Chapter Two

Crimson Tears

Zechs looked at his new outfit critically in the full-length mirror in what was now his bedroom. Wufei had led him into the elaborate room before rushing off to make sure the others settled easily in their own rooms. That had been nearly one week ago. Since then they'd hardly seen Wufei, although he could be heard arguing with someone they had yet to meet. Finally deciding the outfit was as good as he was going to get he opened the door and started towards the library he had been meaning to explore since he had first seen it. The books all seemed so old and many were written in a language he didn't understand. He was determined to ask Wufei what they were about though, and maybe translate them if he could, or if he had the time.

As Zechs neared the library door he once again heard voices raised in anger. He looked at the door inquisitively. Surely it couldn't hurt to listen, just for a moment or two. Decision made he pressed his ear against the door until the sounds were clear.

"I don't care! They are here under my protection and I refuse to let you tell them! They are too fragile to handle it right now!"

"Wufei they are old enough to handle who they are! They must know!"

"NO! They cannot know until it has been discussed with the Mystics and the Council! Liandren you should know better!" A laugh echoed slightly.

"Why? Because I am the brother of a Mystic? You have no control over what I do Wufei!"

"I do not claim control over you! I merely wish you to leave them alone! You have no business with them!"

"Oh but I do! They are the only things that stand between me and control over this world! And I intend to control this world Wufei! There is nothing you and your Mystic friends can do about that! I'll take my leave of you now. And remember, they will find out, and I will be there to laugh when this all comes crashing around your helpless corpse."

"That really happened? Man, wonder who the guy was."

"Wonder who what guy was Duo?" Everyone turned as Wufei walked into the room and sat down on what they thought of as his chair. Zechs looked into the dark abyss that was Wufei's eyes.

"We were just wondering who was in the library with you today." The only sound they heard was the shattering of glass as Wufei's drink hit the floor and smashed, spilling it's contents over the wooden floor like blood. Wufei stared at him in disbelief before his eyes narrowed and glowed violet.

"You were listening?! I can't believe you'd sink so low! What happened is none of your business!" Zechs stared straight at him.

"It sure sounded like it was our business! What are you hiding from us Wufei? We have the right to know!"

"SHUT UP! IT IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN!"

"Are you angry because you don't know the answer? That's it isn't it? You don't know. They don't trust you!"

"BE QUIET MILLIARDO! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING SO DO NOT PRETEND YOU DO!" With that Wufei stood and walked out of the room. Duo whistled.

"Man Zechs. You really pissed him off. Why'd you argue like that?"

"It just frustrates me that we've been here a week and know nothing. I want to know what's going on."

"Excuse me. Where is Wufei?" Everyone turned to see a beautiful man stood in the doorway. His long silver hair flowed over his shoulders to the small of his back, and his eyes glowed amber. Duo grinned.

"He stormed off that way. Just follow the smashed things and shouted curses until you get to him." The man nodded and walked gracefully in the direction Duo pointed.

It was two hours later when Wufei entered the room; his eyes cast down and a sullen look on his face. He walked over to Zechs and kneeled in front of him. Zechs looked down inquisitively.

"I apologise for angering you earlier today. It was not my place to argue with your opinion. Please accept my humblest apologies." Zechs stared at him in disbelief and then nodded.

"Um, alright. I guess I accept." Wufei stood and brushed off his knees, before turning to the man from earlier.

"We have more talking to do Tobias. The others should be here shortly. Maybe then we can sort out this mess with Liandren." Duo reached out and tugged lightly on Wufei's shirt. Wufei turned to him, annoyance written on his features.

"What Maxwell?" Duo winced at the sound of his last name.

"I was wondering, who is this Liandren? He's who you were arguing with earlier right?" Wufei sighed and raised a hand to his forehead and closing his eyes briefly.

"Liandren is my brother. We don't exactly share the same views on certain things. On many things really. He was jealous that I was chosen as a Mystic and threw all his energy into sorcery; he became a necromancer last year, when he started using bodies and blood in his magic. He grew up hateful and an expert in causing misery. And as I'm sure you all know he wants to rule the world." Tobias laid his hand on Wufei's shoulder and wiped a finger across his cheek. It came back stained crimson. Tobias stared at it before putting a hand to his own face and it came back stained. Wufei shook his head.

"No. This can't be happening. It can't be Raven." Tobias nodded.

"I'm afraid it is happening. Raven has been killed. It was-" Wufei growled.

"A Necromancer. A Necromancer dares to challenge the powers of the Mystics. Surely a fool." Tobias nodded again.

"Wufei! Take the charges to the tower. We must set up wards there. I sense the other Mystics approaching with haste; the enemy is on their heels. Lock them in the tower and prepare for battle. This will be a lot harder without Raven. We have lost the power of Wind." Wufei nodded and pulled Quatre to his feet.

"Follow me! The tower is at the top of the west wing. We must hurry." He set off, his steps hurried, pulling Quatre with him, as he was rather shocked and hardly seemed able to move. The others glanced at the man named Tobias before running after Wufei and Quatre.

"This is the room you have to stay in. It will be locked but I know that you can all easily pick it in seconds. I'm asking you not to though. You will hear some noises similar to the war, screams and such. The only way you leave is if someone manages to get in. Then you have to get out and run. Keep running north until you reach a village. There ask to see the Gypsy Adara, tell her I sent you. She'll keep you safe until me or one of the other Mystics can get you. Do you understand that?" Everyone nodded and Wufei took a dagger out of his belt, handing it to Trowa.

"I know you can use this better than the others. Use it if you have to, and show it to Adara. It'll prove I sent you." Wufei turned and walked swiftly out of the door, closing and locking it behind him. Duo leaned against Zechs and buried his face in his neck.

"I don't like staying put while he's out there risking his life." Zechs nodded.

"Me either Duo, but we have to trust him."