Title: Kage Riku <The Shadowed Lands>
Author: kc-chan
Disclaimer: not responsible for acts of large dungeon and dragon dice hitting you, and that the Gundam boys ain't mine
Warnings? Yaoi, OOC, AU. Angst... and death and a whole bunch of flashbacks ^__^ Timothy Leary eat your heart out!
Spoilers: for the whole Gwing series.
Pairings: 2x5; Meirenx5; and 13xMeiren. . . Lilith x Trieze; 6x1x9; 3x4; and others that I probably forgot ^__^;;
Archive: You wanna post it on your site? Email me. . .
**NOTE** not all the spells in this piece are fully mine, they have been given to me by a friend Akumu ([email protected] ) as well as a thanks to her for having her roommate do translations from the LDs for me. There are places in here that dialogue was directly altered from the series. My whole goal was to make this a what if...? to the series. I think people are able to distinguish my dialogue and thoughts from those of the series. as to how close they are, they are a mix from me meddling with them, her translations and watching of the dub. The lines borrowed from the series are directly copyright to Bandai and are used without permission. Many of Relena's speeches are changed only slightly, due to the fact that why change the Peacecraft ideals. I snipped and edited the translation, but those are very much not my words.
Notes:
"<<speech in this denotes it isn't in English>>"
//flashback//
*astral speaking*
<<lyrics>>
Special Note of thanks to Cheshire-san ([email protected]) and Sapphire Rose-san!!!! ([email protected]) for beta-ing and proofreading!!

Kage Riku
[The Shadowed Lands... ]

By: Kc-chan

Chapter 4

Mortis ad sanguis...
(death to blood... )

~~~~~~'~~@

Duo was in all manners an emotional wreck. He didn't sleep most of the night, most of the week, most of the month. All he could do was relive memories. Taunting him... The memories of times so long ago. Wasn't Vrita happy with him? Was it that Vrita never wanted him? Or was it pure guilt keeping his Wufei away?

The war was raging. Trieze had been less than cooperative. He had to separate his threesome, to their dismay. Noin went to work with Oz and then followed them when Trieze had left the controlling Romefeller Foundation. That was a turn for the good. That meant, Meiren and Relena weren't in control. But this also meant the world was just breaking the war down even more. Duo was upset. More and more factions were coming into motion. He was stretching his resources too wide for his tastes. Zechs was commanding White Fang. Noin was with Trieze's faction. Poor Quatre had been separated from Trowa and had to watch his love self-destruct too often. The child was an emotional wreck nearly destroying his new body's family, luckily Heero, the ever clear in battle intervened. Thought Duo was still miffed Heero held Quatre back from rescuing Trowa at the time. Luckily the boy survived and was undercover with Une's group. He seemed well. And he had heard Heero was there and that was as good a spot as any to reconvene.

~~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

Duo smiled, thought it had to be internally, he let his body take a large beating to head the war and get to his poor comrades and servants.

However one soldier was hurting more than he let on. Trowa bit his lip. His master! He had to drag his master like that. The guilt was eating at him but it was to be done. Why wasn't he strong like he once was, sliding through Egypt slaying the first born? <<Killing the first born... >> he shook his head.

"Sir?" asked another solider in uniform looking at him strangely.

"I am fine. Just relived we have so many of the pilots in one place." He realized the words.

And slipping plans into Duo's hands he returned out of the cell. He would give Duo some time. Heero could explain the master's plans. Then... Then...

~~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

Pain... pain... hurt... . Pain... pain... hurt... . Anguish... Pain... pain... hurt... Agony... misery... suffering... .

Black eyes watched in his mind. Meiren screaming over the radio. He had to be focused!! His colony had already blown up! Order his mind. Order his mind.

Gods damn he wanted order in his fucking mind!!!

He was breathing heavily, his injuries were not bad. His head... Gods, he wanted his mind to retain order!!

Trieze left Romefeller...

Relena was claiming world peace

Une working under cover, controlling Trieze to move Meiren's plans along.

Colonies on their side...

Anguish... Pain... pain... hurt... Agony... misery... suffering... .

Gods! He slammed his head on to the control board. Gods!!! He needed a clear head! Guilt ate at him and preyed upon his mind.

"Why?!??! Gods why guilt!? Haven't I paid for my sins? Haven't I tried for the good enough?!? Why torment me with thought of him?" he sobbed in the board.

"Wufei?!? Wufei?" her voice rang over the intercom in his Gundam...

Why did her voice only bring pain and unrest?

Anguish... Pain... pain... hurt... Agony... misery... suffering... .

"Shut up!" he screamed at her, finally losing it.

"Vrita? I am only concerned as any wife would be! Please! Did you destroy the base holding those killers yet?" Meiren asked trying to keep her lover together.

Destroy the base? No he was staring at it, wondering how he could destroy all that he once held dear.

"Shut-up Meiren." And he turned off his intercom with her at the base. He couldn't think with her bitching at him. And with a scream he flew to attack the base. This was his redemption. He could be free with that thing's death, right?

~~~~'~~~@ @~~~'~~~~

Trowa blinked as red lights went off in the halls. "Vrita." He whispered. So it was a disaster that the betrayer would succeed in killing...

Trowa sighed and ducked into his room. Shrugging off his uniform he concentrated. He hadn't done this particular trick in millennia... He hoped it would still work.

Controlling his thoughts, he searched out for Wufei's soul residue.

Anguish... Pain... pain... hurt... Agony... misery... suffering... .

Trowa blinked. That was Wufei's soul? All that pain?

He lost sight of all around him and dove at the source of pain..

Pain... pain... hurt... Agony... misery... suffering... . Pain... pain... hurt... Agony... misery... suffering... . Pain... pain... hurt... Agony... misery... suffering... . Pain... pain... hurt... Agony... misery... suffering... .

Dumah winced. The pain... Gods, the pain was so great...

But, he reminded himself that Wufei was causing them more.

Dumah pulled out silently into the shadows behind Wufei. It had worked. Now, he couldn't kill the boy. The master would never forgive him. But stop him was allowed.

"Forgive me Apaosa."

Wufei was pulled from the dead alertment of his target. He swore he heard Trowa's voice... but that was impossible! He never saw Dumah teleport or use telepathy!

Hands closed on the sides of his head. And a panic surged through Wufei. Before he could move lightning flickered through his mind and a great sleepiness overcame him.

Dumah sighed and whispered for a safe landing as he quickly changed courses so Wufei would crash into the base, greatly unharmed. And slipped out.

~~~~'~~~@ @~~~'~~~~

Wufei opened his eyes to see himself crash into the base. He screamed his throat raw as he was jostled in the cockpit. The bastard!! Dumah had powers he wasn't aware of! That tricky bastard!!

"Meiren is gonna be pissed now... " he muttered as the Gundam, now totaled, came to a stop. The straps cutting into him, he could feel the blood crawling its way down his chest.

His whole rib cage hurt. He could feel at least three or four broken ribs more were bruised than cracked. It hurt to breathe, the ribs were very close to puncturing a lung, right now it was just a little to close for comfort...

He could feel his left leg and what he could feel of his right, he could tell was badly sprained. His vision was failing and he hurt... Gods, did he hurt...

Meiren was going to be pissed. She was always right... He wasn't good enough to be a pilot, he couldn't even blow up his enemies...

~~~~'~~~@ @~~~'~~~~

Trowa was sent with a little bit of his mind tricks to get the fallen pilot. He smiled upon seeing the condition Wufei was in. It served the traitor right. He roughly dragged the pilot, half conscious, half dead to the cell holding Heero.

Trowa was beaming. Oh, Wufei would be in more pain soon once Asmodeus was done with him.

Heero looked up as Trowa entered. Luckily he was able to wipe the tears from his eyes. He was so lonely.

Heero stood in shock as Trowa dumped a familiar body into the cell and with a rare smile chuckled, enjoy.

~~~~'~~~@ @~~~'~~~~

Heero cautiously walked closer to the ragged breathing body...

He nearly collapsed on who was in here with him. A deadly smile crossed his lips. Oh he got the plan perfectly. Trowa hinted their master was coming... Wufei was going to wish he had never betrayed them by the time Duo came.

Heero was pissed their Master's love meant nothing to the creature. That Wufei cared so little for Duo.

He bent down and shook the boy harshly, "Oi. Get up." He demanded.

Wufei groaned and slowly blinked open his eyes and adjusted them to the darkness. And gave a startled cry of shock of who was in front of him.

"Miss us?" Heero asked. He knew he was mid-transformation but he was furious at Wufei. Absolutely furious. He ripped the smaller Chinese pilot up by his hair.

Wufei screamed in pain, tears gathered in the corners of his eyes as Heero pulled him up. Gods, the pain hurt!!

"I hope you are in great pain, traitor!" Heero hissed claws forming and running bits of blood down the smaller boys arms where Heero had scratched him.

"I am not a traitor!!!" Wufei screamed and pushed back, landing on his rump. He forgot... he couldn't use his legs... he was in deep shit.

"In pain, traitor?"

"I am not a traitor!!" was his defense. He wasn't... he never betrayed those monsters!

"How can you not even consider yourself a traitor!?! You left us! You destroyed the Master completely!! You took his love and tossed it around like it was nothing!! You are mentally destroying him! You are a gods damn traitor, Apaosa! A TRAITOR!!" Heero screamed and finally connected his fists with the boys face.

Wufei yelped as he hit the wall. He hurt... he hurt so badly... "I am not a traitor!"

Heero snarled, "You are so! You came here to kill us! Don't deny it!"

"I won't! I came to destroy this evil!!" Wufei glared back.

"If I am evil, dear Apaosa, then so are you... ."

The Chinese boy choked, "I ... I am not! I am finding my redemption! I will cleanse the evil from me!!"

The blue eyed boy glared down at the fallen boy, "Finding your redemption? With what those harpies?"

"HARPIES?! They will know more of life and love than you ever have!!" Wufei screamed.

Heero's eyes turned dark. He stormed away to a dark corner. Wufei bit his lip in a slight remorse. He went to far... of course the boy was wanting and longing for Zechs and Noin. But Heero never knew real love...

"Gomen, Heero... but you should realize that they don't love you... only use your body... they made you for that... Duo made me for sex. He can't love... " Wufei whispered into the darkness.

Heero stared at the traitor from the shadows for a long time. How could
Apaosa say such things... how? "Then you will never know love Apaosa. You denied the Master with love. I do not regret the day, not any second that has happened to me, because I love Zechs and Noin. I love Aka Manah and I love Mephistopheles... there is nothing either wouldn't do for me... Mephistopheles and I are in love, yes he is my master and I his servant, but I love him and every time he holds me, kisses me, even is near me... I can tell he loves me. I wish I didn't feel regret for you... you are tossing aside the Master's love for nothing... I never knew what he saw in you."

Heero paused, perhaps he was talking to much... but that haunted look on the Chinese pilots face... the words were sinking in... with great difficulty he continued, "I never knew what he saw in some Knight from the failing order of Virtue and Justice... you were weak, mean spirited, even a brat to put up with... we... we hated you. Hated you for letting the Master fall for you. Letting the Master hold you. You were weak and unkind... you never fit in... "

Silence echoed in the cell. Heero's words... no Asmodeus' words filtered in heavy air. Wufei could feel those tears... hot burning tears rolling down his cheeks. He didn't realize that the others hated him... he... he... he shouldn't care... he shouldn't care at all...

"I am sorry... I don't understand why you all hated me... but I am sure you understood I hated you as well." Wufei whispered. He didn't want to, but he had to say something.

"The brat daemon speaks." Mocked Heero and silence continued as both boys seemed to be distant in thoughts... .

~~~~'~~~@ @~~~'~~~~

Duo grunted as he hit the ground. He knew poor Dumah was feeling that dreaded guilt again. But his beautiful silent angel was as such. Forlorn and silent, bearing guilt since his creation.

He only wished he could tell Trowa his Moloch... his Quatre needed him. As such, the little brat god of the Canaanites always needed his love. He could feel the tension building and was dreading the ending...

But he had to be captured. Now if only he could. Hopefully Zechs had convinced Une of their purpose...

Darkness finally claimed him.

~~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

Heero watched his master hit the ground in a sickening thud. He winced slightly and fought the urge to rip out the other soldiers guts and escape with Dumah to help the master... and get back to his lovers and master.

He closed his eyes, head resting against the cold cement wall. The pure harshness of it numbing the base of his neck. Aka Manah was gone before they were able to even barely greet her. Mephistopheles, his master, lover...

Arms tightened around his knees and he buried his head against them. He was stuck with the sinking feeling of dread and he was so alone. His master...

He could feel the tears pricking at the corners of his eyes... "'Topheles... ." He let the words slip. A quick look revealed Duo smirking at him, and he bit his lip in shame.

He was thinking of his lust and emotions and his master was beaten externally so much and gods!

"There... there. He is fine. We will meet him again soon; they are doing well. No harm will come. Your master will come to rescue, lil one... rest and wait... soon. Soon you will see him. Until then rest and stop the illusion, I know it hurts. It is dark, they won't notice... " his Masters words seeped over to him.

Heero sighed and dropped the painfully kept up illusion. Relief and tension curled away slowly and he relaxed a bit. But would not be fine till Zechs arms were around him again with Noin curled with them...

But for Sammael's sake, he would endure. His pain was nothing compared to his masters... he wanted to kill Vrita for the betrayal. It had ripped Sammael apart, and they could only watch.

Wufei betrayed them for that wench. Attempting to kill Trieze... which all in all wasn't bad, but it would cause certain backlashes... for all his mistakes, and for hurting the Master.

Heero crawled over to his Master and kept a protective watch on him, just in case that bastard Wufei would try something...

~~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

//Strong arms clasped themselves around Vrita's waist. The smaller man leaned back into the broad chest of the man who had been both his master and lover for nearly a century... so long, yet it felt only as a mere moment...

"You were beautiful today... absolutely beautiful... " Sammael whispered into those golden pointed ears. Pulling the boy against him, never letting go. He let the morning light sweep over them.

Golden beams crawled over the mountains, drowning the world in paradisiacal light from the aureate star so far away. Whisking away his shadows momentarily.

"You shouldn't let that happen, let us move inside... " a soft tenor voice broke through the moment.

Sammael grinned and flipped his braid over his head, "But the light is beautiful... You know I would-"

Vrita sighed and cut him off, "Walk through heaven's gates and let them take you... I know, I know."

Sammael chuckled, "Do I say it that often? You know I mean it, right?" he stroked that loose silken blackness and pressed a pale cheek to the boy's head.

"I have no doubt you would do anything for me, but you shouldn't make promises like that. You know promises from angels are written in the book of fate, and soon... "

"Soon they become destiny. I know, my angel." The braided boy mumbled into his lover's hair, inhaling the smell of doves and death.

"How am I to love you, if you make ridiculous promises!?!" the golden skinned boy asked exasperated with his lover and master.

"You love me for no other reason than to love me. That is all." The reply came after a long moment.

"While you go and throw yourself into condemnation? Never." The raven-haired boy replied, turning to the taller daemon and pressing his lips to the others.

Lips began to wander... Arms clasped and pulled and felt, riding over the hills and valleys of the other's skin. Lips tugging and bruising, teeth nipping and tormenting...

"I love you. You know that, right?" Sammael's voice whispered into the smaller boys ear.

"... I love you... " a hesitant response came from the very lips trying to recapture his masters.

"Believe me. Anything to please you. I do anything. I love-"

"I love you." a more firm response as his lover gave every indication of wanting to be taken and Sammael complied... //

Duo dragged himself from the memory. They were all he had.

~~~~'~~~@ @~~~'~~~~

Duo was opening his eyes and peeking into his shadows. He had no difficulty adjusting to the dark after all he was the prince of the shadows, right?

"Master?" a worried voice asked form overhead.

"I am fine Asmodeus. Thank you." And with a bit of struggling he sat up. And blinked in shock. Violet met Black.

Wufei shivered, he couldn't pull his gaze away. He wanted to... he should have... but he was caught in something. Those eyes.

//"Gods!! Harder!" a small bronzed boy screamed as the braided daemon pushed into him rocking them both. Pleasure rising. A hardness forming and fire in his veins. Pumping and rocking and growing harder and wanting his lover to release in him and take him again... //

Wufei suppressed that thought. He was having sexual fantasies about him and that thing! He had to get these thoughts from his head.

Duo however smiled at the boy's discomfort. That memory got him the faintest glow of arousal before it was suppressed. He would not give up easily... .

~~~~'~~~@ @~~~'~~~~

Wufei had finally given in to sleep. Not on purpose, but all his injuries caught up with him and forced his body to shut down.

"I see you two were protecting me again." Duo whispered to Heero.

Blue eyes blinked at him, "We didn't kill him master."

Duo chuckled. "That's good. What did you say to him?"

Heero paled, "Probably things I should not have... "

Duo quirked an eyebrow, "Like... ?"

Heero's voice became a faint whisper. "I told him he didn't deserve you because he hurt you... That he never understood us, that he was a traitor... and my personal feelings towards him. We hated him, Master. We truly hated him for the first quarter of the millennia. He was a brat. A hindrance. He wouldn't accept things. After he changed... We never truly accepted him, but we felt friendship... to him."

Duo looked down on his servant. "I know. I put you through a lot. But you know I care for him."

"We didn't kill him."

Duo knew that was an understanding, and as he felt a presence in his mind he looked over at Heero.

"Listen to me. Trowa must move you soon. And I must convey plans... "

"But- Wufei..."

Duo smirked, "He will be dealt with. Listen. Quatre will be meeting up with Noin soon. You must kill Relena the Bean Si? Understand?" With a nod of his head, Duo continued. "Hopefully Quatre will get to you in time... "

"He can't fight and die till he sees Trowa again!" Heero protested.

"Then you must convince a Canaanite daemon god not to fight. Good luck."

"You make it sound easy... " Heero muttered.

"For me yes. For you... no." Duo chuckled, loving the glare he earned. "I will forward instructions at that point. Relena must die and Dorothy if you are able, understood?"

"Yes, Master." Heero replied and the cell door open.

Trowa glanced at his Master. And then understood Heero would relay the plan to him. He made sure to drop his little help on to his master.

~~~~'~~~@ @~~~'~~~~

As Trowa lead Heero away, Duo knew they would be fine, if he could save his Vrita from here, he would be as well.

He walked over to the sleeping form of the person once known as Vrita. "You are still beautiful, angel... " he whispered.

"Don't touch me." Came the firm response.

Duo blinked and looked down on the prone form of the boy, "You can't order me, Vrita."

Wufei grated his teeth. He hated the fact that Sammael and Meiren both used that name. He hated the fact they talked down to him.

"You can't deny what you are." Words whispered like honey as that face and those enticing eyes pulled him closer. Lips almost caught his.

"Yamatte!" Wufei gasped and struggled to move, his injuries preventing so.

"You're hurt!" Duo giggled and leaned in close, "I bet you are uncomfortable! Those must hurt. Let me help."

"Keep away and keep your daemon majik away!" Wufei whimpered. He couldn't move.

Wufei gasped as Duo placed himself squarely on his hips his smirk lining those lips. "What I couldn't hear you? You would love to be healed?"

"Bastard!!" Wufei gasped as strong hands gathered their majik and shadows crawled over his skin, maddening... Intense and furiously maddening touches.

"Feel my Vrita" and Sammael pressed his lips to the smaller boys, rocking his hips gently and stripping the smaller boy. This would be worse for him. To heal him, to show Meiren who the boy belonged to in body, soul, mind, and heart.

Duo's fingers felt up the bronze skin squeals and moans enticing more. The boy writhed below him caught in a world of sensation.

//"It hurts, doesn't it?" Sammael asked, pressing arms to either side of his new servant and pet. He liked the hatred in those eyes, and the longing... That intrigued him. A human with so much longing to be touched and held.

"Like you care." Came the biting retort. Wufei didn't care. He wanted to die. He just killed the last of his people... He killed Mai Ran, his love. But her words haunted him. Gods, he couldn't remember anything but the pain they made him feel...

"I care, little Vrita-"

"Don't call me that!" Vrita cried, cursing his daemon tongue, cursing his fate, cursing the gods. He would find some way to make this daemon pay. This daemon would hurt one day, just like he was hurting now. He swore to the gods above and below this creature would feel his pain.

Sammael grinned and placed his fingers, rubbing them against the smaller boys nipples.

"Wha...What?!?" Vrita blushed furiously. Eyes opened in shock.

Sammael smiled, the boy still hadn't come to expect this. He dipped in and attached his lips to the smaller boys neck, tasting him. Watching the reactions drag out of the boy. "You're hurt! Do you want me t make it better?"

"You can't heal. And I wouldn't... wouldn't want your han... hands on me any ways!" again a biting retort.

"Oh, we can heal! Watch... " And Sammael began to lick and kiss a wound on the boy's chest. Savoring the taste of fear and sweat on the boy.

"Wha... What are you doing?" Vrita cried, entranced and yet repulsed at once.

"Healing you wounds... " Sammael smiled and placed the boy under him. "I think you might like this."

"Gods!" Vrita yelped as the daemon plunged into him. It was unlike anything he ever felt! Fire and pain making pleasure... Gods, it was amazing. He let his mind shut down and his body and heart take over... //

Wufei cried out in pleasure as Duo came down on him and releasing he sunk into a world of sleep.

Duo smiled and pulled the boy close. It had wiped him out forcing things out of the boy, even his shadows only began the transformation, but he knew Vrita loved him. One can't stay with one person for over thousand years and not love them even the smallest bit.

Sleep finally took him as well.

~~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

Wufei slowly woke and gasped. They were turning off the air. Gods! It felt as though his lungs were collapsing!

Duo woke with a groan, still holding his love close. "They cut off the air, ne?"

Wufei blinked and looked upwards to the vents. Closed and sealing their fate. Not even they could breath without air.

"What do you say we blow this place?" Duo whispered in his lover's ear.

"I am not yours." Wufei struggled to stand only to collapse with air deprived muscles.

"Suit yourself. Your Gundam has been repaired by my people. Good luck." Duo lit the room with a grin and shadows swallowed him leaving nothing.

"I don't want your favors!!" Wufei screamed at empty walls.

The room was spinning... twirling... He had to escape! His head was pounding and he was naked... NAKED?!?

"Oh my gods." he brought a hand to his lips. He had slept with that thing in here. Goddess... He quickly threw on his clothes.

Hands struggled to remain calm and steady as he slid his hair... Horns? He didn't have horns. HORNS?!?!?

"Gods no!!! SAMMAEL!!!!!!!!!!!" he cried out in anger. The bastard jump started his daemon transformation. He would have to explain to Meiren now. The bastard!! He knew that the only way his transformation could have started!! And he knew Meiren knew as well. The bastard!!!

~~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

Duo reappeared with a large smirk on his face, the fact it had taken the boy so long to notice the change was a good sign. Now to save his love. "Hello Une" he said, violet eyes glowing in the dark.

"You-" the woman yelped turning in shock to see the pilot standing before her. "You couldn't have escaped!"

"Don't make cells like they use to" he chuckled and gathered dark black energy in his hands.

"You... You aren't human!" she cried out in shock.

"I was hoping you would join us with some information, but you seem useless as such. Say hello to your maker, ne?" and a solid beam of energy slammed through her like a bullet, killing instantly and she was dead before she even met the floor.

Duo scampered to the control board and released the air vents, sending fresh air to his love. With one final grin he flitted away.

~~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

Quatre finished playing a piece on his violin. Strange thing he always had for music. It calmed him especially when Trowa was not around. It had been weeks, and he could still faintly feel his lover, but it wasn't enough.

Clapping from the door made him realize he wasn't alone. And he heard a familiar voice smile, "That's wonderful. I didn't know you still had a love for music Moloch. It was strange I got this close with out you sensing me. Losing your touch old friend?"

"I feel calm when I'm playing. That is all. Music can drive a person mad or send them into the arms of death. It always amuses me." Came his carefree response.

Noin chuckled and whisked a piece of hair back in place, "Though I must say, it sounds very melancholy. Miss someone as well?"

"If you speak of Dumah, then yes. It is for him. I know he finds it soothing" Quatre said, glare firmly in place. Turquoise eyes flaring to life, daring her to make something of it. They had never truly gotten along, then again he never really liked her any ways, but she was useful and a servant as he was.

"You shouldn't blame yourself anymore. There are some things that cannot be helped during war time. You didn't know Zero would do that to you, and with the doctors dead from suffocating, you can't expect it to improve with the work. You didn't kill him." She said gazing out the window to the stars. Zechs was out there somewhere.

Touching his heart, Moloch sighed. He wasn't use to this... Space Heart thing yet. It opened up a door of new emotions that he would have rather kept out. Noin's loneliness and sadness were broadcasting quite well. "He is fine." Quatre said after a moment of regarding the other woman. "Zechs and Heero are strong. Heero is coming or you. You will see him soon."

Noin smiled, "Dear Moloch, did you actually utter something kind to me? Wonders never be."

"Yes, we will be fine." He whispered looking to the stars.

Noin's hands formed fists. "No! it won't be till that bastard Vrita is dead! How could he do this to the Master?!?!"

Quatre regarded her quietly then looked out, "I think Vrita might not realize the side he wants. He loves his damned guilt and redemption. For that he will fight. For that he will come back. You and the others may not understand."

"Understand what? That he will kill us and the Master is he fights against us?!? Is that what you want? He can't be helped anymore! We can't just train with him and be by him the same ever again! HE BETRAYED US!!!!" Noin screamed.

"No. This is more than life we're dealing with. I can't just say 'he can't be helped', Noin. He is a friend, whether we like him or hate him, we can't change the facts of the past." Quatre paused as if he reflected his own words upon himself and continued, "If only I was stronger, Trowa wouldn't have..."

"He will return. And perhaps you are right, Vrita has stuck around for over a thousand years, we aren't some old habit he can get rid of easily. He needs us. We are his family. Sometimes I swear there is more to Meiren than there seems" Noin finished. Silence calmed the mood.

Quatre and her stood for a comfortable moment and he asked softly, " Aka Manah have you had any information on OZ lately?"

Noin chuckled, "We still have no news on Commander Trieze but the Trieze faction is now classed as rebels and their attacks are occurring all over the world."

"Its getting worse, ne?" Quatre asked quietly.

"Yeah..." She replied solemnly. She saw Quatre deep in thought, "Moloch?"

Quatre seemed to be pondering something, then again he was know to be extremely cunning and finally he looked up at her, "But OZ have an advantage over the situation. Ordinary pilots just can't keep up with the speed of Mobile Dolls. And we certainly are not ordinary people, are we? Humans break easily when a large lost is dealt to them and where is the nearest and perhaps easiest target, my dear?"

Noin blinked, "Are you saying... That here in Luxembourg, in the old former Sank Kingdom? That we attack them here?"

"I think we can fight against them. I'm being vain but if we have high quality machines like Gundam..." There was a gleam in his eye. "I also sincerely doubt they would think we would have the guts, let alone the fire power to attack them on their own territory."

Noin sighed, "It isn't that simple what Master wants us to accomplish."

"I know from experience that there is a limit to what a mere pilot can do. And I am no exception when it comes to his orders." Quatre finished, turquoise eyes blood laden.

Noin looked out the window and after a few minutes asked, "Will Relena, the Bean Si?"

Quatre chuckled, "Can Luxembourg and the Sank be a place of final rest to her and her group?"

Noin's eyes brightened, "Yes, this place is probably a safe haven. She won't expect it."

"We're stained with blood but I think Heero feels the same way. We will kill her and the Master's plans will finally begin."

~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

Heero stood in the park, knowing the exact moment the Bean Si would appear. He let a smile grace his lips as she turned the corner and struggled to meet his hard Prussian eyes.

"So there you are. I am surprised you aren't screwing my host's brother. Sad that Milliard turned on me." Relena boasted to the fee creature that Heero was.

He mocked bowed, a cruel grin resting upon his face, "Relena. Queen of the World, how do you feel Bean Si? Or would you prefer Banshee?"

"Do not use cruel Gaelic words to me, creature. You could have found your redemption with me. May I join you?" The lackadaisical front of her mask asked.

Heero snorted, "Go ahead, it's _your_ country, oh mighty Queen."

She glared over at him, "I suppose so. Heero, why are you willing to stay in my country?"

He blinked and feigned innocence, "I love Luxembourg, such beauty. I always loved their courage in war. You?"

She stopped and glared at him, "You went back to space but your 'home' was far from kind to you all. It must have been hard. Unlike Earth who worships its saviors."

"Home? Pray what home do you speak of?" He played stupid the wench so easily. And no matter much she could try she would get no help from him.

"Yet, you never stopped fighting. Such a waste... " she coughed superiority. Then looking around, she noticed he was gone. "Prick." she muttered.

Dorothy came running up to her, "I'm sorry to interrupt you, Miss Relena. Meiren needs you."

"Dorothy, is there something wrong?" she began to worry, did those daemons think they could still win?

Dorothy shrugged, "It's important that all I know."

~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~

Relena walked in with Meiren and Dorothy to greet a representative from the foundation. She noticed the strange look Meiren sends the man, and turns to Dorothy who merely shrugged.

"With the good work of OZ, the world's conflicts are almost at an end. Therefore we would like to discuss with you and study the Complete Peace Principal. That Sank Kingdom upholds in order to maintain the peace that we will have achieved. We would be very honored if you could attend the meeting in Bremen." A man told them. Meiren had made it known to them that their said man was called Dermail. He had been sent to undermine them.

Meiren smiled sweetly, "I would have thought you would have come soon, Dermail."

The man merely looked her over as Dorothy smiled, "Where Relena goes- we do. Or must we have been nominated to be her guide?"

Dermail glared at the two woman flanking Relena. He never remembered them before but it could only be a small factor in their plans to change. "It is my honor to be able to join you, Miss Relena. And your lovely associates."

~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~

Outside Heero joined Quatre and Noin with a simple teleport.

"Well?" Quatre asked, eyeing the car.

"She doesn't think enough to understand. She grilled me, but seemed more annoyed such at my mind games." Heero chuckled twirling a daisy between his fingers.

Quatre sighed, of all the two people to be stuck with. "Are you sure you should have let her go?"

Heero chuckled and leaning on the brat god asked sweetly, "What if something were to happen to her? What do you plan to do?"

Quatre glared at the overly friendly arm but replied, "A large number of Mobile Dolls are going to land on Luxembourg base. I over heard a soldier tell some others. It looks like their forces are dividing."

Noin choked, "What?! Are they that stupid?!? "

Heero smiled at her, "The Krushranada faction's headquarters here and it would be fairly easy for the Romefeller foundation to crush them like bugs, respectively."

Moloch chuckled at the thought, "With that kind of no-stops, all out attack, even those harpies could not stand to benefit."

Noin snorted, "Can't you ever control your damned blood lust?"

"Why do you think they sacrificed children to me? Ever new supply." Moloch laughed.

Heero sighed and continued, "Great, you can snack after the battle. If their mission is complete, the Mobile Dolls will spread all over the world from there. An almost smart plan from the Romefeller foundation. I am beginning to gain respect for them."

Noin snorted, "And here I thought they were just trying to recreate some bourgeoisie faction, wonders never be."

Quatre smiled, "If you're going, I'm going too."

"No. You have to stay here." Heero replied looking at angry eyes. "Orders from Samuel."

Noin looked between the two of them and glared over at Heero, " Asmodeus, what is the meaning of this?" Then turned to Moloch, "Where's Heero going?"

Moloch sighed, " Asmodeus 's going to the arena with the highest opportunity of death. Damn I do envy him at times. Lucky bastard."

~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~

Zechs circled in space once more noting possible positions. "Luxembourg."

Memory stirred to old French and European wars and to those a chuckled released itself, "To think I'm fighting to protect a land that we once took away from the Federation. How ironic. And I think Tsubarov will play perfectly into the Master's plan. Damn, I love toying with these ignorant morons."

"Zechs! He's arrived just as we predicted." An annoying voice came on over his intercom.

With a sigh, Zechs responded, "Yes, Tsubarov?"

Tsubarov continued, "All shuttles are to ignore Tallgeese and entered the atmosphere."

Zechs sighed, "I understand." And he turned off the intercom and whispered to the stars." Asmodeus and Aka Manah. We will be together soon, my loves. Manah, take care of him for me."

~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~

The gates were surrounded by huge Mobil Suits aligned to protect the Queen of the World. Relena looked out the window and sighed. Meiren glared at the suits, "I hope this isn't putting flaws in my plan."

"Relax. They come." Dorothy whispered from the door. And all smiled as Dermail walked in to them.

"Welcome, Miss Relena Peacecraft. It is a pleasure to have you here. The world waits to hear your ideals." He bowed in greeting.

Relena smiled, "Thank you for inviting me today... Meiren and Dorothy are my advisors, Mister Dermail."

Dermail bowed to each of the girls. "It's a pleasure to meet you all, ladies. I am Count Dermail."

Waiting for Meiren's cue, Relena began. "It is true that Sank Kingdom is able to operate in peace because of the help they received from the Foundation, sir. But on the other hand, your Foundation, excuse me... A faction of the Foundation, OZ to be precise is creating and manufacturing a war. A war against the innocents of the world who are far from guilty of the blood that has been spilt in their name."

Dermail merely raised an eyebrow.

Black eyes watched the old man carefully. "Dermail. Something seems off about him, but Bean Si seems to be doing well. Keep playing your song, Peacecraft. Soon you'll be nothing but a statue in a fading light."

The young blonde approached him. "Why are your powers so conflicting? I can answer that simply, all it took was going back over the last hundred years of the Alliances history and files. You create these wars because the power used depends on the person reinforcing it, if you favor Generals and Mobile dolls then you are focusing your power on destruction. If you truly desire true peace, please, see us as a guide. I am prepared to make the effort for this to work. I want peace and will not compromise war for it. I implore you to think about the future and not the now."

Clapping, the Romefeller representative stood. "Wonderful." He paused long enough to sneak a small malicious grin to Meiren. Returning to sweetly smile at Relena, he continued. "But it seems like Sank Kingdom has its own set contradictions and flaws. Isn't that right, my dear?"

Meiren stepped in, walking over to stand beside Relena. "And what might that be?"

"Recently, there has been an individual who has openly attacked OZ and the Foundation. He is Milliard Peacecraft otherwise called the Lightning Baron of Tallgeese, Zechs Marquise. It seems that certain events have made him turn his allegiance from OZ." He smiled, watching for any reaction from them.

Meiren returned the gesture, retaining control, but barely, "Basing questions on soldier's rumors again, Mister Dermail? I thought the Foundation was more powerful and had more pride than to deal with petty rumors."

Dermail flinched at the implications behind her statement, "To be an enemy to OZ means that they are an enemy to us."

Dorothy nodded, "Of course, and this has to do with the Queen, how?"

The old man nearly lost it on that remark for the blonde next to the Peacecraft, "Could it be that Sank Kingdom has secret ambitions... "

Black haired girl snorted, "Are these accusations even ligament, sir?"

Relena's eyes flared up. Furious that this human dare continue to call that daemon her brother. Swallowing her pride but with tight lips asked, "Is the pilot still claiming to be a Peacecraft? Did he specifically say that he was known as Milliard Peacecraft?"

Struggling in his firm position, the man replied stiffly, "No..."

"Then, he is not my brother. Simple, ne? The Peacecraft family wishes for peace more than anything else. Being part of that family, there is no way my brother would board a Mobile Suit and fight. Are we understood, sir?"

"Then, you do not care what happens to him... ?" He hoped to catch her on that. That they could catch her in a connection.

"It has nothing to do with Sank Kingdom. We are quite enraged that your Foundation would accuse me and my people of such things."

Dermail twitched at her superior than thou tone and swallowed his pride, just barely to grate out, "Seems like it was our misunderstanding, my Queen."

"Then, if you will excuse me." Her blue eyes sparkled with hidden triumph as they depart from the room to their car.

Heading back to the haven of their car, Meiren finally released a bitter swear. "Bastards!! They think we are an obstruction?! Fucking bastards!"

Dorothy sighed and looked over at Relena, "You were magnificent, Bean Si! Perfect in every way." Extending a hand to help the girl onto the pink limo.

Meiren sighed, "War has to be fought by humans, not dolls... and they will learn this. Relena, you have to work much harder in order to make that happen. Dorothy?"

Nodding to Meiren, "That's why I'll help you out from now on. We will kill those damned hell spawns and wretch their talons from their holds on the Foundation."

"Godspeed. This will drive you from the fighting with Dorothy... " Meiren nodded, closing the door and letting the car pull away.

~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~

Noin watched the battle begin. Like all battles before it, the highest toll was going to be the humans not even involved in the spat. Innocents. "The fighting's started in Luxembourg. Do you not want to go? I know you want to see them die?"

"We will kill Relena like he asked. He will cover us." Quatre answered. And they teleported to the pink car driving Relena and Dorothy. "I don't sense Mai Ran, so she may not be with them..."

"Or is hiding her scent from us. Either way, Heero said Relena gets to meet Death, no one else. Relena. Understand?" With the blonde's nod of consent they opened their wings and glided towards the car.

Aka Manah released a small inkling of power, causing one of her pet's to collide with the car, rolling the bright limo a few feet. "Let's go and finish the job."

Relena pulled herself gingerly from the wreck of the car. A shadow slowly came up behind her, taking its time, as if waiting for her to notice it. "Fuck." Repressing a shudder she turned slowly around. "Aka Manah... "

Moloch steps forward and slammed Dorothy back into a wall. Striding towards Relena, a rich chuckle chortled out "Are we to think that humans can survive in this day and time without the use of weapons?"

She glared at him, "Innocents are not to shed their blood for a lifeless cause. We will fight against your kind, daemon!"

Noin laughed in a delightful tone and sent her majik blades reeling to bind Relena the Bean Si to the ruins of war torn walls. "And to those who know nothing of peace? What will you do with them? Cast them aside and let them drift without a cause? The world is not some mindless toy for you to play with according to your whims. Peace never exists because humans are not a peaceful animal."

Gasping in pain, the Queen of the World barely hissed out, "We can make them see the truth!!"

Moloch chuckled, slowly slipping his claws into her stomach. "That's right... Mindless cattle who have lost a whim to bow to you harpies in your false complete peace. That is not what humanity is."

She tired to scream but Aka Manah's knife cut into her throat, letting only breathless gargles slip from her lips. "None of that now... I enjoy my ears Bean Si... " Noin purrs.

"We are the truth... We are their hope... We will achieve total peace... " Her intestines start to slide out of her body, hitting the ground in a sickening thud, as Moloch continued to slide his claws upwards.

"Yes, humanity will gain their peaceful times, but not through Neamhan. Not through the Order of Almadel. *We* will bring it, final peace that is. No song of morning Banshee. No mournful screams for me?" and with a final tug, Moloch shredded the body of the Bean Si.

"What about the other?" Noin asked, recollecting her knives and placing binds to seal the creature.

"Dorothy? Duo never said, best to leave her. Yuy said if it was necessary, but I don't want to be the judge of that situation. If anything, I can clean up that loose string at a later time." He replied licking off his claws.

"To Heero?" Noin asked.

Quatre laughed, "To Heero... "

~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~

"General Dermail!! God! Something has happened!!" A solider ran to the base.

Dermail looked at the soldier, "What? Are you coming to report the destruction of the Trieze Faction? God, that is wonderful news."

"Uh, no. Actually... sir..." the boy stuttered.

Slamming his fist on his table, Dermail turned an angry glance to the soldier. "We sent out all that firepower- How could they have survived? Nothing could have stopped us!"

The soldier rocked from foot to foot, obviously very nervous, "Gundam."

Dermail choked and spun to glare at the messenger, "A what?"

"Gundam Zero One was there. We lost half the Mobile Dolls and the battle appears to have fallen into confusion. If it keeps on like this, it's just a matter of time before Trieze Krushranada escapes his confinement. And... " the soldier stopped afraid to tell his commander the rest of the news...

The general paced a few moments and then looked at the soldier, "Send out all the forces we have on the Earth. Have them proceed to Luxembourg with orders to attack the Trieze Faction and the Gundams. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir!" and the soldier ran out.

Dermail chuckled and resumed sipping his glass of wine, "After all, Trieze is just a fascinating image to the soldiers. Once he dies, there will be another to replace him...Even figureheads fall from grace."

~~~~~'~~@@~~'~~~~~~

"Thank you for coming, Heero Yuy. A soldier of the peace." A voice rustled through the extensive room.

Asmodeus froze. No human should have detected him. This wasn't Trieze. "Are you Trieze?"

He was met with a dark chuckle, "I think you know, Asmodeus. Shoot me. Is that not your orders from Sammael?"

There was no way Trieze could have known of his master's plans. Not his name and especially Sammael's... He cocked his gun, power waiting just in case. "Who are you?"

"What's wrong? The war will not be over as long as I live in this world. Didn't you come here because you think that? Or is that what you were told? And a gun will most definitely not harm me... I mean-"

"I want to hear why you let me in. You were stupid for doing that." Asmodeus remarked.

Trieze chuckled and folded his hands and leaned back more in his chair, "I thought we could talk. Man to man... "

"I have no interest in you nor your false ideals. The Peacecraft's have fallen, you are next." Asmodeus snorted.

"Sammael... Sammael... Do you only teach you servants the art of fighting?"

"I don't think of anything except fighting. What we wish to achieve will come only as the result that comes after war. This is *knowing*, sir." He wanted to add he was doing this before this man was even born, but he had to keep his thoughts close for now.

"Who is your enemy? Me? OZ? The Foundation? Or those faraway colonies that betrayed you? There is no end to fighting like that but... It's a matter of fate. I guess Sammael does not teach any more. Thought is never valued in a soldier."

Asmodeus flared dark energies into his hands, "My enemy is anyone who stands in front of me and tries to kill me. You are killing people, I will kill you."

Trieze snorted at the boys comment, "No one can change the flow of humanity. But speaking with you was the highlight of my life."

Asmodeus snarled, "Bastard. I do not come here to listen to you prattle. Understand this. You're a poor loser."

"I ask you then, Vrita or is it Apaosa? He betrays you. *He* is an enemy, will you kill him? A traitor should be worse than any enemy." his voice reached a peak of pure snobbery.

"None of your concern."

"Here is something that will guide you in the way you should live from now on." And a ball of daemon majik erupted from Trieze's hands.

Heero screamed as it flew towards him, fear storming in his very veins. He would die without seeing Noin or his beloved Zechs-

"Stop." A soft, velvet voice entered the conversation.

Opening his eyes, the Japanese boy saw his master standing before him, hands controlling the shadows.

"I knew I would find you eventually, Exael." Duo snarled at the man Heero had thought was Trieze.

"Your servants are getting bolder, Sammael." That comment made the shadows twist in anger. "Oh, did I forget to tell you, I am no longer in your servants, Sammael. You must forgive me if my notice never did quite make it to your desk. I was... preoccupied at those moments. Thinking of ways to fuck with your pretty little lover's head." And with that he disappeared, taking a moment to admire the hellish rage flaring in those wide violet eyes.

"Master?" Heero asked hesitantly, he could feel the anger coming off his master, and it frightened him.

"From the Order of Angels when he fell. Taught man to make war machines and causes them to fight. " Duo remarked eyes distant, lost in the distant past.

"Shall I kill him?" Heero asked.

"No. He is too powerful for you. Either I or Vrita will deal with him."

Heero blinked, "Vrita, Master?"

Duo smiled over his shoulder, "He doesn't realize it yet, but he will return to us. Don't worry, have faith in him, all right?"

Heero sighed and walked out with his Master, "Thank you for saving me, sir... "

Duo chuckled, "No problem! Go meet back with Noin, you will be heading out in the morning."

Heero's eyes brightened, "Hn." and Duo had his shadows bring him to one of his lovers.

The violet eyed American however, walked to the outskirts of the inferno. On a hill overseeing all with ancient eyes, watching Luxembourg burn in flames, "Please Goddess, let me be right. Bring Vrita home."