"......" Talking italics thinking *.....* action ////~....~///// flashback [.....] translation
Thank you to all my supporters and especially those who I bug constantly. Love you all! And special congratulations to my best e-bud Maria. Consider this a present. ^_^ (unless it sucks of course)
The air was alive with energy as the entire troop packed their things. Several hours before, a guard had been sent from the castle, asking that the entire circus perform for Princess Catherine's wedding party. In his tent, Quatre neatly assembled his luggage. Reaching down for the next item, his hand came into contact with something. A look of pain crossed his face as he closed his eyes, clasping the object covered by a purple cloth.
////~
Bloody hands clenched tightly around the blade of a sword. The little boy looked up and behind him to see who it was. A man with a very thick mustash looked down at him. He smiled slightly before turning back to the man on the horse. With a shout, he pushed the blade back and out of the little boy's chest.
"Quatre-sama...RUN!"
"But..."
"Save yourself! You are our most important prince. We...won't regret it. Don't waste our efforts...." *coughs+chokes* "Run. NOW!"
The blonde boy clutched his bleeding chest. Tears streaming from his eyes, he watched as the one with piercing green eyes, swung his sword again. His saviour was cut into two. ~/////
With a cry, the little boy picked up the scrimitar from the ground. The blade was as long as he was tall. Nonetheless, the boy charged at the horse. He ducked as the man on top of it swung down his blade. Dodging to the other side, the boy swung his blade, cutting the horses legs. Hurt and scared, the horse reared, sending it's rider toppling to the ground.
Seeing his chance, the boy lunged at the man. Blue eye's met piercing green. They held each other's gaze for a second, then the men struck out with his fist. The little boy was obviously no match against the man in hand to hand combat and soon was pinned to the ground. He could feel the man's breath on his face as he spoke.
"You are a worthy prince. Your father was very proud."
"Why are you doing this!?"
"I have my reasons."
"But.....weren't you and father friends? Aren't you the same man who gave me piggy back rides and gave me hugs when I was sad? I always thought of you as a second father. Why? WHY?"
"......Humans are selfish. That's why. It's very simple. I'm doing what's best. For me."
"O...ji....san..." [uncle/elder man]
Having lost his blade in the fall, the man resorted to throttling the boy to death. As the life was slowly being squeezed out of him, the boy clawed around desperitely. The hands around his neck tightened. Frantic, the little blonde reached out again. This time his hand settled against a handle. The dagger strapped onto the man's hip. Running on pure adrenaline, he grasped the handle tightly and ripped it from it's scabbord. He slashed upwards marking a red line across the man's face and over his right eye. The man reeled back in pain. ~////
"Quatre!"
Disturbed from his daydream, he shook as he snapped out of it and slashed his finger as a result. Shiva rushed over to his aid, but Quatre just sat there blank as ever. The girl watched in shock as he lift the dagger into the air and watched the blood trickle down the blade.
Shiva: "Quatre. Stop!"
Quatre: *blank look* "......."
Shiva: "Quatre. You're scary me. Please!" *eyes get misty*
Quatre: "......"
"Don't! Quatre. I won't let you! NO!"
Reaching out, Shiva pulled the boy into her arms and held him tight. Her body shook from the force of her sobs. She clutched his head to her chest and drew him closer, repeating "no" over and over.....
A younger Shiva and Lydia giggled as they skipped about the tents. In Lydia's hand was a box filled with slices of all sorts of cake. Shiva held a box of tea in her hand. Their eyes practically sparkeled with happiness as they made their way towards Quatre's tent. Once there, the twins nodded to each other, then Lydia threw open the flaps of the entrance. Still twirling about outside, Shiva didn't notice the gasp from her sister until she heard the splat of the cake hitting the floor. With a very bad feeling in her heart, she quickly turned to look into the tent. Her box of tea hit the floor with a clang.
An equally young Quatre, about 12 years old, lay lifeless on the ground. His left wrist was cut and bleeding fast, the precious red fluid gathering in a small pool. The sisters flew into action. Lydia grabbed a cloth and wrapped up his wrist trying to stop the bleeding, while Shiva checked his pulse. They worked with an expertise that let one know that this wasn't the first time.
Later that evening, Quatre lay, arm bandaged, on the bed in Shiva and Lydia's tent. One sister sat on either side of him like watchful guardians. Dull blue eyes stared at them weakly.
Quatre: "Why save me?"
Lydia: "Because you are important to us." *smiles warmly*
Shiva: "You are our most important prince."
Quatre: "I'M NOT!!"
Lydia: "Quatre?" *eyes wide*
Quatre: *eyes watering* "That prince died a long time ago! I'm not him! I'm NOT. I'm....not.....He already died......I'm not him." *sobbing* "Leave me alone. Don't care for me. Don't! I'll only hurt you in return. I'm not that important. Just....just...."
Shiva: "Shhhhhh" *pulls Q into tight hug* "It's alright hon. It's alright. Shhhhh. We're not going to get hurt. Promise. Nothing is going to happen to us."
Quatre: "Why...?"
Lydia: "It's okay. Rest." *strokes Q's hair*
Quatre: "Why..... are they all dead? I'm the only one left. I'm the only one who didn't die. Why? It would be better........ if I just died. I don't want.....hurts." *clutches chest* "My heart hurts. It hurts alot! Ne-san. Make it stop. I don't want to. Why am I the only one left. It hurts. I don't want this feeling anymore. One-san...." ~////
[ne-san/one-san means older sister]
The bundle in her arms shifted. Soft hands wiped the tears away from her eyes. Shifting again, Quatre lifted his arms and wrapped them around her neck, pulling her into a warm embrace.
Quatre: "Don't cry. Shiva ne-san."
Shiva: "Ka.....Quatre?"
Quatre: "It's okay. You don't have to be afraid. I won't do anything stupid. Because that me is already gone. I'm not weak like 'him'. This 'me' is strong. I...... won't make my sisters cry. I am a good child."
Shiva: *hugs Q tightly* "Quatre. My baby. Don't die on me. Don't leave me behind."
Quatre: "......" *smiles* "I won't. Sister. Because the one who has to die isn't me."
Trowa paced nervously in the hall. Today was the day. He'd be here any minute now. The prince had sent word that he was to be notified the moment the clown/dancer stepped onto palace grounds. Four pairs of eyes moved simultaneously left and right, following the prince's movements.
Duo: (whispers) "You think he's gone insane?"
Heero: *elbows D* "......"
Duo: "Ow. Hey." *glares at H*
Meiran: (whispers) "Well he did just suddenly jump out of his room and start giving orders."
Wufei: "At least this is better than locking himself up. What the heck was he thinking..."
D,H,M: "SHHHHHH!"
Trowa: "You are all very annoying."
all-T: "eh....heh heh....."
Trowa: *runs hand through hair* "....." *lets out deep breath* "What am I doing. I'm the one that drove him away."
Heero: "......"
Meiran: "Hn! I think you're better off without that little..." *gets evil eye from everyone* "Well it's true."
Trowa: "He's not as bad as you think Meiran."
Merian: (mumbles) "that's cause you've got it bad for that....NOTHING. " *smiles sweetly*
*creak of door*
"Your majesty? Master Quatre has arrived. Would you like me to summon him?"
Heero: "No. I'll do it."
all: "What?"
When the smoke finally cleared, Quatre was floating in the air above the hole in the ground curled up in a ball. Slowly he opened his eyes and lifted his head taking in his surroundings. A smile spread across his face when he saw Heero sitting on the ground, looking very tired. Since he was wearing his dancing costume, he floated down to the ground in a dazzling display of flowing fabric.
Heero: "You're not bad."
Quatre: *bows* "I didn't realize when we were last together. You're the Heero Yuy. It's an honour. Tales of your power have travelled far and wide. And I see that they were not just stories."
Heero: "You're power is very strong as well. Not many people have enough MP to actually duel with spells. You gave me quite a hard time."
Quatre: "That's cause you surprised me. I didn't expect to be transported. Didn't know who was doing it so of course I had to put up a little fight." *wink*
Heero: *smiles* "Little? I think I'm going to have to eat a ton and sleep for days to regain my energy."
Wufei: *blank face* "Does anyone know what they are talking about?"
Duo: *waves dismissively* "Magic stuff. Don't mind them. I don't understand half of it either."
Meiran: *crosses arms, looks away* "Hm!"
Trowa: *crosses arms* "........" *clears throat* "A-hem."
Quatre/Heero: "Yes?"
Trowa: "Could I have a moment?"
~ One hour before the ball, Castle guestroom~
Quatre unceremoniously flopped down on the bed as Trowa leaned against the wall. Like children playing on their parent's mattress, he started rolling around, then bouncing about.
Quatre: *lies back down again* "AHHH. So soft and comfy compared to my bed." *burries face in pillow* "I definately can't get use to this."
Trowa: "........"
Quatre: *peers at T with 1 eye* "Are you just going to stand there silently all day?"
Trowa: "Why did you leave."
Quatre: "Is that a question or a statement?" *pushes up*
Trowa: "........."
Quatre: *sits up* "You won't understand."
Trowa: "If you don't tell me of course I won't understand."
Quatre: "That's not it."
Trowa: "I'm tired of playing this game!" *glares*
Quatre: "Then don't play it....." "!!"
The prince had quickly made his way over and pinned Quatre down onto the bed. The dancer+clown looked back at him eyes wide in shock. He could see anger so apparent, in the other's emerald gaze.
Trowa: "Did you forget? What I said by the lake a few days before you left."
Quatre: "I...."
////~
Two figures road on a magnificant white horse. When they got to the edge of the lake, the one behind got off to help the smaller figure in front get off.
Quatre: *lands on floor* "Thank you." *lets go of T's hand*
Trowa: *doesn't let go* "You can't ditch me."
Quatre: "A prince should not speak with such vocabulary."
Trowa: "So bite me Lady Une."
Quatre: "Who's that?" *steps into water*
Trowa: "My tutor. Very annoying woman with glasses. Without them she's nicer."
Quatre: "Oookay. Whatever you say." *kicks feet*
Trowa: "You shouldn't play in the water."
Quatre: *looks up confused* "Why? Is there something wrong with it?"
Trowa: "No. But you're wearing white."
Quatre: *waves hands* "It'll wash off don't worry. What's a little mud."
Trowa: "That's not the point. Didn't you know that...."
"WAHH!"
The blonde had slipped on the banks of the lake and fallen in. Coughing and covered with weeds, he looked like a drowned cat.
Trowa: *holds out hand* "See. This is exactly why you shouldn't play near the banks unless you want to get drenched."
Quatre: "Oh....shut up. " *gets pulled up by T* "Like you've never done something like this before."
Trowa: "Actually I haven't."
Quatre: *evil smile* "Well then...." *trips T into water* "There's a first time for everything!! Ha ha haha.."
After a couple minutes of splashing, Trowa finally managed to stand up. A fish had gotten trapped in his hair and fell as he stood. That scene cause Quatre to laugh hysterically for the longest time. Finally fed up, the price tackled clown-boy into the water and a bout of wrestling commenced. Half an hour later, they lay in silence floating on the lake, both somewhat exhausted. Trowa was first to break this silence.
Trowa: "You know right?"
Quatre: *takes deep breath* "Know what?"
Trowa: *stares directly at Q* "That I like you."
Quatre: *laughs* "Oh. I like you too. You're a lot of fun. Sometimes. Usually you're just this weird mute statue that looks nice against a wall."
Trowa: "I don't mean in that way."
Quatre: "......I don't know what you mean."
Trowa: "I think you do."
Quatre: "......So what?"
Trowa: "so......" *moves to stand* "Since you know my heart's content, you should take appropriote defenses."
Quatre: *stands also* "Appropriote what?"
Trowa: "I won't wait for ever. If you keep pushing my bottons, I will take action."
Quatre: "Did you fall and hit your head?" *incredulus look*
Trowa: *evil smirk* "You don't know do you." *presses Q up against boulder* "White fabric plus water equals transparency."
Quatre: *eyes widen* "!!" *looks down at himself* "AHHH!" *wraps arms about himself*
Trowa: *smirks and leans in* "If you want me to do something about it that's fine with me. But I'm telling you. Everyone has limits. And I've about reached mine." ~////
Quatre: *sweatdrop* "You can't be talking about that...."
Trowa: *leans down closer* "You shouldn't jump thus undefended onto a bed. It's very dangerous."
Quatre: "You're joking.....right?" *scrunches back*
Trowa: *leans closer still* "Talk. Why did you leave."
Quatre: "!!.......I had my reasons."
Trowa: "Don't you care how that makes me feel?"
Quatre: "No."
Trowa: "........" *gets up* ".Have it your way." *gets off bed and walks away*
Quatre: "It's impossible. Us."
Trowa: *stops* "Why?"
Quatre: "Because. Who's ever heard of two princes getting together? Well, I'm not a prince anymore but still. Find a normal relationship. Your father wouldn't want this."
Trowa: "It has nothing to do with my father. Or anyone else. I am the only person who can choose who I like. The same with you."
Quatre: "So what are you going to do? Marry me? I can't have kids. I'm not royalty anymore. I'm not even a citizen of this kingdom...what's it called. Lun..something. L3. "
Trowa: "No matter what. This is a decision between you and me and no one else. I....have never spoken a lie. I meant it when I said I liked you. And I mean it when I say now that I probably love you."
Quatre: "Che." *turns head away* "you don't know what you're saying.."
Trowa: *turns Q's head to face himself* "I do know what I'm saying. And I know this may seem too fast, or too sudden. Pick your favourite corny line. But I do. And I pray...... that you will."
Quatre: "will what...."
Trowa: "I wanted a blue one that reminded me of your eyes, but green is the royal colour in this kingdom." *takes of one off the necklaces* "Eventhough I know it's pretty old fashioned but...." *gets on one knee* "Quatre Raberba Winner. Will you marry me?"
Quatre: *looks dumbstruck* "........"
Trowa: *looks nervous* "......."
".........."
"...."
Quatre: ".........no."
Trowa: "Is that your final answer?"
Quatre: " ...yes."
Trowa: "Is that yes I will, or yes it's my final answer?" *sweatdrop*
Quatre: "No I will not ..in any way...marry you."
Trowa: *bows head* "That was quick."
Quatre: "It's less painful that way."
Trowa: "You don't have any feelings for me?"
Quatre: "I do. Just not enough." Not enough to release me from my bond.
Trowa: "I understand." *bows head* "Here." *puts necklace+ring around Q's neck* "I want you to have it anyways. It was made for you. And only you."
Quatre: *looks at necklace* "......Thank you."
Quatre: *eyes downcast* "......yeah."
Trowa: *heads towards door* "........." *stops, back facing Q* "Quatre."
Quatre: *looks up* "hmm...?" *eyes start to get misty*
Trowa: "I.....won't change. My feelings towards you...even if you don't feel the same."
Quatre: *biting lower lip* "....hn-hn." *nods head*
Trowa: *walks out* "I'll see you later then." *closes door*
As soon as the prince left, Quatre flopped down on the bed and burried himself in the pillows. Every now and then a sharp intake of breath could be heard.
Everything was going well. The guests had a great time dancing, a wonderful dinner, and were now enjoying wine and cheeze. The circus folk had provided wonderful entertainment for the children as well as the adults through out the entire night. And now, Trowa decided it was about time he brought out his present for his sister.
Trowa: "Ladies and Gentlemen. If I could have your attention please." <<crowd hushes>> "A few weeks ago, my associates and I, were spectators to a spectacular show. It is a foreign dance, only performed by those employed under the visiting circus. They have graciously accepted to perform here today, to celebrate my great sister, Princess Catherine's marriage." *turns to C* "My sister. I hereby proudly introduce to you...the Moonlight Dancers."
The prince bowed as the lights in the room dimmed. Then walked over to take a seat by the princess, her fiance, and the King. The curtain slowly raised and a spotlight hit center stage. There stood Quatre, Lydia and Shiva dressed in even fancier costumes than before. The style they wore was basically the same but the fabric was of much better quality. The twin sisters wore orange and red, while Quatre wore a white and black. The black top Quatre wore contrasted nicely with the gold necklace hanging from his neck. Much to the amusement of the prince.
All three looked out into the crowd, and flashed their most winning smile. They flicked their wrists in sync with each other making three beats, signalling the orchestra to start up. The music flowed and the bodies moved with it melding into one. Catherine's stared with her mouth open in aw. She suddenly understood what had captured her brother's attention. All three dancers were amazing. They glided through the air with the grace of a swan over water. Scarfs twirling in the air, emphasized their movements like in the paintings of ancient goddesses. The entire audience was captivated easily.
Trowa spared a glance at his father the king, and his sister's fiance. They seemed mesmerized by the dance also. The prince smiled at himself for having picked the right entertainment. His father was not an easy man to please.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
King: "You have picked some pleasing entertainment my son."
Trowa: "I'm glad you enjoyed it father."
King: "You seem to know them quite well now. Is that so?"
Trowa: ".....Yes. Quite well I should say."
King: "Well then. Bring them forth to me so that I may congratulate them on a job well done."
Trowa: "Yes father." *bows*
Weaving his way through the crowd, it took Trowa quite some time before he could reach the Moonlight Dancers. If it wasn't for the fact that all guests parted way for the prince, he would have never gotten through. Once there, Trowa couldn't help but smile slightly seeing his ring around Quatre's neck. Eventhough he was refused, at least the symbol of his love wasn't thrown away like unwanted trash.
Trowa: "Well done. You are to be congratulated."
Lydia: "Thank you your highness. It is an honour for us to have performed for the royal family."
Shiva: "And a great pleasure to meet the one that made our little baby.....mnmnphphhh"
Lydia had covered her sister's mouth while keeping her crowd smile on her face. After batting her eyelashes in innocence, she waved Quatre over to where the prince was.
Trowa: "You all did great."
Quatre: "Thank you." *bows*
Trowa: *to all three* "My father, his majesty the king, would like to thank you for a wonderful perfomance. If you would proceed this way...."
The crowd parted like the sea to let the dancers and prince through. But before Quatre could follow, Trowa pulled him aside to whisper quickly, "Thank you."
Quatre: "For what?"
Trowa: "Keeping my heart."
Quatre: *looks down on floor* ".........."
"I'd first like to congratulate you on a job well done. We thoroughly enjoyed your perfomance. You have truly made this party a special night."
The dancers bowed accordingly to the praise. The King continued on with the formalities so Quatre drowned them out. But he couldn't help but notice something familiar about the voice. It's Trowa. He sounds like Trowa. Hn. Like father like son.
"But I have some unfortunate news."
But it sounds different too. Of course it is, they are different people. But...I know I've heard that voice before.
"It appears, that a member of this room, has committed an unspeakable crime."
I know I've heard it.
"One punishable by death."
I have. I know it. It's from........!!
"Treason."
There, standing not 3 metres away from him, was the king. With piercing green eyes, and a scar that ran across his right eye from the top of his forehead to the bottem of his jaw.
