Eclipse of Dusk
By: Hseru
Warnings: Shounen ai 1x2 3x4 5xM
Disclaimer: I own not Gundam Wing, but I do own the world the G-boys traverse. Fear my god power
Chapter 32
The booming crack of thunder shook through everyone as lightning arced down to strike one of the tall spires of the fortress, destroying the stone work, and sending chunks of masonry flying everywhere. Some of the larger pieces landed in the midst of the gathered garrison, killing several as the tower came tumbling down, accompanied by pieces of the woodwork within that was ablaze with natural fire caused by the thousand volts that had just coursed through the building.
The sky began to churn in a sickening swirl that gave one the feeling they were about to be pulled in, turning a dark red color to match the blood-tinged, darkened moon that hung bloated at the apex of its nightly journey, normally unseen at this time.
The three and their fallen comrade made a hasty scramble down from the platform, falling among the mix of men that had paused in their flight or fight to watch that which was happening. Very few rose to challenge the three as they made their way to the elf and the mage, currently standing at the other end of the courtyard, and those that did were hastily dispatched with either fire, or sword, whichever happened to reach them first.
Heero clutched the comatose boy to him as they moved; praying to whatever or whoever listened to such, that he would be able to save the slight form in his arms from the fate that had already been imparted to him. He didn't look down, though the wish to do so was strong, for there was a fear there, lying both in the back of his mind, and in the bottom of his heart. A fear that the Duo he knew was already gone. Confirming that might have driven every desire to continue from him. Even the looming possibility of Duo being lost within Shinigami still held that little bit of irrational hope. However, if Duo's mind was already blown to hell, then there would never be hope again.
Heero needed that bit of hope, and he clung to it like it was the last thing keeping him from being swept away.
It was only a short time before their whole group was once again together, and Duo was placed on the ground for Quatre to fret over, while the others tried to put his plight momentarily behind them so that they would have clear thoughts for coming up with something to do now. The earth summon was instructed to intercede if anyone decided to come their way.
The sky had gone crazy by this time, what with the clouds gathering at one point that looked to be directly over the dais. Of course, it would have been located there, simply because of the fact that the summoning circle was drawn on the platform. The smaller one cut into Duo's chest was just a focusing point for the sacrifice's life force to be drawn from, but it looked like it had not been needed after all.
It was then that the second crack of lightning shattered the eyes, while the accompanying thunder hammered into eardrums, bested in might only by the earth-shattering sound that drove down on them all from above.
It was like the sky split wide open, revealing an endless vortex of swirling darkness that if concentrated on, would drive the mind to insanity. It was like being blind, so much so, that the eyes were drawn to the nothingness.
Out of that void, came something that was so definitely not supposed to be there. A figure, large to the eye, and of unsure proportion. It swept down, on pinions that were harshly feathered in darkness, and encompassing one's vision as they raked at the sky. Twin blazing eyes peered down on those huddled below, a malevolent yellow that ate into the soul, leaving a smear of negativity behind. It looked at once, both like a man, and like an animal. If it were to be put into a category, lupine would be forced to be adequate, for nothing of that kind existed to compare it to. The animal form was like a craggy wolf, knees bent in the opposite direction, and standing on hind legs like some kind of were-creature. A long, almost serpentine tail tipped with a vicious looking spine whipped about lazily in the darkening air. A lupine-like head crowned the body of this monstrosity, twin spiral horns erupting from its forehead and embracing the shaggy dome in a long curve that ended in a split off. Despite being slightly human, the thing's face extended outwards into a slight muzzle, two pairs of canines thrusting down from under the top lip of the creature to hang threateningly in the air. It might have not been so impressive and imposing, if not for the malicious air the thing gave off. It practically radiated with negative power, far above what any of them would have been able to stand against, even at their best.
It floated down on the wave of its own power, landing with a sickening crunch atop the platform. It was doubted that the wooden structure would be able to hold the apparent weight of the monstrous creature, but it stood solid nevertheless.
So …this was Sarkan's master.
The thing looked around at those gathered, eyes landing on the prostrate ebon form of Shinigami for a moment, before directing its gaze to the small figure of the sorcerer, still holding Solo's burnt body. Many felt that gaze rake through their soul, and several fell to their knees even as they began to pray to some deity or another for forgiveness.
"Fools." Suddenly came the voice from the thing. "You pray to Gods that no longer listen."
The sound of that creature's voice reverberated through the core, much like rocks grinding against one another, yet possessing some deep, sonorous quality that allowed it to penetrate through the stupor that seemed to have caught everyone's mind.
It was then that the change began taking over the monstrous creature. The mass of darkness seemed to shrink in upon itself, limbs and tail being sucked in, and the whole being growing smaller with each passing second. The Demon's form changed, twisting into a straighter standing creature, knees reversing, spine straightening, until the form of a man began to emerge. The wings began to break apart, dark feathers falling everywhere, and as they settled in the quiet, a figure of vague human proportions finally stood tall atop the dais.
From their distance, is was a bit difficult to really tell what the being looked like, but it was still so far from being human. The horns yet rested at its head, smaller in proportion, but still large. Grey skin that did not reflect the red light pouring down from the heavens adorned this figure, and eyes that glowed a deep yellow crossed once more over the silently terrified gathering. Shaggy hair much like that present on the earlier creature, fell over the being's shoulders, wild in cut, yet somehow falling in a way that made it look sleek. Clad in wine colored robes matching those of Sarkan, the being was tall, taller than any present. Standing easily at seven or eight feet, the demon's frame was almost too thin, skeletal in demeanor. It gave him an overall air of pestilence, and death.
It was indeed like death had settled its icy cool grip about those present, for not a single soul there made any sound.
It was then that Sarkan stood, Solo yet held within his arms. The eyes of everyone fell upon him as he moved, slowly climbing the steps of the dais to the top, where his newly summoned master waited with an icy smile playing about those grey lips.
Upon reaching the top, he proceeded to place Solo's lifeless body atop the altar, which was slightly askew due to the large body that had so previously landed atop it. Then, with the briefest of touches to the unrecognizable face of the youth, the sorcerer turned to his master, and fell to one knee, blonde head bowed in reverence.
"Greetings and good come, Master." He said, loud enough for only those close to the dais to overhear. The demon looked down on his servant, then raked that harsh gaze once more over the men gathered.
"You have served me well, sorcerer." The demon said, bringing its gaze back to the blonde man.
"You shall now have the reward promised you." Taking a few steps to the side, the demon gazed down on the lifeless form of the young Solo, burned beyond recognition. Crimson wisps of power began to filter from the being, tainting the air around it, and the demon placed a long, clawed hand upon the boy's chest.
The gaping burn wounds closed, healing over at a pace that was amazing even to those who used magick. In less than a handful of heartbeats, the youth was healed, and his chest rose to take the first breath of a life renewed.
Sarkan stood quickly, going to the youth on the dais, hope on his singed features.
And then Solo opened his eyes; eyes devoid of anything relating to the mortal realm. They held the void within them, pupil-less. It was an eerie sight indeed, especially for those who had seen the lad alive, and so full of light and laughter.
The sorcerer shrank back, eyes on the youth who sat up, aiming those cold black orbs around as if for the first time, a sneer upon those lovely features.
"What have you done to him?" Sarkan whispered, angling his dark blue gaze to his master.
The demon had a look of pure pleasure on its features. It was enjoying the pain evident in the sorcerer's soul.
"I have given him new life, as you asked for reward, because you had intentions of using him as the sacrifice. However, since you went back on the deal sealed in your own blood, and tried replacing him with another, our deal was then negated. Oh, I have indeed given him life again, but he is now a servant of mine. I will take him, and leave you broken, as punishment for breaching our contract."
With that statement said, the demon dealt a punishing back handed blow to the sorcerer, sending him flying across the courtyard to land up against the far wall, closest to where the small group of comrades watched and waited. Sarkan slid to the ground, coughing up blood from a punctured lung, and struggling to stay conscious.
It was as if that sudden flurry of action broke the spell that had been cast upon everyone present. A scream went up from somewhere, and others began to echo it, as the momentary bravery of the garrison melted into sudden panic. Terrified, the men began to flee, running for their lives, and indeed, their souls. Many were knocked to the ground, and trampled to an unpleasant death beneath the feet of their comrades. This was the true state of man.
The demon watched with barely hidden glee as his feast of mortal souls fought to reach the exits. Then with easy exuberance, he summoned forth a terrible bolt of lightening, much like the one which had devastated the tower only moments earlier. The sharp light thrown by the bolt as it struck the ground dazed and blinded those around it. Several had died in the blast, and their wailing souls were drawn into the vortex of the demon's power, screaming piteously as they descended into their own personal hell.
"Feel the gratitude of He whom you have summoned forth. Baezrok calls for your willing souls." The demon called down more lightening, ripping up the earth and tossing men like rag dolls.
The rush of the on coming, panicked stampede tore through the small group before they could react and pull to the side. The soldiers strove to escape, and cared not a bit for what was in their way. However, the earth summon also was still present, and Quatre gave it the order to keep the soldiers from them. It immediately began ripping into the garrison, who then began to steer clear of the lesser monstrosity.
If they weren't in trouble before, the fact that the hulking earth summon towered above everything made it an obvious target for the demon, who had taken notice of the creature. Raising a clawed hand, the demon sent a wave of lightening arching down towards the summon.
"Move!" Quatre shouted, everyone jumping away from the summon as fast as their reflexes allowed, even as the monstrous bolt of lightening hit the creature, completely destroying it.
Pieces of shrapnel flew outwards, striking many, and bringing down a few. A large chunk struck across Trowa's back, bruising and cutting. He gave a yelp of pain that was lost in the screams around them.
The one who suffered the most from this attack, however, was Heero. There was no way he could have heaved the unconscious Duo clear in time, so instead, had thrown himself over the youth's limp form. As a result, he had taken a great deal of punishment, not to mention a part of the initial bolt of lightning. HH
Now, the two of them lay beneath the rubble that had only moments before been the earth summon.
Heero had his knees and elbows braced above the long haired youth, taking the weight of the stone and earth directly upon his back.
If he had not possessed his powers, he would have been crushed. As it was, he struggled to keep the rubble from crushing them even then.
Cobalt eyes glanced down in the gloom to see that pale face only half a foot from his own, amethyst eyes open and blank. A long line ran across the youth's forehead; a cut from some jagged rock. It was bleeding slowly, the red liquid running down the side of the braided youth's motionless face.
A rage began to build within Heero.
All this time, things had been set against them, and to what end? Duo had suffered so much at the hands of the sorcerer, and now, there was no Duo anymore. His mind was gone, and even now, they still tried to make him suffer. That harsh reality cut him deeper than any wound. Enough was enough. Heero had made a promise in a time that seemed so long ago now, that he would protect this young man, and he had been unable to do so in the end. All because of them.
The rage built, until Heero's body sang with the power that ran through his veins. Flamelets filled the small space they had, and suddenly, that fire roared to full life beneath the rubble.
…
The others had ended up being luckier after the blast. Quatre had seen Heero's actions, and now worked to try and lift the mess of rock and earth. Parts of the rock had melted from the bolt's supercharged heat, and the process would be difficult in the best of circumstances. However, the demon, Baezrok, was back to randomly throwing about lightning bolts, and sucking up the souls of the slain.
They would have to work fast if they wanted to escape.
Wufei and Meiran stood to the side, Wufei supporting the injured Trowa. Quatre was the one who would have the most luck here.
However, before he could do anything, he scrambled backwards as he felt the power beneath the rubble mounting at a crazy rate.
The air grew warmer, and then hot to the point of being uncomfortable. As if in slow motion, the rocks and earth shifted, and then began to melt before their eyes.
Flamed roared to life from where the two had gone under, the center which shone white, surrounded by crimson heat.
Everyone within the vicinity clambered to escape from that overwhelming heat, and Baezrok made a slow turn of his head, the souls of the dying completely lost in this new power which had surged forth from under his very nose.
The companions watched in awe as their veritable leader rose from the ashes of stone, the braided youth held in his arms. The blaze touched neither of them, enveloping them instead in the cocoon of crimson flame. Taking a step forward, the flames began to die slowly, waning in strength until they were cut completely, and Heero knelt to place Duo at the feet of a dumb-founded Quatre.
"Guard him." Was all he said, and then turned, aiming a fiery cobalt gaze towards the demon atop the platform. He then strode slowly, confidently towards the demon.
Baezrok watched, amusement yet again on those cool, grey features. If this human thought to overcome Him, then let the fool come. It would prove to be entertaining.
Anyone still between the soldier and the demon hurried to get out of his way as he strode forward, an air of power radiating about him in a wave of heat that was hot enough to burn. Flames were once again riding the air about his thin frame, playing in the lines of his hair and fluttering along his skin in a lover's caress.
The area was strewn with bodies, and these began to burn cleanly away as he continued forward. Baezrok crossed his arms across his thin chest, waiting.
The soldier came to a stop some distance from the demon, flames roaring about him. Suddenly, his power flared again, rising higher as his cold rage grew. A cry echoed then, the sounding of a thousand silver bells, harmonious, beautiful, and deadly. A shape began to form in the flames, monstrous in its own right. It rose upwards on wings of flame, climbing above everything and shattering the world with it's brilliant crimson light.
Baezrok's narrowed eyes followed the fiery form as it spiked upwards, then began a descent down towards him, flamed wings flaring as its speed grew.
He moved not an inch.
The flaming beast threw its self at the demon, impacting and drawing Baezrok into a fiery embrace that completely obscured the demon.
Burning with righteous vehemence, it was a moment or two before anything happened. However, what finally happened was not what was expected, much less desired.
The flames around the demon began to die down as Heero's rage born strength began to fade. Oh, his rage was still heavy and hot, but his body could not hold the strain for much longer before giving out entirely. The inferno atop the dais was cut suddenly with a thought from the demon, and the last of the crimson flames melted away to reveal Baezrok, only slightly the worse for wear. A smirk was on his face, and he slowly began to walk down the stairs of the dais, moving towards the soldier who was now having a hard time even staying upon his feet.
"Your attempts are admirable, mortal. Not many would have been able to overcome me for so long."
Baezrok came to a stop next to the fallen soldier, who looked up at him, cobalt eyes filled with a cold hatred.
"However, now it is time for you to join the other souls so that you may fuel MY power with that firestorm you possess."
The movement was quick, and before anyone knew, Heero was lifted from the ground by the gnarled, clawed hand about his throat.
…
There was nothing. No feeling, no hot, no cold.
No existence.
The shell began to crack as something voiced a musical cry, tendrils of being slowly reaching outwards from its self-made nest of protection.
Was it safe? The soul shattering pain seemed to be gone…
Come little one… it is time.
What? Who are you?
I am you. Wake now, the time has come for a reckoning.
No…I don't want to.
…wake, now.
I..I can't. I'm afraid.
Be not afraid. I am here, now wake!
..but
WAKE!
…
Duo's body convulsed suddenly with the power behind that command, and his mind snapped back to his body so fast that he screamed, the echoes of an ear shattering roar ringing in his mind, body, and soul.
His scream was lost however, in the overwhelming sound that was voiced from across the courtyard, a mirror to what he'd heard in his mind.
Shinigami rose, a shadow of death on his four monstrous ebon limbs, head bristling with spikes raised in fury. An angry tail lashed behind him, cudgel-like end hitting the wall of the fortress, cracking the thick stone with one hit.
Baezrok glanced behind him to the dragon, Heero hanging from his grip. A grin curled along ashen lips.
"The sleeping beast awakens. Now, perhaps, I will begin to enjoy myself."
Looking back at the soldier in his grip, Baezrok raised his other hand.
"What a pity. You, like all of your kind, won't live to see my greatest hour."
The claws on the demon's free hand lengthened, and before anyone could move, all five dagger length claws were plunged into Heero's chest, the soldier's eyes widening, his hands coming up to clutch convulsively at the demon's hand protruding from his chest.
Those claws searched out Heero's heart, wrapped about it, and pierced it straight through. A choked gasp gurgled up from lungs filling with blood, the viscous liquid beginning to run from his mouth. Managing only another few, struggling gasps of air, Heero's body slowly went limp, hands falling to his sides.
All was silent as the perfect soldier died, a tribute to his heroism.
…………………………….
Woot, another chapter. I can only imagine what kind of reviews I'll get from this one.
Well, hope you all enjoyed this one. I was a bit stumped, which is why it took so long for this chapter to come out, but in the end, I'm satisfied with it.
I guess I underestimated my own love of writing lengthy things, because it's going to be more than a few chapters before this is finished. Ah well, such is life, ne?
More chapters to come!
Thanks for the reviews. It's what keeps me writing, knowing that ye all enjoy this.