Chapter Two

Having proven himself time after time in the arena, Heero was awarded with any luxuries he wanted. His residence was actually near the amphitheatre, in a building atop a lone hill. Here, he lived in the finest comfort and it was where he often went and stayed when not fighting.

"…Ah!…Ahh!...Ah...Ahhh!" the woman moaned, leaning herself hard against the soft, silk bed and pillows, wrapping her arms around Heero, on his head and back. He was thrusting himself forward into her as the silken bed sheet covered them. It was times like these when Heero felt relaxed with nothing to worry about and always made every effort to get whatever pleasure and enjoyment he could and took his time. With every thrust, her hands tightened on him and her gasps continued. When he was finally done, he moved over onto the bed, taking deep breaths.

The woman, also regaining her breath, leaned over him and moved her hand over his chest. There had been so many like her. They had all come with him to bed wanting nothing more other than their only wish to be his. This contact he had with women wasn't something he thought highly of. Their touch to him was so empty and it would never share a true closeness and connection. Not like one since…

Heero got up.

"What is it, Heero?" she asked. The bed sheet only covered up to under her chest.

"I like to be alone sometimes" he said and walked to the balcony where he saw the night time sky. It was a clear night and the stars were lit up bright. He stared at them for a little while, enjoying the tranquility of it.

Then something caught his eye.

It was a bright steam falling down from the sky. It was close and Heero knew it landed somewhere in the city. Something told him he should go investigate and he quickly left for outside.

Running, he headed to where he saw it crash. It was definitely in one of the outer quarters of the city. There, those like homeless or beggars who struggled to make an adequate living had no choice but to settle. It wasn't too long until he got near. The crash seemed to be very quiet and Heero guessed no one really heard anything as the people were still wondering around or asleep. He approached a secluded alleyway.

A man was already there and saw something shiny on the ground.

"Ah ha! I'll be rich! I'll make a fortune of this!" he said to himself lifting the stone.

He turned around and was about to walk away when he saw Heero in his way. Before he knew it, the arena champion punched him in the face and knocked him out cold. He picked up the stone and felt…. an unusual sensation. For a second, the memories of all his battles and victims came back to his mind like a quick, but forceful river.

The stone flickered.

"Wait… could this be…?" Heero said not sure what to think.

"Yes, that's correct" said the voice of a young woman from nowhere.

Heero looked around until he realized the voice came from the statue in front of him. It was of Relena, the goddess of peace and wisdom. It glowed and came to life. The locals of the neighborhood must have worshipped her for guidance throughout their meaningless lives.

"It is a star stone, one that could grant you any one wish"

"What? How?"

"You must embark on a journey to reach the highest mountain in all the land, Mount Glacia. At its peak you may declare your wish with stone in hand. But be warned, many dangers lie ahead."

He was tired of battling in the arena. There was no challenge for him in it and the more he fought there, the more he yearned… to be free.

But that still wouldn't be enough.

There was something else, but no matter what, his life as a warrior would continue and there was a part of him that grudgingly admitted he wanted to stay like that.

"Relena, if this will grant me what I wish I shall face whatever comes in my way."

"Very well, warrior. You have proven yourself many times in the arena and so I present you a gift. Here."

With a sudden flash that came and disappeared, Heero now saw he held a fine sword in hand. He swung it and found it to be very light, yet he could it was durable.

"Now you must proceed to the Thalan Plains, and from there, venture into Saradan Forest" Relena explained. "Best of luck, warrior" she said and the statue faded into its regular state.

To be continued…