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"Here There Be Dragons"Written By: Honor Disclaimers: I own Gundam Wing (and its bishounen),
polka dots have pin stripe suits, and mermaids live in Arizona. Rating: R. Pairing: 3x4, existing 1x2 Spoilers: Nada. Warnings: AU, yaoi, lemon, romance, some angst,
sap, dragons, clairvoyants, and cats with attitudes. Author’s Insane Ramblings on Who Knows What: DEATH! DEATH I SAY! Off with all plot bunnies
heads! I’ll slaughter them all! Shigeki: Just ignore her. She’s always like
this. "Here There Be Dragons " Chapter Six: Clean Slate Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence.
After roughly three hours in the music room, just playing duets and talking music, I decided that it would be a good idea to go and alert Duo and Heero that all was forgiven. “Trowa? Maybe I should go talk to Heero and Duo.” He turned to look at me, pausing in putting his guitar away. “Good idea. Duo can be very vindictive.” It was part and parcel of being a black dragon, according to Sandrock. “Mm. Where would he be though?” “At this time of day? Probably in the kitchen. Duo is a bottomless pit.” That reminds me… “Trowa, why are all of you in the same castle?” His shoulders lifted in a brief shrug. “We’ve all been close friends since we were hatched, practically. The wyverns have a tradition of letting their heirs spend the summer months among other clans, to foster close ties. We’ve no wish to have clan wars like in the past. Now we’re just in the habit of living in the same castle if we’re close to each other.” I’d read some accounts of dragon wars. It wasn’t pretty reading. But if they were friends, then “Why isn’t Zechs close friends with all of you then?” “He wasn’t the first heir. His sister, Relena, was meant to be the wyvern.” Trowa made a face. “She proved to be unsuited to the position. Her emotions blinded her too easily. Zechs was appointed ten years ago to take her place. We don’t know him well.” Ah. Well, that cleared up a few of my questions. “Speaking of Zechs, I better write him a quick thank you as well.” Trowa immediately became suspicious. “Why?” “Well, he helped me last night.” He was not at all happy to hear that. “Oh? Did he do anything else?” Ah…that’s right. Zechs is also unattached, although he had never shown any interest in me (thank the gods). “Trowa, not every dragon wants to kiss me on sight.” I smiled sweetly. “Don’t bet much money on that,” he grumbled. + Duo was indeed in the kitchen, snacking on a sandwich so thick I couldn’t figure out how he got his mouth around it. “Duo?” He turned, sandwich sticking out of his mouth. “Uh?” “I…I made up with Trowa.” Very carefully the sandwich was removed. Duo was studying me thoughtfully. “Why? Six hours ago you didn’t even want to see him.” I couldn’t meet his eyes, and ran a hand nervously through my hair. “It’s hard to explain. I just…we talked about it. And we decided to do a courtship for three weeks.” The sandwich was laid aside, then he came to me, ducking his head in an effort to see my eyes. “What happened, Quatre?” “He…he went to my shop, bought everything back that I had thought lost. I know he cares something about me, Duo. And I wasn’t ever really…afraid of him.” My voice dropped to a troubled whisper. “I just felt that I couldn’t trust myself with him.” “That hasn’t changed,” Duo pointed out. “If this works out right…its not something I’ll have to worry about.” A slow smile took over Duo’s face. “Ah. I think I see. Alright, Q, I’ll step back and let you handle things. But if Trowa crosses the line again then I will pound him.” “Okay,” I agreed. “Duo—thanks.” “No problem.” I left him to his snack and went back up the stairs, headed for the study. I had that note to write to Zechs, and then maybe I can figure out what to do with all of my things still packed downstairs. I couldn’t just leave them in the ballroom. Some of it I wanted to be accessible. As I neared the study, I heard voices. Trowa’s…and Wufei’s. Uh-oh. This does not bode well. I crept closer, ear cocked. “—I’m not denying my interest or attraction to him. I think it’s fairly obvious who he prefers, however.” “Then you won’t interfere in the courtship.” There was an amused snort. “I’m not suicidal, Trowa. Besides, it would be pointless right now. I will say this; if you screw up again I will not hesitate in stepping in and claiming Quatre for my own.” “That won’t happen,” Trowa growled. “It will, unless you learn how to compromise.” Footsteps started heading for the door. I had two options—try to hide really quick, or act like I was just coming on the scene. The hallway held no handy buttresses or big pieces of furniture. There was no way to hide quick. Eek. Okay, act natural. Wufei came out the door, smirk hovering over his mouth. Leaning in close to my ear he muttered, “It’s not polite to eavesdrop.” “I wanted to make sure that you two weren’t going to kill each other,” I muttered back. “Hn.” Smiling in amusement, he continued on his way. Well, apparently I can’t act natural to save my life. Ah well. I was glad that I did eavesdrop, however. I’d been a little worried on how Wufei might take all of this—it was a relief to know that I didn’t have to talk to him. “Are you just going to stand in the hallway and think?” I blinked back into reality only to realize that Trowa was staring at me in blatant amusement. “Uh…hi.” “Hi yourself. Do you normally just go off into space like that?” “Um…well, when I’m really thinking, yeah.” Time for a new subject. I scooted past him and went towards the desk. “Is there anyone that can run this to Zechs when I’m done?” Trowa gave me a glare, unhappy at the reminder. “I’ll do it.” I glared back, rather untrustingly. “Trowa, I don’t really trust you to do it. Odds are you and Zechs will get into a fight.” “I’m not going to fight him,” Trowa returned calmly. Uh-huh. Suuure. I’ll hunt up Duo and ask him. That seemed safer to me. + Four days after I was branded traitor, Trowa went to the palace. I don’t know who he talked to, or what he did, but he came back with a declaration that said plainly that the charges leveled against me were dropped. I had to read it twice before it really sank in. I was very thankful that I was sitting on the piano bench in the music room, as my knees were feeling a bit wobbly. “I’m…” “Free,” Trowa confirmed quietly. He seemed quite pleased with himself. “How did you pull this off?” I demanded in justified suspicion. “I informed them of your status,” he responded impishly. “The ‘potential dragon’s mate’ status?” Please let me be wrong… “Of course.” …I hate it when I’m right. “Trrrooooowwwaaa~!” He shrugged. “Like I said, you hold a great deal of power because of your potential. I thought the least we could do was put it to use.” I just can’t be mad at him. He’s right, I might as well use it to my advantage. Accepting the inevitable, I rose up on tip toes and kissed him softly. “Thank you.” Smiling slightly he kissed me back. “You’re welcome.” It was the first time in five days that he had touched me beyond a quick brush or hug. I didn’t take it as rejection—he was avoiding anything more intimate than that because he knew his own limits and didn’t want to repeat his mistake. I knew that. Actually, it kind of made me happy. And horny as hell. My hormones and intellect had been battling for five days straight, and hormones were quickly winning the battle, mostly because intellect was being quickly undermined and without a figurative leg to stand on. The only true protest that had kept me from Trowa was that I wasn’t sure if he truly cared for me—after five days of being the recipient of such thoughtful attention I couldn’t say that anymore. Shaking myself back into the present I smiled up at him. “I’m glad. I better talk to everyone and tell them I’m not a dangerous criminal anymore.” Trowa nodded in agreement, but his eyes were…troubled. “I suppose you’ll need help moving back in.” Oh…uh…I’m an idiot, and I should have seen this coming. A part of me was relieved that he was willing to let me return to my life—but that was a very small part. Most of me was annoyed that I’d be out of easy reach of a certain green wyvern. Catching up his hand I squeezed his fingers gently and gave him my best imploring look. “Can I stay a few days?” A hopeful smile tugged at the corners of his eyes. “Sure. As long as you like.” Hm…how about, forever? Gripping his hand more firmly I drew him with me. “Come with me while I tell everyone.” He followed without protest, a silly smile on his face that matched the one on mine. + Negotiations started up again. This time I went not as a mediator but as a quasi member of the Dragon Clan. I didn’t really have to be there, of course. The main reason why I went was to rub my status in and see certain people swallowing bile. It wasn’t nice of me, but after what some of my brothers and sisters had put me through in the past week or so I was feeling rather vindictive. Before coming to this meeting, I’d been dressed up a little. Wufei, interestingly enough, was very much a clothes horse. With a bit of rummaging he had unearthed a very elegant set of robes made of fine dark green silk. The choice of color did not escape me, or Trowa for that matter when he first saw me in it. (The possessive gleam in his eyes rather gave me a clue that he liked me in green.) When I walked into the main room in the palace, everyone else took note of the color as well. Heh. Apparently Wufei was right—being subtly blatant was definitely getting the point across. Trowa purposefully had a chair placed right next to his. The placement of that chair spoke volumes—it said quite clearly that I was equal to every dragon lord and my family better act accordingly. I sank gracefully into my chair, trying to hide just how nerve wracking it felt to be the focus of so many eyes. I nearly jumped out of my seat when Trowa wrapped a hand around mine. “Calm down,” he murmured with a barely noticeable movement of his mouth. “I hate being stared at,” I murmured back uneasily. “It’s why I didn’t go into politics.” “Pretend like they don’t exist.” “I can visualize me hiding behind you much easier.” He snorted softly, giving me a slight wink. “That works too.” “This session is now in order!” The master of ceremonies called from the center of the floor. “My lords and ladies, we are convened here to continue the negotiations of The Agreement. The first topic is water rights—” I tuned him out at that point. I already knew what the issue was, after all. Instead I focused on the people around me. Duo was to my left, and Heero next to him. Wufei and Zechs were on Trowa’s right. I found it interesting that even though they were all seated in a semi-circle, facing the Winner princes and princesses, that there was this air of…unease? Tension? I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was, but it wasn’t a good feeling. Three hours dragged by, with no visual progress. A break was called for, and I gratefully stood up and tried to subtly get some feelings back into my legs and thighs. Ye little gods, but the nobility could go on and on about nothing of consequence. Were they born with such an ability or did they have to actually learn how to do that? “Quatre,” Trowa called softly. I looked up in question, head slightly cocked. “I want you to stay close.” There was a subtle question mark under that statement, so I nodded in agreement. In his own way, Trowa had learned how to compromise. Instead of ordering me to do something, he simply stated what he wanted and then paused long enough to give me a chance to respond. I tucked myself against his side, and he in turn fit an arm around my shoulders. It wasn’t just that this place held disturbing memories—after all, I had been almost imprisoned here not so very long ago—it was that strange tension. For some reason, it had built sharply as soon as the break was called. Trowa must have picked up on it too, because he was distinctly uneasy now. His hold on me was protective, and somewhat possessive. Okay, so maybe ‘very’ possessive was a better way of putting it. He lowered his head until it was right next to my ear. “I’m tempted to take you home. Something here has my stomach tied in knots.” Nodding in agreement I whispered back, “I’m tempted to let you. I don’t think I’d handle it better at home, though. I’d just be wondering what was happening here.” As an afterthought I added, “Besides, there might be nothing to worry about. Maybe we’re just being paranoid.” Duo sidled in closer to mutter “What is up with this atmosphere? It’s making me twitchy.” Trowa gave me a Look. “You were saying?” “Nevermind, it’s not just us,” I sighed. Duo scanned the room, a light of suspicion in his eyes. “Tro, I think you better take him home. They’re planning something.” “I’m not going.” I met his stare with conviction, not willing to budge. “If I go, I’ll just wonder what’s going on here and besides, I can’t combat whatever they’ve come up with if I don’t know what it is.” Reluctantly Duo acceded the point, glare fading. There wasn’t time for more discussion, as the council was re-convening. We all resumed our seats and continued the water rights argument. After a small eon of this, the matter was finally resolved—shared water rights with plans for irrigation—and the next topic was brought up. Janelle, one of my older sisters, took the floor and began to read the next proposition. That air of tension cranked up several notches as she read, and everybody sat up sharply, their attention focused entirely on the words pouring out of her mouth. “It is proposed that a new law be set in Elfoure. Let all humans with the ability to do magic, knowledge of magic, and the blood of magic users be hereby registered and regulated.” She kept going and started listing the particulars, but that first sentence had snared my complete concentration and had my blood running cold. Mara (one of the sisters I actually like) stood up and cut in angrily, “What is the meaning of this preposterous law? There is no need for ‘regulating’—” she spat the word like a curse “—anyone with magic abilities! Especially the children of such magic users, since there is no guarantee that the ability would be carried down to the child. This is unlawful and I denounce it.” Janelle turned to her haughtily, paper still lifted in the air as if she were only pausing to sweep away this puny resistance before continuing. “There have been several instances of magic users abusing their powers. This law will give us better recourse to address such matters.” That was a lie and everyone knew it. No one with a magic ability abused their powers—if they did, the power was stripped from them by their fellow practitioners. There was no tolerance for abuse of power—considering what some of us could do, the damage we could inflict, we couldn’t allow any kind of corruption. It would be disastrous. “This law is completely unnecessary.” I made sure that my voice was loud enough to carry, and stern enough to show just how angry I was. “Anyone abusing their powers is stripped of them immediately. They pose no danger at that point, except as an ordinary citizen. What you are suggesting will do nothing more than cage magic users like one would prisoners on parole.” “There have been instances where the person was not convicted of their crimes for some time and therefore received no punishment—” “That is not possible,” Wufei refuted swiftly, voice cutting across her words. “All magic users are able to feel it when others use magic. They know instantly if the power is being abused. Your argument makes no sense.” “Unless of course,” Heero leaned forward, giving the impression of a cat about to pounce on a lame mouse “this law is directed toward my brother’s fiancé in an effort to harm him.” I never noticed it before, but Heero really has a way of cutting down to the heart of the matter. Oppressive silence fell on the room. It felt dangerous just to breathe loudly. Janelle cast a quick and somewhat panicked glance to someone in the higher tier—with so many people in that area, I couldn’t see who exactly she was looking at. After that glance she straightened up and resumed her regality with effort. “My Lord Heero, this law was not written for any one person.” Yeah right. “It was created for the good of all the citizens—” Naira (another favorite sister) left her chair so fast it rocked and almost fell backwards. “Janelle, if I hear one more stupid word out of your mouth, I’ll rip your hair out! We all know that this is aimed at Quatre! Great good gods, but this is ridiculous!” She pointed a finger at me, turning her head slightly in an effort to speak to everyone around her all at once. “Don’t you numbskulls get it?! Quatre isn’t interested in being a prince of any province!” “Naira, sit down!” Janelle shouted up angrily. “He has nothing to do—” “Oh for heaven’s sake! You really don’t get it! He’s engaged to a wyvern. A green wyvern on top of that! They’re famous for hoarding loot! If Quatre wanted to, he could probably buy Elfoure lock stock and barrel!” I blinked at that line of reasoning. Actually…was that even possible? I leaned in close to Trowa to murmur, “Surely that’s an exaggeration.” “Understatement, actually,” Trowa murmured back with a wicked smile. “If I wanted to, I could probably buy Elfoure twice over.” My jaw dropped. “You’re kidding.” He just winked and turned back to the proceedings, which had degenerated to a shouting match. It was at that point that more oil was tossed onto the blaze, so to speak. More people—who were surely the instigators of this “new law”—stood up to aid their voices to the mix, trying to shout everyone else down. During all of this, Trowa crooked a finger and the parchment that had been in Janelle’s hands obediently wiggled free of her hold and floated to him. As she squawked in outrage, Trowa skimmed it quickly. His face steadily darkened until he looked like a thundercloud—I didn’t need to read it to know that the law was an excuse to gain more power. Trowa crumpled it in his hand, and somehow that sound of crackling paper penetrated the din of voices. They all turned as one toward him, and quite of few of them suddenly looked nervous as they got a good look at Trowa’s face. “This law will not be passed. Anything similar will not be considered.” Because Janelle is an idiot with no survival instincts, she tried arguing the point. “My Lord—” The desk right behind her abruptly caught fire. People squeaked in surprise then moved hastily away in panic. Trowa eyed them coolly, a ring of angry fire surrounding him. It was awe inspiring at seeing that kind of sheer destructive fury in tangible sight. Am I ever so glad I’m on this man’s good side. “If you wish to continue, know that you will share the fate of that desk.” She abruptly shut up, edging nervously away from both Trowa and the flaming desk. Before the whole palace burned down, I reached out and mentally snuffed the flames. Because of that, I almost missed the look being exchanged among the wyverns. It had a certain…finality to it that did not bode well. Wufei rose first, everyone else a beat behind him. “The negotiations are at an end,” he announced in a voice as quiet and still as the grave. “The Agreement will not be renewed.” For the first time in many days, true fear registered. I felt a little panicked myself. My family’s idiocy was going to cost a lot of pain for the common people. I turned to Trowa, catching one arm and silently pleading with him to not give up like this. “Trowa,” I beseeched softly. “I know they’re idiots, but the majority of the people do not deserve to suffer because of their greed and stupidity.” His face was unreadable as he looked down at me. I wasn’t sure if my plea was having any effect. Finally he let out a soft breath, looking up at his brother wyverns. Again, a look was passed around that I did not fully understand. Duo faced the assembly, every inch the insulted lord. “Lord Quatre has requested leniency. At this moment, we are hard pressed to find the patience necessary to grant the request. We will withdraw, and consider the matter. If we choose to resume the negotiations, know that we will not stand for any further squabbling for power.” Trowa slid an arm around my shoulders and guided me out of the room. As I walked, I was mentally trying to formulate an argument that would get them to resume negotiations. Maybe if certain obnoxious people “disappeared” they’d agree. ~*~*~*~
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