The Chocolate Mine

Dragons on the Doorstep

lavendarlizard — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 15:53:06 GMT

~*~ Z

At 1415 the following afternoon, they were being shown into their suite at the Baroque Bay Hotel. The rooms were an eclectic mixture of styles, but it all worked well in a beachfront hotel on an island in the Caribbean. Quatre tipped the bellboy and hustled him out of the room as quickly as he could. The door had barely closed behind him before they were in each other’s arms. Much thrashing and tossing of clothing items ensued before they relaxed against the pillows on the enormous bed.

“What shall we do first?” asked Wufei. He reached over to the bedside table to retrieve a brochure. “They have boat tours of the bay, swimming with the dolphins and fish, historical tours, bicycle tours, walking tours. In short, many, many tours of all sorts. Hm… Shopping, restaurants… You know, I believe I’m hungry. Why don’t we have an early dinner?”

“Hmm…? Oh, that sounds good. Thinking about it now, I am hungry. Let’s start with that. Maybe we can do some shopping afterwards.”

“Sounds good. Shower?”

“Together? Of course!”

~*~

“I have no idea what I’m eating but it’s all delicious!” Quatre took a sip of his iced tea. “I am so going to send the kingdom chef here to taste all of this and make it at home! Oh. I’ll have to find a diplomatic way to phrase it, though. Don’t want to piss him off.”

“Gods no! The kingdom chef is amazing and I would hate to have him feel like he’s not good enough. He might start feeding us fast food.” He shuddered.

Quatre laughed. “Exactly! Leave a good tip, please. I know tipping isn’t really a thing here, but that dinner was just so good…”

On the way out of the restaurant, Quatre complemented the chef effusively and praised the table service. The staff preened under that praise, and accepted the folded bills with great dignity.

“Let’s go shopping next,” suggested Quatre.

They walked down the lane lined with shops and stalls, Quatre’s eyes darting here and there, looking for something original to buy for Duo. “Oh, there’s so much lovely stuff! I may need another bag of all-holding.”

He paused at a stall to examine the bits of jewelry. “I wonder if Duo would like this?” He held up a pretty silver necklace with a line of shells dangling from it.

“Hmm… I’m not sure… I’ve never seen Duo wear jewelry, except for his Chosen stud. If we're within range, I could call Heero and ask if Duo likes jewelry?”

“Oh, that’s a good idea! Please do that!” He stepped away to give Wufei privacy.

Wufei tapped his sapphire stud. “Heero, do you have a moment?”

“Wufei,” came his friend's voice. “How is the honeymoon going and why are you calling me on your honeymoon?”

Wufei laughed. “Quatre is shopping and had a question. Does Duo ever wear jewelry beside his Chosen earring?”

“Umm… He has. He has a ring that he wears sometimes and a couple of silver chains And some decorative earrings. He doesn’t wear any of them right now because Argent finds them fascinating and he doesn’t want the little shit to break them. But yes, he does wear jewelry.”

“Excellent! Quatre has found a lovely little necklace and wondered if Duo would like it. It’s silver with dangling shells. Very pretty.”

“I’m sure he would like it, not least because it’s a gift from Quatre. He absolutely adores the purple dish. It has pride of place on the console in the dining room.”

“Thank you. I’ll tell Quatre. Don’t be surprised if the necklace comes with a whole jewelry box. I see something of the sort down the street.” He closed the connection.

“Heero says he does like jewelry, but doesn’t wear it right now because of the little shit getting grabby.”

Quatre laughed. “Hopefully the little shit will grow out of that soon! Because I’ve seen several pieces I’m going to buy.” He turned to the shopkeeper. “I’ll take this one, and that one. Do you have earrings to go with either of those? Oh, excellent! I’ll take both. Thank you.” He tucked the package into his bag of all-holding.

“Why don’t I carry that?” offered Wufei. Quatre handed it over willingly, and gave him a quick kiss.

“Thank you! Oooh! Let me try that shop!”

Quatre bought something at almost every shop he stopped at, and the ones he didn’t buy from all said they would have different merchandise the next day, so he promised to come back. In the meantime, the bag of all-holding got fuller and fuller. Wufei couldn’t keep the smile off his face. Not everything was for Duo; some things were for Quatre’s sisters or himself. A few more secretive purchases were for Wufei, and he studiously ignored those, looking forward to being surprised by his Chosen.

Back in their suite, Quatre began sorting out his purchases, separating the sisters’ gifts from those for his friends. He’d found a lovely broach for Iria, and assorted necklaces and earrings for the other sisters. It was something of a headache to make sure that no one sister got something “better” than the others, regardless of how he felt about them. Competitive little things that they were, he had to guard against the “he likes me best!” mentality. Siblings! Sometimes they were a huge pain in the ass.

He used small bags of all-holding, neatly labeled, to separate the gifts. The one for Iria was somewhat larger, as she was also Vizier, and the eldest. None of the younger sisters were going to challenge Iria. She had the power to toss them out of their residence, or even the kingdom, if they pissed her off.

The gifts for Duo and his family were also labeled and tucked into small bags of all-holding. Quatre had found several sets of jewelry for Duo, and several small things for Heero. There were even a few pieces for Argent, to be given when he was old enough to take care of them.

Another bag contained the secret gifts for Wufei. Wufei had not asked Quatre to wear a Chosen earring when they Chose, because this was, after all, the king of another country and such a thing might be considered unseemly. Now, he wondered if he might broach the subject. Maybe with a special earring that didn’t match the other Chosens’. Before he did anything, though, he would ask. Communication was important to Quatre and to Wufei. And no time like the present…

“Quatre… I have a question.”

“Ask, my dragon.”

“I wasn’t sure how fitting it would be for the king to wear another’s Chosen earring, but now I will ask… Would you be amenable to having a Chosen earring? I totally understand, if it’s not fitting, you being king and all.”

“Wufei! I would be proud to wear your Chosen earring! I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to have one since I am a king. If my country has a problem with it, they can take it up with me!” He threw his arms around Wufei. “Are you suggesting that you want me to wear one?”

“I am not suggesting, I am asking. Will you wear my Chosen ring?”

“Yes, my love; I will wear your Chosen ring. Anyone who objects will answer to me.” He kissed his dragon and consequently, they lost several hours of time.

~*~

Shopping was the first thing on the agenda the next morning, after breakfast. Quatre hit all the shops he’d passed on the previous day. Some he bought from, some had nothing that spoke to him. He found a bookstall that had a comprehensive history of the town and the island and bought it to add to the travel office’s library. Wufei found a beautiful coffee table book with pictures of the island and bought that, also to add to the travel office library. The dragon collective also used the travel office, so he felt it only fair to contribute.

They took a break from shopping after lunch to go out on a glass bottomed boat to view the fish and other creatures that lived in the bay. Quatre found an octopus that delighted him with its antics and wished he could take the entertaining creature home with him. Since that would not be possible, Wufei went on the lookout when their shopping resumed for a plush octopus as a stand-in.

After the boat tour, they visited the local museum. In the gift shop after the tour, they found a nice picture book for children featuring the local flora and fauna. Wufei thought it would make a nice addition for the collective children's library. He also found the plush octopus he’d been looking for and managed to tuck it into his own bag of all-holding before Quatre saw. The salesclerk giggled when he quickly paid and hid the toy away.

“Everyone loves that octopus,” she whispered. “I think he knows he’s the star of the tour. And everyone wants a plush replica. Have fun!”

As they were leaving, Wufei noticed the clerk setting out another plush octopus. So it wasn’t the last one! What excellent marketing! He could imagine children crying because “it’s the only one left! We have to get it now!” Yes, that would work on many parents.

Walking down the street, they found a restaurant that looked good and stopped there for dinner.

“Oh, I am stuffed!” announced the Healer when they were once more on the street. “Those pastelles were so good, I just couldn’t stop! I shall have to go on a diet when we get home again.”

Wufei took his hand. “Only if you think you must. I expect that your work will soon take care of any excess calories you consume this week.” They walked back to the hotel, holding hands in companionable silence.

The next day was designated beach day. The first stop was a beach shop to acquire bathing suits. Quatre quickly picked out a thong, just as he had threatened. Wufei hesitated but finally allowed himself to be convinced and to let Quatre pick out a thong for him. To his chagrin, it was bright red. No chance of blending in. He sighed and mentally gave in to his husband. Quatre’s suit, if it merited the name, was a metallic turquoise. Very eye-catching. And very brief.

They did some swimming and some body surfing, but mostly just laid out in the sun, Quatre being slathered in a sunscreen potion.

The rest of the week went very much the same; shopping, eating, touring and just relaxing. At one point Wufei hefted Quatre’s bag of all-holding and could barely hide his shock. He certainly hoped Heero was industriously building up both of their accounts, and if anyone disturbed him this week, Wufei would personally be having words with them.

lavendarlizard — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 15:46:57 GMT

~*~ Y

Quatre’s dish came out looking almost perfect. He had decided to color it predominantly purple and the wash of purple, blue and green was bright, soft and glowing all at once. When he showed it to Wufei, the dragon gasped, then hugged his husband.

“It’s beautiful! Where are you going to display it?”

“Well… I thought I’d give it to Duo. He can use it as a fruit bowl or just display it.” He smoothed his fingers over the glossy surface. “I feel like I owe him something. He stepped in and Spoke for me against Trowa and his crap, and I feel that warrants some kind of acknowledgement or even reward. The whole mess with Trowa could have continued indefinitely, could have drawn you into it; now it’s done. I could have asked the Elder for remedy, but he wasn’t here to hear that call. To see Trowa snarl and rage at me.

“He was there to see Trowa draw a wand on me. That is inexcusable, and conduct unbecoming a Magician. Mages and Wizards are forbidden from drawing a wand against a non-magical person unless directly threatened, like with a knife or gun. Technically, because I am a Healer and not a Mage or Wizard, let alone a Sorcerer, I am considered a non-combatant. If I wanted to make a formal complaint, he could lose his magic. I don’t want to do that, I just want him to stop harassing me. Duo accomplished that. I didn’t even know that Kewpies could do that. But I am so glad they can!”

Wufei gathered him into his arms. “I have to admit, my ego is a little bruised that your friend was able to do something for you that I couldn’t, but I am a rational adult and I can tell my ego to go hang. I think gifting it to Duo is a fine idea. I think he’ll love it, especially as he was with you while you were making it.” He rubbed his cheek over Quatre’s shining blond hair. “You know what? We should take a vacation, just the two of us. Go somewhere we’ve never been before. Maybe somewhere ridiculously touristy. Somewhere that you can buy silly gifts for Duo and Argent, and even Heero. I think he could do with a silly gift. Hell, I could do with a silly gift! So could you! What do you think?”

“I think you’re right. I think we need a honeymoon. Where should we go? Oh, I know! Let’s consult the kingdom travel agency! Somewhere warm and touristy, maybe with a beach.”

“Maybe with a nude beach…” said Wufei, waggling his eyebrows. Quatre giggled, then burst out laughing. “I like hearing that laugh! Let’s specify a nude beach! Something crazy!”

“Okay! Let me consult with Shariz and see what she can recommend.” He set the dish aside and went to call the Mage on duty at the kingdom. “Good morning, Danah. How are you today?”

“Excellent, highness! And you?”

“I am very well today! I need to talk to Shariz. Are you anywhere near the travel office?”

“I am actually sitting in the lobby of the travel agency! Shariz and I were having coffee. Let me get her for you, highness.”

There was a pause and a ripple of color across the mirror, then Shariz came into view. “Good morning, my king! How may I help you today?”

“I want to book a honeymoon for my consort and I. Somewhere with a beach, preferably a nude beach. Somewhere warm. Somewhere touristy. Somewhere I haven’t been before.”

“Oh!” Shariz blushed pinkly. “I can find that for you. Let me consult the magical book… Um… There is a lovely place in the Caribbean… Touristy, warm, um… nude beach… It’s called Baroque Bay. The hotel is very nice… Five stars… A rated chef… Accommodating of magic users… It sounds perfect. But let me make a quick trip there to make sure it’s good enough.”

“All right. Let me know what you find and I hope it’s all good. We would like to leave tomorrow.”

“Yes, highness!”

He turned to Wufei. “If it’s even half of what its publicity claims, it sounds like a good getaway. How long should we stay? A week?”

“I like a week. Maybe two weeks. Or a month,” he laughed. “Shall we begin packing now?”

“Oh yes! I’d almost forgotten about packing. I suppose a large hotel will have laundry services.”

“It’s been my experience that they usually do.”

“Great! That means more room in my all-holding bag for shopping!”

They had reached their suite and Quatre began searching his closet. “I will wear shorts and tank tops and strappy sandals! Swim naked!”

Wufei couldn’t help laughing. It was fun watching his husband acting like the twenty-something man he was. His absolute joy at looking forward to this vacation warmed Wufei’s heart. Quatre deserved a week of no cares or worries. At least there was no chance now of Trowa interfering with that happiness.

Wufei began his own packing, but a little slower. “My love…”

“Yes, my consort?”

“You might want to take a swimsuit, just to have. You don’t want to fall asleep on a nude beach and wake up with a very inappropriate sunburn.”

“Oh… I hadn’t thought of that. You’re right, though. I wonder if the tourist shops sell beachwear? How would you feel if I got a thong?”

Wufei pictured Quatre in a thong. Swallowed. Wiped away the drool. “I think that would be fine. Very fine.”

“And you must get one, too.” He smirked at Wufei. “I want a nice view, too.”

Wufei began to cough and Quatre came to smack him on the back. “What happened?”

“Oh, nothing…” gasped Wufei. “I just swallowed my tongue for a moment.”

Quatre laughed. “Silly dragon! Do you think I never notice how beautiful my husband is?”

“Gak! I don’t think I’ve ever considered it.”

Quatre laid his arms around Wufei’s waist. “Well, you are, and I do notice. In fact… Why don’t we pause packing for a bit, until Shariz gets back to us? Hmmm…?”

~*~

Three hours later, Shariz had thoroughly explored the destination and interrogated the employees of the hotel and had her report ready. Quatre and Wufei listened attentively at the mirror.

“It’s a lovely place. Tropical and relaxed, but full service. The kitchen is amazing and the rooms and suites are fabulous. Staff are attentive and professional, very well-trained. The clothing optional beach is clean and appealing, and private. There is an open beach for those who prefer bathing costumes,” she said with a blush. “The town is very tourist oriented, with many different activities. There are restaurants and shopping opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets. Does it sound like it would suit you, Highness?”

“It does indeed! Please book a suite for at least a week, beginning tomorrow. Make it clear that we may want to extend our stay; we’ll decide after the first week.” He glanced at his consort. “What time is check-in?”

“Check-in is 1400. I will book your stay immediately!” The Mage on duty opened a call to the hotel and Quatre and Wufei watched as Shariz quickly booked their stay. The Mage at the hotel was efficient and warm and very welcoming.

“I think we’re going to enjoy this,” said Wufei.

“Oh, I know I will,” said Quatre suggestively. Shariz turned back to their call, and confirmed their reservation for the following day. “Excellent! Thank you, Shariz.” He closed the connection. “Now, we pack!”

Dragons on the Doorstep

lavendarlizard — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 15:35:56 GMT

~*~ X

Life went on unstressed for many months. Little Argent grew like a weed. Heero accumulated several hundred billion Yen for the collective and for the kingdom. Quatre spent extra time in the kingdom, coming up with ideas to make his citizens’ lives better. And shopping. There was always shopping.

There were urgent healings in the kingdom, but nothing out of the ordinary. Quatre made the most of his time there by trying to educate patients to prevent urgent and emergency healings. He understood that only about half his patients would actually follow instructions. Making life changes was hard, he knew that, but he would continue to try. In the meantime, he made copious notes for the staff Healers.

Wufei talked Heero out of portaling to New York City to immolate the obnoxious businessmen that he had decided against working with. Apparently, they did not understand the word “no” and he so wanted to teach them. He was heartily sick of mirror calls, owl and pigeon messages, and those new annoyances the humans called “telegrams”. Wufei had to work to restrain his friend, when even he wanted to smack the crap out of the humans.

Wufei found that his assistant apparently could not walk and chew gum at the same time. The young dragon was in love, he declared, for the first time and had made a mess of Wufei’s books due to love sickness. It was Wufei’s turn to want to slap the crap out of someone. He didn’t, though. He reminded himself of what it was like to be in infatuation for the first time, sighed, and set about untangling the books. He did vent to his husband, and accepted his sympathy. Quatre offered one of the kingdom’s bookkeepers to help, but Wufei demurred. His own fault for not checking his assistant’s work more often. It was his job, after all.

Quatre’s nephews managed to prove Quatre’s opinion of them by getting into a fistfight over who should be chosen as heir. He just sighed, shook his head and informed their mothers that none of them were demonstrating responsible behavior and as a consequence would not be on the short list for heir. He did not broach the idea of adoption. Instead, he retreated to his wheel and began another… something or other. He’d know what it was when it was finished.

Duo finished the sweater for Heero and it looked wonderful on him. Heero was mildly surprised that he didn’t have to stretch the truth when he said it was perfect and that he loved it. Duo beamed happily and started another blanket.

One of the collective cats had a litter of kittens and precipitated an actual wrestling match between two dragons over who got the first choice of the kittens. The mother cat sensibly moved her litter to an undisclosed location for the duration.

This encouraged Quatre to inquire of the kitchens at the palace as to whether they might need a cat or two to combat vermin, and was told that if he could produce such a thing, it would be most welcome. The chef’s scullery boy produced two enormous dead rats that he had killed just that morning. Quatre called Wufei and asked him to inquire of the mother cat whether she would give leave for two or three of her kittens to go to the kingdom to solve the rat problem. She agreed, with the warning that the kittens would have to be at least six months old to combat rats and any other ROUSs that they might encounter. A pair of the collective cats offered to take a temporary position, as they hadn’t had a good rat hunt in some time. Quatre consulted with the chef and found him to be in agreement. The cats portaled over the next time Quatre and Wufei came and immediately set about eradicating the assorted ROUSs. The chef was happy to have his kitchen protected and the scullery boy was happy that he only had to collect the bodies, not hunt them down and kill them himself. The ROUSs could be tough on humans. The cats were indulged and spoiled with the best food and the most comfortable cushions for sleeping. Everyone was thrilled.

Argent, having learned to talk in the interval, discovered a new word and began using it for absolutely everything. Duo despaired of ever civilizing his toddler. And then the best/worst thing happened… Argent set a bush on fire. Duo’s reaction was priceless; “Chosen has fire, son has fire. Chosen job teach son about fire. Get on with.” Wufei ended up rolling on the floor with uncontrollable laughter. Duo took a week and went to visit Quatre in the kingdom.

Summer came, and Quatre began spending more time at the collective. Wufei rejoiced to have his husband all to himself for three weeks at a time. Well, except for the time he spent with Duo. Now that Argent was turning from a baby into a child, it fell more to Heero to raise him until he understood his dragon nature and didn’t set anything on fire by accident.

Duo and Quatre were in Quatre’s hobby room making a ceramic whatsis when the mirror chimed. Quatre asked Duo to answer it for him and hit it with a wisp of magic to open the connection. It was Trowa.

Duo stepped back, a little startled, and Quatre sighed. “Hello, Trowa. How are you today, and to what do I owe this call?”

“I just heard that you got married.”

“It’s true, I did get married. Almost a year ago. King of a country, here, remember; required to have a spouse.”

“Is that spouse required to be a dragon?”

Quatre sighed again. Aaannnd here came the passive aggressive bullshit. “I was courted, I fell in love and we got married. Do you have a problem with that?”

“Were you ‘courting’ before we broke it off?”

“No, we weren’t, because he is an honorable dragon. He waited until I had ended things before he began courting me. Not that it’s any of your business. Just what are you frothing about that warranted a mirror call?” He grabbed a cloth, dampened it with water and laid it over his project on the wheel so it wouldn’t dry out.

“I can't believe you took up with Wufei!”

Quatre rolled his eyes. “I didn’t ‘take up with’ anyone. I was courted, we dated, eventually we decided to Choose and get married. Now, I ask again, what is your point? And why are you calling now?”

“Were you cheating on me?”

“Were we ever officially together? I don’t think so.”

“Quatre-!”

“No! You don’t get to ‘Quatre!’ me! Especially when all you ever did was dodge my efforts to find out where we stood with each other! It’s been well over a year now, and my life is none of your damn business! If the only reason you called was to accuse me of cheating in a relationship we never had, then you can sod right off! I thought you were starting a relationship with someone there, anyway. Were you cheating on me? Hm? You never broke up with me before you went to Rive Bartonn, remember. I had to break up with you, you idiot! And by mirror call no less! So don't you dare try to make me the bad guy! Now, did you actually want anything, or did you just call to pick a fight?”

There was a murmur in the background, and Trowa suddenly blushed. “The Elder wanted to speak to you,” he mumbled and stepped away from the mirror. His visage was replaced by that of the Kewpie Solo.

Quatre drew a deep breath, let it out and greeted the Kewpie Elder.

“Ah, friend Solo. How may I help you today?”

“Curiosity,” said the blond Kewpie. “Wondered how is Duo? Child? No ill effects from curse?”

“None that we've been able to find. Would you like to speak with Duo? He's here.” He offered his place at the mirror to the Kewpie.

“Elder Solo! Hello!”

“Hello, Duo. Are well? And child?”

“Both well! Quatre takes good care of! Baby has name of Argent. Is dragon baby. Has wings, has fire, too. Learning to talk, learning to not set drapes on fire.” Solo laughed. “Have hobby with Quatre. Do things together. Kewpie makes blankets, hats, Quatre makes ceramic whatsis. Chosen very proud.”

“Excellent! Happy for friend Duo. Hope for continued health for Kewpie and little dragon.”

“Thanks for. Settlement is well? No more Filofields trouble?”

“No more. Optimistic that Filofields trouble finished. Call just to inquire, glad Duo is well. Farewell.”

“Farewell!”

The mirror cleared. Duo and Quatre looked at each other, shrugged, and returned to their respective projects.

“Trowa call behalf of Elder Solo? Think? Seem strange…”

“It was kind of strange… Like even on someone else’s call, he just couldn't resist poking at me. He sounded so jealous, maybe…” He chewed at his lip. “I just don't know what that was all about. I thought I was clear last year. I certainly told him we weren't together anymore, maybe never had been, and to not bother me again. I don’t know how much clearer I could have been. And ‘taking up with Wufei’! How insulting! Oh, I'm getting angry again! I'm not an almighty Mage, but I could certainly give him a good case of boils if I choose! The nerve of that man!”

“Sounded mad Quatre married, Chosen. But not Trowa’s business now. Trowa didn’t court, can't be mad Wufei did.”

“Exactly. I don’t know what his problem is, and I refuse to give it any of my attention going forward. I am happily married and Chosen and Trowa’s fulminations are no concern of mine. If he has regrets, well, he had his chance and he blew it. Not my problem now.”

“Yay Quatre! Trowa so rude on call. Like different person…”

“Or maybe like the real person.” He shook his head. “It's a good thing I never went in for psychology as a speciality. People can be so odd sometimes.”

Duo nodded his agreement, then picked up his latest project. Quatre returned to his ceramic, relieved to find it was still workable. He kicked the wheel into motion and laid his hands on the clay, trying to remember what he'd been doing when interrupted.

“Hello, my king,” said Wufei, appearing a bit later.

“‘My king’? Where did that come from?” Quatre smirked.

“One of your brothers-in-law took it upon himself to lecture me on the proper way to address the king. He was quite indignant.”

Quatre sighed and rolled his eyes. “Which idiot was it and I'll have him strung up by his thumbs.”

“I'm afraid I'm not sure which one it was. They all begin to blend together after a while.”

“Oh, I know! That's part of the reason I don’t want one of the nephews as heir. Too easily influenced by idiot parents. I mean, I love some of my sisters, but the rest of them just haven't got three brain cells to rub together. And their choice of spouse only proves that.”

“Got it. How are the hobbies getting on?” He brought over a chair and sat where he could see Quatre’s wheel.

“Reasonably well. I had an interruption earlier.” He'd thought about it and decided he didn't want to keep secrets from Wufei. “Trowa called. I'm still not exactly sure why.”

“Wanted to pick fight,” said Duo quietly.

“Oh, did he? And what did he think he had the right to fight about?”

“I'm not sure, but it seemed like he wanted to accuse me of cheating on him with you. I'd already told him that was ridiculous and that in any case he and I clearly hadn't been together in any meaningful way since he decamped for Rive Bartonn, but I still waited to break it off officially before I even thought of seeing someone else.”

“Didn’t believe,” said Duo, shaking his head sadly. “Also angry Quatre Chose Wufei. Getting heated, Elder Solo stepped in. Asked for Duo. Inquired after Duo and baby. Concerned about curse. Told all well, offered thanks for concern. Call ended. Trowa very angry about wedding. Don't understand problem. Didn’t want to court, why angry someone else would?”

“Why, indeed?” Wufei mused. “Sounds like jealousy to me. Nevertheless, he had his chance and muffed it. I certainly wasn't going to miss my chance.” He got up to give Quatre a kiss. “Not with you as the prize.”

“Trowa surprised Quatre not pining. Expect Quatre to wait for Trowa. Not understand affair over. Even use plain language, still not understand. Trowa idiot.”

“I certainly concur with that,” said Quatre darkly. “It was like he'd got an idea in his head and just would not be dissuaded.”

“I remember your conversation from last year. He's trying to rewrite history.”

“I'm just glad you and Duo were both around to hear those calls. I almost feel like I’m being gaslighted.”

“Trowa jealous did not chase. Got on with life, found Chosen-husband. Jealous Quatre Chose dragon. Trowa started affair at settlement, affair failed. Someone told Trowa Quatre married now. More jealousy.”

“Ridiculous that the intermittent drama in my life is caused by my ex! So annoying!” He smoothed his fingers up the piece on the wheel and caught his breath. It actually looked like something! It looked like… a dish. “Wufei… Duo… Come look! It's a dish!”

“It is! Quatre! It's wonderful! Congratulations!”

“Is dish! Is perfect! Choose perfect color!”

He was swamped with hugs. Huh. Maybe he should fight with an ex more often. Wonder how Trowa would feel about a combative mirror call?

He gave voice to his thought. “I wonder if I should try fighting with Trowa more often!”

“Maybe just imagine you've fought with him. See if that's enough?”

“Hmm… I wonder if that would work? Not sure I want to try it. It would mean dealing with Trowa in some small way, and I really just don't want to. He's being an ass. I don't have the spell width for him. Or the time.”

“Just ignore him.” Wufei shook his head. “You're right that he's being an ass. I expect he'll call again, and he'll be an ass again. Whatever his problem is, you certainly don't need to make it yours.” He laid his arms around Quatre’s shoulders. “My king…” he snickered.

Quatre poked him in the ribs. “Silly!” He gathered up his new dish and carried it out to the kiln room.

Wufei turned to Duo. “Did Trowa say anything hurtful?”

Duo thought about it. “Passive aggressive yes. Almost mean, but not quite. Jealous. Overwhelmingly jealous. Being ass. Poking. Kewpie Elder step in.” He thought further. “Definitely mean-spirited. Lost deal, refuses to let go. Little bit scary. Mage.” He looked up at the concerned dragon. “Worried about future behavior. Kind of… Filofields behavior. Should tell Elder?”

Wufei stiffened. “I think we should. This is worrying. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm not sure I trust Trowa…”

“Unfortunately, I'm not sure I can trust him either,” said Quatre, coming back into the room. “I'm going to consult Sorcerer Meisal. He established a relationship with the settlement when we were there last time. I'll ask about this. Maybe he can get through to Trowa. Or maybe the Elder can. I certainly can’t.” He took a few minutes to clean the clay from his hands and moisturize.

“This is very worrying, my love. He is a Mage… Is he a good Mage? Competent? Talented?”

“Reasonably so. He's a nature Mage, so he works best with natural elements. He's not so good with mechanical issues or manufactured things. His wand work is solid; he’s not so good with potions, but he’s very good with spells and curses.”

“I think…” Wufei said slowly, “that we would do well to guard against him.” He looked over at Duo. “All of us. Jealousy is a powerful emotion; it's what originally drove the Filofield siblings, egged on by their psychopathology. I don't think we can assume anything about Trowa from now on.” He touched Quatre’s cheek. “I need to speak to Heero.”

“All right. If you need me, send an apprentice. I'll be here, with Duo.” He sat down at the wheel again. Wufei left quickly. Duo and Quatre looked at each other. “Having said that about Trowa, I have to admit to getting a chill up my spine…” Quatre murmured. “I never would have imagined that I would ever be… afraid of Trowa… but I think I could be…”

“Will protect,” asserted Duo. “Have voice now.”

“But, remember, Trowa knows how to take your voice. I think we need to talk to Sorcerer Meisal right now. He needs to know what's going on up there, and you need to be spell safe, even more than normal.”

Quatre went to the mirror and tapped it, calling for the Sorcerer. When the man answered, both Quatre and Duo began talking at once.

“Whoa, whoa! One at a time! What's happened?” Between the two of them they managed to convey the oddness of Trowa’s call and the lingering feeling of dread it engendered.

“After what happened with the jealousy of the Filofields, we're… well, I'm a little nervous. He's acting out of character from the person I thought I knew. He's… he's acting like the Filofields. The more I think about it, the more worried… and even scared I become,” admitted the Healer.

“This is very worrying… There is something called a shared psychosis that happens sometimes amongst Mages, Wizards and, sad to say, Sorcerers. I've heard of cases involving non-magical folk. I wonder if this could be something like that? In any case, I will go there and examine Trowa. If nothing else, he needs to let go of this obsession with Quatre.” He consulted a diary. “Yes, I can go today.”

“Oh! One more thing… Trowa knows how to take Duo's voice. Can you do anything about that? We do not want Duo to be vulnerable again. Especially not with the situation the way it is.”

“Where are you?”

“At the collective.”

“I'll be right there.”

Sure enough, a portal opened a few minutes later and the Sorcerer stepped through.

“Healer Quatre! Duo! How nice to see you again! Duo, step over here and I will make sure no one can ever take your voice again.”

Duo stood where he was bid and the Sorcerer tapped him three times on each shoulder, while muttering a very long spell. When that was finished, he spoke another, shorter, spell, and drew a circle around Duo with his wand, then tapped his forehead lightly.

“There we go; spell safe for the next 99 years. For you and anyone connected to you, like your child and your Chosen.”

“Thank profusely!” cried Duo. “Was worried.”

“We both were,” said Quatre. “Trowa really was acting very strange on that call. It was almost like the Filofields… That kind of strange toxic energy. We've been broken up for well over a year, and I wasn't seeing anyone when we did break up, but he kept accusing me of cheating. Apparently, he thinks Wufei and I getting together - after the breakup, mind you - is somehow proof that I was cheating! It's bordering on unhinged. He referred to it as ‘taking up with Wufei’!” He scrubbed his hands over his face. “This is becoming a nightmare,” he whispered.

The door slid open and Heero and Wufei walked in. Duo ran to his Chosen and Wufei came to gather Quatre close.

“Sorcerer Meisal, can you make sense of this?!” demanded Heero.

“I am on my way to the settlement at Rive Bartonn. I will be having a very pointed conversation with a certain young Mage. I expect to have answers for you when I return. I won't let him weasel out of anything and I will be speaking with the Kewpie Elder. Whatever is going on here will be stopped, one way or another. You have my promise on that.” He stepped away and a portal appeared. He stepped through with a lazy salute and was gone.

“What the fuck?” muttered Heero.

“What the hell!” exclaimed Wufei.

Their respective Chosens began talking at once. It took Wufei letting out a shrill whistle to get everyone to stop talking.

“Okay, I've told Heero about the call, so what did Sorcerer Meisal say?”

“He's going to examine Trowa for any sign of psychosis and he'll be having a very firm talk with him. He'll also be talking with the Elder Solo. It sounded eerily like the Filofields. That's when we got, well, scared, and called Sorcerer Meisal. Oh, and he's made Duo spell proof for 99 years, to include Duo, Argent and Heero. So you don't have to worry about that.” He paused to take a breath. “Whooo! I have to remember to breathe when I get excited!” gasped Quatre.

“Sweetheart, I think we got most of that, but I want to know if Trowa threatened you. Or Duo.” Wufei hugged him close.

Quatre consulted silently with his Kewpie friend. Duo waggled his hand in a ‘kinda’ gesture. “Not say words, just angry and insistent. Not listening to Quatre, tone angry. Scary. Not sound like Trowa, sound unhinged. Like Filofields. Scary. Almost threaten dragons. Stop short, but angry about Quatre and Wufei. Don't understand why. Trowa not want to court. Wufei did.” He shrugged. “No conflict. Why Trowa concerned? Trowa not want Quatre, Wufei does, everybody happy. Except Trowa rage against thing not want.” He threw up his hands. “Crazy!”

“He doesn't want me, he just doesn't want anyone else to have me,” said Quatre wearily. He slumped against his husband. “Finding out that we got married must have really pissed him off. But he has no claim on me anymore. Not for over a year! Why is he still raging! That's what I don't understand.”

“Petulant child!” spat Duo, getting angry. “Wanting what can't have! Tell Trowa knock off bullshit! Or will Speak!”

Everyone looked at him. Blinked. Looked at each other.

“Duo… what do you mean?”asked Heero.

“Will Speak and tell Trowa knock off shit, leave Quatre alone. Tired of bullshit!”

Heero and Wufei looked at each other. “Did you know he could do that?”

“Uh… No.”

“Quatre…?”

“Not a clue.”

“Duo, can you do that, without causing him harm?”

“Of course! Had about enough of this! Scaring Quatre! Worrying Quatre’s Chosen! Mad now!” He jerked away from Heero. “Get portal to settlement! Will stop the bullshit now!” He stalked across the studio to the mirror. “Call Sorcerer!”

“Oh my god!” exclaimed Quatre in astonishment. “You want to shut Trowa up if he won't shut up voluntarily?”

“Just so! Tired of this! Tired of being scared of presumptuous Mage! No more!” He stomped his foot. “No more!”

It might have been cute, the little Kewpie throwing a temper tantrum, but all of them knew what that adorable little Kewpie could do when pissed off. And he was definitely pissed off now.

Quatre grabbed the mirror. “Call Sorcerer Meisal! The settlement!”

The mirror hummed and then brightened and cleared to show the Sorcerer.

“Quatre, what's wrong?”

“Have you spoken to Trowa yet?”

“Waiting for him to arrive.”

“Duo is pissed! He's ready to Speak to Trowa! Can you get us a portal?”

The Sorcerer’s eyebrows shot up. “He can do that?!”

“Apparently. Can you give us a portal to the settlement?”

“Of course. One moment…”

A portal opened in the middle of the room. All four of them stepped through to find themselves in the settlement. Sorcerer Meisal and the Elder Solo greeted them.

“I'm sorry for the presumptuous demand for the portal, but we've both gotten tired of Trowa’s tantrums. He scared us both this time and threatened our dragons. Duo… Duo wants to Speak.”

The Elder looked concerned. “Trowa threatened?”

“Accused Quatre of cheating! Angry, like Filofields! Angry at Wufei, Chosen. Had just about enough of Trowa bullshit! Will Speak!”

The Elder frowned. “Unacceptable of Trowa. Not threaten friends or Kewpie.”

There was a commotion at the door and Trowa walked in. His eyes lit on Quatre first.

“What the fuck?! You dared come here?!” he exclaimed angrily, taking a step in his direction.

“You wanted to call me a cheater; call me a cheater to my face, dammit! And then never call me again!” demanded Quatre hotly, stepping around Wufei to confront Trowa.

“You took up with him as soon as I left!”

“I ‘took up with him’ after I broke up with you because you were too cowardly to break up with me! He courted me! That's a damn sight more than you ever did! I don't owe you shit! Duo!”

Duo stepped forward. “Enough! Trowa will not speak against Quatre! Never Again! Never Speak To Quatre Again! Never Communicate Again! I Command It!”

Trowa snarled. Flipped his wand out. Solo reacted. “No! Stop! Not hurt!”

Trowa froze at Solo's words.

“Trowa knows rules. Will abide or will leave! Duo Spoke. Will abide!” Solo stalked over and snatched the wand from Trowa’s hand, shook it under his nose. “Will not have this! Unsportsman-like behavior!”

“Agree? Trowa will never speak to Quatre again. If cannot be civilized, cannot speak!”

“Agree!” snapped Solo. “Ashamed of Trowa’s behavior! Kewpie, dragons, Healer, assure no more calls from Trowa. Healer Quatre, apologize for bad behavior, insults. Will not happen again. Sorcerer Meisal, no need for intervention.”

“I appreciate that,” said the Sorcerer. “Danger to Duo is no longer a factor. I placed a warding spell on Duo to protect his voice for 99 years. Just in case Trowa wants to go again,” he explained with a sharp look at the immobilized Mage.

“Trowa will have disciplinary trial. Good Mage, just need to grow up more.”

“Thank you, Elder,” said Quatre in relief.

“Healer most welcome. Also thanks to friend Quatre for sending Healers to Rive Bartonn. Much needed in town and settlement.”

“That was my pleasure. Rive Bartonn as a whole needs to recover from the evil of the Filofields. Healers can only help.”

“Dragons, Kewpie and Healer safe now. Trowa will have attitude adjustment. Thank for bringing to attention. Be safe and well.”

Everyone bowed. A portal appeared and all five of the visitors stepped through.

In Quatre’s studio, the portal vanished and another opened. “Well, that was enlightening,” said the Sorcerer. “Regardless of the Elder’s assurances, I'll be keeping an eye on that young man. And the rest of you can relax, I think.”

“Thank you, Sorcerer; please add this to our bill.” Heero was already looking less murderous.

“No, this comes under the heading of ‘maintaining the magical order’ and is part of a Sorcerer's job.”

“Well then, thank you for not just blowing us off.” On impulse, Quatre hugged the Elder Sorcerer.

Bemusedly, the Sorcerer grinned back, and with a cheery, “All part of the service,” stepped through, taking the portal with him.

“Well,” began Quatre with a sigh, “that was rather more excitement than I expected for today.”

“Rather more than any of us expected,” allowed Heero. “I hope the ‘attitude adjustment’ works out.”

“So do I,” growled Wufei. “If it doesn't, I may have to ask you to do another burn. Not putting up with having my Chosen threatened.”

“Will not attack Quatre again. Made sure.” Duo hugged his friend. “Not allowed to worry Quatre.”

“This will sound silly, but it all feels very anticlimactic. And I am starving! Anyone want to go out for sushi?” Three ‘yeses’ answered him.

Soon they were walking down the avenue on the way to the sushi stall. Duo reminded Wufei of his promise to buy him a sushi roll after the baby came. Wufei called his treat for all of them. Nerves gave way to relaxation and dissection of the day. Heero was brought up to speed on the mirror call that precipitated the whole incident.

“The whole thing is just ridiculous,” Heero said, shaking his head. “Trowa was being willfully stupid about the break up. As a matter of fact, I didn't realize when I first met you, that you and Trowa were supposed to be together. You seemed like part of a couple, but he didn't. And he was the one to go to Rive Bartonn.”

“If he had ended it when he left, I would have begun courting you then, but as long as there was a relationship, I could not,” said Wufei. “He's the one who wanted to eat his cake and have it too. I was very happy when you ended it,” he laid his hand over Quatre’s. “And very happy that you asked me to sit in on the call. Him and his accusations,” he snorted indignantly.

“It's almost like the Filofield poison seeped into him. In the four years I knew him, I never would have expected him to behave like this. It's like he's a different person; someone I don't even know.”

“Different person from first met. Surly, jealous, not good. Maybe Solo can salvage.”

“As long as he stays with the settlement and doesn't do anything towards the two of you, I'll be happy.”

“Same here. I don't want anything to set any of us off.“

Dragons on the Doorstep

lavendarlizard — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 15:20:16 GMT

~*~ W

“Like name Silver or Giniro, but baby not,” sighed Duo after dinner. “Thinks girl name.” He and Quatre were having tea on the sofa, sharing about their new hobbies. Wufei and Heero were talking collective business at the game table.

“Oh, horrors!” cried Quatre. “The agony of having a gendered name! What about the Greek or Latin? Silver is Argyros in Greek and Argentum in Latin. You could call him Argyr or Argent. Those do sound more masculine.” He gave Wufei a look that clearly said, why is this even a conversation? Wufei returned a minute shrug.

But Duo brightened. “Like Argent or Argyr.” He retrieved his son from halfway up a drapery where he was chasing a moth. “Come on little shit; like Argent or Argyr? Quatre says masculine boy names.” He set the little dragon on the table and sketched out both names. “Pick one.” The baby huffed, sounding very much like his father, but pedaled across to the written names. He stared at first one then the other, huffed again and put his paw on Argent. He looked up at his parent and nodded. Duo sighed. “Likes Argent! Finally! Will call Argent.” He gathered up the baby and carried him to Heero. “Son has chosen name. Will be Argent.”

“Finally!” laughed Heero. He lifted his little dragon to look him in the eye. “Good choice. Argent is a strong name for a dragon.” Argent flicked his tongue at Heero. “Little shit,” Heero said affectionately.

Leaving his son with his father, Duo returned to the sofa. “That relief! Was beginning to think baby stubborn or willful. Little shit doesn’t like vegetables, but likes soup, so feed soup to get vegetables. Does like brussels sprouts, go figure.”

“Well, they are little cabbages,” said Quatre with a smile.

“Mini soup!”

“Yes!” he laughed. Duo’s mind made the most delightful leaps sometimes.

They went back to comparing hobbies. Quatre showed off his whatsis dish and Duo oohed and aahed over it. It wasn’t perfect, not by a long shot, but Quatre was proud of having done it and having had the courage to try.

“Is so pretty!” Duo exclaimed. “Like color… Looks like pearl.”

“There are so many colors to choose from. I ended up closing my eyes and just stabbing the color chart,” Quatre laughed, setting the dish aside.

“Is same with yarn,” agreed the Kewpie. “So many pretty colors! So many choices!” He brought out his latest project, a sweater for Heero. It echoed Heero’s dragon colors, electric blue, electric green and gold.

“Does Heero like the colors? One of my sisters knits, and she says anyone who disrespects a knitted gift from her never gets another hand made thing as long as they live.”

“Asked Heero before yarn, to make sure. Said was perfect,” he smiled.

“He’s a good Chosen, then.”

“Think will keep,” Duo smirked. “Wait until Argent two or three, have new baby.”

“That sounds like an appropriate age gap. Now that Wufei and I are officially Chosen and married, I expect to hear the ‘heir’ talk.”

“What is ‘heir’?”

“Because I’m king, I’m expected to produce or designate an heir to be king after me. Not looking forward to it, really. I have several nephews who could be named heir, but… I don’t really like any of them that much.”

“Cannot birth heir?”

“No. Humans aren’t like Kewpies; we only have one set of reproductive organs. I’d have to find a woman who agreed to carry a child for me, and I don’t want to do that. I value Wufei too much to do something like that. It would feel too much like a betrayal to me. Maybe I’ll pick a child from the kingdom and adopt them. My ancestors have done that on occasion.”

“Hmm… Humans complicated.”

“Sometimes, very much so! Huh. You know, the more I think about it, the better I like the idea of adopting a child. Then there would be no fussing among the sisters. No jealousy.” He sat with that idea for a few minutes. “Hm. Maybe we’d adopt several children. Wouldn’t want the first to grow up spoiled,” he laughed. “But not for a few years yet! I want to spend time with my consort first. Maybe after five or ten years.”

“Make dishes first,” laughed Duo.

“That would be fun!”

“Will make blanket for heir when choose.”

“Aw, that's so kind of you!”

“Quatre and Wufei good friends.”

“And you are our good friend.”

~*~

“Wufei, how do you feel about children?” They were lazing in bed that night.

“Hm… They’re good with soy sauce?”

Quatre gave him a playful shove. “I mean us having children! I expect to get the talk about designating an heir any day now.”

“Oh. I suppose it's a good idea, but how would we manage it, since neither of us is a Kewpie.”

“We could adopt. I don't have any particular love for my nephews, so I really don't want to entrust the kingdom to any of them. I was thinking of an orphan. Or two or three, if we discover we actually like kids.”

“That could work. Are you thinking of a particular child or just in general?”

“Just in general. It's too early to be doing it now. I'd rather spend my time with you.”

“That I can agree on.”

Dragons on the Doorstep

lavendarlizard — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 14:59:09 GMT

~*~ V

“Dragons don’t do ‘weddings’ like Iria means,” said Wufei that night, as they readied themselves for bed. “We claim a Chosen publicly and that’s that. No officiants, no guests, no religious trappings. I think I’m getting worried about what our wedding would consist of…” He shrugged nervously. “Religion doesn’t figure in our lives.”

“Nor in mine. I’m a Healer and an empath and a minor magician; I don’t have the spell width for religion. The kingdom is not particularly religious anyway.”

“Um… Good..?”

Quatre laughed. “Yes, good.” He pulled Wufei to him, and kissed him deeply. “How about if we just speak out the words and then do the ceremony for the kingdom and be done with it all?”

“Oh, that sounds excellent! But when? And what is an auspicious date?”

“It’s whatever I want it to be,” Quatre grinned. “Since I am, you know, the king.”

“What does a human wedding consist of?”

“Hm… we need someone to ask a few formal questions, then we answer, then they pronounce us married.”

“That seems simple enough for me.”

“Cheek!” laughed Quatre. “If I can figure it out, I know you can! Let's do yours first. That'll give us confidence.”

“Good idea. I can always use confidence.” He took Quatre’s hand. “Tomorrow?”

“ Mm… What about the day after? Tomorrow is shopping day, remember. I'll throw a dart at the calendar and we'll have our auspicious date for the kingdom wedding.”

~*~

The day after next, they exchanged “Chosens” before their friends and colleagues at the collective and celebrated with cake and rice wine. A week and a half later, the kingdom celebrated the marriage of their king and his consort with cake and fine spirits.

Not much changed after their marriage. They divided their lives between the collective and the kingdom. At some point, the Vizier noticed that the treasury was growing faster than seemed normal. Quatre took great pleasure in informing her that the kingdom, in the person of the king, was now linked to a money manager who was famous among dragons for growing wealth. Iria checked into the levels of the treasury and allowed as how the dragons were welcome in the kingdom any time.

Quatre decided to make good use of that extra money by hiring four more Healers, including one child specialist. To that end he began sorting through the applications he'd brought home with him. Of the 38 he had, fourteen were rejected immediately, mostly for mundane reasons such as lack of practical experience. The remaining 24 were gone over with a fine-tooth comb, and seven more were rejected for temperament. Four of those were given the suggestion that they apply to Rive Bartonn, as the town desperately needed Healers and they seemed like they would fit in there better than at the kingdom. They would also work with the settlement.

Iria set appointments for the remaining applicants to be interviewed two weeks hence, along with practical demonstrations of their abilities. Quatre and Wufei spent a week at the collective, mostly being lazy, and sleeping late. They shopped, without buying much, and ate at the sushi stall every day. Quatre considered new hobbies, reading books on various crafts and consulting with Duo for ideas. Duo decided that he needed to have hobbies as well. His choice for mindless entertainment was to pick up a hook and yarn and promptly crochet a blanket for his son - who still didn’t have a name, dammit! - and a hat for Heero.

On one shopping trip, Duo made a great show of asking Quatre and Wufei what colors they liked best. He then slipped away from them and came back with a bulging bag of yarn, along with several new tools, looking unbelievably smug.

Wufei and Quatre traded looks and smiled at the industrious Kewpie, knowing exactly what he was up to.

Quatre found himself drawn to ceramics and clay. The idea of making a bowl or vase appealed to him. He was aware it might not look like he expected, but it would be his, from beginning to end and he could look upon it proudly. As a child, his father considered hobbies to be a waste of time. Quatre should be spending his time learning to be king, he decreed, but as it turned out, being king came as naturally to him, as his Healing did. Quatre had thought that the old king was not pleased with how quickly he picked up on his training and duties, as if it should have been harder. As if he should have had to struggle to learn the duties of a king, and Quatre often wondered if it was harder for his father to learn those duties. As if the old king was hard on him because he was jealous of how easy it was for his only son. Of course, Quatre never dared ask that question; the very idea of questioning his father about something like that was absurd.

He forgot about all that for the moment, and continued on signing paperwork for the kingdom and in between signatures, sketching designs he would like to try to make. He glanced at the clock. His ceramics tutor was due in twenty minutes. He returned to his sketching, humming to himself. He was setting up a kiln and a wheel at the kingdom and also at the collective so that he could relax at the end of whatever stressful days may occur.

Wufei spent the week in the kingdom with the Vizier, learning what, if any, duties he was expected to fulfill as the Consort. To his relief, he was mostly expected just to support the king, in whatever way the king needed. Wufei could certainly do that, and with joy. He couldn’t say that to Iria, though. He felt that mentioning their very satisfactory sex life was a bridge too far for his sister-in-law.

He did find his king’s fascination with making clay and ceramic items charming, and determined that he would be infinitely supportive. He watched as the tutor walked Quatre through the stages to creation and applied hands-on instruction to prepare and work with the clay. At one point, Quatre called for him to come and help with… something… on the wheel. He was happy to put his hands where they showed him and move them as the instructor ordered and to pump the wheel. He had no illusions of anything coming of his own attempt at creativity and he wasn’t disappointed. He did, however, praise his Chosen for his own ability to make a… whatever it was? A bowl…? Or a vase…? Could be either. Maybe it was a cufflink dish. Whatever it was, it was Quatre’s and he would love it for that reason alone.

A great deal of laughter accompanied the creation of the ceramic whatsis and whatever it was, it pleased Quatre. They adjourned after the end of the session and went to the king’s suite where Quatre grabbed a few potatoes and a pot and began making potato soup.

“I will never get over the king making us potato soup in our quarters,” Wufei laughed. “We could go to the dining room, you know.”

“I know,” laughed his Chosen. “But I felt like potato soup. It’s winter at the collective and I feel like I should be eating something hot and filling.”

“Hm… You know… we could invite Heero and Duo to visit for dinner. It’s been a whole nine days since we’ve seen the baby. When do you think they’ll get around to naming the little guy?”

“I’ve been wondering that for the last two months. I’m beginning to think they aren’t going to name him at all!” He set about peeling the potatoes. “Would you visit the kitchen and ask the chef for the other ingredients, my love? Do you have the list?”

“I have committed them to memory. And I will call Heero and invite them. I’m sure they'll come.” On his way to the kitchen, he tapped his sapphire earring. “Heero, my friend. Would you and Duo like to come to dinner tonight? Quatre is making potato soup and feeling nostalgic for winter.”

“That’s just a little bizarre, you know. But we’ll come. Duo has been having withdrawal pains and wants to see his best friend and show off his latest project.”

“Excellent!” Wufei laughed. “And when are you going to name that child? So I can stop calling him ‘the baby’.”

“Um… Well, we’re trying out different names to see what fits him. No luck so far.”

“Try harder!”

“I’ll tell Duo. We’ll see you at six your time.”

“We’ll be ready.”

Dragons on the Doorstep

lavendarlizard — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:53:12 GMT

~*~ U

“Regardless, Trowa, we’re coming. This is a curse that was set on Duo that’s now bled over to his child. That is totally unacceptable! You can help or not; I think we have things in hand. Sorcerer Meisal will find the curse setter. We will deal with the remaining Filofields and their friends and enablers. Rive Bartonn will be Filofields-free when we’ve finished, one way or another. Now, I have to go. The Sorcerer is coming in three minutes. Goodbye.”

Portals began popping up all over the grand hall, and people began gathering. Heero spent a few minutes with his Chosen and his son, before joining the “war party”. He reserved the right to take out whoever the ringleader of the Filofields faction was. Someone, he promised Quatre, was going up in flames. Apparently, the vanishment was not lesson enough.

When they arrived in Rive Bartonn, they found Trowa and the Kewpie elder, Solo, waiting for them. Once again, the discovery and the conclusion was gone over. The Kewpie agreed that there was cause to ferret out the curse setter and to get the name of who had paid for the curse.

“Behavior unacceptable. Filofields lost, Deal over. Lost,” he said firmly. “This behavior wrong. Dragging out, turning into feud. Not good behavior. Feuds not allowed in Kewpie world. Poor… poor…”

He looked at Trowa. “Sportsmanship,” said Trowa. “Poor sportsmanship. Unfair, unethical.”

“Yes. Unethical behavior. Put an end to. Gone on too long. Duo is well? And child?”

“So far they are well, but we have no idea what the curse was set to do.” Quatre shook his head. “He’s worried, and so am I. After what happened earlier this year, we’re all worried. These people are not sane.”

Sorcerer Meisal arrived then. “Where are the miscreants? I’ll tell you who set the curse, who paid for the curse and why. Let’s go.”

“Enforcement gathering all Filofields and enablers, friends. All not destroyed, will be banished,” decreed Solo. “Enough. Is done now. Shitshow over.” They gathered in the square across from the almost-prisoners. They found the Filofields parents, the recalcitrant housekeeper, two more sisters and a brother, several extended family members muttering against the Kewpies, friends who also muttered against the Kewpies from the settlement, and enablers late of the council, looking more than slightly panicked. A lost-looking Mage stood, wide-eyed, in the middle of the family.

Sorcerer Meisal snorted at the sight of them. “Yes, that’s the curse-setter, and that’s the prick who paid for it.” He indicated the Mage and the head of the family. “These people are all badly wired,” he declared angrily. “Psychopaths, the whole lot of them. They’ve been doing damage to everyone around them for generations.” He flicked his fingers at them. “You can’t cure it, you can’t mitigate it, they’ll continue to run roughshod over everyone around them to get what they want. That’s all they care about. Delete the lot of them and maybe Rive Bartonn will be able to heal from this pestilence.”

“Thanks to Sorcerer Meisal,” said Solo. “Agree with conclusion. Dragon Heero Yuy, may commence defense of Chosen Duo and son.”

Heero rubbed his hands together almost gleefully and changed into his dragon form. He stepped forward. “You.” He pointed a claw at the head of the family. “You will be an example of what happens when you fuck with a dragon.” He let loose a stream of flame toward the ground at the man’s feet. The man squawked and jumped back, bumping into an enforcement officer. The officer pushed him back into place. “Step back please,” said Heero mildly to the enforcement officers. “This will not take long.”

He blew out a gout of flame, catching the man’s clothing. The man began to scream; everyone around him fell back screaming and cursing. “That is for my Chosen, for worrying him at a time of what should be great joy.” The man was now engulfed in flames. “It’s also for raising children who would do such evil with no feelings.” He turned to the woman cowering with her other children. “You raised that evil. You set it loose on the world. How many other people have died or been ruined by that evil?”

One of the teenagers screamed, “Fuck you! You should all be cursed! You inhuman monsters!”

Heero calmly turned his stream of flame onto the young man. “And you are not an inhuman monster?”

Around the square, people tried to escape through the enforcement line, and were thrown back by on-lookers. Catcalls began from the spectators, calls of grudges, battles, vicious behavior from the Filofields, lives lost with no justice, injuries inflicted with no recompense, thievery, rape, bullying and just general bad behavior. The council had turned a blind eye. The enforcement had no back up and were prevented from ever moving against that behavior. Children being beaten up and bullied. Men and women being falsely accused. The Filofields were the worst of the worst and a pox on the community. Worse, they had no interest in changing. They were superior to everyone and everyone should just bow down to them.

Heero’s flames began to die down, leaving nothing but ash behind. “I have satisfied my Chosen’s injury. I yield to you, friend Solo. Will you deal with the remainder? And what shall we do with the Mage?” Heero shifted back to his human form.

The Mage cowered against the ground, sobbing. He looked young to Quatre. Young and stupid was his thought. Maybe a little clueless, as well.

Quatre stepped forward and grabbed the Mage’s collar, hauling him to his feet and over to Heero. “Did you know what you were being asked to do when you set that curse?”

“N- no… He said it was for a slight to his daughter…”

“How long have you been a certified Mage?”

“Four months…”

“Do you understand that you were lied to? That you were asked to place an illegal curse on an innocent person?”

“I do now, sir… I’ve… I’ve never been asked to do such a thing before. I trusted my clients. But this time…” He wiped at his eyes. “I swear I had no idea… He asked for a curse against someone who slandered his daughter.”

“So he’s a liar, as well as everything else. Thank you, Heero, for dealing with that.”

Heero nodded, then folded his arms over his chest and watched the heaving crowd. The enforcement officers worked efficiently to contain the miscreants.

Solo stepped forward. “Will offer Mage another chance. Young and stupid. Can learn better. Will take to settlement.” The Kewpie took hold of the young man’s collar. “Will learn better at settlement.”

“Thank you, Elder, for your consideration,” said Quatre. “I agree; young and stupid, but he can hopefully learn better. Will you have him remove the curse from Duo and the baby?”

“Of course.” He turned to the frightened Mage. “Remove curse from Kewpie and child.”

“Yes sir!” He muttered a few words and sketched a symbol in the air.

“He’s removed it,” said Trowa.

“Trowa, take Mage to settlement. Must finish this for good.”

“Yes, Elder.” The two Mages melted into the throng.

Quatre watched them go, oddly enough feeling nothing for the man he had once loved. He glanced at Wufei, only to find his dragon watching him. He smiled and received a smile in return. That brief glance warmed him right through.

Solo raised a hand. “Family of evil. No redemption. Had chance months ago, ignored opportunity, therefore, Destroyed.”

The family members suddenly vanished. The friends and council members froze, staring at the place where their friends and accomplices had once been. “You can’t do that!” someone screamed. “You can’t just murder people like that.”

“Injured Kewpie. Did not learn with Filofields destruction example. Family evil, no loss to world. Will stand with Filofields?” he asked of the screamer. “Agree with behavior? Agree with curse, agree with attempted murder of innocent Kewpie? No better than Filofields.” He waved his hand and spoke, “Gone.” The man vanished.

“Nice,” muttered Wufei. “He’s changing it up.”

“Very helpful,” Quatre agreed, feeling no sympathy for the vanished man.

The rest of the people in the center stopped fighting to get out, staring warily at the elder.

Solo considered them as a whole. “Will make final deal. Friends and former council may leave Rive Bartonn. Must be gone by nightfall. Never return. Not adults, not children. Go; out of sight by sunset, or will destroy.” Everyone stared at him. “Now!” he snapped. They scattered with howls and screaming.

Solo dusted his hands. “Better. Will see if any left by dawn. Do not think serious. Will find out.”

The enforcement officers also scattered to make sure the banished took their banishment to heart and packed quickly.

A moment later they were approached by Sgt Walker. “Sgt Walker!” began Quatre. “How are you? And how is your nephew?”

“He is totally healed and back at work,” she said with a smile. “All thanks to you. He’s gone to supervise the removal of the council members.”

“Are these the council members that were originally responsible for my friend’s attack?”

“The very same. They were kicked off the council after it came out that they’ve been in the Filofields’ pockets for years. We’ll not miss them at all. Nor will we miss the good friends of the Filofields. Maybe we can finally return our town to running the way it should.”

Quatre hesitated. “This is none of my business, but where did the d’Bartonns fall out in all this? My… friend was quite worried about his family, but they seemed to have turned their backs on him for a time.”

“I remember that. They weren’t in the Filofields inner circle, so they’ve not come under scrutiny. I think they were more concerned about their social standing. I’m sorry they took it out on your friend. Trowa’s been nothing but helpful to us.”

Quatre nodded. “I’m glad to hear that. Hopefully they can mend their fences.”

“Healer… May I ask a question?”

“Ask.”

“I’m not in charge of the city, but it seems to me we could use a few Mages here for a while. Just to make sure that the power vacuum won't leave us with more like the Filofields. Is there anywhere you could suggest we ask for help?”

“I am not sure, but I will ask Sorcerer Meisal. Perhaps some of our dragons who are Chosen by Mages would be interested.”

“I think dragons would be a powerful deterrent,” she said, impressed. “Who would we ask about that?”

“Try Heero or Wufei to begin with; they may know.”

“Thank you, Healer Winner. For everything.”

~*~

The dragons who had come to back up their Mages made themselves useful by shifting to their dragon forms and helping to supervise the removals. The people being removed immediately stepped up their pace. Heero also helped by blasting out fire now and then, pleased to be moving things along.

Quatre took a moment to call for Duo, back at the palace. The Mage assigned to be with him, answered promptly, then handed the mirror to Duo.

“Quatre! Everything okay?!”

“Everything is okay now. The curse should have been removed; can you tell?”

“Will ask Mage. Betty! Curse gone?” A murmur from the background. “Betty says yes. All gone about 30 minutes ago. From Duo and baby. Oh! Quatre! Baby shift! Now in dragon form!”

“Oh, my! I’ll tell Heero! Congratulations! You definitely have your work cut out for you now,” he laughed.

“When back?”

“I don’t know. We need to post some dragons and Mages here to make sure the Filofields’ enablers don’t come creeping back. I don’t know how long that’ll take to work out. Sorcerer Meisal is here, so maybe he’ll help with that.”

“Saw Trowa?”

“Briefly. We didn’t talk.”

“Should tell about Wufei.”

“Eh… Maybe later. Solo said that the Mage that set the curse on you was young and stupid and maybe some time spent in the settlement will help him. Trowa took him to the settlement.”

“Okay. Miss all; Quatre, Wufei, Chosen Heero. Stay overnight here?”

“We can do that, if it’s okay with Heero and Wufei.”

“Will ask. See marketplace. Shopping!”

Quatre laughed. “I’ll ask them.

Surprisingly, the Filofields enablers were indeed gone by sundown. Packed up, loaded carts and wagons, gathered children and left. Not surprisingly they chose to leave all their animals and pets behind. The enforcement officers went house to house to collect the animals, making sure none would be abandoned to starve.

The dragons drew straws to see who would stay and three couples decided that they would do their duty for one of their own by making sure there were no Filofields remaining.

Quatre finally caught up to Heero and told him that Duo had asked to stay overnight at the palace and to go to the marketplace in the morning.

“He’s been listening to Wufei sing the praises of the marketplace and now he finally has a chance to see for himself. Works for me,” he said with amusement.

“You should come for a vacation. Get away from the cold.”

“That’s a very good idea.”

“Oh, one more thing… Your son shifted. Congratulations; you have a dragon. And really, Heero, you need to give that child a name!”

Quatre enjoyed the look of astonishment on his friend’s face.

~*~

Everyone involved ate dinner at the palace dining room that night. Duo showed off his child’s teeth and explained to some of Quatre’s (more pleasant) sisters that baby dragons were born carnivorous. Many ooohs and aaahs ensued. The little dragon wound himself around his father’s forearm and made a chirping sound for more food. Heero happily supplied fresh meat, with an occasional vegetable snuck in. Wufei laughed at his best friend and hugged Quatre more than once.

One of Quatre’s brothers-in-law asked about the kerfuffle at Rive Bartonn and the interested parties explained what had happened this time, what had happened just a year ago in Willowmarsh and especially what had happened to those who crossed the Kewpies. The non-magical folks were surprised and even a little bit worried when apprised of the Kewpie’s defenses.

“Is very easy,” said Duo, doing his best to put them at ease. “Do not fuck with Kewpie, Kewpie not fuck with person.”

“What he means,” clarified Heero, “Is that Kewpies will not start problems, but if you bring your problem with a Kewpie to a Kewpie, expect to lose. They are scrupulously fair in their dealings, but they also will not be bullied. Duo is a good example. Someone fucked with him a year ago, beat him and left him to die. He came back from the brink of death and with the help of his friends found the people who had tried to kill him. People who didn’t even have a grudge against him, personally, but were using him as a surrogate for the entire Kewpie race. Duo took care of them.”

“How?” asked the man in confusion.

“He simply spoke the word ‘Destroy' and they were utterly obliterated, as if they’d never existed. That’s the way the Kewpies’ magic works. They Speak, and it is done.”

“Wow…” The young man looked at the little creature with a new respect. “Cool…”

During dessert, Iria inquired archly when the kingdom would welcome a new consort. Quatre blushed a deep burgundy, with Wufei not far behind him. Wufei turned to Quatre and mouthed the words, “Consort? I would be a consort?”

“Oh yes, indeed,” confirmed Iria gleefully. “So tell me, brother, when can we expect a royal wedding?”

“Um… Uh… I hadn’t had time to think about it,” stammered the king. “I promise I will begin considering an auspicious date.” He looked at Wufei helplessly. “Do you have a preference, my dragon?”

“Um… As soon as possible?” his dragon suggested.

“Excellent!” cried Iria and a cheer went up from the other diners. Both young men blushed brighter than ever before.

Dragons on the Doorstep

lavendarlizard — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 15:33:31 GMT

~*~ T

Duo and Heero soon found their equilibrium as parents. They had the usual experiences, as well as some not-so-usual experiences. Diaper blowouts were fortunately not common, though they did happen. The new parents took turns dealing with them. Duo was forced to remove his Chosen earring, as the baby found it fascinating and nearly tore Duo’s ear trying to pull it out. He also had to begin braiding his long hair as the baby liked to grab loose handfuls and pull.

Heero wasn’t immune from such attacks. Both his communications sapphire and his Chosen earring had to be removed. He usually wore a platinum chain that was a gift from Duo, and that also had to go into the jewelry box. The buttons on his shirts were fair game as well to a shiny-seeking little dragon.

The baby loved bath time and nearly gave Duo a heart attack the day he tried to swim underwater. Wufei found Duo hyperventilating and clutching a squalling infant who clearly wanted to go back to his watery playtime. Being a wise dragon, Wufei called Quatre. The Healer settled Duo, admonished the pouting dragon-child and explained that most children loved water for whatever reason, and that the “swimming” problem could be solved by reducing the water level to a centimeter, and being vigilant whenever the baby was in the bath. In other words, he said, never take your eyes off him, not even for a second. And swimming lessons would begin when the little shit was a year old.

The baby had not been named yet. The proud parents were waiting to get an idea of his personality before choosing a name, so for the moment he was just “the baby” or “the little shit”. Quatre hoped that “the little shit” would not become the child's official name, but there were times…

~*~

Quatre was making potions when an apprentice came to his door and knocked on the frame. She waited to be acknowledged - the Healer had a list of rules posted on his door requesting that everyone knock and wait to be admitted, as he was frequently engaged in delicate work - and watched with interest as he finished the potion and decanted it into a dozen small bottles, stoppered them and set them into their place on his shelves.

“Yes, Linmei? How can I help you?” he asked with a smile.

“Healer Quatre, can you come? Duo is worried about the baby. He says something is going on. Needs advice.”

“Oh. Give me just a moment to wash up and I’ll be right there.”

Once cleaned up, he hurried to the residence. Duo wasn’t given to seeing goblins where there were none, and if something concerned him, it needed to be addressed.

“Good afternoon, Duo. What’s bothering you?”

“Don’t know,” said the Kewpie. “Something feels… off. Holding baby, is okay. Not holding baby, is something… weird. Feels like magic.” He looked up at the Healer and Quatre was surprised by the circles under his eyes. “Everything baby seems normal, eating, sleeping, playing, pooping… Except wisp of magic. Not dragon magic, not Kewpie magic. Strange. Should not be there.”

“Indeed it should not,” he said firmly. “Let me do a scan and see if I can get a grip on it.”

He scanned the baby - really, they needed to settle on a name - and then scanned Duo. In a tiny little corner of Duo’s self, he found something odd. A thread connecting Duo to the baby, finer than spider silk, so fine he almost missed it, but it also had a smell to it, which was odder than odd. A smell like rotten eggs, which was not at all normal. A second opinion was needed. He called for Healer Paliehai.

The senior Healer did the same scan with the same results. “You’re right, Quatre; this is not normal. This looks very much like a curse.”

“Sand! I was hoping I was reading it wrong!”

“No. I think your instincts are spot on. Now, our questions have to be, how did this happen and what do we do about it?”

“We need a curse expert first. Are any of the collective Mages or Wizards curse experts?” he asked hopefully.

“Unfortunately, no, but they may have connections who are. I’ll ask them. Perhaps you could contact Bis Shanoden and see if they can refer anyone?”

“Oh, excellent idea! I’ll do that immediately.”

Both Healers turned to the anxious parent. “Is curse on baby?” he asked in a small frightened voice.

“No, the curse is on you, somehow. It is on the baby only as much as the baby came from your body. This is still not a good thing. There are many different types of curses, but in the end a curse is a curse, and you don’t want one attached to you or your loved one,” said Quatre. “Let me make that call.”

Bis Shanoden was more than happy to give him a list of curse specialists. Quatre was surprised to find Sorcerer Meisal on the list. He called him first.

“Good day Sorcerer Meisal. How are you?”

“I am stupendous, young Healer! Just heard that my great granddaughter is pregnant! First child for that generation!”

“Congratulations! I hope everything goes well for her and the baby.”

“Thank you! Now, what can I do for you today? Another portal?”

“No sir. This time I come to pick your brain about curses. We have found a curse on Duo and his child.”

“A curse?! Good grief, hasn’t that poor thing gone through enough?!”

“Apparently not,” replied Quatre darkly. “I suspect that this may go back to the accursed Filofields.”

“I suspect you are right. Tell me again about your encounter with the malevolent pair.” Quatre did so, pulling up every memory he had of that day.

“They paid a Mage to make the spells to put on Duo to take his voice. I wonder if the remaining family also paid for a curse on Duo and his baby. Sand. We may have to go back there again. Duo will be livid and Heero will start incinerating people.”

“We will go today. I will meet your party there. You and Duo should take the baby and go somewhere safe, so that they cannot easily find you. Call your friend in Rive Bartonn and tell him to get on it. This is unacceptable! I am coming to Rive Bartonn. We will get to the bottom of this shitshow!” he declared angrily.

“Give me ten minutes and then open the portal to the kingdom. I’ll take Duo there along with a couple of guardians.”

“Ten minutes. Go.”

Quatre ran back to the residence. “Duo, Sorcerer Meisal is a curse expert and he is going to Rive Bartonn. You and I are taking the baby to the kingdom. Heero, get ready to light ‘em up. Wufei, will you pick out a brace of guards for Duo, preferably dragons with magician Chosens. Let’s go! The portal opens in ten - no, nine minutes! Chop chop!”

He grabbed Duo, who grabbed the baby and both ran for the portal pad. On the run he pulled out his portable mirror and called for Iria.

“Quatre! What’s going on? Why are you running?”

“We have a situation! I am bringing Duo to you! He needs protection, so call up the Maguanacs. I’ll be bringing dragon guardians, as well as a couple of Magicians. I don’t have time to fully explain; we’ll be there in… seven minutes!” He gathered his magic and snatched from the residence, clothing for Duo and the baby, diapers and a container of food.

Iria blinked and said slowly, “Quatre… how dangerous is this? Is the kingdom in danger?”

“No. Only Duo. We just need a place to stash him and the baby until we handle this mess. No one would expect him to be here, so here is where he needs to be for a day or so.”

“All right… If you’re sure.”

“You know I would never put our people at risk.”

“I do know that. All right. Shall I meet you in the grand hall?”

“Nope. We’re already there!” He and Duo stepped through the portal and were there. The Maguanac guard started, then bowed deeply.

“Highness!”

“Achmed! How nice to see you! I don’t have time to tarry. I have a situation and my friend needs protection.”

Another brace of Maguanacs entered the room. “Highness! The Vizier said you need protection for a friend. We are preparing a suite next to your rooms; will that do, Highness?”

“Perfectly!”

Another portal opened and two dragons along with their Chosen Mages stepped through. “Healer! Where are we needed?”

Duo hadn’t said a word, just stared around him, clutching his child.

“I need you to monitor the curse we found, and keep Duo and the baby safe. This is a continuation of the mess in Rive Bartonn.”

In a group, they moved quickly to the suite being readied for Duo. He finally touched Quatre’s arm. “Quatre… Scared for baby…”

“I know sweetie. It’s those assholes in Rive Bartonn. Somehow they've managed to set a small curse on you, but we’ll fix it. Sorcerer Meisal is a curse expert, he’s going to help us.”

“Heero?”

“I think he’s going to get his chance to torch some people.”

“Wufei?”

“Do you want him to stay with you? I was going to ask him to come with.”

“Wufei should go with Quatre. Almost Chosen, should be together.” His scared expression cleared. “Filofields, destroy. Ask help from settlement?”

“Oh. Yes, we should contact them. I’ll call Trowa and let him know we’re coming and why.”

Dragons on the Doorstep

lavendarlizard — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:02:02 GMT

~*~ T

The baby loved bathtime and nearly gave Duo a heart attack the day he tried to swim underwater. Wufei found Duo hyperventilating and clutching a squalling infant who clearly wanted to go back to his watery playtime. Being a wise dragon, Wufei called Quatre. The Healer settled Duo, admonished the pouting dragon-child and explained that most children loved water for whatever reason, and that the “swimming” problem could be solved by reducing the water level to a centimeter, and being vigilant whenever the baby was in the bath. In other words, he said, never take your eyes off him, not even for a second. And swimming lessons would begin when the little shit was a year old.