Title: The Little Cinder Boy
Author: Angst Faerie
Rating: T
Disclaimers: I don't own Gundam Wing our Cinderella written by the Grimm brothers.
Notes: Well here it is the second part of Chapter 7. Warnings: Attempted rape and violence.
A catch up on past events:
After Une sold Quatre to Dekim, Quatre comes face to face with the fact that Dekim's intentions with him are nothing but impure and he was on the waiting end of the Duke's lust. Panicking Quatre gets away with the help of Catherine who agrees to help him get out.
Meanwhile Trowa hears from Relena what happened to Quatre and rushes off to his uncle's land to save him. Trowa goes on alone after having Heero take Relena back to the palacde to save her from her mother's possible wrath.
Chapter 7, Part 2: Last Chance for Survival
Trowa was more than worried, it was almost a day's travel to reach Durham and his uncle would have already been there for about a whole day with Quatre. He could already be too late. It would have been foolish in anyone else's eyes but if there was a chance Trowa could see him just one last time he was willing to take it. He noticed his surroundings begin to change and was relieved to be finally entering Durham. The village was off in the distance and Trowa only had an hour left before he would reach it. It would be night time by then. "Hang on Quatre, I'm almost there."
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Quatre had waited for nightfall before he attempted his escape. Cathy told him the security would be tighter but the nights shadows might save him. The guards had only searched her room once more after the first, this time actually walking in and looking around. Quatre once again concealed himself in the wardrobe with his knife drawn just in case but they seemed content with only checking under the bed before leaving Cathy alone again.
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A while ago she had left to prepare for the nights fest and came back with two rolls for Quatre to eat before he set off. He would go while they ate and Catherine was to keep watch. She strolled the hall outside her room a bit before letting him go. "This way." She said as she moved a tapestry hiding the servant's door. "Don't get lost; I'll look for you at the halfway point."
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Quatre walked in and heard the door shut behind him. It was dark but he put his hand on the wall and began to move quickly. Catherine had the privilege to wonder freely and often did, so it was doubted she would be questioned it was only Quatre who couldn't be seen.
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The servant corridor was confusing with many doors that connected to every room in the house. It was deserted while everyone was at the fest but he had to be careful not to run into anyone. Every noise he heard had him freeze on the spot but he tried to ignore it and go quickly.
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It was only when he heard someone enter from behind him, did he panic and took off in a sprint. Quatre had spent the remainder of the day prior to his escape trying to memorize Cathy's map and as he ran he chanted the directions in his head. In his hurry though he must have missed some doors he was counting because the floor dropped out from underneath him sooner than it should of. Oh no the stairs. Was his last thought, before he began to tumble forward headfirst.
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Trying to save himself from serious damage he outstretched his arm and as his weight crashed down on it he felt a snap and then shortly after a pain shot up to his shoulder. Lying on his newly broken arm he was aware of yelling behind him. They must have heard his crash and were aware of his presence. Along with the pain in his arm his back burned as well, the fall pulled the sores on his back open again and he felt the blood run. Quatre had to move, he would get caught if he stayed but the pain had him struggle and it took quite an effort before he managed to stand up.
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Arms wrapped around him from behind and squeezed, crying out in pain from the pressure on his arm Quatre was aware of one thing; he had been too slow and was now caught. Falling to his knees he felt the person bend down with him. "Are you alright?" a young man's voice said in his ear. He didn't recognize the voice but apparently they didn't recognize him as well. Quatre could have cried in relief.
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The man slowly let go of him and grabbed the lantern he had set down and brought it to Quatre's face. Quatre watched as the man's expression of concern change to disbelief. He looked down at Quatre's clothes and it was obvious he was noting how nice they were compared to the rags he was wearing. Quatre wasn't a servant but was dressed up like one of the Duke's whores.
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His blonde hair and baby face too brought back memories of the description of the missing prisoner. "You!" was all he said once again grabbing a hold of Quatre even tighter than before. "As pretty as they say, it has to be. When I take you to the Duke he'll make me rich enough to get out of this hell hole. Come on move you little shit." He yelled yanking on Quatre trying to get him to move.
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Quatre wasn't aware of his surroundings other than the feeling of his knife's handle against the hand of his good arm. He wouldn't let that man have him and would fight to keep that true. The man's chest was on his back and he didn't seem to notice the knife being pulled. Quatre suddenly turned to face the man and looked past him as he brought his hand up and felt the knife sink into soft skin. He smelt and felt the warm blood seep onto him. The man let go and made a startled noise.
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"You stabbed me, you freakin' stabbed me. Murderer!" He began to yell and Quatre pulled the knife and stabbed it into the man one more time. He had to stop him from alerting others and preventing his escape. This time the blade struck something hard and he struggled with the slippery handle to pull the blade out again.
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Succeeding the man collapsed, he was making odd gasping sounds but was breathing and alive at the moment. Quatre continued to move, he was shaking badly but he had to make it to the rendezvous point where Catherine was waiting, that was only the halfway point though and Quatre had already been seen once and he was beginning to doubt his odds.
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Heero quietly shut the door leaving Relena to get herself settled. The girl wasn't too bright but she did have a kind heart and really did care about Quatre. She thankfully left Heero alone during the trip back to the castle but she was oddly quiet. Still he put her in a room far from his own.
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Trowa was no doubt in route to Durham and Heero knew he had to catch up. Obviously something seriously bad was going on and the Duke disturbed Heero, he didn't want anything to happen to Trowa and there was no logic as too why Dekim took Quatre. Heero prepared himself for the long trip and made his way back to the stable, he'd have to take Rashid's horse since his was strained from the trip to and from the Winner residence.
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Entering the stable he was stunned when a bucket flew past his head and crashed into the wall. Standing a few feet away was a very pissed off Duo. "Did you forget me?" he snarled.
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Heero stood completely still unsure what to do, knowing his life could be at stake. "Duo calm down. Now is not the time." He tried to reason but Duo was quickly walking over to him his anger still radiating. "Oh really now, is it?" he grabbed Heero's shirt and slumped down a bit.
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"Did you find him then?" Duo asked as the worry began to sweep back into him. "Please tell me he is alright."
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Heero wrapped one arm around Duo and rubbed smoothing circles on his back. "I wish I could but I really don't know what's going on. Duke Dekim has him and Trowa is on the way to rescue him. I'm afraid they might both be in serious danger." He gently tugged on Duo's braid pulling his face back so Heero could look him in the eyes. "I have to go help them so you might want to saddle up a horse as well. I know you won't let me leave without you so let's just skip the argument and hurry."
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Duo grinned and hugged Heero before doing what he suggested. He was going to help Quatre even if it cost him his life.
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Quatre approached the door that was supposed to lead to the courtyard. On the map Cathy stated that there was a hidden door the lead straight through to the village. It was an emergency exit in case the castle was under siege.
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Calming himself down a bit Quatre pushed the door open and headed out into the darkness he clutched his arm close to himself as the cold wind seemed to hurt it even more and began to creep along the wall. He stopped when he heard footsteps approaching him, there were a lot and he knew they were coming for him. He started to run but stopped short when he saw the torchlight approaching from the front as well.
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It was over he lost, he leaned back on the wall as the realization hit him hard. He held his tears in as he heard someone yell that they found him. The blade slipped from his hand it was suicide to try and fight his way out of this. He had been so close he could almost taste it.
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Dekim stepped into view holding a struggling Catherine by the arm. He grinned at Quatre as Catherine screamed that she was sorry.
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"Well my pretty you didn't get very far. Guards subdue him and someone take this bitch to the dungeon. I will deal with her treachery later." Dekim ordered as Quatre watched the men on his side approach him, his fear began to overcome him he felt light and let the darkness overcome him.
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Waking up Quatre felt sore he winced as he attempted to move his broken arm. It felt weird and he realized it was wrapped in a sling. Looking around he noted that he was in the dining hall he had been sleeping on the chair and there were guards standing around the room.
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Not far off he saw Dekim eating as he watched Quatre. "Good morning bird. You slept quite well, you must have been exhausted. It's already morning. I do have good news though; Trowa was spotted on the edge of my country. He came for you and you should feel honored. I might even let you see his timely death by my hands." Dekim laughed before continuing to eat. Quatre felt his heart sink in his chest.
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Reaching the castle Trowa was unsure he might have to sneak in and if tired the front door Dekim would be alerted of his presence. He didn't have time for this though he had to get in and fast. He went to the gate planning on attacking all in his way but was shocked to see it deserted.
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Not deserted, an ambush, they knew he was here and were hiding. Most likely Dekim was watching like the coward he was. Trowa shook off his bad thoughts he had no choice but to go for it. He was walking into a trap but it was the only way for him to save Quatre.
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Dismounting he took off at a dead run to the doors and inside he went. Still there were no guards so far but there was a servant in the hall. Seeing him the servent pointed to a room, she wore a sad look on her face and as Trowa passed he heard her say, 'such a shame, he was such a good looking lad.'
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Entering he wasn't surprised to find Dekim wasn't there but as the door slammed shut he was quite aware he was surrounded by his entire army. This wasn't good but he drew his sword anyway. "Where's he at? Where is Dekim and where is Quatre?"
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He took his fighting stance as the men approached; he took a leap for the man nearest to him and felt the sword slide easily into the man's gut. He went down as Trowa swung behind and clashed with another's sword, Trowa pushed him back. Turning around again Trowa was struck in the side, winding him but not taking him out of the fight.
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Trowa turned on the man that wounded him and brought his sword down hard on the man's shoulders. He didn't think he could last much longer; they were only playing with him waiting one by one to get a shot. He could hear a few laughing as his breathing intensified. Suddenly a blow to the back of his head and he hit the ground hard.
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The name "Quatre!" rolled off of his tongue as he felt himself lose everything. Dekim stepped in to see his young blood relative on the ground. "Bring him into the other room so I can greet him properly." Dekim suggested.
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Quatre waited as Dekim entered the room and grabbed him. "Where are you taking me?" he asked but Dekim ignored him and dragged him into the ball room. That's when Quatre noticed Trowa's sleeping form. He was slumped on the ground with guards standing round him waiting for him to wake up.
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"Trowa!" Quatre gasped and ran for his side. A guard on the left stopped him short of Trowa as Dekim ordered them to wake him up. Someone dumped a bucket of cold water on him and Trowa gasped jumping up.
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His shaky eyes looked around the room before staring at Dekim for a minute, and then focusing on Quatre. Trowa recognized the fear in the blond's eyes and felt guilty, he felt responsible for it all.
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"Welcome Trowa I wanted to let you see your angel one last time before I had them kill you." Dekim called out getting everyone's attention.
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"You bastard, leave him out of this." Trowa growled out as he attempted to get up but was held down.
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"I wish I could but he is now my property." Dekim said as he made for Quatre and grabbed his good arm. "In fact I will be enjoying breaking my property's spirit while you lay in here dying, knowing you could do nothing to save him." Dekim pulled Quatre away as he ordered them to kill Trowa.
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"No Trowa!" Quatre screamed as he was dragged out he gave Trowa one desperate look and notice Trowa mouth the three words he needed so desperately to hear. 'I love you!' Quatre felt his tears run as Dekim continued to drag him away from Trowa.
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Trowa was at a loss he was weaponless and outnumbered again. It really was over he had lost, Quatre was about to be hurt and he couldn't stop it. He lowered his head as he noticed the man on his right lift his arm, sword in hand, about to bring it down on poor Trowa's head.
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Suddenly another sword was struck through the man's stomach after being stabbed through the back. The man fell and Trowa was now looking into Heero's angry eyes. There was yelling all around as Heero's lover Duo began his attack with Rashid and a few of his good men at his side. Heero handed Trowa the dead man's sword with a determined look on his face.
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"Go for him, we will handle this here. Now go." Heero yelled as he stopped the man coming for him and Trowa. Trusting his friend Trowa followed out the door Dekim and Quatre went through moments before.
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Quatre bounced slightly as he was thrown on the bed. He heard the door lock and before he could even get away Dekim was on him. He grabbed the blond's head and forced his mouth on him again. His weight shifted as he pinned the small boy on the bed. Quatre fought for all he was worth but only pushing at Dekim with his good arm he was discouraged when the older man wasn't affected at all.
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"Too bad, Trowa should be dead by now. You belong to me little bird." He laughed as his mouth moved to Quatre's neck and his hands started tearing at Quatre's shirt. There was a bang at the door as Dekim jumped up and went for his rapier.
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There was another bang as the door was kicked again followed by another and a crash. The door broke in half as an angry Trowa stood on the other side. One look at Quatre's ripped clothes was all it took before Trowa charged. His sword clashed with Dekim's rapier as the two began their duel.
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Quatre watched in horror as Dekim and Trowa fought, it was almost an even match. "Trowa." He said in awe for the first time in his life someone was going through so much just to rescue him. His eyes stung with tears.
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"Give it up kid your no match." Dekim yelled as Trowa was pushed back again. He hit the table and knocked it over spilling everything and hearing some of the glass objects break. Dekim then grabbed for the nearby wine glass and threw the liquid and Trowa's face temporarily blinding him.
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Trowa staggered as Dekim's blade went through his shoulder. Trowa called out but Dekim's hand made its way around his neck. Attempting to catch his breath Trowa realized he couldn't as Dekim squeezed cutting off all of his air. His head began to spin as he felt his head go light and body numb.
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Quatre watched as his mind raced, Trowa would die if he didn't help him. He struggled to get off the bed and charged Dekim who easily shook him off, not releasing his grip on Trowa. Quatre winced as his foot got cut on the glass on the floor. Looking down he saw a decorative plate that was broken into three pieces, one of the pieces was a jagged triangle piece. He grabbed it and went for Dekim again.
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"Let him go!" he yelled as the glass was stabbed in Dekim's back. Dekim let go then in a yelp of pain, he swiveled and slapped Quatre across the face. Quatre fell backwards and looked up to see Dekim's angry eyes on him as he went for the blonde. Trowa was catching his breath but seeing the crazed man go for his love he panicked and grabbed the sword again.
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"No you don't." Trowa cried as his sword stuck true and plunged deep into the man's back and came out the front of his chest. Dekim staggered a bit in shock before his eyes rolled back in his head and he fell forward dead.
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Quatre staggered away from the body before he found himself being lifted up. "Thank God." Trowa cried as he pulled him into a tight hug. "I thought I lost you forever." Quatre hugged him back.
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"You couldn't get rid of me that easily Barton." He teased trying to stop his tears. Quatre could hear people coming celebrating their victory.
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"I hear Rashid. That means we won, I can take you home now." Trowa pulled back.
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"I love you Quatre Winner and I won't let you go again. When we get back, marry me." Quatre just nodded. "I will Trowa forever and always." Trowa then pulled the blond forward for a searing kiss.
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Heero stepped in the doorway and clamped a hand on his boyfriend's loud mouth so he couldn't ruin the mood. He dragged him back out giving the reunited lovers some time. Trowa would have a lot to do and explain later on, for now Heero would let him off the hook.
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This isn't the end we still have the Epilogue so you all will know what happens to everyone.
-Angst Faerie.