Author's Note: I split the last chapter into two parts. Here's the rest, and the last one, before the epilogue.
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Duo watched up in sheer awe as he walked through the massive halls of the palace that had once been his home. It was amazing, even as it stood threatening to collapse at any moment. Its furnishing had never been altered, meaning that the castle had to be deserted after his death. He stopped as memories flashed before his eyes, painful and clear.
His father looked back at him in sympathy, putting an arm around his son's shoulder. His arm stretched out to point down the hall, leading Duo in that direction. As the boy took a step forward, the dark halls suddenly brightened. No longer empty, they were filled with people again and Duo's eyes widened at the sight of the familiar, black, lizard-like demons swarming the halls again. He watched as people ran in all directions, hearing their screams ring his ears. Mercilessly, those monsters slaughtered innocent lives, and Duo was caught in the middle of the massacre.
"Run, Duo!"
At the command, he looked up to find his father fighting off the beasts as best as he was able to, his worried brown eyes pleading with Duo to go to safety.
"Go now!"
A pained cry tore free from his father, Duo's own cry of dismay easily drowning it, as a creature's claws sank deeply into his father's back. His feet began carrying him to his father's aid, but a hold on his wrist stopped him, jerking him in the opposite direction.
"Duo, please!", his mother begged, tear-filled eyes wide with fright, "We must go!"
"But Father-"
"He's gone, Duo.", his mother sobbed, leading him away from the sight of his father's body, "We have to hide. You're in danger, Duo."
With one last look to his father's body, Duo did as his mother bid, following her as she led him off to another part of the castle. The large wooden door that they were soon in front of was thrown open and Duo was pushed into it. His mother followed, both pushing the heavy door shut just before a black demon had tried to jump in after them.
"Down the stairs, Duo. Quickly."
He did as told, stumbling in the darkness of the stairwell. He hadn't tried to hold back his tears and he could hear his mother's sobs at the death of his father. When he reached the landing, he looked in the darkness for her, his hand reaching out for his mother's. She took hold of it, beginning to lead him once again.
This time it was to an iron door that creaked loudly as she pulled it open. With Duo entering before her once again, violet eyes looked around the giant torch lit room. This was the room that held the tombs belonging to the Kings of Old. His mother's footsteps echoed loudly over the marble floor and he looked to find her rushing off to another stairwell, this one leading back up. He knew however that it would take them outside of the castle walls and they would be able to escape. As he watched his mother turn back to him, Duo felt his stomach drop before everything darkened.
He was back in the present time once again and he found his mother beside him, his father now walking ahead of them. It would seem that he was making his way to his own tomb, stopping in front of the stone door and dragging it open. He leaned against the door, smiling eyes looking back to Duo, who was still sniffling. He had actually been crying as he had relived his father's death and the terrible moments that had happened so many years ago. His mother took hold of his hand again, drawing him forward. Just as the first time, he was unexpectedly pulled back into the past.
"Duo!"
At his mother's cry, Duo turned to look behind him, eyes widening as he was aware of the sword swinging for him. He stumbled back, feeling his mother push him out of the way and placing herself in front of him.
"No!"
His cry came too late and he watched as the sword drove itself into his mother's stomach, the holder smiling in dark glee. Treize watched as Duo continued to stumble backward, pulling his sword free of the now limp body. As the Angel of Destruction began to stalk closer, Duo turned ready to run.
He was greeted by his mother and father standing in front of the tomb, back in the present once again, their eyes looking up to him in worry. As his father motioned him forward, Duo did as was bid, unaware that he was running. The moment he ran past them he was in the past again, pulling the door closed behind him. For the moment, he was locked away alone in here, the dark angel pounding against the stone with enough force to cause it to crack. He didn't allow himself to hesitate any longer, spinning on his heels and running to the stone sarcophagus that held his father.
He wasn't sure of what plane of time he was in anymore. His eyes connected to the sword that lay atop the coffin. He stopped in amazement as the metal gleamed in the slight darkness, the Farinian steel etched with elegant markings. He reached a hand out to grab it, just as the stone door finally crumbled under the assault. His father and mother stood huddled in a corner, their eyes wide with fright and their mouths open in silent screams. With sword in hand, Duo turned to meet the dark angel, determined to not meet the same fate as he had before.
As Treize lunged toward him, Duo watched as the man's shape began to change and his eyes widened at the realization of who was attacking him. Friend or not, he had to protect himself and Duo rose his sword. He made sure to allow the flat of the blade to hit against the side of Trowa's head and he gasped as white energy crackled like electricity, sending the older boy flying into a far off wall.
"Run."
The whispered word wasn't ignored and he ran as fast as he could, jumping over the rubble that had once been a door. His feet took him back to the path he had took coming here, taking it back to the upper level of the castle. He was aware of Trowa's angered cry and it pushed him to run faster, running through the halls without much thought as to where he was going.
He pushed open double doors that were barely hanging on their hinges, running into what had to be the throne room. As he entered, he found that Trowa had somehow reached before him, grabbing the young prince up and flinging him across the room. The sword scraped loudly across the floor as Duo unwillingly let it go as he landed. He had to reach it or else Trowa would kill him without so much of a second thought.
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Remius slowly walked through the empty halls of Rothelan's crumbling pride and joy. He had caught sight of the young prince making his way here and had grown curious. There were dangers in this castle that he had Sensed and said danger held a feel of familiarity.
His green-eyed assassin was nearby and it would seem that someone had taken him as their own. That was one thing that Remius would not allow; Trowa was his and his alone. So he had made his way to the ruined city of Rothelan and its castle. He had simply followed the familiar chain that said "Trowa" aware that it was leading him toward the castle's tombs. However, it changed course and he was now closing in on the throne room. He silently walked past the doorway, amber eyes watching the scene unfold in front him, widening as his mind Saw what was bound to happen.
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Duo scrambled forward toward the sword, fumbling for it as he got in reach of it. With Trowa drawing closer, he stood to face him.
"No!"
The new voice surprised him and his body reacted against his will. He and Trowa stopped; green eyes glaring as Duo's face held visible pain. His mouth opened to speak but nothing fell from his lips. All he could do was watch with hurt eyes as the demonic form that Trowa had been given left him, his body returning to normal. As the banged-boy stepped back, he and Duo both looked down.
Duo's sword was thoroughly buried within Trowa's torso, Duo now watching as Trowa pulled it free, letting the sword clatter to the floor. It allowed the blood that was already seeping from the wound to flow faster, the boy visibly paling. His green eyes looked to tear-brimmed violet and he gave a sad smile as Duo shook his head in disbelief.
Before Trowa fell, he was caught, Duo backing away at the sight of the former Master of Darkness. Amber eyes looked down in disbelief as green eyes stared up blankly. He rose a hand to stoke a pale cheek, holding back a growl of rage as the flesh felt cold. Amber eyes glared up at him accusingly and Duo visibly shrank under the gaze.
"No, I didn't mean it.", he muttered weakly, "I'm sorry."
Remius returned his attention to the lifeless body in his arms, cradling the boy closer to him as he buried his face into the boy's chest. Duo watched as the man quietly sobbed, his arms clutching Trowa tighter. He hadn't meant for it to happen.
He watched Remius stand, Trowa in his arms and he froze as amber eyes looked to him, shining in the slight darkness of the room. The former god turned away without a word, heading for the broken doors of the throne room. Before he left, he looked over his shoulder to Duo, the young prince having collapsed to his knees on the floor. In his hand he held his sword, his eyes staring down in disbelief at the blood stained weapon.
"Heir of Rothelan."
At the dark god's voice, Duo looked up obediently, fearing the worst if he didn't. He caught ambers eyes looking back at him, now dulled with the unmistakable hints of loss, pain and mourning. From the tales that he had heard about Remius, he did not expect such as reaction from the man such as this. They had thought that Trowa had only been a pawn in Remius' own game. Now Duo could well enough tell that they had been wrong, and he had noticed it much too late.
As Remius turned around to face him, Duo felt guilt over take him. He hadn't meant to actually kill Trowa. He had been startled by Remius' cry; it was an accident.
"Put your mind at ease.", Remius ordered sternly, amber eyes gazing at Duo, "You are not at fault."
Though Duo couldn't believe the words that were falling from Remius' lips, he nodded anyway. The ebony-locked man glanced to Trowa again, holding back a pitiful moan that threatened to make an appearance. This boy even now remained a mystery to him. Never had a single human, in all his centuries of existence, taken such a toll on his soul. He had never once looked twice at any other. He used and abused men and women alike, watching them die as if they were mere insects. Now and again he had allowed one to grow close to him, but never like this.
His heart was aching now, its agony was weakening him and he forced himself to stay up on shaky legs. Who he needed most was Angelus, but the Seer was in his own turmoil. Though he was sure his brother felt his anguish. Trowa was one he had actually taken pity on, a mortal soul that he would have kept with him until the day the boy died. He had not expected it to come so quickly. He had promised himself that he didn't care for the boy at all, but he knew now that it was all lies. Trowa's death hurt more than any pain he had ever felt, and he felt an empty space within him now at the boy's demise. There was a hole in him that was sure to never be filled again.
He looked to Duo again, watching the boy silently weep. The boy felt lost as well and guilt was added to the emotional trauma. Remius had no idea as to how to heal the human soul, he was struggling with the ache of his own. Even with the advice that he was not to blame, he could tell the prince was pointing fingers of accusation to himself.
"You both were pawns.", he started softly, his already raspy voice much more hoarse, "Treize saw to it that you died under Trowa's hand or that he was killed in your defense of your life. One of you was going to die not matter what. It's unfortunate that Trowa became the victim."
He saw Duo deflate at those words, silently cursing himself. He hadn't meant to say it like that.
"What I mean to say, is that it is unfortunate that we lost him, and it would have been just as unfortunate if it had been you in his stead.", he tried again, watching Duo sulk still, "You have been blessed, young Duo. You have kept your life. Now with that blessing it is your responsibility to make sure that there are no other losses. I have heard wind that you are the one destined to bring this madness to an end.
"Do well in getting back to the Dark Lands as quick as possible. My brother, I fear is in danger; Treize is plotting yet again. Your lover, Heero, he is in need of rescue and the army that the elfin king and the Dragon Lord are moving toward Treize's gates need to be led. Lead them, young ruler. The Goddess rains her light upon you; you must take advantage of it. Ithildin is your strongest chance against a monster that wishes to bend the world before her. I am counting on you as much as everyone else."
Duo forced himself to stand, though he rather wanted to curl up on the floor and will everything away. His mind had been straying back home where none of this existed in reality, where it had been only a story. What he wouldn't give to be back there at this moment, to wake and see that this had all been a dream.
"All a dream.", he murmured aloud and Remius frowned.
"This is no dream, Duo.", he said sternly, gaining the boy's attention, "A nightmare it may seem, but it is in fact reality. The journey you have been on is a tiring one to both body and soul. I know this, but it is no more a dream than Trowa's death is."
He watched Duo fall to his knees again; his already reddened eyes filling once again with tears and a stern look from the ebony-haired man willed it to stop. He moved closer, Trowa pulled tightly against him and he stopped a few feet away from him. He looked down into saddened violet eyes, darkened by the events that had happened so quickly for them both. He kneeled down, aware that Duo was gazing at Trowa's lifeless form. Ignoring the hurt for a few moments, he raised a hand to make Duo look in his direction.
"No more mourning.", he gently told him, "Not until after the battle has been won. Those friends that still live are in need of your assistance. Go to them now and together face an evil that must not succeed. I beg this of you, Prince of Rothelan. No more tears for now. All is forgiven if you seek forgiveness. Now I beg that you take your sword and leave this place. The war that you have been told of has begun without you, you must join the battle."
"But-"
"Never mind me.", Remius softly said, "I will take Trowa to a place of rest. I will mourn him in privacy and you my dear boy will avenge his death for us both. I leave you now and I will send both you and your steed to your final battle."
At the mention of his horse, Duo heard Tamsin's whinny from beside him, the horse gently nudging his nose against him. He looked back to Remius who was once again standing and he took his example, leaning against Tamsin as he nearly met the floor again. He was urged to mount the horse and he did, a large Gate opening in front of them. He could only say that it was Remius' doing and he watched the former Master of Darkness sadly.
"Go now, Your Majesty.", Remius said with a sad smile, "In my weakened state, I can not hold it open much longer. I will be fine on my own."
With a small "thank you" Duo was on his way, him and Tamsin disappearing into the gate with one last look back. At their departure, Remius let the Gate shut own its own accord, looking down to the boy in his arms with reawakened loss. He would take Trowa somewhere where he could mourn him and await the arrival of Death, who would take him to the Underworld. In a flash he was gone, with one last desperate touch to his twin brother in an attempt to gain comfort.
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Angelus fought off every demon that charged him, his rage fuel enough to give him the strength to, but that strength was slowly waning. He could feel it, almost as if he was bleeding. This couldn't go on much longer. Every ounce of magic he used would deplete his stored energy further. So he had switched to fighting with a weapon instead, but even that in itself was tiring him. There was no break in the monsters that were charging at him and he knew that sooner or later, he would unwillingly give one of them a chance to injure him. Which in turn would open the window of opportunity to deliver a killing blow and with his body weakening, he would die. Immortality be damned, he would definitely perish.
Angelus!
The unmistakable feel of his brother brought him to a complete halt. He could feel Remius' panic and then as if he was there beside him heard the mental scream of anguish that caused him to cry out in pain. Remius' was hurting and was unable to manage it. The crystal that resided beside his own began to throb in time with his own hurt, each pulse sending unbearable pain through his mind. He willed himself to stop it, only managing to dull it so that it was not so excruciating. It left him and just in time. Four demons were springing toward him and he raised his hand, letting loose a large shower of light that burst them into dust.
He fell to his knees, watching as others circled him, slowly closing in. He was aware that his brother was in need, but he hadn't the time to answer him. His attention had to be fully directed to the obstacles ahead of him. Though it did seem that Remius had calmed some, the throbbing pain was dulling, almost gone but still there. He stood on shaky knees, causing the demons to back away briefly before holding their ground to see what he would do. He had found that the last burst of magic he had sent forth had drained him completely. He was helpless and for these creatures in front of him to take notice of that would be trouble.
Since luck seemed to be his enemy at this moment, he was aware that the demons had noticed, sharp yellow teeth revealing themselves in predatory grins. Slowly and cautiously, they stalked closer, Angelus trying his best to gather whatever strength he had. There was no magic around him for him to pull aid from and no one he could borrow it from. With nothing much left to do, Angelus raised his sword, ready to fight on until his end.
With loud battle cries and ear-piercing shrieks the demons sprang forward. This was a rare moment; the Seer as helpless as a mere mortal and they would savor every minute. However, there would be no savoring. With the whistle of arrows flying, Angelus watched as hundreds of demons fell dead before him. Those that still stood looked up and behind him, shrinking away in fear.
The Seer took his chance to look, feeling his muscles go lax with relief at the sight of Wufei, Quatre and a very battered but head-strong Duo seated atop their horses with bow and arrows ready to launch again. He found they were accompanied by a large army of all types.
There were humans, elves, fairies and even a few dragons; those who must have survived Treize's vicious attack on Vicineron. He didn't much care how they had gathered an army so quickly, he only cared that they had finally arrived. His blue eyes narrowed onto Duo, watching as the boy replaced his bow and arrow with a sword he recognized all too well.
He could only watch amazed as the young boy sat atop his horse, sword in hand. He was no longer the lost boy that Heero had found days ago; he was now the well known prince of Rothelan. Even that seemed too less of a title for him. As he sat with eyes set on the cowering army in front of him, he looked no longer a boy. He had changed over these few days and now he looked every bit the man that Angelus had expected him to grow into. His heart clenched momentarily as he remembered that Duo would be lost. He would mourn the moment when it came, for now, he had to get out of the way.
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As Duo glared at the fairly large army in front of his own, he frowned at the thought that he had to first deal with them before he could get to Heero. He had been told that he was being held prisoner, but was with Relena. Defeating Treize was the best way to draw her out and Duo wanted to finally meet her face to face. Remius had sent him to the Dark Lands just in time to find Wufei and Quatre leading their own army there. With the position of general given to him, he took charge, him and Tamsin taking the front line. Now that they had reached, his sorrow and hurt had turned into an insatiable lust for vengeance.
With sword raised high, Duo cried the order to move forward, his men cheering behind him, his friends beside him. He was the first to shoot forward, Tamsin whinnying loudly to match the roar around him. Weapons raised high, Duo and his followers rode into battle, the demons on the other end panicking, though they quickly rushed out to meet them.
Duo was the one to make the first hit, his sword swinging down to behead a demonic soldier as arrows were let loose over his head to help deplete the charge that seemed to be growing with every minute. With that the battle had begun and Angelus, having reached a sure enough spot to render him safe for the moment, watched on. He was unaware of the presence behind him and it took him too long to Sense the burst of magic that was targeted on him. When he did notice he turned to meet it, only being knocked back a few feet, his robes blackened from the scorch of the mage-bolt.
His head was spinning and it hurt to breath. That attack had hit him square in the chest and he was sure that if he didn't get up, he'd get much worse. He couldn't stand up; it hurt too much. A shadow drew closer to him, hovering above him until its owner came into view.
Treize watched down at Angelus with a murderous eye, his right hand clenching tightly around the hilt of his sword. There was no mistake of what the dark angel was about to do and Angelus found that he had no way of escape. Duo and the others were lost in battle and Milliardo was still being held prisoner in Treize's holding. The only thing he could think of doing was pray to the Goddess that his end was quick, though if he knew the Angel of Destruction, it was highly unlikely.
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Back in the dungeons, Milliardo had waited until he was sure of Treize's departure, before he was straining against the chains that bound him. He had felt when Treize pulled the magic from them and he had found it suspicious. The dark angel was planning something sinister; it made him unsure of his plan to help Angelus.
Without much thought, he let his mind's eye look beyond the stone walls to the battlefield, finding Angelus fighting with barely any strength left. That had given him enough incentive to have his suspicions be damned and he broke the links by will alone. His robes, which removing them had been the only thing Treize was able to do, had been thrown aside and he scrambled for them.
After he quickly dressed, he ran for the window, looking through the iron bars to find that Wufei and the others had come through. They too were now fighting, and Milliardo thought it best that he join them. However, he caught sight of Treize and he followed the man, feeling a cold panic grip him as he sent a surge of magic in Angelus' direction. The Seer had turned around only to be knocked to the ground, unable to move after that blow. Blue eyes widened as Treize drew closer, hovering over the silver-haired deity, with no other intent but to kill him. As Treize raised his sword, Milliardo made his move, disappearing into the suddenly strong winds that blew throughout the castle and out to the battlefield.
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Treize wasn't the least bit surprised by the large funnel of wind that blew him back away from the vulnerable god that lay beneath him. He had been waiting for the Great Wind to make his appearance and now that he had, Treize could allow himself to focus on what he really meant to do. As his feet finally touched the ground, Treize watched as the small funnel cleared, revealing the both worry-stricken and angry wind god. He only smiled to Milliardo, whose body now stood as a blockade between Treize and the smarting Seer.
"Why Milliardo.", he started, the god readying himself for an attack, "How ever did you escape?"
"I have no time for games, Treize. If you want to harm Angelus, you'll have to go through me."
Treize laughed at that, watching as the Seer tried to object to Milliardo's challenge. He had a feeling that even in his weakened state, the Seer would stubbornly want to fight his own battles. However, Milliardo had taken the place of defending his lover.
"I was hoping you'd say that."
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Relena, having Felt the moment the Dark Lands turned into the holding land for war, had readied herself for it. She now sat atop her smoky black mare, her dark pets circling around and behind her. She could feel her mare's unease as the lizard like demons crawled around her, a few snapping their teeth in her direction to intimidate her.
She gave a dark smile; never in all her years had she succeeded in creating such wonderful creatures. She knew that Treize's useless soldiers were failing in even injuring any of Duo's men. She would amend all that. Her hands rose, slowly parting and splitting the air in front of her. As the Gate revealed the large battle on Treize's land, she narrowed her eyes on the prince that was effectively cutting down every devil that lunged for him.
Her eyes looked back to her castle, where she had left the battered and somewhat broken Fairy King chained in the room she had first had him. She had had the pleasure of torturing him a bit more before she went off to gather her own troops for battle. She also had put her two lovely pets to bed, promising them that when she returned that they would play some more. Turning back to the large portal before her, Relena raised her sword in its direction, giving the signal to the black-scaled demons and few men she had mind-tranced, to cross over it. She followed them, the Gate closing behind her.
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In a high window from the castle, black eyes watched as the Lady Elf disappeared into the Gate. That was the sign that it was safe enough to rise from bed and Ling Yao didn't hesitate. Her sister was fast asleep and she contemplated at first if to wake her or not. Knowing that she would most likely need her help, she gently shook her awake. Ming Ue woke with a start, confused and tired eyes looking up at her sister.
"Ling Yao?"
Ling Yao raised her finger to her lips, motioning that she be quiet. There were guards set at the door and she didn't want to alert them that they were awake. She motioned for Ming Ue to raise from the bed, her sister doing as told.
"What are we doing?", Ming Ue asked, her sister shushing her yet again.
With a quick glance to the door, Ling Yao knew there was no chance that they were getting out that way. Though their windows were barred, so it was the only escape they had. There had to be another way. She looked to Ming Ue, who was now occupied with rubbing her sleepy eyes, before she had an idea.
"Ming Ue.", she called softly, her sister looking to her, "Do you have the new doll that Miss Relena gave you?"
At the mention of the doll, Ming Ue's eyes brightened and her head nodded enthusiastically. She jumped for her bed, pushing her feet into the dainty slippers that her Aunty Relena had gifted her before running off to the large wooden chest that held all the toys that they were given. Fumbling about for a few moments, Ming Ue soon returned, the new doll clutched tightly in her hand.
She held it out to show her sister, who smiled in satisfaction. She smiled as well, happy to know that her sister liked the doll as much as she did. Her happiness was crushed however, when Ling Yao snatched the doll away from her, watching in horror as her sister ripped the head away from the doll's body. She than watched as each and every limb was torn away, her eyes watering as her beautiful doll was destroyed mercilessly.
It was only when her sister then let the ruined doll fall to the stone floor, did she allow herself to cry and cry she did. Her scream was more of a shriek that shook the walls of their bedroom. Ling Yao, not wanting to have hurt her sister in the first place, resisted the urge to comfort her, knowing that her sister's sobbing would give them the opportunity of escape.
The guards outside, two other mind-tranced souls, had been startled by the cry and were soon fumbling to open the door. As they burst in, they found one of the young dragons in tears; the other was out of sight. They both rushed forward, trying their best to figure out what was wrong. She only shrieked even louder, pointing down at the doll that was now in pieces. There was really nothing they could do to try and get her to calm down, so they took to trying to comfort her.
Ling Yao, who had hidden behind the door as it opened, now peeked out as the two guards doted on Ming Ue. She was glad that she had woken the girl up after all, while the two guards were occupied with her, she would slip out of the room. And that she did, sneaking down the hall and back to the room that she had seen the Fairy King in. She was halfway there, hiding behind a large black-marble statue of the Lady Elf when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she found a still sniffling but calm Ming Ue.
"What happened to the guards?", she whispered, Ming Ue shrugging.
"They went to get me a new dolly.", she simply said, "And when they left, I noticed that you were gone, so I came looking for you."
Ling Yao watched as new tears sprang up in her sister eyes and she grew nervous as the girl began softly sobbing.
"Why did you do that, Ling Yao?", her sister asked, small fists scrubbing at her eyes, "That was my new dolly."
Wrapping her arms around her sister, Ling Yap apologized and promised her twin sister an even better doll, one that would be prettier than that last doll.
"You promise?", Ming Ue asked.
"I promise, but only if you're quiet."
Nodding her head, Ming Ue took hold of her sister's hand, the two quietly treading down the hall. They reached the large door that held their father's comrade behind it, confused that there were no guards in front of it. It was only then did Ling Yao sense that the guards were behind the door; magical barriers instead of people. With a deep breath she decided to enter anyway, hoping that her own magic was too weak for the barriers to sense.
With Ming Ue's help, she pushed open the door, both pairs of onyx eyes peeking in behind the door. Ming Ue gasped at the sight of the Fairy King, hanging limply from the wall in chains, blood marking the small cuts of his exposed chest. She began to inch back, but Ling Yao tightened her hold on her hand.
"We have to help him, Ming Ue.", Ling Yao pleaded, her sister still reluctant, "He's Baba's friend. He'll help us if we help him."
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Heero was caught between unconsciousness and the painful reality of being awake. He had suffered more than he had ever thought possible and he knew that it had yet to end. Relena had left to go and have her hand at killing Duo and he feared that she would be successful. He heard the large door open, followed by a scared gasp but he didn't raise his head to see who was there. However, the small voice of a child pulled him to full wakefulness and he forced his head to lift, finding two small little girls standing at the door, wide eyes looking up at him.
The taller of the two moved forward, the second one protesting but being ignored. As she stepped forward, Heero studied her face much more carefully in the dim torch-lit room. When he caught sight of the ebony eyes, he needed no other sign, he knew who she was.
"You're alive.", he sighed in relief, wanting to smile but finding it would hurt too much, "Where's Meiran?"
"The Lady Elf took only Ming Ue and I.", she provided, her hands beginning to pull at the shadow-like chains, "Meiran was left to die."
He had to say he was shocked that child had said that with the utmost calm. When she looked back at him, he could read that she was still hurting but she knew that now was not the time for tears. Wufei's children had a bit of him in them and it would seem that they had their mother's looks. At least the girls did. Dao Long, when he had last seen him, had looked as if he was his father in younger years; Treize's magic having made him older than he really was.
As the young girl who had to be Ling Yao continued to try and break him free, Heero let his eyes look up to the other small dragon that stood frozen by the door. He didn't blame her for being scared of him; he had to look a mess. At Ling Yao's pained cry, he looked back to her, finding that she was now nursing her cut fingers. He would have to help her, even if he felt that he was drained magically.
"Step back.", he gently ordered, the girl doing as told.
His first try had failed, the binds sending a shock of pain to make him scream out. Ming Ue had screamed herself and Ling Yao only winced. When he calmed, he was panting and sweating, his blue eyes unfocused. However, he only shook it off, trying once more.
He tried his best to bite back a scream for the young dragons' sake, as he fought the resisting shadows. Then with one last surge of pain that made him lose sight for a few seconds, he was free, crumpled on the ground. Ling Yao didn't wait; she instantly went to his side, gently shaking his shoulder.
"Come on, Fairy King.", she pleaded, "I know you're tired, but we have to go now. We have to get out of here."
Heero slowly lifted his head, an effort that was dizzying as much as it was tiring; to look up into silver streaked eyes. Though she was relieved, he could read that she was just as scared. She had been depending on him to help them escape and she still did. With a groan of protest, he began to slowly lift his body from the ground. He nearly fell back down again, but the young dragon took hold of him, Heero smiling down and silently thanking her. He didn't think he had the strength to fly and he wasn't exactly sure if the girls could.
"Can you fly?", he asked them.
"Baba taught us!", Ming Ue cried out with a hint of pride, "He says I'm the best flyer!"
Heero watched as her sister rolled her eyes, but nodded in agreement. So they could fly. He didn't want to ask them to carry him, but he needed the time to gather as much strength as he could. It wouldn't take him long and he would only have them carry him halfway.
"I really don't want to ask this of you.", he said, his hand resting on Ling Yao's shoulder, "But would you be able to carry me?"
He saw Ling Yao frown and he smiled to reassure her. In seconds he was smaller, the young girl opening her hand so that he could land somewhat disgracefully in her palm.
"You two will only have to fly as far away from here as your wings can take you.", he explained to her, Ming Ue now looking over her shoulder, "I'll fly the rest of the way on my own."
Both girls nodded and he allowed himself to relax a bit further. The only thing was; how were they going to get out of here?
"Do you know your way out?", he asked them.
The smile that lit up Ling Yao's face was all the answer he needed.
------------------------------
Duo, though a bit disgusted at the sight, was glad when the last of Treize's demons fell dead. The men around him began to cheer at their victory and he would have joined them, if he hadn't felt that there was much more and much worse to follow. A hand rested on his shoulder and he found silver eyes smiling down at him and he returned it with a small smile of his own.
"The battle isn't over.", Wufei warned.
"I know.", Duo responded, wiping Ithildin clean with the end of his tunic, "She's going to make an appearance."
As if waiting for those words, Relena made her appearance indeed. The Gate blasted open, few men scrambling back at the sight of her. They knew what she was capable of and that she was not alone. Whatever she had brought along with her would be the cause of many deaths. They had lost very few casualties, but they would lose much more.
Blue eyes glared down at the prince that had taken claim to the Fairy King, not surprised in the least to see him glare back at her with as much malice.
"We meet at last, prince of Rothelan."
Duo's grip tightened on his sword as she spoke, his hatred making way for anger.
"I haven't the time to waste with formalities.", he told her, "Just raise your sword, Lady Elf. I'm sure you're just as eager to put an end to all this as I am."
"You have no idea."
With her words finishing, thousands of her dark pets swarmed out, beady red eyes focused on the army in front of them. Duo held his ground, aware that Wufei and Quatre had already moved on to fight the coming monsters. He would await Relena.
She climbed off of her horse, her sword drawn and her face set in a mask of indifference. It had been awhile since she had last fought with a weapon but there was no worry. She was sure that she would be able to keep up. She closed the distance between herself and the prince, watching those violet eyes narrow on her.
"I must warn you, Your Highness.", she bit, her sword striking out and Duo easily blocking it, "I do not intend to play fair."
Duo had only a few moments to ward off a second sword that she had coming toward his head, the weapons hitting hard enough for sparks to fly. As she glared at him, he gave her a dark smile.
"I wasn't expecting you to.", he simply told her, Relena's glare growing sharper.
That was all the incentive she needed and soon enough the two were lost in their own battle.
------------------------------
Treize barely avoided the endless projectiles that the Great Wind sent his way. It had been his plan to have Milliardo fight, but weaken him to the point where he would then be unable to protect the Seer. However, it would seem that the wind god was nowhere near tired while he himself could feel their scuffle was beginning to take a toll on him. Where the Great Wind was gaining his energy, he would never know. He now only hoped he'd be greeted with the opportunity to return on the offensive.
He hadn't been paying much attention, so the large boulder that had been sent flying his way made contact and he was soon crushed between it and the castle walls. He and the boulder fell to the ground, Treize aware that one of his wings were now broken. There was no time to set it however; Milliardo wasn't going to allow him rest. However, as he lay still on the ground, he found that the blond had yet to attack again. Maybe he thought that he was down for the count?
"Angelus, are you alright?"
That was his confirmation that the Great Wind was no longer paying any attention to him and he let his head rise slightly to look in their direction. Milliardo was now helping the Seer to stand, the silver-haired god silently assuring him that he would be fine. Luckily enough for him, his sword hadn't been tossed too far, and he let his hand reach for it. With both their attention on each other, they weren't going to see him coming.
------------------------------
Wufei wasn't exactly sure if he was overacting or not, but it did seem as if these damn hellions were more interested in his hide then anyone else's. Since they had first swarmed through the Gate, it seemed as if the majority of them were heading in his direction. He was damned lucky that Quatre had stayed by his side, because he was sure that if the elf hadn't done so, he would have suffered countless injuries by now.
The shriek of a monster behind him brought him to turn around, his sword easily burying itself in a bony chest. As it fell dead he pulled his weapon free, only to have it cut through another, the scaled monster falling to the ground in two pieces.
Quatre was just as busy as he was, the blond elf looking every bit as terrifying as the creatures. With blue-green eyes darkened, sword and self covered in blood not his own, he was something to be feared. He had been trying to get to his sister, wanting to have the pleasure of fighting her himself, but they both knew that that was a battle for Duo.
He brought his attention back to fighting just in time or he would have missed the large dragon that was diving from the sky to meet him. As it blew down a pillar a fire, Wufei quickly shielded his lover from any danger before he was turning into his original form. The flames did nothing much to his scales as they were hit, but it was the claws that grabbed at him that caused him to wail.
With his hit leaving a wonderful wound on the Dragon Lords back, the dragon turned to the sky again. Wufei knew that Dao Long wanted him to follow, and he did just that, wanting to make sure that Quatre could not be harmed by their fight in anyway. Besides, dragons fought best in the sky.
------------------------------
Relena stumbled backwards as Duo's sword ripped across her stomach, tearing a long line of red that began to bleed. She hadn't expected him to land any hits on her and he had managed. Her free arm, since she had long lost one of her swords, cradled her wounded abdomen. If she hadn't haved stumbled back at the last minute, she was sure she would have been killed. As the blood ran from the injury through her fingers, she glared up at the smirking prince. His skill had improved, and since it was Ithildin that had cut her, she could not heal herself.
"Curse the Goddess to the farthest corner of the Hells.", she spat through clenched teeth, straightening herself to fight yet again, "I'd rather impale myself on my own sword than lose to the likes of you."
"Either way you'll die.", Duo reminded her with an air of cockiness, "And I'll be glad that Heero and I would be rid of you."
"Confident aren't we?", she asked, her voice cold, "Don't get too cocky. You've had nothing but luck until now. I don't plan on losing. Heero is as good as mine."
"You wish."
Duo didn't give her time to think and he was moving forward, Ithildin raised high and ready to strike. Though it was a bit close, the Lady Elf was able to stop the blow from the sword. What she wasn't expecting was the boot-clad foot that connected to the side of her head. She was sent to the ground in a sort of daze, her head clearing just in time to see Duo raising Ithildin for one final blow. She would not allow it; she was not going to die that easily.
Her hand rose before her, black bolts of lightening flying from it to painfully connect with Duo's chest. She watched as the prince flew backward, the sword dropping from his hand as he connected with the ground. She stood, both hands rising and sending another batch of black magic in his direction.
Duo cried out as he was hit again, his body convulsing as electricity painfully coursed throughout his limbs. He should have known that Relena would turn to magic when all else failed, and now that she had the offensive, he was sure that she was going to make sure she stayed there. He gritted his teeth as his body continued to jerk, the pain settling for the moment. He wasn't aware when Relena had walked closer, but he did feel when he was lifted from the ground. The dark queen stood a few paces away, her will causing Duo to hang limply in the air.
"Stupid boy!", she spat, her body trembling with her anger, "Did you think that I would so easily be defeated!"
She watched his face twist in pain as she sent a mental probe that was meant to do harm. With a satisfied smirk, she sent more dark currents through his already weakened body, laughing aloud when he screamed out in his suffering. This was as fun as it had been with Heero, all the more enjoyable since she would kill the prince. Her eyes looked to Ithildin and her smile darkened. She had an idea; she would kill him with his own sword.
------------------------------
Wufei was back to his human form when he hit the ground, grunting in pain at the contact. Dao Long had been surprisingly strong. The boy had gotten more hits on his father than Wufei had thought possible. His son's determined cry brought his attention to the sky and he looked up to find him in human form as well, sword ready to plunge into his father's flesh.
With out much hesitation, Wufei rolled out of the way, the sword burying in the ground where he had just been laying. With a cry of frustration, Dao Long pulled it free, swinging it in the Dragon Lord's direction. Metal screeched loudly as Wufei took to raising his own sword in blocking it. He looked into his son's cyan eyes, finding nothing but anger, hurt and resentment.
"Dao Long-"
He didn't have time to finish; his son was swinging his sword at him, causing him to have to defend himself.
"Listen to me!", he ordered as he managed to stop the boy.
"Why should I!", Dao Long screamed, his sword flying madly, "You're a traitor! You deserve to die!"
Wufei easily blocked each blow, growing angry enough to let his sword slice a large wound in his son's arm. The boy gasped in surprise before his anger grew three times fold, his own sword aimed to cause damage. He was successful, opening a gash in Wufei's side, the older dragon howling in pain. He didn't allow the boy the satisfaction of landing another hit like that, and he sent a sphere of fire in his son's direction, knocking the boy back a few yards.
He fell to one knee, his free hand reaching for the wound on his side. Luckily enough it was healing, but damn it all to the Hells, he was damn near lucky that Dao Long was more angered than he was skilled. A blow like that from the boy if he had known what he was doing would have wounded him much worse. He forced himself to stand, watching as Dao Long did the same. He was pretty sure that the boy wasn't done fighting, but he had to try and talk to him.
"Dao Long, I can't allow us to go on like this.", he started, the boy scowling, "I have no idea where this sudden hatred of me came from and I want you to tell me. You say I betrayed you. How so?"
"You left us, Dragon Lord.", the boy answered, Wufei frowning, "You weren't there for us. My sisters and I were stolen away from a dead mother. A woman who died valiantly defending your land, your children and you do nothing! You run off to your elf, dishonoring our family, and my mother's memory! We mean nothing to you! And for that you shall pay!"
Wufei braced himself as Dao Long charged toward him. His son wasn't concentrating; his mind was too clouded with anger and the like to be focused. So when Dao Long was in front of him, he easily sidestepped the attack, his foot sweeping under his son's. The boy fell to the ground, rolling over to look up at his father and finding the edge of the sword leveled with his heart. He glowered up at the man who matched his angered look as well. He went to move, but Wufei pushed the sword against his chest threateningly, breaking the skin to show that he would easily run the blade through his heart.
"Go ahead!", Dao Long yelled, his voice trembling and his eyes watering, "You've already allowed Meiran to die, why not just do away with me! It's not like you care! Kill me if you want!"
Wufei growled in anger, lifting his sword to then hit the boy on the head with the flat of his sword, causing him to fall silent.
"Foolish child!", he boomed, Dao Long visibly shrinking, "What poison have you been fed to think so low of me! When have I ever dishonored our family or our clan? Do you think I would have been here fighting if I did not care for you! Do you truly believe that I'm a traitor! Your mother was stolen from me, as were you and your sisters. I have done nothing but searched for you, mourned for you endlessly. And when I do find you all I am greeted with are the accusations that I am nothing but a traitor!"
In his anger, he hit the boy with the flat of his sword again, Dao Long reaching up to rub his abused skull. He watched Wufei lower himself to kneel beside him, silver eyes gazing down at him as the sword took its position above his heart again.
"Listen to me, boy and listen carefully.", Wufei started, his voice gentler, "I loved your mother, I still do. I would never do anything to mar her good name. When I found her dead, my heart and soul broke. I could think of nothing else but how she had died for me and for her fledglings. When I had come to my senses, I could think of nothing else of finding you and your sisters, as well as gaining vengeance on the man who had caused me this pain. Now he feeds you this rubbish that I am the one who has wronged you. Treize is the one who killed your mother, left Meiran to die and has even lied to you. And yet you fight for him."
Wufei watched as Dao Long lowered his eyes in shame, sighing in relief to see that he was getting through to this boy. He didn't mean to harm him, but he knew that it was the only way he would have gotten the boy's attention. He reached out to touch a hand to the boy's head that had suffered two blows of his sword. Dao Long winced at the touch, still unsure of him. Wufei needed to say more before he would truly believe him.
"My son, my heart aches to see you this way. To know that you have such animosity toward me, it hurts worse than every injury you managed to give me. It was wrong of me to leave you, but it was my duty to do so. When you were taken, I had no clue as to where Treize hid you; he would not reveal it to me. It was Quatre who found Meiran and nursed her back to health. She now waits for us in the mines of Milthrop. I have tried my best to look for you and your other sisters. I have done nothing but searched."
"But you and the elf, I saw-"
"What you were shown was nothing more than illusion. Quatre would never do anything to dishonor your mother and neither would I. He and I share a bond, this is true, but we know our place as well. Quatre cared for your mother as a friend; he sees you and your sisters as his own children. He would never do anything to wrong you."
Dao Long paused, his eyes still misty as he looked up at his father. He didn't know what to think anymore, he wasn't sure what to feel; like a fool, that's what. He should have known that everything that Treize had told him was nothing more than lies. Poison indeed, and he had nearly fallen victim to it. In fact he had. However, now he had a chance to rectify all that and he would take it.
"I'm sorry, Baba.", he apologized, his tears falling, "Forgive me."
Wufei gave his son a smile, pulling the boy to sit up so that he could embrace him. How could he not forgive him? Treize had done nothing but take advantage of a child. As Dao Long latched on to him, he tried his best to sooth and assure him. They could not stay this way for long.
"Come now, I wish I could stay and comfort you, but I must return to the battle."
He helped his son up from the ground, his eyes looking over him carefully. He wasn't injured anymore than he was, so it was safe to say that he would be alright on his own. He would not ask him to fight, he was sure that Dao Long couldn't manage.
"Stay out of sight.", he simply ordered, pointing to the deadened trees, "No matter what happens, stay there."
Dao Long nodded in understanding, his wings unfolding and opening. With one final glance at his father, he rose from the ground, making way to the trees he had been assigned to stay in. Wufei, after making sure his son wasn't in the way of danger, took to returning to Duo and Quatre.
------------------------------
Angelus allowed his lover to fuss over him, knowing that even if he had told him not to, Milliardo would have done the opposite. He had been able to regain very little of his strength during the time which the wind god and dark angel had fought. It was enough to keep him conscious.
"I'm glad that you're okay.", Milliardo murmured, his voice draped with relief, "I had thought I would lose you."
Angelus smiled, pulling his lover close to him and feeling Milliardo hold onto him as if he would disappear in the next moment.
"I thought I had almost lost you.", Milliardo repeated, his voice breaking slightly as he clung tighter to his lover.
"Not when you just found me, love.", Angelus soothed, burying his face into golden locks, "Not when I just found you."
The two stayed locked in an embrace, unaware of the threat that was slowly creeping toward them. It was Angelus who looked up to find Treize was now behind them, his sword raised and ready to plunge itself into Milliardo's back.
"No!"
With out much thought, he switched their positions, turning them so that his back now faced the Angel of Destruction. Milliardo, who had been startled by Angelus' cry, could then only watch in wide-eyed horror as Treize's blade buried itself into the Seer's back. The dark laughter that rumbled from Traize's throat echoed inside of the wind god's ear and he watched as Angelus slipped from his now limp arms to the ground. Watering blue eyes looked own at his lover, who was still alive, but wouldn't be that way for long.
"Angelus."
His lover's name was nothing more than a whisper and he went to kneel beside him, but he was stopped. Treize took hold of his arm and dragged him forward, his deep blue eyes looking into those that were now spilling tears.
"With your Seer now dead before you, who now do you have to come to your aid?", Treize asked acidicly, "What choice do you have now but to willingly give yourself to me?"
Milliardo, ready to respond that he would rather die, held that retort back. He had an idea. He could feel Angelus' life slipping from him and he knew that he could not allow him to die. He wasn't exactly sure how well this idea would work, but it was worth a try.
"You're right.", he softly mumbled, watching Treize smile in satisfaction, "I have no other choice. If you wish to have me, dark angel, then I am yours."
"I'm glad to see that you've gotten some sense in you.", Treize said, pulling him closer, "It's the right choice."
His hand rose to tangle within golden locks, before he pressed his lips against Milliardo's. The Great Wind resisted the urge to pull away, allowing Treize to do as he pleased. The urge to pull away grew stronger as the kiss grew much more passionate, Milliardo's fist curling by his side. It was now or never. He had once blown life into Duo's body, was he capable of doing its opposite?
Uncurling his fist, Milliardo buried his hand into the dark angel's ginger-colored locks, stilling the man's head. Without warning, he took the roll of dominance, feeling Treize stiffen in surprise. It wasn't long before he could feel the air being pulled from his lungs and it wasn't much longer before he was trying his best to pull free.
Milliardo held fast to him, not wanting to have this fail. With all his might he pulled every ounce of air that he could from Treize's lungs until it was empty. Then he kept pulling until he felt nearly every amount of Treize's life empty into him. It was only when the body he held onto fell lax, did he let go, holding his breath so as not to lose any of it.
Dull eyes looked back at him blankly, before Treize's body fell to the ground. Even if he was merely stunned, he would have had no time to recuperate. There was a large break in the ground underneath him, clawed hands reaching out to grab him. Milliardo stumbled and fell back at the sight, nearly knocking the breath out of him. He watched wide-eyed as Treize disappeared, pulled into the fiery caverns of the Hells. When he was gone, the ground closed as if nothing had happened and Milliardo nearly sighed with relief.
With no hesitation, he crawled over to Angelus, aware that the deity was inches away from being dead. Turning the Seer on to his back, Milliardo quickly kissed him, parting his lips to breathe out. He waited impatiently as he refilled Angelus' lungs, wanting a sign that his lover was going to live; any sign. He got what he was looking for, when fingers locked themselves in his hair and lips responded to his kiss.
It didn't last as long as they would have liked. He pulled away, looking down at the Seer who gave him a weak smile. He sighed in relief, letting his head droop against Angelus' chest. Even if his lover was still at risk, he at least knew that he had enough strength to slow down the inevitable. Milliardo wasn't even aware that he had been crying, until he heard Angelus shush him, rubbing his back to calm him.
"It's alright.", he soothed, lifting Milliardo's head.
He wiped away the tears that marred his lover's face, forcing himself to sit up so that he could comfort him better. Though the wound on his back was giving him trouble, he pulled Milliardo closer to him, resting a kiss on the top of his head as the wind god leaned against him still sobbing.
"Where would I be without you?", Angelus asked, nuzzling golden locks as his lover continued to cry, "I would be lost."
"You'd be dead.", Milliardo sniffled, Angelus smiling.
"That too."
As the blond raised his head to look him in the eye, Angelus let his fingers stroke his cheek. He was sure that the most his lover wanted to do was take Angelus far from here and nurse him back to health. However, their help was still needed; or rather, Milliardo's help was still needed. He was sure that the Great Wind wouldn't allow him to lift a finger.
"You must help the others.", Angelus reminded him, stopping him before he could protest, "I will be fine. I have enough strength to focus on healing the wound myself. You must help them."
Milliardo only nodded, knowing that his lover was right. He didn't want to leave him, but he had to.
"Stay here.", he ordered, guiding Angelus to lie back, "Please, lie here and rest. I will put a barrier so that no harm will come to you, but that's only if you stay in its perimeter. Too many times have I lost you Great Seer. I will not fare it another."
Angelus smiled up at the blond god, his hand gently taking hold of Milliardo's.
"I promise.", he told him, before sending him off, "Now go."
Milliardo stood, his eyes looking over Angelus one last time before he built up the wards and was on his way back to where the battle was heavy.
------------------------------
Relena glared at the sword as she cradled her singed hand. She had tried to pick it up, but had only been burned by whatever ward there was on the sword. She could not hold it, even after many tries and that meant that Duo would have to die in another fashion. No matter, he would die either way.
She turned back to the boy, whose body was still suspended in the air and she let him drop, gaining pleasure by the groan of pain that he gifted her. She stalked closer, watching as he struggled to right himself. She drew a dagger, the Gurth Blade, from a sheath that was hidden under her skirt. When she reached Duo, she gripped him by the throat to lift him from the ground once again, her eyes burning into his.
"It will be a pleasure to finally be rid of you.", she told him, watching him struggle, "And this time I will make sure that you do not return."
------------------------------
Heero had to fight the familiar feeling of vertigo as he exited out of the Gate that had been opened for him. He and the two young girls had come across the Venerable Mother and her witches. Une had decided that it was her duty to help them, since they had released her and the others of their prison. She had opened a Gate for him to the Dark Lands.
He had hesitated at first, not really wanting to leave them behind, but Une assured him that she and the rest would be fine. She knew where Meiran was in hiding and she would take the other two to meet her. Knowing that they would not be left alone, Heero had then stepped through. He landed, luckily enough on his feet.
His eyes looked around, finding Wufei and Quatre easily warding off every demon they could, whatever men they had about them doing the same. Milliardo was there as well, but there was no sign of the Seer; or Duo for that matter.
As his heart pulled painfully, he followed that pull in the direction it wanted him to look, finding his lover struggling in Relena's hold. He moved forward, his wings carrying him forward toward them, but not in time. He watched in dismay as Relena buried a dagger into Duo's side.
"Duo!"
It was all he could cry as Relena let his lover go, watching the boy fall to the ground lifelessly. He fell to his knees, unable to move as his eyes stared in disbelief at his lover's dead body. Feeling his heart grow heavy with pain, he wasn't aware when Relena turned her attention to him, her laughter stopping all activity. She watched over at the stunned and saddened faces, all eyes fixed on the boy that now lay lifeless on the ground.
"The prince of Rothelan no longer lives!", she announced happily, her voice echoing over the land, "Bow down to me now! All kingdoms, and even you Fairy King, are mine!"
As the rest coward in fear, Heero was aware when Duo moved, the boy fighting to lift himself. He managed, his hand lifting Ithildin from where it lay beside him. As Relena continued to brood, he neared closer, both hands tightening around the hilt of his sword.
"That's where you're wrong, Relena!", he cried out, causing her to spin and face him with a mask of surprise.
She could only cry out in pain as Ithildin pierced through her, the Gurth Blade dropping from her hand. Violet eyes glared up at her, as the prince struggled to hold himself erect, pushing the sword deeper into her so that it broke free of her back.
"Heero is mine!", he corrected through gritted teeth, twisting the sword so that she grunted in pain, "And if I die, then so do you!"
He pulled the sword free then, watching in disinterest as the dark queen fell to the ground, her hands clutching at the wound that now bleed endlessly. As her eyes looked down to her bloodied hands, she gave a short laugh before looking back up to Duo. His eyes only burned down at her as he swayed slightly, but stubbornly refused to fall just yet.
"You will die.", was all she mumbled and Duo gave a laugh.
"And so will you."
It was then she fell forward, now dead at Duo's feet. He looked up then, watching as her monsters gave shrieks before bursting into smoke. All eyes were on him and every man, elf and dragon was quiet. With his last bit of strength he raised his sword, his men doing the same before cheering out victoriously. He saw Wufei, Quatre and Milliardo look to him with pride, before looking to Heero and smiling at the Fairy King who was still too stunned to move.
"I'lona yu.", he told him, his sword dropping from limp fingers, "I'lona yu, Heero."
Before he could touch the ground, Heero had caught Duo in his arms, begging his lover not to leave him.
"Not again.", he begged, his voice trembling, "Don't leave me, Duo. Not again."
A trembling hand rose to caress a paling cheek and he was aware when his companions had made it beside him. He lowered both him and Duo to the ground, his hold tightening on his lover who was slowly dying in his arms. With tears no longer restrained, Heero leaned forward to kiss his lover in parting, feeling as Duo's heart slowed.
"I can't lose you again.", he sobbed, his face burning itself in Duo's hair.
With the little strength he had, Duo rested his hand atop Heero's head, feeling his lover clutch him tighter. He was happy that he did. He was starting to feel cold.
"I'awe suru.", he whispered weakly, his eyes falling closed.
Heero was not the only one to cry out in loss as Duo died, his cry drowned out by the dragon's roar, which shook the earth. When they had quieted, Wufei found himself in Quatre's arms, the elf crying silently and Heero was embraced by Milliardo, the wind god trying his best to get him to release Duo. There was nothing else they could do; Duo was gone and it had been known that he would leave. The only thing that could bring him back was if the gods willed it.
------------------------------
"Clear!"
Duo watched as his body jerked under the electric shock as doctors tried their best to revive him. His mother and father were watching on in tears, his mother more so than his father. He had no idea when he had been brought back here and he wasn't sure why he was able to watch himself being resuscitated.
"His heart rate is dropping!", a doctor warned, warming up the machine to try again, "Clear!"
Duo jumped as he watched himself jerk, the monitor beeping steadily before rapidly once again. He had died back in Heero's world and he was dying here as well.
"You have a choice, Duo."
The voice beside him caused him to turn his head, finding a beautiful young woman beside him, her warm amber eyes focused on the scene in front of them. Her hair was braided neatly, the silver rope falling down her back, the end threatening to touch the floor. She turned to Duo with a smile, the boy not sure who she was. However, he could feel that she was powerful, even more so than Angelus.
"What do you choose?", she asked him.
Duo looked to her with confusion, his face frowning slightly. He wasn't sure what she wanted him to choose.
"What do you mean?", he asked her, the woman smiling again.
She let her hand rise to rest on Duo's cheek, her honey-colered eyes looking into his so that it held her gaze.
"Centuries ago, Duo, I blessed you. I knew what your future held and I made it so that you would escape it. I sent you here with the company of your grandmother. It was I who brought you back to Heero and it was I that brought you back to this time. Your fate was sealed on the day of your birth but as it would be, fate took a turn for the worst.
"You were meant to rule every human kingdom, but when Relena was gifted with Dark Magic, she caused a change. It was no coincidence why both you and she died; the Higher Powers made it so. I am here now after much pleading. I can give you your life back, but you must choose where to live it. You can choose to stay here with your new family or you can return to your family of old, your friends and your lover."
Duo looked back to where he laid on the table, then to his parents who were still watching on. He wasn't sure what he wanted to do. He couldn't leave them any more than he could leave his friends. He had to make a choice. His fingers rose as the gem hanging from his neck began to pulse, his hand closing over it as he felt Heero's heart call out for him. Heero had lost him once before, he needed him now. He looked back to the woman, who he had guessed by now was the Goddess of Light.
"I love my parents as much as I love the others.", he told her, looking back at them one last time, "But I wish to return to Heero. I love him and he needs me."
The Goddess smiled, reaching a hand out to touch it atop Duo's head.
"As you wish, child.", she told him, watching him close his eyes, "As you wish."
The last sound Duo heard was the whine of the heart monitor announcing his passing before everything went dark.
------------------------------
Milliardo had succeeded in pulling the Fairy King away from the still body of his lover. Heero was now sulking against his shoulder, no longer sobbing but still crying. Quatre had managed to calm Wufei before the two of them were off in search of Dao Long. They had found the young dragon, now back to his true age and size. Angelus had found his way to them, the Seer gaining a saddened look as he watched down to Duo's prone body.
"It seems that what has been Foreseen has come to pass.", he stated sadly, walking closer to Duo and kneeling beside him.
He arms reached out to gently lift the boy, gathering his body so that he could transport him from here. He would not leave Duo here. He would be buried back at Elinhir. He looked to Heero whose eyes were unfocused; blank as he leaned against Milliardo. It would seem that Heero would need to be magically healed. He was drawing into himself at the lost of his loved one; they could not have him do so.
At the faint sound of a heartbeat, Angelus frowned, looking down at the prince in his arms. Something did not seem right. He jumped as Duo's eyes flew open, the boy jerking as he loudly gasped in a large breath. It was enough to bring Heero's attention to them and at the sight of the boy moving, he rushed over, taking Duo from Angelus' arms.
As Duo coughed and gasped for breath, Heero watched down in disbelief. His hand went to Duo's side, lifting his bloodstained tunic and finding no other sign of the wound other than a faint white line. That same hand took to cradling Duo's head, his colbat eyes looking down into violet.
"Duo?"
As Duo gave a weak smile, Heero felt his body sag with relief.
"Never leave me again.", Heero told him, his forehead resting against Duo's, "Don't you dare leave me again."
"Never, lano.", Duo promised softly.
"But how did you return?", Angelus asked, still confused.
"I brought him back, Great Seer."
All eyes looked to the silver-haired woman who now stood before them, dressed in white and silver. She walked closer, smiling down at the Fairy King and the prince in his arms.
"Since the Higher Powers had declared that Duo would die, I had used every bit of power I could to avoid it. However, I wasn't successful. The most I could do was gift him. So with Heero chosen to present Ithildin, I also caused the wake of their love. Duo grew and Relena became powerful, the Higher Powers fearing what she would manage. I tried to bargain with them; let Duo keep his life and with Ithildin he would smite her. They refused."
She looked to Angelus, the Seer as well as the others listening intently.
"When Relena's jealousy proved to be what would end Duo's life, that is when I turned to the Higher Powers again. They allowed me one chance to try and twist fate, but I failed. With every outcome I made, I could only see his end. Even when the Venerable Mother asked my help, all I could think was to send the child away. He was safe, but our earth was threatened. Relena wanted nothing more than revenge and power and had became powerful enough that nothing could stop her. Of course, being the Goddess of Light I could have handled her myself, but I am not allowed. I chose Duo, knowing that I had gifted him once with my magic. So when he found the Gate that I had used to send Aelis to his realm, I brought him back."
She paused, letting them all wait silently for her to begin again. She had known it was best to tell them, they had been lost long enough. They were owed the explanation; Duo more so than the others.
"That was the most I was allowed to do. I could not help until the last possible moment and when Duo died not too long ago, I seized it. I gave him the choice to either stay in the other realm or be brought back here. He chose to return and I allowed him to, so it is here he will stay."
She turned to the Dark Lands, looking over the faces that were still alive and staring at her in wonder. The few human men that were in the crowd had long been without a ruler. It was time to grant them that. Without much caution, she raised her hands, light flooding over the Dark Lands. Blurs of shadows passed by them, as they felt the unmistakable feeling that they were traveling.
When the light died and the motion stilled, they were in the Barrens, the sun peeking over the horizon. As it rose, Duo looked about him aware that the dead trees were coming to life again. In moments, it was no longer a barren wasteland. He and Heero stood, both of them and the others looking around in awe. Rothelan was restored to the beautiful land it had once been and the men cheered as they recognized it.
Turning back to Duo, the Goddess moved to him, gently pulling him away from Heero.
"For all you have endured, Duo, I give to you your kingdom.", she motioned to the large castle behind her, before announcing, "Rothelan will stand again and with it I give you your king!"
Duo was startled by the loud victorious cheer that broke free of the troops behind him and he turned to face them, watching as they loudly celebrated. Heero came beside him and he smiled to his lover. Duo had never thought in a thousand years that he would be king. He almost didn't believe it now.
"Shall we not bow before our new king?"
At Wufei's question, Duo turned to look at the dragon that smiled back at him and threw him a wink. He then went on bended knee, Quatre following suit. The two set off a chain as everyone slowly bowed, Duo feeling Heero place an arm around him.
"So what do you think, lano?", Heero asked, Duo turning to face him, "Are you ready to be the ruler of men?"
Duo feigned thought for a moment, before he fully turned to give Heero a deep and thorough kiss. When he pulled away he smiled, pulling himself closer to Heero.
"Of course I am."
With his friend's in his wake and his love by his side, he was more than ready. To be honest he was happy; happier than he had ever been.
T.B.C.
Yes, I know it's crappy at the end but click to the next page. And I apologize a thousand times over for errors. Now go! It's the epilogue. Go now!
