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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 4 Wufei crossed the courtyard as the rising sun cast a rosy glow over the gray walls of the castle. Icy puddles cracked beneath his boots, the perfect accompaniment to the wind whipping around the battlements. Wufei loved the brisk air, the cold serving to stroke the fire in his blood. It thrummed through his veins, lent energy to his steps as he descended the stairs into the vaults below. The promise of battle with a certain mysterious violet-eyed stranger had nothing to do with it. The guard snapped to attention beside the cell door, then grinned his thanks when Wufei dismissed him to eat breakfast upstairs. Wufei shook his head at the guard’s hasty retreat. No doubt he’d been bored to tears standing here through the night, but perhaps it would teach the man patience. That virtue was sadly lacking in most of the hot-tempered warriors who had gathered behind Milliardo’s cause. He’d do well to control his own impatience before he unbarred the door and met with his captive once again. Last night, somewhere between the wall and his chamber, Wufei had lost his usual impassive demeanor. And try as he might, he’d hadn’t regained it in the hours since he’d left the elusive Duo locked behind this door. Taking a lantern from the hook beside the door, Wufei removed the bar from its brackets and entered the cell. Duo sat up, shielding his eyes from the light. He leaned back against the damp stone wall and tried to ignore the way straw from the small heap he’d slept on poked through his clothes. Although Duo knew he should stand—courtesy required it, not to mention the fact that he hated to have the Dragon tower over him—a night spent on the floor after his midnight climb, had left him so stiff he could hardly move. "Good morning to you, Dragon," he said, infusing his voice with the strength his body refused to supply. "Have you word from your master?" "I am Lord Chang Wufei of Raven’s Crest." He closed the door behind him and hung the lantern from a peg in the rafters. Three steps brought him across the narrow cell to stand at Duo’s feet. "No one calls me Dragon—to my face." Did he give him his full name—and the name of his home—on purpose to show his own lack? Rage and hurt overcame Duo’s aches and brought him to his feet without pain. A glorious surge of power straightened his backbone and Duo lifted his chin until he looked the Dragon in the eye. "I have never feared to be different, Lord Chang Wufei of Raven’s Crest. I shall call you Dragon." Duo brushed straw from his clothes with apparent unconcern. Duo expected him to do something…anything. For reasons he’d rather not examine too closely, Duo welcomed the chance to cross swords with him once again. Duo braced himself for the storm. But he did nothing, nothing at all, if he discounted the slight gleam in his eyes. Did Duo see a challenge there? It had to be a trick of the flickering light. Duo bit his lip. He needed him to react, to lash back at him. Otherwise he’d never be able to sustain enough fire in his blood to do what he must. But Wufei’s disregard of his meager show of defiance sapped his courage. Fresh pain throbbed to life, making the simple act of standing torture. Shivers racked his body, beyond Duo’s will to ignore. Still silent, the Dragon left the cell and returned with a three-legged stool. "Here, sit before you fall." He slammed the stool down and grabbing Duo by the shoulders pushed him onto the seat. Duo closed his eyes and rubbed at his arms, certain he’d bear the imprint of the Dragon’s strong, callused fingers for days to come. But he’d spared Duo the indignity of collapsing at his feet. Rough wool settled over Duo’s shoulders and startled him into opening his eyes. The warm folds of fabric enveloped him in his captor’s scent. Duo tugged the cloak more tightly around his body and tried to ignore the sense of solace the Dragon’s unexpected gesture brought. It wouldn’t be wise to feel grateful, to owe his man anything. Who could tell what the Dragon might demand in return? "Are you ready to talk today?" he demanded, his voice gruff. Wufei leaned back against the wall with complete disregard for the cold, slimy stones and folded his arms across his chest. "I’m curious. Why must you see Milliardo? What is so important that you’d risk your life to get to him?" Duo fought the seductive slide into comfort as the cloak warmed his body. Within his mind raged a furious debate. Should he tell him? But Duo knew so little himself. He’d heard it said that the Dragon had Milliardo’s favor—indeed, even his trust. He could help him, if he wished. "Is Milliardo even here?" The question had haunted Duo through the night. Until then, he hadn’t allowed him-self to consider that his efforts might be for nothing. The guard he’d spoken to—the one who’d refused him admittance to the castle even as he laughed at Duo’s request to see the mighty prince—had told him Milliardo planned to stay at the Sank castle for a month more. //But given his reaction to me, that guard might have been amusing him-self further at my expense.// Lord Wufei looked at Duo like he was mad. "Do you mean to tell me you don’t know? I thought your actions foolish before, but now—" He shook his head. "Just tell me," Duo cried, rising from the stool and gathering the mantle about him. Duo wanted to pace, to move, but the chamber was too small and Wufei’s cloak too long. He sighed his frustration. "Please." "Yes, he’s here. But I doubt he’ll see you. His labors begin with the dawn, and continue without rest until the sun is set. In the evening he makes time for nothing but pleasure." //Do I detect scorn in his voice?// Wufei’s face told Duo nothing, but what did his opinion of his master matter to him? Duo had tracked Milliardo to the Sank castle, climbed the wall and survived. Relief weakened his already shaky knees. He plopped down on the stool. "Thank Shinigami," Duo said, smiling. Wufei stared. His smile transformed his face, and Duo’s violet eyes appeared lit from within. Although dirty streaks still covered his cheeks, he looked happy. And beautiful. //Sweet Nataku, am I turning into an infatuated fool?// Wufei shifted his gaze to the narrow beam of sunlight streaming through a slit high in the wall. Somehow, this boy had addled Wufei’s brain. But Wufei refused to give into the temptation Duo presented. The image of a strong, unified Sank rose in his mind, the shrine he worshiped above all others, even Nataku herself. He’d likely given up all hope of heaven, of family and a life of his own, to attain that goal. A mere slip of a boy would not keep him from it. He’d ignored far more compelling distractions, Wufei reminded himself as he forced himself to look at Duo again. His smile had disappeared. //Perhaps Nataku’s light does shine on me after all.// "Would you plead my case, milord?" he asked. "It truly is important. I’d never have tried so hard to see him, otherwise." //What harm could there be in it? Nataku knows, he’s shown more courage than many noble warriors. He’s earned a chance to speak—to me at least.// "I’ll hear what you have to say." "Thank you, sir." Duo settled himself on the stool, his spine straight as an arrow, despite the fact that he ached like the devil. "I searched for the prince for more than two weeks, though it seems as though my quest has gone on forever." "Where have you come from?" "I’ve lived in the church of Saint Winifred all my life. I was under the care of a nun there." "Why is this nun letting you wander the countryside alone?" Wufei waited to revise his initial opinion of Duo. No one of low degree boarded at a church, especially a church as wealthy as Saint Winifred’s. And Duo’s speech carried the refined tones of the nobility. //I should have noticed this immediately. Have my wits left me?// "Sister Helen is dead, milord, she died a month ago." Duo clutched at a small silver cross he wore around his neck. "May God grant her peace." Duo closed his eyes, sadness etched upon his face. Perhaps grief at this nun’s death had confused Duo, sent him upon this senseless journey. "Surely you must have family," Wufei said, ignoring the way Duo’s eyes had filled with tears—just as they had last night. "Someone must have paid the church to keep you. The church’s charity doesn’t stretch that far." Duo shook his head and met Wufei’s gaze. Duo believed what he told him, Wufei could see it. And no cloud of madness or confusion tainted the clear violet of Duo’s eyes. "The abbess, sister Maud, swore that I had no family. And that my board had been paid, and would continue to be paid, by a benefactor unknown to her." "Surely the bishop--" "I sought him out first of all, once I'd escaped the confines of the church." "Escaped? They had no right to hold you," Wufei said. The more Duo told him, the less he understood. Nothing Duo had said made any sense. Duo stood up, slipped the cloak from his shoulders and placed in on the stool. "There are many ways to hold someone without making them a prisoner, Dragon. The sisters never locked me up. They simply made certain I had no opportunity to leave." A winsome smile lit Duo's face. "But I used their own ways against them. All my life they taught me patience. So I bided my time and lulled their suspicions. Eventually a chance arose and I took it." Duo laughed. "I truly doubt they care that I am gone--I've been a trial to them since I first learned to speak." Wufei could imagine it. "What did the bishop say?" Duo paced the narrow confines of the cell before he replied. "I never saw the bishop himself. But his clerk assured me the bishop knew nothing about my situation. And I could not return to Saint Winifred's to question the abbess. I'd never get away again." //When will he come to the point?// Wufei could have growled with frustration, but he pushed the feeling deep. If only he had patience, he’d learn what he wanted to know—sooner or later. But Wufei had more important things to do than listen to a mysterious young man recount his meandering tale. "How does Milliardo fit into all of this? He isn’t a patron of Saint Winifred’s, I know for a fact. And I doubt even he has the power to force the bishop to tell you anything." Straightening, Wufei crossed the room and stood before Duo. "What do you want from Milliardo?" "I think he knows who I am." Wufei shook his head in disbelief and bit back a laugh. "Do you think the prince so powerful he knows all—and everyone—within his domain? I can not believe even your God has such dominion." Duo looked at him as if Wufei, and not he, were the fool. "While sister Helen lay close to death she tried to tell me something. She was too weak to finish, but she mentioned Milliardo and something about my family. When I asked the abbess about it, she turned my questions around and never gave me any answers. That way she didn’t have to lie, if it were true. Sister Maud prides herself on her honesty," Duo added, his voice scornful. Duo held his hand out to Wufei in supplication. "Sister Helen was all I had. I have nowhere else to turn, milord, and nothing left to lose. I am tired of being alone. All I want is to find some place where I belong." That, Wufei could understand. It did not bother Wufei to be on his own, but he also had his sister, Sally, and his cousin Hilde, to turn to when he tired of his own company. Wufei chose to live a solitary life. Duo didn’t have that choice. "Is there anything else I should know? Do you remember your parents names at least?" "No, I don’t remember anyone but sister Helen and the other nuns at the church. I think no one wanted to take care of me, so that’s why I was left there." Something inside Wufei recoiled at the lonely life Duo had led and the matter-of-fact way he spoke about it. He couldn’t imagine a childhood without a parent’s love. And it sounded like none but this sister Helen gave Duo any affection at Saint Winifred’s. Wufei’s parents had been everything to him; he would have done anything to save them, if he could. Their loss was a pain Wufei buried deep and refused to expose. //Perhaps I can help him.// "I will do what I can for you." Duo reached out and took Wufei’s arm in a firm clasp. "Thank you. You have no idea how grateful I am, milord." Wufei looked down at Duo’s hand. He liked the way it felt, far too much. So he did what he had to do to make the feeling go away. "I make you no promises. Milliardo may not wish to hear what I have to say. He has little time to waste on one person’s petty concerns." Duo released him immediately. But the wounded expression in Duo’s eyes lingered, long after the warmth of his touch faded from Wufei’s arm. "I understand. And I appreciate whatever you can do, sir." He turned and picked up Wufei’s cloak. "I’ll bother you no further," he said, holding the bundle out to Wufei. "Keep it." Wufei crossed the room swiftly, feeling as if he kicked a puppy. "You need it more than I." Cursing under his breath, Wufei jerked the door open and made good his escape before he did something even more gallant. And more stupid. ~~~(***)~~~ Duo huddled within the welcoming folds of the Dragon’s cloak and struggled yet again to recall any snippet of information useful to his quest. He’d racked his brain on numerous occasions over the course of his journey, but so far, he could remember very little. Duo’s life at the church had consisted mainly of endless days of boredom. The only child among the few boarders, he’d counted himself fortunate when an elderly noblewomen taught him to read and write. Rarer still had been the chance to venture beyond the church walls into town. The games the village children played in the meadows, running and shrieking with joyous abandon, were as foreign to him as the sight of a man of fewer than fifty years. Other than their elderly priest, he’d only seen other men from a distance. The sisters had been careful to keep him close by on their infrequent trips into the village. The number of different people had shocked Duo when his travels took him into a town, alone. He had even gotten used to the many crude suggestions he’d received from both men and women. But Duo didn’t fear anyone, a fact that surprised him. Indeed, he found nearly everyone he encountered a refreshing change form the occupants of the church, with their regimented lives and devotion to duty. In a way, this journey was the embodiment of a childhood dream. How many times had he lain in the grass, staring at the birds flying overhead and envying them their freedom? He’d always known a whole new world existed beyond the church walls. Now Duo had the opportunity to explore it. There had been a gatekeeper at the church years ago; a very old man who’d traveled far and wide. He told Duo of lands and people different from any other he’d ever known. The old man’s brief stay at the church shone as a rare bright spot in his memory. Duo had never forgotten the tales he’d shared with him. If the Dragon could not help him, perhaps he’d make his way south, to Pembroke or Manorbier. Each castle had it’s own town, of a size Duo could hardly imagine. Strangers from foreign lands came there to trade, bringing with them news of places far beyond his knowledge. Though he knew that for many the church provided a safe haven, to him it had been a prison. He’d never return, no matter what he had to do to survive. The sound of the bar thumping against the door startled Duo. His heart pounding wildly, he stood and tossed aside the cloak. //Has the Dragon returned so soon?// The door flew open beneath the force of two brawny men. Before Duo could do more than gasp, one entered the cell and grabbed him roughly by the arm, while the other stood guard in the doorway. The guard pulled Duo’s arms behind him and bound them with a coarse rope. "What are you doing?" he asked. Already Duo’s shoulders throbbed with pain, so tight were the bonds. "Did Lord Chang order this?" "You’re to come with us," the guard said. "Don’t give us trouble, lad, else you might get hurt." He wrapped a musty rag around Duo’s mouth and tied it behind his head. He gave Duo a shove to start him moving. Duo’s feet slipped in the loose straw, and he scrambled for purchase, stumbled and almost fell on his face. His burly escort saved him from that fate, but Duo’s arms felt wrenched from their sockets. For the first time since the Dragon hauled him up the wall, Duo felt afraid. His guards set a hellish pace. Duo tried to keep up, but they made no accommodation for his shorter legs as they hauled him through a maze of dark, winding corridors. The filthy gag made Duo cough; the fear in his throat made it almost impossible to breathe. The ground sloped downward; the hard-packed dirt grew uneven. The distance between torches grew so great that Duo could barely make out the walls. For all he knew, this might be the passageway to hell itself. His arms numb, Duo struggled to find his way, a task made more difficult when the hallway narrowed. One of the men continued to shove Duo ahead of him, pushing Duo into the rough-hewn stones whenever the walls curved. Suddenly the guard jerked back on Duo’s bonds. Duo bit back a groan; his arms still had feeling after all. Cruel hands dug at the knot holding his arms, then jerked the gag from his mouth before spinning Duo about and thrusting him into the shadows. Duo landed on his hands and knees. The impact sent unbearable pain through his already aching body. But he found his footing and crawled to his feet. "Wait!" he cried. "Where have you brought me?" Silence was his only reply. Then metal clanged against metal, and the darkness became complete.
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