Creature of the Wood (7/?)

This chapter has a dedication. If I'd known how absolutely vital to this story she was going to be, I'd have dedicated the entire blasted thing. As it stands, however, I wanted ALL to know just how important this person has been to me during the writing of this. Without her support, ideas, bantering and the WONDERFUL pics that she seems to be able to pluck directly from my mind, this story would never have been possible.

*Bows deeply* Thank you jmi... for everything.

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I shall be thy lover...

I am a Creature of the Wood,
Forsaken in my solitude.
My song is pleasure and is pain,
My song can drive a man insane.
So come with me, my pipes I'll play...
And we will dance 'til break of day.

~Heather Alexander, 'Creature of the Wood'.

* * *

Trowa knew that something was wrong. He couldn't quite put a finger on it, but there was that all-too-familiar tingling running through him that made all the hair on the back of his neck stand on end. Long legs carried him quickly away from the dorms, his brow furrowed as he sorted through his thoughts, trying to pinpoint exactly what was bothering him. Quatre was gone, but he'd gotten used to that. Well... not really gotten used to it, but had spent a productive week thinking up ways to let the deceptively fragile-seeming Sidhe know just how much he was missed. That's not what was causing this. As he approached the school, the feeling got worse, to the point where he was antsy enough to nearly crawl out of his skin. Lifting his gaze to the massive bulk of the building, his eyes drank in the sight before him... and his blood froze in his veins.

He saw Duo stagger back against the ornate rail long the stairs, the very rail that they had always avoided going near. When the other boy didn't immediately pull away from the cold iron, he tensed... then the other figure, a teacher he didn't quite recognize, moved forward towards the stricken youth.

"Consider this the end of your exile, Mr. Maxwell..."

That was all he needed to hear. Dropping the backpack from his shoulder, his eyes narrowed into pinprinks of sheer rage as he launched himself up the stairs... claws elongated and his true form took hold as he let loose a ragged scream of defiance. As the sound echoed around him, it began to shift, the shriek of human origin changing... deepening... until the fierce roar of the predator within was able to break free. Trowa's momentum left the wind whistling in his ears, a satisfied grin spreading across his face as blade-sharp claws met with the negligable resistance of soft flesh. He didn't see his fallen friend... he didn't see the terror-filled eyes of the Japanese boy who had chosen just that moment to emerge from the school... all he saw was the prey before him. Every shred of human self-control had been cast aside the moment the blood of his friend had begun to flow.

His attack had come before the Dauntain had even realized he was there. Able to catch her offguard, she barely had a chance to gether her wits before she felt the sudden pain of claws raking through her skin. "Bastard..." She hissed, bringing up her hands and trying to wrestle the infuriated cat-creature off of her, the euphoria brought on by her original target's fear still acting like a drug to her system. "Poor kitty," she purred, bringing her nails in a vicious strike against his face. "Care to share your friend's fate? For while you toy with me, his very life is draining from him... fading away with each drop that falls to the ground." There... the sudden flicker of uncertainty, the concern for his friend that forced him to glance away. Her only physical weapons were her hands, and the dagger sharp nails that tipped each finger. Une brought up her hands, catching Trowa by the shoulder and digging in until she felt flesh give way. She pulled back then, raking through skin and muscle, and leaving four jagged tears against his upper arm.

She fairly grinned at hearing his howl of pain, the distraction just enough to let her worm free of him and roll to the side. She'd seen this before. Pathetic little fools. How many had she destroyed while they had pleaded with her... attempted to bring her Fae soul back to the Dreaming once more? They were weak... and it was that weakness which would bring her victory. This was no different... the bristling lion-Pooka that was now crouched on the steps before her as if to spring... he would fall just as the others had. She waited for a brief moment, savoring the plea that she knew would come. It was always the same for the Seelie... they wanted to 'save her soul' and bring her back to them, the way things should have been. How long ago had she realized that the Dreaming held nothing but pain for her? "Come now, kitten..." She smiled, bringing up her hand in a mock gesture of beckoning. She didn't even seem to notice the blood that dripped from the wounds along her chest and sides where Trowa's claws had sunk in. "You can do better than that, can't you? How many times will you and your kin attempt to bring me back into the fold... even your precious Davin has tried. Come now.. show me that you can persuade me so much better than the rest."

A low growl came from the figure crouched on the steps. Green eyes filled with hatred seemed to bore straight through her as the gutteral speech filtered to her ears. "I have no desire to redeem you..." Her eyes flew open wide as he launched, pinning her against the stairs with a motion nearly too fast to see. His weight on her forced the brick steps to dig into her back, her body struggling even though he held her pinned. "You see... my 'lady'..." The intonation was mocked by the sneer on his face as he lowered himself, his eyes mere inches from her own. "I don't give a damn what caused you to be the way you are. I don't care what torturous past or awakening forced you to turn against us. The only thing that has even made me take the slightest interest in you is the fact that my friend lies bleeding because of your hand. Now I'm going to make you bleed too." One hand dug into her arm, wrenching her to the side as the other came in a sudden arc, claws raking through the skin of her throat. The stunned shock in her eyes was enough to make him smile, an almost cruel glint of triumph reflected in his own emerald orbs. "Save your words for those you will meet on your journey. I am through with you."

He pulled back, leaving the broken form on the steps. Trowa felt a presense move behind him and immediately spun around, pouncing on the one who would dare confront him now and forcing the figure back against the wall. A feral snarl was on his lips, his eyes narrowed in sheer hatred. Only when he recognized the dark cobalt orbs did he back away, his hands beginning to shake.

"Heero... I..."

He wasn't able to say any more before the terrified boy ran past him and vanished around the corner of the building. Oh hells... how much had he seen? Did he even recognize what he saw, or would his human mind rationalize and alter his memories? Stepping over the form of the teacher, he brought a hand gently across Duo's cheek. He wasn't concerned for Une... he had made certain that the only damage would be to the warped Fae soul. She would wake... sore, most definately, with no recollection of what had happened. What mattered now was that the part of her being that desired revenge was well and truly dead. There was no motion from Duo, but the soft rise and fall of his chest let Trowa know that he was at least still alive. Part of him was, anyway. He was unconscious, and even as Trowa moved to carefully lift him free of the fence, a sharp cry of pain broke the still quiet of twilight.

"Shhh... easy, Duo. You're safe. I'm taking you somewhere to recover." Cradling the broken form of his friend, Trowa moved off towards the dorms, his human half slowly coming back to the forefront as he walked.

* * *

It was nearly midnight when the Japanese boy returned, creeping into the room he shared with Duo. He'd half been hoping that no one would be there when he arrived, but then there was a nagging voice at the back of his mind that swore he wouldn't rest easily until he knew that Duo was alright. He wasn't sure why he felt so strongly about the braided boy, he just knew that he'd come to cherish the time they spent together. No one else had been so concerned about him in as long as he could remember. As he slipped into the darkened room, he heard the even breathing of two people. His gaze darted around the room quickly and he took note of the blanket-covered form on the bed, as well as the curled up figure in the chair nearby. Trowa must have brought him back here after the attack...

His mind reeled for a moment, and Heero found himself grabbing onto the doorknob as he closed the door behind him. What exactly had happened? He remembered walking out and seeing Miss Une and Trowa on the steps. They were arguing, and Trowa had walked off with Duo. Duo had been hurt, he thought... but now there was the memory of Trowa with fangs and claws... and there was blood. He brought his hands up to the side of his head, whimpering softly as his mind continued to try and sort through what he had seen. A hand against his shoulder shook him out of his thoughts, and he turned a confused gaze towards the taller boy.

"Can you stay with him?" Trowa whispered, his eyes flickering over Heero in concern. "I'm going to go find something to eat and bring back something for when he wakes."

Heero nodded mutely, his heart going out to the other boy as he heard the anguish buried just beneath the surface. "Is he..."

"He'll be alright, I think. We won't know until he wakes up, though." Trowa sighed, running one hand through the shock of medium brown hair on his head. "We'll talk when I get back, alright? I think you've likely got some questions that need answers." At the other boy's affirmative response, Trowa made his way out the door, closing it behind him.

Heero stood there a moment longer, shivering slightly in the dark. Bringing his arms around himself, he stepped towards the bed, sliding into the chair Trowa had vacated. From here, he would see the moonlight twisting shadows over the face of the boy sleeping in the bed nearby. He seemed so peaceful in sleep... and Heero found himself bringing a hand to caress one smooth cheek. Nothing had ever affected him like this before... and he wasn't certain what to call it. Duo had been kind to him when he'd first arrived here, even though Heero had been less than civil to him at first. He'd been angry at having to pack up and move away from everything he'd known... but it was no reason to take out his anger on the joyful mass of energy that had turned out to be his roommate. Despite the rocky beginning, Duo had stuck with him... showing him the wonders that were all around him if he'd just take the time to see. He'd come to love the walks they took, just watching nature, pointing out shapes in the clouds, or showing each other the images that the stars held.

He wasn't quite certain when he'd realized that he felt more for the long haired boy than just friendship... but he hadn't gone any farthur than thinking. He cherished the time they had together, and was afraid that if he said anything, the other would turn away in disgust. Not that Duo had ever given him any reason to think that he'd turn away at all... but he didn't want to take the risk. Now, Duo lay pale against the starched sheets of his bed, his breath shallow in his chest. He wasn't certain why Trowa hadn't taken him to the hospital, but then he began to wonder why he even thought the hospital was necessary at all. Duo had just fallen, likely hit his head. That's all.

Then why did he remember the boy in the throes of agony, impaled upon the stairwell rail?

Heero curled forward, resting his head against his knees as he tried to remember. Part of his memories were perfectly reasonable... but he couldn't shake the feeling that the outlandish ones were perhaps the most correct of them all. He lifted his gaze, bringing one hand along Duo's jaw, then upward along the curve of his ear. As it reached the top, he let it continue, marking out a slight point to the flesh, even though there was none present at the moment. "Why do I see you as someone different than what you are?" He said softly, letting the words dissipate into the otherwise empty room. No answer came from Duo, save for the even motions of his breathing.

He needed to think... and Duo had shown him the one way to make his thoughts clear. Getting up from the chair, he made his way towards his own bed and slid open the nightstand drawer. Reaching within, he grasped the cloth-wrapped triangular shape of the pipes that Duo had bought for him... how long ago? He didn't remember... but when the two of them played, it seemed as though everything made sense. Taking his seat once more, he unwrapped the pipes, bringing them to rest just below his lips. Heero closed his eyes, exhaling softly and letting the first soft tones of music filter into the air.

As he played, the memories came back... only this time they were clearer, less abstract. He had seen Trowa, but he wasn't human. Not completely, anyway. He remembered the scene that had played out before him as he had stepped from the doors. The vague mutterings of his mind that told him this was all impossible began to fade away. Anything was possible... and this was the proof he'd been looking for his entire life.

* * *

Swirling images danced before his mind, some clear, others so vague as to be mere shapes against his consciousness. Warm. It was warm here, he could stay curled up forever in this shelter. The pain was gone, the fleeting image of infuriated hazel eyes fading into the background where it couldn't ever bother him again. He was safe here...

Then why did he want to leave? Why did part of him rebel against this haven, and demand to be released once more? A soft melody seemed to drift about, just at the edge of his hearing. As he took a step towards it, the pain started once more, blossoming from his shoulder. It was barely discernable at first, but as he drew closer, it nearly sent him reeling with its intensity. Fear held him back, made him move away from the peaceful sound to a spot where he didn't hurt as badly. He wanted to hear the music... wanted to see who could be there, just outside of his own perception. But he didn't want to hurt anymore, either...

Two sides of the same coin... he saw a mirror image of himself standing there. It could have been a young version of his father, with the same empty eyes. "Don't worry, Duo." It said, reassuring him with a chill touch. "I'll look after you. You don't have to hurt anymore. Sleep now." He wanted so badly to succumb to that gentle voice, to close his eyes and simply remain here forever. But what of his friends?

He remembered then, the feral snarl that had curled about his mind just before the darkness claimed him. A pair of vibrant blue eyes that held secrets locked within their depths. A blonde-haired imp with an infectious smile and the mind of a master. A man and woman, holding out their hands in farewell as he embarked on a journey that would take him far away from them. What would become of them? Would their memory stay here with him, safe indeed... but unable to be reached.

"NO!" Duo wrenched away from the image of himself that had lost the joy for life and surged towards the music once more. The pain in his shoulder began again, but he gritted his teeth, pushing against it and fighitng his way through. He couldn't let them be forgotten... he couldn't forget HIMSELF.

His eyes flickered open, the moonlight falling over him enough to make him wince with its brightness. The music was there... he recognized it now. As he slowly turned his head to the side, he bit back the cry of pain that threatened to emerge. In that instant, whatever discomfort he felt was forgotten. Violet eyes rested on the form nestled in the chair beside him, the dark hair falling haphazardly over eyes closed in repose. Two small horns seemed to peer out from the mahogany locks, barely noticeable at first. His gaze then moved to the delicately pointed ears, then downward along the curve of Heero's neck to his shoulder and arms. The slender fingers moved against the pipes, their music what had called him back from the edge of losing himself. One elbow rested on his knee, his leg curled up so that his foot rested against the chair. No... not his foot. One faintly polished hoof braced against the cushion, the other leg draped over the arm of the chair. Duo began to wonder if Heero even realized what had happened... and a single tear traced its way down his cheek.

He couldn't hold back his smile as he rolled to the side, ignoring the protest from his injury and reaching out his right arm to rest against Heero's knee. The other didn't jump, but the music stopped as he opened his eyes and looked towards Duo on the bed.

"Duo... you're awake!" Heero smiled, then looked as though he were going to scold the other into laying down once more. Duo brought up his finger, resting it against the slightly parted lips of his friend.

"Hush... just for a moment. I want to show you something." Duo smiled as Heero took on that singular quizzical look of his, then he rose from the bed slowly, holding out his hand. "Come with me, and close your eyes."

Heero stood, offering his arm instead of his hand, and letting Duo lean upon him for support as he complied. With his eyes closed, he couldn't tell where they were going exactly, but it seemed as though Duo were leading him towards one of the dressers that rested against the walls of their room. He felt himself being brought to a stop, then Duo slid around behind him, placing his hands on Heero's shoulders.

"Now..." Came the soft whisper. "Open your eyes... and don't be afraid of what you see."

Heero blinked, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness before he realized that he was, indeed at one of the dressers. It took him a moment to look up and catch sight of his reflection in the mirror against the wall. His jaw dropped open, and all colour seemed to drain from his face. He wasn't imagining things... and as he brought forward one trembling hand to brush against his own reflection, he realized that what he was seeing was himself. Cobalt eyes flicked up to catch sight of darkened violet in the mirror... and his breath caught in his throat. There, standing behind him with an encouraging smile, was the image of Duo that he had remembered from earlier. Sharply pointed ears held back the fall of chestnut hair... two tiny braids falling over each shoulder. The violet eyes had darkened to a near indigo that seemed to glow with an inner light, although the samee warmth that he had always known was still present in their depths.

His own image caught his attention then once more... the small horns that curved forward from the top of his brow, the now-pointed ears to either side of bright cobalt eyes... and the fur that seemed to start just above his hips and work its way downward. He glanced to the floor then and saw Duo's bare feet to either side of him... and a pair of small hooves between them. It was at that point that the room began to spin and he thought he might faint.

"Whoa! I should have expected that..." Came Duo's voice, as two arms wrapped around his waist, attempting to hold him up. It was the soft hiss from Duo that shocked him back into reality, as he realized the other was in no condition to support his weight. Heero brought himself forward, resting his hands on the dresser as he turned to look at Duo. The other boy looked even more fragile in this manner, his skin slightly more pale, his features with a sculpted delicacy to them. A faint rustling caught his attention, and Heero's eyes widened as he saw a soft multi-coloured fall of almost transparent wings resting against Duo's back and drifting all the way to the floor.

"I... you... what the..." he couldn't form a full sentence if he tried at that point, and he simply gaped as Duo's soft laughter drifted through the room.

"Better than I expected... I can explain, but I have to sit first." As Heero nodded and moved towards him to assist, Duo caught hold of his arm and brought one finger beneath the other boy's chin, forcing him to look him in the eyes. He smiled gently then, tilting his head to the side as he whispered. "Now I can show you... what living truly means."

* * *

TBC