The Prince and the Two-faced Clown: Part 2

Alternate Universe fic. Some what fantasy. Uses excessive magic. Insert Disclaimer here.

"......." talking italics thinking *.......* action [......] translations

The prince gazed solemnly at the area where the clown ran off to. He had been standing there for quite a while. Hesitantly, Wufei cleared his throat.

Wufei: "A-hem. Your majesty. Are you alright?"

Trowa: *still staring* "......."

Duo: "Trowa?"

Trowa: "........"

entire group: "TROWA!"

He jumped at the shout and turned to his companions wide-eyed. Trowa ran a hand through his hair, trying to clear his mind. What am I doing? Why do I care?

Heero: "Your majesty. Is there something wrong?"

Trowa: *lets out deep breath* "I'm fine." *turns to look at group* "And stop calling me 'your majesty'."

The prince bent down and retrieved something from the floor. Meiran peered curiously at it. It was the two-faced mask the clown had worn before. Trowa held it gingerly as if it was a piece of fine pottery. Lightly, he ran his fingers down the middle of the mask. His face was blank as always, but there was the slightest hint of confusion in his eyes. Wufei stepped aside and picked up the forgotten plush camel off the floor. After brushing off the dust, he handed it back to the prince. Trowa looked at it like he'd never seen it before. After a moment of mindless staring, he scooped the camel up in his arms and hugged it like a lost child. I feel so strange. I've never felt anything like this before. Something is stinging my heart. What is it? Am I ill? This is too wierd.

The others could only stare in shock as the prince fastened the mask over the camels face and looked intently at it. They were more than a bit worried. For someone like Trowa Barton, prince of ice and king of non-emotion to behave this way........it was disturbing.

Off in the tents somewhere, Quatre ran this way and that. Even for someone who has been in the circus for as long as he, it was easy to get lost. Finally, he spotted the one he was looking for and rushed over. Two girls sat inside, putting on make-up, earings, and brushing their hair. Quatre stood with the flap in his hands, watching them. He didn't want to go in. But as he was contemplating whether or not to run off and hide, one of the girls spotted him and pulled him into the tent. She had beautiful long brown hair that ran down to her waist eventhough it was tied high on her head. She flashed him a warm smile as she sat him down infront of the mirror. This was Lydia.   "Quatre. Quatre. Quatre. Do you make it your sole purpose in life to piss off Valcon? You're going to be late again. We really have to keep a close eye on you. Right Shiva?"

Shiva was the other girl. She also had long brown hair the same length as Lydia. Actually, everything about them was the same since they were identical twins. Both had lean, shapely bodies that would knock any guy to the floor. Their faces were just as pretty as the rest of them.

Quatre: *glares at his own reflection*    "I don't need a babysitter."

Shiva: *sighs*   "Yes yes we know. We know. You can take care of yourself."   *takes a good look at Q*    "Oh my goodness! Look at you! You're all dirty!"     *eyes wide with shock*

Quatre: "You can blame it on Rei."

Lydia:   *turns Q's face left and right checking for damage*     "He didn't hurt you did he?"     *very worried look*      "It's looks fine now but...."

Quatre: "It wouldn't have been fine. Valcon slapped me.   Hard. But some sorceror healed my little face for me."      *sneers*

Shiva: "Oh not again. For crying out loud. Quatre. You have to stop provoking him! You know his temper."   *pulls Q out of chair*     "Come on. We don't have much time. Go grab a quick shower and I'll go get your costume."

Quatre: "........."       *refuses to get up*

Lydia:   *drags Q out the tent*    "Now now. Don't pout around us little man."

Lydia drags Quatre all the way to the shower area. Shoving a bar of soap in his hand, she pushed him in and waited outside. The shower was basically just a stall with a large cloth in front to hide it's contents. Lydia kept wacking the cloth until Quatre threw her his dirty clown suit. Satisfied, she ran off to dispose of it, only to return carrying a large fluffy towel.

Lydia: "Hurry up. We don't have much time left."

Quatre: (shouts) "I'm hurrying! Be quiet!"

Lydia: *laughs*     "I'm not the one that's going to get my ass kicked for getting there late."

Quatre: "Why does he want us there so early anyways. The show doesn't start for hours."

Lydia: *lets out breath exasperated*      "He wants us to practice first."

Quatre: "......"    *rinses hair out*      "What's the point. We always do the same damn thing anyways."

Lydia: "Hai hai."       [yes yes]

Shiva: "How's he doing?"   *holding a slightly smaller towel*

Lydia: *points behind her*    "......"

Shiva: "Better hurry up sweety!   You still have to get dressed!"

Quatre: "FINE! I'm done!"     *throws cloth open*     "Are you happy now?"

The twins giggle as they wrap him up in the towels and all three run back to their 'dressing tent'.

Once inside, the girls busied themselves with drying his hair, while sticking him into his costume at the same time. All the while, Quatre just kept glaring grumpily at his reflection. Since they were very use to this ritual, the girls had him dressed in less than 10 minutes. Quatre never, ever, wanted to perform and they had to do this every time they had a performance. Like a professional stylist, Shiva centred Quatre's head and started brushing his hair. She made it so that his long bangs framed his elegant face. The rest was pulled back and held in place by various shimmering hairclips. Lydia took this time to put on anything else that accompanied the ensomble he was wearing. Quatre kept silent the whole time, just glaring.

Lydia: *chuckles*    " You know, your face is going to freeze that way."

Quatre: "......"

Shiva: "Do you have to do this every time?"

Quatre: "I don't see why I should degrade myself like this."

Lydia: "Degrade yourself? Oh come on. Don't tell me that's what you actually think."

Quatre: "It's degrading. It's disgusting. It's....."

Shiva: "Beautiful."

Quatre: "......"

Lydia: "Quatre. You know it's true. What we do is beautiful. And so are you. You are the best. That's why you're the leader."

Quatre: "Che!"    *turns head to the side in disgust*

Lydia: "Don't mess up the hair that I'm trying so hard to style!"    *makes Q face forward*    "And don't try to deny that you like it either. I've seen you practicing by yourself. You enjoy it."

Shiva: "You know. I think we should let him go solo. It always looks better when he's doing it by himself."

Quatre: "I refuse. It may start out beautiful, but then turns into something disgusting. That man has no class."

Shiva:   *sighs*   "Valcon is only doing what he thinks will attract a bigger audience."

Quatre: *glares angrily at her*    "HE'S SELLING YOUR BODIES!"

Lydia: "No he's not."    *turns his head forward*    "And he's not selling yours either. It's not as bad as you make it."

Quatre: *clenches fists*    "It's degrading."

Shiva: *puts a hand on his shoulder*    "Quatre. No matter how degrading you may think it is. There's nothing you can do about it. You're not a prince anymore. Haven't been for a long time. We're all at the bottom of the barrel now. Do you understand?"

Quatre:   *unclenches fists*       "......"        *bows his head*          "...Yes."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

By now it was almost sundown and the sky was turning beautiful shades of orange. Currently, Meiran and Duo were playing Ring Toss and not having much luck.

Meiran: "Ch'k so! This game is rigged."

Wufei:   *lets out deep breath*       "........."         *shakes his head*

Duo: "Come on come on come on....NO!"     *ring falls between bottles*    "Are you sure these fit over the necks? They seem pretty small to me."

Heero: *exchange glances with Wufei*     "........."

Trowa just leaned against the side of the booth in his trademark position. Only this time he was carrying a large plush camel with a wierd mask over it's face. The prince stole a glance at his companions, still yelling at their fallen rings. Only 500 more rings to go. He sighed. Coming with them had definately been a bad idea. Not only was he bored out of his mind, but he had been insulted by more than one person. But not all of it was bad, he countered to himself. He did meet someone interesting. That strange clown with captivating eyes. He tried to get the image of those eyes out of his mind but was failing miserably.

"Come on! It's time!"

"Better hurry too!"

"I hear it's amazing!"

Duo stopped in mid-throw and turned to the face the annoying distraction. Much to his surprise, many people were rushing in the same direction. In fact, it seemed everyone was running in the same direction. His curiousity peeked so Duo reached out and grabbed the next guy that ran by.

Duo: "Where is everybody going?"

Guy: "Don't you know? The show is about to start."   *twist free and runs off*

Duo: *scratches head*     "What show?"    *grins*   "Ooooh. Maybe it's a side show."

Meiran: "What's this obsession you have with freaks."

Duo: "They're not 'freaks'.   I just find it interesting."

Heero: "I doubt it's the sideshow. That runs all day and we already seen it."

Duo: *pouts*     "Let's go check it out anyways."

Wufei: "I'm sure it's not a sideshow. There wouldn't be so many people running to see it if it was."

More people rushed by, some brushing past the group not so gently.

Meiran: "They in a rush to be reincarnated or something?"

Never the less, the group followed the crowd. They were led to a rather large tent near the edge of the market. There some man dressed in a sparkly tuxedo was calling out to the crowd.

"Step right up! Step right up here! The best show you've ever seen.   It's got everything. Plus our special feature that you can't find anywhere else. Only with this circus! Get your hands on some tickets before they're all gone!"

Duo: "What's the special feature?"    *looks around*

Trowa:   *points to poster*    "Moonlight Dancers."

Wufei: "Big wow. A bunch of dancing onna."

Meiran: *elbows W*    "....."

Random person:   "It's not just dancing onna. I hear they're the best. Really cute too."

Other person: "And the dance is amazing. You can't see that anywhere else. I've already watched it 4 times."

The group sweatdropped at these people's enthusiasm. But since they already got here, might as well stay and see what it was all about. The line was long, and people pushed and shoved. Finally they got to the ticket master.

TM: "That will be 20 silvers each."

Duo: "20? You trying to rip us off!?"

TM: "Take it or leave it. But I promise you it will be the best show you've ever seen!"

Loathing to argue with someone like this, Trowa paid for all their tickets and hustled them into the tent to find a seat. It was a first come first serve thing so all the ring side seats were taken. They settled for something near the middle. It wasn't that bad since they could see the stage clearly. Only Heero, Duo, and Wufei's combined deathglares managed to get them the seats anyways. The crowd bustled about for another 20 minutes before the ticket guy outside finally fell silent. Much to Trowa's relief. He hated mindless shouting.

The lights dimmed and a man wearing a familiar red tux stood in the middle of the ring. They immediately recognized him as the person who had hit the blonde clown earlier.

"Ladies and Gentalmen. I present to you....."

The show started and out came a group of elephants, each holding the tail of the animal before it. Afte the parade of animals, came the acrobats. The prince seemed quite interested in the tightrope act and the flying trapeze. Something even close to a smile formed on his lips during the knife throw. The usual circus things were done such as Lion tamer, only mixed with tigers in the act. That really caught Trowa's attention. He had never seen these exotic creatures before and was mesmorized by their hidden power and beauty. Through out the show, people with trays of popcorn and cotten candy walked around. Heero ordered some cotton candy while Wufei got some popcorn for Meiran and himself. Wufei almost dropped all of it when he heard a squeal coming from Duo. Apparently, one should not get a sorceror high on sugar unless one wanted a little nooky.

The lights dimmed again and the crowd fell silent. The ring was cleared and a stage put in it's place. When the lights lifted, a group of musicians had gathered at the base of the stage. Exotic drums and woodwinds made the majority of the band. On the stage stood the man in the red tux again.   He had the strangest smile on his face.

"And now ladies and gentlemen. Our pride and joy. Only available at our circus, I give you, our feature presentation. A big round of applause for the Moonlight Dancers!"

The crowd literally erupted with noise. The group had to cover their ears.   They seemed like the only ones there who didn't know what to expect. The man got off the stage and the lights went down, a spotlight hit the centre. The band started playing some foreign tune. Nothing appeared to be happening for a while until they saw three figures being brought up by the rising stage. When the floor beneith the figures' feet stopped moving, the band stopped playing. This of course, surprised the group. The three figures stood still as statues. They were standing in a triangle formation. Two girls with long brown hair tied high on their heads stood on either side, facing outwards, while the third stood with her back to the audience. They all had long, silky, light scarves hanging from their arms. The two girls with brown hair were wearing something that resembled a bikini. The only difference being the long piece of translucent fabric hanging from the side of the bottem part. Both girls were wearing the same colour pale pink. The one in the middle with their back turned, was wearing something different altogether. This dancer wore a sky blue. The top seemed like a bikini but obviously wasn't since there was something that tied up the the neck. The audience assumed it was a halter top. The bottem was a pair of very fluffy, light looking pants. It tapered near the bottem giving it an almost balloon look. A person must have been very skinny to not look stupid wearing those pants. All three dancers had large gold hoop earings in their ears and several silver hoops around their upper arms. Around their wrists and ankles, were golden bracelets with various bells hanging from them so that they would jingle with each movement of the dancer's arms and legs. The crowd went completely silent....that is, except for the prince and his troop.

Meiran:   "What are they waiting for?"

Duo: "I know. I thought they were going to dance."

Wufei: "They'll start soon."

Heero: "Want some cotton candy?"

"SSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"

The group, minus the prince, all clamped their hands over their mouths as they glanced around. Then they heard it. A steady beat of jingling. The dancers had started to move. But only the two girls in pink. They flicked their arms out in sync to each other. Twirling and kicking their legs in the air. They swung their scarf around forming beautiful patters like a gymnast would in the ribbon routine. The sound of the bells on their bracelets echoed in the silent tent. The speed of their dance picked up slightly, increasing it's pace with every move. Faster and faster they twirled until they reached the edge of the stage, then a loud <<ping>> as the third dancer closed her arms over her head forming an X. The band immediately started playing. The blue dancer spun the blue scarf in a wide arc as she twirled to the front of the stage. Once there, she turned sideways and arched her back into a graceful bridge. The pink dancers who had froze during this time, now moved again as they leaped into splits and twirled about behind the one in blue. The audience watched in aw. It was like flowing water. The dancers moved so smoothly. The one in blue was by far the most graceful. Her dance steps were difficult and positions more demanding. Yet she accomplished them like it was the most natural thing in the world. It was truly a dance fit for the gods.

For the second time of the day, Prince Trowa found himself mezmerised by what he saw. He didn't want to admit it, but the ticket master was right. It truly is like nothing he ever seen before. The royals of neighbouring kingdoms often came to visit. Especially to introduce their princesses to the hansome prince. Dancers were often called on for entertainment, and Trowa had seen his fill. But this was different. There was an air of....something in it. Like it was forbidden for mortals like them to view. Almost sacred. The leader caught his attention. While the dancer in blue didn't have the long flowing hair, her blonde locks still emphasized each movement. Trowa noticed that this dancer was also not as shapely as the other two, heck she was flat but no less lovely. The clothing showed off her lean body, slim waist, and attractive naval. He followed her movements, intent on studying the dancer's face. He found that she kept her eyes closed throughout the dance, seeminly lost in the movements. But her long lashes more than made up for the loss and gave her a gentle, and peaceful look. From the music, the prince could tell that the dance was almost over. A strange feeling of loss filled him, not wanting the enchanting movements to end. But all too soon the music died down and all that was left was the jingle of the bells again. The three twirled and turned until they were gathered together. Then the blue dancer knelt down, throwing her hands forward for a last resounding beat.

Silence.

Nobody said a word, afraid to break the spell of the moment. Then the crowd roared as they all stood up and gave a standing ovation. Everyone whooped and cheered as the dancers took their bows. Many even whistled at the ladies.

Duo: "WOW! That was really great! I guess it really was worth the 20 silvers."

Heero: "Ah."

Meiran: "They are all so pretty! Ne Wufei?"

Wufei: "......."

Meiran: *sighs* "What do you think Trowa? Trowa?"

The prince wasn't listening. He was still watching the blue dancer. He wanted to see her face again. He wondered if her eyes were as captivating was her dance. Unfortunately she was taking bows on all sides and was not facing him. But Trowa was a man of patience....sometimes, and waited until she finished her rounds. Finally, whe faced the front again, in the direction where they were sitting. She smiled and bowed deeply.

How many times can one's heart jump into one's throat? For the prince, it seems the number is infinity. He had finally gotten to see the dancer's face. To see the dancer's eyes. And what was he to find? The same blue oceans that he had drowned in before. Trowa stood there stunned beyond time and space. The dancer. She's the clown. The clown. She's not a she at all! It is a he!

Duo: "Trowa? Oi. Are you okay? You look like you saw a....."

"If I may have your attention please. The Moonlight Dancers will now do an encore presentation. All those interested, please come forward towards the stage. There will be an extra charge of 10 silvers. And this dance, is for mature audiences only. All those interested, please proceed to the stage immediately."

Duo: "Mature audiences only? What's that suppose to mean?"

Wufei: "How am I suppose to know. Heero?"

Heero: *shakes head*   "...."

Trowa: "I want to go look."

Meiran: "You do?"

Trowa: "....."   I want to make sure if it's really him.

Since the prince wanted to go, there was no way they were going to stop him. Of course, they couldn't let him go alone either. They made their way towards the stage. Heero noticed that the entire new audience, except Meiran, was male. And she was not getting friendly looks either.

Meiran: "Jumma je ga yan ji?"   [why does it look like this?]

Wufei: "Stay close."   *pulls her close protectively*

After the rest of the crowd had exited the large tent, the man in the red tux climbed onto the stage again. He beckoned for the dancers to step forward. The ones in pink had to practically drag the one in blue back on. The man in the tux sneered at the blonde dancer before putting on his crowd smile.

"And now....for the sweeter side."

The music started up again, except this time it had a sultry edge. The girls in pink immediately started dancing, only more suggestively. They slid the scarf up and down their bodies and swayed they hips. Since the crowd was now gathered very close to the stage, the dance seemed somewhat erotic. The one in blue glared at the man in the tux. The man glared back. Again, he made a signal with his hands. The dancer practically snorted but began to join in. However, the one in blue did not sway seductively like the pink counterparts. Instead, the dancer kept the graceful style 'she' had used before. The girls in pink smiled and winked playfully, flirting with the crowd. The men almost drooled.

Unlike the other men, who were trying to get as close to the stage as possible, Trowa and his guardians kept a safe distance. The prince couldn't care less if the other girls ripped off all their clothing. He was completely engrossed in watching the blue one. Again, the dancer's eyes were closed. 'She' didn't smile or flirt with the rowdy men either. Infact, it appeared as if she was desperately trying to ignore them. Movement in the back drew Trowa's attention away for a moment. He saw the enraged face of the ring master. Again he was signalling something to the blue dancer. But since 'her' eyes were closed, the signals did nothing.

Meiran: "Oi. If that blue one doesn't look at that guy soon, he's going to blow up."

Wufei: "......I think she's ignoring him on purpose."

Trowa: "...." It should be 'he'.

The girls in pink noticed the signals and started to get nervous. They gave their companion a worried glance. As if sensing their worry, the blue one finally opened 'her' eyes slowly. First scanning the crowd, then at the man in the tux as the dancer twirled.

Valcon: (signalling) "Start dancing like you're suppose to! Or else!"

Trowa gasped. He immediately recognized the returning gaze the blue dancer gave to the ring master. Complete and utter disobedience. He had received that look only a few hours before, by those same blue eyes. It is him. It's the clown from before. What was the name again? Quatre?

Quatre continued to dance, ignoring Valcon's threats. But the next turn changed his mind. The signal had been simple. <<You won't be the only one punished.>> He couldn't do it. He could't let his own pride, hurt Lydia or Shiva. The life in his eyes seeped away. Taking a deep breath, Quatre changed his dance pattern. Completely incorporating himself into the dance of his companions, he swayed and lifted his arms over his head.

The change of style started the royal group. It was such a visible change. Trowa noticed the defeat in Quatre's eyes mixed with definate sadness. But that look was gone within seconds. In it's place was hidden fire and a sultry smile. The men in the crowd became rowdier. More wild. Some even tried to climb up the stage. But the beams were smooth and slippery making it impossible to scale.

Wufei: (to Trowa) "For your safety, I believe it's time that we leave."

Trowa: "...."

Heero: "I agree."

Knowing that it would be useless to argue, Trowa turned to leave, but not before sparing one last glance at the dancer. Big mistake. Somehow, at the exact same moment, Quatre looked out into the crowd. Their eyes met and locked. While their bodies were physically far apart, it seemed like they were mere inches from each other. Quatre was the first to break the gaze as he looked down for a moment. Then, staring directly at the prince, Quatre winked and blew him a kiss before twirling off again.

The group exited the large tent with ease. The sun had already set and stars were just starting to peek out from in the sky.

Duo: "I think she likes you."

Trowa: "....."

Meiran: *smirks*    "Looks like our prince likes someone too."

Trowa: "It should be he."

Wufei: "What?"

Trowa: "The dancer is male. It's Quatre. The clown that ran into me before."

Duo: "No."

Trowa: "Yes."

Heero: "You said more than 3 words. Congratulations."

Trowa:   *glares*    "........."

Meiran: "So are we heading back?"

Trowa: "I'm going to wait until the show ends."

Duo: "Why? You're not still mad at the kid for not appologizing are you?"

Trowa: "......."    *looks at plush camel*     "I'm going to return this mask to him."

Heero and Duo exchanged glances, while Merian and Wufei did the same. They turned back to Trowa who was still gazing at the camel. Nobody said a word.

The group didn't really know where they were suppose to go inorder to find the strange clown again. The performance had ended quite awhile ago. They had assumed backstage was opposite the entrance on the other side of the tent, but that theory turned out fruitless. Now they were wondering aimlessly around the circus member's living quarters. A scuffling, then shouts, turned their attention towards a wooden fence. Behind it was suppose to be the cages where all the exotic animals were kept. They heard a loud crash, then a booming voice.

"What the fuck did you think you were doing!? Trying to botch up the whole show!?"

"That wasn't even part of the show."

"Why you...!"

"Valcon stop!"

"No! Let him go!"

The group ran as fast as they could along the fence trying to find an opening. There was none. Either that or they had missed it. All they could do was hoist themselves up to look over the fence. On the other side, the two dancers, still in their pink outfit, were trying to pry the ring master's hand off of the blue dancer's thoat.

Lydia: "Valcon no! Stop. He's just a little kid!"

Shiva: "Valcon!"

Valcon:   *throws Q into bunch of crates*     "I have to teach this little shit a lesson!"

Quatre: *gasping for breath*     "Go teach yourself to brush your teeth. Your breath stinks."

Valcon: "Still keeping your dry wit huh?"

The somewhat large ring master picked up Quatre again and hurled him towards the lion cage. He let out a painful scream as his back hit the steel bars. The lions inside roared and paced angrily glaring at the ring master as he approached.

Duo: "Damn! He's going to be killed. I think we should help him."

Heero: "Its not our business."

Duo: "But..."

"REI!!!"

The giant beast had returned and was currently hanging Quatre by the arm.

Rei: "Teaching this little bastard a lesson? I wouldn't mind joining in."

Shiva: "Rei. Get lost! You're not in this!"

Rei: *growls furiously*    "I'M NOT!? Look at my hand! It's all because of him that this happened!"     *throws Q on the ground*

Quatre: *coughs hoarsly*    "I...."   *cough cough*   "I didn't know...that he was .....going to do that."

Lydia: "He? Who's he? What?"

Quatre:   *struggles to get up*      "Some guy with wierd hair. Covered half his face....green eyes."

Lydia: "What?.......Are...are you serious?"

Quatre: "Yes.....why?"    *flinches*

Lydia: "Because he's..."

She didn't have a chance to finish as Valcon threw Quatre into the Tiger's cage this time. He stalked up to him menincingly, but before he could grab Quatre again, one of the tigers reached out and scratched a good chunk cloth and skin from his arm.

Valcon: "AAAAAAHHHHHH!"    *cluches arm in pain*    "Oh that's it. You are dead!"   *grabs a crow bar*

Quatre scurried away as fast as he could. Only to run head first into Rei. Using every ounce of strength he had left, he ducked and jumped out of the way before he could be taken hold of again. Rei growled and chased after him while Lydia and Shiva screamed for them to stop.

Duo: "That's it. I'm going to help him. Heero! Give me a boost."

Heero got into position and was about to shove Duo over the fence when Trowa fliped over it in an almighty leap. Wufei and Meiran, who were still hanging on the fence dropped their jaws as Trowa jumped again, did a 720 spin, then landed right in front of Quatre who was at least 10 metres away.

Trowa: (commanding voice)   "Halt."

Rei took a step back at the tone before his lips turned down into a sneer as he recognized the speaker.

Rei: "You're that little shit from before aren't you?"     *looks down at Q who is trying to get up*     "Came to save your little girlfriend? I'll get you back for what you did to my arm."

Rei lunged at Trowa who nimbly side-stepped and tripped him. Before the big baboon could hit the floor, the prince took hold of his arm and twisted it behind his back.

Trowa: (monotone)   "I don't like repeating myself."

Quatre: *finally gets up*    "Not you again."       *gives T dark look*

Trowa: "I have something to return to you."

Quatre: "What?"

The little distraction caused Trowa to loosen his grip and Rei was able to twist free. An evil glint surfaced in Rei's eyes as he shot out his arm. Too rushed to shout a warning, Quatre tackled Trowa down onto the floor, the arm just missing him and making contact only with the stylish bangs. Trowa's eyes widened as his mind registered the form laying on top of him.

Trowa: "You..."

Quatre: *grabs onto shirt with both hands*   "Shut up and run!"

With that, Quatre practically hefted the prince to feet and pushed him forward in a frantic run. Trowa looked back trying to protest but Quatre was hot on his heels. The look of complete worry in the other boy's eyes cut off anything he was about to say.

Rei: *snickers*    "Hn. You actually think you could get off that easily?"    *holds out hand*    "FIREBALL!"

A red ball of fire charged towards the two. Having heard the spell, Quatre grabbed Trowa's arm and pulled him out of fire's path. Quatre turned around to glare at Rei. Then he held out his own hand.

Rei: "I told you I would fry him."    *holds out hand again*    "Mega Blunder!"

Quatre: "Freeze Bliz!"

Little balls of red fire shot out of Rei's hand just as a blue wave of energy shot out of Quatre's. The red balls were lost in the blue ray. The energy continued towards Rei who dodged out of the way. The ray hit a bunch of barrels instead and ice immediately froze around them.   Quatre panted for breath. He was not a powerful sorceror and could not manage many powerful spells.

Taking hold of Trowa's hand again, he pulled him in the direction of the exit. Both ran as hard as they could. But before they were even close to the gate, a large wave of red came flying at them. Quatre, being the one behind, was able to see it first. Without a second thought, he jumped at Trowa's back, using his own body to shield him from the blow.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

They fell to the floor. Quatre's entire backside was charred. His blonde hair singed slightly. Trowa sat up and tried to steady the trembling body in his arms.   He brushed aside the long blonde bangs covering the boy's face. Pain filled eyes back at him which quickly turned into something else. Was the word gentle? Sincere? Or relieved? Trowa believed it was a mixture of all of these.

Quatre:   "Daijobu dan desune? Yokatta."      [you're okay right? thank goodness]

The world became black as Quatre lost conscienceness. Trowa cradled the body protectively as Rei approached.

Rei: "One down, one more to go."     *evil grin*

Trowa: "You are going to regret this."       *glares*

Rei: "Say goodbye, lover boy."    *holds out arm*    "Double flare!"

"Sui Ryu!"

A red and orange fire ball had flew from Rei's outstretched hand but out of nowhere, a water dragon engulfed the ball, tiny compared to it's own size, and continued charging towards Rei until it swallowed him too.

Heero: *leaps into view*    "You're highness. Are you alright?"

Trowa: "Ah. But he needs help. Now."    *lifts Q slightly*

Heero: *kneels down beside the two*    "As you wish."

Rei: "You highness?"

"CHYAAAAAAAAAA!"

Valcon comes charging out of god knows where with a sword. He lifted it up to his shoulder, then hurled the sword at the two. But not one foot from Valcon, the sword split into two and fell with a clang on the floor. He looked up only to see a billow of black. Icy, merciless violet eyes glared piercingly at him as the cold metal of a scythe pressed up against Valcon's chin.

Duo: "Attemped murder on his majesty. Punishable by death."    *sends glare-o-death*

Valcon: *screams in fear*    "D....d.....Duo....Maxwell."     *yelps*   "The royal executionar?"      *screams again as scythe presses harder against his throat*

Wufei: "Kisama."    *points sword at Rei*    "You are charged with treason and attempted murder on his majesty."

Rei: "Treason? But..but....I wasn't ....I didn't know!"

Trowa: "Hold. All of you."

They all turned to look at the prince. Heero had completely healed Quatre's back but the blonde was still unconscience. Trowa stood tall, carrying his bundle the way a prince should.

Trowa: "I pardon them from their sentence. Let them go."

Reluctantly, Duo stepped away from Valcon as Wufei stepped away from Rei. Trowa gave them all one last almighty royal glare-o-death before turning and walking away. The circus folk watched in stunned silence for a moment before snapping out of it.

Shiva: "Wait! Where are you taking him? You're highness! Please!"

Trowa:   *stops walking, turns*     "I am bringing him home where he can rest and recouperate."

Lydia: "Home? What do you....?"

Trowa: *stops her with a look*     "He will be staying at the castle with me."

Valcon: "But...but.....you can't just take him. He's a part of this circus and we..."

Trowa: "Silence! You're behaviour before has depleated your right to comment. But as respect to your status as the ring master, I will accept your concern. I here-by request the presence of the Moonlight Dancers in the royal hall. Accomodations will be provided. You are to present yourselves tomorrow morning. A guard will summon you."

With that said, prince Trowa turned and walked away. Still carrying the precious bundle in his arms.

~End Part 2~

I am so tired I can't think of any comments. You know the drill. Mail me cause I'm running out of writer's juice. Need constant supply. ~_~0

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