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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 "
Chapter 14 A strange clattering sound jolted Duo from sleep. It seemed to rise from the earth itself, shattering the silence. He sat up and discovered that his skirts were tangled with Wufei's legs. Wufei already had his sword in hand. He flipped Duo’s skirt out of his way and stood. His booted feet made quick work of extinguishing the glowing embers, all that remained of their fire. In the near dark, Wufei tugged his dagger from the sheath at his waist and handed it to Duo. "No matter what, stay behind me," he whispered harshly as he crept toward the doorway. The sound of hoofbeats stopped. Duo could just make out the brush of Wufei's tunic against the rough stone wall of the cave, and then there was silence. His heartbeat echoed loudly in his ears, and Duo clutched Wufei's dagger until his knuckles ached. //Who would come for us in the night? Who even knows we are here?// "Damn it, Trowa!" Wufei cried. Rocks clattered outside the cave. "It's a wonder I didn't skewer you." Duo could hear someone's gasping breath--Trowa's, perhaps--then the thump of running feet. "Duo, come quickly," Wufei called. Moving with care in the darkness, he left the cave. At least there was still moonlight outside, faint but helpful. Partway down the hill, Wufei supported a slumped-over man. "Trowa's been shot," he told him as Duo rushed to them. "Took an arrow in the shoulder. Come help me. We've got to get him inside." Trowa raised his head, moaning from the effort. "No, milord. You must go. Now. They'll be on your trail by morning. Don't worry about me. Somebody'll find me soon enough." "Who did this?" Wufei asked, ignoring Trowa's instructions and half carrying him to the cave. "Milliardo's man. He's dead, but there'll be others." Trowa coughed, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. "Go, damn you! Who knows what he'll do to you?" he gasped. "Or to Duo. Will you let him win?" Wufei brought him inside and struck his flint to a candle stub. Duo looked at the older man in the flickering light and knew he could not last. He met Wufei's gaze. He knew it, too, though Duo could see Wufei didn't want to accept the fact. "Please, milord!" Trowa cried, attempting to rise. Duo shook his head sharply when Wufei opened his mouth to speak. Duo grabbed Wufei’s arm and tugged him to the mouth of the cave. "He's done for, Dragon. There's no way you can help him but to do as he asks. At least he'll rest easy, knowing you escaped." Wufei closed his pain-filled eyes and nodded. "Gather our things, quickly, while I say goodbye." Duo stuffed their possessions into the packs, with complete disregard for everything but speed. "Duo, come here," Wufei called as he closed the flap on the last bag. He'd propped Trowa up against the wall. He looked ghastly, his face as pale as his linen shirt. Duo knelt down beside him and took his hand. "It’s good to see you, milord," Trowa said. His voice sounded weaker than before. "Take care of the Dragon." When Trowa met Duo’s gaze, he could see that he knew he cared about Wufei. Trowa picked up Wufei's hand and held it with Duo’s. "And you take care of him, milord. You were meant to find Duo. I know you'll keep him safe." As they watched, Trowa's eyes drifted shut, and his breath eased away in a sigh. Duo made the sign of the cross, and saw Wufei bow his head. His eyes shuttered, his face cold, Wufei unbuckled Trowa's sword belt and took it with him as he stood. "It was a gift from my father," he said quietly. "Trowa wanted me to have it." Duo drew Trowa's cloak over his face as Wufei shouldered the saddlebags. Then, giving Trowa's body one last look, Duo snuffed the candle and left the cave. Wufei took Duo’s arm to help him over the loose rocks dotting the hillside. "Trowa brought an extra horse. They're tethered with Mouse. We'll be able to make better time, with three mounts." "Where will we go?" "I'm not certain. Ashby might be best. It's close by, and since it's an German keep, Milliardo doesn't have access to it without Treize's leave---which he will not get," he snapped. "Treize is your brother-by-marriage?" Duo asked, gasping at the headlong pace Wufei set. Wufei grabbed him just as Duo’s feet slid out from under him. "Yes." Wufei slowed down a bit, a consideration Duo appreciated greatly. His skirts hampered him; there was some advantage to men's garb, he thought. "You do know how to ride?" Wufei asked when they reached the horses. "No. I'm sorry." Wufei began to curse. "Mouse seems a gentle animal." "He's a trained war-horse, Duo. A beast like this is quite capable of killing you where you stand—or unseating you and crushing you beneath his hooves. Don't let his name--or the fact that he seems to like you--lead you to believe him to be something he's not." Duo swallowed the huge lump suddenly clogging his throat, but he stood his ground. In truth, it was the thought of sitting up so high by himself that he found frightening--a foolish reaction for one who'd climbed a castle wall, he knew. But a wall did not move. However, Duo didn't want Wufei to see his fear. "He's used to me. I could ride him." Still Wufei hesitated. "What alternative do we have? I refuse to slow us down--I'm endangering you enough as it is. Either put me up on that horse, or go on alone.'' Duo folded his arms about himself for comfort. Both choices left him shaking like a leaf. "That would be best, anyway." It was difficult to see in the moonlight filtering through the trees, but he thought Wufei looked at him as though he were crazy. Perhaps he was. However, Wufei saddled Mouse and loaded the packs onto the spare horse. He tossed Duo onto Mouse's broad back and handed him the reins without a word, though he stopped to murmur to the horse. Swinging into the saddle, Wufei wheeled his mount around until it sidled up to Mouse. "Just let him do the work. Trust that he'll keep you safe." He leaned over and kissed Duo’s lips, hard. "Stay with me and be careful.'' The terrain between the cave and Ashby was rocky, hilly, and difficult to traverse. The mere sliver of moon hanging low in the night sky didn't do much to help light their way. At times they scarely made any headway at all. Duo clung to the saddle with one hand and the reins with the other, although Mouse seemed to manage fine without his guidance. Trying to ignore the way his heart raced at the remembrance of Wufei's mouth upon his, Duo turned his attention instead to staying in the saddle. For the first time on this journey, he rode astride, with his skirts all tucked up about his knees. The skin along the insides of his legs had begun to chafe already, Wufei halted beside Duo as dawn began to brighten the sky. "I don't believe we're being followed. Not yet, at any rate. We'll rest for a bit, eat, and let the horses drink." He pointed to a tiny stream. He helped Duo down and held him steady until his legs stopped shaking. "Here," he said, scooping Duo up in his arms and carrying him to an area carpeted with dead leaves. "You rest, while I take care of the horses." Though it went against the grain to sit and let Wufei wait upon him, Duo accepted his help gratefully. His legs felt boneless, and his thighs burned. Duo didn't think he could have been much help. So he spread out his cloak and basked in the wintery sunshine, letting it soothe him. So much had happened in the past few days, Duo felt battered and confused. And now he worried whether his family would accept him. What would Wufei's sister, Sally, think, when Wufei rode in with him? They had been raised in a noble household. Lady Sally would expect Duo to know all sorts of skills and manners that Duo knew he lacked. He was unfamiliar with any other life but that of the church. And his sister, Hilde. Duo fought back tears. How he wished his mother had lived long enough to see her husband and daughter again! Her grief must have run deep, at being told they'd died. Certainly she'd never recovered from the loss. Milliardo had deprived not only Hilde of a mother, but Duo, as well. His rage at Milliardo grew every time he thought of what he'd done to him, to his family. Was the power he would gain worth such cruelty to his own kin? And now Wufei's man, Trowa, lay dead. Another sin to place at Milliardo's door, one Duo feared Wufei would find difficult to forgive. Despite the sun, Duo shuddered when he considered the things Milliardo had done to him already. Being locked away in the vaults had been bad enough. Duo could only imagine what lay in store for him if Milliardo found him again. Duo refused to consider that possibility. He'd rather die than live that way. But if his family denied him sanctuary, he might not have a choice. Perhaps Hilde was a haughty English lady. She might not wish to acknowledge an unknown brother, a potential usurper. Duo could not blame her if that was so. But how he hoped he was wrong! Still lost in thought--in worry--he didn't notice that Wufei had rejoined him until he handed him a piece of bread. Duo accepted it with a murmured thanks and began to absently nibble on the crust. When Wufei placed a water-beaded cup in his hand, Duo started, spilling the icy liquid in his lap. Duo scowled as the water soaked through his skirts, then began to laugh. "Did you do that on purpose?" Yielding to temptation, Duo tossed the dregs in his direction, catching Wufei on the throat. The water ran down the neckline of his tunic. "How could I?" Wufei asked, brushing at the dampness. "You did it to yourself." But Wufei grinned and, snatching up his own mug, flung the contents in Duo’s face. Duo gave a muffled squeak and, ignoring the water trickling over his cheeks, lunged for the Dragon. Duo caught Wufei square in the chest, toppling him onto his back. Before Duo could do more than gasp, Wufei rolled him under his body and licked delicately at Duo’s wet mouth. The contrast between the cold air on his damp skin and the fiery heat of Wufei's body covering his made all Duo’s senses come alive. Wufei traced his mouth with his tongue, over and over, until he knew no water remained on his lips, until Duo thought he'd weep if Wufei didn't kiss him. Duo buried his fingers in Wufei’s hair and clung to him. Feeling quite daring, Duo darted out his tongue to duel with his. Wufei entered into the play with enthusiasm, but he still wouldn't kiss Duo. Finally, when Duo thought he'd go mad with longing, he tightened his grip on Wufei’s hair and tugged until he lifted his head. The Dragon stared into Duo’s face for a long moment, his eyes the color of onyx. "What is it, milord?" he whispered against Duo’s lips. "Have I displeased you?" "Kiss me...please." "I was kissing you," he murmured. He smiled. "There are many kinds of kisses, lovely. If only I had time to show you all of them." Duo reached up to trace Wufei’s mouth with his finger. He grabbed it with his strong white teeth and nibbled, sending waves of heat throughout Duo’s aching body. Wufei soothed the tiny hurt with his tongue, then levered himself off of Duo. "We both must be mad," he told him. He helped him up and brushed at the leaves clinging to Duo’s gown. "Every time we sit together, we end up writhing about on the ground like a pair of overheated snakes." Wufei picked up the cups and shook out the cloak. "It's fortunate for us we'll soon be surrounded by our loving--and extremely inquisitive--family. I can guarantee they won't leave us alone together for a moment.'' // He sounds as though he doesn’t want me to draw any meaning from the attraction between us. Has it been nothing but a foolish dream? // Embarrassed, Duo couldn't meet his eyes. Wufei cupped Duo’s chin in his hand and lifted his face. "I am honored by your attention, Duo, truly. You are beautiful and brave, and you could do far better than me. Don't waste yourself, your future, on a man with no heart to give." Forcing steel into his spine, Duo stared back into his eyes and told himself Wufei’s words did not matter. But they did. "I don't agree, milord. But I'll not embarrass you further." Duo shook out his skirts and walked over to Mouse. "Shall we be on our way?" ~~~ (***) ~~~ // How could he believe I don't want him? // Wufei wondered, going over their words yet again as they plodded along. What he'd heard had not been what Wufei had said at all. // Nataku, how do I understand this boy? // Maybe the problem was that they seemed to wind up on their backs every chance they got. It was difficult to think clearly when all Wufei wanted was to bare Duo’s delectable body to his greedy gaze and make a meal of him. Duo only grew more beautiful the longer he was around him, until it seemed Wufei had become the randiest fool in creation. If Wufei was to place Duo’s hand on his aching flesh now, he'd have him on his back with those damn skirts over his head before Duo realized what Wufei was about. // Hell, before I know what I've done. // They couldn't get to Ashby too soon for Wufei. Tonight, he'd find a willing body and exorcise this madness. Then, perhaps, he could look Duo in the eye and treat him like the nobleman he was, and not some wanton camp follower. Thinking about Duo helped keep his grief over Trowa's death at bay. Wufei remembered what Trowa had whispered to him as he lay dying. He'd claimed Duo was a fitting mate for him, even more so now, considering who he was. And with the Dragon as his husband, perhaps Milliardo would leave Duo alone. This meant that Duo would have to continue to pose as a woman, but then again that might have been Milliardo’s plan all along. After all, wasn’t it Yuy—under Milliardo’s orders—who put Duo in a dress to begin with? But he refused to think of it now, not when Duo’s immediate safety was all that mattered. Wufei said a prayer for the loyal man who'd been like a brother to him, and pushed the other disturbing thoughts away. They were almost there. When they broke through the trees and rode to the track leading up to Ashby, he heard Duo gasp. He halted Mouse in the middle of the road and sat staring up at the castle. It was an impressive place, certainly, utilizing every English defense to intimidate. But compared to rugged Sank Castle, Ashby appeared a pretty bauble. "Are you afraid?" Wufei asked Duo challengingly, much as he had when he clung to the curtain wall. The words had a similar effect. Duo cast a haughty glare in his direction and nudged Mouse into motion. As he followed behind Duo, he admired the way the setting sun glinted off his unbound hair. It hung past his waist, invoking all sorts of fantasies in Wufei’s mind. It suddenly occurred to Wufei that decent English women covered their hair. They would have to continue the chraide until Duo could change out of the dress. And Wufei didn't wish to fight some lust-crazed man-at-arms because Duo's hair had tempted the man beyond all reason. Wufei rode up beside Duo and, ignoring his questioning look, reached over to tug up the hood of his cloak. Giving a nod of satisfaction—it was the best he could do for now—he led the way into Ashby. ~~~ (**) ~~~ Duo stared about him as they passed over the drawbridge and into a courtyard teeming with activity. Ashby seemed a prosperous holding, the people well fed and smiling, the land clearly in good hands. Duo focused his attention on little details of the sights surrounding him to distract his thoughts. Otherwise, he would turn into a nervous, blithering idiot. Whether he'd succeed in that quest, he couldn't imagine. A brawny man came forward and greeted Wufei, his manner cautious but respectful. Clearly, the Dragon's legend was well-known—and believed—within his sister's home. Wufei nodded to the man, then came to help Duo down, handing the reins to a waiting stable boy before he lifted him from the saddle. He'd no sooner set Duo on his feet than a woman's voice cut through the noise. "So, brother. Finally you deign to answer my summons and grace us with your presence." They turned together, then Wufei stepped way. A tall, elegant woman with honey colored braids and blue eyes stood before them. But that biting voice couldn't belong to this sweet faced woman, could it? It did. Duo couldn't believe it when Wufei's sister, after coming forward and embracing him tightly, stepped back and launched into a scathing tirade. And he found it truly amazing that Wufei did nothing more than laugh when Lady Sally paused to draw breath. Which was the dragon in this family? Or were they both, Duo wondered. "That’s enough, wife." A tall, handsome man came up behind Lady Sally and covered her mouth with his hand. She bit his fingers, but he appeared uncowed. "Where are your manners? Can't you see that Wufei has brought a guest?" Wufei took Duo's arm and led him toward them, squeezing his arm lightly--no doubt because he could feel how he shook. Duo tried to smile at Wufei, though his lips felt frozen in place. But he wanted him to know that he appreciated his support. "May we go inside, Treize?" Wufei asked. "The news we bring you would be better said away from prying eyes and ears." They followed their hosts up a spiraling flight of stairs to a room atop a tower, Wufei and his sister bantering lightly all the while. Though Lady Sally never stopped talking, her curious gaze remained fixed upon Duo. But their conversation stopped when they entered the chamber. Wufei waited until a maidservant had brought mead and closed the door behind her before he spoke again. Duo wondered if Wufei knew how close to collapse he felt. But as Wufei drew him to stand beside him, he gave Duo a smile of support, lending him the extra strength he needed. "Sally and Treize, may I present a newfound cousin? Duo and I met at the Sank Castle." He'd told them nothing startling, but still Duo watched them closely as Wufei pushed his hood back from Duo’s face and hair. Duo bowed. "I am honored to meet you," he murmured, appalled at how weak his voice sounded. He hoped his manners weren't lacking. Lady Sally responded in kind. "As I am to meet you." She stared at Duo; obviously curious. "How may I address you? As cousin?" she asked, with a glare for her brother. "My name is Duo, milady." He noticed Lord Treize eyeing him strangely, as if he were a puzzle he couldn't quite solve. "Have we met?" he asked. The Dragon laughed. "Wufei, stop your foolishness, if you please," Lady Sally said tartly. "If you've some point to make, please do so. Otherwise, sit down and he quiet." She turned to Duo. "Forgive me. My brother frequently makes my manners--and my wits---go a-begging. Please sit and take your ease." Duo took the seat—a real chair, he noted with amazement—that Lady Sally indicated, and waited. Wufei obviously had something in mind, something he hadn't seen fit to share with him. // Does he think to surprise them? Or does he simply intend to taunt Lady Sally? // Wufei took the goblet of mead his sister offered him and went to stand beside his brother-by-marriage. "Does she look familiar, Nicholas?" "No, but there's something about her .... " "My reaction, exactly. Similar enough to pique your memory, but different enough to mystify." "Jesu, Wufei! We're both properly confused," his sister snapped. "Are you satisfied? Or must I beat the answer out of you?" "My apologies, to both of you. I wanted to know if I was blind to the truth, or whether there truly was too little resemblance to notice. Of course, I'd no more reason to look for it than you have." He moved to stand beside Duo's chair and, taking his hand, brought Duo to his feet, "He is our cousin. Duo Maxwell." ~~~ (***) ~~~ Heero heard the approaching horses long before they caught up to him. If he'd wanted to avoid them, he could have. But what would have been the sense? He'd bought the Dragon some time, although by now Milliardo might know that his plan to move Duo had failed. But if these were the prince's men, perhaps he could glean some information. And if he was particularly fortunate, they wouldn't realize he'd failed to carry out Milliardo's wishes. It wouldn't be wise to make them suspicious. If Milliardo learned what he'd done, he would be fortunate indeed if he wasn't sent back to his father in pieces. But Heero didn't care. He didn't know who Duo was, or why Milliardo wished to lock him away. He simply knew that it was right for the Dragon to take Duo with him, wherever they were headed, and right for him to help them gain as much time and distance as they could. As the horsemen came into view, he checked his weapons. The Dragon had left them all for him to find, with a bit of work. He couldn't blame him for that, nor for the scratches that covered his forearms. They didn't bother him one whit. He looked on them as mementos of his brush with the Dragon; he wore them proudly, small though they were. Heero smiled as the small troop caught up to him. It was a good day. He lived to fight. But it soon became apparent that Milliardo's men hadn't come to fight him. Indeed, they hadn't come for him at all. They'd simply recognized him and thought to ask him to join them. "Got rid of your burden already, eh, Heero?" the leader, Otto, asked. A decent fighter, Otto had a filthy mind, which bothered Heero not at all, and a filthier temper, which did. “Yes, Otto. I've been taking my time going back to the castle. Many a lovely lass to be found in the hills to keep a man busy," he added with a wink. "If you're not in a hurry to get back, do you care to join us? The prince sent us to look for the Dragon. He's got important work for him, I guess." // Milliardo wants to know what the Dragon is up too, more likely. // "I can't. I'd love to come with you, but I've got other plans." Heero grinned. "Can't disappoint a lady, now, can I?" Amid jests regarding his prowess, Milliardo's men rode away. Let them believe he had nothing more important on his mind than laying every wench in sight, Heero thought scornfully. // Join those fools? Not likely. // The only man he planned to join was the Dragon, if he'd permit it. Heero turned his thoughts to finding the Dragon. It sounded as though he might need help. ~ * ~ |
