On dusty roads I walked
And over mountains high
Through rivers running deep
Beneath the endless sky
-Lyrics to 'Skellig' performed by Loreena McKennitt
Elements of Great Design Part 11
"So, I'm thinking we need a name for our team," Duo smiled over his shoulder as he secured his cloth roll of weapons against Scythe's saddle. "If we're going to be representing everyone else in Gaia, it's only right that we be called something."
Up to that moment, the process of packing and securing of personal items that was taking place in the clearing where Yuy's band of comrades were working had been more than somber.
Catherine remained supportive of her brother's choice to leave, however her shoulders were heavy and her face was long with worry. Along with her concern, there were the building nerves over having to cross into the mountains that had the rest of the group uneasy.
Apparently, Maxwell needed to 'fill the silence' that had gone on for far too long for him.
Heero rolled his eyes and snorted at his braided counterpart, "Only you would give any thought to such a random thing." That earned him a raspberry from the Black Mage and he snickered while finishing up in tying up his gear. "If it really makes you feel better, then I am sure that you can come up with a name for us."
Grinning, Quatre piped up, "I like the idea, myself. But I would have to give some thought to a fitting title."
"How about something simple but poignant like the Alliance?" Trowa suggested from within his tent. "Considering the wide scale of lifestyles we lead, it's broad enough that it covers everyone here. Whoever the last two Keeper are, the name will still apply for them as well."
Pleased that the performer was finally speaking once more, Duo beamed, "The Alliance sounds great to me."
Still not particularly caring over the matter, Heero grunted an affirmative and a smiling Quatre nodded enthusiastically. Peering back at the tent behind him, the dark-clad gifted called, "Nice one, Tro-" If he was about to say anything further, it was stopped by the sharp gasp that escaped him.
The tall performer stepped out into the open, smirking in revealing the armor that he was wearing. Wide-eyed, Heero and Quatre also froze to openly stare at the striking figure that their newest ally made in the purple-and-gold material that covered him; from the dragon head-shaped helmet that's 'snout' came down over the long fall of bangs with shining red 'eyes' to the fins in trios that shot out from the back of his appendages. [1]
In his hand, the performer carried a long, jagged-edged spear with sharp prongs along its sides that would surely inflict the deadliest of wounds. The boots on his feet made not a sound as he walked towards his team.
Violet eyes trained on the dragon-shaped helmet of the gray-and-gold armor, Maxwell breathed, "You... you're a Dragoon. No wonder they call you the silent killer of beasts." Slapping his forehead, he laughed, "I should have seen it sooner, considering how many of your kind I've encountered over the years! Silent killer of beasts, indeed!"
His head shaking, Heero remained unable to take his cobalt eyes from Barton as he frowned, "What is a Dragoon? I have never heard that name before."
"Ah!" the Black Mage exclaimed as he met his friend's gaze that had turned onto him. "Dragoons are the elite of the elite when it comes to warriors. They started as vigilantes of dragons and other mystical creatures, but many serve as guides and other such roles in helping travelers cross the less than friendly parts of Gaia. They're fast, lethal and..."
Flushing, he gestured to Trowa as he concluded, "And as you can see... physically perfect to handle pretty much anything." Cheeks flushing, he ducked his head with a sheepish grin for the laughing performer. Even Catherine giggled at the gifted's embarrassment over the slip of his admiration.
Good-naturedly, the Dragoon winked and replied, "Thank you for that, Duo. As much work as I put in to being able to fend all sorts of creatures, it's good to know that the efforts are appreciated." That said, he joined his sister to finish packing the last of his things.
His frown deepening, Heero centered his attention back onto the entertainer. Just as Maxwell had suggested, there was not a flaw to be found in Barton's physique.
That armor fit the tall boy like a second skin, leaving very little to the imagination as to what was beneath. Having already seen him shirtless once, the Fighter knew the other boy to be muscular... but now up close it was easy to see that the Dragoon was much more strapping in every way.
Maxwell certainly had taken notice in that. And it was annoying to the soldier just how much that bothered him.
Fighting his glare, Yuy turned back to his saddle to make the knots tight that kept his gear in place against his saddle. "Aw. What's the matter, 'Ro? Jealous?" a teasing voice asked in little more than a conspiring whisper when a presence slipped beside him, the smirk on the lips that formed the word audible in its tone.
Heero allowed his glare to come through when he spun his head to take in the grinning son of Shinigami. Their noses nearly touching thanks to his proximity, Duo smiled softly, "No need to be. I prefer guys that are a little more natural." In a flash, he leaned in to press a quick peck against the tip of his best friend's nose.
Stunned as he was by the gesture, the Fighter swung for the mage's face and missed it only by a hair when Maxwell ducked back snickering.
A fiery blush coloring his cheeks, Yuy scanned the rest of the camp to see that no one else had heard or witnessed their little moment. "Like I would ever be interested enough in someone like you to be jealous," he huffed to the Cheshire grin on him. "I don't have the time or the patience to be bothered with affections in light of what we're setting out to do, anyway."
Humming, Duo shrugged and went back to join Scythe's side. With a tired sigh, Heero went back to his own work and did his best to ignore the tingle that he still felt along the tip of his nose where a certain pair of soft lips had pressed.
Moments later, the Alliance was climbing into their saddles. Embracing his sister one last time, Trowa promised her softly, "I'll come back. You have my word, Catherine. Please see that the rest of our company moves as far south as they can to avoid the danger that is coming."
Nodding as she pulled back, the redhead wiped away a stray tear from her face. "Alright," she agreed quietly.
As her brother mounted his saddle, she walked around to the appaloosa's large head. Gently running a hand along the gentle horse's muzzle, she requested, "You continue to ride true and look after that charge of yours, Heavy Arms." Wuffling as though he understood, the steed moved his thickly spotted head forward so that he could nudge her before she stepped aside.
Wing took to the newcomer's right, pausing as the others moved in to take the other flanks. Staring up at the great mountain range that was only a few miles ahead of them, Heero could see the snow-capped tips high up in the clear skies that brightened in the rising sun. "I do hope you know a safe way beyond that obstacle."
"Several," Trowa smiled reassuringly over to the Fighter. "Between Scarlet and several other scaly friends that I have made over the years that live there, we will be well looked after." Nodding to the rest of the Alliance, he asked, "Ready, then?" Duo and Quatre nodded firmly that they were.
That settled, Barton set his heels against Heavy Arms' flanks to send his steed forward at a fast trot with the rest of the team right behind. Swallowing roughly, Catherine waved and called after them, "Creator speed to all of you!"
When the band was beyond her sight, the dancer folded her arms against her breast and whispered, "I believe you are the hope that Gaia needs. Prayers that you reach your destinies safely."
* * * * * *
Slowly but steadily, the voyagers ascended the side of the treacherous climb through the ranges. Where the three original Alliance members were certain there was not a passage to be found, the Dragoon navigated them through the invisible trails. Overhead, flashes of giant scaly figures including Scarlet swooped by in a silent watch over their visitors.
Narrow as the paths were along the climb, there were few options for discussion amongst the young warriors. Other than casual, topical comments now and then, they moved in a focused and companionable silence. Never releasing a tight grip on his spear, Trowa was always on alert for any sound or sight that might be out of place to alert him to a potential danger. And that focus kept the rest of his team on edge along with him.
Ascending as far as Barton was willing to take them before nightfall, they made camp in a deep cave etched into the side of the cliffs that they had reached. Dismounting from Heavy Arms, the performer took flint to the long bough of a tree that he had taken for himself to make a torch that lit the interior of the cavern as he peered inside.
In deeming the high-ceiling room of stone empty, he glanced back to his teammates and said, "We'll be safe to make camp in here for the evening."
Gesturing to the thick clouds overhead that were beginning to roll into the multicolored heavens at the start of sunset, he stated, "And not a moment too soon as it looks as though we're in for some nasty weather. Luckily, it'll serve as another measure of protection from any unwanted dragon company."
Their horses following them inside, the members of the Alliance removed their bedrolls and blankets while Trowa made a small fire at the center of the massive space. Using the water dripping from the stalagmites around, Quatre raised his hand and brought forth more so that it might pool around the steeds' hooves for a hearty drink.
By the time their temporary 'home' was set up, it was as black as midnight, then a roll of thunder shook the ground beneath them. And the clouds beyond their shelter opened up to release a heavy downpour of rain. Heating some of their food rations, the lot ate and spoke while Winner stared out to the spectacular display of nature at work.
"The rain must make you feel right at home even in the shell of a beast's abandoned lair like this," Barton said quietly to his fellow Keeper. As the aquamarine eyes of the veiled gifted met his, he smiled wistfully, "I know how at peace I am whenever there is a particularly strong gust like the ones that are talking place outside."
Once more reminded at how he was no longer the only one of his kind, Winner nodded with a brilliantly smiled, "I have always felt better wherever there is water." Tilting his head, he asked, "How was it you came to know that you were... well you? I cannot imagine that it would have been easy to realize your tie to Air as it is everywhere you turn."
Staring into the fire, the Dragoon shook his head, "No. It was not easy at all. Well into my training amongst these mountains, I had traveled on my own to become more familiar with the lay of the trails. I took what should have been a fatal slip, a simple shift in the rocks beneath my feet that sent me tumbling from near the peaks."
With a deep breath, he shuddered and went on, "I was certain that I was going to die when it felt like there were arms all around me... lifting me up until my feet were lowered securely onto the edge of a more secure jutting of rock."
Chuckling softly, the performer shrugged, "I had convinced myself that there was an angel, maybe my mother or father, that had carried me because it was not my time. But there was only so much talking myself into that notion that I could do before I had to come to terms with the reality that I had flown. Well, not really flown on my own power but with the help of the wind that I had willed to appear."
Slowly raising his head to take in the interested expressions on him, Trowa continued, "I made several attempts to test that theory until control became easier. Though I am not exactly comfortable with flying, it does help immensely to have power in the air to push me along with speed while running and height in jumping during a fight with the monsters that I face. I can also make the air around a threat constrict to the point of rendering them unable to move or breathe."
"Awesome," Duo breathed, cupping his face in his propped up hands. "You know, you are the first of your kind that I have ever come across that is actually an ally to dragons as opposed to the killer that you are trained to be."
Barton gestured to the Fighter, stating, "From what you have shared of your past, we are both the same in how we took on our professions to please our fathers. Mine had died protecting a pack of travelers that had wandered too far from the beaten trails in these ranges. I was physically eleven at the time and hell bent to honor his memory by following in his footsteps in becoming a Dragoon like him, as I knew he had always wished."
Over his shoulder, deeper within the cave lay the tell-tale signs of a nest that had been long since out of use. "However, I have had an appreciation for life and the creatures in it. While I cannot say that I have never killed, I can say that those I disbursed were beyond reason. In cases like Scarlet and the others like her, it was easy to see the difference between them and those that are lost to their blood thirst. I prefer to preserve those that wish to live."
Winner complimented, "That is most admirable of you. I cannot imagine that such a choice won over many friends amongst the rest of your kind."
"That is a great understatement," Trowa snickered. "However, I found another home with my sister when her dancing ability was enlisted into the traveling show that we both work together in from time to time. What acquaintances I was able to make over the years of my not killing came in useful as you all now know. However, I have yet to feel as though I really... belonged anywhere."
Snorting, he looked back on the rest of his team and smirked, "When you told me of the mission set out for us, I was elated more than scared because I know that I can be of help. Sad as it may sound, I already feel as though this is where I was always meant to be; and I have only known you all for but a few hours."
Despite his usual desire to never open up, Heero smiled, "Coming from someone who never thought that he could accept Strangers, I know how you feel. And we are happy to have you included." Duo and Quatre grinned and nodded to back the sentiment.
And so the Alliance had officially become a band of four.
* * * * * *
"So how long do you suppose it will take us to pass these mountains?" Quatre asked as the caravan continued their careful progression upward over a particularly narrow stretch where they had to ride single-filed. "It's already going to be dark again by the time we reach the other side at this rate."
Peering back from the front, Trowa called in response, "It will be at least two more days before we reach the ground again. This is the only way we can travel and still have the room for our horses. Since we need them for our gear, we need to take our time."
Not that Yuy was complaining in that note at all. His head craned to the side, he took in the spectacular view that they had of the southern realms of Gaia from thousands of feet up. The greens of the leaves and grass were richer than any shade he had ever seen before, the blue of the lakes and streams, bluer.
Sporadically rising in the fields and gullies were an array of kingdoms from those that were more natural like Lefein to purely manmade like Romefeller that was not so very far in the distance.
Odd how a place that once seemed so grand was actually so tiny in the broad scale of the world. with this new way of seeing the whole picture, it was a humbling thing to remember how small he was... and how what had once seemed so important was quite insignificant now.
"Do you miss it at all?" he heard his partner riding behind him ask. Stretching his head back to gaze over his shoulder, the Fighter noted the braided mage's small frown.
Was that expression born out of worry? That much was unknown, but it was obvious that Duo had followed the soldier's line of sight to see what had drawn his attention.
Considering his answer for a moment, Yuy stared out to his homeland once more when he felt his response at the same time he voiced it softly, "Surprisingly, not near as much as I was sure that I would by now."
That was the truth of it. Of course he missed his father and his childhood friends Relena and Dorothy. But there was little longing when it came to wishing that he could have his old life back.
After experiencing more life in the last week than he had in his entire existence up to that time, Heero actually looked forward to seeing what more there was to learn and see. Yes, the dread over the war was ever present, but with every new acquaintance he made, so did his confidence grow that bit more. Already, he was capable of so much more than he ever would have believed before setting foot into the Unknown.
Gazing back to the person that he now considered his best friend, the Fighter chuckled, "Ask me again when we're up against Mariemaia's army to see if that changes."
Duo's easy smile returned to brighten his violet eyes as he chuckled deeply. It made Yuy happy to see that grin back where it belonged. the Black Mage looked so much more natural when he was smiling...more *him*. Not very long ago, it bothered the soldier to no end how one could always be so jovial. But now he appreciated that about the gifted so much more.
Instantly recalling the morning before and how Maxwell had mentioned liking boys, the comment had been made in jest. However, it had also been an admission... one of which that was creeping more and more to the forefront of the Fighter's mind when they had little talk and more riding to occupy them. Why that realization hadn't startled him was boggling. Oh, there was a reaction but it was not one that Heero could place.
Raising a hand to cast forth a surge of wind that pushed away a tree that had fallen over the path before them, Trowa smiled at how Heavy Arms never so much as paused.
Well aware of his rider's ability, the steed pressed on without pause. "Just a few more miles and we'll be able to stop and pick out a place to camp for the evening," the Dragoon announced to his teammates. Smirking, he added, "No need to worry about the air thinning for us. I have that covered."
* * * * * *
From the height that they had reached, there should have been difficulty in breathing. However, just as the Air Keeper had promised, there was no difference for the travelers as they picked out another abandoned cave. Emerald eyes narrowed, the tall young man took special care in searching every inch of the cavern before allowing the others to enter.
Shifting rocks with his spear in one hand and bearing a torch in the other, he muttered, "I am particularly concerned about Raptons at this height. They like taking shelter in dark and cold places like this. Once they sink their fangs into their prey, there is no time to act before their venom takes hold."
Raptons. Heero had heard of those as well. More snake than dragon, they carried the traits of both. What Trowa was being kind in not reminding was that there were countless other ways those creatures could kill some poor, unsuspecting meal for themselves. [2]
Knowing that such a monster could be lurking about was unsettling, to say the least.
"And we're supposed to be able to sleep when we could get an unexpected visitor like that?!" Quatre half-exclaimed-half-squeaked in panic, gripping the hilts of his bowed blades at his hips.
Barton straightened himself at the end of his search, snickering, "Don't worry. It's clear. Raptons sleep at night as we do, however you can stay up to keep an eye out if you wish."
As the rest of the Alliance entered, he shrugged, "But my suggestion would be to get as much rest as possible since we'll begin the descent from the other side of the mountains. It's a far more treacherous trek than the one we have taken."
Trusting the wisdom of the Dragoon's tried experience, the rest of the lot lowered their packs and set camp. With darkness settling, they were secured under their blankets and snug in their bedrolls to sleep soundly after their physically taxing day.
Little did any of them know that they had stepped right into a trap...
...nor did they realize that the one to set the noose was now free to strike.
TBC...
[1] Link to what the Final Fantasy Dragoons look like in their armor: http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://casualtygamer.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/ffivkain.jpg&imgrefurl=http://casualtygamer.com/2008/08/the-top-10-armoredbodysuits/&usg=__rarJde0mPOYR37pyZzD61AQdixI=&h=435&w=300&sz=22&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=vmCCl4r2zwl4CM:&tbnh=138&tbnw=95&ei=RPkUTv-5Mq_-sQKY39nUDw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dfinal%2Bfantasy%2Bdragoon%26hl%3Den%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D603%26gbv%3D2%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1&iact=rc&dur=265&page=1&ndsp=23&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0&tx=64&ty=59
[2] Raptons are an original creation of mine and not one from Final Fantasy. There will be official creatures from that universe in time, but for now I am only using FF town names as well as the general concepts of that universe to be merged in this fic. I am still debating to whether or not to have a couple of FF characters as I know nothing of them or the series other than what speed researching I am doing.
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