AN: I know that the last chapter was short and I tried to get this one out ASAP. I will either be on my way or in Florida if it takes me forever to update. Sorry about that. Anyways, this chapter promises some action. Yes, you heard me correctly I believe.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters.
{-}
Martin looked at his surroundings carefully. He and Trowa had just arrived in Anton's haven and, from what Martin could tell; it was everything the former gypsy had said. The wizard sensed a magical presence in the air which raised his curiosity. His suspicions were only heightened at the approach of Anton, himself.
Martin noted that Anton was a sturdy man of at least twenty-six years. He certainly looked as if he could play the role of a king, or a god for that matter. The healer greeted Trowa warmly and extended his hand to Martin with a smile.
"I have heard much about you wizard. I am glad to have finally met you."
"I do not come on a social visit," replied Martin drearily. "I must speak with you privately and at once."
Anton's eyes wrinkled in concern and he nodded his head. "This way, one of the boys can see to your horses."
Martin and Trowa dismounted, handing their steeds to a young stable boy. Anton led the two men to his private cottage. Once they were inside, Anton locked the door, and pulled the curtains over the windows so as to avoid curious eyes. He motioned for them to sit down at a small table.
"What is the matter?" the healer asked urgently.
"As you know," began Martin, "since the death of King Peacecraft, Lord Treize's power has grown sufficiently. It has been our mission, bestowed upon me by the Guardians, to overthrow Lord Treize and all his power."
Anton nodded. Martin continued, "Part of our mission, was to find a man of no place in life, an orphan perhaps, or an ordinary man. This man is said to be a healer, who can take away the pain from this world and thus destroy the evil that is now ruling it. If we were to find this man, he would be proclaimed the High King of Mythica."
"A new High King?" asked Anton.
"Yes, Anton," nodded Martin, "a new High King. We believe we have found this man, or so I have heard based upon his description."
Anton's eye widened, "Who is it, may I ask? Does he seek protection under my roof? He shall have it at once, no doubt!"
"This man is a warrior in his own right, Anton. He already has your protection."
Anton's eyebrows crinkled in worry. He was confused by the old man's words. "What do you mean?"
"I trust the words of Trowa Barton," continued Martin. "You do not know your destiny Anton, but it is greater than it may seem; greater than anything you have ever imagined."
"I…"
"We believe that you, Anton of the Haven, are the future High King of Mythica."
Silence filled the cottage. Anton stared at him with serious eyes. "You have made a mistake. There must be some kind of mistake."
"You are everything the prophesy spoke of," Trowa mentioned quietly.
"The Lady of the Spring declared that the Future High King would not know of his destiny. He would have no foreknowledge of his kingship," explained Martin.
"But I am not a warrior."
"You are a warrior in your own right Anton. You fight against death day in and day out when you tend to your patients. The rest of Mythica is looking to you for healing now. You must rise to the occasion and lead them to victory."
Anton shook his head in dismay, "I know nothing of battle…"
"You will not need to," said Trowa. "We shall help you fight on the battlefield."
Anton shook his head and sighed. He looked up at the two men sitting across from him. "My adoptive mother, Celeste, always said I was destined for greater things among the world of men. I did not know what she meant when she said that until now."
"You have a gift, Anton," said Trowa. "Now is your time to share it with the world."
Anton breathed in heavily. What was happening? Had the old wizard really just proclaimed that he, a man of no station in life, should be the High King of all of Mythica? It seemed impossible by all accounts. He was happy in his haven, caring for others. Could Celeste, be right? Did his life have a higher calling?
"Martin, I shall need time to think this over," said Anton. "But, in the mean time, I will do as you wish. I just ask one thing from you: Do not spread word of this hypothesis across the land. Should it be false then…"
"We have no intention of doing so," interrupted Martin. "If we did, your life would be in great danger, even more so than Queen Relena's at the present moment."
"What do you suggest I do?" asked the healer in dismay.
"I suggest you prepare yourself for war. Set up your haven into an infirmary. A large battle is coming and I am afraid it will be catastrophic. We will need all the help we can with the injured."
Anton nodded, "I will do my best."
Martin continued, "Remain here, where you are safe for now. With your true identity a secret, no one should come looking for you. In time, I will send word to you."
Martin and Trowa stood to leave. They still had to ride to Martin's cottage to gather Heero and Duo, then, ride all night back to the city. Each man shook hands, and they departed, leaving the healer to his troubled thoughts.
{-}
Heero found himself in a courtyard. Beside him, stood the little girl whom he had seen slaughtered with her dog and family. The girl whose words were repeated over and over again in his head each day: "One day, you will be the one to save those like me."
Heero peered at her carefully. She was now unharmed, standing before him. They were back at the CinqKingdom, in the castle courtyard.
"Come with me," said the little girl as she took his hand.
Heero followed her as she led him into the palace. He was not able to control his motions. He felt like a puppet wielding to the strings of its master. As he watched the little girl, he noticed that no emotion rang about her young face. Why was she alive? Had he not seen her die only a few months ago?
The pair entered the throne room. Heero gazed around at the empty room, still walking hand in hand with is guide. The little girl led him to the throne of the High King.
"Sit here," she commanded.
Heero did so; absently aware of what he was doing. He watched as the little girl stood beside him with her dog.
"What am I doing here?" asked Heero as he looked at her.
"Learning about the future," she replied. "Look," she said as she pointed below them to the ground.
Heero followed her pointing finger to the body of a young woman lying on the ground. She was clothed in white, a crimson stain flowing through her angelic frock. A heavy wound burdened her side and she lay motionless. It only took Heero a few seconds to recognize her face.
"Relena!" he cried as he sprang from the throne.
He rushed down to her side and gently picked up her body into his arms. Her eyes were open and she struggled to breathe. The princess stared at him with wide eyes.
"Heero…"she whispered.
"Yes, Relena…"
"I…I"
"Relena?"
Her body went limp. Heero's eyes grew sharp and he turned to look at the little girl who stood beside him. "What happened to her?" he demanded.
"She died, Heero Yuy."
"Who did this?"
"You did."
Heero gazed at her in confusion. The little dog barked loudly. She stared at him as if the matter was no problem at all.
"I made a promise to protect her!" he cried. "I did not kill her!"
"But you do not love her," said the little girl. "You killed her because you do not love her."
"I…"
"No!" he cried as he shot out of the dream. He breathed heavily. Looking down at his once blood-stained hands, Heero breathed a sigh of relief. He had only been dreaming that was all. But what did it all mean?
Heero sat up. It was still daylight, only in the afternoon. He had dozed off under the shade of the comforting trees. His hands shook as he remembered Relena's bloodied body in his hands. The words of the little girl rang through his ears. But you do not love her. You killed her because you do not love her.
Someone was calling his name, "Heero!"
He stood up, placing his troubling thoughts aside until later. Duo was running towards him.
"Heero, I've been looking for you everywhere!"
"What's wrong?"
"Martin and Trowa are here! They say we have to leave immediately for the city. Treize is sending out an army soon to attack us. Quatre is busy evacuating the entire city into the forest. The refugees will begin arriving tonight!"
"What about Relena?"
Duo shook his head, "Martin says she is to remain here. Noin and Hilde will look after her. Come on Heero we have to leave now! There isn't much time!"
The two young men took off running towards the cottage. Martin and Trowa were waiting on their horses. Hilde and Noin had readied Heero and Duo's steeds for them. Jumping onto his horse, Heero looked around for Relena. But she was nowhere to be found.
"Come on!" cried Martin. "We cannot waste any more time!"
In dismay Heero began to ride through the forest with the others. They were almost completely out of reach when he heard her voice calling to him,
"Heero! Heero, please wait!"
He stopped his horse abruptly while the others kept riding. Spinning around, he saw Relena struggling to catch up with him on foot.
"Where are you going?" she asked breathlessly.
"To the city, Treize's army grows close. Quatre is evacuating the women and children to the forest where they will be safe."
"Let me go with you! I can help!" she pleaded.
"No, Relena you have to stay here and help your people."
"Heero…."
He was growing agitated at her persistence, "Relena don't be a fool! Whatever notion you have about following me is wrong! You will only manage to get yourself killed!"
"What do you mean?" she asked her eyes brimming over with tears.
"You know nothing about me, Relena."
"Because you won't let me learn anything about you!" she retorted her blue eyes blazing. She was challenging him again.
Heero glared at her, "Do not make foolish decisions. I am not for you, Relena. Being with me will only hurt you. Do not choose to love me."
"You are the one who hurts me Heero Yuy!" she cried. "It is your actions that hurt me, not your presence. You are the one who chooses to be in pain. If I ever did love you it was a mistake, I can see that now!"
Tears threatened to stream down her cheeks. Heero simply stared at her coldly. He turned his horse around and sped off at full speed, angrily cursing his life.
{-}
Lord Winner stood on his balcony, which overlooked the serene sea. Being a merchant of the water, he had insisted that his mansion be built by the divine blue ocean. Sad thoughts filled his mind. No word from Quatre had been received. For all he knew, his son could be dead at that very moment. Lord Winner now wished they had not parted so harshly. If Quatre died, and he did not have the chance to ever see his son again… Lord Winner closed his eyes, struggling to push aside those dark thoughts.
"Father!" screamed a voice from behind him.
Lord Winner spun around to see Iris running towards him frantically. A look of fear was in her eyes and for a moment, Lord Winner feared that the dreadful news of his son's fate might have finally reached home.
"What is it Iris?"
"Rashid bids you to come quickly! An army, father, an army is coming across the fields!"
Lord Winner ran with Iris to the top of the manor. They made their way to the rooftop, where the entire household had gathered. Each of Lord Winner's daughters looked on in fear as a massive army came marching across the fields in the distance. Lord Winner gasped at the sight. He turned quickly to Rashid.
"Take my daughters and all the servants to the tunnel. Get them out of this place at once!"
"Yes my Lord," said Rashid.
"Make haste, all of you!" cried Lord Winner. "You will take the tunnel to the forest where you shall be safe, hurry!"
Every person on the roof began to flee. Lord Winner turned back to the sight of the army. A smaller band of soldiers broke off from the large outfit, making its way towards the Winner estate.
"Father!" cried Iris.
"Get out of here Iris!" cried Lord Winner. "I am going to try and stall them so that you have a safe passage."
"You will be killed!" she cried.
He grabbed her and pulled her from the roof. Marching down the hallway, he spoke to her intently, "Listen to me, all that matters right now is your safety. Get word to your brother, Quatre, and tell him what has befallen us. Give him this…" Lord Winner pulled out a brilliant dagger embedded with a rich variety of rare jewels.
Iris gasped aloud, "The Winner dagger…but this is past on when the patriarch of the family dies…" Realization hit her hard and tears began to fill her eyes. "You cannot do this!" she cried.
"Rashid!" cried Lord Winner. The faithful servant came over and grabbed the crying girl. "Get her out of here, now!"
Rashid led Iris away down the hall. Lord Winner watched her go with sorrow. One last thought crossed his mind, "Iris!"
She and Rashid spun around quickly to look at him.
"I love you all, all of my daughters. And, most importantly, I love my son."
"I will tell him thus," whimpered Iris through teary eyes.
Lord Winner watched as Iris was pulled away by Rashid. A loud banging was now echoing through the entire manor. They were beginning to break in. Lord Winner made his way to his chamber. Opening a large oak trunk, he pulled out a brilliant scabbard. Unsheathing his sword, the Winner patriarch stood ready as the first attackers came into the room. He stood for a moment shocked at what stood before him. For there attackers were not men of this world, they were hideous beasts, created by black magic.
Lord Winner raised a loud battle cry as he met his first assailant. He buried his sword deep into his opponent's stomach. The creature flinched, then, looked at the man smiling wickedly. Lord Winner's eyes grew wide as the beast pulled the sword out of its gut. No blood has spilled; no wound had even been created.
"What evil magic is this?" whispered Lord Winner as the creatures flooded into the room.
{-}
Martin stared at the soldiers gathered in the courtyard. They were only a handful of the army that they had created, but all of the army looked the same: tired men who had no hope left, old men who had little time left, young boys who did not even know how to fight. Martin sighed. It would not be a battle it would be a massacre. They could not defend the city. To do so would mean death.
"What is on your mind?" asked Quatre.
"It is death to stay here," said Martin gravely. "I am afraid we must let the city fall."
"But Martin, the Northern City is the last remaining defense for Mythica! Should it fall…"
"No Quatre," piped in Heero, "the people of the city are the last remaining defense of Mythica. Darlian's Realm is just a place."
The blonde haired man shook his head slowly in understanding. "What do you suggest we do?"
Martin sighed as he looked to the forest. "Move our army to the fields with the forest at our backs. There, we will face Treize's army. If we should retreat, the forest can offer us much protection. The Guardians will do all in their power. I will not see our men massacred in this city."
All nodded their heads in approval. Martin watched as Trowa stared at the rising sun. "What are you thinking of Barton?"
Trowa's eyes were sad. "The earth is mourning. The trees and grass are wilting, a red sun is rising. Blood has been spilt by an evil hand."
"Then Treize is already in the Northern Realms," whispered Martin. "Come, quickly! We must prepare for battle!"
{-}
Relena cried underneath the comfort of a willow tree. Its long branches hid her from the world, allowing her to be alone for a little while. Curse Heero Yuy! She had been foolish to think that he would ever return true affection towards her. Yes, he had kissed her and made a promise to protect her, but he did not love her. She was wrong to have admitted her love for him. He only pushed her away.
She barely heard her name being called. It wasn't until the willow's branches were parted that she saw Anton.
"Relena, what is the matter?"
Embarrassed the girl stood up and wiped off her streaked cheeks. "Nothing, Anton, I am fine, just a little upset. What are you doing here?"
"I have decided to offer my services to Martin and set up a hospital wing here with your friend Sally, the medicine woman." He hesitated a little while as he looked at her, "Are you sure there isn't anything you wish to discuss?"
Relena smiled at his kindness, "It's just silly. Life just has a way of throwing complicated situations at you."
Anton smiled sadly, "I know what you mean." He looked down at the ground. Relena's eyes grew sympathetic as she watched him.
"There is pain in your eyes," she said quietly.
"More so confusion," he laughed bitterly. "Martin visited me with a daunting task that I am no so sure I am capable of upholding."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"I thought I always knew who I was, but apparently I was destined for greater things…"
Suddenly Relena's mind flashed. Could it be? She stared at Anton intently. It did make sense. The prophesy spoke true…
"You are the High King," she replied.
He shook his head silently. Relena's eyes grew wide and she found herself sitting down for fear of falling. He knelt next to her. Looking at him, Relena suddenly felt strange. Was Anton truly the man they were supposed to find? She prayed to the gods that it be so.
"I will not say a word, Anton."
"Only you and the Five Warriors know. Martin said it is best for my protection that it be kept secret for some time."
Relena nodded in understanding. Anton stood offering his hand to her. She stood up.
"Come on, you are needed. The people of your city are in need of guidance that only you can offer."
The two of them walked towards Martin's cottage. But the secluded cabin was no longer what it once was. People swarmed around the forest. Relena noted the stretchers that had been brought in to transport the sick and wounded. Sally was already busy with several other women cutting up fresh bandages. Small campfires burned in every direction. Relena watched with sadness as women huddled with their children around them. Fear was evident in everyone's eyes.
"There you are!" cried Hilde. The young woman ran up to meet the two of them. "Relena we have been looking everywhere for you! Noin says you are to stay in the cottage. Two guards have been assigned to protect you."
"In the cottage?" cried Relena. "I can be of much more use out here!"
"I will stay with her," said Anton. Relena looked at him curiously. He nodded, "We can move some of the more critically wounded in there for surgery, I will need an assistant."
"Very well," Relena sighed. "Hilde, is there any way that we will get word of how the battle fairs? Should the enemy break through our ranks, I will not see our people slaughtered here."
"Noin and I are going to stand watch on the edge of the forest. We will watch the battle from there. If anything happens, Noin will send me back to tell you. Relena I must go, take care of yourself!"
Relena hugged the girl tightly. Hilde smiled and ran off into the forest, carrying her crossbow with her.
"May the gods help us," muttered Relena under her breath.
{-}
The army was lined up facing the north. Martin had said that a large army such as Treize's would come from the North. They had used the sea as their way of transportation. It was quicker cutting out nearly two days journey from the Cinq Kingdom. Normally, on foot, a large army such as this would a good five days to travel by land.
The sun was blocked by dark clouds. Heero leaned forward in his saddle. He peered closely ahead of him. Though they were not yet visible, he could hear them coming. It would only be a few more minutes. Peering down the line of men, Heero nodded to Trowa and Quatre. Each of the warriors had been broken up down the line to lead several bands of men. The Five Warriors brilliant armor glowed brightly. Their weapons glimmered even with the sun's absence.
Wufei rode up and down his ranks of men, barking out orders, "Do not show fear for they will relish in it! A warrior shows no fear!"
Quatre drew in a sharp breath. His brow creased in worry. Looking over at Trowa, the blonde haired man tried to smile reassuringly. However, the gypsy only bowed his head, then, looked out to the horizon.
Duo sighed as he looked onto the future battlefield. His eyes grew wide as a black shape appeared before him. Shignami smiled at him, mockingly. Duo narrowed his eyes at the demon. The figure quickly disappeared.
Martin rode up beside the braided boy and stood still, "You see something," said the wizard.
Duo sighed, "They are here."
At that moment, an army of men crossed the fields towards them. They came by the thousands, twice as strong as the last remaining defense of Mythica. The men shrank back in fear, while even Wufei found himself catching his breath.
Heero rode out ahead of the army giving a battle cry. The others followed leading the men of Mythica to fight for their lives. The enemy charged at full speed and the battle was on.
AN: I know you will all hate me for that ending but please, it will be okay, I promise! I hope you liked the chapter, please review!
Email: P.S.- pay close attention to some of the events in the chapter. Thanks!