Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Walkiing in Shadows ❯ The Encounter ( Chapter 2 )

Title: Walking in the Shadows. Pt. 2/?

Authors: Deathangelgw and Nightshadow

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

Warnings: AU, slight OOC, sap, dark, angst, language, mention of torture, incest, rape, fantasy, yaoi, shounen-ai, OCs, lemon/lime later (knowing me….)

Pairings: Varied, but the main is 2+/x5x2, 1xOCx4 (and vice versa), 3xOCx3

Rating: Varied, but this is PG-13

Note: This is an ongoing ficcie between Nightshadow and me (DA)! Hope you like! We have another one in the works….that's just drooooly! Please review!

Yep, Jordan, it's a repost. ^_^ If you leave an email I can tell you when new chs are added. Thanks for all your other reviews!

`thoughts'

*thoughts*

Mumbling to himself, Duo swatted at the tickle the morning light on his eyes. He much preferred the dreams he was having at the moment. Sighing he moved to turn on his side to avoid the light, only to find himself tumbling off the bed to land upon the stone floor.

Footsteps sounded outside of the outpost as Wufei walked swiftly in, hearing the thump of a body. Concerned, he walked in, then stopped. He smirked slightly before kneeling down to the tumbled Duo. "Is this how you always wake up? One would think throwing yourself from bed would be...less than wise." he said teasingly as he helped the braided man up.

Rising, Duo brushed himself off with a wry grin. "I'll agree and I blame it upon the sunlight. It disturbed my dreams and refused to take a polite no for an answer."

Chuckling softly in amusement, Wufei shook his head and handed him some dried fruit. "We must go now. Eat this on the way." he said softly, then walked out of the outpost.

"Alright." Walking quickly he caught up to Wufei till he was beside him. "Have you eaten any?"

Shrugging as he came up to his mount, Wufei smirked. "My people don't need to eat as much. But yes, I did eat. We will get a meal once we get to the palace." he said as he mounted the large Arabian. Looking down, he held out his hand to help Duo up.

Taking the other's offered hand, Duo swung up behind the other man. "Me, I've always eaten a lot. Something to do with my hair I think."

"Ah." was all the black haired man said before kneeing the horse sharply, going at a gallop for the palace of his kingdom.

Relaxing into the movement of the horse, Duo looked about him. "You have a beautiful home and steed."

Smiling softly, Wufei bowed his head in acceptance of the compliment. "Thank you...we are as in tune with nature as we are with ourselves." he said as he rode.

Nodding, he lightly caressed the flank of the horse. "I have a mount, somewhere. He migrates to the mountains for the birthing season of his herd. Maybe you'll get to meet him."

"Perhaps I already have." Wufei said quietly then slowed his mount as they came to the top of a hill. "Welcome...to the Phoenix Gate, city of my people." he said quietly, looking down with pride at his home.

"It's...breathtaking." He gazed down at splendid city before him, taking his braid in his hand as apprehension at the soon to be meeting, returned to sink its claws in him.

Wufei sensed his apprehension and smiled secretly. "When we get to the palace, they will separate us. I must...report in and you will probably wish to be cleaned and in new clothes." he said as he started his mount forward at a slower pace.

"Clothes sound like a good idea." *Being separated does not, but what choice do I have? * He turned his attention back to the sights of the city.

Wufei chuckled softly as they trotted down the main street of the huge city. He ignored the bows that were directed at him as he passed by the people. Soon, they came to the main palace gates. He said nothing as they opened before him and his horse was taken from him. Dismounting, he looked around. "See that this guest is tended to, given new clothes, fed, and taken care of." he said commandingly. Taking one last look at Wufei, Duo followed the people who motioned to him to follow them. Wufei walked swiftly to his wing after one final glance at the longhaired man. He cleaned up immediately, dressing in his simpler royal robes before placing the small band signaling his royal standing on his head. He walked swiftly to his throne room, waiting for Duo to be brought to him.

After finishing with his bath, Duo looked over the clothes, which had been presented to him, choosing a loose comfortable black garment with silver edging. *Tis fitting that a Shinigami wear black, and anyway, I LIKE black. * Smiling he donned the simple outfit, then waited to be guided to whoever he was supposed to meet.

A servant stepped into the room, bowing lowly. "Sir...his Majesty is waiting to see you now." he said respectfully.

"Thank you. Lead the way, please, sir." Smiling he followed the man to his destination.

Walking quickly, the servant led the way to the throne room. He opened the great wooden doors with a simple knock, then gestured for Duo to step in.

Nodding his thanks to the servant, Duo squared his soldiers and stepped within the room. *Afterall, nothing can be worse than an audience with Father...I hope. *

Wufei smirked as he saw the braided man enter. "Step forward, Duo Maxwell." he said softly as he sat regally on his throne.

Hearing the familiar voice, Duo looked up to see the supposed border guard who had brought him here. Hiding his shock behind the actions of following the order, Duo stepped forward and bowed before the king, his savior. "A pleasure to see you again, your Majesty." A slight smile teased the corner of his lips as he rose from his bow to gaze upon the other man.

An answering smile greeted the violet-eyed man. "I'm sorry that I hid my identity from you. But...that is for my protection. And when I am out there, I am not the king." he said quietly.

Shaking his head, Duo allowed a slight chuckle to escape. "It was assumption, not deception which mislead me. And you are one who guards his people from all who would bring harm to them. That is something more than a king."

Shrugging nonchalantly, Wufei gestured for Duo to approach. "Now, you may tell your story." he said quietly, a soft look of worry in his onyx eyes.

Walking, forward, the longhaired man sighed. "Well, its not all that long and you may wish me far from here when I'm done. To start with, my Father is the Lord most commonly known as Blackheart. I am his son and was his heir. Now I am a hunting amusement, because I chose my own path and in his eyes failed the coming of age test he had set up. My test was to torture, beat, rape, and so forth a young human child who had already suffered at the hands of others taking the test that day. Instead, I chose to wreck my father's festivities and break the binding spells on the child's soul, then slit his throat and walk out of the room once I was assured his spirit had escaped Blackheart's grasp. It was I suppose the last straw in a long line of straws brought into existence by my inappropriate behavior. The order was given that I was disowned and henceforth my cousin was the Heir. I left not a half hour later and had been running from his hunting hounds until I came upon you and your outpost."

Wufei frowned as he listened to the disturbing story. "Such evil...we had heard of our neighbor's tendencies...but did not know it went so far." he said softly, his eyes filled with worry.

"With him I doubt there's an ending to what he'll do for his own twisted sense of pleasure." Bitterness crept into his voice as he remembered his own times under his father's "care".

Frowning even more as he sat up, Wufei kept his gaze locked with Duo's. "What would you like from me?" he asked quietly.

"If at all possible I'd like a place to stay while I figure out what I am to do, or at least until Shini comes around with his herd. Then at least I'll have someway besides my feet to wander on." He grinned somewhat sheepishly. "I quite frankly didn't think much past "Run from the dogs with the big sharp teeth and blood hunger.""

Laughing softly, Wufei shook his head. "Ah, I see...you honestly didn't expect to live." he said with a gentle smile. "You are free to stay here if you wish. My palace is open to you." he said softly.

Bowing slightly, Duo smiled, relieved that he would have time to think. "I thank you once again." A grin touched his face. "By the way, since you're once more the king, does this mean I need an audience to say hi and so forth?''

Chuckling again, Wufei shook his head. "If you see me here, then yes. Otherwise, if I am outside of the throne room, you may speak to me. Just don't be surprised if there are advisors around." he said with a grin.

"Ahh. The ever clucking chickens. Tell me, do yours have brains and know how to use them?" His grin grew as he began to tease the young royal. *Young Handsome royal. *

Shaking his head in amusement and finding himself relaxing, Wufei said, "Yes, they do have brains....most of the time. They are very good in their advice." he said almost admonishingly, except the twinkle in his onyx eyes belied that threat.

"Will wonders never cease then." Smiling he shifted his weight onto his heels. "So what do you do all day besides listen to chickens cluck?"

Turning slightly serious, Wufei replied, "I watch over the great Barrier that protects our land as well as deal with my people's problems."

Nodding, Duo inclined his head. "That I gathered. You do not seem one to shirk his duties to his people. I meant besides that. Surely you must do something besides what is needed."

Wufei blinked in surprise, then thought for a moment. "Do you mean, hobbies?" he asked hesitantly.

Grinning he nodded quickly. "Well, yes. I believe everyone has one. And if they don't they should find one."

Rolling his eyes, Wufei said, "Yes then I have a hobby or two."

He waited for a moment for the other man to continue, then, his patience at an end, spoke up again. "And they would be? If one is eating then I seriously think you need to work on it some more, for I'm sure I can out-eat you." He grinned, a spark of mischief in his gaze.

Laughing at that, Wufei shook his head. "No, you sass. I play the flute and read to relax." he said, rolling his eyes.

"Ahhh, so I be in the presence of a renowned musician and bookworm. Sounds like a decent bargain to me though I prefer playing the pan pipe myself. Books are ever a delight...unless the come with a task master. Then they are something to be avoided if at all possible." He grinned, resting his weight on one foot.

Laughing softly and shaking his head again in amusement, Wufei said, "You are indeed one of a kind, Duo Maxwell. Why don't we go for a walk in the palace gardens and talk there?" he said as he stood, offering his hand to the other man.

"I believe that sounds like an enjoyable plan, for I'm sorry to say that no matter how beautiful a floor is the ground, alas is better." Taking the offered hand he followed the young man. Chuckling again, Wufei led him out to the gardens. He smiled as he went into the rose maze, following it aimlessly as he relaxed for the first time since he became king. Letting his fingers caress the flowers around them, Duo relaxed into the easy silence between him and his companion. Turning his head slightly, Wufei noticed for the first time that he and Duo were holding hands. Blushing slightly, he looked ahead as he walked, but didn't say anything as they came upon the center of the maze. A large fountain sprayed water into the air, trailing down to a large stream and a pond. Trees blew gently in the wind as the fresh smell of lilacs and pine floated on the breeze.

Looking about him, Duo smiled. He'd always loved places like this. "It's simply amazing. So...transcendently peaceful." Sighing contentedly, he turned back to smile at Wufei.

Wufei smiled at him in return as he walked over to the natural bench next to the pond. "I come here often to relax and get away." he said softly as he looked up at the long haired man.

Nodding, Duo sat beside the other man, not bothering to release his hand. "I can see how this place could relax someone."

Nodding as he watched the other man, Wufei smiled softly. He reluctantly let the hand holding his go as he reached into his cloak and pulled out a simple reed flute. Slowly, softly, he played a soft tune, the notes floating in the air. Pulling his braid over his shoulder, the longhaired man ran his fingers through the end as he closed his eyes, giving the music his full attention. Around them, the flowers swayed to the music. The water rippled softly as if in awe as the notes seemed to play across it. Wufei leaned back and played gently, letting his feelings come through the music. Watching the other through slitted eyes, Duo smiled, admiring the music's creator as well as the music. Wufei smiled softly as he put the flute down and gazed at the longhaired man. "Did I put you to sleep?" he asked softly.

Smiling softly, Duo gently shook his head. "No, I was just admiring what was shown to me."

Cocking an eyebrow in interest, Wufei smiled slowly. "Oh really? Tell me what you saw? Sometimes my music inspires..." he said as he looked down at his flute.

Closing his eyes, the violet eyed man thought back to the music. "I saw the land and its creatures dancing, swaying to a song known only to one and guided by this ones hand and heart. I saw life."

Smiling softly as he looked at the other man, Wufei said, "Yes...my music was of the heart...of life....of hope. It is a song I let come out often...when things are dark." He tilted his head and smiled. "You seemed to need it...a reminder of life."

Losing some of his relaxation to a more somber mood, Duo nodded slowly. "Aye, I suppose I did. Living as I have, Death has become more of a friend and ally than Life at most times."

"Death is part of life...one doesn't shun it. But...one must remember that life is created in death." Wufei said softly as he looked down at his flute again.

Leaning back, Duo smiled slightly, more to himself than anyone. "Aye, the Shadow Lover has said as much when we've spoken."

Wufei looked up and looked at him in curiosity. "You have spoken to He who knows our Shades?" he asked in shock.

Confused by the different phrasing, it took Duo a minute to realize they were speaking of the same person. "Hmm? Oh, SL? Yeah. He's not a bad fellow. Pretty fun guy, actually."

Wufei stared at him. "How do you know him?? Only one who has been to the other realm would...know..." he trailed off as his eyes widened in shock.

Taking in the shocked look on the other's face, the young Shinigami nodded. "Yeah I've been there. Actually have a chess game going on with him. Hopefully he'll have made his move by the next time we meet."

"How? Only one who has died or nearly died go have even crossed the Veil." Wufei asked sharply as he stared at the other man in horror.

Grinning, Duo rested his hands behind his head. "Actually there's a third way. It's just a bit rare. I don't need the other two to go for a visit."

"Well are you going to tell me about it or am I going to have to get it out of you some other way?" Wufei growled out, not at all pleased at being bounced around by the longhaired man's words.

Chuckling, Duo lightly rested a hand upon Wufei's shoulder. "It should be as plain as the window to my soul for someone as well read as I expect you are."

Wufei stared at him, his onyx eyes reading Duo's violet. "A Shinigami...I don't believe it....there hasn't been one in generations..." he whispered hoarsely. Nodding, Duo waited for his companion's reaction once the shock had passed. Not everyone had reacted...well, so to speak to his revelation.

Wufei looked away slightly, staring unseeingly as his mind reeled with the implications. "Such a sad life....always around death....never really getting to know life..." he whispered almost mournfully.

Shrugging, Duo looked at the sky above him. "It's not all that bad really. Got me away from Blackheart every now and then."

"It is still a sad fate, Duo. One that you should not have to go through." Wufei said softly as he looked at the other man.

Grinning he shook his head. "It's all how you look at it. At least by being death's living child I always have the assurance that Blackheart is no more my true father than that flower over there. And someday I'll find a person to call home. There's always something to look forward to if you think hard enough."

"Have you never had a true friend, Duo? One to confide in that wouldn't know your heart already?" Wufei asked quietly as he watched the other.

Shrugging he began playing with his braid. "Being the heir of the most feared Lord around either has people trying to best you at everything or trying to suck up to you. One or two of the slaves were decent enough, but there was always that proper conduct stuff. Kinda hard to be someone's friend if telling them their being stupid gets ya killed. SL would talk when he could, but people die a lot. He stayed pretty busy."

Wufei sighed sadly. "So sad....one shouldn't go through life without friends. They are life itself." he said quietly, a small tear rolling down his cheek in sadness for Duo.

Stunned at the sight of the tear, Duo raised his hand and gently wiped it away. "Hey there, it wasn't all that bad. I mean I had Shinigami, and a Pegasus makes a good friend. Sure he's a bit on the silent side, but he can play a mean game of tag."

Wufei smiled slightly at that and looked away. "You deserve better, Duo." he said quietly, his fingers clenched tightly around his flute.

Smiling sadly, Duo rested a hand over Wufei's clenched one. "So do a lot of the people back where I came from. I, to a degree, had it better. I afterall had an escape. They don't. And it seems to me that if you always focus on what you deserve instead of what you have, then life tends to stay rather depressing, but if you take what you have and do your best to find something in it to enjoy, then life's not all that bad. It's how you chose to see it."

"I must sound like a rich ignorant person to you, for thinking that life should indeed be a good thing." Wufei said sadly as he placed his own hand over Duo's. "I apologize. I don't wish to make it seem like you are....lower than I." he said softly.

Chuckling, Duo shook his head. "Your sidhe. Arrogance is part of the job. And none needed. You offered sympathy instead of trying to down play what has been my life. I simply in turn explained a bit more so you might not feel so bad. You in no way made me feel lower, I promise."

Smiling softly, Wufei said, "Honest?" He suddenly felt like a child, looking for approval, than a king.

A slow grin lit up the young Shinigami's face. "I may run and hide, but I never tell a lie, so yes, honest."

Shannon says:

Nodding, Wufei looked down. 'What is wrong with me? He's a stranger that I picked up and saved...why am I feeling so...' he sighed softly, puzzled by his thoughts.

Gazing on their joined hands, Duo sighed to himself. *Why me? Not that its bad or anything, but did he have to be the King? I'm an exiled Prince who's being hunted, who's starting to like the King of the land I'm taking refuge in. Why me? There's nothing wrong with him. He's good looking, nice, which is a rarity, somewhat arrogant and of course the...King. At least I have good taste. * Shaking off his introspective mood, Duo turned back to his friend? *Guess he is that. * So, are there any other people around here besides the chickens? Clucking can be entertaining, but it's also rather annoying."

Wufei smiled slightly. "No...actually...not really, except for my fellow guardians whom I rarely see. I'm sorry." he said sadly, not even thinking about how lonely he really was.

Nudging Wufei with his shoulder he grinned. "Seems we both need some friends then, huh? Well, we got one now anyway."

Blinking in surprise, Wufei smiled slightly. "Friends, huh? I think I could go for that..." he said softly. 'I could go for a lot more, but I suppose I can take what I can get...' he added silently. Grinning, Duo hugged his new friend excitedly. Blinking slowly in surprise, Wufei found himself slowly bringing his arms up and returning the hug. Albeit, his mind kept on screaming at him that this was wrong and not accepted...

Breaking off the hug Duo raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Well, my first duty as your friend is to tell you to lose the pony tail. Its giving Me a headache just looking at it." *And I wanna see ya with your hair down.... Friendship afterall is just where things begin sometimes. * Wufei stiffened and looked away, saying nothing. Stunned by the sudden change, Duo moved to touch his shoulder lightly. "Wufei? What's wrong? You don't have to, really you don't. I just...um...kinda wanted to see what ya looked like with your hair down." He trailed off, removing his hand from the other's shoulder and going back to playing with his braid.

"I've never...No one's ever..." Wufei started, then sighed, stopping. Slowly, he reached up and undid the tie that held his hair back, letting his shoulder length black hair fall.

Turning back to Wufei at the sound of his voice, Duo gasped at the sight of the shining hair falling about its owner's face. "Wow...You should have it like that more often. It looks good..." *Good? He looks like a damn god with his hair like that. Boy am I ever in trouble and I really don't care. *

Blushing slightly as he looked down, Wufei said a quiet, "Thank you." He fidgeted with his flute, not even daring to look at the other man.

"Your welcome, though its just the truth, or maybe more my opinion. Who knows." Grinning, Duo poked him lightly in the side. Moving away slightly from the poking, Wufei didn't say anything still embarrassed. He reached up and quickly put his hair back into a neat ponytail. Sighing at the loss, Duo smiled gently at the other man. "Thanks 'Fei, for letting me see." Nodding and still avoiding the other's eyes, Wufei just silently berated himself for getting emotional and showing a weakness. Watching the other for a moment, Duo grinned before taking his braid and beginning to use the end to tickle the back of Wufei's neck.

"Gah!" Wufei cried out in surprise, jerking back. He stared at Duo, then glared slightly. "Snot...what'd you do that for?" he asked, itching his neck.

Shaking his head, Duo tried to stop from laughing, but only ended up knocking himself off the bench. "Ow..." Still grinning, he just lay there, rubbing his head.

Cocking an eyebrow and smirking, Wufei leaned over and looked down at Duo. "Are you ok? Or do you like the ground that much?" he asked archly.

Still grinning, he sat up. "I'm fine. And I only like the ground when it doesn't welcome me so abruptly."

Laughing softly, Wufei reached a hand down, offering to help him up. "Could have fooled me." Grasping the hand, Duo levered himself back to his feet and once again took his seat on the bench. Wufei smiled as he sat back, not letting Duo's hand go again. "Comfy?" he asked softly.

"Yep." Smiling at the warmth from Wufei's hand holding his he sighed contentedly. "So, are there any people here I should watch out for or be introduced to so I don't end up skewered if I go looking to talk to you?"

Wufei cocked his head thoughtfully. "Well...I suppose my bodyguards as well as my advisors." he said, frowning slightly.

"So I have to meet the chickens do I? Well, I'd prefer the bodyguards first. They'll probably be more approachable. Ever listened to them for advice? In some ways they'd probably be better than the chickens. They don't cluck. They go clang!" Chuckling, he smiled at his companion.

Shaking his head and chuckling as well, Wufei replied, "Yes, actually I do speak with them on a few things....but they tend to be cold to everyone outside of me." He smiled ruefully.

Shrugging, Duo smiled. "Nothing wrong with that. I'm used to it and even if they are I'll have tried and there's no shame in that. It's the cluckers that'll prove the most troublesome, mark my word. It's always the cluckers."

Snorting softly in an extremely undignified way, Wufei shook his head. "Maybe I should warn them of you..." he said softly, squeezing the hand holding his own.

"The cluckers or the clangers? Either way I'll probably still get 'em riled up." A mischievous grin lighted upon his face. "Actually...lets surprise the clangers. It'll be fun. The cluckers can be worried about later. I'm having to good a day to have it spoiled just yet. What do you say?

Cocking an eyebrow as he smiled in bemusement, Wufei asked, "Surprise them how?"

Grinning slowly, Duo leaned to whisper in the ear of his co-conspirator. "Well, ya see that tree a couple feet away? It has some mighty nice acorns....I wonder what they'd do if they came here and some of those acorns played "Hit the clanger" courtesy of me? I wouldn't hit hard, just enough to be annoying. I bet ya anything, they're reactions would be amusing. Wufei's eyes widened, both in surprise at the idea....and the fact that the man was so close to him. He swallowed hard and was about to say something when a voice stopped them.

"What are you doing to His Majesty?" a cold voice said as the sound of a sword unsheathing rang through the air.

TBC