Ok. Apologies for taking so long. I hit writers block. Repeatedly. Plus exams. Plus a cold. Plus a truckload of other stuff, so I'm only now finished this.
Same disclaimers as always. I'll leave my ramblings for the epilogue.
Peace, Love and Anarchy!
~The Elemental.
Walk Through the Fire.
Chapter 17
Perception…
Sunlight streaming across his face, Duo groaned and sat up, blearily attempting to figure out where he was; and why?
Well, first things first, I'm on a bed, in a room…Wrapped in a blanket. Well, that's why I'm so warm…He pulled the material from his shoulders, still warm from his body heat, and tried to force the fog from his mind. Djana gave it to me, just before…
He cautiously felt his neck, but there was nothing to imply that Djana had a hand in his falling asleep last night. He glanced out the window. If that even was last night…Who knows how long I've been asleep for?
Slowly, the fog in his mind lifted and he was left with the memories of the last night, what had happened. And what hadn't.
Duo shivered and pulled the blanket tighter around his shoulders, trying to keep his remaining heat from escaping as he surveyed his surroundings. He was back in his room, or else a room exactly like it. The last thing he could remember was Djana standing next to him, then that prick at his neck, then he was being carried before he fell asleep.
Djana carried me, didn't she? God, was I ever wrong about her…And after everything she's still going to send us back home…The realization struck him as he leapt out of bed. He was going home, Hotaru too. He opened the armoire and happily grabbed his preventor uniform that hung proudly to the side. He changed quickly, face split by his trademark manic grin.
"Never thought I'd be happy to see you! Ah, it feels good to be back in uniform again- And to think, I'll be back home with the guys! No more monsters, no more magic, no more running for my life, back to the same old loosing battles we're sure to die in. Heh, guess I even miss those! Damn hair, where's that brush? I'll have to trim a bit when I get back, my bangs are really starting to bug me…" He quickly re-braided his hair while checking his appearance in the strange bronze mirror that made everything seem to be tinted gold in the reflection. He ran his fingers through his bangs one final time and headed for the door, then turned and frowned. He'd forgotten the cross Father Maxwell had given him. Picking it up from the bedtable, he warmed it slightly in his hands before slipping it around his neck and under his shirt. Now he could leave.
Heading out he glanced down the empty hall, almost expecting Ri to show up, a whirlwind of energy once again. He knocked on Hotaru's door and was startled by the muffled voice through the wood.
"Come in." Shrugging, Duo entered.
"Oh! Good morning Duo." She looked like she'd just woke up as well, her hair still a mess from the night, though she had changed out of the black dress and back into the tunic, leggings and cloak Fillia had given her two weeks ago. Duo blinked: Two weeks? It feels more like two months, considering everything that's happened. Hotaru motioned for Duo to sit as she hurriedly ran a brush through her hair
"I thought you would still be asleep, I only woke up a few minutes ago…But it's long past dawn. I think we should leave, before we risk anything else…"
Duo looked up from his perch on the end of the bed to stare into her vivid purple eyes as they traced round the room, never meeting his gaze. It was obvious she was still upset, he couldn't blame her, all things considered. He remembered what she'd whispered to herself as he left the room last night.
Sometimes reality is the nightmare…
"Hotaru…"
She shook her head and moved away, flattening her hair nervously with her palms. "Duo, I don't think we have any other choice. Considering what we've done…" She shook her head, still refusing to meet his eyes. "Our best bet is to leave quietly. Hopefully, we can leave…We'll have to search out someone else who can send us home—
"Hotaru…"
"I was thinking about going back to the centaur camp, but we really don't know how to get back and—
"Hotaru." Duo stood and she blinked, pausing in her trek around the room. "Hotaru, it's alright, it's all alright." Duo smiled and tried to re-assure her. "Last night, I couldn't sleep, so I went for a walk, and I met up with Djana." Duo's mind raced as he decided exactly how much of the truth he would tell Hotaru. "We started talking. I…I cleared up a few things between us, then she explained about Mai, and Tyra and well, everything." His fingers crossed, Duo hoped Hotaru'd accept his explanation and leave it at that. Unfortunately, from the expression on her face, it looked like Hotaru had a pretty good idea as to what had been said last night. Inwardly Duo cursed. Damn it, for as young as she looks, she isn't stupid. All things considered, she's a couple thousand years older than I am, after all. Duo shook his head and met her accusing eyes straight on. "Nothing happened Hotaru. Djana's not like that.—
Hotaru's voice was ice, seething suppressed anger. "And what if she had been, Duo? Why would you take such a stupid risk? How-
"I'm fine Hotaru. I had to make sure you got back, it didn't matter how. And—
"Duo!" Hotaru was angry, eyes flashing as she stood facing him, hands clenched. "You might be alright, but what if she had accepted? Did you stop to think that I wouldn't want you sacrificing yourself for me? I'm not helpless Duo." Her voice softened and she unclenched her hands, continuing. "How did you expect me to leave, knowing it cost you your life…or your freedom? I know you meant well, but I'd rather leave now and find someone else to help us, then pay that high a price." She shook her head and turned to shut the armoire doors, busying herself with mindless tasks.
"I'm sorry. I never even looked at it that way Hotaru. I just had to get you home. And you are going back. We both are."
"I figure we'd better head straight out. We don't want— She's sending us back? Both of us? You're sure…?"
Duo simply nodded, smiling as first shock, then joy, crept across Hotaru's face. She smiled tentatively, the movement causing tears to fall down her cheeks. Running forward, she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. After a shocked moment, Duo returned the gesture.
Hotaru wiped her eyes on his shirt and pulled away, holding him at arm's length. She hadn't stopped smiling. "Thank you."
"Hey, I didn't do anything, really. It was all Djana. Thank her."
"I will." Hotaru released Duo and headed for the door to the hallway, glancing over her shoulder as she walked. "But if you ever do something that stupid again, I swear, I'll stick my glaive so far up your—"
"Ah! You're awake! Good to see it. And in a fine mood as well, I'm glad." Riannas, the not-quite-energizer-power-whirlwind-but-still-a-force-to-be-reconed-with swept into the room, never seeming to stop for a second, even to breathe. "My lady recalled her orders to wake you two at dawn. Said you hadn't had enough sleep on the trails. I can believe it, you two slept two nights full! Still, I never question milady's orders, no. She knows what she speaks of; been around so long, I reckon." Seeing the two stand at the doorway in mute amazement, she clucked her tongue at them both and made shooing motions with her hands. "Out! Both of you! Shoo! Breakfast is in the dining hall. Take a left at the bottom of the stairs, the second door in the hallway. My Lady has gone for a walk, but is sure to return when she wishes. Now scat! I've rooms to clean, and I can't very well do them if you're still in them, now can I?"
Before either Duo or Hotaru could protest, Ri had practically shoved them out the door and into the hallway. Duo turned to question her, but found the door shut politely-yet-firmly in his face.
Hotaru couldn't help but laugh as Duo blinked, then blushed as his stomach told everyone exactly how hungry it was after two day's without food. "Why don't we find the dining hall Ri mentioned? I'm sure we'll both feel better when we've eaten." The rumbling emanating from her own stomach caused them both to smile, then laugh, as they headed down the hall and towards the stairs.
"Now, was that a left or a right at the bottom of the stairs?"
"Left."
"Are you sure? I could have sworn she said right…?"
"Left Duo. Then the second door in the hallway."
"Second doorway? I thought it was the second hallway, then the first left door…"
"You're not fooling anyone like that. Why do you bother?"
"Because it can be annoying, and WuFei hates it. Then again, he believes I'm really lost. I've got to brush up on my pest skills. Wufei's had two and a half weeks without me, I can't let him forget what I'm like…"
"You're hopeless…"
"I know. Now was it the second left hallway? Or the left hall doorway?"
********************
Duo set his empty glass next to his bowl and wiped his mouth on his sleeve, ignoring the napkin to his left, the one Hotaru was now pointedly using to wipe her own mouth. His hands snaked to rest behind his head in his favored position as he leaned back. "Man, when she said breakfast, she should have said a feast! Am I ever stuffed…"
Hotaru just smiled. Duo was right of course, she simply didn't need to repeat the fact. When they'd entered, the table had been empty, but as soon as they moved closer, plates of food materialized. As they sat down to eat, Duo had offered her a glass of milk with her French toast, but she had politely declined, fighting a shudder. She still hated the stuff. But not a moment later, a jug of fruit juice appeared next to her, startling them both, but as Duo had said: "Hey, It's a magic castle, run by one damn powerful witch. Why not?"
Hotaru was still wary of Djana, but she trusted Duo. He said that everything had been worked out, and they were both going home. She still couldn't believe what he had done, but at least he hadn't tried to deny it. She most certainly wasn't stupid… Duo had promised her nothing had happened, and he hadn't lied to her yet….Come to think of it, he'd mentioned that before. Duo Maxwell. I may run and hide, but I never tell a lie…She smiled at the memory. It seemed like such a long time ago, months, not weeks.
"Something funny?"
"Oh nothing, just thinking…"
"Ah. Thought I smelled burning wood." Duo waited for the reaction:
"Hai….What?"
"Heh! You're really out of it 'Taru. Something wrong?"
"No, just- Oh!" Her head spun to look towards the doors to the dining hall, which were now opening.
"What? Oh, Hi Stryke." Duo nodded to the bird, who flew into the room, circled the table and the pair, then came to rest on what appeared to be his 'chair': A perch next to the head of the table; presumably Djana's seat. As Stryke bated, a small, shallow bowl of water appeared in front of him, then a similar bowl containing a meat of some unidentifiable source appeared next to the water. Nodding to the pair, the Gyrfalcon began to eat.
Shrugging, Duo turned to Hotaru, continuing the prior conversation. "So, something on your mind? 'Fess up 'Taru; something's bugging you."
Hotaru blinked, then realized what Duo meant. "Oh, no. I'm alright. I was just thinking about Djana. I'm grateful she's sending us home; I'd like to thank her. But Riannas said she was out, who knows where she is now or when she'll be back. I guess it'll just have to wait…"
"Oh. That makes sense. I'm sure she'll turn up. Want to check out the rest of the castle while we wait? From what I saw at night, this place is amazing."
"I guess. Why not?"
I know where she is.
The pair looked over to where Stryke was still busy chomping down on a piece of meat as large as his head. Apparently he didn't need to use his beak to speak to them, which stood to reason. He swallowed, the regarded them with golden eyes. She's not far. If you want to speak with her, I can show you the trail. I'm sure she'd like the company. He waited for their answer as his head snaked forward to snatch another piece of meat from his bowl, all but empty now.
Duo and Hotaru shared a glance, then a second, then a third. Hotaru was the first to speak.
"I don't think she'd appreciate us being there…"
Nonsense! His bowl empty, Stryke flew over to land on the back of Duo's chair. Nodding at the braided occupant, he continued. This one spoke with her at length last night. I don't know what was said, but I believe you impressed her. And even if you didn't, one thing's for certain, she likes you both: If she didn't, you'd both be trees right now.
Duo smiled, though Hotaru failed see the humor in the bird's statement. Then again, she probably didn't' remember the pickle tree.
"I don't know…"
"He's right Hotaru, I can attest to that. Let's go. It'd be nice to take a walk anyway. I'll tell you what: We'll go, and if we're intruding, we'll leave right away, ok? This way we can both thank her."
Hotaru battled conflicting emotions, but soon found herself nodding slowly. "Alright. There's no harm in making the effort. Where is she Stryke?"
The bird vaulted from the back of Duo's chair and circled the room once, before flying out the open door. Outside. I'll lead the way: Meet me in the garden- to the left of the castle. Duo turned once again to face Hotaru. Standing, he crossed over to her seat and bowed formally, extending his arm.
"Shall we excuse ourselves then, Lady Firefly?"
Hotaru nodded, but paused. "Firefly?"
Duo's head rose as he grinned mischievously, yet remained in his half-bent position. "That's what 'Hotaru' means, doesn't it?"
Hotaru smiled and lightly placed her fingers on Duo's forearm, standing. He straightened: surprised that she had finally accepted the gesture. They walked from the room and headed for the main doors, hoping to catch up with Stryke quickly. "I suppose so, Two."
"Two?"
"Oh, perhaps you'd prefer Double? Or Pair? Or Duet? Or Twain? Or Dyad? Or—
"Ok Ok! I get your point: Hotaru it is. Jeeze, what have you got in your head, a thesaurus? I've never heard so many ways of saying Duo before!"
Hotaru simply smiled. Of course, she still couldn't help but groan when she heard Duo's next comment:
"Ok, we're outside. Now, we head right? Or was it to the back? The kitchen?"
"Duo!"
"What? I've got to keep practicing. Besides, it's fun: You ought to try it."
Hotaru shook her head. "That's not exactly my idea of fun."
"Well then, what is?"
Hotaru thought for a moment, then smiled as she answered. "Driving with Haruka along the shoreline. Shopping with Setsuna at old antique shops for lamps to add to my collection. Playing music with Haruka and Michiru. Painting, or just watching Michiru paint. Cooking with Makoto, debating with Ami…" She slowed, both in speech and stride.
"You miss them. A lot." Duo slowed with her; her hand still rested on his forearm.
"I do. I hadn't fully realized until now, talking about them, just brought up the memories. I'm sorry, let's keep going."
She began to walk again, and Duo matched her pace. "Don't forget, you'll get back to them today. Say, 'Taru…." He grinned. "What will you do first when you get back?"
"Check on Usagi." That answer was immediate; almost without thought. Slowly, as though unsure, Hotaru continued. "…Knowing the others, Minako, Usagi and Rei will throw a party at Rei's temple, and we'll all go, then Usagi and Rei will argue about something, and we'll all laugh at them fighting." She closed her eyes and allowed Duo's presence to guide her steps as she pictured her return home. "Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna won't make a big deal about it, but tomorrow I'll wake up and Michiru will already be standing at my door. We'll go downstairs together and Haruka will make a huge breakfast. Only she'll end up burning half of it accidentally-on-purpose, and we'll have to go to a nice restaurant for brunch, once we put out the stove. Then we'll all go out to a movie. Haruka will drive us home through the Gehbi district, and Setsuna will point out an antique store, and when we get home I'll probably have a new lamp. Or two."
Duo smiled: The scene was easy to imagine. Hotaru opened her eyes as they approached the entrance to a beautiful garden. "What will you do when you get back?"
Duo's brows furrowed in thought. "I hadn't really thought about it, I guess. I'll check on the others, see if they got out ok. I'm sure they did. Then…. I don't know. Quatre might put up a fuss, but I'm not sure. They probably won't believe it's even me, or anything I tell them, all things considered. I mean, if any of them told me that they'd been sucked into another world filled with magic and monsters, I'd be looking for the nice men in white coats too. And even if they did believe me, we're working constantly. I'll be lucky if I can meet Quatre face to face…The rest will be too busy with Preventor business. I probably won't see them for another few months, at least…Where's Stryke? We've been wandering around this garden for the last five minutes!"
"I haven't a clue. Let's look down this path…So you won't be able to see your friends…?"
Duo shook his head. "Not unless we're assigned on the same mission, and that's pretty rare. They like to split us up, stretch out our talents I guess. We only team up when they're facing something 'unstoppable'. So I'll have to just message them…Hopefully they're in com range."
"Even Heero?"
Duo stopped walking and blinked several times before he shook his head. "What do you mean?"
Hotaru chuckled. "I'm not blind Duo. Whenever you worry about your friends, you always mention Heero separately. And when you do, your aura reacts, like it's trying to reach out to him. I've seen it before, with both Usagi and Mamoru, and with Haruka and Michiru. Have you told him?"
Duo blushed from head to toe. "No, I couldn't. He's got Relina, after all. You mean you're not grossed out, me liking Heero? I mean…?"
"No, of course not. Why should I be?"
Took you long enough. Did you get lost?
Their travels had led them down a path and into a clearing, where a lone, dead tree rose in its center. Perched on a lower branch stood Stryke, preening and looking exasperated. Well? Are you ready?
The pair nodded, and Stryke took to the air, flying towards the woods that surrounded the right of the clearing. The trail is magic, hidden here. Walk between those two purple trees and you'll find it. Hurry up now. Hotaru and Duo obeyed, cautiously walking into what seemed to be extremely dense underbrush, including a very vicious looking shrub, which come complete with long, sharp looking thorns. Gulping, Duo went first, stepping into the bush between the two trees, and in an instant found himself standing on a very clear, well used path. Hotaru repeated his actions and was soon standing next to him: Stryke was almost overtop of them, glaring. I told you, it is magic. Now come on, I'm only going to get older. He flew off down the trail, leaving the two with no option but to follow.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, each enjoying the quiet, until the path broadened into a small clearing, a tiny silver stream running across it, filling the area with happy gurgling.
Djana stood to the side of the stream, her magic making two tiny green whirlwinds around two similar blocks of stone. To the right of the blocks stood others, statues. One of a young girl, no older than seventeen or eighteen. Carved into granite, it seemed flawless. Her hair was shorn, cut just above her ears. A cape swirled around her shoulders, seeming to almost move. Her tunic was simple, but seemed almost fluid, as though she had been a real person, frozen in stone. Her eyes glittered green in the sunlight, an emerald stone replacing what once would have seen. At her feet stood a small granite base with a metal plaque, writing etched into the surface.
Cautiously, Duo approached, Hotaru following close behind, both unnoticed by Djana; too immersed in her working. Duo stepped up to the first statue and slowly read the plaque.
Jade Nightswift
May you find the glory
you sought to achieve
And the peace you hoped to find.
A true friend, for as short as time does pass.
You will be missed.
Duo's first guess had been correct. This was Jade's grave. A glance at the other statue, an older woman, no less beautiful, revealed the resting place of the Sorceress, Shananra.
Djana's arms dropped, and the two green whirlwinds disappeared. Stryke immediately flew out of the foliage and landed on her shoulder.
Djana was once again dressed in green, though this time the shade was so deep it seemed black, much like her hair. Her hair itself was bound and braided, the whirlwinds tearing small strands loose and sending her veil askew, hanging uselessly at the side of her face. Turning she faced the two in surprise, then hurried to straighten herself out. A flash of green light, and Djana stood before them looking perfect; veil firmly in place, sleeves hiding her hands, not a single hair out of place
Hotaru had gasped quietly when she saw Djana's face, and now the woman approached with Stryke on her shoulder, the tiniest of smiles on her lips.
"Hello Duo, Hotaru. I hadn't expected to see either of you here." She nodded to the both of them, before inclining her head towards Duo. "I suppose you told her everything?"
Duo shook his head, surprised. "No. I didn't think I had a right to."
Hotaru cleared her throat nervously and stepped forward, attempting to place herself between Duo and Djana. She didn't care what Duo had said, she still wasn't sure of the woman, not after everything that had happened. Yet if she was willing to send them back after it all, the least Hotaru could do was thank her. And apologize. "Djana, Duo told me the both of you spoke last night…?" She let the question hang in the air for a moment, then continued when a nod from Djana confirmed the statement. "I don't know what was said, but Duo tells me you're willing to send us both back home. I won't pretend to understand why, but I thank you. And I want to say I'm sorry. Your daughter should not have died, and it was my fault she did. I only—"
Djana, who had listened quietly to Hotaru as she spoke, shook her head and cut the girl off, grasping pale hands in her own. "Now I'll have none of that."
Surprised, Hotaru paused, unsure. "Pardon?"
"How is it your fault Mai died?" Djana's voice was light, as though the question was unimportant, though her face had lost her tiny smile and was firm.
Hotaru answered her instantly, voice flat, sounding almost as though she had rehearsed it. Duo'd heard the tone before, often emanating from Trowa and Heero, when a mission failed and they believed it to be entirely their fault. "My weakness allowed Tyra to trap us. I overreacted when I believed Mai to be Usagi. It clouded my judgement, and I was unable to find another way of stopping Tyra in time. Also, if I hadn't let go of my glaive, I might have prevented Mai's death as well."
"And you both would have died." Djana's retort was matter-of-fact. It stung, probably because of the truth behind it.
"That's not necessarily true. We might have found a way to defeat Tyra without the cost of Mai's life."
"Tyra was my daughter as well." The words were soft, no malice behind them. Just a simple fact.
Hotaru could find no reply.
"She would have killed you both, then escaped and killed a thousand more. Tyra existed for destruction. You did the right thing, the only thing that could be done." Djana shook her head and pulled away, walking away from the pair and gazing at the two statues she'd just completed. "I explained to Duo before, I don't hate you for killing her, nor do I blame you for her death. In fact, death was the one thing Mai wished for, after all those years, and was the one thing I couldn't grant her. I don't want you blaming yourself, Hotaru. You've got a very kind heart. That's why I'm sending you two home, you deserve to be with your loved ones." She smiled at Hotaru genuinely, and raised her hands to the group of statues. In a flash of green light, a mass of flowers appeared at each marble base.
Cautiously, Duo and Hotaru stepped forward to examine the two new figures, and instantly identified them. One, carved from a cream based marble, was Mai, smiling happily, her hands clutching a small ball. At her base was a small plaque, beautifully inscribed:
Mai Trebound
A summer's day
Ne'er could compare
To your radiance
The second statue was carved from a deep black marble, and was unmistakably Tyra, also happy, a book between her hands. No less beautiful was her plaque, which held two simple lines:
Tyra Trebound
Without the darkness
How would we recognize the light?
"I found them both in the cave. This was where I buried Jade….It became a sort of resting place. I thought it fitting, to bring them here…"
Hotaru and Duo nodded in silence; words simply weren't needed. Duo laid a hand on Djana's shoulder to comfort, and was rewarded with a smile. After a few minutes like this, Djana pulled away and sat down on a tree stump that protruded from the ground not far from their position. Motioning with her hands, she pulled a small harp from the air and sat it on her lap. Smiling at the confused looks on both faces, she explained. "Jade and Shananra both loved music immensely. It's a tradition of mine to play whenever I visit. It's nothing much, if you wish, you can stay, or if you would rather head back to the castle, Stryke will show you the path."
Hotaru and Duo exchanged a look, then decided. "We'd both like to stay, if you don't mind?"
"Not at all. I'm afraid there isn't much seating…."
A nod, a smile. Duo found another tree stump, Hotaru used a small boulder. Djana pulled back her sleeves, revealing scarred wrists once again, and began to pick out her first few notes.
The song grew and blossomed in the clearing, filling it with crisp, clear notes that blended beautifully with one another and with the beauty around them. Hotaru was unsure when during the song exactly, but sometime during Djana's performance she realized she knew the song. What was more was that she still felt she shouldn't know the song. Something from her dreams, nothing more- yet Duo had known it as well. A quick glance in his direction told her he had realized it as well. What was that song anyway? No matter how she looked at it, it was damn unnerving. Even now, she found herself silently putting the lyrics to the music.
Djana finished the peace, the last notes of the song floating through the clearing still, making the entire scene seem ethereal. Smiling, she stood, and the harp disappeared from her hands. She motioned for the pair to follow as she headed out towards the trail back to the castle.
"Djana, that was amazing. You play beautifully. What was that song?"
"That's exactly what I wanted to know." Duo frowned.
"It's something I've known for a long time. Why?"
Another shared glance, then: "We know it. We don't know how or why, we both just heard it in the nightmares we had before we came here."
"Me and Hotaru sang it, kinda by accident, at the centaur camp. It was really strange…"
Djana chuckled lightly. "I suppose we have more in common than any of us thought."
"What do you mean by that?"
Djana shook her head and smiled. "It's hard to explain. Where can I begin?" Her lips pursed as she continued down the path, leaving Duo and Hotaru with little choice but to follow. They continued on in silence, patiently waiting for answers, Djana searching for a way to give them some.
As they reached the end of the trail, Stryke took off into the air with a shriek. Djana stopped and raised her hand to her lips, motioning for Duo and Hotaru to keep quiet. Above their heads, Stryke continued to circle. Duo assumed he was speaking with Djana privately, her head kept nodding slightly, as if in agreement to something. As the seconds ticked away, Duo began to fidget, wondering exactly what was going on. Glancing at Hotaru, he smiled, and she returned it, shaking her head. She didn't have a clue either.
Djana sighed quietly as she raised her hands, green fire spilling from her palms to surround the three. It flashed brilliantly, forcing Hotaru and Duo to close their eyes against the light.
They blinked away green-tinted glare spots to find themselves once again inside the green room where they had first met Djana.
It was dark, and as their eyes adjusted both realized the hundreds of candles remained unlit, owing to the lack of light. Djana was standing to the side of her podium, hands hovering over a large opaque globe that was being supported by a floating wooden base. "I'm sorry, I forgot to warn you about your eyes…It was never really a problem with me. Oh, you need light…" Immediately, the candles flickered to life, lighting the room with a cozy glow. Djana still hadn't turned from the globe. "About all that. I left a wizard alone for a few days while I was dealing with you, and the ogre problem around this area. Unfortunately, this particular annoyance has been extremely stupid. Instead of just portalling on, he's decided he wants to take my position as, ahem, 'top sorcerer.'"
Both Duo and Hotaru could hear the sarcasm hidden underneath her words, and wondered exactly what she had planned.
"He's managed to enslave a few ogres and goblins. They were hidden in the woods when we were heading back. I underestimated him, my own stupidity really. I didn't think he'd have enough power to blast through the woods like he did."
Duo came to stand next to Djana, gazing at the globe as he did. Surprised, he realized it was showing pictures of different clearings in the woods. "If you're the most powerful, couldn't you have stopped him there? Or are you planning to leave him?"
Djana shook her head. "No, I can't leave him. He'll cause too much trouble. And I could have dealt with him, but considering what an idiot he is, I didn't want to risk him using too much magic and killing you two, or his captives, in the process. Stryke's keeping an eye on him. As soon as he moves into the perimeter of the castle, I'm going to transport it into another clearing. The spell will take him with us, but will leave the ogres and goblins out of it. Ah, I haven't been here in a few years…" She motioned to the globe, and both Duo and Hotaru looked on. "It's a self-contained spell. I use it to keep this castle moving, without having it a constant drain on my powers. But I still have to choose the area each time, to make sure I don't end up setting down on someone's camp."
"But if you can't see the screen, how can you tell?"
"I created the spell—
DJANA NOW!
Stryke's call filled the room, and Djana immediately set her fingers down on the globe. There was a faint sound, like wind through trees, and the globe's images faded, the wood coming to rest on the floor once again.
"Now, to take care of that dammed sorcerer. He managed to kill about a half a dozen fairies in that last blast. No wonder Stryke was so urgent…"
"He attacked?"
"Not really. He tried to use a Juggernaut spell; it backfired and destroyed that whole section of forest. It's going to take months for me to fix all the damage, even if the fairies help- Stryke!"
The gyrfalcon flew through the window and crashed into the floor, an arrow through one wing, the other reduced to a shredded mess.
"Stryke!" Djana rushed to his side, cradling him in her lap. She removed the arrowhead with a snap, then pulled the shaft from his wing. Gently holding him in her arms, she stroked his head. "You were supposed to be careful!"
I'm sorry…Goblin shot me…caught in the blast…ahh…sorry…
"Don't apologize…Stryke, you can't leave me now…"
Tears ran down her face and fell onto the gyrfalcon, who fought to keep his head up. Duo waited for the green flash that always accompanied Djana's magic, yet she just sat there, holding Stryke…
"Can you heal him?" Hotaru had come to kneel in front of the two, frowning as Djana shook her head.
"I'm not a healer..."
Duo looked to the quiet girl. "Hotaru, can you?"
She shook her head as well. "I'm not sure…" Gently taking Stryke from Djana's arms, Hotaru sank into herself, sending her power through the bird. She'd hoped his smaller size would help her, but even then the injuries were too vast, and the arrow had been poisoned as well. Already it was beginning to shut the gyrfalcon's systems down. She simply didn't have the power necessary.
Dragging herself back into her own body, Hotaru forced herself to look straight at Djana. The woman's veil was gone, leaving her eyes exposed, and Hotaru knew that the woman couldn't see her, but she still felt it necessary to look her in the eyes. "I'm sorry."
"You can't do anything?"
"I can make it painless, and quicker, but I simply don't have enough power. Even if I was henshined, it wouldn't be enough. I'm sorry." Hotaru found her cheeks were wet with tears. Her power just wasn't enough. The one time she needed it more than any other, it simply wasn't there.
Hands were lain on her shoulders; Djana's. "I have power, and more to spare. Can this help you?" Djana poured her magic into Hotaru through their connection.
Hotaru was on fire. It felt like she'd had all of her blood replaced with molten lava, her veins ripped out and lightning used in their steed.
This was energy, in its purest form, surging through her body and mind, tearing at her.
The pain was unbelievable, yet she found she could handle it, push it to the back of her mind as she focused on what was needed. She could handle this….She just needed to focus.
The power was too different from her own to use it to heal, she had to change it first, then transfer it to Stryke. She had to serve as the channel for all the energy, directing it.
Starting from his heart, she worked carefully, burning out every trace of poison as she worked her way through, mending the broken bones, collapsed lung, and mutilated wings.
What…are you doing?
Helping you.
Why?
Why not?
As she began to pull herself back, receding into her own mind, Hotaru realized she was shuddering from the power Djana was still pumping into her. She assumed the sorceress didn't even know her own strength. She wished her mouth would work though, she wanted to tell her to stop…
An image of Djana flashed in her mind as she realized that there was no way she'd be able to use all the excess energy she now had….and it would be dangerous to let it lie dormant…
Reaching through her connection with the woman, Hotaru created a loop, channeling the energy she was being given back towards Djana.
Both lost control of the energy as the loop became faster and faster. In seconds, it was instantaneous. Within half a minute, the contact was gone, both Hotaru and Djana lying on the floor.
Duo ran forward, able to do little during the process. By the time he had kneeled down however, both Djana and Hotaru were upright; Hotaru's forehead glistening with sweat, Djana's eyes pouring water…
Duo blinked. Djana was crying, hands to her eyes. Hands wiping water from a pair of golden-yellow eyes that had replaced milky pools. Duo gaped.
A groan from Hotaru made him divert his attention back to the girl. "I healed Stryke…He'll need to rest for a while…" She looked from the bird to Djana. "It worked…I'm glad."
"How?… Why?…"
Hotaru half shrugged, yawning as she did so. "You gave me too much power…Had to do something…" Her violet eyes closed as she collapsed to the floor, sound asleep.
"Hotaru!"
"Don't worry, she's alright. It happens when she does a lot of healing. I guess it takes a lot out of her. But both she and Stryke are going to need some rest…" Duo left the statement hanging in the air. Djana nodded, and in a second both were gone in a flash of green light.
Smiling, she accepted Duo's hand as she stood, brushing herself off. As she moved her hand, she began to chuckle. Waving it around and producing a huge wave of sparkles that followed its path, she was soon laughing fully, a happy, lilting sound that filled the room. Studying her hands, then moving to study the next thing she saw, she turned and stared into Duo's face.
Eyes widened as she lifted her hand to brush his cheek, tucking a stray piece of hair behind his ear. She smiled. Nervously, Duo returned it, unsure of what to expect. He almost sighed in relief when she took a step back, so as to see him fully.
"You're beautiful."
Duo's eyes felt like they were about to pop out of his head. Beautiful? Him? Was she crazy? He hastily shook his head, and Djana's smile grew broader.
"You really are. Everything is. God, I'd forgotten how colours looked…And fire…Everything is amazing!" She spun around the room, dress flaring around her as she moved from one object to another, revisiting them as though they were old friends. She eventually made her way back towards Duo, laughing and crying at the same time. Reaching him, she wrapped him in a quick hug and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before she grabbed his hand and pulled him from the room, sputtering the whole way. "Let's go. I need your help in pinpointing where to send you two and the quickest way to the portal room is through the greenhouse. I haven't seen flowers in over a century!" Duo tried to follow, but ended up flat on his face as he fell forward, the castle shaken by some outside force.
"Shit. I'd almost forgotten about him…" Djana's entire demeanor changed. Tiny, pale green lightening sparks appeared, dancing around her body as her face contorted in anger. "I think I owe him one…" She raised her hands, and an instant later an older man stood in the center of the room in a now-familiar stream of green light.
The man smiled slyly. "Wish to challenge me on my own terms wench? Well I'll have none of it! Prepare to meet your master- I'll show no mercy!" His hands raised in front of him, they began to charge with energy. "FECLIZIT IMPARIOTTI!" The energy shot forward towards Djana-
And fizzled out.
"Show no mercy? Strange, I was planning on telling you the same thing…" Djana smiled, not looking the least bit friendly. "And seeing as this is my home, you'll have to forgive me if I don't let you throw spells around so carelessly."
The sorcerer scowled, then swore when he couldn't call up his magic to attack her. "What have you done, you defilement of our kind!"
"Oh…that's new. Normally people just swear at me. And I've simply cut your ties to the flow of magic in this area."
"That's impossible! You can't do that!"
"I just did. And I ought to do a lot more. You hurt a very good friend of mine. Almost killed him in fact. I really should kill you in return…..But some good has come of it. So I offer you a choice, old man. Apologize, and be sent home, stripped of your powers. Or face the consequences."
The man sputtered, turning nearly purple in rage. His face twisted in contempt as the colour drained from his face, a ball of red-black energy gathering once again at his palms, burning them. "I'll kill you witch! And assume my rightful place as ruler of this world!!!!!" The sphere of energy launched forward, growing exponentially as it headed towards Djana. She simply held out her hand however, and the attack disappeared in a puff of red smoke.
"Using your lifeforce to attack me? Unbelievably stupid. I tire of this, go. Set yourself where no living being might find you."
Another flash, this time green; Djana's magic. The man was gone, and Djana sighed.
"I'm sorry you had to see that, Duo."
"What was that?"
Djana frowned. "I lost my temper."
"Understatement of the century."
Djana laughed. "I suppose. Where were we?"
"Um….Nowhere in particular. But I have a few questions…"
"I'll answer them over tea, if you don't mind? I need to sit for a while…"
Duo nodded and sat down with Djana at the table she magiced in, along with tea and pastries.
"You said you had some questions?"
Duo nodded, absently playing with the end of his braid. "A couple, actually. They've kinda stockpiled…"
Djana laughed. "Well, ask. I'll do my best to answer."
"Where is Hotaru and Stryke?"
Djana blinked. "I didn't tell you? I sent them to their rooms to rest. Stryke nests in the north tower. Hotaru's asleep in her room. Ri's keeping an eye on her."
"Ok…" Duo nodded. "…What did you do to that sorcerer?"
Djana primly picked at her napkin, carefully not meeting Duo's eyes. "I turned him into a tree. A purple fig, if I'm not mistaken. I set him on a small island in the middle of the Eastern Sea. I guess I should have killed him……But I've found that doesn't really solve anything…"
"I guess. I can't say I'd do the same in your place though…How did you know that song, when we were in the clearing?"
Djana blinked. "I never did get to that, did I? Well, it's difficult to explain…"
"I know. You said that before."
"I suppose I did. Hmmm. Where do I begin?"
"I've heard that before too."
Djana looked at Duo carefully, but he was being completely serious. Sighing, she decided to just start from the beginning.
"It was called the 'Liren fa Chanis' in my world. Roughly translated, it means 'Song of Ruin.' It's hard to explain, once again, but it seems every world is connected with this song in some way. The tune exists everywhere, it's the words that chance, to suit the person." She inhaled deeply and bit on her bottom lip, thinking. Softly, she continued on. "It is known as the 'Song of Ruin' because those who know it are immersed with death. Connected to it in some way. They might be surrounded by it, or be forced to grant it, or be unable to prevent it…It appears in the sub-conscious. Often, when it's bearer is nearing their death. You both heard it, right before you appeared here. I assume your minds believed you would die."
Duo sat back as he absorbed the information, seeing the truth in her words, even if he didn't wish to. Quietly, he asked another question, one that had come to the forefront of his mind. "How did you hear it?"
"Anrak. When he captured me…"
"I'm sorry."
The silence stretched between them. Duo studied his hands, Djana staring avidly into her cup, the tea now long cold.
"Why couldn't you heal Stryke? I thought you had a lot of power."
"I do." Djana sighed. "Magic is inherent. Every being possesses it, to some degree, in one form or another. My magic was in molding power, not healing. While one can learn another form, I never had the chance. Hotaru is a natural healer. I supplied her with the power she needed, but she was the only one who could heal Stryke."
"Everything has magic? I don't." Duo didn't sound doubtful; his interest had been piqued.
"All things do. Including yourself. You simply don't know how to use it. Such is the way with most beings. Hotaru has the ability, but it is raw and untamed. She, like you, could be taught more."
"What about the centaurs? They said they couldn't use magic because they were magic. And what would I be able to do anyway? Heal things like Hotaru?"
Djana smiled. "The centaurs believe that they cannot possess magic, so they ignore their own power, much like you. If you were taught…" She passed a hand in front of his face, glowing slightly green. "You're naturally strong at illusions. In fact, I think you've managed to tap into that ability unintentionally."
"What do you mean? Like making things appear?"
"Possibly. Or making things seem to be somewhere else, or gone altogether. Being able to hide in plain sight and the like…"
Duo thought her words over as she sipped from her cup. Magic? Me? I would have known. Besides, it doesn't even exist back home…But…
Why was I always able to run away from shop owners and the police when I stold something?
And how was I able to use my hyper-jammer on the Deathscythe, but it wouldn't work for any of the other Gundams?
A dozen memories flooded Duo's mind, of times when he should have been found, caught, killed…But nothing had happened. Was that what Djana was talking about?
"Duo?"
His head snapped up to find Djana standing beside him. "I asked if you wanted to go to the portal room. So you and Hotaru can leave as soon as she's awake."
"Alright…" Duo stood, surprised when Djana transported them into another room, amidst a sea of green light.
She immediately moved to the center of the circular room, where a white, floating object waited for her. Motioning for Duo to stand beside her, she began to charge the object with energy, causing its opaque surface to turn translucent.
"This is the Elfin plate. It allows me to view other worlds, and to open portals to them. I'll need you to lay your hands across it." Duo obliged, finding the plate was warm and vibrating slightly. "Each world has a certain code, a frequency that everyone carries. I can read your code and find out where to send you. Just give it a minute while I work the spell…"
She placed her hands on top of Duo's, sending energy pulsing into the plate. The glass returned to its opaque white before a flash of something, Duo couldn't be sure what, appeared. Almost instantly the image disintegrated, leaving the glass a pale, swirling green. Djana frowned and muttered something under her breath. Instantly, the power flowing into the plate increased, causing the green colour to intensify, as well as the vibrations. Soon the plate was shaking so hard Duo was worried it would shatter- yet Djana continued. The green began to grow darker and darker, becoming black, studded with white specks.
Duo realized that the specks were in fact stars. As he watched, a still image came into focus on the plate; a dying explosion, debris filling the sky, and four Taurus units surveying the scene. It looked like a photograph, and as Duo leaned in to see the image more clearly, the plate began to whine. Seconds later it shattered, crashing to the floor. Duo jumped back.
"What happened?!"
Djana stooped down to pick up one of the largest remaining pieces of glass, no larger than her thumb. "I can't be certain. I'm worried though. This isn't supposed to happen. I spelled it so it wouldn't, after the last time."
"It's happened before?"
Djana shook her head. "Only once, before I realized I couldn't view my own home on the plate. The time difference is too great, because I'm from outside the Diadem circle. But it shouldn't have happened to you. Unless…"
"Unless what?"
Djana shook her head. "I'm not sure yet. I need to check Hotaru first."
"Wait a minute. Why? And—" Duo stopped when they were both wrapped once again in light, only to re-appear inside Hotaru's room, standing at the foot of her bed.
"My lady!" Ri was sitting in a rocking chair, and she jumped up when she saw Djana appear. "My lady! Your eyes! You've been healed! Who? How? Was it—"
Djana silenced her with a hand. "I'll have to explain it later, Ri. Right now I need to be alone with my guests."
"Of course M'lady. Right away. Call should you need anything."
"Of course."
Ri left, and Djana sighed. "I really wish I knew where she got all her energy from. I'm going to have to wake Hotaru. This won't work if she's asleep."
"Why?" Duo was worried. What was going on?
"I have to….it's impossible to explain. It just won't work if she's asleep." Djana placed her hands on Hotaru's temples and encased the girl in shimmering green light. Seconds later, Hotaru's eyes fluttered open.
"I…what?"
"I'm sorry, I had to jolt you awake." Djana helped the girl up, and offered her a glass of water. "Don't worry, the headache will disappear in a few seconds. I was trying to find out where Duo's world is, and I ran into some problems. I need to know something: before you arrived on Orian, had either of you heard, even just once, of something called the Diadem?"
Both Duo and Hotaru shook their heads. After a pause, Hotaru looked thoughtful. "I think it was a name for a cloth crown, used by English kings….But I may be wrong…"
"So neither of you hear it, to refer to a world, or dimension?"
"No."
"No."
"Damn. Duo, I need you to sit on the bed, next to Hotaru. That's good enough…I'll explain everything in a moment, but I don't want to worry you if it's nothing. I'm going to try to find your codes, the identifiers for your worlds, myself. Right now I need you to focus on something at home you love, or want to return to. The brightest, most memorable thing you can think of. Can you?"
Both nodded and closed their eyes.
What can I think of? Usagi-chan? Chibi-usa? Hotaru smiled as an image played across her lids. Haruka trying to feed us that Canadian bacon. I want to go back to that, just the four of us. Happy. Laughing…
Hilde and Quatre. I miss them, so that should be easy…Duo fought a groan when all he could picture was Heero's face on the vid-screen, eyes actually showing emotion, as he tried to stop Duo from crashing into the side of the satellite. He actually looked scared! Damn, why can't I get him out of my head? Oh well…I guess it doesn't matter. No one's going to know anyway…
Both saw the green light that was Djana's magic play across their eyelids, and felt it's static touch across their faces. When in stopped, Duo risked opening one eye, only to see Djana staring at the two of them with a mixture of sadness and something else. Pity? But why?
"I'm sorry. Duo, Hotaru. I'm sorry…"
"Why?"
"What's wrong?"
Djana's voice was barely above a whisper. "I can't send you home."
*******************
(Hah! Thought I was going to end it there? So was I! But I really want to finish this, so I'm continuing, rather than making another chapter. Ack! I'm almost done!)
******************
"So this 'Diadem' is a series of worlds?"
Djana nodded and absently picked at a flower. They had moved to the greenhouse, and were now sitting amidst the flowers, Duo and Hotaru trying to come to grips with Djana's news.
"The Diadem is as I explained it. A cone of worlds, each circle built upon stronger magic. At its point is the center, where only the strongest may travel."
"But you're from outside these worlds?"
"Yes. There is a secondary set of worlds, above the Diadem, not a part of it. The rules of Diadem don't apply to them…I was pulled here from my world, but my magic was so different, and so strong, I can easily travel throughout Diadem. But I cannot break through the seal between Diadem and the outside worlds. I simply don't have even a tenth of the power needed. It's one of the reasons I've stayed here, as the Green Lady. I really didn't have anywhere to go."
"But you're from outside as well. I honestly can't understand how you've managed to break through the seal, but there's no way I can push you back. You're trapped here, as am I. There's nothing I can do."
"What about the 'rulers' of Diadem? Wouldn't they have the power?"
"No. Their powers are weaker than my own. If they had the ability to travel, they would, seeking another world to control."
Hotaru and Duo stared at each other, the flowers, at anything they could to occupy their minds.
Finally, Duo sighed. "Then what now?"
Hesitantly, Djana smiled at them both. "You're more than welcome to stay with me. And together we may be able to find you another route home. There may be other possibilities, I have not attempted to leave in a few decades. And perhaps another point of view will help as well."
Softly, Hotaru's voice disturbed the peace. "That's just it. You've been here for over a century. How long will we be here? By the time we leave, everyone could be dead."
Duo sobered. "She's right, you know. You've been here forever. Even if it only takes a decade, that's ten years…"
"Ten minutes."
"A decade for us is years. We appreciate the fact you're willing to help us get home, it's just…."
"It's going to take some getting used to." Hotaru offered a small smile to Duo. There was every chance that when she returned, Neo-Tokyo may have already appeared. But Duo would be left with no one…
"I meant a decade here is about ten minutes outside of Diadem."
"What?"
"How is that possible?"
"Diadem is on an accelerated timeline compared to worlds outside of it. If a year passes here, it's only a minute or so outside. The exact amount depends on the world. That's why I haven't aged, and neither will you. We retain our slower…um…" Djana searched for a term. "…metabolism? So you don't have to worry about that at least. When you get home, it would be as if you'd hardly been gone."
Djana smiled slightly as the full meaning of her words began to sink in. Standing, she bowed to the two. "I'll leave you alone, to think for a while. If you need me, simply call, or stop in the garden. I'd like to give you a full tour of the forest later on, if you'd like. It's quite beautiful…And circumstances aside, this world is truly beautiful. I believe you could grow to like it here. Please give it a chance."
Both nodded, and Djana walked, instead of disappearing, from the room.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"I don't know. I was hoping you would." Duo smiled, showing Hotaru he was only joking. At least, she thought he was only joking.
"I don't think we have that many options. We can stay, or leave. But Djana's telling the truth- she really can't send us back. Apparently no one can. So we're left with two real choices."
"Stay or leave."
"Exactly."
A thin silence stretched between them as each weighed the choices. Duo was the first to break it, leaning back into his chair into a now-familiar position, hands tucked behind his head. "You know, I kind of like it here."
Hotaru smiled.
"And Djana's a great cook. The beds are warm, the locals are on good terms with her…And I frankly think that her spending all her time with a bird, even a talking bird, is bad for her mental health."
"So you think we should stay, to keep Djana sane?"
Duo laughed. "That's one way of putting it. What about you?"
"She should have someone else to talk to other than her bird and maid, especially since I think the maid swallowed batteries when she was a child…"
"So it's decided?"
"I suppose so."
"Good. Then let's promise each other one thing: We won't give up. Not till they're dead and gone. We'll keep trying to get home. No quitting." Duo stood and held out his hand.
Hotaru nodded and stood, shaking the proffered hand to seal the deal. "I've always hated quitting anyway."
"Come on. What you say we get a good look at the garden, and tell Djana our decision."
Hotaru laughed as once again Duo offered his arm. Lightly setting her fingers across his forearm, she chuckled. "Duo, I'd love to."
**********************
Ack! You're probably planning on killing me for ending a story there, but there's still an epilogue. And I'm not even posting ch.17 till the epilogue is done, so you'll be able to find out how everything ends. One of my reviewers, I'm not sure who now, told me that I couldn't just send them back in ch. 15. And she was right. Life is never that easy, so I made sure Hotaru and Duo had to take the long way around. But they are going home. And it will still be a surprise in the 'how'. A note: I'm debating on writing a sequel with Duo getting a chance to 'meet the parents', or so to speak. Mainly, both He and Hotaru will be able to travel back and forth to visit on another when this is all over and done with. So Duo gets to meet the outers (And the inners of course) and Hotaru gets to meet the Gundam gang. (Who do you feel worse for?) This'll probably be one of those few x-overs where the Gundam guys are gay and the girls don't fall in love with them. It should also be noted that I'm playing with the idea of one group accidentally getting transported to meet the other group. It would be fun.
Was there a point to all that? Yes. IF YOU WANT A SEQUEL, REVIEW! BETTER YET, E-MAIL ME!!!!!!
I want to know what you liked, what you didn't, and any ideas you think should be incorporated. (It should be noted the stranger, the better)
Notes:
Do I have any? Hrmmm….
1) I tried to make this chapter more lighthearted. I love Ri's character. She's so much fun to work with! Always able to interrupt at just the right time…Heh.
2) Hotaru isn't stupid. She had the capacity to think about what Duo might have done or offered to Djana, and guessed the rest. If you want to disagree with me fine. I did it all in the name of plot. J
3) Ah. I love Stryke….And Djana has a bit of a nasty streak, not that I blame her. Heh, a purple fig. I'd almost feel sorry for the sorcerer, if he wasn't such a jerk.
4) The Duo magic thing I toyed with for a while. I figure my little explanation on him and Illusions made a bit of sense. It should be said, that the hyper-jammer (Which he developed himself) only works in his Gundam. Coincidence?
5) Yep. Duo and Hotaru are going to stay for a while. In case you're wondering, imagine Diadem as a cone made up of rings. The uppermost rings are wide and have many worlds. The rings get smaller and smaller and the worlds fewer and fewer until you reach the point, or the very center of Diadem. Those with great power in one world will find themselves weaker in a world closer to the point, while those on the outer rings posess almost no magic at all.
Any questions? Comments? MAIL ME! REVIEW!!!!! PROVE TO ME YOU'RE NOT ALL FIGMENTS OF A TOURTURED IMAGINATION! (Namley mine)
I am the Breeze of Wisdom, I am the Wind of Insanity.
~The Elemental.