IC: Too many Zeros

[thekingsgambit]

[Ah, early morning in the gardens. A time for simple reflection, rest from an overly complicated week, nostalgic appreciation of the flowers -- and a curious fire-duckling who has wandered into the scene to watch. And what is he watching? Why a well-sobered noodleprince walking among the rows, examining a plant from time to time, with a very distant look in his eyes.]

Am I just fooling myself?

Comments

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

-- Aa!

[Quickly scrambling off in a daze. Hoping to get to duckling first.]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[But which one of us can move faster, I wonder? Lunging for duckling as soon as he can move properly.]

Don't worry—I can handle it!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Alas, we are in no condition to repeat our clever trick. Actually moving is causing some dizziness as well. So doomed.]

You idiot!

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Like he's listening. Finally manages to seize the duckling in both hands.]

Got it!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Wait to go, muscle for brains. Duckling is now trapped and struggling~ What'd I do now? Lemme go Lemme goooooo!]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[And with one last powerful duckling kick, a brightly colored object goes careening though the sky -- and smacks into the side of a certain someone's head before bouncing to the ground.]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Gaze darts in the direction of the flying object, although his grip remains strong on the duckling. And now there is squinting as he attempts to figure out what it is.]

That is—?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[More angry quacking! Look, buddy, when a fireduckling says leggo. YOU LEGGO. You gets biting now. CHOMPCHOMP!! Which is probably more like pinchpinch but you get the idea.]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

Hkk. . .!

[Turns his attention back to the duckling, raising his voice slightly]

I won't make the same mistake this time! I'm not letting go!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Holds hand to head but also manages to spy the voice modifier from his phone lying just within reach...]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[-- And since Suzaku is fortunately preoccupied, there is enough time to snatch it and hide it within one of his many jacket pockets before coming over to check on him.]

You should not hold it so close. Remember the fire.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

It's nothing that I can't handle. The important thing right now is to keep him in one pl—

[Pausing as he half-rises, duckling secured.]

That's right. . . did you see something go that way just now?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Glancing to the side, as if looking.]

Ah, but I am not certain what it was... It must have fallen among the plants after it struck me.

[Turning back to the still spastic duckling.]

And you will not be the one who has to explain to the hospital how you got burnt in the face by being careless! It is just a duckling, Suzaku. A duckling most likely under some camp effect.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

I'll have to check the area later, then.

And what if it's not a camp effect? I'm not taking any risks.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Sighs and tries to keep his face from view as he lowers his voice.]

I have seen this duckling before. It may be a hazard with its fire, but it is otherwise inconsequential.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't put it past that man to stay silent before if it meant remaining undiscovered. How long ago was that?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

A little less than a month ago. That would make the transformation considerably more powerful than any we have seen thus far.

[Trying to ignore duckling's pleading eyes. ;o;]

Still... perhaps a test is required.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Is also relaxing his grip slightly, although not letting it go. D-damn you, baaaaabyanimal!terrorist.]

A test?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Duckling is just going to singe this sleeve cuff a little then. Yes, that'll do nicely. Teach you to call me a terrorist, bud.]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Wincing as the fire catches his skin a little too, but his hands aren't moving.]

I'm not going to harm you. . .! This is only a precaution!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Screw the humoring you! Grabbing other wrist!]

Suzaku, put down that duck! It is not Zero!

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

[Guess who's RIGHT BEHIND you, peering over your shoulder.]

Nah, nah, I'm Zero! What're you talking about? —If anyone asks, I didn't do it!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[jgljsdfljsdf -- Where the hell did you come from?? Jumping a tiny bit.]

This is none of your business.

[Turning around fully, still holding Suzaku's wrist absently.]

How long have you been here?

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Just now! I heard my name, so of course I had to go see!

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Looking from duckling to pilot to duckling to pilot.]

. . . you're Zero. . . ?!