Darkness at Dawn Part 3

Relena relaxed back into her pillows, completely sated. Poor Alexei, she mused- as the blood sacrifice was made, the General had begun to scream and a heavy, pulsating mist had gathered around him, infused with Dermail's blood. As it cleared, another man stood in his place, this one with raven dark hair, enchanting amber eyes and delicately pointed ears. Relena had instinctively known who the newcomer was- the Dark General.

She giggled softly as she remembered how the man took her, thrusting into her with strong, masterful abandon until his voice joined hers in an earth-splitting climax. That he had drunk her dead husband's blood had disturbed her greatly, but she quickly decided that she could deal with it for a lover such as he!

Even now, his long, strong fingers traced patterns on her belly as his lips grazed over her breasts, parting to engulf a rosy nipple and tease it with his tongue. Relena gasped and tangled her fingers in the fragrant silk of his hair. "Oh, my love..."

He abruptly sat up, ignoring the woman at his side. General Ramar smiled ferally as he opened his eyes. He had absorbed Dermails's essence and Tsubarov's life and body, then fed off of Relena's sexual energy. He was ready, now.

Ramar stood and clothed himself quickly, sparing Relena a disinterested glance as he prepared to leave. She had tasted wonderful and been exquisitely eager, as a good whore should be. He would keep her around to amuse him.

It was all that humans were good for, after all.

He smiled coldly as the door closed on Relena's whining questions- he would teach her the virtues of silence later. For now, he had a world conquest to plan.

And no one would stand in his way this time.

~*~

Wufei smiled to himself as he approached the three sitting in a tavern room of New Port City. It had only been a few days, but these young men were already numbered among his closest friends. He could talk with them, and he never felt at all awkward about sharing his thoughts, even the strangest of them. It was for that reason that he had made up his mind- he was going to tell them about the dream, from weeks before.

Treize looked up and smiled as he waved the Captain over, and Wufei felt a return smile forming, despite his best efforts against it. The tall man simply had that effect on him.

Trowa's serious gaze met the Captain's. "Has your network heard anything yet, Captain Chang?"

"Not as yet, Trowa, but..."

Heero wasn't truly paying attention as the conversation continued- he was busy thinking over the strange dream he'd had the night before, wherein a glowing figure had proclaimed that a blood pact had been made with the Dark Ones. A glowing figure that had seemed vaguely familiar. It bothered him terribly- for someone to be dealing with them... And what if it had been Relena?

"...so we're expecting scouts back here soon. His Lordship is worried, nonetheless," Wufei said in a low voice.

Heero physically jumped as a strangely accented voice spoke at his ear, "The scouts will never return- the Army of Shadows won't allow it."

A long knife was in his hand almost before he thought and turned, pointing the weapon at... Merciful Father! I don't believe it, but it must be... A figure bathed in fire... The figure next to him looked to be no older than he was, barely more than a boy, cloaked and hooded. Heero recognised the smile, though. It was the Dawnchild.

Another bright smile. "Well? May I sit, or should I just stand here, Angel? I have news you need to hear."

Heero merely gestured, and the Dawnchild sat with a comfortable sigh. "Ah! Much better! Now where were we, friend Heero?"

Wufei frowned darkly. "And who are you, who comes cloaked and hooded to my Lord's city? Show yourself!"

"Um, Captain?" Trowa tried, "that might not be a good idea. He's a... um..."

They abruptly stopped talking as the Dawnchild gave a quicksilver laugh and the melodious voice spoke again. "I will comply, Lord of Air, though I'm afraid friend Trowa is right."

Hands came up, and Heero gasped out loud as the hood was drawn back. The Dawnchild's face was heart-shaped, with exquisitely fine features, framed by long, chestnut locks of silky-looking hair drawn back into a braid that reached down to his hips, revealing his finely pointed ears. But even more striking were his eyes- enormous, shining wells of amethyst that glowed out in the pale face. The four others were momentarily stunned- no one had ever met or imagined such an individual before, so utterly beautiful.

The Dawnchild smiled again, like a ray of light in their midst. "A pleasure to finally meet you all."

Heero, predictably, recovered first. "I saw... you, last night in my dream, but wreathed in flames, the Fire Lord..."

He laughed again, and they all smiled. "You did, indeed, Angel. You would be able to do so, curse me, I forgot..."

Wufei was gaping at the Dawnchild. "But... you... you're a..."

"Dawnchild? Very astute observation, Captain," the violet-eyed creature finished for him. "I hadn't wanted to enter your town, but this news cannot wait. It's about..."

"Wait!" Wufei said. "Are we supposed to believe a word you say? Really?"

The Dawnchild smiled wickedly. "Hey! I run, I hide, but I never lie!"

"And you never steal?"

Another laugh like silver. "I certainly have in the past, but the man deserved it, he did..."

A shout suddenly burst from the other side of the room. "Lads, look! It's one of them thieving Wild Ones! Look!" Heads spun as everyone suddenly wanted to see, and a huge man stood to approach the slim Dawnchild with murder glinting in his eyes.

The Dawnchild sighed. "I haven't even done anything wrong yet! It happens every time."

Wufei stared at him in consternation. While he was one of them, he had also come to warn them and bring important tidings, or so he said. And then... then there was that same feeling of complete trust he felt for the other three- he knew that this creature was not only their ally, but quite possibly a friend, as well. He pushed himself up from the table in a strong, fluid motion and turned to face the man.

The man stopped short at the look on Captain Chang's face, unsure of what to do. "Are you arresting this thief, good Captain?" he asked indignantly.

Wufei arched an eyebrow. "Why? Has he stolen your property?"

"Well, no, but..."

"But what?" the Dawnchild demanded in his strangely-accented, melodious voice. "What law have I broken?"

Eyes snapping suspiciously, the man turned back to Wufei. "He's a savage, sir! All of them are- wild, no-good, back-stabbing, stupid, untrustworthy, shiftless..." The angry voice trailed off as the man stared, mesmerised, at the Dawnchild.

His violet eyes were glowing in his face as waves of fury, mixed with a large measures of sadness and pain, poured out of him. Heero alone of the other four was not surprised at how clearly he felt the projected emotions- the other three, taken by surprise, were shocked as a strange, tingling awareness coursed through them...

It worried the angel- such pain couldn't be brought into being by words falling from a mortal's lips. No, this Dawnchild had obviously faced some sort of trial for him to react so sharply. No one should have to feel like this! It is wrong and ugly... Reaching out hesitantly, he placed a hand on the Dawnchild's shoulder.

Images flooded into his mind, and it almost felt like it was burning him, in the intensity of it. Heero could see straight into the other's mind and read his history there, see his joy, his pain, his love, his fear, his loneliness, his...

"Yes- sorrow," the Dawnchild murmured, his eyes widening as the angel's touch restored his control and bridged their minds. He rose from his place menacingly, with a sudden aura of power. "Who are you, mortal, to belittle another being like this? What gives you that right?"

Heero jumped from his shocked stupor as Treize's hand came down on his shoulder. "Are you alright, Yuy?"

He nodded shakily as he watched the Dawnchild standing. He hadn't been prepared to see all of that. "Y-yes, I'm fine."

The Dawnchild was still trembling, but with anger and energy now as he faced down the back-pedalling man. Heero quickly stood and put a restraining hand on the other's shoulder. They have no idea of who and what you are- they don't understand...

The glow faded abruptly from the Dawnchild's eyes as he seemed to dwindle back to an unassuming boy. He dismissed the energy he had summoned quickly- a show had been necessary, but he felt no reason to allow his anger to ignite. The mortal's just stupid and naïve, not evil-spirited. Don't worry, Angel-friend!

He turned and smiled at Heero as the other sat, white-faced. Well? If you're going to read my thoughts anyway, I might as well think what I can't say out loud, if we're to preserve your secret, my friend. The Dawnchild turned back to the pale humans around him with a gentle smile and bowed to them. "My people have been called all those things, but I would beg you to remember that no two beings are the same, and one man's behaviour does not dictate that of all men."

Heero and the other three Elementals smiled in relief as the tension in the room broke. The man, though obviously still considering the show of power that had witnessed, made himself smile back before he turned and ran from the tavern.

The Dawnchild whirled gracefully to his companions. "Captain? We should go- your Lord Zechs must hear my news immediately, and I don't want to cause any more trouble."

Heero interjected, "When will they get here?"

The Dawnchild shook his head, the glossy braid of hair swinging silkily. "Soon- before a month passes."

"Who's coming?" Treize asked, with an amused grin.

The Dawnchild sighed. "Difficult to explain in a hurry, friend Treize, but some very nasty customers. I promise you details later."

"Fair enough." They stood to leave, and the Dawnchild reached for his hood and began to pull it up-

"One last thing," the Captain called, stopping the Dawnchild with a hand on his shoulder. "May I ask you a question?"

Another bright grin. "Of course! You may, but I'll choose to answer or not to. But ask, please!"

Even Wufei couldn't help smiling at that. "What is your name?"

The violet-eyed creature gave a radiant smile that sent warmth blooming in all their hearts. "My name is Duo. Duo Maxwell."

~*~

Lord Quatre smiled at his visitor. A true pleasure to see you again, Lady Hilde."

She smiled back at him uncertainly. "And for me, your Highness."

He made a face and swatted at the air, as if to knock the title away. "I am most interested to know what news the Lady Relena entrusted to such a fair keeper."

Hilde couldn't help her smile this time. "My Lady... was curious, how your Lordship was recovering from your loss. Our people send their sympathies, sir."

Quatre's brow furrowed- she wasn't telling him the truth, not in the least. And yet... she seemed so uncomfortable with whatever she had been sent to do. He fixed her with an intense stare. "What is bothering you? I can tell that something is wrong. What is it?"

She tried to back away, but it was too difficult- Hilde shivered as she remembered what had happened to the last person to displease Relena, the man and his family...

A strong fist clenched as aquamarine eyes snapped angrily. "That's no way to motivate someone! By God! Lady Hilde, I will place you under my personal protection- Relena can not harm you here."

She stared back in shock- He read my mind! God! But he will... protect me? "I... I was sent here, my Lord, to spy on you," she whispered finally, a single tear escaping down her face. She looked up and stared back into his face, knowing that he was reading the thoughts from her. "She will attack the Sank Kingdom soon, and then come here. She is... making some sort of pact."

A pact sealed in blood... Lord Zechs, God help you! He gave her a gentle smile. "You are safe here, I promise. Rashid will see to you." Quatre motioned the huge warrior forward and watched with a frown as the two left. A pact sealed in blood...

"Relena, what do you think you're doing?"

~*~

Lord Zechs looked up peturbedly as Captain Chang led his four companions into the private study, yet his eyes widened amazedly as he observed the newcomer. His curiosity was piqued as the three young men bowed to him and the fourth merely nodded respectfully. Zechs raised an eyebrow. "What is this, Captain? You know I'm busy..."

Trowa stepped forward and gave a second graceful bow. "My Lord, a... friend of ours has come, bearing new tidings that you must hear."

Zechs spared the Dawnchild a discerning glance before turning back to the others distrustfully. "You would accept tidings from a Dawnchild? I thought all of you had more sense."

Duo bristled and was ready to speak when he felt a hand on his shoulder restraining him-

Heero's soothing voice was harsher than any of them had ever heard it. "Are you that willing to pass up what treasures a book may contain, Your Grace, simply because of its cover? This Dawnchild has guarded our footsteps from Jirol to your very door."

The Dawnchild raised a slim hand for silence, and pitched his voice low and sad as he spoke. "I don't expect trust, Lord Zechs, from your kind. I did expect someone rumoured to be as wise as yourself to be able to disregard unfounded racial prejudices, though. If my presence is that distasteful to you, I can leave."

Zechs reeled at the words- no one had spoken to him so since his father's death many years before. Yet he is right. And even Wufei trusts him... He looked the Dawnchild over again and froze as their eyes met, ice blue clashing against fiery amethyst. He could read it all there- joy in life, and yet soul-crushing pain, a love of people, and a deep fear of them, great strength of will and power, and yet a simple and honourable philosophy- one of truth.

The young Lord smiled and bowed his head in apology. "You are both quite right. I was wrong and I apologise for my behaviour. Any friend of my friends should be accepted."

Duo gave another of his radiant smiles. "I should hope so, my Lord. I came to offer help, and you shall definitely need it."

Wufei finally stepped in. "My Lord, this man, Duo Maxwell, brings news of an approaching enemy."

Zechs abruptly ceased pretending to work. "An enemy? Who? How many?" Wufei merely shook his head.

Duo's melodious voice brought their heads around. "The Army of Shadows will be at your gates before a month passes."

All faces paled as a heavy silence set in. The Army of Shadows- it was a name they had all heard before, the humans present only knowing it as an ancient evil from the Elder Wars. The Dawnchild spoke again, the fiery depths of his eyes flashing, "The past was sealed last night at the stroke of midnight, when Duke Dermail of Jirol was murdered."

Zechs' face looked pained. "And... his wife?"

Duo fearlessly met Zechs' eyes. "Relena of Jirol sealed the pact with a nobleman's blood, sir, her husband's. I'm sorry."

Zechs' hands clenched into tight fists as anger and shame washed over him. He looked back up in mindless fury. "Are you in league with them then, Dawnchild?" he asked in a low, menacing voice.

Heero attempted to intervene, yet even he was too slow as anger woke deep in Duo's soul. The air around the Dawnchild ignited into blue flames that sent the rest of them scrambling. The melodious voice was as cold as death. "You dare to ask me such a question, Your Grace? You, whose sister has unleashed the Shadow on the world? Trust me," he grinned evilly, and they all felt the temperature falling in the room as cold fear set in, "if I wanted you dead, an entire army would not stop me. You would all be dead already."

The glow faded and died in a second as the violet-eyed creature's eyes became haunted and he seemed to collapse back in on himself. "I'm sorry- I should not have lost my temper. I will leave, if you wish." He turned to go. Why anyone would want me around... I don't know.

"No- please stay." Zechs had been sufficiently frightened by the show of power that his own anger had been quite forgotten, and all he could feel was a great sense of shame- he had insulted this creature twice now, both times for no true reason.

The blue-eyed man met the Dawnchild's surprised eyes. "You had every reason to become angered- I was insulting and rude. Please, don't leave."

Duo hesitated. Was every human going to react to him with such mistrust? And yet his fellow Elementals... He let his eyes roam over them, finally coming to rest on Heero. The angel smiled at him, and he could suddenly hear his voice in his head, saying You belong with us, Fire Lord, and we need you. I don't want you to go. He gave the angel a smile of his own.

Violet eyes swung around to rest on Lord Zechs once again. "I will stay, but you must promise to listen to my tale. Maybe then you will understand why I was so insulted."

Zechs nodded, and everyone pulled up a chair as Duo gestured to the fireplace and flames sprang to life, dancing over the wood. He looked back at them with a breath-taking smile. "Please get comfortable- this could take a while."

TBC...

 

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