Breathe life into this feeble heart
Lift this mortal veil of fear
Take these crumbled hopes, etched with tears
We'll rise above these earthly cares
-Lyrics to 'Dante's Prayer' performed by Loreena McKennitt

Elements of Great Design Part 28

Life.

Shaken to the core of his being, Heero felt every last inch of air rush out of his lungs. For a moment, it was as though he had gone completely numb... floating from the world that only continued to terrify him in its madness.

The only thing that kept the Fighter anchored was the hand on his leg that tightened in a silent reminder that he was not alone. Duo was close. And he was not about to go anywhere. It was in that instant wave of comfort that filled him that Yuy managed to blink his enlarged cobalt eyes as he slowly turned his head to meet the widened violet eyes on him.

"Breathe, 'Ro," Maxwell urged gently, forcing a small smile to add to his reassurance. "Whatever this means, we'll get through it together... right?"

Of course the Black Mage was including the rest of the Alliance when he said 'we,' but Yuy took the most relief in knowing that his braided counterpart was not leaving his side. Swallowing roughly, he was able to give a shallow nod with a whispered, "Right." Releasing a shaky breath, his body shivered as he fought to regain his composure.

When he gazed around the ring of faces, the soldier found only concern and empathy in his friends' expressions, their postures revealing that at any moment they would all rise up to be near him in a moment's notice. However, they also appreciated the Fighter's pride and were only sitting back until he made it clear that he needed them close.

Clearing his throat, Heero gave them all an appreciative grin and declared in a much more sure tone, "I'm alright... just... a little taken aback." Sighs and soft chuckles of understanding filled the air as heads nodded around the fire pit. And so the tension that had built and lasted for what felt like a brief eternity had melted away.

Reluctantly facing the old man at his left, the unruly-haired teenager frowned, "I-I am afraid that I do not understand. Never in all of my understandings of the forces that govern Gaia have I ever heard of Life."

A sad smile curling his lips, Howard patted his charge's back as he replied, "Ah, very few to have lived ever have. And it is a very good thing for it as even those like Mariemaia Khushrenada and Dekim Barton are also completely oblivious that you exist. The secret of you is what keeps the balance of good in the world as you are the ultimate weapon along with your champions here."

Gesturing to the couples around him, the Elder stated, "You have already seen how the Keepers of the Elements have their equal and opposite..." He bowed his head to the Wufei and Anna as they huddled close together, announcing, "There is Earth and Fire..." The old man winked to Trowa and Quatre with their hands holding on tightly between them as he said, "Air and Water..."

Finally holding a hand out to the last pair at his right, Howard smirked, "Life and Death. You boys are the all encompassing powers of the elements. While they all four can create, they can also destroy, which is why you are both vital in standing alongside these Keepers against the darkness. Just as they need to stand together, they need you with them as well or Gaia as we know it will be lost."

Swallowing roughly, Heero felt the weight that was already on his shoulders threaten to level him in light of his new position amongst the team. Again, the hand that never left him squeezed before he could allow himself to sink into his growing fears. "S-so what abilities do I have as Life, then?" he managed to ask.

"That... I am not entirely certain of," Howard admitted, an apologetic grin trying to make up for his response. "While the Elements and Death are very black and white in what they can do, you are still quite the enigma. However, you need not worry considering you have your best of friends that have been with you since the dawn of Gaia with you once more."

Deep frowns spread and startled expressions were exchanged amongst the team at that. "Pardon?" Trowa wa s the one to speak up on behalf of the others. Shaking his head to the old man, he inquired, "What do you mean... since the dawn of Gaia?" He laughed, "Not one of us has lived nearly long enough to have seen those days."

Raising a finger to the Dragoon, the Elder smirked, "Ah, but that is where you are wrong, Air. To the growing eyes and faces that leaned in close, he explained, "Yes, we all physically age slowly in this world. But have any of you noticed how much longer it takes you in particular to change? Perhaps it was something that neither you nor anyone around you gave a lot of thought to, but you had considered it on more than one occasion." An instant shockwave of starts bolted through the Alliance as realization set in.

Anna, who had sat upright along with Wufei, whispered, "Dear Creator... what are we?"

"My dear, you are all the very elements that encompass this world," Howard replied with a deep bow. "These forms that you now have were simply the ones chosen for you by the Creator, Himself. Every so many centuries, you are scattered and you take on new bodies, new existences. However, you all manage to find your way back to one another. The term 'Keeper' was established by the ancient Elders to describe the shapes you take on... what actually keeps you here, but you are the very existences of Earth, Fire, Air and Water."

Gazing over to the son of Shinigami, the aged White Mage stated, "In fact, their souls are so cleverly disguised that you should not have even recognized the difference in Anna's spirit to any other mere mortal's."

Rapidly blinking his wide violet eyes, Duo shook his braided head, muttering, "No. There was nothing different that I could pick up on at all." Icy dread ran down his rigid back as he said in little more than a breath, "Then... they can be killed as easily as any other human as well. If they are taken from this world before their time..."

Howard finished somberly, "Then they will be taken from Gaia forever and not even the good Creator will be able to save us." Meeting the pale faces of the elite elements again, he warned, "As you have already been told time and time again, should one of you be lost then the others will be helpless in ending this nightmare. Never before have you had to unite to create such an offensive, but you were all chosen to represent yourselves in the way that you are now for a reason. It is up to you that your full potentials be realized through the stones that amplify your powers."

Shuddering, Quatre bent at the waist and rubbed his temples as he murmured, "This... is a lot to have to take in. All this time, I was just under the impression that I was like any other White Mage... and now..." Unable to continue, he swallowed roughly and leaned against Trowa's side when his lover wrapped an arm around his shoulders. Throughout the cave, there was a heavy and sobering silence.

"I completely understand, friends," the old man sighed sadly. "While I wish that was all, there is more I must share with you. But that can all come tomorrow after you all put in a good night's sleep." Rising to his feet, his kind smile returned and he rubbed his hands together, announcing, "We have a busy day ahead tomorrow, so I will make sure that you rest well. Forget your troubles, for they are few when it comes to accepting who you truly are. That is the easy part."

Under his breath, Wufei snorted, "Great. Can't wait to hear the rest of what we need to know, then." With a short, nervous laugh, Anna nodded to him. Their hands linking tight, they made their way to their bedroll as the others followed their example close behind.

Pausing before he stepped out of the ring, Maxwell chewed on the inside of his cheek and focused on the white-robed man. "There is more to me as well," he declared rather than asked. Yuy stopped at his partner's side to settle his cobalt eyes on their host as well, unconsciously resting a hand on the braided Mage's back to offer what support he could.

"Ah, that there is," Howard grinned. "Like Heero and the others, you have also taken on many forms and lifestyles for you are Shinigami's favorite child. You were the first and you will be the last messenger of Death to walk this world." When the boy's legs threatened to give out, he suddenly reached out to take hold of his shoulders along with the Fighter.

Slowly leaning his head close to the stunned pair, the Elder urged quietly, "Take strength in each other, just as you have since you came together at the start of your journey. You were meant to always be at each other's side, your powers are the balance to our world's very existence. Now be the same solid foundation for one another."

Every bit of shock, fear and doubt that Duo had felt up to those words began to clear. Violet eyes shimmering, he looked onto his stunned best friend. His head snapping back to face Howard, he breathed, "Then... I... I can't hurt him?"

Chuckling softly, their mentor answered, "Not even if you tried, young man." Their faces breaking out in wide smiles, the pair turned to meet each other's glistening eyes. Waving his hands frantically at his honored guests, the White Mage winked and ordered, "Now, sleep. Busy day tomorrow."

"Right," Heero snickered. Tugging on the braided teenager's arm, he smirked, "Come on, love."

Not needing to be told twice after that endearment, Maxwell grinned back and allowed himself to be lightly pulled towards their bedroll. Moments later, the bearers of Life and Death were curled under their covers and in each other's arms. With all of the Alliance secured, Anna propped herself up from Wufei's protective hold just enough to stretch a hand out to the camp fire to dim its flames down before she settled back down to enjoy her first night back in the familiar care of her lover.

Silently marveling at having skin-to-skin without the worry of unleashing his powers and claiming Heero's life, Duo settled the side of his head against the Fighter's shoulder and sighed as he closed his violet eyes to his first deep sleep in many nights.

*   *   *   *   *   *

"The monsters' scouts returned to their camp only minutes ago, sir," Toby informed, a hand up in a salute as he stared up at his Commander. "Probably won't be long before they'll be on the move now."

Grinning, Firion ran a hand through the boy's shaggy hair, complimenting, "Nice work, soldier. You are a credit to this regime." His tiny charge practically glowing along with the wide smile on his face. Slowly crouching down so that they were on the same eye-level, the White Fang leader urged, "Now I need you to keep close to the others who are set to leave. They will need help arranging our new camp and I need good troops like you to give a hand wherever you can."

With a firm nod and smart salute, Toby replied, "Yes, sir. You can count on me!" That said, the lad turned on his heels and hurried through the thick cover of trees to disappear into the night. A sad smile on his face, the silver-haired leader straightened himself up as his newest allies entered the scene wearing their full armor and weapons.

"Trent, Alex and Mueller are just about finished preparing the volunteers that are staying behind to fight," Zechs informed, the gold helmet on his head glistening in the moonlight that peeked through the treetops. "As for the majority of the rebels, they will be ready to go on ahead of us soon."

Relieved by both bits of news, Firion turned to the King and Queen, sighing, "Very good. I just received confirmation that the enemy scouts have returned to relay their assessment of Salamand to their stronghold. Their forces will likely be on the move within the next couple of hours." His friends blinked in surprise, causing him to chuckle humorlessly, "They are not ones to sit and wait for long when they have an easy gain on territory."

A bit uneasy over the thought of having to take on the demonic troops in the darkened early hours of morning, Noin bit her lip. Quickly holding to her resolve, she suggested, "Let us not waste any time in seeing that our brave ones are prepared for what they have to do." Smiling, she added, "Our Fighters as well as Zechs and I have had our time to ready them, but I am certain that they could use the words of their leader as well."

Firion nodded, his thoughts already set on the mission at hand and followed the Sovereigns beyond where his tent once stood only hours before. When they stepped into the next clearing, Alex's voice greeted him as it shouted, "Commander present! Turn about and salute, soldiers!" At those words, over a hundred feet thundered against the ground in unison while the clean lines of recruits spun around in perfect sync to raise their heads high and place their fists against their hearts.

Taken aback at the perfect formation of the young men and women that he had come to know, had struggled to lead on his own, the silver-haired patriarch of the White Fang looked on his force mixed with the armed Fighters in complete awe. Closing his jaw that had fallen open, he scanned the proud faces before him in the moonlight with a shimmer in his blue eyes. "Well," he managed, a small smile curling his lips, "You all clean up very nicely."

Snickers and soft laughter filled the air from the newly forged White Fang as the soldiers eased their tense postures without shifting their focus on the Commander. Clearing his throat in the silence that fell, Firion shook his head, "I cannot begin to tell one single soul here how proud I am of you for your commitment to rise or the courage under fire that you have shown time and time again in these dark days."

With a deep breath, he continued, "Those qualities that are embedded in you are about to be tested once again. After many failed attempts to free King Treize and Queen Noin of Paramecia, this very well may be the best chance that we have in accomplishing that goal for some time. I do not need to tell you how much good word of their liberation would do for the rest of the kingdoms of Gaia. There would be a true faith that there is hope for our survival. And here would have to be a rally of others that will come and join the fight with us."

All around, heads nodded in agreement. Smirks and winks were exchanged amongst the ranks, the combined strength of Strangers that had become friends and comrades in arms. The multiple colors of Fighter armor that reflected the different lands being represented flashed in the dim light as nudges and handshakes were shared amongst the soldiers.

It was as beautiful a sight as Zechs and Noin had ever seen, their own eyes shimmering over as their hands linked on tightly.

Trent, Alex and Mueller approached the silver-haired officer when he raised a hand to beckon them close. Once the young men were standing before him and leaning their heads in, Dissidia asked quietly, "They all know their specific tasks in the strike? You showed them the way that the King and Queen will likely be taken through?"

Nodding, the Coneria Fighter replied, "They all understand it all, sir. The Fighters will take on the brunt of their soldiers once the rebels have spread them out as far as they can into the woods. We should be able to thin out their guards enough to make our move and take their prisoners right out from under them."

This was a risk that needed to be taken, Firion knew all too well. He had initiated and ordered dozens upon dozens of attacks against Mariemaia's army since forming the White Fang. However, asking anyone to put their lives in danger never settled easily on him.

Slowly scanning the troops before him, he silently wondered how many of those faces he would see again when their offensive was finished. Even if they were successful in freeing the Sovereigns, would the cost truly be worth it?

"Commander," Mueller called softly, bringing the distracted leader's attention to him. "Your warriors know these woods better than any creatures in Gaia. They are ready for this.... they want this... whatever the outcome," the Peacemillion native reassured confidently as his chest rose while his friends nodded vehemently.

And in hearing that declaration, the Paramecian Fighter's nerves ebbed. A short laugh escaping him, he grinned to his new officers, "Thank you. I could not have hoped for better soldiers than you to help me guide these people." Their armor clamoring as they stood sharply with fists over their hearts, the Fighters smiled back and returned to their places amongst the other volunteers.

Once again having to clear his throat, Firion rolled his shoulders back and spoke in his booming voice, "White Fang, dress yourselves!"

The civilians reached into their tattered clothes to remove necklaces of thick wire from which ivory teeth hung- the prize for each individual kill in the past.

For every monster taken out, one of their longest and sharpest of fangs was removed for their mouths to be displayed like trophies. There were even fang necklaces on most of the young women. Throughout the unit, there were some with only one, two or three daggers while others still had nearly half of their loops covered.

But however many or few marks they had to show off, there was pride in every wearer's eyes at having made whatever difference they could.

Eyeing the unique 'jewelry,' Alex could not help but whistle under his teeth. "So that was how this team earned their namesake," he muttered. He smirked to his closest friends, "I will be wearing full necklace of my own before any of you."

Mueller lightly shoved the blonde, snorting good-naturedly, "By the time you fill one, I will have two on my neck that you can admire." Chuckling, Trent and the other Fighters around threw in their own promises to rise to the challenge of having as many fangs to display as possible by the time the war was over.

Removing his long blade from its sheath at his hip, Firion shouted, "White Fang, move into your positions!"

*   *   *   *   *   *

"Are you sure you heard them right?"

"Yes, I am more than sure, love. We are going to have to be on alert at all times if there is ever an attempt made to set us-."

Hearing heavy footsteps pacing closer towards them, Treize's whispered response was cut off and he leaned back away from wife as they lowered their heads. From the corner of his eye, the King noted the tall ogre who had stayed to watch them overnight come to a stop a few feet away. Gleaming red irises watched the couple for a long pause. Content that the prisoners were keeping still, he walked ahead again to rejoin the three beasts standing near the mouth of the cave.

In a low and rumbling voice, the behemoth of the lot informed, "Get received the order that our team will move just before sunrise." Gesturing with its horned snout to the outside world, he sneered, "There will be little to no resistance along the way to Salamand according to what our lookouts have promised."

Bowing his head, the ogre grinned menacingly, "Hopefully there is at least some. It has been too long since I have had the joy of killing humans." The other monsters chuckled deeply in agreement.

Their eyes wide with alertness, Lady Une and Treize shared glances that spoke for them when they could not. If the rebels were out there, an opportunity may have just opened up for them to attack... and if that happened, the Sovereigns vowed to be ready.

*   *   *   *   *   *

Duo clawed back to consciousness in the very early hours of the morning. After slumbering as deeply as he had, he was more than rested enough to start the day...

...He was also keenly aware that he had not slept alone. One of the first sensations to greet him back to awareness was the feeling of two arms looped around him.

Swallowing roughly, the son of Shinigami blinked his violet eyes open only for them to widen with a sharp gasp when they were immediate greeted by deep cobalt. "Oh, thank thee Creator," he half-moaned-half-sighed in relief. Quickly closing the distance between their faces, he claimed his snickering partner's mouth in a passionate kiss.

When they parted only for air, Heero's swollen lips smirked as he panted, "You were worried that you'd killed me." Unable to trust his voice, Maxwell nodded with a soft whimper. His heart melting, the Fighter cupped the side of his best friend's face and leaned in for another deep kiss that put to rest every fear the Black Mage had.

Slowly pulling back, Life and Death's eyes opened and they smiled lovingly at each other. "How are you holding up with everything?" Duo asked gently as he reached up to run a hand through his counterpart's unruly bangs.

"All things considered... okay," Heero shrugged. A small grin returning to him, he admitted "It is a lot to have to take in at times, but at least I know that I have you with me to help me through this."

Maxwell returned the smirk, replying, "Damn right, you do."

Behind the soldier, Anna's voice called, "Well, don't forget about us."

Only then remembering that they were sharing their space with others, the wide-eyed pair sat up in their bedroll to find the rest of the Alliance standing close by as the only ones remaining in the cave at the moment. Waving, the redhead smiled, "Fire."

Wufei dipped his head, smirking, "Earth."

"Air," Trowa greeted with a lop-sided grin as he folded his arms across his chest.

Finally, Quatre introduced, "Water." Shrugging, he smiled, "For a while, we were feeling sorry for ourselves after learning what we really are. He scanned his fellow elements and stated, "But we all came to the conclusion that we can continue down that path or accept what we are and move on to put an stop to the threat against our Creator's world."

At that, Chang smirked, "Since we have been family for... centuries upon centuries, I am sure you know what we decided." His friends snickered around him.

Rising to their own feet, Heero and Duo neared their eternity-long companions. Raising a hand, Maxwell winked, "I would be Death. Damn nice to be reacquainted with all of you fine entities." More laughter filled the air at his jovial remark and the dramatic bow that he made.

With a deep breath, Yuy looked onto his champions with pride. "Life," he smiled at last. Straightening himself, he declared, "Let's get what we came here for and end this war."

TBC...

 

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