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"A Hidden Heart "Written By: Hemlock Inyx Disclaimer: This chick does not own any of the
Gundam Wing characters because they belong to Bandai and Sunrise.
I am borrowing them for this fict and will return them in good (if
somewhat sticky) condition.This fict is written out of love and not
for profit, don't sue. Thanks and enjoy! Rating: NC 17 Warnings: yaoi, lemon, midieval alternate universe,
some angst, violence Pairings: 5x2, 4xH, 13xS Summary: They called him Milliardo's Dragon. A warrior bold as the Chinese legend, his temper as fiery; Lord Chang Wufei was the prince's right hand. Men of power quaked at word of his arrival, for he was the sword to carry out Milliardo's judgement. 'Twas rumored he'd do any deed at the prince's bidding, avenge any slight to his master's name. Only Milliardo had the might to direct the Dragon's fury, to shape thr form of his vengeance. Or so the prince believed. But shrouded deep beneath that scaly hide, the dragon's true nature slumbered. Obscured by fire. Hidden from harm. Burried beyond reach of pain. Until he met him. The boy with the power to free the heart of the Dragon.
"A Hidden Heart "
Before dawn, Wufei stood outside Duo's chamber, key in hand. Fortunately for him, the man on guard at the foot of the stairs owed him a favor, one he'd never imagined he'd bother to collect. But he needed to see Duo, without Milliardo learning of it. This was the only way. Wufei unlocked the door and slipped in quietly. Flickering lamplight cast an eerie glow over the small room, but nowhere did he see Duo. //Hell and damnation, Nataku!// Wufei swiftly drew the door closed and leaned his forehead against the planks. //Milliardo has done it again.// Heart pounding hard with frustration and concern for Duo's safety, he stalked over to the pallet and picked up the clothes tossed carelessly aside. At least he'd gotten a chance to change, hopefully into something better. Wufei forced himself to stay calm, and looked about the room with more care. A wooden tray lay near the door, bread crumbs scattered around it on the floor. Duo’s shirt had been torn, but it didn't appear to have been ripped from his body. //Thank Nataku.// A square of the fabric was missing. //A bandage?// Wufei searched the area around the pallet, but he didn't find any blood. However, he did notice several blade marks in the walls. The wood appeared fresh-cut. Duo didn't have a knife, not even an eating knife, though these cuts had been made by something larger, thrown with force, to judge by the depth. Wufei clenched his fist around the remains of Duo's shirt. He knew of only one man with the habit of tossing his knife. Heero Yuy. Had that arrogant Japanese bastard been in this room--with Duo? Yuy had arrived at Milliardo's court scarce three months ago, sent by his father to handle trade negotiations. Almost immediately he'd managed to win the prince's favor. Wufei felt no jealousy over that fact, but he didn't trust the Japanese man’s constant cool and distant manner. But what business did he have in this chamber with Duo? He couldn't have gotten in without a key. Wufei could see Milliardo’s hand in this. Clearly, his overlord intended to take no chances with the Dragon's obedience. If Duo wasn't there, he couldn't tempt him away from his duty. //Or so Milliardo thinks.// Since he'd come to realize that Duo reminded him of Hilde, Wufei’s mind hadn't stopped conjuring up reasons to explain the resemblance. Every explanation that came to mind was far too bizarre to contemplate. He hoped Trowa would discover something useful. Milliardo's actions only served to reinforce the feeling that there was more to Duo's tale than he'd first thought. //I have to find him.// By the time the sun crept up over the horizon, Wufei had left the castle. He took a company of six men with him, including the two he'd chosen to train the previous afternoon. They knew next to nothing about fighting, but that wouldn't matter. They had good hearts and already their loyalties lay with Wufei. As soon as they traveled out of sight of the castle, Wufei parted company with his men. They would go on to Maxwell Abby, his cousin, Hilde’s keep in the marches, while he searched for Duo. Instinct told Wufei that the answers to Duo's questions could be found at the Abby. Cautious investigation before Wufei left revealed that no mounted men had left the castle in the night, and that Yuy was nowhere to be found. Apparently the Japanese man had spent the night away from the castle. A convenient excuse. But Wufei felt certain Yuy had taken Duo. Now he needed to discover where they'd gone. Wufei backtracked to the outskirts of the castle. Yuy must have had horses waiting somewhere outside. Hopefully they'd left some sign or trail he could follow. He searched for a while before he found the faint hoof prints of one horse, leading toward the forest from a remote area beyond the craggy outcropping that formed the castle's foundation. Lacking any other trail, Wufei headed into the woods. Unfortunately, there was no snow on the ground, although there were enough soil-covered areas to show an occasional hoof mark. As the day wore on, Wufei couldn't help but be impressed with the other man's ability to travel without leaving a well-marked trail. But Wufei still managed to follow along. He made good time, considering the terrain and the lack of clues, but Wufei didn't feel he'd gained much ground when he paused in the midafternoon. They must have left the castle in the middle of the night to have so large a lead. Wufei had an advantage, however; Yuy’s mount carried a double load. Soon, he hoped, he'd begin to catch up to them. Wufei's lack of sleep the past two nights began to catch up with him as the day faded into twilight. He paused to eat, and to rest his mount. As soon as the moon rose high enough to light his way, he continued on. Yuy would have to stop eventually, if only to give his overburdened horse a rest. That might allow Wufei to catch up with them. He wondered how Duo fared. He'd tried not to think of him too often as the day passed. Only by detaching himself from this venture could Wufei hold the frantic feeling pushing at his heart and mind at bay. As he'd done with so many of the tasks Milliardo set him to, he treated it as a necessary duty, distancing himself from the reality of it. It was the only way he would succeed. But as Wufei rode through the shadowy trees, pausing every so often to look for signs they'd passed this way, he found himself thinking of Duo more and more, until he filled his thoughts. How would he look in clean clothes, his hair brushed smooth? Wufei could not forget the way he'd clung to him in the cell, his lips so soft beneath his own. Their bodies had fit together perfectly, his height a good match for his. When Wufei held Duo in his arms, his head had just reached his shoulder. He'd felt as if he belonged there. Would the Japanese warrior try to kiss him, or make too free with his hands? Wufei didn't fear that Yuy would harm him. By all accounts, Yuy was fond of both men and women. That was the problem. Wufei didn't want him to so much as look at Duo. The thought made Wufei’s blood rage with a fire completely foreign to him. But even though he had never felt it before, he knew what it was. Jealousy. He urged his mount to move faster. The trees grew thick in this part of the forest, making the going rough. Wufei dismounted and led his horse. When he heard a noise different from the usual night sounds, he stopped. He stood listening, and heard it again. Voices, to his left. He tied the reins to a sturdy tree and, drawing his sword, continued on foot. He walked with care through the sparse underbrush, scarcely able to see in the faint moonlight that filtered through the towering firs. Firelight flickered from behind a granite outcropping. He crept around the rocks and stood on the edge of a small clearing. Duo sat leaning against a saddle, wrapped in his cloak, his bound hands resting in his lap. He appeared to be unharmed, though even in this light he looked exhausted. //Why is he wearing a dress? Did Yuy think to disguise Duo as a woman to escape pursuit? Fool, I could never mistake that face, those eyes.// Yuy sat several feet away from Duo, his knife, as always, in his hand. "I wondered how long before you'd find us," he said, staring across the fire. He didn't seem surprised or concerned--that the Dragon had located his prey. Wufei stepped into the clearing. "You did well at hiding your trail. I compliment your skill. And you traveled far, considering your burden." Yuy laughed, the sound grating on Wufei's nerves. "He is no burden, as I'm sure you know, milord. I find him...delightful." Duo struggled to his feet, heart pounding wildly. The Dragon looked like an avenging angel, the firelight shining off his dark hair, and his sword held ready at his side. He had prayed Lord Chang would find him, though he'd had no reason to believe he would come to rescue him. //But why doesn’t he do something?// "Do you two intend to stand here all night exchanging pleasantries? If you've come for me, Dragon, I'm quite ready to leave." Duo took a step toward him. Heero stood and moved to Duo’s side in one swift motion, his knife discarded for the katana strapped to his back. Gone was Duo’s distant escort, in his place a steely-eyed warrior. He grabbed Duo’s elbow and pulled him close. "I think not. Your prince has charged me to deliver you to your new home, boy. I am sorry. I have no quarrel with Lord Chang, but I cannot allow you to go with him." "I don't understand why Milliardo wishes me locked away, but I've done nothing to warrant such treatment. You've been kind to me, sir." He looked Heero straight in the eyes, hoping he'd see the truth in his claim--and how important this was to him. "Please, let me go." Duo could have sworn Heero wanted to do as he asked, but it was also clear to him that he would not. Instead, Heero released his arm, then pushed him out of the light. Duo tumbled to the ground, then scrambled to his knees in time to see the two men move to face each other near the fire. "What say you, Dragon?" Heero asked, a smirk on his face. The flames lent a devilish glow to his eyes. "Will you permit me to carry out your master's bidding? No harm shall come to Duo within my care--you have my word." The Dragon raised his sword and held it ready. "I believe you, samurai. But he will not be in your charge forever. And who can say what will happen then?" Wufei kicked aside the small pile of firewood. Sticks landed in the fire and sent a plume of sparks flying. "I'll take him with me now. Will you allow it?" "No!" Heero cried as he swung his katana in a wide arc. The Dragon met him blow for blow. The blades sang with a metallic ring, accompanying both men's grunts of exertion. Duo tried again to stand, but his cloak and skirts had tangled round his legs. He crawled backward to the edge of the clearing, unwilling to miss a moment of the battle raging before him. Duo doubted they even knew he was there, for he could see that all their attention was focused on the task at hand. Duo quickly learned that swordplay was hard, dirty, graceless work. They used their feet as often as their blades, shoving at each other, kicking and pushing--anything to force the opponent to the ground. Heero still smirking, as though the entire proceeding were a game, but the Dragon's features showed nothing but determination. He would win, or die trying. The Dragon kicked at Heero's feet and knocked him to the ground, but Heero managed to grab his leg and pull him down, as well. The two men rolled across the clearing, hands at each other's throats. They landed in the edge of the fire, sending off the stink of scorched wool, then fell, writhing together, on the other side of the clearing. Duo couldn't tell which man had the upper hand, and since his wrists were still bound, there was little he could do to help the Dragon. Then he remembered Heero's knife. When he unsheathed his sword and stepped close to him, he'd flipped the dagger aside. He hadn't had a chance to pick it up; it must still be on the ground. Keeping an eye on the struggling men, Duo scuttled around the fire on his knees until he found the knife. He grabbed it, then somehow propped it between his feet and held it tight while he rubbed the bindings against the blade. Thank God it was sharp, Duo thought as he felt the rope give. Though his hands felt numb, he shoved his skirts out of the way, snatched up the knife and headed for the men. Both were bloodied, and dirt-smeared. Duo reached them just as the Dragon punched Heero in the face twice, in rapid succession. The Japanese man's eyes rolled back and he slumped to the ground. Wufei flopped to the dirt beside him, breathing heavily through his mouth. Blood trickled from a cut above his left eye, and his lower lip looked bruised and swollen. His movements clumsy, he untied a pouch from his belt and tried to open it. "Let me," Duo offered, dropping to his knees beside Wufei. "There's rope in it." His voice sounded odd, no doubt muffled by his split lip. Duo held the bag up to the light and peered inside until he located the cord. Wufei took it and flipped Heero onto his stomach. "Don't want to leave him to die," he said as he wrapped the rope around Heero's wrists, then secured it. "But we cannot bring him with us, either." He hoisted Heero up onto his shoulder--an amazing feat--and carted him over to a clump of bushes. Duo followed, wondering what he intended to do with the Japanese samurai. He looped Heero's arms about the branches, then took the pouch from Duo, pulled out a thick leather strap and used it to bind Heero's legs loosely around the base of the bushes. "He'll be able to free himself, but not for a while. It will give us time to get away." Moving without his usual grace, the Dragon took Duo by the arm and led him back to his seat near the fire. He searched through one of Heero's packs and pulled out a small flask, uncorked it, and sniffed the contents. His face relaxed into a smile, surprising Duo. As fleeting as the smile was, it transformed his face. He looked almost carefree--and even more handsome, if that was possible--despite the blood smeared on his chin and forehead. Duo reached out and dabbed at his face with the trailing cuff of his sleeve. Wufei remained motionless until he'd finished, then nodded his thanks. "Have you eaten?" he asked. Content to watch him, Duo settled back against the saddle and sighed. "Yes. I had saved half the meal they brought me last night. It was plenty. Heero has food in the other pack, if you're hungry." Wufei shook his head. "No, I've eaten." He brought the flask. "But this is an unexpected boon." He brought the bottle to his lips and drank from the contents. "Sake." Duo sent him a questioning look. "The Japanese make it. I'm not certain exactly what it is, but it's powerful. Makes our ale and wine seem like water." He took another swallow before replacing the stopper. "Too much will make a man feel sick unto death, but a little warms the blood and takes the pain away." He started to put it back into the pack, then hesitated. "Do you want some?" "Why not?" //What harm could it do? It certainly seemed to please him.// Wufei knelt beside Duo and handed him the flask, his fingers brushing against his and lingering, so it seemed. Although Duo hadn't drunk yet, heat streaked up his arm and through his blood. His fingers shaking, Duo uncorked the bottle and, raising it to his lips, took a sip. "Damn," he gasped, as liquid fire burned all the way to his stomach. Wufei chuckled. "Had enough?" Not certain his voice would work, Duo nodded and handed it back. This time he knew the touch of Wufei’s hand on his was no accident, for his fingers intertwined with his for a fleeting, heart-stopping moment. Before Duo could react, Wufei rose to his feet and started gathering up Heero's supplies. "I don't want to make this too easy for him," he said. Using his sword, he lifted the packs high and hung them from the branches above Heero's head. "I imagine he'll see them--probably long before he can reach them." Again Duo saw that fleeting smile, and again his heart raced. Duo looked away. //Do I react so strongly to his smile because I never know when to expect it?// Duo stood so that Wufei could take the saddle. "Where are your horses?" he asked. Duo though Wufei must have left them far away, for he'd not heard his approach, nor the whickering of any horse but Heero's. Wufei hefted the saddle up into a tree, then picked his sword up off the ground. "I only brought one mount." He kicked dirt into the fire and stomped out the embers. "You'll have to ride with me." Duo felt blind in the sudden absence of light. However, he was glad Wufei wouldn't be able to see his response to his comment. Duo knew that riding in the Dragon's embrace would be nothing like riding with Heero. Frowning, he let Wufei lead him by the arm through the thick trees. //Now I would learn what purgatory is.// Duo’s other senses seemed more finely attuned than normal. Wufei’s strong fingers held his arm in a firm yet gentle grip, sending that insidious heat winding through his veins again. Despite the piney odor of the forest, he could smell Wufei’s clean, masculine scent. He'd have recognized it--and him--anywhere. The thought was strangely comforting. Wufei’s horse stood patiently waiting, not even shifting or stomping when they approached. Perhaps warriors trained their mounts thus, for Heero's had been the same. Whatever the reason, Duo couldn't help but be glad of it. He'd never been around such massive beasts, and he found it reassuring that, despite their size, they were so docile. Wufei pulled Duo to a halt beside his mount. "Let me take this," he said, his hands sweeping the cloak from Duo’s shoulders. He tossed it over the saddle, then brought his hands to rest where the cloak had been. Though he couldn't see him clearly in the faint moonlight, Duo could feel Wufei’s gaze caress his face. Duo trembled in reaction. "Are you cold?" he asked, leaning toward him to whisper in his ear. Another shiver coursed through Duo at the subtle movement of Wufei’s lips against his skin, carrying fire in its wake. Wufei slowly pulled Duo into his arms. "Let me warm you." Wufei surrounded Duo with his touch, his scent, as he brushed his mouth over Duo’s face and neck. His tongue darted out to taste the hollow of Duo’s throat, turning his knees to jelly. But Wufei held him steady in his arms, lending him his strength. Duo's hands had been loosely clenched at his sides, but he could no longer resist the temptation to caress Wufei, as well. He cradled Wufei's face in his hands, savoring the contrast of the rougher skin on his chin with the firm softness of his mouth. When he stroked Wufei’s bruised lip, Wufei captured his fingertip with his teeth and drew it lightly between his lips; Duo gasped as the sensation shot through his body to send molten heat to the lower reigns of his body //He hasn't even kissed me--that was the act Sister Maud had warned me against, claiming it led to all sorts of licentious behavior--yet he's catapulted my senses into complete confusion.// The chills blanketing Duo’s body were not caused by cold, but by heat--a fire raging through his blood, bringing with it a burning ache only the Dragon could ease. The darkness enveloped them in its embrace, adding a sense of illusion. Every movement seemed destined to bring pleasure--and a yearning for more. Duo gave in to the unconquerable urge and raised his mouth to Wufei's. Duo felt awkward, unskilled, but Wufei gathered him closer in his arms and met him touch for touch, kiss for kiss. Only the strength of Wufei’s embrace kept Duo from sinking to the ground in a heap of mindless pleasure. Now Duo understood how easily a person might be led to sin, how simple it would be to give in to these feelings. His body ached for Wufei's touch--in places he'd never imagined wanting another man, or anyone for that matter, to touch. Wufei hadn't done more than kiss him, and despite Duo’s ignorance of what came after kissing, he knew there was more--far more--to lust than this. Wufei pressed hard into the cradle of Duo’s thighs and groaned, then set Duo away from him so swiftly he would have fallen without Wufei’s hand on his arm to steady him. But as soon as Duo found his footing, Wufei turned away. "Don't you know better than to tempt me like that?" he snarled. Duo’s emotions already felt rubbed raw. Wufei’s accusation poured salt on the wound and made him lash out. "Do you blame me for what happened?" His voice sounded high with outrage. Duo sought to lower it. "I've never done these things before. I didn't realize where they'd lead," he added, not quite truthfully. Duo grabbed Wufei’s arm and tugged until he spun around to face him. "Can you tell me you didn't know?" Wufei rubbed his hand over his face, then shook his head. "I'm equally at fault." He straightened and took Duo’s elbow in an impersonal grip. "Come. We must leave this place before that Japanese bastard regains his senses--assuming he had any to begin with," he added wryly. "He won't come to any harm, will he? He didn't hurt me. He was simply doing his duty." It seemed cruel, to leave Heero trussed up alone in the wilderness. Wufei snorted. "He'll be fine, except perhaps for a headache. I wouldn't worry about him, if I were you. He would have done far worse to you, if Milliardo wished it." Wufei hoisted Duo into the saddle, then climbed up behind him. Duo’s body tensed as he sought to ignore the warmth
of the Dragon pressed close to his back. Wufei’s hand on his
shoulder urged Duo to turn and face him. "And don't call
what he did duty, Duo. It was for his own gain. Duty is when you hate
what you must do, perhaps loathe what you've become--" Wufei
nudged the horse in the ribs "---but you do it anyway."
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