"...." talking italics thinking *.....* action [......] translation ////~..........~//// flashback
////~
"PRINCE TROWA!!!"
Meiran leaped high into the air and landing just intime to catch the falling prince. She lowered him slowly unto the floor, afraid to jar the numerous capillaries jutting out of his body. He was breathing hard and losing consciousness fast.
Meiran: "Trowa. Hang in there. Don't die!"
Trowa: *breathing hard* "ka...ka...."
Meiran: *fights back tears* "Don't try to talk. Just..just...rest a bit. Okay?" *forces a smile*
Quatre stood on the top of the steps. Eyes cold and emotionless. Body frozen like a statue. Meiran glared hard at the boy.
King: *points sword at Q's back* "Seize him."
Wufei and Duo were on him in seconds. Easily, they restrained the boy's arms. Neither seemed to notice that the ruthless killer wasn't fighting back at all.
~////
Right. I forgot. I've been captured. .......... Arms and legs? They must think I'm some kind of animal.
////~
Trowa: "......" *takes hold of Q's hand and the needle* " I'd willingly die by his hand." ~////
That idiot.. Did he die? ......Killed by me. Using my hands.
In the darkness, Quatre moved to a sitting position, then brought his legs up to hug his knees. He held his hands before his face but in the pitch black, he could not see them. Listlessly, he let them drop to the floor. The chime of the metal chains on stone, being the only sign of life in the dark dungeon.
Even if I can't see it, I know my hands have been stained. And now, they have to include the red from his blood?
////~
Two figures danced beautifully in the ballroom. Like in Beauty and the Beast, dozens of candles illuminated the room in a dim, romantic glow. The Prince wore black dress pants, a crisp white shirt and a long black vest that ran all the way down to his knees. It trailed behind him like the tails of a tuxedo, accenting his every turn. Quatre on the other hand, just wore his usual dance costume. But the long, light silk scarfs floated around him like in the ancient Chinese paintings of goddesses, giving him a look incomparable with any fancy dress Belle could have worn.
Trowa: "Where did you learn to dance?" *twirls Q*
Quatre: "From my sisters. My real ones. They thought I would feel left out if I didn't, or couldn't do the things they did." *sigh* "Lets just say I learned everything from dancing, to baking, to heming a dress." *rolls eyes*
Trowa: "What about Shiva and Lydia?"
Quatre: "They're not my real sisters. But they're close. They're the ones who found me and took me in. Then begged to let me stay. They're not very different from my other sisters." *chuckles* "Even got the same attitude."
Trowa: "You miss them a lot don't you?" *stops dancing*
Quatre: *looks a long time at T* "Of course. Everyone that loves me is dead." *walks away* "No matter how much I want to, I could never hug them again. Or feel their warmth. Other than my memories, I have nothing left of them. And even that is fading." *scrunches eyes shut* "Sooner or later I'm going to forget their faces. Then I'll truly have nothing..."
Trowa: *hugs Q tight* "You're wrong. You'd still have you're new sisters. I can tell Lydia and Shiva love you like your real sisters would. They always have. Right?"
Quatre: "..................." *nods*
Trowa: "There are still many people in this world who love you with all their heart. And it breaks everytime they see that sadness in your eyes." *tilts Q's chin up* "Just like the person standing before you." *touches foreheads with Q* "I know it may not be enough, but if I could see your smile....I would give up all that I have." ~////
.........You must...... hate me by now.....
////~ Trowa: *kisses Q's forehead* "I love you." ~////
Don't tell me you love me. I.......
I don't.......
desearve it.....
Trowa.
Quatre: "Never thought I'd see you again."
King: *signals with hands* "Leave us."
Guard: "But sire...."
King: *turns to guard* "I said. Leave us."
Guard: "...." *glares at Q* *bows* "Yes. Your highness." *closes huge doors with a clang*
King: *turns to Q* "......"
Quatre: "Are you here to kill me?"
King: "You will be killed. In three days. You are to be publically executed. How does it feel to be beheaded by a new found friend?"
Quatre: "Huh. Friend? Who. Duo? He is not my friend. I don't make friends with the enemy."
King: "Strong words." *walks over and kneels infront of Q* "But. I'd like to see how long you can keep it up." *tilts Q's chin up* "You'll be dead in three days. Any last words?"
Quatre: "........" *looks sincerely at King* "Why did you want to kill Trowa? He's your son isn't he?"
King: *eyes go wide* "Ha...ha ha...ha. And here I thought you would ask me why I destroyed your kingdom." *looks at Q perplexed* "Why do you care? He is the son of your enemy. You hate him don't you?"
Quatre: "I have no reason to hate him. He had nothing to do with that battle. The only person I hate is you."
King: ".......But he is my son."
Quatre: "Yes. He is your son." *looks at King sadly* "That's why...I don't understand ....why did you have to kill him!?"
King: "I was not the one who tried to take his life."
Quatre: "Don't sit there like you don't know what's going on! You used the same thing. The spell that had been forbidden for hundreds of years. You're the only person in this world who knows how to use it. The only one who had read the lost book. Just like 'that time'."
A very young Quatre walked on his bare feet though the halls of a quiet castle. In his hands was a sword as tall as he was. He came to the doors that lead to his father's chamber and stood there for a minute. The small boy's body trembled as if fighting some inner demon. Suddenly, the trembling stopped. Silently, the boy pushed the doors open and made his way in. His father lay peacefully asleep in the large bed. Without so much as a pause, the small boy lifted the sword, and slashed the man's throat open. ~////
Quatre: "Hell's puppet. Correct? I could never forget that day. The day you used me to kill my father. To kill him with my own hands. That feeling was the same. Like ice running though my veins, every fiber of my being. No matter how hard I tried, I still couldn't regain control of my body. Eventhough the spell only last for a few minutes, that few minutes is all you have ever needed."
King: "........."
Quatre: "Why? Why? Does he mean nothing to you? If you thought he was so useless, why didn't you just leave him to rot after disowning him? Why did...why did you have to kill him....with my hands?" *clenches fists*
King: "....because ...he truly loves you."
Quatre: "What?"
King: "To make him forget you. So that he would leave you. For his future, he had to realize that this love was wrong."
Quatre: *clenches teeth* "...thats.....only...for that? For a stupid reason like this, you had to kill him!?"
King: "It might be a stupid reason for you, but for him it's different. You saw with your own eyes. He would do anything for you. Even give up his right to the throne. That boy has never been interested in anything in his life. To him, everything in this world is trivial. Not worth his attention. Except when it comes to you. From the very first time you two were introduced to each other."
Quatre: "What do you mean introduced to each other?"
King: "You met when the both of you were still very young. You're father and I had hoped that you could become good friends like we were. And our hopes were fulfilled. Within a day, the two of you were practically inseparable."
Quatre: "...but...I...don't remember..."
King: "You may not remember, but I do. He smiled for the first time that day after meeting you. And after going home, even showed me all the things you taught him. The shape of the clouds, beauty of the mountains. Animals in the forest. All things he deemed useless the week before. You have that kind of power. The power to change him."
Quatre: "Then why..."
King: "Control my boy. Control. I had no doubt that when you grew up and became king, your people would love you, and your kingdom would prosper. L4 had always been the richest kingdom in all the land. And the Winner family it's gracious rulers. L3 was small and pitiful back then. The land was bad and the economy threatened to pull us under. Much of our winter food supply was given to us by your people. The chances of L3 surviving until Trowa's time to rule was almost nil. And even if it did survive, it wouldn't be much of a place to inherit. His fondness of you doesn't help matters. Not only would he have to beg your support of his kingdom, but you would have had him wrapped around your baby finger without realizing it."
*gets up and leans against the wall*
"I wanted to give him a good life. Wanted him to have something to hand down to his heir. And he's not likely to have an heir if his object of affection is you."
*walks to door*
"The only way I could give him everything. To make sure that he had everything......was to take L4 as well as your life. It was my mistake for not making sure you were actually dead. This time, I will not make that mistake again."
*knocks on door*
"Guards!"
The guards opened the door again after a series of loud clangs and bangs. The King had his foot just outside of it when Quatre shouted to him.
"Everything that you've done has gone to waste. Now that he's dead...."
King: "Hn. Trowa is still alive. You think I would actually kill my precious son?"
Quatre: "He's alive!?" *eyes sparkle*
King: "We have the world's best mages and priests here. Not to mention Heero Yuy. Those little needles can't kill him. A resurrection spell is all he needs to recover."
Quatre: *breathes sigh of relief* "And the poison?"
King: "Huh. After hearing that he is the cause of all your misery you still care about him? How touching. huh huh. Say no more. The only poison I have to worry about is your presence poisoning his mind."
Quatre: ".........." *hangs head* "Three days."
King: "Ah. In three days is the time of your death."
Quatre: "First day is fire."
King; ".....Hn?"
Quatre: "Second day ice."
King: "What are you trying to say?"
Quatre: "On the third day...darkness will descend. And when night appears, death will have your prince."
King: "Are you foretelling the weather? Don't think that I will be intimidated by your ramblings."
Quatre: ".........You have three days. "
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A hoard or mages and priests gathered around Trowa's bed. They cast spell after spell, illuminating the room with the white light of their magic. One of the figures left the crowd and tiredly made his way to the door. Outside, three people paced about nervously waiting for the news, which they hoped, would be good.
<<Kwunggggggg....ggg>>
Heero: *lets out deep breath* "I'm so tired."
Duo: *rushes over and starts shaking H* "Now's not the time to think about yourself!! SO? How is he? Speak man! Speak!"
Meiran: "Heero, he's alright isn't he!?"
Wufei: "Did your magical mumbo jumbo do the trick? Talk man!"
D/W/M: "HEERO!"
Heero: *claps hands over ears* "urgh.....you're all giving me a headache." *pushes D back* "We've mananged to remove all the needles without too much damage to his veins and arterties. The recovery spells have healed any internal injury."
D/W/M: *breathes sigh of relief* "Thank goodness."
Heero: ".....but..we still have a problem."
Wufei: "What's wrong?"
Heero: "Trowa has a very high fever. Very high. Extremely high. So high that he can.."
D/W/M: "We get the point!"
Heero: *sweardrop* ".,,,.alright then. We've tried everything but nothing seems to be able to bring it down. We tried ice, cure, holy, some sort of wierd potion that old man Shizarle conjured up which really looked disgusting and..." *sees evil glare from group* "The point is. There is no way we can help Trowa unless we know what that poison on the needles was made out of. We tried analyzing it but nobody's ever seen or heard of anything like it before."
"There's nothing you can do for him?"
All four whipped around and fell to their knees. The king stood before them, anger and frustration apparent on his face.
Heero: "We're trying our best. But he's not responding as well as we'd like to the.."
King: "Poor excuses!"
Heero: *swallows hard* "But...sire. We've...already reached our limit. Magic can't do everything. We are powerless."
////~ Quatre: "First day is fire." ~////
King: "....." I won't believe it. There must be an antidote. "Inform the others. No one is to rest until the prince's health has been assured."
H/W/M/D: "Yes your majesty."
Maid: *gasp* ".....what the.." *drops glass* "Somebody!!!"
Within seconds a company of doctors and priests piled into the room. They watched in shock as the Prince's temperature dropped....and dropped and dropped. His once high fever was suddenly replaced by severe chills. Trowa twisted and turned in the large bed, wrapping the sheets around himself. Next he started shivering, the chattering of his teath clicking almost a thousand times a minute. Heero and the others walked in only to see the doctors gaping in awe.
Duo: "How...how did this happen?"
Doctor1: "We don't know."
Priest1: "It's like he just went from heating to freezing. Just like that." *snaps fingers*
Doctor2: "I suppose the only thing we can do for him now is try to warm him up?"
Priest2: "There's nothing else is there?"
Heero/Duo/Meiran: "......."
Wufei: ".........I think. The best thing we could do right now...is find out what kind of poison this is." *walks to door*
Meiran: "Where are you going?" *follows*
Wufei: "To the source of course."
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Quatre: "How can I help all of you?"
Wufei: *steps forward* "By telling us what is in that poison of yours."
Quatre: "It wouldn't matter whether I told you or not. You'll never be able to make an antidote."
Heero: "Never know until we try."
Quatre: *leans head against wall* ".........."
Not known to have a lot of patience, Duo's eyes flashed with anger. Before anyone could stop him, he charged towards Quatre, scythe raised and ready to strike.
Duo: "O...no...re! Haaaaaaaaaaa!" <<Kwang>>
Quatre opened his eyes to see the metal blade embedded in the stone wall just millimeters from his head. Slowly, he turned to look Duo in the face. Those purple eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Duo: *breathes hard* "....just say that I'm begging you. Give us what's in it. We....we can't let him die. We swore to protect him. We swore! He's never done anything bad in his entire life. He...doesn't deserve to die like this. I'm...I'm begging you. Save him. Please."
Quatre: ".........." *eyes downcast* "Mira. Zaphalru. Blue Kasof. Sie. Naphine. Psilopsida. Filicinae. Cycadales. Lopan. Lasa. Daphine. Romasula. Kraie. Yosum. Faheru. Machiza. Iodus. Quihil. Urskf. Red Sierra. All twenty of them."
The four could only stare with their mouth agape at the prisoner. These were twenty of the most lethal plants known to man. Just one drop of the juice from any one of these could send a healthy person to their grave within 24 hours. They couldn't believe what they had just heard.
Meiran: *grabs Q's collar* "That's impossible. He would have been dead by now if just one of those poisons were used!"
Quatre: "I speak but the truth. Have you ever heard of the phrase, fight poison with poison?"
Meiran: *clenches teeth* "Che......"
Wufei: *puts hand on M's shoulder* "We have what we need. Lets go."
The four of them make their way to the door. Just as they were stepping out, Heero stopped and turned abruptly. He gave Quatre a hard look.
Heero: "It's not going to be that easy is it?"
Quatre: "I've given you what you've asked for. Now leave me in peace."
Duo: "Heero. Let's go." *pulls H toweards door*
Heero: *shrugs D off* "What are you hiding?"
Quatre: "........"
Wufei: "Heero?"
Heero: "Why are you willing to save him all of a sudden?"
Meirans: "That's right. He must have been lying about the ingredients."
Duo: "Meiran!"
Meiran: "That's what Heero is trying to say isn't it? There's no way he would suddenly help us just like that."
Quatre: "I......" *lets out deep breath* "The poison I made, wasn't intended for him."
Wufei: "It was your final weapon against the King."
Quatre: ".........." *looks at W* "I wish you luck."
Duo: "What are you talking about."
Quatre: ".....the old man.......Your king. Said you have the best mages and priest in all the land. I hope you find an antidote. As far as I know. It doesn't exist."
Wufei: "Save your breath. We'll find it no matter what. That is our duty."
This time, they didn't stop and slammed the heavy iron doors hard. The ring of the metal echoed in the dark room. The next day would be the day of the execution. Heero, Duo, Wufei and Merian had been his last guests. Quatre heaved a heavy sigh and settled against the wall.
No matter how many people they have, they'll never come up with an antidote. It's impossible. It's because I lived for a year eating plants in devils paradise that my blood became immune to any poison. Only my blood... *sigh* Either way, I'll get to see him tomorrow. The question is, will we meet in life? Or in Death?
King: "Fools! What do you mean you can't make a cure for him!?" *throws glass of floor*
A group of around 30 doctors, mages, priests, advisors, nurses, and sorcerors fell to their knees before the king. Each muttered their appologies and begged for mercy.
Priest: "We're terrribly sorry your majesty."
King: "Save your sorries for Saint Peter!"
Doctor: "Sire, that poison is just way beyong our league....." *cowers on the floor*
Mage: "The extracts are from plants from a place known as 'demon's paradise' in the far forest near the moutains. Nobody has ever come out from that place alive. We're not even sure if it really exists!"
King: "No more excuses! Find somebody to go or you'll all be using your own heads as stools!"
Doctor: "But your majesty, the distance from here to the forest is about three days. By the time they come back, the prince may be..."
King: "Speak no more! Do as I command. Go!"
It was the day of the execution. Thousands upon thousands of people gathered around the town square. A wooden board held Quatre's hands slightly below his head and metal cuffs were clasped about his ankles. Surrounded by 10 guards, they marched him through the crowd. The towns people jeered and threw lettuce and tomatoes at the boy. By the time he stepped onto the platform, his clothes were comepletely stained in red. Internally, Quatre laughed at the appropriateness of the colour. Now he was brought to his knees before the crowd. He looked up to see crisp violet eyes that almost glowed behind the dark black hood.
Duo: "Any last requests?" *brings out scythe*
Quatre: "....If Trowa survives, help me give this necklace back to him."
Duo: "Ah. You don't deserve to wear it anyways."
Quatre: "........." *rests head on woodblock* I agree.
The crowd hushed to a dead silence as the hour neared. Soon enough, the bells on the church tower signalled high noon, and Duo positioned the scythe over the blonde boy's head.
Duo: "Goodbye. Quatre." *swings scythe up*
"WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Guard: *slightly breathless* "WAIT! By the order of the king I bid you hold!"
Duo: "What says he?"
Guard: *swallows a few times to get voice back* "His majesty commands you bring the prisoner back to the castle."
Duo: "And the reason?"
Guard: "It is a command sir. To be obeyed without question."
Alone, Quatre stepped into Trowa's chamber and closed the door behind him. They had bathed and dressed him in his old clothes once they brought him back to the castle. Slowly he made his way over to the large bed, white scarfs trailing behind him like a spirit. The prince tossed and turned in his sleep, perspiration covering his entire body. Bunching up the light fabric, he gently dabbed Trowa's face dry.
////~
King: "Please save my son."
Quatre: "What did you say?"
King: "Everything that you said was true. There is no antidote. Even if there was, they could never get the ingredients and make it in time to save him. I have no choice, but to ask for your mercy."
Quatre: "You've also said, that he is the cause of all my misery. What reason do I have to save him?"
King: "I don't have an answer to that. All I can say is, he is my only son. I don't want him to die. Whether or not you save him is your decision. I know it is useless for me to try to force you. But, I want you to remember. He's innocent. He has never asked me to do any of the things I've done. It has all been the one sided wishes of a foolish father.
~////
Quatre: *sits on bed* "Truly foolish. Father and son. Both of you are idiots." *holds T's hand* "What should I do? Save the person who caused the destruction of my entire kingdom?" *looks sadly at T* "Or sit here and watch you die?"
Getting up, he walked over to the windows and threw them open. Strangely, the sun was already beginning to set. He hadn't realized that he had been sitting there for so long. Time was running out, and he had to make a decision. Reaching into his top, Quatre pulled out that all too familiar gold dagger. Swinging it from the handle, he made his way back to the bed, one step at a time.
Quatre: "I save him..." *hops to other foot* "I save him not." *hops to other foot* "I save him." *hops* "I save him not." hops* "I save him...." *reaches the bed* "I save him..not." *looks at dagger* "Any way I look at it, I have no reason to save you. It's common sense. You don't cherish the needle in your eye. But......." *slashes wrist* "When have I ever been logical."
Bending over, Quatre placed his arm over the prince's face so that his wound would bleed into Trowa's mouth. With his uninjured arm, he brushed those spiky bangs out of the other's face. There he sat, perched on the bed, watching the prince drink the red fluid.
Hours passed. Quatre could feel his head getting lighter by the second. I..can't pass out yet. It's not enough. He has to drink...more... Trowa......don't...die. Too week to fight, Quatre collapsed and layed on top of the prince, lacing their fingers together before darkness claimed him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It's....cold.... ......... ???
What's that? Somebody is making drink something......
Tastes....metalic......what is it?
But....my body feels better.....after drinking it......
"mm..mn........"
Slowly, Trowa opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times. It was fairly dark but the light from the moon was enough for him to distinguish basic shapes. This is...my room. I'm in my bed. Hn?? Only now did he realize that his lips were sealed around something. More specifically, around a certain someone's wrist.
Trowa: "Quatre!??"
Instinctively he raised his right arm to move it, but realized that it was already busy holding the other's hand. He brought it up before him so that he could see their laced fingers in the moonlight. You were by my side...all this time? Wait a minute. Using his left hand he examined Quatre's right and noticed the still slightly bleeding wound. Oh my god! That metalic taste.....what am I? A vampire now? Shooting up, he glanced around the bed looking for something to dress the wound with. Bad idea. A splitting headache ripped though his skull and he almost fell back in pain. However, his worry over the other far outweighed such trivial setbacks and he quickly spotted the long white scarf. This should do. Ripping it into a workable length, the prince expertly wrapped the other's wrist so to stop the bleeding. Why was I drinking his blood? Gently he stroked the sleeping face with his finger. His body is cold.....as usual.
Carefully so not to wake the boy, he shifted Quatre so that he layed beside him under the heavy covers. Next, he wrapped his arms around the boy and curled his body so that he could receive maximum body heat. You probably won't like this when you wake up, but at least let me keep you warm tonight.
////~ "Useless trash." ~////
Trowa closed his eyes and lighly kissed the small boy's neck. Perhaps you're right. I probably am useless to you. But...as long as you're here, and I still have one breath, I want to spend it like this. Holding you in my arms.
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"...warm sun...gentle breeze....mother of nature...use your healing light."
Recovery? Who? Who is using that spell? Aa.......
My body....feels stronger. Who was healing me? ..... eh? It's so warm. Why is that? Where am I?
Hands. Who's are they? Who's holding me? ....so gentle.
Quatre opened his eyes, only to see a huge mass of.....brown? Masaka.... Twisting around, he turned to see soft emerald eyes looking down at him.
Quatre: "To.....Trowa?" *sits up*
Trowa: "Goodmorning." *sits up too*
Quatre: "......" *sees wrapped up wrists* "You..helped me..." *sees T nod* "......" *smiles* "Thank you. ....... How do you feel?"
Trowa: "Like a vampire, but other than that, I'm fine." *flexes muscles*
Quatre: "Ha ha...ha That's not even funny. I don't know why I'm laughing. ha hahahah..ha.....I'm laughing so hard I have tears in my eyes...." *sniffs* Idiot! Don't cry!
Trowa: *wipes off tear* "........"
Quatre: *throws arms around T* "...." *sniffle* "I'm very happy that you're all right."
Trowa: *hugs Q hard* "I'm very happy to see you again."
Quatre: (voice tight in a whisper) "Do you hate me?"
Trowa: "........." *pushes Q to arms lengh and looks hard at him* "........"
Quatre: "I understand." Trowa: "I don't hate you."
Quatre: "huh?"
Trowa: "I don't think.....that I could ever....truly hate you. Even if you used me. Even if you think I'm useless. Even if you tried to kill me. I still could not hate you."
Trowa: Because I love you. "This is the reason."
Leaning forward, the prince placed both hands on top of Quatre's and held him in place. Their lips met, and melded. Slowly they fell back together into the soft feather pillows.
Trowa: "Will you be mine?"
Quatre: "I can't."
Trowa: "Because we are both boys?"
Quatre: "Because we are enemies."
Trowa: "that.....Can't be changed....can it."
Quatre: "......." *holds T's face in both hands* "It can. There is a way."
Trowa: "How?"
Quatre: "Like this."
Quatre: "I only need to see something once inorder to learn it. This will be the first, and last time I use you. Trowa." *holds hand infront of T's face* "Si ku endo stoloy ki obasu purata ro zi elio huiru ale. Let the strings pierce into his soul. Darkness entwine. Pledged onto twillight. Obey my command......"
For a second, his blue eyes flashed. Trowa tried to pull away. To look elsewhere. To just....move. But he couldn't even break eye contact. His body merely twitched from his efforts. He couldn't believe what he was experiencing. His eyes grew wide as saucers when it suddenly hit him. Like ice cursing through his veins, spreading to every fibre of his body.
"Hell's puppet."
Four figures pace in a circle. Every now and then they would look at the door, then continue pacing.
Meiran: "He's been in there for a day."
Duo: "When can we go in?"
Wufei: "Just try to relax. You're worrying doesn't help."
Meiran: "Then why are you pacing?"
Wufei: "I..." *grumbles*
Duo: "Heero. Say something."
Heero: "I'm pacing. What more do you want?"
Duo: "Okay! Don't take it out on me!"
<<Kiku Thwang>>
Heero/Duo/Wufei/Meiran: "What the..!!??"
Before they could move an inch, Trowa burst out the door dragging Quatre behind him. At the sight of the prince alive, and on top of that, walking, plus being strong enough to drag someone behind him, the four let out a huge sigh of relief. By the time they recovered and got around to asking why the prince was practically knocking doors down, the two had already dissappeared around the corner.
Duo: "ah.......so what happened?"
Meiran: *jumps up and down* "The prince is okay!"
Wufei: "But where are they going?"
Heero: "And why is he dragging Quatre with him?"
D/M/W/H: "............." *all look up* "Let's go after them!"
So ...they raced down the halls scaring all the guards and maids that were on the way. Within a minute or two, they caught up to the couple. They were just outside the doors to the great hall.
Trowa: "Open the doors!"
Guard: "But his majesty is in there with the court...."
Trowa: "Now."
Meiran: *waves* "Woah Trowa! What's the rush?"
Duo: "I don't think I've ever seen you move this fast in your entire life!"
Not even sparing them a glance, the prince pushed pass the guards and dragged Quatre into the Great Hall. Inside, the King and his court dropped their jaws in surprise. The elders all praised the spirits for saving him. The King smiled brightly and got up from his throne to make his way over to hug his son. Halfway however, he stopped. All noise from the hall seemed to dissappear when they finally noticed that Trowa was not alone.
Without a word, Trowa yanked Quatre's arm and tossed him forward. Heero, Wufei, Duo and Meiran entered the hall just in time to see Quatre fall hard onto the ground. They looked at Trowa in surprise.
King: "What is the meaning of this?"
Trowa: "No meaning. Just....what was meant to be."
He turned to one of the guards and walked over. Giving the man an icy glare, Trowa took his sword and threw it on the ground where Quatre sat coughing.
Trowa: "This is....the end."
King: "The ....end?"
Quatre: "Ah. Like I said. This is the end."
King: "Ma....masaka!" [could it be]
Picking up the sword, Quatre charged towards the king. The old man tried to dodge but he wasn't fast enough. The sword stabbed right through his left side.
Advisor: "SIRE!!!"
Wufei: "Trowa why are you just standing there!???"
Trowa: "......." *frozen like a statue*
King: *grabs sword* "This is......hell's puppet? But....how did you....?"
Quatre: "I only need to see something once inorder to learn it."
King: "Thats why.....I always knew.....you were a threat." *pushes Q back* "I won't die this easily."
Quatre: "Or alone." *raises arms into the air* "This is what you get, for building your castle on top of mine." *air cracks with lightning* "Motaru motaru deru deru fa su. Lost spirits of the underworld. Obey my command! Awaken and defeat the enemy before you. With the bodies that you left behind, fill it with your hate and arise!"
The marble floor cracked open and dirt spew from the holes. They all watched in horror as white bony hands emerged from the ground.
King: *leaning on throne* "Impossible. You're a....you're a....."
Quatre: "Necromancer."
Heero: "So that's why he can use such powerful black magic!"
<<clang clang clang clang clang>>
An army of knights in full armour charged into the great hall for the second time that week. The ones in front almost dropped their weapons when they saw the enemy. Hundreds of skeletons stood at attention, each brandishing some sort of weapon. Several knights shook in terror. Others took a few steps back.
Knights: "Are we....suppose to..."
Advisor: "What are you waiting for!? Protect the king!"
Quatre: "Don't let them near!"
Both armies charged at each other, then most of the knights just screamed and ran for it, the skeleton army chasing them around. One of the more courageous knights stood his ground and hacked at the skeleton before him. It fell apart instantly and became a pile of bones on the floor. Seeing this, the others regained their nerve and began to fight back. A strange battle of the living against the dead ensued.
Though the commotion, Trowa just kept standing there, not moving a muscle. Realizing that something was wrong, his four guardians rushed to his side. Wufei was just about to give his shoulders a shake when he suddenly snapped out of it.
Trowa: "Quatre! STOP!!!"
Trowa: "Quatre! Don't!"
Quatre: "Tssss.........times up so soon?" *gets slashed* "HAAAA!"
King: "That's already longer than I can manage." *flings blood off sword*
Quatre: "This time, it's for real." *swings sword at king*
<<clang clash>>
Trowa: "Quatre!"
<<Cling cling clang>>
Quatre: "Don't get in my way again!" <<clash clang>>
King: "Trowa! Don't come over here!" *Knocks sword out of Q's hand*
Quatre: *clenches teeth* "Giga volt!" *hurls lightning at king*
Trowa: "Father!"
Quatre: *spares glance at T* "Appear. My loyal subject from another world. I summon thee Black angel!"
A dark portal suddenly appeared before Trowa. The prince took a few steps back, bracing himself for the monster that was about to appear. And what a monster it was. Large muscular arms reached out and grabbed the first thing it came into contact with. It just so happened to be an advancing skeleton. With a vice like grip, it threw the skeleton onto the ground with such force that the bones shattered and turned into dust. Trowa's guardians surrounded him instantly and pulled him back from the portal. Slowly, the monster emerged. Twice as tall as the King, the large creature looked something like an efrit. It's claws long and teeth sharp, the only part of it that resembled an angel was the huge black wings that sprang from it's back. Standing tall and speading it's wings, the monster let out a hiddeous cry, then joined the fray.
A group of about 20 knights charged at it but one swoop of its wings was all it needed to send them flying to the wall. It huffed, then turned it's sights on the prince and his protectors. It's eyes glowed red, as if signalling that they were it's next target.
A huge column of fire charged at the creature who screamed in pain as it hit. Flapping it's wings in rage, it let out another battle cry, then spit fire out it its mouth. Heero formed a barrier that deflected the flames to the side. The battle raged on, sorcerous against demon, royal knights against an army or darkness.
King: "There's no turning back now." *slashes Q's arm*
Quatre: "You're right." *slices king's legs*
<<clang cring>> <<slash>> "AHHHHH" <<Cling clang>> <<ROAR>>
King: "This is the end for you!" *slashes at Q's chest*
Quatre: *evades* "Shi-ne!!" [die]
In one great swipe, Quatre's sword slashed completely though the King's neck. His majesty's head fell to the ground and rolled down the stairs, stopping right before Trowa's feet. The king's body swayed and toppled to floor, spewing blood everywhere.
"His majesty!"
Trowa kneeled down and picked up his father's head. Brushing his hand over the face, he closed the late king's eyes. The prince stared blankly at the head. Unable to think, unable to move. All he could do was stare at it. He didn't know how long he sat there on his knees, holding that head. Time seemed to stand still eventhough he could still hear the clang of swords hitting each other, and the sound of bones falling to the floor. His mind just kept drifting until he heard a familiar voice call to him.
"TROWA LOOK OUT!!"
He turned around to see the great monstar charging towards him. Huge wings knocked him into the air and the head out of his hands. Trowa fell to the ground hard, and he coughed and chocked trying to get up. He looked about trying to regain his orientation. To his far left were Heero and Duo fighting off a hoard of skeleton warriors. To the right was Wufei and Meiran doing the same thing. He turned towards the throne area and saw Quatre fighting with three of the knights. Shaking his head, Trowa tried to clear his vision. When he looked up, the demon stood before him. Just standing there, as if waiting for him to recover. Grinding his teeth hard, the prince drew his sword and stood ready for battle. The demon let out it's battle cry and again, charged at the prince. Narrowing his eyes, Trowa chose his moment. Ducking under the large arm, he dashed forward stabbing his sword into the black angel.
"haaaaaaaaaaaa!"
With one final shove, Trowa ran his sword competely through the demon. It's body shook as if in great pain, then it looked down at the figure before him. Trowa spared an upward glance and was surprised to see the monster's glowing red eyes fade into a familiar crystal blue.
Black angel: "This way......I can truly....belong to you...."
All the skeletons in the great hall stopped. They stood, frozen in place. Some poised to attack, others with their swords in the air. Everyone stared in confusion. Trowa looked back at the monster. It smiled at him with a hiddeous grin.
Black angel: "You can all now....rest in peace."
Suddenly, all the skeletons fell apart and dropped to the floor. The others stared in disbelief. The entire ground was covered in bones and metal. The thing called Black Angel let out a little gasp and everyone turned to look at the monster. Only now it was no longer the ugly thing with huge black wings. Trowa's eyes grew wide. Standing before him, with his sword embedded deep in his stomach, was Quatre.
The prince turned to the throne where another Quatre stood. The other Quatre smiled once at him, then dissappeared, a skeleton warrior standing in it's place. This too fell apart and became a pile of bones on the floor like it's other disembled commerades.
Heero: "That was........'illlusion'. He made himself appear to us like he was the monster."
Trowa turned back just intime to see Quatre fall to his knees and caught him before he could hit the floor. Quatre reached up to touch Trowa's face, then twisted in agony.
Trowa: *catches Q's hand* "Don't try to move."
Quatre: "This way...it's truly....all over." *flinches* "I've killed the murderer of my people. And you have avenged your father. All the hate....ends here. And I....am finally free." *winces in pain*
Trowa: "Speak no more. Rest....." *eyes full of worry*
Quatre: *breathing hard* "I have always.......been bound....by my people's hate. That's why....I couldn't.....be..myself. I had to seek revenge. Every night they would remind me in my dreams. How they were killed. How I was their only hope."
*gasps for breath*
"But...I can feel their spirits leaving. Now I can act as I want. I can...be myself again. "
*squeezes T's hand*
"You have already....gotten your revenge. Killed the murderer of your father. That's why....don't let yourself...be bound by your loss." *flinches* "Live on...in happi..ness." *coughs up blood*
Trowa: "Quatre!" *holds Q's hand tight*
Quatre: *smiles* "The me now....is free. I can do.....do as I please." *looks at T with watery eyes* "I can finally...belong to you. And only you. Give you my all. You......will you still accept me?"
Trowa: *eyes misty* "Of course....."
Quatre: *holds up necklace* "I had thought...to throw this away. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I didn't think....that I deserved it."
Trowa: "I said you were the only one who could wear it didn't I!? Even if you've never loved me, even if you were just using me! No matter what you do, you're the only one who can wear this ring." *fights back tears* "I'm the one who doesn't deserve you. I'm too useless. I couldn't protect you nor save my father."
Quatre: "You're wrong. You're not useless. That was only something you're father said so that you would hate me. He thinks very highly of you. As do I. And your people. You are a good prince, and will be a great king."
Trowa: "......" *hugs Q close*
Quatre: "I have never thought.....that you were useless. And I didn't ....use you to get inside the castle. The reason I stayed with you.....the reason why I stayed by your side....was because...you made me happy. When I was with you, I felt like myself. Forgot my duties....I was...very happy."
*takes deep breath*
"Will you believe in me?"
Trowa: *tears spill* "I.....believe you."
Quatre: *holds T's face weakly* "Don't cry. Trowa. Because....this is the happiest...moment... of my life." *smiles weakly* "Can you help me.....put....this on?" *holds up necklace*
Reluctantly, Trowa loosed his hold of the blonde boy. With shaking hands, he unclasped the necklace and retreived the ring. Taking Quatre's left hand, he placed the ring on his forth finger.
A stream of tears fell from his crystal blue eyes. Trowa hugged him as close as he could. His heart beating as fast as the blood was escaping from Quatre's body.
Trowa: (whispering) "Why can't we be together?" *burries face in Q's shoulder*
Quatre: "It just wasn't meant to be. In this life time. But....We will.....meet again. ...Life is an endless waltz. We switch partners after each song, but eventually, we will dance together again. You....will always be you. And I will always be me. Legend has it... that if two people truly love each other...they will meet again once every 1000 years. You...will again be Trowa Barton. And I Quatre Raberba Winner."
*strokes T's hair*
"After 1000 years....will you look for me?"
Trowa: "I will. No matter where you are, I'll find you. I will protect you...so that you will never cry." *caresses Q's face*
Quatre: *smiles* "I'll...be waiting....for you."
Wiping the tears from Quatre's eyes, Trowa leaned down to give him one final kiss.
Beyond time and space, race, status, gender, and even if you can't remember.
That love will not change, and won't dissappear.
Because.......
that person......
is more important than anything.
"I won't ask you to stay. But as least tell me your name. My name is Quatre Raberba Winner."
"I don't have something like a name. But if you must call me something, Trowa is fine. Call me Trowa Barton."
