InuYasha Fan Fiction / Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Down the Rabbit Hole ❯ Sleep Walking ( Chapter 5 )

~*~AN~*~ ---bows--- Please forgive my lack of updates! Life has beaten me over the head and run away with me, as well as frightened off my muse. I'm back, but I warn you, my life is still hectic, so don't expect swift updates from me.

 

Duo lay on his back on one of the larger tree branches he could find. It was close to midnight and he had snuck away from the camp to have a little time to himself. He looked up through the leaves above him, staring at the stars while keeping an eye on the flickering of the nearby firelight. It had been a quiet week and as the excitement died down the now larger group seemed to settle back into their old routine.

 

Sesshomaru-sama and Rin had left the group two days before, heading back towards the Western Lands so the Taiyoukai could check on things. Duo had been sad to see the young girl leave, as had Heero, but he was much better at hiding it. Shippou was upset to see his playmate go, and Kagome had seemed a little distant since then. The young Miko was approaching adulthood, being 18 now, and it was clear that she had committed herself to the Inu hanyou, so it wasn't so strange to see her maternal side emerging.

 

The braided young man remembered lying in the same position on a random roof of the old run down buildings on L2 when he was a child. This was how he got a moment to himself and left behind the streets of L2 for a time. A rustle of movement from below caught Duo's attention and his chestnut fur covered fox ears swiveled towards the sound as his gaze stayed fixed on the stars. The noise was made deliberately, and that knowledge, coupled with the familiar scent that reached his nose told him that it was Heero that now approached the tree. The Japanese man paused for a moment before leaping to a nearby branch, leaning back against the trunk as he glanced at his American friend.

 

“You're troubled.”

 

“Quick and to the point aren't you?”

 

When Duo didn't continue Heero simply raised an eyebrow, keeping silent. He knew Duo would eventually go on when he had decided what it was he wished to share with Heero. He just watched as Duo began fiddling with his braid, never taking his eyes off the sky. His questions, once he spoke up, startled Heero.

 

“Do you believe in fate? That we were brought here, allowed to pass through the well, in order to serve a role in this time's war? Like we served in our own?” Duo smiled, but it was not one of amusement, merely bittersweet. “I'm sorry. Were those too many questions to ask at once? I know you don't really enjoy long winded conversation.”

 

“Hn. It's not that I dislike long conversation. I dislike meaningless conversation.” Heero turned his gaze to the sky as well, only continuing to speak when he felt the burn of Duo's gaze on him. He glanced down at the violent eyes that seemed to reflect the stars. “I do believe in fate. I do believe that it was my purpose in life to fight in the Eve Wars, to fight for those who could not. But this is not my destiny. Fate did not bring me here to do some great deed. Fate brought me here to aid you while you fulfill your destiny.”

 

Duo blinked as he listened to his friend, a man he considered to be a brother, speak about destiny and fate. He had never really believed in those things before, but when he found himself trying to explain the events in his life that was the only answer he could think to give. That it had been fate leading him along. He smiled, opening his mouth to thank Heero when he caught the scent of another.

 

“Hey, you two. You need to stop sneaking off in the night. We're supposed to be rotating watch, remember?” Duo smirked, sitting up and answering the familiar voice.

 

“Aw, Fei, getting jealous that I'm stealing your lover away? I promise we weren't doing anything naughty.” Heero snorted, rolling his eyes as Duo taunted his lover as usual. Wufei also rolled his eyes, quite used to the comments by now. He knew Duo and Heero were close, as did anyone else who had half a brain and at least one eye to see. In fact, many at the office had suspected the two were having an affair, which Wufei knew was completely false, but it amused him to hear the rumors.

 

Duo and Heero dropped from the tree, both landing gracefully. Wufei turned to his now fox-like friend with an eyebrow raised.

 

“Why do you keep sneaking off at night, anyway? It's not like you to leave an encampment like that.”

 

Duo simply smiled. “Just questioning the meaning of life again.” He began walking back toward the camp, but paused and turned. “I know it was Heero's turn, but I'll take this watch. You two deserve the alone time.”

 

Wufei sighed as Duo walked off, but a soft smile spread across his features. “He's still only thinking of others, isn't he?” He heard a soft grunt of agreement from behind him before he felt Heero's arms slid around his waist. A gust of warm breath ghosted over his neck as his lover spoke.

 

“He's probably noticed how irritable we've both become, since we haven't been left to ourselves while here.” Heero placed a light kiss on the nearby bronze flesh before nuzzling his nose against Wufei's neck, taking in his favorite scent.

 

Wufei's breath hitched only slightly as he tried to speak. “Well, then we should take advantage of this time. I'd hate to disappoint our friend.”

 

~*~*~

 

Duo settled himself just outside of the circle of light created by the dieing campfire, smiling as he watched the group sleeping peacefully. Minus Inuyasha, who was up in a tree above the camp. He thought back to the small talk he had just had, and couldn't help but smile at the fact that his two friends hadn't followed him back yet. He was certain they were taking him up on his offer to have some time alone, and he couldn't help but chuckle. He sighed; closing his eyes a moment as he called on his senses, checking to make sure all was quiet.

 

A soft voice started to trickle into his ears from far off. He opened his eyes, scanning the tree line for any signs of something being different. He heard the voice again only moments later, this time louder, closer. He tensed, scanning the trees with more urgency now. The voice was feminine, he could tell that much, but his heart was pounding. There was something very strange going on.

 

The brush to the left of the camp rustled, and Duo's eyes were on it immediately and his hand was secure on the hilt of his sword. He eased himself up into a crouched position, ears swiveling about and his nose twitching. `Where the hell is Inuyasha? He should have heard someone approaching by now.'

 

The scent that reached his nose was not familiar, yet it seemed as though it should be. He felt his eyes droop as the scent doubled, over-taking his senses with the sickly sweet floral smell. He stood, wavering slightly as his feet felt compelled to follow that sweet scent and beautiful voice. He wasn't being drawn like a sailor to a siren's song, but rather the lure of a mother's voice to her wandering child. He felt like he would be safe surrounded by that scent and sound.

 

His senses kept telling him that something was wrong. This was an illusion, he knew, and he wanted to stop and raise an alarm to the group that lay sleeping around him. His rational mind was screaming at him to snap out of it and yell, but something inside him was keeping him walking.

 

Soon he found himself quite far from the clearing where the group had set up camp. He didn't recognize the surrounding forest, and couldn't rely on his senses to tell him where he was anymore. His eyes, still hooded, snapped open at the sound of that soft feminine voice once more. This time she was much closer, practically standing at his side. Duo's eyes widened and he gasped when he realized she really was standing beside him with a warm, welcoming smile on her face. He finally regained the use of his body and senses, whipping himself away from the woman and dropping into a defensive crouch with a hand on his hilt.

 

“Who are you?!”

 

The woman only smiled wider, her voice warm and calm. “It's sad that a son does not remember the vision of his mother, but you have not seen me in so long.”

 

Duo's eyes widened in shock. His mother? He took a closer look at the woman. She was fairly tall, but still a couple inches shorter than his full height. Her hair fell in long chestnut waves over her shoulder and down to her waist. He gasped when he saw the fox ears perched on top of her head. Could this really be his mother? He's supposed to be three parts youkai after all, so was his mother the hanyou?

 

“I know you don't trust me. It's not your nature. Not after the life you've led in my absence. But I am your mother, and I'm very happy to get to see you once more.”

 

Duo looked up at the woman, gasping once more when he saw the exact shade of violet staring straight into his own eyes. He had never seen another person with violet eyes other than himself. His voice was a low whisper, but the woman heard it anyway.

 

“Who…? Who are you? I mean… what's your name?”

 

“My name? Of course,” the woman smiled. “You only knew me as `mother,' so you wouldn't know my given name. My name is Amelia.”

 

Duo was slightly taken aback. The name was nothing remarkable, and wasn't even vaguely Japanese, but then he realized, neither was he. He had just taken for granted that because he was in Feudal Japan the name we would hear would be of Japanese origin, and be some great profound name that held some great importance.

 

“You seem shocked.” He looked up to see the woman - no, his mother, Amelia - looking at him, smiling. “Your father's name was much more remarkable than mine. At least in its origins.”

 

“My… my father? What was his name?”

 

“Ezekiel.”(1)

 

Duo took a breath, whispering the names of his parents to himself. His father's name was biblical, he knew that much, but didn't know the exact origin. He gave a small smile, memories of his days in the Maxwell Church, carrying a bible with him everywhere. That is, until it was burned in the fire.

 

A warm sensation radiating against his cheek broke him from his thoughts. He looked up into his mother's eyes, reaching out to her, only to gasp as his hand passed right through her. He had looked perfectly solid, yet he couldn't touch her. He then realized the warmth against his cheek had been his mother's hand, close, but not touching. Amelia knew she wouldn't have the joy of touching her son once more.

 

“What you're friend Heero spoke is true, my child. Your destiny lies here, and he and Wufei will aid you. The others, Quatre and Trowa, will find your side as well. Naraku is a being that should not have ever walked the earth, and if you do not help to stop him now, all your efforts during the wars of your own time will have been for nothing.”

 

“What do I do? What can I do? I am barely a youkai. I have added strength and speed, and senses, but little else.”

 

“You, my child, Duo, have a power in you that you will come to find. I had only hoped you would discover it sooner. Naraku's demonic power is growing, and I fear there is not much time. You must speak to the miko and her elder mentor.”

 

Duo's head cocked to the side. He was still kneeling on the ground, but now he sat back on his heels as he spoke. “The miko? Kagome? Why would she know anything about my powers?”

 

“Your powers are much like hers, at least in how they manifest. You are akin to a miko, but in the youkai circles they are called Kagemusha, or Kage(2) for short.”

 

“Shadow?” Duo gave a snort, figuring he'd be called something like that. He stood, “And how would a use this power? Kagome told me she needs a weapon of some sort, or an object to make a weapon.”

 

“You will be granted a weapon, but I have no time to explain further. Dawn is approaching and your companions are searching for you.”

 

A feeling of panic rose up in Duo, thinking he would be torn away from the vision of his mother so soon. Amelia smiled, hovering her hand over Duo's check once more. “So not be afraid. I will come to you again soon enough. Until then, rely on Sendotoujin(3) to guide you.”

 

Her voice faded along with his mother's image. He light faded with them, causing Duo's vision to go black.

 

~*~*~

 

Wufei's eyes opened slowly, his body wanting to stay as it was: warm and comfortable against his lover. But his mind knew there was something very wrong. The warm body against him stirred and the arm that had been wrapped around his waist slowly drew back, sliding across his abdomen as Heero propped himself up.

 

“What's wrong, Wufei?” So Heero has sensed his waking.

 

“I'm not sure. Something does not feel right. I think we should go back now.”

 

Heero looked up, letting his senses tell him if anything seemed off. Nights with Wufei had always managed to throw off his senses until they had awoken again. Suddenly he had a strong urge to go back to the camp, to check things over - to check on Duo.

 

“Duo…” He whispered. “You're right. Something is wrong, and we need to go back now.” Heero spoke as he pulled himself up, gathering his clothing quickly and dressing. Wufei was doing the same, and soon after they were both running back to camp.

 

~*~*~

 

Inuyasha woke with a start, ears swiveling and nose twitching to try and find what had woken him so suddenly. He group seemed to be fine, all members accounted for except for the three newest. `Wait… weren't one of them suppose to be keeping watch?'

 

He dropped from the tree into a crouch, noticing immediately that dawn was breaking over the horizon, and he knew he had heard Duo come back to take watch last night. That meant Heero should be standing guard over the group for dawn. He looked around, seeing no sign of the braided Kitsune, but he caught the sounds of two footfalls running towards them.

 

Soon after Heero and Wufei broke through the tree line, coming to a quick stop as they glanced around, looking worried and alert.

 

“Where's Duo?” The tone was demanding and came with and ice cold glare from the Ookami.

 

“I dunno. I woke up and he wasn't here. I heard him come back last night. Do you think he wandered off again?”

 

Wufei glared just as viciously as his lover at that question. “Duo is a highly trained and responsible warrior. He would never just wander away while he was looking after the safety of his comrades.”

 

Heero had immediately set about finding and following Duo's scent, starting at the tree he had perched under that night. His attention was drawn momentarily as he heard a gasp. Kagome had bolted upright, exclaiming Duo's name as she woke and effectively tumbled the sleeping Kit to the ground.

 

There was a dark presence making itself known off to the West. It did not seem threatening, but the power was great and it made all of them uneasy. Heero spoke once again, catching everyone's attention as they rest of the group woke.

 

“It's coming from the same direction Duo's scent leads. We should leave now if we wish to find him. The scent is fading with the wind.”

 

~*~*~

 

The group had paused to take a rest. They had already traveled half a day, and had no idea how Duo had managed to get so far so quickly, and there was still a ways to go. Unfortunately they were faced with a small dilemma. They had stopped to rest just outside the border to the Western Lands, Sesshomaru's domain, and Inuyasha was leery about continuing to follow the scent. The others, however, wouldn't let that stop them from finding Duo. Inuyasha finally stood with a sigh, nodding to the others to continue on.

 

The scent was growing much stronger, but so was the aura of dark power that had worried the miko. Wary, they moved on, hoping to find Duo alive and unharmed. They broke through the forest into a large field that extended out towards distant, low, rolling mountains. Duo's scent doubled and Heero's keen eyes spotted whip of a braid off to their left. He took off for his Kitsune brother, dropping to his knees by his side and gently rolling him onto his back.

 

Duo was out cold, not even stirring as his head lolled towards his comrade. Wufei knelt next to his lover, arm on his shoulder, and Sango, Kagome, and Shippou all came to check on the braided man.

 

“Is he gonna be alright, Heero-san?” The Ookami looked up at the Kit, his eyes softening lightly.

 

“Aa. He is not hurt. Only asleep.” He continued to check him over, even after assuring the child. His pulse was strong, his breathing even, and his skin was still warm and held it's healthy coloring. His Yukata was still in order, and his sword was still tucked safely in his obi, so he hadn't been robbed.

 

“What's this?” Everyone looked over at Sango seeing the black leather incased sword that lay by Duo's other hand. Kagome gasped as she laid eyes on it.

 

“That's it! That's the demonic aura we've been feeling!”

 

“It is, though, it is no where near as strong as before.” Wufei spoke up. He reached over to lift the blade. It hummed in his hand and was warm to the touch. He didn't dare unsheathe it. “I think this blade was leading us here. To Duo.”

 

Heero was curious as to whose sword it was, because they all knew it did not belong to the Kitsune. He lifted Duo up, carrying him bridal style, but before he could get far, Wufei laid the sword over Duo's torso along with the sword Duo affectionately called Deathscythe. He didn't want it to fall from the man's obi, and he did not wish to carry the other blade himself.

 

Inuyasha and Miroku had stayed back, along with the small fire cat. They were watching over the group and talking over why would go from there. The clouds were clearing from over the mountaintops, revealing a tall and formidable white stone Japanese castle over the lowest of peaks. That was castle built by one of the greatest Western Lords… his father. He glanced back to the group. The Kitsune was unconscious, and without knowing what had caused it, they were going to need to see a healer: preferably one that dealt with youkai. They had no choice but to travel towards that castle, and the youkai city that lay at its feet.

 

“Sesshomaru's not gonna like this.”

 

 

Ezekiel - A very important prophet mentioned in the Old Testament. Figured it would fit if one of Duo's parents had a biblical name.

 

Kagemusha or Kage - Shadow Warrior or Shadow, roughly translated.

 

(3) Sendotoujin - Death Blade… very roughly translated. Sendo means chaos in battle or death and Toujin means blade or sword.