The wind whipped his hair savagely around his head but he gave it little thought, remaining focused on his task.
    He perched precariously on the solid branch, watching and waiting.  Then, long after another's patience would have broken, he lunged forward with the sharp knife in his hand.  He felt flesh give way beneath the metal and jerked it back towards him, effectively slicing the throat of the deer before it had a chance to react.  Carefully he backed away as it enetered it's death-throes squatting calmly, knowing it would be over soon and that he'd be able to harvest it's meat, hide and antlers.
    A few years ago he would have shared it with Leetah, the elderly woman who had found him when he was only nine, on the shores of the island.  But the dead could not eat.
    Seeing the deer had stopped moving he got up with a fluid motion and began his work.
......................................
    As a noble of the court, and more-so because of his position as hier, he remained calm in the face of the frenzy before him.
    "It's beautiful!  What do you think Zania?"
    "It'd look handsome on him Kendra!"
    "It's PINK!!  Come one, you guys give him a break and try another color."
    He smiled indulgently and thanked any and all gods that might be listening for the single sane voice amongst the others swirling around him.
    "What could be better than pink?!  You have to have some idea Traya, after all you're the one who doesn't want pink."
    His dark-haired sister faltered for a second before beaming brightly.  "Pale blue, it will match his eyes and if you combine it with white or a light silver it'll still have the effect of softening his features that pink would have but it also won't intrude on his masculinity."  Her logical argument won the others over and he could have kissed her.  She caught his eye, waiting for his approval of her choices and he nodded just enough to give her his assent without attracting the attention of the others.
    The things he had to go through to keep his twenty-nine older sisters happy wasn't harmful to him but it did get tedious.  Especially when they played dress-up with him as their live dress-up doll.
    It was rare when his five closest sisters were in attendence to make it easier on him.  He rarely saw them anymore.  Iria was a journey-man healer so she was rarely around, Dalia was a newly-wed and the new Queen of the neighbouring country of Demar, Galya was in training as a mage, and Aderes was training to be a woman knight.  If Traya hand't finished her brief station as the ambassador to Kren he would be at the mercy of the other's so-called fashion sense for the rest of the evening.
    Being tied up in a fitting just wouldn't do, he had too many plans to make concerning his voyage to Tamaln.  Luckily he had three others he could count on to ensure that most of the organization went smoothly in his absence.
    He had to bit his tongue to keep from snapping at his sister Ciannait, who had stabbed him once again with her sewing needle.  They'd been at it for over two hours and he was becoming more than a little suffocated.
    There was knock on the door but it swung open before anyone could acknowledge it.  Wearing a serious look on his face, the young man who entered eyed every woman in the room and let them each know without words that he wouldn't accept any arguments to what he was about to say.  "Crown Prince Quatre is needed by his Father to go over some important documents, immediately."
    Seeing his escape Quatre wasn't about to give his sisters a chance to corner him, with a deftness born of survival instincts learned from living with so many women he shed the half-finished outfit and placed it on the dummy behind him.
    He was careful not to look back at his sisters till he was at the door.  "I'm not sure how long this will take but I may not be able to return to finish with the fitting.  I trust you ladies will do a wonderful job and thanks to all of you for coming to help me look my best for this diplomatic venture.  With your skill I won't need to impress the Emperor, your cloths will do so for me.  Thank you all again."  With that he gave them all a brillant smile which all returned, than stepped into the hall pulling the door closed behind him.
    "Born to be a diplomat."
    Quatre shook his head at the other young man and smiled wryly.  "No.  Diplomat to survive.  If I hadn't become quite so good with word, action and people I never would have made it to fifteen.  You've never seen their tempers and they never forget.  Xanthe's 36 and she still hasn't forgotten the vase I broke when I was five."
    A dark eyebrow rose but the knight chose to make no comment on it.  "Your Father does need to see you, but I believe it wasn't for another hour."
    Quatre blinked at him before chuckling softly, "You're becoming quite devious my friend."
    "I could always tell them I made a mistake."
    He felt his heart quicken and he latched onto the other young man's arm as he nearly ran down the hall way.  He only slowed down when they were completely out of the west wing.
    His companion just looked at him but there was no mistaking the laughter in his eyes.
    Quatre glared at him.  "You know I could always tell my sisters that you're looking for a wife.  I know that both twins Jada and Vala as well as Zania have been eyeing you for quite a while now."
    Though nothing showed on his face Quatre could tell by his words the horror he felt, "I'm only fifteen Quatre, the twins are twenty and Zania's a year older.  If I was thinking of marriage, which you know very well that I am not, it would be to someone closer to my age.  Besides, you tell them that and I'll kill you."
    Quatre actually grinned at that.  "Why Sir Heero of Brookdale, I do believe that could be taken as treason.  Besides normally you use that threat on the fetching honey-blonde young Queen from Sank, don't you?"
    Heero seemed to choke.  "Fetching?  Quatre I think you need your eyes checked and your ears cleaned.  If I hear one more high-pitched 'Heero!", I'll throw myself from the castle tower."
    "That's 20 stories high, so I don't think you will, but if nothing else you'll be free of her for at least six months since you're accompanying me to Tamaln as part of the Numdag envoy."  That reminded him of his responsibilities.  "Speaking of which, how are the arrangements coming?"
    "I'll let the others tell you.  I already have two horses saddled to take us down to the marina and the ship."
    Quatre smiled slightly at his friend.  "Heero... you're my Hero!"  He dodged out of the way as the dark-haired boy aimed a playful swat in his direction.
...........................................
    He sat around the fire letting the meat from his earlier kill sizzle over the hot flames.  He expected company soon.
    Outside the cave he heard a familiar set of steps and knew his visitor was only a few lengths away.
    <<Your hunt went well.>>
    A dark form moved into the cave with him but he didn't move from his place as the form stalked forward till the light of the fire flickered over golden, black-spotted fur.  Completely comfortable within the boy's presence the leopard laid by the fire without an invitation.
    <<Of course.  You trained me.  If I hadn't learned how to hunt you would have thought I was stupid.>>
    <<You were human.  All humans are stupid.  That is why I adopted you as my son and made you one of the night hunters, by yourself without the sister-of-the-night you would have died.>>
    <<Yes Silent-one, I would have.>>
.......................................
    Heero watched the Crown Prince out of the corner of his eye as they rode down to the docks.  He'd been protective of the other boy since they had both attended the collegium at nine years of age to receive the training that would make them Knights and it was easy for him to see the signs of stress and exhaustion on his friend's face.  The trip would do Quatre good.
    As they dismounted at the docks Heero looked amongst the faces for two familiar ones but it was Quatre who spotted them first.  Not thinking about his own safty the blond began weaving through the crowd and with a scowl at anyone who got in his way, Heero followed.
    If they hadn't been in public Quatre probably would have hugged the both of them.  The two were step-brothers, which was the only reasons three knights had ever become close friends with a healer.  Of course he was no ordinary healer, Heero had to give the green-clad figure that much.  He was the apprentice to the Adept Healer at the castle, which meant he had a very strong healing gift, and he was also a Warrior-Healer - the only one in existance.
    Heero had been in fights with each one of his three friends guarding his back and they were about the only ones he would allow to do so, if he were ever to die he didn't want it to be by a sword in the back because someone had neglected their job.
    He walked up just to hear the Healer finish answering Quatre's question.  "... so it's all taken care of.  It's mostly thanks to Heero and my brother though.  I was preoccupied with the supplies."
    Heero glanced up in time to exchange a knowing glance with his fellow Knight about the mention of the Healer and supplies in the same sentence.  "How much food did you pack?"
    The healer's face went slightly red.  "Enough to keep us well feed."
    One of the ship's sailors was walking by and overheard the conversation.  "Yah.  Enough to keep the entire ship well fed for a year or more, almost didn't have room for the cargo."  And he continued walking by, grumbling to himself.
    Quatre shook his head, "Do we really need that much Duo?"
    The other boy fiddled with his braid absently, "It isn't just food Q.  It's herbs, poulstices, syrups, ointments, lotions, medicines..."
    "Alright little brother I think we get the point.  Better safe than sorry, right?"
    Duo gave his brother a bright smile, "It's what my Mother always says and besides you never know what we'll come across in Tamaln."
    The older brother looked out at the sea.  "We'll set sail tomorrow morning if the wind's good and if luck is with us we may never come across anything we can't handle, be it on the sea or in Tamaln."
    Heero watched Duo frown slighlty and gently punch his brother's arm.  "Come on, don't be so serious.  Everything will be fine."
    "Of course."
........................................
    He lay awake listening to the Silent-one's breathing as he began to think.  Silent-one said that thinking was a wasteful human action.  Why think?  It wasn't useful to life, it merely got in the way of hunting, sleeping, and mating.  But he couldn't stop himself.  He thought of the place he had come from and as slways he found only vague memories to recall.  A man.  His Father.  Books of every language for every country.  His father had been a Lord as well as an ambassador and had taught his son all that he knew.
    It was when he was nine, on a voyage to Tamaln, that the ship he and his Father were on sunk.  He'd been the only survivor and half dead.  If it hadn't been for Leetah taking care of him he wouldn't have lived.  It had been about two years ago that she'd died, an accident that had given her an infected gash along her stomach.  At least he thought it was about two years ago, he couldn't be sure because the seasons didn't really change enough for one to notice the pass of time.
    Shortly after her death Silent-one had taken him as a son and despite the family he'd gained he still longed to return to his home and see his Aunt or even just 'talk' to another person of his species.
    But... no one ever came to the island and no one ever left.
...................................
    Quatre looked up from where he was working, or trying to work (his papers continued to slide over his desk in time with the boat).  In front of him stood his three companions, none of which looked happy.  He could understand that though.  Everything had been going fine until four days after they'd set out to sea, out of nowhere a storm had come up and it had steadily worsened through the fifth day.  Now on the sixth day the Captain was certain they had been blown off course but that was all he was sure of.
    "What's wrong this time?"
    It was Duo who cleared his throat, hands immediately going to his braid.  "The Captain was washed overboard along with the First Mate.  The were trying to re-brace the main mast when a wave swamped them.  They'd made sure to tie themselves to the mast but... the wave broke the mast off as well.  I used my healers sense to look for them but... they're gone."
    Quatre felt his body tense but from the look on Duo's face there was more.  "Go on."
    "Um, with them gone... you're in charge as the highest ranking person on the ship but the main problem we have is that, uh..."
    "The rest of the crew are set to mutiny."
    He was only able to stare at Heero in shock.  "Are you certain?"
    "Yes.  They're scared.  They've been saying that the Sea God is angry and it was only the Captain and the First Mate who managed to keep them calm.  Within minutes they'll be here to throw us overboard."
    Quatre shook his head.  "That's treason, if they do that they're dead anyway."
    "They aren't themselves Q.  I don't recommend you lowering your shields and letting your empathy take hold but if you did you'd realize they're being lead by blind panic.  The fact that I'm feeling the pull of their fear, though my empathic gift isn't that strong, is enough to tell you they aren't open to reason."
    Quatre looked closer at Duo and realized how pale he really was.  "Did you put shields up?"
    Duo grinned wryly.  "Can't.  I may need all my energy just to keep us all alive, wasting it on shields wouldn't be a good idea."
    His brother laid a hand on his shoulder.  "Duo."
    "Patients first Trowa.  You know that."
    Quatre's mind was working overtime trying to find a salution to their situation.  "Trowa, your father was a Lord of a Fishing keep wasn't he?"
    The other Knight nodded and understanding what Quatre was getting at he answered the silent question.  "He was and he taught me much about sailing and ships.  If we could get to the main cabin, even without the main mast, we might be able to hold out till the end of the storm providing the crew doesn't get through to us."
    "Alright.  Trowa you'll take control of the ship.  Heero, Duo and I will guard the area from the crew.  We'll need to be careful.  I also don't recommend tying ourselves to the ship since it didn't help the Captain or First Mate.  Instead we'll tie a length of rope to each of us effectively linking us together.  No armor and if we get pulled off the ship loose the weapons or we might get pulled down.  Each of us needs to get a pouch and put in essentials for survival.  Seal them with a touch of magic, Heero, so that nothing will fall out or get wet.  Flintstones, knife, rope, water bottle, jerky strips, fishing line, hooks, pain medicine and anything you think necessary that isn't heavy or large."  As he spoke he'd begun removing his armor, as did Heero and Trowa while Duo had grabbed a sword, strong rope and four pouches.
    Quickly they filled the pouches, which Heero spelled, and tied the rope firmly around each other.
    Determined, they headed to the healm of the ship.
........................................
    With a feeling of dread he watched the large waves from the safty of the cave.  The storm was a lot like the one that had abandoned him of the island six years ago.
    The same storm that had taken the identity of Chang Wufei away from him and had replace it with that of the Hunt-brother.
    The storm had stripped him of everything.  His father, his home, his future... All gone because of the storm.
    Next to him Silent one stared out at the ocean seriously, tail twitching uncontrollably behind him.  <<There is death in the air my son.  Bad things will happen this day.>>
    <<Yes, they will.>>
.......................................
    Duo countered a sword thrust, barely managing to keep his footing as the deck lurched unexpectedly beneath his feet.  He moved forward along the slippery planks, heedless of the wet bangs plastered along his forehead as he knocked another sailor back.
    It was difficult to continue to fight.  Not because of physical exhaustion, though he was tired, but because of the emotional turmoil spilling from the sailors that kept pulling at him.
    Another wave crashed down on top of the deck and he would have gone over if the other three hadn't anchored themselves.  Scrambling to his feet he gripped the hilt of his sword tighter noticing that the number of sailors had diminished greatly.
    Lightening flashed nearby, blinding him and he didn't see the strike that sent pain up his right arm.
    Despite the dots in his vision he switched the sword to his left hand and clenched his teeth against the cold.
    As his vision cleared he spotted a sailor raising a sword to deal Quatre a severe blow.  Without thinking he pulled a throwing knife from his boot and threw it, grunting in pain as fire tore through his right arm.  The knife's tragectory was off slightly and instead of hitting the arm he'd targetted it went through the man's throat.
    Swallowing around the lump in his throat he went back to fending off the sailors that were trying to get to his step-brother.
    That's when the next wave came down on them.  And this time none of them managed to grab onto anything because he felt himself suddenly immeresed in cold, salt water.
    He immediatly released the sword, using his good hand to find the direction the rope lead in.  As soon as he had that figured out he swam in that direction knowing that one of the others was only about three meters away and possibly at the surface.
    Luck was with him as he broke the surface and sucked in a deep breath trying not to inhale any of the turbulent water.  A few feet away he saw a familiar blond head bobbing.  Quatre was holding onto part of the wooden siding from the ship.
    Duo could see a deep cut on his forehead and struggled through the water until he finally got to his friend's side.
    He didn't bother trying to yell over the storm, instead he waited for Quatre to notice him before laying his numb fingers along the skin near the cut.  It was difficult to concentrate but somehow he managed to forget his surroundings and focus on the injury.
    He come back to himself when he was pulled back under by a wave and he found that he couldn't get his injured arm to work.
    A set of warm arms encircled him and suddenly he was able to breath again.  Sparing only a second to give Heero a smile of thanks he went to Trowa's side and healed the puncture wound on his chest before doing the same to a deep gash on Heero's leg.
    Satisfied they were alright he allowed the others to hold him close to the improvised raft they'd found.
......................................
    Wufei was thankful that the storm was over but his day had become extremely involved when a seagull flew by chattering incessantly about humans on the beach.
    Knowing full well how attractive an opportunity this would be to the larger predators he set off at a run fully intending to stake his claim to the Humans before any of the others did.
......................................
    Trowa blinked into the warm sunlight, not wanting to move for fear of making the pain in his body worse.  He couldn't quite recall what had happened, his mind was too fuzzy.
    He recognized the sound of gentle water splashing onto shore and he felt a heavy think rope around his waist.  Rope.  The others.  Suddenly remembering what he'd forgotten he sat up, gritting his teeth against a sudden case of nausea.  On either side of him were the other three, all unconscious.  Quickly he tugged the pouch off and reached inside removing the knife from inside.  With efficient movements he cut the rope away from himself before checking the life signs of his companions.
    He frowned slightly, seeing Duo's shoulder but carefully washed and dressed it before taking a look at his surroundings.  He'd never seen a place like it before.
    "Trowa?"
    He turned and moved over to Heero, giving him a hand sitting up.
    "How do you feel Yuy?"
    "Hn.  Like the sky fell on me.  The others?"
    "Still out cold."
    "Injuries?"
    "Fatigue, bruises.  Duo has a wound on his arm but I took care of it."
    "Supplies?"
    "We kept three pouches.  Duo's, Quatre's and mine."
    "Any others?  The ship?"
    "No sign of anyone or the ship."
    "Location?"
    "An island I've never seen before.  Possibly unchartered."
    There was a groan followed by a dry chuckle.
    "Hey Q!  You look as bad as I feel!"
    "Thank-you ever so much Duo."
    "Anytime."
    Trowa smiled at his brother but the smile disappeared as he saw a large, shaggy animal coming towards them.  "Does anyone see something we can use as a weapon?"
    Duo gave him a puzzeled look before following Trowa's gaze.  His eyes widened at the sight.  "Is that a bear?"
    Heero got to his feet as the others followed suit.  "It looks that way."
    "Can we outrun it?"  Quatre asked, blue eyes wide.
    "You ever see a bear run, Q?  We'd never get out of the way in time."
    "Than what do you recommend we do Duo?  Fight it?"
    "Well..."
    A crashing sound cut off what Duo might have said as a figure in a loincloth broke through the rees and moved into a defensive position in between them and the bear.
    Trowa's eyes widdened as he recognized the features of the country of Esne.  What was the young man doing so far from his homeland?  There was no way they'd gotten that far off course during the storm.  Esne was past the other Ocean, the one on the opposite side of Demar.
    The bear seemed to come to a halt and if he didn't know better he would have sworn the strange dark skinned boy was speaking to the animal.  After a few minutes of intense silent exchange between the two the bear roared and left, not looking very happy.
    Slowly the dark-haired boy moved closer to them, keeping a safe distance away.  He started to speak tham stopped, coughing, before trying again the voice sounding as if he hadn't spoken in a long time.  "I am Wufei.  Welcome to the island."
..................................................
    Wufei didn't dare move closer to the four young men; in a way he was afraid if he did it would all turn out to be an illusion.  He also didn't want to frighten them any more than the might already be.
    It was the blond who moved a few steps closer to him, speaking.  "I am Crown Prince Quatre Winner of Numdag.  These are my companions Sir Trowa Barton of Sucric, Sire Heero Yuy of Brookdale and Warrior-Healer Duo Maxwell of Sucric.  We've had a most unfortunate accident and are shipwreaked apon this island.  I request that you direct us to the ruler of this place."
    It took Wufei a few seconds to fully understand what he said and after he did he shook his head sadly.  They didn't understand.  "No ruler.  Only me, you, animals and island."
    As he watched the blond he tried to remember what his father had told him of Numdag but just as he started to recall something the young man calling himself Quatre spoke again.  "So you're saying we're the only people on the island and the only other living things here are all animals?"
    "Yes is so."
    It was the one who Quatre had called Heero who spoke next.  "Dangerous animals?  Predators?"
    Wufei nodded slowly.  "Yes but no worry.  I tell them you under me protection.  No animal go against Hunt-brother, is rule."
    Quatre blinked.  "A rule?"
    "Yes is rule.  No hunter go against better hunter.  If so, dead become."
    He didn't understand the look they exchanged but he chose not to let it bother him.  Instead he looked them over for injuries and clucked his tongue slightly when he saw the bandage on Duo's arm.  Momentarily forgetting his fear of scaring them away he walked over to him, not daring to touch the other boy but examining the dressing all the same.
    "Is hurt."  He lifted his dark eyes to meet violet ones and suddenly he forgot what he was going to say.
    Duo nodded, "Yah, my arm's hurt."
    Wufei swallowed hard and moved away wondering if he wasn't sick.  A few minutes later he felt more like himself and cast a glance back at them.  "Come."  With that he entered the trees.
..........................................
    "Should we follow him?"
    Duo tore his gaze from the young man and shook himself.  "Why not?  He seems to be trying to help."
    "Hn.  He seems to have a few screws loose but he doesn't seem to mean us any harm."
    Quatre nodded his head, "I agree with Heero.  Besides it wouldn't hurt to give him a chance."
    So they started after Wufei.  The wild-boy was incredibly fast and it took nearly all Duo's reserves just to keep up.  It helped his ego a little when he noticed that the others were having just as much trouble and they were trained Knights!
    It was when they started climbing a rocky cliff that his body decided it'd had enough and he collapsed to his knees gasping, cradling his hurt arm protectively.
    All at once the wild-boy was by his side frowning.  "You not well.  I carry."
    As if that settled everything he found himself being lifted by surprisingly strong arms.  "Hey Wufei, look man I can walk."
    The wild-boy's face became determined.  "No. No walk, hurt.  Stay still."
    He didn't have the strength to fight but he made a mental note to argue about it when he was better.
    It was hardly surprising that they arrived at the cave entrance before the others.  But instead of setting him on his feet, Wufei carried him right into the cave and gently laid him down on what seemed to be a bed made of old blankets and leaves.
    A warm hand cupped his cheek and Duo gaped into the deepest eyes he'd ever encountered.  "Pain?  I fix then you sleep.  Yes?"
    Duo managed a nodd despite the tingling sensation along his skin.  He was so out of it he didn't hesitate to chew when Wufei told him to and he soon found it impossible to keep his eyes open.
...................................................
    Quatre stumbled into the cave and gratefully collapsed by the warm smokeless fire.  Soon after, both Trowa and Heero joined him.  Trowa checked his brother first before sitting down.
    A stick with warm, cooked meat on it was thrust into each of their hands as Wufei squatted watching them.  Mouth watering, Quatre suddenly didn't care if it was poisoned or not, taking a big bite he was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was.  Whatever spices Wufei had used they made it the best thing he'd ever eaten.
    After he'd finished he turned his attention back to their 'host'.  "How long have you been here on this island Wufei?"
    The boy moved and sat next to him smiling a ghost-like smile.  "Since nine years old."
    Quatre felt his eyes widden.  Easing his shields to half strength, he also felt Trowa and Heero's shock, though he merely felt acceptance from Wufei.  "You've been alone all that time?  How old are you?"
    "No.  Was woman, she here but dead now.  Dead two years.  Me be fifteen me think, not sure.  Time passing hard tell on island.  No seasons like home."
    "Where's home Wufei?"
    "Many place.  Father go many places.  Take me with.  He was... was... am... amb..."
    "Ambassador?"
    "Yes.  Ambassador.  Work for King... King of... of..."
    "Esne?"
    Quatre looked at Trowa in surprise before looking back at Wufei.  He did look like the people of Esne.
    Wufei nodded happily.  "Yes Esne.  Was home once..."  He radiated sadness but acceptance.  "Now island is home.  If come to island, don't leave."
    The last part made Quatre uneasy.  'Could they really be stuck here for the rest of their lives?'
..................................................
    Heero woke the next morning as sunlight poured directly into the cave.  Senses already alert he knew that the wild-boy was not there and that the others were asleep.  He also noticed that they had company, of the four-legged variety.
    Very slowly he moved his hand towards the fire, curling his fingers around a peice of wood that was cool in his hand but burning on the other end.
    With a guick movement he thrust the fire at the leopard that was near Quatre.
    "NO!  Put fire down!  No hurt Silent-one!  Silent-one is friend!"
    Heero had alread moved to hit the large cat but found Wufei inbetween them.  At the smell of burnt flesh he jerked the wood back, noteing the burn on Wufei's arm.
    The commotion had also woken the others up, including Duo.
    "Heero what's going on?!"
    Heero dropped the stick back into the fire.  "I thought the leopard was going to hurt you, Quatre, I was just trying to do my job and protect you."
    The large cat growled as it placed itself between them and Wufei, but the wild-boy laid a gentle hand on it's back and it seemed to Heero as if Wufei spoke to it somehow.  Then he looked back at them.  "Silent-one is friend.  Look after me when woman, Leetah, died.  No hurt Silent-one, yes?"
    Heero eyed the cat a moment.  "If he doesn't hurt us I won't hurt him."
    Quatre took a step forward.  "That goes for all of us."
    There was a brief silence and then the leopard turned and disappeared.
    Heero watched Duo go to Wufei and carefully take care of the burn.  A boy who was friends with a dangerous animal; what next?  Flying pigs?
.............................................
    When he'd been nine he'd always seen Healers around the palace but that had been six years ago.  It felt like a lifetime had gone by since then.
    Still, Wufei didn't pull away from the slender fingers as they probed the area around the burn.  If anything he found himself watching Duo intently.  He'd been up all night just watching him sleep, not entirely certain of the things he was beginning to feel.
    Wufei felt a slight warmth flow into his arm that surprised him but remained still not wanting the contact to end.  Shifting his gaze he watched as the burn was slowly replaced by smooth flesh.
    "There!  All better."  The Healer grinned at him through wayward bangs but he seemed too pale to Wufei.
    "Thank-you Duo but should not have.  You sick, must rest."  He didn't wait for a reply, instead he quickly ushered the Healer back onto his bed, marveling at the long rope of hair that swung against his hand.
    "I'm fine Wu, really!"
    Wufei gave him a scornfull look worthy of Silent-one, or at least that's what he hoped.  "No. You tired.  When tired, sleep is cure."
    It must have been a good imitation because Duo sullenly remained lying still.
    Turning he looked at the other three.  "Stay, watch Duo.  I must work, need food and more beds.  Safe here.  Be back soon."  Then he turned to go but Quatre's voice stopped.
    "Isn't that dangerous?  Maybe one of us should go with you..."
    Wufei gave him a smile.  "Thank-you friend but no.  I live here long time now.  I be safe.  You new, you not be safe."
    "We should go look for any signs of our ship though.  Or other survivors..."
    He nodded at Quatre.  "Yes.  You should but must wait for me.  I be back soon.  We go look then."  Happy to have things settled he left to take care of the things he'd mentioned.
.....................................
    Duo watched Wufei go before speaking.  "He takes a bit of getting used to doesn't he?"
    Quatre walked over and sat next to him checking the bandage of Duo's arm.  "Well he's been here since he was nine with only one woman for a companion for four years and completely alone for the last two.  I'm impressed he can communicate so well."
    "I'm not."
    Duo looked over the Prince's blond head at his step-brother.  "Why do you say that Trowa?"
    "He was an Ambassador's son, at least that's what he told us while you slept, and if it's true... well do you remember Dorothy?"
    "Yah.  She was really strange."
    Trowa lips twitched.  "Yes, but do you recall how far ahead she was than others at the palace?"
    "She knew as much as Quatre."
    "Right, including about ten languages she knew fluently and the customs of at least six different countries.  Ambassadors' children are taught by palace tutors, their parents and necessity.  An Ambassador's family reflects on him as much as the children of nobility reflect back on their parents but more so because an Ambassador is outside of his country with little chance of aid should he need it.  Besides that, anyone who can remain sane with no human interaction for two years has to be intellegent."
    Heero grunted, crossing his arms over his chest.  "He's 'friends' with animals and not in the sense of pets but 'friends' like us.  I'm not so sure that shows sanity."
    Duo frowned at his three friends.  "I don't really care if he's sane or not.  He's doing everything he can to help us and Heero, don't give me that crap as an excuse to question if he has his head on straight.  As I recall you've, on more than one occasion, called that red-tailed hawk of yours a friend and I've heard you talk to him so, just don't."
    "Enough.  At the moment Wufei's a friend and that's all that matters right now."  It was their Crown Prince speaking, not their easy-going friend, and everyone knew better then to question him.  But just as quickly as the change had come it was gone replaced by gentle concern as he looked back at Duo's injured shoulder.  "It's too bad Healer's magic won't work on themselves, if it did, you'd be able to heal yourself in no time.  It must hurt."
    Duo shrugged his good shoulder.  "Nothing I can't handle Q.  I'm just glad it's the only injury we have to worry avout right now."
    "I have to agree with Wufei on insisting you rest, little brother.  Did you pack any healing herbs in your pouch?"
    Duo rolled his eyes.  "Like, duh, Trowa.  I'm not some second-rate Healer you know.  If I hadn't and the Castle Healer found out about it he'd strip me of my 'greens' (uniform)."
    "Well since Wufei might be awhile I suggest we take care of that shoulder."
    He couldn't help but glare at the green-eyed Knight.  "Yes Mom."
...........................................
    Wufei had delivered two collections of meat and leaves to the cave but he was hesitating taking the third load back to the others.
    It wasn't that he didn't want to, it was more because he wasn't entirely sure of what had happened on his second trip.
    Quatre, Trowa and Heero had all begun sorting out leaves into four different places while alternating who checked on the roasting meat.  He, on the other hand, had taken the fruit and herbs he'd collected and laid them near the sleeping Duo.
    Carefully he'd checked the bandage but found his fingers lingering longer than necessary on the hurt arm.  Heero had come up behind him demanding to know what he was doing.  The anger and pain he'd felt then, he'd barely managed to surpress it then and after he had, he'd felt thoroughly confussed.
    Heero had thrown him into the opposite wall because he'd forgotten to answer, then Duo had woken up and there was so much yelling Wufei had run.  He couldn't help it, he wasn't used to such noise and it had hurt both his ears and his head.
    It wasn't the fight, Heero or the yelling that held him back but the things he'd felt.
    <<You are thinking again.>>
    He'd been thinking so hard that he actually jumped.  Face burning he turned to look into Silent-one's glowing eyes.  <<Um, yes I was.>>
    <<It's a bad habit.>>
    <<I know.>>
    The leopard laid down at his feet, in the sun.  <<You are thinking of the newcomers.>>
    Wufei felt his body react as he saw a mental picture of Duo.
    Silent-one audibly sighed.  <<So you aren't thinking of the newcomers but a newcomer.>>
    <<Why do you say that?>>
    There was a snort.  <<Your senses are better than most humans but mine are far better than yours.  Your heartbeat quickened, your eyes dialated, I smell sweat and heat is radiating from certain areas of your anatomy.  I've seen it many times in my life and have gone through it more than I can remember.>>
    <<You know what's wrong with me?>>
    <<Poor human cub.  No one explained mating to you did they?>>
    <<Mating?  But that happens between a male and female.  All the newcomers are male!>>
    Yellow eyes held his.  <<It is not always the case.  Sometimes it is seen when two males or two females become mates, it is a very rare thing but not unheard of.  So which do you wish to mate with?>>
    <<I...>>  He paused as he thought it over, realizing in amazement that what the Silent-one had said was true.  He'd seen others it had happened to, like Nightseer, the owl, and his mate Bloodclaw.  It just never occured to him that he would also go through it.  << I like the one called Duo.  The one with the long braid.>>
    <<He's a good choice, he has spirit and the smells of nature cling to him.  I believe you should go after him.>>
    <<How?>>
    <<Well, you must show him you are worthy to be his mate.  That you will be able to provide and protect him.>>
    <<How do I do that?>>
    <<Well Hunt-brother, I'm not certain that the ways of my kind would work with humans.  Do you remember anything the sister-of-the-night may have said about mating?>>
    Wufei tried to remember but all he came up with were stories she had told him while she was still alive.  Stories of Princes and Princesses.  <<I think we're supposeed to give gifts.>>
    <<Than that is what you should do.  Now go, I wish to sun myself in peace.>>
..............................................
    Duo had watched as Wufei had run from the cave and through he'd understood why Heero had reacted like he had he was upset and worried about the wild-boy.
    It had helped him forgive Heero when he saw how genuinely sorry for over-reacting he was, and that both Trowa and Quatre had reprimanded Heero already.  If only Wufei would come back they could set things right.
    "I'm sure he'll come back, Duo."
    He gave Quatre a slight smiled but didn't look away from the cave entrance.  "I know and I realize he can take care of himself it's just that after two years he finally sees another human being, going out of his way to help us and what does he get in return?  Beat up."
    "I was only trying to protect you."
    Duo sighed.  "I know Heero but he only lingered over the bandage and if he had wanted to have hurt us he could've let that bear do it, he could have let us starve or freeze to death, he could have done any number of things and he hasn't.  If you're so worried, maybe you should ask him what his intentions towards us are.  At least that way you might feel better."
    Quatre's voice was soft but firm.  "Duo has a point Heero.  I think it would be a good idea if you talked to him privately maybe explain your reactions to him."
    Duo heard the words that made what the Prince said seem like a suggestion but he also heard the underlying tone that made it an order.  And, not for the first time, he found himself amazed that they were friends.  Quatre was, after all, going to be King one day.  And Heero was the son of a set of Farming Overlords who died while he was young so he'd ended up living with his sister's brother, Odin Lowe, who was the Lord of a Farming Keep.  Trowa had been at a Fishing Keep before their parents had maried and now they were in charge of the second largest Sea-side town in Numdag, which was only surpassed by the capital city of Zirg Onew, which was run by the Royal Family.  It was also strange by how his Mother and himself had ended up in Numdag.
    His Mother had been Princess Dainae of Semnae but due to an usurping Aunt she'd been forced to flee or face execution of both of them.  His Aunt was not a nice lady.
    Trowa's Father gave them refuge and the rest was history.
    The interesting part was that he wasn't actually Dainae's son but her brother.  He'd been called her son to protect him during his Aunt's hostile take-over.  Being only a very young boy his devoted people rushed both of him and his sister out of Semnae but their loyal subjects continue to bring them information on Semnae and it's condition: politically, economically and militaristically .  They also reported on the actions of his Aunt's supporters.
    Nobody except his three friends, his sister and her husband knew about it.
    Like any heir to the Semnae throne he had an unusual birthmark at the back of his head just under his thick braid.  That would be all that his people would need to see to know he spoke truly in his claims.
    But it was strange that fate had led him to befriend the Crown Prince of Numdag as well as the other two.
    It had been through their support that his sister and himself had managed to make plans and head-way in their hopes of regaining control of Semnae.  It had been Quatre's idea that he go as part of the envoy to Tamaln in order to gain support for his cause.
    Only the storm had come up and now all of them were stranded on the island.  Now he had to get off if there was any hope for him to save his Kingdom.  They had to find a way to Tamaln or another place with resources that could get them there.
    With all the help Wufei was giving them it seemed very unfair that he should receive only pain in return and besides that, Duo had to admit to himself that he found the wild-boy intriguing.  There was just something about him...
    Just then he saw Wufei step into the mouth of the cave, arms ladened with more supplies.  He neither spoke nor looked at any of them as he set the supplies on the other side of the fire and began sorting through them.
    Out of the corner of his eye, Duo watched Heero approach Wufei and no sooner did the Knight touch his shoulder then the wild-boy jumped and shuffled backwards not attempting to fight Heero but obviously not trusting him either.  For his part, Heero just stared as he slowly lowered his arm.
    A few tense minutes later Wufei spoke, straightening.  "No touch no more.  Will still help all but you must not touch no more."  He stared straight into Heero's eyes until Heero nodded.
    "Alright.  I won't touch you anymore if I can help it."
    Wufei tilted his head to the side.  "Good.  Now me take you to shore so all can look for others and ship.  Must hurry.  Important be back before dark."
    Trowa frowned slightly.  "Why?  I thought we were safe because we're under your protection."
    Wufei hesitated.  "Some do not go by rules.  They not care for me.  Wish me dead.  Now you also.  Will not attack if us here but if anywhere else... is bad, much pain."
    Quatre had moved closer to Wufei, eyeing him in a way Duo hadn't seen before.  "How do you know it'll be 'much pain'?"
    Wufei stepped back into the shadows.  "Me make bad mistake, no make mistake any more."
    The tone in the other boy's voice made Duo cring in sympathy at whatever might have happened.
    But the subject was quickly changed as Wufei appeared near his side, eyeing the bandage with concern.  "Is alright to go to shore?  No hurt now?"
    Though a little startled at how quickly and silently Wufei moved Duo recovered faster than he would have thought possible.  "I'm fine Wu.  Let's just do this and see what we can find before it gets dark."
    "Yes.  Go now, come."  With that he was back at the entrance with everyone following at a more sedate pace.
.............................................
    Out of all of them Quatre supposed he knew Duo the best, even Trowa who was his 'step-brother' didn't know the healer that well.  And as he watched his friend working alongside Wufei he was beginning to see things that reminded him of an occasion not long ago that had lead to his knowledge of one of Duo's secrets.
    In Numbdag and Semnae it wasn't uncommon to find pairings of the same sex and though most accepted such couplings there were still those who did not.
    While still in training to be a Knight, the shields that blocked his empathic abilities had been seedy at best and it was because of this that one night he'd awakened in a state of dread and uncertainty.  It hadn't taken him long to pinpoint the source as Duo, since the four of them were so close.
    Quietly he'd followed the flood of emotions like a compass and found Duo underneath a tree on the very edge of the Palace grounds.
    It had taken nearly an hour to get Duo to talk to him about what was wrong and when he did it was a little unbelieveable as well as also a little flattering.  It seemed that Duo wasn't just attracted to women but men as well and he'd become upset because he found himself attracted to each one of them.
    There were two problems with that.  The first was that all of them were only interested in women and the second was that Duo wasn't sure how to deal with it.
    Eventually Quatre had managed to convince him to just tell the others.  Quatre only suggested that because he knew the other two wouldn't be frightened or offended as well as reassuring Duo that it wouldn't harm their friendship.
    The memory brought a grin to his face.  It had gone well.  Duo often flirted with all of them but never seriously, their friendships had grown stronger and the best part was that all three of them got to play match-maker, throwing both females and males at Duo.  Even a couple of his sisters who had figured it out were enjoying the game almost as much as they enjoyed flirting with Duo, if they knew that Duo was actually the heir to a throne... Well it would be impossible to stop them; his sisters were very determined when they wanted something.
    Now though, watching the way Wufei and Duo kept casting glances at each other when they thought no one was looking, or the way their eyes softened when they watched the other... Quatre was sure there was an attraction there.
    He focused on Wufei, noteing the long, matted hair, the dirt covered skin, the clothing.  If he cleaned him up a little he wouldn't be bad looking maybe even handsome.  He grinned, he had a new mission.  Time to play the god of love.
    Carefully he managed to isolate himself and Wufei away from the others.  It wasn't that hard.  They'd actually found parts of the ship and all he'd had to do was send the others back to the cave with the things they'd found.
    Casually he moved next to Wufei who was inspecting a crate that had washed up on shore.  "Wufei?"
    The other boy turned to him and blinked, "Yes?"
    "I was wondering, would you mind if I cut your hair?  It might give you less trouble if I do."
    He smiled.  "Would you?  Leetah did before but me can not do meself."
    "I'd be glad to.  If you have a seat on the crate, I could do it now.  It'll be a little rough because I only have a knife but it shouldn't be too bad."
    Wufei had already sat on the crate.  "Not worried.  I trust you."
    So carefully Quatre sliced the hair to about shoulder-length, removing most of the tangles.  "Wufei, I need to wash your hair out, is there any fresh water between here and the cave?  I told the others we'd meet them there and I don't want us out after dark..."
    "Yes.  Follow and I'll show you."
    "One second.  I want to see what's in the crate first."  He pried the lid off and looked inside.  There were cloths and blankets folded neatly inside.  "Wufei can you help me carry this?"
    "Yes."
    Together they made their way towards a small pond about a half a mile inland.  It took Quatre an hour to fingercomb the tangles out of the clean, black hair and when they finished he dressed Wufei in a pair of loose white pants from the trunk and a dark blue tunic.  Clean and dressed in something other then a loincloth Quatre was surprised at how closely Wufei resembled the Emperor of Esne.  The same chiseld features, high cheekbones and mouth.  If they ever got off the island he had to make sure he asked the Emperor if he had any relatives by the name of Chang Wufei.
    "Come on Wufei we should get back to the cave before the others decide to send out a search party.  Especially Duo, he worries too much."
    "Duo?"
    Was it Quatre's imagination or was Wufei blushing?  "What about Duo, Wufei?"
    He waited as the other boy grabbed his end of the crate.  He continued to wait patiently as they walked in silence.  Once of the few benefits of having twenty-nine older sisters was that his patience was beyond compare.  Finally, like always, it paid off.
    "What Duo like?"
    Quatre missed a step but regained his footing quickly.  "Like?  As in to do?  Or like as in stuff for gifts?"
    At first Quatre wasn't sure if he hadn't gone too far in his assumptions and made a mistake due to the silence coming from Wufei but he found a smile curving his lips seconds after the thought.
    "Gifts.  What gifts Duo like?"
    Matchmaking and dressing Wufei up like a doll... he was becoming as bad as his sisters but he didn't care; he'd been right.  "Well considering how limited your choices are, I'd say flowers would be a good idea but make sure to give them to him when no one else is around, it'll be more special that way."  'And it'll keep the others from getting in the way,' he added to himself.
    "Flowers.  I know good place to find flowers.  Thank-you Quatre."
    "Oh, just glad I could help."  But he couldn't help but grin, now if he was only right about Duo.
.........................................
    Heero had gone over the plan countless times with the other two.  It seemed that building a raft was their best idea.  And usually an island wasn't far from a larger body of land, all they had to do was pick the right direction and they might be able to make it to Tamaln in a few weeks.  Providing nothing went wrong, all he had to do was run it by Quatre.
    Once more he found himself wondering where his Prince was.
    He would have gone looking for him if Quatre hadn't made him promise to stay put unless he wasn't back by nightfall.  Normally he wouldn't hesitate to break a vow to do his duty but in this case he couldn't because part of his duty as a Knight was to obey his King and the heir to the throne.
    He continued to work on cataloguing the things the'd found.  Medicines, herbs, and food that Duo was eagerly going through.  They had also found some rope, blankets, an axe and some broken pieces that might have been fine china at one time.
    "We're back!"
    Heero turned around and had to clamp down on his reaction to keep his face impassive.  If he hadn't been an expert on body language and mannerisms he might not have realized it was Wufei who stood by Quatre.  Cleaned up, Heero could see a stark similarity between Wufei and the Emperor of Esne.  There was still a hunter's 'air' around him but he no longer looked like part of the wilderness, now he looked like the rest of them.  Though this wasn't a bad thing, Heero felt a strange loss at the sight.
    "We found another box of blankets and some clothes as well.  I don't think anything will fit you Trowa but you can see."
    He wasn't fooled by Quatre's refusal to acknowledge their surprise.  Instinct told him that Quatre had wanted to shock them, but why?
    Casually he observed the blond as he cast covert glances at Duo and Wufei.  Frowning, puzzeled at the action, he looked at Duo.  The Healer's eyes were fixed on Wufei and it looked as if the air had been knocked out of his lungs.  Heero knew that look, he saw it every time Noin and Prince Zechs looked at each other and he also saw it on Relena's face whenever she spotted him.  He turned his attention to Wufei and saw a matching expression to that of Duo's.  It was as if they were seeing each for the first time.
    It was like one of those bardic love songs that Relena was always babbling about and if he wasn't intent on appearing oblivious to the whole business he might have made a comment of being sick.  The whole scene was a ridiculous cliche.
    Still a small part of him felt like grinning and slapping Quatre on the back.  Duo had become quite depressed in the last month and it would be nice to have him back to his old self again but at the same time he wasn't sure he trusted Wufei.  That's what made him suddenly decide he was going to have the 'talk' Quatre and Duo had suggested tomorrow.  Sometimes it became very annoying watching over the two royal heirs, at least Trowa had common sense when it came to self-preservation.
    He looked over at the taller boy and met green eyes that clearly stated, 'Trust Quatre'.
    Heero couldn't have agreed more.  The Crown Prince had way too much in common with his sisters and that was a very terrifying thought.
.................................................
    Duo found it very hard to do more than blink.  He wasn't quite sure why, it was just Wufei but at the same time it wasn't.  It was as if he'd been blinded by the dirt and with it gone there was no barrier left to seperate them.  It wasn't just looks but something deeper something...
    "Achoo!"
    Duo jumped, looking at a sheepish Trowa.  Looking at the other three and their smug faces he felt his face burn and couldn't bring himself to look back at Wufei.
    Instead he looked at Quatre, "We came up with a plan while you were gone."
    "A plan for what?"
    "To get off the island.  Heero can explain it better than I can."
    Quatre turned to Heero, all business.  "Tell me."
    Duo watched as the two sat down further back in the cave but felt a bit panicked as he saw Trowa join them.  He would have liked to join them but he was cooking their supper, which meant he was left with Wufei.
    He flet a light touch on his good arm and gazed into Wufei's dark eyes and was startled to see the sadness that was there.  "Duo and others will be leaving the island?  No more my friends?"
    "Of course we're still your friends!  If we go we'll take you with us if you want to come, you con't have to stay here if you don't want to."
    "You would?  I could live with you?"
    Duo blinked at that and felt his face burn as certain thoughts surfaced with the innocent remark.  "Uh, I suppose my, uh, Mother wouldn't, uh, mind and neither should Trowa or my Step-father but... Are you sure you'd want to?"
    Wufei's hand lifted, the fingers gently traced Duo's cheek, and Duo couldn't move as he stared into the other's eyes.  "Yes.  I am certain."
    One of the logs in the fire cracked loudly and Duo pulled away to look at the meat he was cooking.  Not because he was embarassed or upset but because he wanted to lean into that touch.  So he was never more thankful then when the others came back to the fire.
    Quatre was smiling and whether or not he'd seen the interaction between himself and Wufei, Duo wasn't sure.  "The plans as good as we can come up with.  We'll start building the raft tomorrow.  Duo.  Heero said you have a needle and some thread?"
    "For stitching cuts but if you're thinking what Heero was earlier; it'll work to sew the blankets together for a sail."
    The prince nodded.  "Good, while the rest of us are working on the raft you can make the sail.  That way you won't aggravate your shoulder too mcuh."  He peered at the meat.  "Is it done?"
    Duo smiled slightly, "Help yourselves."  He didn't miss the look Wufei shot at him, a look that said 'I will'.  Duo knew it had nothing to do with food and found himself giving the other boy an encouraging smile.
..................................
    The next day Wufei found himself helping the other three haul logs to the beach and bind them together.  Around him he could hear the animals making fun of him but he put it out of his mind.  If his new friends wanted to build a raft, he would help them.
    If Duo wanted him to do anything, he would.  His eyes wandered over to where the Healer was sitting, carefully sewing the blankets together into a sail, and he felt slightly light-headed.  He might be sick, he'd have to make sure to speak to Silent-one about it.
    He continued helping the others but slid into the trees when the others took a break.  He needed to talk to Silent-one quickly because what he'd felt earlier had only increased in it's intensity, and being ill was always a bad thing.
    It wasn't difficult to fing the leopard.  Wufei found him in his favorite tree.
    <<Hello Silent-one.  Are you busy?>>
    <<Why do you ask?>>
    <<I think I may be becoming sick.>>
    The leopard hoped down from his branch, sitting at Wufei's feet eyes unblinking.  <<What makes you think you're sick?>>
    <<Well every time I'm near Duo I find it hard to breath, my heart goes so fast that I can't hear anything else and I burn.>>
    <<Burn?>>
    <<I get really hot and... I feel strange.>>
    The Silent-one cocked his head to the side and Wufei could have sworn he was amused.  <<You're not sick.>>
    <<Are you sure?>>
    <<Child, you are merely experience part of the mating process.  Have you started to court your chosen?  Did you give him a gift?>>
    Wufei blinked, feeling suddenly stupid.  <<No, I haven't.  But Quatre said to give him flowers.>>
    <<Then do so, and you'll feel better, I assure you.>>  With that he disappeared into the undergrowth, leaving Wufei with only one thing to do - gather flowers.
...................................
    Duo had resumed his work on the sail, trying not to look as if he was wondering where Wufei was.  Because he wasn't paying attention to what he was doing he got a knot in his thread and had to bend over it to pry it out.  He was so intent on it that he was startled when he saw flowers falling all around him.  Looking up through his bangs, from the center of the pile of flowers, he saw Wufei's smiling face and his heart jump-started.
    The other boy kneeled in front of him.  "You like the flowers?  I picked them for you?"
    Duo hesitated before he carefully lifted a pale, blue flower from it's resting place on the sail and gently slid it in behind Wufei's ear, letting his fingertips play over the black strands of hair before he pulled away.  "They're beautiful Wufei, thank-you."  Then slowly he leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
    The other boy grinned as he touch his cheek.  "Anything for you Duo."  Then he moved back to the others and the raft, his step was noticeably lighter then it had been since they'd met.
    Though he spotted Quatre's self-satisfied smile, he chose not to ruin the day by poking fun at the Prince's handiwork.  Not that he didn't like the effects of Quatre's help, in fact, he was very much enjoying being 'wooed' instead of being the 'wooer'.
    Humming lightly he went back to work on the sail.
...................................
    Heero had seen Wufei's gift and the tender exchange between the two.  It was time for his talk with Wufei... before it got more serious then it already was.
    He continued to haul logs to the area where Quatre was using the ropes to bind them together.  Wufei set right to work peeling bark and branches off the logs and rubbing them down with a harsh cloth to remove any slivers that could be present as well as removing any sap.
    As he hauled logs to them with Trowa's help he found himself analysing Wufei in a different manner then he had previously.  If he had to give a comparison as a description, he would have said it was like the scrutiny of a father over a possible suitor for his daughter.
    At least that's what he felt like.  He felt like Duo's surrogate father... but then he felt that protectiveness with Quatre as well.  That's why he needed to find out from Wufei exactly what his intentions were toward his braided friend.
    About two hours later, the bottom of the raft was completed and they'd stopped while Trowa and Quatre had started discussing the building of a shelter and storage of some kind for their supplies.  Heero intersected Wufei on his way to where Duo was still working but keeping his word he didn't touch him.
    "I wish to speak with you."
    Heero could just barely see the surprise on Wufei's calm face.  "Of course."
    He turned on his heel, not waiting to see if Wufei followed him and moved farther down the beach, away from the others.  He kept going until he was out of ear-shot.
    Never one to dance around the subject, Heero met Wufei's eyes, and spoke bluntly.  "What are your intentions towards Duo?"
    He wasn't expecting a similarily blunt answer.
    "I wish to have him as my mate."
    Heero recovered quickly.  "I won't stand to have anyone hurt Duo."
    What Heero saw in the dark eyes was almost too much to name.  There was a fierce protectiveness, anger, worry, and... love.  "If anyone hurts my Duo I'll rip them apart."
    Heero, being an expert at reading people, had no trouble believing it.  "So you aren't going to hurt him then?"
    Solemnly Wufei answered him, "I would rather be subjected to the worst torment thinkable before I'd intentionally hurt my Duo."
    Heero noted the use of 'my' and nodded.  "Good."
    They just stood there for a few heartbeats and Heero felt some of his suspicions leave.  "We should get to work."
    "Yes."
    And just like that the conversation was over, giving each a better understanding of the other.
......................................
    It wasn't quite dark when they'd gotten back to the cave and Duo had carefully climbed onto a leadge a few feet above it's entrance, waiting for the sunset.  He sat there silently as Wufei crawled onto the ledge next to him.
    His heartbeat sped up as the other boy knelt by his side.
    "You should rest."
    "Yah, I guess so.  You know, your speaking has gotten a lot better."
    "I'm not surprised.  I remember more of what I'd learned from my Father the more I am around you and the others."
    "Oh."
    "Duo?"
    He turned to Wufei, head cocked to one side in question as he waited for the other to continue.
    "Leetah told me stories of Princes and Princesses.  She often said that they would fall in love and kiss each other.  Though I can't say what love is exactly, I was wondering if you would allow me to kiss you?"
    Duo felt his face flush slightly but he smiled, "Do you know how?"
    Wufei looked down at his hands.  "No."
    Gently Duo lifted Wufei's chin with his fingertips.  "Then I'll just have to kiss you instead."
...........................
    Wufei couldn't stop grinning.  Duo had kissed him, and not just once.  They'd come back into the cave and Wufei hadn't wanted to part from him.  To his pleasure Duo had hugged him tight and pulled him down onto the bed of leaves and Wufei had happily held him close all through the night.  He hadn't bothered sleeping, remaining awake just watching Duo sleep.
    The morning they'd gone back to work on the raft and he'd left during the break in order to speak to Silent-one.
    As usual he found the leopard on his favorite limb, sunning himself happily.
    <<What brings you here young one?>>
    <<I wished to ask you how you consumate a mating?>>
    The leopard straightedned and looked down at him.  <<Consumate it?  Someone had to have told you that!>>
    <<Um, sister-of-the-night told me something about males and females but my situation is a little different, since both Duo and I are male and I thought...>>
    <<You thought I'd know how they do that?  Hunt-brother, you know as well as I that I've never been in such circumstances before.>>
    <<Then what do I do?>>
    The Silent-one jumped down next to him and watched him for a few seconds.  <<I am certain I will regret this but let's think about it for a while; we might come up with something.>>
....................................
    Duo was trying to fend off an attack; they'd been working when they were attacked.  There were about fifteen of them, all sailors from the ship they had been on and they were trying to get at the raft.
    Without any weapons the sailors were quickly gaining ground.  It looked like a pointless fight that they were sure to loose and he was thankful Wufei wasn't there.
....................................
    <<Humans on the beach!  Many Humans!  They fight each other!  The Humans fight!>>
    Wufei stiffened at the bird's cry, springing to his feet and bounding towards the beach.  That is until something latched onto the seat of his pants, causing him to fall flat onto his stomach.  Twisting he saw Silent-one with a mouthful of the material in his mouth.
    <<Don't act like a stupid Human!!>>
    The reprimand echoed in Wufei's head.  <<But Duo...>>
    <<What would your Father say?!>>
    The question stopped him cold.  There wasn't much that he remembered of his Father, but he'd taught him martial arts from the time he could walk and along with it a code of honor.  One of the rules was never to fight angry.  Everyday since his shipwreak he'd practiced all of the katas, always repeating the code in his head as he did.  Only Silent-one and Leetah knew about it.
    <<What sould I do Silent-one?  I can't leave Duo...>>
    <<Think!>>
    <<But you always say that thinking is a waste of time.>>
    <<Are you questioning me?>>
    <<Um, no.>>
    <<Then think of a plan!  Running off by yourself will only get you killed and the no one will be able to save them.>>
    A plan started to form in Wufei's mind.  <<Maybe, but not if I'm not alone.>>
........................................
    Wufei crouched quietly in the shadows.  The other Humans were roughing his friends up but it was the one that dared to hit Duo that drew his attention.  That one would regret it.
    <<Alright.  When you're ready - attack.>>
    Not waiting to see what his mismatched army was going to do he shot forward, moving too fast for the other Humans too see.  Using his sharp blade he cut down three before he launched himself at the one who had struck Duo.  The flying tackle brought them both to the sandy shore.  They rolled together but when they stopped Wufei was on top, throwing punch after punch down on his pinned enemy until he was sure he wouldn't move.  Pulling back he turned to watch his 'army'.
    Birds were diving with claws and beak aimed for more sensitive areas.  Stags were kicking and chasing them with lowered racks.  Two bears, Silent-one and a panther were playing a game of 'cat and mouse' with them and the monkey'd were throwing anything they could grab at the Humans.
    In a panic the Humans fled, the animals on their heels.
    Wufei moved over to Duo and gently caressed the reddened cheek.  "Are you alright?"
    "Yes.  We all are, thanks to you."
    "There could be others."
    Heero moved over to them, helping Quatre to his feet while Trowa managed on his own.  "We can't leave the raft alone.  If they got their hands on it we'd be stranded; there just isn't enough rope or blankets to rebuild it."
    Wufei frowned.  He'd been relieved to see that they were alright but he knew what Heero was implying.  "It's too dangerous at night."
    Heero just looked at him, a look that was understanding but determined - more so it was a look that clearly showed that the Knight viewed him as an equal.  "I'm sorry Wufei but we have no choice.  We'll have to have someone stand sentry at all times.  With five of us it won't be too bad.  Then we'll set sail early in the dawn."
    <<That's six Hunt-brother.  I too will guard you this night.  From Humans or the others, it matters little to me.>>
    Wufei turned as Silent-one came across the sands, solemnly.
    <<Thank-you.>>  He turned to meet Heero's gaze and take Duo's hand in his own.  "Six.  Silent-one will also help.  Still if we're to be ready we have a lot of work to do."
    Heero nodded curtly as Quatre began issuing orders and Trowa assisted Duo in gathering the supplies of food and water.  Wufei watched them a moment before turning to Silent-one, feeling torn.
    <<Go Wufei.  It is where you belong.  I will guard the raft until your return.>>
    Nodding thanks he ran to catch up to Heero, not noticing the sadness in the old leopard's eyes.
.............................
    Even though Heero had first watch Wufei found it impossible to sleep.  Instead he found his hearing had become more alert and his muscle were tense.  Even will Duo laying by his side he couldn't relax.  He remained awake during Trowa's watch and he was still upu when Trowa gently shook him.  Relieved to have something to do he positioned himself by the log just out of the circle of the others sleeping.  The ocean waves lapped gently onto the shore behind him but he was totally focused on the treeline and the danger he knew lingered there.  Nothing happened until long after Trowa had fallen asleep.
    <<Hmmmm.  What do we have here?  It lookssss assssss though our food hasss chosssssen to come to ussssssss for a change.>>
    The voice was so harsh it made Wufei's head pound painfully.
    <<Yesssssssss, brother, it doessssssss.  Hmmmm, we did tell it to sssstay away if it wissssssssshed to ssssssurvive.  It mussst want to die.>>
    Wufei didn't dare move.  He knew there were three.   They always hunted together.  They weren't natural.  They were human-like in shape with lizard-like eyes, a muzzle filled with sharp blood-stained teeth and plates like a turtle's shell down their backs.  There was a little of everything in their make-up.  A clash of magics had done it, according to Leetah.  At one time they'd been human, her brothers.  That was why, during the night, anything in her cave would be safe.  It was the only shred of humanity they'd hung onto.
    He continued to wait for the third to speak and his patience was soon rewarded.
    <<It will be delicioussss brotherssss.>>
    His ears picked up their movements as he grabbed the makeshift spear at his side.  <<Silent-one....?>>
    <<I heard.  We should wake the others, quietly.>>
    Reaching out slowly Wufei gently touched Heero's ankle and when blue eyes met his own he lifted his finger to his lips, cocked his head to the forest slighlty and raised three fingers before waving slightly at the others and pointing at the fire.  Luckily Heero fully understood as he woke Trowa and Duo.  Silent-one had already got Quatre's attention.  Out of the corner of his eye he watched them each grab a stick at the fire's edge and remain still, waiting.
    He'd been caught by them once and it'd been a miracle that he'd escaped.  He'd discovered in his capture that their underside was soft and used it then; now he'd shared that with the others.  It was the only place they were vulnearable.  If their teeth didn't get you, their foot-long claws would.  The upcoming fight was going to be a bad one.
    Even in the darkness he was able to see the three lumbering figures as they charged.  When they were ten feet away he moved forward, ducking a set of claws that still managed to draw blood from his shoulder and rolled, shoving the wooden spear upward to where he imagined the heart might be.
    He looked up to see it clutch the wooden stake ackwardly before it pitched forward.  Moving quickly he scrambled out of the way and onto his feet.
    <<Brother!>>
    Wufei glanced up with just enough time for his mind to register that he was about to die.  He had no time for anything else.  So when something warm and heavy hit him it took him a while before he realized it was Silent-one.  Seconds later his nose was flooeded with the strong smell of blood.
    <<No!  Silent-one!>>
    <<It... is... not... o-over.  Live... my son...>>
    His oldest friend lay dead in his arms and he couldn't remember how he'd wrestled the wooden stake from the other one he'd killed but he found it in his hands and though claws dug into the flesh of his chest he pushed forward with all his strength.  The wooden spear went in about gut level and exploded out the other side with a wet, tearing sound.  The once-Human screamed in pain as it began to thrash in a death-induced seizure.
    Wufei gave it little thought as he bent near his fallen friend.  He was vaguely aware that the others had run off the last of the 'brothers' and it wasn't until Duo wiped away the tears on his cheeks that he realized he'd been crying.
    "Wu, I'm sorry."
    Wufei couldn't meet his eyes.  "I need to... bury him."
    Heero spoke up first.  "I'll help."
    Without a word Wufei picked up the large cat and Heero followed him to the edge of the forest.
    It was almost sun-up before they finished and when they were down they stood there in silence until Heero cleared his throat.  "It always hurts to loose those you love."
    Wufei looked up at him in surprise and Heero actually seemed embarrassed.  "I know I acted like he was just another animal but he wasn't to you and for that I'm sorry.  I've never seen a leopard do what he did for you...."
    Smiling slightly Wufei laid a hand on Heero's shoulder.  "I know.  And, I think he understood that Heero but thank-you all the same."
    Heero met his gaze uncertainly.  "Do you think we can start over?"
    Wufei actually smiled.  "I don't think so, I know so."
................................................
    Wufei sat next to Duo on the raft as he watched the island he'd spent six years on disappear into the horizon.  He wasn't sure what to expect but he did know that as long as he had the others it couldn't be as bad as staying on the island with no one; at least he hoped so.
    Next to him Duo squeezed his hand and he looked up into not one pair of welcoming eyes, but four.