Darkness at Dawn Part 28
Duo tossed and turned fitfully, but doggedly held to his concentration.
It was a risk, walking the Mind Roads with Ramar so close by, but he refused to send Cree anywhere close to the enemy army, and he needed information.
The approaching Army of Shadows showed up on the Roads like a massive cancer that left its mark on everything it touched. He frowned as he saw the waste they were leaving behind them while he was powerless to stop them, and at the core of that ever-spreading abomination...
It was a struggle to keep his presence cloaked as he felt the presence of his enemy. Ramar, the dark heart of the Darkness.
They had already reached the Ferien River! And even though nature itself was conspiring to hold them back... Duo's heart sank. They were still moving too quickly! Unless...
It was a gamble. A very dangerous gamble. But oh, if it worked...
His mind made up, Duo quickly returned to his body and awareness, held closely to Heero's warm chest. He spared the Angel a fond smile before wiggling his way out of the other immortal's hold and walking up to the fire.
It jumped back to life at his very presence, and he smiled at the small sprites that waved at him from its depths. "Greetings, little ones," he whispered. "I need to talk to the Dragon, can you arrange that for me?"
One of them snapped him a mock salute before popping away with a snap of sparks that danced on the air. His smile fading into a frown, Duo wrapped his arms across his chest, playing with the end of his braid absently...
~Something bothers you, immortal,~ Solo's voice rumbled in his head, and Duo looked back up-
If dragons could smile, Solo was smiling at him from the flames, great, glittering rows of razor-sharp teeth glinting blood red in the flames. ~You called, Master of Fire?~
Duo nodded, but the dragon felt a faint sense of unease as the Dawnchild Lord was unable to summon up a smile for his servant. ~I called. I need some help from you, Solo, though it is dangerous and I will understand if you don't want to.~
Solo felt vaguely affronted that this Dawnchild would doubt his ability to handle something, but he choked it back at the look Duo was wearing. ~What is this task?~
Duo's eyes glittered in the flames, lit with power. ~You know, of course, that the Army of Shadows is approaching. I don't want them to arrive too quickly.~
Solo felt two things at once- a sense of growing anticipation at the idea of hunting a worthy prey, coupled with a deep sense of dread at facing someone even Duo was wary of. ~And you would have me attack them to slow them down?~
Duo nodded. ~I will augment your own power with mine, but it is still risky. Ramar is powerful and has no regard for the life of any creature that walks under the Sun.~
Solo could feel Duo's sincerity ringing in his mind, and it sobered him. If he accepted...
Still, the fires lit in his belly at the very thought. How could he do anything but? He nodded his great head. ~Very well, Fire Lord. I will do as you ask.~
Duo finally smiled, and Solo felt a rush of eagerness in his blood at the look on his master's face. ~It will be a battle worthy of you, my friend, I promise.~
~When?~
Solo felt the most incredible rush as Duo's eyes seemed to turn to flame, and he was suddenly infused with power- the sort of power no dragon, not even his powerful ancestors of old, had ever possessed. The Fire Lord's voice rang in his head. ~As the main force makes its crossing in two days time, you will strike. Stay away from Ramar and his Lieutenant, Roth, but the rest are fair game. Do you understand?~
His voice rumbling with power, the dragon nodded his fiery head. ~I do, Master. I will not fail you.~
The fire in Duo's eyes faded back, and he smiled. ~I know you won't. But take care of yourself, as well. Don't add your name to the list of creatures I must avenge when Ramar and I meet again.~
Solo truly did smile this time. ~Not a chance, master. Farewell!~
~*~
The next morning dawned clear and crisp as Duo roused the others from their sleep. Treize blinked up at him sleepily. "Duo? Wasn't I supposed to take a turn at the watch?"
The Dawnchild smiled at him. "Yes, but I figured you'd need your rest, friend-Treize. Ready to ride?"
Treize was left staring as the Dawnchild bounded away to the next sleeper. What is he up to, now?
As soon as the whole cap was roused, Duo called them all close around the ashes from the fire. "My friends, we need speed now. Someone must get to Quatre as soon as possible and get those damned idiots away from him..."
Zechs nodded. "We understand if you decide to ride ahead with Shadow..."
Duo shook his head, smiling. "No, I'm afraid I have some business to attend to right here that will take me a few days, in truth. I have to send someone in my place." His eyes skimmed over the circle of people gawking at him until they lit upon Trowa. He stopped and smiled. "Friend-Trowa, you will go." He turned to Lucas. "And you will go." Lucas simply nodded.
But Trowa spoke up. "You've planned something, Duo! I can feel it- what are you up to?"
The Dawnchild gave him that soothing smile, and everyone tried to fight it as compliance and a sense of calm peace washed over them. Trowa shook his head, attempting to resist, "Damn it, Duo, this isn't fair..."
Duo's smile turned wistful. "I never said it was. Ramar's forces are moving too quickly. I am going to slow them down."
Wufei began speaking, but Duo's hand sliced through the air, silencing him. "No, you all need to get moving if you're going to make it to Lord Kamal's lands today."
Noin glowered at him, though. "We're not leaving you here alone, and that's final!"
Duo's wide violet eyes turned on her, and he let out a musical laugh. "Of course not! Friend-Heero will stay with me, and Dorothy-Lady, too. We will catch up with you shortly."
"Dorothy..."
Walker interjected, "Can fly, just as they can, I've seen it."
Duo shot the human a thankful look. "You're smart for a mortal, you know that?"
Heero moved up to Duo's side and squeezed is hand. "Are you sure of this, Duo?"
The braided head nodded once. "Very. Please trust me- and be careful on your road!"
There was little else to say.
~*~
Ramar cursed. It had taken long enough to build their rafts and boats, and now the very waters were fighting him, bucking and swirling around them treacherously. "I'm going to enjoy killing the Elemental Lords..."
Not only that, but the air was getting steadily hotter around them, to the point that some of the horses were having fits mid-way across the water, tossing their heads in what almost looked like fear...
"Roth..."
The man was at his side in seconds. "Sir?"
Ramar's eyes scanned the horizon, sharp as a hawk's. "Does it feel abnormally warm to you?"
The other Darkchild stiffened as he opened his senses. "Yes..." he said slowly, reaching out with all his senses-
Dark heat, glowing with power, spewing from the jaws of Living Hell... His eyes flew open again, wide with disbelief. "My Lord... a dragon..." he whispered.
Ramar's face turned to his subordinate. "A what?"
Roth tensed in sudden fear as the wind around them began to shriek quite suddenly. "A Dragon!"
Ramar looked up-
Fire erupted from the sky.
He cursed as flames engulfed a full boat, but his eyes were wide in surprise and apprehension. Not only had it evaded his senses, but to have such power...
Horses were screaming and throwing their riders, and he watched, helpless to calm his men as they poured endless streams of arrows into the sky, all uselessly bouncing from the dragon's armoured hide.
Too late he felt the boat bucking underneath him as both he and his horse were thrown into water the was suddenly far too hot for comfort, dragon flames turning the normally peaceful waters of the Ferien into a churning cauldron.
Duo, I know this is your doing, young one! Damn you! He shouted in anger, his aura igniting around him as he drew his sword and looked up at the dragon passing overhead, a screaming horse trapped in its jaws-
And a vague violet aura to it. "Damn you, Maxwell! DAMN YOU..." Summoning his power, even as the churning waters pulled back from around him, he took aim and threw the sword in his hand-
Power crackled on the air as the blade whistled, charged with energy and the dragon's head turned-
But its eyes were not dragon eyes- they were the eyes of Duo Maxwell, and they glittered with blue-hot power and anger as they focused on the blade.
Ramar was thrown against the riverbanks as the dragon's jaws opened and fire belched forth, searing the very air with its intensity, engulfing him and everyone around him screaming...
The air finally cleared again, and Ramar stood, brushing soot from his clothes as he left his protective aura fade from around him-
The sickening smell of burning flesh surrounded him, and he shook with anger.
The dragon was nowhere to be seen.
~*~
"Dear Lord, please! Duo, wake up!" Heero pleaded, shaking the slight Dawnchild in his arms as strongly as he dared. Everything seemed to be going as planned, until Duo stiffened and screamed out something unintelligible-
The fire had exploded, and when the sparks died down, all that was left of it was Duo, collapsed on the ground in a dead faint.
Dorothy crowded closer. "He will be fine. Give him some space to breathe."
Heero looked up and glowered at her. "How can you say that?"
She backed away slightly fro the Guardian's Hand. "I meant no disrespect, Angel. You know him well..."
"Ow, my head..." Their attention was instantly back on Duo as the Dawnchild groaned once more and opened his eyes, squinting into the sunlight around them. "Guardians, that hurt!"
Heero gathered the Dawnchild in his arms. "What happened, love? Guardians, are you alright..."
Duo grimaced as he sat up with Dorothy supporting him on one side and Heero on the other. He rubbed at his temples. "Damn Ramar- I never thought he'd recover his wits so fast..."
"What happened?!"
Duo shot Dorothy an amused look. "So eager for news, are we? Very well. Ramar decided to try and kill my pet dragon, and I couldn't let it happen. So I gave him a bit more help than I had intended to."
Heero cocked an eyebrow. "Meaning, in plain words this time?"
Duo grimaced, clutching at his abdomen. "Half a moment! It's not every day you get hit with that kind of power..."
Dorothy gasped. "The fire exploded... because you used it as a transport! You dolt! You possessed a dragon!"
He gave her a tight smile. "Almost correct. For a split second, I was the dragon. It was the only way..."
"You FOOL!" Heero bellowed, catching his lover up and cradling him against his side carefully, belying his harsh words. "You could have been hurt! Or killed!"
Duo chuckled. "Not likely, Heero. Do be serious..."
"I am serious, you idiot!"
He held Duo even tighter, until the Dawnchild grimaced. "Heero, air..."
Dorothy watched them with a raised eyebrow, fighting to hold back a laugh as Heero apologised and released his lover gently. She stood. "Are you two almost done?"
Duo looked over apologetically and decided to stop baiting his lover. "I'll need a few moments, but we will get moving as soon as possible. My thanks for staying at my side, Dorothy. Your grandfather would be proud of you."
She simply nodded and moved away.
Duo looked up into Heero's face and grimaced. "You're right- I am an idiot. That really hurt..."
Heero sighed as Duo's form slumped back against him again, and he gathered the Dawnchild close, cradling him in his lap. "Fool," he whispered fondly.
~*~
Solo staggered as he settled down in an empty ravine. It had been stupid to make that final pass over the enemy army. He had known it, but at the same time he'd felt so powerful and unstoppable...
He saved my life back there. He took the shot that should have killed me.
A roar broke from the dragon's throat and shook the rock walls around him.
He had won, but he had failed.
~*~
Lucas shook Trowa's shoulder carefully. "Any better, Trowa-friend?"
The green-eyed young man straightened, looking back at the Dawnchild's concerned face. "Yes, I'm sorry about that." He'd felt it as Duo took that shot, as he was certain all the other Elementals had, and he'd nearly fallen from Shadow's back in pain for a split second-
Lucas' strong hand came down on his shoulder, and Trowa's eyes widened as a rush of fresh energy flowed into him from the yet-recovering Dawnchild. He turned in shock, "Lucas!"
The Dawnchild only smirked at him infuriatingly, though. "We can't have you looking pale and sick when you meet Lord Quatre, now can we?"
Trowa groaned out loud as he mounted Shadow and the Dawnchild leapt up behind him. "Are you all so obnoxiously prone to teasing?"
Lucas' laughter trailed behind them as Shadow took off like a shot, less that a glimmer of light under the trees.
~*~
Kamal Abu Daan-i could only stare in surprise and shock as Princess Noin and her party prepared to ride, taking three extra horses with them. They had arrived at twilight a day ago, tattered and dusty and constantly looking over their shoulders, as though expecting company to come along...
The Princess and her Man'gua'nac guard rode up to his side, and he gave both a deep bow. "You honoured my home with your presence, My Lady, Man'gua'nac..."
Noin cut off his platitudes with a wave of her hand. "We will be expecting to see you in Sandrock soon, Lord Kamal, with your legions."
The man nodded, not allowing his anger to show. What was this slip of a woman daring to command him for?!
A sword was suddenly at his throat, though, and he looked up in disbelief at Abdul, whose steady hand held the point of the blade against the man's throat. "You will show her Majesty proper respect, my Lord, or you will be giving your respect to the Great Guardian in person, is that clear?"
Kamal gulped as he stared, but Noin rode closer and put a restraining hand on her guard's arm. As she turned back to him Kamal almost wished Abdul had killed him- he'd never seen such a look on her face, not had he ever been aware of her presence as he was at that moment! "I speak with the authority of the King! You promised your men to my brother, and he is calling in that promise. If you refuse to honour it, your life is forfeit and I will gladly allow Abdul to administer justice in my brother's name!"
Kamal back-pedalled from the angry woman. "Of course, Princess. My most abject apologies for giving you cause to doubt me..."
With an imperious nod of her head, Noin was off, the other riders following her at a fast gallop from his keep.
Long after they'd left, Kamal could still see the steely glint of the Lady's eyes, and he called his commanders to him, re-entering his hall. "It is time to gather the men. We are summoned to Sandrock."
~*~
After five days of riding, Trowa was painfully aware that he was in no condition to be meeting with royalty, but they had already reached the outskirts of Sandrock, such was the speed of Shadow, still prancing along beneath them as though he had merely been out for a jog.
He turned in the saddle, though, as he heard Lucas trying to stifle a laugh behind him. "What?"
The Dawnchild's mirth-filled eyes glowed with barely-concealed glee. "You're right, Lord Trowa. We might consider stopping for a bath before we go any further."
At Trowa's indignant sputtering, Lucas lost the battle and laughed outright, his amusement washing over Trowa until the green-eyed young man was laughing as well.
Shadow whinnied and turned sharply, almost as though he had understood their conversation, and Trowa smirked. What beast that had lived any amount of time with Duo Maxwell would not understand? He gave the horst its head and allowed Shadow to lead them to an out-of-the-way stream.
~*~
The palace guards looked up in surprise as the doors opened and Quatre Raberba strode out to them personally. They stood straighter-
The King walked straight past them, and they turned to each other in shock. What is going on?!
Quatre was oblivious to everything, though, as he moved forward to the gates of his own palace, Rashid at his side. He had felt the other man's approach like he could feel his heartbeat, and he was drawn forward, like a moth to a flame...
He could see them in the distance, two men dismounting from what was quite possibly the most beautiful horse he'd ever seen, one of the men tall and broad-shouldered, with auburn hair falling into his face and partially concealing one green eye...
Both of them froze as they stared at each other across the courtyard, and the guards stopped speaking as they noticed the King's presence and his locked eyes with the taller of the strangers-
Trowa pushed past the guards as though they didn't exist.
Quatre stood stock still as the tall young man approached him, sunlight glinting from the reddish highlights in his hair-
Trowa stopped only steps away from the blond and simply stared for a moment.
Quatre's face broke into a smile. "Trowa. You're really here, aren't you?"
Trowa felt a shiver of excitement run through him at the sound of Quatre's voice- it was what he'd expected, but breathless with excitement, almost as though the monarch had been looking forward to this as much as he had...
~Bow to him, stupid,~ Lucas commented to him wryly, and Trowa fought down the urge to choke the smiling Dawnchild at his side as he swept into a low bow. "It is an honour to finally meet you, Lord Quatre."
He straightened-
Quatre smiled into his eyes and reached for his hand. "I thought we went over this once already, Lord of Earth. There is no need for titles among us, is there?"
The young King's hand was solid and strong in his own, callused from a long familiarity with weapons. Real. Trowa smiled, feeling his heart overflowing with happiness. "No, Quatre, there isn't." Their hands tightened together, and Trowa felt something akin to jolts of energy flying up his arms and all over his body...
"Ahem."
Both turned to face the smiling Dawnchild, whose grin only deepened as both young men blushed deeply. "Now that we're all old friends, shouldn't you take this inside, my Lords?"
Quatre spared the Dawnchild a smile, but then turned to the tall, smirking young man at his side. "Are they all like this?"
Trowa laughed. "Wait until you meet your cousin."
~*~
"You stole that token, thief!"
Berani shook her head adamantly. "No! I swear it to you! Your Princess Noin gave it to me..."
She was surrounded by humans, though, and constrained by her promise to the human Princess. "It is one of them! Thief! Demon spawn!"
She crouched in the small holding area she'd been placed in, covering her head as they once again began throwing things at her, stones hitting her and leaving bruises all over her back and arms- She knew she should never have attempted going into a town or taking the pretty gem she'd seen, but she'd been drawn to it and couldn't help herself...
Berani cried out as a stone struck her particularly hard, and fell forward onto her hands and knees, panting with the exertion not to simply lash out at these stupid mortals-
"STOP! What do you think you're doing?!"
She froze, recognising that voice, and she dared to look up.
Everyone stared in shock at the newcomers.
~*~
The palace of Sandrock was both huge and filled with people, and both Trowa and Lucas gawked at the sheer amount of things going on around them as they followed behind the young monarch, who appeared completely at ease with it all. Completely in control, until-
"Quatre! By the Guardians! Who is this?"
Trowa and Lucas took one look at the tall Lady approaching them before sweeping into low bows. "Lady Une, it is an honour."
Une stared in shock, but recovered herself quickly. "Welcome to Sandrock! You I know are Trowa Barton, but who is this?"
Trowa's rich voice seemed to fill her ears as her eyes met the glowing, golden ones of the Dawnchild at his side. "Lucas of the Dail clan, my Lady."
Lucas, too, stared in shock at this human woman, and bowed again. "My lady!"
"My Lord Quatre!" they heard people calling from multiple directions, and the blond turned to the tall young man at his side with an apologetic smile. "Guardians! I wish I had the time to speak with you now..."
Une smiled at the two young men- she could see that to be true of both. "I can arrange an early dinner for you both, if that would do?"
Her brother turned his bright gaze on her. "That would be fantastic, Une!"
She kissed his forehead gently. "Go, then! I will see to our guests."
With one last smile for Trowa, Quatre turned to the approaching courtiers and marched forward to meet them.
Trowa watched him go wistfully. They had just met, and he already felt he knew the other man as though they had been friends since birth...
Une placed a hand on the young man's shoulder and leaned close to whisper, "He feels the same, Trowa, I assure you."
He turned to her in shock. "Can all members of your family read people's minds?"
Une laughed. "It is written all over your face, young man! Now come- we must find you some place to rest from your journey and freshen up..."
He followed her with a sigh, and completely missed the look that passed between Lucas and the tall Princess at his side.
TBC...
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