AN: I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters. Chapter 6 is coming…
{-}
Within three days, Trowa was on his feet again. He had been fortunate. The wizard had taken excellent care of him. He walked around slowly outside with a sling on his left arm to keep his shoulder from moving. He was very sore, but within a week or so the wound would heal almost fully and he would be back to himself.
During their stay with the wizard, Quatre and Trowa had learned much of the current situation with the war. Martin was not only a healer, but a wizard, a wise man, and advisor of King Darlian. Quatre had even heard his father speak of Martin's great deeds from time to time, but Quatre only believed the tales to be mere legend; he never imagined such magic existed in the world.
In the mean time, the five young men began to get to know each other better. Few words were needed to express the feelings the five of them shared. All were longing for a place in the world, to seek the justice the High King would have served. Quatre encouraged all the young men to join him and Trowa at King Darlian's castle. Duo agreed almost instantly stating he had nowhere to go and nothing else to do at the present moment. After some deep, thoughtful meditation, Wufei agreed to go also,
"I will avenge my brother's death and hopefully prevent others from experiencing the pain I now feel," said the black haired boy. "Justice will be served."
Heero on the other hand was silent. He had his reasons to fight, but he dared not share them with anyone. He did not wish to join an army and take orders from a foolish officer. Heero had been taking orders all his life and it had only given him grief. Heero's mind drifted back to his childhood. Odin had been a cruel and harsh teacher. He had trained Heero vigorously, teaching the boy everything he knew. Eventually, Heero's skill grew so rapidly and so well, that Odin feared Heero would overpower him one day. So he kept Heero busy, barking out orders to him, turning him into a cold man. Odin even spoke of his apprentice to Lord Treize. The War Lord was greatly impressed by Heero's skill and often requested that Heero accompany Odin on his missions.
So Heero went, willingly at first. That is until one day, when everything changed. The day Heero's heart grew a conscious. It was the day that began all of Heero's pain, doubt, and torment…
Odin had been given orders by Treize to help plumage the home of Lord Talbert, cousin to King Peacecraft. This was years ago, at the beginning of the War. Up till now, Heero had gone on his missions willingly, killing whom and when he was told without regrets. It did not matter Treize's purpose for wanting someone dead, just as long as the job got done. Heero was good at what he did. That is why Treize requested he follow Odin on so many missions. Odin was growing old and Heero would soon take his place as Treize's assassin.
Lord Treize led the onslaught, himself, with a small army. His orders were clear: kill everyone in the city to show the High King of Treize's wrath. Heero and Odin's orders were to break into Lord Talbert's palace, kill the member of the royal family. They would then allow Treize and his troops to enter into the castle with ease. Heero carried out his orders well. Odin made quick work of the Lord. Odin and his accomplice then killed off the remaining guards inside the palace who were engaged in the combat that carried on in the city. Treize and his troops stormed the palace and overtook the stronghold.
Heero watched as another victory played out. He went out with Odin, into the city, to observe the scene. Bodies were lying everywhere, and those citizens that had survived were now being executed promptly. Heero watched the murders take place. He observed as innocent men, women, and children were being slaughtered.
Several troops brought a woman and her children to Lord Treize. Heero walked behind Odin over to the War Lord. He watched as the soldiers made the woman kneel. Treize looked over the family without concern. Heero watched anxiously. A little girl was staring at him.
The girl had wide beautiful sapphire eyes. She was quite, not bawling or screaming like her siblings. She stared directly into Heero's eyes. It felt as if she was staring right through him. Heero had never felt such emotion. The girl continued her gaze. It was a silent plea to save her life. To show that she was not afraid to die, but she was more willing to live. Heero's face became contorted as he watched her. He began to grow fearful.
"Kill them, like the others," said Treize as he walked away.
The mother screamed in terror and the other children began to cry even harder. But the girl maintained her gaze on Heero. He was so entranced; he did not even realize she had spoken to him until it was too late,
"One day, you will be the one to save those like me," she said simply.
The last thing Heero remembered were the screams being silenced.
Ever since that day, Heero doubted his way of life. He accompanied Odin less often, and found he hated his master with more content than one could ever muster. He hated Treize for his wrong, immoral ways. While Heero gained emotion, he also gained a coldness and contempt for life. He hated his state of being. He hated himself for what he had done. He wanted to get out, but he was trapped.
Everyday, images of the little girl's eyes flashed in his mind. Her words rang in his ears, "One day, you will be the one to save those like me." It was as if she could read his innermost thoughts and sense his feelings. Her words troubled Heero, greatly, and soon, Heero found himself in a whirlwind of confusion. He hated the world and what it had become. He had helped it to become that way.
Eventually, all these thoughts and feelings led up to that fateful day. It was the day when Heero stood up to Treize trying to save a life, rather than take one.
Heero felt he could stand it no longer. He tried to save the High King but he couldn't. In his heart he knew there was nothing to be done, but Heero decided he would at least die trying. But that was exactly what he didn't do. After the encounter with Treize, Heero could not understand why he had not died. Even now, as he made the decision to go to King Darlian's aide, Heero could not understand hwy he should go, when he had hurt others for so long. But once again the little girl's words ran through his mind,
"One day, you will be the one to save those like me."
Heero snapped out of his memories. He found himself staring at his new companions. All were looking at him eagerly to see what his answer would be. Quatre looked at Heero the most anxiously of all,
"Heero, what say you?" he asked.
For while, Heero was silent. He stared at the ground and the others feared his answer would be no. Finally, Heero raised his head and looked at Martin. The wizard was staring at him, looking deep into his soul. Heero fixed his gaze on him with his Prussian eyes. Martin simply nodded his head, already knowing Heero's answer.
"Mission accepted," said Heero.
{-}
Zechs sighed. They had been traveling for nearly three days and nights on horseback. His war party had just barley managed to sneak across the borders. Now they were all settled down for the night. In another two days time, they would carry out their plans. It would be simple, it would be quick, and it would be suicide.
Zechs approached Lady Une. She was meditating, as she often did. Zechs stared at her closely. Noin came up and stood next to him, also observing the woman. After some time, Zechs spoke up,
"What do you see witch?"
Lady Une opened her eyes and glanced sharply at the man. But her stern gaze soon turned into a bitter smile,
"Victory," she seethed quietly.
{-}
"Come along Duo Maxwell and hurry up!" shouted Martin, slightly annoyed as he led the young men through a familiar path in the forest.
"Come on, where are we going?" complained Duo as he brought up the rear of the group.
"That is none of your concern until we reach our destination," retorted Martin.
Quatre glanced about in confusion. This was certainly not the way to King Darlian's castle.
"King Darlian's castle lies to the west and we travel northward," exclaimed the blonde.
"That is does," said Martin as he glanced about the forest. They were almost there.
Heero walked along in silence. He observed and took in all of his surroundings. They were deep within the woods. The wizard showed no intentions of stopping. For nearly an hour they had been traveling on foot. Yet, Heero knew the wizard's intentions were entirely honorable. Heero sensed Martin had come this way before.
They walked about a mile more until Martin came to a stop by a large tree. The wizard knelt down and peered into a small spring located at the base of the tree. Duo stepped forward and his eyes widened.
"Water! Good thinking Martin, I am a little parched myself!"
"Silence!" ordered the wizard sharply.
Duo stopped and frowned. The others looked around questioningly. They watched as the wizard reached out his hand.
"What is going on, Martin?" asked Quatre.
"There is someone who can help you along your way," replied the wizard quietly as he graced the water with his fingertips. As soon as he did, a bright light flashed and the young men staggered back holding their hands over their eyes. Blinking they looked ahead of them somewhat fearfully. Before them was a beautiful lady floating above the spring. She was dressed in gold robes that matched the color of her hair. Her fierce eyes were reproached by thick eyebrows. The young men stared at her in wonder and astonishment.
"I am the Lady of the Spring," she said to them. "I am the protector of Water; one of the four Guardians of Mythica."
"One of the Great Guardians!" exclaimed Quatre. He bowed deeply and motioned for the others to follow. The Guardians protected every element of Mythica: earth, fire, water, and sky. They were powerful and demanded great respect.
"The Lady wishes to speak to you before you continue with your quest," said Martin quietly.
"Quest?" asked Duo. "I thought we were simply traveling to fight for the King."
"You must do much more than that, Duo Maxwell," said the Lady.
Duo looked at her with wary eyes.
"Your mission," continued the Lady "is to free Mythica of the evil that has taken hold of her. The Five of you were chosen at birth to fulfill this destiny. You shall lead the people of Mythica to victory and restore the one who shall rule all in justice and honor: The High King."
"The High King is dead," seethed Wufei.
"But his successor is alive and well," said Martin. "It is your duty to find him, and bring him under our protection."
"If he is the heir to the throne, then why does he not show himself?" asked Duo. "Does the coward fear Lord Treize's wrath?"
"The High King does not yet know of his destiny," said the Lady.
"Then how shall we know it is he when we find him?" asked Quatre eagerly. His excitement was getting the better of him although he was still unsure as to whether or no he was dreaming.
"He will find his way to you," said the Lady. "You see, the High King has the power to heal through his love and selflessness."
"A healer," muttered Quatre under his breath. "Yes, a healer to heal the pain inflicted by war."
"I am not buying this," growled Wufei as he started to walk away. "Since when do simple men end up fulfilling a destiny to great to fathom?"
"So that justice may be served!" retorted the Lady forcefully. Wufei turned around at stared at her with his black eyes. "I know of your pain Wufei Chang. I know you have suffered greatly in your life."
Wufei looked down at the ground shamefully.
"None of you may turn away from this quest," continued the Lady. "Centuries ago, there was a prophesy. It stated the High King would be murdered, Mythica would submit to evil, and an evil Lord would crown himself King. At these words, the Guardians of Mythica united to discuss a plan to counter these evils deeds. We chose five young men who would be warriors for the people of Mythica. They would bear armor and weapons so powerful, that they would destroy this evil Lord and all of his power. The Five would bring hope to a torn world, and a new High King would be found to heal the pain that had been wrought upon the people."
"Why us?" asked Trowa.
"Because this is your birthright," said Martin and he touched the tall young man on the shoulder. "All of you represent the people of Mythica: the wealthy, peasants, thieves, outcasts, and even the lost and lonely," said the wizard as he peered closely at each of the young men. "You know the ways of the warrior. In your hearts, you have always felt alone, you have always felt something great would happen to you one day, whether you choose to admit it or not."
"You must save Mythica," said the Lady. "If you do not, all is lost. Trieze will seize control of all of these lands. He will kill the High King. The Guardians will die if good ceases to exists, thus Mythica will be lost and become no more."
"You have all agreed to fight under King Darlian," said the wizard. "You must now agree to fight not only for him, but for all of Mythica. You must choose to accept this fate willingly. You will lead the people when hope is frail. We can not force you to agree to this against your will. You will only wield the power to fight if you do so willingly."
The Five were silent. So much had just happened; they could not process half of the information just given. Martin looked at each of them gravely.
Heero, who had been silent the entire time, walked towards the wizard.
"I will fight," he said coldly.
The others looked at him. Slowly they began to understand. If they did not choose to do this, then no one could. This was the beginning of the end, unless they could do something to stop it. Slowly, each of them began to stand beside Heero. They all looked up at the Lady of the Spring, who smiled. She raised her arms. Martin took a step away from them. Instantly, a flash of light, brighter than the previous one, blinded the young men.
Seconds later, the light was gone. The wizard looked to where the young men had once stood. In their places were five warriors, dressed in full armor.
Quatre's was the bluest you had ever seen. In his hands, the young man looked down in astonishment to see a large, metallic staff. Duo donned armor blacker than the darkest night. A large scythe stood on the ground, supported by his right hand. Wufei wore fiery red armor. The oriental man was pleased to see a beautiful katana in his grasp. Trowa gazed down at his green armor. He possessed two large daggers in his hands. Lastly was Heero, who looked angelic in pure white armor. He grasped a large beautiful sword. Each warrior had a sword strapped to their back. The Five looked at each other in amazement. Some things did not just seem to be real. They touched the armor delicately.
"The armor," said the Lady "is made out of Gundam. It is the rarest, strongest material in all of Mythica."
The warriors stared at it in awe. Heero unsheathed his sword as it shone with a bright light. The blade sang and he swung it through the air. Quatre watched as the others examined their weaponry and armor. He, himself, found the metal to be remarkably light in weight. It felt as if he had no clothes on at all. The blonde haired man peered up at the Lady.
"My Lady, I am grateful for your help. Yet, I do not understand what we shall do. I do not understand why it is us, and not someone else. How will we do it alone?"
"Quatre Winner, you will not be alone. You will have to learn to work with each other. You share a strong bond now; one that goes deeper than the bonds of friendship. You do not know each other well, right now, but you will in time. When you realize the feelings you will all share with each other, you will defeat Lord Trieze."
"I will also aid you along the way," put in Martin who had been observing the young men closely. "I may be an old man, but I am also a wizard, and was once a warrior myself."
"The last thing I must say," said the Lady "is to hold true to each other. Have faith and the time will come when you shall reach greatness. This I promise you."
The Lady of the Spring bowed to them and the Five in return to her. Then, with another brilliant flash of light she was gone and the Five stood there with the wizard.
"Come," said Martin. "We must make haste and journey to King Darlian's castle!"
AN: Tell me what you think. I do not feel this is my favorite chapter but it is necessary to keep the story moving. Oh well. Next up: Heero meets Relena! The part I know we have all been waiting for! Email: Wildrose1404earthlink.net