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The Shadowman	By : ColdSilence Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2328 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing/AC, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 15
- 16
- 17
Title: The Shadowman

Author: Cold Silence

E-Mail: writer.coldsilence@gmail.com

Category: Alternate Universe. Medieval Times.

Pairings: Revealed so far = 4 x Relena, Odin x Catherine, 5 x Merian, 1+2, Tsuberov x 9

Warnings: NC-17. Yaoi. OOC. (I'm TRYING to keep them IC...but I don't think I've succeeded.) Death. Squick. Incest. NCS.

The Shadowman

-Chapter Fifteen-

The journey to the dungeons was done in silence. They only stopped at Duo's room to replace Heero's rags with new clothes, before continuing on to fetch the girls to heal him. Upon opening the cell door, they found both Marie and Meia sitting up in their beds, as if they had been waiting for their arrival.

Meia gestured at Heero to come closer, which he obeyed with a puzzled look. While she set to work on his wounds, Marie began speaking.

"I had a dream that something awful would happen to Heero-kun."

This brought a surprised look to Duo's face. "You can tell the future?"

"Iie." Red strands danced along her shoulders as she shook her head. "I cannot see the future directly, only get a vague impression of it sometimes."

"But tonight, the impression was strong." A light emerged from Meia's fingertips, and the gash along Heero's arm began to fade. "There is a great evil in the castle."

"Not for long. If he's not gone by sunrise he can consider himself flambéed." With a curl of his fists, Duo produced a small pillar of fire that danced along his knuckles.

"Things are not what they seem. 'The innocent have been called guilty.' I heard those words in my dream."

Duo shifted his gaze to Heero, who was experimentally flexing his healed arm. Though his features were blank, his eyes burned with an unsatisfied fury. Once Meia had finished with him, he stood up without a word and left their cell.

"Since Heero is in an antisocial mood, I'll say thanks for him." The Shadowman flashed a grateful smile at the girls, whom only continued to give him somber looks.

"A great sorrow awaits you both. Please be careful, Duo-kun."

"Thank you, but," Duo began to turn to the exit, a determined look on his face, "I'd like to think I'm in control of my own future. Goodnight Marie, Meia."

"Oyasumi." (1) The girls watched Duo close their cell door, pausing to wave at them one last time before disappearing down the hallway. "They really have no idea."

"Tch, not a clue." Marie gathered her blankets before flopping back into bed. "Baka boys."

------------------------------------

A couple days later, Quatre found himself at the head of a table, facing a potentially explosive situation. To his left sat Treize Khushenada, who was doing his best to stay civil under the circumstances. On the right was his Shadowman, who was glaring at Treize so hard it was a wonder he didn't spontaneously combust. He resisted the urge to rub at his aching temples from the ensuing headache.

"Alright, lets go over the facts one more time." Blue-green eyes shifted from the Lord to the glaring boy, lingering a bit as if to chastise him for his behavior. "Three days ago, the servant Heero Lowe was personally requested to come to Lord Khushenada's room. He was seen entering, but not leaving the room. Fifteen minutes later, Duo arrives at the guest wing and goes on a rampage throwing open doors, and scaring the occupants half to death before finally arriving at Treize's room."

"That's right." Although his answer was for the king, the intense gaze that was fixed on the man across from him didn't waver.

"And you say you found him sexually assaulting this Heero?"

"Yes." Amethyst orbs began to darken until they were nearly black.

"I don't deny it." Treize's response was curt, as if he were getting tired of doing this over and over again.

"In any case, that's when Duo knocked you out."

"It was quite a pain to get the blood off my coat afterwards."

At Duo's low growl, Quatre made a silencing motion with his hands, and the Shadowman settled down once more. "When you came to consciousness, the guests reported that you were went stalking down the hallways with sword drawn, demanding Heero's whereabouts. You still don't remember this?"

Treize shook his head negative.

"You wounded many of our guards before Lord Chang managed to put you down. The next two days we've had to restrain you because you continued rave like a lunatic for your "true love" to return to you. Nothing we did would bring you back to your senses, and the doctors said the only mercy we could give you was death."

"Which can still be arranged," muttered Duo icily beneath his breath.

"As a last resort, we brought you to the Mystics in our dungeons, whose talents have identified the enchantment placed upon you and removed it."

"If I may ask, my King." At this point, Treize leaned forwards and placed an elbow on the table. "Why couldn't the Shadowman do the healing?"

"My purpose is to destroy." Stealing the chance for the king to respond, Duo answered for himself. "I don't heal."

"Be that as it may, do you recall when the spell was first placed upon you?"

Treize tilted his head to the left, golden brows furrowing as he tried to recall that night. "I was retiring to my room when I first felt the change. I had taken a sip of my wine, and everything is a blank after that."

"Whose to say that you didn't intend to take Heero for yourself anyway? I saw the way you were looking at him." The Shadowman leaned forwards, as if he were ready to leap across the table and strangle the man. "Everyone knows your reputation."

"I'll admit, my tastes are...eclectic." For the first time since they gathered into the room, Treize looked Duo squarely in the eyes. "And I am very straight forwards in my methods. This is because the people I am interested in tend not to be so..delicate." A self-indulgent grin then spread over those lips. "However, I assure you that all my partners have been willing."

An unbidden image of Heero walking into Khushenada's room to be ravished willingly, had Duo's blood boiling with so much jealousy that his chair began to creak under the force of his grip on the armrests.

Quatre cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable with the current topic. "Treize, you were sworn to the Dark and my family ever since you were nine years old. Your loyalty has never faltered in all the years I've known you. Because of this, and the fact that you were not of your mind when the events happened, I will let you go without punishment."

Immediately, the man stood up so that he could bow deeply to the king. "Thank you your majesty, you truly are gracious and merciful in your actions." At Quatre's nod, he straightened up once more, and turned to face the seething Duo. "I tried to contact your friend to give him my apologies, but he did not wish to receive me. That is perfectly understandable, however I regret not having his forgiveness."

"I'll let him know."

Treize inclined his head in a nod of thanks, before adding, "And do I have your forgiveness?"

"No."

His answer drew a shocked look from Quatre. Treize's expression turned wry, as if he were expecting this. "It's just as well. If I may be excused." One last, deferent bow was given to the king and the Shadowman, before he proceeded to leave the meeting room. Once he had left the premises, Quatre gave Duo a sharp look.

"That wasn't necessary!"

"You weren't there to see what happened."

"But his apology was sincere!" Quatre shook his head, before lowering his voice to a soothing tone. "Duo, you've been acting different lately. Is something wrong?"

The Shadowman fidgeted beneath that searching, aqua gaze. "What's wrong with acting different? Everyone changes."

"There hasn't been a single instance of mischief from you since the ball. Sally is beginning to think you've come down with something." The king inched his way forwards, causing Duo to shy away until he was flush against the back of his chair. "What are you hiding from me?"

"N..nothing!" Duo immediately knew that Quatre was prying into his emotions; the way his eyes seemed to look through him was a dead giveaway. In a way, it made him feel completely naked.

"You're in love..." His voice was hushed with quiet awe. There were so many conflicting feelings behind the uttered realization; happiness at his friend's newly found passion, and sadness because it was a sign that their time together was becoming limited. "Who is she? It is Lady Catalonia isn't it?"

"Her? No way!"

"Lady Schbeiker then? I've been hearing rumors about you kissing, is it true?"

"I am NOT in love!"

"Why are you lying to me?" A hurt look marred the features of his cherubic face. "You've never lied to me before."

"I'm not lying." Duo took a deep breath, attempting to calm his nerves. "I'm not in love with any of those girls."

"Someone else then?"

"It's not love." He averted his eyes, and wished that they had never started this conversation.

Quatre didn't need his bond to the Shadowman to know he was in denial. He understood that falling in love must be a frightening experience, so he decided to leave it at that. In the end, nature would take its course, and eventually they would find out this woman's identity. As nosey as the servants were in this castle, it was only a matter of time until Duo's secret affair was found out.

He smiled brightly, laughter tickling to get out when Duo became even more wary at the expression. It disappeared however, when he realized they had to move on to the second topic of this meeting. Clearing his throat, he folded his hands over the table and broke the news as best as he could. "Before you go, there's something I have to tell you. The houses have somehow found out about Marie and Meia."

Duo stiffened from his place. "How? Nobody but Wufei and ourselves know of their existence."

The king shook his head ruefully. "I don't know. But as can be expected, the people are scared. They want the girls killed."

"You'll fix it won't you?"

Quatre blinked at the open expression on the Shadowman's face. Duo was smiling broadly, displaying his complete confidence in his friend and king.

"We know they're innocent, I'm sure you'll find a way around it. You didn't become king just because you look good in snazzy robes."

"Duo," he was surprised when the Shadowman stood from his place, and pressed his palms to his shoulders. He was still smiling, violet eyes dimmed to a deep velvet due to the shadow cast by his bangs.

"As Heero would say, daijoubu." (2)

The king could only blink in amazement as Duo turned around, and walked out of the room humming a peculiar song under his breath. He had no idea what 'daijoubu' meant, but he did know one thing for sure. Duo was acting like a man in love. Heads over heels, hopelessly, utterly in love.

------------------------------------

It's not like that.

"Yo, Heero!"

The servant returned the jovial greeting with an annoyed glare. He was currently on his knees, attempting to replace one of the thirty doorknobs the Shadowman had wrecked in his search a few days ago.

We're just friends, I don't think of him that way.

"Hahah! Are you mad that they made you fix the doorknobs? You don't have to glare, I'll help."

"You wouldn't know the first thing about repairing a doorjamb."

"Good point. Ok then, I'll just hold the box for you! How's that?"

The toolbox beside Heero began to levitate off the ground, and hovered beside a grinning Duo. The servant gave him a flat look for showing off, before standing and pacing towards the next door to be fixed. The other boy was not far behind, and was merrily singing lyrics in a soft voice as the toolbox obediently floated behind him.

"Flying away, Kimi no tame nara jiyuu ni nareru flying..." (3)

"Don't you get tired of teasing me?"

"Eh?" Duo honestly looked confused at Heero's question. "How was I teasing you?"

"That song." He spared a scowl at the other boy before kneeling beside yet another door to fix. "How did you learn the words to it?"

"There were words?" Duo gave the servant an odd look as he leaned against the wall. He thought he was humming all this time, and had no idea he was actually singing.

"Are you drunk?" Heero peered up at Duo, searching for signs of inebriation in that heart shaped face.

"Of course I'm not drunk! What does me being drunk have to do with singing?"

"You were speaking Nihongo again. That only happens when you're drunk." Finding no traces of alcohol on Duo's person, he turned back to his task. He plucked a screwdriver from the floating toolbox, obviously used to the strange happenings around the Shadowman.

"I do?" He scratched the back of his head in thought. Actually, that one night of intoxication was a blur, except for near the end when he began to sober a bit. He tried not to remember the thoughts that came to mind that time they said goodbye. "The melody has been stuck in my head all day."

Heero furrowed his brows a bit, but said nothing. The strange thing was that the same song had been stuck in his head all day as well.

"So how about teaching me Nihongo then?" He took the answering grunt he got in return as a yes. "How do you say hello?"

"Konnichiwa."

"Ooook. How about.." His gaze traveled over the hallway, and he began picking out random things for Heero to translate. "Candle."

"Kyandoru."

"Floor."

"Yuka."

"I'm an idiot with zero personality."

Heero gave him a dark look. Apparently, he wasn't going to fall for that.

Duo chuckled at the ominous expression on his face. "Kidding! You're so grumpy." After a while of silence, he resumed their little word game. He picked out a pair of moonlighting servants down the hall, and began naming things from there. "Couple."

"Futari."

"Smile."

"Emi."

"Kiss."

"Seppun."

"Love."

"Aijou."

"I love you."

"Aishiteru.."

Both of them froze at the same time. Duo had gone completely still, and Heero was poised with a screwdriver halfway to the doorknob. The awkward moment lasted a space of three heartbeats, before they resumed lounging and working in silence.

...oh shit...

------------------------------------

Warm. So very warm. The best part of the day was the very end, when he could sink into the mattress of his bed and cocoon himself with silky sheets. It was a guilty luxury, his old bed was hard and itchy compared to this. Sometimes he wished he could remain asleep forever, bound by the blankets like a child in its mother's womb.

Deep slumber fell upon him; hours passing like minutes behind closed lids. His body shifted unconsciously in his sleep, tangling himself further into that nest of bedclothes.

He reached that mysterious hour of the night, when a dim form of awareness existed alongside deep sleep. His limbs felt like lead weights, imprisoning him in his own dreams. He could still feel the sheets curled around him, their reality influencing the dreamscape he was in. A cool breeze rippled the fabric, sending waves of caresses across his legs, over his thighs and stomach, across the nipples of his chest. The wind touched him like fingertips, making him sigh and turn his head into the soft pillow.

...Heero..

The blanket began to slide off his naked body, pooling onto the floor with a barely heard rustle. Curtains billowed inwards, its shadows fighting for possession of the bronzed body laid out in bed.

...how do you say..

Bedclothes were gone, but he still felt touched. Somehow, it was more tangible, a playful walk of fingers down his torso. They traced his belly button, making him fidget as goosebumps broke across his skin. Eyelids heavy with sleep began to slide open; a hint of deep blue peeking through thick lashes. Two more fingers joined the first pair, and they splayed below his navel, coasting downwards until skin gave way to fine, thin hairs. His eyes widened a little more, expecting to see the usual darkness of the bedroom.

Instead, he saw violet.

...erotic?

Palms like silk squeezed his erection, and he thrashed against the mattress while howling his pleasure.

------------------------------------

"Heero!! HEERO!"

A sleepy looking Trowa kept trying to shake his roommate awake. The boy had been making odd noises in his sleep, which in turn disturbed him from his own slumber. He figured it must have been a nightmare, so he did his best to snap his best friend out of it. He was considering getting a bucket of cold water, when suddenly Heero jerked himself upright.

"GYAHHH!" He doubled over as he panted; beads of sweat sliding from his forehead. The first few moments of wakefulness were spent in confusion, while his taxed mind tried to discern reality from fantasy. He was still in his pajamas. The blankets still covered him. The only person in the room was Trowa, and not...not...

"Heero, are you alright? You looked flushed."

The shepherd whipped his head around to face Trowa, eyes wide as if he couldn't believe he was there. It was a dream. It wasn't real. He began to bring his legs over the side of the bed, freezing when he felt sticky, wet fluid between his thighs.

Light, he didn't...

"Were you having an akumu? You were moving a lot." (4)

Another experimental shift of his legs together confirmed his worst fear.

Kso, he DID! (5)

Any other questions on Trowa's part were left behind in the dust. Heero had rolled off the bed, and ran to the washroom so fast that he was a blur of bronze skin and white blankets. Slam! The door was loudly closed and locked. Green eyes blinked in confusion, before he ambled over to the barrier and pressed his ear against it. Inside, he could hear Heero splashing around with the ice cold water they kept there in a bucket.

"Don't think you can fool me."

The shepherd froze in the middle of cleaning himself off, mortification etched in the planes of his face.

"I used the bathroom before I woke you up. You didn't beat me to it."

Heero slid to the marble floor with sheer relief. Trowa thought it was all a trick just to beat him to the washroom. Not that the other boy would make fun of his situation, but this was a secret he'd like to keep to himself. He hadn't had a nocturnal emission like that since he was twelve years old. Even now, the details of the dream began to fade, except for one very important fact.

The voice was Duo's.

------------------------------------

Trowa glanced over at Heero, who was busy working on a flowerbed on the other side of the garden. Ever since that night Duo had shaken him awake to demand the shepherd's whereabouts, the other boy had been acting strangely. He seemed angrier somehow, and instincts borne of years of friendship told him that Heero was hiding something from him.

He didn't ask about it, he trusted the other boy to come to him when he needed it. However, it had been a little more over a week, and whatever it was that was agitating Heero was becoming worse; especially after the night he had the bad dream. On top of that, whether it was on purpose or not, he seemed to be spending more and more time with Duo lately. This perceived distance between them was beginning to hurt, which was why he picked up his basket and went to Heero's side of the garden so that they could talk.

At first, the shepherd only glanced at him to acknowledge his presence, and then they worked in silence. Trowa was the first to break it, and he spoke in a quiet voice. "Something is bothering you."

A statement instead of a question. Heero paused his weeding to glance over once more, before answering in an equally quiet voice. "Yes."

"What is it?"

"I can't say." He felt his cheeks growing warm, and he prayed that he wasn't really blushing.

"A secret?" At Heero's nod, his brows drew together in a frown. "A secret you can tell Duo."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He didn't mean to sound defensive, but the words seemed to come out that way of their own accord.

"What is it that you can tell him and not me?" Trowa had stopped working completely to look his friend in the face.

"Something..something happened to me."

"And?"

"It's personal." The corners of his lips curled down into a frown. He really didn't want to relive the whole Treize thing by recounting the tale to his friend. He shoved his spade into the ground, disturbing the earth with his angry jabs.

"Personal." He repeated the word in a flat voice. Since when was anything personal between them? This was the first time that phrase was even used in their relationship. "Is that why you've been acting different lately? Ever since you had that nightmare?"

This time he was sure his cheeks were burning. He had to turn away and pretend to be digging deep in the flowerbed so that Trowa wouldn't notice. "Maybe."

"Heero."

"You wouldn't understand." How could anybody understand? He was dreaming about another boy for crying out loud.

"We've been friends for nearly all our lives, and you say I wouldn't understand?" He couldn't believe he was hearing these words from Heero's mouth. "But Duo can?"

"He doesn't know anything!" He slammed the spade into ground. Anger caused his knuckles to tighten around the handle, anger at this conversation, at himself and his creepy feelings for Duo, at the world for landing him in this situation, at Treize, at everything and anything that had gone wrong from between now and the fire that changed his life.

"..Fine." Picking up his basket, he gave his so-called best friend his PERSONAL space, and walked back to his side of the garden. There was a stony expression on his face as he continued to work, and ignored the other boy.

"Trowa? Are you here? Oh there you are!" Unaware of the tension in the garden, Sally swept into the area with a smile. "I've been looking all over for you! The Queen wishes a word with you."

He tried not to cringe at the mention of the monarch. "About what?"

"I don't know. I guess you'll have to go and find out."

Could this day get any worse?

------------------------------------

Yes, it CAN get worse.

Trowa gave the door in front of him a blank look. He expected the queen to receive him in one of the meeting rooms, the throne room, or even in the dining room, but not at her personal bedchamber. Tentatively lifting his hand to knock on the wood, he grunted to clear his throat before announcing his presence. "Your majesty, it is Trowa Bloom. You sent for me?"

"Yes, yes, come in!" Relena's voice nearly sang from the other side of the door.

Shaking his head, he squared his shoulders and took a deep breath before turning the doorknob. The plush carpet groaned beneath his weight as he stepped inside and pulled the door back shut behind him. Pivoting to face the queen, he placed one hand over his stomach, the other behind his back so that he could bow properly, and froze.

Relena was seated at the very edge of the enormous bed, wearing what appeared to be lingerie. Transparent lingerie. The gauzy veil of white, satin fabric did absolutely nothing to hide the curves of her body, or the pair of frilly pink panties and bra worn beneath the outrageous outfit. Trowa openly gawked at her, forgetting all the manners that he was taught since coming to this place.

"Is something wrong, Trowa Bloom?" She asked innocently, while fiddling with one of the pearl necklaces draped around her slender neck.

"Yes....no...you...you wanted to talk to me?" The hackles rose on the back of his neck as the woman stood up, and began to pace towards him. This wasn't happening, the queen of almost the entire world was NOT hitting on him.

"Of course. That is why you are here." Her smile was sweet serenity, and it induced chills down his spine. Her fingers lifted to play with the collar of his shirt, her tone conversational as she continued to speak. "Do you like it here?"

"Its nice...your Majesty." He swallowed heavily against the lump in his throat.

"Do you have everything you need? Is there anything at all that you...desire?" Her fingers traveled downwards to pluck at the first button.

"I.." He drew in a breath as another two buttons fell prey to her questing fingertips. Would she get angry if he turned her away? Would she kick him out of the castle, or have him executed? These thoughts ran through his head as his shirt began to slide off his shoulders. In any case, he didn't want this. Frankly, he was tired of the upper class trying to use him.

Relena paused in her ministrations when she felt firm hands on her shoulders. Looking up, she gazed into apologetic green eyes.

"I can't do this."

"Why not?" She honestly looked surprised and curious at his refusal.

Viridian depths cast themselves downwards, and he immediately regretted the action when he got an eyeful of cleavage. So he quickly turned them back up, preferring cornflower eyes to the other scenery. "There's someone I love."

She canted her head to the side, a bit of a wistful smile curling her lips. "Really? I envy you. Is it one of the Mystics in the dungeon?"

He parted his lips to reply, but the stiffening of Relena's body stalled his words. Her eyes were staring beyond his shoulder, so he canted his head to see what she was looking at. Immediately, he froze as well upon meeting a furious azure gaze boring into his.

"Get out." Quatre's voice was so low, it grated like gravel on a dirt road.

Trowa didn't need to be told twice. He didn't even bother to bow before leaving the room as quick as he could without breaking out into a full run.

Once the servant was gone, Quatre closed the door with deceptive gentleness. Relena crossed her arms and cupped her shoulders in an attempt to cover some of her indecent exposure.

"I have done.. my very best to be a good king for this country. To make sure the sacrifices our family have made in the past were not in vain. I've tried to be just and fair. Aside from that, I've done my best to fulfill my duties as a husband. To be patient with you. Protect you and cherish all that we have built together. And yet, you still wish to make a cuckold out of me."

"We are not husband and wife. We are brother and sister."

"Relena!" For the first time, the king rose his voice against his wife. "Whether you like it or not, this is the way things are. There are certain duties that need to be performed if we wish to maintain order in this world. It's time for you to face reality!"

"Reality?! I will show you reality!" Forgetting about her state of undress, she whirled around and stalked to a night table that held a pile of books. She picked one of the bindings from its place, and shook it at Quatre as if to beat him with it any second. "Since the day our mother died, I have done nothing but read. Read read read read read! Do you know why, dear husband?"

He stood his ground as the woman marched towards him, her furious face a mere six inches away.

"Mother had sixteen children, and out of all of them only a handful grew up to be normal. The rest either died at birth, or had such horrid deformities or ailments that they died within three years. The books tell me that we are like dogs who have inbred too much. Instead of making the bloodlines stronger, they have been stretched out thin to the point of breaking!"

There was a terrible pause, and then she continued in a voice like silken steel. "Is that the fate you wish to bestow upon me? To suffer through a dozen failed pregnancies, and watch those that survive grow to be hideous, or retarded, or so sick that I will die of worry for them? You call this family? You say we have no choice because of the curse. But I tell you I am my own person and I have a choice! This is MY decision."

They glared intensely at each other, the heated silence broken by the king's words. "You're right, that is what I am asking of you, but you are not the only one who will suffer. Do you think I would like to watch our children die? I will be as heartbroken as you, but in the end, this is our responsibility."

"I didn't ask for this life."

"No, we didn't." The fierceness in those blue eyes gradually lessened, and he lifted his hands to place them on her shoulders. "However, beyond things like duty and fate, keep in mind that Mother had a handful of children that did grow up to be well and good, like us. Among our sisters, I chose you to be my companion, my wife, not because you were the most beautiful or talented, but because of this very spirit. Against everything this world considers right or wrong, I love you, as a man does another woman."

Stunned, she could only stare at the king in silence. He had made confessions before, but the clarity in his eyes left no room for argument. There were no lies there.

"Even if you never feel the same towards me, having you by my side is enough. If this is the thing that's been bothering you, then I will fix it. I will make it so that our first child will be beautiful and healthy. I will do anything and everything at all to please you."

A deep sadness resided in his eyes, as he made his own decisions.

------------------------------------

There was a shocking rumor going around the castle. Word of mouth said that there were two Mystics in the dungeons, and they were to be executed tonight. When Trowa and Heero got wind of the gossip, they sought to confirm it from Duo, but for once the Shadowman couldn't be found. Heero had the vague impression that they were being avoided, and when they were turned away from the dungeons without a chance to see the girls, his worst fears were confirmed. Marie and Meia were going to be killed.

Nobles assigned to the gruesome task of witnessing the event began to gather in the meeting hall. Among them was Duo; usually he would be standing beside the king at the front of the line, but they had gotten into a massive argument regarding this matter earlier. Now he stood as far away as he could from the blonde man, his back against one of the giant columns that supported the dome ceiling.

"Duo."

An awful feeling rose in the back of his throat upon recognizing the voice. He tilted his head to peer around the corner of the pillar, and sure enough there was Heero and Trowa, hiding behind the large structure.

"You're not allowed in here." Duo's tone lacked any of the usual joviality, displaying instead an unusual dullness.

"Do we care?" Trowa's emerald eyes narrowed at the other boy. "What's going on?"

"If you're here, then you already know. They're going to kill the girls." He turned away from the voices behind him, preferring to stare straight ahead at the gathering. The nobles were already beginning to follow the Winners into the hidden entrance of the catacombs.

"And you're just going to let this happen? I thought they were your friends too." Trowa continued to do all the talking, with Heero silent at his side.

"What the hell do you expect me to do? It's not my decision to make."

"You're the Shadowman! You can do anything you want!"

"I can't.."

By now, the large antechamber was completely empty. All the people had filed into the entrance of the catacombs, leaving the three boys alone. Trowa and Heero stepped out from behind the column to look Duo in the face.

"Yes you can."

"I CAN'T!!!!" His loud yell echoed inside the room, startling Trowa into silence. Duo lowered his head, his forelocks casting a dark shadow over his eyes. "You don't understand. Nobody understands. I'm just a puppet. I don't have a life of my own. I have to do everything they say, even if it's against my will."

An aura of violet began to surround the Shadowman, and both boys looked on in disbelief as Duo began to lift off the ground. His braid swept back and forth behind him, tousled in a wind that made his dark clothing ripple. Bangs of hair lifted from his face, revealing that he had his eyes tightly shut.

"I'm sorry."

They barely had enough time to jump out of the way when he shot forwards in a streak of violet.

------------------------------------

Once again, the gathered nobles found themselves before the massive furnace deep in the catacombs. This time, instead of dragging the prisoners into the fire, the girls were tied to two giant logs that stood upright in front of the raging inferno. Their fearful whimpers could barely be heard over the crackling of flames.

To Quatre's right, Wufei was watching the proceedings with a disapproving scowl. However, like Duo, he too had his hands tied thanks to the oaths he had sworn to the Winners. He understood the grief the Shadowman must be feeling, but could do nothing to right this injustice. Next to him, Merian looked on with a cool gaze.

He's fighting it.

Quatre could feel Duo's turmoil, and the way he was struggling against the magic bringing him here. The king couldn't even begin to remember the last time he had to force Duo obey like this, but it had to be done. He concentrated on their bond, knowing the other boy was helpless to stop it.

As he expected, the Shadowman came into the room at a high speed, slowing only when he began to near his destination in front of the king. No one knew the grimace painting his face was from his efforts to fight Quatre's influence over his body. The fierce, purple glow that surrounded him illuminated all their faces, his boots touching down to the ground almost gently. An unfelt wind continued to ruffle his person, causing some strands of chestnut hair to leak from braid and toss over his shoulders.

"Gentleman, I call you all down here to witness the execution of these two Mystics, whose blood you have called to be spilled!" The crowd was completely silent as the king began his speech. "I have heard your cries, and have acted accordingly. However, there is another reason why we are doing this today."

There was a ripple of murmurs throughout the gathered nobles, the apprehension in the air becoming almost tangible.

"These Mystics will also serve to be a virgin sacrifice to the god, Shinigami! In return, our first born child will be healthy and strong."

Relena whipped around to face Quatre, causing tendrils of blonde hair to swish over her shoulders. "You have gone too far!" She hissed below her breath.

Quatre ignored her words, instead focusing his attention on Duo once more. "Shadowman. To make their deaths less painful, you will kill them before they are put into the flames."

Violet eyes snapped wide at the command, his fingers balling into defiant fists at his sides.

"Very well then." Quatre murmured softly, before lifting his right arm. To Duo's horror, his own arm began to lift in tandem with the king's, following his motions perfectly.

"Duo! Don't do this, onegai!" (6) Marie wailed.

"I..can't..stop..." He could feel each finger being pried open from his clenched hands, until each digit was splayed towards the twins. Filaments of darkness began to gather at his palms; pulsing energy swirling with a low hum.

"I'm sorry Duo." There was great regret in Quatre's voice, but he continued to force Duo to do as commanded. The air began to crackle with electricity as a massive thunderbolt was prepared, perfect for killing the two girls instantaneously.

I hate this. I hate my life! Duo closed his eyes, unable to watch any longer as he began to aim. The Shadowman drew his arm back to hurl the bolt of energy, and then shot it forwards...

"STOP!!!"

...Only to slam his fist into the open palm of his other hand. The motion dissipated the lightening with a faint hiss, and burned his palms in the process.

The entire crowd stared in disbelief at the queen, who was holding a similar pose to Duo's, one palm pressed against her fist. Quatre looked faintly surprised as he lowered his hand. The women of the Winner family also exerted some control over the Shadowman, but for some reason, whenever they actively took part in that bond, it was very painful. Relena's features were paler than usual as she straightened up and threw her shoulders back to address the court.

"I refuse to sit by and watch you pigeon-heads execute two perfectly innocent girls! Their only crime was being born of the blood. They have not harmed us, nor do they have the ability to do so! They are healers. That is ALL they do. I have better things to do with my time then go on meaningless witch hunts because you are afraid of your own shadows!"

The people continued to look on in stunned silence, including Quatre, Wufei, Merian and Duo. They knew Relena could be a battle-ax, but that was always done in private, and never in front of their subjects.

"If anyone wishes to challenge MY decision, step forwards now!"

A ripple of movement stirred the crowd, which consisted mostly of people stepping back instead of forwards. One man, however, paced to the front of the group, and elegantly bowed to the rulers.

"I did not step forwards because I object, in fact, I feel quite the opposite." Treize Krushenada straightened from his bow, and pivoted so that he could face his comrades in the crowd. "Most of you have witnessed me when I was mad, and you all felt the best cure for me would be my death. If it weren't for these two maidens, I would surely be resting in my grave at this very moment. I propose that instead of their execution, that they be allowed to be the first Mystics to swear to the Winners."

This drew a low murmur from the crowd. Up until then, only the Warriors of Light were allowed to swear fealty, and Mystics were always killed. All the kings in the past had feared that having extra magic around besides the Shadowman was dangerous. Relena turned to face her husband, her eyes clearly saying that she agreed to this.

Quatre gave a slight nod in return, before ordering the waiting guards to release Marie and Meia. The girls clung to each other and cried out of sheer relief that their lives were spared. Their celebration, however, was cut short when the king ordered them to approach with a crook of his finger. They shuffled towards the blonde monarchs, kneeling immediately once they were at an appropriate distance.

"Do you, Mystics, swear your lives, your honor, your power, and your souls to House Winner and the Dark?"

"We swear by our hearts!" They answered in perfect unison. Then they took turns kissing the signet rings worn by both the king and queen, and the pact was sealed.

"In place of the virgin sacrifices, we will offer fifty white lambs to Shinigami. All are dismissed until further notice."

Duo looked as if he was going to sag to the floor any second. That was the first time ever that Relena touched their bond, and their brief contact was a thousand times more intense than it had ever been with Quatre. Perhaps it was a matter of them being man and woman, but after looking inside her, he understood perfectly why the king loved her that much. In that instant, he renounced every bad thing he ever thought about the queen, and when their eyes met, there was much gratitude there.

Wufei smiled brilliantly at the turn of events and squeezed his wife's hand, before leading Merian in the procession out of the room. The expression lasted for all of two seconds before his features fell back to seriousness. Already, he was thinking of the repercussions this little fiasco would have. Duo followed behind them at a more sedate pace, the twins flanking him at his sides.

In front of the line, there was a stony silence between the king and queen. Relena glanced over at Quatre, and was shocked to find a small smile on his lips.

"I knew you would do the right thing."

She stared at her husband and brother for a few moments, before speaking in a stunned tone of voice. "You knew I would stop it all along, didn't you!"

The way his smile widened made her fume. "It made you learn, didn't it?"

"I suppose."

"The more we squabble with one another, the more innocent people will die. We have an obligation to those people, Relena."

"I understand that now. Our problems are insignificant when compared to the rest." After a short pause, she added. "You should have told Duo about your plan."

"If I did, you would have known immediately."

"I know. But you have caused him a lot of anguish."

"Don't worry, I'll fix it." Quatre turned around so that he could spot the Shadowman behind Wufei. "Duo.."

The second the name fell from his lips, Duo bolted forwards, jolting past the Changs and the monarchs to rush down the hall.

"Duo!!" Quatre gave an exasperated look after the retreating figure.

"I'll see to him." Surprising Wufei, Merian immediately broke into a sprint after the fleeing boy, her long strides allowing her to keep up with the other's mad dash.

------------------------------------

Back in the anteroom, Trowa and Heero were leaning against opposite sides of the same column. They hadn't moved from their places since Duo had literally flown from the room, and have been quiet ever since. A low, grating sound alerted their attention, and they turned in time to see the entrance to the catacombs slide open. The second it was two hand spans wide, the Shadowman squeezed through the crack and darted into the meeting hall.

Seconds later, Merian edged sideways out of the same opening, and barked an order out to the bewildered boys. "Go after him!"

Both of them turned to chase after Duo, but Trowa only paced about three steps when his sleeve was caught in a tight grip.

"Not you."

Trowa looked at Merian with bewilderment. "Why not?"

"It has to be him. Let Heero go."

------------------------------------

"Chotto matte!" (7)

Heero nearly slid on the smooth, marble surface of the floors as he turned yet another corner hot on Duo's heels. The candles flickered in the soft rush of wind their racing bodies caused; dancing like playful fairies urging them on. Although the other boy had longer legs, the shepherd had the better stamina, and he found himself catching up as the Shadowman slowed. That is, until the Duo cheated and jumped into the shadows of an alcove.

Heero barely skid to a stop in time to keep his face from mashing into the marble. "Duo!!!" He slammed the wall with his open palms, frustrated that he couldn't follow the other boy into that dimension. Stepping back, he cast his gaze around the empty hallway, as if it would offer some clue as to Braid Boy's whereabouts.

There is ONE way to find him...

He grimaced at the idea that popped in his head. If he admitted that there was some weird connection between himself and the Shadowman, he could use it to track his location. On the other hand, that would be admitting everything he had tried to push down so far; the attraction he felt, the dreams he was having...

Maybe it won't lead me to him after all.

With that in mind, he resumed running down the hallways, only this time, he focused on the pull he was feeling inside, and went in that direction.

Marble floors gave way to steep stairs, which eventually turned into fine grass. Heero plowed through the gardens, his breath beginning to come in ragged gasps from running for the past fifteen minutes. The new moon left him in complete darkness, and he couldn't tell if he was on a path or not as branches were roughly shoved out of his way. Stronger and stronger, the magnetic feeling drew him, until finally he stumbled into a clearing.

Sounds of trickling water tickled his ears, and he knew this was the place where he was practicing with Wufei the other day. His mouth hung open as he sucked in lung-fulls of air, his own harsh panting mingling with the steady splash of the spring. He barely saw the outline of the fountain, but he could pick out a silhouette of inky darkness sitting along the edge. Suddenly, he couldn't breathe, forgot that his burning lungs needed it, and he took slow, cautious steps towards the figure.

Hands outstretched, his fingers came in contact with the edge of the spring. He used it to guide him over to where the other sat, before settling next to the hunched figure. Lifting his palms, he reached out to touch the other person, his mouth going completely dry when his skin contacted a long rope of hair. It was Duo. He really did find Duo. Which meant..

"..You found me." There was a hint of awe in that low voice, and in that moment Heero knew that Duo felt the pull as well.

As the realization dawned, they sat in awkward silence together. Now that he was here, the shepherd didn't know what exactly Merian had wanted him to do. The only thing he could think of at the time was finding Duo.

"They're alive. They weren't killed after all."

"I know."

There was a shifting beside him as Duo canted his head to look at Heero. "How did you know?"

"You wouldn't have let it happen."

"It wasn't me who saved them, it was the Queen." He turned to face the ground once more. "I couldn't do anything."

"You tried anyway." He wasn't sure how he knew this, but a part of him somehow understood it to be truth. Another long silence stretched between them. There was something in the air, a pungent odor that tasted familiar, and after a while he realized what it was. "I smell blood."

There was no response from the Shadowman. Yes, he was bleeding a little from a cut on his shoulder. Recklessly jumping through the Shadowlands, which were now filled with monsters, was the cause. One of them had managed to get him good before he exited back to the real world.

"Duo...did you..."

"What?" He sat up straight at Heero's serious tone of voice. "Did I what? Try and hurt myself? Try to commit suicide? No. I can't even do that. I'm not allowed." To demonstrate this, he reached into the fountain pool and scooped up the shard of sword that had fallen inside days ago. Smoothly bringing it to his opposite wrist, he brought the sharp edge down to his skin.

"Yamero!" (8) Heero leapt forwards to seize Duo's hands, but his reaction was too late. He watched in disbelief, hands wrapped around both of Duo's wrists, as violet light blossomed from the place the blade would have cut. Every place the shard touched, the light was there, acting as a sort of barrier to his skin. He didn't notice the water dripping all over him from Duo's soaked sleeve, so entranced he was by the illumination.

"See. I can't do it. I don't have a right to my own life." With the light glowing faintly in the darkness, they could finally see each other clearly. Duo's eyes bore into Heero's. "The only way I'll ever die is if someone else does it for me."

Heero stared at the other boy, clearly catching what the Shadowman was hinting at. He answered him in an equally despondent voice. "If I kill you, who will do me?"

This seemed to catch Duo off guard, and he widened his eyes a fraction before closing them once more. A self-deprecating laugh spilled from his lips. "We're both losers."

"Aa." Never taking his eyes of Duo's face, he slowly began to guide the other boy's hand to the fountain. One by one, he pried his soft fingers open, until the shard plopped harmlessly back into the pool of water. Like a lamp being switched off, the light dissipated the instant the danger was gone, shuttering them both into the darkness.

His empty hands were replaced with Heero's.

------------------------------------

A servant was walking along the hallways of Sandrock; lighting precious candles that would keep the shadows at bay. As he leaned over to ignite one last wick, a wind whistled through the corridors and snuffed his match out. Scowling, he reached into his pockets and fished for an extra pack.

He didn't notice the clawed tentacles branching towards him from the shadows. His crow of triumph from finally lighting the match gave way to a muffled scream as he was savagely snatched and dragged into the darkness. The match in his hands fell to the ground, still burning brightly against the cool floor.

Moments later, a cloaked figure stepped out of the shadows, who paused to crush the light with the heel of his boots. After grinding the match the ashes, he smoothly walked towards one particular wooden door, the black fabric he wore fanning outwards in an unfelt wind.

------------------------------------

Not you. It has to be him. Let Heero go.

Trowa stared blankly at the roof from his place on the bed. At the time, he pretended not to understand why Duo needed Heero more than him, but in reality it was perfectly clear. Those two had something that he did not, and he was beginning to get an idea of what it was. He couldn't help feeling a little jealous and sad, but other than that there was nothing he could really do about it.

He was getting tired of being mad at Heero anyway. Maybe tomorrow he would apologize so that they could move on already. Besides, he needed to talk to him badly about the whole Queen incident; it was such a burden keeping that huge secret to himself. Exhaling softly, he pulled the sheets closer to settle in for the night.

Moments later, he shivered with cold. He felt wet and clammy, and when he creaked his green eyes open, he was shocked to see the entire room blanketed with white mist. Blearily sitting up to go close the window, he was amazed to find that that the cloud was so thick, he couldn't see past the edge of his bed. It gave him the disarming sensation of floating.

That wasn't all. There was someone else in the room. He could feel another presence, and he tentatively called to it. "Heero?"

"Aa." The shepherd's voice answered, but something about it put Trowa on edge. Heero didn't usually sound so..amused.

"Can you close the window? I'm freezing."

He felt someone's weight settle on the mattress at the foot of the bed. "I'll keep you warm," that Heero-voice crooned, as he crawled on hands and knees towards him.

"What are you do--"

His voice caught in his throat when not Heero, but a man emerged from the whiteness. His cloak draped over the bed, dragging with each liquid movement that brought him forwards. Long, platinum hair fell across his shoulders, lending him an almost ethereal look. Nail blue eyes locked with viridian, a predator's gleam shining as its colors began to shift to violet.

"Who the hell - get off my bed!" The man was beginning to crawl over his legs. Immediately he tried to kick him off, only to have his ankles caught in a vice-like grip. "I said get off!!" One hand drew back to punch the intruder, only to find it locked into place. Black tendrils of air were wrapping around his wrists, forcing them together and locking them in place against the headboard.

"Feisty."

"What do you want!" He struggled against the magic binding pinning his hands above his head.

"I want to talk." The fake voice was dropped in favor of his own deep tenor. The Puppet Master smiled like a Cheshire cat, while his thumbs rubbed back and forth over Trowa's ankles. "I want to open your eyes."

"You are a Mystic. I want nothing to do with you."

"You don't have a choice." Zechs leaned forwards, his eyes swirling with deep purple. Trowa found himself unable to look away, and his limbs began to feel heavy as if he were in a deep sleep. "Let's talk about Heero, Trowa. That traitor you call a friend."

"Nani?" (9) That heady stare mesmerized him, making his thoughts jumble together as if he were drunk.

"Where is Heero?" Long fingers traced the angular features of his face, eventually pushing that mop of hair back to reveal both green eyes.

"Safe." Trowa's voice was slurred, though there was no sign of lethargy in his bright gaze.

"Heero is safe, but you are not." His hands drew a path over the boy's chin, then barely dragged over the soft skin of his neck before dipping into the collar of his shirt. "Do you know why?"

"He's always lucky."

"Lucky enough to never live an arduous life like you." The top three buttons of his shirt were plucked free, before his hands became more interested in tugging the hem out of his pants. "Heero has never experienced hardship like you."

"Chigau." (10) Some of the haze seemed to lift, and his arms flexed weakly against the bindings. "He's like me. We grew up together."

"Your friendship is a result of circumstance. When you live in the middle of nowhere with no one else around for miles, it is only natural to attach to whomever you can. If someone else had lived where you did, Heero would have been friends with them instead." He momentarily cupped the soft flesh of his stomach, feeling the muscles quiver beneath his fingertips.

"Iie." He was alarmed at the way his voice sounded distant and weak. "I don't believe that."

"Even if you didn't, it's obvious that the moment you left your cage in the outskirts, he has been drifting from you." Teasing caresses abruptly changed to greedy gropes. The waistband of his pants was gripped, and the fabric was completely ripped off in a blink of an eye. The shock of being exposed so intimately without warning made his skin rise with gooseflesh. He wanted to yell, wanted to struggle, but his traitorous body remained docile, and his lips refused to move.

"Before, you were friends because there was simply a lack of choice. Who else would be Heero Lowe's companion? Your closest neighbor was miles away."

He seized the back of Trowa's knees and pushed his long legs apart. The boy's face flushed with humiliation, while the horror of what was happening made his blood freeze.

"Now that you are among people, there are suddenly many choices he can make. Many others he can befriend. Hasn't he become good friends with Duo?"

"Hai.." (11) He was surprised that he actually spoke, or rather, that he was allowed to speak, for it could only be magic that made his vocal cords freeze. Suddenly, his eyes rolled heavenwards, fists clenching and hips lifting with blinding pleasure. Spots danced before his vision as white-hot bars of ecstasy shot up from his groin directly into his spine, as if he were experiencing the sweetest and most intense lay of his life.

"Doesn't it surprise you that you've been replaced so soon?"

Gasping when the pleasure wore off, he flopped to the mattress like a dead fish. Some part of his mind concerned with self-preservation told him that it was important not to let this man talk bad about his friend. "Heero wouldn't --"

The rest of his words were cut off with an agonized yell. Before it was pleasure, now it was intense pain. Needles pierced every pore of his body, twisting into his skin and ripping out his nerves by the roots.

"He would. He spends more time with him than you."

"That's not -- AAA!"

Another scream tore from his throat. From head to toe, he broke out into a nervous sweat. He feared every touch; expected it to bring more pain to his abused senses. When something bumped against the cleft of his bottom, he flinched at the contact.

"Do you deny that there is something between them?"

"...Iie." At his admission, the blunt tip of Zechs's cock began to push inside him. With it came pleasure, only now it was a slow burn instead of the intense fire he felt before. "Iya.." (12) He could hardly speak. It felt so good, this unwanted titillation that made the flesh between his legs swell.

"You don't really want me to stop." The seducer leaned over his body so that he could whisper in Trowa's ear. Long folds of his cloak fell forwards, encasing the shivering flesh beneath him in darkness. Zechs himself never bothered to undress, simply push the leathers he wore far enough to release himself.

"Onegai...yame..te.." (13)

Once more, waves of pain raked across his nerves. Resistance meant punishment. Tears spilled from his eyes as each red flash cut deeper and deeper, until he swore that he was going to die.

"Do you want it to stop, Trowa?"

He could barley nod his head.

"Will you listen to me, if it stops?"

A strangled sound of affirmation was his response.

Immediately, the pain was gone as suddenly as it started. Trowa panted with exertion, his cheeks glistening with the tears he had shed. This was so awful, he wanted to curl up and sleep to forget this ever happened. His head felt woozy, the stranger's features beginning to blur before his eyes. The cock inside him was deeper, spreading him open the same way Zechs was picking at his mind.

"It's better to give in, Trowa. No one wants to feel pain." Another slow, sensuous burn began to travel through his body, only this time it radiated from inside him instead of his organ. "It comes in many forms, like loneliness."

Loneliness. Suddenly, he was feeling very lonely.

"You know, I already took it." Zechs placed a gentle kiss at the edge of Trowa's cheekbone. "Your virginity. It's mine."

This realization hit him the same time the man seated himself completely inside. His emotions had no time to manifest themselves, because pleasure spiked through his body in its place.

"You wanted to give it to someone you loved." Trowa's knees were pushed to the mattress, spreading him completely before Zechs. "Just like this."

A gurgled cry choked its way past the boy's lips. With each trust of Zechs' hips, it got better, and when he thought the wild sensation had reached an apex, it still climbed, until he was both numb and out of his mind with rapture.

"Who is it that you love?" He pounded mercilessly into that tight heat, fueled by the boy's thrashing and the helpless look in his eyes. "Tell me!" He possessed the erection thumping against Trowa's stomach, and squeezed.

Eyes tightly shut, he shuddered convulsively as his mouth opened to wheeze out a name. A thin trail of saliva seeped from a corner of his lips to trickle into the blankets.

"Scream it!"

"HEERO!" His body jerked into an orgasm so intense, it skirted the edges of painful. However, there was no release, he was kept on the plateau of nirvana, with no end in sight.

"Heero was always there to save you all your life. Do you know why he's not here?"

There was no answer. Trowa's eyes were wide and unseeing; only a sliver of viridian left in those dilated pupils. His body was frozen in a perfect arch, several inches off the bed.

"It's because he's with Duo now."

Then he dropped back to the sheets, at last allowed to climax over himself. Semen coated his heaving stomach in glistening splotches, and exhaustion made his eyelids lower with the need to sleep.

A long, elegant finger dipped into the pool of cum beneath his navel, and brought it experimentally to an awaiting mouth. Zechs made an appreciative noise as he smacked his lips, and leered at his victim. "Closing your eyes so soon? But we are not done yet."

To demonstrate, he rolled his hips forwards, causing his unsatisfied erection to push deep inside the boy. Trowa would feel pleasure whether he liked it or not, the spell made sure of that. He had an entire night to brainwash the boy, and rest assured by the time it was all over, the stable-hand would be begging to serve him.

He laughed at the whimpers that accompanied the return of the other's arousal.

------------------------------------

Predawn light filtered into the corridors. There, in the gray gloom before sunrise, paced Dorothy. Her skirts ruffled softly beneath the heavy cloak she wore, her frown deepening every time she glanced at one of the windows. Finally, a door swung open, and out stepped a tousled, but smug looking Zechs.

"It's about time you finished playing with that boy!" She stopped striding and fixed the Puppet Master with an agitated look. "I had to kill five guards and three servants who came to investigate the screaming!"

Zechs merely shrugged as he tried to fix his rumpled hair. "I didn't know he would turn out to be a screamer. It's always the quiet ones."

"You could have silenced him anytime you wanted!"

He gave her an unrepentant smile.

"Ugh! Where is he?"

"Trowa darling, the Widower wants to see you." He gestured into the room with the crook of his finger.

Obediently, Trowa emerged wearing just the shirt he went to sleep in. Half of it hung off his shoulders, but he didn't seem to care about his state of undress or the company he was in. His dull eyes held no emotion, no sign that he registered his surroundings.

"Has he been spellbound properly?"

Zechs waved his hands over Trowa's face. There was no response. "Perfect obedience, courtesy of the Puppet Master. You should praise me."

"I should have you castrated," she responded with an annoyed huff. While Zechs gave her an indignant stare, she produced her mirror from the folds of her cloak. "Step forwards, boy."

He did as he was told. She pointed the mirror at him, cool, blue eyes shifting to violet. "I summon the dormant blood within. Warrior of Light, arise and show me your weapon!"

A white aura surrounded the tall boy, and the reflective surface of the mirror began to ripple. A silhouette coiled itself inside the image, displaying the weapon chosen for Trowa at birth.

"Interesting." She lowered the mirror and squinted at the boy. "You were a white thread coiling around that shepherd. Perhaps you will be of some use after all. Trowa Bloom, you will help the Mystics gain victory."

End Chapter 15

(1) Oyasumi: Goodnight

(2) Daijoubu: It'll be alright.

(3) "Flying away, Kimi no tame nara jiyuu ni nareru flying...": Flying away, If it's for you I can be free flying...

(4) Akumu: Bad Dream, Nightmare

(5) Kso: Shit

(6) Onegai: Please

(7) Chotto matte: Wait up

(8) Yamero: To stop

(9) Nani: What

(10) Chigau: To differ (from), in this cause used to indicate Zechs is wrong.

(11) Hai: Yes

(12) Iya: No

(13) Onegai..yamete: Please...stop
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The Shadowman