by Arithkenshin
Disclaimer: Stop rubbing it in, I don't own them, just playing.
Notes: *glomps* Sol. thanks again hon, for your patience with me and my bouncing sessions and for the great betaing. *hugs* CYT btw. *hugs* Casey, *hugs* Trowacko and *hugs* Makoto
Also big hugs to Makoto Sagara. for lots of stuff!~#~ indicates flashback
Wufei let Trowa lead him into the house as the fight ended. His own reactions were confusing him. Had he really wanted to say what he had said to Trowa before? The Chinese man had to admit to himself that he had. In fact, he wanted Trowa, and he knew he did, but he couldn't help thinking that it was Arioch who wanted Trowa and that it was leaking through. He was reluctant to give his body up for something it might not be reacting to.
His world was turned upside down. Things existed that he had never really considered. He was a part of something he didn't understand and didn't want to be a part of, but when he was perfectly honest with himself, where else did he belong?
Wufei scowled at his last thought and mumbled under his breath. "I don't need to belong. I am not weak."
If Trowa heard him, he didn't let on. Instead, he continued to pull Wufei gently in the direction of Wufei's room. The Chinese man was a little apprehensive but he knew that Trowa was right. They needed to talk and Wufei needed to sort out his feelings. Not just the way he was reacting to Trowa, but also the way he was reacting to everything.
Wufei knew he was stubborn, although he would never admit it to anyone out loud. It made him wonder if it was his stubbornness that was making him refuse the signals his brain was receiving. His family had often accused him of being too stubborn. Once he made up his mind, he usually refused to change it. He didn't like to be hypocritical, but somehow he didn't feel like he had much of a choice anymore.
Was it really being hypocritical if he got to his changed opinion through reasoning? He felt like he was in a daze. Memories of times he couldn't remember conflicted with those that he was certain he knew. And all the while, he felt drawn to Trowa and the others. It was as if he really did know them. Maybe he did.
Trowa pretended not to hear Wufei's muttered thoughts. He held the Chinese man's hand gently as he led him into the room, hoping that Wufei would feel more comfortable there. Trowa stopped, let go of Wufei's hand, and closed the door behind him. He flipped his auburn locks briefly out of his eyes, before they stubbornly fell back into place, and turned to look at Wufei.
The Chinese man stood near the foot of the bed, his hands balled into fist, his face a veneer of angry confusion. Trowa moved slowly towards him and was met with a wary glance. The green-eyed man sighed. "If I was going to push you against your will, don't you think I'd have tried it by now?"
Wufei had the grace to blush, but his voice still contained a stubborn ring.and something else. "I have no idea what you mean to do."
Trowa blinked. Had he heard a hopeful tinge to that voice? He took a step closer and gently pushed Wufei down onto the bed. Black eyes flashed up at him, anger rimming the edges. Trowa ignored it, keeping his face impassive. "Relax." He leaned forward, brushing a stray strand of hair behind Wufei's ear.
The scowl had softened and the onyx eyes were just short of wistful in their intensity. Trowa felt like he was drowning and had to take a deep breath to ground himself again. He took Wufei's face gently in his hand, tilting it so that their eyes met. It was easier to ignore the surprise on Wufei's face when Trowa concentrated on what he was about to do. "I don't want to hurt you. I want you to know me . again."
Trowa leaned closer to Wufei and brushed a feather soft kiss over his forehead before speaking one word in a potent whisper.
"Remember."
The word skimmed across Wufei's skin as a warm breeze engulfed his mind. The atmosphere softened before suddenly dropping away.and Wufei fell with it.
~#~
Wufei smiled thinly at the scene before him. He didn't think Michael would ever learn, nor did he think that Abaddon would cease in his irritations. It was all a game to Abaddon, but it was something more for Michael. Their older brother didn't like competition, and he didn't like having to fight for control of the situations that Abaddon seemed to flow through with ease. They clashed frequently, and Wufei couldn't help but wonder when it was going to come to blows.
Strong arms encircled his waist; a chin came to rest on his shoulder. "How long do you think they're going to be at it this time?"
Wufei shrugged, making Zakkiel loosen his grip a little. It was rare they displayed affection publicly, but most attention was riveted to Michael and Abaddon's argument, so no one was paying attention to them. He made sure his voice was low when he answered. "Your guess is as good as mine."
Zakkiel chuckled softly. "You'd think Michael had learned to give up arguing with Abaddon by now. Start an argument with him or Astaroth and you're always bound to lose."
Wufei let a small laugh escape him. "You have a point. Those two can convince anyone of anything."
The hands around him tugged, pulling him away from the confrontation. Warm words whispered into his ear, sending shivers down his back. "Care to try and persuade me of anything?"
Wufei turned to face Zakkiel, a predatory grin on his face. "Just about everything."
Zakkiel laughed.
~#~
~#~
Abaddon slammed back into one of the pillars, cracking it in the middle, before sliding down to somehow land lightly on his feet. He brushed himself off, his eyes gleaming a violet red in anger. "Now Michael, that wasn't the best decision you've made all day. Aim, dear brother. Learn it. Use it. Love it." A bolt of pure shadow shot from the longhaired Angels hands, catching Michael in the chest.
Wufei saw a form swoop down, attempting to catch Abaddon unawares as he stalked Michael. The black haired angel shook his head. That his own brethren sometimes had such little respect sometimes angered him. He levelled a fire bolt, catching Zerrachiel off guard. The other Angel glowered at him, momentarily forgetting his intended prey. It suited Wufei just fine, it was time he started taking a stand for what he no longer wished to tolerate.
In the back of his mind he felt Zakkiel grin, and he knew when the green-eyes focused briefly on him. But in the background he could hear Raphael laughing and knew that Zak was otherwise occupied.
~#~
Wufei groaned. His eyes scanned the area, taking in the devastation. They stopped on a head of auburn hair, and he pulled himself to his knees and dragged himself over to Zakkiel's body. Although he could see Abaddon and Leviathan as well, he was preoccupied with getting to Zakkiel and making sure he was all right.
He cradled Zakkiel in his lap, looking down at the blood-stained body. A wry grin spread over his lover's face, the pain briefly forgotten. "I'm. fine. I'm.alive."
A cold laugh echoed through the hall and Wufei scowled as Michael spoke. "Not for long."
Abaddon's voice rang out defiantly as he pushed himself to his knees and levelled a glare at his brother. "You claim small victory, you coward. Six against four." Abaddon coughed, the action spasming his injured form before he could continue.
A cold blast circled the room. The voice that spoke was quiet and collected, deadly calm, and totally unexpected. "Those odds don't sound quite right, Michael. Do you think someone could have juggled the figures?"
All eyes focused on the two figures standing in the doorway. They looked tired and yet alert, as if they had travelled a great distance at alarming speeds.
Astaroth strode forward, his gait determined, his demeanour furious. He came to rest directly in front of his taller brother. His voice was soft, but its menace carried over the entire area. "Do you desist, Michael?"
A sneer crossed Michael's face. "You would side with.them?"
Agares spoke from where he knelt next to Leviathan, a grim tone to his voice. "I would side with those who deserve my respect." He stood and crossed his arms, glaring at Michael. "You are not among them."
Astaroth shot the Earth Angel a look, before resting a pointed finger on Michael's chest. "You have made a grave mistake."
Michael threw his head back and laughed. "I don't think so. You'll reconsider, Astaroth. I can offer you so much more."
The blond Angel stepped back and snickered softly. He lowered his eyes and moved away, a thoughtful hand running through his hair. "So much more?" He made a sweeping gesture with his arms, turning full circle, indicating the rubble, blood and injured bodies. "You call this so much more?"
Michael's eyes blazed. He never liked to be questioned.
Astaroth's spoke forcefully. "Do you?"
Arrogance screamed from Michael's stance. "Of course I do!"
Astaroth's gaze focused on Abaddon's wounded form. Blue-green eyes darkened with disdain, his voice heavy with contempt. "That is where we differ. I call this treachery."
Wounded Angels made perfect prey. After Astaroth declared his defiant standpoint, Michael wasted no time in pushing his cheaply won advantage. Agares's new host had been found, the Earth Angel having been ambushed the one time he had left the security of the group. Leviathan and Zakkiel had barely avoided the need to be reborn and were recovering slowly. Wufei spent most of his time healing slowly and watching over his lover.
There were times when Zakkiel was aware, but for the most part, his body had shut down in order to heal. Humans couldn't damage an angel no matter how hard they tried, unless the Angel forgot that he couldn't be harmed. Needless to say, that didn't happen very often. Wounds inflicted by other angels, however, were a different story. It made Wufei shudder to think that if they had arrived any later and not caught Agares's soul in time, that the Earth Angel would be no more. The balance would be gone, and retribution would not be possible. Wufei sighed as he glanced at his lover. He wanted things to get back to normal.
Voices interrupted Wufei's thoughts and he cocked his head at the sound, listening intently. It appeared that Astaroth and Abaddon were arguing.yet again.
Abaddon's voice was mischievous. "A golden Fallen. Hasn't been one of those in our entire history if I'm not mistaken."
"Duo." There was a warning note in Astaroth's voice and Wufei reminded himself that using their actual names was momentarily taboo. Speaking a name of power drew attention to the fount. So they had chosen to use nicknames gained millennia ago, the origin of which no one recalled. His attention returned to the conversation and he idly ran his fingers through Zakkiel's hair.
"You made the choice, Quatre. I would never have made the choice for you." Duo's voice was soft and subdued. "I would never have asked this of you. He could give you so much."
There was a rustling of feathers and for a moment Wufei felt like he was intruding. Then he reasoned that they shouldn't be talking loud enough for him to hear, if they didn't want anyone to listen to what they were saying.
"He would take away who and what I am; take away my pride. There wasn't a choice to make. not between him and you." The voice was so soft and gentle, it reminded Wufei of how Astaroth had been a very long time ago. Wufei was glad to see that the blond hadn't lost sight of who he had been. Onyx eyes wandered to Zakkiel and a small smile passed over Wufei's face. Maybe the Fall had been a good thing. At least now they had a purpose.
A chuckle from the next room caught his attention once again and his ears perked of their own accord.
"Careful, Quatre. I think the Fall made you go a little soft." Duo's voice was playful, but the underlying strain could still be heard.
A soft slap resounded, followed by two gentle laughs. "I did not fall! I simply deviated my chosen path somewhat."
Wufei had to suppress his own laughter at the last comment. It seemed one of them had issues with the Fall. His thoughts stilled as he heard Duo speak, the voice serious once more. "You know.this gives us an advantage though."
Quatre's voice was sceptical. "It does?"
"Yeah. We're the bad guys, so we can bide our time. They'll never know what hit them."
"How do you figure?" Quatre's tone was curious.
Duo laughed. The sound was chilling. "Because no one expects the bad guys to win."
Wufei nodded to himself, tightening his grip on his lover. His smile grew predatory. Going against the odds made all of them thrive. Maybe Falling wasn't so bad after all.
Slowly the world seemed to fade back into focus and Wufei opened his eyes to see Trowa looking over him, a slightly concerned frown marring his face. Wufei blinked, trying to orientate himself. Trowa appeared to be paler than he remembered.
The Chinese man struggled to sit up, but the room spun around him, and a hand touched the front of his shoulder, gently pushing him back onto the bed.
"You shouldn't move." Trowa's voice was a little short of breath. "I just forced your memories to the surface, you'll be a little shaky for a bit."
Wufei felt Trowa begin to draw his hand away and reached up to stop it. With tired eyes he looked into a worried face. His voice felt thick when he spoke. "What about you?"
Trowa grinned briefly. "What about me? I'm fine. but the real question is: Do you remember me now?" There was hope in those green eyes, shadowed by caution.
Wufei's brow creased, a look of consternation came over his face. "I remember, or at least, I'm starting to."
Trowa smiled and Wufei's trepidation melted a fraction more. He remembered that look from the flashbacks; he remembered how that look made him feel, and that the look was only meant for him. It warmed Wufei, and he couldn't help reaching out a hand to touch Trowa's cheek. The other Fallen closed his eyes briefly before opening them once more.
Wufei tugged at him gently, pulling Trowa down next to him. The surprise on Trowa's face only showed briefly, before he allowed himself to be directed by the Chinese man.
Trowa's voice was hesitant. "I thought you were only starting to remember."
Wufei tightened his grip on the Wind Fallen, fighting his eye's to maintain some awareness. He felt so tired. "I am starting to. But now I want to remember everything."
He could feel Trowa's smile as they fell asleep. For that nap at least, Wufei didn't dream.
Zechs looked up at the knock on his office door and frowned. He wasn't expecting anyone at all. He pushed himself away from the desk to go and unlock the door, and was surprised when the door opened before he could move any further.
He couldn't keep the astonishment of his face, and it showed in his voice. "Lord Michael." Zechs executed a brief bow, and froze just short of straightening as the Archangel spoke.
"Well met, Milliardo."
Something inside Zechs stirred and a sudden wave of nausea washed over him. He frantically tried to remember how Michael could know his name, and drew a blank. It wasn't something that anyone outside of the family had known, and it wasn't a name he liked. As far as anyone else was concerned, he was Zechs Merquise.
Michael chuckled, but the mirth didn't reach his eyes. The blue orbs glowed with a jealous intensity that made Zechs take a step back. The blond haired man wasn't a coward by any extent, but in that instance it was very obvious that Michael was in no way Human.
The Archangel spoke, his voice amused. "You really have no idea what you are, do you?"
Zechs's puzzlement overcame his guarded stance and he relaxed enough to pose a question. "What I am? I'm a prince."
"So naïve, so very naive." Michael's expression was thoughtful. "How could I not see it before."
The angel was advancing on him and Zechs did his best to stay out of the way. He was getting irritated. They might be `angelic' beings but they had the worst manners Zechs had ever witnessed, and he was a hairsbreadth from telling the Archangel to get lost.
Annoyance won out in the end and Zechs dug in his heels, placing his hands on his hips. "What is it you seek, Michael?" He dropped the honorary title, suddenly feeling no respect towards the creature in front of him, for that was indeed what he seemed to be. If Zechs looked close enough, he could see the construction of what Michael was. The being was not human, and it was a fool who forgot that.
Zechs planned on never being a fool again. His nerves were on fire, tingling. There was something out of place and Michael's predatory look was just a small part of it. The smile on the Archangel's face grew wider and he threw back his head and laughed. Zechs cringed briefly at the hollow sound.
Whatever reason Michael had for coming to see him, Zechs intuitively knew that it boded evil for himself.
Michaels next remark threw Zechs off guard. While it made absolutely no sense at all to him, there was a part of him pulled towards the Archangel. "To capture a prince, of worlds, or water." The cold blue eyes danced as they watched Zechs squirm. "In Water you breath, in Water you birth, of Water you are. Envy and faith your covetous conviction, inhaled through a tragic soul."
Zechs blinked, his gut was wrenching and reacting to something that he couldn't place. He rallied against the feeling. "Very poetic, Michael. What does it mean?"
Something blanketed the room, making it very difficult for Zechs to breath, as if all the air were being drained from the room. His ice blue eyes focused on Michael's cold ones, notching for the first time that the angel was within touching distance.
Michael reached out a hand and touched Zech's hair thoughtfully. Raising it to his face, he sniffed and sighed. "Such a shame.it is, you know? That you do not know, I mean."
Gasping, Zechs fought the suffocating power, frustrated with Michael's cryptic remarks. "Know what?"
"Something you no longer need to know, Leviathan." A cruel grin spread over Michael's face before a shock hit Zechs, plummeting him into darkness.
Michael watched dispassionately as the body fell to the floor, not caring if it got damaged. He had forsaken any claim on kinship with his fallen brothers so long ago that the feeling was now just a simple memory.
He smiled, and released the bindings he had held on the room. Leviathan was his. Abaddon didn't have a hope in hell. Michael left the palace, laughing under his breath.
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