
"We're alone," Zechs said, "and I know she has visual surveillance in these rooms, but not audio."
"That's something at least," Duo murmured. "Heero, is there a couch or chair or something?"
Heero didn't say anything as he led Duo to a comfortable chair. His tension radiated from him so strongly Duo wasn't all that sure it wasn't his own.
"Smart dog," Zechs commented.
"Wolf," Duo corrected automatically. "Please tell me what's going on, Zechs. I heard everything Relena said. Well, up to a point."
Zechs sighed deeply, and Duo heard him move toward him. Warm hands landed on his knees. "I am so sorry, Duo," he murmured. "I never imagined you would be caught up in this. It's all my fault. All of this."
Duo couldn't help the flash of annoyance that pulsed though him. "I'm not looking for apologies, Zechs. You don't owe me any. You do, however, owe me an explanation."
That provoked a reaction from Heero—the wolf panted laughter.
"You're right," Zechs said, and moments later two warm hands encompassed one of his own, resuming that gentle stroking. A deep sigh. "I'm sure you heard about Relena's failed attempt to assassinate the emperor?"
"Yes," Duo said. "You were involved."
"That's not true," Zechs said, voice impassioned. "I tried to stop Relena. She underestimated our cousin, Dorothy. She's very smart. Relena mistakenly believed she was smarter."
"What is she trying to do now?" Duo asked, wishing Zechs would stop stroking his hand. It felt good. Too good. It was driving him to distraction.
"She wants control of the Andarian Empire," Zechs replied. "Last time she planned to use assassination. This time she plans to force the Vice Chancellors into her pocket, and then target the Prime Chancellors. Unfortunately, her having you puts her in a decent bargaining position. She wants a pardon for her crimes."
"How does she plan to get that?" Duo demanded, his annoyance resurfacing.
"Dorothy acted alone when she exiled us," Zechs explained. "That's unfortunate, since she had no real proof. Relena is certain she can get the Vice Chancellors to rule in her favor if she appeals the courts."
"That's the problem with humans," Heero lamented. "Broken justice system. On Tel'Mar, nothing like this would happen."
"This is bad, Heero," Duo scolded. "Don't make light of it."
"I wasn't. I meant it."
"Well, then, maybe you can help," Duo mused.
"Oh? How?"
"I don't know, yet. But I'll think about it."
"Duo?" Zechs queried.
Duo abruptly stood and pushed Zechs back. "Heero, guide me around the room? I need to pace."
"Does it make you feel better?" Heero asked even as he rose and took the lead.
"Helps me think better," Duo corrected. Aloud, he said, "Will Relena keep me here for long?"
"I don't know," Zechs replied, and Duo heard him rise to follow him. "Duo, she intends to kill me. She did not jest about that. I was the only wrinkle in her last plan. I am the biggest flaw in this one."
Duo made a rude sound, Heero's scorn becoming his own. "And you're ever-so-obliging."
He could hear the hurt in Zechs' voice. "She's all I have left, Duo. I guess there's a part of me that thought I could . . ."
"Save her?" Duo hazarded. "I still don't blame you, Zechs, but you had better put of being killed so you can help me. I don't intend to stay here."
Heero burst into laughter. "You're feisty. If you were Telmaran, you would be a wildcat. Probably leopard, for they're relatively docile until riled."
Duo bit back his grin and stroked Heero's soft ears.
"I'll do everything I can," Zechs promised at once.
"Thank you," Duo said, and he meant it. "Oh, and Zechs, I'm sure you can find someone else to live for besides her. Relena doesn't deserve your devotion."
Moments later Zechs was in his personal space again, capturing his hand and raising it once more to his lips. "Yes, I'm sure I could."
"I can hear someone coming," Heero announced, tone suggesting laziness.
"For now," Duo said, gracefully pulling away, "I can hear someone coming."
"You have very good hearing," Zechs commented.
"I had to make up for not being able to see," Duo explained.
That was true. There was no reason to explain it was actually Heero who'd heard them first. He wondered what would happen now. He didn't think Relena wanted to hurt him, but he was also quite sure she was not above it to win his father's cooperation. And his father would do whatever she wanted to ensure his son's safety.
Like Zechs with Relena, Duo was all he had left.