Until the End of Tomorrow
By: Starlight-x
Chapter 5: New Pain
Carthe lay face down on the ground, arms spread out to the sides, ear pressed to the earth. If anyone had asked him what he was doing he would've responded that he was listening to the earth's heartbeat. But no one came. And no one would. Elai's Glade had become a place to avoid, since its decay.
He lay there for a while using the small affinity he had to the earth and his slight healer instincts to the best of his ability. He didn't know how many times he had previously attempted this with no result. Today was different. Today he touched something within the glade, something that reached back toward him. There was a moment of contact that vanished almost as soon as it touched. Carthe jerked up to a sitting position, feeling his heart race with the faint pain the encompassed the glade at all times now. He rolled over onto his knees, facing the fountain and bowed, touching his forehead briefly to the ground. "I understand." He straightened, staring at the murky water that used to flow clear and pure. "I know now what can be done."
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Their journey had been a mostly silent one save for the snatches of song that Quatre would hum or murmur as he walked. Dorothy couldn't bring herself to speak to either. She wasn't one for light conversation, preferring to say nothing at all. Sally was still wrapped in her grief although the shadows in her eyes had lightened considerably since Quatre had sung the Ederthan'layll.
Dorothy had seen the little glances Sally sent Quatre's way. She had to admit the blonde was handsome, but nothing that attracted her, probably a remnant of her time as a courtesan to the goddess Askar. She shook her head sharply. Don't think about Askar anymore, your road lies ahead of you. The goddess is dead and gone. Her only problem was that after escorting Sally to Asthernell she had no idea what she would do next.
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Wufei flew back toward home. His conversation with Trowa had explained quite a few things. Like how he could be betrothed without even knowing about it.
"It's customary for two of the strongest bloodlines, a male and female, to be chosen as potential mates for whoever becomes the next leader. Thus Meiran became your betrothed."
Trowa had spoken without the slightest change in his face or voice. Wufei still wasn't quite sure what to make of the Watcher. His grandmother had spoken quite fondly of the immortal and had taken Wufei with her to visit him on several occasions, ensuring her grandson could find the cave Trowa resided in without any trouble. Still Wufei felt slightly wary about him yet.
He would have to speak to Meiran, find out her true feelings about this betrothal business. He would do his duty to see the dragons become strong again, whatever it might require of him.
His gaze caught on a small group traveling below him that looked familiar. He banked to the side, circling back around for another look. Yes, he was right. The group consisted of a human, a half-elf, and a mortal. Quatre couldn't properly be called human anymore after spending such a long time as an immortal sword.
Wufei circled again, noting that they had become aware of him. They stood together, the human woman grasping at a sword strapped to her back as she watched him, turning with his circling. He dropped lower, coming in for a landing. He timed it perfectly so that he released his natural form, cloaking himself again in his human guise as his feet touched earth.
"You." Dorothy said, releasing her sword hilt.
"Greetings Wufei," Quatre inclined his head in a respectful greeting. "I heard you have taken Agnialla's place as head of all dragon clans."
"I have." Wufei gave a slight nod in confirmation to his words. He found his gaze drawn toward Dorothy and he gave her a brief nod.
"So, where were you heading?" Sally asked.
"You wouldn't know." Wufei didn't feel like explaining the intricacies of how to get to the dragon's aerie.
"It's as well hidden as the elves city of Asthernell." Quatre spoke up.
"I see." Sally seemed content with the explanation.
"Are there many dragons left like you?"
The question had come from Dorothy. Wufei looked over at her. She seemed as aloof as normal with the slightest hint of interest in her eyes.
"There are quite a few dragons left in the world. Like me, no, not really."
"Platinum dragons are extraordinarily rare. Few silver dragons turn platinum. Wufei is a special case." Quatre took up the explanation. He gave a shrug when everyone turned to look at him. "I spent some time with a dragon when I was a sword and I was fairly well versed in all manners of lore before I became a sword. What bard isn't?"
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Errandal sat back, feeling a trickle of sweat run down the back of his neck. Weariness seemed to have settled into his very bones. He glanced down at the scroll in front of him, seeing what he had written down in the intensity of creating a spell. As he read the spell he felt a smile begin to lift his lips, an outward expression of the burgeoning triumph inside his heart. It should work in theory. All he had left to do was test it out on someone. It wouldn't help fulfill his purpose if the spell killed in the process of release. He wanted to dissolve the lifebond, leaving both partners healthy and mostly whole.
Errandal rolled up the parchment with his newly created spell and placed it in a drawer that held several other precious items kept secure beneath layer of wards. He closed the drawer and reactivated the wards. "Who?" The question of who to test the spell on, nagged him. It would have to be a couple with a strong lifebond obviously. But he was reluctant to use it on just anyone. Use of his spell would be breaking a fundamental elfin law. He began to gather up his notes and writing implements.
A soft knock interrupted his whirling thoughts. Errandal paused and turned toward his chamber's door. Another knock followed. Errandal put down what he was holding and went to see who was there. "Oh, it's you." He stood to one side. "Come on in."
Mella slipped into his room, the look on her face half scared, half apologetic. She stood just inside the door, twisting her hands together in an intricate pattern of worry.
Errandal turned away and continued to straighten up his chambers. "What did you find out?"
"You were right." Mella's voice shook slightly. "He's studying our magic. Right now he has several scrolls in his room. Most are advanced theorems on how the balance of life and nature affects our casting."
"I see."
"He won't hurt the Lady Relena will he?"
Mella's question jerked Errandal's attention back toward her. "Hmm? No, I don't think he'll hurt her."
Mella stopped wringing her hands, allowing them to relax at her sides. "If you are so concerned with the lady's chosen bondmate why don't you bring the matter up with her brother, Lord Zechs? He is her sworn protector. I'm sure he could ensure the mage does not bring harm to her."
Errandal had started at Mella's words. "I don't think he sees the possibility of danger like I do." Zechs, yes, Zechs would do very nicely. The last piece of his puzzle had finally fallen into position. He knew where to begin. He placed his hands gently on Mella's shoulders. "I would ask you not to mention this to anyone. I would not wish to cause unnecessary alarm. If it appears that the human is going to bring harm to the princess then I will approach her brother with my suspicions."
"Very well." Mella's face had acquired the faintest hint of color, the pink most visible on the tips of her ears. Errandal squeezed her shoulders gently before releasing her.
"I-I should go now." Mella backed away and reached behind her, fumbling for the door handle.
"Thank you for your news." Errandal graced her with a smile, watching as she stumbled briefly before regaining the grace with which she normally moved. Errandal shut the door behind her and then whirled about.
There was much to be done.
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Arrogant. That was the only word that could describe them. Trowa had been observing the elves for ages and never before had he seen such disregard. The very center of their lives and existences was dying and they did no more the watch with seeming disinterest. "How long before their foundation completely crumbles beneath them? What will they do then?" He gave a sigh. All the messages he'd been receiving on the wind hadn't been very encouraging. He turned his head back toward the cave. "Catherine?" He didn't bother raising his voice, knowing she could hear him even though she was sitting at the entrance of the cave combing her hair. .
"Yes?"
"How would you like to take a trip to Asthernell with me? I think it's about time I paid the elves a visit. It has been a long time after all."
There was a slight rustling and Catherine was beside him, her eyes shining. "Really? I'd love to go, I've never actually been in Asthernell even though I've flown over it several times."
"Well then, let's go." Trowa held out a hand.
"Right now?" Catherine glanced down at her apparel before frowning at Trowa. "You've lived this long and you still haven't learned that a lady likes to get ready before going anywhere?" She shook her head in despair. "Besides it's not like I have the opportunity to dress up very often. I'm generally in my hawk form."
Trowa gave an indulgent smile. "Very well. I'll wait."
"Good." Catherine glided away. "I'll be quick."
Trowa shook his head slightly, amusement curling his lips. "I've been alive long enough to learn what 'quick' actually means."
Catherine's laughter drifted back to him from a different portion of the cave.
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Errandal had taken to wandering through Asthernell. Although appearing to be aimless, his walks had a set purpose, to find the perfect spot for his little experiment. He'd been careful to avoid all contact with Heero and Relena, not wanting to distance the princess any further. That carefulness came to an end when he came face to face with them on a narrow walkway. "Princess, Mage." Errandal sketched a polite bow, concealing his true feelings under a mask of neutrality. "Please, pass." He moved to the side, indicating they should go first.
"Thank you Errandal." Relena's reply was soft. She moved quickly past him. He was careful not to touch her in any way. He couldn't avoid the piercing gaze Heero leveled on him; instead, he met it without blinking until the human mage had passed.
He watched them walk away furtively. Soon, your lifebond will be dissolved and you will be rid of that human forever.
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Relena shuddered slightly once they were a safe distance away from Errandal. "He makes me uneasy." She confessed. "He hasn't done anything I know, not since that day, but I keep getting the feeling he's planning something." She sighed. "It just seems wrong, being afraid of one of my own people."
Heero continued to walk beside her, arms hanging loosely by his sides. "You shouldn't fear him. Just remember, if he wants you he'll have to come through me first." The hint of a smirk crossed his features, disappearing quickly. "And I happen to think he'll be in for a surprise."
Relena glanced at him. "What are you planning?" She asked suspiciously.
He gave her a blank look. "Nothing."
"Somehow I don't believe you."
"Your choice." Heero continued walking.
"I trust you." Relena reached out and slipped her hand into his.
"I know."
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"Hello love."
Zechs felt his lips quirk in a grin at the sound of his lifemate's voice through their bond. "Lucrezia. Where are you? Not near the glade."
"No." There was pain in Noin's voice that lessened as she continued. "I can't bear getting near there right now."
"It'll be restored." Zechs sent reassurance through the link. He felt Noin's contentment. Like a cat.
"What was that?" Noin had snapped out of her reverie, catching a hint of his thoughts.
"A cat." Zechs repeated without preamble. "I stroke and you purr." He could imagine the thrumming of contentment she made when he touched her, how she was probably performing a paler version at that very moment.
"A cat!" There was indignation in Noin's voice. "See if I grant you any favors from now on."
"Hmmm," His amusement rumbled in his throat. "We'll see about that."
He could feel the faintest whisper of breeze caress his skin.
"NO!" Noin's cry startled him. "Don't take another step Milliardo."
For all his agility Zechs found he was unable to stop his forward momentum in time. His foot landed on the ground and instantly a sense of heaviness enveloped him. The next moment vines twined up his legs and wrapped around his body, incapacitating him further.
"Earth magic. I'm coming." Noin had calmed.
Zechs grew very still, allowing his mind to comprehend the magic. Noin would be able to dissolve the spell as soon as she arrived but he still didn't like being left vulnerable like this. He tried to extend his senses, to see if there was anyone close by, any threat he should be aware of but the vines tightened their grip as he did so. "Hurry Lucrezia."
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From his hiding place Errandal chanted the spell that he hoped would allow him to see the life bond Zechs and Noin had. He sucked in a breath as a thick line several inches around gradually faded into view. It hung suspended in the air and shimmered gold with pale green swirled through out the gold. Purple flecks added another aspect of color.
"It's incredible." For a moment Errandal sat in awe. The temptation to touch was one he overcame with some difficulty, focusing instead on the next step in his plan. He took a deep breath before beginning the steady chant of the second spell he'd created. He could feel the build-up of power behind his words, staring intently at the lifebond as he continued.
Almost too slowly to see the colors in the lifebond began to separate, the gold by itself, the light green and purple flecks by itself.
Errandal restrained the urge to smile, channeling his victory into the power behind the last bit of the spell. The two colors began to unravel from each other. Once it began there was no stopping it. It was two parts of a thread coming undone from their formerly tight weave.
Then it was done. One gold thread shimmered next to a pale green one with purple flecks, separate but not broken. Errandal reached up a shaky hand and rubbed away sweat from his forehead. His legs felt unaccountably weak and he leaned against the trunk of a tree for support.
The tree began to sway slightly as a breeze picked up, getting stronger rapidly. Errandal clutched at the tree as the wind grabbed at his clothes, whipping his hair into his eyes. Lightening struck the ground, smoke drifting up from where it landed. More rapidly followed. In the midst of the unnatural storm came a cry of pure anguish mixed with rage that coalesced into a single name.
"LUCREZIA!!"
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Noin was running at a comfortable pace, not feeling too concerned. She hadn't sensed any feelings of danger from Zechs, only annoyance at being restrained in what most likely had to be some type of prank. She could practically feel him fuming in irritation.
At first it was just a feeling of something wrong, that suddenly escalated into something larger. Zechs disappeared through the lifebond with a suddenness that sent Noin stumbling to her knees. "No, no, no." Milliardo.
There was no pain, just an unfathomable emptiness. Noin surged to her feet and continued running towards where she had last felt Zechs.
Milliardo, Milliardo, Milliardo. Oh please Elai, let me find him.
Her senses felt dull, eroded. It was almost like she was running along the edge of a very deep, very dark chasm, likely to fall in at any moment and not even caring if she did.
She tripped, landing heavily on the ground. Tears splattered the dirt as Noin reached out with the only sense left to her. "Please, show me where my beloved is." She dug her fingers into the earth and concentrated. Through her sensitivity with the earth she felt a magical disturbance, large and wild and growing in rapidity. "Zechs!" She leapt to her feet and began to run again.
The wind picked up the further she ran, no longer a gentle caressing breeze, becoming instead a raging maelstrom. It was a familiar magic, but one she'd never thought to ever feel. She pushed forward, strengthening herself through her bonds with earth, coaxing away the branches that lashed out at her until she finally arrived.
Zechs was in the middle of a small wind storm. He floated several feet off the ground, his head thrown back, hair blowing wildly. Noin looked and saw the same emptiness in his eyes that she herself was experiencing, but mixed with that was a sort of madness. "Oh Elai." She glanced
around. She had to stop him otherwise he would destroy everything. She stepped forward into the wind.
It was stronger then she had expected and only the spell of heaviness that she cast on herself kept her from being swept off her feet. She ignored the small branches and debris that had been caught up in the storm and struggled forward through the wall of wind. Zechs, Zechs, Zechs. Her mind screamed his name, even though he couldn't hear her anymore. Noin reached out, nearly close enough to touch him, just a little further….
She put all her strength into her next lunge and felt her fingers close around his ankle. Noin reached out with her other hand and pulled herself towards him. "Zechs," She shook him, trying to grab his attention. "Zechs, please, look at me." Tears spilled down her cheeks, snatched away by the wind. "I"ve lost you; don't go away further. Please Milliardo, come back."
The wind died down some. Noin looked up to see Zechs gazing down at her. "Lucrezia?"
"I'm here." Noin nodded, fresh tears in her eyes.
The wind vanished and Zechs dropped to the ground, stumbling as he landed, his arms wrapped around Noin as he fell. They both landed in a heap.
"You died. You died and disappeared and I didn't. I couldn't find you." Zechs' voice was hoarse with emotion. "What happened? What happened to the bond? What happened to us?"
"I don't know." Noin cupped his face with her hands, feeling him pull her closer. She saw desperation and fear in his eyes and knew it only mirrored her own feelings. "I see you with my eyes and I feel you with my hands, but it's not the same."
"No, it's not." Zechs agreed, sounding calmer. He didn't loosen his hold on Noin, if anything he clutched her tighter.
Noin dropped her hands from his face, slipping them around his waist, her ear pressed hard against his chest. She could hear the rhythm of his heartbeat, physical proof he was alive, but it wasn't enough. She needed more; they both needed more. But all they were left with was the surface comfort of physical touch and a myriad questions with no answers.