AN: Okay, now this could be another chapter that you have all been waiting for! Who knows, right? LOL! Anyways I hope you liked the last chapter. If you did, you will love this one. By the way, I think a lot of you were really tricked out when I revealed the High King to you. Don't worry; all will be explained here!
I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters.
{-}
Anton's feast was a merry one. There was dancing, accompanied by the music of a fiddle, mandolin and guitar. All in the haven danced without a care in the world while the night went on. Duo twirled Hilde about the grass, while Relena shared a few dances with Anton. Trowa even asked Noin for a few songs. Heero was the only one who stood and watched from the shadows. He narrowed his Prussian eyes as Anton grabbed Relena around the waist and spun her. The princess seemed quite flustered and out of breath, but she laughed in spite of it all. Heero swore he saw the girl looking around from time to time, as if she were searching for someone. The warrior growled and sunk behind the shadows of a tree.
Relena, although she was enjoying herself, was quite aware of Anton's advances towards her. He was handsome, godlike for all she could say, and intelligent. He spoke softly to her, telling her how beautiful she looked in the moonlight and how wonderful of a dancer she was. She smiled at his kind manner. He was certainly everything a woman could ever hope for. So why was she so distraught?
From time to time, she found herself looking for Heero. However, the stoic soldier was nowhere to be found. After several dances, Anton excused himself politely to check on some of his patients. Relena shared a dance with Trowa. The usually silent man sensed her insecurity.
"He troubles you," he said quietly.
Relena looked at him sharply, "Who?"
"Heero."
Relena sighed, "I suppose so. He is just one big mystery to me."
"He is a mystery to all of us."
"Trowa, do you know anything about Heero before Martin found him? I know all about your life before the war, along with Quatre, Duo, and even Wufei. But, Heero's past is nothing but a shadow."
"I am sorry to say that neither of us knows anything at all," Trowa said quietly, "except for the fact that he suffered greatly."
"That must be why is so cold," said Relena sadly, "how can anyone be that cold? How can anyone be so full of hate?"
"A painful past can do that to you."
Relena nodded and thought she saw a glimmer of Prussian blue eyes watching her from the shadows of a tree. Trowa, sensing whom she had seen, looked over in the same direction. Suddenly, the eyes disappeared just as quickly as they had been seen.
"Go to him," Trowa commanded quietly.
Relena looked at the gypsy somewhat fearfully. "I don't think it would be wise. He is already upset with me as it is and…"
"Relena," Trowa interrupted, "it is clear to see that the man you really wish to be dancing with is Heero."
"He will not dance with me."
"He will, he just has yet to see it."
Relena's heart leapt a little and she nodded. Trowa released her from his arms and gently led her away from the rest of the dancers. Thanking him for the dance, Relena made her way into the shadows of the trees by herself.
Heero had been watching her every move. When he noticed her coming in his direction, he began to walk away to hide once more. Something made him stop though. What was he running from? He had never run from anything in his entire life, and here he was running from a girl! Becoming agitated at the thought, Heero whirled around to come face to face with Relena.
"What do you want?" he asked harshly.
She looked somewhat stricken, but her eyes grew sharp and she held her ground, "To speak with you."
"About what?"
"Well, I just wanted to know why you are standing here by yourself when everyone else is enjoying themselves."
"I do not wish to take part, that is all," he said as he began to walk away. He heard her small footsteps following him though.
"Why do you insist on secluding yourself from the rest of the world?" she demanded suddenly.
Heero spun around sharply, "Why do you insist upon prying into my personal business?"
They glared at each other for a moment, then, Relena spoke, "I only wish to help you Heero. But, every time I begin to get close, you push me away. Any time anyone tries to get close, you push them away. Do you like to torture yourself?"
"You know nothing about me."
"I would if you would only tell me something!" she exclaimed. "Heero, I know your past was a painful one, we all know that, but what could you have done that should make you torment yourself so much? Do you believe it is so horrible that you must go to the depths of hell, where Rhapsody awaits you?"
Heero looked at her sternly, "You know nothing of hell, Relena."
She looked at him sadly, her eyes tearing up slightly. She shook her head, "What happened to you Heero Yuy? What happened to make you so cold?"
He wouldn't look at her. It was too difficult for him to talk about. Why was he so distrustful when Martin had told him to trust Relena most of all? These thoughts flowed through his mind as she stared at him. Again, he heard her voice,
"Heero?"
He looked at her now, unsure of what she was going to ask.
"If you are not going to talk to me, please dance with me."
She held out her hand. Heero looked at her quizzically, but something in his mind told him to take her hand.
To his surprise, she did not lead him back to where the others were dancing. She simply put her arms around him and began to move. The music could be clearly heard from where they were standing in the forest. The fiddle played a slow melody and Heero began to follow her steps in a simple waltz. Their eyes were locked with one another the entire time. Heero began to feel the music engulf him, and suddenly, he was no longer in Mythica, but in a totally different world with Relena. Both of them were barely aware of the steps they were taking, they simply danced smoothly to the fiddle as it strung out the lovely melody.
He drew her body closer to his, unknowingly. He noticed how beautifully her eyes sparkled in the moonlight. Spinning her away from him, Heero caught Relena as she came back towards him once more. At that moment, time stopped. They ceased their movements and looked deep into each other's eyes. Relena felt transfixed, unable to take her gaze off him. Heero felt himself drawing closer to her body.
Whatever magic was in the air at that time and that place, took hold of them. Heero's heart tugged in his chest as he drew closer and closer to her face. Relena gasped softly when their lips met for the first time. It was an innocent kiss, passionate and not too long. Heero discovered he liked the feel of her lips against his. It was all so strange to him and so emotional. When the kiss was broken, Relena stared at him in wonder.
Heero found himself falling. What had just happened? Did he just do what he thought he did? She looked befuddled.
"I am sorry Relena," was all he could say.
She blushed and looked down at her feet. "Please do not ever be sorry for that, Heero."
He looked at her with a shocked expression in his eyes. Suddenly, he heard her gay laughter. Relena smiled and her eyes twinkled brightly as she looked at him.
"Come on, we better go back with the others before we are missed."
Taking hold of his hand, Relena led him back to the festivities.
{-}
Martin sat in the study until the wee hours of the night. His heart was troubled. By now, Treize would have gained the Powers of Dire is Hilde's account had been accurately told. With those powers in his hands, Treize would prove to be unstoppable. Only the Five warriors would be able to stop him, but they had to figure out how. They were young and they still had yet to test their armor in battle. Would their skill prove to be too little?
Another though on Martin's mind regarded the safety of the city. Should Trieze decide to march into the Northern Realms, everyone in the city would be trapped. With twice as many soldiers, Treize's men would invade the city and slaughter everyone. Furthermore, was the identity of the High King. When the man is finally revealed, will he alone have the ability to strike down Treize and all his power?
The bells in the temple tower began to toll outside. Martin counted as they made their way up to twelve chimes. It was midnight. The old wizard sat down in a chair. What would the Great Heero Yuy do? All these thoughts drifted in Martin's mind until he finally felt himself drift off into sleep. However, even in dreamland, he was unstable.
The city was burning and all that the people knew was lost. Martin watched as the five warriors struggled against unknown creatures that were attacking the city. One by one, they were stricken down and slain.
Next, a new scene unfolded. Treize was standing over Relena's bloody body, smiling maliciously. On his head, he wore the crown of the High King. People bowed down to him unwillingly. Martin watched as the warlord approached him.
"You have lost wizard, your time on this earth has ended. You have failed."
Martin glared at the man and looked over at Relena's body. The bodies of his five soldiers were brought in to lie next to hers. Treize laughed,
"You dare to send five children after me? How pathetic have you become old man?"
Martin screamed and tried to strike Treize down, but a blinding white light filled the room. Blinking, Martin looked around to find himself standing alone.
"Martin," said a soft voice.
The wizard turned around and saw the Lady of the Spring. He bowed before her, still shaken from the previous scenes.
"What has happened my lady?"
"You are dreaming, nothing more."
"Will it come true? What I have seen?"
She bowed her head, "Some of it may…yes."
"Even the deaths of the warriors?"
"I cannot tell you how it will end, Martin. The future has a way of changing. You must find a way to do it."
"Those creatures," muttered Martin, "what were they? Please, if nothing else tell me that."
She nodded, "They are immortal creatures created by the Powers of Dire. Treize will find a way to release them upon you."
"They are indestructible?"
"I cannot tell you Martin, for I do not even know the answer to that."
"What should I do?" asked the wizard. "I am in need of your guidance."
"Send the people of the city into the forest. I shall do my best to protect them there with my power, along with Celeste, Guardian of the earth. We will do all that we can, but there is only so much we can do to intervene with the struggles of mortal men. Everyday, the strength of the Guardians grows weaker because of all the hate in the world. It may already be too late."
Martin suddenly found himself awake and peering into the eyes of Quatre Winner. The blonde haired man was kneeling next to him on the floor. He touched Martin's shoulder gently.
"Martin, are you alright? When I walked in, I found you lying here on the floor. What happened?"
Martin sat up and looked around. Sunlight streamed into the study. "Is it morning?"
"Yes, for some time now," replied Quatre with a worried look on his face.
The old man struggled to stand on his feet. Quatre offered him a hand pulling him up.
"Come, young Mister Winner. We have much to discuss! I need to get word to the others as soon as possible!"
{-}
Trowa had left Anton's haven early that morning. Heero watched the gypsy as he made his way back to Martin's cottage to saddle up his horse and ride into the city.
"Be on your guard," warned Heero before the tall youth left.
"We must all be so nowadays," replied Trowa. "Should Martin seek council with you, I will ride back immediately; until then, farewell."
Heero nodded and watched him walk away.
As Trowa disappeared into the forest, Heero turned around to gather the rest of his company to head back as well. Despite Anton's hospitality, they could not stay long. It would prove to be too dangerous. Heero walked around the sleepy community. Everyone was exhausted from the night before. As he made his way through the haven, Heero stopped short when he noticed a long braid over hanging the top of a haystack. Smirking, Heero climbed up to see an extremely comfortable Duo, with Hilde nuzzled tightly under his arms.
Shaking his head, Heero pulled Duo's braid, waking the former thief up.
"What's that! Huh?" said Duo as he shot up. He looked over at Heero and suddenly turned a bright shade of red. "Heero…hey buddy…what's going on?"
"We need to leave in a little while. I am going to find Relena and Noin."
"Already, just when everything was getting so good too!"
Heero looked at Hilde's still sleeping form, then back at Duo, "I bet it was," he said wryly as he slid down the haystack.
Duo frowned and was about to retort back with another comment, until he felt something or someone wiggle beside him. Duo peered down to see a sleepy Hilde slowly opening her eyes.
"Duo," she breathed quietly.
"Yeah babe, it's me."
Yawning, Hilde stretched out her arms. She sighed happily and looked up at him with her bright eyes. "I was hoping that I wasn't dreaming; am I dreaming?"
Duo laughed, "No, this is very real. Here we are, after a crazy night of dancing, wrapped in each other's arms on top of a haystack!"
Hilde frowned, "You make it sound so romantic, Duo."
"Well maybe it is! I think it is. What could be more wonderful than waking up next to the most beautiful girl in the world?"
She smiled, "You are such a bluff."
"I wouldn't kid you about something like that," he said as his violet eyes grew serious.
"Oh," she breathed quietly. "I suppose you want to kiss me now."
Duo simply nodded his head, grinned, and pulled her in closer.
Meanwhile, Heero continued his search for Relena and Noin. After some time, he found the two women conversing with Anton in the dining area, over some breakfast.
"Heero!" greeted Anton as he stood up to shake the man's hand, "Please, have a seat and join us for a hot meal!"
"We really have to take to our leave soon," replied the stoic man.
"So soon," frowned Anton. "I was hoping to enjoy your company a little while longer." He looked over to Relena who was sitting at the table. Heero, seeing this, narrowed his eyes slightly.
"It is in Relena's best interest to leave immediately. However, in two days time, I will be back to speak with you. There are several important matters which need to be discussed."
Anton looked at him questioningly, but soon smiled. "Very well, have it your way Heero Yuy. I shall anxiously await your return."
Relena and Noin stood and walked over to where the two men were standing. Relena stood directly in front of Anton and spoke,
"Thank you so much again for all your warmth and hospitality," she said sweetly. "I only hope to repay you someday."
"Think nothing of it," replied Anton with a smile. "You are all welcome back at any time. Relena," he said as he picked up her hand and kissed it gently, "it has been enchanting."
She smiled, but Heero felt something twinge in his heart. Again, thoughts of another man touching her bothered him. It was all he could do to hold himself back. Noin must have seen his emotion because she looked at him suddenly. Heero chose to turn and walk away.
On the walk home, Duo, Hilde, and Relena conversed with each other. Heero walked ahead beside Noin silently. After some time, the woman spoke,
"You have feelings towards her don't you?"
Shocked by Noin striking up a conversation with him, Heero simply looked at her. After a few seconds he answered,
"I do not know what it is to feel."
"You do," said Noin, "but you just don't know it yet. Most men react the same way in similar situations."
"I am not like most men."
"You are a man though."
Heero thought about this statement. Noin studied him carefully.
"You know," she began, "you remind me very much of a man I was once knew. He was a soldier, much like you, unemotional in every way; except for his eyes. When you looked into their icy blue depths, you could see his soul, his heart, his character…" her voice began to fade and a strange sadness spread across her features. Heero suddenly realized that she was not really speaking to him at all. Her mind was off in a memory.
"You loved that man," stated Heero.
Noin looked up at him shocked. She held her head high. "Yes, I did. I still do. I am here on his behalf right now."
Heero stopped, "For Relena?"
"Yes," said Noin as she looked at the princess. "Her brother asked me to protect her. I asked Relena to keep it a secret, but there is no point to that now. Everything is changing, and soon, all will be revealed."
"Who is Relena's brother?"
"His name is Milliardo Peacecraft. He, however, betrayed his father when he rebelled against the ideas of pacifism. Milliardo was disowned and sent to live on his own. He believed in fighting for a cause when one had to fight."
"Where is Milliardo now?" asked Heero.
Noin stopped walking. For a while she thought about the question. "I…I suppose that he is dead."
She quickly walked ahead of Heero with a single tear streaming down her cheek. "As is Captain Lucrezia Noin," she said quietly to herself.
{-}
"Focus," said Lady Une. "Channel in on your powers. You should be able to feel it in your blood."
"I do," replied Treize as he closed his eyes, concentrating closely.
"Good. Now, according to legend, the holder of the Powers of Dire will be capable of commanding an indestructible army. Delve deep down and concentrate on that task."
"I am trying," said Treize.
Zechs suddenly burst into the room. "Is it true? Have you captured the Powers of Dire?" he demanded.
Treize's eyes flew open. Lady Une walked over to stand in front of the Lightning Count.
"You dare enter without knocking?" she asked.
Zechs ignored her though, "My Lord, I beseech you, with the Powers of Dire, you could destroy not only our enemy, but all of Mythica as well! Think of the consequences! You could kill us all!"
Treize eyed him suspiciously. "What has gotten into you Merquis? It used to be that you would follow my bidding without question. Now you act as if you have, how shall I say it… morals. Whatever is going on in your head must stop. You are the Lightning Count, not a man of concern."
"My only concern is for the sake of my men," Zechs gritted between his teeth. "If the Powers prove to be too much for you, all will be destroyed…"
"Your men is not what concerns you!" cried Treize.
Zechs looked into his eyes sharply. Treize began to circle his general. "Something is holding you back Merquis from who you once were. You have changed since your last mission. Is it the loss of Captain Noin? Might I remind you that there is no room for love in times of war?"
"No," replied Zechs.
"It is his sister…" seethed Lady Une maliciously.
Both men looked at her attentively. Zechs pierced his blue eyes at her, "I have no sister," he stated coldly.
Lady Une would not be fooled, "I told Lord Treize some time ago that a Peacecraft survived. But, we did not believe she would harm us in any way. However, it is clear to me now that you know of her existence and where she is."
"I know nothing!" cried Zechs.
"Guards!" shouted Treize.
"You are making a mistake, witch!" seethed Zechs to Lady Une.
"There are some things that you just can't leave behind," continued Lady Une. "Aren't there Milliardo?"
"Do not call me that!" cried Zechs angrily.
Several guards entered the room. "Seize him!" cried Treize.
All at once, the soldiers were upon him. Zechs unsheathed his sword and began striking them down one by one. Treize watched with amusement as his general killed his men. A traitor to the cause…but wait, yes, this could be very amusing.
More men stormed the room and eventually brought Zechs down to his knees. The Lightning Count breathed heavily as he felt the tip of a sword at his throat. Looking up, painfully, Zechs glared at Treize.
"I will not kill you Merquis. You are much more valuable than that. I have a better use for you."
Zechs was silent. So, Treize continued, "You do not wish to tell me of your sister, well eventually you will. Soon, I will here all about her identity and her location. When I do, you will fetch her yourself, bring her to me, and here she shall die. The best part of all…you shall be her executioner."
"No!" cried Zechs. He struggled with the guards but they held him down firmly. "I would rather die! You know I would never do that!"
Treize laughed and looked at Lady Une, who simply nodded. "Merquis, you will soon find that you shall suffer a fate much worse than death."
Treize walked forward to Zechs. He knelt down and faced the general directly. Slowly, Treize took his hand, and placed it over Zechs heart. Zechs cried out in pain suddenly, when he felt a jolt in his chest. In horror, Zechs looked down and saw a black glow being emitted from Treize's hand.
"Damn you!" cried Zechs.
"What is he doing?" muttered some of the soldiers in terror.
Treize smiled to himself as he felt his powers flowing through his body. This time, he would make sure that Milliardo Peacecraft was dead once and for all.
{-}
AN: OOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH! How evil is Treize! What is he doing to poor Zechs? I know you were all dying for Relena and Heero to finally kiss! I really hope you envisioned the whole scene the way I did when I wrote it. I even have listened to the song that inspired the scene. I wish I could play it to you but I can't. :( Oh well. Next chapter will be coming out soon! Please enjoy! Email: