"The Gobanme Star"

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: NC 17

Warnings: AU/Galactic Adventure, Lemons (non graphic), some bad language, somewhat fem Quatre, yuckables ^-^, fuzzies and fluff abound lol, some angst, clueless Relena in the begging

Beta'd by Mechante Fille

Pairings: Eventual quintette w/(1x2)x5),3x4 dominance though it begins briefly with 1x4, 2x5

Summary: Five young men learn through their trials and adventures that they are not only bound together in every possible way but the key to order and prosperity in the universe. Enjoy! ^-^

"The Gobanme Star"


Ch 1

He stood on the highest balcony looking out at the sea, the clear blue of the sky broken only by the distant forms of space shuttles as they carried their patrons on and off planet. It brought him a sense of peace to look down on the great domed roofs of the palace towers, their golden, oriental peaks reflecting the sun’s warm rays over the ocean just as they had in his youth. But still, he felt as if he did not belong.

The stiff sea breeze tugged at his messy brown hair and deep blue cloak as he watched one of the shuttles come near and dock at the palace space port. This would be the arrival of the final key that would free him from his prison. The Masuta Toorima. The other three had already arrived. He’d been somewhat skeptical about their ability to test his skills at first but they had all proven themselves worthy opponents.

He recalled the day less than week before when Chang Wufei, a master of the blade and body had arrived. The boy was no older than himself but had proven quickly that he had earned his title through his own bloody determination. Hiiro had never before met his match in battle until that day.

His mind flashed briefly on the memory of Nanashi, the tall daredevil that he had watched in utter astonishment as he demonstrated his skill by walking the entire length of the outer wall’s thin spire until he stood on the pointed peak of the palace gates that led to the sea looking out at the ocean like a sentinal. Hiiro secretly hoped he’d never be expected to repeat this feat as the wall was not only three inches wide at the top but also a several hundred foot, sheer drop to the water. The green eyed youth seemed to have no fear so Hiiro had dubbed him Trowa in honor of the trinity of perfect balance within his heart, body and mind.

The third had turned out to be the most difficult for him to tolerate. His name was Quatre but they called him majo which means `witch.` Hiiro hadn’t understood until he met him. The boy was so beautiful he’d thought him a woman at first. However, the huge cerulean eyes and golden locks of hair proved very quickly to be a most effective distraction. He had been the only one of the three that had managed to get a blade anywhere near the prince’s throat. Hiiro couldn’t help but smile at the memory even if the kiss could have cost him his life. He had managed to steal a second and stay the blade after all. His father, Emperor J, had been less than amused.

The honor guard snapped to attention as he breezed through the highly arched entryway. The entire imperial city of Tokyo had been buzzing about the Toorima’s arrival. His name was infamous even among the lowest of naives and brought a sense of foreboding to any who spoke it aloud. Many had openly criticized the Emperor for allowing such a man to come to their fair city, fearing for the lives of the imperial family as well at the royal treasury. The Toorima was known throughout the universe for his coolly efficient assassinations and impossible proficiency with stealth and thievery. Hiiro was looking forward to meeting the legendary Master Thief. Once he’d proven himself against the man he’d claim his right to leave his home and find his own path.

He breathed in the warm sigh of the ocean breeze as he prepared to welcome his guest. It was much warmer within the palace walls. The water in the bay that tickled the front steps of the palace sparkled for him as it always had. His mother had once told him that the dancing lights were the souls of all that had passed before winking at him from the beyond. He loved the smell of the sea.

The guards presented their arms as the shuttle door hissed open. Even the elite guard seemed a bit nervous as they awaited the Masuta Toorima’s disembarkment. The light from the doorway shone on the landing ramp illuminating the steam that accompanied any routine breech in a space vehicle but there seemed to be no sign of the Toorima.

They waited another long moment before Hiiro became curious as to what might be keeping him and made to step forward. He’d barely moved when he felt something very sharp poke him between the ribs as a warmth melted like hot summer sun against his back. In less than an instant he was all but immobilized by two strong arms and his own reluctance to move away from the titillating heat. He felt a shiver run down his spine just knowing that this man held his very life in his hands as a moist breath brushed over the skin of his neck then the gentle, velvet touch of lips as they whispered softly in his ear.

‘Tag, you’re it.’

A moment later there was the sudden rush of air that accompanies quick movement and the heat was gone. He felt oddly alone as he turned to face the slight figure that had moved a good fifteen feet behind him in the moment it took him to turn around.

He was dressed in black from head to toe. No more than a shadow on the breeze even though Hiiro could see him quite plainly where he stood motionless before him. His face was shrouded by the hood of his long cloak that even the sea breeze seemed incapable of manipulating as it hung defiantly against the light breeze at the figure’s sides. The only motion evident was the small twitch of color that reached from beneath the hood to play with the wind, a single, chestnut lock of hair brilliantly displayed by the morning rays of the sun. Hiiro blinked and he was gone.

‘Over here,’ a voice said behind him as something tapped him on the shoulder from behind. He spun to find himself staring into the face of a boy no older than himself. He’d have never guessed it was the same creature that had just held him at death’s door save for the chestnut fall of bangs over his brilliant, violet eyes. He was… breathtaking, young and vital with a smile that outshone the sun. Hiiro stood absolutely stone cold speechless. There was just no way this vibrant creature was the terrible Toorima. He was too young, too alive, to damn beautiful for words.

The boy pushed his hood back and smiled at the astonished prince then leaned forward to softly advise, ‘You’re gonna hafta work on the gaping fish impression, it’s a little unbecoming of a prince,’ he grinned then chuckled as Hiiro snapped his jaw shut. ‘Yo, J-man how’s it hangin?’ the boy grinned, waving at a window behind the prince.

Hiiro turned to find the disappointed glare in his father’s eyes boring into his self respect. He’d failed his first test against this boy miserably and when he turned back he was gone.

‘Hey, Ouji-sama you comin?’ he heard the stranger call from the archway. When had he moved? And how had he gotten twenty-five feet away in the time it’d taken for Hiiro to glance at his father? He’d barely caught up to him by the time they entered the great hall where they were to formally greet the Emperor. He moved like a fish in the sea, neither here nor there and never where you expected him to be.

Hiiro stopped beside him and offered his introduction ‘Emperor J, I present to you Masuta…’

‘Duo,’ the boy interrupted from his other side. Hiiro had thought him to be on his right a moment ago. ‘Just call me Duo. I never did like that whole Toorima bit. Nice’ta meet’cha, your Eminence. Nice digs,’ he added, looking around the great hall appraisingly. Hiiro had to fight against that fish impression again. The boy was simply incredible. How anyone could be so impertinent yet so charming at the same time was a total mystery.

‘You have my gratitude,’ the Emperor smiled. It was truly amazing. Emperor J rarely smiled. ‘Thank you for answering my summons.’

‘Hey, hugs ‘n’ kisses are great, your worship but any pile of gold that big is gonna catch my eye,’ Duo replied. ‘You arranged for a full pardon as we agreed?’ he asked. J nodded. ‘Gravy,’ Duo beamed. ‘So, I got what, a month to put eyes in the back of this guy’s head right? No offense but from what I’ve seen so far I wouldn’t get your hopes up… eep!’

Duo spun around rubbing the stinging spot on his ass and glared at the smirking form of the prince as he stood beside him and whispered, ‘Tag.’ J’s disapproval of his choice of demonstrations was clear but Hiiro could see the underlying pride the man held for his successful penetration of the boy’s defenses.

‘Perhaps you would like to meet the rest of our company?’ Hiiro asked, savoring the moment with a gleam in his eye. ‘By your leave,’ he bowed low to his father and led their disgruntled guest from the chamber.

‘You’ve got quick digits there, Ouji-san,’ Duo praised, still painfully aware of the truth of it as they approached another tall archway with a gilded door. It was the prettiest lift the violet eyed boy had ever seen. ‘You make a habit out of pinching guys asses?’ he asked, grinning at his escort.

Hiiro stopped in front of the lift leaning dangerously close to him as he reached out to press the call button and smiled, ‘That would depend entirely on the ass.’

Duo’s brow rose thoughtfully. ‘I get the feeling your old man’s not too thrilled with that little development?’ he asked as the golden doors opened.

‘It’s hardly any of his concern who I bed,’ Hiiro chuckled.

‘Ya know,’ Duo smiled as they stepped onto the lift. ‘This might not be such a waste of time after all.’

Hiiro led him through a maze of brightly lit corridors. It was really creative how the architects had used the building’s structure to provide natural light throughout the imperial palace. It left about a zillion places for someone to hide but it was really very beautiful. It took a few minutes before they arrived at the huge, double doors that marked the entrance to Hiiro’s private quarters where all the boys were to be housed during the month long testing period. Duo answered questions about his trip and life in the thief’s guild and Hiiro filled him in on the others and the general workings of the palace like when meals were served and where the training grounds were.

When they entered the large antechamber, Quatre and Trowa were playing chess on the low table beside the fire and Wufei had been practicing one of his katana excersizes in the center of the room. The Chinese warrior seemed unaware or their arrival and continued his exercise; however the blond boy’s face brightened happily as he and his tall companion rose to greet them.

‘May I present Toori...’ Hiiro began but Duo cut him off again.

‘Duo,’ he insisted, glancing impatiently at the prince.

‘Duo,’ Hiiro conceded. ‘This is Trowa, Quatre and the warrior prince of the Chang dynasty, Wufei.’

Duo grinned. ‘Nice’ta meetcha,’ he smiled, offering Trowa his hand. The tall boy stood silently for a moment then touched his fingers to Duo’s in a shadow of a handshake. Duo cocked his head softly and smiled before he turned to the blond boy and his face split in a huge, open, warmly inviting grin.

Hiiro couldn’t blame him. Quatre looked as resplendent as ever. The boy favored his good fortune in the looks department, taking full advantage of it by dressing the part. Though his clothes were masculine in every aspect, they hardly resembled anything usually seen on a young man. He’d chosen a billowy sleeved chiffon pink shirt with slits and ties up the sleeves and front that let just a sliver of pale flesh peek through today. It ended just over laced, low riding, snug maroon Capri pants that showed off his slender ankles and bare feet. Hiiro smiled just looking at him.

‘Quatre?’ Duo repeated as he took the boy’s outstretched hand. The blond smiled demurely and nodded. Hiiro’s grin grew wider as he watched the blond weave the same spell that had cost him his first victory against him. Duo bowed low and kissed Quatre’s pale hand then swooped in close as he stood back up. ‘Charmed,’ he breathed softly onto his pink lips.

Hiiro’s brow furrowed at he watched the blond boy’s eyes widen slightly as if he’d been startled ‘The pleasure’s all mine,’ he whispered uncertainly.

‘Not entirely,’ Duo hissed then took him in a deep kiss. Hiiro was just wondering where the knife he’d known would soon come into play was when he heard the blade drop to the carpet as Duo wrapped the boy’s hands behind his back and pushed him back toward the couch kissing him all the way. Quatre’s knees buckled when he hit the arm of the couch, causing them to tumble onto it as Duo released his lips in favor of chewing on his neck and collar bone as he gasped beneath him.

Hiiro couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Break the spell,’ Trowa advised.

‘I..I did!’ Quatre panted.

‘Release him,’ Hiiro ordered, still chuckling at the pair as Quatre flailed about.

‘Spell?’ Duo smiled, pulling back and grinning at the boy. ‘You don’t need a spell to get a piece of me.’

Trowa picked up the knife and explained, ‘He was looking for more than a piece.’

‘And here I thought he just wanted to scratch my itch,’ Duo grinned down at the flustered boy. Quatre’s eyes went wide again as he bent to resume his exploration of his delicate neck.

‘Enough,’ Hiiro commanded, then blinked twice wondering where the chestnut haired boy had gone. He’d completely disappeared. Even Quatre was sitting up slowly looking around at loss. A moment later Hiiro caught the faint glimmer of a shadow as it emerged from beneath the couch and almost took Wufei off his feet. Only the warrior’s superior reflexes saved him from being toppled like a bowling pin.

When the moment of motion stilled Duo was standing casually by the window, smiling at the Chinese boy who had dropped into a standard stance. ‘You’re getting slow in your old age,’ Duo grinned.

‘I remain standing,’ Wufei pointed out.

‘Yes, of course,’ Duo smirked then pulled the warrior’s katana from beneath his cloak. Wufei’s eyes narrowed as he relaxed and stood up. ‘Nice blade,’ Duo complimented testing the balance. ‘Ming?’

‘Chang,’ the raven haired boy replied smoothly.

‘Forged it yourself, huh?’ Duo smiled, tossing it back to him. ‘Maybe your skills aren’t waning so much as expanding,’ he countered his earlier appraisal. ‘I’m impressed.’

‘I’m so very glad,’ Wufei rolled his eyes, deftly snatching his sword out of the air.

‘You’ve met?’ Hiiro voiced in question.

‘Regretfully,’ the Chinese boy groused.

‘Hey, I resemble that remark!’ Duo growled but Wufei just rolled his eyes again and chuckled as he stowed his blade. ‘The big boys on China Seti II had a little problem they needed me to clean up,’ Duo explained.

‘Remind me never to let you near my laundry,’ Wufei scoffed.

‘Wasn’t my fault your people underestimated me,’ Duo huffed. ‘Hey, we got some time to kill?’ he asked. ‘I’d like to have a look around.’

‘Your duties don’t start until tomorrow,’ Hiiro informed him. ‘You’ll be expected at dinner tonight in the main hall at seven.’

‘Cool,’ Duo smiled then reached up and unfastened the broach at his neck that Hiiro hadn’t seen until his fingers touched it. A moment later he heard himself gasp softly along with the rest of the room when the black shadow fell away leaving the beautiful boy completely naked. Hiiro was almost as shocked by the three foot rope of chestnut hair that fell down his back as the fact that he was bare from head to toe.

‘Damn, Duo!’ Wufei barked, turning his back.

‘What?’ Duo looked at them seemingly at a loss as to why they were all gaping at him as he climbed up into the tall window. ‘Oh come on, you’ve all got one,’ he admonished. ‘Though I wouldn’t mind a chance to confirm Quatre’s,’ he grinned. ‘Don’t wait up for me,’ he added then jumped out the tower window.

Hiiro gasped and ran to look down just in time to see his body pierce the water five stories below and vanish. For a moment he consider the possibility that he might have been smashed on the rocks in the shallow water near the wall but there would have been a body or at the very least blood in the water. When he turned back Wufie was shaking his head.

‘Get used to it,’ he advised. ‘No one ever told him human beings have limitations.’

 

 

~ * ~

tbc...

Chapter 2

Back to T_shirt's Fics

Back to GW Authors Index.