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]

[-- 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. . . ?!

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Yeah? I just said that!

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Taking a step closer!]

You choose to show your face now?

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

I told you, whatever it is, I didn't do it! Don't believe Kizna!

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Just wants to die right now. orz. Releasing Suzaku's wrist so that requisite facepalm may occur.]

It may be his name, but he is not Zero.

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

What are you guys even talking about?! Tell me already!

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

. . .

[Staring Zero in the eyes.]

Answer truthfully. Have you ever committed treason against the nation of Britannia?

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

What's Britannia?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Suzaku...

[Giving attention back to Zero]

It will be easier if you just explain yourself.

[shootthestars.livejournal.com]

Explain what?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Just tell him the truth so we can dismiss with this interrogation.