Well, what to say. nothing, Read 'n' Review!
Chapter 8
The village, or more accurately the dozen cottages squeezed together, didn't look very lively. There was only one extremely muddy road barely big enough for a cart to pass. It looked as if the habitants didn't bother to maintain it for it was covered with small trenches and holes dangerous enough for the horses to trip in. Also, the houses weren't taken care of. Some had holes enough for someone to fit his head comfortably in where the wood had rotted until it fell. Not a single light or smoke could be seen in the cracks of wood or chimney. The cottages didn't even have windows!
" Doesn't like the kind of place that's often in contact with civilization." Whispered Duo as if breaking the silence was forbidden or would bring them bad luck.
" Let's cross it and go back to the Hoarwell." Replied even more silently Heero after a sharp nod.
Hurrying their horse forward, they looked sadly at the houses as they passed by. Suddenly, a black shape flashed in the fading sun and disappeared in a dark alley.
" Hey!" cried Duo, kicking his horse to a run after the shape.
Heero stopped and waited for the braided boy to come out. In a passage that narrow, they would be in a disadvantage if both of them were there. Soon enough, a small shape came out followed closely by Duo who grinned in a way Heero wasn't sure he liked.
" Come Heero, this girl is going to show us to her house." Said the American, making Shinigami walk faster so that the girl nearly had to jog to keep herself from bumping against the huge horse.
The Perfect Soldier followed silently behind. He couldn't ignore that unsettling feeling anymore and it was getting stronger now that the girl was here. He levelled up with Duo and looked at the figure. She seemed a bit younger than both of them but he wasn't totally sure. Her intense green eyes seemed to reflect deep knowledge under the fear. She WAS only skin and bone and by the way she limped ahead, she must have a few bruises. Still, with a few good meals and a shower, she would be fairly pretty. She walked gracefully even when limping a bit and the way her red curls fell on her shoulders was enchanting.
The girl noticed his stare and looked down, blushing. Heero didn't move his gaze until a wave of cold coursed through is entire body. He shrugged it off the best he could but it was strangely persistent. The Japanese boy looked at Duo. His eyes were pleading him to leave this place but the braided boy shook his head. They were going to spend the night under a roof for once.
" Is it far girl? I'm starting to think you're playing with us." Said Duo, breaking the silence.
She shook her head negatively, too out of breath to speak. As if on cue, they arrived at a house that looked in good shape compared to the others. She led them to the side and to the tiny stable. They reluctantly let their horse there and followed her in the cottage. It wasn't very inviting actually. There were only two rooms, a living room and a small bedroom. A table and one three-legged stool were the only furniture. One or two pots lay against the wall beside a tiny crate where a fire barely lit the room.
" Not much of a house isn't it girl?" mocked Duo.
The girl, having recovered her breath whirled around to face him.
" Firstly, I have a name. It's Minako. Secondly, I didn't have any other choice but to do with what I had." She retorted angrily.
" And what condition forced you here?" he asked next, lowering his voice so that she had to strain to hear.
" I, well." she stuttered, not knowing what to say.
" Well?" insisted Duo.
Minako backed away with a squeal and looked from Heero to Duo. Suddenly, seeing the Perfect Soldier's demanding stare, the braided boy burst out laughing.
" Sorry! I was only joking. Don't worry, you're business is not my concern. Anyway, I'd never hurt the only living being I met since long."
The girl relaxed and smiled shyly.
" Do you want to eat? I don't have much though." She asked.
" Great! Anything hot is fine with me. What do you think Heero? You've been awfully silent. Cat got your tongue? He joked looking at the Japanese boy in fake concern.
" Hn." He groaned and sat on the stool.
They ate a meagre meal but it was nonetheless good under a roof and with people to speak with. Duo soon managed to make Minako open up and she appeared to be quite a joker too. They laughed the whole time and paid no heed to Heero, who ate silently, not even reacting once to the American's jokes.
" Come, I will show you your room. There is only one bed though. Someone's going to have to sleep on the floor." She said when the meal was finished.
The bedroom was indeed very small. One tiny bed was propped against the corner in the shadows and away from the moonlight pouring from the one window.
" Since you took the stool to eat, I guess it's only fair that I get the bed to sleep." Said Duo and letting himself fall boneless on the rather hard mattress.
" I'm going to check the horses." Deadpanned Heero after an uncaring shrug.
*******
Heero was absent-mindedly stroking Wing's powerful neck. He could feel her shiver and not only because of the cold. Something was up. Only Duo and Shinigami didn't seem to mind. Actually, the black stallion seemed restless. He kept hitting the ground with his front legs while thrusting his head up and down. The Perfect Soldier, too, could sense something. The before hand feeling was now at it's utmost strength. Minako seemed to be the centre of it. Heero couldn't put his finger on what was wrong. He felt like running away as far as he could but yet he felt like staying and face the danger. Also, he was always on edge but couldn't let the tension go in any way. What was most infuriating was his feeling of helplessness. He felt like a kitten being taken by the scruff and forced to go where the holder wanted. He just wanted to sit and fall asleep so that nothing was his concern anymore.
Suddenly, a scream forced him out of his thoughts. It was a female scream. He ran full speed in the house but was shocked by the emptiness. He turned to the door and frowned. Leaning against the door, he listened closely.
" Let me go! I don't know anything, I'm not special!" cried a voice he recognized to be Minako's.
" Yes you are. If you do not tell me what's going on, I'll have to use force." Menaced another voice that send chill down Heero's spine.
Opening the door as silently as he could he peered inside. He didn't know who was the new person but something kept him from bursting in. When he finally made out the shape in the dark, he gasped.
Duo was holding the girl by the collar so that her feet didn't touch the ground. The braided boy was looking at her crying form with eyes so different Heero nearly ran away. It wasn't the colour, they were still violet, it was the coldness. It looked like a storm of darkness danced in the orbs to absorb the moonlight. They were icy and the anger, madness and power reflecting pierced him to the heart even if Duo wasn't looking at him. For the first time in his life, Heero was so scared he nearly wept. Just by looking at his companion, standing straight and armed raised to keep the sobbing girl from touching the ground, was enough to make him believe he was completely different. For the first time he believed that there was a God and that the Devil was standing before him. Heero was scared of the power that seemed to make Duo grow, scared of his eyes so cold and dark he wanted to rip his out in order not to have to see the violet orbs ever again, scared of the mad power coming out of him that froze his very soul.
" Now, girl. You will tell me what's going on!" spat Duo in growing anger.
Minako only sobbed. Losing his patience, the braided boy threw her against the wall, still unaware of Heero's presence.
" Fine. I will have to force it out then." Growled Duo with a content smile.
He knelt before the crying girl and took her chin to force her to look at him. She wept even more. A smile played on Duo's features as he leaned forward and kissed the girl. Her eyes opened as she struggled weakly to free herself from his grasp. The American finally pulled back and smiled even more as he licked the small drop of blood running down his lip.
" Blood is so sweet, I have to thank you." He whispered.
Heero stayed paralysed in the doorframe. His eyes widened both at what Duo had just done and the transformation happening right under his eyes. The girl seemed to have fainted but her body was taken with convulsions. Her hair grew and straightened until it reached her waist. Her ears disappeared as two fox like ones popped out of her red mane. Her nails got longer until they looked like claws and two sharp canines appeared over her lower lip. Her eyebrows separated at the ends and the two parts grew until they reached the end of her head. Finally, a bushy red fox tail appeared. The girl opened her eyes, now brightly yellow.
" There. If you had came out at first I wouldn't have had to force you." Said Duo in a sugary voice that didn't suited his glare.
" What do you want?" growled the fox-girl as she passed her nails in her hair to brush them.
" Better watch your tongue little girl. Being respectful to their superior is an important virtue." Mocked Duo who was still smiling like a maniac.
" Phh. I listen to nobody, even less to a human who's proud of his puny powers. Get lost." She ordered, looking at him menacingly.
" I may be a human but one thing's for sure, my powers are far greater than yours." He said in a little less light tone.
" Let's see that." She said and lunched forward in an attack.
Heero watched in fearful wonder as the fox attacked in swift movements the braided boy. Surprisingly, Duo dodged them all and each time he evaded an attack, he hit Minako. She was tiring quick and finally, after a final stroke, received a grand punch in her middle. She gasped and fell to her knees, breathing harshly.
" Told you I was stronger. Now, answer my questions. Who send you? What is it you're supposed to do? Is there anybody else who's trying to ambush us? Answer!" he ordered.
When he saw she was not about to answer, he grabbed her hair and pulled her face upward. She looked at him defiantly but Duo only smiled.
" You are fun you know? I bet those pretty ears of yours are sensitive. Let's check."
Her eyes widened in fear. He went behind her and took her right ear in his hand. She struggled to get free of his hold that was still grasping her hair but failed.
" Oh, afraid aren't you? So unworthy for a powerful little creature like you, I have to punish you." He whispered dangerously.
In a swift movement, he twisted her ear in a 360 angle. She screamed and squirmed even more when he twisted it more. The ears being the fox's most sensible part, she was about to pass out when he let it go.
" I'm going to get a piece of burning wood from the fire and sizzle your ears if you don't speak this instant. That'll hurt, I swear." Menaced dangerously the braided boy.
The moment Heero saw the girl spat at him, he turned and ran outside. He heard footsteps go in the room he had been seconds before and back again. He knew what was coming. He wanted to run but was frozen on the spot. He brought his hand to his ears to try and block the inhuman scream of agony that came from the hut. He shivered and trembled hopelessly as he made his way on wobbly legs to the stable. Wing was nervous because of Shinigami's extreme excitement. Heero rested his head on the mare's powerful neck and let go the tears that had fought to come out. He didn't care if it was completely against his soldier self, didn't care that it was a sign of weakness, didn't care for anything. All he thought was the cruelty and madness Duo had shown. Even he who pretended to be the Perfect Soldier, being able to do anything to reach his ends, would never have been that cruel. He couldn't believe that it was is smiling, joking friend that had done all those awful things. He didn't believe it was him, it couldn't, it was impossible.
// Duo, where are you? // pleaded Heero as he let himself sit against the wall, not being able to stand on his two legs anymore.
Another flow of tears coursed down his cheeks as another scream echoed in the house. He shook his head and stood up. If he really was his friend, he had to stop him. He made his way carefully to the inside of the house and looked at the open door. He took a deep breath and walked to it determinably. Once again, Duo didn't seem to see him as he looked down at the shape curled on the ground. The Japanese boy recognized Minako and couldn't help noticing her now black ears. She was crying uncontrollably as she tried to stand up.
" I told you everything. Why did you burn my other ear? Monster, you are the worst." She managed to croak between ragged breaths.
" Oh, only for my personal enjoyment Miss Fox. Screams are music to me. The look of agony in your tear-streaked face was just beautiful. I thank you for playing with me. I have a gift to give you for it. Here." Chanted the American.
He lowered to the ground, took her by the neck and raised her up. Than, he once again did the most unexpected: kissed her. Her eyes bulged as she fought to free herself. He kept his grip and watched as she soon started spacing out. Her yellow eyes slowly became grey and her hair and tail did the same. She twitched a few times and went limp. Duo pulled away and smiled.
" Good trip in Hell. It was fun." He said maliciously and threw her boneless body across the room carelessly.
Heero wanted to run away from the demon standing before him but stood his ground. When he finally found his voice, he spoke the only thing he could:
" Duo?"
The braided boy turned sharply but when he saw Heero, to the Japanese boy' great relief, his eyes changed and warmed.
" Heero? What the?" he asked in surprise.
He jumped back when he saw the fox's body on the ground and bumped against the bed. He fell and sat on it, breathing hard.
" What happened? Where's Minako? Is she?" he demanded again looking alarmed as a trapped deer.
Originally, Heero would have hit him for what he did but when he saw the distress in Duo's eyes, he quickly softened.
" You don't remember do you?" he finally said.
" Remember what?" Duo froze. " Oh no. What did he do Heero? Tell me!"
" What are you talking about?" demanded Heero.
" Well," the American was visibly uncomfortable. " I have a sort of split personality. It's hard to believe but I only become the other me when I'm before enemies and usually alone. I never lost my head as much as now, I usually could keep some control but now. I don't remember a thing of what I've done and I know it's horrible because when I'm the other, my head's full of dark thoughts and nothing good ever happens. I feel like two persons are sharing my body. I kept it a secret until now. I was scared you'd think I was a freak and send me to a psychology hospital or something. Sorry."
Heero listened to his whole speech without saying anything. Then, when he saw Duo's demanding gaze, told him all that he had done. Normally, the braided boy was shocked beyond beliefs.
" I deserve to kill myself. What have I done? I don't even remember what she told me about who was after us!" he said painfully, scratching his temples with his hand until they bled.
" Calm down. It isn't your fault. She would have died anyway if she had shown us she was an enemy in the first place." Reassured Heero after taking Duo's hands away from his head.
" I know but not that horribly! I tortured her." Replied the American
" The past is the past. All you can do is try and force down the other when it shows up. Anyway, isn't there any way for you to remember?" retorted somewhat hotly the Japanese boy.
Duo freed his hand and stood up with a sight.
" No I can't remember unless I become the other me and that's not going to happen. You don't understand Heero. It's not like I'm possessed, it's me. I can't control it because it is a part of my personality. It's me, you understand? It's not an invader, it's a habitant. I'm sure that beside your soldier self, there's another more sensitive boy. Well, if it ever wanted to come to the surface, you couldn't do anything because it's you. It would come unexpected and you'd just change. I don't know when I'm transforming, it just happens because it's me. I realize only after because my thoughts seem less angry. I can't decide if I'm that me or this me, you understand?"
" No. You say your thoughts change so why can't you fell it come?" asked the Perfect Soldier.
" I said before that I changed before an enemy. When I see an OZ soldier, I certainly don't feel like going for a drink with him. I immediately think of killing him. That's when I change personality; it's unconscious, a reflex maybe. Did you ever thought one thing abnormal to your standards and then; you're filled with them? Afterwards you say it's not like you and think other things? That one abnormal thought for you brought up the other you and when you changed back, you thought it was not yourself to think like that." Answered Duo.
" Are you saying that everyone as a split personality?" asked angrily Heero.
" Of course not. I was only using examples. Everyone has a good and bad side; it's nature. They're mixed up and that's what makes the difference. Mine aren't. I'm either completely black or white. I don't remember what I've done and I'm pretty sure the other me doesn't remember either when he's up. You, when you change you'll remember afterwards because your soul is harmonized, not mine."
" Another thing, you say that you change when you think of." started Heero.
" Stop right there. Did you ever try not to think of anything, to keep your mind blank? It's impossible since you'll think to keep it blank. Same goes here. The moment I think not to think of dark thoughts, I'm thinking them. You're head isn't as controllable as you think." Retorted wisely Duo.
Heero finally admitted defeat.
" You are wiser about this than I thought." He mocked.
" I've thinking about it a lot. Hey! I've been saying a lot of 'think' don't you think?" joked Duo.
The Perfect Soldier didn't answer but shook his head. You can count on Duo for cracking a joke in the less expected moments. He turned and went for the door.
" Where are you going?" asked Duo, once again serious.
" We're leaving this town, it still brings me the creeps." Answered coldly Heero.
" Wait! What if I change?" asked the braided boy in alarm.
" You said only before an enemy. I think I am no enemy." Replied the Perfect Soldier.
Duo stared for some time than smiled and followed him. They didn't waste a minute and left the village as quickly as they could.
**********
That's it, they have won. Aren't they a happy little bunch? The fools. Who they think they are, exiling me like a worthless thing? Those haflings, they will pay! They know not what will fall upon them. Revenge is so sweet; I have to make sure it hits them right in their heart. How will they react? It will be the first time they have to solve their problems without the help of bigger folk. They stood in peace for too long. Gondor won't be there to protect them against any enemy from the South since it'll come from inside. Treebeard is in charge of taking my key and making me leave but he won't do it that easily. If he thinks there is only one key, he is greatly mistaken. The double I will attach to my last faithful crow and bestow on him the responsibility of bringing it to anyone in thirst of power and knowledge. My researches won't go wasted. Anybody who thrives to conquer this silly land like I did will have free access to my laboratory. I wish them success and hope they will be great conquerors that will crush those inferior to them!
I leave this testimony to whoever might find it in order for them to tell the world about my life. Like this, they will remember me who as been one their greatest enemy. They shall say this, at the very least, which I believe is the basic rule of this world.
' There is no good nor evil, only different opinions about the way things should be.'
Saruman the White
Wufei looked up from the last page of Saruman's journal and stared at the dancing flames before him. He had found very interesting the story of the great magicien's life. He had been an enemy but the Chinese boy felt a small pang of remorse in him being gone. Under all his talks of destruction and war seemed to be hidden deeper and more complex feelings. The part where he told the world to tell his story almost made Wufei believe that Saruman had regrets. From what he read and heard from Treebeard, many great people had gone from this world: Gandalf, Galadriel, Frodo, the elves, Saruman and Sauron even if they were evil souls.
'There is no good nor evil, only different opinions about the way things should be.'
This sentence popped in Wufei's head and made him think for some time. Maybe it was true. They had named the way of thinking of man like Saruman and Sauron 'evil' and theirs 'good'. Normally, such titles wouldn't matter, it's like naming religions, but 'evil' is associated to something that should be eliminated and 'good' kept. It's like religious wars but much bigger and with more important consequences.
As Wufei tried to fall asleep, he kept thinking of it and finally abandoned trying to sleep, as it was plain he wouldn't be able to as long as he didn't get and answer for it. He whistled for Shadowfax and watched the silver ball trot towards him.
" Do you mind riding tonight? I won't be able to sleep anyway." He asked to the Mearas.
The horse shook his head in response so after putting the fire out, Wufei jumped on his back and raced ahead.
*******
It was barely dawn when Wufei arrived to Rivendell. He was despaired when he found the city empty. Nothing moved except the tip of trees dancing in the subtle breeze. He walked along the roads of the city, checking for any sign of life. He unfortunately didn't found any and resigned himself in going back when he spotted fresh horse marks on the ground. The soft soil was covered in them and explained what had happened. The habitants were gone and in haste. Wufei decided to follow the track and kicked Shadowfax into a full run. He soon found the moving troop. They had stopped at a nearby lake to let the horses drink.
" Pardon me young man but who are you and what are you doing here?' asked a soft voice behind him.
Wufei turned around and found himself facing a man, not an elf, wearing rich clothes and crown.
" I will repeat, who are you? Unless my eyes are mistaken, this is Shadowfax you are riding and he is no ordinary horse. What is your name?"
" Chang Wufei and unless my eyes are also mistaken, you are Aragorn son of Arathorn, King of Gondor, leader of the Fellowship of the Ring after Gandalf the Grey. Ain't I right?"
Aragorn narrowed his eyes and signalled the Chinese boy to follow him. They moved away from the mass of people and deeper in the woods. The King finally stopped and unmounted.
" You are a surprising fellow. Even though almost everyone knows my title, I didn't expect it from you young man."
" Why is that?" asked Wufei who also had unmounted.
" It's quite simple. I met two other boys just like you. They had foreign looks, odd ways of speaking and were very strong for young men." Answered Aragorn in a tone that was a bit challenging.
Catching the subtlety in the man's voice, Wufei didn't jump to conclusions.
" Yes? Can I know the names of those two?" asked plainly Wufei.
" Of course. Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell. Uncommon don't you think? Yours is too. Listen boy, those two are believe to be spies but nothing is sure. Be careful, you look awfully suspicious and I have no reason to trust you. " Replied dangerously the King.
" I understand and if you'd allow me to explain, you will understand how I came upon Shadowfax and how I ended up here." Said Wufei very calmly.
The Chinese boy explained everything in detail, purposively forgetting to mention Saruman's journal. Aragorn listened carefully and when the boy was finished, shook is head.
" Your story is very hard to believe. Don't you have any proof you passed in Isengard? If you do, everything will be confirmed. You could have picked up that necklace and knives anywhere." Said the King.
Wufei hesitated a moment than took out Saruman's journal. Aragorn leafed through it with wide eyes.
" How did you find this? Surely only in. Isengard. Fine, I believe you. If you really are friends with the two boys, they aren't enemies, I hope. The sad news is they fled. Nobody has a single clue of where they might be. Now, I propose you to come with us. We are going to Helm's Deep to help in the upcoming battle and maybe you'll be able to find them there." Finished the King.
Wufei nodded and smiled in gratitude. At Helm's Deep it is.
******* Ouf, finally finished. About Helm's Deep, I will tell you more next chapter. Read 'n' Review!
A-chan
Chapter 8
The village, or more accurately the dozen cottages squeezed together, didn't look very lively. There was only one extremely muddy road barely big enough for a cart to pass. It looked as if the habitants didn't bother to maintain it for it was covered with small trenches and holes dangerous enough for the horses to trip in. Also, the houses weren't taken care of. Some had holes enough for someone to fit his head comfortably in where the wood had rotted until it fell. Not a single light or smoke could be seen in the cracks of wood or chimney. The cottages didn't even have windows!
" Doesn't like the kind of place that's often in contact with civilization." Whispered Duo as if breaking the silence was forbidden or would bring them bad luck.
" Let's cross it and go back to the Hoarwell." Replied even more silently Heero after a sharp nod.
Hurrying their horse forward, they looked sadly at the houses as they passed by. Suddenly, a black shape flashed in the fading sun and disappeared in a dark alley.
" Hey!" cried Duo, kicking his horse to a run after the shape.
Heero stopped and waited for the braided boy to come out. In a passage that narrow, they would be in a disadvantage if both of them were there. Soon enough, a small shape came out followed closely by Duo who grinned in a way Heero wasn't sure he liked.
" Come Heero, this girl is going to show us to her house." Said the American, making Shinigami walk faster so that the girl nearly had to jog to keep herself from bumping against the huge horse.
The Perfect Soldier followed silently behind. He couldn't ignore that unsettling feeling anymore and it was getting stronger now that the girl was here. He levelled up with Duo and looked at the figure. She seemed a bit younger than both of them but he wasn't totally sure. Her intense green eyes seemed to reflect deep knowledge under the fear. She WAS only skin and bone and by the way she limped ahead, she must have a few bruises. Still, with a few good meals and a shower, she would be fairly pretty. She walked gracefully even when limping a bit and the way her red curls fell on her shoulders was enchanting.
The girl noticed his stare and looked down, blushing. Heero didn't move his gaze until a wave of cold coursed through is entire body. He shrugged it off the best he could but it was strangely persistent. The Japanese boy looked at Duo. His eyes were pleading him to leave this place but the braided boy shook his head. They were going to spend the night under a roof for once.
" Is it far girl? I'm starting to think you're playing with us." Said Duo, breaking the silence.
She shook her head negatively, too out of breath to speak. As if on cue, they arrived at a house that looked in good shape compared to the others. She led them to the side and to the tiny stable. They reluctantly let their horse there and followed her in the cottage. It wasn't very inviting actually. There were only two rooms, a living room and a small bedroom. A table and one three-legged stool were the only furniture. One or two pots lay against the wall beside a tiny crate where a fire barely lit the room.
" Not much of a house isn't it girl?" mocked Duo.
The girl, having recovered her breath whirled around to face him.
" Firstly, I have a name. It's Minako. Secondly, I didn't have any other choice but to do with what I had." She retorted angrily.
" And what condition forced you here?" he asked next, lowering his voice so that she had to strain to hear.
" I, well." she stuttered, not knowing what to say.
" Well?" insisted Duo.
Minako backed away with a squeal and looked from Heero to Duo. Suddenly, seeing the Perfect Soldier's demanding stare, the braided boy burst out laughing.
" Sorry! I was only joking. Don't worry, you're business is not my concern. Anyway, I'd never hurt the only living being I met since long."
The girl relaxed and smiled shyly.
" Do you want to eat? I don't have much though." She asked.
" Great! Anything hot is fine with me. What do you think Heero? You've been awfully silent. Cat got your tongue? He joked looking at the Japanese boy in fake concern.
" Hn." He groaned and sat on the stool.
They ate a meagre meal but it was nonetheless good under a roof and with people to speak with. Duo soon managed to make Minako open up and she appeared to be quite a joker too. They laughed the whole time and paid no heed to Heero, who ate silently, not even reacting once to the American's jokes.
" Come, I will show you your room. There is only one bed though. Someone's going to have to sleep on the floor." She said when the meal was finished.
The bedroom was indeed very small. One tiny bed was propped against the corner in the shadows and away from the moonlight pouring from the one window.
" Since you took the stool to eat, I guess it's only fair that I get the bed to sleep." Said Duo and letting himself fall boneless on the rather hard mattress.
" I'm going to check the horses." Deadpanned Heero after an uncaring shrug.
*******
Heero was absent-mindedly stroking Wing's powerful neck. He could feel her shiver and not only because of the cold. Something was up. Only Duo and Shinigami didn't seem to mind. Actually, the black stallion seemed restless. He kept hitting the ground with his front legs while thrusting his head up and down. The Perfect Soldier, too, could sense something. The before hand feeling was now at it's utmost strength. Minako seemed to be the centre of it. Heero couldn't put his finger on what was wrong. He felt like running away as far as he could but yet he felt like staying and face the danger. Also, he was always on edge but couldn't let the tension go in any way. What was most infuriating was his feeling of helplessness. He felt like a kitten being taken by the scruff and forced to go where the holder wanted. He just wanted to sit and fall asleep so that nothing was his concern anymore.
Suddenly, a scream forced him out of his thoughts. It was a female scream. He ran full speed in the house but was shocked by the emptiness. He turned to the door and frowned. Leaning against the door, he listened closely.
" Let me go! I don't know anything, I'm not special!" cried a voice he recognized to be Minako's.
" Yes you are. If you do not tell me what's going on, I'll have to use force." Menaced another voice that send chill down Heero's spine.
Opening the door as silently as he could he peered inside. He didn't know who was the new person but something kept him from bursting in. When he finally made out the shape in the dark, he gasped.
Duo was holding the girl by the collar so that her feet didn't touch the ground. The braided boy was looking at her crying form with eyes so different Heero nearly ran away. It wasn't the colour, they were still violet, it was the coldness. It looked like a storm of darkness danced in the orbs to absorb the moonlight. They were icy and the anger, madness and power reflecting pierced him to the heart even if Duo wasn't looking at him. For the first time in his life, Heero was so scared he nearly wept. Just by looking at his companion, standing straight and armed raised to keep the sobbing girl from touching the ground, was enough to make him believe he was completely different. For the first time he believed that there was a God and that the Devil was standing before him. Heero was scared of the power that seemed to make Duo grow, scared of his eyes so cold and dark he wanted to rip his out in order not to have to see the violet orbs ever again, scared of the mad power coming out of him that froze his very soul.
" Now, girl. You will tell me what's going on!" spat Duo in growing anger.
Minako only sobbed. Losing his patience, the braided boy threw her against the wall, still unaware of Heero's presence.
" Fine. I will have to force it out then." Growled Duo with a content smile.
He knelt before the crying girl and took her chin to force her to look at him. She wept even more. A smile played on Duo's features as he leaned forward and kissed the girl. Her eyes opened as she struggled weakly to free herself from his grasp. The American finally pulled back and smiled even more as he licked the small drop of blood running down his lip.
" Blood is so sweet, I have to thank you." He whispered.
Heero stayed paralysed in the doorframe. His eyes widened both at what Duo had just done and the transformation happening right under his eyes. The girl seemed to have fainted but her body was taken with convulsions. Her hair grew and straightened until it reached her waist. Her ears disappeared as two fox like ones popped out of her red mane. Her nails got longer until they looked like claws and two sharp canines appeared over her lower lip. Her eyebrows separated at the ends and the two parts grew until they reached the end of her head. Finally, a bushy red fox tail appeared. The girl opened her eyes, now brightly yellow.
" There. If you had came out at first I wouldn't have had to force you." Said Duo in a sugary voice that didn't suited his glare.
" What do you want?" growled the fox-girl as she passed her nails in her hair to brush them.
" Better watch your tongue little girl. Being respectful to their superior is an important virtue." Mocked Duo who was still smiling like a maniac.
" Phh. I listen to nobody, even less to a human who's proud of his puny powers. Get lost." She ordered, looking at him menacingly.
" I may be a human but one thing's for sure, my powers are far greater than yours." He said in a little less light tone.
" Let's see that." She said and lunched forward in an attack.
Heero watched in fearful wonder as the fox attacked in swift movements the braided boy. Surprisingly, Duo dodged them all and each time he evaded an attack, he hit Minako. She was tiring quick and finally, after a final stroke, received a grand punch in her middle. She gasped and fell to her knees, breathing harshly.
" Told you I was stronger. Now, answer my questions. Who send you? What is it you're supposed to do? Is there anybody else who's trying to ambush us? Answer!" he ordered.
When he saw she was not about to answer, he grabbed her hair and pulled her face upward. She looked at him defiantly but Duo only smiled.
" You are fun you know? I bet those pretty ears of yours are sensitive. Let's check."
Her eyes widened in fear. He went behind her and took her right ear in his hand. She struggled to get free of his hold that was still grasping her hair but failed.
" Oh, afraid aren't you? So unworthy for a powerful little creature like you, I have to punish you." He whispered dangerously.
In a swift movement, he twisted her ear in a 360 angle. She screamed and squirmed even more when he twisted it more. The ears being the fox's most sensible part, she was about to pass out when he let it go.
" I'm going to get a piece of burning wood from the fire and sizzle your ears if you don't speak this instant. That'll hurt, I swear." Menaced dangerously the braided boy.
The moment Heero saw the girl spat at him, he turned and ran outside. He heard footsteps go in the room he had been seconds before and back again. He knew what was coming. He wanted to run but was frozen on the spot. He brought his hand to his ears to try and block the inhuman scream of agony that came from the hut. He shivered and trembled hopelessly as he made his way on wobbly legs to the stable. Wing was nervous because of Shinigami's extreme excitement. Heero rested his head on the mare's powerful neck and let go the tears that had fought to come out. He didn't care if it was completely against his soldier self, didn't care that it was a sign of weakness, didn't care for anything. All he thought was the cruelty and madness Duo had shown. Even he who pretended to be the Perfect Soldier, being able to do anything to reach his ends, would never have been that cruel. He couldn't believe that it was is smiling, joking friend that had done all those awful things. He didn't believe it was him, it couldn't, it was impossible.
// Duo, where are you? // pleaded Heero as he let himself sit against the wall, not being able to stand on his two legs anymore.
Another flow of tears coursed down his cheeks as another scream echoed in the house. He shook his head and stood up. If he really was his friend, he had to stop him. He made his way carefully to the inside of the house and looked at the open door. He took a deep breath and walked to it determinably. Once again, Duo didn't seem to see him as he looked down at the shape curled on the ground. The Japanese boy recognized Minako and couldn't help noticing her now black ears. She was crying uncontrollably as she tried to stand up.
" I told you everything. Why did you burn my other ear? Monster, you are the worst." She managed to croak between ragged breaths.
" Oh, only for my personal enjoyment Miss Fox. Screams are music to me. The look of agony in your tear-streaked face was just beautiful. I thank you for playing with me. I have a gift to give you for it. Here." Chanted the American.
He lowered to the ground, took her by the neck and raised her up. Than, he once again did the most unexpected: kissed her. Her eyes bulged as she fought to free herself. He kept his grip and watched as she soon started spacing out. Her yellow eyes slowly became grey and her hair and tail did the same. She twitched a few times and went limp. Duo pulled away and smiled.
" Good trip in Hell. It was fun." He said maliciously and threw her boneless body across the room carelessly.
Heero wanted to run away from the demon standing before him but stood his ground. When he finally found his voice, he spoke the only thing he could:
" Duo?"
The braided boy turned sharply but when he saw Heero, to the Japanese boy' great relief, his eyes changed and warmed.
" Heero? What the?" he asked in surprise.
He jumped back when he saw the fox's body on the ground and bumped against the bed. He fell and sat on it, breathing hard.
" What happened? Where's Minako? Is she?" he demanded again looking alarmed as a trapped deer.
Originally, Heero would have hit him for what he did but when he saw the distress in Duo's eyes, he quickly softened.
" You don't remember do you?" he finally said.
" Remember what?" Duo froze. " Oh no. What did he do Heero? Tell me!"
" What are you talking about?" demanded Heero.
" Well," the American was visibly uncomfortable. " I have a sort of split personality. It's hard to believe but I only become the other me when I'm before enemies and usually alone. I never lost my head as much as now, I usually could keep some control but now. I don't remember a thing of what I've done and I know it's horrible because when I'm the other, my head's full of dark thoughts and nothing good ever happens. I feel like two persons are sharing my body. I kept it a secret until now. I was scared you'd think I was a freak and send me to a psychology hospital or something. Sorry."
Heero listened to his whole speech without saying anything. Then, when he saw Duo's demanding gaze, told him all that he had done. Normally, the braided boy was shocked beyond beliefs.
" I deserve to kill myself. What have I done? I don't even remember what she told me about who was after us!" he said painfully, scratching his temples with his hand until they bled.
" Calm down. It isn't your fault. She would have died anyway if she had shown us she was an enemy in the first place." Reassured Heero after taking Duo's hands away from his head.
" I know but not that horribly! I tortured her." Replied the American
" The past is the past. All you can do is try and force down the other when it shows up. Anyway, isn't there any way for you to remember?" retorted somewhat hotly the Japanese boy.
Duo freed his hand and stood up with a sight.
" No I can't remember unless I become the other me and that's not going to happen. You don't understand Heero. It's not like I'm possessed, it's me. I can't control it because it is a part of my personality. It's me, you understand? It's not an invader, it's a habitant. I'm sure that beside your soldier self, there's another more sensitive boy. Well, if it ever wanted to come to the surface, you couldn't do anything because it's you. It would come unexpected and you'd just change. I don't know when I'm transforming, it just happens because it's me. I realize only after because my thoughts seem less angry. I can't decide if I'm that me or this me, you understand?"
" No. You say your thoughts change so why can't you fell it come?" asked the Perfect Soldier.
" I said before that I changed before an enemy. When I see an OZ soldier, I certainly don't feel like going for a drink with him. I immediately think of killing him. That's when I change personality; it's unconscious, a reflex maybe. Did you ever thought one thing abnormal to your standards and then; you're filled with them? Afterwards you say it's not like you and think other things? That one abnormal thought for you brought up the other you and when you changed back, you thought it was not yourself to think like that." Answered Duo.
" Are you saying that everyone as a split personality?" asked angrily Heero.
" Of course not. I was only using examples. Everyone has a good and bad side; it's nature. They're mixed up and that's what makes the difference. Mine aren't. I'm either completely black or white. I don't remember what I've done and I'm pretty sure the other me doesn't remember either when he's up. You, when you change you'll remember afterwards because your soul is harmonized, not mine."
" Another thing, you say that you change when you think of." started Heero.
" Stop right there. Did you ever try not to think of anything, to keep your mind blank? It's impossible since you'll think to keep it blank. Same goes here. The moment I think not to think of dark thoughts, I'm thinking them. You're head isn't as controllable as you think." Retorted wisely Duo.
Heero finally admitted defeat.
" You are wiser about this than I thought." He mocked.
" I've thinking about it a lot. Hey! I've been saying a lot of 'think' don't you think?" joked Duo.
The Perfect Soldier didn't answer but shook his head. You can count on Duo for cracking a joke in the less expected moments. He turned and went for the door.
" Where are you going?" asked Duo, once again serious.
" We're leaving this town, it still brings me the creeps." Answered coldly Heero.
" Wait! What if I change?" asked the braided boy in alarm.
" You said only before an enemy. I think I am no enemy." Replied the Perfect Soldier.
Duo stared for some time than smiled and followed him. They didn't waste a minute and left the village as quickly as they could.
**********
That's it, they have won. Aren't they a happy little bunch? The fools. Who they think they are, exiling me like a worthless thing? Those haflings, they will pay! They know not what will fall upon them. Revenge is so sweet; I have to make sure it hits them right in their heart. How will they react? It will be the first time they have to solve their problems without the help of bigger folk. They stood in peace for too long. Gondor won't be there to protect them against any enemy from the South since it'll come from inside. Treebeard is in charge of taking my key and making me leave but he won't do it that easily. If he thinks there is only one key, he is greatly mistaken. The double I will attach to my last faithful crow and bestow on him the responsibility of bringing it to anyone in thirst of power and knowledge. My researches won't go wasted. Anybody who thrives to conquer this silly land like I did will have free access to my laboratory. I wish them success and hope they will be great conquerors that will crush those inferior to them!
I leave this testimony to whoever might find it in order for them to tell the world about my life. Like this, they will remember me who as been one their greatest enemy. They shall say this, at the very least, which I believe is the basic rule of this world.
' There is no good nor evil, only different opinions about the way things should be.'
Saruman the White
Wufei looked up from the last page of Saruman's journal and stared at the dancing flames before him. He had found very interesting the story of the great magicien's life. He had been an enemy but the Chinese boy felt a small pang of remorse in him being gone. Under all his talks of destruction and war seemed to be hidden deeper and more complex feelings. The part where he told the world to tell his story almost made Wufei believe that Saruman had regrets. From what he read and heard from Treebeard, many great people had gone from this world: Gandalf, Galadriel, Frodo, the elves, Saruman and Sauron even if they were evil souls.
'There is no good nor evil, only different opinions about the way things should be.'
This sentence popped in Wufei's head and made him think for some time. Maybe it was true. They had named the way of thinking of man like Saruman and Sauron 'evil' and theirs 'good'. Normally, such titles wouldn't matter, it's like naming religions, but 'evil' is associated to something that should be eliminated and 'good' kept. It's like religious wars but much bigger and with more important consequences.
As Wufei tried to fall asleep, he kept thinking of it and finally abandoned trying to sleep, as it was plain he wouldn't be able to as long as he didn't get and answer for it. He whistled for Shadowfax and watched the silver ball trot towards him.
" Do you mind riding tonight? I won't be able to sleep anyway." He asked to the Mearas.
The horse shook his head in response so after putting the fire out, Wufei jumped on his back and raced ahead.
*******
It was barely dawn when Wufei arrived to Rivendell. He was despaired when he found the city empty. Nothing moved except the tip of trees dancing in the subtle breeze. He walked along the roads of the city, checking for any sign of life. He unfortunately didn't found any and resigned himself in going back when he spotted fresh horse marks on the ground. The soft soil was covered in them and explained what had happened. The habitants were gone and in haste. Wufei decided to follow the track and kicked Shadowfax into a full run. He soon found the moving troop. They had stopped at a nearby lake to let the horses drink.
" Pardon me young man but who are you and what are you doing here?' asked a soft voice behind him.
Wufei turned around and found himself facing a man, not an elf, wearing rich clothes and crown.
" I will repeat, who are you? Unless my eyes are mistaken, this is Shadowfax you are riding and he is no ordinary horse. What is your name?"
" Chang Wufei and unless my eyes are also mistaken, you are Aragorn son of Arathorn, King of Gondor, leader of the Fellowship of the Ring after Gandalf the Grey. Ain't I right?"
Aragorn narrowed his eyes and signalled the Chinese boy to follow him. They moved away from the mass of people and deeper in the woods. The King finally stopped and unmounted.
" You are a surprising fellow. Even though almost everyone knows my title, I didn't expect it from you young man."
" Why is that?" asked Wufei who also had unmounted.
" It's quite simple. I met two other boys just like you. They had foreign looks, odd ways of speaking and were very strong for young men." Answered Aragorn in a tone that was a bit challenging.
Catching the subtlety in the man's voice, Wufei didn't jump to conclusions.
" Yes? Can I know the names of those two?" asked plainly Wufei.
" Of course. Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell. Uncommon don't you think? Yours is too. Listen boy, those two are believe to be spies but nothing is sure. Be careful, you look awfully suspicious and I have no reason to trust you. " Replied dangerously the King.
" I understand and if you'd allow me to explain, you will understand how I came upon Shadowfax and how I ended up here." Said Wufei very calmly.
The Chinese boy explained everything in detail, purposively forgetting to mention Saruman's journal. Aragorn listened carefully and when the boy was finished, shook is head.
" Your story is very hard to believe. Don't you have any proof you passed in Isengard? If you do, everything will be confirmed. You could have picked up that necklace and knives anywhere." Said the King.
Wufei hesitated a moment than took out Saruman's journal. Aragorn leafed through it with wide eyes.
" How did you find this? Surely only in. Isengard. Fine, I believe you. If you really are friends with the two boys, they aren't enemies, I hope. The sad news is they fled. Nobody has a single clue of where they might be. Now, I propose you to come with us. We are going to Helm's Deep to help in the upcoming battle and maybe you'll be able to find them there." Finished the King.
Wufei nodded and smiled in gratitude. At Helm's Deep it is.
******* Ouf, finally finished. About Helm's Deep, I will tell you more next chapter. Read 'n' Review!
A-chan