The Shinigami rewrites - DragonLance Chronicles.
Gundam Wing isn't mine. DragonLance isn't mine. Nothing is mine, not even my hair colour.
I thought that with all the descriptions of Duo, it would be funny to see Heero interact with a kender. Then I thought of this. Shounen ai, X-over, AU. Duo as a kender... scary. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.
Thoughts
Flashbacks
Chapter 3
Heero's eyes snapped open the next morning, and he lay for a moment, thinking. Hard ground, I'm not inside. I remember, the shuttle crashed. I'm in the middle of some quest to find out about a blue crystal staff, that heals people. I don't know, kender, elves, dwarves, a blue crystal staff, and goblins. I must be crazy. But... Duo told me about these things. I thought he was talking about a book or something, but... Duo has pointed ears. Just like Tanis and Tas. Is he a kender, or an elf? He's shorter than Tanis, but taller than Tas, and I got the impression that Tas is about average height for a kender. He sat up carefully. "Oh! Heero, you're awake!" Tas called cheerfully. Heero looked over where Goldmoon and Tas were making breakfast. "There is not much food I'm afraid," Goldmoon said, tossing cereal into a pot of boiling water. "Tika's larder wasn't well stocked," Tasslehoff added in apology. "We've got a loaf of bread, some dried beef, half a mouldy cheese, and the oatmeal. Tika must eat her meals out." Heero gave a small smile. "At least you thought to bring food, Tas. Don't apologise." Out of the corner of his eye, Heero saw Tanis nod slightly in agreement. Heero raised an eyebrow as Caramon came out and complained about the lack of food. Bolstered by Heero's encouragement, Tas only grinned. "There'll be less for dinner. Tighten your belt. You're gaining weight anyhow." Caramon sighed dismally.
***
"Still someone ought to scout-" "I will Tanis." Tas offered "No one would suspect a kender travelling alone." Tanis frowned. Heero wondered why. After all, kender were always off travelling alone, or so he'd heard. "Very well." Tanis seemed to have made up his mind. "But remember Tasslehoff Burrfoot, keep your eyes open and your wits about you. No roaming off the road and above all-" Tanis gave Tas a hard look. "-keep your hands out of other peoples belongings." "Unless they're bakers." Caramon added. Giggling, Tas trotted off down the road, singing a song that would have given Wufei a nosebleed if he had listened to the words.
Tas returned, waving his arm. "Clerics! A party of clerics. Eight." At this, Sturm sniffed. "I thought it was a battalion of goblin guards at the least. I believe we can handle a party of clerics." "I don't know, I've seen clerics from every part of Krynn and I've never seen any like these." Heero realised with surprise that Tas was actually worried. "Do you remember what Tika said about the strange men in Solace - hanging around with Hederick? How they were hooded and dressed in heavy robes? Well, that describes these clerics exactly! And, Tanis, they gave me an eerie feeling." Tas shuddered. "They'll be in sight in a few moments." Heero wondered. That's strange, Tas looked almost scared. I didn't think kender felt fear. At least, that's what Duo said, and everything else he said about kender was right, so... Why would Tas be scared?
***
I don't believe it. I would never have guessed that Sturm could be such a good actor. He acts as innocent as Tas. Heero jumped as Goldmoon spoke up. "I can help you." She moved from her hiding place, to stand near Sturm. "I am the bearer of the blue crystal staff, but we did not steal it; the staff was given to us." The cleric's voice was sneering. "So you say." Heero focused on the clerics. Something seemed very wrong. He wouldn't have survived the wars if he hadn't been cautious. Carefully, Heero imprinted every piece of the clerics' appearance into his mind. Those clothes look odd, as though they're hiding something... hiding! As Heero was about to speak up, He heard Goldmoon scream, and saw a flash of blue light. Tanis called to the people on the road. "Caramon! Sturm! It's a tra-" Heero moved to help Flint deal with the creature that had dropped onto Tanis. He stared. Is this what those 'clerics' were hiding? That is... Heero quickly took in all details. Leathery wings sprang from its back. It had the scaly flesh of a reptile; it's large hands and feet were clawed, but it walked upright in the manner of men. The creature wore sophisticated armour that allowed it the use of its wings. The face was almost human, but appeared to have been twisted into that of a reptile. "By all the gods, what is that?" Raistlin breathed. Heero looked away, to face another of the creatures. He fought fiercely. If Duo could see me now. 'Heero's finally met his match' he'd say. Ha. He looked up as the creature toppled, turning to stone. A small dagger was in the back of its neck. Tas grinned. Heero looked at another stone creature still with a sword stuck in it. "That's Sturm's sword! Come on!"
***
They were inside the borders of Darken Wood. Heero wondered how it had gotten that name. It was a very peaceful looking place. He wondered who to believe. Raistlin is adamant that this is Darken Wood. He says we shouldn't leave the path, or harm any living thing, plant or animal. Tanis thinks he's talking bullshit, or at least imagining things. But... Raistlin doesn't seem the sort to make things up like that. And with everything else I've seen so far... I think I'll listen to Raistlin this time. He sighed as he settled near the mage. Children's tales they say. Maybe I should ask Tas about some of these so called children's tales, since they all seem to be coming true. I don't know. Invisible stags, lizard men, elves, dwarves, kender, magic... I don't think that it would be wise to ignore Raistlin's warnings at this moment. He looked up at the glowing staff, and at the strange appearance of the mage. His thoughts were interrupted by Raistlin's whispering voice. "Why do you remain on the trail? Surely you feel the same as the others about the 'crazed' mage?" "Maybe." Raistlin seemed to want more of an answer. "But at the same time, I've seen a lot of things I can't explain except to believe the unbelievable." The mage just looked at him. "You may or may not be crazed. But until I met all of you, I didn't even believe in magic." That answer seemed to satisfy Raistlin. He settled back, as all the others drew weapons.
An army of warriors had them surrounded. Dead warriors. Suddenly I'm glad I listened to him. Raistlin's voice cut through the night "Put your swords away, they will do you no good. Only a weapon of powerful magic could harm these." The mage approached the others. "Welcome to Darken Wood Tanis." "Raistlin-" Tanis' voice was choked. "What are these-" "Spectral minions, we are fortunate." "Fortunate? Why?" "These are the spirits of men who gave their pledge to perform some task. They failed in that pledge, and it is their doom to keep performing the same task over and over until they win their release and find true rest in death." "How in the name of the Abyss does that make us fortunate? Perhaps they pledged to rid the forest of all who entered!" "That is possible, thought I do not think it likely. We will find out." Raistlin turned to face the spectres.
"Raist!" Caramon sounded frightened. Then again, I got the impression from Tas that they are very protective of each other. "keep him back, Tanis. Our lives depend on this." "What are you going to do?" "I am going to cast a spell that will enable us to communicate with them. I will perceive their thoughts. They will speak through me." The mage threw his head back, the hood slipping off. He stretched his arms out stiffly, and began to speak. "Ast bilak parbilaker. Suh tangus moipar?" The mage repeated those strange words three times. Heero stared as through the crowd of spectres, a figure approached the mage. He was pretty sure that it had to be the leader. This new spectre neared Raistlin. "You who have been long dead, use my living voice to tell us of your bitter sorrow. Then give us leave to pass through this forest, for our purpose is not evil, as you will see if you read our hearts." The spectre bowed before the mage. Heero wondered why Tanis seemed so surprised by this. Unless he's never seen Raistlin like this before. Then Raistlin spoke in a voice not his own. "Who are you who trespass in darken wood?" No one moved. Until...
"I am Tasslehoff Burrfoot, my friends call me Tas. Who are you?" "It matters little. Know only that we are warriors from a time long forgotten." "Is it true that you broke a pledge and that's how you came to be here?" "It is. We pledged to guard this land. Then came the smouldering mountain from the heavens. The land was ripped apart. Evil things crept out from the bowels of the earth and we dropped our swords and fled in terror until bitter death overtook us. We have been called to fulfil our oath, as evil once more stalks the land. And here we will remain until evil is driven back and balance is restored again." Bitter death. Hn, I don't think I'll ever see death as bitter, possessing an extreme sense of humour, perhaps, but never bitter. Heero smiled. Tas was the only one to dare to talk to the spectres. He watched as the Goldmoon came forward with the staff, and it began to glow. The spectral king reached out for Raistlin. Caramon lunged forward, but dropped to the ground, rocking back and forth, clutching his sword hand, sobbing in agony. Heero saw the layer of frost on the big man's sword. The mage was drawn away by the spectres. He followed, deep in thought. The others all seemed stunned. Raistlin was standing ahead of them, Caramon cried out to his brother, as the spectres vanished. "The spell... drained me..." he whispered. "I must rest..." "And rest ye shall!" boomed a voice - a living voice.
***
Heero looked around, and cursed again that he didn't have a proper weapon, even though the kender had been giving him an alarming amount of daggers. I don't really want to think about where he gets them from. Heero looked closer at them. The same voice called out. "Put thy puny weapons down, ye be surrounded and have not a chance." "A trick." Sturm growled. He's wrong. There's a lot of them, the former pilot thought. As the man stepped forward, Heero only just managed to keep the shock from his face. Figures. Kender, dwarves, elves, mages, goblins, invisible white stags, spectral minions, a glowing blue crystal staff, and now centaurs. If I see much more I'll probably end up crazier than Une was. He heard Flint sneeze. "Thee must come with us." "My brother is ill, he can't go anywhere." Guess who. "Place him upon my back. In fact if any of you be tired, thee may ride to where we go." "Where are you taking us?" "Thee is in no position to ask questions. We travel far and fast. I suggest thee ride. But fear not. Harm will not come to thee this night." "Can I ride, Tanis, please?" begged Tasslehoff. "Don't trust them!" Flint sneezed violently. "I don't trust them, but we don't seem to have a lot of choice in the matter - Raistlin can't walk. Go on Tas, the rest of you, too." Heero watched Tas climbing up excitedly. damn fool kender... He felt a slight touch on his shoulder. A centaur stood ready to carry him. Heero hesitated, he didn't really need the ride. My training saw to that. But he didn't really want the others to realise the differences yet. Bad enough that Tas saw me jump out the window in Solace. "Where are you taking us?" Tanis asked. "To the Forestmaster." "The Forestmaster" Who is he, one like yourselves?" "She is the Forestmaster." Heero frowned. The Forestmaster. I wonder if the Forestmaster is as 'mythical' as all the other beings I've seen since landing here.
When they reached the end, and dismounted, Heero listened dispassionately to the others getting nervous about the fact that their weapons had vanished. Hn. At least I don't really need a weapon. Training again. "I have my staff." Heero raised an eyebrow at Goldmoon's statement. "And a formidable weapon that is, daughter of Que-Shu. A weapon for good, intended to combat illness and injury and disease. In these times it will also be used as a weapon against the evil creatures who seek to find and banish it from the world."
"Who are you? Show yourself." Tanis called out. "We will not harm you." Caramon was bluffing. "Of course you won't, you have no weapons. I will return them to you when the time is propitious. No one brings weapons into Darken Wood, not even a knight of Solamnia. Do not fear, noble knight. I recognise your blade as ancient and most valuable! I will keep it safe. Forgive this apparent lack of trust, but even the great Huma laid the DragonLance at my feet." "Huma!" Sturm gasped. "Who are you?" "I am the Forestmaster." As the darkness fled, Heero saw the Forestmaster. A unicorn. I don't think I can take much more of this. Inwardly, Heero chuckled. I wonder if the legends about the unicorn are true, the ones about the virgins and all.[i]
"Rest yourselves, you are tired and hungry. Food will be brought and fresh water for cleansing. You may put aside your watchfulness and fears for this evening. Safety exists here, if it exists anywhere in this land tonight." Heero thought about it. As the others discussed amongst themselves, he watched them all. Can I trust them? I guess I already trust Tas a little. But the others? I can see myself in Flint. I'd put Sturm in Wufei's category, Tas is definitely like Duo, and Riverwind reminds me of Trowa. He watched the others carefully as they cleansed themselves and then followed their example. Even after everything since I landed here, I guess I'm still too used to civilisation. And running water. Again, he watched the others. They look a little... dismayed by the chairs. I don't know... I wouldn't be too surprised if they fit us nicely. One more illusion shattered won't make much difference to my already fractured sanity.
"Please be seated," said the Forestmaster graciously. "I can't sit in that! I'll tip over. Besides, the tablecloth is spread on the grass. I'll sit on the grass with it." Heero was close enough to Flint to hear the dwarf's reply to Caramon's complaint. "Close to the food." Heero hesitated. He watched Goldmoon sit gracefully in one of the chairs. "Sit at my right hand, warrior," she said formally. Riverwind folded himself into the seemingly fragile chair. "Thank you all for waiting until I was seated. You may all sit now." Heero could hear Caramon still complaining. With a sigh, he carefully sat down. The chair was very comfortable. He noted that Sturm was the next to sit. Heero found himself between Tas and Sturm. Remembering his earlier observation, he wasn't too surprised. How many times have I had to pull Duo out of Wufei's way? Too many to count. he watched absently as the centaurs lifted the cloth to the height of a table, and left it there. "How splendid! How did they do that?" Tasslehoff cried, peering beneath the cloth. "There's nothing under there!" he reported, his eyes wide. The centaurs laughed at Tas' surprise. Heero couldn't hide a little smile himself.
Heero found the meal was better than any he'd had before. Kami-Sama, I've eaten almost as much as Duo does normally. He spent time asking Tas about various things. Then Raistlin spoke. "Forestmaster, today we fought loathsome creatures that we have never seen before on Krynn. Can you tell us of these?" The festive mood of only moments before was cut off instantly. Trust Raistlin to stop us from relaxing too much. Heero listened to the ensuing discussion. Not of Krynn. That means not natural I'd guess. Also explains why Duo knew of elves and kender, but not draconians. Xak Tsaroth? What sort of a name is that? The Forestmaster withdrew, allowing them to discuss the situation. Heero listened with half an ear, until he heard his own name.
"What of you Heero? Will you be continuing with us?" Tanis asked. Heero thought for a moment. Do I go with them? Tanis seemed to understand that he needed to think, as he pulled away to talk to Raistlin. When he returned, Tanis made it clear that he would be continuing to Xak Tsaroth. Do I go? Where else can I go? Tanis turned to him. "Well?" "I'm going." Tanis looked surprised. "In that case, we'll need to find you some better weapons." Tanis smiled. "We can't leave you just fighting with what ever daggers that Tas can find for you." Heero nodded. Somehow he wasn't surprised that Tanis had known exactly where Heero had gotten all those daggers from. Hn, some of them were probably his.
Pegasi. Why am I not surprised? Just one more shock to my system. I don't doubt that the others are looking for me. What I doubt, is if I will be sane when they find me. Heero looked at the pegasus standing in front of him. He mounted calmly. Just like riding a horse. Been there, done that. Heero barely noticed when the magically induced sleep overcame him.
***
The sun was setting over the ruins of Que-Shu. Heero looked around him, shivering. This is awful. And this wasn't even my home. How much worse must Goldmoon and Riverwind feel? And the molten rock. What fire could there be, on a world with almost no technology, that could melt rock? He watched as Flint patted Tas gently on the back, the kender in tears. Who - or what - did this?
***
Heero listened to the others discussing the path that they were about to take. "I've been here. I can't remember when, but I've been here. I know the way through the swamp. And it leads to-" Riverwind was actually nervous. "Leads to a broken city of evil?" Tanis asked, voice grim. "Xak Tsaroth!" Raistlin hissed. "Of course," Tanis said softly. "It makes sense. Where would we go to find answers about the staff - except to the place where the staff was given you?" "And we must go now! We must be there by midnight tonight!" Raistlin insisted. They moved on. Shortly after midday, Tanis pulled the kender aside. They spoke for a moment, and Tas pulled out a gleaming flask. He skipped up to Flint merrily, and the pair soon got ahead of the group. Heero decided to catch up.
The two were making jokes about what they would do if they encountered a draconian. "I'd turn it to stone, all right. Wham! Right in the lizard's gizzard." Flint was swinging an imaginary battleaxe. "I'll bet Raistlin could turn one to stone with a look!" Tas exclaimed, while mimicking the mages dour expression. "I'll bet Caramon'd stick a fork in one and eat it!" Flint said. Tas was choking with laughter. Heero hid a smile as he caught up to them. The pair were crossing the bridge. Heero watched the draconians thoughtfully. /Tas is right. They aren't armed. Why wouldn't they be armed in any way? Everyone in our group is armed... except Raistlin! Could they be magic- users?/ As he thought that, he heard Tas cry out. "Tanis! Ambush!" Heero didn't waste any time. He followed Tas and Flint as they leapt, (Tas) or fell, (Flint) off the bridge.
***
Heero looked at Tas, face grim. So they were mages. "What do we do now?" Tas asked. Before Heero could answer, Flint groaned. "What happened?" Tas spoke glibly. "You fell of the bridge and hit your head on a log." "I did? I don't remember that. I remember one of those draconian things coming at me and I remember falling into the water-" "Well you did, so don't argue. Can you walk?" Hmm, Better remember that. Tas doesn't have Duo's honesty. Tas apparently runs, hides AND lies.[ii] Heero smirked to himself as they went to find the others.
***
Heero listened to the dragon's demands for Caramon to be brought to him. He followed Flint to the cages where Tanis and the others were being held. Tanis stared at them. "Get out of here! There's nothing you can do. Raistlin's dying, and the dragon-" Flint broke in. "Is Tasslehoff." "What? Make sense." "The dragon is Tasslehoff." Heero echoed the dwarf's statement. I wish I had a camera. That is so funny. "The dragon's made of wicker, Tasslehoff sneaked behind it and looked inside. It's rigged! Anyone sitting inside the dragon can make the wings flap and speak through a hollow tube. I guess that's how the priests keep order around here. Anyway, Tasslehoff's the one flapping his wings and threatening to eat Caramon."
***
"Tasslehoff Burrfoot! You idiotic kender! Where are you?" There was no answer. Flint screamed out again. "Tasslehoff! If you wreck this escape, I'll murder you. So help me-" Heero and Sturm hurried over to the dwarf's side. Heero touched Sturm's shoulder silently. He pointed towards what appeared to be a blue, forked tongue coming from the dragon's mouth. Heero watched as Sturm cut off the wicker creature's head, and moved forward to help the knight to carry the awkward bundle. They made their way back to the rest of the party. Ugh. I hope I never hear that again. Who would have thought that Raistlin had such an awful laugh. And Duo thought I was bad. Tanis called out as soon as he heard that Tas was stuck in the head.
"Tas, are you alright?" "I think Sturm chopped off my hair." The kender wailed. "Lucky it wasn't your head." Flint snorted. Heero grinned, Tas was so much like Duo. He watched, almost approvingly, as Caramon tore the wicker dragon head apart. Tanis asked the kender again if he was alright. "I'm fine, just a little singed. Tanis, my hair?" The kender seemed worried about the state of his long tresses. "All there." Tanis said, smiling. Tas sighed in relief. "Tanis, it was the most wonderful thing-flying like that. And the look on Caramon's face-" "The story will have to wait." Tanis said firmly. We've got to get out of here. Caramon? Can you and your brother make it all right?" "Yeah, go on." Caramon said. Raistlin still seemed ready to laugh.
***
They finally made it to the edge of the ruins. Tas was the one who noticed the obelisk. Raistlin was the one who could read the ancient runes on the aged stone. "Shirak." The mage said, and his staff flared to life. "What does it say, Raistlin? Can you read it? The language seems very old." Tas of course. Raistlin paused, then spoke. "It is old. It dates from before the Cataclysm." The mage paused again, then began to read the runes out loud.
"The great city of Xak Tsaroth, whose beauty surrounds you, speaks to the good of its people and their generous deeds. The gods reward us in the grace of our home."
"How awful." Goldmoon shuddered, looking at the ruin and desolation around her. "The gods rewarded them indeed." Raistlin said cynically. No one had a response to that. Raistlin spoke once "Dulak" and extinguished the light. Suddenly the night seemed much blacker. "We must keep going. Surely there is more than a fallen monument to mark what this place once stood for."
----------------------- [i] I have read a follow up story to this. The truth (as the authors paint it) is that, you don't need a virgin to catch a unicorn, the unicorn itself must BE one. The story was "Hunting Destiny" by Nick O'Donohoe, and it deals with the past of the Stag, the spectral minions, and the Forestmaster, in particular, explaining the curse. It is found in the DragonLance anthology "Love and War" (Tales 3)
[ii] I wasn't going to include this originally. It was in the draft, and I got my brother (who likes both Gundam and DragonLance) to read it over. His response when I said that I was going to take that line out was "Don't you dare! That is one of the best lines in this story so far!" so it stayed, to shut him up. If you liked it, thank my little brother.
Gundam Wing isn't mine. DragonLance isn't mine. Nothing is mine, not even my hair colour.
I thought that with all the descriptions of Duo, it would be funny to see Heero interact with a kender. Then I thought of this. Shounen ai, X-over, AU. Duo as a kender... scary. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.
Thoughts
Flashbacks
Chapter 3
Heero's eyes snapped open the next morning, and he lay for a moment, thinking. Hard ground, I'm not inside. I remember, the shuttle crashed. I'm in the middle of some quest to find out about a blue crystal staff, that heals people. I don't know, kender, elves, dwarves, a blue crystal staff, and goblins. I must be crazy. But... Duo told me about these things. I thought he was talking about a book or something, but... Duo has pointed ears. Just like Tanis and Tas. Is he a kender, or an elf? He's shorter than Tanis, but taller than Tas, and I got the impression that Tas is about average height for a kender. He sat up carefully. "Oh! Heero, you're awake!" Tas called cheerfully. Heero looked over where Goldmoon and Tas were making breakfast. "There is not much food I'm afraid," Goldmoon said, tossing cereal into a pot of boiling water. "Tika's larder wasn't well stocked," Tasslehoff added in apology. "We've got a loaf of bread, some dried beef, half a mouldy cheese, and the oatmeal. Tika must eat her meals out." Heero gave a small smile. "At least you thought to bring food, Tas. Don't apologise." Out of the corner of his eye, Heero saw Tanis nod slightly in agreement. Heero raised an eyebrow as Caramon came out and complained about the lack of food. Bolstered by Heero's encouragement, Tas only grinned. "There'll be less for dinner. Tighten your belt. You're gaining weight anyhow." Caramon sighed dismally.
***
"Still someone ought to scout-" "I will Tanis." Tas offered "No one would suspect a kender travelling alone." Tanis frowned. Heero wondered why. After all, kender were always off travelling alone, or so he'd heard. "Very well." Tanis seemed to have made up his mind. "But remember Tasslehoff Burrfoot, keep your eyes open and your wits about you. No roaming off the road and above all-" Tanis gave Tas a hard look. "-keep your hands out of other peoples belongings." "Unless they're bakers." Caramon added. Giggling, Tas trotted off down the road, singing a song that would have given Wufei a nosebleed if he had listened to the words.
Tas returned, waving his arm. "Clerics! A party of clerics. Eight." At this, Sturm sniffed. "I thought it was a battalion of goblin guards at the least. I believe we can handle a party of clerics." "I don't know, I've seen clerics from every part of Krynn and I've never seen any like these." Heero realised with surprise that Tas was actually worried. "Do you remember what Tika said about the strange men in Solace - hanging around with Hederick? How they were hooded and dressed in heavy robes? Well, that describes these clerics exactly! And, Tanis, they gave me an eerie feeling." Tas shuddered. "They'll be in sight in a few moments." Heero wondered. That's strange, Tas looked almost scared. I didn't think kender felt fear. At least, that's what Duo said, and everything else he said about kender was right, so... Why would Tas be scared?
***
I don't believe it. I would never have guessed that Sturm could be such a good actor. He acts as innocent as Tas. Heero jumped as Goldmoon spoke up. "I can help you." She moved from her hiding place, to stand near Sturm. "I am the bearer of the blue crystal staff, but we did not steal it; the staff was given to us." The cleric's voice was sneering. "So you say." Heero focused on the clerics. Something seemed very wrong. He wouldn't have survived the wars if he hadn't been cautious. Carefully, Heero imprinted every piece of the clerics' appearance into his mind. Those clothes look odd, as though they're hiding something... hiding! As Heero was about to speak up, He heard Goldmoon scream, and saw a flash of blue light. Tanis called to the people on the road. "Caramon! Sturm! It's a tra-" Heero moved to help Flint deal with the creature that had dropped onto Tanis. He stared. Is this what those 'clerics' were hiding? That is... Heero quickly took in all details. Leathery wings sprang from its back. It had the scaly flesh of a reptile; it's large hands and feet were clawed, but it walked upright in the manner of men. The creature wore sophisticated armour that allowed it the use of its wings. The face was almost human, but appeared to have been twisted into that of a reptile. "By all the gods, what is that?" Raistlin breathed. Heero looked away, to face another of the creatures. He fought fiercely. If Duo could see me now. 'Heero's finally met his match' he'd say. Ha. He looked up as the creature toppled, turning to stone. A small dagger was in the back of its neck. Tas grinned. Heero looked at another stone creature still with a sword stuck in it. "That's Sturm's sword! Come on!"
***
They were inside the borders of Darken Wood. Heero wondered how it had gotten that name. It was a very peaceful looking place. He wondered who to believe. Raistlin is adamant that this is Darken Wood. He says we shouldn't leave the path, or harm any living thing, plant or animal. Tanis thinks he's talking bullshit, or at least imagining things. But... Raistlin doesn't seem the sort to make things up like that. And with everything else I've seen so far... I think I'll listen to Raistlin this time. He sighed as he settled near the mage. Children's tales they say. Maybe I should ask Tas about some of these so called children's tales, since they all seem to be coming true. I don't know. Invisible stags, lizard men, elves, dwarves, kender, magic... I don't think that it would be wise to ignore Raistlin's warnings at this moment. He looked up at the glowing staff, and at the strange appearance of the mage. His thoughts were interrupted by Raistlin's whispering voice. "Why do you remain on the trail? Surely you feel the same as the others about the 'crazed' mage?" "Maybe." Raistlin seemed to want more of an answer. "But at the same time, I've seen a lot of things I can't explain except to believe the unbelievable." The mage just looked at him. "You may or may not be crazed. But until I met all of you, I didn't even believe in magic." That answer seemed to satisfy Raistlin. He settled back, as all the others drew weapons.
An army of warriors had them surrounded. Dead warriors. Suddenly I'm glad I listened to him. Raistlin's voice cut through the night "Put your swords away, they will do you no good. Only a weapon of powerful magic could harm these." The mage approached the others. "Welcome to Darken Wood Tanis." "Raistlin-" Tanis' voice was choked. "What are these-" "Spectral minions, we are fortunate." "Fortunate? Why?" "These are the spirits of men who gave their pledge to perform some task. They failed in that pledge, and it is their doom to keep performing the same task over and over until they win their release and find true rest in death." "How in the name of the Abyss does that make us fortunate? Perhaps they pledged to rid the forest of all who entered!" "That is possible, thought I do not think it likely. We will find out." Raistlin turned to face the spectres.
"Raist!" Caramon sounded frightened. Then again, I got the impression from Tas that they are very protective of each other. "keep him back, Tanis. Our lives depend on this." "What are you going to do?" "I am going to cast a spell that will enable us to communicate with them. I will perceive their thoughts. They will speak through me." The mage threw his head back, the hood slipping off. He stretched his arms out stiffly, and began to speak. "Ast bilak parbilaker. Suh tangus moipar?" The mage repeated those strange words three times. Heero stared as through the crowd of spectres, a figure approached the mage. He was pretty sure that it had to be the leader. This new spectre neared Raistlin. "You who have been long dead, use my living voice to tell us of your bitter sorrow. Then give us leave to pass through this forest, for our purpose is not evil, as you will see if you read our hearts." The spectre bowed before the mage. Heero wondered why Tanis seemed so surprised by this. Unless he's never seen Raistlin like this before. Then Raistlin spoke in a voice not his own. "Who are you who trespass in darken wood?" No one moved. Until...
"I am Tasslehoff Burrfoot, my friends call me Tas. Who are you?" "It matters little. Know only that we are warriors from a time long forgotten." "Is it true that you broke a pledge and that's how you came to be here?" "It is. We pledged to guard this land. Then came the smouldering mountain from the heavens. The land was ripped apart. Evil things crept out from the bowels of the earth and we dropped our swords and fled in terror until bitter death overtook us. We have been called to fulfil our oath, as evil once more stalks the land. And here we will remain until evil is driven back and balance is restored again." Bitter death. Hn, I don't think I'll ever see death as bitter, possessing an extreme sense of humour, perhaps, but never bitter. Heero smiled. Tas was the only one to dare to talk to the spectres. He watched as the Goldmoon came forward with the staff, and it began to glow. The spectral king reached out for Raistlin. Caramon lunged forward, but dropped to the ground, rocking back and forth, clutching his sword hand, sobbing in agony. Heero saw the layer of frost on the big man's sword. The mage was drawn away by the spectres. He followed, deep in thought. The others all seemed stunned. Raistlin was standing ahead of them, Caramon cried out to his brother, as the spectres vanished. "The spell... drained me..." he whispered. "I must rest..." "And rest ye shall!" boomed a voice - a living voice.
***
Heero looked around, and cursed again that he didn't have a proper weapon, even though the kender had been giving him an alarming amount of daggers. I don't really want to think about where he gets them from. Heero looked closer at them. The same voice called out. "Put thy puny weapons down, ye be surrounded and have not a chance." "A trick." Sturm growled. He's wrong. There's a lot of them, the former pilot thought. As the man stepped forward, Heero only just managed to keep the shock from his face. Figures. Kender, dwarves, elves, mages, goblins, invisible white stags, spectral minions, a glowing blue crystal staff, and now centaurs. If I see much more I'll probably end up crazier than Une was. He heard Flint sneeze. "Thee must come with us." "My brother is ill, he can't go anywhere." Guess who. "Place him upon my back. In fact if any of you be tired, thee may ride to where we go." "Where are you taking us?" "Thee is in no position to ask questions. We travel far and fast. I suggest thee ride. But fear not. Harm will not come to thee this night." "Can I ride, Tanis, please?" begged Tasslehoff. "Don't trust them!" Flint sneezed violently. "I don't trust them, but we don't seem to have a lot of choice in the matter - Raistlin can't walk. Go on Tas, the rest of you, too." Heero watched Tas climbing up excitedly. damn fool kender... He felt a slight touch on his shoulder. A centaur stood ready to carry him. Heero hesitated, he didn't really need the ride. My training saw to that. But he didn't really want the others to realise the differences yet. Bad enough that Tas saw me jump out the window in Solace. "Where are you taking us?" Tanis asked. "To the Forestmaster." "The Forestmaster" Who is he, one like yourselves?" "She is the Forestmaster." Heero frowned. The Forestmaster. I wonder if the Forestmaster is as 'mythical' as all the other beings I've seen since landing here.
When they reached the end, and dismounted, Heero listened dispassionately to the others getting nervous about the fact that their weapons had vanished. Hn. At least I don't really need a weapon. Training again. "I have my staff." Heero raised an eyebrow at Goldmoon's statement. "And a formidable weapon that is, daughter of Que-Shu. A weapon for good, intended to combat illness and injury and disease. In these times it will also be used as a weapon against the evil creatures who seek to find and banish it from the world."
"Who are you? Show yourself." Tanis called out. "We will not harm you." Caramon was bluffing. "Of course you won't, you have no weapons. I will return them to you when the time is propitious. No one brings weapons into Darken Wood, not even a knight of Solamnia. Do not fear, noble knight. I recognise your blade as ancient and most valuable! I will keep it safe. Forgive this apparent lack of trust, but even the great Huma laid the DragonLance at my feet." "Huma!" Sturm gasped. "Who are you?" "I am the Forestmaster." As the darkness fled, Heero saw the Forestmaster. A unicorn. I don't think I can take much more of this. Inwardly, Heero chuckled. I wonder if the legends about the unicorn are true, the ones about the virgins and all.[i]
"Rest yourselves, you are tired and hungry. Food will be brought and fresh water for cleansing. You may put aside your watchfulness and fears for this evening. Safety exists here, if it exists anywhere in this land tonight." Heero thought about it. As the others discussed amongst themselves, he watched them all. Can I trust them? I guess I already trust Tas a little. But the others? I can see myself in Flint. I'd put Sturm in Wufei's category, Tas is definitely like Duo, and Riverwind reminds me of Trowa. He watched the others carefully as they cleansed themselves and then followed their example. Even after everything since I landed here, I guess I'm still too used to civilisation. And running water. Again, he watched the others. They look a little... dismayed by the chairs. I don't know... I wouldn't be too surprised if they fit us nicely. One more illusion shattered won't make much difference to my already fractured sanity.
"Please be seated," said the Forestmaster graciously. "I can't sit in that! I'll tip over. Besides, the tablecloth is spread on the grass. I'll sit on the grass with it." Heero was close enough to Flint to hear the dwarf's reply to Caramon's complaint. "Close to the food." Heero hesitated. He watched Goldmoon sit gracefully in one of the chairs. "Sit at my right hand, warrior," she said formally. Riverwind folded himself into the seemingly fragile chair. "Thank you all for waiting until I was seated. You may all sit now." Heero could hear Caramon still complaining. With a sigh, he carefully sat down. The chair was very comfortable. He noted that Sturm was the next to sit. Heero found himself between Tas and Sturm. Remembering his earlier observation, he wasn't too surprised. How many times have I had to pull Duo out of Wufei's way? Too many to count. he watched absently as the centaurs lifted the cloth to the height of a table, and left it there. "How splendid! How did they do that?" Tasslehoff cried, peering beneath the cloth. "There's nothing under there!" he reported, his eyes wide. The centaurs laughed at Tas' surprise. Heero couldn't hide a little smile himself.
Heero found the meal was better than any he'd had before. Kami-Sama, I've eaten almost as much as Duo does normally. He spent time asking Tas about various things. Then Raistlin spoke. "Forestmaster, today we fought loathsome creatures that we have never seen before on Krynn. Can you tell us of these?" The festive mood of only moments before was cut off instantly. Trust Raistlin to stop us from relaxing too much. Heero listened to the ensuing discussion. Not of Krynn. That means not natural I'd guess. Also explains why Duo knew of elves and kender, but not draconians. Xak Tsaroth? What sort of a name is that? The Forestmaster withdrew, allowing them to discuss the situation. Heero listened with half an ear, until he heard his own name.
"What of you Heero? Will you be continuing with us?" Tanis asked. Heero thought for a moment. Do I go with them? Tanis seemed to understand that he needed to think, as he pulled away to talk to Raistlin. When he returned, Tanis made it clear that he would be continuing to Xak Tsaroth. Do I go? Where else can I go? Tanis turned to him. "Well?" "I'm going." Tanis looked surprised. "In that case, we'll need to find you some better weapons." Tanis smiled. "We can't leave you just fighting with what ever daggers that Tas can find for you." Heero nodded. Somehow he wasn't surprised that Tanis had known exactly where Heero had gotten all those daggers from. Hn, some of them were probably his.
Pegasi. Why am I not surprised? Just one more shock to my system. I don't doubt that the others are looking for me. What I doubt, is if I will be sane when they find me. Heero looked at the pegasus standing in front of him. He mounted calmly. Just like riding a horse. Been there, done that. Heero barely noticed when the magically induced sleep overcame him.
***
The sun was setting over the ruins of Que-Shu. Heero looked around him, shivering. This is awful. And this wasn't even my home. How much worse must Goldmoon and Riverwind feel? And the molten rock. What fire could there be, on a world with almost no technology, that could melt rock? He watched as Flint patted Tas gently on the back, the kender in tears. Who - or what - did this?
***
Heero listened to the others discussing the path that they were about to take. "I've been here. I can't remember when, but I've been here. I know the way through the swamp. And it leads to-" Riverwind was actually nervous. "Leads to a broken city of evil?" Tanis asked, voice grim. "Xak Tsaroth!" Raistlin hissed. "Of course," Tanis said softly. "It makes sense. Where would we go to find answers about the staff - except to the place where the staff was given you?" "And we must go now! We must be there by midnight tonight!" Raistlin insisted. They moved on. Shortly after midday, Tanis pulled the kender aside. They spoke for a moment, and Tas pulled out a gleaming flask. He skipped up to Flint merrily, and the pair soon got ahead of the group. Heero decided to catch up.
The two were making jokes about what they would do if they encountered a draconian. "I'd turn it to stone, all right. Wham! Right in the lizard's gizzard." Flint was swinging an imaginary battleaxe. "I'll bet Raistlin could turn one to stone with a look!" Tas exclaimed, while mimicking the mages dour expression. "I'll bet Caramon'd stick a fork in one and eat it!" Flint said. Tas was choking with laughter. Heero hid a smile as he caught up to them. The pair were crossing the bridge. Heero watched the draconians thoughtfully. /Tas is right. They aren't armed. Why wouldn't they be armed in any way? Everyone in our group is armed... except Raistlin! Could they be magic- users?/ As he thought that, he heard Tas cry out. "Tanis! Ambush!" Heero didn't waste any time. He followed Tas and Flint as they leapt, (Tas) or fell, (Flint) off the bridge.
***
Heero looked at Tas, face grim. So they were mages. "What do we do now?" Tas asked. Before Heero could answer, Flint groaned. "What happened?" Tas spoke glibly. "You fell of the bridge and hit your head on a log." "I did? I don't remember that. I remember one of those draconian things coming at me and I remember falling into the water-" "Well you did, so don't argue. Can you walk?" Hmm, Better remember that. Tas doesn't have Duo's honesty. Tas apparently runs, hides AND lies.[ii] Heero smirked to himself as they went to find the others.
***
Heero listened to the dragon's demands for Caramon to be brought to him. He followed Flint to the cages where Tanis and the others were being held. Tanis stared at them. "Get out of here! There's nothing you can do. Raistlin's dying, and the dragon-" Flint broke in. "Is Tasslehoff." "What? Make sense." "The dragon is Tasslehoff." Heero echoed the dwarf's statement. I wish I had a camera. That is so funny. "The dragon's made of wicker, Tasslehoff sneaked behind it and looked inside. It's rigged! Anyone sitting inside the dragon can make the wings flap and speak through a hollow tube. I guess that's how the priests keep order around here. Anyway, Tasslehoff's the one flapping his wings and threatening to eat Caramon."
***
"Tasslehoff Burrfoot! You idiotic kender! Where are you?" There was no answer. Flint screamed out again. "Tasslehoff! If you wreck this escape, I'll murder you. So help me-" Heero and Sturm hurried over to the dwarf's side. Heero touched Sturm's shoulder silently. He pointed towards what appeared to be a blue, forked tongue coming from the dragon's mouth. Heero watched as Sturm cut off the wicker creature's head, and moved forward to help the knight to carry the awkward bundle. They made their way back to the rest of the party. Ugh. I hope I never hear that again. Who would have thought that Raistlin had such an awful laugh. And Duo thought I was bad. Tanis called out as soon as he heard that Tas was stuck in the head.
"Tas, are you alright?" "I think Sturm chopped off my hair." The kender wailed. "Lucky it wasn't your head." Flint snorted. Heero grinned, Tas was so much like Duo. He watched, almost approvingly, as Caramon tore the wicker dragon head apart. Tanis asked the kender again if he was alright. "I'm fine, just a little singed. Tanis, my hair?" The kender seemed worried about the state of his long tresses. "All there." Tanis said, smiling. Tas sighed in relief. "Tanis, it was the most wonderful thing-flying like that. And the look on Caramon's face-" "The story will have to wait." Tanis said firmly. We've got to get out of here. Caramon? Can you and your brother make it all right?" "Yeah, go on." Caramon said. Raistlin still seemed ready to laugh.
***
They finally made it to the edge of the ruins. Tas was the one who noticed the obelisk. Raistlin was the one who could read the ancient runes on the aged stone. "Shirak." The mage said, and his staff flared to life. "What does it say, Raistlin? Can you read it? The language seems very old." Tas of course. Raistlin paused, then spoke. "It is old. It dates from before the Cataclysm." The mage paused again, then began to read the runes out loud.
"The great city of Xak Tsaroth, whose beauty surrounds you, speaks to the good of its people and their generous deeds. The gods reward us in the grace of our home."
"How awful." Goldmoon shuddered, looking at the ruin and desolation around her. "The gods rewarded them indeed." Raistlin said cynically. No one had a response to that. Raistlin spoke once "Dulak" and extinguished the light. Suddenly the night seemed much blacker. "We must keep going. Surely there is more than a fallen monument to mark what this place once stood for."
----------------------- [i] I have read a follow up story to this. The truth (as the authors paint it) is that, you don't need a virgin to catch a unicorn, the unicorn itself must BE one. The story was "Hunting Destiny" by Nick O'Donohoe, and it deals with the past of the Stag, the spectral minions, and the Forestmaster, in particular, explaining the curse. It is found in the DragonLance anthology "Love and War" (Tales 3)
[ii] I wasn't going to include this originally. It was in the draft, and I got my brother (who likes both Gundam and DragonLance) to read it over. His response when I said that I was going to take that line out was "Don't you dare! That is one of the best lines in this story so far!" so it stayed, to shut him up. If you liked it, thank my little brother.