Megumi & Shinigami
Their words echoed repeatedly around her head, standing in between the two foxes Usagi could feel their wills pooling and pulling at her, she turned towards the obsidian fox.
A black mist had started to group around it, "I have had enough of this! I am tired of waiting. So what if I won't be at my ultimate power! It will be enough to destroy Dovan and your pathetic little lot will be reawakened!"
The image of the white fox disappeared under a massed cloud of black, Duo sat up in his bed. He was gasping for breath, pulling away the covers he gasped, fingering the small scar where the bullet had entered his leg he couldn't believe this.
'how the hell?' doubling over as a sudden wave of cramps passed over him, a red ball of light formed in his lap.
"Fourier..." he managed to choke out, the red fox looked worriedly up into Duo's eyes, "I don't know what happened Duo! I just, just got here! What's wrong with you!" yipping in fright the fox was practically going into hysterics. Duo's eyes widened slightly before a small smile appeared on his face. "I'm okay. Honest." His breathing began to become more regulated, Fourier's ears twitched seconds before the door opened.
Duo looked up tiredly as Usagi stepped up to the side of the bed, Fourier leapt in front of Duo growling. Wincing he tried to pull the fox away, then it came again. This time he didn't have any time to prepare for the assault his lungs felt like there was a heavy weight crushing down on his chest, with every breath it would grow heavier.
Things began to mist over in his vision, Usagi reached a hand down knocking the fox aside, cupping Duo's chin in her hand he flinched. Smirking she pulled her hand away and disappeared. His breathing became considerably easier, leaning against the pillow he finally regained his breath.
"Fourier?"
"I'm here" a weak reply came from the floor, scooping the fox up he looked down worriedly.
"Are you alright?"
"I think so...what just happened?"
"I don't know...but something's wrong...with Usagi. I'm sure of it, that was her right?"
"Yes. Was it her that was causing you that pain?"
Duo looked out the window pensively, before he shook his head, "Usagi wouldn't ever cause me pain like that."
Fourier looked up into Duo's eyes and sighed, "We should head back."
Groggily he opened the door and stopped dead in his tracks, "What the hell happened here?"
Fourier agiley leapt out of his arms and onto his shoulder, "I know this place! I remember something about this place..."
"Duo! Is that you?"
Platinum blonde hair appeared over the crest of the hill some distance away, Duo started running to Quatre who seemed in a desperate hurry. He nearly collapsed on Duo, "Hey you okay Winner?"
He looked up in near tears, "Duo I don't know where the hell we are but wherever we are it doesn't look like anyone's here that likes us."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
At that moment a large harpy eagle settled itself by Quatre's side Quatre turned to look at the bird, "Is Trowa on his way?"
"Yes. Are you alright Quatre?"
Quatre nodded at his bird partner, "I just hope that Galli and Trowa don't get hurt."
"Quatre what the hell is wrong?"
Fourier's ears perked up, "People are coming, from the east and west. They don't sound too happy."
"C'mon lets go."
"But!" Duo was dragged down the hill as he looked behind him in time to see a massed group of people yelling and screaming at them.
"What's happening Quatre?" Duo yelled out, Fourier was slightly ahead of him and Fawken was keeping a sharp eye out a mile or so ahead of them.
"Duo I don't even know what happened! But I just woke up and, and found myself in this place, Trowa is here too but a few miles ahead of us. We're going to meet up with him. I don't know if the others are here also but, these people really don't seem to like us. The first moment they saw me they started throwing rocks at me and calling me a demon! I don't even know these people Duo!"
Quatre's frame shook not only from lack of oxygen but from the disbelief of it all.
"There he is!" Duo yelled out in relief, Trowa was standing at the edge of a cliff staring down at something, Duo fell to his hands and knees, "How's things on your side?"
"Not much better." Trowa answered quietly pointing downwards, Duo struggled up towards the edge of the cliff.
"My god! How! How are we supposed to deal with this!"
The ground couldn't be seen as millions of soldiers dressed in black marched solemnly towards the three, Quatre sat down on the ground a sheen of sweat visible. "It's over. I don't even know what's happening." Quatre's voice was strained with confusion Trowa placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We're Gundam Pilots we face death without hesitation."
Duo nodded his head, "But how is this happening? Do you think it's the Space Federation's new weapon or something?"
"This is far beyond any technology possible. I'm sure of it, how can they transport us to this type of place."
"This is too confusing we need answers. And I'm not going down sitting."
"Duo, you realize there's no chance of actually doing any real damage in our states?"
"Who gives a rip, we don't know where the hell we are, who we're going against, how we got here, so I really don't mind dieing fighting."
The three turned as the angry mob of peasants closed around them, "We'll kill you damn demons once and for all! Without your powers your at our mercy!" Raucous cheers called out jeeringly.
A single black handled spear flew threw the air and struck the speaker down, silence came.
"It's the black army! Run!"
What used to be an angry mob was now a screaming mass of panicked people, spears were flying through the air and hitting their marks more then accurately. Quatre's eyes widened as he watched a spear poleax a man in the chest but continue flying and pierce three more men before it finally stopped it's deadly flight. "Who's side are they on?" Galli fidgeted uncomfortably as the army waited a few feet from the cliff.
"Well, lets say we meet them?" Duo said cheerily as he began to climb down, Fourier glanced up at the other animal partners before joining Duo.
Landing on the ground the trio looked around at the massed army, riding black stallions they saluted the three curtly.
"Master Dovan wishes to speak with you." Three horses trotted forwards.
"I don't think so! Not until we get some answers here."
"All your questions will be answered later."
"No! Now!" Duo yelled out grabbing his gun, only to realize it wasn't there. Snapping his fingers the entire front line of the enemy began to advance on the group.
"Pluto Dead Scream!"
"Uranus Space Sword Buster!"
Immediately six figures leapt down from the cliff top, Sailor Pluto and Saturn raised their hands up in the perfect formation of a T. Beams of energy snapped out of their hands and circled the group as hundreds upon hundreds of spears came flying through the air towards the group. The five watched as the Sailor Senshi effectively began to wear down the enormous army in front of them. Hotaru looked back, "You guys okay?"
"You could put it that way...You wouldn't happen to know where the hell we are?"
Hotaru shook her head and turned her attention back to the army in front of her. They were beginning to back away from the heavy assault as they finally turned and began to flee a single bolt of thunder struck the ground in front of the soldiers. A fiery wall of flame sprang up from the dry earth and surrounded the army, "Go back and defeat your enemy!!" There was a ripple throughout the army as they turned and charged back at the senshi. Haruka and Michiru leapt into the protective barrier as an unstoppable wave of people charged into the bubble. Quickly joining the rest of the scouts in enforcing the shield they were fully preoccupied.
A tornado began to form in the middle of the army the massed ranks threw themselves flat as wind speeds began to pick up drastically.
Haruka looked out on the scene through slitted eyes, 'what's happening!'
Quatre watched in wide eyed surprise as soldiers began to fly around the area slamming brutally into the canyon walls or into the ground. Setsuna and the other senshi around her cried out as they were lifted from the ground. The gundam pilots gasped as they began to lift into the air, there was a split second where they thought they would be slammed into the canyon walls around them when they were suddenly slammed down into the ground. The senshi were also in the same matter, they couldn't stand up the force holding them down was so great and then a cocoon of light blossomed in mid air.
The flying soldiers disappeared and in the middle of a mass of dark clouds a small fairy like boy stepped out with a tall slender looking man. Raven black hair fell to his waist and sharp gray-blue eyes glared out from his handsome face. The cocoon of light burst to reveal Usagi, but something was different about her. She stood with poise glaring back at the man.
"Usagi!" Michiru called out in relief but looked surprise at the zero response from her.
"Dovan, what brings you here."
Smiling disdainfully he nodded at the boy, "The sprite told me you were back."
Usagi flinched at the site, "What is he doing here? You need a little sprite to do your 'awesome' work?"
"Let me tell you a story, about him." He nodded towards Duo who stepped backwards.
Glowing with malicious contempt Usagi began to form spears of energy in her hands.
"The sprite here made a mistake by giving dark power to this boy. He mistook you for him...rather stupid, but that's beside the point. He seems to be vulnerable to dark magic, particularly dark magic. Very sickly after that surge of dark power that was given to him... You know what that means don't you?"
Quatre sputtered, "It was you! You made Duo sick!" His hands tightened into fists, Dovan grinned splaying his hand out a ripple of air issued from his hand before sending Quatre and Duo flying backwards into the canyon. He gritted his teeth as stars exploded over and over again in his head.
Usagi swerved around and stared at him a sardonic smile came from her lips, "Is that true Dovan?"
"See for yourself."
Her eyes glowed, Duo shivered, he could feel it. Something was coming, before he could fully comprehend what was happening to him he was gasping for air. Clutching his throat he sunk to his knees, he was burning inside with fever. A bullet exploded from Heero's gun, Dovan appeared like lightening before Usagi the bullet quivered in the air inches before his body.
Heero narrowed his eyes as Dovan glared back at him, "Don't interfere."
He turned his attention back to Duo a mist of smoldering black began to hiss from Duo's body. It swirled around Duo as he let a single scream tear through his throat before the mist wrapped around him.
The senshi and the gundam pilots were thrown backwards as the inky mist around Duo shot away from him.
Beaming Usagi lifted her hand, a single white staffed scythe fell from the sky. "Take your weapon."
It flew through the air and was caught by Duo's upraised hand, upon contact a flash of green shot through it and a blade of energy shot out of the staff's tip. Skeletal wings burst from his shoulder blades before crumbling into dust. Jumping in the air he landed slightly behind Usagi.
Black mist still hovered over him, Wufei stepped forwards, "I don't know what the hell's going on but you better stop whatever you're doing to her Dovan!"
Dovan's eyes glared cruel fun at Wufei who stared back uneasily, he glanced at Usagi, "You really think that I'm just going to let you awake all five of them? I need you Usagi for complete domination of this entire galaxy, care to join?"
"What makes you think you would want to share the power with a feeble minded baka? My warriors will destroy you once they are awakened."
"I have you under my control you know." He answered dryly
Usagi frowned, "Try me."
Duo had turned and stared almost familiarly at the gundam pilots before he eyed the senshi distastefully.
Hotaru stood up, "Usagi! What's wrong with you, this is wrong! You're life's mission is to protect this galaxy not take over it and hurt others."
Setsuna stood up slowly, "We will have to fight you Usagi...if you don't realize your wrongdoing."
"Listen to you, fight me!" tears came to her eyes as she continued laughing, "Please! Listen to you, Usagi is just as much a part of me as I am her, she has just as much power as the ginzshoui would have given her...but I have better things to offer her..." Turning back to Dovan a tornado of dust began to thunder around her, she cried out abruptly dropping to her knees fingering her wrists ruefully.
Dovan smiled, "He didn't just bite you for nothing."
Crystalline blue eyes widened hissing in fury she seethed, charging towards him with lightning fast reflexes. Dovan threw his cloak off and leapt into the air, Usagi was after him like a predatory cat.
"Now!"
From Usagi's wrists golden chains shot from her wrists and burrowed deep into the ground pulling her downwards. The shimmering gold light burst into heated blood.
"Uranus Space Sword Buster!"
The chains clanged hollowly as the attack hit them, Haruka backed away in amazement Usagi looked up from her current position on the ground.
"You baka, you're a damn senshi how the hell do you think you could help at all?"
"Usagi! We work together, we were your senshi!"
Smirking even though she was bleeding heavily she nodded towards Duo, "See Shinigami is one of my real senshi..."
Michiru's eyes widened in disbelief, "Then why were we given the titles of senshi and protectors of the future Neo Queen Serenity?"
"Bakayarou, there are two sets of guardians...you are guardians of the ginzshoui and the gundam pilots are...are guardians of death...or rather my servants. I don't need protecting in this body, I am the ultimate life form."
Snickering slightly she hissed looking upwards as Dovan descended, "Well, well, well...What've I caught today? Under my control I will be able to have the five guardians and the pretties maiden of the night."
Duo flinched at his words powering up his scythe he took a step towards him, when Usagi suddenly was slammed into the canyon wall. Disappearing in a consuming cloud of black you could hear her muffled cries of outrage. Dropping to her hands and knees she glared upwards before Dovan took over.
Hotaru rushed towards Usagi, "Usagi, please fight this!"
Setsuna was knocked over as she caught Hotaru's flying body, standing up Usagi's eyes showed total obedience but the simmering hate could be felt radiating from her.
"Now that Usagi is my koshimoto (female servant) I'll have the five guardians at my control and," he pulled Usagi by the waist towards him and gave a bruising kiss, "she will be my lover."
A growl of defiance purred out of Duo's throat, Dovan turned to Usagi, "Will you allow defiance like that towards your future husband and only lover?"
Stepping forwards she threw her hand out, an invisible ripple of energy shot forth and knocked Duo clear into the air. He could have gone a couple of miles...had it not been for the canyon wall.
Slamming into it you could clearly hear the queasy snap and crack of ribs, crumpling to the ground he kneeled before Usagi immediately after. Quatre looked away tears of confused pain coursing through his veins when he heard Duo's muffled cry of pain as Dovan threw him against the jutting canyon's wall.
Usagi pursed her lips trembling with insatiable hate towards Dovan but helpless to do anything as he had her on a leash because of the damned bites to her wrists.
"Wake the others Usagi."
Haruka's mouth gaped open in small hope as Usagi almost seemed to break free of his control before she stepped forwards.
Quatre sank to his knees, he looked up as a strong hand squeezed his shoulder in knowing.
"Trowa." He cried turning towards Usagi he opened his mouth, "Usagi! Stop this! We're your friends! Friends don't do this to each other, you have to fight all this evil Usagi and, and turn back to normal."
Taking another firm step forwards Usagi stared into Quatre's eyes, "I," she began slowly, "Will try to be gentler with you Quatre...since we are friends."
Quatre's eyes widened as he was suddenly snapped out of Trowa's hands and thrown against the ground, spinning rapidly he began to create a miniature whirlwind around himself.
Wufei silently wondered if Usagi had really tried to be gentler to Quatre with whatever she was doing to him because he could hear his cries.
The hurricane around him burst and silver steel wings burst out from the hurricane first. "Quatre!" Trowa gasped out stepping backwards as Quatre slowly sank down to the ground. The sun flashed against his steel wings which were spread out nine feet from his body. Dressed in a loose white shirt and tight fitting white pants he looked something like an angel. At his hips two scabbards containing swords could be seen.
Stepping back his eyes held a more icy and cold look, "Quatre."
Turning he soared over to stand next to Usagi, his gaze fell towards the still kneeling Duo and smirked cruelly.
"Get it done with already!" Dovan yelled in exasperation.
The senshi screamed as the three remaining pilots were blasted or seemingly thrown into the air. Hotaru ran to Setsuna then and grabbed her waist in a tight hug. Setsuna covered her ears and looked away, they were gundam pilots so why were their cries so loud?
A misty eyed Michiru watched in well hidden surprise as Heero fell to the earth in a limp heap Wufei's body following suite. Trowa however had remained in the sky still clouded by the dark shadows.
Bursting his cocoon of shadow, steel nine foot long wings cut through. Black clothes covered his body and he carried a black staff in his hand, a cool black stone was at it's top with steel rings circling around it held up by some invisible strings.
Standing where he was he looked down at Wufei and Heero's bodies, Michiru gasped and ran forwards dragging Wufei up into her lap. His chest was heaving and his body was shivering all over, Heero was pulled up to be seen in the same condition.
Dovan grabbed Usagi by her hair and bent her head back, "I thought I told you to change them! Now do it! I command you now."
Turning back to Trowa she nodded her head and Heero and Wufei shot up into the earth as Michiru ran towards Usagi to stop her.
Falling to her side she looked down at her leg to see what was causing the throbbing pain, a single steel feather stood quivering in her leg. Trowa walked forwards and grabbed her by the neck, pushing her into the hard ground.
"Michiru!" Haruka screamed and grabbed her sword, Quatre was in front of her immediately, slicing her sword towards Quatre she blinked in surprise as steel wings wrapped him in a protective cocoon before opening and sending a brutal bomb of energy into Haruka.
Setsuna and Hotaru ran to help Haruka when Wufei and Heero blocked their path. Black energy outlined Wufei's body as balls of it were gathering into his hands. Wings of black energy were arched high into the air, fire seemed to be surrounding him.
Heero looked like there was no change at all except for the leathery bat wings that extended from his shoulder blades, Hotaru rushed to go past him as Setsuna attacked Wufei.
Hotaru screamed partly in pain and in fear, before her eyes Heero had done the same movement as Usagi and Dovan. Splaying his fingers a ball of almost clear energy erupted from his fingers forming into the shape of something familiar. Holding the gun in his hands he fingered it before a bullet exploded from it. Stopping inches from Hotaru black lightning-like rods exploded from it and sucked her energy painfully from her body.
Dovan smiled and sat down on clear air as if there was a chair there, "This is entertaining."
Watching from the sidelines next to Dovan Usagi observed the battle quietly, 'he can control me...but that bastard doesn't know what he's playing with'
Hotaru fell to the ground in a dead faint, Heero stared at the silent Michiru and lifted his gun turning he quickly leapt into the air as a purple attack slammed through the ground where he had just been. Firing his gun at the furious senshi he landed down next to Trowa watching as Setsuna was sucked dry of her energy.
Haruka was slammed down into the canyon wall for the fifth time, Quatre waited for her to rise from the ground again.
"Stop."
Dovan looked at Usagi startled, "What the hell do you think your doing?"
Her wrists began to glow a searing red color and driblets of blood stained her slender ivory fingers. Lifting her hands a wave of black magic seeped out of her fingers. It flowed along the ground towards the five gundam pilots entering each. Michiru looked at Usagi as the gundam pilots dropped to the ground in their human forms.
"Usagi! Is that you?"
A cold glare was received as Usagi trembled, torrents of blood was seeping from her wrists.
Dovan glared at her, "I won't let my guard down next time my little ijin (devil) but I guess it doesn't matter. The guardian's aren't needed. I just need you." Grabbing her again into his arms he kissed her roughly on the lips, turning he vanished into thin air, Usagi along with him.
Haruka sank to her knees, "What happened?" barely keeping her eyes open she met eyes with Michiru before falling to the ground.
'what is that damn thing I sense...baka senshi, they're still here. Don't they understand that they aren't needed...we're Usagi's guardians now. We're her protectors!'
Snapping his eyes open he glared at a startled Setsuna, a splitting headache greeted his awakening.
"Are you okay?"
Heero smirked, "Better then you I suppose."
Blinking in surprise Heero rose up from the ground and looked around. They were still in the canyon, the gundam pilots were laying on the ground unconscious, Haruka stared at Heero a silent Hotaru stood at her side Michiru also stood at Haruka's side.
"Setsuna get away from that damned oni! (demon) He doesn't deserve our help."
Snapping his fingers two brilliantly colored bullets appeared in the palm of his hand. Setsuna's eyes widened in remembrance of the energy sucking bullets, lifting them into the air the bolts of energy shot off in equal parts to the unconscious guardians.
Like zombies they rose from the ground, slowly at first they began to change back into the guardians that Usagi had made them. Sighing Heero turned and began to walk out into the seemingly endless desert with the others following.
"Stop!!"
Wufei narrowed his eyes and turned sharply lifting his hand he was stopped by Quatre's gentle hand on his shoulder.
Hissing in defiance he shrugged out of Quatre's hand and stepped forwards his hands crossed over his chest, "What the hell do you baka want!?"
"Explanations!"
"Like what?" Heero snarled back, his eyes suddenly were riveted to a figure behind the four senshi. Turning they realized that Duo had been the only one to not follow the new guardians.
"Duo." Trowa said flatly a small twist of amusement flavored his voice.
Duo flushed unbelievingly, "I..."
"You displeased master. You're just as weak as your human form for failing her. You are always obedient to her."
Hotaru stepped back in amazement, Duo couldn't hide the evident pain from his face as he stepped forwards. Immediately a wall of flame burst from the ground separating them, "Stay away traitor." Quatre barked as Duo continued to walk towards them.
Heero stepped forwards, "Baka Duo. Gomen." Firing his weapon he turned and disappeared in the haze of the desert with the rest.
Duo shuddered and fell to the ground, his energy sucked dry.
Reopening his eyes to Michiru's he groaned, "Go away."
Sighing she stepped away, he sat up and fingered his ribs, there was no pain.
"We used some of our energy to heal you." Hotaru explained stepping closer.
"Now tell us what's going on!" Haruka practically barked, Duo narrowed his eyes.
"I've been disavowed as Usagi's guardian." Smacking his forehead with his hand he leaned forwards.
Hotaru sat down next to him immediately Duo sprang up to his feet in horror, "Get away from me! Before they see me with you! I have to return." In something like a trance he began to stumble towards the desert.
"Duo!"
Duo turned and sighed, "Usagi is ours now."
"What's that supposed to mean? She's not a thing anyway!" Haruka yelled in obvious distress.
"Tell us! Besides, I don't think the rest of the guardians are ready to accept you back."
Duo's eyes flashed at the comment swearing under his breath he sat down again on the hard rocky floor. "What the hell do you want to know?"
"Why were those peasant people attacking you?"
Laying back with his hands as a pillow he yawned nonchalantly, "Because in this dimension people are ruled by the mood of the dark lords...we were, servers of Usagi and were allowed to roam free in this land terrorizing the little people." Smirking he sat back up, "And they know when we're in our human forms we have almost no defense against them besides our own skin. But we never changed back to our real selves because she needed guarding."
"What happened to Usagi? Why's she changed?"
"Because she wanted to." Duo hissed warningly
"Why did she go with Dovan?"
"You senshi really are baka, because she wanted to."
Haruka glared at Duo, "It didn't seem like it."
Duo remained silent, getting up he stared defiantly into Haruka's eyes, "That's why I was disavowed. Dovan has her in his hands, we follow her orders and she follows his. We are bound to protect her."
"Some job you've done."
Duo remained calm but a burst of energy had burst around him at the words.
"I didn't think she wanted to go with Dovan either, I'm not an idiot Haruka." He folded his hands across his chest, "That's my mistake as Dovan ordered her to punish me because of my actions...she did. Showing that I was wrong, she did want to go with Dovan."
"What! How stupid is that! You know she has some sort of control on her!"
Duo remained silent eyeing Haruka levelly, "We cannot go against orders."
"Haruka."
Turning she glanced at Hotaru who stepped forwards, "But there is a loophole that you stupidly didn't notice." Hotaru flashed a small grin, "If you are to protect her,"
"Dovan isn't a threat to her."
"Only to her real wishes. She said it herself, remember? So her true wish was for you to destroy Dovan you must've forgotten it."
"No. She has a new wish and that is to follow all Dovan's orders. There is no loophole." Duo replied sourly
"Damnit Duo! Kill Dovan and see if Usagi minds. If she does then she can just reincarnate him. You're already disavowed so it wouldn't really matter."
At this Duo smiled, "That's a plan."
"We're going with you."
Duo shook his head, "You'd get slaughtered."
"No! There's always a defense against evil!"
Laughing he shrugged his shoulders, "I guess I don't mind. At least bringing you to Usagi will allow some favor. But," his eyes darkened, "Don't think I owe you damn senshi anything."
Their words echoed repeatedly around her head, standing in between the two foxes Usagi could feel their wills pooling and pulling at her, she turned towards the obsidian fox.
A black mist had started to group around it, "I have had enough of this! I am tired of waiting. So what if I won't be at my ultimate power! It will be enough to destroy Dovan and your pathetic little lot will be reawakened!"
The image of the white fox disappeared under a massed cloud of black, Duo sat up in his bed. He was gasping for breath, pulling away the covers he gasped, fingering the small scar where the bullet had entered his leg he couldn't believe this.
'how the hell?' doubling over as a sudden wave of cramps passed over him, a red ball of light formed in his lap.
"Fourier..." he managed to choke out, the red fox looked worriedly up into Duo's eyes, "I don't know what happened Duo! I just, just got here! What's wrong with you!" yipping in fright the fox was practically going into hysterics. Duo's eyes widened slightly before a small smile appeared on his face. "I'm okay. Honest." His breathing began to become more regulated, Fourier's ears twitched seconds before the door opened.
Duo looked up tiredly as Usagi stepped up to the side of the bed, Fourier leapt in front of Duo growling. Wincing he tried to pull the fox away, then it came again. This time he didn't have any time to prepare for the assault his lungs felt like there was a heavy weight crushing down on his chest, with every breath it would grow heavier.
Things began to mist over in his vision, Usagi reached a hand down knocking the fox aside, cupping Duo's chin in her hand he flinched. Smirking she pulled her hand away and disappeared. His breathing became considerably easier, leaning against the pillow he finally regained his breath.
"Fourier?"
"I'm here" a weak reply came from the floor, scooping the fox up he looked down worriedly.
"Are you alright?"
"I think so...what just happened?"
"I don't know...but something's wrong...with Usagi. I'm sure of it, that was her right?"
"Yes. Was it her that was causing you that pain?"
Duo looked out the window pensively, before he shook his head, "Usagi wouldn't ever cause me pain like that."
Fourier looked up into Duo's eyes and sighed, "We should head back."
Groggily he opened the door and stopped dead in his tracks, "What the hell happened here?"
Fourier agiley leapt out of his arms and onto his shoulder, "I know this place! I remember something about this place..."
"Duo! Is that you?"
Platinum blonde hair appeared over the crest of the hill some distance away, Duo started running to Quatre who seemed in a desperate hurry. He nearly collapsed on Duo, "Hey you okay Winner?"
He looked up in near tears, "Duo I don't know where the hell we are but wherever we are it doesn't look like anyone's here that likes us."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
At that moment a large harpy eagle settled itself by Quatre's side Quatre turned to look at the bird, "Is Trowa on his way?"
"Yes. Are you alright Quatre?"
Quatre nodded at his bird partner, "I just hope that Galli and Trowa don't get hurt."
"Quatre what the hell is wrong?"
Fourier's ears perked up, "People are coming, from the east and west. They don't sound too happy."
"C'mon lets go."
"But!" Duo was dragged down the hill as he looked behind him in time to see a massed group of people yelling and screaming at them.
"What's happening Quatre?" Duo yelled out, Fourier was slightly ahead of him and Fawken was keeping a sharp eye out a mile or so ahead of them.
"Duo I don't even know what happened! But I just woke up and, and found myself in this place, Trowa is here too but a few miles ahead of us. We're going to meet up with him. I don't know if the others are here also but, these people really don't seem to like us. The first moment they saw me they started throwing rocks at me and calling me a demon! I don't even know these people Duo!"
Quatre's frame shook not only from lack of oxygen but from the disbelief of it all.
"There he is!" Duo yelled out in relief, Trowa was standing at the edge of a cliff staring down at something, Duo fell to his hands and knees, "How's things on your side?"
"Not much better." Trowa answered quietly pointing downwards, Duo struggled up towards the edge of the cliff.
"My god! How! How are we supposed to deal with this!"
The ground couldn't be seen as millions of soldiers dressed in black marched solemnly towards the three, Quatre sat down on the ground a sheen of sweat visible. "It's over. I don't even know what's happening." Quatre's voice was strained with confusion Trowa placed a hand on his shoulder.
"We're Gundam Pilots we face death without hesitation."
Duo nodded his head, "But how is this happening? Do you think it's the Space Federation's new weapon or something?"
"This is far beyond any technology possible. I'm sure of it, how can they transport us to this type of place."
"This is too confusing we need answers. And I'm not going down sitting."
"Duo, you realize there's no chance of actually doing any real damage in our states?"
"Who gives a rip, we don't know where the hell we are, who we're going against, how we got here, so I really don't mind dieing fighting."
The three turned as the angry mob of peasants closed around them, "We'll kill you damn demons once and for all! Without your powers your at our mercy!" Raucous cheers called out jeeringly.
A single black handled spear flew threw the air and struck the speaker down, silence came.
"It's the black army! Run!"
What used to be an angry mob was now a screaming mass of panicked people, spears were flying through the air and hitting their marks more then accurately. Quatre's eyes widened as he watched a spear poleax a man in the chest but continue flying and pierce three more men before it finally stopped it's deadly flight. "Who's side are they on?" Galli fidgeted uncomfortably as the army waited a few feet from the cliff.
"Well, lets say we meet them?" Duo said cheerily as he began to climb down, Fourier glanced up at the other animal partners before joining Duo.
Landing on the ground the trio looked around at the massed army, riding black stallions they saluted the three curtly.
"Master Dovan wishes to speak with you." Three horses trotted forwards.
"I don't think so! Not until we get some answers here."
"All your questions will be answered later."
"No! Now!" Duo yelled out grabbing his gun, only to realize it wasn't there. Snapping his fingers the entire front line of the enemy began to advance on the group.
"Pluto Dead Scream!"
"Uranus Space Sword Buster!"
Immediately six figures leapt down from the cliff top, Sailor Pluto and Saturn raised their hands up in the perfect formation of a T. Beams of energy snapped out of their hands and circled the group as hundreds upon hundreds of spears came flying through the air towards the group. The five watched as the Sailor Senshi effectively began to wear down the enormous army in front of them. Hotaru looked back, "You guys okay?"
"You could put it that way...You wouldn't happen to know where the hell we are?"
Hotaru shook her head and turned her attention back to the army in front of her. They were beginning to back away from the heavy assault as they finally turned and began to flee a single bolt of thunder struck the ground in front of the soldiers. A fiery wall of flame sprang up from the dry earth and surrounded the army, "Go back and defeat your enemy!!" There was a ripple throughout the army as they turned and charged back at the senshi. Haruka and Michiru leapt into the protective barrier as an unstoppable wave of people charged into the bubble. Quickly joining the rest of the scouts in enforcing the shield they were fully preoccupied.
A tornado began to form in the middle of the army the massed ranks threw themselves flat as wind speeds began to pick up drastically.
Haruka looked out on the scene through slitted eyes, 'what's happening!'
Quatre watched in wide eyed surprise as soldiers began to fly around the area slamming brutally into the canyon walls or into the ground. Setsuna and the other senshi around her cried out as they were lifted from the ground. The gundam pilots gasped as they began to lift into the air, there was a split second where they thought they would be slammed into the canyon walls around them when they were suddenly slammed down into the ground. The senshi were also in the same matter, they couldn't stand up the force holding them down was so great and then a cocoon of light blossomed in mid air.
The flying soldiers disappeared and in the middle of a mass of dark clouds a small fairy like boy stepped out with a tall slender looking man. Raven black hair fell to his waist and sharp gray-blue eyes glared out from his handsome face. The cocoon of light burst to reveal Usagi, but something was different about her. She stood with poise glaring back at the man.
"Usagi!" Michiru called out in relief but looked surprise at the zero response from her.
"Dovan, what brings you here."
Smiling disdainfully he nodded at the boy, "The sprite told me you were back."
Usagi flinched at the site, "What is he doing here? You need a little sprite to do your 'awesome' work?"
"Let me tell you a story, about him." He nodded towards Duo who stepped backwards.
Glowing with malicious contempt Usagi began to form spears of energy in her hands.
"The sprite here made a mistake by giving dark power to this boy. He mistook you for him...rather stupid, but that's beside the point. He seems to be vulnerable to dark magic, particularly dark magic. Very sickly after that surge of dark power that was given to him... You know what that means don't you?"
Quatre sputtered, "It was you! You made Duo sick!" His hands tightened into fists, Dovan grinned splaying his hand out a ripple of air issued from his hand before sending Quatre and Duo flying backwards into the canyon. He gritted his teeth as stars exploded over and over again in his head.
Usagi swerved around and stared at him a sardonic smile came from her lips, "Is that true Dovan?"
"See for yourself."
Her eyes glowed, Duo shivered, he could feel it. Something was coming, before he could fully comprehend what was happening to him he was gasping for air. Clutching his throat he sunk to his knees, he was burning inside with fever. A bullet exploded from Heero's gun, Dovan appeared like lightening before Usagi the bullet quivered in the air inches before his body.
Heero narrowed his eyes as Dovan glared back at him, "Don't interfere."
He turned his attention back to Duo a mist of smoldering black began to hiss from Duo's body. It swirled around Duo as he let a single scream tear through his throat before the mist wrapped around him.
The senshi and the gundam pilots were thrown backwards as the inky mist around Duo shot away from him.
Beaming Usagi lifted her hand, a single white staffed scythe fell from the sky. "Take your weapon."
It flew through the air and was caught by Duo's upraised hand, upon contact a flash of green shot through it and a blade of energy shot out of the staff's tip. Skeletal wings burst from his shoulder blades before crumbling into dust. Jumping in the air he landed slightly behind Usagi.
Black mist still hovered over him, Wufei stepped forwards, "I don't know what the hell's going on but you better stop whatever you're doing to her Dovan!"
Dovan's eyes glared cruel fun at Wufei who stared back uneasily, he glanced at Usagi, "You really think that I'm just going to let you awake all five of them? I need you Usagi for complete domination of this entire galaxy, care to join?"
"What makes you think you would want to share the power with a feeble minded baka? My warriors will destroy you once they are awakened."
"I have you under my control you know." He answered dryly
Usagi frowned, "Try me."
Duo had turned and stared almost familiarly at the gundam pilots before he eyed the senshi distastefully.
Hotaru stood up, "Usagi! What's wrong with you, this is wrong! You're life's mission is to protect this galaxy not take over it and hurt others."
Setsuna stood up slowly, "We will have to fight you Usagi...if you don't realize your wrongdoing."
"Listen to you, fight me!" tears came to her eyes as she continued laughing, "Please! Listen to you, Usagi is just as much a part of me as I am her, she has just as much power as the ginzshoui would have given her...but I have better things to offer her..." Turning back to Dovan a tornado of dust began to thunder around her, she cried out abruptly dropping to her knees fingering her wrists ruefully.
Dovan smiled, "He didn't just bite you for nothing."
Crystalline blue eyes widened hissing in fury she seethed, charging towards him with lightning fast reflexes. Dovan threw his cloak off and leapt into the air, Usagi was after him like a predatory cat.
"Now!"
From Usagi's wrists golden chains shot from her wrists and burrowed deep into the ground pulling her downwards. The shimmering gold light burst into heated blood.
"Uranus Space Sword Buster!"
The chains clanged hollowly as the attack hit them, Haruka backed away in amazement Usagi looked up from her current position on the ground.
"You baka, you're a damn senshi how the hell do you think you could help at all?"
"Usagi! We work together, we were your senshi!"
Smirking even though she was bleeding heavily she nodded towards Duo, "See Shinigami is one of my real senshi..."
Michiru's eyes widened in disbelief, "Then why were we given the titles of senshi and protectors of the future Neo Queen Serenity?"
"Bakayarou, there are two sets of guardians...you are guardians of the ginzshoui and the gundam pilots are...are guardians of death...or rather my servants. I don't need protecting in this body, I am the ultimate life form."
Snickering slightly she hissed looking upwards as Dovan descended, "Well, well, well...What've I caught today? Under my control I will be able to have the five guardians and the pretties maiden of the night."
Duo flinched at his words powering up his scythe he took a step towards him, when Usagi suddenly was slammed into the canyon wall. Disappearing in a consuming cloud of black you could hear her muffled cries of outrage. Dropping to her hands and knees she glared upwards before Dovan took over.
Hotaru rushed towards Usagi, "Usagi, please fight this!"
Setsuna was knocked over as she caught Hotaru's flying body, standing up Usagi's eyes showed total obedience but the simmering hate could be felt radiating from her.
"Now that Usagi is my koshimoto (female servant) I'll have the five guardians at my control and," he pulled Usagi by the waist towards him and gave a bruising kiss, "she will be my lover."
A growl of defiance purred out of Duo's throat, Dovan turned to Usagi, "Will you allow defiance like that towards your future husband and only lover?"
Stepping forwards she threw her hand out, an invisible ripple of energy shot forth and knocked Duo clear into the air. He could have gone a couple of miles...had it not been for the canyon wall.
Slamming into it you could clearly hear the queasy snap and crack of ribs, crumpling to the ground he kneeled before Usagi immediately after. Quatre looked away tears of confused pain coursing through his veins when he heard Duo's muffled cry of pain as Dovan threw him against the jutting canyon's wall.
Usagi pursed her lips trembling with insatiable hate towards Dovan but helpless to do anything as he had her on a leash because of the damned bites to her wrists.
"Wake the others Usagi."
Haruka's mouth gaped open in small hope as Usagi almost seemed to break free of his control before she stepped forwards.
Quatre sank to his knees, he looked up as a strong hand squeezed his shoulder in knowing.
"Trowa." He cried turning towards Usagi he opened his mouth, "Usagi! Stop this! We're your friends! Friends don't do this to each other, you have to fight all this evil Usagi and, and turn back to normal."
Taking another firm step forwards Usagi stared into Quatre's eyes, "I," she began slowly, "Will try to be gentler with you Quatre...since we are friends."
Quatre's eyes widened as he was suddenly snapped out of Trowa's hands and thrown against the ground, spinning rapidly he began to create a miniature whirlwind around himself.
Wufei silently wondered if Usagi had really tried to be gentler to Quatre with whatever she was doing to him because he could hear his cries.
The hurricane around him burst and silver steel wings burst out from the hurricane first. "Quatre!" Trowa gasped out stepping backwards as Quatre slowly sank down to the ground. The sun flashed against his steel wings which were spread out nine feet from his body. Dressed in a loose white shirt and tight fitting white pants he looked something like an angel. At his hips two scabbards containing swords could be seen.
Stepping back his eyes held a more icy and cold look, "Quatre."
Turning he soared over to stand next to Usagi, his gaze fell towards the still kneeling Duo and smirked cruelly.
"Get it done with already!" Dovan yelled in exasperation.
The senshi screamed as the three remaining pilots were blasted or seemingly thrown into the air. Hotaru ran to Setsuna then and grabbed her waist in a tight hug. Setsuna covered her ears and looked away, they were gundam pilots so why were their cries so loud?
A misty eyed Michiru watched in well hidden surprise as Heero fell to the earth in a limp heap Wufei's body following suite. Trowa however had remained in the sky still clouded by the dark shadows.
Bursting his cocoon of shadow, steel nine foot long wings cut through. Black clothes covered his body and he carried a black staff in his hand, a cool black stone was at it's top with steel rings circling around it held up by some invisible strings.
Standing where he was he looked down at Wufei and Heero's bodies, Michiru gasped and ran forwards dragging Wufei up into her lap. His chest was heaving and his body was shivering all over, Heero was pulled up to be seen in the same condition.
Dovan grabbed Usagi by her hair and bent her head back, "I thought I told you to change them! Now do it! I command you now."
Turning back to Trowa she nodded her head and Heero and Wufei shot up into the earth as Michiru ran towards Usagi to stop her.
Falling to her side she looked down at her leg to see what was causing the throbbing pain, a single steel feather stood quivering in her leg. Trowa walked forwards and grabbed her by the neck, pushing her into the hard ground.
"Michiru!" Haruka screamed and grabbed her sword, Quatre was in front of her immediately, slicing her sword towards Quatre she blinked in surprise as steel wings wrapped him in a protective cocoon before opening and sending a brutal bomb of energy into Haruka.
Setsuna and Hotaru ran to help Haruka when Wufei and Heero blocked their path. Black energy outlined Wufei's body as balls of it were gathering into his hands. Wings of black energy were arched high into the air, fire seemed to be surrounding him.
Heero looked like there was no change at all except for the leathery bat wings that extended from his shoulder blades, Hotaru rushed to go past him as Setsuna attacked Wufei.
Hotaru screamed partly in pain and in fear, before her eyes Heero had done the same movement as Usagi and Dovan. Splaying his fingers a ball of almost clear energy erupted from his fingers forming into the shape of something familiar. Holding the gun in his hands he fingered it before a bullet exploded from it. Stopping inches from Hotaru black lightning-like rods exploded from it and sucked her energy painfully from her body.
Dovan smiled and sat down on clear air as if there was a chair there, "This is entertaining."
Watching from the sidelines next to Dovan Usagi observed the battle quietly, 'he can control me...but that bastard doesn't know what he's playing with'
Hotaru fell to the ground in a dead faint, Heero stared at the silent Michiru and lifted his gun turning he quickly leapt into the air as a purple attack slammed through the ground where he had just been. Firing his gun at the furious senshi he landed down next to Trowa watching as Setsuna was sucked dry of her energy.
Haruka was slammed down into the canyon wall for the fifth time, Quatre waited for her to rise from the ground again.
"Stop."
Dovan looked at Usagi startled, "What the hell do you think your doing?"
Her wrists began to glow a searing red color and driblets of blood stained her slender ivory fingers. Lifting her hands a wave of black magic seeped out of her fingers. It flowed along the ground towards the five gundam pilots entering each. Michiru looked at Usagi as the gundam pilots dropped to the ground in their human forms.
"Usagi! Is that you?"
A cold glare was received as Usagi trembled, torrents of blood was seeping from her wrists.
Dovan glared at her, "I won't let my guard down next time my little ijin (devil) but I guess it doesn't matter. The guardian's aren't needed. I just need you." Grabbing her again into his arms he kissed her roughly on the lips, turning he vanished into thin air, Usagi along with him.
Haruka sank to her knees, "What happened?" barely keeping her eyes open she met eyes with Michiru before falling to the ground.
'what is that damn thing I sense...baka senshi, they're still here. Don't they understand that they aren't needed...we're Usagi's guardians now. We're her protectors!'
Snapping his eyes open he glared at a startled Setsuna, a splitting headache greeted his awakening.
"Are you okay?"
Heero smirked, "Better then you I suppose."
Blinking in surprise Heero rose up from the ground and looked around. They were still in the canyon, the gundam pilots were laying on the ground unconscious, Haruka stared at Heero a silent Hotaru stood at her side Michiru also stood at Haruka's side.
"Setsuna get away from that damned oni! (demon) He doesn't deserve our help."
Snapping his fingers two brilliantly colored bullets appeared in the palm of his hand. Setsuna's eyes widened in remembrance of the energy sucking bullets, lifting them into the air the bolts of energy shot off in equal parts to the unconscious guardians.
Like zombies they rose from the ground, slowly at first they began to change back into the guardians that Usagi had made them. Sighing Heero turned and began to walk out into the seemingly endless desert with the others following.
"Stop!!"
Wufei narrowed his eyes and turned sharply lifting his hand he was stopped by Quatre's gentle hand on his shoulder.
Hissing in defiance he shrugged out of Quatre's hand and stepped forwards his hands crossed over his chest, "What the hell do you baka want!?"
"Explanations!"
"Like what?" Heero snarled back, his eyes suddenly were riveted to a figure behind the four senshi. Turning they realized that Duo had been the only one to not follow the new guardians.
"Duo." Trowa said flatly a small twist of amusement flavored his voice.
Duo flushed unbelievingly, "I..."
"You displeased master. You're just as weak as your human form for failing her. You are always obedient to her."
Hotaru stepped back in amazement, Duo couldn't hide the evident pain from his face as he stepped forwards. Immediately a wall of flame burst from the ground separating them, "Stay away traitor." Quatre barked as Duo continued to walk towards them.
Heero stepped forwards, "Baka Duo. Gomen." Firing his weapon he turned and disappeared in the haze of the desert with the rest.
Duo shuddered and fell to the ground, his energy sucked dry.
Reopening his eyes to Michiru's he groaned, "Go away."
Sighing she stepped away, he sat up and fingered his ribs, there was no pain.
"We used some of our energy to heal you." Hotaru explained stepping closer.
"Now tell us what's going on!" Haruka practically barked, Duo narrowed his eyes.
"I've been disavowed as Usagi's guardian." Smacking his forehead with his hand he leaned forwards.
Hotaru sat down next to him immediately Duo sprang up to his feet in horror, "Get away from me! Before they see me with you! I have to return." In something like a trance he began to stumble towards the desert.
"Duo!"
Duo turned and sighed, "Usagi is ours now."
"What's that supposed to mean? She's not a thing anyway!" Haruka yelled in obvious distress.
"Tell us! Besides, I don't think the rest of the guardians are ready to accept you back."
Duo's eyes flashed at the comment swearing under his breath he sat down again on the hard rocky floor. "What the hell do you want to know?"
"Why were those peasant people attacking you?"
Laying back with his hands as a pillow he yawned nonchalantly, "Because in this dimension people are ruled by the mood of the dark lords...we were, servers of Usagi and were allowed to roam free in this land terrorizing the little people." Smirking he sat back up, "And they know when we're in our human forms we have almost no defense against them besides our own skin. But we never changed back to our real selves because she needed guarding."
"What happened to Usagi? Why's she changed?"
"Because she wanted to." Duo hissed warningly
"Why did she go with Dovan?"
"You senshi really are baka, because she wanted to."
Haruka glared at Duo, "It didn't seem like it."
Duo remained silent, getting up he stared defiantly into Haruka's eyes, "That's why I was disavowed. Dovan has her in his hands, we follow her orders and she follows his. We are bound to protect her."
"Some job you've done."
Duo remained calm but a burst of energy had burst around him at the words.
"I didn't think she wanted to go with Dovan either, I'm not an idiot Haruka." He folded his hands across his chest, "That's my mistake as Dovan ordered her to punish me because of my actions...she did. Showing that I was wrong, she did want to go with Dovan."
"What! How stupid is that! You know she has some sort of control on her!"
Duo remained silent eyeing Haruka levelly, "We cannot go against orders."
"Haruka."
Turning she glanced at Hotaru who stepped forwards, "But there is a loophole that you stupidly didn't notice." Hotaru flashed a small grin, "If you are to protect her,"
"Dovan isn't a threat to her."
"Only to her real wishes. She said it herself, remember? So her true wish was for you to destroy Dovan you must've forgotten it."
"No. She has a new wish and that is to follow all Dovan's orders. There is no loophole." Duo replied sourly
"Damnit Duo! Kill Dovan and see if Usagi minds. If she does then she can just reincarnate him. You're already disavowed so it wouldn't really matter."
At this Duo smiled, "That's a plan."
"We're going with you."
Duo shook his head, "You'd get slaughtered."
"No! There's always a defense against evil!"
Laughing he shrugged his shoulders, "I guess I don't mind. At least bringing you to Usagi will allow some favor. But," his eyes darkened, "Don't think I owe you damn senshi anything."