Prologue(Danae)

“I can tell you no more,” with these words the old man’s body relaxed and he slumped forward slightly.

“Master?” the young apprentice seated in the corner started, unsure of what to do.  The ol man never let his fatigue show as obviously as this

“I’m alright, Wufei,” he raised his hand, stopping the boy in his tracks.

“My apologies,” the boy muttered before reclaiming his seat.  Inhaling deeply he forced his well-trained muscles to relax.  He had no idea what had possessed him to act so rashly--it was just… something was different this time.

Wufei eyed the two visitors—more dynasty scum, judging from their armor.  Only with a notable effort could he keep his hatred from burning on his face.

“Now, gentleman, since our business is through, you are free to go,” the old man gave them a dismissive nod.

“We thank you for your services, mage.  I personally apologize for the abruptness of our visit and any inconvenience it might have caused you.”

<<So, they’re finally teaching them some manners on the mainland.>>  Wufei watched the knight as he bowed in reverence to the sorcerer before turning to leave.

He remained seated, listening to their footsteps fade before rising to tidy up the tools used in the reading.

“That can wait until later, Wufei.”

“But…” the uncertainty in his voice was cast aside as the old man laid a hand on his arm.  Quietly, he laid the objects he had colleted to one side, and took a seat across from his master.

“Wufei… I want you to go and ready your things.  You are going to the mainland as soon as night falls.”

“What sort of business could we have on the mainland at this time of year?” he let his curiosity get the best of him, knowing full well that silent obedience was expected.

“We do not have any business,” the old man chuckled softer, throwing him off guard.  “You, on the other hand, have a very important meeting that you must attend.”

“Meeting?”

“With fate… or something of the sort.  I know it sounds a little melodramatic, but when you are a sorcerer for this long, a little melodrama is bound to arise every now and then.”

“I still don’t understand what you mean.”

The humor left the old man’s eyes as he stared intently at the boy, “You heard me tell those knights that there exists a group of children in this world with the ability to end the dynasty’s rule, did you not?”  He watched the boy nod silently in affirmation before continuing.  “Well, Wufei, you are one of them.”

“You knew this and still you didn’t tell them?”

“I probably could have given them the identities of every one of you, had I wished to do so.  However, the dynasty does not own the future, or my soul for that matter.  So, I am sending you to the mainland to gather the others and see what the future brings.”

“How am I supposed to do that?”

“I’m leaving that part up to you.  I feel it is enough for me to be telling you this much.  From here on out, we shall let fate direct your path,” the old man smiled secretively, handing the boy a small pouch.  “I suggest you hurry.  Fate is very persistent, but id doesn’t often like to wait.”

With a quick, affirming nod, Wufei turned and left.

******************************************************************

"You understand exactly what you are to do?"

"Hn." The boy's eyes bore through the darkness with an almost frightening certainty

"Yes, I suppose you do." An icy breeze whipped around them both.  The man drew his cloak tightly around him, more to ward off the boy's stare than the wind.  He barely concealed his shudder as he met the icy stare.  "I just wanted to be sure you understood the gravity of the situation."

Azure eyes seemed to glow from the face, hinting at knowledge far beyond their years. "There's no need to worry.  You'll get your money's worth."

A small chuckle escaped the man's lips, more from some dull sense of-sadness-than humor.  "Just don't die too soon and ruin all of our plans, Heero."

Silently, he watched as the boy moved toward the waiting ship; and after that, who knew?

Darkness filled the hallway, mingling with the nighttime silence to create a sense of false peace throughout the manor house.  The entire household slumbered, tucked safely away from their daily concerns.  It was quite a change from the madness of the daylight hours, when the routine got in the way of true quiet.

A faint light seeped into the darkened hall, as a lone boy nervously paced his room.

“Looks like this is it,” he jumped, the sound of his own voice startling him in the deafening quiet.

He moved to the window, hesitantly throwing open the shutters.  Moonlight illuminated the carefully manicured lawn.  The boy whistled softly, searching the yard for any movement.

“Ready to go Master Quatre!” several men dressed in what can only be described as something Robin Hood might sell at a garage sale emerged from the bushes.  The hastily saluted, nearly knocking the make shift foliage disguises from their heads.

“I’ll be down in a second.  Just lay low… I don’t want the entire household to know I’m going.”

“Yes Mas--,” the soldier stopped, the look on Quatre’s face causing him to lower his voice, “I mean, sure thing Master Quatre.”

Hoping desperately that the commotion outside hadn’t awoken his father, Quatre tore the covers from his bead, quickly tying them together to create a makeshift ladder.  He lowered them out the window, careful to avoid tangling them in the treetops below.  The other end he looped around his bedpost, then tested the knot against his weight.

“Good, it should hold,” he muttered, letting the ladder fall to the floor as he reached for a small satchel sitting on his bed.  It rested heavily on his shoulder as he climbed onto the ledge.

Carefully calculating his descent, the boy swung his left foot out of the window, preparing to repel down the side.

“Going somewhere little brother?”

The voice mad Quatre jump, making him topple head first out of the window.  Luckily his right foot tangled in the sheet ladder, saving him from a painful landing in the bushes.

“Master, are you alright?!?”

“Hold on boys, I’m pulling him up.”  The men blushed as they saw the girl through the window, quickly pulling the foliage off their heads.  One brave soul even managed a meek wave at her.  She laughed softly as she lifted Quatre back to safety.  “You alright, kid?”

“Yeah, just slightly embarrassed,” Quatre said, blushing.  “Thanks for pulling me in, Iria.”

“What’s a big sister for?  Besides, I am the one who made you fall out of the window.

Quatre smiled faintly, rubbing the soreness from his leg.

“You know, you might have just used the door.”

“I… I’m sorry I have to do this, Iria.  Father will never understand, though… he won’t even let me go to Galbadia by myself, let alone the mainland.”

“The mainland?  Well, aren’t you getting ambitious…” Iria smiled secretively at her brother, “To this just yesterday I was changing your diapers.”

“I have to go, and I’m sorry if that hurts you, but—"

“Calm down there, little brother.  I’m not going to try and stop you,” she handed him the ladder, motioning toward the window, “Don’t think I haven’t snuck out a few times myself.  Now, you’d better get going before your little troop of bush men outside wake father.”

“Thanks, Iria.”

“Just pick up something pretty for me in Trabia and we’ll call it even.”

Throngs of raggedly dressed farmers and peasants milled their way through the icy streets of Esthar, trying their best to ward off the cold with their threadbare attire.  The city streets were littered with filth as its inhabitants moved along wearily, some taking shelter in the rundown buildings lining the way.  Raucous music pouring from the local brothel accompanied by the jeering of drunken men was the only sign that some semblance—no matter how pitiful—of civilization existed within the town walls.

To put it simply, the place was a dump.

“This is the last time I let you plan our vacation, Mael!” a large woman swathed in velvet and furs pushed through the crowds.  Her clothing—and her tirade to the terrified little man walking beside her—made the townsfolk turn to stare.

“I’m sorry dear, but—“

“But nothing!  This place is disgusting… Just look at all the vagrants wandering around here.  The probably don’t even –know- what a bath is, the dirty little—“ the woman’s insults stopped as a young boy tumbled through the crowd and into her.  Her feet flew over her head and she rolled down the dirty street, landing in a heap of fur.

“Oh, sorry lady,” the boy said, rubbing his head.

“Sorry!  That’s all you can say is sorry, you little brat!”

“Geez, lady, calm down.  I’m sorry I ran into you,” the boy stood, offering his hand to the woman who was still struggling to stand, her face bright purple.

“Don’t touch me you little flea infested street rat!” she growled, batting his hand away.

“Fine, I was just trying to be a nice guy, but since my help here obviously isn’t appreciated I’ll be on my way,” the boy turned, leaving the woman flailing on the ground, screeching at her poor husband.

“Call me flea infested will she…” he ducked into a dingy alleyway, still muttering to himself as he pulled a rather large purse from his sleeve, “We’ll see how well she gets by without this.”

He opened the purse, dumping its contents into his palm.  “Not bad for an afternoon’s work… not bad at all.”

“My, my, aren’t you the clever little thief.”

“What?!?” the boy spun around to face the source of the voice, dropping some of his earnings in the process.  “What the hell do you think you’re doing sneaking up on my like that!!”

A girl stepped out of the shadows, grinning smugly at him.  “Just admiring your work is all.  Pretty good for an amateur.  You know, with some training you might just get to be one of the best.”

“Amateur!  I’ll have you know I’m the best thief in all al Esthar… no, all of Dha!”

“Well, I’m not doubting that.  You probably are the best on this island… but I’m the best that there is, period.”

“Somehow I doubt that.”

“Oh, really.  Well, I guess you won’t be needing this back, then,” she held up her hand, letting a silver chain slip through her fingers.  “Nice piece of jewelry you’ve got.  A little too nice in face.  So, did you steal this from that old cow, too?”

“How in the hell?” the boy felt around his neck, then moved to snatch the necklace back.

“Not so fast,” she smiled, moving easily out of his way.

“You’d better give that back, dammit!”

“Alright, but tell me who you stole it from first.”

“I didn’t steal it from anyone, it was a gift.  Now give it back before I have to take it!” he glared at her, a look of determination spreading across his face.

She handed it back, watching him press it silently to his lips before slipping it back over his neck.  “Listen, do you want to learn from the best or not?”

“You have a really strange way of recruiting students.”

“Listen, I’m sorry about taking your necklace… I haven’t ever known any guys who were that attached to their jewelry before.”

“Boy, you’re just full of charm, aren’t you?”

“Comes with the business,” she leaned against the wall.  “So, are you in or not?”  Cause I’m setting sail for the mainland tonight whether it’s with a second rate thief or not.”

The boy raised an eyebrow, “Well, I’ve never really been to the mainland before.  Why the hell not?”

“That’s what I like to hear.  Now you can come and help me fetch my bags.”

“What do I look like to you, the serving wench?”

“No, you look like a small town pickpocket who’s about to learn what it’s like in the rest of the world from yours truly,” she smiled wickedly at him, “I suggest you do as I say.”

“Are you always such a bitch?”

“Only to people I like.”  

“Boy I feel honored,” the boy stared after the girl as she walked away, “I can’t wait to see what she’s like after I actually know her name.  This should be an interesting trip…”

*******************************************************************************************************************************

A curtain of black clouds hung over the village, casting it and the land surrounding it into a perpetual gloom.  Rain poured from the sky, drenching the buildings and creating streams where streets had once existed.

A lone figure wandered the rain soaked streets, his tattered cloak pulled loosely about him.  Glancing around, his eyes found a light amongst the gloom and turned toward it.  The source was a small, run-down inn; despite its shabby outward appearance it was a welcome sight within the desolate town.

Upon entering his senses were assailed with the smell of stale tobacco and baking bread… a combination that was sweet and yet revolting at the same time.  Gradually adjusting to the garish light and thick aroma, he took a seat at an unoccupied table deep in the shadows.  He carefully removed his cloak, ignoring the stares from the inns’ scattering of patrons.

“Whadya know!  Looks like we finally got some new blood in this godforsaken town,” a middle-aged man, turned from the bar, teetering precariously as he looked the stranger over.  “So, boy… where exactly are you from that you would come to a hell hole like Arni in the middle of the rainy season?  Unless, of course, you’re lost.”

The boy continued to ignore the man, leaning back slightly in his chair, hiding his face further in the shadows.

Not one to be ignored, the man staggered across the room.  Leaning over the table, he sneered at the boy, “What’s the matter, boy?  Cat got your tongue or somethin’?  You know, it’s not polite to ignore someone when they’re asking you a question.”

Turning his head, the boy stared unflinching out of emerald eyes at the drunk.  He repressed the urge to gag as the man’s hot, alcohol-laden breath blew into his face.  The man grabbed the boy by the collar, jerking him even closer to him.  “You’d better answer me before I decide to beat it out of you.”

“Aw, leave him alone Bernard.  The kid obviously doesn’t feel like talking… and I can’t blame him either, with a sloppy drunk like you,” a young woman, most likely a waitress, shouted across the room, narrowing her eyes at him in challenge.

“And just who’s gonna stop me, sweetie?” the man leered at her, then turned back toward the boy, curling his fist in preparation to strike.  Reaching back, he hurled his fist through the air, aiming directly at the boy’s head.

The boy continued to stare at him impassively, watching the fist sailing toward his face with an expression that resembled boredom.   Stiffening slightly, the boy braced himself for the impact…

Only to feel the grip on his collar released as he fell back into his chair.  A flicker of surprise crossed his features before he quickly masked it with his usual impassive stare.  He looked down to see the man writhing in pain, clutching at his hand where a dagger had pierced it.  Blood oozed from between his fingers as, groaning, he pulled the object from his hand. 

“I warned you, Bernard.  I’m tired of you always causing problems in here… it’s not good for business,” the waitress from earlier retrieved the knife from the floor, wiping it carefully on her skirt before returning it to a sheath hidden in her boot.  “Now, don’t come back until you learn to behave yourself.”

Two men rose from the bar, nodding at the waitress as they picked the cursing man up and headed toward the door.

“And stay out!” one of them yelled as they deposited him unceremoniously in the street and slammed the door in his face.

“Thanks, boys.”

“No problem Miss Kathy.  You’re trying to run a respectable business here.  It’s the least we can do to help you keep trash like that out of it.”

“Well, have a round on me for being so generous, boys.”

“We appreciate it,” the other man said, smiling at her, “but I think you’re the one who did most of the work.”

She smiled back at him, then turned her attention to the boy who was now dusting off his worn pants.  “Don’t mind Bernie, kid.  He’s just the local hot head.  Likes to cause trouble every now and then, but he’s pretty harmless.  He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

The boy looked up at her, as if seeing her for the first time, and slowly shook his head ‘no’.

“I didn’t think so,” she moved towards him, looking him over.  “Well, welcome to Arni.  This is my Inn… it may be a little shabby but you’re welcome to stay for as long as you need to.”

“Thank you.”

“Oh, so you can speak.  Well, stranger, do you have a name?  I hate to be nosy but I like to know my customers by name.”

The boy stared at her, with something very close to panic in his eyes.  A silence grew between them.  Finally, he spoke, though barely above a whisper, “Trowa.”

“Trowa,” she grinned at him, clutching his hand firmly within her own as she shook it.  “I’m Katherine… but you can just call me Kathy.  It’s nice to meet you.”

He nodded, his face devoid of all expression save a blank stare. 

“Well, kid, I hope you like it here in Arni,” she laughed, her eyes sparkling.  “I’m assuming from your clothing that you’re from one of the islands.  At least, I’ve never seen anyone here on the mainland wear anything like that.”

He glanced absently down at his garments, a pair of tattered red tights and an equally tattered top so brightly colored it was almost gaudy, as if he hadn’t bothered to pay any attention to what he was wearing before. 

Her smile widened at this, and she continued, “Forgive me for asking, but you don’t seem to look like you’re made of money.  I hate to ask, but, I am a business woman and I need to know exactly how you’re going to pay for staying here.  If you are going to stay here, that is.”

Shrugging his shoulders, the boy turned, gathering up his cloak.  He headed toward the door, stopping to turn toward Katherine.  “Sorry for the trouble.”

“I didn’t mean you had to leave, Trowa.”

He stopped when he heard his name, his hand frozen on the doorknob.

“You need a place to stay and it just so happens that I need someone to help out around this place.  I’m sure we can figure out something.”

Trowa turned and nodded, “Thank you, Katherine.”

“Your welcome kid,” she watched him reclaim his seat before turning back toward the bar.

"But that's ridiculous! Who in their right minds would be foolish enough to
fight the dynasty?" The general searched the faces of his fellow soldiers surrounding the table, then leaned back smugly in his chair, "Really, Marquise sometimes I question your judgment."

"Sir, I know your opinions on the matter.  With all due respect, I am merely bringing a potential problem to your attention," Zechs fixed his icy blue gaze on the General, carefully emphasizing each word, "and you would all be fools to ignore it."

The tone of the young knight's voice grabbed the attention of the room.  No longer as comfortable in his own assumptions, the general stood, meeting Zech's stare.  "Last time I checked we did not take orders from knights no matter how popular they may be with the commoners."

"But, sir, I really think this matter warrants-"

"I don't care what you think it warrants!" the general slammed his hands onto the table, a deep crimson slowly creeping into his face, "We are not going to waste man power on finding these, these children merely because some magician had a bad dream!  I don't care what in the hell he saw.  This is the strongest empire in the world and these little brats aren't going to change that!"

Zechs took a deep breath, calming the anger beginning to burn deep within him.  "I am not merely basing my warnings on the visions of an old man, sir.  There are signs of unrest throughout the mainland and the outer kingdoms, and such sentiments are quickly spreading.  Our latest reports suggest the possibility of revolt."

"And we shall handle those rumors accordingly.  I, however, am not about to
authorize a wild goose chase on one of your whims."  The general sat in his chair, signaling that the conversation was over.

"The mage never has been wrong before, sir," a pale-faced soldier spoke meekly from the corner.

The general glared darkly at the soldier, daring him to speak further.  Bowing his head, the young soldier stammered an apology and looked abruptly away.

"There is a first time for everything and I am not about to believe that our
army can be brought down by children.  Regardless of how the -stars- favor them." Waving his hand, the general stopped Zechs' continuing protests.  "If you feel they are such a threat, Marquise, you can go and fight them.  Alone."

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