Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 23/?

Authors: Deathangelgw and Nightshadow

Disclaimer: They aren't ours....but we can sure as hell play with them!!!

Warnings: AU, slight OOC, sap, dark, angst, language, mention of torture, yaoi, shounen-ai, het

Pairings: Varied, but the main is 2+/x5x2, 1xOCx1, OCx4xOC, 3xOCx3, 6xOC

Rating: We’re back to PG-13!

Note:  Sorry this next part took so long. NS has been having mucho hw and I’ve been obliging her. >.< yea yea…I know. Anyhoo, this gets another new twist in it along with some charas that we’ve been missing! Enjoy and please review!

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

Nodding to the pair ahead, Shalon smiled as Quatre waved at him as he left to visit the Healer's lounge with Joren. Since Duo was busy helping the King, his two friends had taken over looking after the children that resided there. "They're doing better, don't you think, Trowa?"

"Hmm….I do indeed. Given the chance at freedom and life, they grow like newborn flowers," Trowa replied softly as he walked along with Shalon. He smiled as he watched Quatre giggle in delight, playing with Joren as they ran ahead. "Not much time...and yet so much has happened."

"Aye. Quatre doesn't try to hide behind one of us when we eat dinner in the Hall anymore, though he does have a good grip. And he loves working with the children." Smiling, Shalon lightly rested his hand on his sword, tracing the designs engraved in the metal.

Laughing lightly, Trowa shook his head. "Aye, and Joren's heart has lightened much. He trusts a bit more. It breaks my heart to think that they came from such a dark land," he murmured softly, his visible green eye sad.

Shaking his head, Shalon grimaced in distaste at the recollection of their hell. "And to think the council actually suggested helping that...bastard. I'm glad Wufei turned them down."

"No kidding...but I saw the look in his eyes. Remember the only other time we saw that look? I think that was the worse 'disbanding' of the council that I have ever seen," Trowa commented with a chuckle. "Course, that was when he was young...I'd hate to think how it would have been now," he added with a chuckle.

Chuckling, Shalon grinned. "Aye. Especially with Duo around. I think he'd give the council more grief than the King would. That would definitely be an amusing sight."

"Very much so," Trowa said with a chuckle as they finally came to the Healer's lounge.

Quatre ran over, smiling brightly as he showed Shalon the gemstone he had found. "Take pretty?" he asked innocently.

Gaping slightly, Shalon started to tell Quatre no, but at the hopeful look in the soft blue eyes, he couldn't. "Of course. It's very pretty isn't it?" Lightly taking the emerald stone from Quatre's hand, he examined it with a sigh. *How do I get this back where it belongs without hurting his feelings?* "Little one, can you show me where you found this? I'd really like to see where something so pretty came from."

"Ok!" Quatre cried in delight and grabbed Shalon's hand, dragging him towards the nearby garden. Trowa snickered softly and looked around, making sure that Healer Sally wasn't nearby.

Following his young friend, Shalon prayed that the stone’s owner wouldn't show up before he was able to explain to Quatre that the pretties in this garden were resting and were perfect for looking at, but not for touching. "So this is where you found it?"

Quatre smiled brightly up at Shalon and nodded. "Uhhuh! It glittered in the sun and sang for me!" he replied, twitching in delight at having found something so nice.

Brushing the strands of hair that refused to stay in their braid and out of her face, Sally once more sighed as she headed to the gardens to check on her focus stone. "I know I can't make it hurry...but I really hope it’s done by now."

Trowa glanced around, and then coughed. "Healer Sally...what a nice surprise!" he called in a somewhat louder tone so that Shalon could hear him.

Raising an eyebrow at the oddly loud behavior from Trowa, she nodded a hello as she passed one her way, rather hurried. Hurrying towards the spot where she'd left her stone, Sally saw two figures crouched in front of the spot. One had blond hair and the other had a long braid, which could only mean one of the twins.

Standing behind them, she listened in for a minute before realizing they were talking about her focus stone.

*Oh shit...* "It did? Hmm. Well do you think it might like to rest in the sun some more? Because that's what this place is for. It's where healers take their stones after they worked hard and place them here to rest for a bit and recharge. Do you think we should put it back and look at it instead of take it with us?" Smiling, Shalon hugged Quatre lightly, holding the stone in the open palm of his hand.

Quatre tilted his head in curiosity. "But the stone said that it wanted to go..." he stated as he knelt down next to Shalon, gazing at the gem. He smiled brightly. "Listen to it sing! So pretty!" he declared and began singing softly, singing with the 'song' he could hear. Trowa watched them in both wariness and wonder. Only the Healers could hear the song...

"So you hear the song, young one?" Smiling, Sally knelt behind the twin identified as Shalon, amusement dancing in her eyes when he shifted to put more of himself between her and the young man. Meeping softly in surprise, Quatre became silent immediately and hid behind Shalon. He shivered fearfully as he clung to Shalon, peeking timidly at the woman that sat nearby. Trowa cocked an eyebrow in curiosity, and then glanced around subtly for Joren. He had to be nearby...

Holding the hand of one of the youngest children, Joren started to move towards Trowa, and then changed his mind when he saw Quatre dive behind Shalon. Moving silently behind the young blond, he ruffled his hair. Wrapping an arm about Quatre's waist, Shalon rubbed his back lightly. "Tis alright. This is Sally. She's nice."

Moving to sit cross-legged, Sally smiled, waving slightly. "Hello. Nice to meet you." Quatre mumbled a 'hello' and hid again, shaking with fear. He suddenly wondered if he shouldn't have done what he did...

Trowa came over, smiling at Sally. "Healer Sally, please forgive our young one here. He loves pretty objects and found your gem lovely. His song is sweet though," he urged, smiling gently as Quatre looked up slightly with tear filled eyes.

Shaking her head, Sally laughed slightly. "Oh I don't mind. He did nothing wrong. Only another with an inclination for empathy or healing would have heard its song and it is a pretty one, isn't it?"

Smiling, Shalon turned to Quatre, holding him tightly. "See? She's nice, isn't she?"

Kneeling on Quatre’s other side, Joren spoke softly, motioning for Sarai to sit beside him. "Did you find something new, Q? Think Sarai might like it?"

Quatre looked down, biting his lip tightly. So many people...too many thoughts..."No...didn't find anything..." he replied quietly, shivering softly as he leaned into Shalon in a silent request for comfort. "Met nice lady...she like Larak..." He gestured at Sally, his eyes filled with apology as he gazed at her.

Tightening his grip around the trembling blond, Shalon held him close. Turning to Sally, he nodded as he placed the stone in her hands before turning back to Quatre. Smoothing a hand over the blond head, he spoke softly, "You did nothing wrong you know. I've been known to pick up a focus stone or two myself, especially if they're tiger eye or sapphire. They have a very strong call, don't they?"

Nodding shyly, Quatre looked down at his hands. "And warm....so safe. They sing like the stars...." he mumbled softly, sniffling.

Trowa smiled gently. "There was no harm done, Quatre...see? She isn't mad at all," he explained softly as he smiled. Quatre looked up shyly, gazing at Sally timidly.

"Of course I’m not mad. I'm a healer. I know the pull of a focus stone. It's very hard to resist." Smiling, Sally lightly stroked her own stone.

Lightly tugging one blond lock, Joren grinned slightly. "See? Everything's quite all right. Nothing to be scared of."

Peering around Joren, Sarai held a flower out to Quatre. "I found this earlier and Jor-jor said I could give it to you."

Quatre's face brightened as he took the flower. "Really? Oh thank you! It's so pretty!" he cried in innocent delight as he sniffed its sweet aroma. Trowa smiled slightly at Joren, winking slightly in approval. Ruffling the now cheered blond's head, Shalon smiled at the youngster and her current keeper.

Watching the youth's obvious delight, Sally smiled. "I take it you two are the ones who have replaced Duo in taking care of the children? Nice to meet you then, I’m Sally."

Nodding shyly, Quatre looked down. "Um, yes...Duo's so busy....we wanted to help..." he explained softly, biting his lip. He loved being around the kids. They had such loving spirits.

"That is Quatre and Joren is right behind him. They both just came recently and have brought much light to the courts," Trowa added with a warm smile as he gestured to the two. "And this is Arch Healer Sally. She is one of the lead Healers in our kingdom."

Nodding to the young woman, Joren smiled. "Nice to meet you as well, then. We can't stay to talk though. Quatre and I promised the kids an outing in the garden and Trowa and Shalon have to get back to work. Ready Q?" Quatre nodded enthusiastically as he scrambled up. He took Sarai's hand and started running, laughing as he told her that she was 'it'.

Trowa grinned as he got up as well. "We'll meet again in the Caroime Garden?" he asked as he smiled at Joren. Chuckling, Shalon watched Quatre run off.

"Of course." Smiling back, Joren nodded to both. "We shall see you later then." With a final wave, he turned to follow Quatre and Sarai, though at a walk not a run.

Trowa smiled softly as he nodded then looked at Sally. "Sally...a question. Do you think that Quatre is indeed empathic? We've suspected with hints from both the Caroime and Joren, but we haven't pressed." he queried softly as he turned to the Arch Healer. Nodding, Shalon also waited for her answer.

"I would believe so, especially if the cats have hinted at it. I would have to actually do a gift check to be sure and I get the feeling he may not allow me to do so."

Nodding, Shalon spoke up. "Once he comes to trust you he would, but until then you'd only scare him."

Sighing softly Trowa nodded. "Aye, he most likely would become traumatized from such an innocent act. Ah well...we shall just leave it be. Luckily, our land is focused on such things, so it shouldn't be too harsh on him." He smiled and bowed to Sally. "Thank you, Healer. We shall speak again sometime," he murmured with a smile.

"Very well then. Good day to you both." Rising, Sally ducked her head slightly then turned to head back into the Collegiate.

Trowa smiled at Shalon. "We best get to the King and Duo...they are meeting again with some advisors," he suggested with a roll of his eyes.

"Wonderful. What do you think they'll argue over this time? Wedding preparations? An heir? Or maybe something actually useful." Sighing, Shalon scowled as they turned down the hall that would lead to the council session.

Laughing lightly as they walked swiftly, Trowa shook his head. "Most likely, the concerning news that we've been receiving from the borders. I hear Zechs will be leaving soon. Shay must not be too happy about that," he replied softly, sighing sadly.

"Well at least it will be mildly productive." Frowning slightly, Shalon sighed. "No, my sister won't be, but she also won't ask him to stay. She will make sure he carries a draglet with him though so they can keep in touch."

"Wise choice. But I'm sure that he will try to return faster. It is about time that they finally got together. The sexual tension between them was disgusting," Trowa commented cheerfully, snickering softly.

"I would go for amusing or annoying actually, but yes it is good they got together. Now I don't have to hear her complain about it." Slipping into the side door, Shalon waved to Duo and Wufei. "Where's Heero and Shay?"

"Coming. I sent them on an errand," Wufei replied matter-of-factly as he looked up, smiling softly at his friends and guards. Trowa nodded to him as he came in behind Shalon. "The two are with the children safely?" Wufei queried as they came over to where he was discussing something with Zechs and Duo.

"Aye, they are. Quatre had a bit of a scare when he found one of the focus stones and thought he was in trouble, but we got things worked out. We may be right in believing that he is an empath though because he heard its song." Grinning, Shalon answered the query.

"Oh? Well now...that will just have to stay an untested theory. If we tested him, he'd withdraw for sure," Wufei decided with a smile, shrugging. "Some things are worth staying asleep. We can curb his empathy so he doesn't suffer needlessly though easily," he added with a smile as he glanced at Zechs, who nodded in agreement. "Trowa, you'll talk to Larak and Sally...have them make a Seering Necklace for him. Of course, make it lovely," he ordered with a sweet smile as Trowa nodded and grinned back.

"As you wish, Highness," Trowa answered with a bow of his head. "I shall speak with them later. It shouldn't take long and Quatre need not know its powers," he added with a wink at Shalon.

Raising an eyebrow, Shalon grinned, "And you are winking at me, why? I'm sure it can't be because you know I’m going to ask to be the one to give it to him. Really now."

Chuckling, Duo walked up behind Wufei and slipped an arm around his waist. "Of course not. And you're sure this won't hurt him?"

"Aye, my love...positive. It will gently suppress his empathic abilities since he is so sensitive, yet it won't be too obvious," Wufei replied reassuringly as he patted the arm around his waist.

Zechs grinned at Shalon. "Come now, Shalon...we all know your obsession with the loving blond. Do try to give us some credit," he commented with a wink as Trowa snickered.

Sighing, Shalon shook his head, hiding a grin. "I know and I do, but alas, teasing the lot of you is fun."

Nodding, Duo rested his chin upon Wufei's shoulder. "I suppose you're right. Toning down his sensitivity may help him a good bit."

"Yes it would...plus it may give him some courage as well. Enough to face people and not be afraid of them doing something," Wufei replied warmly as he smiled at Duo. He knew his beloved cared deeply for the two newest visitors.

Trowa turned to Zechs after elbowing Shalon with a grin. "Do you leave soon for the borders?" he asked softly and smiled encouragingly as Zechs sighed sadly, nodding.

Smiling, Duo nodded. "One could hope it might."

Resting a hand on Zechs’ shoulder, Shalon smiled slightly. "I do hope you've found and bonded to a strong draglet by then, otherwise the poor fellow may be worn out from all the letters you'll be answering."

Wufei laughed as he heard Shalon's comment as Zechs grinned widely. "Aye, indeed. Shay will be impossible to live with!" he added with a chuckle.

Zechs wiggled his eyebrows, and then smiled softly. "Aye, but when I return, I plan on marrying her," he declared softly, surprising them.

Grinning, Duo released Wufei in order to congratulate him "I see you've caught the marriage bug that's going around, then."

Eyeing his old friend, Shalon smirked. "Do you now? Good. She'll be delighted. Just do yourself a favor and don't mention a 'dress'. She'll debate over that and it will still be a big if. Remember the last time someone mentioned her wearing a dress?"

"Aye! Oi the stink she put up..." Trowa added as he shook his head. "But, remember she did wear a dress just once," he reminded them.

"Aye, for the Guardianship rights’ ceremony," Wufei said softly as he gazed down.

Zechs shrugged. "Just don't tell her yet. I haven't asked," he ordered with an impish grin.

"Asked who what?" Heero's inquisitive voice floated in from behind them as he came in along with Shay.

Coming to stand beside her brother, Shay gave him a hug before moving to Zechs and greeting him with a chaste kiss. "There's more questions going around? What to now?"

"Nothing you need worry about, love," Zechs replied fondly, winking over at them as Trowa and Wufei snickered in amusement.

"Well, I'd like to know," Heero retorted as he crossed his arms and assumed an 'I'm not pouting, but I want my way' look.

Shrugging, Shalon just shook his head. "You'll find out sooner or later.

Chuckling, Duo released Wufei and sidled up to his brother to whisper the gist of the conversation to him. "Happy now?"

Eyeing the braided youth, Shalon shook his head. "Just have to spoil all the fun, don't you?" Heero grinned widely and nodded, causing the others to snicker in amusement. Ever since finding Duo, Heero had loosened up quite a bit around his friends and family.

"Ah well...I guess it's time for the cluckers...I mean the advisors," Wufei commented with a sigh and a grin as he saw the approaching advisors.

Grinning, Duo eyed the walking group. "Hey, 'Fei, how many do you think I can send screaming today? Remember last week when one actually got mad enough to threaten me because I proved his argument wrong?"

Snickering as his guards took their usual spots around him as he sat down on his throne, Wufei rolled his eyes. "Try to be a bit nicer, love?" he requested indulgently, grinning as the others snickered in amusement.

Smirking, Duo rested on the arm of his lover's chair. "I'll be nicer when they stop cheating you. The plan he was trying to get you to agree to would have benefited him more than anything would, as you well know. And besides, I have to have someone to play with."

Snickering as he watched the advisors take their seats, Wufei glanced up at his beloved. "Give me some credit, k? I could tell that his plan wasn't going to work...let *me* be the King?" he asked as he patted his love's knee; ignoring the glares or frowns directed at them from said cluckers.

"But it’s so much fun to see how purple I can make them...and all without a single falsehood." Grinning, Duo lightly caressed his love's hand. "I suppose the meeting should begin, no?"

"Good man," Wufei replied teasingly then looked up at the advisors, acknowledging them. The meeting began and started out smoothly, their obvious plan of trying to work around Duo giving Wufei an advantage over them easily.

But the easy going atmosphere didn't last for long…and the advisors didn’t break it.

Wufei and Zechs both gasped at the same time as a green glow pulsed around them. They fell from their seats, trembling in pain as they stared ahead at nothing.

"GET LARAK AND SALLY HERE NOW!!" Heero shouted as he ran to Wufei's side immediately. Trowa ran to Zechs’ side, eyes filled with concern. Ignoring the commotion around him, Duo moved slowly to the floor beside Wufei, grimacing at the pain he felt from his bonded. Cradling Wufei in his arms, he shakily did his best to soothe the other man.

Grabbing Shay, Shalon pushed her towards Zechs. "I'll cover Wufei. You help Trowa with Zechs, but first we need Larak here now!" Clasping her brother's hand, Shay nodded before joining powers with him to send the call to their little brother, telling him to bring Sally as well. The message sent, they departed to their chosen posts. Shalon joined Heero in standing over Wufei and Duo with weapons drawn, while Shay moved to take Trowa's place beside Zechs, her own weapon drawn, but leaving Trowa to the watch for trouble.

Wufei's breath came in short gasps as he struggled to contain the power that was flooding through him. Zechs was having the same trouble, trembling as their bodies fought to stay in control. Suddenly, twin columns of power shot up around them, pushing away the ones nearest them on waves of energy as they screamed in pain.

"What's happening?!" Trowa shouted as he shielded his eyes.

"The balance!! It's trying to regain its equilibrium and their bodies can't take it!!" Heero shouted back as he watched, horrified. He'd heard what had happened to the last Guardians...he hoped that Wufei and Zechs could handle it.

Snarling at the blinding energy, Duo picked himself up from where he'd been thrown. "Oh no you don't. You will not have him." Reaching for his own power, he pushed his way through the energy column, slowly separating the combined powers of life and death. "I am Death. And you will come when I call," he bit out as the death energies fought his control.

Shaking her head from her position on the floor, Shay got shakily to her feet and moved back towards her love, "Zechs..."

"Duo!! Stay...back!!" Wufei's voice, deepened with both pain and immeasurable power, pleaded with his lover as he looked up. He cried out again in pain, as the columns' light increased.

Zechs kept his gaze locked with Shay's as he struggled to contain the power that was trying to kill them both. Slowly then, the light faded as they succeeded in containing the power. With soft cries of pain, Wufei and Zechs collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

"WHERE ARE THOSE HEALERS?!" Heero roared out in rage as he ran to Wufei's side. Trowa did the same, pulling Shay along swiftly so she could ground Zechs swiftly with her touch.

Dragging Sally behind him, Larak came through the doors with a cry of "Here!" Heading to Wufei, Larak left Sally to take over Zechs's care. "We were in the middle of heart surgery and the damned replacement wouldn't show. We had to leave the guy in the care of our assistants."

Heero nodded curtly at Larak as his lover came over to the still trembling Wufei's side. He saw Sally rush over to Zechs' side before focusing on his King. "A bright column of light came up around them after they collapsed from pain. My guess is Treize is either dead...or incapacitated," Heero explained softly to Larak in explanation, knowing that Trowa was doing the same with Sally.

Hugging his knees, Duo spoke up before Larak could answer. "Dead. Whoever this person was is dead. You okay, 'Fei?" Keeping his distance from his lover, he turned to look at him.

Eyeing the shivering figure, Larak asked, "How do you know? Are you alright, Duo?"

Wufei didn't respond, as he lay unconscious near Larak. Heero looked over in concern at his brother. "Duo?" he asked quietly. He smiled slightly. "Duo...you can come over...he's unconscious. He was worried about your safety for while he tried to regain control," he said soothingly.

"Give me a few moments, bro. I kinda took in a good bit there. I'd prefer to gain control before I touch anyone. Death energies tend to have side effects on other people." Smiling shakily, Duo took a deep breath. "And I knew because I absorbed the backwash, at least a good bit of the death part. I left enough in the backwash that the two powers, life and death, are still mixed, but neither of them are in the position of being irrevocably harmed by it."

"Duo! That's dangerous!" Heero cried in shock as he stared at his brother. He grew angry. "Did you even think that you might not be able to handle that?!!" he almost shouted at his brother.

Grinning crookedly, Duo met his brother's furious gaze. "Quite frankly, not in precisely those terms, but I figured I'd be fine after a bit. I've done it before, Heero, many times. This was just on a larger scale. I'll be fine. Promise. Just have to sort and contain all this energy and that takes time. Releasing it is too destructive in the sense that a bunch of people would end up dead."

"Idiot!! Wufei is going to SO kill you when he wakes up! You didn't have to do that! They were able to balance it out!" Heero shouted angrily then glared over as Trowa snickered. "What?!" he snapped out.

Trowa grinned at Heero. "Oh come on, Heero...Duo did what he felt needed to be done and ended up helping them out. Chill out, or else it might unbalance everything again," he ordered with a shake of his head.

"Calm down Heero. He's fine and they're fine. I, for one, believe he did more good than harm. You yourself mentioned what happened to the last Guardians. The same may have happened again had he not interfered." Grasping his mate’s hand, Larak smiled softly. "Alright? Now stop yelling at your brother."

Looking up from her current patient, Sally smiled reassuring at the irate twin. "I agree with Larak's assessment, Heero."

"M'not yelling...just talking loudly in concern," Heero declared indignantly, which got Trowa laughing hysterically in his own quiet way. They looked over as Quatre came running into the halls, looking terrified as he saw Zechs and Wufei in so much pain.

Seeing the look on the young blond’s face and Duo's inability to help, Shalon nodded to Heero before moving to leave the King's side in order to reassure Quatre. "It's alright, Quatre. They'll be fine. They just had a bit of a shock, ok?" Holding his hand out to the youth, he continued moving forward while speaking soothingly; reaching Quatre just as Joren appeared in the doorway. Eyeing the scene before him and Duo's state, Joren nodded to Shalon, entrusting Quatre to his care before heading towards Duo.

"Nonono!! NO! Something happened...someone died! Duo...Duo no! You didn't! You promised you wouldn't!" Quatre babbled as he trembled then started sobbing as he fell into Shalon's arms. Heero and Trowa watched them in surprise, taken aback by Quatre's reaction.

Looking up, Duo smiled. "It's alright, Q. I didn't hurt anybody. These two, Zechs and Fei, are bound to a third. The third died and the backwash hit them. They couldn't handle it, so I took on some of the Death energy so they wouldn't be harmed, ok?" Turning to Joren, he nodded. "Just a bit longer, Jor. I took alot today." Cradling the sobbing blond, Shalon listened with one ear to Duo's assurances. He was more interested in the figure clutching him.

Quatre sniffled as he looked over at Duo, tears streaking his face. "But you promised!" he cried softly, sobbing. "You know it hurts! Hurts....hurts so much..." he whispered as he trembled, then buried his face in Shalon's chest, sobbing. Heero and Trowa looked over at Joren and Duo in confusion. What was going on?

"I kept my promise, Q. Told you I wouldn't do it in front of you. And I didn't. I had to do something though, Q." Uncurling, Duo moved to his knees unsteadily before attempting to stand. "Hey Shal? Can you get him somewhere shielded? He's feeling everything that everybody else is at the moment and I know I feel like shit, so a calm place would be a good idea."

Nodding, Sally spoke to the pair. "There's a room about six doors to the left on the left. It's shielded. Everything should be dampened in there."

Resting a hand on Duo's shoulder, Joren steadied him. "I'll stay here for a bit and come check on everything in a bit, ok Q? And after everything's taken care of we can talk." Sniffling, Quatre nodded shakily as he kept his face hidden. He could still feel the pain...

Carefully picking Quatre up, Shalon cradled him in his arms before turning to Heero for permission to depart. Heero nodded sharply once before returning his attention to their King. Quatre curled up closely to Shalon, shivering and sobbing silently in fear and pain. Nodding back, Shalon turned and left the council room, hurrying towards the small room Sally had directed him to. Stumbling over to Wufei, Duo patted his brother's shoulder as he passed him. Looking up from caressing Zechs’ forehead, Shay waved to her twin.

TBC

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