Darkness at Dawn Part 39
Roth watched the approaching enemy carefully. The young King and his party were surrounded by the King's guard - the Man'gua'nac corps, if he remembered correctly - and a phalanx of Dawnchild horsemen rode behind them, long, dangerous pikes in their hands.
Even so, he fixed his gaze on a far more frightening and powerful enemy - the creature riding at the heart of the attacking army, an intense violet aura of power surrounding him and beating back at his enemies with such strength that it made Roth's bones quiver. Shinigami's scythe was raised high as he rode, glowing the same intense violet of his aura - grown men shuddered as its song seeped into their minds.
He spurred his horse after Ramar, drawing a long sword.
"To the Raberba! Kill the others, but the Raberba is mine!" Ramar yelled over the din, as battle cries erupted from his army and tore the air in reply to the ringing horns and cries of the combined human/Dawnchild army.
Roth followed closely. This is it - Ramar has given his last order...
~*~
Duo's cackling laughter floated over the battlefield like a banner as he swung his scythe through empty air - Quatre watched, amazed, as the first rung of attackers fell, bowled over by the power that crackled on the air and set fire to their lungs. Quatre cried out in warning to his cousin, though, as the second run calmly rode down the first and a deadly fall of arrows shot over their heads, directly into the advance forces and approaching enemy line. Still riding hard, he threw up his shield.
He heard more than felt the impact of an arrow on his reinforced shield, and grinned as he felt the collective confusion of the opposing army - why hadn't their arrows exploded, as they should have?
Still grinning, he reached out with his mind. ~Duo? It is time.~
The Dawnchild's voice echoed in his mind, thrumming with power. ~Indeed it is. Now, while they are confused. Solo, if you please.~
~As you command, Master Shinigami.~
Wufei, Heero, Treize, Trowa, and Zechs looked up expectantly.
Screams filled the air as a great, black shape barreled towards the enemy army from its rear, fire and death bellowing forth from its gaping jaws, while talons ripped through the rearguard.
The gloomy sky was lit a sickly red colour, and the front line of the enemy faltered as everyone's attention shifted to the rear-
Solo shot overhead, fire ripping through the sky.
The Elemental Lords and Heero formed up into a line at the head of their army's charge and called on their power. As a final touch, the angel released the clasp of his cloak, and let it fall to the ground. As he called on his power, his aura burned to life around him and made his armour shine pure, blinding white.
~*~
Ramar cursed as his riders faltered. "Do not break ranks! Faster, damn you!" Ahead, he could see five riders racing ahead of the others, feel the energy rushing between them and the remaining two who joined up on either side, and he felt vaguely honoured - little Duo was pulling out all the stops against him. Even allowing his Angel to use his full power.
How touching.
He deliberately allowed his horse to fall back as the first ranks fell to the Fire Lord and the second rung of riders charged forward, over their fallen comrades. He watched as the two forces collided-
He watched as Roth lead a troop to the West, skirting around the battle and heading for their enemy's rear, where four Dawnchildren and anyone foolish enough to get in the Army of Shadow's way were going to perish very soon.
Looking up, he caught sight of Quatre Raberba, fighting side by side with the Earth Lord and, yelling his battle cry, he charged.
~*~
Wufei ducked a dangerous swing of his opponent's sword and struck back, stunning the Darkchild with a blow to his helm that left him reeling. He swung the pole arm skillfully and did not watch as the creature fell in a spray of red. Something hit him from behind, and he spun around, extending one hand out-
The surprised Darkchild had only a moment to wonder how his weapon had sprung from his hand to his enemy's before Wufei flipped the sword and threw it back, knocking the hapless rider from his place.
He spared a glance for the others - Trowa was fighting desperately to stay at Quatre's side while the young King pitched and moved with a deadly, feline grace. Beyond them, Heero's very presence on the battlefield seemed to act as a bludgeon on his enemies, as though they were unable to survive in his presence and the light that shone forth from him. The Angel's face was drawn in concentration and sadness as he fought, charmed blade singing on the air.
At his side, Treize was fighting with so much skill that it was... sexy? Wufei snorted and quickly had to dodge a swinging blade. Damn me for getting distracted...
~He will not be impressed with your injury when you tell him you were hurt because you couldn't stop staring at his rather cute rear, friend-Wufei,~ Duo's voice chuckled in his head, and the Air Lord smirked, turning to his next opponent.
The light-hearted reply on his lips died quickly, though. For Duo had been borne deep into the battle by the pace of his charge, Far from the others, and now, riding straight for him-
He barely got his weapon up in time to block as Ramar swung a jagged-edged sword at him, sparks flying as metal hit metal. Wufei struggled to keep his seat - the mere magical backwash of this creature was enough to unseat him, easily...
~Hold on!~ The gentle feel of Duo's mind was replaced by a driven, angry feeling, a dark side to the Dawnchild lord's soul that was powerful for all it was frightening, and Wufei clung to it. His aura flared around him as he snarled and threw himself into the fight.
~Hold on, my friend. I am coming.~
~*~
Noin's glare narrowed, and she caught Abdul's eyes and pointed - the gloom around them was so intense that they literally could not see the main battle, despite the red glow of fires and the way the strange mists stirred as Solo flew overhead. But she knew she wasn't imagining it - something was approaching stealthily from their left.
Abdul spared a look into the circle, where four Dawnchildren sat around a strange green fire, eyes staring unseeing into the flames as they chanted, sitting inside a ring of swords. The Man'gua'nac drew his own blade and stepped to Noin's side, signaling the men forward. "Do we wait for them to attack, Lady?"
The princess shot him a fond look, tempered by her fear. "For the last time, don't call me that."
Sally rolled her eyes - she could not believe the two were flirting when they were about to be attacked! They were looking at each other, instead of watching for an enemy -
"I was hoping I'd see you again."
Everyone jumped and reached for their weapons, but Abdul held his hand up and called, "Huntress?"
"The same. You have a good memory, human," Berani said, stepping out of the shadows with a taller, dark-haired Darckchild at her side.
At Sally's side, Relena stiffened in fear as she recognized Roth, and the Mother Healer put a gentle but firm hand on the younger woman's shoulder.
Roth spoke the Common Tongue with an odd lilt to his voice, "You are the Princess Raberba, then? You do not look at all as Iria did."
"Aye, but my brother does," Noin said, a sword still gripped tightly in her hand. "And who are you?"
He stepped forward, but stopped short as Abdul's blade came up, pointed unerringly at the Dark Captain's throat. Roth let his own blade slip from his fingers. "I am the one called Roth, second in command to Ramar."
Abdul's hand did not budge. "Be that as it may, you are not welcome here."
"I don't think you understand. I did not come here to fight you..."
Noin locked eyes with the Huntress. "Why should we believe you? Duo knows you shot his friend from the sky..."
Berani flinched. "It still lives. I had no choice."
Roth took another small step forward. "Please, you must believe us..."
"The master knew you were both traitors!" an angry voice yelled from the troop behind the Huntress and the Captain, and Roth shut his eyes, knowing he would not have the time to find his sword-
A bowstring sang, and something flew past his face, so close he could feel the feathers on his cheek. His eyes opened in shock-
From within the protective circle of soldiers, Relena Peacecraft lowered her bow. There was a moment of shocked silence before Sally asked in a low whisper, "Since when can you..."
"Hilde taught me," the young woman replied, her eyes glinting in her pale face. "I did not want to be useless." She met Roth's incredulous glance and was gratified to see a glint of recognition in his eyes-
And all hell broke loose around them.
~*~
Ramar snarled in annoyance. The Air Lord should not have posed him this much difficulty, and yet he couldn't seem to get around the man, no matter how hard he tried. Wufei was simply too fast, pole arm swinging with deadly accuracy and singing with power borne of both Air and Water...
That's it! He is drawing on his brothers to fight me! I can fix that, most definitely...
And then, with Little Duo still distracted elsewhere, the Raberba would be his!
~*~
Trowa smashed his armoured fist into his enemy's face, quickly dropping him to the ground, and spun, looking around wildly for his brother and for Wufei. He could feel Ramar's mind, and he knew with absolute certainty that one or both of them were in grave danger-
His eyes widened as he finally caught sight of Wufei, locked in mortal combat with the enemy General. A cry on his lips, he headed in their direction, angrily batting aside anyone stupid enough to get in his way...
~*~
Abdul ducked a wild swing of his enemy's sword and rammed the Darkchild soldier with his shoulder, bowling the creature to the ground. Jumping out of the way as best he could in his armour as a horse trampled through the group and disabled his enemy, he wished he was not on foot, himself, and on impulse grabbed the beast's reins and sung himself up, using the horse's speed and movement to propel himself.
Almost immediately, arrows began pinging off his armour, and he cursed, casting around to catch sight of Noin-
There- fighting back to back with the Huntress. Noin had some kind of cut that was slowly trickling blood into her eyes, bright red against the paleness of her skin in the gloom that accompanied the Dark Army. He ignored arrows and simply bowled over enemies as he fought his way to her side. Abdul didn't give her a chance to protest - he kicked her opponent out of the way and hauled her up onto the horse in front of him.
"Abdul! Let me down at once! D'you hear me?! Those are our men back there!"
He tightened his grip around her waist. "They are pulling back already, Noin. I promised your brother I would protect you, and I refuse to break that promise. They sent a full troop after us, damn them!"
"Roth and the Huntress..."
Abdul cursed as the horse reared and tossed them both to the ground, rolling his charge out of the way as horse hooves came down at them.
Noin cringed as she heard the sound of a snapping bone and saw her knight's face go stark white, biting back a scream. It was his sword arm.
Anger burned to life in Noin's heart, and Abdul was shocked to see a glimmer of an aura around her as she pulled him to his feet and after her, towards the heart of their protected area.
He felt a prickling on his senses, though, and forced himself to look back over his shoulder-
"Noin! NO!"
She screamed as he flew into her, again knocking her aside-
A burly horseman didn't have time to hold back his blow, and the lance that was meant for her pierced armour and body. Abdul screamed.
Noin's anger awoke completely, and she glared up at the horseman, who was drawing out his sword as he headed for her. "Bastard! You stinking bastard!" She held her ground, and Abdul opened his eyes, watching helplessly as the rider bore down on her.
"Go back to the hell that spawned you!" Noin screamed, and her hands came up in a deadly arc, bright blue energy flowing from her and blasting the rider and all that followed after him back in a tumble of limbs and weapons, broken and defeated.
Running to Abdul's side, she threw herself down next to him. He was clutching at the lance in his side, blood on his hands and running down his chest armour.
The enemy was regrouping- battle cries sounded as they prepared to charge again.
Noin looked down, teary-eyed, at her knight, and smoothed his hair back from his face. "Don't you dare leave me here, dammit! I will be back for you!" She leaned down as kissed him.
The sheer force of the kiss took the young knight's breath away, and he groaned, wanting to reach for her, hold her-
Before he could muster the strength to do it, though, she broke away and, with a gentle smile, disappeared into the fighting.
Prone on the ground, helpless, Abdul cleared his mind and called out, as his King had instructed him. ~My King, my lord Duo, we need help, and we will need it fast.~
~*~
Duo cursed - for every enemy he defeated, at least three more stood between him and his companions, and he could feel Wufei's strain and Trowa's concern. Quatre's worry for his people, Heero's overwhelming sadness, and...
"Noin," he whispered. Annoyance hit its breaking point, and his aura flared as he swung the deadly scythe in a graceful arc-
Enemies flew backwards like broken dolls, and Shadow bore him into the clear space without needing to be told, darting to and fro like his namesake. Duo reached out with his mind, ~Solo, I have another task for you.~
He felt a grin tugging at him as he connected with the dragon and felt his glee. ~What is your bidding?~
Duo sent out another wave of sheer power as a group of riders howled and headed in his direction. They scattered like leaves before his anger. ~The Princess Raberba and her knight need help and protection. Can you do this for me?~
Solo's deep laugh echoed in Duo's mind. ~Sending the dragon to save the damsel and the knight? How amusing. Consider it done.~
Duo smiled in satisfaction.
"TROWA!"
A feeling like ice in his veins brought Duo's head around and, fear ringing in his mind, he pointed Shadow in the right direction. "Please, take me there. Now!"
~*~
Trowa spared one last look for Duo - the Dawnchild was too far away to get there in time, and he knew what was about to happen -
He was half-Dawnchild. If anyone stood a chance of surviving it, it was he. Steeling himself to his actions, he spared one moment to reach out with his mind. ~I love you, Quatre.~
~*~
Ramar grinned - just one more moment, and the incantation would be complete. He would wrap this little knight in his tendrils and drain the very life from him. Slowly - with his friends all watching.
And there would be nothing any of them could do about it. Not these humans!
Muttering the final words under his breath, he felt his power billowing around him, and he reached for its core, eyes lit an unholy amber as he released it-
And just before it hit, the half-breed Lord of Earth knocked his companion aside and was hit with the full force of it.
~*~
Quatre's head swiveled around as he heard Trowa's gentle whisper and his eyes widened in horror. Too late he saw the spell reaching out, wrapping his lover in tendrils as hard as diamonds and as cutting as ice. "TROWA!"
Power flared around him, and he knew that Heero and Treize were at his sides, charging forward with him, all three hitting Ramar at once with everything they had.
~*~
Noin's shoulders ached as they never had before, and her ears were ringing, blood pounding in her head. She flinched, but no longer had the energy to scream as an arrow flew past, grazing her arm and tearing through her chain armour. She was past caring.
Her aura flared around her once more as she prepared to charge-
~Finally! I thought I'd never find you!~
She froze in shock. "Who..."
A dark shape flew over her head, and she watched in surprise and sudden fear as something black and immeasurably strong flew over her head, fire and death spitting forth from its jaws. The dragon (for so it was) landed, tail lashing out and tossing foes aside as they stared at it in shock.
Solo made quick work of the enemy force before turning back around, fixing his eyes on the single warrior left staring up at him, her eyes wide in awe.
Noin stared up at the dragon - she knew her cousin had spoken of bringing one into the battle, but she'd never expected to see it up close... "You... are Solo, are you not?"
Gaping jaws opened wide, and Noin cringed - she never expected the creature to laugh at her, but she was immensely glad that was all he chose to do. "And you are the Princess Raberba. My Master sends his regrets he could not come personally."
His voice was deep and made her bones shiver, but Noin could have kissed Solo in that moment. She smiled, instead. "No offence to my cousin, but I think he sent a more than ample replacement." She swayed on her feet.
Solo's strange grin died on his jaws. She was obviously hurt and weakening! "Climb on my back. I will bear you back to safety, Princess."
She took one step forward, then stopped. "But Abdul..."
"I can bear him, as well," the dragon said, lowering one wing for her to step onto.
It felt surreal to her to do it, but climb on she did and, with a roar that sounded far nicer from where she was, Solo took off into the sky.
~*~
Trowa would have screamed, but it hurt too much.
He could no longer feel his connection to his comrades or to Quatre; he couldn't feel anything but the burning cold of Ramar's power, wrenching his life force away, tearing at his mind.
Desperately, he concentrated, holding tightly to that core of his being and the power that he knew was there, the love he felt for Quatre, for Treize, for all of them...
He retreated into his mind, and learned the meaning of despair as he felt it slowly being chipped away.
~*~
Barton screamed and charged forward, ramming into the enemy General from behind, but recoiled as though burned, shaking like a leaf and cradling his side. Heero looked on in horror as angry red burns sprouted up on the Dawnchild's exposed hands where he had touched Ramar. Almost as though...
He reached out and caught Quatre before the blond could suffer the same fate. "No! You cannot touch him - not physically! We have to break his spell. We have to work together..." He sent a meaningful look at Wufei, still dazed and reeling, but doggedly standing with them.
His sword sparked white in his hands as he spoke and Quatre gave him a nod of understanding, tempered by his terror at the sight of his lover being tortured, twitching like some kind of sick marionette.
Treize, Heero, Wufei and Quatre attacked at once.
~*~
Duo watched it unfolding in slow motion, and his mind quaked at what he saw. The perfect orchestration of attacks, holding Ramar just off balance enough that Trowa's angry shaking seemed to lessen a degree, his life preserved for that much longer.
Zechs and Dorothy fighting to get closer and help, but slowly being dragged down...
Lucas dragging an injured Howard back from their enemies, both staggering in pain and fear...
Noin, once again at Abdul's side, fighting desperately to keep him alive...
He could hear their voices in his head, all of them yelling at the same time, pleading for his help, pleading for their very lives. And above it all, Ramar was laughing.
The sound built and built -
Time seemed to stand still as the sound reached an insane level and Duo's hands came up to cover his ears, eyes glued to his friends. Guardians, no! I can't reach them in time!
Duo would never be able to tell who it was, nor how it happened, but Treize and Heero went down at the same moment, weapons falling uselessly from their hands in surprise. Quatre and Wufei tried desperately to distract Ramar, but the General would have none of it, his sword aiming for Heero's heart. Duo screamed-
"STOP, NO!"
Silence fell over the battlefield, complete and utter silence. And Ramar began to panic.
He could not move.
His blade was frozen, no more than a whisper from the Angel's unprotected throat, and he couldn't do a thing about it.
He forced himself to turn his head and look, the action taking an extreme act of will-
Duo Maxwell was standing right at his side, though he had been well over 200 yards away a mere moment before. The Dawnchild exuded power, so much so that Ramar knew he would not have been able to withstand it without whatever magic it was that was holding him immobile. And his eyes...
Duo had always seemed more than just magical, but now, his eyes seemed like a black hole, and yet full at the same time. Deep, endless and brimming with power the like of which, Ramar knew, he had never faced before.
Duo spoke in a low whisper that nevertheless rang in his head. "Release Trowa. Now."
Ramar had no choice but to do so, and the half-breed fell, gasping for air like a drowned man, to the bloodied ground.
He looked into Duo's eyes again and felt fear once again as the slender Dawnchild stepped closer and whispered, "This ends for once and for all, Ramar. Right now."
TBC...
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