Flame of Darkness
By: Starlight_x1

Chapter 2: Darkness and Light

The sound of chanting filled the air accompanied by the swishing of swords as the courtesans of battle performed their daily ritual honoring the war goddess, Askar. Ahead of the group stood a lone woman, deftly wielding two blades in a breathtaking display of skill. Her long blond hair was pulled back in a single braid while her skin was bright with the sheen of sweat. Still her face seemed devoid of emotion as she continued the ritual dance.

To the side a single man stood, his eyes following every move she made. Originally he'd found his task of watching and listening for dissension to be quite under him. After all he was Malak, one of the greatest sorcerers alive. His talents were wasted here where any lesser mage could do as good a job. Then he had seen her, head courtesan of battle. Her beauty and grace stirred the baser instincts within him and killed any desire to leave.

Malak licked his lips as his imagination carried him away on one of his dark dreams. It didn't matter that she looked at him like he was the scum of the earth. It only added to her charm. A weak woman held no appeal. There was only joy in conquest. Forcing submission was half the fun. The other half, well.... Malak grinned. That would be fun too.

He watched as the ritual ended and the courtesans scattered to their remaining evening duties. She walked towards him, face set. "Dorothy," He breathed her name. She strode past not even bothering to hide the contempt in her eyes. Malak watched until she disappeared from view. Sighing he walked slowly in the opposite direction. The desire to claim her was escalating again. When it got unbearable he would satisfy himself with one of the lesser courtesan's who didn't object to his attentions. It was always so tame but would suffice until the proper time came.

"It will come my lovely," He chuckled to himself. "You can't escape me forever."

Meanwhile Dorothy entered the communal bathing room. She nodded greetings to several other courtesans already engaged in washing away sweat from the evening's dance. Accepting a towel from one of the servants she walked to a portion of the pool that was unoccupied. Stripping, she stepped down into the tepid water and closed her eyes in relaxation.

Dorothy had lived most of her life in the temple as a courtesan. Her skills and dedication had earned her the position as head courtesan. Which of course only meant that she garnered a little more respect from the regular courtesans and that she received her own room, moving from the general sleeping quarters.

A splash of water brought Dorothy's eyes open. Freckles and green eyes sparkled impudently back at her. "Soap for your royal highness?"

A smirk crossed Dorothy's face. Cala seemed to consider it her duty to make sure Dorothy's higher status didn't go to her head. Full of spark and life the feisty redhead could always find someway to make Dorothy smile.

Dorothy reached for the cake of soap held out invitingly on one of Cala's slim hands, but suddenly changed her objective and dunked the girl underwater.

"Yes, I would like the soap." Dorothy spoke calmly as Cala came up sputtering. She retrieved the soap from where it floated and proceeded to begin her wash while Cala brushed her dripping hair out of her eyes with her fingers.

"What's wrong Dorothy? Malak still eyeing you?"

Dorothy's lips thinned. Her voice was barely audible as she answered. "I'd kill him if I could."

Cala's voice dropped as well. "There's the look of the dead in his eyes."

Finishing her wash Dorothy tossed the soap towards a new group of courtesans that had entered. She knew the look Cala was talking about. Only she saw it overrun by the flames of lust. Climbing out of the water she wrapped her towel around her dripping body. "Do not worry so much little sister. He won't harm you."

"No, not while he's eyeing you." Cala mumbled as she dried herself and slipped back into her clothes. Dorothy frowned at her. "Stay away from him Cala. I can take care of myself."

"Yes Head Courtesan." Cala's response was meek but her eyes still flashed defiance as she walked away.

Dorothy shook her head as she finished dressing herself. Cala always had a mind of her own and a strong will. That was what drew her and Dorothy together but also frustrated the older Courtesan to no end. Especially since Cala's loyalty was as strong as her will. Don't do anything stupid Cala. I don't want an earlier confrontation with Malak then absolutely necessary.

***

They'd been walking for what seemed to be hours. Heero stopped and shifted his companion's weight. For the past hour or so Duo had been half carried by both males of the party. The red swelling on his hand had traveled up past his elbow and nearly reached his shoulder. He shivered involuntarily and his skin felt clammy to the touch.

"Nearly there, keep moving human." Zechs appeared on Heero's other side and urged him forward. Ignoring the curt tone Heero complied, understanding the need to get undercover before resting. He still felt like he'd awakened from one very bad nightmare into another. He'd seen the body of the beast sent to kill him before it had been burned along with the necklace that was the cause of Duo's suffering.

By the time they reached the cave that was their destination Duo's breath was coming in little gasps. Heero gently lowered him to a sitting position on the earth floor and watched the man whose name he barely knew while the elves talked together in low voices. Somehow this Duo seemed the most comfortable and familiar thing he had to hold on to. Even the magic burning inside his body was a stranger to him. The three elemental warriors slipped out into the shadows while Relena walked back to where Duo sat huddled in his cloak still shivering, his right arm cradled in his lap.

"What's happening to him?" Heero demanded, wanting answers. Duo's eyes were glazed over and he didn't seem to recognize anything.

"The necklace you were wearing was protected by a death spell." Relena answered. "The spell works like an acid, eating away at his strength until it reaches his vital organs...." Her voice trailed off and she looked helplessly at him.

"When it does he'll die." Heero spoke the obvious truth. Closing his eyes he felt the power within him surge, bringing a different feel then before. He felt so much like an infant who was seeing the world for the first time. His helplessness irritated him. "Isn't there something we can do to help him?"

"Only a healer has the ability to combat a death spell like this." Relena stroked Duo's forehead and tucked his cloak closer around him. "The others are looking. If there is a healer, elf or human, they will find them."

Convinced there was nothing more he could do, Heero now took the time to study the elf he'd originally been sent to kill. He found himself intrigued by her foreign beauty, from the soft points of her ears to the rich luster of her hair, twisted into some strange design. Sensing his gaze Relena looked up and smiled at him.

"How are you feeling?"

Heero shrugged, not really knowing how to answer. How was he feeling? Confusion seemed to dominate along with myriad's of other emotions he hadn't dealt with in what seemed years. Besides, the clarity of her eyes fascinated him, causing him to forget much of what was around him while he drowned in her gaze.

She blinked and Heero turned away, shaking his head slightly. He didn't see that her reaction to his eyes had been much the same.

Funny how his mind could forget much of what happened before he'd woken up but could remember how inexpressibly soft her skin had been when she grabbed him.

Relena turned her attention back to Duo somewhat reluctantly. The young man was huddled, still shivering, small moans working their way out of his throat. Gently she laid him down. The red swelling still crept on, moving across his chest. Softly Relena began to murmur, touching her fingertips to Duo's temples and then over his heart, carefully avoiding the red areas.

"What are you doing?"

Startled, Relena looked up to see Heero watching her. He frowned. "I thought you said only a healer could do something about this death spell."

"I'm praying to Elai for his sake."

His mouth twitched. "What would an elfin god care about humans?"

"He is the god of life for all, not just the elves." Her answer was simple.

Duo had begun to wheeze as they spoke, his breathing quick and hard. Heero brushed Relena aside and lifted his companion's shoulders, hoping to ease his struggle for air. "Don't you dare die on me."

Relena didn't hear what else he said as she walked just outside the hidden entrance. Closing her eyes she concentrated on trying to find the life forces of her three absent companions. She had just caught a trace of their whereabouts when she was suddenly overwhelmed by emotions of grief and anger so raw she fell to her knees. She knew then that Duo had died.

Stumbling to her feet she moved back into the safety of the cave, helpless to protect herself. Hugging herself she shuddered with the overload of emotion she was receiving from the human crouched next to his dead companion. Her greatest hope and worst fear had been realized. There was no need for further confirmation. Somehow, in some strange way she and the human warrior mage had been bound together like elfin lifemates.

By the time the other elves arrived at the cave with two healers Relena had regained much of her composure, managing to balance the extraneous emotions.

Leaning against a wall Heero said nothing, watching instead as the older healer crouched next to the body of his dead companion.

The elf let his hands run over the face and chest of the former Destroyer. His lips moved and a blue light surrounded Duo's body. Turning to the young female standing silently behind him he nodded. "Now daughter...."

Kneeling next to Duo's side she placed her right hand over his heart and her left on his forehead. Closing her eyes she stayed motionless save for the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed.

Time seemed to slow down. The blue light around Duo had faded and the older elf now watched his daughter with the same intensity as everyone else, his hands gripping her shoulders.

Relena shook her head, hair swishing softly. "How did you manage to find a Life Caller?"

In response Noin spread her hands in the universal gesture of ignorance. "I did not know sister. How could I when she is not even a full elf?"

"What does that have to do with it?" Heero had drawn closer and now frowned at the two elves.

"Healers with the abilities of a life caller are extremely rare in both human and elfin magic. Throughout history there have only been few cases documented. None were ever half elf." Relena had been watching the female healer as she spoke and her voice trailed off as Duo's body stiffened. His chest began to rise and fall in a rhythmic manner, faint at first but steadily becoming more apparent. The fingers of his left hand twitched, then his whole body was seized in a mighty spasm, ending when Duo sat upright with a shout. Released from her trance the healer crumpled into an exhausted heap by his side.

Duo looked around him in bewilderment. "What in the name of the gods happened?"

"You were dead." Heero crouched next to his friend, studying him intently.

"Dead... how?" Duo grasped his right wrist tightly as he concentrated. "Yes, I remember vaguely. There was darkness. Then a woman came..." His voice faltered as his gaze fell upon the unconscious healer being cradled by her father. "It was her, she brought me back. Gave me the strength to come back." His voice filled with awe.

Fanr finished his restoration spell and his daughter sat up slowly, helped by her father. For a moment she shuddered, and then she looked up, pale blue eyes bright. "Welcome back." She smiled at Duo. "How do you feel?"

"I'm not sure." Duo admitted. He studied her, a little frown playing around his lips. "You're not a full elf." He spoke with a tinge of shock.

She opened her mouth but he stopped her. "I'm in your debt milady." Taking her hand he touched it to his forehead.

"My name is Sally," She returned, smiling again. "This is my father, Fanr. He cleansed your body of the remnants of the death spell. Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to call you back."

"The spell would have drained your energy as well." Duo nodded to Fanr. "I thank you sir."

"It has been an honor to serve." Fanr seemed abundantly endowed with self confidence and gentle pride. "I am delighted to see you Princess Relena and your companions."

"We are grateful for your services, Master Healer." Relena answered.

"You know where you are heading?" Fanr glanced up at Zechs.

The white haired elf shook his head. "We have just managed to keep ahead of Ha'derkaath's spies and assassins. Where we go now is yet to be discovered."

***

Relena sat at the entrance to the cave. Behind her most lay sleeping. A light footfall caught her attention and she looked up into the ageless blue of Fanr's eyes. "Something is troubling you, young one." His voice held the gentleness of a father.

"Yes, Master Healer." Relena looked back through the opening of the cave, searching for the stars through the canopy of the trees. She looked back at Fanr. "Maybe you can help me."

***

Sally was fully recovered by the next morning. She stood outside listening to the early morning song of the birds. She took a few steps out into the dew, golden hair falling unbound down her back. For a moment she stood, eyes closed. Then she began to sing, a wordless song of newness. It filled the morning air, joining the bird's songs and creating a new song all its own.

Fanr stood behind her with a small smile on his face. "The beauty of the morning: new life in all its freshness. It is what a healer craves and needs." Turning he looked to where the others grouped. "Sally and I will go with you."

There was no answer as the elves looked at each other. Heero and Duo just sat quietly, watching.

"We appreciate the offer Master Healer, but ours is a dangerous path to travel." Relena folded her hands together.

"It is our path." Sally walked back into the cave and stood next to her father. She held Relena's gaze for a while until the princess nodded.

"Very well, you are welcome to come with us. We shall appreciate your help and wisdom." Relena bowed her head.

"Good, we will guide you where you should go."

"Where's that?" Heero raised an eyebrow slightly at all the looks. "Or don't I get to know?" He rested his forearms on his knees.

"It is not a secret to be kept from you warrior." Fanr and Sally exchanged a look. "You have much to relearn and the safest place is the valley of Eleanon."

***

The moon had risen sending silver light over the land. Duo and Heero were both grateful for the soft light since their eyes were not as accustomed to the darkness as their elfin companions were.

"This valley of Eleanon must be a wonder indeed."

Heero almost jumped at the quiet whisper in his ear. He was able to control his reaction in time, instead sending a scathing glare at the dark cloaked Destroyer next to him.

Duo didn't catch his companion's look and continued to trudge forward dutifully while waiting for a response to his comment.

Heero shook his head in disgust and gave the expected for response. "Why do you say that?"

"Because at the mention of Eleanon they all just lit up." Duo could find no other words to describe what he had sensed from the elves and was in fact still sensing.

Heero allowed a neutral look to cover his face. "It's probably one of their sacred places. That would explain their excitement." He sounded relatively noncommittal.

Duo nodded and winced, one hand reaching up to massage a temple. "I just wish they would settle their excitement some. This magical overload is giving me a headache." He dropped his hand, letting it rest comfortably on the hilt of his sword. Then he promptly ran into the figure stopped in front of him.

The person he ran into barely moved, seemingly unaffected by Duo's barreling into them. Their head turned revealing it to be Zechs.

"Sorry." Duo winced, though whether it was from running into the stern eyed elf or from his magically induced headache Heero couldn't tell.

"Sorry. " Duo repeated, one hand pressed against Zechs' back as he steadied himself and then moved away from the elf.

Zechs continued to look at him, one corner of his mouth lifting in what could have been a smile before turning back around.

Fanr stepped forward until his face was illuminated by the moonlight. "I need you all to come closer for my teleportation spell to work."

"Teleportation? I thought you were a healer." Duo stepped forward as instructed.

"I am a healer my young friend. Still, during my long existence I have managed to learn various other spells as well." Fanr then spoke in elvish. The other elves moved in closer until Fanr was in the middle of a tightly drawn circle. He began speaking in low tones, his hands going through various motions.

The pain in Duo's head increased. He pressed his fingers against his temples, his face twisted up in a grimace of pain. Blue light began to swirl around them, but he barely noticed.

Heero frowned as he listened to Duo breath in pain filled grunts. Then, just as the blue light took them he heard Duo scream.

***

The mountain was considered taboo by many of the peasants living around it. Taller then any other mountain around they considered it the place where the gods came down to walk the earth among their worshipers.

At the foot of the mountain a slender figure moved among the trees. A tall woman, dressed in flowing robes. Her eyes were a deep purple while her hair was a color somewhere between silver and white.

She continued to climb the mountain side in long strides, moving faster then humanly possible. Above the tree-line she paused and looked upward. White drifts of snow covered the peak of the mountain. Great boulders appeared here and there throughout the snowfield. High overhead hawks circled lazily, riding the wind currents.

Smiling slightly the woman continued on her way through the grass and rock that had replaced the trees on the mountainside. She would be expected.

She reached her destination as the sun began to set, casting purple shadows on the surrounding mountaintops. Entering she was once again amazed by how large and well lit the cave seemed.

"Welcome Lady Agnialla."

Her host stood facing the west, his body outlined by the setting sun and his back to her. Agnialla sank down on a rather large stone, sighing as it conformed into a comfortable chair around her form, and rubbed her feet. "You haven't raised this mountain another thousand feet or so now have you Trowa?"

A chuckle was her reply. "You know you could reach my home much quicker if you so desired."

"True, but what would the peasants say?" Agnialla finished rubbing her feet and sat back with another sigh. "So, what have you learned, my far-seeing friend?"

Her question was interrupted by the flapping of wings as a hawk flew in through the western opening and landed on her host's outstretched arm. He turned to face her, seemingly oblivious to the sharp talons that gripped his arm while his free hand stroked the bird's feathers gently. "What would you desire to know?" His gaze matched the hawk's, but Agnialla met it without trepidation.

Sinking back more comfortably into her chair she pulled her robes more firmly about her. "Ha'derkaath."

There was silence, and then the immortal occupying the station of Watcher sat down across from her. The hawk on his arm leaving to find another perch. "He has done nothing, perhaps heeding the winds of caution that blow. Nevertheless the blackness continues to spread."

Agnialla sighed, weariness settling over her features. "That I already knew. Oft times I feel like I walk through a fog. You have not been affected?"

Another smile. "No." His visible eye sparkled with amusement. "My birds do not have hidden desires that Ha'derkaath can twist otherwise I am certain he would have done something to skew my vision of the world."

Agnialla chuckled with him. "That is good to know."

***

The lights faded leaving the small party in a green meadow. Duo was curled up on the ground, legs too weak to hold him, lips pulled back in a grimace of silent agony. His hands gripped his head so tightly his fingers were white with the pressure. Slowly he relaxed his grip and sat up.

"Are you all right?" Hilde looked at him curiously.

Duo looked up at the faces around him, a look close to desperation shining from his eyes. "I can't sense you, any of you. My power, it's gone."