Darkness at Dawn Part 2

Trowa jogged up to the other two with a look of distress on his face. "I think we're being followed, Treize. We must have made someone suspicious."

Treize and Heero both stopped with frowns on their faces. "How many?" Heero asked.

The green-eyed youth shook his head. "I'm not sure, but if an invasion has truly been planned, we should expect quite a few."

"Yes- they'll want to silence anything we might know," Treize said, finishing Trowa's thought for him. "Do we stand or do we run?"

Heero considered. "We'll have to face them eventually, and having them following us will slow us down."

Trowa's only answer was to unsheathe the long sword at his side.

~*~

A figure watched from the trees.

It was them- he recognised the three young men instantly and smiled to himself. He wasn't ready to show himself yet, though- certainly not yet...

He wanted to observe them first.

He turned in annoyance to the soldiers following the three- there were very few creatures who could quite make that much noise as they moved... And they would be an annoyance. Not that the three couldn't look after themselves- of course they could, if they were Chosen- but he was terribly curious about them.

He wanted a closer look.

And they would need help, he reasoned. They wouldn't make it to Sank without someone to watch over them. He smiled. It was child's play to one such as he.

Standing and wiping his hands on the legs of his pants, he pulled his hood up over his face, and he began to close in.

~*~

A heavy mist was settling in, and the Captain of the Guard didn't like it. It had come too suddenly.

And rumours of the Wild Ones in that area had been circulating.

Heero and the two brothers were thankful, though, crouched in the concealing moisture. Their pursuers were making more than enough noise to alert everyone and his grandmother of their approach. The three rose slowly, drawn weapons gleaming dully in the unnatural gleam.

No one noticed the other, cloaked and hooded, at their side.

The forward attackers didn't notice the four armed figures until it was too late. With a yell, they attacked.

Trowa parried and slashed with lightning speed, not stopping to watch as his enemy collapsed, blood pouring from his wounds. He could feel Treize at his back, moving with his customary grace and deadly accuracy. Slashing again and again, he spared a glance for Heero...

A strange figure was at the prussian-eyed boy's back, their two bodies moving in what looked like a perfectly synchronised ballet of death. In fact, the stranger almost seemed to be dancing... Who is...

The hooded figure turned with a strangely accented cry of "Look out!" and his arm came up. Trowa froze in cold fear as a dagger flew, whistling sharply on the air, coming at him...

THUD. He turned in amazement as the dagger hit its mark and the body of the last attacker, rushing at him from his blind side, fell with a knife buried in his forehead.

The three watched in silent shock as the hooded figure moved with the most exquisite grace any of them had ever seen- and retrieved his knife.

Standing again, the figure wiped his dagger on his cloak. He finally turned back to them, as though just realising the stares, and he smiled faintly. All three travellers blinked in surprise- and he was gone.

They stared at each other in confusion as the mists began to swirl and dissipate. It took everything in Heero to keep from trembling- another mind had touched his during the battle, and it had recognised him for what he was- it had accepted it, too. He had never felt anything like the tough of that mind ever before, and it had been... exhilarating, as well as frightening, to be in such perfect harmony with another person.

Treize smiled shakily. "What the... Oh, Lord!"

Trowa still seemed calm, though. "I think... yes, you see how the mist if lifting? That was a Dawnchild."

The other two gave him outright stares. The Dawnchildren (it seemed terribly rude to refer to someone who had just helped them like that as 'Wild One') were an ancient race, some said a dying one. Ancient, beautiful, cunning, wise and untrustworthy. As with all semi-mythical creatures, they were forever branded as 'different' and 'shifty.' Yet they rarely associated with humans anymore- not since the Elder Wars had all but wiped them out.

Well that explains a few things, Heero thought. He shook himself from his thoughts. "Come! We have to be far from here by sunset- they will send another patrol when this one doesn't return."

"But what about the..." Treize began.

"When and if he wants us to see him, he will show up again," Trowa interrupted quietly.

~*~

There they go. By the Guardians, I haven't felt so alive since... since I don't know when! The Dawnchild watched them leave with something between a frown and a smile. He had felt it immediately, his bond with the two humans and the angel, and it had felt good.

He absently followed behind them, less than a rustle of leaves as he moved. One thing was for certain- these Chosen would need to be protected until they reached the Sank Kingdom, and he would be able to learn more about them by tagging along as their protector. It's what I want, what I need- to feel that bond with another person again. I've been alone for so long, so cold...

His face slid into a pensive frown. He could only hope that, when the time came to meet with his comrades (as he already considered them,) they would be able to accept him despite what he was.

He fervently hoped they would!

~*~

"My Lord King!"

Quatre Raberba turned to offer a small smile to his page. "Yes? What is it?"

The man bowed respectfully. "A Lady has arrived, sit, who requests to see you on behalf of Lady Relena of Dermail."

A delicate eyebrow arched at the name- Relena was a dangerous lady- he had felt it the moment he met her for the first time. And she had no reason to love him- he had refused to marry her! Quatre sighed heavily. "I suppose it would be rude if I refused to see her. Very well, she may enter." He carefully re-folded the map he had been studying.

As she entered, Hilde studied the young man in front of her apprehensively. She had heard quite a lot about the boy-King of the East, his charisma, his intelligence, his unerring understanding of people. He was an impressive person- of medium height and, though small of build, he had a wiry, powerful look to him that spoke of a speed and deadliness that was unequalled. But what really caught you were his eyes- deep blue-green orbs that glinted with wit and wisdom, that were both strong as steel and sweet, as though their owner was possessed of a bottomless well of compassion and love of life.

He was the sort of man who could command love, respect and loyalty simply by existing.

She curtsied to him. "My Lord King, you do me too great an honour to see me so..."

He cut her off with a smile and an elegant wave of the hand. Quatre had always had an empathic sense, and the more pain and guilt he felt pouring from this girl, the more he felt the need to help her. "It is no trouble at all, My lady, I assure you."

"I am Hilde of Jirol, bringing greetings to King Quatre Raberba on behalf of her Ladyship, Relena of Dermail, who sends warmest greetings." She curtsied again.

Quatre gave her a small bow. "Welcome to my city, Lady Hilde. It is, as always, a pleasure to receive tidings from your Master and Mistress. I trust all is well in Jirol?"

Hilde tried to smile- she was finding it very hard to mislead this young man. She was certain that he saw straight through her. "As always, my Lord."

Quatre gave her a warm smile. "You must be tired from your journey. My people shall see to you."

His smile faded as the doors closed behind the Lady and, frowning, Quatre motioned his Captain forward. "Rashid, make sure the Lady is watched carefully."

The huge man frowned in turn- he knew of Quatre's empathic abilities. "Is something wrong, young Master?"

The blond's face was troubled. "She was sent here on an errand of mischief, and it bothers her greatly. We have little to fear from her, but one must not underestimate Lady Relena."

~*~

It had been a difficult fortnight of travel.

The three young men looked up gratefully to the sight of Lord Zechs' city in the distance, like a jewel perched on the seaside. The one problem- night was falling, and they would be stuck outside the city walls for one last night.

Trowa set down his pack and stretched gratefully as they came to an unspoken agreement to stop. They had marched with only two short breaks since sunrise, afraid to stop for too long, in case more of Relena's thugs had been sent after them.

Not that they had much to worry about on that subject. All three had the distinct impression that something was watching over them closely. Or even someone- the smiling Dawnchild.

Heero was stretched out on his back in the grass with his eyes closed and a smile of contentment on his face. Treize smiled, himself, as he plopped down next to him. "We should be there by noontime tomorrow. Thank God!" he sighed.

Heero turned to look at his companion, his head propped in his hand. "What is this Lord Zechs like? If he's at all like his sister..."

Treize laughed merrily. "Not at all! He's... hard to describe, Lord Zechs. A truly noble man."

Trowa sat on his brother's other side. "He's very smart. And honourable, as well."

Heero considered this. "And about to fall victim to his sister's schemes." An uncomfortable silence fell over them.

Trowa's green eyes flashed curiously. "Do you think our friend is still with us?"

Treize just shrugged, but Heero's face fell into a rare true smile. He thought he had caught glimpses of their other companion during the journey- a flash of cloth, another smile glowing in the trees.. But whoever it was always disappeared before he could be sure. All the same... "I think he's here, somewhere. Why else follow us so far?"

The others had to agree. It had been subtle, but there had been signs left for them, firewood carefully staked in convenient resting places, that sort of thing. As well as a strange feeling of safety, the kind that let them slip away into oblivion while on watch at night.

The three shared a smile. Treize quickly started a fire (with the neatly stacked wood) and considered their fourth. He had very few doubts that more men had been sent after them and the Dawnchild had quietly gotten rid of them. A definite friend, then, albeit a dangerous one.

The fire cast a cheerful glow in the small clearing, and all three relaxed happily in the warm light. They would be in New Port City, Zechs' capitol, on the next day.

~*~

The Dawnchild watched his companions enter the Human city with a sense of loss. He had been in many cities and, as much as he wanted to follow them in, he knew exactly how most humans would react to his presence.

Badly was an understatement.

Yet the danger is far from over... And the signs say the storm will come soon.

He smiled to himself. He was an expert at concealing his identity- he could certainly do it well enough to get into the city and keep an eye on the three.

It was just the sort of challenge he enjoyed.

~*~

For Treize, Trowa and Heero, the problem had not been getting into the city. It was getting people to listen to them and take them seriously.

A problem at first, but Heero had other weapons in his arsenal. In fact, the other two were astounded at how easily people seemed to trust their foreign friend. Trowa smiled. He knew that it wasn't just because of natural charm!

The prussian-eyed boy was at that moment speaking with the palace guards, trying to persuade them to let he companions through. "We have important information that Lord Zechs will need- lives will depend on this. We must be allowed to speak with him."

The guard sputtered, trying to find a way out of this- he didn't like the responsibility he was being given, and yet he wanted to let them through, even if it went against his training... he knew they were to be trusted. In the end, he needn't have worried.

"Is there a problem here, soldier?" a cool voice asked.

The three turned to meet the newcomer as the soldier stammered, "No sir, Captain!" Of medium height and build, the Captain had a definite aura of invincibility about him, gleaming from his almond-shaped onyx eyes.

The Captain looked over the three travellers in turn, fighting hard to conceal the strange feelings they invoked within him. He frowned in frustration- What is wrong with me! "I am Chang Wufei, Captain of Lord Zechs' guard. May I help you?"

You certainly can, Chosen of Air. Heero stepped up. "We have come from Jirol with urgent tidings for Lord Zechs."

An eyebrows arched. "Who sent you, then? You are not a messenger for either Lady Relena or his Lordship of Dermail."

Heero did not back down. "No, I am not. This could mean the difference between life and death, Captain. Please!"

Wufei deliberated for a short moment before giving the three a ghost of a smile. "I believe you. Follow me, please." He turned on his heel and left them to catch up.

They observed the Captain carefully as the followed him. Ebony shoulder-length hair was pulled back into a ponytail as the base of his neck, and his tanned skin positively glowed a deep amber colour. Treize smiled to himself- the Captain was definitely a striking man.

Wufei lead them into the palace and up to a massive apartment, where a lone man sat, engrossed in his reading. "My Lord?"

The figure stirred- long, platinum blond hair flew silkily as the man turned to reveal piercing blue eyes in an aristocratically cut face. "Yes, Wufei?"

The Captain gave a respectful bow. "These men bring tidings from Jirol."

Lord Zechs raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. Did my sister send you to me?"

Heero shook his head soberly. "No, my Lord, your Lady sister would be very sorry indeed that we made it here. We bring grave news."

Zechs felt quite strange as he listened to the words. He implicitly trusted these strangers, just as he had learned to trust Wufei, and yet that they had something to say about his sister... "What news, gentlemen?"

Treize looked to Wufei to be certain both men were listening. "We... have reason to believe, my Lord, Lady Relena has made some sort of deal and plans to attack both your own realm and that of King Quatre in the east."

"These are heavy charges you raise, good sir."

Heero nodded. "They are, my Lord. I know it seems strange, but we are quite serious. Just over a fortnight ago, we overheard such plans being made and witnessed a spy being sent to Lord Quatre's court. Since then, the Lady's hunters have followed us night and day to silence us before we reached you."

Zechs gave each a piercing glance, his eyes finally coming to rest on his Captain. He took a long moment before speaking. "You've been trying to warn me about her for quite some time now, Wufei."

"I meant no disrespect, my Lord..."

Zechs smiled. "I know that, dear friend. That is why I trust you." He turned back to his three visitors. "And you, as well. What are your names, my friends?"

All three smiled, and Treize bowed low. "Our apologies, my Lord. I am Treize Kushrenada of the North and this," pointing to a bowing Trowa, "is my brother, Trowa. Our third is the traveller, Heero Yuy."

"Well met, all of you," Zechs replied with a charming smile that dropped quickly from his face. "But if what you say is true, we have much to find out. With whom has she made this deal? When will the attack come, and how?"

Wufei nodded sagely. "My spy network will look into it immediately, my Lord." He turned to the travellers. "In the meantime, you must be tired after your journey. Let me find you some rooms. Follow me."

The four bowed and walked out in silence. It was a while before Treize spoke. "His Lordship is very generous to see us and listen to what we said. He has no reason to believe us."

Wufei stopped and turned. "We both believe you, though I don't understand why. You are perfect strangers, yet I feel I can trust you completely."

Heero gave a small smile. "Lord Zechs places much worth in your opinion- he seems to trust you implicitly."

He got a true smile now from the Captain. "He is a wonderful Lord- everyone here loves him. It is a great source of pride to serve him." They passed into the main hall. "I only hope that his evil sister will not succeed in whatever she's doing."

As the exited the hall, a figure separated itself from the shadows and quietly made his way from the castle. The Dawnchild grinned amusedly- he had... other means... of helping them.

~*~

"My Lady Relena!" She smiled at the tall man brightly.

"General Tsubarov, always a pleasure to see you," she purred, her eyes bright as the lips on her hand opened and Tsubarov's tongue caressed her skin.

Pulling her hand free gently, Relena moved forward until her lips were only inches from the General's face. "And how comes our alliance, Alexei? Will we have an army?" She flicked her tongue lightly over his upper lip.

Alexei Tsubarov gulped- she was so beautiful and so close- he tried to kiss her but she pulled away, and he grunted in frustration. "We will have our army, Lady, as long as the last part of the deal is carried through."

She smiled brightly. "Oh dear. It seems my dear husband must die, then." She stepped into Tsubarov's grasp and allowed him to kiss her, much though the man's grasp sickened her. As he lifted her and carried her to the bed, she added, "Such a pity. I'll do it tonight."

~*~

The Dawnchild's eyes snapped open- A pact! A pact sealed in blood, by the Great Guardian spirits! He trembled slightly as the full weight of his knowledge hit him. Gods, they will all die. The Dark Ones won't leave any survivors, the bastards! This Relena has made a pact with the Dark Ones! "We can't allow it, we just can't!" he whispered, standing.

The air around his body ignited into blue-hot flames as his anger rose, and he cursed as he clamped down on it. "Baka! Getting angry will only get you caught, and then what will you do?" As he calmed down, the glow disappeared.

He released clenched fists and packed his gear quickly. It was time to stop playing- he was finally going to meet his friends.

~*~

Quatre Raberba started awake in the dead of the night. He had felt some ghastly sensation, and then heard words in his head- A pact sealed in blood, by the Great Guardian spirits! And then a figure, glowing, wreathed in blue flames, with fiery eyes...

He whispered into the darkness, "What happened? A pact sealed in... b-blood? By God, what is this?"

Sleep banished, he stood and moved to stare out the window. Whatever had happened, he would be ready. "Whoever you are, thanks for the warning. Rashid!"

A minute later, the man's head popped past his door. "My Lord?"

Quatre gave a tired, tense smile. "Sorry to wake you, Rashid. Something has happened and I think there might be a threat to us. I will meet with my commanders first thing this morning." He waited for a nod before adding, "And I would like to speak with Lady Hilde again."

Rashid simply nodded. Quatre was psychic- everyone knew it- and he was seldom- scratch that, never- wrong. If his King wanted this, then so it would be.

TBC...

 

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