Darkness at Dawn Part 7
Heero and Duo faced off with each other late that afternoon, as the sun was beginning to set into the waters of the sea. The others watched with tingles of anticipation- they sensed that this fight was somehow different than the others...
Duo was still moving tirelessly, much to the envy of his comrades. None of them had truly managed to touch him as yet, but they were all certain that it would only be a matter of time...
Auras flashed into being, and Wufei stepped back in shock at the intensity of the power he felt washing off of both figures. That type of power can't be human... Dear Lord! He stared at Heero in shocked fascination.
Of course it's not! Trowa replied in his mind, with what felt like a light chuckle. He turned back to the combat- the two simply stood and stared at each other, as if daring the other to make the first move-
Heero had never allowed himself to become so charged up while in the Lower Realm- angels were forbidden by Heavenly law to openly reveal what they were to humans, after all. Yet he sensed that Duo would not hold back as much as before, that his fellow immortal would put him to the real test.
And he would not be the one left on the cobbles after this!
Heero's weapon, as he drew it, glittered a bright, pure white, the glow suddenly blinding as he charged it up. He could see the shock on Duo's face, followed by an ever-breathtaking smile as the Dawnchild tossed aside his practice sword and reached over his right shoulder...
He felt all his energy draining away from him yet again as Deathscythe slid from its sheath, gleaming fiery green in its Master's hand. He breathed a sigh of relief as Duo controlled the blade with an easy thought- he was not yet ready to fight that much power...
He attacked silently.
Duo felt his heart beating madly in his chest as he felt the familiar sense of warmth and belonging, holding Deathscythe in front of him. When he first created the blade, it had nearly driven him mad to use it- he had not been capable of controlling it and his attacks had fallen where they may. Experience had taught him much.
The sound of the swords meeting in rapid blows and parries was almost deafening in the otherwise silent courtyard- the Dawnchild was smiling in enjoyment, his voice suddenly bubbling with laughter as the combatants began what looked like a highly intricate dance, each clash of swords sending up sparks of pure light until...
Duo's smile faded almost as quickly as it had bloomed, and he gave a yell as he brought Deathscythe down one last time. Heero yelped as the sword in his hand splintered into shards, and he leapt backwards in sudden fright, wide eyes staring at the Dawnchild. The Fire Lord's aura was fiercely bright as he slowly stalked forward, sword held deceptively loosely in his hand. His voice had dropped low and now thrummed with power, "What do you do now, Angel? Amusing little sword fight, don't you think? But you, of all people, should know not to trust in an inanimate object for your defence! What do you do now?"
They all watched in shock as Duo's left hand came up almost lazily and a ball of greenish fire formed in his palm. Treize yelled in warning as the Dawnchild launched it at the angel-
Heero glared at his opponent, but finally decided to give up his charade- his arms crossed over his chest as his aura flared again to match Duo's. He appeared to be robed all in white as he opened closed eyes- they glowed bright blue with no pupils, like jewels in his face as he carelessly flicked his hand and Duo's attack dissolved as though it had never existed.
The braided creature smiled in sudden delight as he watched the Angel shed his pretence of normal humanity. It wasn't that he wanted to anger his new friends- his dearest wish was to be accepted, and he knew that he was putting that in peril by his actions- but they didn't have the time to hide from their potential! If Ramar would be there as soon as both he and Quatre had seen...
The Dawnchild smiled softly as he let his battle aura fade and slowly put his hands up. "I yield, Angel. I do not wish to fight you."
The others turned to stare at him in shock- they were certain that he had far more power than he had shown anyone as yet! Wufei arched an eyebrow. "This must be another of your jokes."
Duo shook his head. "No- and I could probably beat him, but I have been fighting all day, I'm getting tired, and I refuse to fight the Guardian's Hand. Sorry to disappoint." Deathscythe still in his hand, he leaned heavily on the sword.
Heero had felt an incredible sense of release and freedom as he let his true nature flow through him. He could understand why the Dawnchild had done what he did- he knew that he would be given no space to continue his charade, but it had nonetheless angered him to be forced into revealing himself as what he was. As good as it felt...
The Guardian's Hand... A shock ran through him as he realised that he had been named.
With a sense of regret, he dismissed the power and felt the bizarre tingle that announced that he was back in his fully human form. Heero looked up to see Treize rushing to the slim Dawnchild's side as Duo swayed on his feet.
The ginger-haired man swore, "Fool! Why did you use up your power reserves like that?"
Duo laughed as he re-sheathed Deathscythe. "I'll recover in a few moments, truly. It... It was less using it all up as much as it was using it to restrain it. You're not ready for it yet..."
Trowa glared at his friend. "If we don't get used to it, we will never be ready!"
The Dawnchild sighed. "You... you really want to know what it was like?"
Wufei helped the Dawnchild to sit and plopped down next to him. "Not really, but I think we must."
Duo looked up into Heero's face as the angel joined them. "I should apologise to you all. I've been pushing you unjustly, and it wasn't because I wanted to be rude or to show any sort of superiority," he noted how both Treize and Wufei looked ashamed- yes, he had read them correctly, then, "but because we have so little time, and still if any of you touched my Deathscythe, you would be overcome by what you saw. We have so little time..."
The touch of Heero's mind on his was like a whisper of gossamer sunshine. I know what you fear, and it's alright, Shinigami. You will not scare us away if you show us what you really are, or rather, who you were then. Have faith- no one will think less of you...
Duo looked up and gave the angel a gentle smile. "You are right, of course. Oh well- I suppose it was going to happen eventually." He had them all link hands and closed his eyes. I will let you into my memories, just for a little while. Do not break the link!
They could see a peaceful city and graceful buildings- it was all off, though. There was no sign of life in the place- no voices raised in conversation, no child's laughter gracing the air- nothing.
The clash was sudden and shocking- like a wave of black hatred descending- the Dark Ones fell upon the city's outer defences with a howl like a banshee, feelings of anger, hatred, violence and terror beating on walls that suddenly seemed paper thin, in the face of such terrifying odds. The four visitors shuddered in anger and sick fear as they watched the outer defenders being cut down like dandelions, red splashing on the green ground. They could feel the enemy's exaltation at the spilling of blood, as though it was strengthened by it, screams of pain and terror filling the air and reaching a roaring volume...
The great gates suddenly opened, and the battle din went down to almost nothing- they felt a familiar sense of dread and empty, hollow, lonely, burning anger, and four sets of eyes widened as a rider emerged, behind him an entire army- Shinigami, armoured and cloaked in solid black, his hood flying back-
The violet eyes were no longer their normal hue- as Heero's had earlier, his eyes glowed with power and glittering anger, and power flowed off of him in mind-rending streams of bitterness and rage as he reached for his weapon.
Deathscythe. The blade glowed an eerie green as its wielder released its fury in totality. The four could see the attackers quaking, dread showing where battle lust had been only moments before.
Another rider appeared, among the enemies- he charged for Shinigami with an angry yell. They knew by the fell look in Duo's face that this must be General Ramar.
They had never seen the likes of the fight that ensued. Soldiers of both sides were tossed aside like matchsticks as the two circled and attacked- pure rage poured off the Dawnchild General as the scythe whirled around him and a wave of fire spread out among the soldiers. Four faces screamed in shock as they watched soldiers bursting into flames with screams of pain and terror, while others went unscathed. And in the centre of it all-
With a wild howl of anger and pain, Shinigami threw his enemy down and snapped erect in his saddle. They could hear it, too- the Council's call. It was time.
Shinigami could hear the distant words, and he began to chant, as well, twirling Deathscythe around him until a ball of green fire formed over his head, crackling with energy as it was fed by something that seemed to come from far away. They could see Ramar's face as he realised what was happening and tried to stand, to stop his enemy before Shinigami could finish the working-
Shinigami looked down- he was drained and his eyes were once again the soft violet colour the others had become accustomed to, though cold and hard, as he now stared at his enemy. He spoke only two words. "For Iria." The green fire descended.
The resulting explosion and whirlwind of power and energy knocked the four from their feet- they could hear screams of terror and burning hatred that disappeared quite suddenly as the light flared and flashed-
The battlefield was empty of enemies, apart from burnt-out corpses, whose sickening stench filled their nostrils and made their stomachs heave. Individual soldiers stood with heads hanging in dejection and sorrow as they keened for the dead-
Though distantly aware of the heart-wrenching cries coming from the city, announcing the death, and indeed the complete disappearance, of the Last Council, the four's eyes were riveted on the last remaining rider on the field.
Tears poured down Shinigami's face, and he threw his head back to scream- the sound was painful to hear, so filled with pain and sorrow. It was over.
Shinigami slowly sank into unconsciousness and slumped from his saddle to the ground.
As they came back to awareness, Heero felt a jolt of dread- the Dawnchild was unconscious in the centre of their small group, tear streaks once again marring that perfect face. The angel swore darkly- he could only imagine what it had cost the violet-eyed creature to re-live those events for their benefit- and he gathered the slim figure close into his arms, rocking him like a small child.
Wufei crawled over, still blinking dizziness from his eyes. "Is he okay?"
Heero didn't respond right away, gently running a hand over the Dawnchild's braid of hair as he rocked the still shaking form. "I can only imagine how difficult it was for him to let us see that. Poor, tortured soul."
Treize shook his head as he sat up slowly. He looked over at them with a stab of pain as he caught a sight of the body in the angel's arms. "God- can we do anything?"
Heero looked up, sorrow glowing in his eyes. "Be there for him- be his friend when he wakes. He was afraid- he thought we would be disgusted when we saw..."
Treize turned to his brother and shook the boy's shoulder gently. "Trowa! Please, Trowa, wake up..."
Green eyes blinked hazily up at him. "Oh god..." He let his tears spill and Treize held him close.
Heero abruptly stood and gently lifted both the Dawnchild and Deathscythe. "I'm taking him to his room. Tell Zechs... and we'll see you later, okay?" He waited for three nods before he turned and slowly made his way into the Palace.
~*~
Violet eyes blinked open slowly- it was dark outside. He could see the Sickle hanging in the sky as the curtains stirred in a slight breeze. Wait a minute... curtains?
Heero sat quickly next to the disoriented Dawnchild and took hold of one warm hand. "How are you feeling?"
It all came back to him- the long day, the face-off with the angel, and finally opening his memories for the others to see... It must have been too much. Even after so long! It's been so long... Duo collapsed back into his pillows and shut his eyes. "How did I get here?"
Heero smiled. "You've been asleep for a few hours now, Duo- I wanted to keep you warm."
Duo's eyes opened again and fixed onto the angel's face. "Are they okay?"
Heero brushed a stray lock out of the Dawnchild's eyes. "Apart from worried about you, yes. It hit us all hard, but we had to see it."
The angel's fingers brushed down over Duo's cheek, and he leaned in to the touch, reassured by it with an almost child-like intensity. "They are not scared of me? Of what I did?"
Heero shook his head. "No- I think they understood. None of us will shut you out, Dawnchild."
Tears fell again from violet eyes and the angel gathered Duo against his chest once more, stroking his back gently to calm him, whispering soft words as he leaned his face into the Dawnchild's silky hair. He inhaled deeply as he felt Duo's arms winding around him and holding him, as well.
Kicking off his boots without breaking the contact, Heero reclined both of them onto the bed and pulled a blanket up over them. He looked down again-
Duo's eyes were wide and luminous as he stared up into the angel's face. "You actually care. You do, and it means a lot to me." Heero felt the full power of Duo's smile washing over him from such close proximity- he felt the Dawnchild leaning closer to him and felt his own body matching the movement, felt silky warm breath against his cheek...
Smooth, soft lips that tasted vaguely of mint pressed against his fleetingly, a soft caress that heated his blood in a most confusing way. He opened his eyes- he hadn't realised that he had closed them- and looked back into those of his companion- he couldn't help answering that smile.
Duo felt a tingling sensation running through his body and happily burrowed closer to the angel. "Thanks, Angel friend."
"My pleasure, Duo friend. Sleep now," he whispered.
He held the Dawnchild until he fell asleep, and slowly surrendered to it himself, relishing the incredible warmth that he felt.
~*~
Three heads popped past the door. All three men smiled- the angel and the Dawnchild were snuggled together and fast asleep, with small smiles on their faces.
Wufei drew the other two back and closed the door softly. "The Angel should be able to help him. I hope!"
Treize smiled down at the Captain. "He's strong, but he's so insecure inside! I can't imagine what he's been through..."
Trowa just nodded.
The Captain placed a gently insistent hand on Treize's back and began escorting the tall man away. "We should follow their example- tomorrow will be even harder than today was."
Trowa waved to both of them from the door to his room. "See you in the morning!" The door closed after their wishes of a good night.
Treize stopped at his own door. "Would you like to come in and talk for a while?" he asked his companion, on impulse.
Wufei vaguely wondered why he was getting so nervous as he nodded and followed the tall man in. Treize quickly tossed his sword belt onto the curtained bed and flopped into a chair with all the grace of an acrobat. He looked up at his guest-
Wufei was smiling as he relaxed back into the only other chair in the room. "This is nice."
"Hmm," Treize agreed comfortably, stretching his long legs out in front of him with a sigh. "I should be much sorer than I am- damned Dawnchild made me look like a novice!"
Wufei gave an amused grunt. "All of us, Treize, not just you. Too bad he wore himself out like that, though."
Treize looked thoughtful. "Did you notice his special attack, in the memory battle? I wonder if we all have a special attack of our own."
Wufei smiled. "We might." He pinned Treize with a stare. "You know, as much as today was enjoyable- it wasn't as good as our match yesterday."
Treize grinned back. "I know. I'd love to have another go at it sometime, Captain."
Wufei gave a real smile. "On one condition."
"Name it."
An evil glint lit the oriental man's eyes. "Stop calling me Captain! I have a name, and I miss hearing it!"
Treize raised one forked eyebrow in amusement, but decided that he would play along and see where it would lead. "Very well, Wufei. Your condition is accepted."
After the door closed behind him for the night, Wufei leaned against the wall and smiled. It's nice to hear him using my name, especially! Treize... He returned to his own room and fell asleep with a smile of his own.
~*~
Noin rubbed at Une's shoulders gently as the older woman glared over at their younger brother. "I feel like such a fool! I changed your diapers!"
Quatre laughed merrily. "Think of it this way- our cousin would wipe the floor with me, I'm sure, and then you could laugh about it until time ended. Will that do for you?"
The brunette picked herself up again and faced the smaller form of her brother. "Stop teasing and stand still for long enough for me to take a swing at you!" She launched herself at him with a snarl.
Quatre felt his smile growing- she was getting truly angry, and with her anger came the added power that he had been taught to harness and use so many years before. He didn't quite understand why it had been so much easier for Noin than for their older sister.
The purple-haired girl watched with a small smile. She knew what the secret was by now, and it was almost funny to see how easily Quatre was avoiding Une- almost. She could see how angry the older woman was getting, and she knew from firsthand experience, as most of their siblings did, just how bad it was to get Une angry at you.
With a scream of anger, Une felt it happen- she could feel energy coursing through her mind and body streaking through her until she fairly tingled with it-
She whirled with superhuman speed, and her fist connected with Quatre's jaw.
Both sisters' eyes went wide in shock as the blond King staggered back a few steps from the blow. Une felt a strange sense of fear as he rubbed at his jaw- she knew that he was more powerful than she, and she had just beat him at his own teasing game...
Quatre looked up and smiled before bowing to her gracefully, one hand still rubbing at his face. "I should take this as a reminder not to underestimate your temper, Une. Well done."
He sighed as he fell into his stance again, though. It was a first step.
They would have to take many more if they even wanted to stand a chance against the enemy.
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