Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I just borrow the guys from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I do own the plot and any other characters, especially the equines, that you will find in this fic. Please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.

Pairing: 2x1x2, 3x4, 13x6, H+C

Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, sap, angst, vet themes, AU

Rating: NC 17

Betaed by Karina *snugs*

Summary: Set 2 years after Equus and Heero is doing so well in his own business that he's taken June on as a working pupil. The qualifying shows for the International teams are well underway and it looks like it will be a good year for Heero, his pupils and horses... until Mother Nature steps in.

AN: This fic, although a complete work of fiction is based partially on fact. I will add notes at the end of chapters where necessary to clarify events and provide links where needed.

Dedication: To Leslie and Karina. Leslie for giving me the original idea for Equinity and encouraging and supporting me through the writing of all the fics thus far in the arc. And Karina for not just taking over as my much needed beta, (poor woman needs a medal!), but for also poking and prodding Fred until he went on strike, refusing to work on anything at all until I let him start this. Needless to say, we managed to come to a compromise... Fred gets to write a chapter of this one week... the next week he has to write a chapter of 'Bound'... Did I ever tell you all I hate my muse? :-)

Fic 5 in the Equine Intervention Arc.

Commenced December 2013 – ShenLong

"Rival Riders"

Chapter 22

While Sam and Greg unsaddled the mare Duo went to the car to fetch the medical kit he carried with him whenever he went to shows with Heero. Returning to the stable, he spotted Heero there along with Zechs.

"Noin told us what had happened," Heero informed his partner. "Doesn't sound too good either."

"It's not, Heero. I'm pretty sure there is probably a torn muscle or two in there but without an ultra sound scan I can't be a hundred percent certain."

"Will she be okay?"

"She will need at least six months to rest and recover, but she should make a full recovery. I'd better start treating her as you're up next in the jumping and you'll need a hand to get Nataku ready."

"It's fine, Duo. You concentrate on treating Misty, I can get Nataku ready by myself."

"Thanks, Heero. I'll be with you just as soon as I've dealt with my patient." Duo gave his husband a warm smile before turning to where the mare waited in the comfort of her stable.

The pain killer was duly injected along with an intravenous anti inflammatory. Duo handed over several sachets of 'bute powder for Sam to put into the mare's feed. "That should help her a bit, at least until you can get to your own vet. Once they have seen her they will be able to apply a more specific course of treatment." Duo placed the used items into a sealed bag and dropped them into his medical bag to be disposed of later.

"Thanks, Doctor Maxwell. If you don't mind I'll give my vet a call now to let him know I will be coming to the surgery and get you to speak directly to him. You will be able to explain much better than me what you have done so far and what your suspicions are."

"I'll be happy to, Sam."

Sam made his call and luckily for him his vet was free to speak with him. After explaining briefly what had occurred, he handed the phone to Duo who spoke in depth with his colleague. Finishing his part of the call, Duo handed the phone back and went to lock his medical bag away. By the time he returned, Greg was ferrying all of Misty's gear to the car and float, preparing for their trip to Sam's vet.

"Do you have far to go, Sam?" Zechs asked while he waited for Duo to return.

"Fortunately I don't. It's about an eight hour drive from here to home and my vet has promised to meet me at the surgery which is roughly another half hour away from home. I'll call him when I'm about an hour away," Sam replied.

"I wish you all the best for her and please, let us know how you get on with her. I'm sure Noin has Duo's number."

"I will, Doctor Merquise and thank you for all your help."

"My pleasure, Sam."

# # #

Back in the arena the rest of the group had returned to their seats, anxiously awaiting Noin and Duo's return so they could learn more of what had happened with Sam and Misty. Wufei and Meiran had been brought up to date with the events surrounding Sam and his horse and understandably both were upset for the man.

Once the discussion of Sam and his horse was over the pair passed on the current scores from the teams that had jumped whilst everyone was outside.

"The Japanese rider made twelve faults, the New Zealand rider went clear and the French rider had eight faults. At least that's what the commentator said," Meiran informed.

"They're having a half hour break before resuming with the third riders," Wufei stated.

"That's good, it will give Heero enough time to warm up and for Noin to figure out what she's going to do," Treize said. Seeing the questioning gazes all locked on him, Treize elaborated. "Noin will have to speak with the stewards and inform them of the problem with Misty, I expect she will also need Doctor Maxwell to speak to the stewards as he's the attending vet in this case."

"It's all quite complicated, isn't it?" Meiran whispered to Wufei.

"I suppose it is when one doesn't completely understand all the rules and regulations," Wufei replied. "I'm sure that once Doctor Maxwell and Heero return they will enlighten us in more simple terms."

#

Duo accompanied Noin to the stewards' office to explain what had happened to Misty and give his professional diagnosis for the case. Once he'd finished he was free to leave and return to help Heero get ready. Noin remained in the stewards' office for a few minutes longer, asking Duo to let Heero know she would be along shortly to help him with his warm up.

Returning to the stables, Duo looked around for his husband. Nataku was saddled, the bridle sitting on the door to the stable. "Where's Heero, girl?" Duo asked and petted the mare.

Nataku wuffled and asked for a carrot.

"How did it go?"

Duo nearly jumped out of his skin. "Heero! Shit!" he said as he whirled around to find his husband behind him, jumping boots in hand.

"Sorry," Heero apologized. "I went to fetch the jumping boots."

"It's okay," Duo replied as he brought his heart rate back to normal. Taking a pair of the boots from Heero, he gave his partner a hand to put them on the mare's legs and explained what had happened in the stewards' room. "Noin said she will be back soon to work with you in the warm up."

"Thanks." Heero straightened up and picked up the bridle.

"Has Sam left?" Duo looked around but couldn't see any sign of the gray mare.

"Hai, he left shortly after you and Noin went to the stewards' office. He wanted to get Misty back home and looked after as quickly as possible."

"I can understand that." Duo turned at the sound of approaching footsteps. "Noin's here."

"I'd better get warmed up then." Heero led the mare from her stable. "I'll see you out in the warm up area?"

"Of course."

#

Nataku worked well, listening to her rider and remaining calm and responsive. Noin was quietly confident the pair would jump a good round. The responsiveness of his horse gave Heero even more confidence that they could do this and he patted the bay neck as he brought the mare back to a walk and headed for the collecting ring area.

Once in the collecting ring, Noin went to find out which country they were up to and roughly how long it would be before Heero would be jumping. Heero took the mare to the side and let her stand for a moment.

Duo appeared beside the pair and offered the mare a carrot. "How is she feeling, Heero?" he asked, petting the mare's neck.

"She's feeling really good. Light and responsive and eager to be jumping," Heero replied with a smile.

"You're going to do really well, I just know it," Duo said with a grin.

"We will certainly be giving it our best shot," Heero said with a smile.

Noin returned with the news that the South African rider was currently on course. He would be followed by the English rider and then Heero.

"Any idea what the scores are thus far?" Heero asked.

"I couldn't give you a running tally, but according to Meiran who is noting down the scores, of the riders to have gone so far the Italian had eight faults, the Swedish rider twelve and the German eight. The South African is still jumping."

"Thank you."

"Good luck, Heero. Remember what we said about the water jump, just keep your mind focused on the job and Nataku will do the rest. I'll see you after your round." Noin disappeared inside the arena.

No sooner had Noin disappeared than Meiran and Wufei arrived. "We wanted to wish you good luck," Wufei said as he stepped forward and petted his horse.

"Thank you," Heero replied with a smile.

"I'm sure you are both going to do us proud," Meiran said.

"We will certainly be giving it our best shot."

"One cannot ask for more than that." Wufei reached into his pocket and produced a carrot for his horse. Nataku lipped up the treat and crunched it eagerly. Once she was finished she pushed her muzzle against Wufei's chest, the Chinese man gently rubbing her ears and murmuring to the horse.

The South African rider came out of the arena and the English rider went in. The steward called for Heero to be ready.

"We better take our leave. Good luck, Heero." Meiran patted the mare's neck. "You be a good horse, Nataku."

"Yes, good luck, Heero. Do your best, Nataku and make us all proud of you." Wufei offered his hand to Heero who took it and shook it firmly. With one last pat to the mare, Wufei escorted his wife back inside to their seats.

"Be careful, Heero. No heroics, you hear me? I want you safe in my arms tonight," Duo murmured and squeezed his husband's calf.

"I'll do my best, Duo." Heero gave his lover a warm smile and leaned down on the pretense of checking his girth. "I love you, Duo."

"Love you too, Heero."

"Heero Yuy? You're in next," the steward called.

Heero sat up straight and collected his reins. "See you soon, Duo," he said and turned Nataku for the entry.

"Good luck, Heero," Duo replied and made his way towards the entry for the spectators.

#

The English rider came out to the sound of applause and the commentator informing the crowd that the rider had scored four penalties. Duo practically galloped up the stairs and flopped into his seat between Zechs and June.

"How is he?" Treize asked.

"Cool, calm and collected, or at least he appears to be," Duo replied and tucked his braid behind himself.

Treize smiled. While Heero might appear cool, calm and collected on the outside, Treize knew the man would be carrying a certain amount of nerves on the inside.

"Our next rider is Heero Yuy riding Mr. and Mrs. Wufei Chang's Nataku and representing Australia," the commentator announced. The crowd went wild, applauding and cheering as one of their own entered the arena.

Duo couldn't help the swelling of pride in his chest as he watched his husband enter the arena. That pride increased when his attention shifted to Nataku. The mare trotted with easy steps, her nose lowered, back rounded and the picture of a perfectly well behaved equine. When Duo thought back to their first encounter with the mare he couldn't help but admire how far she had come from the shaking, scared and abused animal she had been to what she was now. As far as Duo was concerned, Heero was a miracle worker.

Heero located the judge and saluted, turning the mare and shortening his reins he pushed Nataku into a canter and headed for the start. The spectators fell silent as the bell rang. Sitting deep, Heero collected his horse up and turned for the start flags, passing through and beginning his course.

Nataku's ears went forward when she spotted the jump ahead and she began to lengthen her stride. The mare popped over the upright easily and once she was back on the ground she followed her rider's aids and began a sweeping turn to the right. The oxer loomed ahead, a fairly wide jump but not a difficult one. Heero lowered his weight a touch and used his legs to drive Nataku's hocks underneath her body, the mare responding immediately.

"She's so different to when Heero first brought her home," June commented.

"That she is. Heero's done wonders with her," Duo murmured and pushed his hand away from his mouth where it had been sneaking.

Nataku cleared the oxer, landing neatly and following the guiding rein to make another right hand turn. She passed between parts B and C of the triple, shortening her stride again to make a slightly sharper right turn which would bring her in line for jump three: the gate.

"They're doing well so far," Treize muttered, eyes tracking his former pupil and the rescued horse.

Nataku flew over the gate, ears pricked and eyes shining. She loved to jump now, the man on her back was kind and considerate, never asking for more than she could give and for that Nataku would give her all. The memories of her previous master and the abuse she had suffered would never truly leave her mind, but this man and her master had only ever shown her love, kindness and respect – that was something Nataku would never forget.

"Now for the water," Heero muttered. "Listen to me girl, we have to get this one right first time, no second chances." A bay ear cocked back to listen, not understanding the actual words but reading the seriousness through the tone of the voice.

Heero made a left turn, increasing the pace slightly but still keeping a firm contact with the bay's mouth. Nataku could see the water jump ahead and as that was the direction they were going in she assumed it was to be her next jump. She drew her hind legs deeper under her body in an attempt to speed up a bit.

"Not this time, girl," Heero told the horse. "This time we need to be a little slower." Heero dropped his weight a touch more, closing his fingers on the reins and preventing Nataku from going forward any faster. The speed they were traveling at right now should be enough to get them clear over the water and still have control and time to rebalance before the barrels were upon them.

The mare was confused, her experience over water jumps telling her she should speed up, but her rider was asking her to keep to her current, steady pace. Feeling the weight settling deeper into her back and the steady pressure of the bit in her mouth, Nataku gave in and listened to her rider. The man had never hurt her before and she trusted him to keep them safe.

With the bay settling into the steady canter he'd asked for, Heero gave a soft smile. "Good girl," he praised and concentrated hard on getting the jump right.

"Keep her together, Heero. That's it, nice and steady," Duo mumbled to himself, his teeth nibbling away at his thumb nail.

"Easy, Heero, don't rush it," Noin muttered behind Duo.

Meiran reached across and removed Wufei's fingers from his mouth.

Three strides away from the water Heero let his weight come forward and the reins slip a little though his fingers. Legs encouraged the mare to lengthen out and Nataku responded. They took off from just in front of the water, Nataku pushing her body across the expanse and reaching for the other side. Forelegs stretched out and found the dirt, hind legs following a split second later and everyone in the stands breathed a sigh of relief when the steward's flag remained down.

"Yes," Duo hissed. "Now for the other two nasty ones." The thumb nail was replaced with his pinky finger.

Immediately Nataku landed over the water, Heero dropped his weight as deep as he could get it and took a firm hold of the reins. His legs were applied to Nataku's sides and he drove the mare's hocks deep under her body. The horse's frame shortened, the impulsion built and Heero calculated the strides before giving the mare her head and allowing her to surge forward to the barrels.

Powerful hind quarters pushed the bay body up into the air, forelegs tucking up neatly as Nataku arced over the jump. Moments later they were landing again and once more Heero was there with his seat and leg, driving the mare back together and building the impulsion. The ditch and rail were next and Heero fully intended to clear both of them.

The mare responded gamely, lining up the jump and knowing how much effort she would need to put in to clear it. Muscles bunched and flexed under the bay hide as the horse soared into the air and over the jump.

"Christ she's got a leap and a half on her," Peter exclaimed.

"Duo, you need to breathe," June pointed out helpfully to the vet who promptly released the one he'd been holding and sucked in a lungful of clean air.

Heero took a moment to give the mare's neck a quick pat. "Good girl," he praised. Nataku flicked back an ear and cantered on. She was enjoying herself and completely trusted the man upon her back.

The double appeared ahead, Heero again riding the mare together and clearing both elements before making another right hand turn to bring them into the off set rails of jump eight. Heero applied a slightly stronger right leg to keep the mare on line for the center of the jump. The rails were sloping down towards the right, encouraging the horse to go for the lower end of the jump, but to jump it there would mean they would be off center for jump nine and also half a stride out.

All the training Heero had done with Nataku paid off now as the mare listened intently and jumped the rails dead center.

Duo switched from chewing his pinky nail to chewing the thumb nail on his left hand.

Jump nine lay ahead, the mare eyeing it up and gauging the height and width. Heero drove the mare together, increasing the impulsion and holding Nataku in check. Three strides away he let her go, the bay bounding up to the jump and with a flick of her tail she soared over it.

"Wufei! Stop chewing your nails." Meiran scowled at her husband who promptly removed his fingers from his mouth and sat on them. Duo gave him a sympathetic look and buried his own hands in his pockets.

As soon as Nataku landed, Heero was there, asking the mare to shorten her stride and make a sharp turn to the left. Bay hocks came right underneath the body, the forehand lightened up and Nataku spun around, pushing herself forward and around to pass between jumps eight and three. It brought them perfectly in line for the triple.

"Bloody hell, that was some turn," Treize gasped.

"It certainly was," Noin commented.

Duo declined to say anything; his mouth was currently occupied with chewing the end of his braid.

"This is a tough one, Nataku," Heero murmured to the horse beneath him. "If you listen to me we will do just fine."

A bay ear cocked back, the mare concentrating on the signals she was receiving from her rider.

They came into the first element on the correct stride, Nataku digging deep with her hind quarters and leaping over the first jump. Landing safely Heero was right there with his seat and leg to push the mare together and gain as much impulsion as he could. Part B loomed before them, Nataku soaring into the air and reaching for the width of the oxer. Coming back to earth again, Heero pushed hard, the mare took one stride and grunted as she took off again. The last element was by far the most difficult of the three, not only was it high, but it was wide too.

Nataku's hind fetlocks barely scraped the back pole, said pole rolling gently in its cups.

In the stands the Australian team all held their breath, eyes glued to the pole as it rocked steadily back and forth.

The pole decided to stay where it was.

Forelegs took the brunt of the landing, hind ones hitting the dirt a second later and Nataku was galloping away from the jump. Heero felt the relief wash through him, but now wasn't the time to think about that, he still had two jumps to clear before he could relax. Sitting down deep into his saddle, Heero took a firm contact with his reins and rebuilt the impulsion as he made the right hand turn which would bring them into jump eleven; the hay bales.

"Shit! That was lucky," Treize stated.

"For a minute there I really thought that pole was going to fall," Peter sighed.

"Well, it didn't and the pair as still clear so far," Noin muttered.

"Duo? Are you okay?" June whispered, not wanting to draw any undue attention to the vet who appeared to be very pale.

Duo nodded in answer, he couldn't locate his voice right now. June's brow furrowed a bit and she contemplated asking further questions before Zechs broke into her thoughts.

"He's okay, June. He reacts like this all the time when Heero's competing in a big event. You think this is bad, you should have seen him when Heero was competing at the Olympics." Zechs gave a snicker at the glare Duo shot at him. "Just poke him in the ribs from time to time and remind him to breathe, oh and if he's chewing on his braid, let me know, I have some oil with me to dose him with to remove the hair balls."

"Hair balls?" June queried with a raise of her eyebrow.

"June, he's just baiting you. Zechs, shut up, at least I don't go into cardiac arrest like someone else!" Duo growled and gnawed on his already over chewed thumb nail. Zechs and June exchanged a look, both doing their best to keep their laughter at bay.

The hay bales appeared before Nataku and the mare lengthened out her stride a touch. After the three elements of the triple, this was a fairly easy jump. Muscles rippled under the bay hide, the mare leaving the ground and reaching for the height of the jump. She cleared it with inches to spare and landed neatly.

"One to go, Nataku." Heero could feel the mare beginning to tire beneath him. It had been a tough course, large jumps and some wide spreads, but Nataku had jumped gamely for him and Heero was so proud of the mare. Skirting on the inside of jumps six and seven – the double, Heero brought the bay in towards the last jump; the wall. Seat and legs came together to push the mare's hocks under her body whilst the hands held the forward momentum in check, building up the energy that Nataku would need if she were to clear the final obstacle.

Three strides out from the jump Heero came forward in his saddle and gave a little with the reins. Two strides away and Heero applied his legs, raising himself up a bit further and taking his weight on his knees. One stride and they reached their take off point, Nataku springing off her hocks and soaring upwards. Heero came out of his saddle, weight over his knees and through his stirrups, hands following the movement of the head and neck.

"Please clear it, please clear it, please clear it," Duo muttered, eyes riveted to the pair in the arena.

The brick wall passed beneath the mare's belly, gravity took over and began to pull the mare back to earth as forelegs stretched out to greet the rapidly approaching dirt of the arena. Heero began to sit back down in his saddle, hands coming back towards his body as the mare returned to earth and once all four legs were safely on the ground he looked for the finish flags and urged Nataku through them.

The mare flattened out and shot between the flags, stopping the electronic timer well within the time allowed.

"Clear round for Heero Yuy and Nataku for Australia!" the commentator announced, almost choking on the words in his excitement.

The arena burst into a cacophony of cheers and applause.

"Yes!" Duo crowed and punched the air. "Way to go, Heero!" He sprang from his seat and sprinted towards the stairs that would take him back out to the collecting ring.

The remainder of the group all cheered loudly, "He did it. A clear round," Peter cried out.

June grinned from ear to ear, Treize was applauding, Noin sat back with a satisfied smile on her face, Meiran was shaking her head, still coming to terms with the result – and Wufei?

The Chinese man was staring blankly into space, emotions running rampant through his mind and body. His horse had gone clear! Nataku had jumped a clear round! Slowly he turned to his wife, grabbed her and kissed her deeply. "Nataku went clear," he said softly when he released Meiran's lips.

"I know, Wufei," Meiran replied, tears of joy in her eyes.

"Why are we still sitting here then? We should be out there congratulating Heero and Nataku."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Meiran laughed as her husband took her by the hand and dragged her along behind him, following in Doctor Maxwell's footsteps to find their horse and make a fuss of her.

tbc...