Destiny (7) "Angel Wings
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2003 12:50 pm
Chapter seven
ANGEL WINGS
Hilde woke up to the sound and smell of frying bacon. Her ears and nose
twitching,she moved to the front of the cave where she found Dorothy huddled over the fire pit where the enticing smells were emanating.Dorothy turned to her as she sat near the cook fire.
"Finally awake," she smiled at the smaller elf. "Could you call the
others? Breakfast is about ready."
Nodding, Hilde snitched a piece of bacon off one plates, munching on it as
she stepped into the dull morning light. It was a dreary morning with a hint
of rain in the air.The sun was hidden behind the thick cloud bank,and despite the progression of the day the morning dew had not yet evaporated making her footing slippery.Scrambling down the rocky trail,she quickly met up with Sally and Noin. Her sister looked upset but at the same time, strangely fulfilled.
"Glad to see you're finally up,? Sally greeted her. "Heero and Quatre are
scouting up ahead if you're looking for them."
"No that's all right,? she replied absently falling in beside them. Closer
now, Hilde could see how Noin's face was flushed and her lips seemed a bit
swollen. What had happened?
*****
A mile further down the trail Quatre paused, raking his eyes across the
red, clay surface.? Still nothing,? he called to Heero, who was perched atop
a rock outcropping.
?You see anything?"
"Nothing," Heero replied making his way slowly back down to level ground. He slowly turned a rock around in his mailed fist, eyeing the many caves that lined the canyon walls.
?But there could anything?or anyone up there."
Quatre glanced up and shrugged, ?If you want to spend the morning searching out those caves, you?re welcome to it. Me... I'm heading back."
Heero shot a withering glance at the wizards' retreating back, bouncing the
stone in his hand, before turning his attentions back to the cliffside caves.
Clenching his fist he flung the stone at one of the lower caves.Nothing... With a frown Heero turned to follow Quatre back up the trail. Back at the cave, a black-gloved hand descended from where it had risen to protect a green-eyed face holding the stone that had been thrown. Silently he descended, following them in the shadows.
*****
Noin picked absently at her food as she replayed the morning's incident over and over in her mind. Heero had made no attempt to disguise his
urgency and his...hunger. That was the word. A deep hunger, buried so deep and for so long that it almost exploded in both their faces. She brushed at her lips. It had scared her the way his emotions, usually kept so in check had been laid bare for her and for the first time he acted like an ordinary human. She flushed a bit remembering how she'd responded to his lips and caresses. If Quatre hadn't come who knew how far it would have gone...
A soft moan tore her out of her fantasies as the dragon princess began to
move.
"Sally!"
Within a few minutes the three other women were around her, and moments later Sally was at Meiran's side,
?What?s going on??
She demanded of Dorothy.? It?s too soon. We haven't gotten the pendant off yet."
"It was dangerous to put her under for so long in the first place,? she
replied calmly. ?It would be far more dangerous to her if she didn't wake up."
"So what are we supposed to do?If she attempts to transform with it on it could kill her."
"I doubt that.? Ignoring Sally's protests, Dorothy placed her hands onto the
charm. The shock knocked her off her feet, but she soon rose. ?It?s running
out of energy the farther we get from the one who crafted it. With luck it's
magic will be drained to the point that we should be able to get it off."
"Get what off?"
The four women turned at Quatre's voice. ?Are we ready to go?? he asked, ?The day isn't getting any better."
"Meiran's waking up.? Sally replied curtly, ?She needs time to recover. We
can't move her!"
"We may not have a choice," Heero's voice was curt and his tone would brook no opposition. ?There?s someone out there. Someone who's been watching us for some time..."
"One of Alva's men?"
"I'm not sure. But..." He hesitated.
"What?"Quatre asked,moving over to Dorothy's side.
"Nothing. It?s just a feeling." Heero squatted down staring at the wakening
dragon. "Quatre, you and Dorothy will take point today. Noin,Hilde...keep
your bowstrings dry. We may need them. Sally,you and Meiran will be with Noin and Hilde. I'll bring up the rear."
"What are you planning Heero?" Dorothy's face was strangely serious, without her usual smirk.
"Something I've felt before......but he can't be here..."
*****
High above the sheer rock face overlooking the Tarana Gorge, skilled watering eyes tracked their progress. A light scuffling noise drew his attention to the treacherous path that led to the pinnacle.
"What do we got, Jeremiah?"
"Five women, two men and seven horses,? he replied, the he squinted. ?One of the men appears to be wearing armour."
His companions face brightened,"Knights always carry lots of gold. I?ll get
this to Baek immeditely. He'll most likely like to try his sword against this
guy."
Jeremiah waved his companion off turning his attention back to the unwary
travelers below. A surprised curse startled him. Glancing over his shoulder
he called out, "Hauke?"
No answer.
Worried for his companion, he moved to the trail.As a boy growing up in the Thieves Guild in JOSTEN he'd learned to distinguish different sounds.Thus the soft sound of leather against rock alerted him,albeit too late.Whirling
around, he caught a quick glimpse of black cloth and a black dagger. He
managed a startled cry before darkness claimed him.
*****
Down below Hilde's ears quivered. Reining in her mount she stared up at the sheer face. Noin moved over to her side.
"You heard it too?" she asked quietly.
Hilde nodded slowly, keeping her attention on the cliff face,? I think we
should warn the others."
"No!"
"Heero," Hilde gasped in surprise. How had he moved so silently? "What are you talking about? We have to tell the..."
Heero shook his head,?I'll deal with it.Go ahead and tell the others that I'll catch up."
Giving the stubborn, young knight a hurt look, the two elves, whipped their
horses forward. Heero dismounted slowly, tossing his white cape over his
shoulder. Reaching into one of the pouches he carried at his waist he pulled
out a small mirror, aiming the reflected light up the cliff.
*****
A few moments after they left Heero behind the many curves and turns of the Gorge, Noin pulled on her reins. Surprised at her sister's actions, Hilde
swung her mount around.
"What's wrong Noin?"
Dismounting she removed her bow and quiver from the saddle.
?I don't know what Heero has in mind, but he might need help."
"Wait," Hilde moved over to her and made to dismount as well. ?I?ll go with
you. With both of us..."
"No, little sister. One of us must go ahead and let the others know what has happened."She ran one hand through the horses mane while the other gently scratched behind it's ear.She then handed her reins to Hilde.
?Take care of Ash'haran for me."
She watched as her sister ran in an easy elfish lope, taking care to remain
behind the many rocks and boulders. Then,spinning around, a bitter look on her face, Hilde kicked her mount into a run to catch up with the others.
*****
Silently, Noin slid from rock to rock, employing elfish skills taught in the
forests for time immemorial.
"I thought it was you...Lena's spell works even now..."
Frowning to herself, pointed ears straining, she couldn't pick out who it was
he was talking to.Carefully she moved forward,avoiding the loose stones,keeping her steps light to minimize any noise,climbing atop one of the trails many boulders.
"I will not fight you Triton.We both know she had no reason to be there.You are letting your emotions blind you to the truth."
The sudden blast of violence so surprised her that she lost her footing sliding back down the rock that a novice first year Ranger.Cursing to herself,she scrambled back up,counting on the noise from the conflict to conceal any noise.She was just in time to see Heero's body flying back,followed closely back a black-clothed blur. Whirling in mid-air,Heero pulled out his broadsword,swinging it at the blur. Having seen his skill and the ease with which he swung his huge sword, she expected it to cleave his mysterious antagonist in half.However he missed but,falling to his knees his hand clutching at his bloodied shoulder showed that his opponent hadn't.Grunting, Heero rose to his feet
"Clever Triton,? he growled. ?But you missed."
The blur paused, coalescing into an attractive brown haired young man wearing the dark clothes of the deadly shadow warriors.This 'Triton' circled Heero slowly twirling twin blades in his hands. He darted forward again,
ducking under Heero's swing ,slashing at his shoulder.This time,though,Heero shifted out the way,crashing a mailed fist against the side of his opponent's face. The man spun away dazed,but recovered quickly and caught Heero's broadsword on its downswing between his
two small swords. Kicking out,he pushed Heero back a few feet before leaping into the air shouting,
"Bushin no Jutsu!"
*****
Heero stumbled back,his armour protecting him from the worst of the blow,as Trowa shouted his attack.
"Illusion!"Heero backpedalled as he realised just how much Triton had sunk into the dark.He'd only this spell done once before,and that was by a high-ranking adept that had attempted to assassinate a Chancellor Wirewind back in Sanq years ago.But even he had not managed so many,or with such detail.Gripping his sword tightly he stood ready as the five Tritons leapt at him.
*****
"Illusion?!" Noin watched entranced as Heero's opponent split into five
separate figures, all indistinguishable from the original. They all converged
on Heero slashing and cutting, but through it all her eyes detected only two sets of sparks. Meaning that the extra figures were merely projections of Heero's opponent's mind.Removing her bow from her back she
set an arrow and watched.
THERE!
The twang of her bow could not have been heard over the sound of the clashing blades, yet something warned the shadow warrior of the approaching projectile.With a speed that seemed almost inhuman,he dodged the incoming arrow,slipping under it almost as if it was moving in slow motion.However such actions broke his concentration and his clones flowed back into him leaving only one. Heero was himself startled and the sudden quiet was deafening.With a whip of Triton's head, Noin
found herself staring into furious green eyes, and then at the small dagger
that was thrown her way. It was so sudden and unexpected that she had no time to dodge. There was a sickening wet THUD and then everything went black.
*****
Heero followed Triton's look,spotting Noin on the rock overlooking them.
"Stupid elf!"He raged inside,furious at the fact that she was there AND that she had interferred.He'd not wanted any help.
But all that was blanked from his mind as he saw Triton hurl the dagger.Everything seemed to move slowly.He could see the black blade spinning slowly through the air.
He could see Noin's eyes widen as she realised what was happening.
He could feel the pain of his heritage on his back and in his hands,desperate to break free.For once he didn't fight it.But embraced it.Embraced the power that was his,and his alone.
*****
Quatre's cloak flapped as he tried to keep up with the elfmaiden. He again cursed Heero's arrogance.
"Damn FOOL.Deciding to handle a group of thieves on his own."
Even after four years, Heero refused to acknowledge the fact that he had friends who would mourn his passing. Planting his staff onto the ground,he vaulted onto a large boulder. Nowhere near as agile as Hilde, he
focused some of his will to allow him to match the elf's pace step for step-
In the middle of a leap. A sudden violent explosion erupted. A brief moment later they were pelted with sharp rock shards. With a cry of despair, Hilde picked up her pace,dodging several falling rocks while Quatre cursed and followed her blasting at the ones she failed to see with small bursts of his will.That surge of power was devastatingly familiar. He?d seen it only twice before...
*****
Frantically Hilde leapt from boulder to boulder praying.
"Please be safe,sister. Noin..."
Somersaulting forward,she missed her landing at the sight that greeted
her. There was an unconscious young man lying prone; his skin burnt and pants charred. But that wasn't what distracted her.
The area immediately around them was littered with debris from shattered
rock, and there was a small decline before the unconscious unknown. But it
wasn't that either.
Her sister.
Enfolded in Heero's arms.
Blood dripping from a wound in his arm.Two snow white wings draped softly around them. If she was a believer in the human faith, she?d almost say...Angelic.
TBC
My pre-reader told me that I was spending to much time to TELL people what was happening instead of trying to SHOW them what was going on.So,hopefully this chapter was above the grade.And I'll be spending more time working on the future chapters of all my stories.
ANGEL WINGS
Hilde woke up to the sound and smell of frying bacon. Her ears and nose
twitching,she moved to the front of the cave where she found Dorothy huddled over the fire pit where the enticing smells were emanating.Dorothy turned to her as she sat near the cook fire.
"Finally awake," she smiled at the smaller elf. "Could you call the
others? Breakfast is about ready."
Nodding, Hilde snitched a piece of bacon off one plates, munching on it as
she stepped into the dull morning light. It was a dreary morning with a hint
of rain in the air.The sun was hidden behind the thick cloud bank,and despite the progression of the day the morning dew had not yet evaporated making her footing slippery.Scrambling down the rocky trail,she quickly met up with Sally and Noin. Her sister looked upset but at the same time, strangely fulfilled.
"Glad to see you're finally up,? Sally greeted her. "Heero and Quatre are
scouting up ahead if you're looking for them."
"No that's all right,? she replied absently falling in beside them. Closer
now, Hilde could see how Noin's face was flushed and her lips seemed a bit
swollen. What had happened?
*****
A mile further down the trail Quatre paused, raking his eyes across the
red, clay surface.? Still nothing,? he called to Heero, who was perched atop
a rock outcropping.
?You see anything?"
"Nothing," Heero replied making his way slowly back down to level ground. He slowly turned a rock around in his mailed fist, eyeing the many caves that lined the canyon walls.
?But there could anything?or anyone up there."
Quatre glanced up and shrugged, ?If you want to spend the morning searching out those caves, you?re welcome to it. Me... I'm heading back."
Heero shot a withering glance at the wizards' retreating back, bouncing the
stone in his hand, before turning his attentions back to the cliffside caves.
Clenching his fist he flung the stone at one of the lower caves.Nothing... With a frown Heero turned to follow Quatre back up the trail. Back at the cave, a black-gloved hand descended from where it had risen to protect a green-eyed face holding the stone that had been thrown. Silently he descended, following them in the shadows.
*****
Noin picked absently at her food as she replayed the morning's incident over and over in her mind. Heero had made no attempt to disguise his
urgency and his...hunger. That was the word. A deep hunger, buried so deep and for so long that it almost exploded in both their faces. She brushed at her lips. It had scared her the way his emotions, usually kept so in check had been laid bare for her and for the first time he acted like an ordinary human. She flushed a bit remembering how she'd responded to his lips and caresses. If Quatre hadn't come who knew how far it would have gone...
A soft moan tore her out of her fantasies as the dragon princess began to
move.
"Sally!"
Within a few minutes the three other women were around her, and moments later Sally was at Meiran's side,
?What?s going on??
She demanded of Dorothy.? It?s too soon. We haven't gotten the pendant off yet."
"It was dangerous to put her under for so long in the first place,? she
replied calmly. ?It would be far more dangerous to her if she didn't wake up."
"So what are we supposed to do?If she attempts to transform with it on it could kill her."
"I doubt that.? Ignoring Sally's protests, Dorothy placed her hands onto the
charm. The shock knocked her off her feet, but she soon rose. ?It?s running
out of energy the farther we get from the one who crafted it. With luck it's
magic will be drained to the point that we should be able to get it off."
"Get what off?"
The four women turned at Quatre's voice. ?Are we ready to go?? he asked, ?The day isn't getting any better."
"Meiran's waking up.? Sally replied curtly, ?She needs time to recover. We
can't move her!"
"We may not have a choice," Heero's voice was curt and his tone would brook no opposition. ?There?s someone out there. Someone who's been watching us for some time..."
"One of Alva's men?"
"I'm not sure. But..." He hesitated.
"What?"Quatre asked,moving over to Dorothy's side.
"Nothing. It?s just a feeling." Heero squatted down staring at the wakening
dragon. "Quatre, you and Dorothy will take point today. Noin,Hilde...keep
your bowstrings dry. We may need them. Sally,you and Meiran will be with Noin and Hilde. I'll bring up the rear."
"What are you planning Heero?" Dorothy's face was strangely serious, without her usual smirk.
"Something I've felt before......but he can't be here..."
*****
High above the sheer rock face overlooking the Tarana Gorge, skilled watering eyes tracked their progress. A light scuffling noise drew his attention to the treacherous path that led to the pinnacle.
"What do we got, Jeremiah?"
"Five women, two men and seven horses,? he replied, the he squinted. ?One of the men appears to be wearing armour."
His companions face brightened,"Knights always carry lots of gold. I?ll get
this to Baek immeditely. He'll most likely like to try his sword against this
guy."
Jeremiah waved his companion off turning his attention back to the unwary
travelers below. A surprised curse startled him. Glancing over his shoulder
he called out, "Hauke?"
No answer.
Worried for his companion, he moved to the trail.As a boy growing up in the Thieves Guild in JOSTEN he'd learned to distinguish different sounds.Thus the soft sound of leather against rock alerted him,albeit too late.Whirling
around, he caught a quick glimpse of black cloth and a black dagger. He
managed a startled cry before darkness claimed him.
*****
Down below Hilde's ears quivered. Reining in her mount she stared up at the sheer face. Noin moved over to her side.
"You heard it too?" she asked quietly.
Hilde nodded slowly, keeping her attention on the cliff face,? I think we
should warn the others."
"No!"
"Heero," Hilde gasped in surprise. How had he moved so silently? "What are you talking about? We have to tell the..."
Heero shook his head,?I'll deal with it.Go ahead and tell the others that I'll catch up."
Giving the stubborn, young knight a hurt look, the two elves, whipped their
horses forward. Heero dismounted slowly, tossing his white cape over his
shoulder. Reaching into one of the pouches he carried at his waist he pulled
out a small mirror, aiming the reflected light up the cliff.
*****
A few moments after they left Heero behind the many curves and turns of the Gorge, Noin pulled on her reins. Surprised at her sister's actions, Hilde
swung her mount around.
"What's wrong Noin?"
Dismounting she removed her bow and quiver from the saddle.
?I don't know what Heero has in mind, but he might need help."
"Wait," Hilde moved over to her and made to dismount as well. ?I?ll go with
you. With both of us..."
"No, little sister. One of us must go ahead and let the others know what has happened."She ran one hand through the horses mane while the other gently scratched behind it's ear.She then handed her reins to Hilde.
?Take care of Ash'haran for me."
She watched as her sister ran in an easy elfish lope, taking care to remain
behind the many rocks and boulders. Then,spinning around, a bitter look on her face, Hilde kicked her mount into a run to catch up with the others.
*****
Silently, Noin slid from rock to rock, employing elfish skills taught in the
forests for time immemorial.
"I thought it was you...Lena's spell works even now..."
Frowning to herself, pointed ears straining, she couldn't pick out who it was
he was talking to.Carefully she moved forward,avoiding the loose stones,keeping her steps light to minimize any noise,climbing atop one of the trails many boulders.
"I will not fight you Triton.We both know she had no reason to be there.You are letting your emotions blind you to the truth."
The sudden blast of violence so surprised her that she lost her footing sliding back down the rock that a novice first year Ranger.Cursing to herself,she scrambled back up,counting on the noise from the conflict to conceal any noise.She was just in time to see Heero's body flying back,followed closely back a black-clothed blur. Whirling in mid-air,Heero pulled out his broadsword,swinging it at the blur. Having seen his skill and the ease with which he swung his huge sword, she expected it to cleave his mysterious antagonist in half.However he missed but,falling to his knees his hand clutching at his bloodied shoulder showed that his opponent hadn't.Grunting, Heero rose to his feet
"Clever Triton,? he growled. ?But you missed."
The blur paused, coalescing into an attractive brown haired young man wearing the dark clothes of the deadly shadow warriors.This 'Triton' circled Heero slowly twirling twin blades in his hands. He darted forward again,
ducking under Heero's swing ,slashing at his shoulder.This time,though,Heero shifted out the way,crashing a mailed fist against the side of his opponent's face. The man spun away dazed,but recovered quickly and caught Heero's broadsword on its downswing between his
two small swords. Kicking out,he pushed Heero back a few feet before leaping into the air shouting,
"Bushin no Jutsu!"
*****
Heero stumbled back,his armour protecting him from the worst of the blow,as Trowa shouted his attack.
"Illusion!"Heero backpedalled as he realised just how much Triton had sunk into the dark.He'd only this spell done once before,and that was by a high-ranking adept that had attempted to assassinate a Chancellor Wirewind back in Sanq years ago.But even he had not managed so many,or with such detail.Gripping his sword tightly he stood ready as the five Tritons leapt at him.
*****
"Illusion?!" Noin watched entranced as Heero's opponent split into five
separate figures, all indistinguishable from the original. They all converged
on Heero slashing and cutting, but through it all her eyes detected only two sets of sparks. Meaning that the extra figures were merely projections of Heero's opponent's mind.Removing her bow from her back she
set an arrow and watched.
THERE!
The twang of her bow could not have been heard over the sound of the clashing blades, yet something warned the shadow warrior of the approaching projectile.With a speed that seemed almost inhuman,he dodged the incoming arrow,slipping under it almost as if it was moving in slow motion.However such actions broke his concentration and his clones flowed back into him leaving only one. Heero was himself startled and the sudden quiet was deafening.With a whip of Triton's head, Noin
found herself staring into furious green eyes, and then at the small dagger
that was thrown her way. It was so sudden and unexpected that she had no time to dodge. There was a sickening wet THUD and then everything went black.
*****
Heero followed Triton's look,spotting Noin on the rock overlooking them.
"Stupid elf!"He raged inside,furious at the fact that she was there AND that she had interferred.He'd not wanted any help.
But all that was blanked from his mind as he saw Triton hurl the dagger.Everything seemed to move slowly.He could see the black blade spinning slowly through the air.
He could see Noin's eyes widen as she realised what was happening.
He could feel the pain of his heritage on his back and in his hands,desperate to break free.For once he didn't fight it.But embraced it.Embraced the power that was his,and his alone.
*****
Quatre's cloak flapped as he tried to keep up with the elfmaiden. He again cursed Heero's arrogance.
"Damn FOOL.Deciding to handle a group of thieves on his own."
Even after four years, Heero refused to acknowledge the fact that he had friends who would mourn his passing. Planting his staff onto the ground,he vaulted onto a large boulder. Nowhere near as agile as Hilde, he
focused some of his will to allow him to match the elf's pace step for step-
In the middle of a leap. A sudden violent explosion erupted. A brief moment later they were pelted with sharp rock shards. With a cry of despair, Hilde picked up her pace,dodging several falling rocks while Quatre cursed and followed her blasting at the ones she failed to see with small bursts of his will.That surge of power was devastatingly familiar. He?d seen it only twice before...
*****
Frantically Hilde leapt from boulder to boulder praying.
"Please be safe,sister. Noin..."
Somersaulting forward,she missed her landing at the sight that greeted
her. There was an unconscious young man lying prone; his skin burnt and pants charred. But that wasn't what distracted her.
The area immediately around them was littered with debris from shattered
rock, and there was a small decline before the unconscious unknown. But it
wasn't that either.
Her sister.
Enfolded in Heero's arms.
Blood dripping from a wound in his arm.Two snow white wings draped softly around them. If she was a believer in the human faith, she?d almost say...Angelic.
TBC
My pre-reader told me that I was spending to much time to TELL people what was happening instead of trying to SHOW them what was going on.So,hopefully this chapter was above the grade.And I'll be spending more time working on the future chapters of all my stories.