Darkness at Dawn Part 12
Zechs had not been aware of how much the Dawnchild was doing to protect him and his men until it all abruptly vanished.
Power slammed into him like a bludgeon, swaying him in his saddle, and he could feel the corrosive malice of his enemy, like a cancer eating at his will to survive. And worse- he watched in horror as Duo fell from his mount and Ramar closed for the kill...
"YOU. CAN. NOT. HAVE. HIM!" Each word was charged with more power and anger as four bodies converged on the ring of fire, riding at full gallop...
Dorothy grabbed his arm. "My Lord! We must get away from here! Now!"
"Why? What are they doing?!"
She was pulling him towards the planned escape route already, though. "There will be nothing left of this place when it is over, Zechs! We must leave! Now!"
Leaning heavily on his sword, Walker wiped at the blood trickling down his forehead. "I have to agree, my Lord! Can't you feel it?"
Zechs shook with anger- his home, his kingdom, his heritage... It was all ending. It would all disappear, and there was nothing he could do about it... "Damn you! Damn you! I swear we have not finished this! You will pay for your sins!" he screamed into the gloom.
"Zechs!" Dorothy yelled.
He turned sadly towards her. "No need to worry- I will follow you, Lady."
"God in Heaven! Look!" Both whirled at Walker's cry.
~*~
Heero's heart froze in his chest as he watched Shadow dancing over his master's prone form protectively. It would only be a matter of time before Ramar simply cut the horse down...
And the fire loomed between them, still bright and deadly...
There was only one thing he could do.
We have to hit it with everything we've got and charge through behind! he called to the others, receiving a mental nod back from each.
Yet even as he summoned more power from deep in his soul, Heero felt a sense of foreboding. Duo didn't think we were ready to face Ramar yet. Dear Lord, watch over and protect us... With a cry to the heavens, he unleashed his power.
Four horses leapt in unison over the wall of flame.
Heero dove immediately for Ramar, not even having time to wonder at how they got through the fire. Fierce amber eyes turned on him-
He almost froze in his sudden terror. The sheer power and malice directed at him... Every move he made was pure agony, as though his body was being torn at and rent to pieces...
Remember what you are, Heero! We will get him out... Trowa's mental prod threw him back into motion, and he attacked as he had never fought before, body, mind and soul released into the effort, trying desperately to hold the mental attack at bay as swords locked and sparks flew...
Wufei swung from his saddle precariously and scooped the unconscious Fire Lord onto his horse, half amazed that Shadow hadn't kicked him in the head for approaching his master. He watched in horror as Trowa scooped Deathscythe from the ground, pain and fear dancing over his features until he yelled, "Heero!" The Earth Lord hurled the sword-
Heero caught it deftly, but nearly dropped it again as the shock of touching it burned at his mind. The blade was singing at full force, its anger and hatred more powerful than even the malicious stare of his opponent, and he desperately fought for a way of controlling it...
You do not yet have the strength, Heero! Let go! Give in to the song and you will survive... His heart leapt as he realised that it was Duo speaking to him! The others would be safe- they were taking Duo far away from this menace...
That was all the thought it took- he could see the Dawnchild Lord falling from his horse, see the agony in his features, feel his pain... Anger woke deep in his soul, and the sword ignited anew.
"For Duo!" He struck out at his enemy, putting his everything into the blow.
The shock of the impact threw Wufei and his burden from their mount, and he instinctively moved to protect the still form entrusted to him from the worst of the impact. The very ground seemed to be shaking around them, and Wufei cast about, disoriented. Smoke was filling the air, swirling madly as the Earth continued to tremble.
"I have to..." Duo whispered, his face taking on a grimace of pain. "I have to... do it. Others... not ready... I have to..."
Violet eyes snapped open, and Wufei felt as though every inch of him that was in contact with the Dawnchild was tingling as though struck by lightning, such was the immense power backwash coming from the slender warrior. The eyes swivelled to focus on him. "You four must get away from here! I will join you when it is over."
Deep in his soul, he knew not to question the look he was receiving. "So be it, Lord Maxwell. My blessings go with you."
Duo whistled sharply and Wufei watched as Shadow trotted through the fire and to their side. The Dawnchild jumped easily to his saddle and spared his friend one last smile. "Go, Wufei! The Guardians watch over you!" He took off back towards his battle without another word.
Heero's whole body ached- his attack had lasted momentarily, but he was no match for the combined terror and pain of both Deathscythe and facing Ramar. All he could hope was that the others would remember him- that Duo would not forget...
Both opponents stopped and turned as Shadow walked through the elemental flames at a stately, calm pace. Heero's eyes were immediately drawn to the rider- one look left him with little doubt of what Duo planned to do.
He stumbled to the horse's side, half blinded by pain. "Duo, no..."
The Dawnchild slid from the horse's back. "It must be done, Angel friend. Shadow, take him from here." Heero put up no resistance as Duo lifted him bodily onto the horse's back and relieved him of Deathscythe, still clutched tightly in his right hand.
It was immediately easier to breathe, and the angel looked down on his friend with clearer vision. "The Great Guardian protect you, Duo Maxwell." Shadow left at a steady run.
Duo turned back to his opponent. "And now we put an end to this."
~*~
Sally Po clutched at her chest as sudden pain racked through her. Jeremy was at her side immediately. "Mother Healer! Are you unwell?"
She flashed a quick smile as she mastered the pain, absently noting that Relena, too held her up on the other side. "I am fine- but I fear the battle has taken a bad spell. Lord Duo tried to protect that fool, Quatre..."
Relena's eyes went wider. "But he's so far away..."
Sally shot her a look. "You have much to learn about the ways of magic, young one! For those powerful enough to use it, distance means very little. King Quatre is one such individual."
She looked to Jeremy next. "We must hurry- Quatre was hurt, and I can imagine his sisters being quite upset at it."
Jeremy nodded. "Can we contact them?"
The Mother Healer shook her head. "Not until the battle is over. I can feel it- Lord Duo is working at something, and I will not endanger that! Quatre knew the risks!"
"But..."
"There are no buts!" Sally snapped. "Do you doubt my wisdom?"
He recoiled from the gleam in her eyes. "My apologies, Lady. I meant no disrespect..."
She smiled. "I know, just don't let it happen again. Now come- we must build a fire. We will need to contact the East, and Duo, as well, if he survives."
~*~
"You will kill innocents, your own soldiers, Maxwell!" Ramar sneered as he began to circle the unhorsed warrior.
The point of Deathscythe came up to point straight to the sky. "Better for them to die instantly at my hand than slowly at yours!"
Ramar scowled and yelled as he charged forward, still on horseback, at Duo's immobile figure.
He felt true fear, though, as the braided warrior gave an evil smile and their eyes locked-
Deathscythe's form began to blur as the violet aura intensified to the brightness of a small sun- Duo's braid unravelled as his power thrummed through him, silver strands gleaming white. Ramar screamed as he charged-
Duo's eyes were wide as he stared at his sword- it was trying to take back its original shape- he was letting it happen, and it would mean that he had not changed in the least- that he was still a creature of Death... He told me to believe in him... Heero, please help me... "I AM DUO MAXWELL!"
Ramar was blown backwards as Duo screamed- fire shot outwards from him, blindingly bright and impossibly powerful. The braided warrior was there immediately, sword slashing with deadly accuracy at Ramar's steed, bringing both down. The General had little choice but to retreat as Duo attacked full on, his rage sending bolts of power crackling through the air.
~*~
Zechs turned in shock as a stream of tremors began to shake the Earth beneath them. He squinted at the battlefield- it was shimmering with the strain of the power being used there, and four horsed figures were approaching...
"Wufei! What is happening? Where is Duo?" he cried, trotting forward towards his friend.
Without breaking stride, Wufei grabbed the reins of his Lord's horse and pulled him along, away from the battle. "He's challenged Ramar to single combat- there is no telling what will happen, my Lord. We have to get as far away as possible!"
Dorothy grabbed the oriental man's arm. "You just left him there?!"
Wufei growled at her, "It was his command, woman! Now ride!"
The other three rode on silently, their thoughts focused on the small figure they had left behind.
~*~
Noin shrieked, her hands flying up to her head as the world around her began to blur.
Une was at her side immediately, abandoning her fruitless efforts at reviving Quatre for the moment. "Noin! What is it? What's the matter?"
The younger girl forced her body to obey her. "The b-battle... Ra-Ramar is toying with him... and Duo doesn't know..."
"Doesn't know what?" Une snapped, her hands closing over her younger sister's arms so tightly that there would be livid bruises there later.
Noin turned sorrowful eyes to her sister. "He doesn't know that Ramar can invoke the Darkness directly. Our Duo doesn't stand a chance without the other Elementals at his side."
"What?"
A tear slipped down Noin's cheek. "There is no end to the Darkness, and Ramar has given his soul over to it completely. It can pour straight through him, and Fire is not strong enough alone to counter it."
~*~
Duo couldn't believe it- Ramar had never been his equal in power! He had lost in the past, of course, but it had always been his own fault, that he was not willing to sacrifice the number of people he would have to kill if he were to truly unleash his power, not because his enemy was stronger than he was...
He has grown impossibly strong! And he's playing with me, damn him! He wants to force me to do it, to become the animal I was... Duo snarled as he parried another thrust. "I will not do it! You cannot make me a demon again!"
Ramar laughed in his face as he gave him a rough shove that knocked him to the ground. "I don't have to, little one! You will do it on your own, to save your precious hide! Because it's who you are! Admit it!"
"NEVER!" Duo vaulted to his feet and attacked again, yet even as he moved, he sent up another prayer. Heero, please! Help me hold on!
~*~
All four riders stopped in unison and turned, causing Zechs and his escort to stop as well. "What is it?" the blond Lord asked.
Heero's face was set as he turned. "Duo needs us. We have no choice- he must survive, and we have to slow down the Army of Shadows, or the East will fall, as well!"
Zechs nodded, though he was pale. "What must we do, then?"
Wufei gave his Lord a quick, small smile. "You shall do nothing- we will handle this." He rode forward until the four were gathered in a line much as when they stood before the now ruined gates, though Duo was missing. They could all feel the Dawnchild's energy signature, though, and they attuned themselves to him, knowing that he would feel it. "Are you all ready?"
Their auras flared to life around them yet again, so bright that the others present had to throw their arms over their faces. There was a ringing sound, such as that of steel being drawn from a sheath, and Zechs forced himself to look-
Four blades swept up in unison, and the power thrumming around the four built terrifyingly as the sword tips swung towards a convergent point...
~*~
Deathscythe came around in a stylised move as Duo's eyes slipped closed in concentration, his aura pulsating with energy-
In a perfect mirror of the four others at the edge of the battle, Duo's blade stopped at exactly the right place and moment...
And sudden calm flooded the field.
~*~
It began slowly, but everyone present was aware of a growing rumble, as though the very earth was screaming, winds sweeping up and rushing over the few remaining combatants, throwing many from their feet. As the rumble grew to deafening proportions, Deathscythe swung one last time in a wide arch around its master, fire dancing down the blade as Duo's eyes filled with water- he spoke a word of power.
He screamed as he was thrown to his knees by the quaking Earth- Darkchildren were screaming in agony as elemental fire ripped into their flesh and minds, elemental wind fanning the flames as the very ground beneath them opened to swallow them up. Ice began to fall from the sky, like shards of crystal cutting into friends and enemies alike, flung on the shrieking winds, exploding violently in elemental fire...
Duo stood and cast around- Ramar had vanished. The field was his... and he had lost.
He was cocooned in a protective sphere- blue, green, gold, white and violet energy swirling around him as he picked Deathscythe back up from the ground where it had fallen and slowly sheathed the sword.
With a heavy heart, he turned and began walking to from the battlefield.
~*~
Everyone was silent as they watched the chaos on the field- it had once been a beautiful place, but it was Hell on Earth now. Scorched by flames, torn to pieces, littered with the bodies of the fallen...
And slowly making its way towards them, a sphere of light, a single point of safety and peace. Duo was alive!
The auric sphere faded as he reached them, and everyone stared in wonder- he was untouched. Despite the fierce battle and the hell he had just traversed, the Dawnchild bore no marks and wore no blood that was his own.
Heero felt his heart sink. He will not understand why it is that nothing can touch him- he will think it a personal curse that hangs over his head. If he could only understand...
Duo walked straight to Lord Zechs' side. "I'm sorry, my Lord. I failed- he is alive."
Zechs was speechless.
Wufei dismounted in a flash and caught the slim body as Duo once again became lost in senseless oblivion.
Heero rode forward and carefully pulled the braided form up onto Shadow's back with him. "Come on- we have to leave here! Ramar will keep looking for us."
They took one last look at what had once been a Prince among cities before turning their horses into the protection of the trees.
It was too painful for words.
~*~
The Mother Healer was shaking as she came to full awareness again- Jeremy was at her side still. "How did it end, Lady?"
She accepted the cup of wine he offered and sipped at it. "They... they survived, at least. New Port City is gone, though." She frowned sharply at Relena's gasp of dismay. "The city is gone, and Ramar still lives. He beat Lord Duo."
Jeremy's face drained of all colour. "That's it, then. We don't stand a chance, do we?"
Sally turned an irate face on her apprentice. "I did not teach you to give up! In case you've forgotten, Quatre prophesied that this would happen, but he could see nothing of the future beyond that! Trust in the Guardians!"
She turned to face Relena. "And as for you, Relena, don't you dare seek our pity now! It is your fault that your city is gone- remember that!" She waved her hand at the pile of dry wood that Jeremy had gathered- flames sprang up at her call. "Now let's just hope that Quatre isn't irreparably damaged."
~*~
Une felt a small tug on her sleeve and turned tear-filled eyes- the small red sprite was there, its solemn eyes fixed on her as it gestured to the fire and sniffled.
She gave it a weak smile. "My thanks, little one. Return to your master now- he will need you."
It hopped to her shoulder and kissed her cheek before it disappeared.
Une quickly cleared her mind as she stared into the flames- she could see another woman's face there, a woman who looked as though she was not to be crossed. Though they had never met before, she knew who it was. My greetings, Mother Healer.
The woman's head nodded approvingly. And to you, Princess. Tell me, how does your King?
Une absently stroked her fingers through Quatre's hair as she replied. He has not moved, though he seems to be well. What happened?
Sally's features darkened. He tried to interfere in the battle and was attacked while in spirit form. Duo saved him... but at such a price to himself...
Une nodded. What must I do?
Keep him warm and protected. You must keep up a constant astral shield- he is completely vulnerable until he wakes! Sally gave an encouraging smile. I will be there soon to aid you, my Lady.
Une bowed her head in thanks. And how is Lord Duo?
Sally's face darkened again. He will be fine, child. Trust in that.
~*~
They made camp in complete silence.
They had continued riding until even Heero nearly dropped from his saddle in fatigue, clutching his charge against his chest protectively. Duo was thankfully only asleep- he had been worried of things far worse. Even still... They were wanderers in unfriendly territory, and the single most powerful one among them was out.
No one was overly surprised that Heero elected to stay at the Dawnchild's side, but Treize was frankly shocked to find that Wufei had wandered off on his own, after a meagre meal of field rations. Excusing himself, he hurried into the darkness after him.
Wufei heard him coming. "Go away, Treize."
The taller man stopped short at the sound of that voice. "Wufei..."
The oriental man cut him off sharply. "I really need you to leave me!"
Treize shook his head and stepped forward cautiously. "Did I ever tell you that I watched my home burn to the ground as well? That Trowa and I were the only survivors of that attack?"
"Treize..."
The ginger-haired man stepped closer. "And it hurt to know that I couldn't do a thing about it. It hurt to feel like I had lost everything that mattered. But I was wrong."
Wufei's eyes swung around to meet his glinting darkly. "How do you mean?"
Treize was now close enough to touch, and touch Wufei's shoulder he did. "I was still alive- my brother was alive, and that was all that mattered. I wasn't alone."
He could feel Wufei beginning to tremble slightly, and he tightened his grip on the other man. Wufei's eyes searched his face. "Alone?"
Treize shook his head. "No- not alone. Don't be afraid to grieve, Wufei, but don't hold us away. Don't hold me away." He pulled the Captain into a tight embrace.
Wufei smiled hesitantly as they pulled back from the hug, but he didn't release the other man. He leaned forward and gently brushed his lips over Treize's.
Trowa watched with a sad smile as the two kissed, and he wrapped his arms around himself as he silently made his way back to camp.
He took the first watch- he wasn't going to get much sleep that night, anyway.
TBC...
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