DC: I own none of the Characters from Gundam Wing. All other Characters are made especially by me for me and my friends.
Chang Wufei's body was slumped over the Winner Throne. His attacker as shivering like no tomorrow, but from his whole ordeal, he came out victorious.
Milliardo Peacecraft clutched the green Earth Crystal to his chest like an infant. He wasn't going to lose track of that Crystal.
His life depended on it. He covered himself in numerous blankets and left the Winner Castle. He was going to show his sister a little present...
Shin rubbed her cold arms, trying to put warmth into them. Ayako was trying to Summon a fire monster that would be able to start a blaze, due to the fact that hours ago, something with incredible force and power had decimated everything leaving nothing but dust. Even as she tried to Summon a monster, she was also trying to warm herself. The temperature was dropping drastically, due to them being so close to the sea.
"Trowa, can you help Ayako?" Shin asked. "We're all going to freeze to death soon..."
Trowa looked at his sister then at the half-froze, six-inch fairy, Ayako. "Ayako, you rest. I'll summon a monster."
Dup watched in awe as Trowa stood as far from everyone as possible and began a summoning incantation. "Flame that defends against the bitter cold, unleash you anger with a tightened hold. Warm the spirits with your power, keep us safe for all hours. I Summon thee, beast of fire- Ifrit."
A monster appeared from out of a ring of magic. A red shield came around the group, warming their limbs. They pure red beast jumped into the center of the camp ground and burst into flames.
Duo smiled at everyone, content that his body was gaining warmth. "Anyone got any marshmallows?"
"Damn it, Heero! I said HARDER!" Kirin screamed.
"This is as far as it goes, Kirin." Heero replied, a sweat breaking on his forehead.
"You're not trying hard enough!"
"Do you want to do it?" Heero growled.
"I'm on the one lying down, I can't!"
"Then quit complaining." He snapped.
"Heero...hurry up! I can't take much more of this!"
"Do you want me to do it or what?"
"YES!" Kirin cried.
Heero used his sword, trying to release Kirin from the left over trap which was left by Quatre and Zero.
Kirin had been on point and hadn't really anticipated the ceiling falling on her. Heero pulled her back, but not fast enough to keep her leg from getting caught. Now Heero was trying to slice into the rock.
Kirin was too distracted with the crushing weight on her foot to even think of using an Earth spell. Her ankle was now badly broken and if she cold get to Quatre, the only White Mage in the current vicinity, the damage wouldn't be so serious.
Heero began to panic just a little when Kirin became eerily quiet. He looked at her through locks of his brown hair. "You're all right, aren't you?"
Kirin was biting her lip hard enough to make it bleed. She merely nodded her head.
Sighing in frustration, Heero stood and ordered Kirin to shield herself.
"What are you going to do?" she asked warily.
"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to."
A Silver shield came around Kirin and she looked at Heero. "I'm ready."
Heero put his palm on the collapsed ceiling. He barely whispered the word, "Shatter," when the entire side of the mountain created a hole, worthy of Heero Yuy.
Kirin remained on the floor, safely guarded. Maybe she didn't have to provoke Heero into using his Black magic. Being a 'damsel in distress' worked, too. But she was an Elf. Elves were powerful, respected, stubborn, and temperamental. Being a 'damsel' would dishonor her family.
Heero leaned beside her and gingerly touched her ankle. She winced automatically, feeling the faint remains of dark and deadly energy on Heero's hands.
"I can fix it." Heero replied. "It's a little unconventional to what White Mages do, but it'll help."
"You're being nice all of a sudden." Kirin joked, slightly remembering Duo's comment about her.
"What good can you do if you're injured? If you can handle it, I'll set the bone for you."
A test of endurance. Kirin looked at her ankle. She turned back to Heero. "Do it."
Kirin bit her lip again as Heero's firm, but soft hands wrapped around her mangled ankle. He cautiously eyed Kirin and closely watched her rhythmic breathing.
"I'll snap it back once you exhale..." He warned.
Kirin began to take deep breaths. As she exhaled, she saw something spark in Heero's eyes just as his hands jerked in two different directions.
Kirin tasted blood in her mouth. She had bitten her lip hard enough to make it bleed. Silent, pained tears came to her eyes.
Heero ripped off a piece of his forest green shirt and wrapped her ankle into place. "It'll hold until we catch up to Quatre."
Kirin nodded, trying, unsuccessfully, to get up.
"You'll injure yourself more if you try to get up on your own." Heero warned. "I'll carry you."
"I refuse such an action. I'm an Elf. I have high tolerance of pain." Kirin explained to him.
Heero gave her a neutral look then proceeded to lift her up into his arms.
"Heero Yuy, put me down!" Kirin shrieked.
"If you keep struggling, I'll drop you."
"You dropped me once before!" she reminded him.
"That was after you insulted me." he replied calmly. "Now, put your arms around me so I can get a better grip."
"Are you calling me fat?" Kirin demanded.
"I didn't even mention it in the slightest."
Kirin unwillingly obeyed, feeling Heero's hand brush her thigh. She wasn't going to say anything until Heero's hand brushed the side of her breast. "HEY!"
"How would you like me to hold you?"
"I'd rather not be molested by a Black-Crystal wearing Human." Kirin snapped.
"You either walk on your foot, over my shoulder, or in my arms."
Kirin sighed. Heero was a little taller than she had ever suspected. "You haven't complained, officially, how heavy I am."
"That's because you're not heavy. I could carry you all the way to the top if I wanted to." He answered.
"Aww, I'm touched by your sensitive manner."
"Hn."
"And the Heero Yuy I've grown accustomed to has returned." Kirin said sarcastically.
Heero stared at Kirin for a moment then promptly kissed her. He pulled away and almost laughed as the silence ensued. "Finally got you to be speechless for once, Kirin..."
Zero landed on her side, inches away from the cliff's edge. She looked on as Quatre was trying his best to defend himself against Windy. Zero stood and turned to Yume and Xellos who floated just a few feet above them.
"You could help, you know!" Zero yelled.
"What good would that do?" asked Xellos.
"It's much more fun watching." Yume added.
Growling, Zero swung her chain whip over her head, aiming to wrap it around Windy, long enough for her to Summon a monster stronger than Wind. The chain met with an invisible shield. Air blades shot out from Windy's back, flying fast and furious to its intended target.
Zero was in utter shock, forgetting she was unguarded. Quatre, painfully aware that his wife was going to be killed, swung his staff high, hitting Windy squarely on the forehead.
This time, Windy didn't falter. She turned her attention to Quatre, baring her pearly white fangs.
Quatre smiled innocently and began to step away. "I-I'm s-sorry..."
Being hit on the head, for the second time, altered the air blade's course, making it hit the ground. Zero's eyes widened as the edge of where she stood began to crack. "Quatre!!"
Windy's naked form was on Quatre, trying to decapitate his head. From any other point of view, it would seem that Windy was taking advantage of the King, much to Zero's chagrin. There was only one woman to take advantage of Quatre and it was her and her alone!
Forgetting her current situation, Zero leapt from her position and jumped on Windy, making both forms roll to the center of the mountain plateau.
"How dare you try to seduce MY husband! I'm the only one who could do that!"
Windy looked up at Xellos who floated just within range. *Seduce? Husband? What's that?*
Xellos shook his head. "Human-mating ritual. Quatre is the husband."
"Would you shut-up, Xellos? Quit being a prick and help us out!" Zero shouted, banging Windy's head on a rock.
"Sorry, Zero. Us Mazoku's are loyal to Elementals."
"ZERO!!"
Zero stopped long enough to see Kirin and Heero. She thought it a little strange seeing Kirin wrapped around Heero. "What happened to you?"
Heero put Kirin onto the ground. She limped towards Zero. "That's not important- why are you on Windy?"
"Is that its name?"
Kirin nodded. "Yes, that's HER name. Windy!"
The Elemental pushed off Zero and flew into Kirin's arms, relieved to see the Elf. The blade sheathed itself as she began to talk wildly at her.
"Wait- I thought you said they'd take powerful forms to try and kill us? It looks like she likes you!" said Zero.
"I remember you said that, too." said Quatre.
"That's right. THEY. I meant the other ones. Windy is the only nice Elemental. Besides, doesn't she look a little familiar?"
Zero examined Windy. She and Kirin were the same height, same length hair, and pointed ears. Except for the fact that Windy was pale blue and white, they looked identical.
"She's naked." Quatre pointed out.
Kirin's did a double-take and gazed at Windy. "WINDY!"
*Playing strip 'Go-Fish' with Xellos and Yume.*
"Yume! Xellos!" Kirin shouted.
A pile of white clothes dropped from the sky. Kirin looked up to find no trace of the Mazoku duo. "Damn it!"
"Do you think Wufei has the Crystal?" Quatre asked.
"Judging by how long it took for us to get up here, he should be back by now." replied Kirin.
*Do I really have to go back?* Windy asked sadly.
"The world is dying because of your insubordination." Heero said quietly.
Windy jumped behind Kirin. *Human heard me! How?*
Heero gave Kirin a look. Kirin knew that if she mentioned the color Black, she'd have a very long fall to the bottom.
*Is he a Mage? He wears Crystals? He wears the Black?* Windy asked.
Heero growled audibly. Kirin laughed. "She said it, I didn't."
"Said what? She talks?" Zero asked.
"Yes. She understands our language but...Humans can't understand her. It's the same with other Elementals."
"That explains why she got upset." said Quatre.
"Fairies, Elves, and Mazoku's are the only Clans who can communicate with Elementals. And those who wear Black."
Kirin managed to get away from Heero's reach. She smiled sweetly then put a hand on Windy's shoulder.
"No one in this land wears Black!" Zero exclaimed. "If someone does wear the Black, I hope they're on our side."
"With that much power, it'd be dangerous. Anyone who wears the Black will be feared throughout the land!" Quatre added.
Windy had left Kirin to put her clothes back on. She neared Heero, sniffed him, then began to nuzzle her head against his. "..........Kirin..."
"She likes you, Heero!" Quatre said happily. "That's rare! Elementals usually don't like Humans!"
Kirin got a little jealous. "Windy."
*I like him. He's strong. But...* She sniffed him again. *He smells like you. Did you mate?*
"NO." came the reply from both Kirin and Heero.
" 'No' what?" asked Zero and Quatre.
*Then he's not claimed! He's mine!* she said happily.
"N-no..." Kirin said hesitantly. "He's not your property..."
"Is he yours?* Windy asked innocently.
Kirin stared at Heero. He wasn't any help. He stared back at her.
*If he's not yours, he's mine!* Windy hugged a submissive Heero. *I follow wherever you go until I go back to Earth.*
Heero found it hard to believe Kirin wasn't going to fight over him. He was feeling a little...sad.
Kirin reached over to Windy and pulled her away from Heero. Her voice took a slight change, something neither Heero, Quatre, or Zero could understand. It must've been in Kirin's Elf language. *He's mine, Windy. I have...claim...over him.* She took Heero's hand in hers and gave it a small squeeze in which he replied in kind.
*Mean Elf!* Windy cried. She crossed her arms and pouted.
Heero felt a layer of tension leave him. "I owe you. Again."
"Forget it." Kirin replied.
Windy turned her attention to Quatre. He was adorably cute and he didn't appear to be claimed...
"MINE!" Zero snapped, hugging Quatre.
Windy sighed fretfully. *Weird Humans.*
Relena Peacecraft stared hard at the Water Dragon, Bismuth. Its cold, blue eyes stared back at her defiantly.
"Destroy it!" Relena cried. "It must be guarding a Crystal!"
Treize and Dorothy looked at each other again. Relena stamped her foot. "Don't stand there like idiots! Do something!!"
Dorothy sighed. "I have a bad feeling about this, Mr. Treize..."
"We must please our Queen, Dorothy..."
"I know." Dorothy raised an arm and began an incantation. "Guardian of the underworld, release your powers unto this world. Filled with spite and skilled with fight- destroy this Dragon! Ultima!"
From the depths of the Summoning Crystal, there came a large, hairy beast. Its forearms were studded with spikes, its hind legs fitted with indestructible armor; its multiple heads each snapping with ferociousness.
"Impressive, Dorothy." said Treize.
"Hopefully that will do the trick." Dorothy replied.
Ultima reared on its hind legs and ran towards Bismuth. Compared to the Dragon, Ultima was barely half the size.
Relena's eyes sparkled in amazement. "Yes, destroy it!"
Bismuth raised a giant claw and sent it crashing down on the unfortunate monster. Ultima was split in half, sending blood, guts, and particles of magic, spewing in every direction. Bismuth gave a loud rebellious growl. No one was going to defeat him!
"That was my strongest monster!" Dorothy cried.
"That Dragon is much stronger than we thought."
Relena was fuming. "Treize! Dorothy!!"
Treize took a step forward and elegantly raised his hands. "From far beneath the monster's lair, I call upon a fiery air. A monster bred, evil and true, take down this monster's arrogant view. Maxima!"
A similar monster emerged, almost as big as Ultima. Bismuth laughed, gusts of freezing air blew from his nostrils. *How pathetic.* He growled. *You are not worthy...*
Taking in a large breath, it let out a jet of freezing water from its mouth and freezing Treize's most strongest monster.
"Impossible!" Treize said, mouth gaping wide.
Bismuth raised himself higher, making him tower portentously above Maxima. With a quick swipe of its tail, it smashed the frozen monster, shattering it into millions of pieces.
"NO!" Treize wailed. He turned to Dorothy. "What will we do now?"
"What will we do now?" Zero asked. "There's a huge Dragon over there fighting off every attack!"
Kirin stood still like a statue, watching as Dorothy and Treize's Summoned monsters fall like flies. She hadn't noticed the White Dragon until Windy had brought it to her attention. Windy had been calling to the large Dragon to no avail. He was too far away, but in the dark, his powerful form could be visibly seen.
"Kirin, what will we do?" Quatre asked. "We can't fight it, can't we?"
Kirin gazed at Heero who hadn't left her side. "If I ask you to use your magic, what will you do?"
"I'll have to kill you to keep my secret."
"We're still at the point of keeping secrets?" Kirin asked.
"You're the only one that knows."
"I can keep secrets, Heero. It'll take more than torture for me to reveal anything."
"What about them?" Heero asked. Zero was gawking at the White Dragon while Quatre was panicking.
"I'll handle them." Kirin replied. "If I asked you to, Heero...would you-"
"Are you calling in a favor?"
"You saw how powerful that Dragon is. I can't fight it without causing major physical damage." Kirin explained.
"You can weaken it."
Kirin suddenly thought of Wufei. She changed the subject without hesitation. "Wufei should've been here by now."
Heero crossed his arms, thinking the subject change as a sign to consider her request. "I'll raise my price."
"Fine." Kirin said quickly. "Windy!"
*Yes?* Windy appeared beside Kirin.
"Take us down to the shore of the next continent."
Windy nodded compliantly and spun circles around the group. The winds began to pick up, creating a type of cyclone around them. Kirin pulled Zero, Quatre, and Heero closer. "I suggest you all hold your breaths."
"Why-"
The air began to be sucked form their lungs. They all took in deep breaths and held. It was a slow, painful ride to the bottom. They were suspended in air for what seemed like hours, but at the rate they were going, it was only thirty seconds. They touched down at the base of Mount Tri-Star, but Kirin's direction was to go to the shore of the neighboring continent. They were airborne again, Windy giving them just enough time to take in another breath for the travel across the short span of the sea. When their feet touched the uneven ground, Windy turned into her Human form and somehow latched herself onto Heero.
Kirin was too busy to notice because she was looking for the familiar sight of the Blue-energy shield. "Windy, I hoped you brought us to the RIGHT continent. I don't want to be on Wolf Pack Island."
"Kirin!" a faint voice called.
The Elf Princess turned her attention to the blue clad advisor of Winner Castle. "Shin! Where's Wufei?"
"He never showed up!" Shin replied, exasperated. She turned and hugged Quatre. "Lord Quatre, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Shin. How's everyone?" He asked.
The group seemed to emerge from behind Shin, along with a walking fire monster. Ayako fluttered around Quatre. "We're warm and toasty! Did you get the Crystal?"
Kirin smiled. "Everyone I want you to meet- WINDY!"
Windy was in an affectionate embrace with a very submissive Heero who didn't seem to object. Kirin, her jealous hormones raging out of control, formed a Silver orb in her hands. "Fire in which my Element grows, contain the wind that constantly blows. Revert the Element to its natural form, place it in my silver orb."
Windy suddenly spun around, unable to defend herself from the contain spell. She scowled at Kirin before being sucked into the silver prison.
Kirin didn't meet Heero's eyes. She turned away from him before he regained his composure. "As you all have seen, there's a Dragon on Nova Lake. That Dragon's name is Bismuth and he's one of the Cardinal Elements. That means he's one of four of the original Elements and the strongest. In order for us to defeat him, we have to have Fervor, the Fire Elemental."
"Something tells me that this isn't going to be easy." said Shin.
"Is it ever really easy?" Kirin replied. "We have to get them both."
"But we're exhausted." said Duo. "And I'm hungry."
"We have no other choice. Besides, we have to find Wufei." Kirin said. She gazed at the travelers. "Who wants to fight Bismuth?"
Everyone gaze turned away from Kirin. She shook her head. "Fine, I'll fight Bismuth. We'll have to split into two more groups. One will find Wufei the other will go to the Orion Volcano to get Fervor."
"Are we going to meet up?" Quatre asked.
"Yes and no. Whoever is going to the Orion Volcano will go to the Dragon's Cave. As soon as I'm done with Bismuth, I'll head to the Lightning Plateau."
"Wait a second, that's only...six Elements." said Zero. "I know there's Earth but..."
"Light." said Heero.
Kirin sighed. "Combine all the Elements and you'll get Light. Let's move out. Luck is on our side for the time being."
"Relena's trying to kill the Dragon..." said a voice.
"Should we watch or join the wagon-" said a female.
"If the icy beast dies-"
"We'll have to say good-luck and good-bye-"
"To all of you guys!!"
"And here they are to make an appearance, the trouble-some duo, Yume and Xellos." Kirin said, crossing her arms. Instead of looking directly at Yume, Kirin was face to face with an inhumanely large, purple wolf with its eyes closed. "Corbin..."
The wolf huffed, blowing hot air into Kirin's face. She patted the nose, affectionately, and looked at the two Mazoku's. "What beings you two here...besides causing trouble?"
"Well, actually we're here to-" Xellos thought for a long moment. "...cause trouble like you said."
"But we're willing to do you a favor..." Yume said sweetly.
"Do I want to hear it?" Kirin asked, glumly.
"We'll help teleport you guys to your destinations!" said Xellos.
"Here it comes..." Kirin mumbled.
Yume leaned close to Kirin's ear. "Can we play with your Black Crystal-wearing Heero?"
Kirin's gold eyes widened. "How did you know he-"
"Mazoku's are everywhere, K-Chan. We know, we see, and we hear ALL that is going on."
"If I don't accept?" Kirin whispered.
Xellos came beside her, whispering in her other ear. "Then it'll be much more fin see you-of all Elves...to suffer."
Kirin shut her eyes. "Can you call in the favor after we get the Crystals?"
"Sure!" Yume and Xellos chimed loudly in her ears. "More time to play!"
Kirin sighed and glanced at Heero. She knew it was a problem when she made a deal with two Mazoku's. "I'm so sorry, Heero..."
As if knowing the reason for Kirin's distress, Heero glared at Yume and Xellos.
Yume patted Kirin's back. "Don't worry, we won't do bodily damage to him. He'll still be useful to you."
"What? I can't involve myself with anyone outside my race! It's a dishonorable act!"
"That's not what happened in the forest or in the cave! You're one horny Elf if I ever saw one!"
"Shut-up!" Kirin shrieked.
Noticing that Kirin was turning red from embarrassment, Heero made a declaration. "I'm going with you, Kirin."
"What?" Kirin managed escape Yume's world and stare blankly at Heero. "What did you say, Heero?"
"I'm going with you to fight Bismuth."
"I need you to stay with Quatre."
"You're injured. You need me."
Quatre perked up. "Injured? Kirin, you're injured?"
"No thanks to two certain Mazoku's!" Kirin growled, completely forgetting her ankle.
Quatre stood next to Kirin. "I can help! Where does it hurt?"
If it was hurting before, she didn't notice it. "My right ankle."
Quatre saw the green wrap around Kirin's bare ankle. "Did Heero do this?"
"Yes, can you heal it?"
"Well, I can tell the bones are set. I'll have to enforce it so...don't break it in the next few hours."
" 'Kay, sure."
A White light flowed from Quatre's hands. A warmth spread over Kirin's ankle. An inaudible pop was faintly heard. Kirin tested her ankle and thanked Quatre. He handed her the ripped forest-green wrap.
"Heero-" Kirin offered the wrap to him.
"Keep it. You might need it. Again."
"What does that mean?!" Kirin demanded.
"I mean no disrespect, Kirin."
"Are we on a time limit?" Ayako asked. "Should've we be leaving now?"
"My thoughts exactly." said Yume. "Ready when you are, K-Chan and Heero-Chan."
Both scowled at the purple clad Mazoku. Yume grinned. "Just remember out deal, Kirin..."
Heero Yuy and Kirin landed hard on their backs, both swearing at a certain female Mazoku. In a flash of purple, Yume Metallium was gone.
Kirin then saw a glint of white, and looked beyond the clearing of trees. "Heero, look...Bismuth."
"Bismuth..." he repeated dully.
Kirin got onto her stomach and crawled towards the clearing. Bismuth was a massive White Dragon that was almost as wide as Nova Lake. "Heero!"
Coming beside her, Heero leaned forward. Bismuth was finally in his view, almost up close and personal. "That is Bismuth?"
"Yes. But do you know who those other people are?"
Heero turned to the four persons on the side of the lake. "Haven't seen them before."
"The one in pink is Queen Relena, she doesn't wear any Crystals, but she's protected. The old man is Pagan, her Green Mage man-servant. The other two are Dorothy and Treize, they're her Red Mages."
"Is that who Quatre's fighting with?"
"Quatre hasn't told me he declared war on Relena, so- for now, its the Elves who are fighting." Kirin explained.
"Then they're my enemies, too." said Heero.
"I thought you might say that." Kirin stood amongst the bushes. "I have to get close to him to talk. He's agitated."
Thankful that Kirin was able to decipher Bismuth's mood, Heero decided to let that Queen Relena receive the bad end of an Elementals anger.
Kirin walked to the edge of the lake. Setting a firm foot on the solid mass, she began to walk steadily across, constantly aware of Bismuth's volatile temper and his growing anger.
Feeling a little left out, Heero followed after Kirin. He was at her side just as she came to a full stop at one of Bismuth's massive claws.
*The Elf Princess visits me.* Bismuth growled. He looked at Heero and seemed to smell Kirin's scent on him. *And her mate.*
"He is not my mate!" Kirin shouted. "You know protocol as well as I do! I cannot have a Human!"
*He smells of you.* Bismuth pointed out.
"It's not what you think." Heero replied.
*What is the meaning of your visit?* Bismuth demanded, the sheer power of his voice creating cracks in the ice.
"The Earth Crystal...you must return to it!"
*NEVER!* Bismuth roared. His colossal chest expanded and let out a gust of cold, harsh air.
"Please, Bismuth!" Kirin pleaded.
*I will return when I am dead!*
"Bismuth, no!" Kirin cried.
Bismuth raised a pearly white leg and sent it crashing into the frozen lake. Heero pulled Kirin by the tunic she wore and slid into the ice for some measure of safety.
Kirin was at a loss as Bismuth flared his enormous white wings and tail- a sign of defiance.
A monster, summoned by Dorothy, had taken the chance to wrap its razor sharp claws around Bismuth's neck, choking the vulnerable Water Elemental.
"What are they doing?" Kirin screamed.
"They're trying to kill it." Heero said.
Blood seeped from wound inflicted upon Bismuth. He rolled onto his side, trying to get the Griffin from his neck.
"You stupid bitch! You can't kill it! It's an Elemental!"
"I don't think they can hear you..."
"Did you hear that?" Dorothy asked Treize.
"I believe it was that pretty, Elf Princess, Kirin."
"What did she say?"
Treize turned his gaze to the small, barely visible figures in the night. "I believe... 'You stupid bitch! You can't kill it! It's an Elemental!'"
"WHAT? Griffin! Return!" Dorothy shouted.
Relena's angry, contorted face turned to Dorothy. "Dorothy! What are you doing? Destroy that Dragon!"
"But Queen Relena-"
"Do it, Dorothy!!!"
Dorothy gave Treize a look. "Monster of a lion's head, wings of an eagle's chest, come forth for all to see, obey my order and come back to me. Griffin."
The same Griffin that had returned to its dark home, had made another appearance, a little irritated.
"Destroy the Dragon." Dorothy ordered.
The Griffin swiped at the injured Water Dragon, inflicting four deep gashes into the white skin.
Relena nodded her head. "Serves it right. It should know not to mess with Queen Relena of the Peacecraft Castle!"
"Ahh!" Kirin screamed in frustration. "What is she doing?! If she kills the Dragon, the Earth Crystal can't be put back together and we're all going to die!"
Heero watched Kirin pace in front of him. All she had to do was ask him to 'weaken' the Dragon and get rid of the Relena person, and he'd do it for her...with a price of course.
"Heero, come on." Kirin said roughly.
"Where?"
"We're going over to Relena to literally knock some sense into her. Then we'll deal with Bismuth."
Relena Peacecraft's blue eyes sparkled with excitement. She was going to prove to everyone that she was a supreme ruler. No on was going to tell her otherwise!
"Queen Retard!"
Relena's blood began to boil. She turned on her heel and turned the Elf Princess' voice. "Kirin!"
In a shimmer of silver, Kirin appeared before Relena, her head was shaking from side to side. "You are a complete idiot."
"Damn you!" Relena cried, trying to slap Kirin who kept moving subtly away from her reach. "Why must you torture me?"
"Torture...? TORTURE?! When my people rejected you as our Guardian, you killed my friends one by one! You slowly burned out their Crystals until there was nothing left of them! You killed my mother and you say that I am torturing you? I can do worst things than torture, Relena...I'm just getting started."
Relena's eyes widened, trying to get away from the demonic look she was getting from Kirin. She fell against another body and instantly thought it was Treize. She turned and didn't know whether she wanted to scream or declare to the world that she had just found her new King.
"Help me!" Relena cried, wrapping herself around Heero's muscled chest. "She's trying to kill me!"
"So am I."
Relena backed away from the ominous looking Heero. His blue eyes held some form of darkness and insanity. His 'perfect' face seemed darker, holding a very deadly and dangerous secret.
"You're with her..."
Heero's hand gripped Relena's throat. "If you run, I'll break your legs. If you hit me, I'll break your arms. If you scream, I'll break your neck. If you don't do as I say...I'll kill you." A spell wove around Relena's head. "Sleep..."
"So...who's willing to look for Wufei?" asked Quatre.
Zero took Quatre's hand. "Quatre, if you even suggest me..." she leaned close to his ear and whispered her threat.
Quatre turned incredibly and alarmingly white and gently nodded.
"I'm glad we understand each other, Dear."
"I can talk to the Elemental!" Ayako said, flying onto Quatre's shoulder. "And I'm a Red Mage!"
Trowa, Shin, and Duo looked at each other. Shin and Duo both jumped, knocking their heads together and falling to the side, unconscious. Trowa shrugged his shoulders and took his place beside Quatre.
"Should we leave them a note?" Quatre questioned.
"Good idea." said Ayako. She formed a feathered pen and a scroll of paper in her hands and began to scribble furiously.
After a full minute, Ayako flew next to Duo and read the note out loud to everyone. "It seems you two have lucked out. Quatre, Zero, Trowa, and me-Ayako, have gone to get Fervor. You two must now look for Wufei and met at the Lightning Plateau in two days! That gives you just enough time to get off your lazy butts! Good-luck and Good-bye! Ayako." She turned and suspended herself in front of Quatre. "Sound good?"
"Good enough." Zero said quickly. "Xellos!"
A purple wolf appeared again, its eyes closed and its mouth turned in a mysterious smile. Xellos appeared, floating above the large wolf's head. "Wolf Express! Let me remind you, don't give him directions..."
"Why?" the four travelers asked in unison.
"Do you REALLY want to know?"
Zero shook her head. "We set ourselves up for this..."
Xellos patted Corbin's head. "Corbin has no sense of direction."
DC: I own none of the Characters from Gundam Wing. All other Characters are made especially by me for me and my friends.
hr
Chang Wufei's body was slumped over the Winner Throne. His attacker as shivering like no tomorrow, but from his whole ordeal, he came out victorious.
Milliardo Peacecraft clutched the green Earth Crystal to his chest like an infant. He wasn't going to lose track of that Crystal.
His life depended on it. He covered himself in numerous blankets and left the Winner Castle. He was going to show his sister a little present...
Shin rubbed her cold arms, trying to put warmth into them. Ayako was trying to Summon a fire monster that would be able to start a blaze, due to the fact that hours ago, something with incredible force and power had decimated everything leaving nothing but dust. Even as she tried to Summon a monster, she was also trying to warm herself. The temperature was dropping drastically, due to them being so close to the sea.
"Trowa, can you help Ayako?" Shin asked. "We're all going to freeze to death soon..."
Trowa looked at his sister then at the half-froze, six-inch fairy, Ayako. "Ayako, you rest. I'll summon a monster."
Dup watched in awe as Trowa stood as far from everyone as possible and began a summoning incantation. "Flame that defends against the bitter cold, unleash you anger with a tightened hold. Warm the spirits with your power, keep us safe for all hours. I Summon thee, beast of fire- Ifrit."
A monster appeared from out of a ring of magic. A red shield came around the group, warming their limbs. They pure red beast jumped into the center of the camp ground and burst into flames.
Duo smiled at everyone, content that his body was gaining warmth. "Anyone got any marshmallows?"
"Damn it, Heero! I said HARDER!" Kirin screamed.
"This is as far as it goes, Kirin." Heero replied, a sweat breaking on his forehead.
"You're not trying hard enough!"
"Do you want to do it?" Heero growled.
"I'm on the one lying down, I can't!"
"Then quit complaining." He snapped.
"Heero...hurry up! I can't take much more of this!"
"Do you want me to do it or what?"
"YES!" Kirin cried.
Heero used his sword, trying to release Kirin from the left over trap which was left by Quatre and Zero.
Kirin had been on point and hadn't really anticipated the ceiling falling on her. Heero pulled her back, but not fast enough to keep her leg from getting caught. Now Heero was trying to slice into the rock.
Kirin was too distracted with the crushing weight on her foot to even think of using an Earth spell. Her ankle was now badly broken and if she cold get to Quatre, the only White Mage in the current vicinity, the damage wouldn't be so serious.
Heero began to panic just a little when Kirin became eerily quiet. He looked at her through locks of his brown hair. "You're all right, aren't you?"
Kirin was biting her lip hard enough to make it bleed. She merely nodded her head.
Sighing in frustration, Heero stood and ordered Kirin to shield herself.
"What are you going to do?" she asked warily.
"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to."
A Silver shield came around Kirin and she looked at Heero. "I'm ready."
Heero put his palm on the collapsed ceiling. He barely whispered the word, "Shatter," when the entire side of the mountain created a hole, worthy of Heero Yuy.
Kirin remained on the floor, safely guarded. Maybe she didn't have to provoke Heero into using his Black magic. Being a 'damsel in distress' worked, too. But she was an Elf. Elves were powerful, respected, stubborn, and temperamental. Being a 'damsel' would dishonor her family.
Heero leaned beside her and gingerly touched her ankle. She winced automatically, feeling the faint remains of dark and deadly energy on Heero's hands.
"I can fix it." Heero replied. "It's a little unconventional to what White Mages do, but it'll help."
"You're being nice all of a sudden." Kirin joked, slightly remembering Duo's comment about her.
"What good can you do if you're injured? If you can handle it, I'll set the bone for you."
A test of endurance. Kirin looked at her ankle. She turned back to Heero. "Do it."
Kirin bit her lip again as Heero's firm, but soft hands wrapped around her mangled ankle. He cautiously eyed Kirin and closely watched her rhythmic breathing.
"I'll snap it back once you exhale..." He warned.
Kirin began to take deep breaths. As she exhaled, she saw something spark in Heero's eyes just as his hands jerked in two different directions.
Kirin tasted blood in her mouth. She had bitten her lip hard enough to make it bleed. Silent, pained tears came to her eyes.
Heero ripped off a piece of his forest green shirt and wrapped her ankle into place. "It'll hold until we catch up to Quatre."
Kirin nodded, trying, unsuccessfully, to get up.
"You'll injure yourself more if you try to get up on your own." Heero warned. "I'll carry you."
"I refuse such an action. I'm an Elf. I have high tolerance of pain." Kirin explained to him.
Heero gave her a neutral look then proceeded to lift her up into his arms.
"Heero Yuy, put me down!" Kirin shrieked.
"If you keep struggling, I'll drop you."
"You dropped me once before!" she reminded him.
"That was after you insulted me." he replied calmly. "Now, put your arms around me so I can get a better grip."
"Are you calling me fat?" Kirin demanded.
"I didn't even mention it in the slightest."
Kirin unwillingly obeyed, feeling Heero's hand brush her thigh. She wasn't going to say anything until Heero's hand brushed the side of her breast. "HEY!"
"How would you like me to hold you?"
"I'd rather not be molested by a Black-Crystal wearing Human." Kirin snapped.
"You either walk on your foot, over my shoulder, or in my arms."
Kirin sighed. Heero was a little taller than she had ever suspected. "You haven't complained, officially, how heavy I am."
"That's because you're not heavy. I could carry you all the way to the top if I wanted to." He answered.
"Aww, I'm touched by your sensitive manner."
"Hn."
"And the Heero Yuy I've grown accustomed to has returned." Kirin said sarcastically.
Heero stared at Kirin for a moment then promptly kissed her. He pulled away and almost laughed as the silence ensued. "Finally got you to be speechless for once, Kirin..."
Zero landed on her side, inches away from the cliff's edge. She looked on as Quatre was trying his best to defend himself against Windy. Zero stood and turned to Yume and Xellos who floated just a few feet above them.
"You could help, you know!" Zero yelled.
"What good would that do?" asked Xellos.
"It's much more fun watching." Yume added.
Growling, Zero swung her chain whip over her head, aiming to wrap it around Windy, long enough for her to Summon a monster stronger than Wind. The chain met with an invisible shield. Air blades shot out from Windy's back, flying fast and furious to its intended target.
Zero was in utter shock, forgetting she was unguarded. Quatre, painfully aware that his wife was going to be killed, swung his staff high, hitting Windy squarely on the forehead.
This time, Windy didn't falter. She turned her attention to Quatre, baring her pearly white fangs.
Quatre smiled innocently and began to step away. "I-I'm s-sorry..."
Being hit on the head, for the second time, altered the air blade's course, making it hit the ground. Zero's eyes widened as the edge of where she stood began to crack. "Quatre!!"
Windy's naked form was on Quatre, trying to decapitate his head. From any other point of view, it would seem that Windy was taking advantage of the King, much to Zero's chagrin. There was only one woman to take advantage of Quatre and it was her and her alone!
Forgetting her current situation, Zero leapt from her position and jumped on Windy, making both forms roll to the center of the mountain plateau.
"How dare you try to seduce MY husband! I'm the only one who could do that!"
Windy looked up at Xellos who floated just within range. *Seduce? Husband? What's that?*
Xellos shook his head. "Human-mating ritual. Quatre is the husband."
"Would you shut-up, Xellos? Quit being a prick and help us out!" Zero shouted, banging Windy's head on a rock.
"Sorry, Zero. Us Mazoku's are loyal to Elementals."
"ZERO!!"
Zero stopped long enough to see Kirin and Heero. She thought it a little strange seeing Kirin wrapped around Heero. "What happened to you?"
Heero put Kirin onto the ground. She limped towards Zero. "That's not important- why are you on Windy?"
"Is that its name?"
Kirin nodded. "Yes, that's HER name. Windy!"
The Elemental pushed off Zero and flew into Kirin's arms, relieved to see the Elf. The blade sheathed itself as she began to talk wildly at her.
"Wait- I thought you said they'd take powerful forms to try and kill us? It looks like she likes you!" said Zero.
"I remember you said that, too." said Quatre.
"That's right. THEY. I meant the other ones. Windy is the only nice Elemental. Besides, doesn't she look a little familiar?"
Zero examined Windy. She and Kirin were the same height, same length hair, and pointed ears. Except for the fact that Windy was pale blue and white, they looked identical.
"She's naked." Quatre pointed out.
Kirin's did a double-take and gazed at Windy. "WINDY!"
*Playing strip 'Go-Fish' with Xellos and Yume.*
"Yume! Xellos!" Kirin shouted.
A pile of white clothes dropped from the sky. Kirin looked up to find no trace of the Mazoku duo. "Damn it!"
"Do you think Wufei has the Crystal?" Quatre asked.
"Judging by how long it took for us to get up here, he should be back by now." replied Kirin.
*Do I really have to go back?* Windy asked sadly.
"The world is dying because of your insubordination." Heero said quietly.
Windy jumped behind Kirin. *Human heard me! How?*
Heero gave Kirin a look. Kirin knew that if she mentioned the color Black, she'd have a very long fall to the bottom.
*Is he a Mage? He wears Crystals? He wears the Black?* Windy asked.
Heero growled audibly. Kirin laughed. "She said it, I didn't."
"Said what? She talks?" Zero asked.
"Yes. She understands our language but...Humans can't understand her. It's the same with other Elementals."
"That explains why she got upset." said Quatre.
"Fairies, Elves, and Mazoku's are the only Clans who can communicate with Elementals. And those who wear Black."
Kirin managed to get away from Heero's reach. She smiled sweetly then put a hand on Windy's shoulder.
"No one in this land wears Black!" Zero exclaimed. "If someone does wear the Black, I hope they're on our side."
"With that much power, it'd be dangerous. Anyone who wears the Black will be feared throughout the land!" Quatre added.
Windy had left Kirin to put her clothes back on. She neared Heero, sniffed him, then began to nuzzle her head against his. "..........Kirin..."
"She likes you, Heero!" Quatre said happily. "That's rare! Elementals usually don't like Humans!"
Kirin got a little jealous. "Windy."
*I like him. He's strong. But...* She sniffed him again. *He smells like you. Did you mate?*
"NO." came the reply from both Kirin and Heero.
" 'No' what?" asked Zero and Quatre.
*Then he's not claimed! He's mine!* she said happily.
"N-no..." Kirin said hesitantly. "He's not your property..."
"Is he yours?* Windy asked innocently.
Kirin stared at Heero. He wasn't any help. He stared back at her.
*If he's not yours, he's mine!* Windy hugged a submissive Heero. *I follow wherever you go until I go back to Earth.*
Heero found it hard to believe Kirin wasn't going to fight over him. He was feeling a little...sad.
Kirin reached over to Windy and pulled her away from Heero. Her voice took a slight change, something neither Heero, Quatre, or Zero could understand. It must've been in Kirin's Elf language. *He's mine, Windy. I have...claim...over him.* She took Heero's hand in hers and gave it a small squeeze in which he replied in kind.
*Mean Elf!* Windy cried. She crossed her arms and pouted.
Heero felt a layer of tension leave him. "I owe you. Again."
"Forget it." Kirin replied.
Windy turned her attention to Quatre. He was adorably cute and he didn't appear to be claimed...
"MINE!" Zero snapped, hugging Quatre.
Windy sighed fretfully. *Weird Humans.*
Relena Peacecraft stared hard at the Water Dragon, Bismuth. Its cold, blue eyes stared back at her defiantly.
"Destroy it!" Relena cried. "It must be guarding a Crystal!"
Treize and Dorothy looked at each other again. Relena stamped her foot. "Don't stand there like idiots! Do something!!"
Dorothy sighed. "I have a bad feeling about this, Mr. Treize..."
"We must please our Queen, Dorothy..."
"I know." Dorothy raised an arm and began an incantation. "Guardian of the underworld, release your powers unto this world. Filled with spite and skilled with fight- destroy this Dragon! Ultima!"
From the depths of the Summoning Crystal, there came a large, hairy beast. Its forearms were studded with spikes, its hind legs fitted with indestructible armor; its multiple heads each snapping with ferociousness.
"Impressive, Dorothy." said Treize.
"Hopefully that will do the trick." Dorothy replied.
Ultima reared on its hind legs and ran towards Bismuth. Compared to the Dragon, Ultima was barely half the size.
Relena's eyes sparkled in amazement. "Yes, destroy it!"
Bismuth raised a giant claw and sent it crashing down on the unfortunate monster. Ultima was split in half, sending blood, guts, and particles of magic, spewing in every direction. Bismuth gave a loud rebellious growl. No one was going to defeat him!
"That was my strongest monster!" Dorothy cried.
"That Dragon is much stronger than we thought."
Relena was fuming. "Treize! Dorothy!!"
Treize took a step forward and elegantly raised his hands. "From far beneath the monster's lair, I call upon a fiery air. A monster bred, evil and true, take down this monster's arrogant view. Maxima!"
A similar monster emerged, almost as big as Ultima. Bismuth laughed, gusts of freezing air blew from his nostrils. *How pathetic.* He growled. *You are not worthy...*
Taking in a large breath, it let out a jet of freezing water from its mouth and freezing Treize's most strongest monster.
"Impossible!" Treize said, mouth gaping wide.
Bismuth raised himself higher, making him tower portentously above Maxima. With a quick swipe of its tail, it smashed the frozen monster, shattering it into millions of pieces.
"NO!" Treize wailed. He turned to Dorothy. "What will we do now?"
"What will we do now?" Zero asked. "There's a huge Dragon over there fighting off every attack!"
Kirin stood still like a statue, watching as Dorothy and Treize's Summoned monsters fall like flies. She hadn't noticed the White Dragon until Windy had brought it to her attention. Windy had been calling to the large Dragon to no avail. He was too far away, but in the dark, his powerful form could be visibly seen.
"Kirin, what will we do?" Quatre asked. "We can't fight it, can't we?"
Kirin gazed at Heero who hadn't left her side. "If I ask you to use your magic, what will you do?"
"I'll have to kill you to keep my secret."
"We're still at the point of keeping secrets?" Kirin asked.
"You're the only one that knows."
"I can keep secrets, Heero. It'll take more than torture for me to reveal anything."
"What about them?" Heero asked. Zero was gawking at the White Dragon while Quatre was panicking.
"I'll handle them." Kirin replied. "If I asked you to, Heero...would you-"
"Are you calling in a favor?"
"You saw how powerful that Dragon is. I can't fight it without causing major physical damage." Kirin explained.
"You can weaken it."
Kirin suddenly thought of Wufei. She changed the subject without hesitation. "Wufei should've been here by now."
Heero crossed his arms, thinking the subject change as a sign to consider her request. "I'll raise my price."
"Fine." Kirin said quickly. "Windy!"
*Yes?* Windy appeared beside Kirin.
"Take us down to the shore of the next continent."
Windy nodded compliantly and spun circles around the group. The winds began to pick up, creating a type of cyclone around them. Kirin pulled Zero, Quatre, and Heero closer. "I suggest you all hold your breaths."
"Why-"
The air began to be sucked form their lungs. They all took in deep breaths and held. It was a slow, painful ride to the bottom. They were suspended in air for what seemed like hours, but at the rate they were going, it was only thirty seconds. They touched down at the base of Mount Tri-Star, but Kirin's direction was to go to the shore of the neighboring continent. They were airborne again, Windy giving them just enough time to take in another breath for the travel across the short span of the sea. When their feet touched the uneven ground, Windy turned into her Human form and somehow latched herself onto Heero.
Kirin was too busy to notice because she was looking for the familiar sight of the Blue-energy shield. "Windy, I hoped you brought us to the RIGHT continent. I don't want to be on Wolf Pack Island."
"Kirin!" a faint voice called.
The Elf Princess turned her attention to the blue clad advisor of Winner Castle. "Shin! Where's Wufei?"
"He never showed up!" Shin replied, exasperated. She turned and hugged Quatre. "Lord Quatre, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Shin. How's everyone?" He asked.
The group seemed to emerge from behind Shin, along with a walking fire monster. Ayako fluttered around Quatre. "We're warm and toasty! Did you get the Crystal?"
Kirin smiled. "Everyone I want you to meet- WINDY!"
Windy was in an affectionate embrace with a very submissive Heero who didn't seem to object. Kirin, her jealous hormones raging out of control, formed a Silver orb in her hands. "Fire in which my Element grows, contain the wind that constantly blows. Revert the Element to its natural form, place it in my silver orb."
Windy suddenly spun around, unable to defend herself from the contain spell. She scowled at Kirin before being sucked into the silver prison.
Kirin didn't meet Heero's eyes. She turned away from him before he regained his composure. "As you all have seen, there's a Dragon on Nova Lake. That Dragon's name is Bismuth and he's one of the Cardinal Elements. That means he's one of four of the original Elements and the strongest. In order for us to defeat him, we have to have Fervor, the Fire Elemental."
"Something tells me that this isn't going to be easy." said Shin.
"Is it ever really easy?" Kirin replied. "We have to get them both."
"But we're exhausted." said Duo. "And I'm hungry."
"We have no other choice. Besides, we have to find Wufei." Kirin said. She gazed at the travelers. "Who wants to fight Bismuth?"
Everyone gaze turned away from Kirin. She shook her head. "Fine, I'll fight Bismuth. We'll have to split into two more groups. One will find Wufei the other will go to the Orion Volcano to get Fervor."
"Are we going to meet up?" Quatre asked.
"Yes and no. Whoever is going to the Orion Volcano will go to the Dragon's Cave. As soon as I'm done with Bismuth, I'll head to the Lightning Plateau."
"Wait a second, that's only...six Elements." said Zero. "I know there's Earth but..."
"Light." said Heero.
Kirin sighed. "Combine all the Elements and you'll get Light. Let's move out. Luck is on our side for the time being."
"Relena's trying to kill the Dragon..." said a voice.
"Should we watch or join the wagon-" said a female.
"If the icy beast dies-"
"We'll have to say good-luck and good-bye-"
"To all of you guys!!"
"And here they are to make an appearance, the trouble-some duo, Yume and Xellos." Kirin said, crossing her arms. Instead of looking directly at Yume, Kirin was face to face with an inhumanely large, purple wolf with its eyes closed. "Corbin..."
The wolf huffed, blowing hot air into Kirin's face. She patted the nose, affectionately, and looked at the two Mazoku's. "What beings you two here...besides causing trouble?"
"Well, actually we're here to-" Xellos thought for a long moment. "...cause trouble like you said."
"But we're willing to do you a favor..." Yume said sweetly.
"Do I want to hear it?" Kirin asked, glumly.
"We'll help teleport you guys to your destinations!" said Xellos.
"Here it comes..." Kirin mumbled.
Yume leaned close to Kirin's ear. "Can we play with your Black Crystal-wearing Heero?"
Kirin's gold eyes widened. "How did you know he-"
"Mazoku's are everywhere, K-Chan. We know, we see, and we hear ALL that is going on."
"If I don't accept?" Kirin whispered.
Xellos came beside her, whispering in her other ear. "Then it'll be much more fin see you-of all Elves...to suffer."
Kirin shut her eyes. "Can you call in the favor after we get the Crystals?"
"Sure!" Yume and Xellos chimed loudly in her ears. "More time to play!"
Kirin sighed and glanced at Heero. She knew it was a problem when she made a deal with two Mazoku's. "I'm so sorry, Heero..."
As if knowing the reason for Kirin's distress, Heero glared at Yume and Xellos.
Yume patted Kirin's back. "Don't worry, we won't do bodily damage to him. He'll still be useful to you."
"What? I can't involve myself with anyone outside my race! It's a dishonorable act!"
"That's not what happened in the forest or in the cave! You're one horny Elf if I ever saw one!"
"Shut-up!" Kirin shrieked.
Noticing that Kirin was turning red from embarrassment, Heero made a declaration. "I'm going with you, Kirin."
"What?" Kirin managed escape Yume's world and stare blankly at Heero. "What did you say, Heero?"
"I'm going with you to fight Bismuth."
"I need you to stay with Quatre."
"You're injured. You need me."
Quatre perked up. "Injured? Kirin, you're injured?"
"No thanks to two certain Mazoku's!" Kirin growled, completely forgetting her ankle.
Quatre stood next to Kirin. "I can help! Where does it hurt?"
If it was hurting before, she didn't notice it. "My right ankle."
Quatre saw the green wrap around Kirin's bare ankle. "Did Heero do this?"
"Yes, can you heal it?"
"Well, I can tell the bones are set. I'll have to enforce it so...don't break it in the next few hours."
" 'Kay, sure."
A White light flowed from Quatre's hands. A warmth spread over Kirin's ankle. An inaudible pop was faintly heard. Kirin tested her ankle and thanked Quatre. He handed her the ripped forest-green wrap.
"Heero-" Kirin offered the wrap to him.
"Keep it. You might need it. Again."
"What does that mean?!" Kirin demanded.
"I mean no disrespect, Kirin."
"Are we on a time limit?" Ayako asked. "Should've we be leaving now?"
"My thoughts exactly." said Yume. "Ready when you are, K-Chan and Heero-Chan."
Both scowled at the purple clad Mazoku. Yume grinned. "Just remember out deal, Kirin..."
Heero Yuy and Kirin landed hard on their backs, both swearing at a certain female Mazoku. In a flash of purple, Yume Metallium was gone.
Kirin then saw a glint of white, and looked beyond the clearing of trees. "Heero, look...Bismuth."
"Bismuth..." he repeated dully.
Kirin got onto her stomach and crawled towards the clearing. Bismuth was a massive White Dragon that was almost as wide as Nova Lake. "Heero!"
Coming beside her, Heero leaned forward. Bismuth was finally in his view, almost up close and personal. "That is Bismuth?"
"Yes. But do you know who those other people are?"
Heero turned to the four persons on the side of the lake. "Haven't seen them before."
"The one in pink is Queen Relena, she doesn't wear any Crystals, but she's protected. The old man is Pagan, her Green Mage man-servant. The other two are Dorothy and Treize, they're her Red Mages."
"Is that who Quatre's fighting with?"
"Quatre hasn't told me he declared war on Relena, so- for now, its the Elves who are fighting." Kirin explained.
"Then they're my enemies, too." said Heero.
"I thought you might say that." Kirin stood amongst the bushes. "I have to get close to him to talk. He's agitated."
Thankful that Kirin was able to decipher Bismuth's mood, Heero decided to let that Queen Relena receive the bad end of an Elementals anger.
Kirin walked to the edge of the lake. Setting a firm foot on the solid mass, she began to walk steadily across, constantly aware of Bismuth's volatile temper and his growing anger.
Feeling a little left out, Heero followed after Kirin. He was at her side just as she came to a full stop at one of Bismuth's massive claws.
*The Elf Princess visits me.* Bismuth growled. He looked at Heero and seemed to smell Kirin's scent on him. *And her mate.*
"He is not my mate!" Kirin shouted. "You know protocol as well as I do! I cannot have a Human!"
*He smells of you.* Bismuth pointed out.
"It's not what you think." Heero replied.
*What is the meaning of your visit?* Bismuth demanded, the sheer power of his voice creating cracks in the ice.
"The Earth Crystal...you must return to it!"
*NEVER!* Bismuth roared. His colossal chest expanded and let out a gust of cold, harsh air.
"Please, Bismuth!" Kirin pleaded.
*I will return when I am dead!*
"Bismuth, no!" Kirin cried.
Bismuth raised a pearly white leg and sent it crashing into the frozen lake. Heero pulled Kirin by the tunic she wore and slid into the ice for some measure of safety.
Kirin was at a loss as Bismuth flared his enormous white wings and tail- a sign of defiance.
A monster, summoned by Dorothy, had taken the chance to wrap its razor sharp claws around Bismuth's neck, choking the vulnerable Water Elemental.
"What are they doing?" Kirin screamed.
"They're trying to kill it." Heero said.
Blood seeped from wound inflicted upon Bismuth. He rolled onto his side, trying to get the Griffin from his neck.
"You stupid bitch! You can't kill it! It's an Elemental!"
"I don't think they can hear you..."
"Did you hear that?" Dorothy asked Treize.
"I believe it was that pretty, Elf Princess, Kirin."
"What did she say?"
Treize turned his gaze to the small, barely visible figures in the night. "I believe... 'You stupid bitch! You can't kill it! It's an Elemental!'"
"WHAT? Griffin! Return!" Dorothy shouted.
Relena's angry, contorted face turned to Dorothy. "Dorothy! What are you doing? Destroy that Dragon!"
"But Queen Relena-"
"Do it, Dorothy!!!"
Dorothy gave Treize a look. "Monster of a lion's head, wings of an eagle's chest, come forth for all to see, obey my order and come back to me. Griffin."
The same Griffin that had returned to its dark home, had made another appearance, a little irritated.
"Destroy the Dragon." Dorothy ordered.
The Griffin swiped at the injured Water Dragon, inflicting four deep gashes into the white skin.
Relena nodded her head. "Serves it right. It should know not to mess with Queen Relena of the Peacecraft Castle!"
"Ahh!" Kirin screamed in frustration. "What is she doing?! If she kills the Dragon, the Earth Crystal can't be put back together and we're all going to die!"
Heero watched Kirin pace in front of him. All she had to do was ask him to 'weaken' the Dragon and get rid of the Relena person, and he'd do it for her...with a price of course.
"Heero, come on." Kirin said roughly.
"Where?"
"We're going over to Relena to literally knock some sense into her. Then we'll deal with Bismuth."
Relena Peacecraft's blue eyes sparkled with excitement. She was going to prove to everyone that she was a supreme ruler. No on was going to tell her otherwise!
"Queen Retard!"
Relena's blood began to boil. She turned on her heel and turned the Elf Princess' voice. "Kirin!"
In a shimmer of silver, Kirin appeared before Relena, her head was shaking from side to side. "You are a complete idiot."
"Damn you!" Relena cried, trying to slap Kirin who kept moving subtly away from her reach. "Why must you torture me?"
"Torture...? TORTURE?! When my people rejected you as our Guardian, you killed my friends one by one! You slowly burned out their Crystals until there was nothing left of them! You killed my mother and you say that I am torturing you? I can do worst things than torture, Relena...I'm just getting started."
Relena's eyes widened, trying to get away from the demonic look she was getting from Kirin. She fell against another body and instantly thought it was Treize. She turned and didn't know whether she wanted to scream or declare to the world that she had just found her new King.
"Help me!" Relena cried, wrapping herself around Heero's muscled chest. "She's trying to kill me!"
"So am I."
Relena backed away from the ominous looking Heero. His blue eyes held some form of darkness and insanity. His 'perfect' face seemed darker, holding a very deadly and dangerous secret.
"You're with her..."
Heero's hand gripped Relena's throat. "If you run, I'll break your legs. If you hit me, I'll break your arms. If you scream, I'll break your neck. If you don't do as I say...I'll kill you." A spell wove around Relena's head. "Sleep..."
"So...who's willing to look for Wufei?" asked Quatre.
Zero took Quatre's hand. "Quatre, if you even suggest me..." she leaned close to his ear and whispered her threat.
Quatre turned incredibly and alarmingly white and gently nodded.
"I'm glad we understand each other, Dear."
"I can talk to the Elemental!" Ayako said, flying onto Quatre's shoulder. "And I'm a Red Mage!"
Trowa, Shin, and Duo looked at each other. Shin and Duo both jumped, knocking their heads together and falling to the side, unconscious. Trowa shrugged his shoulders and took his place beside Quatre.
"Should we leave them a note?" Quatre questioned.
"Good idea." said Ayako. She formed a feathered pen and a scroll of paper in her hands and began to scribble furiously.
After a full minute, Ayako flew next to Duo and read the note out loud to everyone. "It seems you two have lucked out. Quatre, Zero, Trowa, and me-Ayako, have gone to get Fervor. You two must now look for Wufei and met at the Lightning Plateau in two days! That gives you just enough time to get off your lazy butts! Good-luck and Good-bye! Ayako." She turned and suspended herself in front of Quatre. "Sound good?"
"Good enough." Zero said quickly. "Xellos!"
A purple wolf appeared again, its eyes closed and its mouth turned in a mysterious smile. Xellos appeared, floating above the large wolf's head. "Wolf Express! Let me remind you, don't give him directions..."
"Why?" the four travelers asked in unison.
"Do you REALLY want to know?"
Zero shook her head. "We set ourselves up for this..."
Xellos patted Corbin's head. "Corbin has no sense of direction."
Chang Wufei's body was slumped over the Winner Throne. His attacker as shivering like no tomorrow, but from his whole ordeal, he came out victorious.
Milliardo Peacecraft clutched the green Earth Crystal to his chest like an infant. He wasn't going to lose track of that Crystal.
His life depended on it. He covered himself in numerous blankets and left the Winner Castle. He was going to show his sister a little present...
Shin rubbed her cold arms, trying to put warmth into them. Ayako was trying to Summon a fire monster that would be able to start a blaze, due to the fact that hours ago, something with incredible force and power had decimated everything leaving nothing but dust. Even as she tried to Summon a monster, she was also trying to warm herself. The temperature was dropping drastically, due to them being so close to the sea.
"Trowa, can you help Ayako?" Shin asked. "We're all going to freeze to death soon..."
Trowa looked at his sister then at the half-froze, six-inch fairy, Ayako. "Ayako, you rest. I'll summon a monster."
Dup watched in awe as Trowa stood as far from everyone as possible and began a summoning incantation. "Flame that defends against the bitter cold, unleash you anger with a tightened hold. Warm the spirits with your power, keep us safe for all hours. I Summon thee, beast of fire- Ifrit."
A monster appeared from out of a ring of magic. A red shield came around the group, warming their limbs. They pure red beast jumped into the center of the camp ground and burst into flames.
Duo smiled at everyone, content that his body was gaining warmth. "Anyone got any marshmallows?"
"Damn it, Heero! I said HARDER!" Kirin screamed.
"This is as far as it goes, Kirin." Heero replied, a sweat breaking on his forehead.
"You're not trying hard enough!"
"Do you want to do it?" Heero growled.
"I'm on the one lying down, I can't!"
"Then quit complaining." He snapped.
"Heero...hurry up! I can't take much more of this!"
"Do you want me to do it or what?"
"YES!" Kirin cried.
Heero used his sword, trying to release Kirin from the left over trap which was left by Quatre and Zero.
Kirin had been on point and hadn't really anticipated the ceiling falling on her. Heero pulled her back, but not fast enough to keep her leg from getting caught. Now Heero was trying to slice into the rock.
Kirin was too distracted with the crushing weight on her foot to even think of using an Earth spell. Her ankle was now badly broken and if she cold get to Quatre, the only White Mage in the current vicinity, the damage wouldn't be so serious.
Heero began to panic just a little when Kirin became eerily quiet. He looked at her through locks of his brown hair. "You're all right, aren't you?"
Kirin was biting her lip hard enough to make it bleed. She merely nodded her head.
Sighing in frustration, Heero stood and ordered Kirin to shield herself.
"What are you going to do?" she asked warily.
"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to."
A Silver shield came around Kirin and she looked at Heero. "I'm ready."
Heero put his palm on the collapsed ceiling. He barely whispered the word, "Shatter," when the entire side of the mountain created a hole, worthy of Heero Yuy.
Kirin remained on the floor, safely guarded. Maybe she didn't have to provoke Heero into using his Black magic. Being a 'damsel in distress' worked, too. But she was an Elf. Elves were powerful, respected, stubborn, and temperamental. Being a 'damsel' would dishonor her family.
Heero leaned beside her and gingerly touched her ankle. She winced automatically, feeling the faint remains of dark and deadly energy on Heero's hands.
"I can fix it." Heero replied. "It's a little unconventional to what White Mages do, but it'll help."
"You're being nice all of a sudden." Kirin joked, slightly remembering Duo's comment about her.
"What good can you do if you're injured? If you can handle it, I'll set the bone for you."
A test of endurance. Kirin looked at her ankle. She turned back to Heero. "Do it."
Kirin bit her lip again as Heero's firm, but soft hands wrapped around her mangled ankle. He cautiously eyed Kirin and closely watched her rhythmic breathing.
"I'll snap it back once you exhale..." He warned.
Kirin began to take deep breaths. As she exhaled, she saw something spark in Heero's eyes just as his hands jerked in two different directions.
Kirin tasted blood in her mouth. She had bitten her lip hard enough to make it bleed. Silent, pained tears came to her eyes.
Heero ripped off a piece of his forest green shirt and wrapped her ankle into place. "It'll hold until we catch up to Quatre."
Kirin nodded, trying, unsuccessfully, to get up.
"You'll injure yourself more if you try to get up on your own." Heero warned. "I'll carry you."
"I refuse such an action. I'm an Elf. I have high tolerance of pain." Kirin explained to him.
Heero gave her a neutral look then proceeded to lift her up into his arms.
"Heero Yuy, put me down!" Kirin shrieked.
"If you keep struggling, I'll drop you."
"You dropped me once before!" she reminded him.
"That was after you insulted me." he replied calmly. "Now, put your arms around me so I can get a better grip."
"Are you calling me fat?" Kirin demanded.
"I didn't even mention it in the slightest."
Kirin unwillingly obeyed, feeling Heero's hand brush her thigh. She wasn't going to say anything until Heero's hand brushed the side of her breast. "HEY!"
"How would you like me to hold you?"
"I'd rather not be molested by a Black-Crystal wearing Human." Kirin snapped.
"You either walk on your foot, over my shoulder, or in my arms."
Kirin sighed. Heero was a little taller than she had ever suspected. "You haven't complained, officially, how heavy I am."
"That's because you're not heavy. I could carry you all the way to the top if I wanted to." He answered.
"Aww, I'm touched by your sensitive manner."
"Hn."
"And the Heero Yuy I've grown accustomed to has returned." Kirin said sarcastically.
Heero stared at Kirin for a moment then promptly kissed her. He pulled away and almost laughed as the silence ensued. "Finally got you to be speechless for once, Kirin..."
Zero landed on her side, inches away from the cliff's edge. She looked on as Quatre was trying his best to defend himself against Windy. Zero stood and turned to Yume and Xellos who floated just a few feet above them.
"You could help, you know!" Zero yelled.
"What good would that do?" asked Xellos.
"It's much more fun watching." Yume added.
Growling, Zero swung her chain whip over her head, aiming to wrap it around Windy, long enough for her to Summon a monster stronger than Wind. The chain met with an invisible shield. Air blades shot out from Windy's back, flying fast and furious to its intended target.
Zero was in utter shock, forgetting she was unguarded. Quatre, painfully aware that his wife was going to be killed, swung his staff high, hitting Windy squarely on the forehead.
This time, Windy didn't falter. She turned her attention to Quatre, baring her pearly white fangs.
Quatre smiled innocently and began to step away. "I-I'm s-sorry..."
Being hit on the head, for the second time, altered the air blade's course, making it hit the ground. Zero's eyes widened as the edge of where she stood began to crack. "Quatre!!"
Windy's naked form was on Quatre, trying to decapitate his head. From any other point of view, it would seem that Windy was taking advantage of the King, much to Zero's chagrin. There was only one woman to take advantage of Quatre and it was her and her alone!
Forgetting her current situation, Zero leapt from her position and jumped on Windy, making both forms roll to the center of the mountain plateau.
"How dare you try to seduce MY husband! I'm the only one who could do that!"
Windy looked up at Xellos who floated just within range. *Seduce? Husband? What's that?*
Xellos shook his head. "Human-mating ritual. Quatre is the husband."
"Would you shut-up, Xellos? Quit being a prick and help us out!" Zero shouted, banging Windy's head on a rock.
"Sorry, Zero. Us Mazoku's are loyal to Elementals."
"ZERO!!"
Zero stopped long enough to see Kirin and Heero. She thought it a little strange seeing Kirin wrapped around Heero. "What happened to you?"
Heero put Kirin onto the ground. She limped towards Zero. "That's not important- why are you on Windy?"
"Is that its name?"
Kirin nodded. "Yes, that's HER name. Windy!"
The Elemental pushed off Zero and flew into Kirin's arms, relieved to see the Elf. The blade sheathed itself as she began to talk wildly at her.
"Wait- I thought you said they'd take powerful forms to try and kill us? It looks like she likes you!" said Zero.
"I remember you said that, too." said Quatre.
"That's right. THEY. I meant the other ones. Windy is the only nice Elemental. Besides, doesn't she look a little familiar?"
Zero examined Windy. She and Kirin were the same height, same length hair, and pointed ears. Except for the fact that Windy was pale blue and white, they looked identical.
"She's naked." Quatre pointed out.
Kirin's did a double-take and gazed at Windy. "WINDY!"
*Playing strip 'Go-Fish' with Xellos and Yume.*
"Yume! Xellos!" Kirin shouted.
A pile of white clothes dropped from the sky. Kirin looked up to find no trace of the Mazoku duo. "Damn it!"
"Do you think Wufei has the Crystal?" Quatre asked.
"Judging by how long it took for us to get up here, he should be back by now." replied Kirin.
*Do I really have to go back?* Windy asked sadly.
"The world is dying because of your insubordination." Heero said quietly.
Windy jumped behind Kirin. *Human heard me! How?*
Heero gave Kirin a look. Kirin knew that if she mentioned the color Black, she'd have a very long fall to the bottom.
*Is he a Mage? He wears Crystals? He wears the Black?* Windy asked.
Heero growled audibly. Kirin laughed. "She said it, I didn't."
"Said what? She talks?" Zero asked.
"Yes. She understands our language but...Humans can't understand her. It's the same with other Elementals."
"That explains why she got upset." said Quatre.
"Fairies, Elves, and Mazoku's are the only Clans who can communicate with Elementals. And those who wear Black."
Kirin managed to get away from Heero's reach. She smiled sweetly then put a hand on Windy's shoulder.
"No one in this land wears Black!" Zero exclaimed. "If someone does wear the Black, I hope they're on our side."
"With that much power, it'd be dangerous. Anyone who wears the Black will be feared throughout the land!" Quatre added.
Windy had left Kirin to put her clothes back on. She neared Heero, sniffed him, then began to nuzzle her head against his. "..........Kirin..."
"She likes you, Heero!" Quatre said happily. "That's rare! Elementals usually don't like Humans!"
Kirin got a little jealous. "Windy."
*I like him. He's strong. But...* She sniffed him again. *He smells like you. Did you mate?*
"NO." came the reply from both Kirin and Heero.
" 'No' what?" asked Zero and Quatre.
*Then he's not claimed! He's mine!* she said happily.
"N-no..." Kirin said hesitantly. "He's not your property..."
"Is he yours?* Windy asked innocently.
Kirin stared at Heero. He wasn't any help. He stared back at her.
*If he's not yours, he's mine!* Windy hugged a submissive Heero. *I follow wherever you go until I go back to Earth.*
Heero found it hard to believe Kirin wasn't going to fight over him. He was feeling a little...sad.
Kirin reached over to Windy and pulled her away from Heero. Her voice took a slight change, something neither Heero, Quatre, or Zero could understand. It must've been in Kirin's Elf language. *He's mine, Windy. I have...claim...over him.* She took Heero's hand in hers and gave it a small squeeze in which he replied in kind.
*Mean Elf!* Windy cried. She crossed her arms and pouted.
Heero felt a layer of tension leave him. "I owe you. Again."
"Forget it." Kirin replied.
Windy turned her attention to Quatre. He was adorably cute and he didn't appear to be claimed...
"MINE!" Zero snapped, hugging Quatre.
Windy sighed fretfully. *Weird Humans.*
Relena Peacecraft stared hard at the Water Dragon, Bismuth. Its cold, blue eyes stared back at her defiantly.
"Destroy it!" Relena cried. "It must be guarding a Crystal!"
Treize and Dorothy looked at each other again. Relena stamped her foot. "Don't stand there like idiots! Do something!!"
Dorothy sighed. "I have a bad feeling about this, Mr. Treize..."
"We must please our Queen, Dorothy..."
"I know." Dorothy raised an arm and began an incantation. "Guardian of the underworld, release your powers unto this world. Filled with spite and skilled with fight- destroy this Dragon! Ultima!"
From the depths of the Summoning Crystal, there came a large, hairy beast. Its forearms were studded with spikes, its hind legs fitted with indestructible armor; its multiple heads each snapping with ferociousness.
"Impressive, Dorothy." said Treize.
"Hopefully that will do the trick." Dorothy replied.
Ultima reared on its hind legs and ran towards Bismuth. Compared to the Dragon, Ultima was barely half the size.
Relena's eyes sparkled in amazement. "Yes, destroy it!"
Bismuth raised a giant claw and sent it crashing down on the unfortunate monster. Ultima was split in half, sending blood, guts, and particles of magic, spewing in every direction. Bismuth gave a loud rebellious growl. No one was going to defeat him!
"That was my strongest monster!" Dorothy cried.
"That Dragon is much stronger than we thought."
Relena was fuming. "Treize! Dorothy!!"
Treize took a step forward and elegantly raised his hands. "From far beneath the monster's lair, I call upon a fiery air. A monster bred, evil and true, take down this monster's arrogant view. Maxima!"
A similar monster emerged, almost as big as Ultima. Bismuth laughed, gusts of freezing air blew from his nostrils. *How pathetic.* He growled. *You are not worthy...*
Taking in a large breath, it let out a jet of freezing water from its mouth and freezing Treize's most strongest monster.
"Impossible!" Treize said, mouth gaping wide.
Bismuth raised himself higher, making him tower portentously above Maxima. With a quick swipe of its tail, it smashed the frozen monster, shattering it into millions of pieces.
"NO!" Treize wailed. He turned to Dorothy. "What will we do now?"
"What will we do now?" Zero asked. "There's a huge Dragon over there fighting off every attack!"
Kirin stood still like a statue, watching as Dorothy and Treize's Summoned monsters fall like flies. She hadn't noticed the White Dragon until Windy had brought it to her attention. Windy had been calling to the large Dragon to no avail. He was too far away, but in the dark, his powerful form could be visibly seen.
"Kirin, what will we do?" Quatre asked. "We can't fight it, can't we?"
Kirin gazed at Heero who hadn't left her side. "If I ask you to use your magic, what will you do?"
"I'll have to kill you to keep my secret."
"We're still at the point of keeping secrets?" Kirin asked.
"You're the only one that knows."
"I can keep secrets, Heero. It'll take more than torture for me to reveal anything."
"What about them?" Heero asked. Zero was gawking at the White Dragon while Quatre was panicking.
"I'll handle them." Kirin replied. "If I asked you to, Heero...would you-"
"Are you calling in a favor?"
"You saw how powerful that Dragon is. I can't fight it without causing major physical damage." Kirin explained.
"You can weaken it."
Kirin suddenly thought of Wufei. She changed the subject without hesitation. "Wufei should've been here by now."
Heero crossed his arms, thinking the subject change as a sign to consider her request. "I'll raise my price."
"Fine." Kirin said quickly. "Windy!"
*Yes?* Windy appeared beside Kirin.
"Take us down to the shore of the next continent."
Windy nodded compliantly and spun circles around the group. The winds began to pick up, creating a type of cyclone around them. Kirin pulled Zero, Quatre, and Heero closer. "I suggest you all hold your breaths."
"Why-"
The air began to be sucked form their lungs. They all took in deep breaths and held. It was a slow, painful ride to the bottom. They were suspended in air for what seemed like hours, but at the rate they were going, it was only thirty seconds. They touched down at the base of Mount Tri-Star, but Kirin's direction was to go to the shore of the neighboring continent. They were airborne again, Windy giving them just enough time to take in another breath for the travel across the short span of the sea. When their feet touched the uneven ground, Windy turned into her Human form and somehow latched herself onto Heero.
Kirin was too busy to notice because she was looking for the familiar sight of the Blue-energy shield. "Windy, I hoped you brought us to the RIGHT continent. I don't want to be on Wolf Pack Island."
"Kirin!" a faint voice called.
The Elf Princess turned her attention to the blue clad advisor of Winner Castle. "Shin! Where's Wufei?"
"He never showed up!" Shin replied, exasperated. She turned and hugged Quatre. "Lord Quatre, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Shin. How's everyone?" He asked.
The group seemed to emerge from behind Shin, along with a walking fire monster. Ayako fluttered around Quatre. "We're warm and toasty! Did you get the Crystal?"
Kirin smiled. "Everyone I want you to meet- WINDY!"
Windy was in an affectionate embrace with a very submissive Heero who didn't seem to object. Kirin, her jealous hormones raging out of control, formed a Silver orb in her hands. "Fire in which my Element grows, contain the wind that constantly blows. Revert the Element to its natural form, place it in my silver orb."
Windy suddenly spun around, unable to defend herself from the contain spell. She scowled at Kirin before being sucked into the silver prison.
Kirin didn't meet Heero's eyes. She turned away from him before he regained his composure. "As you all have seen, there's a Dragon on Nova Lake. That Dragon's name is Bismuth and he's one of the Cardinal Elements. That means he's one of four of the original Elements and the strongest. In order for us to defeat him, we have to have Fervor, the Fire Elemental."
"Something tells me that this isn't going to be easy." said Shin.
"Is it ever really easy?" Kirin replied. "We have to get them both."
"But we're exhausted." said Duo. "And I'm hungry."
"We have no other choice. Besides, we have to find Wufei." Kirin said. She gazed at the travelers. "Who wants to fight Bismuth?"
Everyone gaze turned away from Kirin. She shook her head. "Fine, I'll fight Bismuth. We'll have to split into two more groups. One will find Wufei the other will go to the Orion Volcano to get Fervor."
"Are we going to meet up?" Quatre asked.
"Yes and no. Whoever is going to the Orion Volcano will go to the Dragon's Cave. As soon as I'm done with Bismuth, I'll head to the Lightning Plateau."
"Wait a second, that's only...six Elements." said Zero. "I know there's Earth but..."
"Light." said Heero.
Kirin sighed. "Combine all the Elements and you'll get Light. Let's move out. Luck is on our side for the time being."
"Relena's trying to kill the Dragon..." said a voice.
"Should we watch or join the wagon-" said a female.
"If the icy beast dies-"
"We'll have to say good-luck and good-bye-"
"To all of you guys!!"
"And here they are to make an appearance, the trouble-some duo, Yume and Xellos." Kirin said, crossing her arms. Instead of looking directly at Yume, Kirin was face to face with an inhumanely large, purple wolf with its eyes closed. "Corbin..."
The wolf huffed, blowing hot air into Kirin's face. She patted the nose, affectionately, and looked at the two Mazoku's. "What beings you two here...besides causing trouble?"
"Well, actually we're here to-" Xellos thought for a long moment. "...cause trouble like you said."
"But we're willing to do you a favor..." Yume said sweetly.
"Do I want to hear it?" Kirin asked, glumly.
"We'll help teleport you guys to your destinations!" said Xellos.
"Here it comes..." Kirin mumbled.
Yume leaned close to Kirin's ear. "Can we play with your Black Crystal-wearing Heero?"
Kirin's gold eyes widened. "How did you know he-"
"Mazoku's are everywhere, K-Chan. We know, we see, and we hear ALL that is going on."
"If I don't accept?" Kirin whispered.
Xellos came beside her, whispering in her other ear. "Then it'll be much more fin see you-of all Elves...to suffer."
Kirin shut her eyes. "Can you call in the favor after we get the Crystals?"
"Sure!" Yume and Xellos chimed loudly in her ears. "More time to play!"
Kirin sighed and glanced at Heero. She knew it was a problem when she made a deal with two Mazoku's. "I'm so sorry, Heero..."
As if knowing the reason for Kirin's distress, Heero glared at Yume and Xellos.
Yume patted Kirin's back. "Don't worry, we won't do bodily damage to him. He'll still be useful to you."
"What? I can't involve myself with anyone outside my race! It's a dishonorable act!"
"That's not what happened in the forest or in the cave! You're one horny Elf if I ever saw one!"
"Shut-up!" Kirin shrieked.
Noticing that Kirin was turning red from embarrassment, Heero made a declaration. "I'm going with you, Kirin."
"What?" Kirin managed escape Yume's world and stare blankly at Heero. "What did you say, Heero?"
"I'm going with you to fight Bismuth."
"I need you to stay with Quatre."
"You're injured. You need me."
Quatre perked up. "Injured? Kirin, you're injured?"
"No thanks to two certain Mazoku's!" Kirin growled, completely forgetting her ankle.
Quatre stood next to Kirin. "I can help! Where does it hurt?"
If it was hurting before, she didn't notice it. "My right ankle."
Quatre saw the green wrap around Kirin's bare ankle. "Did Heero do this?"
"Yes, can you heal it?"
"Well, I can tell the bones are set. I'll have to enforce it so...don't break it in the next few hours."
" 'Kay, sure."
A White light flowed from Quatre's hands. A warmth spread over Kirin's ankle. An inaudible pop was faintly heard. Kirin tested her ankle and thanked Quatre. He handed her the ripped forest-green wrap.
"Heero-" Kirin offered the wrap to him.
"Keep it. You might need it. Again."
"What does that mean?!" Kirin demanded.
"I mean no disrespect, Kirin."
"Are we on a time limit?" Ayako asked. "Should've we be leaving now?"
"My thoughts exactly." said Yume. "Ready when you are, K-Chan and Heero-Chan."
Both scowled at the purple clad Mazoku. Yume grinned. "Just remember out deal, Kirin..."
Heero Yuy and Kirin landed hard on their backs, both swearing at a certain female Mazoku. In a flash of purple, Yume Metallium was gone.
Kirin then saw a glint of white, and looked beyond the clearing of trees. "Heero, look...Bismuth."
"Bismuth..." he repeated dully.
Kirin got onto her stomach and crawled towards the clearing. Bismuth was a massive White Dragon that was almost as wide as Nova Lake. "Heero!"
Coming beside her, Heero leaned forward. Bismuth was finally in his view, almost up close and personal. "That is Bismuth?"
"Yes. But do you know who those other people are?"
Heero turned to the four persons on the side of the lake. "Haven't seen them before."
"The one in pink is Queen Relena, she doesn't wear any Crystals, but she's protected. The old man is Pagan, her Green Mage man-servant. The other two are Dorothy and Treize, they're her Red Mages."
"Is that who Quatre's fighting with?"
"Quatre hasn't told me he declared war on Relena, so- for now, its the Elves who are fighting." Kirin explained.
"Then they're my enemies, too." said Heero.
"I thought you might say that." Kirin stood amongst the bushes. "I have to get close to him to talk. He's agitated."
Thankful that Kirin was able to decipher Bismuth's mood, Heero decided to let that Queen Relena receive the bad end of an Elementals anger.
Kirin walked to the edge of the lake. Setting a firm foot on the solid mass, she began to walk steadily across, constantly aware of Bismuth's volatile temper and his growing anger.
Feeling a little left out, Heero followed after Kirin. He was at her side just as she came to a full stop at one of Bismuth's massive claws.
*The Elf Princess visits me.* Bismuth growled. He looked at Heero and seemed to smell Kirin's scent on him. *And her mate.*
"He is not my mate!" Kirin shouted. "You know protocol as well as I do! I cannot have a Human!"
*He smells of you.* Bismuth pointed out.
"It's not what you think." Heero replied.
*What is the meaning of your visit?* Bismuth demanded, the sheer power of his voice creating cracks in the ice.
"The Earth Crystal...you must return to it!"
*NEVER!* Bismuth roared. His colossal chest expanded and let out a gust of cold, harsh air.
"Please, Bismuth!" Kirin pleaded.
*I will return when I am dead!*
"Bismuth, no!" Kirin cried.
Bismuth raised a pearly white leg and sent it crashing into the frozen lake. Heero pulled Kirin by the tunic she wore and slid into the ice for some measure of safety.
Kirin was at a loss as Bismuth flared his enormous white wings and tail- a sign of defiance.
A monster, summoned by Dorothy, had taken the chance to wrap its razor sharp claws around Bismuth's neck, choking the vulnerable Water Elemental.
"What are they doing?" Kirin screamed.
"They're trying to kill it." Heero said.
Blood seeped from wound inflicted upon Bismuth. He rolled onto his side, trying to get the Griffin from his neck.
"You stupid bitch! You can't kill it! It's an Elemental!"
"I don't think they can hear you..."
"Did you hear that?" Dorothy asked Treize.
"I believe it was that pretty, Elf Princess, Kirin."
"What did she say?"
Treize turned his gaze to the small, barely visible figures in the night. "I believe... 'You stupid bitch! You can't kill it! It's an Elemental!'"
"WHAT? Griffin! Return!" Dorothy shouted.
Relena's angry, contorted face turned to Dorothy. "Dorothy! What are you doing? Destroy that Dragon!"
"But Queen Relena-"
"Do it, Dorothy!!!"
Dorothy gave Treize a look. "Monster of a lion's head, wings of an eagle's chest, come forth for all to see, obey my order and come back to me. Griffin."
The same Griffin that had returned to its dark home, had made another appearance, a little irritated.
"Destroy the Dragon." Dorothy ordered.
The Griffin swiped at the injured Water Dragon, inflicting four deep gashes into the white skin.
Relena nodded her head. "Serves it right. It should know not to mess with Queen Relena of the Peacecraft Castle!"
"Ahh!" Kirin screamed in frustration. "What is she doing?! If she kills the Dragon, the Earth Crystal can't be put back together and we're all going to die!"
Heero watched Kirin pace in front of him. All she had to do was ask him to 'weaken' the Dragon and get rid of the Relena person, and he'd do it for her...with a price of course.
"Heero, come on." Kirin said roughly.
"Where?"
"We're going over to Relena to literally knock some sense into her. Then we'll deal with Bismuth."
Relena Peacecraft's blue eyes sparkled with excitement. She was going to prove to everyone that she was a supreme ruler. No on was going to tell her otherwise!
"Queen Retard!"
Relena's blood began to boil. She turned on her heel and turned the Elf Princess' voice. "Kirin!"
In a shimmer of silver, Kirin appeared before Relena, her head was shaking from side to side. "You are a complete idiot."
"Damn you!" Relena cried, trying to slap Kirin who kept moving subtly away from her reach. "Why must you torture me?"
"Torture...? TORTURE?! When my people rejected you as our Guardian, you killed my friends one by one! You slowly burned out their Crystals until there was nothing left of them! You killed my mother and you say that I am torturing you? I can do worst things than torture, Relena...I'm just getting started."
Relena's eyes widened, trying to get away from the demonic look she was getting from Kirin. She fell against another body and instantly thought it was Treize. She turned and didn't know whether she wanted to scream or declare to the world that she had just found her new King.
"Help me!" Relena cried, wrapping herself around Heero's muscled chest. "She's trying to kill me!"
"So am I."
Relena backed away from the ominous looking Heero. His blue eyes held some form of darkness and insanity. His 'perfect' face seemed darker, holding a very deadly and dangerous secret.
"You're with her..."
Heero's hand gripped Relena's throat. "If you run, I'll break your legs. If you hit me, I'll break your arms. If you scream, I'll break your neck. If you don't do as I say...I'll kill you." A spell wove around Relena's head. "Sleep..."
"So...who's willing to look for Wufei?" asked Quatre.
Zero took Quatre's hand. "Quatre, if you even suggest me..." she leaned close to his ear and whispered her threat.
Quatre turned incredibly and alarmingly white and gently nodded.
"I'm glad we understand each other, Dear."
"I can talk to the Elemental!" Ayako said, flying onto Quatre's shoulder. "And I'm a Red Mage!"
Trowa, Shin, and Duo looked at each other. Shin and Duo both jumped, knocking their heads together and falling to the side, unconscious. Trowa shrugged his shoulders and took his place beside Quatre.
"Should we leave them a note?" Quatre questioned.
"Good idea." said Ayako. She formed a feathered pen and a scroll of paper in her hands and began to scribble furiously.
After a full minute, Ayako flew next to Duo and read the note out loud to everyone. "It seems you two have lucked out. Quatre, Zero, Trowa, and me-Ayako, have gone to get Fervor. You two must now look for Wufei and met at the Lightning Plateau in two days! That gives you just enough time to get off your lazy butts! Good-luck and Good-bye! Ayako." She turned and suspended herself in front of Quatre. "Sound good?"
"Good enough." Zero said quickly. "Xellos!"
A purple wolf appeared again, its eyes closed and its mouth turned in a mysterious smile. Xellos appeared, floating above the large wolf's head. "Wolf Express! Let me remind you, don't give him directions..."
"Why?" the four travelers asked in unison.
"Do you REALLY want to know?"
Zero shook her head. "We set ourselves up for this..."
Xellos patted Corbin's head. "Corbin has no sense of direction."
DC: I own none of the Characters from Gundam Wing. All other Characters are made especially by me for me and my friends.
hr
Chang Wufei's body was slumped over the Winner Throne. His attacker as shivering like no tomorrow, but from his whole ordeal, he came out victorious.
Milliardo Peacecraft clutched the green Earth Crystal to his chest like an infant. He wasn't going to lose track of that Crystal.
His life depended on it. He covered himself in numerous blankets and left the Winner Castle. He was going to show his sister a little present...
Shin rubbed her cold arms, trying to put warmth into them. Ayako was trying to Summon a fire monster that would be able to start a blaze, due to the fact that hours ago, something with incredible force and power had decimated everything leaving nothing but dust. Even as she tried to Summon a monster, she was also trying to warm herself. The temperature was dropping drastically, due to them being so close to the sea.
"Trowa, can you help Ayako?" Shin asked. "We're all going to freeze to death soon..."
Trowa looked at his sister then at the half-froze, six-inch fairy, Ayako. "Ayako, you rest. I'll summon a monster."
Dup watched in awe as Trowa stood as far from everyone as possible and began a summoning incantation. "Flame that defends against the bitter cold, unleash you anger with a tightened hold. Warm the spirits with your power, keep us safe for all hours. I Summon thee, beast of fire- Ifrit."
A monster appeared from out of a ring of magic. A red shield came around the group, warming their limbs. They pure red beast jumped into the center of the camp ground and burst into flames.
Duo smiled at everyone, content that his body was gaining warmth. "Anyone got any marshmallows?"
"Damn it, Heero! I said HARDER!" Kirin screamed.
"This is as far as it goes, Kirin." Heero replied, a sweat breaking on his forehead.
"You're not trying hard enough!"
"Do you want to do it?" Heero growled.
"I'm on the one lying down, I can't!"
"Then quit complaining." He snapped.
"Heero...hurry up! I can't take much more of this!"
"Do you want me to do it or what?"
"YES!" Kirin cried.
Heero used his sword, trying to release Kirin from the left over trap which was left by Quatre and Zero.
Kirin had been on point and hadn't really anticipated the ceiling falling on her. Heero pulled her back, but not fast enough to keep her leg from getting caught. Now Heero was trying to slice into the rock.
Kirin was too distracted with the crushing weight on her foot to even think of using an Earth spell. Her ankle was now badly broken and if she cold get to Quatre, the only White Mage in the current vicinity, the damage wouldn't be so serious.
Heero began to panic just a little when Kirin became eerily quiet. He looked at her through locks of his brown hair. "You're all right, aren't you?"
Kirin was biting her lip hard enough to make it bleed. She merely nodded her head.
Sighing in frustration, Heero stood and ordered Kirin to shield herself.
"What are you going to do?" she asked warily.
"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to."
A Silver shield came around Kirin and she looked at Heero. "I'm ready."
Heero put his palm on the collapsed ceiling. He barely whispered the word, "Shatter," when the entire side of the mountain created a hole, worthy of Heero Yuy.
Kirin remained on the floor, safely guarded. Maybe she didn't have to provoke Heero into using his Black magic. Being a 'damsel in distress' worked, too. But she was an Elf. Elves were powerful, respected, stubborn, and temperamental. Being a 'damsel' would dishonor her family.
Heero leaned beside her and gingerly touched her ankle. She winced automatically, feeling the faint remains of dark and deadly energy on Heero's hands.
"I can fix it." Heero replied. "It's a little unconventional to what White Mages do, but it'll help."
"You're being nice all of a sudden." Kirin joked, slightly remembering Duo's comment about her.
"What good can you do if you're injured? If you can handle it, I'll set the bone for you."
A test of endurance. Kirin looked at her ankle. She turned back to Heero. "Do it."
Kirin bit her lip again as Heero's firm, but soft hands wrapped around her mangled ankle. He cautiously eyed Kirin and closely watched her rhythmic breathing.
"I'll snap it back once you exhale..." He warned.
Kirin began to take deep breaths. As she exhaled, she saw something spark in Heero's eyes just as his hands jerked in two different directions.
Kirin tasted blood in her mouth. She had bitten her lip hard enough to make it bleed. Silent, pained tears came to her eyes.
Heero ripped off a piece of his forest green shirt and wrapped her ankle into place. "It'll hold until we catch up to Quatre."
Kirin nodded, trying, unsuccessfully, to get up.
"You'll injure yourself more if you try to get up on your own." Heero warned. "I'll carry you."
"I refuse such an action. I'm an Elf. I have high tolerance of pain." Kirin explained to him.
Heero gave her a neutral look then proceeded to lift her up into his arms.
"Heero Yuy, put me down!" Kirin shrieked.
"If you keep struggling, I'll drop you."
"You dropped me once before!" she reminded him.
"That was after you insulted me." he replied calmly. "Now, put your arms around me so I can get a better grip."
"Are you calling me fat?" Kirin demanded.
"I didn't even mention it in the slightest."
Kirin unwillingly obeyed, feeling Heero's hand brush her thigh. She wasn't going to say anything until Heero's hand brushed the side of her breast. "HEY!"
"How would you like me to hold you?"
"I'd rather not be molested by a Black-Crystal wearing Human." Kirin snapped.
"You either walk on your foot, over my shoulder, or in my arms."
Kirin sighed. Heero was a little taller than she had ever suspected. "You haven't complained, officially, how heavy I am."
"That's because you're not heavy. I could carry you all the way to the top if I wanted to." He answered.
"Aww, I'm touched by your sensitive manner."
"Hn."
"And the Heero Yuy I've grown accustomed to has returned." Kirin said sarcastically.
Heero stared at Kirin for a moment then promptly kissed her. He pulled away and almost laughed as the silence ensued. "Finally got you to be speechless for once, Kirin..."
Zero landed on her side, inches away from the cliff's edge. She looked on as Quatre was trying his best to defend himself against Windy. Zero stood and turned to Yume and Xellos who floated just a few feet above them.
"You could help, you know!" Zero yelled.
"What good would that do?" asked Xellos.
"It's much more fun watching." Yume added.
Growling, Zero swung her chain whip over her head, aiming to wrap it around Windy, long enough for her to Summon a monster stronger than Wind. The chain met with an invisible shield. Air blades shot out from Windy's back, flying fast and furious to its intended target.
Zero was in utter shock, forgetting she was unguarded. Quatre, painfully aware that his wife was going to be killed, swung his staff high, hitting Windy squarely on the forehead.
This time, Windy didn't falter. She turned her attention to Quatre, baring her pearly white fangs.
Quatre smiled innocently and began to step away. "I-I'm s-sorry..."
Being hit on the head, for the second time, altered the air blade's course, making it hit the ground. Zero's eyes widened as the edge of where she stood began to crack. "Quatre!!"
Windy's naked form was on Quatre, trying to decapitate his head. From any other point of view, it would seem that Windy was taking advantage of the King, much to Zero's chagrin. There was only one woman to take advantage of Quatre and it was her and her alone!
Forgetting her current situation, Zero leapt from her position and jumped on Windy, making both forms roll to the center of the mountain plateau.
"How dare you try to seduce MY husband! I'm the only one who could do that!"
Windy looked up at Xellos who floated just within range. *Seduce? Husband? What's that?*
Xellos shook his head. "Human-mating ritual. Quatre is the husband."
"Would you shut-up, Xellos? Quit being a prick and help us out!" Zero shouted, banging Windy's head on a rock.
"Sorry, Zero. Us Mazoku's are loyal to Elementals."
"ZERO!!"
Zero stopped long enough to see Kirin and Heero. She thought it a little strange seeing Kirin wrapped around Heero. "What happened to you?"
Heero put Kirin onto the ground. She limped towards Zero. "That's not important- why are you on Windy?"
"Is that its name?"
Kirin nodded. "Yes, that's HER name. Windy!"
The Elemental pushed off Zero and flew into Kirin's arms, relieved to see the Elf. The blade sheathed itself as she began to talk wildly at her.
"Wait- I thought you said they'd take powerful forms to try and kill us? It looks like she likes you!" said Zero.
"I remember you said that, too." said Quatre.
"That's right. THEY. I meant the other ones. Windy is the only nice Elemental. Besides, doesn't she look a little familiar?"
Zero examined Windy. She and Kirin were the same height, same length hair, and pointed ears. Except for the fact that Windy was pale blue and white, they looked identical.
"She's naked." Quatre pointed out.
Kirin's did a double-take and gazed at Windy. "WINDY!"
*Playing strip 'Go-Fish' with Xellos and Yume.*
"Yume! Xellos!" Kirin shouted.
A pile of white clothes dropped from the sky. Kirin looked up to find no trace of the Mazoku duo. "Damn it!"
"Do you think Wufei has the Crystal?" Quatre asked.
"Judging by how long it took for us to get up here, he should be back by now." replied Kirin.
*Do I really have to go back?* Windy asked sadly.
"The world is dying because of your insubordination." Heero said quietly.
Windy jumped behind Kirin. *Human heard me! How?*
Heero gave Kirin a look. Kirin knew that if she mentioned the color Black, she'd have a very long fall to the bottom.
*Is he a Mage? He wears Crystals? He wears the Black?* Windy asked.
Heero growled audibly. Kirin laughed. "She said it, I didn't."
"Said what? She talks?" Zero asked.
"Yes. She understands our language but...Humans can't understand her. It's the same with other Elementals."
"That explains why she got upset." said Quatre.
"Fairies, Elves, and Mazoku's are the only Clans who can communicate with Elementals. And those who wear Black."
Kirin managed to get away from Heero's reach. She smiled sweetly then put a hand on Windy's shoulder.
"No one in this land wears Black!" Zero exclaimed. "If someone does wear the Black, I hope they're on our side."
"With that much power, it'd be dangerous. Anyone who wears the Black will be feared throughout the land!" Quatre added.
Windy had left Kirin to put her clothes back on. She neared Heero, sniffed him, then began to nuzzle her head against his. "..........Kirin..."
"She likes you, Heero!" Quatre said happily. "That's rare! Elementals usually don't like Humans!"
Kirin got a little jealous. "Windy."
*I like him. He's strong. But...* She sniffed him again. *He smells like you. Did you mate?*
"NO." came the reply from both Kirin and Heero.
" 'No' what?" asked Zero and Quatre.
*Then he's not claimed! He's mine!* she said happily.
"N-no..." Kirin said hesitantly. "He's not your property..."
"Is he yours?* Windy asked innocently.
Kirin stared at Heero. He wasn't any help. He stared back at her.
*If he's not yours, he's mine!* Windy hugged a submissive Heero. *I follow wherever you go until I go back to Earth.*
Heero found it hard to believe Kirin wasn't going to fight over him. He was feeling a little...sad.
Kirin reached over to Windy and pulled her away from Heero. Her voice took a slight change, something neither Heero, Quatre, or Zero could understand. It must've been in Kirin's Elf language. *He's mine, Windy. I have...claim...over him.* She took Heero's hand in hers and gave it a small squeeze in which he replied in kind.
*Mean Elf!* Windy cried. She crossed her arms and pouted.
Heero felt a layer of tension leave him. "I owe you. Again."
"Forget it." Kirin replied.
Windy turned her attention to Quatre. He was adorably cute and he didn't appear to be claimed...
"MINE!" Zero snapped, hugging Quatre.
Windy sighed fretfully. *Weird Humans.*
Relena Peacecraft stared hard at the Water Dragon, Bismuth. Its cold, blue eyes stared back at her defiantly.
"Destroy it!" Relena cried. "It must be guarding a Crystal!"
Treize and Dorothy looked at each other again. Relena stamped her foot. "Don't stand there like idiots! Do something!!"
Dorothy sighed. "I have a bad feeling about this, Mr. Treize..."
"We must please our Queen, Dorothy..."
"I know." Dorothy raised an arm and began an incantation. "Guardian of the underworld, release your powers unto this world. Filled with spite and skilled with fight- destroy this Dragon! Ultima!"
From the depths of the Summoning Crystal, there came a large, hairy beast. Its forearms were studded with spikes, its hind legs fitted with indestructible armor; its multiple heads each snapping with ferociousness.
"Impressive, Dorothy." said Treize.
"Hopefully that will do the trick." Dorothy replied.
Ultima reared on its hind legs and ran towards Bismuth. Compared to the Dragon, Ultima was barely half the size.
Relena's eyes sparkled in amazement. "Yes, destroy it!"
Bismuth raised a giant claw and sent it crashing down on the unfortunate monster. Ultima was split in half, sending blood, guts, and particles of magic, spewing in every direction. Bismuth gave a loud rebellious growl. No one was going to defeat him!
"That was my strongest monster!" Dorothy cried.
"That Dragon is much stronger than we thought."
Relena was fuming. "Treize! Dorothy!!"
Treize took a step forward and elegantly raised his hands. "From far beneath the monster's lair, I call upon a fiery air. A monster bred, evil and true, take down this monster's arrogant view. Maxima!"
A similar monster emerged, almost as big as Ultima. Bismuth laughed, gusts of freezing air blew from his nostrils. *How pathetic.* He growled. *You are not worthy...*
Taking in a large breath, it let out a jet of freezing water from its mouth and freezing Treize's most strongest monster.
"Impossible!" Treize said, mouth gaping wide.
Bismuth raised himself higher, making him tower portentously above Maxima. With a quick swipe of its tail, it smashed the frozen monster, shattering it into millions of pieces.
"NO!" Treize wailed. He turned to Dorothy. "What will we do now?"
"What will we do now?" Zero asked. "There's a huge Dragon over there fighting off every attack!"
Kirin stood still like a statue, watching as Dorothy and Treize's Summoned monsters fall like flies. She hadn't noticed the White Dragon until Windy had brought it to her attention. Windy had been calling to the large Dragon to no avail. He was too far away, but in the dark, his powerful form could be visibly seen.
"Kirin, what will we do?" Quatre asked. "We can't fight it, can't we?"
Kirin gazed at Heero who hadn't left her side. "If I ask you to use your magic, what will you do?"
"I'll have to kill you to keep my secret."
"We're still at the point of keeping secrets?" Kirin asked.
"You're the only one that knows."
"I can keep secrets, Heero. It'll take more than torture for me to reveal anything."
"What about them?" Heero asked. Zero was gawking at the White Dragon while Quatre was panicking.
"I'll handle them." Kirin replied. "If I asked you to, Heero...would you-"
"Are you calling in a favor?"
"You saw how powerful that Dragon is. I can't fight it without causing major physical damage." Kirin explained.
"You can weaken it."
Kirin suddenly thought of Wufei. She changed the subject without hesitation. "Wufei should've been here by now."
Heero crossed his arms, thinking the subject change as a sign to consider her request. "I'll raise my price."
"Fine." Kirin said quickly. "Windy!"
*Yes?* Windy appeared beside Kirin.
"Take us down to the shore of the next continent."
Windy nodded compliantly and spun circles around the group. The winds began to pick up, creating a type of cyclone around them. Kirin pulled Zero, Quatre, and Heero closer. "I suggest you all hold your breaths."
"Why-"
The air began to be sucked form their lungs. They all took in deep breaths and held. It was a slow, painful ride to the bottom. They were suspended in air for what seemed like hours, but at the rate they were going, it was only thirty seconds. They touched down at the base of Mount Tri-Star, but Kirin's direction was to go to the shore of the neighboring continent. They were airborne again, Windy giving them just enough time to take in another breath for the travel across the short span of the sea. When their feet touched the uneven ground, Windy turned into her Human form and somehow latched herself onto Heero.
Kirin was too busy to notice because she was looking for the familiar sight of the Blue-energy shield. "Windy, I hoped you brought us to the RIGHT continent. I don't want to be on Wolf Pack Island."
"Kirin!" a faint voice called.
The Elf Princess turned her attention to the blue clad advisor of Winner Castle. "Shin! Where's Wufei?"
"He never showed up!" Shin replied, exasperated. She turned and hugged Quatre. "Lord Quatre, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Shin. How's everyone?" He asked.
The group seemed to emerge from behind Shin, along with a walking fire monster. Ayako fluttered around Quatre. "We're warm and toasty! Did you get the Crystal?"
Kirin smiled. "Everyone I want you to meet- WINDY!"
Windy was in an affectionate embrace with a very submissive Heero who didn't seem to object. Kirin, her jealous hormones raging out of control, formed a Silver orb in her hands. "Fire in which my Element grows, contain the wind that constantly blows. Revert the Element to its natural form, place it in my silver orb."
Windy suddenly spun around, unable to defend herself from the contain spell. She scowled at Kirin before being sucked into the silver prison.
Kirin didn't meet Heero's eyes. She turned away from him before he regained his composure. "As you all have seen, there's a Dragon on Nova Lake. That Dragon's name is Bismuth and he's one of the Cardinal Elements. That means he's one of four of the original Elements and the strongest. In order for us to defeat him, we have to have Fervor, the Fire Elemental."
"Something tells me that this isn't going to be easy." said Shin.
"Is it ever really easy?" Kirin replied. "We have to get them both."
"But we're exhausted." said Duo. "And I'm hungry."
"We have no other choice. Besides, we have to find Wufei." Kirin said. She gazed at the travelers. "Who wants to fight Bismuth?"
Everyone gaze turned away from Kirin. She shook her head. "Fine, I'll fight Bismuth. We'll have to split into two more groups. One will find Wufei the other will go to the Orion Volcano to get Fervor."
"Are we going to meet up?" Quatre asked.
"Yes and no. Whoever is going to the Orion Volcano will go to the Dragon's Cave. As soon as I'm done with Bismuth, I'll head to the Lightning Plateau."
"Wait a second, that's only...six Elements." said Zero. "I know there's Earth but..."
"Light." said Heero.
Kirin sighed. "Combine all the Elements and you'll get Light. Let's move out. Luck is on our side for the time being."
"Relena's trying to kill the Dragon..." said a voice.
"Should we watch or join the wagon-" said a female.
"If the icy beast dies-"
"We'll have to say good-luck and good-bye-"
"To all of you guys!!"
"And here they are to make an appearance, the trouble-some duo, Yume and Xellos." Kirin said, crossing her arms. Instead of looking directly at Yume, Kirin was face to face with an inhumanely large, purple wolf with its eyes closed. "Corbin..."
The wolf huffed, blowing hot air into Kirin's face. She patted the nose, affectionately, and looked at the two Mazoku's. "What beings you two here...besides causing trouble?"
"Well, actually we're here to-" Xellos thought for a long moment. "...cause trouble like you said."
"But we're willing to do you a favor..." Yume said sweetly.
"Do I want to hear it?" Kirin asked, glumly.
"We'll help teleport you guys to your destinations!" said Xellos.
"Here it comes..." Kirin mumbled.
Yume leaned close to Kirin's ear. "Can we play with your Black Crystal-wearing Heero?"
Kirin's gold eyes widened. "How did you know he-"
"Mazoku's are everywhere, K-Chan. We know, we see, and we hear ALL that is going on."
"If I don't accept?" Kirin whispered.
Xellos came beside her, whispering in her other ear. "Then it'll be much more fin see you-of all Elves...to suffer."
Kirin shut her eyes. "Can you call in the favor after we get the Crystals?"
"Sure!" Yume and Xellos chimed loudly in her ears. "More time to play!"
Kirin sighed and glanced at Heero. She knew it was a problem when she made a deal with two Mazoku's. "I'm so sorry, Heero..."
As if knowing the reason for Kirin's distress, Heero glared at Yume and Xellos.
Yume patted Kirin's back. "Don't worry, we won't do bodily damage to him. He'll still be useful to you."
"What? I can't involve myself with anyone outside my race! It's a dishonorable act!"
"That's not what happened in the forest or in the cave! You're one horny Elf if I ever saw one!"
"Shut-up!" Kirin shrieked.
Noticing that Kirin was turning red from embarrassment, Heero made a declaration. "I'm going with you, Kirin."
"What?" Kirin managed escape Yume's world and stare blankly at Heero. "What did you say, Heero?"
"I'm going with you to fight Bismuth."
"I need you to stay with Quatre."
"You're injured. You need me."
Quatre perked up. "Injured? Kirin, you're injured?"
"No thanks to two certain Mazoku's!" Kirin growled, completely forgetting her ankle.
Quatre stood next to Kirin. "I can help! Where does it hurt?"
If it was hurting before, she didn't notice it. "My right ankle."
Quatre saw the green wrap around Kirin's bare ankle. "Did Heero do this?"
"Yes, can you heal it?"
"Well, I can tell the bones are set. I'll have to enforce it so...don't break it in the next few hours."
" 'Kay, sure."
A White light flowed from Quatre's hands. A warmth spread over Kirin's ankle. An inaudible pop was faintly heard. Kirin tested her ankle and thanked Quatre. He handed her the ripped forest-green wrap.
"Heero-" Kirin offered the wrap to him.
"Keep it. You might need it. Again."
"What does that mean?!" Kirin demanded.
"I mean no disrespect, Kirin."
"Are we on a time limit?" Ayako asked. "Should've we be leaving now?"
"My thoughts exactly." said Yume. "Ready when you are, K-Chan and Heero-Chan."
Both scowled at the purple clad Mazoku. Yume grinned. "Just remember out deal, Kirin..."
Heero Yuy and Kirin landed hard on their backs, both swearing at a certain female Mazoku. In a flash of purple, Yume Metallium was gone.
Kirin then saw a glint of white, and looked beyond the clearing of trees. "Heero, look...Bismuth."
"Bismuth..." he repeated dully.
Kirin got onto her stomach and crawled towards the clearing. Bismuth was a massive White Dragon that was almost as wide as Nova Lake. "Heero!"
Coming beside her, Heero leaned forward. Bismuth was finally in his view, almost up close and personal. "That is Bismuth?"
"Yes. But do you know who those other people are?"
Heero turned to the four persons on the side of the lake. "Haven't seen them before."
"The one in pink is Queen Relena, she doesn't wear any Crystals, but she's protected. The old man is Pagan, her Green Mage man-servant. The other two are Dorothy and Treize, they're her Red Mages."
"Is that who Quatre's fighting with?"
"Quatre hasn't told me he declared war on Relena, so- for now, its the Elves who are fighting." Kirin explained.
"Then they're my enemies, too." said Heero.
"I thought you might say that." Kirin stood amongst the bushes. "I have to get close to him to talk. He's agitated."
Thankful that Kirin was able to decipher Bismuth's mood, Heero decided to let that Queen Relena receive the bad end of an Elementals anger.
Kirin walked to the edge of the lake. Setting a firm foot on the solid mass, she began to walk steadily across, constantly aware of Bismuth's volatile temper and his growing anger.
Feeling a little left out, Heero followed after Kirin. He was at her side just as she came to a full stop at one of Bismuth's massive claws.
*The Elf Princess visits me.* Bismuth growled. He looked at Heero and seemed to smell Kirin's scent on him. *And her mate.*
"He is not my mate!" Kirin shouted. "You know protocol as well as I do! I cannot have a Human!"
*He smells of you.* Bismuth pointed out.
"It's not what you think." Heero replied.
*What is the meaning of your visit?* Bismuth demanded, the sheer power of his voice creating cracks in the ice.
"The Earth Crystal...you must return to it!"
*NEVER!* Bismuth roared. His colossal chest expanded and let out a gust of cold, harsh air.
"Please, Bismuth!" Kirin pleaded.
*I will return when I am dead!*
"Bismuth, no!" Kirin cried.
Bismuth raised a pearly white leg and sent it crashing into the frozen lake. Heero pulled Kirin by the tunic she wore and slid into the ice for some measure of safety.
Kirin was at a loss as Bismuth flared his enormous white wings and tail- a sign of defiance.
A monster, summoned by Dorothy, had taken the chance to wrap its razor sharp claws around Bismuth's neck, choking the vulnerable Water Elemental.
"What are they doing?" Kirin screamed.
"They're trying to kill it." Heero said.
Blood seeped from wound inflicted upon Bismuth. He rolled onto his side, trying to get the Griffin from his neck.
"You stupid bitch! You can't kill it! It's an Elemental!"
"I don't think they can hear you..."
"Did you hear that?" Dorothy asked Treize.
"I believe it was that pretty, Elf Princess, Kirin."
"What did she say?"
Treize turned his gaze to the small, barely visible figures in the night. "I believe... 'You stupid bitch! You can't kill it! It's an Elemental!'"
"WHAT? Griffin! Return!" Dorothy shouted.
Relena's angry, contorted face turned to Dorothy. "Dorothy! What are you doing? Destroy that Dragon!"
"But Queen Relena-"
"Do it, Dorothy!!!"
Dorothy gave Treize a look. "Monster of a lion's head, wings of an eagle's chest, come forth for all to see, obey my order and come back to me. Griffin."
The same Griffin that had returned to its dark home, had made another appearance, a little irritated.
"Destroy the Dragon." Dorothy ordered.
The Griffin swiped at the injured Water Dragon, inflicting four deep gashes into the white skin.
Relena nodded her head. "Serves it right. It should know not to mess with Queen Relena of the Peacecraft Castle!"
"Ahh!" Kirin screamed in frustration. "What is she doing?! If she kills the Dragon, the Earth Crystal can't be put back together and we're all going to die!"
Heero watched Kirin pace in front of him. All she had to do was ask him to 'weaken' the Dragon and get rid of the Relena person, and he'd do it for her...with a price of course.
"Heero, come on." Kirin said roughly.
"Where?"
"We're going over to Relena to literally knock some sense into her. Then we'll deal with Bismuth."
Relena Peacecraft's blue eyes sparkled with excitement. She was going to prove to everyone that she was a supreme ruler. No on was going to tell her otherwise!
"Queen Retard!"
Relena's blood began to boil. She turned on her heel and turned the Elf Princess' voice. "Kirin!"
In a shimmer of silver, Kirin appeared before Relena, her head was shaking from side to side. "You are a complete idiot."
"Damn you!" Relena cried, trying to slap Kirin who kept moving subtly away from her reach. "Why must you torture me?"
"Torture...? TORTURE?! When my people rejected you as our Guardian, you killed my friends one by one! You slowly burned out their Crystals until there was nothing left of them! You killed my mother and you say that I am torturing you? I can do worst things than torture, Relena...I'm just getting started."
Relena's eyes widened, trying to get away from the demonic look she was getting from Kirin. She fell against another body and instantly thought it was Treize. She turned and didn't know whether she wanted to scream or declare to the world that she had just found her new King.
"Help me!" Relena cried, wrapping herself around Heero's muscled chest. "She's trying to kill me!"
"So am I."
Relena backed away from the ominous looking Heero. His blue eyes held some form of darkness and insanity. His 'perfect' face seemed darker, holding a very deadly and dangerous secret.
"You're with her..."
Heero's hand gripped Relena's throat. "If you run, I'll break your legs. If you hit me, I'll break your arms. If you scream, I'll break your neck. If you don't do as I say...I'll kill you." A spell wove around Relena's head. "Sleep..."
"So...who's willing to look for Wufei?" asked Quatre.
Zero took Quatre's hand. "Quatre, if you even suggest me..." she leaned close to his ear and whispered her threat.
Quatre turned incredibly and alarmingly white and gently nodded.
"I'm glad we understand each other, Dear."
"I can talk to the Elemental!" Ayako said, flying onto Quatre's shoulder. "And I'm a Red Mage!"
Trowa, Shin, and Duo looked at each other. Shin and Duo both jumped, knocking their heads together and falling to the side, unconscious. Trowa shrugged his shoulders and took his place beside Quatre.
"Should we leave them a note?" Quatre questioned.
"Good idea." said Ayako. She formed a feathered pen and a scroll of paper in her hands and began to scribble furiously.
After a full minute, Ayako flew next to Duo and read the note out loud to everyone. "It seems you two have lucked out. Quatre, Zero, Trowa, and me-Ayako, have gone to get Fervor. You two must now look for Wufei and met at the Lightning Plateau in two days! That gives you just enough time to get off your lazy butts! Good-luck and Good-bye! Ayako." She turned and suspended herself in front of Quatre. "Sound good?"
"Good enough." Zero said quickly. "Xellos!"
A purple wolf appeared again, its eyes closed and its mouth turned in a mysterious smile. Xellos appeared, floating above the large wolf's head. "Wolf Express! Let me remind you, don't give him directions..."
"Why?" the four travelers asked in unison.
"Do you REALLY want to know?"
Zero shook her head. "We set ourselves up for this..."
Xellos patted Corbin's head. "Corbin has no sense of direction."