Once upon a time, there was a writer who loved both fairytales, the one this is based on in particular, and Gundam Wing. She especially loved her son otherwise known as Quatre Raberba Winner. So, she set out to write an EPIC story with her son as the frontrunner. And then she stopped just shy of the finish line.
She was lulled into other fandom and wrote new epics, but never forgot about this story. Not even after 12 years did she forget. Which brings us to now - she decided to finish this story, much like another epic she penned, putting one more lingering WIP to rest.
So, with that, welcome to the completely new and rewritten Candlelight. This story has been completely reworked from top to bottom and I recommend rereading as quite a bit is different - I am updating here solely for notification purposes, but AO3 is its new home. This story is complete and I'll be updating daily through 4/3 (I started posting on 3/4 on AO3)
And now, to the conclusion.
Chapter Twenty-Three: Past
They arrived in Ares a little less than a week later.
Quatre watched from the deck as the crescent-shaped city grew closer and closer as they came into port. Trowa stood close to him on one side with Heero, Duo, and Wufei further down. Nix was next to him on the railing, perfectly balanced, his tail flicking against his wrist every so often. All of them felt tense, agitated, with the barest edges of nervousness spread between them. There were dark storm clouds that heralded their return and Quatre couldn't help but think it ironic.
Those clouds certainly matched their mood and were portentous of what was waiting for them.
Once he'd been given the 'all clear' from bed rest, Quatre took advantage of the free time they had on the remaining journey back to Ares. Not just in time spent with Trowa, even if they both would have liked nothing better than to cocoon themselves together in bed and forget the world outside. There was too much to do.
He threw himself into sparring with the others to get his wind and endurance back. He sat with Sally and watched as she went over basic care with him and others for the battle ahead. He worked with Zechs and Noin and Wufei as they plotted their best route out of Ares once they offloaded those who did not wish to join them. He and Trowa worked through missives and notices from allies who were on their way to Taurus to wait for their arrival, Heero coordinating the majority of responses back in code should their letters be intercepted and when he wasn't doing that, he was running drills with those who wished to join their forces and fight. Cathy had to take over correspondence with Princess Relena and Sylvia Noventa entirely, just so they could keep up.
It felt like they had too little time to do everything needed. It was unknown how much of Dorothy's defeat Treize and his allies knew about. However, the longer time went without word from her about her control over Tria and Quinque Colonies, the more it was just a matter of time before the beans were all spilled. Quatre was sure that Dorothy would have instructed Treize to await her officially becoming a princess over Tria Colonies, and, well, if he were in Treize's shoes he'd know that a lack of notice from Dorothy could only mean she hadn't succeeded.
To what degree she had failed was maybe still something they could play. Frankly, any advantage they could get would be helpful. Quatre had a feeling though that Treize and Epyon would know that nothing short of death would have stopped her. They would likely have time to plan and prepare for not having the support of Romefeller at their side.
There were other cards to play. Heero enlisting Sylvia Noventa several months ago was likely not something anticipated. Nor was Zechs and Noin's alliance with them, the Peacemillion serving as faster transportation than ship or horseback. Maybe Duo's involvement, unless Shinigami's arrival and subsequent departure with a 'mysterious blond musician' was paired up with Treize's knowledge of Quatre. Nix guarded most of their journey through the Fey from Dorothy—but she was only spying with magic. Treize was likely using more regular means. It wouldn't take a lot of investigation to determine Quatre was who Shinigami departed Taurus with.
Still, that didn't leave a ton of surprise to aid them, to catch Treize and his armies off guard. Which was why they all worked so tirelessly the closer they got to Ares. However, the moment the call went out that the port city was in view, everything stopped. As if they couldn't help it. The reality of their next steps was so much more concrete with the half-moon shape of Ares in plain view.
Quatre took a breath and glanced up at Trowa, catching his eye for a moment. He looked relaxed, but Quatre felt the thrum of anticipation underneath, both eager and anxious. Still, Trowa spared him a smile and tucked in a little closer to him; Quatre smiled back before he glanced down at his three closest companions. Wufei, with his arms crossed and staring at Ares as if they couldn't get there quick enough. Heero, steady as stone, clenching his palm around the pommel of his sword rhythmically, eyes glancing over at Duo.
And Duo.
Quatre bit his lip at the proverbial black cloud he could almost feel hanging over his friend. His arms were crossed, like Wufei, but it was a different kind of tense; more jittery, his nails biting into the skin of his forearms. He kept shifting his weight from side to side and his eyes were hooded. If he could have gotten away with it in plain view without questions, Quatre imagined he'd be gnawing at the end of his braid. There were tell-tale split ends already visible. Quatre couldn't focus on him for long—the pull of his emotions too wild and dark.
He hadn't asked Duo anything about what was clearly eating at him. He knew it had to do with their 'Five Princes' roles and Epyon, but nothing about the heart of the matter. Heero asked him not to, Trowa reiterated the request and Wufei, in a rare show of empathy, expressed that Duo would share when ready. Ready was likely going to have to be soon—Duo knew that truth as well as Quatre did, if the skin pulled tight and pale over his knuckles was any indication.
Quatre wanted to say something. It felt like he should say something.
"We'll be making landfall in about thirty minutes," Noin said instead, her voice cool and collected. "Auda sent word ahead and we've been cleared."
"How long until we can set off again?" Heero asked, eyes still focused on Ares.
Noin flipped her hair as she tilted a smile down at him. "A few days, maybe sooner. Peacemillion won't need much more than resupplying and most don't want to disembark—they want to stay and take up the cause."
"Q was pretty inspiring," Duo quipped lightly. The tone didn't reach his eyes.
"You all were," Noin corrected, gently, before Quatre's automatic denial spilled out. "Even more so with four of the Great Ladies present afterwards."
"I am more concerned if these people are warriors or not," Wufei commented. From beside him, Sally sidled in closer and rested her hand along her husband's back. "Inspiration can only do so much."
"They fought fine against Trolls," Heero said with a shrug. Wufei huffed, unsatisfied with that assessment but not pushing it either.
"That will still give us plenty of time to make it to Taurus by our rendezvous date," Trowa supplied. "We'll make better time with fewer people and without the injured."
"Goody for us," Duo said, false humor ringing especially flat. Heero tensed and his stare shifted from the city to Duo, as did most others before they cut away, all worried but not wanting to push.
That was it, Quatre was going to say something.
"Master Quatre!" Oh, damn it—Auda bound up, dipping into a brief bow before he joined them. "I have news I—is this a bad time?"
Quatre wanted to say yes but didn't. "Not at all, Auda. What is it?"
Auda grinned wide, his teeth especially bright against his sun-browned skin. "I just got word from the harbormaster of Ares while I've been away—"
"Noin already told us," Duo interrupted him. "We know we're all good to land in the port."
Auda had the distinct look of confusion before he shook it off and bowed his head towards Duo as well. Duo tensed but didn't say anything. "No, that's not the word I was referencing—he wrote me to say that we will not be the only notable airship in the harbor. The Hawa Kibli and Viento del Oeste are in port as well."
"Really?" Quatre asked at the same time Duo, in genuine surprise, asked, "Solo? What's he doing back in Ares so soon?"
Auda grinned wider. "Well, I took the liberty of writing and sending a raven to each after we set sailed from the isle, Master Quatre. Both captains expressed sentiments of wanting to assist you back in Ares. So I asked."
"Oh Auda, you didn't," Quatre lamented breaking away from Trowa to approach Auda.
"I did," Auda said, unrepentant. "And they confirmed allegiance almost immediately but didn't know if they could make it back to Ares by our arrival. They did though—and now both airships and their entire crews are waiting for us."
"Well, I have no idea what kind of fighters those ladies on the South Wind are," Duo said, the first hints of an honest grin on his face in days. "But I know Solo and his crew aren't strangers to battles. I can't believe he agreed to join us though—he's pretty firm on remaining an independent party."
"He said he was inspired," Auda said, giving Quatre a teasing look that made the tips of his ear burn. He felt a flash of annoyance from Trowa behind him. "Captain al'Fada was not quite as effusive, but she was definitive in her support. Her homeland is to the south of Venti—I'm sure she views Treize and his forces as much a threat with Venti under his occupation."
Quatre wanted to argue, wanted to tell Auda he shouldn't have pulled in others to this, endangering them for a fight that wasn't theirs. He really did and he could feel the words on the tip of his tongue.
But.
Treize and Epyon were a threat to all of the Fey. And they could use all the allies they could get.
He swallowed past the discomfort at the thought of others risking their lives for him and gave Auda a nod. "Thank you, Auda. That-that is good news."
He must not have been very convincing because Auda was kneeling down on one knee again, a hand pressed over his heart. "They, like myself and so many who have flocked to your sides, believe in what you are fighting for, Master Quatre. The threat posed is one to all of the Fey—none of your allies believe you five should face it alone."
"That, and Solo might be a little in love," Duo joked. Trowa's frown deepened and Quatre turned to take his hand, soothing the small, gnawing feeling of jealousy away with a rush of his own. "He's always been a sucker for a pretty face."
"Elven fighters will be an asset," Wufei said. "No matter how foolish the motives might be."
"The Hawa Kibli is from Tyre," Sally added. "I've been there—they're a matriarchal society and their warriors are fearsome in battle."
"We need to be strong to win," Heero said, eyes catching Quatre's, reading him as well as always. "They made their choice and it will help us do what we need to do."
Quatre nodded, feeling Trowa's lips graze the side of his head, the gesture one of comfort and understanding, and turned back to watch as Ares grew closer.
What they needed to do. Just save the Fey, and the world, was all. He supposed that was an awful lot to try and do alone. Still—didn't mean he had to like it.
True to Noin's estimate, soon enough the Peacemillion was soaring down and splashing into the port, gliding across the water until it came into its berth. The captains and first mates of both other airships greeted them as they landed and docked with the harbor.
Mariam al'Fada was as striking as he remembered. Her silks were a deep red today and it went well with the intimidating braid her hair was done up in, the severe pull of it giving the impression of an axeblade all along the curve of her skull. She gripped his hand in greeting and given Trowa a wide smile before crouching down to pat Nix on the head.
"You are lucky to have found a match such as him," she said, tilting her head playfully at Quatre, to his embarrassment. "Not many would search for an impossible place so ardently as he."
Trowa just smiled and gave Quatre a soft look, his love and devotion like a gentle wave lapping at his senses. "I know."
Mercifully, Captain al'Fada did not linger on pleasantries. She congratulated them on defeating Dorothy, crippling Romefeller, their wedding and the pledged her airship and crew to fighting Treize. Her first mate, a woman who reminded Quatre of Heavyarms a little, nodded along with her captain, her eyes fierce behind the veil she wore. They greeted the others before their attention landed on Zechs and Noin, greeting the other captain and first mate as old friends.
Solo swept in after he was done with pleasantries with Duo and Heero, dipping into a deep, gallant bow before Quatre with his roguish smile. He waggled his fingers at Nix, earning a pleased purr from the little cat in return. His first mate, a tall Elf with coffee-colored skin and bright green eyes, watched her captain with a fond exasperation that spoke to the regular nature of these greetings. Trowa watched him impassively, but Quatre could see the corner of his eye twitching in irritation. Luckily, Solo was not nearly as effusive or teasing as he'd been the first time they met.
"I see you rescued your prince," Solo said as he swept back up, giving Trowa a bow and friendly smile which was not returned. "Brains, beauty, and if Auda is to be believed, can keep pace with a Troll Sorceress in battle—I am beginning to think there isn't much you can't do, Seraphim."
"Thank you for offering your support, Solo," Quatre said, ignoring most of the rest. "We really appreciate it. I know this isn't your fight or—"
"If it has to do with the Fey, I'd say it's everyone's fight," Solo interrupted simply. "Plus, it's important to you and your fiancé, not to mention that rapscallion," gesturing at Duo, "so it's important to me."
"Husband," Trowa said.
"Sorry?"
"Husband—Quatre and I were married on the flight back to Ares," Trowa clarified. His tone was polite and even and Quatre could feel every single bit of hidden smug satisfaction. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the unnecessary baiting both were doing.
"I know you asked to be invited," Quatre said instead. "But we thought it best not to wait. Trowa's sister has insisted on something once everything with Treize is done though."
Solo gave a dramatic sigh, but clapped Trowa on the shoulder good-naturedly. "Can't say as I blame you, Prince Trowa. Remind me to tell you about how Seraphim here enchanted an entire Elven city in the span of a week sometime, if neither he nor Duo has shared the story."
"Solo, by the Ladies, you're gonna get yourself stabbed one of these days," Duo joked, giving Quatre a wink as he started to steer his friend away. Solo just laughed, denying nothing of Duo's accusation.
"It really wasn't all that exciting," Quatre told Trowa as Solo and his first mate continued on with their greetings. "I think he likes to exaggerate—especially if he can tell it needles someone."
Trowa sniffed and wrapped an arm around Quatre's back. "I was not 'needled'. "
Wufei let out an amused scoff while Heero smirked, filling in the space beside them that Duo vacated. "If Solo bothers you, you'll hate to hear about the marriage proposals he got while in Taurus waiting for Duo."
Quatre glared at Heero. "I'd hardly call them proposals."
Heero shrugged and gave Trowa a Look. "One or two had rings."
Sally snorted behind her hand and Cathy ducked her head to try and stifle her giggles; Trowa's frown deepened and Quatre shifted his glare to all of them. "None of them were serious, especially when I constantly told everyone my heart belonged to someone already."
"That just convinced some of them you were in love with Duo."
"Well I obviously wasn't!"
"This does sound like an interesting story," Wufei commented. He could only look at his steadfast and no-nonsense friend in utter betrayal.
Quatre was saved any further mortification as Noin called out for assistance on getting those who they'd rescued from the isle off the airship. Before he made a speedy retreat from his so-called friends, he caught sight of Trowa's face, still frowning, more closed-off than usual. He reached out and felt the strand of insecurity and regret there—that would not do.
"Trowa, they're just trying to embarrass me," he said softly, turning into Trowa's hold. He tipped onto the balls of his feet and brought his mouth close to his husband's ear. "There is only ever you, and it's all I've ever wanted."
He pressed a kiss to the skin there before he lowered back down, giving Trowa an open look that did its best to convey everything he felt for his husband. It must have worked, because the rigidity in his spine unwound and Trowa smiled back. "I know—it's the same for me."
Quatre smiled, a pleased flushed tickling his ears, and squeezed Trowa's hand. "Then don't be needled."
Trowa huffed out a laugh and didn't bother to try and deny it a second time. Nix, never one to be left out, yipped at Trowa in agreement before hopping up onto his shoulder.
They separated as they followed Noin's direction on how best to assist with unloading the hundreds of humans and Elves they'd rescued from the island. Trowa assisted Heero and Wufei with assessing the battlefield skills those who would be continuing on had (or didn't, and how they could best help) and Quatre helped Sally and Cathy with getting people to inns afterwards. Hilde and Duo were busy with Howard and S organizing those who weren't continuing on their way home, wherever that was. Some of the staff from Tria were included in that group.
Quatre felt the familiar pull of guilt as he watched them argue with S, but focused on what he could help with, not what he couldn't.
It took nearly the whole day to get everyone set up in different inns, plus a few generous homes who agreed to house a few of the rescued people for a few nights. Quatre was exhausted by the time they arrived back at the Shanty. Captain al'Fada and her crew were bunking on their airship, as was most of Solo's crew, but Solo and his first mate, whom he learned was called Dana, opted to stay at a neighboring inn. Which was just as well because Quatre was sure that with the five of them, Sally, Cathy, Hilde, Howard, and S, plus Zechs and Noin and the officers in their crew, they put the Shanty at capacity.
They stayed awake just long enough for dinner, Duo and Solo mustering up some conversation for the group, but the sun had long set before they'd made their way back and there was so much to do tomorrow. No one lingered long and Solo bid everyone a good night before heading out to his own inn with Dana and they all made their way to their rooms, some doubled-up.
Quatre almost wished they could take advantage of the real room and more comfortable bed than what they had on the Peacemillion, but Trowa looked as worn out as he felt. Even Nix, who was normally as inexhaustible as the sun, was already curled up and looked half-asleep at the edge of their bed. So after a few sleepy kisses, they turned out the lights.
As sleep took him, Quatre's mind was turning over all that needed to be done the next day and beyond.
Starting with Duo.
Quatre found him early that morning.
Heero never needed much sleep and was up before the sun that morning, same as most days. Duo, unsurprisingly, was already gone. Elves needed even less sleep than Heero and he knew nothing pleasant was waiting for Duo in his dreams. He heard the gentle notes from a pan flute from outside his window and knew Duo was on the roof. He left him to his solitude; Heero understood the value of needing to work through your own thoughts alone.
He dressed and grabbed his sword before heading out to the small outdoor area behind the inn to run through his daily exercises. He moved through his positions with deep, even breaths, doing his best to push everything from his mind but the next move, the next strike. When the sun began to peek over the horizon, he was nearly done and then, he spotted Quatre in the doorway of the inn. Heero noticed that while dressed, he was barefoot and didn't look like he'd done much but roll out of bed and throw on the first things in reach. The shirt looked like Trowa's.
The sleep-rumpled look notwithstanding, Quatre looked alert as he watched him, his blond hair catching the sunlight as he hovered. He wasn't hesitating—he was waiting.
Heero was, in all honesty, surprised it had taken him this long. He expected him to crack earlier, even despite everyone's insistence to not press Duo. Quatre had a hard time leaving someone who was in distress alone. Perhaps his empathy helped in this instance. Regardless, he had been expecting this a few days earlier—and, as much as he wished he could spare Duo the pain from his past, they were out of time.
"Good morning," Quatre offered. He still didn't move, waiting for Heero to let him know he wasn't intruding.
"Quatre," Heero returned. He nodded and Quatre gave a smile before he stepped outside to join him. "It's early."
"I couldn't sleep anymore."
"Hn."
They lapsed into an easy silence. When they first set out together from Sive, the silence hadn't always been so comfortable. Quatre was naturally social and talked. Often. Especially as guilt-consumed and receptive to all of Heero's anger at the situation, and Quatre himself, as he'd been. They'd learned though. A part of him believed Quatre had come to know him better than most in the last few months. And vice versa.
Which was how he could tell when the silence shifted out of easy to anticipatory. Quatre shifted his weight as he pondered the polite way to broach what he'd come out here to broach. Heero was never one for niceties though.
"We should all plan for what comes next," Heero said, giving Quatre voice to the words that woke him up and kept him up this morning. "We shouldn't arrive in Taurus without a strategy."
Quatre nodded, meeting Heero's eyes after a moment. "And Duo—he needs to as well."
Heero let out a grunt in tacit agreement. Quatre nodded again, his blue eyes bright in both apology and the light from the rising sun. "I'll arrange for Noin to find replacements for us this morning—can you make sure the others are in our room in the next hour?"
"Yes," Heero said. Then, more wryly, "Will Trowa be up by then?"
Quatre smiled. He'd no doubt learned that without the curse forcing his hand to leave before dawn Trowa was not an early riser. Quatre wasn't much of one either, but he'd adapted a lot in the past months. "If he's not, I trust you to handle it."
And then, he was off and Heero felt an unfamiliar pit form in his stomach. He didn't dither when a task needed to be done, but there was hesitation now. He headed back inside and stored his weapons back in his rooms before pounding on both Wufei and Trowa's doors. Wufei, already up, had a brow raised, unimpressed when he opened the door. He was already clean and dressed for the day but a lump in the bed told him Sally was not. It took Trowa a few moments longer to crawl his way out of bed and open the door, staring blearily at him, missing a shirt.
"We need to talk, the five of us," he said shortly. "Quatre is arranging it for us—be ready in an hour, your room, Trowa."
Trowa grunted in a distinctly Bear-like manner and shut the door. It was about as much of an acknowledgment Heero hoped from him this early. Heero turned and met Wufei's stare before his friend asked, "All of us?"
"Yes."
"Hmm," Wufei let out, almost in sympathy. "I'll leave you to it. See you in an hour."
Heero tipped his head in thanks as Wufei headed back inside, speaking softly to a now awake Sally as he shut the door. He took a breath and made his way back to his room, closing the door behind him and making for the open window. It was quiet now—he climbed out the window and made his way to the roof to find Duo laying back, eyes shut and long legs bent so the soles of his feet were flat along the tiles.
Heero settled alongside him, sitting upright but close enough that they touched. Duo kept his eyes closed, even as he spoke. "Hey 'Ro. Fancy meeting you here."
"Duo," Heero started, his voice gentle in the way it only ever was with Duo. "It's time."
Duo didn't need him to clarify. He let out a breath and opened his eyes as he pushed himself up. His knees were tucked in and he rested his arms along the tops of them. "Yeah—I know. Q's been fucking patient. Not saying anything's probably been driving him crazy."
Heero hummed and took hold of the end of Duo's braid in his hands. "You're the only one apart from Treize and his allies who's seen her," the 'and lived to tell about it' went unsaid, "and you know more about the power in the Colony Kingdoms than us. Especially Quatre."
Duo nodded. He pulled his braid from Heero's hands and fiddled with the end of it. "His empathy."
Heero nodded. "It's how Sandrock did it before, linking the five of them."
"Yeah," Duo breathed out. "I still think it's shitty."
Heero knew, to an extent, how Duo felt.
The indignation and anger that his will and life were not entirely his own, for any of them. From the moment they'd each been chosen by their respective Lady to now, their lives guided, in a way, to bring them here, Quatre included even growing up outside the Fey. Feeling that way was valid. Duo felt it more keenly though, having given up the part of his life that held on to a duty to Deux and the Colony Kingdoms. Heero was the Prince of Sive though and took that seriously—he knew Trowa did as well. So did Wufei.
And Quatre, well. Heero was sure that he would have stepped into the role he was currently inhabiting even without his heritage coming to light, by virtue of the fact that he'd been asked to help and knew that he could.
"Maybe," Heero conceded, after a moment. "But it doesn't have to be. We're not them. Our choices are our own."
Duo didn't argue, but he did lean over to rest his head against Heero's shoulder. "Sure, maybe."
They stayed like that as the sun fully rose and the minutes ticked by. Heero commandeered Duo's braid again and the Elf's fingers tapped nonsensically against his thigh. Heero wished, in that moment, he had Quatre's talent for comfort, or Trowa's ability to offer quiet reassurance, or Wufei's skill at giving wisdom. Or even Duo's ability to inspire a smile even in terrible circumstances. All he had was his solid presence and self-assured confidence that they'd all been brought together and chosen for a reason though. He hoped that would be enough.
"We should head in," Heero said, breaking the rare quiet between them. "It's nearly time."
"Yeah, I guess so," Duo said, his voice taking a lighter and easy tone. Shinigami coming to the forefront for what was to come. "Better to just get it over with. I'd like to go back to being a simple bard, not a 'prince of destiny', ya know?"
Heero scoffed as they both made their way off the roof and back into their room. "You've never been a 'simple' anything in your life."
"Aw, Heero, you say the sweetest things!" Duo said coyly. "And they say you're not romantic."
"Hn."
Duo chuckled, and then, tugged him back, dipping his head down to kiss Heero softly, in gratitude, in love. Heero returned it, giving Duo much of the same, not letting Duo take it further, even if the temptation burned in his gut too. He pulled back and then tugged at the braid, earning a shameless smile from Duo, the look veering on sweet. "Later. If that's what you need."
"I'm gonna hold you to that, 'Ro," Duo said. "But, fair warning, may not be in the mood much later."
Heero just shrugged. "Like I said, whatever you need."
With that promise, they both made their way to Trowa and Quatre's room, letting themselves in unannounced. It was just as well—only Wufei was there, meditating on the floor near the window. There was a sound of running water in the washroom and a few moments later, Trowa emerged, dressed and hair looking slightly damp. Duo sprawled into the chair by the bedside writing table and Heero leaned against the wall beside him.
"Quatre not back yet?" Trowa asked.
Before anyone could answer, the door opened again and the blond in question hurried inside, shutting the door after him. His hair and cheeks looked windswept and there was an apologetic smile already on his face. "Sorry—it took longer to coordinate with Noin than I thought. But, good news, she's got some of her crew and Solo's sorting out battle skills for some of the people who aren't really fighters, seeing if they can help in other ways. So, we've got the day, if we need it."
He went to stand beside Trowa, giving his husband a private smile and hand squeeze in greeting. Wufei rose to his feet and gave Quatre a dry look. "Heero and Duo just arrived and your husband spent nearly the last hour working up the effort to bathe. Your apology is not necessary."
Quatre shrugged and looked around each of them as silence settled. "I don't really know how to start."
Heero looked over at Duo, before meeting Quatre's eyes. "Start at what you know. You've had the most contact from the Ladies. We can fill in any gaps from there."
He nodded. "Right. After she tested me, Zero told me this: 'Five were needed before. And Five now can reverse. Two are already within darkness' grasp and to save them, it will take three. Two is not enough, for this task or the next.'"
"More riddles," Wufei grumbled. Heero nodded, remembering the words he'd heard that early morning.
Quatre gave a commiserating shrug. "Yes, that's what I thought too. But when Duo and I were in the isle, before the wedding, I heard Dermail say something that made sense of it. He was bragging about having two Colony Kingdoms under his control, Tria Colonies through Trowa and Quinque Colonies through you, Wufei."
He took a breath and then said, "I realized I that the 'evil' the Great Ladies united the Colony Kingdoms against was Epyon. I think Dorothy summoned Epyon so she could latch onto Treize and the curses she and Dermail cast were in an effort to prevent history from repeating itself. Dorothy was trying to prevent that unification from happening again by preventing two Colony Kingdoms from standing against her."
Trowa's arms crossed tighter along his torso. "And what Deathscythe said, that she, Epyon, would 'fear five above all else'."
"Yes," Quatre said. "It's why Sandrock and the others have been helping me all this time. Why I was guided first to Heero and then to Duo to help me—we needed to keep both you and Wufei from succumbing to those curses because the five of us working together is the best chance we have of defeating Treize and Epyon."
There was silence after Quatre's declaration. This wasn't news to any of them, as the Great Ladies were clear about that piece after Quatre was healed. But Quatre repeated everything they already knew for a reason.
"You've worked out how we're supposed to do that." Everyone swung around to meet Heero's matter-of-fact statement. "Or, you think you have, but need us to confirm."
Quatre hesitated for only the briefest moments before he nodded. "From the first moment I arrived in the Fey, I've been told that the Colony Kingdoms are unique—full of magic, powerful in a way that was significant. I've wondered why these lands, if so powerful, were butted about against the border between the Fey and the Mortal realms, but then I thought of the headwaters of a river. I think the Colony Kingdoms are that for the Fey, the start of it, and the magic that makes the Fey what it is, it flows from these kingdoms down to the rest of the Fey."
He looked at Trowa and took his hand. "It's why Dorothy targeted you for her curse, I think, and later why Dermail bound you tighter when you brought me here. Tria Colonies is the first kingdom you enter after the Fey Forest. And it explains why Zero has such a focus on 'testing' those from the Colony Kingdoms. It's because those who are chosen to govern over them actually hold a huge responsibility to maintain the stability of all the Fey. And because they have that responsibility, they can, in theory, access that power. And it's what the Great Ladies did when they first defeated Epyon."
"You're a smart cookie, Q," Duo said, speaking up for the first time since he sat down. "You pretty much summed up five years of Fey magical theory I learned when I was kid in like five sentences. You worked all that out from a few riddles and offhand comments?"
Quatre's face flushed a little, that self-effacing and dismissive smile crossing his face. "It's the only way everything made sense, that's all, and I had help in figuring it all out."
Heero felt a rush of brotherly annoyance, something which echoed across Wufei's face, as he took in Quatre's dismissal of his own intelligence. Duo let out a chuckle and shook his head. Trowa just smiled knowingly and brought Quatre's hand up to his lips. He didn't say anything, but whatever he was feeling must've have been complimentary because the blond's flush darkened and he ducked his head away from Trowa's gaze.
Quatre refused to be distracted and looked back over at Duo. "I don't know how any magic works in the Fey though, beyond my own empathy. So I don't know how we'd be able to do what the Ladies did. Or how we'd use it against Epyon."
"I know how to access it," Wufei said, drawing all eyes to him. "The knowledge of how Epyon was first defeated is something Quinque has safeguarded and taught, in theory at least, for centuries. And I am the oldest Prince of Quinque, following the death of my first wife, Meiran. I was taught the spells needed to access the leylines that run through the Colony Kingdoms after her passing."
Quatre's eyes went wide as Wufei shared his past. "Wufei I—I'm so sorry, I didn't mean—"
"Stop," Wufei interrupted, a calm and sure look on his face. "She would not want me, or anyone, to wallow in grief—she was a warrior until the end and I promised her I would honor her by taking on the responsibility she carried."
The smile Wufei gave them then was fierce. "And I intend to uphold that promise in this fight. I can do what we will need to pool the energy from the Colony Kingdoms so it will be ready to be called upon when needed."
Quatre's eyes were still bright, but he just nodded. "I think if you can do that, I can use my empathy to link us together so we can work in a concerted effort."
Trowa's concern shown through, but he only rubbed a hand down Quatre's arm. "You've only linked to me alone before—do you have enough time to learn how to link the five of us together?"
"With this I can," Quatre said, his hand going to the copper pendant around his neck. The smile he gave Trowa in return reassuring. "I think I've already linked with Duo on accident—I ended up peeking at his memories in a dream when we first met—and I can feel threads already formed between myself and Heero and Wufei and you all already have strong bonds to one another. As long as you guys don't fight it, I don't think it will take much more effort on my part."
Heero and Wufei both nodded in agreement and Quatre beamed. Then, his smile dimmed somewhat. "But that still doesn't help us on how to actually use the energy against Epyon."
"Yeah, my turn I guess. I know how to strike Epyon." Heero turned and met Duo's brilliant, vibrant eyes, almost glowing violet in the light just then. "I've seen it done before. Back before—before I left Deux and the nation dissolved."
"Duo," Quatre started, but trailing off. Heero could almost hear the desire to give Duo an out, a reprieve from having to share the details, but Quatre swallowed them back—they couldn't afford to give them to him. Heero didn't know these details, except the tragic consequences—no one did, except for Duo.
"It's all right, Q," Duo said with a humorless smile. "You've been great not pressing but—but it's time."
He took a breath and adjusted a little on his seat. Heero moved and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving Duo his silent support as best he could, Duo gave him a grateful smile and turned toward Quatre, who moved to sit across from Duo on the bed.
"Would it help if you just shared with me?" Quatre offered, holding out his hand for Duo to take. Giving Duo the option to only relive in his own mind through linking with Quatre. Heero felt a swell of appreciativeness towards Quatre and his offer to take Duo's pain in as his own, to spare him even some of it.
"Nah, you don't deserve the nightmares, Q," Duo answered. Trowa took a seat beside Quatre and Wufei moved in closer but did not sit. "Ok, so, like the Ladies said, I'm a prince too, like you guys—and sorry, I know some of you might already know this stuff, but Q here doesn't so, gotta give a little history lesson first.
"Deux worked kinda similar to Quinque in that there were a bunch of families that formed a rotating system of ruling and governing Houses. The Maxwell House was one and that's where I grew up—birth parents in these systems were more like donors so I was raised by Father Maxwell and Sister Helen. They were the heads of Maxwell House and each a Prince and Princess in Deux's governing body."
Duo's voice took on a listless and emotion-free tone that Heero hated. "Deux taught how to access the leylines too, and the story of Epyon and the Great Ladies. We all learned about it in the House—I guess I showed aptitude or whatever because Father and Sister Helen started giving me private lessons and I—they brought me to Lady Deathscythe's temple when I was like fifty summers and she Chose me as the next ruling Prince of Deux.
"I was told to not tell anyone about it, that it had to be a secret until I was older," Duo said, his voice angry now. "The current ruling House and G already knew about attacks on other Houses, but they didn't say anything to any of the others. Trying to not cause panic or calls for them to be removed for not handling the threat or whatever.
"By the time it all came to a head, most of the ruling Houses in Deux were taken out, whole generations of princes and princesses murdered by Epyon, summoned to the Fey by some ambitious sorcerer called Tsubarov, though I don't think he did it quite as good as Dorothy managed through Treize, by the sound of it. Anyway, she turned to Maxwell House."
Duo had to pause, his voice breaking a little as the memories Heero did know about came to the forefront. Quatre reached forward and took Duo's hand in his own, wincing at the maelstrom of emotions he no doubt picked up from Duo, but holding fast and giving what strength and support he could through his empathy. Duo gripped the hand back and Heero felt him relax a little under his palm.
"Epyon, possessing that sorcerer, attacked Maxwell House and Father Maxwell held her off while Sister Helen got as many of us out as she could—it wasn't many, I think maybe me, Solo and two others. Then she ran back in to help Father and I—I followed her back in too because I had been 'chosen' right? That had to mean something, that I could help but I—I just got in the way and—but I saw what Father and Sister Helen managed to do.
"Epyon needed to be drawn out from her host—she doesn't have a body of her own, but the longer she's latched to a host, the more she can manifest her own form. Father was doing that, and Sister Helen was lending her own power and energy to him, drawing from the leylines in Deux. Epyon saw me and rushed the process I guess, because she kind of exploded out of her host. Father Maxwell was killed in the blast, but before he—he cast protection around Sister Helen and me. Sister Helen then pulled all the energy they got and she hit Epyon's corporeal form."
Duo sniffed and wiped at his eyes with his free hand. "Epyon shrieked and started collapsing in on herself—Sister Helen used the last bit of energy she had to transport me out before everything came down. She died and I decided to move to Taurus with Solo, and pretend I was a nobody refugee from Deux. It sorta worked, until I got Named and G started hovering until he became a bitter hermit."
Duo pulled his hand back and tensed up again. "That's how we do it. We need to hit Epyon, all powered up, after drawing her out of Treize. If we hit him, it's just gonna kill him, not her."
There was silence, Duo's story out now, the pain of it like an open wound. Heero knew some of the story, but Duo had never shared the details of how his family had died. His hand tightened on Duo's shoulder, grounding him, keeping him in the here and now. He didn't know how to say what he wanted to say; words were never his strong suit.
Luckily, Quatre knew how to get them started. "They must have loved you very much."
"Yeah, and it got them killed."
"Sometimes, that is the choice we make, when we chose to love," Wufei responded. Duo looked up and met Wufei's gaze. "You honor them by sharing this with us, and by standing with us against Epyon again, even though it pains you."
Duo was speechless at first and Heero didn't blame him—between the five of them, Duo and Wufei's relationship was the least affectionate. "That's—thanks, Fei."
Wufei nodded, not commenting on the nickname for once, and Heero squeezed his shoulder, drawing Duo's gaze up to him. "He's right. And now, we can make a plan. And we'll avenge them."
Trowa nodded. "And make sure she can't come back. I don't know about any of you, but I have no desire to be deified and linger around only to choose a new round of successors to finish the job a thousand years later. So we better make sure to end this now."
Quatre nodded, a determined fire in his eyes. "We will."
Wufei nodded and Duo grinned, the grief hardening into something else, something powerful and resolute. "Fuck yeah we will."
Heero smirked and felt the same fire filling up the others spark inside him
Yes they would. One way or another—this would end with them.