Well I've heard there was a secret chord David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do ya ?
Well it goes like this: The fourth, the fifth, the minor fall and the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah
-Lyrics to 'Hallelujah' performed by Jeff Buckley
Elements of Great Design Part 25
All of the sensations running through Heero were completely new to him. Never before had he completely thrown caution to the wind and wrapped himself up into another person the way he was as he kissed Duo with all that he had in him. Instead of being frightened or unsure of those intense, overwhelming feelings, the Fighter lost himself completely to them... thrived in them.
It only took the opening of the Black Mage's mouth when he made a sharp gasp at the initial contact for him to all but sag into Yuy's arms with a deep moan as he clung onto his best friend and returned the exchange tenfold.
His violet eyes closing, he released every reservation as their tongues met in a passionate spar while exploring each other's mouths. Fingers dug into where they gripped and loosened enough to roam somewhere else before holding tight again.
Never before had Heero experienced anything as thrilling as taking in all of Duo's scents, tastes and the feel of him with their bodies pressed together so close. He felt a hand free itself from his back to run up to his neck and bury itself into his unruly hair near the crown of his head.
Only all the more motivated by that, he managed somewhere between the panting, groaning and groping to find the end of his partner's long braid. Freeing its tie, the soldier took little effort in unraveling the silken hair from its weave so that he could finally feel the soft strands between his fingers whilst not ending their continued desperate kissing.
The sensations of both drowning and being seared from an intense fire that began in the pit of his stomach that radiated through him had Yuy riveted.
Not only was that mind-numbing feeling from being able to express his emotions, but it came from realizing every thought, hope and need that Duo was sharing with him through their kisses. To have another want him that deeply... it was too incredible a thing for the Fighter to fully grasp, but he knew better than to doubt the sincerity behind it.
Slowly but surely, their touches becoming more bold, the soldier decided to release his last bit of control to give into his growing desire. Releasing the hand that had locked itself into the son of Shinigami's hair and moving the other further down his back to rest against a tight cheek, Yuy moved to tug at the hem of his partner's black tunic.
And instantly, the whole moment was lost when a strangled cry filled his ears and filled his mouth.
Blinking his wide, cobalt eyes, Heero's arms were emptied as the Black Mage that he had been holding pulled himself back a few steps in a violent jerk. His breath coming in ragged pants through his parted and swollen lips, Maxwell's face was a ghostly shade of white.
Violet eyes enlarged and unblinking on the Fighter, he dug his hand into the loose hair at either side of his head, he whispered brokenly, "D-dear Creator, what did I do?... What in the hell was I doing?"
A deep frown marred Yuy's face at that. "Well, I was actually the one to initiate what we both were doing," he replied softly, "but... I thought that you seemed to be happy in going along with it." Heart still racing in his chest, this time with a notable twinge of pain, he shook his head, "I am sorry, I thought that you wanted-"
"I wanted," Maxwell was quick to reassure, cutting his best friend off. Sighing deeply, he half-wailed, "Creator help me, but how could I not want that with you when I've been drawn to you from the first day we met?"
Under the half-moon that glowed in the heavens, his violet eyes shimmered with tears as he breathed, "But we..." Gesturing with his hands that moved between them, he managed, "But this can never happen, Heero."
When a profound expression of pain befell the soldier, Duo closed the distance between them to cup his face in his hands. "My powers in Death put you in grave danger just now," he explained quietly, a few tears rolling down his face. "Heero, if I had let go of my hold on my gift, you would have... I would have... you would be..." Physically shaking, he hissed through his teeth, "I can't even say it!"
Realization taking hold, Yuy relaxed and his hurt faded, but his confusion only mounted at those words. "Y-you have to control your power all the time? It does not just come on when you call upon it?" he inquired. "Your skin can be touched and your power does not kill the person in contact with you."
Duo sighed deeply in frustration, lowering his head and shaking it as he responded in a near whisper, "My abilities are much more complicated than that." Slowly lifting his saddened gaze, he informed, "I need to be aware, alert with some sense of conscious thought. If I am ever rendered unconscious or unable to produce a continuous stream of control, Death works to defend me when I cannot."
He bit his lip, wincing, "That night you held that knife at my throat you have *no* idea how lucky you were that I came out of the spell that I was stirring soon enough to keep from killing you. It was how the hunters of Midgar knew to secure me in that sack when they got the better of me rather than chance touching any part of my flesh."
A rush of air left the mage's lungs before he said, "It was why the night we stayed in your tent after the Chocobo stampede I made sure you never knew that I had not actually slept for a second. I just wanted to enjoy what it felt like to be that close to you but I was not about to risk your soul. There would never be enough time to intercept the soul that is claimed by my cursed gift when it acts on its own."
Quickly putting the pieces together, Heero's shoulders slumped and his cobalt eyes widened. "Then..." he managed as his skin paled, "that would also mean that if you were lost into the throngs of anything that might distract your focus... like being lost to passion... your gift would lash out in defense against who it believed was harming you."
Unable to trust his voice, Maxwell had to make a couple of attempts before he managed to swallow past the lump in his throat. Shallowly, he nodded.
Crushed, the Fighter's entire body sagged a bit. Here he had only experienced a glimmer of the start to what they could have had... and he needed it the same as how he needed the air to breathe. But he knew that his braided partner would never chance the harm that might threaten him should they really indulge in what he believed they both wanted... at least he hoped that they both still desired it.
Voice tight with emotion, Yuy asked, "But... you do love me... right?"
"Yes," Duo whispered without hesitation. Sniffling as more tears fell down his heart-shaped face, he declared, "More than I have ever loved anyone or anything in all of my existence in this world. You are everything to me, Heero."
Relieved and honored as he was to hear those sincere sentiments, it made the soldier's heart twist all the more painfully in his chest. "I love you the same," he murmured.
And looking on this distraught boy before him, he could not remember ever looking on anything more beautiful than how Maxwell looked with his skin still flushed from their kisses, his violet eyes filled with such a soulful glimmer an his long hair flowing around him on the soft evening breeze.
Thinking of Wufei and Anna, Heero could not help but hold out hope, thanks to their unbreakable devotion for each other even in the light of their challenged love. Of course it would be easier for him to walk away from what had just happened between him and the Black Mage, find someone else with whom he would actually be able to share a complete connection with... but he simply could not deny his feelings.
His head shaking, the Fighter vowed, "I do not care what facet of a relationship we might have. So long as I am with you in any way will be more than enough for me."
Maxwell's eyes continued to well up as he shook his own head back, frowning deeply, "Heero, I could never have you hanging onto or pining after me when-"
Gasping when the other teenager rested a hand against his cheek and leaned in to press their lips together in a chaste but firm kiss, the child of Death's own reserve melted just in time for his eyelids to close as he leaned into the touch.
A small smile on his face when he pulled back, Yuy rested their foreheads together and rubbed the pad of his thumb against the cheek he continued to cup. "You are not going to get rid of me that easily, Duo," he breathed.
"I simply cannot imagine ever feeling as deeply for anyone else as I do you. Perhaps our situation might not be ideal, but I trust you. And I have every faith that maybe we can be together... in that way." He felt the burning blush that flooded his face, but he ignored it. "Even if we cannot, what we can share will be more than enough for me."
With an unintelligible sound, the Black Mage trembled. "You... you really mean that?" he asked, the fear of believing such a commitment on his behalf dripping in his tone.
"More than I have ever meant anything," the soldier promised. "We will take this one step at a time." Shrugging, he added, "And who knows, maybe Howard might even be able to help us in some way if he is truly as powerful as Trowa believes."
Try as he might to argue, Duo admitted timidly, "I suppose that anything is possible." The last of his tears were gently wiped away by his partner as his natural smile returned. Releasing a deep breath in a long sigh, he reached up to brush his fingers against Yuy's cheek and muttered, "All right... one step at a time."
He took a strong hold over his power as they closed the distance between them once more for another deep kiss to seal their pact.
* * * * * *
In the early hours of the following morning...
"Dear Creator," Mueller breathed as he and the whole of the recruit force that he had joined was led to the forests that fell only a mile from the darkness, curving with its perimeter in a perfect formation with it. "This... was not at all what I had been expecting to find," he murmured.
From where the united soldiers and their Sovereign leaders had stood in Salamand only moments ago, not a one of them would have believed the numbers of people hidden with in the foliage's cover.
And yet, for as far as they could see before them and between the thick tree trunks, temporary camps were arranged with haggardly-clothed citizens of the unfortunate cities that had fallen to Mariemaia's demons. Around lowly stoked fire pits, no less than rings of six were gathered around to partake in the breakfasts that were being cooked. As dirty and rough as nearly every one of those rebels appeared, there was a distinct strength in their haunted eyes.
"I don't see a whole lot of Fighters wandering around," Alex commented under his breath. "Not that I can say I am surprised there considering how most of them had probably been taken out during the attacks since they would have been the first line of defense against the dark army."
To the blonde warrior's right, Trent threw in softly, "It only stands to reason that most of the people here use guerrilla warfare as opposed to formations and clear strategic maneuvers without the guidance they would need to organize themselves."
A few grunts and nods of agreement were made by the Fighters within earshot in response. While these civilians were to be admired for surviving on their own for as long as they had when standing against a hoard of monsters, there was also a lot of work that needed to be done. Fortunately, that was a challenge that the new arrivals were more than willing and ready to take on.
Leslie came to a stop at the head of the team, turning to face the King and Queen just behind her. Gesturing to the small clearing at her left, she informed, "Firion is the person you want to speak to regarding where you and your men can set up and fall into our way of living out here." A small smirk tugging her lips, she said, "And he is pretty hard to miss amongst our group."
The Sovereigns took in the tall, muscular young man of no more than his physical mid-twenties with shaggy, silver hair peeking through the gold-horned helmet atop his head. Bearing a cape that matched the striking color of his locks, Firion was indeed hard to miss. Beneath his cloak, the perfectly cut suit of black armor that hugged his body left no room for question regarding his status as a Fighter... one of the very few to be found in these forests.
Peering over the shoulder of one of the older rebels to gaze upon the map in the man's hands, the White Fang founder lifted his head to blink his deep blue eyes in surprise at the sight of his unexpected guests. "Thank you, Joseph. We will resume this discussion later," he told the equally surprised rebel with him. Patting the old man's shoulder, the young leader stepped away from the fire pit that they had been standing around to approach the impressive force.
When he came to a halt before Zechs and Noin, the Fighter smiled kindly, "I do not need to see crowns or royal robes to know when I am in the presence of royalty." Placing a fist over his chest, he bowed deeply at the waist as he introduced, "My name is Firion Dissidia, First Guard of Paramecia." Their eyes widening with sharp gasps, the King, Queen and their fellow reinforcements took in the new light that surrounded their host.
First Guards were the personal protectors of their land's Sovereigns. They were the last line of defense against any threat to those precious lives. And that somehow this one had survived the first wave of Abaddon's wrath spoke highly of him without another word needing to be spoken.
The King cleared his throat and grinned, "Well, no need for bows to us." Holding a hand out to the stunned Fighter, he informed, "Zechs Milliardo Merquise." He nodded to his wife, and declared, "This is my queen, Lucrezia Noin-Merquise. We are the rulers of our fallen land, Coneria."
Holding a hand out to the men behind him, he shared, "And these brave souls are the soldiers of the lands that we have come to cross in our initial flight south. We have come to join your fight against Mariemaia's army with our dying breaths if need be."
Once again taken aback, Commander Firion shook his head and closed his jaw that had fallen open. Quickly regaining his composure, he faced his scout and praised, "Nice work in seeing our guests here safely, Leslie. Please see that the Fighters are shown where they may set their tents and make themselves comfortable."
Pointing to the men, he declared, "Any of their needs are our needs and they will be met as such. I request some time alone to speak with our most honored of visitors and would appreciate that the others around are informed to not disturb us until we reemerge from my station."
With a firm nod, the young brunette saluted and replied, "Of course, sir." She smiled warmly to the journey-fatigued soldiers. "This way, please, everyone."
That said, she turned heel so that the troops could follow her through the trees. Trent, Alex and Mueller remained in place until they were given reassuring gestures from Zechs and Noin to go off with the others. Satisfied that they were perfectly safe, the trio headed off quickly to catch up with the rest of their retreating team.
Lifting an arm to his side, the White Fang founder requested, "This way, please." Not hesitating for a moment, the pair fell in step just behind him.
It was a very short walk to the large tent with a large gold-and-red flag perched at its zenith. Paramecia's colors. Even if the First Guard had lost his homeland, he was still a tried and true follower to honor it in such a way. Already, the King and Queen were coming to like him a great deal.
Firion held the flap of his headquarters open to the royals before heading inside after them to reveal the ornate furnishings inside that filled the space right down to the colorful, woven rug.
To the confused expressions of the Sovereigns, the Paramecia shrugged, "Offerings from the cities that we moved ahead to warn of what was coming." Moving for the oval table as opposed to his desk, he waited for his guests to make themselves comfortable across from him.
Drawing a deep breath, the silver-haired officer began, "I never thought that I would see the day when anyone would willingly volunteer to join our rebellion... least of all a King and Queen. We of the White Fang have all witnessed the destruction of our kingdoms, most lucky to have escaped with our lives."
He bit his lip, continuing, "Whilst we have that in common, our distance had all of us here believing that we were on our own. The Unknown is just as terrifying a prospect as the darkness that has settled upon Gaia to most living in it."
"Like you and everyone here, we simply could not sit back allow Mariemaia to have an easy time in claiming our world," Noin replied. "Zechs and I came to this cause with the hope that word of our involvement will spread to other Sovereigns as well that they may find the courage join in. Like our united Fighters that came with us, we would sooner die fighting than running as we initially had."
Nodding, Zechs complimented, "We were all in admiration of what a well put-together operation this unit appears to be. For having soldiers that have never seen a battlefield, you have quite the assembly of rebels here."
The Commander sank into his chair as he sighed deeply, "Thank you. Since our numbers are growing with every attack, order for the masses is becoming more and more difficult." Frowning deeply, he stated, "I reluctantly requested them to salute and treat me as any of my Fighters-" At the mere mention of his fellow soldiers, Dissidia's voice hitched.
His head turning so that he could clear his throat, Firion straightened himself in his seat and murmured, "My apologies. Even after all of these weeks, it is still very hard for me to take all of those lives that were lost. I had... a lot of friends amongst the ranks that looked after Paramecia. A great deal of good people were taken long before what should have been their time."
"It's alright," Merquise reassured, his own emotions catching up with both him and his Queen as their eyes shimmered. "We have been there with our own kingdom. Noin and I were both in the middle of the assault to know exactly what horrors and terrible ends our people faced in those moments of our flight. I doubt that those memories will ever be able to leave us." Swallowing roughly, Lucrezia lowered her head and nodded shallowly.
Firion allowed one last shudder before regaining his composure as best he could. "Well," he began with a sad smile, "It is up to all of us to make certain that their deaths do not go without repayment, nor their time here in this world forgotten."
Peering to the closed flap of his tent, the silver-haired officer said, "I was incredibly relieved to see your army of soldiers here. As I had mentioned, with our ever growing number of rebels, it is becoming difficult for me on my own to maintain some sort of organization in the White Fang."
A lopsided smirk spreading across his face, he affirmed, "Between having the two of you here as clear rulers and your Fighters to oversee the whole of our lot, we just might actually stand a chance in creating an army that will rival the one of Abaddon's demons. I greatly look forward to the day when we can strike true fear into those monsters for a change."
Zechs chuckled deeply with a mischievous grin of his own. "Firion," he responded, "it is an honor to stand alongside you and to join the ranks of the White Fang. After everything that we have seen and heard, I have no doubt that we are all going to get along famously."
"I second every word of that," Noin smiled, a hint of darkness in the expression for the beasts that one day would never know what hit them.
Rising to his feet, Dissidia's armor clanged in the rough placement of his gloved fist against his breastplate. "Then from this moment on, my warriors are yours. Creator help Dekim Barton and every heathen that he had had a hand in bringing into Gaia."
A bit taken aback at how the Commander left out the mention of Mariemaia's involvement, the King and Queen cast their surprised glances to each other. Clearly, that was going to need to be a discussion for another time. But for now, they needed to establish themselves into their new home and to acquaint themselves with their people.
Dipping his head in a firm nod as he climbed to his feet, Merquise declared, "For Gaia."
Hands joined in firm handshakes and so the newly established rebel force was forged.
* * * * * *
Wufei chuckled deeply as he shook his head of loose, black hair. Peering down to the peacefully sleeping face in his lap, he folded Anna's letter that she had written in response to his as a stray tear rolled down his face. Across from him, Heero and Duo were staying particularly close to each other as they worked together in securing the lead pulls of a cart made from vine to Scythe's saddle the early hours of the new day.
Though something seemed oddly off over the apparent shift in the relationship between his friends, the Earth Keeper could not quite place his finger on what it was. Still, there was definite progress in the right direction.
At the intense brightening of the sky to the east, Chang's eyes blinked widely as he shot his head in that direction. Lowering the hood of his brown cloak, he took in the majestic view of the changing colors in the heavens as the stars in that corner of the world faded in the wake of the bright rays that overwhelmed them.
It was the Monk's first sunrise in five years... a gift from his lover who wanted him to experience it in his own body. Pulling back the sleeves of his shroud, Wufei held his forearms out palm-up to soak the natural warmth that was already greeting Gaia with a marveled expression on his face.
"So," Maxwell smiled widely to the Keeper as he patted the flat bed of the cart, "ready for your first day out and about in the world?"
Unable to contain his joy, Chang returned the bright grin and nodded firmly, "Yes... very much so."
TBC...
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