Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 3/?
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, incest, rape, fantasy, yaoi, shounen-ai, OCs, lemon/lime later (knowing me….)
Pairings: Varied, but the main is 2+/x5x2, 1xOCx4 (and vice versa), 3xOCx3
Rating: Varied, but this is PG-13
Note: This is an ongoing ficcie between Nightshadow and me (DA)! Hope you like! We have another one in the works….that’s just drooooly! Please review!

‘thoughts’
*thoughts*

Turning, Duo found himself staring at a sword again. "You know someone REALLY needs to stop sending out ‘Kill Duo’ announcements. It’s getting annoying. And I wasn't doing anything to 'Fei, except planning a good joke, which shall now have to wait for another day. Why'd ya have to show up and spoil it?" Sighing, he pouted most pitifully.

"Because it’s our job to make sure he stays safe and we have no idea who you are."

"Shalon, do stop parroting Heero. We have enough cold voices to scare the dead. Sheesh. We're his bodyguards." This came from a young female who was identical to the second male who'd spoken, right down to the knives being tossed in her hands.

Cobalt blue eyes narrowed as they glared down at the longhaired man. "Step away from his Majesty," Heero ordered quietly.

Wufei growled softly. "Put away your swords...he is my....friend," he commanded softly as he stood up.

Sticking his tongue out at the first one who'd spoken, Duo smiled as he stood beside Wufei. "Nice to meet you all. I'm Duo Maxwell." Turning back to his friend, he grinned. *He called me friend.* "See, I told you the clangers would be less troublesome. The cluckers would have been screeching and fainting all over the place."

Wufei chuckled softly as he saw Heero lower his sword. "You are really asking for trouble, you do know that, right?" Wufei asked as he smiled.

Trowa walked over and suggested, "Mayhaps introductions are in order, your Majesty."

Looking about, Duo identified the speaker as a tall boy with oddly shaped bangs and emerald green eyes. "Of course they are." He turned to look at the others, taking in Heero's messy hair and piercing blue gaze, the twins’ long hair and amber colored eyes. *I wonder if he realizes he's got some of the most gorgeous people around for bodyguards? None more so than him of course. * He turned back to Wufei. "Who me? Trouble's my pet, 'Fei. Do you really think he'd desert me?" A grin spread across his face at that.

Wufei grinned back, not seeing the glance that passed between Heero and Trowa at the familiarity and relaxation between their King and this stranger. Clearing his throat, Wufei said, "Duo, these are my bodyguards. Heero, Trowa, Shay, and Shalon." He pointed to each guard as he said their names. "This is Duo. He is someone I rescued and is now staying here," he stated softly, adding silently, 'Forever I hope...'

Nodding to each, Duo smiled. "As I said before, nice to meet you. You know you really did spoil a great opportunity for a prank."

Wufei snickered as Trowa and Heero looked at each other in silent bemusement. "Duo...I would be careful..." Wufei warned with a grin.

Trowa smiled slightly. 'So...our king may have found the one, is it? I haven't seen him this relaxed in years,' he thought to himself.

Flicking his braid over his shoulder, Duo crossed his arms and grinned broadly. "But, 'Fei, if I was careful then I'd never have any fun. I mean there'd be no sharp, pointy things to avoid, or abrupt introductions. And just what, may I ask, would be fun about that? I mean, look at how I met you. You have to admit it was rather memorable."

Two sets of amber eyes watched the exchange between the two before Shay, with a smile, broke in. "Well, I suppose nice to meet you as well. Do you enjoy being a target, perhaps? If so I can use some aiming practice. Then you'd have plenty of sharp pointy things to avoid."

Tugging his twin’s braid, Shalon shook his head. "Please don't give her ideas. She really doesn't need them."

Wufei brought his hand up and rubbed his forehead as he grinned, while Trowa and Heero just stared at the talking braided one. "Does he really have a death wish?" Heero asked quietly and Trowa snickered softly.

Wufei smirked. "Well...I'm not sure since he nearly slit himself on my sword tip," he answered and they chuckled.

Grinning, Duo waved his braid tip in Wufei's face. "Now, as I remember it, you were the one who kept trying to behead me. I was just dodging, though I guess there was one point where I almost did. Hmm. Oh well. Doesn't matter with me. But you did snip my hair." Cocking an eyebrow in amusement, Wufei just stared down Duo, smirking.

Trowa and Heero cocked their eyebrows, intrigued. "You missed him, sire? You never miss," Trowa stated, his soft voice curious.

Walking up, Shay poked Duo lightly. "Well, he's solid so that can't be the reason."

Laughing at the innocent play on his twin's face Shalon shook his head, teasingly. "As much as you practice and yet you missed?"

Duo just grinned while the other tried to stare him down. "You know, 'Fei, that's really not much of a glare. And he only missed the last two times. First time, he got my hair's tail end. It's still complaining."

Heero and Trowa's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by 'complaining'?" Heero asked coldly, his hand going to the hilt of his sword.

Wufei turned a glare towards the two swordsmen. "Stand...down..." he murmured threateningly, not moving, but exuding confidence. He wasn't the king for nothing.

"Sire...he may still be a danger..." Trowa protested softly, but stopped as the glare was turned on him.

Shalon nodded moving to stand by Heero, while Shay just raised her hand to her face muttering about testosterone. "Heero, I hate to burst your bubble, but if he wanted to hurt His Majesty he would and could have already tried to do so."

Duo looked on the three who seemed to think he was once more a threat, and then winked at Shay. "You know, 'Fei. These guys are really on edge. Don't they ever do anything besides think of who's going to kill you? It's a crime really, such a crime. And by complaining, I mean complaining as in ‘Owie I can't believe the sharp thingy did that’. You're fun to rile up, by the way." He turned back to Wufei, still grinning. "This day just gets better. How many cluckers do you think will faint?"

Wufei sighed softly as he looked away. "Who knows...I'm rather disappointed in my bodyguards since they seem to think that I am very much defenseless and stupid," he stated softly, anger in his voice.

"Sire...we didn't..." Heero tried to protest, but was cut off by Wufei.

"Enough...it is time for me to go inside and deal with the court. Duo has free rein to go where he wants in this palace. And IF he wishes to see me, he is welcomed!" Wufei declared stiffly as Heero and Trowa bowed their heads in acceptance of his decree. With a final glance at Duo, Wufei walked back to the palace swiftly, anger clear in his stance.

Sighing, Duo shook his head. "You know, he REALLY needs to lighten up a bit." Turning back to the others, he smiled wryly. "And it’s not really his fault he didn't hit me. I'm a fast little bugger. I think it goes with being a thief. By the way, Shay I think this is yours." Grinning he held up a small crystal dagger.

"WHAT! Why...how...I wasn't there that long!" Still disbelieving, Shay accepted her dagger back.

Grinning, Duo flipped his braid back over his shoulder, fingering a few loose strands. "Told you I was quick."

Turning his head to the side slightly, Shalon nodded. "Point proven and I think we have a king to apologize to."

Heero looked over at Duo, eyes narrowed in suspicion. "A silvita being...it can't be..." he whispered softly in disbelief.

Trowa looked over at him in surprise. "But those are a myth!" he hissed out.

Shrugging, Duo grinned. "So are Shinigamis. Actually they're one and the same. A shinigami usually just has one characteristic though."

"So that's how you got her dagger." Shaking his head, Shalon smiled. "Looks like he got ya sis."

"You have both?!" Heero hissed out angrily. "And you would dare to be near our King?"

Trowa glared at Heero. "One would think it would be an honor," he stated coolly, earning a glare from Heero.

Sighing, Shay turned to Heero, motioning for Duo to wait a moment. "Ummm, Heero. You have a healer as a life-mate, yes?"

Heero glared over at Shay. "Your point?" he asked coldly. Trowa sighed and shook his head.

Not fazed by the voice or glare, she continued. "And since he's my brother, I'm sure you've heard of the rarest of Healers, a soul-walker, correct." Eyes narrowing, not liking being mocked, Heero just growled an affirmative. Glaring right back at him, Shay motioned to Duo. "Well, now, you've just met one. And from the fact he has both characteristics, I'd say he's the strongest one to have lived in centuries."

Grinning, Shalon nodded. "She's right."

Heero rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Your point?" he asked roughly in exasperation.

Trowa sighed loudly. "Heero, quit being an ass! He won't be beaten by your sword!" he cried and shook his head.

Sighing, Shay glared at him. "I am beginning to wonder how on earth Larak fell in love with you. My point is that he can travel to Death's Realm and walk spirits not yet entirely through the realm back to their body without dying himself. Any other healer would die in the attempt and chances are it wouldn't succeed anyway."

Nodding, Shalon turned to Heero. "In that she's right. Soul-walkers aren't the best with physical wounds, but soul wounds and souls they can heal and save with an ease that would send other healers to their death."

Stunned, Duo looked between the two. "I...I'm a Healer?"

Heero ignored the braided man as he asked, "And you are lecturing me on this for what reason again?" Trowa rubbed the bridge of his nose and headed into the palace to be with Wufei.

Exasperated himself, Shalon tossed his hands in the air. "To get you to ease up on him. All he's done is befriend the king, which is not a crime. His Majesty needs a friend. You know that! You've even said it!" Nodding, Shay just watched.

Heero rolled his eyes and sheathed his sword. "He does need friends...but what makes you think that man is going to be the one?" he asked quietly, slight worry in his eyes as he gazed at his fellow bodyguards.

Shaking her head, Shay sighed. "Maybe, just maybe, because the king ACTUALLY likes him! He laughed. He teased him. He got angry when anything was said against him. He CARED damnit. It wasn't just manners or duty, it was honest to goodness CARING! Is THAT good enough for you?"

"No....it isn't good enough for me....and neither should it be for you," Heero replied shortly. "Our King...brought us into his lives to protect him...and just because some....guy....says he wants to be with his Majesty does NOT mean we go back on our oaths!" he snarled at the twins, and then cast a glare at Duo. "One warning to you, Duo of the Shinigami. You hurt our King in ANY way...and expect my sword through your lying throat," he declared dangerously, then walked quickly back to the castle.

Blinking, Duo watched him go. "Hmm. I think someone slept on the couch last night..." Then, grinning, he yelled after him. "I may run and hide, but I don't lie sourpuss!"

Smiling nervously, Shay looked from Shalon to Duo. "Ummm...Duo...I don't think that was a good idea..." A flying dagger flew through the air right towards Duo and landed in the tree right next to him. Heero turned and continued his walking, satisfied.

Raising an eyebrow, Duo picked up a small stone, took aim and threw it at Heero's butt. "Thanks for the dagger!"

Looking at his sister, Shalon shook his head despairingly. "He HAS to have a death wish to have done that!"

"Drat, missed him." Duo turned back to the twins. "So, what you said earlier is true? I am a healer?"

Nodding, Shalon smiled. "Yes you are."

Smiling wryly, Shay leaned against her brother. "I'm guessing you didn't know then."

"Nope I had no idea. I've walked a few souls back, but never considered it healing." Shrugging, Duo smiled and motioned to the palace. "So are we going to look for 'Fei? I want to see how many cluckers faint."

Pushing Shay off of him, Shalon nodded. "We can. You do know though that we will stand with Heero if you ever do hurt him, even if it’s not physically."

"I know and would think you quite despicable if you didn't. So, lead on double cat eyes." Nodding, Shay moved off, heading for the private conference room. Duo smiled, placing himself behind her, while Shalon took up the rear.

*~~**~~*

Wufei glanced up as Trowa entered into the hall, nodding as he took his stance at Wufei's right. Heero came in not long after looking like he was ready to break something, but it quickly was hidden under his cold mask as he stood on Wufei's left. Sighing softly, Wufei returned his attention to what the advisors were saying. Walking in, Shay motioned Duo to step in front of her and to the middle, while Shalon took up his post behind and to the left of Trowa. Once Duo was in position, Shay moved behind and to the right of Heero, placing Duo in the center of their circle.

Waving subtly at Heero, Duo held his dagger out to him hilt first and out of sight of any of those seated. He whispered, barely audible. "Here. Laugh a little and you might just be a decent guy. And if I do, I'll let you stick it down my gullet, 'K?" Tossing him a nasty glare, Heero took the dagger back and tucked it to its hidden place.

Wufei sighed softly, bored as usual, until one topic brought his attention. "What do you mean the King of our neighbors is asking to come here?" he asked softly, eyes concerned.

The advisor bowed deeply. "Sire...the king says that he is looking for an escapee and claims that sources say he escaped here. We have heard of no such thing," he replied, sniffing almost in disdain.

Wufei smirked. "That is because you don't pay attention," he stated softly.

Blanching, Duo clenched his fists. *Oh shit...*

“And you do, Sire?" spoke up another chick...ummm advisor.

Wufei glared at the advisor. "What else does the King from Illvarian want?" he asked coldly, startling all of the advisors.

"Well, sire, he was also wondering if we had any ways of accessing the mortal realms. All of his gate mages are exhausted or too old, and he has lost access." Smiling at having delivered, what he believed, was not all that bad a request, the over-weight bald man sat back down.

Mouth, twisting into a somewhat disturbing smile, Duo muttered to himself, "Good. I hope he NEVER gets access, damn bastard."

Heero and Trowa glanced slightly at Duo, but said nothing as Wufei stated, "You can tell the King of Illvarian that he is...denied."

The advisors all stood up, shouting their surprise. "Majesty?! Why?" one shouted.

Wufei glared at him and replied, "I have given asylum to the one he searches for...and to the reason he no longer has a gate mage."

They all gasped in shock. "Majesty! This will cause war!" one skinny advisor cried angrily.

Wufei chuckled softly. "Have you no faith in our protection?" he asked softly.

"Of course we do!" another shouted. "But what harm could come of agreeing to his request. He does not ask for all that much."

Snorting softly, Duo shook his head, muttering, "Idiot. He asks for what could increase his power. He has enough as is." Shrugging their shoulders at the somewhat cryptic comment, Shay and Shalon turned back to the argument at hand.

Wufei raised a finger, silencing them. "I have made my choice. You will speak no more of it and send out a messenger with my reply," he declared softly.

"But Sire...listen to us, please!" a final plea came from one advisor.

Wufei growled softly. "I have heard enough! If that is all you have to say, then you are dismissed!" he snapped out.

Raising an eyebrow, Duo smiled softly. *He's so cute when angry. Makes me think of fire. Ebony fire.*

Heero cocked an eyebrow at this as they watched the advisors leave the hall. Wufei sighed softly and rubbed his head. "Blasted cluckers," he murmured.

Trowa smirked fleetingly as he said, "You do mean advisors, right?"

Grinning, Duo patted Wufei lightly on the back. "Nah. He’s got it right. They're a bunch of cluckers. I thought you said they had brains. They sure didn't show any just now."

"They've got less brains than courage," Wufei replied softly, looking up and smiling slightly at Duo.

Heero snorted softly, smirking as Trowa chuckled. "Looks like you are safe for now," Heero commented as he looked over at the braided man.

Snorting, Duo rolled his eyes. "So are you if you'd stop and think for a moment. There was a reason for the access request."

Sighing again as he rubbed his face, Wufei explained, "He wants to try and invade...and if he got Duo...we'd all be doomed."

Shaking his head, Duo smiled wryly. "Yes and no. With just me, he probably wouldn't be able to totally take you over. But if he'd gotten the access to the mortal world, it wouldn't have mattered all that much if he had me."

Wufei looked down, slightly pale. "I need to rest," he stated quietly and got up.

"Sire? Are you alright?" Trowa asked softly as he stepped closer to the king. Wufei shrugged and walked away slowly.

Worried, Duo looked at each of the guards, then shrugged and followed Wufei. *After all, someone should look after him.*

"Where are you headed," asked Shay.

Pointing at the slowly trudging figure in front of him, Duo answered, "Wherever 'Fei is."

Heero frowned, but Trowa smiled slightly. "Take care of him, Duo...we'll be standing watch outside of his quarters," he stated softly.

Smiling at Heero, Shay glanced at the closed door. "They'll be fine. He'll look after his Majesty. And eventually we'll find out what all those comments meant."

Heero glanced over at Shay. "Hnn," was his reply as he headed for his own quarters.

Trowa sighed. "Shalon...want to take the first watch with me?" he asked.

Smiling, Shay turned back to Trowa and Shalon. "Well, looks like he'll come around yet."

Trowa snorted softly and snickered. "Right...and I'm a blond. He'll tolerate Duo..." he replied, then headed out for the King's wing. Waving to his twin, Shalon followed Trowa.

"He'll come around eventually. Just hate to think what it'll take to get him to," muttered Shay as she left to go visit her little brother and see if he would help with his mate.

*~~**~~*

Wufei stopped and looked over his shoulder. "What?" he asked quietly, surprised.

Smiling, Duo walked quickly to catch up with him. "Nothing much. Just the beginnings of a beautiful friendship. Now let’s get you to bed."

Wufei looked at the braided man in slight confusion. "Ok..." he replied quietly, and then started off again for his wing. He got them there, finding his room quickly and stepped into his large bedchambers. He walked over to his closet, shucking off his belt and crown before taking out his hair tie, sighing in relief.

Smirking, Duo chuckled softly. "Thought it was head-ache tight." Walking up behind Wufei, he lightly pushed the other man over and into a chair. "Hold on a sec…anger-tense muscles aren't good for sleeping. Would you mind a shoulder rub?"

Wufei sighed softly. "Ok...if you want," he replied softly as he tried to relax. "Duo...I'm sorry for their actions....they're just trying to do their job," he murmured miserably. 'And trying to take away any of my joy...'

Hugging him gently before moving behind him, Duo smiled as he began to relax Wufei's shoulders. "I know. That's why I call them cluckers. And you did well by refusing them. The power he would have gained from the mortals’ deaths and from my weapons would have been immense. It would have made him hard to beat or more like next to impossible."

Wufei shivered, swallowing hard at that thought. "I'll keep you safe, Duo..." he whispered softly, then moaned as a particularly large knot was hit. "You've got good hands..." he murmured softly, a light smile crossing his lips.

Still smiling, Duo continued working with the sore muscles. "I know and thanks. I take it you haven't slept much?"

Wufei grunted as another knot was hit. "No, didn't sleep last night....and the affects of the barrier are..." He sighed and winced again, then shrugged. Another moan left his throat as he relaxed back, leaning against Duo.

Continuing with his administrations, Duo lightly cuffed the other man. "You should take better care of yourself. Have you eaten anything?"

Shrugging again, Wufei shook his head, rubbing against Duo with his slight movements. "No time sometimes..." he mumbled, and then smirked slightly.

Running his hand lightly down the now relaxed muscles, Duo smirked. "Well, now there is time and you will get some rest and eat." With that said, he scooped the young King into his arms and carried him over to the large bed where he deposited his not unwelcome burden. "Now, stay here, and don't fall asleep yet. I'll be right back." Running quickly to the door, he poked his head out and asked for Trowa and Shalon to send for some fruit before ducking back in the room. "There."

Wufei stretched out on the bed, yawning hugely. "You are persistent," he commented with a slight smile. He reached down and slipped his pants off, glad he had a long tunic on. A knock was heard at the door and he smirked. "Food's here."

"Good." Opening the door, Duo snatched it from its bearer and with a 'thanks', closed the door and walked back over to Wufei, seating himself on the edge of the bed. "And now you need to eat something."

Wufei smiled slightly up at him as he sat up slightly. "And are you feeding me as well?" he asked jokingly.

Raising an eyebrow, Duo smiled innocently. "Depends on whether or not you eat yourself. It looks pretty good to me. They even have strawberries." Still smiling he placed the tray between them and picked up a strawberry for himself. "Mmm. I was right. It's good. Now, eat." Chuckling softly, Wufei leaned over and grabbed a piece of melon. Taking a bite into it, he tried to wipe up the juice as it dribbled down his chin. Laughing softly, Duo smiled. "You know, being messy IS allowed. No one but me here to see." Still laughing, he grabbed a few grapes and proceeded to try to catch them in his mouth.

Laughing, Wufei sat up and took off his tunic, dressed now in just a light sleeveless shift. "Yes, well, I don't need fruit juice on my tunic. The cleaners have a fit," he stated archly as he tossed the tunic across the room. He grabbed a berry and bit into it.

Nodding, Duo turned his gaze on the plate of fruit. *He doesn't even realize what he just did! Gods! I'm being seduced by one who's not even trying to.* Taking a piece of melon, he focused on savoring the sweet taste. *I think he'd taste better though...*

Wufei grabbed another piece of melon and bit into it, ignoring the juice as it dribbled down. He moaned softly in delight. "This is my favorite melon..." he declared in relish.

*And this is the most pleasant torture I've ever been subjected too.* "I can see why. It's quite sweet. Feel better, now that you're eating?" Wufei grinned at his friend and nodded before picking up a black berry. He slipped it into his mouth and chewed on it slowly, relishing the soft taste. Watching the other enjoy the simple food, Duo smiled. "So tell me. How often do you 'forget' to take care of yourself? You're a bit on the thin side and have shadow eyes." Wufei looked at him with a melon piece on the way to his mouth. He popped it in and shrugged, licking his lips to get the last of the juice. Taking another piece for himself, Duo just shook his head. "That in no way answer my question."

Wufei looked at him innocently. "I'm a King....we don't get to rest that often. And I am also a Barrier Guardian," he stated, shrugging slightly, then bit into another strawberry slowly, a grin on his face.

Sighing, Duo flopped backwards on the bed. "And when the King collapses from exhaustion and neglect, then what? Your clangers dress up a little doll and have someone animate it till you're better? I'm suuuuuure that'd work just fine."

Wufei sighed softly. "Duo....it's alright. You see, those of us who are Guardians, we have a stronger fortitude. We can last longer. It's the magic in our blood. The only reason it got to me today was..." He bit his lip, looking away.

Sitting back up, Duo watched him curiously. "Go on. Please?"

"Because I let my worry take control of my emotions and that helped drain me a bit more," Wufei answered quietly, looking at his hands.

"Ahhh. Well, there's nothing wrong with that, so long as you rest. Worrying can be a good thing. It’s what friends do, some of the time. Not all of it, mind you." Smiling broadly, Duo reached around the platter and pulled the other man into a tight hug.

Wufei found himself snuggling closer to the other man, wrapping his arms tightly around Duo. "I want to protect you, Duo...."

Smiling tenderly, Duo pulled the other tighter. " I know. And I wish to do the same for you."

Sighing softly, Wufei laid his head on Duo's shoulder. “I have enough bodyguards...I...want..." He trailed off, suddenly very much the young man he was and not the king.

Trailing his fingers along the other's back, Duo chuckled softly. "Who said anything about me being a bodyguard? There are more ways to protect someone than just their life."

Wufei shifted slightly, arching a bit into the touches unconsciously. "Like....what?" he asked quietly, curious.

Moving so that the ebony-haired man was pressed closer to him, Duo whispered in his ear. "By guarding their heart, seeing them happy, caring and loving them. There are so many ways. What do you say we take the time to see which ones suit us, hmm?"

Wufei blinked in surprise, his breath hitching to a stop as he sat in the other man's arms. "R-really?" he found himself asking, then blinked again, shocked that he actually wanted to. In truth...the thought of love had never come to him, so great were his duties.

Laughing softly, Duo hugged his friend, and maybe something more, tightly. "Yes, really. I wouldn't have proposed it otherwise. So, what do you say?"

Tightening his own hold, Wufei buried his face into Duo's shoulder, nodding. "P-please?" he asked quietly, uncertainly.

Taking hold of the platter, Duo placed it on the bedside table. "Of course. And now, let’s get you asleep. We have as much time as we choose to figure everything out and if I remember correctly, you nearly fell asleep walking here." Holding Wufei close, Duo stretched out on the bed. "Sleep is a good thing and should never be underrated."

Wufei smiled slightly at Duo and nodded. He turned onto his side and laid his head on his arm. "Good night then...I guess..." he murmured softly.

Keeping his hold on the other, Duo smiled. "I, for one think it'll be a perfect night." Smiling softly, Wufei nodded, and then closed his eyes. Slowly, he snuggled closer to the other man before sleep took him, a gentle smile on his lips. Relaxing into the soft covers and warmth of his companion, Duo smiled softly, tenderness reflected in his eyes as they gazed on the sleeping form before them till they too lost the battle with sleep.

TBC

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