Gundam Wing Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ G-men ❯ S Class ( Chapter 21 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Arigatomina 
Introduction of Hiei and Kurama.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.08.2002 | Updated On: 12.08.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Work In Progress
Introduction of Hiei and Kurama.
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Fantasy / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.08.2002 | Updated On: 12.08.2003 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.3K | Visits: 1.1K | Status: Work In Progress
Category: AU, Yaoi, Gundam Wing, Yu Yu Hakusho
Warnings: none
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 6+5/5+6, Kurama+Hiei, will be 6x5
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.geocities.com/arigatomina
G-men
Part 21: S class
Young people dotted the hall when Quatre and Zechs left the room, the blonde boy pausing to lock the door securely. "She should be under for a few hours," Quatre murmured, sliding the key into his pocket. The white-haired man nodded, pale blue eyes meeting his for a second before sliding back to the different kids. Turning to face the hall, Quatre noted the various uniforms. They seemed to range in age, but he didn't see any that looked over twenty. They were dressed in similar outfits, different colors distinguishing them in a way he didn't understand yet. None of the students paid them much attention, vague glances the most they received as the kids seemed on their way to classes. "Do you think this school has regular classes besides Relena's lectures?"
"I assume so," Zechs nodded, his eyes locking on a girl with pale blue hair. She was standing about six feet away, watching him with wide eyes. A glance to Quatre proved that the boy had noticed her. She wasn't wearing one of the uniforms, but a pale blue dress of sorts that looked rather like a robe. Then she moved forward, pausing with a few feet between them. She barely reached his chest and Zechs had an urge to bend down to her level, her smile was so sweet.
"I don't mean to be rude," the girl said in a soft voice, looking up at Zechs. "But you are Relena-dono's brother, aren't you?"
"Yes," Zechs said, his eyes caught on her hands where they were clasped near her neck. They were small and delicate, very pale even against her dress. It made him wonder if she could be as young as she looked.
"It's wonderful to meet you, I am Yukina. Your sister speaks of you often, she looked so pleased this morning. She asked me to show you around the school."
"I appreciate that," Zechs said quickly, holding back a wince. "But I really need to speak with my comrades first. Perhaps later this afternoon?" The girl smiled at him and he shivered suddenly, feeling as if a cold waft of air brushed through his hair.
"Of course," Yukina smiled, "I should have thought of that. When you are ready, simply tell Relena-dono and she will call me." The man looked relieved and she glanced to the blonde boy beside him.
"I'm sorry," Quatre said, introducing himself and extending a hand to her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Yukina." The girl smiled at him and brushed her fingertips over his hand. His eyes widened at the cool gesture.
"Ice," Yukina murmured, ducking her head for a moment before smiling at the surprised boy. "Don't let it bother you."
"I was just surprised," Quatre said quickly, a light, embarrassed flush darkening his cheeks.
"I will let you get to your comrades," she told Zechs. Nodding to both of them, she smiled again before moving off down the hall.
"I forget that the students are all mutants," Quatre muttered, looking down at his shoes.
"She took it well," Zechs reassured him. "Come on, we obviously aren't going to be left to our own devices for long. We'd better tell the others what we've learned."
* * *
"No one noticed when we came in," Quatre said, leaning his elbows on the table. They had moved to the cafeteria and were seated at an otherwise empty table. Lunch seemed to be scheduled at different times for students since there weren't that many in the wide room. "One girl did look like she was going to introduce herself, though, but Zechs caught her before she got the chance. We probably shouldn't have used Duo's form."
"Hey," Duo commented, "can I help it if girls are attracted to me?" Heero shot him a glare and he smirked. "Besides, you had to use me. After all, with me invisible, we didn't have to worry about there being two of me walking around."
"Yes," Quatre nodded, "I know. But we have her secure in Duo's room and she should sleep for a while. I was able to make her change shapes easily, but the actual questioning was more difficult. She's been a member of OZ since she was young." His expression dropped and he shook his head. "She went through a lot of pain, just like the rest of us. She hid her ability at first, when she joined OZ, but Treize noticed it."
"He really did a number on her," Zechs nodded, taking over since he knew Quatre would have trouble with it. "I'm beginning to suspect he is a mutant himself, with all of the brainwashing he did. She's completely dedicated to him, but Quatre found a softer side that she's buried since meeting him. He convinced her that helping OZ isn't the same as betraying mutants. They're going after the mutants who abuse their powers and make normal humans hate them. At least, that's what he's told her. As far as we can tell, she believes everything he said."
"Wait," Duo interrupted. "You said Treize could be a mutant? Where do you get that from?"
"When I was in OZ," Zechs said, "I couldn't read anything from him. I thought it was because he buried things too deeply. Some humans are like that, where even the strongest telepaths can't get read them." Quatre nodded when he glanced at the boy and he met Duo's disbelieving gaze easier. "He could also be a mutant. If that's the case, then it would certainly explain why I find two people inside Une."
"What do you mean?" Wufei asked, frowning at the white-haired man. "Two people?"
"Split personalities?" Heero said, one eyebrow raised.
"Yes," Zechs said, "but it's more than that. It's as if there are two *separate* people. I didn't understand at first, but Quatre kept getting different answers to the same questions. I get the feeling she locked away herself after she met Treize. That part of her doesn't remember anything past the time when she entered OZ."
"You've obviously dissected her," Heero said, ignoring the way Quatre winced at his choice of words. "And you've shown you can control her. What about the idea?"
"The soft side of her would do it willingly," Quatre told him, his eyes wide. "But I don't think she can revert to that side on her own."
"Can you help her?" Trowa asked
"I could try," Quatre admitted, shrugging. "I can force her to be honest and I can make her do things, but I don't think I could control her thoughts. Plus, I still don't know what my range is. Imagine if we got her into a base only to have her get out of my range. I don't think that idea would work."
"We can test your range," Heero reminded him. "We do need to know what OZ is doing now. I doubt they will remain inactive just because we found Une."
"But how would I test it?" Quatre asked. "I couldn't use Une. Once she got out of my range she could turn into anyone. We could find her again, but who knows how many students might be hurt. It's too dangerous. And it couldn't be one of us unless the person were being made to do something he wouldn't do voluntarily. Otherwise we wouldn't know if he were doing it because he's in my range or because he chooses to. I may not know when my power stops working. I haven't tried anything like that."
"You wouldn't use Une," Heero murmured, his expression changing suddenly as his eyes slid to Duo. The boy frowned, blinking at him in confusion. Heero smirked. "This shouldn't hurt anybody."
* * *
They were gathered on the wide green lawn outside the school, Quatre seated beneath a shade tree. The others were relaxed around him, seemingly enjoying the nice weather. But their eyes were on the blonde boy, his expression one of concentration and worry.
"He's really angry," Quatre commented, peeking at Heero for a second before closing his eyes again. He'd yet to have any trouble controlling Duo, but he was expecting the boy to get out of his range any minute now. "That kid nearly followed him into the woods. I'm surprised so many people came up to him."
"Duo looks friendly," Wufei said. "The people in the town seem to be open so they probably expected him to be as friendly as he looks. They couldn't know better."
"I'm surprised he didn't fight more," Heero commented.
"Well, he's not going along with it," Quatre assured them. "Ever so often he tries to break my control. I almost wish he wouldn't."
"He's stubborn," Wufei said, "that's the reason he was the best choice. After all, he would never willingly walk through that town with so many people looking at him."
"The woods are thick," Quatre murmured, "he doesn't see anyone, but there are paths. I'm making him take the one that looks used the most."
"No one ever lived in those," Zechs said. "They stretch out for over twenty miles before the border and farther after that. There used to be a fence separating us from the neighboring country. Nothing complicated, just wire. If he reaches that, we'll have to try somewhere else. We don't want to risk him going outside the kingdom."
"I doubt my control stretches *that* far," Quatre said drolly. "Besides, it would be dark by the time he got there. We can't expect him to just keep going."
Silence passed for a few minutes before Zechs laughed suddenly. Blinking, he glanced at Quatre's wry smile. "He just passed your reach, didn't he. He has some of the loudest thoughts I've ever heard."
"Yes," Quatre smiled, "I'm afraid so. He just turned invisible again. But...he's still walking." Frowning, Quatre glanced at Heero. "He's thinking that he'll come back once he's cooled down. I told you he was angry."
"He'll get over it," Wufei smirked. "Besides, he can come back in an instant, right? He's been practicing his teleportation skills, hasn't he?" Heero had a funny expression and he raised an eyebrow at the boy. "What?"
"He's been practicing," Heero said, not meeting the boy's gaze. Two groans made him lift his head and he stared at Quatre's grimace, turning to see the same look of pain on Zechs's face. "What's happening?"
Quatre took a deep breath, wiping a hand over his forehead. His eyes were wide when he exchanged a look with Zechs. "It broke. It hurts to try and find him now."
"A barrier of some kind," Zechs whispered, turning to look in the direction Duo had gone in. "Maybe a rouge mutant or something. This could be bad."
"I'll go," Trowa said sharply.
"We all go," Heero said, standing. "This was supposed to be a secure country." Zechs glared but he shook his head. "I'm not blaming you. There are too many mutants here, too many bystanders to have a battle. Damn it."
* * *
It sounded like a dinosaur was tearing the forest apart, without the roars. He could hear trees falling, the air seeming to shudder around him. His first impulse was to turn right around and go in the opposite direction, but Duo wasn't one to run away. If it were a battle, then the others would know what he was thinking. And besides that, it wasn't as if he could be seen. The anger he'd felt when he finally got free of Quatre's control was forgotten now and Duo ran up the hill, stumbling a bit on the thick undergrowth. The path had turned earlier and he'd kept going straight. Now he had to force his way through bushes and thorns, wondering why anyone would choose the forest for a fight. Then he reached the crest of the hill and found himself looking down at a valley that was alive with action. His eyes widened and he pressed himself against a seemingly sturdy tree, ignoring the fact that he couldn't be seen.
Thick vines were churning over the ground, reaching up in too many blades to count. They darted around the valley, tearing through trees in a mindless rage. Duo stared, unable to follow the fast movement. A rocky bluff separated him from the ground below and it wasn't until a number of those thick vines crashed into the rock that he saw them clearly. They were covered in what looked like thorns and they writhed, obviously struggling to get free of the rock they were imbedded in. If he hadn't been frozen in shock, Duo would have jerked back when a dark flash lighted on the cluster of vines. A black clothed figure crouched for a split second, a bright blade cutting through the vines before it disappeared again. Points formed on the cut sections and the plants arched after the figure. He didn't know what he was seeing, but Duo leaned around the side of the tree, his eyes flying over the valley as he could barely make out the person he'd seen.
Heero had blinding speed, but Duo had never actually seen it. Still, he thought this was similar. The black clothed person was a constantly moving flash that lighted on limbs in the remaining trees, darting off again when the vines pursued. It seemed a useless evasion, though. Each time the figure cut the thick green vines, more took their place, originating from the ground itself. The valley was nearly demolished by the time the figure was caught and Duo clenched his fists when he saw those vines wrap around the black clothed boy. He couldn't see clearly from so far above, but the person was small and he remembered those sharp thorns and how they'd torn through the trees. Why he assumed the person wasn't an enemy he didn't know, but he ached to be able to do *something* to help. The boy swiped a slim sword at the vines circling his waist but it was caught by a smaller vine and jerked from his grasp.
"What now? Black flame is useless against *these* plants."
Duo's eyes snapped toward the source of that soft comment and he stared at a figure perched in one of the few remaining trees across the valley from him. For a second he squinted, then his mouth fell open as he realized the person had a tail. It looked like a girl from so far away and he could make out long silver-white hair and an odd white outfit. The person was standing on a limb, arms folded.
"Ch'."
The black-clothed figure tossed his head and Duo realized his right arm was free. Vines had caught the other arm, but his right one lifted, a black shadow writhing around it as the loose sleeve fell back. Duo didn't know what it was but he jerked back when a wave of heat hit him as black fire seemed to erupt around the small boy. The darkness obscured him from view, a strange green spark barely visible. Then the ground shook around him and Duo fell back, his hands digging into dead leaves. A loud roar made him clutch his ears and he thought again of the dinosaur he'd imagined before. He was on his back, and his eyes widened when a pillar of black shot up into the sky before rushing back down. The leaves of the tree he'd been leaning against writhed for a second before the heat dissipated suddenly, an oddly calm burning sound dying out. After another moment, he broke his paralysis and pushed to his knees, looking back into the valley. Everything looked the same except the plants were bits of ash, only the tree the white-clothed figure was in left untouched. The boy was still bound by vines, but Duo could hear a low laughter.
"Is that the best you can do? Not a scratch."
Black fire blazed around the small male and the vines were ripped apart suddenly. What happened next was too fast for Duo to follow, but his eyes locked on the bits of green that showered to the ground. The boy lighted on the ground briefly, snatching up the fallen sword before darting to the tree, blade pointed at the other's throat. Duo blinked.
"You're no fun this way," the white-clothed figure murmured, ignoring the blade. "You gave in so easily, too."
"We have company."
Duo's throat went dry when the black-haired boy turned suddenly, left hand raised and pointing directly at him. It was then that he saw the glowing green spot on the boy's forehead and he would have moved back if his body hadn't frozen. He was visible before he had a chance to think about it and his muscles relaxed suddenly, having clenched on their own. The boy disappeared and Duo jerked back, staring down into two wide red eyes and a third dark blue one that glared out of the short boy's forehead.
"Kisama."
"What are you doing out here?"
Duo's head jerked to the side and he blinked as a red-haired boy stepped out from behind the tree next to him. This boy was wearing a pale magenta outfit, bright green eyes looking him over without a hint of malice. But the short one still held that sword. "I..."
"Ch', he's only level A."
Duo frowned at the way that comment was tossed and he relaxed enough to be angry. The short boy's sword had disappeared behind his back.
"Hiei, that's cruel." Moving forward, the red-haired boy held a hand out to Duo, a slight smile playing with his lips. "I'm Kurama. You must be new to this kingdom if you didn't know not to come out here."
"Yeah," Duo said, shaking the boy's hand dazedly. "The name's Duo. What just happened?"
"A little training exercise," Kurama said lightly, stepping past Duo to crouch near the shorter boy.
Looking at them, Duo stared at that single blue eye, barely taking in the boy's spiked black hair. That eye was staring at him, he was sure of it and it had to be the creepiest feeling he'd ever had. The red-haired boy had pulled a white cloth from inside his vest and he tied it around Hiei's forehead, shutting the eye from view. That simple movement was a great relief and Duo let out a small sigh. "You guys are students at the school, then?"
"I am," Kurama nodded, glancing at the longhaired boy. "I'm surprised Relena-dono didn't tell you during orientation. This is our training area. No one else is allowed out here until four at the latest."
"Sorry, I missed the orientation." Scratching the back of his neck, Duo shifted, wondering why he felt as if he'd walked into a girls' restroom and was being reprimanded.
"No harm done," Kurama said softly, handing a roll of bandage to the short boy before straightening and facing Duo. "It's a good idea not to go more than a mile into the woods, though. We're in charge of the perimeter and we don't want students getting harmed if there's an attack."
"Attack? I thought this was a pacifist nation..." The black-haired boy snorted and Duo found himself very irritated by the sound. It made him feel like an idiot.
"Mutants from around the world gather here," Hiei said, "you think no one targets the place? Baka."
His jaw hurt from the way his teeth were clenched and Duo glared at the short boy. That word was one Heero could use for him, no one else. Thinking of the others, he wondered if they had heard his thoughts earlier. He had to have been thinking loudly. As if the two heard him, the black-haired boy jerked suddenly, looking at him for a second before lifting the band up so that third eye sparked.
"Five males, A class."
"Friends of mine," Duo said quickly, noting that the boy's free hand was curved over his shoulder. He remembered the sword. "They're telepaths, they must be worried about me."
"They couldn't have heard you," Kurama said, shaking his head. "Hiei blocks out any mental searches."
A hand fell on his shoulder suddenly and Duo jumped, whirling to give Heero a dark glare. "You took five years off my life!"
"Friends of yours?" Heero asked, his voice cold as he looked at the two strangers. Footsteps sounded behind him and he gave a glance to Quatre and Zechs, noting their pained expressions. Trowa landed beside him and he turned his gaze back to the two teens.
"Maybe," Duo said slowly, looking at them himself. Kurama smiled and he felt a bit guilty. "Yeah, they go to the school. This is Kurama and..."
"Hiei," Kurama said, stepping toward Heero. Extending a hand, his lips twitched when the dark haired boy made no move to accept it. Then the blonde boy moved forward and he nodded to him. "Your comrade stepped into our training area."
"We were worried," Quatre said, his eyes caught on the black-haired boy. The teen pulled a white band down to cover a third, blue eye and Quatre felt a sudden pressure lift from his mind. Obviously that was the reason he'd been unable to read Duo earlier.
"Good reason," Kurama nodded, "but no harm was done." A soft sigh reached him and he turned, moving back to Hiei. The boy was still glaring, and Kurama followed his gaze to the tall white-haired man. "You're Relena-dono's brother."
"Does everyone know what I look like?" Zechs asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're the second person to ask me that in only a couple of hours."
"He said they defend the kingdom from attack," Duo said suddenly, nodding when Zechs shot him an incredulous look. "Seriously."
"She keeps a picture of you in her office," Kurama said. "But we haven't spoken to her today. I didn't realize you had come back."
"This country has a defense," Zechs interrupted, stepping forward. "Have there been attacks?"
"No. But I really am not at liberty to discuss the details without Relena-domo's permission." Another sigh sounded and Kurama glanced down, smiling at Hiei's irritated expression. The black-haired boy glared at him then promptly fell over.
"Is he all right?" Quatre asked, rushing forward to crouch next to Kurama. The short boy's eyes were closed and he didn't move, but he was breathing deeply.
"I can heal him," Zechs offered, frowning when the red-haired boy shook his head.
"Hiei doesn't like to be touched. Don't worry, though, he isn't injured. He just needs to sleep for a few hours." His lips twitched and Kurama lifted the small roll of bandage. His friend hadn't used it, too distracted by the new students' arrival. Pushing back the long sleeve of Hiei's black cloak, he sat down, wrapping the boy's right arm. The blonde boy was still crouched beside him and he glanced over at him. "You didn't introduce yourselves."
"Oh," Quatre said softly, moving back. "This is Trowa, Wufei, and Heero. I'm Quatre."
"It's nice to meet you," Kurama said softly, nodding to each.
Duo frowned, looking at the ground. He felt as if he were forgetting something and he glanced toward the valley for a second before his eyes widened. "Kurama! Who was that other person?" The red-haired boy was putting the roll of bandage into his vest and he blinked at him. "I saw someone else, earlier when he was fighting. White hair, a tail."
"Heh." Smiling, Kurama lifted Hiei and stood, tilting his head as he looked at the violet-eyed boy. "That was me."
"What?" Duo frowned, staring at the boy's red hair and magenta clothing. "No, he was-"
"Just me. I don't have the ability to control plants capable of challenging Hiei unless I use that form. He *is* an S class, you know." The dark haired boy let out a sharp breath and Kurama blinked at him, taken back by the glare in those dark blue eyes.
"S class?" Heero whispered, his hands curling into fists. "There is no S class."
"Didn't you know? I admit, Hiei was the first I met besides myself, and I'm at the bottom of the level. Don't worry, you'll learn more after you take classes here. Relena-dono is good about teaching mutants more about themselves." Kurama blinked when the boy continued to stare at him and he shifted Hiei a bit, glancing at his watch. "I need to take him back now, if you like, I can tell you a bit about classes on the way. Duo said you missed your orientation."
"We're not students," Zechs said, ignoring the warning look Heero shot him. If his sister actually used the two boys as defense, then there was no way she'd be shocked to hear of their own actions. A glance at the sleeping boy reminded him of how young he looked. The red-haired one was a bit taller than Trowa and he could have been eighteen. But the shorter one didn't look a day over twelve. He had trouble believing Relena would use them, but it was obvious that she had. "We're taking shelter here."
"Ah, in the pacifist nation?" Kurama smiled, glancing at Duo as he remembered the boy's surprise. "Then you picked the best place. I suppose you kept this from Relena-dono, am I right? You shouldn't have. Come, I really should go back." He walked past them, nodding to Wufei when the boy moved aside to let him through. After a few steps, he could hear them following.
"Heero, you aren't going to believe what I saw back there," Duo whispered, walking close to Heero's side. The boy still looked angry and stunned, taken back by the knowledge of a level beyond A class. He hadn't actually thought much about classes himself. It was common knowledge that normal humans ranked mutants according to their abilities. He never thought about it. "That guy has to be just as fast as you are." Dark blue eyes turned to him and Duo smiled, putting an arm around Heero's waist. It was reassuring that the boy didn't shrug him off, but he could feel how tense those muscles were. "I really don't think you should be angry, Heero. Just think, they're mutants stronger than us. And they're friends. It's *good* news."
"He's right," Zechs murmured, slowing down so he flanked them. "Obviously we *do* have something to learn at this school." Wufei glanced back at him and he nodded when the boy gestured toward Kurama. Quatre was talking to the boy, Trowa next to him. "You can't read lips from back here. Come on, Heero."
"I hate this," Heero muttered, glaring to the side. "How could we not know there was an S class? It's infuriating."
"But we know now," Duo said, squeezing the boy and smiling when Heero glanced at him. "Just think, you were supposed to gather a team of powerful mutants. I'd say those two would make good recruits, right?" A glint sparked in those dark blue eyes and he smirked when Heero moved away suddenly, joining the others. Glancing at Zechs, he shrugged. "You just have to know how to work him," he said, his expression wise as if he knew everything about how to push Heero's buttons. "Make it a mission and he's all over it."
* * *
TBC
--notes--
For those who don't know, Hiei, Kurama, and Yukina are from Yu Yu Hakusho. This fic needed a boost to get it rolling again so I'm incorporating a new obsession into it. I apologize if that bothers anyone, but I like the idea. Also, if you don't know the series, it shouldn't matter much. It's an alternate universe so I'll develop the characters enough you shouldn't have to know the series. If you *do* know it and have problems with my characterizations, remember, it's an alternate universe fic. It will remain mostly a GW fic since the majority of the characters are from that series, I'm just giving another couple to the mix. ^__^
Warnings: none
Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, 6+5/5+6, Kurama+Hiei, will be 6x5
Author: Arigatomina
Email: arigatoumina@hotmail.com
Complete Archive: www.geocities.com/arigatomina
G-men
Part 21: S class
Young people dotted the hall when Quatre and Zechs left the room, the blonde boy pausing to lock the door securely. "She should be under for a few hours," Quatre murmured, sliding the key into his pocket. The white-haired man nodded, pale blue eyes meeting his for a second before sliding back to the different kids. Turning to face the hall, Quatre noted the various uniforms. They seemed to range in age, but he didn't see any that looked over twenty. They were dressed in similar outfits, different colors distinguishing them in a way he didn't understand yet. None of the students paid them much attention, vague glances the most they received as the kids seemed on their way to classes. "Do you think this school has regular classes besides Relena's lectures?"
"I assume so," Zechs nodded, his eyes locking on a girl with pale blue hair. She was standing about six feet away, watching him with wide eyes. A glance to Quatre proved that the boy had noticed her. She wasn't wearing one of the uniforms, but a pale blue dress of sorts that looked rather like a robe. Then she moved forward, pausing with a few feet between them. She barely reached his chest and Zechs had an urge to bend down to her level, her smile was so sweet.
"I don't mean to be rude," the girl said in a soft voice, looking up at Zechs. "But you are Relena-dono's brother, aren't you?"
"Yes," Zechs said, his eyes caught on her hands where they were clasped near her neck. They were small and delicate, very pale even against her dress. It made him wonder if she could be as young as she looked.
"It's wonderful to meet you, I am Yukina. Your sister speaks of you often, she looked so pleased this morning. She asked me to show you around the school."
"I appreciate that," Zechs said quickly, holding back a wince. "But I really need to speak with my comrades first. Perhaps later this afternoon?" The girl smiled at him and he shivered suddenly, feeling as if a cold waft of air brushed through his hair.
"Of course," Yukina smiled, "I should have thought of that. When you are ready, simply tell Relena-dono and she will call me." The man looked relieved and she glanced to the blonde boy beside him.
"I'm sorry," Quatre said, introducing himself and extending a hand to her. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Yukina." The girl smiled at him and brushed her fingertips over his hand. His eyes widened at the cool gesture.
"Ice," Yukina murmured, ducking her head for a moment before smiling at the surprised boy. "Don't let it bother you."
"I was just surprised," Quatre said quickly, a light, embarrassed flush darkening his cheeks.
"I will let you get to your comrades," she told Zechs. Nodding to both of them, she smiled again before moving off down the hall.
"I forget that the students are all mutants," Quatre muttered, looking down at his shoes.
"She took it well," Zechs reassured him. "Come on, we obviously aren't going to be left to our own devices for long. We'd better tell the others what we've learned."
* * *
"No one noticed when we came in," Quatre said, leaning his elbows on the table. They had moved to the cafeteria and were seated at an otherwise empty table. Lunch seemed to be scheduled at different times for students since there weren't that many in the wide room. "One girl did look like she was going to introduce herself, though, but Zechs caught her before she got the chance. We probably shouldn't have used Duo's form."
"Hey," Duo commented, "can I help it if girls are attracted to me?" Heero shot him a glare and he smirked. "Besides, you had to use me. After all, with me invisible, we didn't have to worry about there being two of me walking around."
"Yes," Quatre nodded, "I know. But we have her secure in Duo's room and she should sleep for a while. I was able to make her change shapes easily, but the actual questioning was more difficult. She's been a member of OZ since she was young." His expression dropped and he shook his head. "She went through a lot of pain, just like the rest of us. She hid her ability at first, when she joined OZ, but Treize noticed it."
"He really did a number on her," Zechs nodded, taking over since he knew Quatre would have trouble with it. "I'm beginning to suspect he is a mutant himself, with all of the brainwashing he did. She's completely dedicated to him, but Quatre found a softer side that she's buried since meeting him. He convinced her that helping OZ isn't the same as betraying mutants. They're going after the mutants who abuse their powers and make normal humans hate them. At least, that's what he's told her. As far as we can tell, she believes everything he said."
"Wait," Duo interrupted. "You said Treize could be a mutant? Where do you get that from?"
"When I was in OZ," Zechs said, "I couldn't read anything from him. I thought it was because he buried things too deeply. Some humans are like that, where even the strongest telepaths can't get read them." Quatre nodded when he glanced at the boy and he met Duo's disbelieving gaze easier. "He could also be a mutant. If that's the case, then it would certainly explain why I find two people inside Une."
"What do you mean?" Wufei asked, frowning at the white-haired man. "Two people?"
"Split personalities?" Heero said, one eyebrow raised.
"Yes," Zechs said, "but it's more than that. It's as if there are two *separate* people. I didn't understand at first, but Quatre kept getting different answers to the same questions. I get the feeling she locked away herself after she met Treize. That part of her doesn't remember anything past the time when she entered OZ."
"You've obviously dissected her," Heero said, ignoring the way Quatre winced at his choice of words. "And you've shown you can control her. What about the idea?"
"The soft side of her would do it willingly," Quatre told him, his eyes wide. "But I don't think she can revert to that side on her own."
"Can you help her?" Trowa asked
"I could try," Quatre admitted, shrugging. "I can force her to be honest and I can make her do things, but I don't think I could control her thoughts. Plus, I still don't know what my range is. Imagine if we got her into a base only to have her get out of my range. I don't think that idea would work."
"We can test your range," Heero reminded him. "We do need to know what OZ is doing now. I doubt they will remain inactive just because we found Une."
"But how would I test it?" Quatre asked. "I couldn't use Une. Once she got out of my range she could turn into anyone. We could find her again, but who knows how many students might be hurt. It's too dangerous. And it couldn't be one of us unless the person were being made to do something he wouldn't do voluntarily. Otherwise we wouldn't know if he were doing it because he's in my range or because he chooses to. I may not know when my power stops working. I haven't tried anything like that."
"You wouldn't use Une," Heero murmured, his expression changing suddenly as his eyes slid to Duo. The boy frowned, blinking at him in confusion. Heero smirked. "This shouldn't hurt anybody."
* * *
They were gathered on the wide green lawn outside the school, Quatre seated beneath a shade tree. The others were relaxed around him, seemingly enjoying the nice weather. But their eyes were on the blonde boy, his expression one of concentration and worry.
"He's really angry," Quatre commented, peeking at Heero for a second before closing his eyes again. He'd yet to have any trouble controlling Duo, but he was expecting the boy to get out of his range any minute now. "That kid nearly followed him into the woods. I'm surprised so many people came up to him."
"Duo looks friendly," Wufei said. "The people in the town seem to be open so they probably expected him to be as friendly as he looks. They couldn't know better."
"I'm surprised he didn't fight more," Heero commented.
"Well, he's not going along with it," Quatre assured them. "Ever so often he tries to break my control. I almost wish he wouldn't."
"He's stubborn," Wufei said, "that's the reason he was the best choice. After all, he would never willingly walk through that town with so many people looking at him."
"The woods are thick," Quatre murmured, "he doesn't see anyone, but there are paths. I'm making him take the one that looks used the most."
"No one ever lived in those," Zechs said. "They stretch out for over twenty miles before the border and farther after that. There used to be a fence separating us from the neighboring country. Nothing complicated, just wire. If he reaches that, we'll have to try somewhere else. We don't want to risk him going outside the kingdom."
"I doubt my control stretches *that* far," Quatre said drolly. "Besides, it would be dark by the time he got there. We can't expect him to just keep going."
Silence passed for a few minutes before Zechs laughed suddenly. Blinking, he glanced at Quatre's wry smile. "He just passed your reach, didn't he. He has some of the loudest thoughts I've ever heard."
"Yes," Quatre smiled, "I'm afraid so. He just turned invisible again. But...he's still walking." Frowning, Quatre glanced at Heero. "He's thinking that he'll come back once he's cooled down. I told you he was angry."
"He'll get over it," Wufei smirked. "Besides, he can come back in an instant, right? He's been practicing his teleportation skills, hasn't he?" Heero had a funny expression and he raised an eyebrow at the boy. "What?"
"He's been practicing," Heero said, not meeting the boy's gaze. Two groans made him lift his head and he stared at Quatre's grimace, turning to see the same look of pain on Zechs's face. "What's happening?"
Quatre took a deep breath, wiping a hand over his forehead. His eyes were wide when he exchanged a look with Zechs. "It broke. It hurts to try and find him now."
"A barrier of some kind," Zechs whispered, turning to look in the direction Duo had gone in. "Maybe a rouge mutant or something. This could be bad."
"I'll go," Trowa said sharply.
"We all go," Heero said, standing. "This was supposed to be a secure country." Zechs glared but he shook his head. "I'm not blaming you. There are too many mutants here, too many bystanders to have a battle. Damn it."
* * *
It sounded like a dinosaur was tearing the forest apart, without the roars. He could hear trees falling, the air seeming to shudder around him. His first impulse was to turn right around and go in the opposite direction, but Duo wasn't one to run away. If it were a battle, then the others would know what he was thinking. And besides that, it wasn't as if he could be seen. The anger he'd felt when he finally got free of Quatre's control was forgotten now and Duo ran up the hill, stumbling a bit on the thick undergrowth. The path had turned earlier and he'd kept going straight. Now he had to force his way through bushes and thorns, wondering why anyone would choose the forest for a fight. Then he reached the crest of the hill and found himself looking down at a valley that was alive with action. His eyes widened and he pressed himself against a seemingly sturdy tree, ignoring the fact that he couldn't be seen.
Thick vines were churning over the ground, reaching up in too many blades to count. They darted around the valley, tearing through trees in a mindless rage. Duo stared, unable to follow the fast movement. A rocky bluff separated him from the ground below and it wasn't until a number of those thick vines crashed into the rock that he saw them clearly. They were covered in what looked like thorns and they writhed, obviously struggling to get free of the rock they were imbedded in. If he hadn't been frozen in shock, Duo would have jerked back when a dark flash lighted on the cluster of vines. A black clothed figure crouched for a split second, a bright blade cutting through the vines before it disappeared again. Points formed on the cut sections and the plants arched after the figure. He didn't know what he was seeing, but Duo leaned around the side of the tree, his eyes flying over the valley as he could barely make out the person he'd seen.
Heero had blinding speed, but Duo had never actually seen it. Still, he thought this was similar. The black clothed person was a constantly moving flash that lighted on limbs in the remaining trees, darting off again when the vines pursued. It seemed a useless evasion, though. Each time the figure cut the thick green vines, more took their place, originating from the ground itself. The valley was nearly demolished by the time the figure was caught and Duo clenched his fists when he saw those vines wrap around the black clothed boy. He couldn't see clearly from so far above, but the person was small and he remembered those sharp thorns and how they'd torn through the trees. Why he assumed the person wasn't an enemy he didn't know, but he ached to be able to do *something* to help. The boy swiped a slim sword at the vines circling his waist but it was caught by a smaller vine and jerked from his grasp.
"What now? Black flame is useless against *these* plants."
Duo's eyes snapped toward the source of that soft comment and he stared at a figure perched in one of the few remaining trees across the valley from him. For a second he squinted, then his mouth fell open as he realized the person had a tail. It looked like a girl from so far away and he could make out long silver-white hair and an odd white outfit. The person was standing on a limb, arms folded.
"Ch'."
The black-clothed figure tossed his head and Duo realized his right arm was free. Vines had caught the other arm, but his right one lifted, a black shadow writhing around it as the loose sleeve fell back. Duo didn't know what it was but he jerked back when a wave of heat hit him as black fire seemed to erupt around the small boy. The darkness obscured him from view, a strange green spark barely visible. Then the ground shook around him and Duo fell back, his hands digging into dead leaves. A loud roar made him clutch his ears and he thought again of the dinosaur he'd imagined before. He was on his back, and his eyes widened when a pillar of black shot up into the sky before rushing back down. The leaves of the tree he'd been leaning against writhed for a second before the heat dissipated suddenly, an oddly calm burning sound dying out. After another moment, he broke his paralysis and pushed to his knees, looking back into the valley. Everything looked the same except the plants were bits of ash, only the tree the white-clothed figure was in left untouched. The boy was still bound by vines, but Duo could hear a low laughter.
"Is that the best you can do? Not a scratch."
Black fire blazed around the small male and the vines were ripped apart suddenly. What happened next was too fast for Duo to follow, but his eyes locked on the bits of green that showered to the ground. The boy lighted on the ground briefly, snatching up the fallen sword before darting to the tree, blade pointed at the other's throat. Duo blinked.
"You're no fun this way," the white-clothed figure murmured, ignoring the blade. "You gave in so easily, too."
"We have company."
Duo's throat went dry when the black-haired boy turned suddenly, left hand raised and pointing directly at him. It was then that he saw the glowing green spot on the boy's forehead and he would have moved back if his body hadn't frozen. He was visible before he had a chance to think about it and his muscles relaxed suddenly, having clenched on their own. The boy disappeared and Duo jerked back, staring down into two wide red eyes and a third dark blue one that glared out of the short boy's forehead.
"Kisama."
"What are you doing out here?"
Duo's head jerked to the side and he blinked as a red-haired boy stepped out from behind the tree next to him. This boy was wearing a pale magenta outfit, bright green eyes looking him over without a hint of malice. But the short one still held that sword. "I..."
"Ch', he's only level A."
Duo frowned at the way that comment was tossed and he relaxed enough to be angry. The short boy's sword had disappeared behind his back.
"Hiei, that's cruel." Moving forward, the red-haired boy held a hand out to Duo, a slight smile playing with his lips. "I'm Kurama. You must be new to this kingdom if you didn't know not to come out here."
"Yeah," Duo said, shaking the boy's hand dazedly. "The name's Duo. What just happened?"
"A little training exercise," Kurama said lightly, stepping past Duo to crouch near the shorter boy.
Looking at them, Duo stared at that single blue eye, barely taking in the boy's spiked black hair. That eye was staring at him, he was sure of it and it had to be the creepiest feeling he'd ever had. The red-haired boy had pulled a white cloth from inside his vest and he tied it around Hiei's forehead, shutting the eye from view. That simple movement was a great relief and Duo let out a small sigh. "You guys are students at the school, then?"
"I am," Kurama nodded, glancing at the longhaired boy. "I'm surprised Relena-dono didn't tell you during orientation. This is our training area. No one else is allowed out here until four at the latest."
"Sorry, I missed the orientation." Scratching the back of his neck, Duo shifted, wondering why he felt as if he'd walked into a girls' restroom and was being reprimanded.
"No harm done," Kurama said softly, handing a roll of bandage to the short boy before straightening and facing Duo. "It's a good idea not to go more than a mile into the woods, though. We're in charge of the perimeter and we don't want students getting harmed if there's an attack."
"Attack? I thought this was a pacifist nation..." The black-haired boy snorted and Duo found himself very irritated by the sound. It made him feel like an idiot.
"Mutants from around the world gather here," Hiei said, "you think no one targets the place? Baka."
His jaw hurt from the way his teeth were clenched and Duo glared at the short boy. That word was one Heero could use for him, no one else. Thinking of the others, he wondered if they had heard his thoughts earlier. He had to have been thinking loudly. As if the two heard him, the black-haired boy jerked suddenly, looking at him for a second before lifting the band up so that third eye sparked.
"Five males, A class."
"Friends of mine," Duo said quickly, noting that the boy's free hand was curved over his shoulder. He remembered the sword. "They're telepaths, they must be worried about me."
"They couldn't have heard you," Kurama said, shaking his head. "Hiei blocks out any mental searches."
A hand fell on his shoulder suddenly and Duo jumped, whirling to give Heero a dark glare. "You took five years off my life!"
"Friends of yours?" Heero asked, his voice cold as he looked at the two strangers. Footsteps sounded behind him and he gave a glance to Quatre and Zechs, noting their pained expressions. Trowa landed beside him and he turned his gaze back to the two teens.
"Maybe," Duo said slowly, looking at them himself. Kurama smiled and he felt a bit guilty. "Yeah, they go to the school. This is Kurama and..."
"Hiei," Kurama said, stepping toward Heero. Extending a hand, his lips twitched when the dark haired boy made no move to accept it. Then the blonde boy moved forward and he nodded to him. "Your comrade stepped into our training area."
"We were worried," Quatre said, his eyes caught on the black-haired boy. The teen pulled a white band down to cover a third, blue eye and Quatre felt a sudden pressure lift from his mind. Obviously that was the reason he'd been unable to read Duo earlier.
"Good reason," Kurama nodded, "but no harm was done." A soft sigh reached him and he turned, moving back to Hiei. The boy was still glaring, and Kurama followed his gaze to the tall white-haired man. "You're Relena-dono's brother."
"Does everyone know what I look like?" Zechs asked, raising an eyebrow. "You're the second person to ask me that in only a couple of hours."
"He said they defend the kingdom from attack," Duo said suddenly, nodding when Zechs shot him an incredulous look. "Seriously."
"She keeps a picture of you in her office," Kurama said. "But we haven't spoken to her today. I didn't realize you had come back."
"This country has a defense," Zechs interrupted, stepping forward. "Have there been attacks?"
"No. But I really am not at liberty to discuss the details without Relena-domo's permission." Another sigh sounded and Kurama glanced down, smiling at Hiei's irritated expression. The black-haired boy glared at him then promptly fell over.
"Is he all right?" Quatre asked, rushing forward to crouch next to Kurama. The short boy's eyes were closed and he didn't move, but he was breathing deeply.
"I can heal him," Zechs offered, frowning when the red-haired boy shook his head.
"Hiei doesn't like to be touched. Don't worry, though, he isn't injured. He just needs to sleep for a few hours." His lips twitched and Kurama lifted the small roll of bandage. His friend hadn't used it, too distracted by the new students' arrival. Pushing back the long sleeve of Hiei's black cloak, he sat down, wrapping the boy's right arm. The blonde boy was still crouched beside him and he glanced over at him. "You didn't introduce yourselves."
"Oh," Quatre said softly, moving back. "This is Trowa, Wufei, and Heero. I'm Quatre."
"It's nice to meet you," Kurama said softly, nodding to each.
Duo frowned, looking at the ground. He felt as if he were forgetting something and he glanced toward the valley for a second before his eyes widened. "Kurama! Who was that other person?" The red-haired boy was putting the roll of bandage into his vest and he blinked at him. "I saw someone else, earlier when he was fighting. White hair, a tail."
"Heh." Smiling, Kurama lifted Hiei and stood, tilting his head as he looked at the violet-eyed boy. "That was me."
"What?" Duo frowned, staring at the boy's red hair and magenta clothing. "No, he was-"
"Just me. I don't have the ability to control plants capable of challenging Hiei unless I use that form. He *is* an S class, you know." The dark haired boy let out a sharp breath and Kurama blinked at him, taken back by the glare in those dark blue eyes.
"S class?" Heero whispered, his hands curling into fists. "There is no S class."
"Didn't you know? I admit, Hiei was the first I met besides myself, and I'm at the bottom of the level. Don't worry, you'll learn more after you take classes here. Relena-dono is good about teaching mutants more about themselves." Kurama blinked when the boy continued to stare at him and he shifted Hiei a bit, glancing at his watch. "I need to take him back now, if you like, I can tell you a bit about classes on the way. Duo said you missed your orientation."
"We're not students," Zechs said, ignoring the warning look Heero shot him. If his sister actually used the two boys as defense, then there was no way she'd be shocked to hear of their own actions. A glance at the sleeping boy reminded him of how young he looked. The red-haired one was a bit taller than Trowa and he could have been eighteen. But the shorter one didn't look a day over twelve. He had trouble believing Relena would use them, but it was obvious that she had. "We're taking shelter here."
"Ah, in the pacifist nation?" Kurama smiled, glancing at Duo as he remembered the boy's surprise. "Then you picked the best place. I suppose you kept this from Relena-dono, am I right? You shouldn't have. Come, I really should go back." He walked past them, nodding to Wufei when the boy moved aside to let him through. After a few steps, he could hear them following.
"Heero, you aren't going to believe what I saw back there," Duo whispered, walking close to Heero's side. The boy still looked angry and stunned, taken back by the knowledge of a level beyond A class. He hadn't actually thought much about classes himself. It was common knowledge that normal humans ranked mutants according to their abilities. He never thought about it. "That guy has to be just as fast as you are." Dark blue eyes turned to him and Duo smiled, putting an arm around Heero's waist. It was reassuring that the boy didn't shrug him off, but he could feel how tense those muscles were. "I really don't think you should be angry, Heero. Just think, they're mutants stronger than us. And they're friends. It's *good* news."
"He's right," Zechs murmured, slowing down so he flanked them. "Obviously we *do* have something to learn at this school." Wufei glanced back at him and he nodded when the boy gestured toward Kurama. Quatre was talking to the boy, Trowa next to him. "You can't read lips from back here. Come on, Heero."
"I hate this," Heero muttered, glaring to the side. "How could we not know there was an S class? It's infuriating."
"But we know now," Duo said, squeezing the boy and smiling when Heero glanced at him. "Just think, you were supposed to gather a team of powerful mutants. I'd say those two would make good recruits, right?" A glint sparked in those dark blue eyes and he smirked when Heero moved away suddenly, joining the others. Glancing at Zechs, he shrugged. "You just have to know how to work him," he said, his expression wise as if he knew everything about how to push Heero's buttons. "Make it a mission and he's all over it."
* * *
TBC
--notes--
For those who don't know, Hiei, Kurama, and Yukina are from Yu Yu Hakusho. This fic needed a boost to get it rolling again so I'm incorporating a new obsession into it. I apologize if that bothers anyone, but I like the idea. Also, if you don't know the series, it shouldn't matter much. It's an alternate universe so I'll develop the characters enough you shouldn't have to know the series. If you *do* know it and have problems with my characterizations, remember, it's an alternate universe fic. It will remain mostly a GW fic since the majority of the characters are from that series, I'm just giving another couple to the mix. ^__^