Title: The Little Cinder Boy
Author: Angst Faerie
Rating: T
Disclaimers: I don't own Gundam Wing or Cinderella written by the Grimm brothers.
Notes: A long time ago when I started this story I promised to do a side story dedicated to Heero and Duo so you can see them come together since it's missed in the main story. I however never finished it due to time constraints and struggling to finish the main story line.
I just finished revising the entire story, tired of getting reviews about the grammar and typos and knowing I needed to stop being lazy and correct it. After finishing it I decided to final complete this side story, for all of you 1x2 fans enjoy. It is a long one so it will be completed in two parts.
Side Story: The Knight and the Servant Boy (Part 1)
Duo had always been told he was pushy and always had to get what he wanted. This didn't bother him much because he knew it was true. It wasn't that Duo was selfish, he just believed what he wanted was right and the way it should be.
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He didn't know how he came to be this way and wasn't even sure if it had anything to do with the way he was brought up. You see Duo didn't really have a family, he never did he couldn't remember his mother or his father. He just remembered the church and always being hungry. Duo was taken in by the Maxwell Church in the city of Durham. The city was ruled by a tyrant Duke by the name of Dekim, there were no middle class just the nobles and the citizens living in extreme poverty. Crime ran rampant as many turned to crime to just to survive.
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According to Father Maxwell the priest of the church Duo's parents fell victim to such a violent crime and that was why he was alone in the world. Duo didn't feel any resentment for the murders but came to loathe the ruler of the land, Duke Dekim. If he hadn't let the land become this way then people wouldn't need to kill to survive and now it seemed the poor class was constantly at war with one another and the Royal army.
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Duo remembered around the time he was eight hearing from Sister Maxwell the head Nun of the church a horrible story about the Royal army. "Listen my son," she said. "If you ever find yourself in trouble do not trust these men. There are stories about them snatching up any child of beauty, boy or girl. These children are never heard from again. I don't want you to be taken away as well."
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Duo the cocky child he was just laughed it off. "Don't worry Sister they won't snatch me I am much too fast. Now can you braid my hair so I can go play."
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A few years later Duo began to notice the disappearances, a few of the orphans that stayed with them over time began to vanish. Solo another orphan at the Maxwell Church, and self-proclaimed leader of the orphans, felt anger because of this. "They send us here with almost no food, bedding, or clothing to support us and then snatch us up in the middle of the night. They needed to know we are not afraid and will not allow this to continue. If they want hell then we shall give them hell." Duo and the other orphans cheered him on as they made plans to raise havoc on the town.
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Much to the dismay of Father and Sister Maxwell the boys showed no fear, if they were hungry they took the food they needed and if they were cold they stole more clothing. They tormented the guards with crude weapons, rocks from the streets and small knives they were able to get their hands on. They were brave and felt like nothing could bring them down and this continued for years. They were, however, just children. A handful of very stupid children.
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Duo was almost thirteen years old when the incident occurred, he was out by himself stealing some sweets something he hadn't had in a while. He had been seen by one of the guards and attempted to lose him in the crowds, thinking he had lost the man Duo made his way back to the Maxwell Church. He wasn't aware that the Durham soldier hadn't lost sight of Duo and watched him enter the church.
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It was a nice spring day when five Durham soldiers entered the Maxwell Church. They requested to speak with Father Maxwell. Duo remembered hearing yelling so he went to see what was happening only to be stopped by the Sister. She told Duo to remain quiet and he watched through the adjourn door as the Father argued with the soldiers.
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"For the last time the one you are looking for isn't here and if he was I wouldn't give him to you. This is a house of God and a sanctuary for all of those that need it. You can't drag a person out of here that has claimed sanctuary unless you wish to face the wrath of God." The Father yelled.
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"Listen old man church or not you are harboring criminals. I am sure the Duke would overlook this if you just give us the boy. The boy is pretty enough and I am sure the Duke would just love that braid of his. Maybe he would be so grateful that not only would he overlook the sins of your filthy orphans that he might give you a tax break." The soldier wearing a captain's uniform added.
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Father scuffed at the idea. "No amount of a tax break is worth the life of any child. Even with the Duke's gratitude it would never be enough. Too much money spent on his taxes and so little left for food. Now I would ask that if you are not here to confess your sins then you need to be on your way. The boy is not here and I will not take part in his capture."
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The Captain just shook his head. "You will regret his old man." He said as he singled for his men to leave. Duo watched them go out the door as Sister bent down to whisper in Duo's ear. "I think you should stay inside today." Duo nodded in agreement. "I also think it would be best to cut your hair." Duo shook his head no.
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"My braid is my only possession I have left Sister. Don't take that away from me too." She didn't ask again after that.
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However as the weeks passed the soldiers threats were forgotten and Duo was out once again terrorizing the streets. One night it was just him and Solo, they had raided the baker's store that had closed for the night and now with their bags stuffed full with the delicious breads they made their way back to the church. As they approached they noticed the thick black smoke in the air and Duo knew something was wrong.
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When they came into the view of the church the scene horrified Duo. The entire church was up in flames, the fire was wild and out of control. Just outside the burning doors on the ground lying motionless was a body. A huge pillar laid on top of the body crushing it, Duo couldn't stop himself, and he made a run for the body hoping that it was a survivor. As he kneeled he recognized the body belonging to Sister Maxwell and her eyes were focused on his.
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"Duo," she spoke weakly. "The Durham soldiers came and attacked the church in the name of the Duke. They were looking for you, Duo you need to leave Durham. You are not safe here head for Lynette." The sister broke into a coughing fit.
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Solo was now by Duo's side as well. "Hold on Sister we will help you." Solo said sadly as he tried to move the pillar of wood.
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"No Solo it is too late for me I will join the others soon. You need to run, get away before they come back. Promise me you will look after each other." She was struggling to breathe now.
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"We will Sister," Solo said in between his sobs. "We promise." Duo added and brushed the hair off her cheek. Duo and Solo remained with her as she passed into the next life. Knowing there was nothing more to wait for and nowhere else to go they grabbed their bags and prepared for the long walk to Lynette.
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The bread lasted them for a while but they were homeless in the streets of Lynette and the two knew they needed to make money if the wanted to eat and have shelter before the cold winter set in. Unlike Durham, crime in Lynette was rare and those that committed the act were quickly caught and punished. There was no way they could steal to survive in this town without spending a few nights in the prison.
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Eventually Solo met Kristopher the village tailor, he was getting older and was looking for a young lad to be his apprentice and one day take over his shop. Solo wanted so badly to accept the job but Kristopher only needed one apprentice and didn't know what to do with Duo. The gentle hearted Kristopher agreed to help find someone that could take Duo in and let him stay with Solo in the tailor shop in the meantime.
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One day Kristopher called Duo into the front of the store to meet someone, there stood an older lady with a friendly smile. She introduced herself as Colette the head servant in the Winner Manor. She had come to the shop to pick up dresses for the Ladies of the Manor when Kristopher had mentioned Duo. Just weeks ago Iria, one of Colette's better servants, had wed and left the Winner Manor to become a mother. The household was down a servant and she was looking for a replacement. Duo gladly accepted the job and packed his things to head with Colette to the Winner Manor.
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The mansion had impressed Duo and he soon met the Baroness Une and her two daughters, Dorothy and Relena. They weren't that thrilled to meet him but Duo didn't mind, he was just happy he had a new home to help fill the gap in his heart he had after losing the church. After meeting his bosses Duo was taken to the servant's quarters and shown his room. Duo was shocked he never had a whole room for himself, at the church all the orphans slept on the floor in one main room. At the tailor shop he was rooming with Solo and slept on the floor as well.
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He giggled as he ran around and touched all the furniture and laid on the bed, he really liked having a bed. Colette just watched him with a smile as Duo became familiar with his room. He noticed the window and wondered what his new view would be like. As Duo stared out the window he caught site of a beautiful blond boy outside the main house feeding the chickens. Colette noticed what had caught his attention and spoke.
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"That is the young Lord Winner, he goes by Quatre, I believe you two are the same age." Duo frowned.
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"Why is he dressed like that if he is the Lord of the Manor?" he asked. Unlike Une and her daughters who wore clothes of the nobles Quatre was wearing clothing that looked worse than some of the servants here.
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"Actually Duo that brings up something I need to tell you about the Winner family. If you would sit it is going to be a long story." Duo sat and listened to poor Quatre's story and Colette warned him that if he wanted to stay here at the manor he must never question Une's treatment of her step-son. Duo was never one for rules and against Colette's wishes he approached Quatre.
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Being his usual pushy self, Duo found Quatre every day to help with him with his chores or just talk. Duo knew he wanted Quatre to be his friend and he wasn't going to take no for an answer. Quatre was very kind and never turned Duo away and seemed to appreciate his company. The two became fast friends, Duo found himself pushing Quatre out of his comfort zone to live and have fun. Something his new blond friend hadn't done for years.
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Duo also learned how cruel Dorothy and Une could be and watched as Quatre received punishments over the dumbest things. Duo himself wound up on the wrong end of the whip due to his antics but he never planned to leave the Manor, he found that he could never abandon Quatre here. He took care of Quatre like Solo had taken care of him years ago. Sometimes the smile on Quatre's face made the punishment seem worth it.
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Two years later Duo had turned Quatre's life around even Colette praised Duo for making Quatre so happy again. When word came out about the Prince's Birthday and the whole town celebrating, Duo knew he had to make sure his shy friend would attend. A night of fun in the village square would be great for Quatre and his step-family would be away at the Ball, it would be perfect.
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These plans would soon change when Duo met Sir Yuy in the village square that fateful day. After saving a poor woman from being punished by none other than Duke Dekim, Duo was waiting to be taken by the guards when he heard him. Yuy, a soldier from Lynette, was stopping the others from taking him away. It was the first time in his life that a knight had actually protected him, he never thought one would care enough about street trash such as himself. Yet this knight dressed in his chainmail shirt with his trusty sword at his side was preventing the Duke and the other guards from causing Duo any harm.
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Duo was mesmerized by this mysterious boy, he couldn't be much older than Duo but he was obviously of higher rank then the foot soldiers that Dekim had sent after Duo. The boy was so good looking Duo couldn't take his eyes off of him. His cobalt blue eyes kept their hardened glare on Dekim and well-muscled arm rested on the hilt of his sword. Duo wished he could actually see this knight use the steel weapon. He hoped he wasn't drooling.
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Unfortunately while Duo was too distracted staring he had missed his chance to thank the good knight. The knight was leaving, following Dekim through the village to keep an eye on the man. Even Une's anger of the situation couldn't knock Duo off of his cloud.
Une had punished Duo and Quatre for causing the scene by demanding they not leave their sleeping chambers for the rest of the day. Not that Duo minded too much, he loved his room it was his. As he laid on the bed relaxing and daydreaming about the delicious Sir Yuy he realized he needed to see him again, he had to thank him and get his first name. If he didn't this would haunt him for years.
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Duo had no clue how to do this though, from the armor the knight was wearing he appeared to be part of the inner guard of the castle. It would be just chance to run into him in the village square again. Also Duo had work here to do he couldn't spend all day in town hoping to catch a glance of the knight, he needed to get into the castle. But how? Duo stirred some when he heard harsh whispers outside of his door.
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"The Baroness has truly lost her mind this time, there is no way Lady Relena is going to fit in this gown if I only let it out one size. I doubt a corset could help when it's obviously a four size difference." One of the servant girls said in the hall.
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"Yes we will have our work cut out for us but that Ball is very important, the Prince is looking for a bride and all the ladies of noble class are invited. Of course she would want to present Relena in a more pleasing size, now come on we have work to do." The other girl said as they continued down the hall.
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That was when it hit Duo, he would be able to enter the castle if he just went to that Ball. He would dress up as a girl attending and there would be no questions asked. Once inside he would hunt his knight down. As Duo thought of his brilliant plan he knew he was going to drag Quatre along. Duo wanted his friend there to help and he could use some fun. Jumping out of bed he headed out of the servant's quarters intending to go tell Quatre. Not caring he wasn't supposed to go outside by Une's orders he heading off for the kitchen of the main house.
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It took some convincing but he got Quatre to agree, now Duo had to get the costumes because the Ball was a masquerade. He headed for the tailor's that Solo worked at, as he entered the shop Duo was greeted by Winnie the daughter of the tailor and just recently Solo's wife. Seeing Duo she immediately went in the back to get her husband.
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Coming out Solo smiled at his longtime friend. "Duo do you know what time it is, our shop is closing." Duo just shrugged.
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"Come on man, you know you wouldn't turn me away. Look I need a favor and you owe me for taking the fall years ago when you spilt that ink all over that expensive fabric. You wouldn't still be here if it wasn't for me." Solo sighed as he remembered his promise.
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"Alright what do you need." Duo grinned. "I need two costumes for the Masquerade tomorrow one for me and the other for Quatre."
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Solo gave him an odd look but didn't question Duo, sometimes it was better not knowing what Duo was plotting. "I wish I could help you but most of our costumes are taken, the Ball is a big event and we were bought out. I am sure we can try to finish two gowns for you if I pull an all-nighter, but I can't guarantee we can finish both." Duo frowned.
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"Do what you can and tomorrow I will see what I can do to help." Duo turned to leave giving Solo one last thanks. The next morning Duo woke early and prepared to head back to the tailor's, he was surprised when he found Solo outside the servant quarters waiting for him.
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"Good morning Duo I came to tell you that we managed to complete most of one of the gowns you asked for but we didn't have enough white fabric to complete the second. I am sorry Duo." Duo cursed under his breath, now what he was going to do. A voice from behind gave Duo some hope.
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"Why do you need a white gown Duo?" Colette asked just about to leave of her morning chores. Duo knew he had to tell her it wasn't like she would try and stop them. He told her his plans to go to the masquerade and that he was trying to get a costume for Quatre to come with.
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"If that is the case I might be able to help, I have a very special white gown that I can give to Quatre you just worry about finishing the rest." Colette offered.
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"You saved me Colette I will go with Solo and help get the accessories finished and I will be back later. Don't let Quatre hide from me while I am away." Duo smiled before leaving with Solo to work his butt off in the tailor shop.
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Hours later Duo was back at the Winner Manor dressed in his costume and Quatre in his, wearing his mother's old wedding gown. He looked beautiful Duo thought as they boarded Solo's carriage and made their way to the castle. Tonight Duo Maxwell was going to find his knight no matter what. He would turn that castle upside down if he had to because Duo always got what Duo wanted.
o.o.o.o.o
Part two of this story is coming shortly. R&R
-Angst Faerie