Darkness at Dawn Part 5
Treize shut the door and locked it securely behind them. Duo was distinctly nervous- with the exception of Heero and Trowa, every face turned to him was shadowed with doubt. In truth, it hurt him to see those looks. It hurt a lot.
"Alright," Zechs began, "could you kindly explain what Otto meant, Duo Maxwell? Or need I to add that we cannot possibly trust you if you will not trust us?"
The Dawnchild sighed as he leaned against the carved, wooden mantelpiece. "He spoke the truth, my friends. It was a little known fact that General Shinigami was Lord Duo Maxwell, at first. The Council figured it out eventually and asked me to join their ranks, both on behalf of my Clan, of which I was the only surviving member, and the army. I agreed."
Wufei caught the Dawnchild's eyes. "In other words, you were the only survivor of a Great Magic, and you've been mostly in hiding since, to avoid questions."
"Yes."
Zechs arched a graceful eyebrow. "And why was young Otto graced with this information?"
Duo turned to face away from them all. "He touched Deathscythe- it spoke to him on contact."
"But it's just a sword..." Treize began.
He stopped abruptly as the Dawnchild reached back with his right hand and drew the weapon. The humans shivered- it felt as though a pit of icy darkness had opened in their midst...
Duo controlled the blade with a thought, restoring the room to its previous state. He watched the others carefully. "General Shinigami's weapon, Deathscythe, was a powerfully spelled weapon, forged by a mere boy of my kind in the fires that were all that remained of his Clan and home. It is enchanted by the boy's lifeblood and the highest of magics- in fact, the spelling of it nearly killed the boy. Though it has been re-fashioned into a sword by the very hands that forged it, it is the same weapon." He stared at the floor with tear-filled eyes. "It hold's its master's darker feelings, his pain, his anger, his fear- the memories are locked into the blade and give it power. You could say- it is as much a part of him as his own soul."
Everyone stared openly, yet Zechs quickly settled his thoughts. "A truly formidable weapon, my Lord."
Duo re-sheathed Deathscythe in an even, steady motion and turned to them with a breathtaking smile- every heart felt lighter as the Dawnchild's cheerful emoting washed over them. "The blade possesses many bad memories and feelings, so it would be best not to touch it, okay?"
They all nodded.
The Dawnchild seemed to relax then, his eyes straying to the window, where the muted light of the late afternoon sun filtered in.
Lord Zechs stood with a heavy sigh. "My military commanders will assemble after the dinner hour for a War Council. I would appreciate it," he said to Treize, Trowa, Heero and Duo, "if you would join us."
Wufei smiled at Treize. "Please do- the others are no doubt curious about the man who fought Captain Chang to a standstill."
Treize looked to the others for their opinions before turning back and nodded. "We'll be there."
~*~
Far to the East Quatre Raberba sighed as he settled into a comfortable position in front of a charcoal brazier. It had come to him earlier that day- he had an idea of who it was that had contacted him, and he knew how to be certain of it. He would walk the Mind Roads.
He stared intently into the flames of the cheerful little fire. The Mind Roads had become dangerous over the past year or so, but they were chaotic this night- there were many presences, no doubt disturbed by whatever it was that happened the night before.
Please be here tonight! I have to know if it was you, cousin...
~*~
The military council outright sneered as Duo stood to address them. He did his best to ignore it. "Gentlemen, we are facing a battle unlike anything you have ever dreamed of. The enemy- he is incredibly powerful. Almost impossibly so."
A lanky, tall officer named Mueller eyed the braided Dawnchild dubiously and said, "I can't believe we're listening to this... thing," the last word dripping in revulsion and sarcasm.
Heero began moving as soon as he felt the temperature in the room plummet- Duo had been willing to put up with quite a lot, and already had, in fact, but he had just reached the end of his patience.
People began shouting as Duo's hand shot out, palm flat, and the air around Mueller began to glow. The man began to twitch and whimper as the Dawnchild's eyes were lit from within by some eerie inner fire, and everyone was quite suddenly aware of the great power of this seeming young man. "I could kill you with barely a thought- I could reduce this entire town to dust," he whispered, the sound somehow penetrating to every corner of the room. "I'm tired of your mistrust, mortal. If I had as little honour as you, I should leave and let you all be slaughtered when the Dark Ones arrive."
"Duo, please- release the idiot," Heero called to him in Dawnspeak, concern ringing in his voice. "We'll need every body we can get to defend this place."
The Dawnchild's fell eyes swept the room, taking in the frightened looks, and he slowly brought his hand down, releasing the other man gently to collapse back into his seat. "All my kind are not as powerful as I, but you will need my help as well, if you wish to survive."
They all watched as Duo seemed to dwindle back- he had seemed so menacing before- to a small young man, barely more than a boy in appearance. The violet eyes fell to the floor. "Heero, you know what I know. Please tell them everything." He turned and fled.
Receiving a worried glance and a nod from the angel, Trowa followed him.
~*~
Trowa had been thinking all afternoon about what Duo had said to him- he had certain gifts. Thinking... and then some. It had given him a strange rush just now, feeling Mueller's mind quake in fear- he had never found a reason to be upset. He had somehow known that the Dawnchild would not harm the man.
Where have you gone, Duo? Please don't hide from me...
The Dawnchild wasn't answering him, but it was enough- the green-eyed boy knew precisely where to find him. He quickly made his way towards Duo's quarters, knocking politely before pushing the door open-
Duo never turned from his position in front of the fire, yet he spoke in Trowa's mind, Why show such concern for me? I almost killed a man just now, for no other reason than his stupidity.
Trowa responded in kind, Even those with the greatest restraint snap under intense pressure.
You don't understand, Duo's thoughts continued, it would have been disgustingly easy- and I was considering it before Heero intervened. I'm a monster.
Trowa's voice finally broke the heavy silence. "Not everyone can be an Angel, friend Duo. A monster would have done it, anyway."
The Dawnchild turned to look at him. "How do you know about Heero?"
Trowa smiled. "His aura and you. Though it was a guess until you confirmed it for me."
Duo sighed in defeat and shook his head. "Have you told the others yet? I know he didn't want you to know until you were ready for it..."
"No," the other shook his head, "we'll let them figure it out on their own." His expression changed. "Now are we going to walk the Mind Roads, or not?"
Duo was tempted to ask Trowa how he knew what he had intended to do, but decided against it- he had told the boy about his gifts, and Trowa had obviously been thinking about it quite a lot. His first impression had been correct- Trowa had the strength of mind to be immensely powerful.
He gave the Elemental of Earth a smile. "If you wish to accompany me, you must not release my hand- the Roads will be dangerous."
Trowa sat next to him and took a deep breath before taking his extended right hand in a firm grip. "What must I do?"
Duo's voice changed- it was hypnotically beautiful and endlessly soothing- and Trowa could feel the Dawnchild's power rushing over and through him. Just stare into the flames and trust in me...
Flames. Endlessly changing patterns of red and gold, flickering against his senses, like a drug- Trowa held tightly to Duo's warm, steady hand as they slipped onto the Roads.
Duo frowned. You could feel the tension on the Roads like an ever-present set of eyes watching you. It was everywhere, the very air thrumming with increased power, while voices, many more voices than was usual, floated on the air, all calling out, alarmed. Wondering when the storm they felt approaching would break, and indeed what the storm was. The Dawnchild turned to the boy at his side with a small smile of reassurance as they began to walk.
"Wait! Please don't go- I must speak to you!"
Duo and Trowa turned in unison as a voice hailed them- the Dawnchild's free hand was tensed and ready...
A figure solidified, waving at them both as it ran over. Blond and blue-eyed...
Duo felt tears welling up and did nothing to disguise them. "You... you look just like her... Iria."
The boy figure smiled at the Dawnchild's shock. "I've been told that before, Cousin. We are cousins, aren't we?"
Duo blinked, but gave a smile of his own. "Indeed we are, Lord Quatre."
Trowa started. "You... are King Quatre Raberba?"
The azure blue eyes turned to him, and Trowa felt an incredible thrill as he met the gaze. "Yes, that's me! I recognised your companion from my great-grandmother's description, but I'm afraid I don't know you yet."
Duo intervened for his blushing friend. "This is Trowa Barton, the Elemental of Earth."
Quatre's eyes widened and he turned back to Duo. "And you are Fire- I saw you and heard the awful tidings from you last night."
Duo smiled grimly. "Yes, kinsman. I am and you did."
The blond laughed as he turned back to Trowa. "It is a great honour to meet you, Lord Trowa. A great pleasure." Their eyes met again and there was a silent conversation- they both smiled.
Yet Quatre's face sobered quickly. "The Roads are dangerous- we should not stay here long. Tell me- is it true?"
Duo nodded. "Yes- the Shadow is coming, and it has grown strong."
Quatre nodded. "I'd pronounce a curse on Relena, but that would change nothing by now, I fear. Where are you..." his eyes went out of focus for a moment, "Ah! Good. He will need your help and protection. And you must bring him to me when his defences fall."
Trowa shivered- Quatre was looking into the future! He fixed the blond with a stare and got a reassuring smile in return. He slowly smiled back. "Very well, my Lord."
Quarter's smile sweetened. "We need no titles, my friend. To you, I am only Quatre."
He turned to Duo. "And you, Cousin. Iria wrote much of her family and the War, not excluding your role. I look forward to meeting you."
Duo gave his dazzling smile. "Go now- we will stay in direct contact through the fire from now on- less risky that way."
Quatre nodded. "Farewell!" he called with a final wave. He vanished.
Trowa felt the grip on his hand tightening as something approached... He felt terror lacing through his mind, even as something reassured him and he once again felt Duo's power washing through his senses... He was being pulled back, and it was ever so warm and comfortable...
He was on cushions, well-wrapped, and he was shaking.
Duo was there instantly, supporting him as he sat up. Trowa gratefully accepted a cup of wine, sipping at it slowly as he tried to remember... He turned to face the Dawnchild. "What was... that? You protected me..."
"Shh, easy," Duo replied, a surprisingly strong arm tightening around his shoulders. "I must apologise to you- I could not let Ramar know that I still live as yet. I let your presence shield mine, and he tried to catch a hold of you." He gave a short laugh. "The Dark Ones will avoid you in the future, friend Trowa!"
The green-eyed youth rubbed at his eyes. "Wuh- what exactly happened?"
Duo grinned. "You projected some of my power, on top of yours, and scared the shit out of them! Rather- I projected through you so they wouldn't see me, but same effect. It was too much for you, though, and you passed out. Don't worry- you'll be fine in a few moments. Just... just relax."
"Ramar," Trowa mused. "He... he is the enemy General. And he was after Quatre, wasn't he?"
Duo looked sad. "I'm sorry, Trowa. I had to give Quatre time to get away..."
"No need to apologise," Trowa interrupted, "I understand." He eyed the Dawnchild as he sat up and pulled what he realised was Duo's cloak tighter around himself. He tried to- amazed, he sat back. The violet-eyed creature was resisting his mind-speech! He tried normal communication, then. "You know this Ramar?"
Duo shrugged. "Not socially, no..."
"Duo!"
"Oh, very well!" the Dawnchild sighed. "He was the Dark Chieftain, responsible for the massacre of my Clan. Ramar was my personal target and enemy throughout the War. And he hated me... because I defeated him.
"You'll find," Duo continued, "that most Dawnchildren are not as powerful as I. I was always different- a stronger mage at age four than most ever became. Iria alone really understood. After the battle..."
He fell silent and simply stared at the floor for a moment before trying to speak again. "When it was all over, she hid me and took care of me- she was my last living relative."
Trowa looked up into Duo's face- even drawn in sadness, he was strikingly beautiful. "I'm sorry, Duo."
They sat in silence for a few moments, until another thing came back to the green-eyed man, and he turned to his friend in sudden confusion. "Duo, when we met Quatre, you introduced me as Trowa Barton."
The Dawnchild nodded. "That is your name, is it not?"
Trowa nodded, but his eyes remained unclear. "I haven't used that name... I won't ask how you knew it, but I haven't used the name Barton since... since my family went away." He shuddered, and Duo felt guilt welling up again inside of him.
"I'm sorry, Trowa- I shouldn't have let that slip.."
The young man changed the subject quickly. "Quatre seems to be a genuinely good person."
Duo smiled, allowing the other to avoid the conversation about his past for the moment. "Yes, he does- and probably powerful- he didn't fear the Roads, as most mortals do."
"He didn't fear or question you."
Duo gave his companion a sharp look. "Do you?"
Trowa met the violet gaze evenly. "I've felt your power directly, but no, I don't. I couldn't say why, I just feel no need for it. You are my friend."
The Dawnchild smiled in relief. "Thank you, Trowa. That means a lot to me."
"Don't mention it."
~*~
Quatre's eyes were bright as he pulled the book out again, flipping feverishly through the pages. "Ah! Here it is!" He read:
My nephew was found only a few hours ago. Poor little Duo- he had to practically watch as Ramar destroyed our home. All his power and he could do nothing!
He has paid for it dearly. Where he was always so bright with life and energy, he holds so many emotions- pain, loneliness, fear, anger, hate. But he survived what no other could have and he made it back to me. The Prophecies spoke true- such power in one creature has not been seen in over one thousand generations.
I can bring back his smile- I can make him remember the way living brought him such joy. And I will- he and my issue shall be the last of our Clan.
Duo the mischievous, the joker, the laughing, smiling boy who brought us all such joy. I'm glad you came back to me
He closed the book with a snap- there was much more. He had grown up reading Iria's tales of the War and Duo's many misadventures as he re-learned how to smile and laugh. The Dawnchild had lived in his imagination, and Quatre had not been surprised to find that Duo looked much as he had expected. And yet more beautiful, still. And then his companion-
Quatre's face spread into a smile as he recalled the embarrassed flush on the green-eyed man's face. Trowa's elegant beauty had been evident, even as he stood at a Dawnchild's side... Chosen of Earth... the Elementals have been called upon. By God and all the Guardians, what are we going to do? Lord Zechs shall be overwhelmed and defeated...
His blood went cold as he recalled his prophecy on the Roads and how the other two had reacted to it. He had seen it- the Sank Kingdom would fall to the Army of Shadows... but would Zechs- or the Elementals, for that matter- survive the battle?
Quatre returned the book to its place and left quickly, in search of his sisters, Noin and Une. He would not be able to help Sank now, but the East would be ready to aid the Elementals and any other survivors after- and to crush Ramar forever. The Dark General had to be stopped, and a descendant of Iria Raberba would do it!
~*~
All heads came around as Elemental and Dawnchild entered the council chamber again. Trowa went directly to Zechs as Duo sat between Wufei and Heero, his bright gaze fixed on the table top. "My Lord," he whispered, "The Dawnchild and I received... a prophecy of sorts. We must evacuate the city."
Zechs' eyes went wide. "Speak plainly, my friend. We can afford no secrets here."
Trowa caught Duo's eyes as he looked up- the Dawnchild nodded. "Lord Duo... was contacted by a friend. I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news- this friend prophesied that the Sank Kingdom would fall to the Army of Shadows."
All faces went pale, and there was a deafening moment of silence before almost all the assembled began to speak at once.
Wufei stood and waved for silence. As the room quieted, he looked to the Dawnchild. "Is this true?"
Duo nodded sagely. "Yes. The prophecy was made... by a distant relative of mine. A human relative."
Zechs, Wufei, Treize and Heero stared at him in shock. If King Quatre had seen it... it had to be true, hadn't it?
Duo's eyes fell once more under the weight of their stares. Heero found the Dawnchild's hand and squeezed it once in reassurance before rising to speak. "In that case, my Lords, we have little choice but to evacuate the city and plan a collapsing defence. If we must fall... we should take as many of them with us as possible."
Zechs was surprised at how easily his men listened to the strange traveller, yet he found himself compelled to agree, as well.
The council continued into the night.
TBC...
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