Title: Walking in the Shadows pt 25/?

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: Still going strong PG-13!

Note: OK! I’m to blame this time! I’ve had this sitting on my comp and just…Okok laaaaaziness people. It’s something I do well!! *giggles* As for this….we get to see some more fun stuff! Enjoy and please review!

'thoughts'

*thoughts*

Sighing inwardly, Duo looked once again at the line of people he still had to see for the afternoon's open court session. 'Three days of this...really you'd think they'd be able to solve some of these problems on their own. The guy deflowers your daughter with her consent, and then you marry them off together...at sword point if he protests. I thought that was a simple concept. So why have I had to deal with eleven marriages in three days?! I can understand the few who came over property rights or some legality...but really, 'Fei's their King, not their daddy.'

Trowa sighed softly as he leaned back on his heels somewhat. It was by consent that at least him as well as one other would be with Duo, should he need extra advice. So far, he was very bored. 'They certainly haven't changed. I think the cluckers did it just to put Duo off,' he thought with a sigh. He looked up suddenly as a young woman came striding down the main walkway purposefully. He cocked an eyebrow, then relaxed as he stepped forward somewhat. "Seer Relena...thank you for coming so quickly."

She smiled as she removed her hood and nodded. Her hair glimmered with soft stones that were intricately braided into her hair. Her soft blue eyes glimmered with a power that could see into souls as well as the future as they looked over at Duo. "Call off the court session. I must speak with you," she ordered softly.

Nodding to the slight woman, Duo raised his hand, silencing the man who had been speaking. "I apologize, Lord Viant, but I must attend to your dispute upon the morrow, for Lady Relena has succeeded in the task I set her and tis imperative that I hear the nature of her findings immediately. Please, exit the room. This meeting of the court is adjourned until tomorrow."

"Lord Duo I protest!" the portly man boomed out as he blustered forward. His protest died in a squeak as Trowa pointed his blade's tip at the fat Lord's throat.

"His Majesty has made his decree. Return tomorrow," Trowa stated softly and the fat man swallowed hard, then bowed quickly. He turned and waddled out with the rest of the court, leaving just the four.

Relena smiled softly and bowed her head to Duo. "Promptly done, Duo...I commend you," she commented in amusement.

Nodding slightly, Duo smiled at the slightly older Seer. "Why, thank you milady. Shall we retire to more private quarters or address the issue here?" Chuckling, he relaxed into the throne. "Truthfully though, it hasn't been entirely horrible. I had fun watching Tro and the others gape at me. For some reason they believed I wouldn't know the correct behaviors. I wonder where they got that idea..."

"I don't gape," Trowa protested teasingly as he grinned at his friend.

Relena chuckled softly as she shook her head. "Here will be fine, Duo," she replied as she brought her hands up and removed her gloves. Slowly, she began weaving her hands through the air, a soft vapor coming from them and forming intricate symbols as she chanted softly. Raising an eyebrow, the braided prince shook his head at his friend before returning his attention to the seer's spell. Suddenly, Relena stopped and gazed steadily into the cloud, eyes glowing softly. "The one you seek is near the one who is in Heaven. She cares for his body and waits for they who will find her in the valley of lilies."

"The valley of lilies? You must mean Gorun," Trowa stated softly as he watched her.

Catching the 'valley of lilies' description, Duo asked, "Is that a place that has this one secluded grove in the northern area with a tree who's leaves are silver by day and ruby by night?"

"Yes...though how you know that is beyond me," Trowa muttered as he glanced at Duo suspiciously before turning his gaze back to Relena.

She waved her hand slowly again within the mist. "Beware...the dark one is there as well. His taint is all over the lost one. He is seeking to unbalance and will do what he can," she warned.

Smirking up at Trowa, Duo chuckled. "I'll tell ya later, Tro, about how I know." Turning back to Relena, he nodded. "Thank you for your aid, milady. We'll heed your warning about yon Blackie."

The vaporous images vanished as Relena's eyes ceased glowing. She nodded and smiled at them. "Very well. If you have need of me, I will be with the Healers," she declared before bowing and leaving the room.

Trowa sighed softly, and then murmured, "With your permission, I will take Shay and we shall head immediately for that area."

"Sounds like a plan. Just hold up for a minute. I need to get something to give to you. Come with me to my and Fei's rooms. I'll explain on the way." Rising from his seat, Duo walked to the side door, opening it before turning back to look impatiently at Trowa. Trowa cocked an eyebrow, but followed obediently. He stopped a servant and told him to fetch Shay and bring her to the King's rooms before following Duo. Moving hurriedly through the numerous hallways, his formal garments flowing in the self-created wind, Duo soon came to his room and quickly entered, going to a drawer beside his and Wufei's bed. Trowa came up a few feet away from Duo and waited patiently, hands behind his back.

Rifling through the drawer while murmuring to himself, Duo grinned as he finally found what he'd been looking for. Turning around he held the object out to Trowa. It was a hair tie with raw opals and onyxes woven into the band. "Take this with you. I know that place because some friends of mine go there during their flight to the foaling grounds. It’s a frequent stopping place for them. I want you to call them and ask them to return with you.

Cocking an eyebrow as he took the hairband, Trowa asked softly, "Ookay? What friends?"

Smilingly softly, Duo answered, "My only free ones until I met you lot. They're a band of Pegasi. The tie is made from their hair and the stone's colors stand for their leaders. A pair of stallions: one white and one dark. There's a stone for each member of the herd. I've guarded them when they would cross my father's land, kept him from seeing them. They're old friends of mine. They told me once should I ever believe I have need of their aid or company to use this to call them by adding one of my own hairs to the tie and placing one drop of my blood upon each of the two largest stones. The hair I'll add before you leave, but the blood I'll place in a vial for you to add once you're there. Their nesting place is close to the valley. It'll be easier for them this way. The leaders’ names are Shetan, the black one and Chenarin, the white one. Tell them Duo of Shinigami sent you and they won't think you've done something to me and take offense."

Trowa nodded as he listened to the instructions, filing them away in his mind before grinning reassuringly at Duo. "Don't worry. I won't fail you."

Relieved, Duo smiled broadly. "Thanks. And don't forget to tell them I've found my mate. They'll get a kick out of that. Now to weave this hair in here." Calling to his hair, Duo gently separated one strand from the rest and pulled it out with a wince, before directing it to weave itself into the hair tie. "All done with this. The rest I'll finish at the healers since they have pre-spelled vials that will keep the blood fresh. No sense doing more work than I have to, ne?"

"Sounds good," Trowa replied reassuringly as he took the band and tucked it into one of his pouches. He glanced around and sighed. "Shay...you're late again," he muttered as he rubbed his forehead. With Zechs out of commission, the female twin had become a bit untrustworthy recently.

An amused voice fell into line with the conversation. "No I'm not. We were supposed to meet at the Healers. I was at the Healers, then I started looking for you." Turning to the braided prince, Shay smiled. "Afternoon, Duo."

"Afternoon Shay. It's my fault Tro's here. I needed to get something for you two before you left." Motioning to the band in Trowa's hand, Duo left it to the other to explain.

Trowa nodded. "We should get going. Relena said that the one we need as well as Treize's body will most likely be together in Gorun," he explained with a nod. "With your permission, Duo...we'll get going," he added with a bow of his head.

"After a quick walk to the Healers, if you please. That band is nothing more than a nice adornment without my blood." Checking the egg that was tucked into the spell warmed covers of the bed, Duo smiled before turning to leave, motioning for Trowa and Shay to follow. Sending a questioning glance to Trowa, the eldest twin shrugged before following the young prince.

Trowa smirked reassuringly as he nodded at Duo. "All right...it'll be good to say good bye and to tell Heero where we are heading so he can have the funeral arrangements," he stated as they walked along. Upon arriving at the room after having sped down the now familiar halls with a ground eating pace, Duo waved to Heero and Joren before telling them he'd be back in a second. Walking over to one of the Healers who weren’t too busy, he asked for a vial that was spelled to keep its contents fresh.  Still puzzled over Duo's actions, Shay shook her head before walking over to Zechs’ side after greeting Joren and Heero. Heero tilted his head in curiosity as he watched his brother, then listened to Trowa tell him what was going to be happening. Heero nodded a couple of times in affirmation.

Taking the vial from the returned Healer, Duo moved back to the group of his friends just in time to hear Shay say, "So we're going to contact a herd of Pegasus who are friends with Duo? Sounds good to me. They're good allies."

Taking his seat next to Wufei's bed, Duo nodded. "Aye, they are." Momentarily blocking the conversation after adding his piece, Duo uncapped the vial and called his silvita to him, using it to nick his wrist, where not even a flinch betrayed the pain. Letting the living metal rest upon his arm, he held the vial underneath the nick and pressed against his arm, waiting till the small vial was half full before removing it and asking the silver to wrap around his wrist, effectively bandaging the wound and preventing further bleeding. Capping the vial, he handed it to Trowa. "There. That's finished."

Trowa nodded once as he accepted the vial. He glanced over at Shay. "Let's go. We need to be back within four days. Zechs and his Majesty can't handle much more," he stated firmly.

Upon hearing this, Duo nodded, thinking a moment before speaking, "Trowa, Shay, can your mounts find their ways home on their own?"

Turning back to face Duo, Shay nodded. "Aye, mine can. He's trained too."

"As is mine." Trowa smirked at Shay. "They were all trained by Shay and Shalon, so they'll respond well," he added as he got up. "We'll be back soon."

"Aye...may the gods of the wind protect you both," Heero said quietly.

"Good. When you call the herd, ask for a ride back for the three of you and Treize. So long as you flatter their speed and grace, they should say yes. They're rather vain. Should cut down on the traveling time and good luck." Glancing at his sleeping lover, Duo frowned slightly before moving to meet the others’ gazes.

"Vain huh? So how did you guys meet?" Heero asked wryly then nodded at Shay and Trowa, dismissing them. Trowa nodded back, then glanced at Shay, and headed out.

Waving at the pair, Shay followed Trowa out the door. "We'll certainly ask."

Smiling softly, Duo leaned back in his chair, relaxing. "Quite vain. I met this particular herd a while back. It was about seven years ago. A different male was in charge of the herd. He was an older fellow heading towards the end of his prime. He and his herd had crossed Blackheart’s land for the first time. A storm had prevented them from following their usual route. Blackheart, of course, took notice. I didn't know they were there, but I found out later. He'd took off with his mages like he did when he was in a mood and when he returned they had a two year old black Pegasus with them. That's when everything began."

Shaking his head, Duo relaxed further into his chair, eyes closing slightly as he remembered. "Blackheart likes pretty things, proud things. He likes them because then he can break them. This Pegasus fit both of those requirements. I remember when they dragged him through the gates. His wings were bound to his sides by chains, feathers bent and broken around the areas where the chains dug into his flesh. His legs were shackled and head bound by a halter designed to stop him from breathing at the slightest tug. Truthfully, he was as much crimson as he was black, but he wasn't broken...yet. His eyes still shone as he carried his head high. That night after dinner when Blackheart had finished...disciplining... me I snuck outside and went to the pens to see him. He was there bound in a web of ropes and chains to a series of poles. I crept over to him and reached out to touch his flank, staying clear of his head for the moment. His pelt was the finest velvet. Did you know that Pegasi aren't normal telepaths?"

Heero tilted his head in curiosity as he listened. "No, brother, I did not," he replied softly, encouraging him to continue with a nod.

Nodding, Duo picked up where he'd left off, his soft, smooth voice drifting about the room, "They can mind link if they wish. And wish he did. Suddenly there was this presence in my mind, the one place that was supposed to be my sanctuary, where no one could touch me. I panicked and ran. Blackheart ignored me the next day in favor of his new toy. The presence had dimmed, but not gone away. I heard the echoes of the Pegasus' screams and felt the shadows of his pain. He was still there in my mind, but he'd done nothing untoward to me, so I went back the next night. His coat was a ruddy, brown red now. Painted that way due to blood that had been spilled by the lash and then dried. I touched his mane this time.”

“Once I'd rubbed away some of the blood it felt like slightly soiled silk. He strengthened the link while I stood there. This time instead of running, I asked why. He'd formed the link because he wished to speak with me. He wanted to know why my touch didn't bring pain. He wanted to know why it was pleasurable. Blackheart was the first non-Pegasus he'd ever met. He'd thought that this meant that any touch by one who was not of his kind would bring pain. Now that I look back, he reminds me of Quatre, so innocent. It's funny. I didn't manage to save Quatre when I was older, but I did manage to save Shetan. That was his name. He told me it while we talked and by morning I had another friend. I'd had many, some human, some not. I couldn't save any of the others either, but I managed to save him. We went through the next day. Blackheart decided to let Shetan recover, so he returned his attention to me. Torture is more fun if the one experiencing is able to react. I retreated as I often did to Death and while there I searched for the minds of anyone within his herd. His mind link with them had been broken in the capture. They find nothing wrong or odd about such an intimate contact. I told his herd where he was and that I'd do what I could to help him and anyone who came after him escape. Only one would come: a young white stallion a couple years older than Shetan. Shetan had apparently found him and then mind battled for the right of Chenarin to be adopted into the herd, since his own was dead.” 

“That night I crept to the paddock after nicking a knife and the keys from a guard and began to free him from his bonds and the pen. His wings were a mess, but still usable, barely. Chenarin hid in the cloud cover ahead while I led Shetan to an area where he could get a running start. Leaving him there, I ventured into the beginnings of Death and called Sleep, asking him for his aid. He was intrigued by my tenacity and agreed to keep the castle's occupants asleep for four hours.  We said our good byes, Shetan and I, and then he left. He never disabled the link, but it falls dormant the greater the distance between us." Softly almost to himself, Duo whispered, "There were times when I wished it would disappear, if only so he wouldn't pull me back when I went too far." Then in his earlier tone, he added, "And that is the tale of our meeting and subsequent friendship." Sighing, he shifted in his chair, looking over at Heero.

Heero cocked an eyebrow. "Do you still feel that way, brother?" he asked quietly, glancing slightly at the King, as he lay unconscious.

Shaking his head, Duo lightly caressed Wufei's cheek, "No. How could I with all I have now? For the first time I am free. It is frighteningly wonderful. I don't plan on losing any of it. My retreat kept me sane; Shetan, Joren, and Quatre kept me Sidhe. And one correction, brother: you, Joren, and Quatre are of the same race as Shay, Shalon, and the others. Just from one that holds to a different culture and practice. I am the only one who is truly different, but I am still Sidhe. It is just my abilities are like no other’s. And while I live there will be no other Shinigami in existence."

Heero shook his head. "I know this, brother. But I had tried once to combine my magic with theirs in some ritual. It almost killed us," he explained with a shrug. "Perhaps it is Blackheart's taint."

"Perhaps. I would think it more along the lines of incompatible powers or a magical bond preventing such. I had one upon me until I learned how to remove it. Blackheart neutralizes threats. All children are placed under this block by their fifth birthing day. He prevents rebellions by preventing the people from being able to combine their powers.  The spell is said to protect them from a beast that haunts our lands, devouring any child that does not bear this spell. The fact that any child not bearing it mysteriously dies upon their fifth birthday adds to the tale."

"Hnn...perhaps. Then tell me...how did I survive?" Heero asked as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest lazily.

Shrugging, Duo propped one foot up on Wufei's bed, while he finger-combed the King's hair. "He could have put the block on you as he did me. Besides, there's nothing mysterious about their deaths to those who know. He has a couple of elementals that are bound to hunt down and kill children without the block. From what I gather, he tried to do you in himself. I'm just glad he failed."

"So'm I," Heero muttered with a wry grin as he relaxed. He got up suddenly and yawned, stretching. "I'll get us some food and see how Quatre, Joren, and Shalon are doing," he said as he walked out.

"Sounds good. See ya." Waving, Duo turned his attention back to Wufei. Eyeing the medium sized bed, he gently shifted his lover over and laid down next to him, spooning against his ebony-haired counterpart with one arm curled lightly about the other's waist to hold him close. "Miss you 'Fei." Wufei snuggled instinctively closer to his lover before dropping off into deeper sleep.

Heero walked over to the Healer's hall, looking for the trio he said he was looking for. Resting against a tree, Shalon watched, guarding the group that played tag before him. One of the younger children was currently ‘it’ and chasing Quatre while the blond ran slowly away, purposely staying just out of reach as he smiled and laughed, content for the time being. Heero came into the gardens and smiled slightly as he saw Quatre playing with the children. He went over silently to Shalon and sat down next to him. Nodding, Shalon continued trailing his fingers through the tickling grass. "How is everything?"

"Relena was able to find Treize and surprisingly the next Guardian. Supposedly, the next one is with Treize's body," Heero replied quietly as he watched Quatre giggle and chase the little girl.

Smiling, Shalon looked away from the game before him for a moment. "Which would be why Shay has disappeared. Good. How's Duo doing? I haven't gotten the privilege of working with him in the open sessions yet."

Heero shrugged slightly. "Duo's fine. He's with Wufei at the moment, though I think he greatly misses the King," he replied as he plucked at a grass. He cocked an eyebrow as Quatre ran over and gave some flowers to Shalon before running off again. "He seems better," he noted with a smirk.

Lightly running his fingers over the soft petals, Shalon smiled softly. "Aye, he is. I think he's beginning to come back to himself. His speech has had instances lately where it was less childlike, despite his reactions."

"I'm glad. He, above all, deserves peace," Heero stated with a soft smile. "Has he taken to the Seer's necklace?" he asked as he plucked up some more grass.

Chuckling, Shalon waved a hand in the youth's direction, "Quite. He never goes anywhere without it. I'm beginning to wonder if he sleeps with it. I've never seen anyone so delighted over a gift. It's as refreshing as it is sad."

"Aye. But at least he wasn't hurt by it. A good take then,” Heero said in approval.

Breaking off some of the green tufts, Shalon held them up for his inspection before letting them fall through his fingers. "True. He'll have to be told its true purpose one day, but not now."

"Why ever? If he is happy and at peace, we needn't ever mention its true purpose," Heero stated with a shrug. "I believe that was the intent."

Rolling his eyes, Shalon lightly jarred Heero's shoulder. "Because when he comes to himself he will most likely find out its purpose and understand the necessity, but still it is nicer to be told when you've been duped than to discover it on your own."

Shrugging, Heero smirked at his friend. "We'll see. You're his lover...decide on your own," he commented with a teasing wink.

Raising an eyebrow, Shalon shook his head, long hair brushing against the grass. "Not in the sense that you mean. Not yet. Maybe one day though."

"Never meant that way," Heero retorted lightly then sighed as he got up. "Ah well...tell Joren if he pops by that I was looking to see if he was all right. I must get food for Duo and get back to my post," he declared with a stretch.

Waving his hand towards the fringe of trees, Shalon snickered softly "He probably won't be by for a bit. After Trowa left, he disappeared up one of the Tellurian trees. He's hooked."

Heero laughed as he walked off, waving. "That's fine! I'll see you later!" he said before going.

TBC

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