Soldiers of Sorcery
By Keara
Part Ten
Duo slowly pried his
eyes open, once again feeling something cool and wet laying against his
forehead. However, this time when his eyes did focus, he found Trowa sitting on
the edge of his bed, gently dabbing at his forehead with a washcloth. Duo smiled
a little, finding this to his liking. For some reason, he felt better waking up
and seeing Trowa’s face, those glimmering emerald eyes...he didn’t know
why he enjoyed it though.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say hello, but found his throat to be parched.
Trowa apparently noticed, since he helped Duo into a sitting position, grabbing
a glass of water from the bedside table and placing the edge to his chapped
lips. Duo drank, thankful for the refreshing way the water washed down his
throat as he swallowed.
“How are you feeling?” Trowa asked, taking the empty glass away and setting
it to the side again. He brushed the washcloth along Duo’s face, only lightly
pressing the cool surface to his heated skin.
“Not too good.” Duo admitted, lowering his gaze. “I’m tired.”
Apparently Trowa had no idea that Duo had been watching him last night...it
was a great relief to Duo. He didn’t want his friend to know that he had been
spying on him during so private a moment.
“I'm afraid I must apologize to you.” Trowa whispered, lowering his gaze, a
bashful rosy tint coloring his cheeks.
Duo had to admit that he was curious. “What could you possibly have to
apologize for, Trowa? If anyone should be apologizing, it should be me. I am the
one who threw up all over your hotel room.”
“Well, when I put you to bed...um...I removed your clothes thinking
that you would be more comfortable without them.” Trowa replied, his blush
darkening substantially.
Duo blinked, then lifted the blankets that were covering him. Well, he was nude,
but for once he wasn’t terrified of being naked when someone else was around.
He trusted Trowa. Perhaps it was because of last night and the fact that Duo had
witnessed Trowa’s own demons haunting him in his dreams, or maybe for some
other reason. Either way, he trusted Trowa now and felt no ill will toward the
other young man.
“It’s okay, Trowa. I understand you were thinking of my best interests and
not my body. I-I trust you, Trowa.” Duo said, smiling shyly.
Trowa smirked a bit, raising his gaze. He opened his mouth, looking to be
getting ready to say something. However, before he could speak, they heard a
knock coming from the door. Trowa stood, striding out of the room. A moment
later, Duo was surprised to see as Trowa returned with Rasid by his side.
“Master Quatre sent me to bring you to the plane, Mr. Maxwell.” Rasid said,
bowing.
“He’s not feeling well, Rasid.” Trowa said, standing a few paces away from
the large man. He looked very uncomfortable with Rasid’s presence, but then
again so did Duo.
“I see.” Rasid said, stepping forward. He gently placed his hand along the
side of Duo’s face, frowning when he felt the fever. He stood upright again,
then pulled something from a bag he had been carrying at his side. Duo saw that
it was a simple pair of sweat pants. “Master Quatre thought you would
appreciate a change of clothes. However, I feel that you should have a bath
before dressing...it would do you good.”
Without waiting for Duo’s response, Rasid grabbed the blankets and tossed them
aside. He quickly lifted Duo from the bed, despite his weak protests. Obviously,
Rasid was used to dealing with Quatre. When the blonde was sick, he probably
didn’t put up any fuss about getting help. However, Duo wasn’t like that.
Being naked and in the arms of a man much larger than him, left him feeling
scared and vulnerable. Even though he knew that Rasid was an ally, he was
fearful that he might try to take advantage of him in his weakened state.
Duo beat his hands on Rasid’s chest, begging to be put down. The man ignored
him though, walking out of the bedroom and toward the bathroom. Duo shuddered,
looking for Trowa, needing help. “Please, Trowa...” He pleaded in a weak
whimper, casting a desperate look toward his friend in the hope that he would
understand.
Trowa nodded and stepped forward, although he looked quite uncomfortable
himself. “If you don’t mind, Rasid...perhaps I should handle this.”
Trowa suggested.
Rasid turned to Trowa, looking him over for a few moments. In the end he did
hand Duo over to Trowa. Then he bowed respectfully. “As you wish, Mr. Barton.
If you need me, I will be waiting outside. Call me when he is ready to leave.”
“Yes, of course.” Trowa replied. Then he turned and headed into the
bathroom, carrying Duo gently. Duo could swear that he felt Trowa’s body
trembling, but shrugged it off as his own imagination.
A short time later, Duo was clean, dry and dressed in fresh garments. He had
allowed Trowa to braid his hair, not having felt up to doing it himself. Trowa
had been timid at first, but he had brushed the strands well. He hadn’t pulled
even one hair too roughly, treating the snags delicately and with the utmost
care. Duo almost fell asleep...Trowa was just brushing so gently. It was a
wonderful delight. It calmed him greatly feeling Trowa’s slender fingers
brushing his scalp, weaving through his tresses as he braided it.
Duo was disappointed when Trowa was done. No one had ever brushed his hair like
that before. Of course, he had never let anyone but Sister Helen or Solo brush
his hair before. They were both dead, by Duo’s doing. That thought crushed the
enjoyment that Duo had felt and he sighed, accepting Trowa’s help in standing
when it was given to him.
Trowa led Duo out of the bedroom, allowing him to sit in a chair while he
gathered what was left of Duo’s belongings in the room. He got Midnight back
into her cage, moving unsurely and gently as he handled her. He packed the
clothes that Duo had been wearing the night before into the bag that Duo had
brought.
Then he helped Duo up again. Trowa wrapped one arm around Duo’s waist, picking
up the cage and bag with his other hand and walked over to the door.
“Rasid.” He called out a few steps away, pausing as the man opened the door.
“You take these, I’ll bring Duo down.” Trowa said, handing over
Midnight’s cage and the bag.
Rasid nodded, taking what was offered. Duo was grateful that Trowa hadn’t just
handed him over to Rasid. Trowa swept Duo into his arms, then followed Rasid.
Duo sighed, allowing his head to rest on Trowa’s shoulder, feeling so very
tired. He was too tired to argue about not being allowed to walk, besides he
didn’t mind being carried by Trowa all that much. He found that he liked being
in Trowa’s arms, not truly understanding why he could feel that way though
when all he had felt before in his life was fear at the prospect of being held
by another man.
Duo hadn’t been aware that he had drifted off to sleep, until he was jostled
being transferred over from Trowa’s arms into Rasid’s. Duo frowned, fighting
to keep silent as the larger man cradled him like an infant. He looked up at
Trowa, biting his lip and unsure of what to say.
“Rasid’s going to take you to Quatre now. Have fun and get well.” Trowa
said, briefly clasping Duo’s hand and offering a brief hint of comfort.
Duo nodded, forcing a smile onto his face. “I will. See you on September
first.”
Trowa smirked, closing the door of the limo. He stood on the curb, waiting while
the vehicle pulled away. Duo could see him through the window, and watched as
the tall youth waved to him slightly. He just stood there on the sidewalk, Duo
didn’t see him leave. When they were out of sight, Duo set his head down on
Rasid’s shoulder, a faint hint of fear still tormenting him as he slipped into
a tentative slumber.
When he awakened again, he was being helped onto a shuttle. Quatre was already
onboard, looking quite tired. Boy, there were a pair. Quatre was weakened from
sensing negativity and Duo was ill from months of living on the streets. Neither
were strong enough to walk and both had to depend on others for help. At least
Duo couldn’t feel too bad if he would be recovering at one of Quatre’s
estates. He had always loved staying with the kind Arabian, enjoying his
hospitality and generosity.
Quatre was one of the rare few that Duo hadn’t felt totally uncomfortable
around. Still, Duo guarded his secrets around the blonde, not letting him in,
keeping his past from him. He didn’t want to lose Quatre as a friend, and he
didn’t want him feeling sorry for him.
When they arrived at Quatre’s estate, both Duo and Quatre were quickly shown
to their rooms and told to remain there. Quatre of course disobeyed the first
chance he got. He snuck into Duo’s room, yawning innocently as he climbed into
Duo’s bed. Duo was too tired to put up an argument, so allowed his friend to
share his company, knowing that nothing would happen when Quatre was so tired
anyway. The two of them fell asleep rather quickly, nestled in each others’
arms.
The months passed by rather quickly and soon the seven of them found it was time
to head back to London to catch their train on time at King’s Cross. Relena
resigned from her position in the government, giving her reasons for leaving as
personal. Dorothy simply quietly left home one day, not telling anyone where she
was going. Wufei sold his martial arts school, feeling a trace of regret as he
signed it over. Heero packed all of his belongings and sublet his apartment,
storing anything he felt he would not need at Hogwarts in a long-term storage
facility.
Quatre of course was escorted back to London by all of his sisters and the
Maguanac. Duo was also with him, although he felt out of place surrounded by all
of Quatre’s loving family. He had no one to wish him off on the trip. It
didn’t matter all that much though, since it meant that he also didn’t have
someone to miss while he was away at school. He and Quatre were quite healthy by
then. Quatre was his energetic self and Duo had his jester’s mask firmly back
in place. They all found hotel rooms and waited for the first of September to
come around.
However, things did not go so easily for Trowa. He had put off telling Catherine
of the fact that he would be attending Hogwarts until the very last minute,
afraid of her reaction. He had witnessed how much she didn’t like wizards
already, and was quite nervous about whether or not she would do something
irrational when he told him that he was going to go.
It was late in August when he finally got up the nerve to approach her, and by
then he already had his trunk packed and loaded in the back of his truck. If
there was trouble, all he would have to do was get in his truck and drive off.
He already had the keys in the ignition and Max was waiting in the passenger’s
seat.
Catherine was waiting for him just where he had told her to meet him, behind the
lion cages. He had always felt comfortable in the presence of the lions and now
he wanted to feel the comfort they provided him.
“What did you want to see me about Triton?” She asked, smiling at him. Trowa
had agreed to the blood test, hoping that if it was true and she was related
that she wouldn't hate him so much for attending Hogwarts. He really was her
brother, a fact he hoped would help him now.
“Catherine...it’s about Hogwarts.” Trowa said, approaching her
cautiously.
She sighed, looking disgusted at the chosen subject. “Why bring up that stupid
school? It’s not as if you are attending that ridiculous place.” She
replied, waving her hand dismissively.
“Actually, I am attending.” Trowa stated.
Catherine narrowed her gaze, anger seeping from her every breath. “I can’t
believe a brother of mine would go to such a abominable place! They teach
nothing but rubbish, foolish nonsense that will turn you into something
disgusting!” Catherine yelled, gaining the attention of a few of their fellow
troupe members.
“I’m going Catherine. I’ve already bought my supplies.” Trowa replied.
Catherine did not react well to this news. She pulled back her hand, slapping
him harshly across the face, cutting his cheek open with a ring she was wearing.
Trowa could have easily avoided or blocked the strike, but he felt that she had
needed to get that out of her system. “No brother of mine is going to that
wizards’ school!” She said, her tone commanding.
Hands gripped Trowa’s arms and he turned, feeling a growing wave of fear
radiate from the pit of his stomach. This did not look good. It seemed the
entire troupe was here to back Catherine up. The manager and lion tamer were
currently holding Trowa’s arms, keeping him trapped in one place.
“I-I’m going. You can’t stop me, Catherine.” Trowa said, hating the way
that his voice wavered. He couldn’t help it though...people were touching
him and he had never felt comfortable with human contact.
Catherine merely turned away, allowing herself to be pushed aside as another
stepped in front of Trowa. Trowa didn’t even have time to look and see who it
was before a fist collided with his stomach, finding all the air rushing out of
him rather rapidly. His legs buckled beneath him, but he didn’t fall. No, he
was being held up by people he had once considered friends. He was being
betrayed by those he had trusted.
One by one, the entire troupe took their turns. Each one hit Trowa, some of them
several times in a row. In the stomach, the face, the legs and chest...they
left no place untouched not even his groin. He was beginning to lose his senses
when he became aware that the crowd had parted in front of him. He looked up,
his vision blurred by the blood that ran through his eyes from his various
injuries, his body weak and tired.
Trowa inhaled sharply, seeing Catherine at the center of the parted group. She
raised her arm, a glittering of light reflecting off of something silver. Trowa
realized what it was too late. He weakly tried to pull his arms free, watching
in horror as she pulled her arm back and aimed. It was no use though, he was too
tired to get free, and Catherine threw her knife.
Trowa gasped, darkness invading his vision for a moment as pain radiated from
the side of his body. He looked down at himself, his eyes widening at the sight
of a dagger’s hilt protruding from his left side, just below his ribs. Her aim
had been perfect, injuring him severely without puncturing any major organs. If
this was treated properly, he wouldn’t die from it, but Trowa had no intention
of seeking medical attention.
A hand grasped Trowa’s bloody chin, forcing his gaze up. His eyes met with
Catherine’s angry and hurt gaze. She spit in his face, roughly yanking her
dagger from his body. “You're not my brother, Trowa Barton. Triton Bloom just
died in my heart forever.” She hissed, slapping him once again. “Go to your
school. I never want to see you again.” With that said, she turned away, her
hand raising up to wipe away her tears as she left him.
The rest of the troupe followed her. Trowa’s arms were released and he dropped
to the ground in a pain-filled heap. He had been right not to trust people, he
knew that now. No one was good, everyone was out to hurt him. His own sister had
let him get beaten harshly and then had stabbed him. He shuddered, pressing his
hand to the stab wound in his side, forcing himself to get up. Groggily, he
stumbled over to his truck and opened the door.
He clambered in, pulling the door shut behind him. A moment later he collapsed
to his side, too weak to move, losing blood as he lay there. He just wanted to
sleep, but he knew that he couldn’t. Max nudged his face and Trowa groaned in
pain, raising his hand to weakly pet his friend, even though he knew that he
would leave blood on his fur. “You want me to get up, huh?” Trowa said, his
voice slurred by pain and the blood dribbling from his lips.
Max nudged him again. Trowa got the idea...he had to do something about his
injuries, had to help himself before he could fall asleep. Trowa nodded, forcing
himself to rise to a sitting position. He took hold of the steering wheel,
blinking away his dizziness, as he turned the key in the ignition. Within
minutes he had driven away from the circus he had known as home, heading down a
highway to somewhere unknown. He was focusing mainly on staying awake and not
driving himself into a ditch.
However, he did find a motel eventually. It was a seedy looking dive and when
Trowa checked in, the man behind the counter didn’t ask a single question.
Trowa looked like he had just gone through a meat grinder and the man hadn’t
even raised an eyebrow in curiosity. He didn’t care that Trowa was bleeding to
death, as long as Trowa paid a very large security deposit in advance to pay for
the cost of cleaning the room after he left. Trowa just handed the money over
and took the guy’s first aid kit, grabbing his key and went to his room. He
stopped by his truck on the way and picked up his own first aid kit, feeling
that he would probably need all the supplies he could get right now, also taking
his backpack with him. The backpack contained a couple changes of clothes,
something that Trowa was sure he would need in the morning. The clothes that he
was wearing now were covered in blood and would no longer be any use to him.
Once inside his room, he let Max in and locked the door behind them. He forced
himself to remain conscious as he cleaned and bandaged all oh his injuries
himself. He even stitched up the wound on his side, not caring if a scar was
left, as long as he wouldn’t bleed to death in the night. He had practice with
stitching up wounds, as a mercenary he had tended to many of his group when they
had been injured. Now he was applying his knowledge to treating himself.
As soon as he was sure that he wouldn’t die in the night, Trowa stripped off
what was left of his clothing and climbed into bed. Max curled up beside him,
purring as Trowa swung an arm around the feline’s body. He was in the nude,
but was too tired to care. However, he did leave the fingers of one hand curled
around the loaded gun under his pillow, hoping that his senses wouldn’t be
impaired by his injuries. He quickly fell asleep, hoping that he wouldn’t wake
up too late in the day. He did have to get to London soon and to King’s Cross...the first was quickly approaching.