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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 19 Zechs stared at the ceiling of the canopy bed, taking quick gasping breaths. Warmth spread over his naked form as a wizard, at the foot of the bed, muttered words he didn't understand. “What are you doing to me?” The man didn't answer. He merely continued his mantra. The warmth heated to a blazing fire and Zechs would have curled up if he could move. He groaned and his eyes slid closed. It was torture and he couldn't see the point of it. His heart pounded in his chest until he thought it would explode and his stomach churned. His back arched of its own accord and a scream ripped from him. Roaring filled his ears and suddenly he couldn't hear, couldn't see, couldn't think. He felt as if he would explode at any moment. Intense and sudden agony erupted in his chest and he sagged back to the bed, fighting for each shallow breath. Sweat soaked the sheets beneath him, chilling his overheated skin. “Well done.” He slit his eyes open and looked to Antony. “W-what... did... y-you d-do?” The ancient sat on the bed with a basin of water and began cleaning him up. The cold, wet cloth brought agony to him as it smoothed over his skin. “Hurts, doesn't it? And it will continue to do so until you give in and negate your contract with the Custos.” He shook his head. “I won't.” Tears seeped uncontrollably out of the corners of his eyes as every gentle touch sent fresh waves of pain through him. Antony smirked and lightly brushed his fingertips down Zechs' cheek. He grit his teeth but couldn't stop the agonized moan it pulled from him. Every touch was like fire. “I think you will.” Zechs sucked in a gasping breath. “I'll die... b-before I g-give... up... Duo.” He shook his head slowly. “I w-won't b-b-bet-tray... him.” “You say that now, but how much can you really endure? Nonstop agony can drive a person mad, you know.” “B-better m-mad... th-than a t-traitor.” “We'll see.” He pushed from the bed and left the room, followed by the wizard. Zechs couldn't stop the tremors that raced through him, causing even more pain to wrack his body. He tried to tell himself it was mind over matter, but that wasn't helping. Simply lying on the mattress was pure torture. And he couldn't contact Duo. Whatever the wizard had done, had interfered with the link between them. His only consolation was that Duo was on his way and, hopefully, he would defeat Antony and find a way to stop the pain. ****** Wufei climbed out of the jet and looked up to Daeon. “Good work.” The dragon tipped his head in thanks and peered to the east. “There is a building not far from here. They hold the prince there.” “How many?” “Not so many vampires as were with Miranda, but there are more humans. Among them at least six powerful wizards.” Wufei looked to Duo. “Can you contact him?” The brunette shook his head, worry and anger warring on his face. “The connection was lost a few hours ago.” “Perhaps he's sleeping,” Aidan offered quietly. Duo nodded, hoping that was all it was. He knew Zechs was still alive, he could feel his spirit; but it was like there was a wall between them that he couldn't break through. Quatre frowned slightly and closed his eyes. He brought Zechs to the front of his mind to read him. Wufei's eyes flew wide as he felt what Quatre did and he caught the blond as he cried out sharply and crumbled to the ground. “Close the link.” He did and sagged against Wufei. “We have to hurry.” He looked up to Duo. “They're torturing him.” He clenched his fists and took off at a run. Wufei helped Quatre to his feet. “You and Aidan should stay here with Raven. Neither of you are recuperated enough to fight.” Quatre nodded and kissed him. “Be careful.” “I will.” He, Galen, and Daeon took off after Duo, Heero and Trowa not far behind. Wufei caught up to the pissed off vampire and gripped his arm. “You've got to calm down. If you go in their half-cocked like this you'll make a mistake.” “How would you feel if it was Quatre?” “I understand. I'm not saying don't be pissed, I'm telling you to keep your anger under control.” He stopped moving and took a deep breath. “You're right. Daeon, how well is this place protected?” “There are guards stationed around it, but huge holes between them.” Daeon shifted into human form and led them through the trees. He climbed a tall tree and pointed to the east. “It's a fortress,” Duo muttered softly. Daeon nodded. “The front gate is always manned, but there is a drainage ditch on the eastern wall we should be able to get through.” Wufei frowned. “There aren't many vampires here right now.” “No, most went hunting not too long ago. Now is the time to strike.” ****** Zechs heard a voice speaking, but he couldn't understand what was being said. He was completely lost to the pain radiating through him. It never stopped, never let up. He heard sobs, too, and gasps. And a voice that barely resembled his own begging for someone, anyone, to make it stop. Antony grinned, trailing his fingers lightly down the blond's arm. There was something inside him that lived off the pain of others. Watching a strong man crumble over something so gentle as a caress had a sensuality all its own. It turned him on in a different way than a woman. “Zechs, look at me.” The commanding tone broke through the fog in his mind and he turned his head slowly to look up at the ancient. “Leave the Custos and I will end the pain.” “No,” he strained out through his clenched teeth. Antony tsked but was secretly thrilled at the prospect of continuing to pull the agonized cries from the blond. “Do you like pain?” He dragged his nails down Zechs' chest and the blond choked on a scream. “Would you like to watch as I dismember your lover and leave the pieces for the sun to burn?” He squeezed his eyes shut, wishing more than anything that he'd just pass out, but Antony wasn't allowing it. “He won't... fall to you,” he gasped out. “Such loyalty and faith. I'll enjoy watching your hopes be crushed before your very eyes.” Zechs groaned, more tears leaking from his eyes to drip into his hairline at his temples as Antony grabbed his flaccid length and squeezed harshly. Blessed darkness washed over him and he fell to it gratefully. ****** Duo slid silently down the hall, pausing at the end as they listened to a conversation being carried on out of sight. “I don't really care what he does, I'm just tired of hearing the man scream. He should just put him out of his misery.” “Don't talk like that, Marie, you know how Antony is. If he hears you saying anything bad about what he does, he'll have you put to death. I don't know about you, but I like my place here.” Marie snorted. “I'm not saying he can't do what he wants, but I couldn't get any sleep today because he was playing with the Custos' mate.” The other woman laughed. “Come now, Marie, those screams were delicious.” Duo saw red and rounded the corner, grabbing both women by their necks. “Which one is Marie?” “She is.” He looked to the woman who spoke. “Too bad for you.” He snapped her neck and let her corpse drop to the floor, turning his eyes to Marie. “You will take me to Antony.” She nodded as a blade pressed to her chest. She turned and led them deep into the fortress and down a flight of stairs, pointing to one of the many doors. He held the blade to her back. “You go in first.” “But I'm not allowed to go to him unless summoned.” Violet eyes narrowed. “There's a great chance you won't live passed tonight. Disturbing his is the last thing you should worry about.” Panic set in but she did as told and opened the door. He shoved her further in and fury swept through him as his eyes landed on the bed. Zechs was naked and trembling violently in pain, rattling the chain that held him to the bed by the collar about his neck. His eyes were open but glazed over. Bruises covered his pale, sweat-slicked skin. He growled as he looked to the vampire on the bed. The ancient smirked. “It's a wonderful spell. All I have to do is this,” he lightly ran his finger up Zechs' shin and a bruise formed immediately, “and he's in terrible agony.” Zechs whimpered softly, jerking from the touch. Duo couldn't tell if his lover even knew what was going on around him. “Let him go.” An auburn brow raised. “I have a better plan. You will submit to death, as will Galen and his pet. The rest of you,” his eyes drifted to Trowa, “will serve me.” Heero didn't like the predatory look on the vampire's face and he stepped in front of Trowa. The vampire raked his eyes over Heero's form. “What a pretty little faerie. I would have some use out of you, too. And I might even allow you to see your lover from time to time.” His lips raised in a smirk. Sapphire eyes narrowed. “You're awfully calm for someone who's surrounded.” Antony shrugged, resting a palm on Zechs' knee and wringing a sharp gasp from him. “Unlike Miranda, I have no need of an army to help me. I am more than capable of taking care of myself.” “Then why hold a hostage?” Duo demanded. “You misunderstand. He isn't my hostage. He was the quickest way to get you here, and once you are dead, I think I'll keep him for my pet.” Duo frowned. “If you kill me, he'll die, too.” “There are ways around that.” Duo looked to Galen who shook his head. “I don't know what he's talking about.” Antony raised Zechs to a sitting position, relishing the whimpers of pain. The blond fell into his chest like a rag doll and he brushed the thick mane aside to expose his neck. He licked up the length of it and Zechs face contorted in pain. Duo took a step forward and the ancient shook his head. “I wouldn't if I were you. It really isn't so difficult to save a mate when the vampire dies. You just have to turn them. Of course, their mind is lost without their lover, but they can still follow simple commands.” Duo ground his teeth. “Is what he says true?” Galen raised his shoulders. “I don't know. I've heard of vampires turning their mates, but never turning a mate after their vampire died.” Zechs blinked his eyes open slowly and wasn't sure if he was dreaming. “Duo?” he whispered. Violet eyes shot back to the blond. “I'll get you out of here, Zechs.” Tears continued their trek down his bruised face. “K-kill me.” Duo's stomach felt as if a ten ton weight had just dropped on it. “No. We'll stop whatever he did to you.” “Not likely,” Antony said with a laugh. Duo clenched his fists. He was afraid Zechs would be hurt further if he made a move, but he couldn't just keep standing there. “We'll decide this with a duel.” Antony's brows raised. “A child like you could not possibly hope to defeat me.” He wrapped his hand around Zechs' neck just above the collar and a strangled whimper escaped him before he passed out. Zechs sagged to the bed when Antony released him and Duo suddenly found himself flying backwards out the door and slamming into the opposite wall in the hall. He gripped the wrist of the hand that held his neck and yanked it free as he raised his knee to Antony's gut. The ancient easily dodged and grabbed Duo's arm to slam him into the other wall. The braided man ground his teeth and spun, landing a kick to the ancient's head and sending him flying. “Heero! Can you help Zechs?” “No. The spell doesn't allow healing.” Antony stood and set his jaw back into place. “Well, I admit that stung a little.” He flew at Duo and it was all he could do to defend himself. How was Antony so much stronger than Miranda? Wufei's head shot up. “Shit. They're returning. Daeon, get Zechs out of here. Go with him, Heero.” The faerie nodded and lifted the unconscious blond after wrapping him in the sheet. Daeon followed him out into the hall and Antony slammed Duo to the floor, holding him there with a foot between his shoulder blades. He pulled a gun free and aimed. Wufei jumped as he fired and took the slug in his shoulder. Heero turned. “You all right?” “Just go!” Wufei dug the bullet out and pulled a stake free. If Duo was having a hard time, there was no way he stood a chance. 'Quatre...' 'I know. Do what you can and try to come back to me... I love you.' The corners of his lips raised slightly. 'Love you, too.' He took his stance and Antony shook his head. “You don't have a snowball's hope in hell of beating me.” “Probably not,” he agreed. Duo put his hands to the floor. He couldn't let Wufei throw his life away. There was a battle cry at the other end of the hall and Heero had to set Zechs down to help Daeon fight as enemy vampires appeared. Duo had to do something. Zechs eyes blinked open owlishly and he slowly looked to the side, pale blue eyes locking with violet. "You can do it. You can beat him," he whispered too softly for Duo to hear, but he could read his lips. "How?" He smiled weakly. "You're our Keeper... aren't you?" He closed his eyes, searching deep inside for an answer. Zechs was right. The battle was his, given to him by destiny. Mankind was depending on him. His friends depended on him. He clenched his fists as the well deep within him that he'd felt stir from time to time suddenly surged. Antony frowned and looked from Wufei to the braided man beneath his foot. The power steadily growing in the brunette gave the ancient pause and he grabbed a stake. He couldn't let it go any further. He dropped to his knees, but was shoved back by a wall of pure power before he could plunge a stake into the Custos' back. Duo pushed to his feet and stalked toward Antony, power rolling off him so heavily the walls creaked in protest. Antony snarled and swung his fist as hard as he could. Duo easily blocked and shoved the flat of his palm to the ancient's chest. He flew through the wall and rolled to a stop in the other room. Duo stepped through the hole. The ancient shoved to his feet. He raised his hands to fight, but frowned when Duo stopped five feet from him. “How do I stop the spell?” The ancient sneered. “Why should I tell you?” He tilted his head to the side. “Because, if you tell me, I will allow you a quick death. If you don't, you will suffer in agony for hours before you die.” “And your lover will suffer for the rest of his life.” In an instant, Antony found himself in the Custos' clutches, bared fangs nearing his neck. “Will it still work if he's turned?” His eyes widened. Damned loopholes. “The wizard Slayn. He's on the fifth floor. He can reverse it. Please, spare me. I'll serve you.” Hard violet eyes appraised him. “No, you won't.” He stormed from the room, practically dragging the ancient vampire behind him. Wufei and Galen quickly stepped out of the way. “Heero, get Zechs.” Pale blue eyes looked up to Duo as Heero lifted him as gently as possible. He cringed but didn't release eye contact with his lover. Duo negligently lifted his hand and the vampires in his path exploded into a mass of blood and gore. Daeon's eyes widened and he quickly stepped back. “Should we...” “They won't revive,” Duo said in a chilling whisper. Antony struggled to free himself from the strong grip of the Custos, but he couldn't. His eyes fell on Trowa and he made eye contact. Emerald eyes widened as Antony muttered softly under his breath. Trowa shook his head but he couldn't release himself from the magic pouring into him. He grit his teeth. “Galen... help... me...” The blond turned. “Trowa?” He followed the shifter's gaze and found a triumphant look on Antony's face. “What...?” Trowa's head fell back and an agonized groan came from him. He gasped for breath as, against his will, his body shifted to that of the panther. Mindless, he charged Duo and leaped onto the Custos. Duo turned in surprise and was forced to release Antony. Jaws closed on his shoulder and he ground his teeth. “Trowa... stop.” Antony stood. “He can't hear you. All he knows is to kill who I've told him to. Your choice, Custos. Kill your friend, or be killed by him.” Heero dropped to his knees as a primal growl escaped his lover. He shook his head. “Trowa.” He watched in horror as Duo tried to fend off the panther without hurting him. That was the huge draw back. Trowa was fighting to kill, Duo wasn't. He closed his eyes. “Duo, don't let him stay like that.” Violet eyes shot to him. “What should I do?” He fought against the tears that choked his voice. “He wouldn't want to... live like that.” “I won't kill him.” Sapphire eyes opened. “Hurt him if you have to. Make it so he can't stop you. I can heal him later.” Duo took a breath and looking up into the snarling face of the panther. “Forgive me.” He gripped the jaws closed over his shoulder in both hands and jerked. A sickening crunch and a piercing howl followed. Trowa fell to the side, whimpering as he dragged his broken jaw along the floor, covering it in deep red blood. Duo scowled at the shocked ancient. It was obvious Antony had counted on Duo not being willing to hurt his friends. He jumped up and grabbed the ancient in a hold strong enough to crush his forearm. “Forget quick and easy. Your death will not last hours but days.” Galen took Zechs from Heero so the faerie could see to his lover. Antony had no choice but to follow behind the brunette to whatever fate laid before him. How could it end like this? Mere children were wiping out the ancients as if they were nothing. Trowa was probably the strongest shape shifter he'd ever encountered. The previous Custos would have had a lot more trouble out of him, but Duo had taken him out easily. Thousands of years he had walked the earth and never come across a group of such strength. They reached the fifth floor and Antony looked to the braided American. “Second door on your left. Don't kill him. He served me against his will.” Duo's brows drew together. “Why tell me that?” “A penance before I die.” “You think one good deed will raise you in the eyes of God?” He shook his head. “No. I'm damned no matter what I do now. But once upon a time, I loved the daughter he denied me. I promised her on her death bed that I would spare him. It is for her sake and no other that I have kept him alive. And I ask you to do the same.” Duo nodded. “Then for her, I will do it.” Antony nodded and backed away when Duo released him. “You will not defeat Merrick. He is twice as strong as I am.” Duo appraised him a moment. “Would you like a quick and painless death?” The ancient closed his eyes. “Yes.” He sneered. “I'm sure there are many who've asked the same of you and you denied them. Yes?” The ancient bowed his head. “Yes.” Duo pulled Antony back, sinking his fangs into the vampire. The ancient's mouth dropped in a silent scream and he stared at the ceiling as the Custos drank his blood down. Agony raced through his veins like fire and he was grateful when his body began to feel heavy. The end was near. “Thank you,” he whispered. Duo finished him off and let his body drop. He stared down at the corpse. “I don't know what twisted you, but I know you'll regret it for eternity.” He shoved into the room and a man sat up from his curled position in the corner, chains rattling. “Who are you?” Duo knelt before him, gazing into his eyes. The man sucked in a breath and his face blanked. “Did you serve Antony willingly?” “Of course not. Who in their right mind would?” He smiled and released his hold on the man's mind. Galen moved into the room and laid Zechs down. Duo looked to the blond. “Can you stop the spell.” Brown eyes widened. “Oh poor thing. I'm sorry.” Duo shook his head and gently touched the man's shoulder. “Please, help him. This isn't your fault.” He nodded slowly. “What of Antony?” “He's dead.” He sighed in relief. “Thank you.” Duo sat back as the man leaned over Zechs and whispered softly under his breath. Labored breaths eased and the blond opened his eyes, instantly searching for the braided man. He raised his hand and Duo took it hesitantly. Zechs' brows drew down. “It doesn't hurt,” he whispered in relief. “I'm sorry he hurt you.” He shook his head. “Is everyone all right?” “Yeah,” Duo said, hoping it was true. Galen and Duo helped Zechs get to his feet and the blond whimpered softly. The spell may have been broken, but the bruises covering his body were real enough and ached horribly. He stopped moving halfway up the hall. “I can't.” The brunette nodded and lifted the blond into his arms easily. Zechs clenched his teeth against the pain, sure his entire back was covered with one massive bruise. He folded his arms over Duo's shoulders and buried his face in his lover's chest. ****** Trowa took slow breaths as the pain receded and returned to his human form, not sure how he'd come to be in the panther's body. He slit his eyes open and looked up to Heero. “What happened?” The faerie licked his lips. “Antony... did something. I don't know what. But you're okay now.” Cinnamon colored brows drew together as he wracked his brain for missing pieces. He shook his head as he remembered jumping on Duo. “Oh shit.” He covered his face. “Antony controlled you. It wasn't your fault.” He closed his eyes. “Heero, there's something wrong. Something going on that I don't understand. I don't know what's the real me.” He opened his eyes and gripped Heero's hand. “Don't let me become an animal. Kill me before that happens.” Heero leaned down and kissed him. “You won't become an animal.” Trowa sat up slowly and hunched over. “Heero, I broke granite.” He frowned. “What?” “With my bare hands, with hardly any pressure, the granite counter top cracked. I'm changing, and I don't understand what's going on.” He licked his lips. “Right now, all I want...” He shook his head. “I don't want this.” Heero pulled Trowa to his chest. “We just need to find another shifter who can help you through this.” Trowa groaned softly. “I've looked for others like me, Heero. I haven't found any.” He pulled from his lover and flopped to the floor. “I don't like this. I don't want to turn into nothing more than an animal.” Heero gently trailed his fingertips down Trowa's cheek. “We'll find out what's going on and get you help. Okay? You're not an animal.” He sucked in heavy breaths. “The only things on my mind are hunting and mating. How much more animalistic can you get?” “If that was all that was on your mind, you'd have attacked or jumped me by now. You haven't done either, so I'd say there's still humanity in you.” He curled to his side and pulled his knees to his chest. He tried desperately to push the animal in him back. He refused to turn into a beast that cared only for physical release. He had a soul, didn't he? Part of him wasn't so sure anymore. “What's happening to me?” he whispered. “It's normal for shifters.” He looked over his shoulder to see Zechs in Duo's arms. The blond gazed at him sadly. “Antony said it was like a second puberty that all shifters went through. You can control the panther and bend it to your will.” “How?” He shook his head. “Antony just said it was possible. He didn't say how.” Emerald eyes closed. “Then pray I figure it out before there's nothing left of me.” TBC....
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