Author's Note: Hi! Sorry this took so long to get posted. I am really, really sorry. I have been pc deprived. So anywho, here's a few things I have to explain.
When things are in italics, like so, it means Wufei (or someone else) is talking to Duo. You know the mind speech thingy or whatever you want to call it.
When the italics are in quotations "like so", it's another language translated or not.
When words are in single quotation, 'like so', they're thoughts.
That's it mostly. I hope you read and review. I believe you've been waiting long enough. Toodles!
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Angelus woke to the sound of crackling, and from the view of what could only be stone, he figured that he was inside of a cave. The crackling came from the fire that was a little ways off to his left. From what he could sense, he was alone, though Milliardo wasn't too far off. He was close enough to come if beckoned. Angelus sighed to himself, knowing that he wasn't able to move. Not that he was too weak; he wasn't allowed to. He was sure that Milliardo would have his hide if he dared to even lift a single finger on his own.
He heard his horse whinny from outside in agreement and he laughed. He had only himself to blame for this. He had pushed himself too far. Even the wondrous Seer had his limits. Now he lay in waiting for his friend to return, listening to the fire pop as he stared up at the gray stone of the cave walls. His mind started to wander, wondering just exactly how long he had been unconscious. Was it only hours? Or had he been out for days?
"Just overnight."
Milliardo answered his thoughts and Angelus turned his head to find his friend walk in. It also gave him the chance to find that it was indeed morning, so he had in fact been asleep only for the night. That he was glad for. Milliardo walked closer, carrying with him more wood for the fire and a pheasant that would serve for their breakfast. As Milliardo began to rest both the kindling and the pheasant down, Angelus managed a weak smile in greeting. All he was given in return was a frown. He turned his eyes away back to the cave walls, distracting himself from the gaze that was on him. Milliardo watched the Seer avoid his eyes and he tried not to react. He took to taking care of him instead. He had a pot of some tea brewing and he made busy of pouring it into a cup for his friend.
"Tea?", Angelus asked.
Milliardo paused to look up at his friend with an arched eyebrow and he found the blue eyes staring back at him. He quelled the man's anxiety with a nod and then raised a small satchel so that Angelus could see it.
"And primrose.", the man said rather deflated, knowing exactly the contents without having to look inside.
It seemed as if Milliardo had plans of making him go back to sleep, when sleep was the last thing on Angelus' mind. Walking to the man's side, Milliardo lowered himself to his knees. The tea was rested on the ground and the satchel followed it. He then took to helping the silver haired man up into a sitting position. The cup was then gently, yet forcefully, pushed into his hands and Milliardo waited patiently. It seemed as if he would only speak to him if Angelus drank the tea and the Seer knew that if he wanted to know anything at all, he had to drink it. Obediently he did as Milliardo wanted and he grimaced at the taste.
"Here.", Milliardo offered, adding honey, "This should help."
Angelus murmured his thanks and drank the tea much more satisfied with its taste. It was still awful, though now it was manageable. He was however now aware that it was not ordinary tea. Milliardo had given him a sedative brewed from prickly lettuce. It would help him sleep, if he had wanted to sleep to begin with. Though as he had figured, Milliardo was set on him resting.
"Here eat these.", Milliardo gently ordered, "They will ease the headache that I'm sure you have and prevent you from going into shock."
Angelus looked down at the contents of the satchel and he took the leaves that were handed to him. Unlike the tea, the flavor was acceptable, so he ate them without argument. That seemed to please the blond and he finally returned the smile that he was greeted with earlier.
"How long will we be here?", Angelus asked, slowly chewing.
He was sure that Milliardo had more primrose at hand and he didn't feel to eat much. The blond only shrugged in answer to the question, his hands now busy with a bowl that sat beside him.
"That all depends on you.", he told him, taking the now empty cup and easing Angelus to lay back.
"Then we leave as soon as we can. Today if possible."
Angelus caught the short stop in movement from Milliardo and he knew that the Great Wind did not want to agree with this. If anything he wanted Angelus to stay for as long as his body needed to rest. Angelus did not have time to wait.
"Why do you continue to go on like this?", Milliardo asked, now pressing a compress to Angelus' forehead.
It was another sedative, though it was more for him to relax and not really meant to put him to sleep.
"You don't understand.", Angelus muttered, already feeling the medicine begin to work.
"Then make me understand.", the blond said calmly, leaving the cloth on the Seer's forehead.
His hands went to the bindings of Angelus' robes and he began to unfasten them. He would have had assistance, but the Seer's sudden sedated state made it difficult to even think of moving. It seemed as if Milliardo had slipped a spell into the tea as well.
At the moment the Great Wind was busy opening the white robes and he paused as something caught his eye. The dark crystal of Remius' heart was peeking out through the folds of the fabric. Without much thought, his hand reached out to take it. It was quickly stopped however and he looked up to Angelus, the drowsy man giving him a slight shake of his head.
"Why do you have it?", he asked, pulling his hand free from the grip.
"Why are you undressing me?", Angelus countered, "What business do you have beneath my robes?"
With a scoff Milliardo continued with his task until Angelus' chest was exposed. He then took the compress from the man's forehead to dip it into the bowl beside him.
"I still have to deal the damage you've done to yourself.", was all he said, wringing the cloth slightly.
He then went on to pass the cloth over the Seer's chest, the god sighing at the relaxed state he was once again placed in. His eyes closed momentarily and he was thankful to have Milliardo with him. Without the blonde he would most likely have no one to tell him when it was time to rest. He would have kept going until he had caused himself to go into shock. Then what would he have done? His robe was completely removed and he opened his eyes to blink up sleepily at his friend.
"Turn over.", was the quiet command he was given.
He obeyed, turning over onto his stomach and closing his eyes again. His hair was brushed aside and his back was given a message by Milliardo's wonderful and talented hands. As pleasurable as it was, it was mostly healing. The contact connected Milliardo to him mentally. This way the Great Wind was able to heal both mind and body magically. Angelus himself was drained magically and Milliardo was helping to restore what was lost. He was helping without Angelus even asking for it and it made the former God of Light feel guilty. His friend had done and was still doing so much for him, while he couldn't even answer one simple question that was asked him.
"Love.", he said quietly, his eyes opening, "All this, everything, I do because I love him."
Milliardo listened politely, his hands still moving over Angelus' back. He had a feeling that the silver-haired god would say that. Angelus loved his brother more than anything else.
"It's still no reason to try and kill yourself."
"It's every reason.", Angelus said almost bitingly, "I'll do anything for him. He is my brother."
"And you are his. Yet what do you think he would do in the event that you were in his place and he in yours?"
"Do not speak ill of him.", Angelus warned, his muscles tensing, "I will not stand for it. I do not doubt my brother's love for me. I am sure that he would do just as I have done for him."
"And I am sure that he would not be as stupid."
Milliardo was stopped as Angelus rose to a sitting position, his eyes glaring at the blond in front of him. He was offended by the wind god's words and it had angered him. Although he was very much aware of the anger, Milliardo decided to continue.
"You claim to do all this for love.", Milliardo started, looking down, "Though I know that if Remius were in your position, he would know when to let himself rest. Even if he loves you as much as you do him."
"Take your leave from me.", Angelus ordered angrily, hastily replacing his robes.
"He would use common sense.", Milliardo pushed, "I know as much as he loves you, he'd care for himself as well."
"I said take your leave!", Angelus bellowed, his voice reverberating off of the cave walls.
Milliardo did not budge. He instead kept his knelt position, his eyes rising to meet Angelus'. The Seer was now busy with refastening his robe and he paused as Milliardo rested his hands atop his own.
"I am tired.", he said in a low voice, "If we are to continue our travels today, I will need rest."
"We can not leave today.", the Great Wind urged, "You're still-"
"I must leave today!", Angelus interrupted, "I can not spare more time!"
Turning ice blue eyes from him, Milliardo stood. He made his way back to the pheasant that would serve as either lunch or dinner. Though Milliardo could only guess that it would be the former rather than the latter. Angelus lay back onto his bedroll; his eyes look up again at the stone. There was a silence that fell between them, the only noise coming from the fire. Milliardo went about with his work and Angelus was allowing the sedatives he had been given to take affect again. He would sleep until just after noon, then they would continue onward to the north.
"I envy him.", the blond said suddenly and quietly.
Angelus looked toward him but the man's eyes were downcast, his hands still busy with the bird.
"He has what every human who worships you prays for, what every deity longs for; he has it all."
Angelus continued to listen, his eyes watching as Milliardo worked. He knew of what and whom the wind god was speaking of. He did not agree. Yes, Remius had his love.
"Not all of it.", Angelus muttered, rising up again on his side, leaning on his right arm to support him.
"How so?", Milliardo asked, still busying himself.
"I love my friends as well as my blood.", Angelus insisted, "You, my friend, I love you as well."
Angelus watched as Milliardo froze, his eyes finally looking toward him.
"You love me?", he asked, his voice revealing that he did not believe those words.
"You are my friend, of course I do."
"And you would do anything for those you love?"
Angelus' nod was all that was needed and in an instant Milliardo was by his side, both hands taking hold of Angelus'.
"Then please, out of love for a friend, stop testing your limits.", he begged, his eyes staring into mirrored blue, "You will waste away if you continue on this way. Cherish your health as much as you do Remius."
"He is in danger.", Angelus tried and Milliardo shook his head.
"And so are you.", he pointed out, "Just one day and whenever your body needs the rest. That's all I ask. I beg of you, my friend. Please."
As he looked back into Milliardo's eyes, Angelus found that he could not refuse. He loved his friend as much as he loved his brother. Besides, he owed a great debt to the Great Wind. With a smile he sat up, his other hand clasping down over Milliardo's.
"I will do as you ask.", he told him, "I could never refuse those that I love or those I am in debt to."
His hand rose to rest on Milliardo's shoulder and his other was released from his friend's hold. He felt the man start to rise and he gently gripped his shoulder to stop him from doing so. As the blond god stared back at him in question, the hand that rested on his shoulder rose to press against Milliardo's face.
"You've done so much for me.", Angelus spoke in a near whisper, "It's the only way I can think to repay you."
The hand that caressed Milliardo's face was gently removed, the wind god smiling at him.
"I will continue to do what I can for you.", Milliardo told him rising, "Now I want you to stop resisting the sedatives and go to sleep."
With a laugh Angelus did as he was bid, lying back onto the bedroll. It wasn't long until he was asleep and Milliardo turned away satisfied, returning to making the pheasant better suited for eating.
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It seemed as if Triton had not led them astray as Wufei had expected him to. In an hour's time they had reached a small hill that overlooked a plain; beyond it was Remius' temple. He had to say he was somewhat impressed. As much as the boy had his looks, he had the brains to go with it.
'A very dangerous combination.', Wufei thought to himself, 'Or at least for him it is.'
His eyes looked to the banged boy who only gave him a look that said, "I told you so". Wufei only chuckled to himself before riding off, knowing that Triton watched him do so. Quatre had been observing them both and now he looked to Triton as he started out after the dragon.
"Remember what I said.", Quatre reminded him politely, "Just ignore him. He does not easily admit defeat, no matter how small it is."
The boy only nodded before urging his horse to ride off. As he watched the young man take to riding alongside the Dragon Lord, Quatre sighed with a shake of his head. Those two were going to cause him many headaches. Suddenly he was thankful that he had remembered to add medicinal herbs to their supplies. His eyes strayed behind him to where Duo and Heero lazily followed. They were on foot, their horses being led behind them.
Duo was engaged at the moment with telling Heero an elaborate description of where he had come from. He had already told of indoor marketplaces, went on about tall buildings that scraped the skies and now he was describing to the eager Fairy King, electricity. It would have been great if he were able to listen a bit longer, but at the moment Wufei and Triton were on the verge of a quarrel. He had to go and stop it before it became serious. Feeling the start of a headache, Quatre found the strength to go, urging his horse to a faster trot to meet them.
The two that fell behind were still caught in their conversation, oblivious to just how far they were becoming from the rest. Heero had asked Duo just exactly how he had gotten here, the teen only shrugging.
"I'm not sure how it was possible, but I fell through a mirror."
"A mirror?", Heero asked, his eyes focused on the others ahead of them, "What did you see? Your own reflection couldn't have drawn you to it."
"To be honest, I saw you.", Duo admitted, somewhat embarrassed, "I thought I was going crazy. Some gorgeous guy staring back at me? It couldn't be real. I reached out to prove to myself that I was hallucinating and the next thing I knew, I was falling."
With a smirk Heero looked toward Duo, who was now busy petting Tamsin's head as the horse nudged him.
"Gorgeous?", he asked and Duo blushed, "You thought that I was gorgeous?"
Heero gave a laugh and Duo blushed turning a deeper shade of red. Was Heero's laughter mocking or was he laughing for laughter's sake?
"I'm sorry.", Heero apologized, "It's just you look so scared and you're cute when you blush. I shouldn't laugh."
Duo only shrugged and he tried to push Tamsin's head away as the horse was still nudging him.
"You're beautiful as well.", Heero voiced, his eyes downcast, "More than I can ever hope of wording it."
The horses whinnied in unison and suddenly Tamsin nudged Duo forcefully in Heero's direction. Aubri, the Fairy King's own steed did the same to Heero and the colbat-eyed man glared back at the animal.
"What's gotten into these two?", Heero asked annoyed.
Duo only shrugged, his smile allowing Heero to focus his mind away from the horses' behavior. The two looked at each other in silence, both unable to speak. The silence grew and both went to break it, but could think of nothing to say. More silence passed and Duo swore that his horse whinnied in impatience.
"Thank you.", he said finally, his hands fingering the end of his braid.
"What for?", Heero asked and Duo smiled.
"For everything I guess. If it weren't for you, I most likely would be dead. And you told me that I was, uh, you know. . . beautiful."
"You say that as if you aren't."
Duo went to answer but he noticed just exactly how close their horses had pushed them together and he slowly turned away. He also noted that they had stopped walking altogether, leaving them far behind their companions.
"We should keep-"
Duo paused as he was turned back to face Heero, the king gently taking hold of his face in both hands. They were closer now than they had been earlier and Duo felt paralyzed. No, hypnotized, as he looked into Heero's colbat eyes.
"You truly are beautiful, Duo.", Heero whispered and Duo swore he would melt, "Don't think otherwise."
Duo only nodded, feeling as if they both moved closer. He wasn't sure what was about to happen and he didn't know if it was something that he would want to stop. The two were now mere breaths away from a kiss and it seemed as if neither were going to oppose it.
Are you two going to lag behind forever?
At the sound of Wufei's voice, Duo gasped, pulling back unexpectedly. Heero gently released him and Tamsin lifted his hooves to stamp them angrily on the ground. His horse's tantrum was ignored and Duo looked off towards the three that were already nearing the temple.
"Are they waiting for us?", Heero asked, his disappointment well hidden.
Duo nodded and he let his gaze drift to the ground. Whatever it was that would have transpired between the two was no longer going to. It was ended by Wufei's interruption. Duo was disappointed as well and he opted for hiding it.
"We'd better not keep them waiting.", he told the king, turning to climb on his horse.
With a nod, Heero did just the same, the two riding off toward where their friends awaited them.
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From his horse, Duo looked up at the crumbling foundation as a shiver crawled down his spine. He knew that there hadn't been many visitors for the former Lord of Darkness, though he could tell that there was few that still gave some sort of offering. He could sense it and from the way the others looked at the temple themselves, he knew they were thinking the same thing. He did not want to go inside, though it was the only way that Remius would listen. He would also need to have an offering, or so Triton had told them. What Remius preferred as an offering Duo wasn't sure, though Triton seemed to know. However, he was not willing to share as of yet.
"Shall we enter?", Wufei asked, now tired of waiting, "Or shall we stand out here all day?"
"I'd rather stay out here.", Duo said, voicing his feelings on entering the temple.
Triton was the first off his horse, knowing that if they were ever going to go inside, he would have to lead them in. Besides, they were following him to begin with. Without a glance back, he made his way in, careful as to avoid the part of the large entrance that looked about ready to collapse. The others remained seated on their horses, watching as Triton submerged into the temple, his body being swallowed by the dark. It was odd that inside was so dark when the sun was shining bright enough to pour light in through the massive holes in the roof. Seeing Triton disappear into the dense black of the entrance gave Duo second thoughts on entering.
It gave them all second thoughts on the entire idea of asking Remius for his help at all. Though the legends were true. Angelus answered to his brother and only his brother. Remius was the key to finding him.
"The longer we wait here, the farther we'll be from reaching our goal.", Wufei pointed out, climbing from his horse.
"Wufei's right.", Quatre agreed, climbing down himself, "The faster we get Remius' help, the faster we can get to Angelus."
Heero had climbed down off of his horse without a word and he now stood by Wufei's side, the two looking over the temple for the hundredth time. Duo was the last one remaining. It was now or never, though if it were up to him, the choice would be to turn back and think of something completely different.
"There's nothing to fear, Duo."
Duo looked down at the sea-colored eyes that looked up at him in reassurance. The elfin prince reached out a hand, and Duo hesitated. It wasn't only that he was somewhat afraid of entering that temple. It seemed as if there was a danger here. It was almost as if he knew this place. His mind was trying its best to remember if his grandmother had said anything about the dark god. So far, he could think of nothing.
"Duo?"
Forcing on a smile, Duo slowly climbed down from the horse with Quatre's help. He would have to push his worries aside. The faster they got through with this the better. He didn't want to stay here any longer then was necessary.
"Let's get going.", he said with feigned enthusiasm, "We don't want to keep Triton waiting."
He was aware of the looks he got from the three that followed behind him, but he tried his best to ignore them. If they knew that he wasn't exactly excited about being here, he was sure they would all suggest something new. That would be wasting time and time was something he did not have to waste. He had no desire to be here any longer. He wanted to be home. He paused for only a moment as his eyes tried to scan past the darkness of the temple's entrance. With one last breath, Duo entered with the others right behind him.
He hadn't noticed that he closed his eyes; that is until he nearly tripped over a step. His eyes flew open as he tried to regain his balance and he was stilled by whoever had gripped his arm. His thank you was cut short as his eyes took in the inside of the temple. It was as if it wasn't old and crumbling at all. Unlike the outside of the temple, the walls and pillars were still standing. The ceiling no longer threatened to collapse at any moment and Duo had to admit, Remius had devoted followers. The baskets that stood at the feet of every statue held offerings of wines, oil and even flowers. Which for some reason struck Duo as odd. Flowers for the Lord of Darkness? He didn't seem like the type to even like flowers.
It was then that Duo noticed the largest statue at the end of the vast hall. He could only guess that it was Remius, the stone figure glaring down at them as they walked closer. Around him coiled a rather large snake, whose head loomed over Remius' left shoulder, fangs bared. Duo's eyes became instantly attached to the snake and he was unable to look away. He wasn't sure but it seemed as if the reptile could be alive. They were now right at the statue's feet, where Triton knelt in prayer before the alter. It was only when he stopped to grab Duo's attention did the boy look away from the serpent.
"The prayers to him have been said.", Triton announced, standing from his kneeled position, "Now all we need is the offering. The question is, who among us is willing to make the offer?"
Duo watched Triton's eyes connect with Wufei's, the Dragon Lord glowering at the green-eyed teen. What did the dragon have that any of them didn't?
"Would you care to do the honors, Dragon Lord?"
Duo watched as the dagger was revealed from the sheath on Triton's belt and offered it to Wufei. The dragon stood calmly, his eyes coldly glowering at the young man. He knew what Triton was asking of him.
"What kind of offering grabs Remius' attention?", Duo asked looking back and forth between the two, "Can't any one of us make the offer?"
"Blood is the only offering that can guarantee a god or goddess' attention.", Triton answered, his eyes still cast on Wufei, "Though if you want to do things much faster, offer the blood of one who believes that he does not need to depend on the gods. To offer the blood of a dragon would bring you a deity worth calling upon. Wufei is the Dragon Lord, ruler of Vicineron and leader of the Dragon Clans. His blood will taste all the sweeter."
At the end of Triton's speech, Duo gulped. Why was it always blood? He wasn't very good at handling blood and from the sound of it; Remius was the kind to like it as a delicacy. Shaking off his uneasiness, he turned to Wufei, whose muscles were tightening as if he was straining to hold himself back from an attack.
"Wufei-"
It's alright, young one. I'll do it.
"You don't have to prove anything-", Duo tried again but he was once again cut short by the look Wufei turned to him.
He fell silent and he watched as Wufei stepped closer, his eyes never leaving Triton's. Slowly his hand raised and he took the dagger, turning to face the alter. His eyes glanced up at those that glared down at them, his ears catching the offering prayer lightly being muttered. Duo, now a bit squeamish tried to fight off the goose bumps that were rising on his skin. Not only was he uncomfortable with all that was happening, it seemed as if it was getting a bit cold.
The giant snake didn't help to calm his nerves. He felt a hand rest on his shoulder and Duo looked back to find Heero. He didn't exactly know why, but he felt the least bit safer knowing that the fairy was there. Now somewhat calm again, Duo was able to focus on the small ceremonial display of offering. As Wufei raised the knife, he turned away, not wanting to see exactly how Wufei had decided to cut himself and most definitely not interested in the sight of blood.
"And now we wait."
It was Trowa's announcement that caused him to turn back and he found that the very large bowl was already filled. It was a lot of blood and he found himself growing dizzy momentarily. It was a bit strange that the dragon's blood had run so fast and from what it seemed Wufei's wound had already healed.
"It's draining.", Quatre announced, all eyes turned to the offering bowl.
They watched as it slowly drained away, being absorbed into the large statue and the snake that enwrapped it. Duo's eyes were once again glued to the hypnotizing gaze of the serpent and he watched as they began to burn red. With what sounded like a hiss, the eyes gave off a blinding flash and Duo closed his eyes.
As he opened them again, he found that he was now alone. Looking around frantically, he turned back to the alter, freezing as he now found who could only be Remius standing where the statue once stood. He was no longer looming over him as a giant and the snake was now just as real. It was large, but not as large as before. Remius held it in his hands, the large reptile coiled around his shoulder and waist. It's black eyes were staring back at him and Duo found himself afraid of moving. There was no way of telling if the snake was poisonous or not and as it gave a threatening hiss it bared its gleaming fangs.
"Behave now.", Remius gently scolded it, "We can't have him running off, we need him."
Duo watched the snake slowly slither down to the floor, coiling itself near the god's feet. With a dark smile, Remius started his way down the alter steps, his amber eyes watching the young boy in front of him. His friends must have been having a panic at the moment, since he had brought the boy to an entirely different realm. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he glanced toward the offering bowl that was once again filled. He reached a hand toward it letting a finger dip inside. With a small chuckle, he raised the finger back to his lips, letting his tongue run over it. He caught the small look of disgust that ran over the boy's face and he laughed.
"Still warm.", he said loud enough for Duo to hear.
As the snake hissed again, he moved forward, watching the boy step back nervously. Was he truly the prince that was killed years ago? Or were his own eyes tricking him? There really was no way to tell and he had risked going back to his mistress to learn how he would be able to know. She had given him the necklace. It was to be given to the boy, as was the order and if the boy recognized it as his own, he was to be killed. Now face to face with the young boy, Remius looked down into violet eyes. He wanted to read them. Their past, the soul they held behind them, but he could not. Whoever had cast the spell had done so quite well.
"I suppose that you're Remius.", Duo said in a small voice.
"And I suppose that you are here to gain my help in finding my brother."
With the small nod that he was given, Remius nodded.
"Then you have come for all the wrong reasons.", he merely said, turning away to head back to his alter.
It was now graced with a small throne that Remius seated himself in. Duo remained where he stood, not wanting to move. The amber eyes that stared back at him held him in place. That and the threatening snake that now slithered near the god's feet.
"Why are you here?", Remius asked, leaning back into his seat, "I'm sure that you have your own reasons for coming."
"You already know why I'm here!", Duo snapped impatiently, "We came-"
"We?", Remius asked with a laugh, "Look around you, child. You are not in company. So therefore my question is directed to you and you alone, meaning that I wish to know why you are here."
Glaring up at the Dark Lord, Duo risked stepping forward some, stopping only when the snake gave a threatening hiss.
"I come for the same reasons that my friends do.", he answered, ignoring the man's scoff, "We- I need to find Angelus. He's the only one that can get me home, the only one who knows the whereabouts of the prince."
"The prince?", Remius asked, now leaning forward, "The lover to the Fairy King? The same king that you yourself have fallen head over heels for?"
"I-"
"You have come here in hopes of finding out if the prince is long dead and gone, or at least banished and never to be seen again, haven't you?"
"No, I-"
"You what?", the Dark Lord asked standing from his throne, "Do you not wish that Heero will forget all about this search for his precious prince and declare undying love for you? Or do you simply want to see his heart broken so that you may try and take what you so desperately want?"
"I'm here to learn-"
"To learn if you have any chance in all of the Seven Hells to be with him?", Remius pushed, drawing closer, "Or maybe you want to see if he's still alive, see if this prince even existed or better yet..."
Remius paused, his amber eyes watching the now angered boy as he slowly circled him.
"Maybe you wish that you yourself were the prince. That way, you could have Heero, all you've ever wanted since you were first told his tale."
Turning to face the dark god, Duo paused to find his necklace hanging from the man's hand. It swung back and forth, glimmering in the firelight and Remius watched it as well.
"I believe this is yours.", the man said, reaching out to place it around Duo's neck.
Not able to move, Duo stood there allowing it to be put on and he only pulled back once Remius was finished.
"How did you-"
Duo paused in his question as he remembered back to the gryphon's attack. The raven that had stolen it from him, it had turned into a man. It was only then did the images of amber eyes and long black hair come to mind allowing him to match them to Remius.
"You.", he said in a low voice, "You're the bird. You've been following us. What do you want?"
"Now the questioning has been turned to me I see. I suppose you deserve an answer and you will get one. All in due time."
"What?"
"You're friends are waiting for you."
"Wait."
"As for my brother, he will find you."
"But-"
Duo was unable to say anything else as there was another bright flash of light and then there was complete darkness.
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He came to outside of the temple or so he could figure since he found a dark sky and stars. Voices were coming from the side of him and he even heard the sound of a fire. He didn't exactly want anyone to know that he was awake just yet. He needed some time to think about what Remius had revealed to him. The Dark Lord had pointed out something he wasn't exactly denying but rather he was somewhat ashamed of. He was falling for Heero; he even had for the slightest moment hoped to not find the prince. How could Remius have read him so well?
Over where the others sat it seemed that they were in deep conversation. Though he couldn't understand whatever language they were speaking, he had a feeling that the conversation was about him. He heard his name various times and from the sound of it, Triton was not part of the conversation as well. At least he didn't feel completely left out. With a sigh, he turned his head in their direction, catching that not only was Triton not a part of the conversation, he wasn't present at all.
He didn't linger on the thought; he only sat up, noting the three didn't even notice him. They were too deeply engaged in their conversation. There was a question from Quatre, now in a completely different tongue and it seemed as if it was directed to Heero. From Wufei's annoyed look, it seemed as if he was now excluded from the conversation as well; or maybe the dragon didn't know it as well as the former language. It was somewhat confusing, though as he listened on, the words seemed oddly familiar, as if he had heard them before.
"Faninfir.", a voice from behind him provided, "The language of the Fairies."
He turned his head to meet Triton, who from the looks of it had just come from a bath. Spreading his towel on the floor, he took to sitting next to Duo. His hands held a pair of apples and a small knife. He threw one to Duo, who thanked him quietly and started to slice pieces for himself with the one that was left.
"Can you understand anything they're saying?", Duo asked, biting into his apple.
"I only understand the language I speak. That and what animals speak."
"What do you mean?", Duo asked with a frown, his gaze diverting to Triton.
"I mean animal calls. I know what they say.", Triton simply answered, "When wolves howl, when birds call, I know what they're saying."
"You speak to them?"
"No. I just understand them. It's a gift of mine."
"You mean you're not human either?" Duo asked and Triton only laughed.
"I'm very much human, I've just learned a few things. Being on your own, you tend to learn ways that help you live."
"You've never learned a second language?"
"I've never run into elves, fairies, or dragons.", Triton told him with a shrug, "I didn't need to learn a second language."
His green eyes looked back to the three, Quatre and Heero still conversing, Wufei now and then joining in. His words were halted, meaning that he didn't know the language very well. His gaze then returned to Duo who seemed as if he knew what was being said and was trying to listen in.
"You know what they're saying?", Triton asked eager to know, "Did you understand what they said?"
"Somehow, I feel I do.", Duo answered, looking down to his half eaten apple, "I can catch some, though I can't really make out everything."
"Really? Why don't you keep listening?", Triton suggested with a smirk, "You might catch on."
Not exactly sure why, Duo did as was suggested, trying his best to understand just what they were saying. His eyes traveled back and forth between them as each one spoke and then Quatre asked a question that made Heero pause.
"What is it?", Triton asked, eager to know, "Do you know what they're saying?"
Duo limply nodded, his eyes locked onto Heero.
"Quatre asked about me, or maybe Prince Duo."
Triton smirked and caught interest.
"I'donye wanon t'yal."
With Heero's response, Triton turned to Duo for the translation since he seemed to now understand it completely.
"Well, what did Heero say?"
"He said something about not speaking, or not wanting to.", Duo answered.
Looking back to the group, Triton frowned.
"How about you just translate every time something is said?", Triton suggested and Duo agreed.
"D'ayu tri wa'do menee wal y'i'n ou kas'y'ten?", Quatre was soon asking.
"Quatre asked Heero if he believes that they don't mean him well."
"Wa'wat donu i'yu lano h'sul.", the statement came from Wufei, whose eyes flashed silever in the firelight as he looked at his friend.
"They want to know if he still loves him.", Duo translated.
"The prince?", Triton asked and Duo nodded.
"Most likely."
"Oro d'ayu h'otho phel'fe sumane?", Quatre continued to question the Fairy King.
"Or does he have feelings for someone else, or maybe they said someone new."
There was a long pause in conversation as Quatre and Wufei patiently awaited Heero's answer. The two that waited a few feet off sat in patience as well. It was odd, but Duo now knew every word they said. His amazement in the situation was cut short as Heero sighed and then finally answered.
"Isul lona'h m'ie pheol. Tu'h'e ibile i'mwe lano Duo."
With Duo's gasp, Triton turned to look at him, noting the complete shock on the boy's face? He didn't know what it was Heero had said but it peaked his curiosity. He needed to know.
"Duo?"
The call of his name was ignored as Duo stood from his bedroll, his eyes still locked on the Fairy King who now sat in silence amongst his two friends. Wufei's face was stoic, though Quatre tried to ease the now growing tension with a smile and elfish words of endearment. They weren't expecting for Duo to be up, or that he would hear what they were speaking of. That's why every face was written with surprise as Duo appeared in front of them, his violet eyes shimmering in the firelight.
"Duo, is something wrong?", Wufei asked, noting the unshed tears in the boy's eyes.
Something had caused the boy to become so emotional and he looked back to Triton who sat watching them in confusion. He would have accused him of translating for Duo, but from the looks of it, Triton had no clue as to what was going on. Did Duo know exactly what they were saying?
Duo?
"Yu lona h'a?"
At Duo's question, Heero was unable to answer. It hadn't only caught him off guard he was flabbergasted. Duo asked him in his own tongue, meaning that he understood every word that he had heard. In his shock he was only able to open his mouth in an attempt to answer, but failed in doing so.
"Yu'ka lona h'a!"
It was then that Duo caught himself and he quickly covered his mouth. He had just spoken two sentences of Faninfir. That meant that not only did he understand it; he spoke it as well. This was all too much for him. He had to be alone; if only for a little while. A hand rested on his shoulder and he looked to find Triton. Turning back to the three who were now standing, he shook his head.
"I'awe suru."
With his apology, Duo ran off, not exactly sure where he was going to go.
"Duo, wai'cum ban!", Heero cried starting to follow him, "Stop!"
He was stopped by Triton who only shook his head. It was Quatre who gave him the advice in words.
"Let him go, Heero. We'll find him in a few minutes. He won't go too far."
With a defeated sigh, Heero nodded, allowing the two to lead him back to the fire. As he sat, his eyes continued to stare in the direction that Duo had run off. The boy had heard him, understood everything that he had said. The only question was, how? There were many things about him that Heero found confusing. He would need to have a talk with Duo when the boy came back. Of course that was only if he came back.
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Duo kept running as fast as he could, not exactly sure why he was running in the first place. Everything he had heard, what he understood, it was all too much. Now his chest was beginning to feel as if it would burst and he thought that maybe it was about time that he stopped. He did so, leaning against a tree as he caught his breath, his head leaning back against the trunk.
He knew that he had wanted Heero to love him, since he first laid eyes on the Fairy King. Though now as he heard it, it seemed so wrong. Was it wrong? He didn't know. His eyes closed for a moment as he tried to gather his thoughts and it was the caw of a raven that caused them to open them again. He caught the sight of stone, noting that he had run back in the direction of the temple. That meant they didn't stray too far from it.
After a moment of hesitation, Duo pushed away from the tree, slowly making his way toward the stone foundation. In the dark of the night, the temple looked far more intimidating then it had earlier today. He made it past the entrance, despite his urge to go back and froze as he stepped inside. The temple he saw was no longer the shining, up-kept beauty that it had been. Now it was exactly as Duo had first expected it to be. Crumbling, decaying and ready to fall at any moment. As he took a second to look around, the only thing that he noticed the same was the statue of Remius. It was as it was before though it seemed as if something was missing. Turning away from the statue, his eyes searched the darkness for any sign of the Dark Lord.
"Remius?"
His call received no answer and he sighed to himself as he now stood at the feet of the towering god.
"Why did you have to be right?", Duo asked the silence around him and he turned to seat himself on the ground.
His ears caught the sound of movement and his eyes searched through the dark, trying his best to see if there was anyone there. He passed it off as a rat running through the rubble and he took to leaning against the large statue, his eyes closing again. His run had tired him out. He was sure that he would fall asleep here and though he normally wouldn't sleep in a place like this, his body was begging for rest. As he gave a yawn there was more sounds of movement. It didn't exactly sound like a rat scurrying across the ground; it was more of a dragging.
"Like a huge snake.", he acknowledged out loud.
And then it hit him. He stood turning to face the statue, noting the absence of the large snake that had adorned Remius' shoulder. As if on cue, there was a loud hiss and Duo's eyes moved to the darker shadows, where two red eyes beamed back at him. Duo found himself frozen and barely able to breathe. The only thing that he was able to do was stand there, his eyes widening as the snake revealed itself from the shadows with its large fangs gleaming.
As it slowly slithered toward him, Duo tired his best to back away but it was as if his muscles were paralyzed. With a loud hiss, the snake snapped forward and Duo cried out, now able to move back. Lucky for him, he tripped down the stairs, allowing him to escape the large jaw that made an attempt to snatch him. Without hesitating he rolled away, ignoring the pain that shot through his shoulder. Though it had healed, Quatre had warned him to take it easy. The knock against the floor must have fractured it. Now the pain was recognizable and was becoming unbearable. Turning back to face the serpent behind him, Duo found Remius' in place of his stone replica. The ex-god of darkness stood watching him with those amber eyes, almost laughing at him.
"You did this.", Duo accused, his hand cradling his shoulder, "You're responsible for everything! For all of this!"
"You're smarter than you look.", was all the god responded.
With a laugh, he bowed to Duo.
"It was my orders to lead you here, learn who you were and then kill you. Though the last I leave for my wonderful pet."
With that the snake gave a shriek that caused Duo to flinch and it rushed forward its jaw wide.
"Good-bye, sweet prince.", Remius laughed, watching as Duo backed into a wall, "My pet will do what my Mistress failed to."
With his cold laugh echoing throughout the temple and the night, Remius transformed into a raven, flying off into the moonlight, leaving the boy injured and cowering in fear of the giant reptile. It was a shame that the Fairy King wasn't there to save him. With one last circle of the temple, Remius gave a shrill caw before flying off to leave the young boy to his doom.
T.B.C.
AGH! SUCKY ENDING! Stupid writer's block. I think I hate this chapter because it sucks. Anywho, I apologize for the suckiness and the wait. I hope you leave reviews. I shall try my best to update at a decent time. Ciao!
