Mage vs. Guard Part 3
"So, they've asked for one of the Order to go, and since you don't have a pupil or classes right now, I thought you would be the best choice." Relena smiled persuasively at the man on the other side of the desk.
"Did they say exactly what they need a mage for?" Heero asked.
"The usual blessing the fields stuff."
Heero lifted an eyebrow. "I thought Quatre did those."
"Quatre has pupils to deal with at the moment."
"I could take his classes." Heero suggested hopefully.
"No, I'm not up to dealing with anymore parent complaints. Besides, Quatre is teaching the Dark Magic class- I think I'd be a bit worried about what you'd teach them in that."
"And yet, you aren't worried about what he's teaching them?"
"Of course not. He doesn't want any competition."
Beaten, Heero sighed. "Fine, I'll go." He thought Relena didn't have to look quite so smug about it.
"Excellent," Relena looked over his shoulder. "Captain, will you make sure that Heero's guard is updated on the area?"
"Of course," Wufei replied, sounding faintly amused.
Heero frowned. "Why do I have to take the guard along?"
"For your own protection of course," Relena smiled sunnily. "Besides, he's an excellent guard. I've never seen one quite so... devoted to making sure that their charge is protected at all times."
The Captain stifled a chuckle.
Heero mentally cursed. Apparently they'd heard of his debate with Duo over the bathing room thing.
"Can't I dismiss him?" He asked for what had to be the hundredth time.
"Contract is pretty firm on that," the Captain said behind him. "You have to have specific incidents of trouble in order to dismiss him. If you care to make a report? Tell me all the things that he's done?"
The laughter in his voice was too much for Heero. He snapped out a quick incantation.
"Heero!" Relena got to her feet and picked up the small green frog. "That was uncalled for! The Captain was trying to help!"
"Right." Heero frowned at the frog. "Don't think that I'm not aware of why you stuck him with me." He headed for the door.
"Heero! Turn him back!"
"It wears off! Just keep him away from the cook." Heero slammed the door behind him.
Duo was lounging against the wall, waiting for him. "Job?"
"Unfortunately."
"Shall I go saddle up the horses?"
"Who said you're going?"
"You aren't going to try and leave me behind again- after last time?"
Heero exhaled through his nose. He'd nearly succeeded in blocking that incident from his mind. "Fine. Get your gear and the horses."
Duo hid his smile and turned to head down to the stable. He stopped and turned back to look at his mage. "Hey- where's the Captain? He usually makes us talk to him before we go- wasn't he in the office with you?"
"He's still in there, but he's feeling a bit under the weather."
"You turned him into a frog didn't you?"
"Yes. He'd obviously heard about the bathing room incident."
"What bathing room incident?"
"Why do I take showers now?"
"Because it's easier for me to wash your back in a shower?"
"When have I let you do that?"
"You will."
"Go get the horses ready."
Duo grinned, took the step back he needed to reach Heero, grabbed him and kissed him briefly.
He had learned to move fast.
"Thanks for letting me tag along!" He said and ran down the hallway before Heero could remember the incantation he was no doubt wanting to fling at Duo- contract regs or not.
Heero's mouth twitched into a smile.
~*~
"So- are we going to 'port or ride?" Duo grinned once they were outside the gate. "I packed the sleeping bag if you want to take your time."
"Sleeping bag?" Heero frowned. "You only brought one?"
"Do we need more than one?"
"We're 'porting."
"You'll be exhausted when we get there." Duo pointed out. "What if there's trouble?"
"They aren't in trouble," Heero retorted. "They just need me to bless the fields."
"You know in the old days that meant you had to go out into the field with your lover and..."
"I know what it entailed. Nowadays things are more civilized."
"Well, if you feel up to doing things the old-fashioned way, let me know."
Heero sighed. "You never stop."
"You wouldn't want me to," Duo pointed out shrewdly. "This way when you finally give in, you can blame me."
"When I finally give in? Are you so sure I will?"
"Course, if I hadn't been so pushy you would've already." Duo sighed. "Can't help it though."
Heero shook his head and stopped his horse. They were far enough away from the town to port now. "Grab the saddle horn."
Duo reached out and took hold.
"That's not my saddle horn."
"I know."
"Duo...."
"Spoilsport."
Heero sighed and intoned the spell. Light flared around them and then faded away. The scenery had changed. They were now in the center of a small village, the local populace gaping at them. Duo put one hand on Heero's shoulder, steadying him in the saddle. "You okay?"
"Fine," Heero swayed a bit. "Just- need a moment."
"They sent YOU?" A voice echoed across the square, and Duo reached for his knife, one hand still on Heero's shoulder.
Heero blinked and squinted at the man striding towards them. "You? What are you doing here? You were supposed to be..."
"I'm asking the questions." The other snapped, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "They were supposed to send Quatre."
"Quatre's teaching Dark Magic at the moment." Heero replied sharply. "You know- that class you took a little too much to heart?" He swayed alarmingly in the saddle, nearly falling onto Duo.
Duo grabbed him. Heero was never this bad after 'porting. What was going on?
"When you can- run!" Heero's lips barely moved, the direction was a thin thread of sound, but Duo understood.
They were in a lot of trouble.
TBC...
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