Darkness at Dawn Part 11
Dorothy was screaming.
The pain was so intense that it felt as though her mind was being torn apart. She could hear Ramar's voice in her head, even- Traitors deserve to die in agony, little one. You should not have failed me...
Her hands were balled in her hair as she finally began to whimper, unable to keep up her struggle much longer. It hurt- it hurt so much, when all she had ever done was done to please him... I just wanted his approval, and he hates me for it...
The pain ended abruptly.
She was breathing hard- her throat ached as though it had been set on fire, battered by her screams, and her head pounded with magical energy backwash as the pain that had racked her whole body slowly faded. Dorothy could do nothing but hang on and cry.
What in the name of wonder! She realised that she was holding on to a person! Something warm and strong, wrapped around her and cradling her tightly, protectively... She forced her eyes open.
"Oh Guardians!" She was too weak to truly struggle.
She was cradled in the arms of none other than Shinigami himself.
Duo pulled back from her gently, not wanting to cause her any more distress. "I'm sorry- the shields went down for a moment, and with the seal over you..." His eyes flashed in anguish. "I'm sorry he hurt you."
Dorothy stared back at him with confused eyes. "Why the hell should you care?"
He flinched, but continued in a quiet voice. "You may not want to believe this, but I have nothing against you. You were born after the Battle- you don't really know a thing about me or anything on this plane that wasn't told you by a bitter elder, who was banished by these very hands." He stared down at his fingers, as though he could still see the bloodstains there. "It is my fault that you are so bitter, and for that I am sorry."
She could only stare at him in disbelief.
He gave her a smile. "He will be here soon, you know. You might want to get out of the city before he finds you."
"Very funny! And just how am I supposed to do that?" she asked sarcastically.
"Come with me when I leave."
She stared again. Was he ever going to stop surprising her? Why would he want to... help me? I should be dead already... She sneered, "This is just one of your tricks, Shinigami! You want to use me..."
He shook his head sadly, the glossy braid of hair shaking a little in the torchlight of her cell. "Please, don't. Don't you think you'd be dead already if I wanted it? Whether you like it or not, you need my help now!"
Dorothy tried to back away from the sheer force of the thoughts rolling off of the Dawnchild Lord. It was an awful lot to take on faith- she had been raised to believe that this man was single-handedly responsible for the destruction and shame of her kind, but he was willing to help her? He was truly willing to do it? It had to be a trick.
Even so, she was dead if she refused. Dorothy sighed in defeat. "What must I do, Lord Maxwell?"
He started at the use of that particular title- no one had called him that in an extremely long time. "The Raberba has foreseen that New Port City will fall, no matter what I and the others can do. When we leave, and we shall escape with Lord Zechs, you will come with us... to the East." He reached out and touched her forehead with a single finger.
The touch burned, but Dorothy was stunned as the sensation ended. It felt... different. "What have you done to me?!" she asked him, eyes wide with fear and bewilderment.
He smiled again, but it didn't seem as sinister to her this time. "We are now linked, you and I. I swear it to you- he will not touch you, and I will not allow him to harm you in any way."
Dorothy couldn't believe her ears. Dangerous, yes, but he is not the monster I would have thought him to be. She gave him a feral smile back. "What makes you trust me enough to be around your Lord Zechs, not to mention taking me to see the Raberba? Don't you know what I am?"
"I know precisely what and who you are, Dorothy Catalonia," Duo replied. "I wonder if you really do, though." With that cryptic remark, he stood and brushed the dust from his trousers before leaving.
She stared at the closed door for quite some time.
~*~
Morning dawned, cold and grey, gloom seeming to seep through the city walls. There was torchlight everywhere as men and horses huddled closer together for warmth and security, and it seemed to give off an even harsher glare than was normal.
Then again, this was no normal gloom. It was the Darkness that Duo had warned them all of.
The battle would begin any moment now.
Placed directly at the right hand of Lord Zechs, Walker fidgeted nervously. While it was a source of great pride to have been singled out by Captain Chang to serve as the Lord's bodyguard, it was an immense burden.
Chang had pulled him to the side a few hours before and, with a deadly serious look in his eyes, told him, "I cannot be at Zechs' side today, Walker. I cannot guarantee to give my life for his if it becomes necessary, so I need someone who can."
Zechs' life was therefore in his hands. He gulped nervously- he would not fail in his responsibility!
The palace doors opened again, and all eyes were drawn as two figures stepped out into the gloom, one cloaked and hooded. They all stared at the second- why was the captured Darkchild walking free among them?
It at least told them who was beneath the cloak- only the Fire Lord could be certain of restraining her, if the need arose.
Zechs rode to the Dawnchild's side with a frown. "I take it she is here for a reason?"
Duo's voice was low and thrumming with power. "She is. Is everything ready?"
Everyone close by was stunned- the voice they heard was hypnotically powerful and dangerous! Zechs felt a smile forming, despite the dire circumstances. "We are ready. What should we do now?"
Duo waited to reply as his horse, Shadow, was brought forward. Everyone could hear the jingle of armour as he mounted. "I'll go join the others... and we wait." The hood of the cloak turned to Dorothy. "Can I trust you to uphold your end of the bargain?"
She nodded to him. "I will do as you instructed."
"Good. But let this serve as a warning- do not cross me." He turned back to Zechs. "Wait for the signal, my Lord." He spurred his horse forward.
Everyone stared after him as he left. Even the darkness of the morning hadn't been as disconcerting as his appearance!
Zechs stared down at the Darkchild at his stirrup. "What are you to do, Lady?"
She smiled. "Make sure you don't die, my Lord. You needn't worry- If I were to try anything, I would be dead almost instantly."
Zechs' eyes widened. "But he's... he's far away!"
She gave him a dangerous smile. "You have no idea who you're allied to, do you?"
~*~
Ramar looked down on the city in contempt. That any humans could think to oppose him... It was preposterous! It was so disgustingly ridiculous, even if there was someone there with the power to cut his connection to Dorothy...
Torchlight glowed harshly on the stone walls, and it brought a smile to Ramar's eyes. It was time. He laughed as he signalled his trumpeter.
The deep blast of sound thundered over the plains and ricocheted off of the city walls like a death knell. With a scream of a battle cry, he spurred his horse forward.
~*~
Noin and Une sat on either side of their brother as he slipped into a trance. They had felt it as well as the Army of Shadows sounded its trumpet.
Quatre's face was set in determination. He couldn't be there, but he could interfere nonetheless on the astral plane, and maybe help a few extra people survive the battle that was coming.
He knew that Duo would have yelled at him, had he had the time to do so, but Quatre didn't care.
It was the only thing he could do.
As the young King slipped into a trance, his sisters exchanged worried glances. They hoped he knew what he was doing.
~*~
Five riders sat before the gates.
Ramar laughed as he looked on them- five puny, little riders, standing against his great army? I was wrong- the human is even more stupid than I thought him to be! Screaming over the wind, he charged forward, his hands filling with fire as he felt the darkness inside of him welling up.
Cackling madly, he threw.
The cloaked central figure simply raised one hand.
There was a clash like heavy thunder that shook the attackers and attacked alike down to their bones as the ball of fire seemed to disintegrate on the wind, nothing but ashes floating down harmlessly to the grassy plain.
Ramar paled- he had felt power for just a second, but the energy signature had been frighteningly familiar. Impossible! He is dead! He must be dead, like all the others... Screaming in rage, he spurred his horse forward once more, power and rage forming in his mind. Around him, a sickly black aura began to form.
Five auras flared into existence in response, green, white, violet, blue and gold. The five horses began moving at a stately trot, building into a run.
~*~
Behind the city walls, Zechs snapped to full awareness. "It's time! Be ready to ride!"
He watched with a heavy heart as his men mounted with the telltale jingle of tack. For most of them, this would be the last ride. And his city...
A lithe, blonde figure materialised at his side, even as Walker took his place to his right. Zechs was reassured by the both of them. Silently, the three stared out over the walls and watched.
As Shadow broke into a run, the cloak came flying off.
~*~
Duo was practically humming with energy as Shadow began moving beneath him- he could feel the armour's song in his mind, accompanied by the angry undertones of Deathscythe as it sensed the presence of its old enemy. He could feel the old rage building up inside and he ruthlessly pushed it back. Not as Shinigami- never again! NEVER AGAIN!
He spurred Shadow ahead of the others quite suddenly, one hand snaking up to release the catch of his cloak as the horse flattened into a heavy gallop-
The violet aura of the Fire Lord flared like a lighthouse beacon in the gloom, crackling around him in pure bolts of energy and power. Heero stared in shock at the vision the Dawnchild presented, braid flying out behind him- he could see that it was actually a collection of braids, all woven through with silver strands that glowed with the elemental energy pouring from the rider. Violet eyes had taken on the eerie glow again, like miniature stars in the Dawnchild's face.
It was both awe-inspiring and deeply frightening.
The other four looked at each other as Duo's horse clearly outraced theirs. There was no use in hiding anymore.
With a cry of relief and a surge of adrenaline, they released their power.
~*~
Dorothy caught her breath as she watched. First the uncloaking of Duo Maxwell, then as the other Elementals released their hidden power- she could see the dismay and utter fury in Ramar's face as he slowed in his approach, and the deep rage as the Fire Lord rode straight for him.
But nothing prepared her for what happened next.
Everyone cried out simultaneously as they watched- Duo reached back with his right hand and slowly drew Deathscythe from its sheath-
And still she knew that it would not be enough.
She touched Zechs' shoulder. "My Lord, we must ride."
The touch shocked him from his horrified stupor. "Right. May God in Heaven watch over us and protect us!" He lifted a horn to his lips and blew.
The gates opened, and the host began to move out.
~*~
Ramar's eyes were wide in shock and anger. "Attack! Do not be fooled by his tricks! Attack, if you fear the Darkness in your souls!" He inwardly seethed. He survived! He somehow survived, and now he is allied with the Elementals of legend... IMPOSSIBLE!
The violet eyed fixed on him and he felt a jolt of cold run down his spine. He was once again going to face Duo Maxwell. He had lost, the last time, like a pathetic child, he had lost...
A smile broke over his face- he would not lose again!
~*~
Une and Noin both started in shock and fear as Quatre's body twitched violently.
"What's wrong with him! Noin, help me..." Une snarled as she tried to hold him down.
Noin stopped her with a hand to her shoulder, though. "No- don't try to stop him, sister!"
Before Une could snap something back at the smaller girl, Quatre's twitching ended and he began to take deep, even breaths. They both relaxed a little.
Eyes swung up to meet, though, as the blond king's lips parted and he began chanting softly in his trance state. Guardians! I know this chant! He can't possibly...
Both girls felt despair in their hearts, but they refused to let Quatre take on this burden alone. Each girl setting a hand on his forehead, they, too, began to chant.
~*~
Ramar screamed in fury as he felt Deathscythe singing in his mind. It was supposed to be dead! This wasn't supposed to be happening, and yet it was...
He released his own power as his laugh bubbled up in his throat, high-pitched and penetrating through the thickness of the air. "Damn you, Maxwell!" He was dimly aware of the city gates opening, defenders pouring out and racing into the field behind the Elementals and their protective auras...
With a snarl of anger, he brought his own sword up and swung it at Duo's unprotected head, not surprised in the least as the other Dawnchild parried his blow as easily as he would have swatted a fly. His men raced past them as they faced each other, but it was expected. Most of his host was young and had been brought up on tales of the awesome power of this creature, who had been known as Shinigami...
Duo glared in hatred. "You couldn't stay away, could you! You bastard! How many more people have to die?!"
He laughed as he struck again, struggling to hide the paint hat shot up his arms as Duo parried and made his own attack. "Still the idealist! This world is not theirs, Shinigami! It shall belong to me, as it should have!"
"You're wrong! You're WRONG!" Fire danced down Deathscythe as Duo's anger catapulted to new levels, and he struck again-
Ramar laughed to hide it as he got out of the way- using this much power was terribly draining! "You will fall to me this time, Shinigami! You will lose!"
~*~
Treize could feel Duo's anger breaking like a wave in his mind, and it almost unnerved him. But he felt his own anger rising in turn- the anger he felt when his village was destroyed by power hungry people such as this Ramar, the anger and pain inspired in him by the plight of the small boy he had found one day and adopted as a brother, the anger of knowing that his friends, Wufei, Heero, Duo, Zechs- they were risking their lives in a battle against odds like these... Sorrow welled up in his heart, and he embraced it as he felt his blood coursing through him like quicksilver.
He was utterly silent as he faced off with his opponent, his blade whistling through the air as they exchanged blows. He could see into the boy's mind- I don't want to die! I don't want to face Shinigami...
He felt compassion in his soul, but he didn't let it stop him as he struck one last time, the power-charged bade slicing through his enemy's guard. A spray of red went up- he was seeing red everywhere, like a poison or pollutant.
Blood. Death- it must be cleansed! I have to make it disappear... He released the power in him completely, feeling it rushing through him as his aura intensified in brilliance.
Be careful, friend Treize! The power can consume you, as it has them... The Dawnchild's thoughts bored into his mind with the power of a waterfall, grounding him.
We will make it right, Treize. We will see that justice is served! Wufei's powerful thoughts soaked into him, warming him...
I love you, brother! Trowa.
That was enough- his eyes lit with a fell light as he faced down his opponents- he was in control, and he had a reason to hold tightly to his control and his life. Treize could feel his connections, not just to his companions, but to the very Earth itself, and the water that flowed over it and gave it life...
~*~
Heero barely had the time to wipe the sweat from his brow as he whirled to face another attacker, gleaming white sword dripping crimson. They could not touch him- the few who had come into personal contact with him had screamed in pain before he cut them down. They could not break through his guard. They would not defeat his armour.
Yet even as he fought, he kept a constant thought on his companions- Trowa at his back, Wufei and Treize, Duo...
The Dawnchild was oblivious to the rest of the battle raging around him- only Ramar existed. Fire ringed the combatants, gleaming with an unnatural violet intensity, and the angel knew that anything attempting to breach those flames would perish instantly, perhaps even the Fire Lord himself.
He sagged in his saddle momentarily as his attacker went down- they were losing. Enemies poured onto the battlefield in endless waves, their strength immeasurable, compared to the humans they fought against. It sickened Heero, knowing that these creatures were toying with them and deliberately making the deaths they inflicted cruel and painful. Pain and despair was everywhere...
His eyes sought out the two ancient enemies facing each other- he would not have believed that the Duo they had come to know was capable of such a battle! Both combatants were fighting fiercely- Heero could see that Duo had abandoned his small shield in favour of a second blade, this one glowing the violet of his aura. It bothered him- why could Duo not master the emotions of Deathscythe enough to use it properly?
That was it- he knew it instantly! The Dawnchild was falling back on his old emotions, his old fears and insecurities, and it was holding him back...
Do not fear, Angel! His eyes opened wide- he had never heard that voice before, but he knew automatically whose voice it was. It was the voice of Quatre Raberba.
His face darkened in a scowl as a sword blow glanced off of his shining armour, and he whirled, mentally cursing himself for his breach in concentration. It is too dangerous for you here, Lord Quatre! Go back!
Trowa was at his side in a heartbeat. "Quatre! Where!? What is this..."
The two were forced back into a tight formation, protecting each other's back, and Heero yelled over his shoulder, "The spirit form- he is here in astral form! He could get himself killed!"
Trowa growled. "Damn it all, Quatre! Go home!"
A gentle laugh sounded in both their minds.
~*~
Wufei and Treize felt their hearts sinking in terrifying unison- Ramar knew. He knew- Quatre's presence was no longer a secret!
They could feel Duo's sudden panic at the danger to his kinsman- one of his only living relatives- and it frightened them worse than the entire battle had. If whatever Ramar was capable of was powerful enough to frighten the Dawnchild...
Wufei snarled angrily, "I don't have time for this!" Stabbing his sword into the ground next to him, his hands came up in a graceful arch, golden energy materialising between them as his eyes slipped closed for a short second... and he released.
It flew, like a wall of pure energy, into their enemies and friends alike, tossing all to the ground like a passing gale, but Wufei was not watching his handiwork- he had plucked his sword back and he was riding for the wall of fire. Damn you, Duo! You need us now! There has to be a way past that...
He smiled shortly as Treize materialised at his side, and together, they charged to their comrade.
~*~
Ramar's deep laugh hit Duo like a physical blow to the head, and he staggered backwards, eyes glinting. "You should not have let him come here, Shinigami! He will fall to me!"
Duo's sight made his blood go cold- Quatre was defenceless on the astral plane! He was going to get himself killed...
He did the only thing he could think of- just as Ramar manifested onto the plane, he constructed yet another wall of flame, protecting his cousin...
"Duo! NO!!!!!"
Too late, the Dawnchild became aware of Ramar charging at him, blade raised for the kill and an evil glint in his eyes. He barely managed to get Deathscythe between himself and his attacker...
As the pummel of Ramar's sword bashed against the side of his head, he swung in the saddle.
His last conscious thoughts were that he had failed everyone.
His body slumped, senseless, to the ground.
TBC... Back to Ashkara's Fanfictions Page