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 5
Quatre looked around himself in awe. "It... it's beautiful!" Duo gave him a sad smile. "Isn't it though? I haven't seen this place since I was five." Heero wrapped his arms around Duo tightly. The half-elven boy smiled again, a little brighter.
Tanis glanced at them, or rather, at Duo. The boy moved closer as Gilthanas spoke of Qualinesti's plight. He noticed the elven boy's stricken look, as Gilthanas said that the elves were leaving. Duo remained silent, as Gilthanas and Tanis spoke of this. As they prepared to enter the Speaker's chamber, he spoke up in a broken whisper. "M-my father?" Tanis didn't know what to say. Gilthanas, frowned slightly, looking at Tanis questioningly. When he nodded Gilthanas answered Duo. "He is well. If you wish, I will organise for you to speak with him." Duo gave a small smile. "Thank you. I would like that." Quatre and Heero were staring at their friend, the whole exchange had been in elven. They remained silent during the discussions. Heero smirked as the Speaker accused Goldmoon of being a Heretic. The old man knew the Speaker's name. But Duo had said that no one ever knew the Speaker's name, or at least, no one ever used it.
When Laurana led them away, Gilthanas pulled Duo to one side. Heero held onto his braid, and Quatre stayed near them. "I can take you to your father now if you wish." The elf offered. Duo nodded. Before Gilthanas could open his mouth to object, Duo spoke quickly. "Heero and Quatre can come with me." Gilthanas nodded once, then led the trio further into Qualinost.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
"Lord Quivalath? May I speak with you?" Gilthanas was oddly hesitant. Quatre and Heero hung back, not understanding elven, as Duo moved to stand with the young elflord. "Yes Gilthanas?" "There is a boy here who claims to be your son..." The older elf looked up at Gilthanas, and then at Duo. "Prove it." Duo hesitated, then he slowly lifted the back of his shirt. In the centre of his back was a birthmark. Heero recognised it. It appeared to be birdlike in shape. The elflord seemed satisfied. He nodded once to Gilthanas, who returned the acknowledgment, and then left, leaving Heero, Duo and Quatre alone with Duo's father.
Heero glanced at Quatre, then they both looked over at Duo. He had been in a deep conversation with his father for an hour. They had both been stiffly formal at first, only to be expected after a fourteen year separation, but as Duo grew used to speaking elven again they both relaxed. It soon became apparent, even to people who didn't speak elven at all, that they both had the same sly humour. After a few more minutes, Duo came over to them. "Father said that we could stay here until the council... unless you would like to return to Tanis and the others?" the others looked at each other. Then Heero answered. "It doesn't matter." "As long as the three of us stick together." Quatre broke in. Duo smiled. "Then, if you don't mind, either of you, we can stay here. I just want-" Heero spoke to him. "Whatever you want, Duo. Like Quatre said, just as long as we stick together." Duo's answering grin was radiant. "Well then, Hee-Chan, let's get some rest! The council is at Solinari's rising." "Solinari?" Quatre wanted to know. "The white moon. The red moon is Lunitari. Hang on Q-man, we've been here for weeks, and you didn't find out what the moons were called?" Quatre flushed slightly. Heero sighed. "Let him be Duo. I didn't know either, and I've been here longer than he has. Then again, I was convinced I was going insane." "How so Hee-Chan?" Heero smiled wryly, and then began an odd litany. "Kender, elves, dwarves, goblins, a glowing blue crystal staff, magic, draconians, invisible white stags, spectral minions, centaurs, a unicorn, Pegasi, a dragon. I forget if there was anything else, but up against all that, a red moon seems unimportant." Duo could hardly contain his amusement. "Not quite. The red moon is Raistlin's god. Lunitari is the goddess of neutral magic. You've seen more in a few weeks, than I saw in five years." To Heero's surprise, Duo's father was also having a hard time controlling his amusement. Quatre was staring, with his mouth hanging open.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
I don't think Tanis expected us to come with them. But then, how could we leave them now. I, at least, have been with the group from the beginning, and Duo as long as Tika. On top of that, what if Trowa is in Pax Tharkas? I owe him a great deal, so we have to get him out if he is in there. Heero stared at the newcomer. Then jumped as he cried out. "Look out! Drac-" He found twelve draconians facing the group. Sturm is so eager to believe that Gilthanas is a traitor. But Duo says he isn't. and Duo never lies. Heero quickly sized up the situation. "Quatre, go with Goldmoon," he turned, "Duo-" The braided boy cut in impatiently. "I stick with you Heero." He raised his walking staff, and grinned. Heero saw his fingers twitch slightly, and a slender blade emerged from the smooth wood. A retractable scythe... clever Duo. They fought back to back, their skills perfectly matched. Quatre wished heartily for one of the other two. At least then he wouldn't feel so alone when he was with Heero and Duo. Duo listened to Eben's story. Heero pulled him to one side. Quatre's face was worried. "Duo about this Eben..." Duo frowned. "I don't trust him." Heero looked at Duo. He was even more surprised when Quatre nodded in agreement. "You too huh? I was beginning to think it was an elven thing, Gilthanas and Tanis don't trust him much either." That is worrying. Duo and Quatre are the most trusting of all of us. If they think something is wrong... Heero spoke up thoughtfully. "Hn. If that many people are suspicious of him, then we had better keep a closer eye on him." Duo smiled back at him. "That's true. What do you think of the others, Heero, Quatre?" Heero and Quatre both frowned slightly. "I believe that we can trust Tas' judgement to a point. Certainly I would trust anyone he calls friend. But keep an eye out anyway." Heero nodded, after all, Tas had been suspicious of the draconians, without knowing what they were. Is that just Tas, or do all kender have that skill?
Heero frowned. This is the third time. Why is he so determined to make the elves look bad? First he tried to make us suspicious of Gilthanas. Then he questioned our trust in Tanis, and I *know* I can trust him. Now he's tried to make me doubt Duo. What does this guy have against elves? He watched as Flint and Raistlin entered the Sla-Mori.
They now stood in the Hall of the Ancients. Duo and Tanis had followed Gilthanas' lead, kneeling before the throne of Kith-Kanan. He resolved to ask Duo about this. He moved quietly, searching for some sort of secret door. Then Tas heard the slug. His only thought was to protect Duo. Heero shoved Duo and Quatre back, standing in front of them protectively. Then he heard a scream. Laurana. Duo said she had seemed a little obsessed with Tanis. Tanis was using a new sword, fighting hard. They finally drove it back, and made a strategic retreat. Tanis proceeded to scold Laurana for following them. Not surprisingly, they were all a little shaken by Tanis' account of how he had managed to get the sword of Kith- Kanan, Wyrmslayer. As they made their way down the hall that Raistlin had tried to warn them of, Heero mused what the evil that Raistlin had felt was. He heard Eben trying once more to raise suspicion about Gilthanas. This time however, he also made a comment about the fact that Duo and Quatre had been keeping back from the fight. "They stayed back because I told them to!" Heero snapped at last. "Keep your petty racial suspicions to your self! You think no one has noticed that you have been trying to turn the humans against the elves?" there were a few shocked looks at Heero's outburst. Duo looked the most surprised. He leaned close, and whispered in his ear. "Hee-Chan, I think you've used your word quota for the next three days." Heero just grunted. "By the way, I love you." Heero smiled slightly.
They were desperately trying to escape. They ran through the door. Caramon shoved at the door, then called out. "Heero! Can you give me a hand here?" Heero moved to help him close the door. Raistlin cast the spell to seal it. They finally made it into the fortress. They slumped, exhausted. Then Quatre looked up. "Heero, where's Duo?" Tanis looked around. There was no sign of Heero's long haired friend. Then he swore. "Tas! Where is he? And the old man!" they looked around, frantically now, looking for the missing three. Heero finally came to a horrified realisation. They had locked Duo, Tas and Fizban on the other side. With a screaming Banshee.
***
Duo looked around him. He had felt Fizban shoving him toward the chain. It wasn't until they got to the top, that he realised that he had been separated from the others. I hope they're alright. Trowa too. Duo patiently listened to Tas and Fizban arguing. "Fizban, you can't go down there, it just isn't safe." Although Duo said this, he wondered briefly whether he really believed what he was saying. The pair had settled to get some rest, and Duo wrinkled his nose, glancing at Tas. "Hey Tas, can you smell-" the kender sniffed carefully, then, looking around, he sighed and tugged on the mage's sleeve. "Uh, Fizban, your hat's on fire."
***
"Flint," Tanis said sternly, "for the last time - I feel as badly as you do about losing Tas, but we cannot go back! He's with Fizban and Duo. Knowing those three, they'll all manage to get out of whatever predicament they're in." "If they don't bring the whole fortress down around our ears," Sturm muttered. Heero and Quatre exchanged worried glances. They hadn't bothered to suggest searching for Duo, after the dwarf - obviously Tanis' closest friend - had been told 'no' so firmly. But still... Duo please be alright, they both thought, worried. Heero tried to keep a rein on his anxiety about his love, while Quatre was obviously upset. They were so worried about Duo, that they only barely noticed Eben trying to further fracture the group. They listened to Gilthanas' plan to go and disguise them as women to free the children. Heero smirked. "Pity Duo isn't here, imagine his face at hearing the plan." Quatre smiled for the first time since Duo had been separated from the group. "True. I do hope he's alright." "So do I. But then, I hope Trowa and Wufei are alright. Do you know where Wufei is?" ""No, I think Duo dropped him north of where you had crashed, but it's been so long now that he could be anywhere. Heero nodded. They followed when they realised that the others were heading out.
***
They had been crawling for more than an hour, among the boulders and chains in what Tas had dubbed the mechanism room. Finally Fizban had noticed light, and they crawled through a tunnel, leading them to a crack in the wall. It led to the Highlord's throne room. They could hear everything, and even see a little too, through the tiny crack. Duo was fascinated when he saw the huge crimson dragon transform into a slender human man in red robes. Duo and Tas both recognised Fewmaster Toede instantly. They watched as he denounced Sestun as a traitor. Baka. As if a gully dwarf knew what he was doing. Hell, he was just helping to free someone who was kind to him. he listened to Verminaard humiliating Toede. Not that he felt sorry for him, of course. Then he smirked at Verminaard's next words. "So you have captured a gully dwarf and a spy who can neither hear nor speak, well done, Toede. Perhaps now you can go out and pick me a bouquet of flowers." "If that is your lordship's pleasure." Duo grinned, as he heard the scathing retort and the hobgoblin's reply. I almost liked him for a moment. What a put-down! Then after the Highlord left, a draconian entered, informing the dragon about the traitor. So there is a traitor. Is it Gilthanas? But, I don't think so. I think Heero was starting to suspect either Raistlin, Fizban or that new guy, Eben. Eben mostly since he doesn't like elves. My quisalas is so defensive of me. So who is it? Would Raistlin really turn on his brother?
***
"Stop that, you bold man!" Caramon simpered. The women in the room were laughing hard. Heero paused in his own cross-dressing experience, to look at Quatre, they were both getting in on this. They were determined to find Trowa. And that meant turning transvestite. He smiled as one of the women helped him adjust the clothing. Eben grinned. "You two are real pretty. I wonder if that elven friend of yours would clean up as well." Heero gave Eben a ' Heero Yuy Glare of Death'(tm). The fighter blanched. Quatre gave a satisfied smirk of his own at that reaction. Serves him right for making that sort of comment about Duo. They listened to the conversations around them, then followed as the draconians led the 'women' out. Raistlin had stayed behind.
***
Tas had picked the lock to some sort of art gallery. Duo sat with Tas, as they tried to work out where the dragon's lair was. Unlike Tas, Duo wasn't eager to see a red dragon close up. Fizban called the kender over to him, and they stood for a moment looking at a picture. Duo glanced over at them, but disregarded them. Maybe this is how the others feel when I go into kender mode... I think that maybe I'll tone it down now. Maybe now I can work this out. Duo had just worked it all out, when Tas came back to him. Duo grinned. "You don't remember? I think Fizban must be rubbing off onto you." Tas grinned back at him, at this echo of his own thoughts. The trio walked in the direction that they had decided on.
***
Heero sighed. Just like during the war. We only want to help, but they won't accept us. Duo would have convinced them by now. Koi, where are you? They listened to Hederick's tirade against Goldmoon. No-one was listening to him, so Heero quickly decided against using a pressure point on the raving fanatic. If I knock him out, it will just convince people that he may be right. Quatre glanced at him. His uchuu no kokoro told him that Heero was worried about Duo again, but he was a little wary about letting the others in the group know about that little secret. He leaned forward. "Heero," he whispered, "Duo is fine. I'm sure of it." Heero glanced at Quatre. "Uchuu no kokoro?" Quatre nodded. Heero relaxed slightly. "Good." They didn't say any more. Then they saw him. Trowa, leaning over a sick man, who had called out an answer to a question Laurana had asked. The man, Elistan, Maritta called him, seemed a little snappish. He was dying of a wasting sickness. When Goldmoon went to Elistan, Trowa glanced up at Heero and Quatre. When they both nodded, he stepped back, allowing the cleric to approach the sick man. The three young men clasped hands. Then Trowa asked. "Where are Duo and Wufei?" It was Quatre who answered him. "Wufei we still haven't found, Duo got separated from the group. He has to be somewhere in the fortress." Trowa didn't answer, he just nodded. The three of them looked up at Sturm's harsh declaration. "Both Eben and Gilthanas are gone!" So it's true, there is a traitor.
***
Tas seemed shell-shocked. But then, Tas was an amazingly trusting person. Duo knew better, after all, he had survived a war and the Mariemaia incident. And he hadn't survived them by being naive and trusting. Then he focused on Tas words. "I'm not supposed to be the one that thinks. I just come along for the fun. We can't warn Tanis and the others, because we don't know where they are. And if we start wandering around to look for them, we might get caught and only make things worse!" Tas appeared to slump for a moment. Then he got a thoughtful look on his childlike face. "You know, I asked my father once why kender were little, why we weren't big like humans and elves. I really wanted to be big." Tas fell silent, his face wistful after that almost whispered comment. "What did your father say?" Fizban asked. Duo listened closely to this. He wondered if the answer would be like Father Maxwell's response to a almost eight-year-old half-elf/Half-kender. It was. "He said kender were small because we were meant to do small things. 'If you look at all the big things in the world closely,' he said, 'you'll see that they're really made up of small things all joined together.' That big dragon down there comes to nothing but tiny drops of blood, maybe. It's the small things that make the difference." Duo smiled. Wisdom is wisdom. It doesn't matter if it comes from a human priest on L2, or an kender's father in Kendermore. The half-kender smiled again as he heard Tas announce that they would be rescuing Sestun. Sometimes I really love being a kender.
***
Heero sighed. He was sitting with the others. Trowa was waiting patiently with the men in the other cell. He was probably Elistan's strongest supporter. They were waiting quietly, then Quatre touched Heero on the shoulder. "Heero, we have to talk," he whispered in Japanese. Heero nodded. Good idea Quatre, I don't think any of them will understand Japanese. "What is it Quatre?" "This plan, it doesn't seem right." "I know. Trowa and I were discussing it. That's why he stayed with Elistan rather than coming back with us. The less the traitor knows about -our- numbers, the better." "So there really is a traitor? I do hope Duo is ok." "Hai. There is a traitor. Near as I can tell, it is either Raistlin, Gilthanas or this Eben." "Who do you think it is Heero?" "My preferences run to Eben." "Why Eben?" "He was too eager to lay suspicion on Gilthanas as a traitor. Raistlin is perfectly right in not trying to defend himself. None of them are willing to trust him, although he has never once betrayed us yet. Same with Gilthanas. They were so willing to believe he is the traitor, but there is no proof, beyond the fact that he is secretive. But we all have secrets. I certainly haven't told them about all I can do, you haven't told anyone about your uchuu no kokoro, I noticed. Duo's been hiding bits and pieces. We all have secrets. But Eben..." "What is it exactly with him?" "First, he was trying to break up the group, setting the humans against the elves. He started on Gilthanas, and moved onto Duo and Laurana. Laurana is silly, but she wouldn't help an enemy of her people, or Tanis." "Good point. Is it just me, or does she act like Relena did during the war?" "It's not just you. Eben is too suspicious. I can't bring myself to trust him. I'd almost rather have Dekim Barton on my side." Suddenly Quatre spoke shrewdly between his giggles. "Do you dislike him for trying to break up the group, or because he accused Duo?" "Both." There was silence for a moment. Then Heero returned to the original topic. The shocked look on Tanis' face said it all. He's figured it out. "Ne, Quatre, there is a big problem with the plan." "What is it Heero?" "It's a big set up. Verminaard will use it as a way of getting rid of us without dirtying his own hands. He really doesn't want to face Goldmoon." Quatre nodded, then settled down to get some sleep, as Tanis called out. "Heero, can you and -Quatre was it?- take the second watch?" "Hai, we can." Heero answered calmly. "Better get some sleep then Heero." Came Flint's response. The ex-pilot nodded, and leaned against the wall. He dropped straight off to sleep.
***
Heero had stayed awake after his watch. He couldn't get back to sleep. Quatre was already sleeping like a baby. Sprawled across Heero's lap. Heero, despite his wakefulness, was feeling remarkably relaxed. Sitting like this, silent in the dark, with Tanis and Riverwind, reminded him of the good old days with Trowa and Wufei, just waiting for that braided baka to wake up and spoil the silence. That was before the idiot had stolen his heart. Now he needed that chatter. For a moment, fear clenched his heart. Duo no baka, where are you? Then he relaxed again. Nothing I can do yet. He glanced at the other two. He had done his shift, so they weren't expecting him to help watch. He did anyway. Can't lose all my training. As dawn approached, Heero waited. This would be it. They had to free the women and children, then lead the men in a revolt. Hn. I hope this all works. And Duo, please be alright.
***
Tas, Fizban, Duo and Sestun were all running out of the dragon's reach. Duo gasped as he felt a brief heat on his ass, the dragon had breathed on him. Death can't die. Just keep telling yourself that. I have to get out of here, find Heero, and... oops, not good to think X-rated thoughts while you're trying to escape a fire-breathing dragon. They kept running. They had finally reached the secret door that had led them to the hidden art gallery, heading back to the mechanism room. They were waiting for the dragon to break through to them. So this is it, is it? I don't even get to see Heero one last time... much less kiss him. then, the crazed mage cried out. "Down the chain!" as the old man cackled, Duo sighed. Then the other three followed him. Duo started to pray to the god that Father Maxwell had taught him of, a god he wasn't sure he believed in, then stopped. Here goes, I haven't done this since I was five. Making up his mind, remembering Goldmoon, he prayed again, but this time, he thought there might just be someone listening. Paladine, I know that I haven't kept faith, but I don't know if I could bear to let Heero down. I'm not asking for me. I'm asking for him, please let us survive this. He noticed that they had finally reached the great chain. Taking a deep breath, Duo followed Fizban down the chain. He glanced up to see Tas directly above him. Then the dragon broke through the wall. Duo huddled on the chain. He knew that Tas hadn't considered the possibility that the dragon's fire breath would melt the chain. But Duo had. Something that Fizban was doing protected them from the flames, but it wouldn't protect them from meeting the ground hard. The chain snapped, and the wheel was released, activating the ancient mechanism. Duo heard the old mage try one more spell. "Pveathrf-" the word was cut off with a scream. A bone crushing thud, as the magician fell. Duo paled. Then it began snowing. Chicken feathers. Oh damn. This is it then. Duo closed his eyes, growing calm. I will not go to Shinigami without my dignity. His face grew peaceful as the ground rushed up to meet him. I'm sorry Heero. Everything went black.
***
Trowa frowned. That man, Eben, had run in. he had shouted some bull about Tanis wanting them to meet in the courtyard. Damn. Heero was right about him. I guess we all thought he was just touchy because the bastard insulted Duo. I should have remembered. Heero isn't bitchy. As the people milled together, Trowa looked desperately for Heero and Quatre. Finally he found them. "Trowa, we need to find Duo! The dwarf said that the mechanism's been activated! We have to find him or he'll be trapped inside!" Trowa glanced at Heero for confirmation. "It's true Trowa, Flint knows what he's talking about. We have to find Duo, and fast." They looked to where the men from their group were fighting the Highlord. Heero moved forward a step, then shook his head, and turned toward the fortress. They saw Eben and another man standing at the gates, as the massive rocks dropped on them. Heero paled, then let out a whisper. "Duo..."
***
Tas searched desperately for some sign of his larger companions. Where was Duo? He wasn't dead, was he? Tas wondered why Duo didn't speak, unaware that Duo's larger size had made his landing a lot harder than that of the diminutive kender and Aghar. Tas searched frantically, seeking some sign that his half-kender friend was alright. "Duo! You can't die, otherwise Heero will really kill me!" then he found it. A thick brown rope, about three foot long. Attached to a head. Tas shook Duo hurriedly. "DUO!" the kender yelled. "Wake up, we have to go!" the braided boy mumbled something. "G'way Hee-Chan, too early." The kender sighed with relief, Duo was alive. Then he shook the half-elf again. "Heero, s'that you?" he mumbled. "NO!" the kender yelled. "Tas? What happened?" "We fell. Fizban is dead, I think, Sestun is fine, are you alright?" Duo catalogued his various aches and pains. I'm alive... "I'll be fine Tas, let's get out of here. The mechanism..." "I know, let's go." They left in a hurry, Sestun in tow, in relative silence. Silence for a kender and a half that is.
***
Heero, Trowa and Quatre were sitting apart, worried. The others were working to help Elistan and the plainsmen with Goldmoon and Riverwind's wedding vows. They were just hoping that Duo was alright. Flint came over, he took one look at the trio, then spoke softly. "If you're going in there, tell me. I want to make sure that doorknob hasn't caused too much trouble." Heero looked at the dwarf. From his seated position, Flint was almost level with him. He nodded. Then there was a call. "See! I told you this was the right way! There's Heero there! The voice grew more joyful. "And see there's that blonde guy, you called him Cat or something, right Shin? And Flint! Hey Flint! Did you miss me?" The laughing response made Heero's heart leap.
"Yeah yeah, I see 'em Tas." Heero didn't pause. He was on his feet, and greeted Duo halfway. The pair embraced. Quatre smiled. "Good to see you made it out Duo." Then his smile turned impish. "Come on Tas, Tanis will be glad to see you made it out safely." Calmly the Arabian led Tas, Trowa and Flint out of the clearing, while Duo and Heero showed each other just how worried they had been.
Quatre smiled. Next to that sort of reunion, Goldmoon's wedding was unimportant.
***
Wufei sighed. Nemesis had left only yesterday. For a woman, she had been... interesting. He wondered where the others were. Then sighed. He was going to have to move soon, maybe back to the north. I wonder if they found Yuy yet.
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 5
Quatre looked around himself in awe. "It... it's beautiful!" Duo gave him a sad smile. "Isn't it though? I haven't seen this place since I was five." Heero wrapped his arms around Duo tightly. The half-elven boy smiled again, a little brighter.
Tanis glanced at them, or rather, at Duo. The boy moved closer as Gilthanas spoke of Qualinesti's plight. He noticed the elven boy's stricken look, as Gilthanas said that the elves were leaving. Duo remained silent, as Gilthanas and Tanis spoke of this. As they prepared to enter the Speaker's chamber, he spoke up in a broken whisper. "M-my father?" Tanis didn't know what to say. Gilthanas, frowned slightly, looking at Tanis questioningly. When he nodded Gilthanas answered Duo. "He is well. If you wish, I will organise for you to speak with him." Duo gave a small smile. "Thank you. I would like that." Quatre and Heero were staring at their friend, the whole exchange had been in elven. They remained silent during the discussions. Heero smirked as the Speaker accused Goldmoon of being a Heretic. The old man knew the Speaker's name. But Duo had said that no one ever knew the Speaker's name, or at least, no one ever used it.
When Laurana led them away, Gilthanas pulled Duo to one side. Heero held onto his braid, and Quatre stayed near them. "I can take you to your father now if you wish." The elf offered. Duo nodded. Before Gilthanas could open his mouth to object, Duo spoke quickly. "Heero and Quatre can come with me." Gilthanas nodded once, then led the trio further into Qualinost.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
"Lord Quivalath? May I speak with you?" Gilthanas was oddly hesitant. Quatre and Heero hung back, not understanding elven, as Duo moved to stand with the young elflord. "Yes Gilthanas?" "There is a boy here who claims to be your son..." The older elf looked up at Gilthanas, and then at Duo. "Prove it." Duo hesitated, then he slowly lifted the back of his shirt. In the centre of his back was a birthmark. Heero recognised it. It appeared to be birdlike in shape. The elflord seemed satisfied. He nodded once to Gilthanas, who returned the acknowledgment, and then left, leaving Heero, Duo and Quatre alone with Duo's father.
Heero glanced at Quatre, then they both looked over at Duo. He had been in a deep conversation with his father for an hour. They had both been stiffly formal at first, only to be expected after a fourteen year separation, but as Duo grew used to speaking elven again they both relaxed. It soon became apparent, even to people who didn't speak elven at all, that they both had the same sly humour. After a few more minutes, Duo came over to them. "Father said that we could stay here until the council... unless you would like to return to Tanis and the others?" the others looked at each other. Then Heero answered. "It doesn't matter." "As long as the three of us stick together." Quatre broke in. Duo smiled. "Then, if you don't mind, either of you, we can stay here. I just want-" Heero spoke to him. "Whatever you want, Duo. Like Quatre said, just as long as we stick together." Duo's answering grin was radiant. "Well then, Hee-Chan, let's get some rest! The council is at Solinari's rising." "Solinari?" Quatre wanted to know. "The white moon. The red moon is Lunitari. Hang on Q-man, we've been here for weeks, and you didn't find out what the moons were called?" Quatre flushed slightly. Heero sighed. "Let him be Duo. I didn't know either, and I've been here longer than he has. Then again, I was convinced I was going insane." "How so Hee-Chan?" Heero smiled wryly, and then began an odd litany. "Kender, elves, dwarves, goblins, a glowing blue crystal staff, magic, draconians, invisible white stags, spectral minions, centaurs, a unicorn, Pegasi, a dragon. I forget if there was anything else, but up against all that, a red moon seems unimportant." Duo could hardly contain his amusement. "Not quite. The red moon is Raistlin's god. Lunitari is the goddess of neutral magic. You've seen more in a few weeks, than I saw in five years." To Heero's surprise, Duo's father was also having a hard time controlling his amusement. Quatre was staring, with his mouth hanging open.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
I don't think Tanis expected us to come with them. But then, how could we leave them now. I, at least, have been with the group from the beginning, and Duo as long as Tika. On top of that, what if Trowa is in Pax Tharkas? I owe him a great deal, so we have to get him out if he is in there. Heero stared at the newcomer. Then jumped as he cried out. "Look out! Drac-" He found twelve draconians facing the group. Sturm is so eager to believe that Gilthanas is a traitor. But Duo says he isn't. and Duo never lies. Heero quickly sized up the situation. "Quatre, go with Goldmoon," he turned, "Duo-" The braided boy cut in impatiently. "I stick with you Heero." He raised his walking staff, and grinned. Heero saw his fingers twitch slightly, and a slender blade emerged from the smooth wood. A retractable scythe... clever Duo. They fought back to back, their skills perfectly matched. Quatre wished heartily for one of the other two. At least then he wouldn't feel so alone when he was with Heero and Duo. Duo listened to Eben's story. Heero pulled him to one side. Quatre's face was worried. "Duo about this Eben..." Duo frowned. "I don't trust him." Heero looked at Duo. He was even more surprised when Quatre nodded in agreement. "You too huh? I was beginning to think it was an elven thing, Gilthanas and Tanis don't trust him much either." That is worrying. Duo and Quatre are the most trusting of all of us. If they think something is wrong... Heero spoke up thoughtfully. "Hn. If that many people are suspicious of him, then we had better keep a closer eye on him." Duo smiled back at him. "That's true. What do you think of the others, Heero, Quatre?" Heero and Quatre both frowned slightly. "I believe that we can trust Tas' judgement to a point. Certainly I would trust anyone he calls friend. But keep an eye out anyway." Heero nodded, after all, Tas had been suspicious of the draconians, without knowing what they were. Is that just Tas, or do all kender have that skill?
Heero frowned. This is the third time. Why is he so determined to make the elves look bad? First he tried to make us suspicious of Gilthanas. Then he questioned our trust in Tanis, and I *know* I can trust him. Now he's tried to make me doubt Duo. What does this guy have against elves? He watched as Flint and Raistlin entered the Sla-Mori.
They now stood in the Hall of the Ancients. Duo and Tanis had followed Gilthanas' lead, kneeling before the throne of Kith-Kanan. He resolved to ask Duo about this. He moved quietly, searching for some sort of secret door. Then Tas heard the slug. His only thought was to protect Duo. Heero shoved Duo and Quatre back, standing in front of them protectively. Then he heard a scream. Laurana. Duo said she had seemed a little obsessed with Tanis. Tanis was using a new sword, fighting hard. They finally drove it back, and made a strategic retreat. Tanis proceeded to scold Laurana for following them. Not surprisingly, they were all a little shaken by Tanis' account of how he had managed to get the sword of Kith- Kanan, Wyrmslayer. As they made their way down the hall that Raistlin had tried to warn them of, Heero mused what the evil that Raistlin had felt was. He heard Eben trying once more to raise suspicion about Gilthanas. This time however, he also made a comment about the fact that Duo and Quatre had been keeping back from the fight. "They stayed back because I told them to!" Heero snapped at last. "Keep your petty racial suspicions to your self! You think no one has noticed that you have been trying to turn the humans against the elves?" there were a few shocked looks at Heero's outburst. Duo looked the most surprised. He leaned close, and whispered in his ear. "Hee-Chan, I think you've used your word quota for the next three days." Heero just grunted. "By the way, I love you." Heero smiled slightly.
They were desperately trying to escape. They ran through the door. Caramon shoved at the door, then called out. "Heero! Can you give me a hand here?" Heero moved to help him close the door. Raistlin cast the spell to seal it. They finally made it into the fortress. They slumped, exhausted. Then Quatre looked up. "Heero, where's Duo?" Tanis looked around. There was no sign of Heero's long haired friend. Then he swore. "Tas! Where is he? And the old man!" they looked around, frantically now, looking for the missing three. Heero finally came to a horrified realisation. They had locked Duo, Tas and Fizban on the other side. With a screaming Banshee.
***
Duo looked around him. He had felt Fizban shoving him toward the chain. It wasn't until they got to the top, that he realised that he had been separated from the others. I hope they're alright. Trowa too. Duo patiently listened to Tas and Fizban arguing. "Fizban, you can't go down there, it just isn't safe." Although Duo said this, he wondered briefly whether he really believed what he was saying. The pair had settled to get some rest, and Duo wrinkled his nose, glancing at Tas. "Hey Tas, can you smell-" the kender sniffed carefully, then, looking around, he sighed and tugged on the mage's sleeve. "Uh, Fizban, your hat's on fire."
***
"Flint," Tanis said sternly, "for the last time - I feel as badly as you do about losing Tas, but we cannot go back! He's with Fizban and Duo. Knowing those three, they'll all manage to get out of whatever predicament they're in." "If they don't bring the whole fortress down around our ears," Sturm muttered. Heero and Quatre exchanged worried glances. They hadn't bothered to suggest searching for Duo, after the dwarf - obviously Tanis' closest friend - had been told 'no' so firmly. But still... Duo please be alright, they both thought, worried. Heero tried to keep a rein on his anxiety about his love, while Quatre was obviously upset. They were so worried about Duo, that they only barely noticed Eben trying to further fracture the group. They listened to Gilthanas' plan to go and disguise them as women to free the children. Heero smirked. "Pity Duo isn't here, imagine his face at hearing the plan." Quatre smiled for the first time since Duo had been separated from the group. "True. I do hope he's alright." "So do I. But then, I hope Trowa and Wufei are alright. Do you know where Wufei is?" ""No, I think Duo dropped him north of where you had crashed, but it's been so long now that he could be anywhere. Heero nodded. They followed when they realised that the others were heading out.
***
They had been crawling for more than an hour, among the boulders and chains in what Tas had dubbed the mechanism room. Finally Fizban had noticed light, and they crawled through a tunnel, leading them to a crack in the wall. It led to the Highlord's throne room. They could hear everything, and even see a little too, through the tiny crack. Duo was fascinated when he saw the huge crimson dragon transform into a slender human man in red robes. Duo and Tas both recognised Fewmaster Toede instantly. They watched as he denounced Sestun as a traitor. Baka. As if a gully dwarf knew what he was doing. Hell, he was just helping to free someone who was kind to him. he listened to Verminaard humiliating Toede. Not that he felt sorry for him, of course. Then he smirked at Verminaard's next words. "So you have captured a gully dwarf and a spy who can neither hear nor speak, well done, Toede. Perhaps now you can go out and pick me a bouquet of flowers." "If that is your lordship's pleasure." Duo grinned, as he heard the scathing retort and the hobgoblin's reply. I almost liked him for a moment. What a put-down! Then after the Highlord left, a draconian entered, informing the dragon about the traitor. So there is a traitor. Is it Gilthanas? But, I don't think so. I think Heero was starting to suspect either Raistlin, Fizban or that new guy, Eben. Eben mostly since he doesn't like elves. My quisalas is so defensive of me. So who is it? Would Raistlin really turn on his brother?
***
"Stop that, you bold man!" Caramon simpered. The women in the room were laughing hard. Heero paused in his own cross-dressing experience, to look at Quatre, they were both getting in on this. They were determined to find Trowa. And that meant turning transvestite. He smiled as one of the women helped him adjust the clothing. Eben grinned. "You two are real pretty. I wonder if that elven friend of yours would clean up as well." Heero gave Eben a ' Heero Yuy Glare of Death'(tm). The fighter blanched. Quatre gave a satisfied smirk of his own at that reaction. Serves him right for making that sort of comment about Duo. They listened to the conversations around them, then followed as the draconians led the 'women' out. Raistlin had stayed behind.
***
Tas had picked the lock to some sort of art gallery. Duo sat with Tas, as they tried to work out where the dragon's lair was. Unlike Tas, Duo wasn't eager to see a red dragon close up. Fizban called the kender over to him, and they stood for a moment looking at a picture. Duo glanced over at them, but disregarded them. Maybe this is how the others feel when I go into kender mode... I think that maybe I'll tone it down now. Maybe now I can work this out. Duo had just worked it all out, when Tas came back to him. Duo grinned. "You don't remember? I think Fizban must be rubbing off onto you." Tas grinned back at him, at this echo of his own thoughts. The trio walked in the direction that they had decided on.
***
Heero sighed. Just like during the war. We only want to help, but they won't accept us. Duo would have convinced them by now. Koi, where are you? They listened to Hederick's tirade against Goldmoon. No-one was listening to him, so Heero quickly decided against using a pressure point on the raving fanatic. If I knock him out, it will just convince people that he may be right. Quatre glanced at him. His uchuu no kokoro told him that Heero was worried about Duo again, but he was a little wary about letting the others in the group know about that little secret. He leaned forward. "Heero," he whispered, "Duo is fine. I'm sure of it." Heero glanced at Quatre. "Uchuu no kokoro?" Quatre nodded. Heero relaxed slightly. "Good." They didn't say any more. Then they saw him. Trowa, leaning over a sick man, who had called out an answer to a question Laurana had asked. The man, Elistan, Maritta called him, seemed a little snappish. He was dying of a wasting sickness. When Goldmoon went to Elistan, Trowa glanced up at Heero and Quatre. When they both nodded, he stepped back, allowing the cleric to approach the sick man. The three young men clasped hands. Then Trowa asked. "Where are Duo and Wufei?" It was Quatre who answered him. "Wufei we still haven't found, Duo got separated from the group. He has to be somewhere in the fortress." Trowa didn't answer, he just nodded. The three of them looked up at Sturm's harsh declaration. "Both Eben and Gilthanas are gone!" So it's true, there is a traitor.
***
Tas seemed shell-shocked. But then, Tas was an amazingly trusting person. Duo knew better, after all, he had survived a war and the Mariemaia incident. And he hadn't survived them by being naive and trusting. Then he focused on Tas words. "I'm not supposed to be the one that thinks. I just come along for the fun. We can't warn Tanis and the others, because we don't know where they are. And if we start wandering around to look for them, we might get caught and only make things worse!" Tas appeared to slump for a moment. Then he got a thoughtful look on his childlike face. "You know, I asked my father once why kender were little, why we weren't big like humans and elves. I really wanted to be big." Tas fell silent, his face wistful after that almost whispered comment. "What did your father say?" Fizban asked. Duo listened closely to this. He wondered if the answer would be like Father Maxwell's response to a almost eight-year-old half-elf/Half-kender. It was. "He said kender were small because we were meant to do small things. 'If you look at all the big things in the world closely,' he said, 'you'll see that they're really made up of small things all joined together.' That big dragon down there comes to nothing but tiny drops of blood, maybe. It's the small things that make the difference." Duo smiled. Wisdom is wisdom. It doesn't matter if it comes from a human priest on L2, or an kender's father in Kendermore. The half-kender smiled again as he heard Tas announce that they would be rescuing Sestun. Sometimes I really love being a kender.
***
Heero sighed. He was sitting with the others. Trowa was waiting patiently with the men in the other cell. He was probably Elistan's strongest supporter. They were waiting quietly, then Quatre touched Heero on the shoulder. "Heero, we have to talk," he whispered in Japanese. Heero nodded. Good idea Quatre, I don't think any of them will understand Japanese. "What is it Quatre?" "This plan, it doesn't seem right." "I know. Trowa and I were discussing it. That's why he stayed with Elistan rather than coming back with us. The less the traitor knows about -our- numbers, the better." "So there really is a traitor? I do hope Duo is ok." "Hai. There is a traitor. Near as I can tell, it is either Raistlin, Gilthanas or this Eben." "Who do you think it is Heero?" "My preferences run to Eben." "Why Eben?" "He was too eager to lay suspicion on Gilthanas as a traitor. Raistlin is perfectly right in not trying to defend himself. None of them are willing to trust him, although he has never once betrayed us yet. Same with Gilthanas. They were so willing to believe he is the traitor, but there is no proof, beyond the fact that he is secretive. But we all have secrets. I certainly haven't told them about all I can do, you haven't told anyone about your uchuu no kokoro, I noticed. Duo's been hiding bits and pieces. We all have secrets. But Eben..." "What is it exactly with him?" "First, he was trying to break up the group, setting the humans against the elves. He started on Gilthanas, and moved onto Duo and Laurana. Laurana is silly, but she wouldn't help an enemy of her people, or Tanis." "Good point. Is it just me, or does she act like Relena did during the war?" "It's not just you. Eben is too suspicious. I can't bring myself to trust him. I'd almost rather have Dekim Barton on my side." Suddenly Quatre spoke shrewdly between his giggles. "Do you dislike him for trying to break up the group, or because he accused Duo?" "Both." There was silence for a moment. Then Heero returned to the original topic. The shocked look on Tanis' face said it all. He's figured it out. "Ne, Quatre, there is a big problem with the plan." "What is it Heero?" "It's a big set up. Verminaard will use it as a way of getting rid of us without dirtying his own hands. He really doesn't want to face Goldmoon." Quatre nodded, then settled down to get some sleep, as Tanis called out. "Heero, can you and -Quatre was it?- take the second watch?" "Hai, we can." Heero answered calmly. "Better get some sleep then Heero." Came Flint's response. The ex-pilot nodded, and leaned against the wall. He dropped straight off to sleep.
***
Heero had stayed awake after his watch. He couldn't get back to sleep. Quatre was already sleeping like a baby. Sprawled across Heero's lap. Heero, despite his wakefulness, was feeling remarkably relaxed. Sitting like this, silent in the dark, with Tanis and Riverwind, reminded him of the good old days with Trowa and Wufei, just waiting for that braided baka to wake up and spoil the silence. That was before the idiot had stolen his heart. Now he needed that chatter. For a moment, fear clenched his heart. Duo no baka, where are you? Then he relaxed again. Nothing I can do yet. He glanced at the other two. He had done his shift, so they weren't expecting him to help watch. He did anyway. Can't lose all my training. As dawn approached, Heero waited. This would be it. They had to free the women and children, then lead the men in a revolt. Hn. I hope this all works. And Duo, please be alright.
***
Tas, Fizban, Duo and Sestun were all running out of the dragon's reach. Duo gasped as he felt a brief heat on his ass, the dragon had breathed on him. Death can't die. Just keep telling yourself that. I have to get out of here, find Heero, and... oops, not good to think X-rated thoughts while you're trying to escape a fire-breathing dragon. They kept running. They had finally reached the secret door that had led them to the hidden art gallery, heading back to the mechanism room. They were waiting for the dragon to break through to them. So this is it, is it? I don't even get to see Heero one last time... much less kiss him. then, the crazed mage cried out. "Down the chain!" as the old man cackled, Duo sighed. Then the other three followed him. Duo started to pray to the god that Father Maxwell had taught him of, a god he wasn't sure he believed in, then stopped. Here goes, I haven't done this since I was five. Making up his mind, remembering Goldmoon, he prayed again, but this time, he thought there might just be someone listening. Paladine, I know that I haven't kept faith, but I don't know if I could bear to let Heero down. I'm not asking for me. I'm asking for him, please let us survive this. He noticed that they had finally reached the great chain. Taking a deep breath, Duo followed Fizban down the chain. He glanced up to see Tas directly above him. Then the dragon broke through the wall. Duo huddled on the chain. He knew that Tas hadn't considered the possibility that the dragon's fire breath would melt the chain. But Duo had. Something that Fizban was doing protected them from the flames, but it wouldn't protect them from meeting the ground hard. The chain snapped, and the wheel was released, activating the ancient mechanism. Duo heard the old mage try one more spell. "Pveathrf-" the word was cut off with a scream. A bone crushing thud, as the magician fell. Duo paled. Then it began snowing. Chicken feathers. Oh damn. This is it then. Duo closed his eyes, growing calm. I will not go to Shinigami without my dignity. His face grew peaceful as the ground rushed up to meet him. I'm sorry Heero. Everything went black.
***
Trowa frowned. That man, Eben, had run in. he had shouted some bull about Tanis wanting them to meet in the courtyard. Damn. Heero was right about him. I guess we all thought he was just touchy because the bastard insulted Duo. I should have remembered. Heero isn't bitchy. As the people milled together, Trowa looked desperately for Heero and Quatre. Finally he found them. "Trowa, we need to find Duo! The dwarf said that the mechanism's been activated! We have to find him or he'll be trapped inside!" Trowa glanced at Heero for confirmation. "It's true Trowa, Flint knows what he's talking about. We have to find Duo, and fast." They looked to where the men from their group were fighting the Highlord. Heero moved forward a step, then shook his head, and turned toward the fortress. They saw Eben and another man standing at the gates, as the massive rocks dropped on them. Heero paled, then let out a whisper. "Duo..."
***
Tas searched desperately for some sign of his larger companions. Where was Duo? He wasn't dead, was he? Tas wondered why Duo didn't speak, unaware that Duo's larger size had made his landing a lot harder than that of the diminutive kender and Aghar. Tas searched frantically, seeking some sign that his half-kender friend was alright. "Duo! You can't die, otherwise Heero will really kill me!" then he found it. A thick brown rope, about three foot long. Attached to a head. Tas shook Duo hurriedly. "DUO!" the kender yelled. "Wake up, we have to go!" the braided boy mumbled something. "G'way Hee-Chan, too early." The kender sighed with relief, Duo was alive. Then he shook the half-elf again. "Heero, s'that you?" he mumbled. "NO!" the kender yelled. "Tas? What happened?" "We fell. Fizban is dead, I think, Sestun is fine, are you alright?" Duo catalogued his various aches and pains. I'm alive... "I'll be fine Tas, let's get out of here. The mechanism..." "I know, let's go." They left in a hurry, Sestun in tow, in relative silence. Silence for a kender and a half that is.
***
Heero, Trowa and Quatre were sitting apart, worried. The others were working to help Elistan and the plainsmen with Goldmoon and Riverwind's wedding vows. They were just hoping that Duo was alright. Flint came over, he took one look at the trio, then spoke softly. "If you're going in there, tell me. I want to make sure that doorknob hasn't caused too much trouble." Heero looked at the dwarf. From his seated position, Flint was almost level with him. He nodded. Then there was a call. "See! I told you this was the right way! There's Heero there! The voice grew more joyful. "And see there's that blonde guy, you called him Cat or something, right Shin? And Flint! Hey Flint! Did you miss me?" The laughing response made Heero's heart leap.
"Yeah yeah, I see 'em Tas." Heero didn't pause. He was on his feet, and greeted Duo halfway. The pair embraced. Quatre smiled. "Good to see you made it out Duo." Then his smile turned impish. "Come on Tas, Tanis will be glad to see you made it out safely." Calmly the Arabian led Tas, Trowa and Flint out of the clearing, while Duo and Heero showed each other just how worried they had been.
Quatre smiled. Next to that sort of reunion, Goldmoon's wedding was unimportant.
***
Wufei sighed. Nemesis had left only yesterday. For a woman, she had been... interesting. He wondered where the others were. Then sighed. He was going to have to move soon, maybe back to the north. I wonder if they found Yuy yet.