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"Custos"Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing nor any of
its characters. I only own the original characters. And nobody's paying
me to write this. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: AU, OC, Yaoi, Lemon, Language, Violence Pairings: 5x4, 1x3x1, 2x6x2 Summary: Just as things begin looking up for the
Gundam boys, Wufei disappears. " Custos" Chapter 18 Duo stood before her in a flash, gazing down into large dark eyes. “Chang isn't the one you should be worried about.” Miranda flipped backwards to put distance between them. She threw her hand to the side and a sword shot from it's rest in the corner, hilt landing in her palm. She held it in front of herself. “Come then, Custos, let's see if this power of yours is as great as Merrick would have me to believe.” Heero crouched at the door, lightning shooting from either hand in both directions down the hall. It couldn't kill them, but it downed them long enough for Galen and Wufei to dart out and stake them before they could recover. Zechs and Daeon took on the vampires in the room and the blond was somewhat startled as the first vampire he hit went sailing backwards. He had no time to contemplate it as another jumped at him. He blocked a blow to his head and gripped the vampire's arm tightly, slamming a stake into his chest. Miranda snarled as every swing and blow were evaded. If she didn't act soon, the damn faerie would kill off all of her coven. She spun away from the Custos and pulled a knife from her belt, hurling it with deadly accuracy. Trowa jumped between them and grunted as the blade sank into his side. Heero glanced briefly over his shoulder. “Trowa, you all right?” He pulled the blade free and covered the wound with his hand. “I'll be fine.” Quatre and Galen leaned out the doorway with crossbows. “We'll hold them off. See to Trowa.” He nodded and turned to his lover. Trowa grimaced as Heero removed his hand to replace it with his own. Sapphire eyes glowed brighter as skin and muscle began to mend itself. Trowa clenched his teeth against the burn and hissed softly. “Damn it,” Galen growled as they were pushed back. Heero's head shot to the door as vampires made it passed Quatre and Galen, heading for Duo. The brunette barely paid them heed. Duo merely threw out his hand to grab one by his neck and broke the bone easily. The vampire fell and Aidan jumped to shove a stake through him before he could rise. “Are you so scared you can't fight your own battles? And here I thought the ancients were something to be feared.” Miranda snarled. “Stay back from my fight,” she ordered. “Take out the others.” Duo smirked. “Good to see you have some backbone.” She flew at him, rage clear in her eyes. “You'll wish you'd never sought me out when we're done.” “I doubt that.” Raven shook his head slowly, coming out of the daze he'd fallen into. He looked around the chaotic room. The newcomers were fewer in numbers, but seemed to be able to stand their ground. His eyes widened as a panther tore through the mass of vampires and a man with wings shot lightning from his palms. If pain hadn't kept him in the knowledge that he wasn't dreaming, he wouldn't have believed his eyes. A green man knelt beside him and he tried to shove away. “It is all right. I am a friend.” “What are you?” He tilted his head to the side. “I am a dragon. Where are you hurting?” “My hip.” Daeon nodded. “Lie still. Heero can heal you once the battle is over.” He stood and remained between Raven and the battle. Quatre felt the strain on his body due to exercising Wufei's power for longer than he should have. His arms and legs ached and his chest burned with every breath. He searched through the chaos for Zechs. If he was was feeling it, the other blond had to be worse off. His eyes landed on Zechs as he all but collapsed behind Daeon next to the human and leaned against the wall, gasping for breath. Duo and Miranda's fight continued and it seemed they were fairly evenly matched at first glance, but the more Quatre watched, he realized Duo was toying with her. Quatre took a breath and pulled another stake from the strap on his thigh and jumped back into the fray. Heero's sword was free and slicing them down while Aidan followed after to kill them before they got back up. Quatre grit his teeth as his last stake broke inside the vampire. He dropped to his hands and knees as he fought to catch his breath. His body shook violently and his heart pounded in his chest. 'I can't do anymore.' Wufei spun, eyes widening as he saw a vampire looming over his lover. “Quatre!” The blond looked over his shoulder, knowing there was nothing he could do to stop the attack. Aidan came out of nowhere, bowling the vampire over and knocking him away from the blond. Galen shook his head, fighting to get through the sea of bodies and enemies still fighting. He knew he'd never reach Aidan in time. He frantically searched for someone who was closer. “Heero! Help him!” The faerie turned and threw his hand in the direction of the pair. “Aidan, drop!” Without question, the mate fell to the floor and lightning hit the vampire in the chest, throwing him into and through the wall into another room. Aidan pushed up slowly and stared at Heero, frozen for a moment. That wasn't how it was supposed to happen. The visions had a particular feel to them when things were going to go a certain way. He'd only been presented with two options, Quatre died, or he did. How had Heero changed that? He shook off the thoughts and pulled Quatre to his feet, dragging the ailing blond to where Daeon and Zechs were. The dragon was wearing out as he was fighting multiple opponents. An unexpected blow took Aidan in the side of the head and he fell, Quatre yelping as they hit the floor hard. Aidan rolled over and looked up into the furious eyes of the vampire he'd previously knocked off of Quatre. The vampire grinned cruelly and pulled out a knife, aiming for Quatre. Aidan rolled on top of the blond and grunted as the blade slid through his ribs. “No!” Galen quickly killed his last opponent and rushed to Aidan. A vicious growl escaped him as he killed the vampire. He knelt down and pulled the blade free, putting a hand on his lover's back to hold him still. “Don't move; it'll slow down the healing.” He nodded slowly, sucking in as much air as he could, but it only sent him into a coughing fit and blood dribbled down his chin. “Heero! I need you!” Quatre lay underneath Aidan, unable to move for fear he'd cause more damage to the dark haired mate. Exhaustion tried to pull him under, but he resolutely kept his focus on Galen. “Is this exactly how it happened in the vision?” He shook his head. “No, in the vision it killed him instantly.” Daeon and Trowa stood on either side of them as Heero knelt beside the fallen mate. He pressed one hand to Aidan's back and held the other toward the surrounding vampires. Their numbers were down to the teens, but Heero and the others were near spent. Aidan choked, strangled by the blood coming up his throat and Heero clenched his teeth. “Hold on a little longer.” Duo glanced briefly to his friends. “I've had enough of this.” He shoved Miranda into the wall and pulled his right hand back, fingers curled like claws. He slammed them into her chest and her jaw dropped. He pulled a stake out and trailed it down her cheek, slicing a thin line. “It's been fun, sweetheart, but I have bigger fish to fry. Where is Antony?” She closed her eyes. “Paris.” “Y'all are just spread all over the world, huh?” She ground her teeth. “Just end it.” He nodded and plunged the stake into her heart after pulling his hand free. Her body slid lifeless to the floor and he turned. The remaining vampires fled and he looked around the room, brows drawing down in a frown. “Where's Zechs?” Heero sat back from Aidan and all looked to the wall where the blond had been lying next to the human. They also belatedly realized that Daeon had disappeared. “Where'd they go?” “They took the blond. The green guy went after them.” Duo's eyes widened and he bolted out the door. 'Zechs, can you hear me?' Wufei followed. “Can you reach him?” “No, he's alive but out cold.” They slid out into the night air and Duo looked to Wufei. “Can you feel them?” He took a breath and slowly shook his head. “No, I'm sorry.” Duo turned and punched the wall in fury, hand sinking deep into the bricks. Wufei gently touched his shoulder. “Let's get the others and get out of here.” “What about Zechs and Daeon?” “Either he will catch up and get Zechs back, or he'll return to me.” Duo nodded but didn't like it. He followed Wufei back up to the room. Heero was resting the human back against the wall. “There are others,” he said quietly. Heero nodded. “Trowa is checking the other rooms for them.” He sat back tiredly and glanced around the room. Outside of the vampires, they were all breathing heavily and in some state of exhaustion.. Quatre's brows drew together as Wufei and Duo entered. “Zechs?” Duo shook his head. “They're long gone.” “Unless Daeon caught up.” “Who are you people?” Aidan knelt down. “Where are you from?” “Ohio.” He nodded. “You should return. Your family and friends must be worried about you.” “I don't have any family.” Trowa came into the room and shook his head. “They were all killed.” He carried a blanket that he found in one of the rooms. “Your name is Raven?” He nodded and folded the blanket around himself, eyes narrowing as they gazed at Duo. “You look familiar.” “I was on TV once,” he said quietly. Raven's eyes widened. “Oh, you were a Gundam pilot.” “A few of us were,” he answered absently. “Do you need help getting back to where you live?” Quatre asked. Raven looked to him. “No.” He pushed up on trembling legs and Heero pulled him back down. “You need to rest. Let us take you home.” He shook his head. “To what? They burned my house. They killed my mother and sister. I have nothing left.” Quatre put a hand to his shoulder. “I'm truly sorry.” He looked up to the blond. “What am I supposed to do? How can I go back to a normal life knowing what I do?” Aidan's brows drew together. “It is a hard life, but others are in your same position. It is difficult, but know that we are fighting to keep you safe.” He closed his eyes. “You're just as scared as I am.” Aidan started. “What?” He pressed a fist to his chest. “I can feel it. All of you, except for him,” he pointed to Heero, “believe there's less than a ten percent chance you will win.” Galen knelt in front of him, taking his chin in his hand. He gazed into guileless blue eyes. “He's a halfling.” Raven frowned. “What does that mean?” “Somewhere in your ancestry, I'd say no further back than grandparents, there is an elf.” Wufei frowned. “He smells human.” Duo ground his teeth. “Can we talk about this later? In case y'all failed to notice, my boyfriend was toted off somewhere and we really need to find him.” Galen nodded. “We know where Antony is. I say we head for Paris and pray Daeon catches up with us with your lover in tow.” Duo pursed his lips. He didn't like it, but there wasn't much choice. “All right. Let's get to the jet. I wouldn't mind putting another ancient out of my misery.” ****** Zechs woke slowly and gazed up at the wooden beams of a canopy bed. Red silk curtains were pulled back and tied to the posts. He lay on a feather mattress with black silk sheets beneath him, leaving his naked form exposed to any who entered the room. A collar circled his neck, connected to a chain attached to the headboard of the bed. He sat up slowly and rubbed his forehead. Every muscle in his body ached and his head felt like it had cotton shoved in it. “Good to see you're finally awake.” He looked over as a woman set a tray on the bed. “Where am I?” “Paris. Are you hungry?” He tugged the chain. “I want out of here.” She laughed softly. “I'm sorry, but that won't happen. You're the property of Antony now.” He scowled. “I belong to another and he won't be happy about this.” She flicked her eyes negligently toward his wrists. “Those will disappear when the Custos is dead.” He frowned. “If, and I stress if, he manages to somehow defeat Duo, I'll die with him.” She smirked. “You should rest. Antony will be in shortly.” He wanted to throw the tray at her, but he was hungry and he truly did need to keep up his strength. He pulled his knees to his chest and picked up a piece of cheese, nibbling on it as he gazed around the room. The walls and floor were a deep mahogany. The only furniture in the room was the bed, an arm chair and an ornate wardrobe. Sconces lined the walls, filling the room with a soft glow. “Do you like your room?” His eyes shot to the right side of the bed. Dark, almost black eyes gazed at him from a pale, chiseled face. His hair was auburn and fell in waves around his face. Zechs moved as far away as the chain would allow, pulling the sheet tighter about himself. “Where are my clothes?” “Those tasteless garments are being disposed of. You will have a new wardrobe ready within the week.” “I don't think I'll be here that long. Duo will come for me.” “I'm counting on it. And when he does, I will dispose of him, Galen, and Aidan.” “Not the others?” “Chang and his pet would be useful and I have a special interest in the panther.” Pale blue eyes narrowed. “What kind of interest?” He sat on the bed and leaned his back to the post. “Have you known any other shifters?” Zechs shook his head. “They're relatively harmless in their early age, but they go through a second puberty, if you will, when they reach their early to mid twenties. “It can be directed in one of two ways, the human side adapting to control the animal, or the beast takes over. It is a very precarious time for a shape shifter. If not guided, the outcome could be less than desirable.” He frowned. “And you plan to direct him how?” “Panther shifters are particularly strong, savage, and loyal.” Zechs clenched his jaw. “You plan to turn him into little more than an animal?” Antony chuckled softly. “Oh, he'll be much more than that, and I'll use him to build an army of shifters. I already have a suitable mate chosen for him.” He stared at the man in disgust. “And what do you plan to do with Heero? He won't just let that happen.” “He won't be able to stop me.” He folded his arms over his chest. “I had only planned to keep you until the Custos was dealt with, but I hadn't realized what a beauty you were. My tastes don't lie in that direction, but I have some subordinates who have asked for you. “I'm not sure yet, though. They tend to kill the humans they bed and, while I'm not attracted to you, I like to be surrounded by things pleasing to the eye. Perhaps you'd made a nice personal slave.” He sneered. “I'm no man's servant.” Antony grabbed his wrist and studied the marking. “This says otherwise.” “I'm not his servant. I'm his lover.” Antony tilted his head to the side. “I find it strange that the man who once led armies now plays woman to his enemy.” He looked away. “We all fought for the same end. I wasn't... quite in the right mind at the time. I made some decisions that were rather rash.” “Are you saying the Gundam pilots were in the right?” He nodded shortly. “They were just and firm in their convictions.” “You were also firm in your resolve.” “I counted on them to stop me.” Antony rubbed his chin. “You are a strange man, Zechs Merquise.” Zechs found the whole situation strange. “What do you want from me?” He spread his hands. “I'm just looking for conversation.” Zechs grabbed a strawberry from the tray. “I'm not interested in talking to you.” “No, I suppose not.” He slid from the bed. “But I am a patient man. We will kill the Custos and continue our plans to subjugate humankind. If you submit to me, you will have a rich life. I would protect you like no other could. You would be the highest ranking of all humans.” He grunted. “So long as I lick your boots, right? I'm not the cowering kind.” “You submitted to the Custos.” “Because I love him.” He sneered. “Love? Love is a fleeting emotion claimed by the weak. To truly be strong, you must think only of yourself.” Zechs raised his chin. “I feel sorry for you. If power is all that matters, you've led a shallow and sad life.” A fist connected with his jaw and a muted scream of pain escaped him as bone crushed. Antony slid his feet to the floor. “I'll send a healer in shortly. You should consider exactly what you're in for if you deny me.” Zechs lay on the bed, gasping for breath as agony radiated through him. It felt as if a fifty pound bowling ball had smashed into his jaw. He wheezed through the teeth that remained, body trembling from the excruciating pain. 'Duo... Help me!' He prayed for some response, but there was none. The link between them had somehow been cut off. He could feel his lover only enough to know he was still alive. He couldn't reopen the connection that had allowed him to hear Duo's thoughts earlier. He curled his knees to his chest, utter panic beginning to set in. 'Please Duo.' ****** Duo only listened with half an ear as Raven spoke with the others and Galen sought to draw out the latent power in the man. He couldn't bring himself to care about anything at the moment other than finding Zechs. It was his fault his lover had been taken. He'd drawn the fight out longer than he should have. 'Please Duo.' He sat up in his seat. 'Zechs? Can you hear me?' 'Duo? Is it really you or am I imagining this?' 'It's me. Where are you?' 'Antony has me.' He closed his eyes. 'Paris, then, good. We're headed there now. Are you all right?' 'He broke my jaw, but he said he'd send a healer in soon.' He clenched his teeth. 'We'll be there soon. Hold on for me.' 'I will.' Duo looked to the others who were watching him curiously. “Antony has Zechs.” TBC....
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