Long, long journey out of nowhere,
long, long way to go;
but what are sighs and what is sadness
to the heart that's coming home?
Lyrics to 'Long, Long Journey' performed by Enya

Elements of Great Design Part 12

"My Lady, our scouts have reported that the land of Peacemillion is deserted of souls," the low and rumbling voice of the ogre bowing before the throne informed. "Other than a few of the civilians that clearly have chosen to stay behind, there will be little to no challenge in taking the city."

Raising his grotesque, slimy head, he smirked to reveal his jagged fangs. "Not that we would have any trouble even if the residents had stayed behind. Your fellow humans are quite the weak sort. We have hardly had to put up much effort in bringing down the kingdoms that we have taken."

Mariemaia clapped her hands together with a pleased, "Wonderful. The word of my soldiers is finally getting through to the rest of Gaia. I want the people to run, to fear and to tremble in our wake. It should not be long before those remaining simply surrender and bend to my will." Her soldier chuckled deeply, nodding in agreement.

As reassuring as the news was for them, however, one person was not happy with it at all. From his place beside the throne that dwarfed his niece sitting in it, Dekim Barton was silently fuming. Retreating parties only meant that there were survivors that could potentially begin working together. Strangers or not, they would have the shared goal of saving themselves to have them overcome their differences.

Fear and desperate measures did wonders in uniting people... and it was only a matter of time before their desire to flee might turn into fighting back. Already, there was the nuisance of the Paramecia Empire rebels that had left the kingdom in time to act as guerrillas hiding in the surrounding terrain to bring down whatever small retributions they could.

Should those men and women link up with the scores of refugees that might return, there could be serious trouble for the sorcerer and his plans.

But there was one very annoying factor that Dekim needed to deal with. Treize and Lady Une's strong belief in all life being precious was ingrained deeply within their daughter. Oh, she might consider this war that she had begun a bit of a game, but Mariemaia never seemed to really accept or admit to the numbers of souls that were being cut down. That avoidance was what was allowing her to act as she was.

What was most annoying of all to the old man was that he had to play along. It was his niece that could call upon the monsters of Abandon's dark realm. It was his niece that those horrific creatures obeyed. They were enamored with her, would willingly lose their souls should they die for her.

Still, he needed to plant seeds. One at a time.

Resting a hand on the armrest of the throne, Dekim tightened his grip unconsciously with his longing to claim that seat. "We need to make more examples," he suggested softly, bending at the waist to draw close to the girl's ear. "Your forces need to move faster. There is still a world to conquer and countless more lands in the way to reaching that goal."

He paused before saying, "People will gather. They will talk. And they will come after you. They will want to kill you for your dark powers, just as your parents would have were they to realize what you could do before I did. You cannot afford to be kind now..."

What the sorcerer was about to bring up next was dangerous ground. He knew that. But he had little choice in the matter. Drawing a deep breath, he commented in a whisper, "Let us not forget that your charity may have already cost us greatly."

Turning her head, Mariemaia's face was nearly as red as her short hair. The glare in her eyes was every bit as heated as she snapped, "I made the right decision in handling him. You were the one who taught me that there are some fates that are worse than death and I treated that situation as such. We will not discuss that one again."

And they would not. Dekim would see to that.

However, he could see that his words had the effect that he wanted as he could see the doubt clouding those eyes on him. Outwardly, he humbly bowed with a deep frown of apology. Inside, he was smirking... laughing.

Biting her lip, the child lost much of her ire as she looked to her hideous General. "What of the other cities that have not been taken around the perimeter of the darkened lands that we have control over?"

"Those eight cities have yet to been abandoned," the ogre replied. "All of the residents are still present, including the Sovereigns. If you wish, I could send word to the soldiers that we have stationed in the wings that they are to move in tonight, there would be no time for anyone within those walls to escape."

Mariemaia pondered over her options. And in that moment, Barton knew that he had her for that glaze came over her eyes. It was the glaze and deadness that came over her when she detached from the reality of what she was about to decree. It was her form of survival.

In little more than a breath, she ordered quietly and simply, "Do it."

Oh, Dekim did smirk then as he straightened himself. He still had influence over the girl. And he would use her for as long as he still needed her powers... but it would only be for that long. Then she would be every bit as dispensable as the rest of Gaia.

Then he would claim the throne which was rightfully his.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Heero was one of the first of the Alliance to wake, blinking his cobalt eyes open as he found himself turned onto his side. Quickly orienting himself as being in the same cave where he and his teammates had set their latest camp, his cleared focus locked onto the braided teenager a few feet ahead of him.

Lying on his back, Duo had the back of his head pillowed on his folded arms as his violet eyes stared up at the ceiling. In that blissful moment of silence that was only filled with the soft, even breathing of the Keepers and their horses as they others slept, the Fighter just stared at his best friend. He really took the time to get a good look at the handsome features of the other boy's face in the gray natural light of sunrise that poured from the cavern's opening...

...and he could only admit to himself how remarkably beautiful the Black Mage was.

"I never did thank you, Heero," Maxwell suddenly breathed without looking over at his comrade. Both the sound of his voice and the fact that he had used his full name came as a surprise to the young soldier.

Blinking his cobalt eyes in confusion, Yuy asked just as softly, "Thank me for what?"

Slowly turning his head to meet the deep blue set on him, the gifted grinned sadly, "For standing up for me a couple days ago to Trowa and Catherine... for calling me one of you. I know that it might not seem like a big deal to you, but no one has ever defended me like that. And it is something that I have not, or ever will, forget."

A small, warm smile curled Heero's lips at that. Every bit of sincerity in those words was felt, resonating deep within him. All his life, he had wanted to make an impact in someone's life. Of course, this was not accomplished through his abilities as a Fighter as he had always imagined he would... but this was somehow more satisfying... this knowing that he could do so without raising a single weapon.

That it was this particular person's life he had influenced only meant that much more.

Rather than reply with their usual taunting banter, the soldier replied just as sincerely, "No need for thanks, Duo. It's only right that you get the respect that you deserve. And more people are going to come to realize that over time if I have any say in the matter."

There was a slight shimmer in those intoxicating violet eyes that was blinked away as Maxwell grinned back and reached over to squeeze an arm. Only his hand fell short and gripped the hip of his friend. That touch sending shockwaves through his whole body, Heero did not have a chance to enjoy the sensation when he was instantly alert over how the mage's eyes grew in unexpected panic.

"Heero?" the son of Shinigami muttered, tightening his hold on that strong waist. "Where is your armor satchel?"

Eyes widening, the Fighter instantly moved his hand to clasp it just above his partner's. To his fear and disbelief, the feel of his armor orb was missing beneath the thin blanket that was draped over him, Bolting uptight, he threw his cover off to find that along with that satchel, his purse of coin from Relena was also gone.

Glaring heatedly, Yuy shouted, "Damn it!" On the other side of the campfire ring, Trowa and Quatre shot awake and alert as they sat up in a rush. Duo had already crossed to the other side of the 'room' to search his discarded hooded cape by then.

Winner shook his head of mussed hair, "What's going on?"

On his feet, Heero was pulling his red tunic back on as he shouted, "Someone or something has taken my money and my armor orb!" Their faces paling, the Keepers automatically went to searching their persons and clothing to make certain that everything was accounted for.

It was not.

"My purse is gone as well," the White Mage announced after a look through his pack on Sand Rock's saddle. A few feet away, by Heavy Arms, an infuriated Barton nodded that his had disappeared also.

Scratching his braided head, Duo frowned to the soldier, "How in the Hell was whoever they were able to take your orb? Those things are spelled to burn any hand other than that belonging to the Fighter who wields it." He held up the staff of his Scythe, shrugging, "And they left the rest of our weapons behind. It doesn't make sense."

In a low growl, Yuy responded, "I don't know the answers to any of that. But I intend to find out. With any luck, whoever the dead person is, is unaware that a Fighter can track their orb. Now that I know it's missing..." He closed his eyes, calling forth the location of his armor through his ready mind as he had been taught.

His cobalt eyes snapping open, he gritted, "It's moving. Fast. But it's still in the mountains."

"Tell me the direction and I'll get us there," Trowa vowed as he climbed into his saddle.

*   *   *   *   *   *

"I cannot sit back anymore," Trent hissed under his breath as he stared out to the darkness that had nearly doubled from its last size. Now a part of the growing refugee surge, the Fighter's newest friends in other soldiers from Babil and Peacemillion also peered out to the pitch skies that covered their homeland.

Shaking his head, Mueller muttered, "If we had stayed behind, we would never have survived." Eyes glaring at the clouds, he commented, "It was weeks before Mariemaia extended her control from Paramecia. Now she is only waiting days between the attacks. No matter how far and fast we run, her army will eventually catch up with us."

Alex ran a hand through his wavy, blonde hair as he snorted, "I would much rather face a terrible end sooner if it means that I brought what fight I could to them as opposed to fleeing like this." Dozens of heads around nodded in agreement and lowly grumbling voices rose to speak of their shared desire.

Meeting the gazes of his fellow Fighters, Trent stated, "We all know that there is an army of guerrilla warriors from Paramecia that are making what small victories they can. I say we gather up as many of our own as we can to join forces with them. If we drum up support and more soldiers from the lands that our leaders cross from here out, we could have an army to rival our enemies'."

"You do realize that convincing people to leave their homes for their protection is one thing," a Babil soldier frowned, "but convincing them to work with Strangers is a completely different story."

At that, Mueller smirked, "I hate to bring this up to you, but you're already working with Strangers, Kevin." Those within earshot, including the young Babil soldier, snickered in amusement over that simple and true detail.

Shrugging, Alex smirked to his new friends, "Well, I have to admit that I never wanted to work with anyone outside of Peacemillion, but so far this camaraderie hasn't been nearly the horrible experience that I'd expected it to be." More chuckles rose. More heads nodded to second the sentiment.

Relieved, Trent asked, "So, are we in agreement that we see what we can do to join the Paramecia troops?" No one spoke up in objection and every pair of eyes watching him set in hard determination to the cause.

It was a thing for the history books of Gaia, this easy coming together of Fighters from other lands. And yet as new as it was, the set up was also natural somehow... exhilarating even in light of the fear of what was to come.

"Good," the Coneria soldier grinned mischievously. "Then we speak to our Sovereigns and make our case."

*   *   *   *   *   *

By that afternoon, the darkness had spread to be nearly twice its last size when the Alliance reached the start of their descent from the mountains. His heart sinking, Quatre stared at the sight along with his comrades as he groaned, "At this rate, the darkness will get to us before we get to it. I hate to think of how many have lost their lives now."

"I won't be of much help without my armor," Heero grumbled, narrowed eyes focused on the trail ahead in his determination. "The coin we can find a way to work around, but I might as well go into that hell without a shred of clothes on me if I don't get to that orb."

The whole situation was especially frustrating for the soldiers because it had just seemed as though he was closing in on his goal of finding all of the members to his destined team. Or once, the journey did not seem to be one that would take him so far and sustain for long. But now, it felt as though the voyage might never end.

Peering over his shoulder, Trowa asked, "Has it left the spot where it had stopped last?"

Yuy shook his head, "No, but as quickly as it was moving before, we need to pick up the pace as much as we can before whoever has it decides to take off again." Nodding firmly, Barton set his heels into his steed's side to bring Heavy Arms steady and swiftly onto a firmer patch of road that the team could carefully take two horses abreast.

Silently, Duo brought Scythe close to Wing's side to be a calming presence for his distraught friend. Never saying a word unless spoken to, the Black Mage was every bit the quiet reassurance that the Fighter needed.

Much to Heero's relief, they were gaining quickly on their target. They had not moved, most likely setting up camp early before it became too dark. Giving the Dragoon the way to left or right whenever there was a fork in the trail, his fists clenched tighter around his reins the closer they drew.

Finally, when they reached a patch of flat, tree-topped ridges, Heero's eyes widened as he called, "We're nearly on them." Only then did he really pause to search their surroundings. In doing so, the reason for why the culprit had progressed no further was clear...

There simply was no ideal place to stay for any given amount of time for at least a half-day's descent further down the mountains. They would have risked climbing down a particularly steep and exposed stretch of rock that left them open to both the elements and any of the dangers lurking about. And if those things were not enough trouble, there was also the danger of a misstep in the dimming sunlight that would have them plunging to death.

Here, there was a long and wide stretch of perfectly level 'ground' that was covered with trees. In fact, it was as lush and serene as any of the forests that Yuy had traveled through. Remarkable, considering how the scene was still hundreds of miles from the ground.

"I need a weapon," the Fighter gritted through his teeth. One appeared in his right hand when it fell to his side, a long blade that Duo had pulled from his backup supply. Blinking at the feel of the hilt when it was pressed into his palm, Heero spun his head to take in his grinning friend. With a small nod of appreciation, he dismounted and led the way into the thick cover of shrubs and trees.

Wrapping his hands tight around the weapon's base to adjust to its weight and feel, Yuy's narrowed eyes stared ahead as his comrades fell in close behind with their own weapons ready. Slow in his stalk forward, the Fighter's nose picked up on the smell of a campfire just before his gaze took in the soft glow of flames licking up over a short line of bushes.

Quickly raising a hand without looking back to his team, the Fighter gave the understood signal to them that they be ready to strike.

Both hearing and feeling the teenagers behind him hold their breaths and firm their feet into the ground to pounce, Heero's voice rose in a battle cry and launched himself forward to scale the leafy hurdle in their way. Their own voices raised in kind, Duo and the others were right on his heels when they came into an empty clearing.

Eyes growing in surprise and confusion, the Alliance spun on their heels to take in the deserted ring that was undoubtedly turned into a camp... recently at that by the tell-tale signs that were left behind. There was a small circle of burning embers in the green 'grass' of thick moss as well as the small pile of purses that lay discarded by a rock that had been leveled into a bench.

His attention falling onto that short stack of satchels, Yuy's immediate concern was no longer laying his revenge on whomever had taken the items, but to have his armor orb back with him where it belonged. Practically running around the campfire for the bench, he bent down and reached for the cloth casings when an arrow sank deep into the ground just beyond his outstretched fingers.

Another inch and his palm would have been impaled.

Gasping sharply, the Fighter froze with enlarged eyes at the same time that the rest of his team spun around with their weapons raised. Blinking in surprise when there was no one to find directly before them, they looked up to find a most unexpected sight perched on a thick branch high overhead.

Their culprit was not a man, as they all had originally thought, but a girl no older than their own physical ages of their mid-to-late-teens. Wearing a sleeveless, purple corset and brown pants, the young woman's hair came down in a thick fall of waist-length hair that shimmered a vibrant red in the sunlight that trickled through the treetops. Her piercing blue eyes were narrowed and there was a wildness in them that spoke of a thousand lifetimes lived in her young years.

But most startling of all was that the tall bow in her left was already fixed with another arrow... and it was aimed for Heero's head.

"Lower your weapons and raise your hands if you want your friend to live. If there is so much as a finger twitch from you mages, he dies before you can get a spell off," the archer warned in a low and unshakable voice. "You may outnumber me now, but I never miss and will take at least three of you down with me on my own..."

The bowstring moaned in its being pulled back further. Never did the redhead break her concentration on the Fighter as she declared, "Starting with him."

Silently cursing himself, Heero was dumbfounded to how foolish he had been to land himself right into a trap. Too far from any of the others for them to make a move for him, he had created the perfect set up for their captor to have him.

Under the shroud of his hood, Duo's cast a worried glance of his violet eyes on the soldier. Reluctant as he was to stand down, he slowly bent at the waist to make a display of setting his scythe onto the ground. Quatre likewise lowered his double curved blades.

Trowa, however, tightened his hold on his spear as he hissed up at the girl, "I am not the kind who appreciates being at the mercy of a common thief."

Only briefly casting the Dragoon a smug smirk, the archer returned her focus to the Fighter as she replied, "Titles are so rude. My name is Anna Fraise. And I may be a thief, but I assure you that there is nothing common about me."

When Barton's hand snapped his staff upward, there was a sudden snarl from behind the brush at his left. Taken aback by the sound with a gasp, the tall youth had just enough time to turn towards the sound when a flash of black shot forth to violently knock him flat on his back as a heavy weight settled over him.

Paling at up at the long, dripping jaw of sharp fangs revealed from the damp lips of a furry muzzle only inches from his throat, Trowa stared up in horror into the face of a large black wolf that now had him pinned and helpless with his spear now several feet away from him. The beast snapped threateningly down on its prey as it panted in anticipation to attack at the slightest move.

"And that would be Wufei," the thief smiled. That grin fading, she tugged back harder on her arrow, demanding, "Now... who the hell are you?"

TBC...

 

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