DC: I own none of the Characters from Gundam Wing. All other Characters are made especially by me for me and my friends. The whole idea with the entire cast wearing Crystals is somewhat derived from a book trilogy called The Black Jewels by Anne Bishop. Though there are only 8 colors/Crystals, the idea is simply 'borrowed.' I take no credit for it so please don't sue me...all I have is my laptop and a bookmark of Legolas from The Lord of the Rings...
**
The silver arrow flew into the air and struck its target through the thigh. An anguished scream followed, sending several foot soldiers running forward to meet their enemies. Another arrow flew into the air- entering the neck of an unsuspecting soldier, leaving him no time to react.
Nimble feet and noiseless movements brought the Elf Army closer to the front lines of Peacecraft Castle.
One more victory for the Elves.
**
Queen Relena Peacecraft paced her large throne room, cursing her incompetent advisors. They said this plan would work! They said they weren't going to lose this time! And what happens? That Elf Princess, Kirin, had to use her knowledge of the forest to push back her front battle lines. Now her soldiers were cowering inside the Peacecraft Castle. Damn her.
Quatre Winner stared grimly at the battle he had just witnessed through his throne window. He had asked for the Elves' help to defend his castle from Queen Relena's relentless attacks, he hadn't anticipated the bloodshed. He asked his advisors, the brother and sister duo, Trowa and Shin Barton, and his wife, Zero, to join him in the throne room.
"We're in a war, Quatre-dear. You can't simply give up after you've retaliated." Said Queen Zero, who was sitting upon her throne. She eyed her husband warily.
Quatre shook his head. His blue eyes begging for some understanding. "I only asked them to defend the Castle! I didn't want them to retaliate!"
"They're Elves, what do you expect?" Zero asked.
"They're suppose to be peaceful!" Quatre replied, trying to defend some honor in the Elves.
Shin interjected. "They agreed to help us because we abide by the rules of the forest. On the other hand, Relena upset the balance by trying to kill off the Elves' sister Clan, the Wolves. They retaliated because to them, it's personal."
"And the Mazoku's?" Quatre asked, changing the subject.
"They sent us a note. It says, 'Himitsu.'" Said Trowa, holding up a purple piece of paper.
"Great..." Quatre sighed. He turned to Zero. "Zero..."
"Yes, my Lord Quatre?" Zero said, with a seductive tone.
This was a big decision he had to make. Go to war or stand-by while Relena and the 'supposed' peaceful Elves fought over the land? He weighed his decision carefully before he looked into his wife's eyes. He spoke to her and only her, she being his only witness to his declaration. If Trowa or Shin heard it, they'd go berserk. "...We're going to war..."
Heero Yuy stood high atop a mountain clearing, his head slightly tipped back. His cold blue eyes had focused on something far beyond the horizon of trees. He sniffed the air with his acute senses, he smelled...blood. Magic. War. He turned to his bumbling traveling companion, Duo Maxwell. "Duo...guess what?"
Duo stumbled along the smooth, dirt terrain. He directed himself towards Heero, but fell short, stripping over his ridiculously long scythe. "A village with women and food?"
"No." Heero said, half-annoyed. "War."
"Oh." Duo said, picking himself off the floor. "Well, that sounds SO much better than getting laid and eating!"
"We'll get paid. You can guarantee that." Heero replied. "If we sell our services and we perform our duties, we can get paid and you could do whatever you want."
"Goody. Direct me to the bloodshed! Shinigami is back from Hell!" Duo jumped over a rock and raised his scythe.
Heero reached over and punched Duo across the face. "You idiot! There are Elves guarding the border! This is their forest! If we come in uninvited, they'll think we're enemies!"
Duo rubbed his face. "Sorry...jeez, why do you have to hit so hard?"
"Let's go." came the monotone reply.
Kirin, the Elf Princess, turned to the strange voice she heard.
"...HELL!"
She narrowed her gold eyes in the direction of the voice. She stood up amongst the terrain and scattered Elves around her. She turned to one Elf. "Pan, stay here at the line. I'm going to investigate. You four!" She pointed to four whom stood up, unaware of what was going on. "Come with me! Pan, do what you deem necessary."
"Yes, Princess."
Kirin and her entourage disappeared in a twinkle of silver.
Pan, Kirin's second in command gripped his bow. He looked over at the other Elves who now looked at him for guidance. He cleared his throat and yelled, "Archers! Aim! On my command- fire." It was going to be very tense without Kirin there.
Yume, the purple-clad Mazoku, opened her blue eyes and stretched. Her lover, Xellos Metallium, was hovering by the den opening. His head was outside of the cave on Wolf-Pack Island, he was apparently very happy about something.
"What's going on?" she asked, levitating herself off the ground.
"It's our favorite pastime." Xellos said, turning his head to look at his lover. "Guess..."
"Umm...tilting purple cows?"
"No."
"Pestering the townspeople by changing everything purple?"
"No..."
"What? Tell me!" Yume said impatiently.
Xellos fully opened his eyes, a rare event, and stared at Yume. A big smile spread over his face. "...War..."
Chang Wufei, Quatre's Captain of the Guard, stormed into the throne room and, like so many times before, refused to bow down in the presence of his King. "Lord Quatre, Queen Relena has called in her Red Mages, Dorothy and Treize. It's gotten very quiet all of a sudden."
Quatre, who had been pacing for the past few hours stopped. "Red Mages? As in two?"
"I'm the only Red Mage you have, Lord Quatre." Said Trowa.
Zero was standing by the window. She happened to look outside when Wufei had entered. Now she was gawking and just a little terrified. "Quatre, my Dear...I think you could come take a look at this."
Quatre took his beloved's side and paled as he watched horrible and unspeakable monsters emerge before a red portal. "Oh, my...I don't think Trowa can fight them all off. What am I going to do?"
Heero Yuy dropped down to his side and forced Duo to do the same. "Shut up!"
Duo had stopped mumbling about how his side was hurting and how he'd love for a beer hostess to rub his back and his other body areas to soothe his sores. He looked at Heero as his face was bombarded with weeds. "What now?"
"Quiet." Heero snapped. "They're watching us."
"Who?"
Heero felt like shoving his fist into Duo's face. "The-" A silver blade cut off Heero's words. "...Elves."
Shin Barton found herself standing on the top level of the castle. She was the only Blue Mage in all the land and it was her duty as one of Quatre's advisor's to protect him and his Castle. She raised her arms to the afternoon sky, a soft blue glow emitting from her body. Her breath was calm and even, every once in awhile, the blue Crystal shard that hung around her neck flashed. She spread her arms like an arc, her hands glowing blue, she began the spell.
"From high above the sky I see, send forth your power down to me. Make a shield with power and light- make it strong with a pure hearts might. Guardians of Sky and Guardians of Life- protect this Castle Day and Night."
Shin dropped her arms to her sides, the blue Crystal shooting a ray of light towards the Heavens. Streaks of white rays came from the and sky spread like threads of spider's web, making a web-like dome around the castle, allowing nothing to enter, but those who outrank her. Blue streaks then littered the sky and completed the shield- the one and only defense against Relena's magic forces.
Shin dropped to her knees. In one week, if her brother, Trowa, didn't enforce the shield with a Summoned Monster of Defensive properties, she'd die from lack of energy and strain on her body and mind. That was the price she paid for being a Blue Mage. Her defensive powers were one of a kind and incredibly strong. She'd have to stay there, alone, just to make sure the shield wouldn't falter.
Yume and Xellos Metallium appeared just beyond the blue dome of a shield. Xellos turned to Yume who was playfully poking at the shield, sending a clash of blue and purple sparks before her eyes. She looked at Xellos. "That tickles."
"They're really going all out this time." said Xellos. "I didn't know Quatre had it in him. I'm in the mood to be entertained. Shall we?"
Yume and Xellos passed through the blue shield without so much of a hassle. They calmly strode up to the castle gate and disappeared in a flash of purple.
Kirin, the Elf Princess, brought her razor sharp nails down Heero Yuy's chest. She leaned close enough to him that her pointed ears brushed his cheek. Blood seeped from the wounds and stained the front of her white tunic.
"What are you doing in my forest?" Kirin demanded again.
"Hn."
Infuriated, Kirin dug her nail's into Heero's neck. "Tell me, you bastard!"
"Leave him alone!" Duo yelled.
Kirin spun around gracefully and was inches away from ripping Duo's entire face off. Instead, her hand, which was decorated in a ceremonial war design, stopped at his mouth. "Silence!"
Duo opened his mouth to speak again, but found that he couldn't. He shut his eyes, making it seem like he was screaming at the top of his lungs. He breathed hard and knew that Kirin wasn't an Elf to be reckoned with.
"Hn." Kirin replied, looking disgustedly at Duo. "Non-magic user. He's useless."
Kirin turned around again and eyed Heero very carefully. Finally, "Execute them. They're trespassing on our territory. We can't afford to just let anyone into our forest."
Duo began struggling. His scythe was haphazardly thrown a few feet away from him. He back-flipped and knocked out a large Elf who was holding him down. He pivoted on his right leg and with his foot, brought the handle of his scythe up to his hand. He jumped forward and poised the curved blade at Kirin's throat.
Duo mouthed a demand, making Kirin laugh. She turned, not even caring that a sliver of blood ran down her neck. "I'm an Elf. A Princess to be exact. I'm a Hunter and a Silver Mage. I don't heed to your requests. Especially to those of a Human."
Duo's cobalt blue eyes narrowed. He brought the scythe closer to her neck. He beckoned to Heero.
Kirin eyed the other Elves. Their gold eyes locked with hers and they slowly backed away. Duo looked at all of them. There was a dangerous gleam in their eyes. What were they doing? Why were they staring at him like that?
Heero gave a loud sigh. "You idiot."
Kirin smiled, knowing that Heero knew what spell she was doing. He wasn't at all that he seemed. She laughed inside her head. "...Freeze..."
Relena Peacecraft thumped her fist onto the arm of her chair. She leaned forward- wanting to say something, but couldn't think of the right words.
Dorothy Catalonia was gazing outside the window, seeing a faint dome of blue. She turned to her Queen. "Queen Relena, allow me to dispatch our enemies quickly. I could summon a monster and send the entire castle crashing down."
Fully irritated, Relena stood and walked up to Dorothy and grabbed a fistful of pale blonde hair. She pulled Dorothy close. "For the last time, Dorothy...I'm going to explain one last time why I can't do that. Inside Quatre's Castle is a Crystal called Earth. That Earth Crystal is the source of Life in this World. Within it, it holds six other Elements. The reason why the Elves are helping Quatre is because of that particular Crystal. As you know, we are surrounded by forests and mountains. The Elves chose Quatre as the Human Guardian of their Crystal and the Elves, in return would protect the Castle. If I use brute force, the Crystal will react and summon the other Elementals. Do you know what they are, Dorothy?"
Dorothy winced, her queer double-eye brows arched in a pained manner. "Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, Dark...and Light."
"Good." Relena jerked her hand a little more, making tears come to Dorothy's eyes. "So if I fairly defeat Quatre in this war of mine the Earth Crystal will look for another Guardian, a stronger Guardian that would keep it safe and give me what I've always wanted most."
"And if the Crystal shatters?"
Since Relena didn't have any magic, she didn't know what would of happened. She remembered a long ago lesson in which Pagan had taught her. She didn't pay attention, but she remembered bits and pieces of it. "If the Earth Crystal shatters...there will be an imbalance of powers. The Crystal will shatter into its separate Elemental Crystals and...they'll go to their respective Elements. I don't know all the details but, I know if the Crystal shatters and if we have to look for them I'll be very upset." She suddenly remembered a vital part. "And just a little known fact, if the Earth Crystal is destroyed...the whole world would die with it."
Relena finally released her grip from Dorothy's hair and walked back to her throne. She stamped her foot in frustration. "Call in my brother, Milliardo."
Zero had the feeling she was being watched. She was in her room because Quatre had refused her from going outside to battle. After a long debate that she was as strong as some of the soldier they had, Quatre had promptly locked her inside. She wasn't some naive, defenseless woman! She was his wife! She could make grown men cry! She swore at her husband but was also a little grateful for his concern for her. She paced the room. "Damn him!"
Yume silently appeared behind Zero. "That can be arranged."
Zero jumped and a Gold-Shield snapped up around her. "What the Hell are you doing in here?"
"It's not like you're naked." Yume replied calmly.
"Still! This is my private chamber!"
"Nothing is 'private' to a Mazoku, Dear..."
Zero huffed and sat on her bed. "If you want to talk to Quatre, he's in the throne room."
Yume waved her hand nonchalantly. "If I wanted to talk to Quatre I wouldn't have come here first." Noticing how there was battle-fire in Zero's bright green eyes, she leaned closer to the Queen. "Say...Zero...?"
"What?"
"Did Quatre happen to say he'd declare war...? It would be logical since you look like you want to fight someone..."
Not noticing the sudden sweetness in Yume's voice, Zero replied, "Yes and no."
Yume's blue eyes sparkled. "Why 'no'?"
Zero laid on her bed, flailing her arms above her head. "Well, the Elves are already fighting so why does Quatre have to lose sleep over it? He told me we were, but he hasn't declared it yet. Besides, all he's done was make Shin create a Blue-Shield around the damn castle."
"Oh. I see. So the Elves are at war with Relena, but since the Elves protect the Crystal and the Crystal is under protection of Quatre, he involuntarily declared war through the Elves?"
"If you want to get technical. Yes." Zero replied.
Yume laughed maniacally. This was perfect! Before Zero could ask what was so funny, Yume was gone. Zero sighed heavily.
The door to her chamber suddenly opened. A footman poked his head through the massive door. "Queen Zero are you all right?"
Zero slowly sat up on her elbows. "NOW? You come in NOW and ask if I'm ok? I could've been dead by now!"
"I-I'm sorry, Queen Zero..." The footman slowly closed the door.
Zero sat up and crossed her arms. She looked around the room. Something purple caught her eyes. To her left was a supposed wall, but now in its place was a purple portal that lead outside the perimeter and out of the Blue-Shield. "Hmmm...."
Heero Yuy stared blankly at the frozen, braided young man whom was once named Duo. The idiot had tried to shield himself from the inevitable freeze spell that Kirin had wove around him but- like so many times before- thought he would be spared. He couldn't even take out a charm- which he always bragged that it protected him from any type of magic, to aide him.
Kirin dusted off her hands and looked expectantly at Heero. He was bloody, yet remained neutral. "Don't you want to escape?"
"I'll escape when I see the chance." Heero replied.
"And your friend?" Kirin asked, waving a hand at Duo's frozen form.
"It's not my fault he's like that."
Kirin laughed, the sound echoing through the trees. "You are so thoughtful when it comes to your friends."
"Hn."
Kirin turned and gazed through the cluster of trees and saw the Blue-Shield covering the Winner Castle. She turned and looked towards the Peacecraft Castle. With her usually sharp sight, she could see a Red portal in front of the castle, Treize Kushrenada, Relena's Captain of the Guard was at the head. He was conjuring up the monsters who were slowly emerging from the portal, each giving off an ear-shattering cry of a challenge.
Kirin shook her head and turned to her entourage. "Trowa is the only Red Mage in the Castle. Dorothy and Treize have a one up on us. Zero wears the Gold, but I don't know if she knows any Summoning Spells. I know a few that are strong but not enough to go against pure Red Mages. But I'm over here on the front lines. What to I do?"
"We'll keep up the front lines, Princess. You go to the castle and protect it." Said an Elf. "I'm sure Pan can lead us. He's fought many battles with you."
"True." Said Kirin softly. "I leave the battle in your hands. I'll go back to the Castle."
"And the prisoners?"
Kirin looked at Heero. "Before you're executed, tell me what you're doing here."
"I don't know. I was hoping to sell my services."
"You're a mercenary..." Kirin said slowly.
"Why does everyone make it sound like a disease? But, yes, I am." Heero replied.
Kirin looked Heero over. Then she looked at Duo. "And him?"
"I don't know what he is." Heero admitted. "He just came with me."
"Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into?"
"No."
"We, the Elves, are protecting the Earth Crystal. You do know what that is, at the very least?"
"Yeah."
"Well, before hand it was a toss up between Relena or Quatre. We were seriously going to decide on Relena but when she wanted to rid our forest of our sister Clan, the Wolves, we immediately went to Quatre. When we made this decision, Relena became upset and she waged war on Quatre- thus waging war on us as well. We're defending Quatre's Castle and the Crystal. If Relena gets her hands on the Earth Crystal, the Fate of the World would rest in her hands..." Kirin looked at the Elves who looked back at her. Their faces were grim and serious. "She'd become the Queen of the World."
Quatre stood out on the balcony, overlooking the outer courtyard. Soldiers and Elves who were injured in the previous attack were being attended by specialized White Mage Elves.
Trowa came behind Quatre. "We need to start an offensive. Relena's forces are gathering and if we wait too long, the Shield would falter allowing them to come inside."
Quatre turned his attention to Trowa. "How's Shin? Is she doing ok?"
"She's holding up. She only has a week."
Quatre nodded. His mind was on the Earth Crystal, the Elves, and his people. If he used the Crystal, it would drain him and the Elves in order for him to create a natural barrier that would separate his castle from Relena's. It would give his soldiers and Kirin's Elves time to rest. Relena was a persistent woman. She'd fight to the death for what she couldn't have.
Quatre saw a dark figure appear from the corner of his eye. He automatically turned, but wasn't surprised it was Xellos.
"May I be of some assistance?" Xellos asked, hiding his hands behind his back.
Quatre glanced at Trowa. Xellos, a notorious Mazoku, was known for causing trouble at inappropriate times and for doing cruel and sadistic jokes. Not to mention he and his lover, Yume, lived for tormenting Humans...just because it was more fun that way. He gave a sideways glance to Trowa and shook his head firmly. "Um, I don't mean to be rude, Xellos, but we have enough problems to worry about. We have enough people who are aiding our cause."
"And what cause is that?"
Without thinking, Quatre waved to the window. "We're in the middle of a war-"
"WAR? Great! When do I get to play? OH, um...I mean...help?"
Quatre silently kicked himself and looked worriedly at Trowa. "I think we're all filled up with help."
Xellos turned to Trowa who was the only other person in the room besides Quatre. "Oh, I SEE. You have one Red Mage and you think you can take over the world-"
"No! That's not it!" Quatre protested.
"So, you mean to say that Trowa is going to fight a one-man war?"
"N-no! I didn't declare war!" Quatre squeaked.
"Not that you know of." came a voice.
The males in the room turned to the floating purple-clad Mazoku above them. A big smile was on her face and her eyes were closed. She seemed to have a secret.
"My dear, Yu-Chan, could you elaborate on that?" asked Xellos.
Yume landed next to Xellos and opened her blue eyes. "I just spoke to Zero." She grinned wildly at Quatre's paled expression. "She just told me about the Elves and how they're the ones fighting the war. Well, it seems that whoever they chose as their Guardian- KING QUATRE, it seems that he is responsible for the Elves' actions. So, to make a long conversation extremely short, Quatre involuntarily declared war on Relena through the Elves."
Quatre faltered and leaned on his throne. "Oh, no...what have I done?"
"You, Quatre..." Said Yume. "Are the first King in the History of the World to involuntarily declare war on an opposing Castle! You're learning to be a true Human! You've just used the Elves as a smokescreen!"
Quatre paled as white as sheets. Trowa was at his side, trying to hold him up and trying to fan his face.
Yume's blue eyes sparkled. "Oh. Quatre, by the way...I've got some more news."
"...Yeah...?"
"Your Queen Zero is loose."
Quatre's eyes bulged from its sockets. "WHAT?"
Dorothy Catalonia stood on the highest point of the Peacecraft Castle. Inches from her was Treize Kushrenada. A Crystal that hung from both of their necks glowed red. The portal that just stood beyond the castle walls flashed red, causing the earth to tremble.
"Imagine, Dorothy, all this for a simple Crystal."
Dorothy rubbed her head where Relena had pulled her hair. "It's not just any Crystal, Treize. It's a Crystal that will give Queen Relena absolute power."
Treize nodded elegantly and raised a gloved hand. "There's a saying that when 'Absolute power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.'"
Dorothy nodded her head. She raised her hands. "It's time, Treize. It's time for our offensive."
The Fairy Clan was in much more danger than the Elves. They were all six-inch tall fairies who lived in the trees, water, and literally underground. They were small and the number one leading death was being crushed by something bigger than itself. They lived side by side with the Elves and whoever the Elves fought, they fought, too.
Ayako, the Fairy Princess, was watching the Winner Castle. She knew for a fact that Quatre only had Trowa- the only Red Mage and Zero, the only Gold Mage in his Castle. They had no real offensive except for summoned monsters from Trowa and magic attacks from Zero. Being a rare Red Mage in her Clan, she could help Quatre. In fact, she liked Quatre more than Relena. Relena was useless. She wore no Crystals and had no Element.
Ayako fluttered her pale-blue fluorescent wings and flew towards Winner Castle.
Kirin stood just outside the castle walls, gazing at the blue dome. She glanced at Heero who stared back at her. After much consideration, Kirin had decided that it would be a great help to have Heero. She waved off Heero's execution and brought him with her to Winner Castle. With Duo Maxwell, of course.
Duo was wrapped in several blankets, his body shivering, and his teeth shattering.
Distracted, Kirin eyed Duo. "It's not that cold."
Duo scowled at her. "You try being frozen for an hour or so, then, when you thaw-out, you tell me if you're freezing your butt off!"
Kirin shrugged and waved her hand over the shield, allowing room to pass. Though Shin was the only Blue Mage, anyone with who was higher in ranking could easily bypass her shield. More so those who wore the Gold, Silver, Purple, or the dreaded Black.
Duo suddenly grabbed Heero's arm. "Hey, why is she being so nice all of a sudden? She was gonna execute us awhile ago!"
Heero stared at Duo's hand. "You're touching me."
Duo let go of his arm. "Did you charm her into letting us go?"
Heero narrowed his cold blue eyes at the braided young man. "Hn."
Duo smirked. As always, taking the all-purpose answer that came from Heero, he misinterpreted it all wrong. "Heero, you knucklehead! She's an Elf! You may have charmed her into letting us go! But you'll never be able to have her!"
Heero's glare intensified. "What part of 'Hn' didn't you understand?"
"Uh..."
Kirin called to them, realizing they were still outside of the dome. "Come on! You have to meet the King!"
Dark clouds formed around Peacecraft Castle. Crimson lightning pounded against the earth. The monster were all awaiting for the signal to attack.
Dorothy Catalonia turned to Treize. She smiled, her double-pointed eyebrows arching in a demonic manner. "Let's begin shall we?"
Treize nodded and gave a long, low whistle. The monsters that he conjured up stood and waited for the command. "Attack the Winner Castle."
Chang Wufei entered the throne room, flanked by Kirin and the two travelers.
Quatre, relieved to see the Elf Princess okay, hugged her. "I've brought your people inside. They're resting."
"I thank you Lord Quatre. I've brought company with me."
Quatre turned to the two unknown travelers. "Welcome! Are you tired? Hungry?"
Kirin beckoned to Heero. "This is Heero Yuy. He's a mercenary for hire. We could use his help."
Quatre outstretched his hand but was met with a blank gaze. He continued smiling and turned to the other traveler. "And him?"
"Duo Maxwell." Kirin replied, unsure of what to say about him.
"Is he cold?" Quatre asked, seeing how badly Duo was still trembling.
"I froze him." Kirin replied.
"How much are you going to pay me if I help you?" Heero asked, breaking an awkward silence.
Quatre bit his lower lip. "Pay...um..."
"He'll be under my supervision, my Lord. He'll work for his money." Kirin assured him.
"I can afford at least seventy-five."
"Hundred?" Duo quipped.
"Thousand." Heero said monotonously.
"...Both." said Quatre.
"Hundred-thousand?" Kirin asked, her gold eyes widened in shock.
"Is it too small?" Quatre asked, panicked.
"That'll be fine." Heero choked. He resumed his composure to then say, "Mission: Accepted."
Yume and Xellos made their appearance known. They smiled and gazed upon the group.
"We decided to let you know-" Xellos started.
"Before we enjoyed the show-" Said Yume.
"That a horde of monsters are coming-"
"They're hungry for blood and running-"
"To destroy this castle and to capture the Crystal so you better get going!" Yume and Xellos finished.
Kirin shook her head; Chang swore softly; Quatre blinked; Heero crossed his arms; and only Duo was laughing.
"That's hilarious!" Duo exclaimed. "Do another one!"
"It's a warning, Maxwell!" Kirin shouted. "We're in danger-"
BOOM
Anyone who wasn't floating in the air fell to the floor. Yume and Xellos disappeared in a flash of purple.
"Oh-no, oh-no, oh-no, oh-no..." Quatre cried. "Trowa was right!"
At that moment, the trusted advisor of King Quatre entered the throne room with his sister in his arms. "I saw them coming from the window. It's the monsters from Peacecraft Castle! Shin tried to get up to enforce the shield, but when they attacked, she collapsed."
"Kirin, we have to do something!" Said Quatre.
Kirin got to her feet. "Quatre, look after Shin. Trowa and I will counter-attack."
"What about us?" Duo exclaimed. "I want to fight, too!"
Kirin stared at Heero as she spoke. "You don't have magic."
As if waiting for Heero to challenge her assumption, she stared back at him. He suddenly turned his back on her.
Kirin, scoffed and turned to Trowa. "Let's go, Trowa."
Trowa and Kirin left the throne room. Quatre and Duo aided Shin while Heero contemplated his first offensive.
Physical or Magic?
Yume's blue eyes widened as she stepped closer towards the large, green Earth Crystal. Large was a wrong word for it. Massive suit it perfectly. It floated in the center of the room, a single ray of light shining down on it; instead of a green color reflection, it showed colors that ranged from every color of a Mage ranking.
"Wow!" said Yume. "I never knew a Crystal could be this big!"
Xellos shrugged, uninterested. "I've seen bigger."
Yume leaned her face against the large block of jagged green Crystal. Inside was an explosion of Fire, a whirlpool of Water, a tornado of Wind, a flash of Lightning, an ominous Darkness, a single ray of pure white Light, and-of course, the all consuming Earth. Each Element that was captured inside the Crystal were yearning to be set free. Earth was so close to its base Element that it overpowered the others.
Xellos poked the Crystal with a gloved finger. The Earth Crystal shook gently. "Looks stable."
"Xellos! Do you know what would happen if that Crystal shatters?"
"No..." he replied innocently.
"Absolute chaos and destruction!" Yume replied. "In a bad, bad, BAD way!"
"Ooh..." Xellos smirked.
BOOM
Yume laughed. "That's the second one. I wonder what's happening?"
Xellos looked around. "Probably-"
CRASH
The stone wall erupted beside them. A large hairy beast emerged amidst the rubble. It snarled angrily.
"...That." Xellos finished. He eyed the monster with one open eye. "Shall we?"
Yume was already in the air. "Flare...Arrow!"
An arrow made of fire appeared in Yume's hands. She threw the arrow like a javelin and twitched her index finger. All at once, hundred of arrows began to split off each other, hitting the highly flammable hairy beast.
The smell of rotten eggs began to fill the room. Xellos levitated himself and nonchalantly waved his hands towards the beast, sending it flying out of the hole it created.
"Wow, Xellos! You're so great! But...why?"
Xellos turned to his beloved and smiled. "Sore wa-"
"Himitsu desu." Yume finished. She looked around. "Better not let Quatre worry. I'll just-" She suddenly crashed into the ground, dust settling over her immobilized form.
Xellos was at her side in an instant. "What happened?"
"Whether you're an Elf, Fairy, or Mazoku...there is always a weakness." said a deep, elegant voice.
Xellos' happy-go-lucky mood turned dark. "And who are you?"
A man on a white horse trotted into the room. "All you need to know is Milliardo."
Xellos laughed. "I'm scared, now. What are you going to do to me?"
Milliardo unsheathed his sword. "I'll kill you if I have to. I just want the Earth Crystal."
"Hmm...no."
Milliardo became upset. He raised his sword. "Flame Saber!"
The blade turned a bright red and burst into flames. His horse ran forward but suddenly stopped.
Xellos arched an eyebrow. "Now, you don't seriously think you can hurt me, do you?"
The white horseman waved his sword around. "If you'd fight like a man, maybe I'd have a chance!"
"Sure." Xellos waved his hand, turning the white horse into a purple cow.
"Noin!" Milliardo screamed. "How dare you!"
The purple cow, still listening to Milliardo's commands, ran towards Xellos. "MOO!"
"Go my faithful Noin! Go and fight for your honor!"
Xellos was having fun being chased by a purple cow. He floated just out of reach, taunting the poor horse/cow.
Yume watched as Xellos sent lightning bolts at the cow's hooves. Milliardo was beside himself, angered that his horse was being tormented by a laughing Mazoku.
If Milliardo wanted Xellos to fight like a man, then what about her? She wasn't a man-nor Human, for that matter, so she wasn't included in that statement.
Yume waved her little finger in the air and smiled wickedly. "You are my puppet, to control and demand. You are my puppet you fool-hardy man. You'll come to your senses, when the magic thread breaks, for now I'll control every move you make."
Invisible to the non-magic user eye, white strings appeared, wrapping itself around Milliardo. Yume cocked her hands as if she really were a puppeteer. She set her hands before her and began her little game. "Xellos! Look at this!"
Xellos ignored the cow to see his beloved induce movements into the horrified Milliardo Peacecraft.
"What have you done to me?" Milliardo cried.
"Oh, it's just a Manipulation Spell. No big deal!" Yume replied.
Milliardo did large, inhuman jumps around the room. He bounced up and down like a grasshopper and at one point- was forced to croak like a frog. Milliardo took off into the sky. The poor White Knight of the Peacecraft Castle was terrified of heights- though told no one, including his horse...Noin.
The horse/cow, upset that its master was being used as a play toy, charged an unsuspecting laughing Mazoku. Being persistent, Noin used all her might to falter the purple prankster; it 'moo-ed' loudly and in one giant thrust of its head, pushed Xellos against the floor.
Milliardo suddenly fell to the floor. Yume blinked. Everything became intensely quiet. The cow's eyes widened then backed away, forgetting to maul an decapitated Xellos.
Xellos rubbed his back and turned to what he was leaning on. His eyes opened and his jaw dropped. "...Oops...?"
"You fool!" Milliardo screamed.
Yume felt an intense pain run through her body. She fell to her knees. "...Xellos......?"
"Yu...me..." Xellos strained to say.
Milliardo's eyes closed as if her were lulled to sleep. The cow looked to her Human counterpart. Why were they so bent out of shape that the green Crystal was tipped over on its side? It's not like it was broken-
crack crack crack crack crack crack crack
A fire burst from the Crystal, followed by a wave of water; a strong wind almost stole the breaths of the unconscious Mages; the earth began to tremble, cracks formed in the wall; darkness rolled out of the Crystal, followed by a bright yellow flash of lightning; at last was a single solitary light that grew in brightness then dimmed. The Elements lifted into the sky and shot out in every direction.
Noin felt something bad was going to happen. She suddenly fell onto her side, unconscious.
**
The silence spread across the land. No wind stirred; no animal moved. The Earth was at a standstill. Those gifted with magic were lucky. If not for their Crystals, their minds would have shattered and they would have become mindless zombies.
With the Crystal shattered and the Elements set free, would the Earth and its Crystal ever return to normal?
**
**
The silver arrow flew into the air and struck its target through the thigh. An anguished scream followed, sending several foot soldiers running forward to meet their enemies. Another arrow flew into the air- entering the neck of an unsuspecting soldier, leaving him no time to react.
Nimble feet and noiseless movements brought the Elf Army closer to the front lines of Peacecraft Castle.
One more victory for the Elves.
**
Queen Relena Peacecraft paced her large throne room, cursing her incompetent advisors. They said this plan would work! They said they weren't going to lose this time! And what happens? That Elf Princess, Kirin, had to use her knowledge of the forest to push back her front battle lines. Now her soldiers were cowering inside the Peacecraft Castle. Damn her.
Quatre Winner stared grimly at the battle he had just witnessed through his throne window. He had asked for the Elves' help to defend his castle from Queen Relena's relentless attacks, he hadn't anticipated the bloodshed. He asked his advisors, the brother and sister duo, Trowa and Shin Barton, and his wife, Zero, to join him in the throne room.
"We're in a war, Quatre-dear. You can't simply give up after you've retaliated." Said Queen Zero, who was sitting upon her throne. She eyed her husband warily.
Quatre shook his head. His blue eyes begging for some understanding. "I only asked them to defend the Castle! I didn't want them to retaliate!"
"They're Elves, what do you expect?" Zero asked.
"They're suppose to be peaceful!" Quatre replied, trying to defend some honor in the Elves.
Shin interjected. "They agreed to help us because we abide by the rules of the forest. On the other hand, Relena upset the balance by trying to kill off the Elves' sister Clan, the Wolves. They retaliated because to them, it's personal."
"And the Mazoku's?" Quatre asked, changing the subject.
"They sent us a note. It says, 'Himitsu.'" Said Trowa, holding up a purple piece of paper.
"Great..." Quatre sighed. He turned to Zero. "Zero..."
"Yes, my Lord Quatre?" Zero said, with a seductive tone.
This was a big decision he had to make. Go to war or stand-by while Relena and the 'supposed' peaceful Elves fought over the land? He weighed his decision carefully before he looked into his wife's eyes. He spoke to her and only her, she being his only witness to his declaration. If Trowa or Shin heard it, they'd go berserk. "...We're going to war..."
Heero Yuy stood high atop a mountain clearing, his head slightly tipped back. His cold blue eyes had focused on something far beyond the horizon of trees. He sniffed the air with his acute senses, he smelled...blood. Magic. War. He turned to his bumbling traveling companion, Duo Maxwell. "Duo...guess what?"
Duo stumbled along the smooth, dirt terrain. He directed himself towards Heero, but fell short, stripping over his ridiculously long scythe. "A village with women and food?"
"No." Heero said, half-annoyed. "War."
"Oh." Duo said, picking himself off the floor. "Well, that sounds SO much better than getting laid and eating!"
"We'll get paid. You can guarantee that." Heero replied. "If we sell our services and we perform our duties, we can get paid and you could do whatever you want."
"Goody. Direct me to the bloodshed! Shinigami is back from Hell!" Duo jumped over a rock and raised his scythe.
Heero reached over and punched Duo across the face. "You idiot! There are Elves guarding the border! This is their forest! If we come in uninvited, they'll think we're enemies!"
Duo rubbed his face. "Sorry...jeez, why do you have to hit so hard?"
"Let's go." came the monotone reply.
Kirin, the Elf Princess, turned to the strange voice she heard.
"...HELL!"
She narrowed her gold eyes in the direction of the voice. She stood up amongst the terrain and scattered Elves around her. She turned to one Elf. "Pan, stay here at the line. I'm going to investigate. You four!" She pointed to four whom stood up, unaware of what was going on. "Come with me! Pan, do what you deem necessary."
"Yes, Princess."
Kirin and her entourage disappeared in a twinkle of silver.
Pan, Kirin's second in command gripped his bow. He looked over at the other Elves who now looked at him for guidance. He cleared his throat and yelled, "Archers! Aim! On my command- fire." It was going to be very tense without Kirin there.
Yume, the purple-clad Mazoku, opened her blue eyes and stretched. Her lover, Xellos Metallium, was hovering by the den opening. His head was outside of the cave on Wolf-Pack Island, he was apparently very happy about something.
"What's going on?" she asked, levitating herself off the ground.
"It's our favorite pastime." Xellos said, turning his head to look at his lover. "Guess..."
"Umm...tilting purple cows?"
"No."
"Pestering the townspeople by changing everything purple?"
"No..."
"What? Tell me!" Yume said impatiently.
Xellos fully opened his eyes, a rare event, and stared at Yume. A big smile spread over his face. "...War..."
Chang Wufei, Quatre's Captain of the Guard, stormed into the throne room and, like so many times before, refused to bow down in the presence of his King. "Lord Quatre, Queen Relena has called in her Red Mages, Dorothy and Treize. It's gotten very quiet all of a sudden."
Quatre, who had been pacing for the past few hours stopped. "Red Mages? As in two?"
"I'm the only Red Mage you have, Lord Quatre." Said Trowa.
Zero was standing by the window. She happened to look outside when Wufei had entered. Now she was gawking and just a little terrified. "Quatre, my Dear...I think you could come take a look at this."
Quatre took his beloved's side and paled as he watched horrible and unspeakable monsters emerge before a red portal. "Oh, my...I don't think Trowa can fight them all off. What am I going to do?"
Heero Yuy dropped down to his side and forced Duo to do the same. "Shut up!"
Duo had stopped mumbling about how his side was hurting and how he'd love for a beer hostess to rub his back and his other body areas to soothe his sores. He looked at Heero as his face was bombarded with weeds. "What now?"
"Quiet." Heero snapped. "They're watching us."
"Who?"
Heero felt like shoving his fist into Duo's face. "The-" A silver blade cut off Heero's words. "...Elves."
Shin Barton found herself standing on the top level of the castle. She was the only Blue Mage in all the land and it was her duty as one of Quatre's advisor's to protect him and his Castle. She raised her arms to the afternoon sky, a soft blue glow emitting from her body. Her breath was calm and even, every once in awhile, the blue Crystal shard that hung around her neck flashed. She spread her arms like an arc, her hands glowing blue, she began the spell.
"From high above the sky I see, send forth your power down to me. Make a shield with power and light- make it strong with a pure hearts might. Guardians of Sky and Guardians of Life- protect this Castle Day and Night."
Shin dropped her arms to her sides, the blue Crystal shooting a ray of light towards the Heavens. Streaks of white rays came from the and sky spread like threads of spider's web, making a web-like dome around the castle, allowing nothing to enter, but those who outrank her. Blue streaks then littered the sky and completed the shield- the one and only defense against Relena's magic forces.
Shin dropped to her knees. In one week, if her brother, Trowa, didn't enforce the shield with a Summoned Monster of Defensive properties, she'd die from lack of energy and strain on her body and mind. That was the price she paid for being a Blue Mage. Her defensive powers were one of a kind and incredibly strong. She'd have to stay there, alone, just to make sure the shield wouldn't falter.
Yume and Xellos Metallium appeared just beyond the blue dome of a shield. Xellos turned to Yume who was playfully poking at the shield, sending a clash of blue and purple sparks before her eyes. She looked at Xellos. "That tickles."
"They're really going all out this time." said Xellos. "I didn't know Quatre had it in him. I'm in the mood to be entertained. Shall we?"
Yume and Xellos passed through the blue shield without so much of a hassle. They calmly strode up to the castle gate and disappeared in a flash of purple.
Kirin, the Elf Princess, brought her razor sharp nails down Heero Yuy's chest. She leaned close enough to him that her pointed ears brushed his cheek. Blood seeped from the wounds and stained the front of her white tunic.
"What are you doing in my forest?" Kirin demanded again.
"Hn."
Infuriated, Kirin dug her nail's into Heero's neck. "Tell me, you bastard!"
"Leave him alone!" Duo yelled.
Kirin spun around gracefully and was inches away from ripping Duo's entire face off. Instead, her hand, which was decorated in a ceremonial war design, stopped at his mouth. "Silence!"
Duo opened his mouth to speak again, but found that he couldn't. He shut his eyes, making it seem like he was screaming at the top of his lungs. He breathed hard and knew that Kirin wasn't an Elf to be reckoned with.
"Hn." Kirin replied, looking disgustedly at Duo. "Non-magic user. He's useless."
Kirin turned around again and eyed Heero very carefully. Finally, "Execute them. They're trespassing on our territory. We can't afford to just let anyone into our forest."
Duo began struggling. His scythe was haphazardly thrown a few feet away from him. He back-flipped and knocked out a large Elf who was holding him down. He pivoted on his right leg and with his foot, brought the handle of his scythe up to his hand. He jumped forward and poised the curved blade at Kirin's throat.
Duo mouthed a demand, making Kirin laugh. She turned, not even caring that a sliver of blood ran down her neck. "I'm an Elf. A Princess to be exact. I'm a Hunter and a Silver Mage. I don't heed to your requests. Especially to those of a Human."
Duo's cobalt blue eyes narrowed. He brought the scythe closer to her neck. He beckoned to Heero.
Kirin eyed the other Elves. Their gold eyes locked with hers and they slowly backed away. Duo looked at all of them. There was a dangerous gleam in their eyes. What were they doing? Why were they staring at him like that?
Heero gave a loud sigh. "You idiot."
Kirin smiled, knowing that Heero knew what spell she was doing. He wasn't at all that he seemed. She laughed inside her head. "...Freeze..."
Relena Peacecraft thumped her fist onto the arm of her chair. She leaned forward- wanting to say something, but couldn't think of the right words.
Dorothy Catalonia was gazing outside the window, seeing a faint dome of blue. She turned to her Queen. "Queen Relena, allow me to dispatch our enemies quickly. I could summon a monster and send the entire castle crashing down."
Fully irritated, Relena stood and walked up to Dorothy and grabbed a fistful of pale blonde hair. She pulled Dorothy close. "For the last time, Dorothy...I'm going to explain one last time why I can't do that. Inside Quatre's Castle is a Crystal called Earth. That Earth Crystal is the source of Life in this World. Within it, it holds six other Elements. The reason why the Elves are helping Quatre is because of that particular Crystal. As you know, we are surrounded by forests and mountains. The Elves chose Quatre as the Human Guardian of their Crystal and the Elves, in return would protect the Castle. If I use brute force, the Crystal will react and summon the other Elementals. Do you know what they are, Dorothy?"
Dorothy winced, her queer double-eye brows arched in a pained manner. "Fire, Water, Wind, Lightning, Dark...and Light."
"Good." Relena jerked her hand a little more, making tears come to Dorothy's eyes. "So if I fairly defeat Quatre in this war of mine the Earth Crystal will look for another Guardian, a stronger Guardian that would keep it safe and give me what I've always wanted most."
"And if the Crystal shatters?"
Since Relena didn't have any magic, she didn't know what would of happened. She remembered a long ago lesson in which Pagan had taught her. She didn't pay attention, but she remembered bits and pieces of it. "If the Earth Crystal shatters...there will be an imbalance of powers. The Crystal will shatter into its separate Elemental Crystals and...they'll go to their respective Elements. I don't know all the details but, I know if the Crystal shatters and if we have to look for them I'll be very upset." She suddenly remembered a vital part. "And just a little known fact, if the Earth Crystal is destroyed...the whole world would die with it."
Relena finally released her grip from Dorothy's hair and walked back to her throne. She stamped her foot in frustration. "Call in my brother, Milliardo."
Zero had the feeling she was being watched. She was in her room because Quatre had refused her from going outside to battle. After a long debate that she was as strong as some of the soldier they had, Quatre had promptly locked her inside. She wasn't some naive, defenseless woman! She was his wife! She could make grown men cry! She swore at her husband but was also a little grateful for his concern for her. She paced the room. "Damn him!"
Yume silently appeared behind Zero. "That can be arranged."
Zero jumped and a Gold-Shield snapped up around her. "What the Hell are you doing in here?"
"It's not like you're naked." Yume replied calmly.
"Still! This is my private chamber!"
"Nothing is 'private' to a Mazoku, Dear..."
Zero huffed and sat on her bed. "If you want to talk to Quatre, he's in the throne room."
Yume waved her hand nonchalantly. "If I wanted to talk to Quatre I wouldn't have come here first." Noticing how there was battle-fire in Zero's bright green eyes, she leaned closer to the Queen. "Say...Zero...?"
"What?"
"Did Quatre happen to say he'd declare war...? It would be logical since you look like you want to fight someone..."
Not noticing the sudden sweetness in Yume's voice, Zero replied, "Yes and no."
Yume's blue eyes sparkled. "Why 'no'?"
Zero laid on her bed, flailing her arms above her head. "Well, the Elves are already fighting so why does Quatre have to lose sleep over it? He told me we were, but he hasn't declared it yet. Besides, all he's done was make Shin create a Blue-Shield around the damn castle."
"Oh. I see. So the Elves are at war with Relena, but since the Elves protect the Crystal and the Crystal is under protection of Quatre, he involuntarily declared war through the Elves?"
"If you want to get technical. Yes." Zero replied.
Yume laughed maniacally. This was perfect! Before Zero could ask what was so funny, Yume was gone. Zero sighed heavily.
The door to her chamber suddenly opened. A footman poked his head through the massive door. "Queen Zero are you all right?"
Zero slowly sat up on her elbows. "NOW? You come in NOW and ask if I'm ok? I could've been dead by now!"
"I-I'm sorry, Queen Zero..." The footman slowly closed the door.
Zero sat up and crossed her arms. She looked around the room. Something purple caught her eyes. To her left was a supposed wall, but now in its place was a purple portal that lead outside the perimeter and out of the Blue-Shield. "Hmmm...."
Heero Yuy stared blankly at the frozen, braided young man whom was once named Duo. The idiot had tried to shield himself from the inevitable freeze spell that Kirin had wove around him but- like so many times before- thought he would be spared. He couldn't even take out a charm- which he always bragged that it protected him from any type of magic, to aide him.
Kirin dusted off her hands and looked expectantly at Heero. He was bloody, yet remained neutral. "Don't you want to escape?"
"I'll escape when I see the chance." Heero replied.
"And your friend?" Kirin asked, waving a hand at Duo's frozen form.
"It's not my fault he's like that."
Kirin laughed, the sound echoing through the trees. "You are so thoughtful when it comes to your friends."
"Hn."
Kirin turned and gazed through the cluster of trees and saw the Blue-Shield covering the Winner Castle. She turned and looked towards the Peacecraft Castle. With her usually sharp sight, she could see a Red portal in front of the castle, Treize Kushrenada, Relena's Captain of the Guard was at the head. He was conjuring up the monsters who were slowly emerging from the portal, each giving off an ear-shattering cry of a challenge.
Kirin shook her head and turned to her entourage. "Trowa is the only Red Mage in the Castle. Dorothy and Treize have a one up on us. Zero wears the Gold, but I don't know if she knows any Summoning Spells. I know a few that are strong but not enough to go against pure Red Mages. But I'm over here on the front lines. What to I do?"
"We'll keep up the front lines, Princess. You go to the castle and protect it." Said an Elf. "I'm sure Pan can lead us. He's fought many battles with you."
"True." Said Kirin softly. "I leave the battle in your hands. I'll go back to the Castle."
"And the prisoners?"
Kirin looked at Heero. "Before you're executed, tell me what you're doing here."
"I don't know. I was hoping to sell my services."
"You're a mercenary..." Kirin said slowly.
"Why does everyone make it sound like a disease? But, yes, I am." Heero replied.
Kirin looked Heero over. Then she looked at Duo. "And him?"
"I don't know what he is." Heero admitted. "He just came with me."
"Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into?"
"No."
"We, the Elves, are protecting the Earth Crystal. You do know what that is, at the very least?"
"Yeah."
"Well, before hand it was a toss up between Relena or Quatre. We were seriously going to decide on Relena but when she wanted to rid our forest of our sister Clan, the Wolves, we immediately went to Quatre. When we made this decision, Relena became upset and she waged war on Quatre- thus waging war on us as well. We're defending Quatre's Castle and the Crystal. If Relena gets her hands on the Earth Crystal, the Fate of the World would rest in her hands..." Kirin looked at the Elves who looked back at her. Their faces were grim and serious. "She'd become the Queen of the World."
Quatre stood out on the balcony, overlooking the outer courtyard. Soldiers and Elves who were injured in the previous attack were being attended by specialized White Mage Elves.
Trowa came behind Quatre. "We need to start an offensive. Relena's forces are gathering and if we wait too long, the Shield would falter allowing them to come inside."
Quatre turned his attention to Trowa. "How's Shin? Is she doing ok?"
"She's holding up. She only has a week."
Quatre nodded. His mind was on the Earth Crystal, the Elves, and his people. If he used the Crystal, it would drain him and the Elves in order for him to create a natural barrier that would separate his castle from Relena's. It would give his soldiers and Kirin's Elves time to rest. Relena was a persistent woman. She'd fight to the death for what she couldn't have.
Quatre saw a dark figure appear from the corner of his eye. He automatically turned, but wasn't surprised it was Xellos.
"May I be of some assistance?" Xellos asked, hiding his hands behind his back.
Quatre glanced at Trowa. Xellos, a notorious Mazoku, was known for causing trouble at inappropriate times and for doing cruel and sadistic jokes. Not to mention he and his lover, Yume, lived for tormenting Humans...just because it was more fun that way. He gave a sideways glance to Trowa and shook his head firmly. "Um, I don't mean to be rude, Xellos, but we have enough problems to worry about. We have enough people who are aiding our cause."
"And what cause is that?"
Without thinking, Quatre waved to the window. "We're in the middle of a war-"
"WAR? Great! When do I get to play? OH, um...I mean...help?"
Quatre silently kicked himself and looked worriedly at Trowa. "I think we're all filled up with help."
Xellos turned to Trowa who was the only other person in the room besides Quatre. "Oh, I SEE. You have one Red Mage and you think you can take over the world-"
"No! That's not it!" Quatre protested.
"So, you mean to say that Trowa is going to fight a one-man war?"
"N-no! I didn't declare war!" Quatre squeaked.
"Not that you know of." came a voice.
The males in the room turned to the floating purple-clad Mazoku above them. A big smile was on her face and her eyes were closed. She seemed to have a secret.
"My dear, Yu-Chan, could you elaborate on that?" asked Xellos.
Yume landed next to Xellos and opened her blue eyes. "I just spoke to Zero." She grinned wildly at Quatre's paled expression. "She just told me about the Elves and how they're the ones fighting the war. Well, it seems that whoever they chose as their Guardian- KING QUATRE, it seems that he is responsible for the Elves' actions. So, to make a long conversation extremely short, Quatre involuntarily declared war on Relena through the Elves."
Quatre faltered and leaned on his throne. "Oh, no...what have I done?"
"You, Quatre..." Said Yume. "Are the first King in the History of the World to involuntarily declare war on an opposing Castle! You're learning to be a true Human! You've just used the Elves as a smokescreen!"
Quatre paled as white as sheets. Trowa was at his side, trying to hold him up and trying to fan his face.
Yume's blue eyes sparkled. "Oh. Quatre, by the way...I've got some more news."
"...Yeah...?"
"Your Queen Zero is loose."
Quatre's eyes bulged from its sockets. "WHAT?"
Dorothy Catalonia stood on the highest point of the Peacecraft Castle. Inches from her was Treize Kushrenada. A Crystal that hung from both of their necks glowed red. The portal that just stood beyond the castle walls flashed red, causing the earth to tremble.
"Imagine, Dorothy, all this for a simple Crystal."
Dorothy rubbed her head where Relena had pulled her hair. "It's not just any Crystal, Treize. It's a Crystal that will give Queen Relena absolute power."
Treize nodded elegantly and raised a gloved hand. "There's a saying that when 'Absolute power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.'"
Dorothy nodded her head. She raised her hands. "It's time, Treize. It's time for our offensive."
The Fairy Clan was in much more danger than the Elves. They were all six-inch tall fairies who lived in the trees, water, and literally underground. They were small and the number one leading death was being crushed by something bigger than itself. They lived side by side with the Elves and whoever the Elves fought, they fought, too.
Ayako, the Fairy Princess, was watching the Winner Castle. She knew for a fact that Quatre only had Trowa- the only Red Mage and Zero, the only Gold Mage in his Castle. They had no real offensive except for summoned monsters from Trowa and magic attacks from Zero. Being a rare Red Mage in her Clan, she could help Quatre. In fact, she liked Quatre more than Relena. Relena was useless. She wore no Crystals and had no Element.
Ayako fluttered her pale-blue fluorescent wings and flew towards Winner Castle.
Kirin stood just outside the castle walls, gazing at the blue dome. She glanced at Heero who stared back at her. After much consideration, Kirin had decided that it would be a great help to have Heero. She waved off Heero's execution and brought him with her to Winner Castle. With Duo Maxwell, of course.
Duo was wrapped in several blankets, his body shivering, and his teeth shattering.
Distracted, Kirin eyed Duo. "It's not that cold."
Duo scowled at her. "You try being frozen for an hour or so, then, when you thaw-out, you tell me if you're freezing your butt off!"
Kirin shrugged and waved her hand over the shield, allowing room to pass. Though Shin was the only Blue Mage, anyone with who was higher in ranking could easily bypass her shield. More so those who wore the Gold, Silver, Purple, or the dreaded Black.
Duo suddenly grabbed Heero's arm. "Hey, why is she being so nice all of a sudden? She was gonna execute us awhile ago!"
Heero stared at Duo's hand. "You're touching me."
Duo let go of his arm. "Did you charm her into letting us go?"
Heero narrowed his cold blue eyes at the braided young man. "Hn."
Duo smirked. As always, taking the all-purpose answer that came from Heero, he misinterpreted it all wrong. "Heero, you knucklehead! She's an Elf! You may have charmed her into letting us go! But you'll never be able to have her!"
Heero's glare intensified. "What part of 'Hn' didn't you understand?"
"Uh..."
Kirin called to them, realizing they were still outside of the dome. "Come on! You have to meet the King!"
Dark clouds formed around Peacecraft Castle. Crimson lightning pounded against the earth. The monster were all awaiting for the signal to attack.
Dorothy Catalonia turned to Treize. She smiled, her double-pointed eyebrows arching in a demonic manner. "Let's begin shall we?"
Treize nodded and gave a long, low whistle. The monsters that he conjured up stood and waited for the command. "Attack the Winner Castle."
Chang Wufei entered the throne room, flanked by Kirin and the two travelers.
Quatre, relieved to see the Elf Princess okay, hugged her. "I've brought your people inside. They're resting."
"I thank you Lord Quatre. I've brought company with me."
Quatre turned to the two unknown travelers. "Welcome! Are you tired? Hungry?"
Kirin beckoned to Heero. "This is Heero Yuy. He's a mercenary for hire. We could use his help."
Quatre outstretched his hand but was met with a blank gaze. He continued smiling and turned to the other traveler. "And him?"
"Duo Maxwell." Kirin replied, unsure of what to say about him.
"Is he cold?" Quatre asked, seeing how badly Duo was still trembling.
"I froze him." Kirin replied.
"How much are you going to pay me if I help you?" Heero asked, breaking an awkward silence.
Quatre bit his lower lip. "Pay...um..."
"He'll be under my supervision, my Lord. He'll work for his money." Kirin assured him.
"I can afford at least seventy-five."
"Hundred?" Duo quipped.
"Thousand." Heero said monotonously.
"...Both." said Quatre.
"Hundred-thousand?" Kirin asked, her gold eyes widened in shock.
"Is it too small?" Quatre asked, panicked.
"That'll be fine." Heero choked. He resumed his composure to then say, "Mission: Accepted."
Yume and Xellos made their appearance known. They smiled and gazed upon the group.
"We decided to let you know-" Xellos started.
"Before we enjoyed the show-" Said Yume.
"That a horde of monsters are coming-"
"They're hungry for blood and running-"
"To destroy this castle and to capture the Crystal so you better get going!" Yume and Xellos finished.
Kirin shook her head; Chang swore softly; Quatre blinked; Heero crossed his arms; and only Duo was laughing.
"That's hilarious!" Duo exclaimed. "Do another one!"
"It's a warning, Maxwell!" Kirin shouted. "We're in danger-"
BOOM
Anyone who wasn't floating in the air fell to the floor. Yume and Xellos disappeared in a flash of purple.
"Oh-no, oh-no, oh-no, oh-no..." Quatre cried. "Trowa was right!"
At that moment, the trusted advisor of King Quatre entered the throne room with his sister in his arms. "I saw them coming from the window. It's the monsters from Peacecraft Castle! Shin tried to get up to enforce the shield, but when they attacked, she collapsed."
"Kirin, we have to do something!" Said Quatre.
Kirin got to her feet. "Quatre, look after Shin. Trowa and I will counter-attack."
"What about us?" Duo exclaimed. "I want to fight, too!"
Kirin stared at Heero as she spoke. "You don't have magic."
As if waiting for Heero to challenge her assumption, she stared back at him. He suddenly turned his back on her.
Kirin, scoffed and turned to Trowa. "Let's go, Trowa."
Trowa and Kirin left the throne room. Quatre and Duo aided Shin while Heero contemplated his first offensive.
Physical or Magic?
Yume's blue eyes widened as she stepped closer towards the large, green Earth Crystal. Large was a wrong word for it. Massive suit it perfectly. It floated in the center of the room, a single ray of light shining down on it; instead of a green color reflection, it showed colors that ranged from every color of a Mage ranking.
"Wow!" said Yume. "I never knew a Crystal could be this big!"
Xellos shrugged, uninterested. "I've seen bigger."
Yume leaned her face against the large block of jagged green Crystal. Inside was an explosion of Fire, a whirlpool of Water, a tornado of Wind, a flash of Lightning, an ominous Darkness, a single ray of pure white Light, and-of course, the all consuming Earth. Each Element that was captured inside the Crystal were yearning to be set free. Earth was so close to its base Element that it overpowered the others.
Xellos poked the Crystal with a gloved finger. The Earth Crystal shook gently. "Looks stable."
"Xellos! Do you know what would happen if that Crystal shatters?"
"No..." he replied innocently.
"Absolute chaos and destruction!" Yume replied. "In a bad, bad, BAD way!"
"Ooh..." Xellos smirked.
BOOM
Yume laughed. "That's the second one. I wonder what's happening?"
Xellos looked around. "Probably-"
CRASH
The stone wall erupted beside them. A large hairy beast emerged amidst the rubble. It snarled angrily.
"...That." Xellos finished. He eyed the monster with one open eye. "Shall we?"
Yume was already in the air. "Flare...Arrow!"
An arrow made of fire appeared in Yume's hands. She threw the arrow like a javelin and twitched her index finger. All at once, hundred of arrows began to split off each other, hitting the highly flammable hairy beast.
The smell of rotten eggs began to fill the room. Xellos levitated himself and nonchalantly waved his hands towards the beast, sending it flying out of the hole it created.
"Wow, Xellos! You're so great! But...why?"
Xellos turned to his beloved and smiled. "Sore wa-"
"Himitsu desu." Yume finished. She looked around. "Better not let Quatre worry. I'll just-" She suddenly crashed into the ground, dust settling over her immobilized form.
Xellos was at her side in an instant. "What happened?"
"Whether you're an Elf, Fairy, or Mazoku...there is always a weakness." said a deep, elegant voice.
Xellos' happy-go-lucky mood turned dark. "And who are you?"
A man on a white horse trotted into the room. "All you need to know is Milliardo."
Xellos laughed. "I'm scared, now. What are you going to do to me?"
Milliardo unsheathed his sword. "I'll kill you if I have to. I just want the Earth Crystal."
"Hmm...no."
Milliardo became upset. He raised his sword. "Flame Saber!"
The blade turned a bright red and burst into flames. His horse ran forward but suddenly stopped.
Xellos arched an eyebrow. "Now, you don't seriously think you can hurt me, do you?"
The white horseman waved his sword around. "If you'd fight like a man, maybe I'd have a chance!"
"Sure." Xellos waved his hand, turning the white horse into a purple cow.
"Noin!" Milliardo screamed. "How dare you!"
The purple cow, still listening to Milliardo's commands, ran towards Xellos. "MOO!"
"Go my faithful Noin! Go and fight for your honor!"
Xellos was having fun being chased by a purple cow. He floated just out of reach, taunting the poor horse/cow.
Yume watched as Xellos sent lightning bolts at the cow's hooves. Milliardo was beside himself, angered that his horse was being tormented by a laughing Mazoku.
If Milliardo wanted Xellos to fight like a man, then what about her? She wasn't a man-nor Human, for that matter, so she wasn't included in that statement.
Yume waved her little finger in the air and smiled wickedly. "You are my puppet, to control and demand. You are my puppet you fool-hardy man. You'll come to your senses, when the magic thread breaks, for now I'll control every move you make."
Invisible to the non-magic user eye, white strings appeared, wrapping itself around Milliardo. Yume cocked her hands as if she really were a puppeteer. She set her hands before her and began her little game. "Xellos! Look at this!"
Xellos ignored the cow to see his beloved induce movements into the horrified Milliardo Peacecraft.
"What have you done to me?" Milliardo cried.
"Oh, it's just a Manipulation Spell. No big deal!" Yume replied.
Milliardo did large, inhuman jumps around the room. He bounced up and down like a grasshopper and at one point- was forced to croak like a frog. Milliardo took off into the sky. The poor White Knight of the Peacecraft Castle was terrified of heights- though told no one, including his horse...Noin.
The horse/cow, upset that its master was being used as a play toy, charged an unsuspecting laughing Mazoku. Being persistent, Noin used all her might to falter the purple prankster; it 'moo-ed' loudly and in one giant thrust of its head, pushed Xellos against the floor.
Milliardo suddenly fell to the floor. Yume blinked. Everything became intensely quiet. The cow's eyes widened then backed away, forgetting to maul an decapitated Xellos.
Xellos rubbed his back and turned to what he was leaning on. His eyes opened and his jaw dropped. "...Oops...?"
"You fool!" Milliardo screamed.
Yume felt an intense pain run through her body. She fell to her knees. "...Xellos......?"
"Yu...me..." Xellos strained to say.
Milliardo's eyes closed as if her were lulled to sleep. The cow looked to her Human counterpart. Why were they so bent out of shape that the green Crystal was tipped over on its side? It's not like it was broken-
crack crack crack crack crack crack crack
A fire burst from the Crystal, followed by a wave of water; a strong wind almost stole the breaths of the unconscious Mages; the earth began to tremble, cracks formed in the wall; darkness rolled out of the Crystal, followed by a bright yellow flash of lightning; at last was a single solitary light that grew in brightness then dimmed. The Elements lifted into the sky and shot out in every direction.
Noin felt something bad was going to happen. She suddenly fell onto her side, unconscious.
**
The silence spread across the land. No wind stirred; no animal moved. The Earth was at a standstill. Those gifted with magic were lucky. If not for their Crystals, their minds would have shattered and they would have become mindless zombies.
With the Crystal shattered and the Elements set free, would the Earth and its Crystal ever return to normal?
**