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"In My Master's Arms "Written By: Jewel of Hell Disclaimer: Don't own nothin' but these words Rating: NC 17 Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, violence, slavery, cruelty, possible OOCness, AU/Fantasy/Drama Pairings: 1x2 Summary: In a society where sorcerers are feared
and hated, Duo is given as a slave to a powerful warrior in order
to keep his tremendous power under control. All he wants is freedom
from his cruel master, but nothing is as it seems . . . "In My Master's Arms "
Regent to the Throne During their stay in Bane's musty shop, Duo learned how Heero had been shielding himself. Despite Heero's admonition not to scan him using magic, he did it while the prince slept. It took quite a long time to even find the shield, and he had to smile at Celae's cleverness. The shield ever-so-gently deflected all attempts at discovering it, causing the magic to slight away from it like light being refracted by glass. Only much more subtly. Only his stubborn persistance and the knowledge that it was there allowed him to find it at all. He discovered several things immediately. First, Queen Celaewahan had been a fairly powerful magic-user, perhaps a Blue or Red. Second, the way she created spells was far different from the way Duo did it. Her magic had a smooth, natural feel to it while Duo's had a harsher, spikey feel to it. He couldn't think of any other way to describe it. Third, Heero's magic was stronger than Kazuhiko assumed. Heero was easily a Green, perhaps a Blue. Fourth, Duo thought he could reproduce the way Celae formed spells to make his own magic smooth and natural. Fifth, with a little practice that shield would be as simple to create as lighting a fire. And last and most disturbing, that shield had come down while Heero was injured. Always careful to keep his probing light, Duo withdrew from Heero and began his first attempts at creating the shield. The restriction didn't hinder him, which he'd known it wouldn't, and within a few hours he had an even stronger shield than Celae's had ever been. No one but a Black would be able to detect it now, or any hint of what it concealed. Returning his attention to Heero, he broke the existing shield apart and in an eyeblink replaced it with his own. The resulting shock of magic brought Heero awake with a gasp as though he'd been doused with cold water. He sat bolt upright, eyes wide in the dark room. "Duo!" he snapped. "What did you just do?" "Replaced that shield," Duo replied softly, not moving. "It's better than the one your mother taught you. Stronger. It came down for awhile when you were dying, Heero." Now little more than a whisper. "What if someone sensed your magic in that time?" Still breathing a bit too fast, Heero shook his head. "So close to you, had anyone even been searching they would have assumed it was simply a thread of your magic. Don't ever use magic on me without my permission, Duo." The shield being the only thing he wanted to cast on Heero, Duo merely bowed his head in acquiescence. Then, "Someone's looking for you." Scrubbing a hand through his disheveled hair, Heero sighed. "I expect most of Cera is looking for me." "The focus is a little more single-minded," Duo said. "He's using some sort of . . . magic, I think, to find you. I recognize him. One of the Council." "Him?" Heero repeated, looking faintly surprised. "Yes. I think it's Wufei Chang." "Is he close to here?" "He was awhile ago. He's farther away now. But Heero, this magic . . . I've never felt anything like it before." Heero leaned forward. "Is it coming directly from him?" Duo paused. "Yes and no. It seems to be coming from him, but it doesn't feel like him. Almost as if . . . he's channeling it from somewhere else. It's an outside source that is simply flowing through him." "Couldn't a sorcerer do that?" Duo shook his head. "No. Not like this. A sorcerer's magic has a distinct feel to it. It's strong and flows outward in a rush. This is subdued and soft, I've never felt it before." After a moment, Heero rose and lit one of the lanterns. Soft yellow light filled the room. The prince looked thin and tired. "I don't know enough about magic to help you," he admitted at length. "I don't think I could differentiate between your magic and anyone else's, except for that collar." I guess he'd have had no reason to learn, Duo conceded silently. "If the Council has some form of magic at their disposal, you need to know," he said aloud. "I'll find out." He rose and headed for the door. "Duo!" Heero snapped, standing and grabbing for him. Quickly sidestepping, Duo passed through his barrier. The blue shimmered briefly before disappearing again. He smiled. "Don't worry. I'll be fine." o0o o0o Chang Wufei frowned as he breathed deeply of the cool night air. Somewhere nearby, he'd felt a small surge of magic. Closing his eyes, he tried to pinpoint exactly where it was, but it was already gone. Frustrated, he turned and paced back the way he'd come. With a fair degree of certainty he believed Duo was on one of these six city streets. This was a part of Cera seldom well-trafficked, looking a bit more unwelcoming than the city proper. It would be a good place for Duo to hide the prince. More than anything, he needed to know Duo's motives for keeping Heero concealed. Were they selfish? Or was it Heero's idea? He pinched the bridge of his nose in a rare display of annoyance. There were a lot of factors that could be affecting the decision. Perhaps Heero's injuries had been superficial, but he'd used the whole situation as a cover for something else. To disappear on some mission. It was too late to canvas this neighborhood, but perhaps in the morning he would try again. Turning, he came face-to-face with none other than Duo al'Yuy. The boy-sorcerer looked especially ethereal, illuminated in the dark only by the partially concealed moon. The metal of his collar glimmered faintly. "Councilor Chang," he said softly. "What a surprise to see you out here so late." He didn't, Wufei noted with a raised eyebrow, sound surprised. "I could say the same of you, boy. Where is your master, and why are you not with him?" "He sent me on an errand," the boy replied in an almost flippant tone. "I see," Wufei said. "Where, may I ask, has he been the last several days? It's unlike him to vanish without a word." A tiny, tiny smile flittered over Duo's lips. "Actually, he tells me just the opposite. That he comes and goes as he pleases, and that no one is his master so why should he see fit to announce his comings and goings as though he were somehow obliged to do so? He grew quite incensed when I suggested he ought to let his people know where he'd gone." Interesting. For once, Wufei couldn't read someone. The words could be truth, they could be utter lies. He couldn't tell. "Yes, that sounds like our prince. Pray tell me, would he permit an audience with me? The castle is all aflutter with news of the attack, and many believe he is either dying or dead." "He is most likely asleep right now, Councilor," Duo said with another little smile. "It is very late, after all." Is he coy on purpose? Could he be better at this game of intrigue than Quatre initially believed? Gridanja be damned, I can't be certain. "Than shall I return here in the morning, so that you may ask him then?" "Mm, that is acceptable," Duo agreed, smile deepening. "I wouldn't want to incur his wrath by awakening him in the middle of the night, and I'm certain you don't, either." "Relena was right about your thoughtfulness," Wufei said with a small smile of his own. "I will be back in the morning, Duo." Turning, he glided away through the darkened streets, making his way back to the castle. He could sense Duo did not follow. o0o o0o Duo watched the Voice of Drammon vanish into the gloom of night, feeling a shiver creep over his skin. During that whole exchange he'd tried to figure out what, exactly, he could feel simmering inside the black-haired man. But that ghost-like energy eluded him, and he was no closer to his answer than before. Drawing in a deep breath, he made his way back to the herb shop. Heero was waiting for him, looking equal parts irate and patient. It was a peculiar mix. When he saw Duo, his lips quirked into something like a grin. "After today, Duo, I will not allow you to use your magic like this again. Where did this boldness come from?" Duo ignored the question. "I met with Wufei," he said instead. "I hoped getting close to him I could sense where that magic is coming from, but I can't. It's buried so deep I don't think anyone but me could have sensed it to begin with, but I . . . I just don't know." He shrugged, feeling helpless. A thoughtful look passed over Heero's countenance. "When he asked you where I was, what did you tell him?" Duo relayed the conversation as accurately as he could. When he finished, Heero looked startled, and then suddenly he barked a short laugh. "Whatever possessed you to say those things? Ah well, never mind. You've inadvertently done me a great favor, leading the Council to believe my injuries weren't severe. It will add to this facade that I can't be harmed." There was nothing inadvertent about it, Duo thought. "I believe I could read people's minds, now," he changed the subject. "I wanted to do it with Wufei, but obviously the restriction didn't allow that. Why did you put it back on me?" "In case someone was using magical means to find you," Heero replied. "The more magic flowing through you, the easier you are to find. If Wufei was using some sort of magic to locate you, he was obviously able to sense your general location, otherwise he never would have gotten so close. When we return to the castle, which will be in a day or two, I want you to use all your skills to find the source of this magic. Of course, do so inconspicuously." Duo hesitated. "Heero, I . . . I thought of a way to get close to the Council. I realized I can't ingratiate myself to them. I don't want to seem that easy to manipulate. But, in order for me to get close to them my way, I'm going to need you to be . . . even crueler." He heard Heero suck in a short breath. "Duo . . ." "It's all right," Duo cut him off at once. "I'm used to it. I'm a sorcerer, and I'm your slave." Rising off the bed, Heero grabbed Duo's shoulders and shook gently. "Stop." He cupped Duo's chin in his hand. "Don't you understand, Duo? I know better than anyone what it is you were forced to do. I've already bought your life. Don't ask me to destroy it, as well." Swallowing against the ragged emotion in Heero's eyes, Duo shook his head. "I want to do this. If I have a task, I can . . . focus on it. It will be something to do otherwise I'll . . ." he bit back tears. "I'll probably go mad. Please, Heero." "I can't hurt you, Duo." "You don't have to," Duo said. "At least, probably not much. Not often." Pain simmered in Heero's eyes. "I feed my father poison every day to put on a good show for them. Now you're asking me to abuse you, as well?" He abruptly bit out a harsh laugh. "But why not, I suppose. I'm the Black Prince. Should be easy for me." Duo bit his lip. There was so, so much darkness in him. It wouldn't take much for him to be lost to it. For it to swallow him and to become the Black Prince he's made everyone believe he is. Duo shivered involuntarily. What would happen to me, then? "I can do this," he said quietly, feeling tears threaten. He blinked them back. "So can you." The Black Prince drew in a slow, deep breath. "All right, but never in front of others. I won't strike you in violence, Duo. If you must appear with injuries, you will incur them behind closed doors and under controlled circumstances so the pain will be minimal." Releasing a soft sigh, Duo nodded. "Where were we all this time, then? We should at least make sure our stories match." Heero snorted. Pulling Duo to his chest, he pushed the boy's head down to his shoulder. "Indeed. But if anyone asks, tell them I forbade you from speaking of it. If they press, the collar will prevent all speech at all. That way the fools will be forced to question me. And though the Council is quick to press their advice and babysitters on me, they're reluctant to interrogate me. After all, who knows what the unpredictable, violent prince will do." Closing his eyes, Duo let himself slump into Heero's embrace. He was grateful the conversation was over, that Heero had agreed, and that he had warm arms to support him. He felt completely drained and more scared than he wanted to admit. If he was to match wits with the Council of Nine, he would need all his skill. He could only hope it was enough. o0o o0o "Good people of Cera," Relena announced, "as you know our prince has disappeared. When last seen he had an injury that very well could have proven fatal. My people have continued the search for him, but as yet we've been unable to locate him. We will not stop until we have, whether he is alive or dead. Until we find him, Corai must have the same firm guidance and rulership he has provided. So, in order to ensure his reign, I am appointing a Regent to the throne of Corai. With the blessing of Gridanja and of Cestera, myself and Treize Khushrenada have chosen Beria Shondric as Regent to the throne."
Heero chose the next day to return home. Bane took supper with them, telling the Black Prince of the news buzzing about Cera. Relena and Treize, apparently, had announced another of the Council as Regent in his absence. His anger momentarily blinded him. Beria Shondric, he knew, was especially close to Relena. Often he'd seen them together, heads bowed, that look on their faces as though they were plotting. He never eavesdropped, because the Black Prince didn't care about the Council and Heero himself . . . didn't care about the Council. Thanks to Duo's magic and Bane's potions, Heero recovered quickly. He still looked a little bit thinner than before, but his strength was back and Duo seemed more determined than ever to protect him. He couldn't exactly tell what Duo had done, but that shield on him was so strong even he couldn't sense it. It would do more than hide his magic, the boy had said. It would also prevent anyone from ever reading his thoughts or emotions by any magical means. And thinking of Duo made him feel . . . something was different. Only days had passed, but somehow Duo had changed. It rather felt like he'd gone from a tool to an ally. It was a strange feeling for Heero, knowing Duo would do what he could to help the prince. He'd gone so long knowing he was on his own in this monumental battle. It was a strangely liberating feeling, as though some of the weight had shifted off his shoulders. The relief he felt also made him feel guilty. Duo was only sixteen. Then again, I've borne this burden since I remember. As soon as he reached out and called, Dark answered and came running. The magnificent stallion told him he'd remained on the outskirts of Cera, staying away from people and the castle, not sure where Heero was, waiting for his call. He nuzzled Heero affectionately when he arrived outside Bane's shop, and Heero allowed himself the pleasure of petting Dark. The horse snorted, nudging Heero so hard he almost knocked the prince over. Hiding his smile in Dark's neck, he steadied himself. "We're returning to the castle, Dark," he explained. "I'm better now." He could clearly sense Dark's gratefulness for that. Climbing into the saddle, he pulled Duo up behind him. "Thank you, Bane," he said, urging Dark into a trot. "If anyone asks-" "You were never here," the shopkeep said, waving a hand in dismissal. "I expect payment for the lodging." Heero snorted. Dark broke into a smooth canter. Out on the streets of Cera, a startled cry went up. "Prince Heero! Our prince is alive!" In moments the crowds gathered around Dark, for once not seeming to care if the huge stallion trampled them. Irritated, Heero nudged his horse to simply walk over them if they didn't move. "Out of my way, fool peasants," he snapped. "Of course I'm alive. Think you a little flesh wound could silence me permanently? Go back to your work unless you wish to taste steel!" The peasants scattered at once, but not before Heero saw the near-fanatic glee in their eyes. He couldn't understand why they didn't hate him as much as they feared him. But he knew those words would instill an even deeper fear and fanaticism in them. Some had to have seen that bolt go all the way through him. Him brushing it off as a flesh wound would have them gossiping about it for days, perhaps weeks, to come. The harder and more invincible he seemed to them, the better. If they thought him some sort of demon straight out of hell, so be it. Of course, the word spread like wildfire and beat him back to his castle. The guardsmen at the gate exclaimed and fawned until Heero was tempted to run them through. "One would think I had disappeared into a sickbed this time," he growled, swinging down out of Dark's saddle and motioning Duo to follow with a sharp gesture. "I am gone from here all the time. If this kingdom believes I am weak enough to die every time I'm gone, perhaps I will have to arrange a demonstration of my strength and authority. And what is this nonsense I hear of the Council appointing a Regent? Only I have that authority." The guardsman bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Highness. We feared the worst when it was rumored you vanished after having been shot clean through with a crossbow bolt. Under normal circumstances we wouldn't worry about your leave of absence, and I'm afraid what you've heard is true. The Council appointed Councilwoman Beria Shondric as Regent." Heero let his fury flare up in his eyes. "Their audacity is incredible," he said softly. "Round up the commanders of my army. None of the royal guard, I'm talking about my imperial army. Tell them that tomorrow I will speak with them concerning . . . the reason I was gone. I will meet with them in the courtyard. And guardsman, there's no reason to be secretive." His smile felt positively feral. "It's not as though I have reason to skulk about, hm?" Near-fanatic devotion sprang up over the man's face. "Yes, my prince. I shall do it at once. Goshak! Take my watch for the afternoon." He bowed again, bending almost parallel to the ground. Heero dismissed him and turned to stride into the castle. The royal guard almost flew into a panic upon seeing him. So well practiced was he at ignoring them, Heero practically didn't notice they existed. Members of the court and members of the Council of Nine beset him at once. Relena, of course, was in the lead. "Heero," she didn't quite snap, "this is quite irregular, you disappearing as you please." A startled hush fell over the rest of the people, the tension so thick it was palpable. Heero looked at her, letting his eyes slowly ice over. "Think you," he began after a long, awkward silence, voice low and soft, "I require your permission to travel where I see fit in my own kingdom?" He had the distinct pleasure of watching her backpedal. It would be easy for him to order her execution, and while it would shock Corai no one would protest. But another would quickly take her place. He didn't want her to die. He wanted to whole Council to die. "Forgive me, Prince," she moderated her tone, "but disturbing evidence was brought before me. I had feared the worst." Heero merely raised an eyebrow. "And you think this will somehow excuse your familiarity with your prince?" In the time it took the gathered to blink, he had his sword drawn and the tip pressed into her throat. "I am your sovereign," he hissed. "You are my advisory Council. That is all." A thin line of red trickled down her neck and bosom. "Yes, of course, my prince," she said, still sounding in perfect control of herself. "I have overstepped my bounds. But please believe me, it is only out of fear for you. If you will convene with me and the rest of the Council in your audience hall, I wish to present you with the evidence I mentioned before. It cannot wait. Your very life may depend on it." Intrigued in spite of himself, Heero sheathed his sword, making sure to nick a bit deeper. "Very well. I can be reasonable." The when I want need not be spoken. Neither was the threat that he may become unreasonable again very quickly. Dropping a shallow curtsy, Relena led the way to the audience hall. Heero followed her, and so did the rest of the court. Once seated on his throne, he motioned sharply for Duo to sit at his feet like a dog. The displeasure was clear on that gamine face as Duo obeyed. "Your Highness," Relena began, "and all assembled. When word reached us of a plot against Heero's life, that someone actually shot him in broad daylight, I summoned the Council to immediately investigate and attempt to root out this treason. My prince, I believe it is none other than your pet sorcerer that sought your life." This time her words created a raccous. Heero blinked, caught off guard. It didn't show on his face, and after a moment his surprised turned to wry amusement. "Indeed. And pray tell, how would he have done so? I assume you have more than your instincts backing this ridiculous claim." Relena turned now to face the court. "Think on it. The first time our prince takes his little pet out into Cera, someone attempts his assassination. Witnesses told us the injury was severe, that the bolt had gone clean through his body. They further told us that the sorcerer immediately transported them away, and no one could find them. As a Black, it would be difficult for the Tower to recapture him. He had all the motive and all the opportunity. Where were you during all that time, Duo? What were you doing?" Heero allowed a quiet chuckle. "How would he have used magic with the restriction on him?" "He need not use magic, my prince. A knife or a poisoned meal would do the trick just as well." Heero conceded. "Very well. But the reports of my injury were greatly exaggerated. It is true I was shot, but the wound was shallow and the aim poor. Duo healed it in a matter of minutes and we were on our way." "Perhaps that is a memory he planted in your mind," Relena challenged. "The collar would never allow him to use magic against me," Heero replied mildly. "Then why does he not answer my question?" the woman demanded. Heero glanced down at Duo, who was staring at the floor. "Because I have forbidden him to speak of our time away. The collar renders him physically incapable of speaking of it. And Relena, consider this. I have tied Duo's life, through the collar, to my own. If I die, so too shall he." A startled buzz went through the court. Relena floundered only a moment. "Would it be so uncommon for a slave to consider death a kinder fate than a life as someone else's property?" Good point, Heero mused, entertained. "All I have heard from you, woman, is rumor and speculation. Can you provide a shred of evidence that he actually engineered the attempt on my life?" "Yes," Relena said calmly. "Quatre Winner, Voice of Nirande, has the ability to sense lies through his Goddess's power. Duo, you will swear to him, in front of this court, that you had nothing to do with the assassination." Duo's eyes rose from the floor to meet hers. There was,
Heero noted with a tiny smile, not a shred of fear in them. In fact,
he saw a hint of challenge. "Fine," he said in an even tone.
"I will."
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