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"Children of a Lesser Fate "Written By: t-shirt Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are
copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties.
I make no money with this fic. Rating: R Warnings: AU/Fantasy, angst, fluff, Mention of
lemon , humor and all the stuff you get with a rolling adventure ^-^ Pairings: 1x2, 3x4 Summary: The fate of a war ridden kingdom is sealed by the undeniable destiny of its most precious children. "Children of a Lesser Fate "
Ch 2 ** “Here, my Lord! ACK!” “Insolent dog!” the captain growled as his partner’s unconscious body fell to the floor. “You’ll pay for that!” but the blade never fell as the man suddenly found himself pinned to the wall by two frighteningly fast arrows, the young teen boy he had intended to silence panting softly as he grinned at his blue eyed savior. “What took you so long?” Duo smiled stepping from the shadow of the basement stair. “I told you to capture him!” Hiiro snarled jerking the arrows out of the wall. “Not kill him!” he snapped as his confused captain crumpled to the floor. “He is as arrogant as he is crafty!” the man grumbled getting to his feet. “Three years it has taken to corner him at last! Let’s just kill him and be done with it!” “Can I help it if you and your men are so easily fooled?” the thief grinned. “Am I a fool as well?” Hiiro asked stepping closer to him as Duo flashed a bright smile and replied… “Only compared to some.” “Even so,” Hiiro cocked a half grin in return as the sound of a shackle snapping into place pierced the air, “But I am not the one who finds himself in chains.” For a moment Duo’s expression darkened but the arrogance quickly returned to his eyes. “That is merely a matter of perception,” he cooed inching in close enough that his breath warmed Hiiro’s cheek. “Leave us,” the young King commanded as his eyes locked on the moistened flesh of Duo’s plump, lower lip. “Sire?!” “GET OUT!” Hiiro growled forcibly shoving the reluctant soldier through the door before pushing Duo against the wall. “Will this be the price of my freedom once again?” Duo teased allowing his captor to press his body closer to his own. “I told you,” Hiiro breathed along his lips, his skin prickling as a shudder ran the length of Duo’s form. “If I caught you again, I would make you my own.” “You are not the only king in this land,” Duo informed him softly, his eyes roaming the handsome plains of youthful manhood in Hiiro’s face. “Hold me and every thief and vagabond this side of the moon will show their disapproval.” “You will not escape me again,” the young King declared sealing the proclamation with a kiss that threatened to melt Duo’s kneecaps. “Aren’t we a little old for these games?” Duo rasped swallowing his growing excitement with great difficulty. Hiiro smiled wrapping the chain around his palm twice as he pulled his captive along and replied, “This stopped being a game a long time ago.” ** Men wandered the battlefield in search of the few who may still live among the rubble. A young man groaned piteously as thick pillars of black smoke rose into the scorched sky. “Over here!” the medic yelled bending to assess the fallen soldier’s injuries. He wore the tattered remains of an enemy uniform and the evidence of a night of hellacious struggle in his flesh. His legs were useless, broken and charred as well as most of the hair and flesh having been burned from the left side of his head but such was the way when humans stood against the might and fury of dragons. “Can you save his legs?” “Doubtful, your Excellency,” the medic replied though he seemed much too tired to scramble and show the proper respect to their sandy haired leader. “Do what you can,” Treize nodded moving on his way. “The Prisoners are ready for your inspection,” Zechs informed him leading him to where the few who had survived were being held. A ragtag collection of battered and defeated souls littered the floors and benches of what had once been a small cathedral where a nun and young girl aided the medics in tending the injured. “Is this all?” Treize asked surveying the pitifully small number of refugees. “All but one,” Zechs informed him. “There is a boy downstairs,” he told him leading the way. “I’m afraid he refused to surrender so we were forced to chain him.” “Chain him?” Treize repeated disapprovingly but his Lieutenant turned a knowing eye on him. “Do not let his youth deceive you,” he warned. “He is a formidable warrior. It took three of our best men including myself with fully armed mounts to bring him in.” “A Tartarin?” “No,” Zechs replied opening the door for him. “His skills far exceed anything these poor people could teach.” Treize fell silent as he stepped into the small, dark basement where a boy in his mid teens was shackled to a brick wall, his Lieutenants assessment ringing true as he took in the muscular build and silent eyes of the captive. “Where are his clothes?” was the commander’s first question. “Burned during the fight,” Zechs explained adding, “We dare not approach to offer him cover.” Treize appeared to understand why no one wanted to get close enough to the boy to dress him from the purity of the absence in his emerald eyes. “You are a mercenary?” he asked but the boy merely watched him. “What did they pay you to fight for them?” But the boy retained his silence. “Tell me,” Treize coaxed, “What price must I pay for your loyalty?” “Allow me to defend Orb’s Keep.” “A Stone Worshiper?” Zechs mused but Treize’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “This is all you ask?” he inquired seeming satisfied though the only answer he received was a silent stare. “Release him.” “Treize…” “Give him a troop of men,” the commander went on in spite of his second’s objections. “You will relieve the detail that now guards the Keep,” he told the boy as a guard cautiously unchained him. “An attack is expected there within the month. You’ll need to get to know the lay of the land and prepare for the battle.” “They will not prevail,” the boy stated donning a tunic the anxious guard had offered. ** Fire lit up the night, a thick pillar of flame dense in its intensity as it blanketed the ruins where a soldier’s commons once stood. Men shouted desperately in the confusion as mounts turned on their masters devouring them one by one. “Tell your leaders their slaves have returned to the skies!” Wufei shouted as a frightened young man covered in soot ran by. He froze staring up into the yellow eyes of Nataku as her rider glared down from his perch on her shoulders and crumbled to the ground when the great black spread her wings and lifted off, her brethren following suit until he shivered in the heat of the burning camp alone and thanked all the gods in heaven that he had survived. ** Duo squirmed but freeing himself from Hiiro’s grasp was simply impossible. Not that he was really trying all that hard considering the young King was doing a fine job of frying his brain and setting his insides on fire as he kissed him. “I’ll be right back,” Hiiro rasped abandoning his charge to the safety of the chains that bound him to the golden throne in his receiving chambers. Duo licked his lips watching the light from the ruin stones clutched in the clawed talons of the throne dim and wink out as the King faded from view. He had already broken the headboard on the bed leaving no other choice but to bind him to something stronger. So confident was Hiiro that his prisoner was indeed ensconced inescapably that he never saw the blow coming when he stepped back into the room. How much time had passed before he opened his eyes was unknown but he figured out fairly quickly that he was sitting on his throne and neither of his arms were free to move. “Looks like I’ve been robbing the wrong rooms,” Duo grinned casually walking about in his inspection of the golden trinkets lying about. “Unchain me,” Hiiro demanded putting enough pressure on his bindings to strain the links. “Oh, absolutely, My Liege,” Duo retorted sarcastically slipping a jeweled letter opener into his tattered pants. “Doesn’t that get annoying?” he asked absently completely unaware of the stretching of a weak link in the chains holding Hiiro’s left arm. “What?” the young King ground through clenched teeth. “The stones,” the thief clarified coming to stand before him. “How do you sleep with them shining in your eyes?” “It is easy enough to cover them,” Hiiro snipped. “Why do you suppose they only light for you?” Duo asked leaning in close enough to lay his hand on the back of Hiiro’s throne and the King paused in his efforts to break the chain. “The elders claim they can unlock the door to heaven,” Hiiro explained. “So,” Duo purred leaning closer still, “You’re the key master?” “I am,” the young monarch stated simply. “So am I,” Duo smiled digging deep inside his pants and for a moment Hiiro’s eyes grew wide and hopeful but the braided thief only chuckled and withdrew a small pin. “This is my key,” he explained running the tip of the lock pick along Hiiro’s jaw as the chains once again began to strain under the stress of the young Kings efforts. “What treasure does it protect?” Hiiro asked. “The most precious of all,” Duo whispered along his lips and the chain groaned softly as Hiiro’s arms insisted on the ability to reach out and hold him as he hovered over his mouth and gently breathed, “Freedom.” “Duo,” Hiiro rasped when the braided boy slipped away but all he received for his trouble was a cocky backward glance. A moment later the chains finally gave way but much too late as Duo had already slipped out the window and disappeared into the night. ** “Quatre-sama.” “Yes?” the blond boy replied gazing distantly at the dunes that surrounded his temple prison. The young maiden sent to collect him kept her eyes on the floor as was commanded of all who dwelled within the temple. To look upon their future King in his nakedness was forbidden so many of the residents had no idea what he really looked like as he had refused any form of clothing since his arrival three years ago. “The Lady Une requests an audience with you.” Quatre’s blue/green eyes dropped from the expansive landscape to the shadows of the courtyard as he sighed softly. “Very well.” The girl held her position where she knelt on the floor, her peripheral vision providing a small glimpse of pale skin and long fingers draped in the seven, thin chains that hung from his neck to keep them separated and untangled. He walked the familiar corridors of the temple that had become his cage so long ago wondering not for the first time if his sacrifice had truly made a difference. “Come,” the Lady beckon as he entered. “Sit?” she smiled knowing full well he would refuse. “I’ve brought you something,” she told him indicating a bundle of wrapped silk lying on a table. “Why don’t you open it?” Reluctantly he stepped closer to the gift curious at first but his expression darkened sadly as he unfolded a long robe of lavender silk. The Lady held her tongue until he draped the exquisite cloth over the back of a chair and turned away. “You may want to reevaluate the nature of your protest,” she advised. “His Excellency has warned of an imamate attack on the temple inside of a month.” Quatre stopped to gaze at her expectantly. “He has sent soldiers to defend our Keep,” she smiled. “Considering the danger we have decided to allow them to camp in our courtyard.” The boy’s brow rose upon hearing this but she merely laughed softly. “They will be restricted to the courtyard of course,” she explained. “However, the nature of a man’s heart is known only to himself. It would be wise to abandon your protest while they are with us.” “My fate has already been decided,” Quatre replied. “My Lady! They have arrived!” an excited page chattered dropping to one knee as she burst into the room. The Lady spared Quatre a smile handing him the robe with a meaningful look before going to meet their guests. Quatre laid the robe back over the chair and went to the window to have a look at the commotion as the huge gates opened. Two lines of horseman entered followed by footmen in full armor. It was amazing that the Lady had allowed such weapons to pass through the gates of Orbs Keep but these were strange times. He watched while the disciples of the temple aided the men, many fending off indecencies until Lady Une made it more than clear they could camp outside in the sand storms if they didn’t show the proper respect. Several men bore the imprint of her staff on their skin before things settled down enough for her to formally greet their captain. Quatre’s eyes narrowed upon seeing the slender build of the man in charge. He had expected someone of great stature considering the unruly manor of his men. His heartbeat quickened when the commander pulled his helmet free exposing a long shock of auburn hair that sent a thrill through the blond boy’s chest as he moved to a closer window for a better view. His blood raced hopefully, his mind unable to believe it might be the same boy who had saved him so long ago but his heart refused to believe otherwise. But what was he doing at the temple? And in command of enemy soldiers? It couldn’t be… but… it was. “Trowa,” he whispered as emerald eyes turned his way, their bright intensity homing in as if targeting his soul and Quatre gasped as if he had gripped his heart. He was distantly aware of the Ladies disapproval of his presence at the window but all Quatre could think about was how quickly he could get to Trowa’s side. The next two hours were excruciating torture as he awaited nightfall. The soldiers dug in and set up camp, meals were prepared and punishments meant to clearly set the boundaries of rules expected to be followed administered before the blond boy finally caught sight of Trowa slipping into one of the lower level basement sections and rushed down in the hope of meeting him. He feared he was too late when the damp underground storage room was discovered empty but then he paused feeling a full body prickling on his bare skin as the green-eyed captain stepped from the shadows behind him. “Trowa,” he breathed turning slowly. “You’ve grown,” the mercenary commented and Quatre’s pale skin pinked under the scrutiny of his wandering gaze. “What are you doing here?” Trowa moved in one fluid motion, his step bringing their bodies together as his hand curled around Quatre’s and his arm slipped gracefully around his waist. “You are here,” he told him as the blond boy trembled in his arms. “Where else should I be?” “Trowa,” Quatre breathed, his lungs sucking for air as the taller boy kissed him and backed him against the cool sandstone wall. “I don’t… understand.” “I think you do,” Trowa countered moving down his chest to nibble a dusky nipple as Quatre buried both hands in his hair and hissed arching back under the pleasurable assault. “Why are you commanding those men?” the blond forced himself to ask and Trowa smiled at him as he returned to gaze into passion bright eyes. “Rashid is coming for you,” he told him causing his big cerulean eyes to grow wide. “He can’t…” “That’s how I thought you would feel,” Trowa smiled taking a moment to inspect the emerald that adorned the small crown nestled in Quatre’s hair. “However, with your immanent betrothal he seems to feel your imprisonment here unreasonable.” “Betrothal?!” Quatre gasped. “You didn’t know?” Trowa chuckled bending to kiss the shimmering skin of his shoulder. “No,” the blond swallowed letting his head fall slowly back to rest on the wall. “What will you do?” the mercenary asked softly gazing into his eyes. Quatre paused to consider taking in the slight sheen of sweat on Trowa’s brow, his obvious intention pressing firmly into the blond boy’s hip where he had him pinned against the wall and the knowledge that he was in command of enemy soldiers firmly in mind when his arms wrapped around his neck and he kissed him. There was a sound, something primal and low that emanated from Trowa’s chest as he lifted the slight blond and deposited him in the deeper shadows behind some storage, the dim, refractive light of distant torches glimmering in the seven chains that draped his cool, luminous skin. “Don’t tangle them,” Quatre smiled and Trowa grinned as he gently brushed the golden links aside. ** “Hiiro?” The young King turned his dark blue eyes from the brooding horizon to regard the girl coming to smile by his side, her dress rustling as she moved and the string of cadence stones around her neck glowing brighter as she approached. “You seem out of sorts this evening,” she commented joining him at the window as his gaze shifted back to the distance. “Is something bothering you?” His lack of interest in her attempts at conversation did little to deter her efforts. “I’m no happier about my brother’s insistence that I wed Prince Quatre than you are,” she sighed missing the slight rolling of his eyes as she watched the towns lights wink in the distance. “It’s politics’,” she added on a heavily laden breath turning to face him. “Treize has him convinced our marriage will end the fighting and bring our two kingdoms together but,” she smiled leaning closer, “we could trump their hand.” “Zechs is a fool to obey Treize’s manipulations,” Hiiro commented flatly. “Oh, I agree,” she nodded adding as her eyes sparkled with growing excitement. “Think about it. What if I didn’t marry Quatre?” He turned to consider her as she moved closer. “What if, instead, you and I joined forces and ruled over all from Sanc?” “I am already King,” he reminded her. “Yes,” she smiled. “But that will change upon my wedding should I marry Prince Quatre. Do not forget you are common born. It is the allegiance of the Cadence Ruin that gained you your position.” “It is mans desire to possess the power within the stone that placed me here,” he told her and she recoiled from the icy cold that shivered in his tone. “There is nothing of yours that I desire.” Her mouth thinned as he turned to look back out at the horizon. “You’re still obsessed with capturing that thief,” she accused but he declined to deny it. “It’s time you considered what is being offered to you before everything that is important to you slips away,” she warned turning on her heal. “That thief is probably sitting down there in a pub right now laughing at you and here you are ignoring your destiny over nothing more than your own stubborn pride!” He chuckled softly as she stormed away utterly bewildered by her ability to twist the world to her liking before his heart suddenly stopped. “Clever girl,” Duo grinned popping his head into the window upside down. “Bit on the obvious side. How does she figure on gaining the loyalty of Quatre’s people by marrying you?” “By force if she is her brothers’ sister,” Hiiro smiled. “Perhaps not so clever after all,” Duo smirked allowing the young King to kiss him before righting himself to sit in the window. “Why are you here?” Hiiro asked brushing a stray lock of hair back over Duo’s shoulder so he could nibble his neck. “We have a problem,” Duo moaned softly. “We?” Hiiro grinned widely. “Don’t be an ass,” the braided thief snipped slapping him smartly on the shoulder. “You’re aware of the Dragon Lords attacks on the Dragon Rider camps?” “I am,” Hiiro nodded but seemed much more interested in cupping his face in his palm as he kissed the corner of his mouth. “He is… freeing the mounts,” Duo informed him raising his chin so Hiiro could gain access to this throat. “Hn,” the King grunted an affirmative. “They are gathering in the east.” Hiiro stopped suddenly to look at him. “You know this for certain?” “A great horde loyal only to Lord Chang Wufei,” Duo nodded. “If he attacks…” “We’ll have to speak with him.” “I was hoping you’d say that,” Duo grinned wrapping his arms around Hiiro’s neck. “Will you stay for awhile?” the young King asked pulling him close. “Will I wake under arrest?” Duo quirked a comical brow. “If only I could chain you to myself,” Hiiro chuckled lifting him from the window to carry him toward his chambers. “That,” Duo smiled tightening his legs around his hips as he kissed him warmly, “you have already achieved.” ** “He has arrived.” The old man spared his messenger a grateful glance before leaning on his staff and making the short journey down to the courtyard. Ebony haired children laughed scurrying about in their excitement as the huge black stretched her massive wings, her yellow eyes tracking the movements of her rider as he crossed the cobblestone yard. “Welcome home, Lord Wufei.” “You called for me,” the boy replied curtly. “Too often are you absent from your rooms,” the elder reasoned. “Freedom has its price,” Wufei stated clearly anxious to be on his way. “Walk with me.” The boy’s black eyes darted back to where his mount was fidgeting under the watchful eyes of the children before reluctantly falling into step beside the aging man. “How many now swear their allegiance to you?” There was a long pause signifying the boy’s desire for secrecy before he replied, “A division at best.” The elders eyes grew wide though the boy’s gaze remained steadfastly before them. “I see,” he finally sighed. “So many.” “There are still a great number enslaved.” “Enslaved?” the man repeated gaining the boy’s full attention. “Has the chain been made that could harness the determination of a dragon?” “No, of course not…” “Then it would seem a reasonable conclusion would be that they remain of their own free will.” “They are taken from their nests!” Wufei spat angrily knowing full well his superior knew. “Babes forced to serve! Brainwashed and trained as mounts for misbegotten soldiers that haven’t the courage to face their enemies on equal ground!” “Do not underestimate the will of the dragon.” “They deserve to be free!” “Yet they horde in a valley awaiting your command.” For a moment Wufei’s eyes became so dark there seemed to be no light at all in his soul. “It is not the same,” he said evenly. “We are partners…” “I wonder,” the elder mused visibly unaffected by the boys rage. “Were it not for your leadership, would they not return peacefully to the mountains where they were born?” Wufei’s fist clenched but he held his tongue. “They, who are the noblest of creatures, could not force their will on their brethren. Have you truly considered what would happen to this world should humans and dragons face one another in war?” Wufei squared his jaw straightening his spine as he looked down on the hunching old man before him. “Fields of flowers will grow from the charred remains of any who would call themselves Dragon Riders,” he vowed and aged eyes closed sadly as the boy turned on his heal and marched way. ** A young girl giggled quietly as the first rays of the sun broke the horizon dusting silent halls in misty light. Softly padded, bare feet dodged behind the heavy curtains of the palace at Sanc as early risen kitchen aids made their way down spiral stairs. She giggled again darting from her niche to the safety of the shadows still echoing the long night. Another quick stop beside the statuesque form of a night’s pristine armor put her in view of her goal. Two doors standing side by side as unremarkable as any in the land save for the shimmering cadence stones embedded in their center. She smiled checking to the left and then the right, her excitement evident in the dancing steps that carried her closer. Already the stones light dimmed with the waking of the sun as she laid her hand upon the latch and entered. “Hiiro!” “Relena?” There he stood in all his wondrous glory, his hair tousled and thick in the glow of the firelight. Never before had she seen him so thinly dressed with nothing more than a pale nightshirt draped carelessly about his masculine form. Merely to look upon him, eyes as flawless as the morning sky and skin of soft bronze stole her breath away and robbed her of her senses. “Relena?!” he gasped as she laughed drunkenly and threw herself into his arms. “Oh Hiiro! I couldn’t stop myself,” she giggled as he pushed her firmly away. “What are you doing here?” “I’ve escaped!” she laughed attempting to embrace him again. “They don’t even know it yet but I’ve left them.” “Relena.” “Don’t you see?” she breathed turning about as he held her at bay. “We can be together now. I refuse to be wed to a boy prince only half in charge of his senses.” “Quatre is not insane.” “He walks around naked for the love of God,” she laughed trying to move in again but he sidestepped and sent her head first into a small couch facing the fire. “He acts according to his own convictions,” Hiiro defended sternly. “However, I have little faith that you will ever become his wife.” “Of course not,” she smiled bouncing to her feet but he took her arms before she could wrap them around his neck. “Because we will finally become one. I’ve forsaken everything to come to you. Don’t you see?” she smiled brightly. “This is all that matters, you and I.” “Hiiro.” Her eyes froze cold and still as her heart at the sound of a sleepy baritone. “Hurry up and feed the fire. I’m still cold.” Slowly she turned; her expression widening as a chestnut haired figure rolled over in the bed. “Go home,” Hiiro spoke quietly, his tone one of cautious concern. “Hiiro?” she breathed unable to force her feet to move. “Oi,” Duo called in irritation. “Either feed the flame or come warm me yourself.” “You… your…,” she stammered backing away in shock as the young thief sat up. “If you truly want this side of his bed I warn you it will not be easily obtained,” he smiled cockily dangling one long arm over a bare thigh. “You see, you will have to steal it from a master thief.” “Duo,” Hiiro groaned. “Don’t tease her.” “If I wished to tease her I might do something more like this,” Duo grinned kicking the covers off, his eyes sparkling brightly as her eyes flew open, her hand cupping her mouth as she was confronted with his full nudity. Not another sound was made as she bolted out the door other than the slap of bare feet echoing in the halls. “That wasn’t very nice,” Hiiro sighed closing the door. “What would be more cruel?” Duo sighed lazing back. “Making sure she understands or allowing her to believe her delusion?” “What makes you so sure she is entirely delusional?” the young King asked as a mildly feral smile curled his lips. “Perhaps the drool on your chin was my most trustworthy spy,” Duo grinned accepting him into his arms as he crawled over top of him. “You still shouldn’t tease her,” Hiiro maintained. “Who said it was my intention to tease her?” “Demon.” “I do believe I require your redemption,” Duo whispered kissing him slowly. Around the room evidence of the cadence ruin glowed steadily brighter as Hiiro’s hands moved down Duo’s sides, their bodies rocking in time to the quite heart beat of the stones until Duo groaned deeply and pushed away. “I have to go,” he rasped softly. “Hm?” Hiiro questioned moving to sup on salty flesh in the absence of soft lips to taste. “Your girlfriend will alert the guards.” Hiiro moaned pitifully letting his body deflate and lay heavily atop his new lover before pushing up to nod. “How long before you can leave?” Duo asked rising to dress. “Two days,” Hiiro replied watching the creamy skin he longed for disappear beneath tattered breaches. “Don’t look so sad,” the thief smiled pulling his shirt on as he headed for the window. “I miss you already,” Hiiro sighed. “Then gather your men quickly,” Duo replied crawling halfway outside as he grinned, “Once you’re on your way you might be lucky enough to capture me again.”
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