AN: Here's a big battle for all you action lovers! Hope you enjoy it. Drama runs high in this portion of the story. I know many of you are dying to know what happens next! There are only a few chapters left! I will try and make them the best possible!
I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters.
000
They were swept up into the tide of the battle before they even realized it. Swords clashed as the last free men of Mythica went head to head with Treize's soldiers.
Heero lashed out with all his might and fell anyone who came near him. He was in warrior mode. His white armor flashed brilliantly, nearly blinding his opponents. Gripping his dazzling saber, Heero struck down men left and right. His mind was fixated on nothing else. He had seen many battles before, but this was different. This time, Heero was fighting for a cause, a cause that he truly believed in because of those who fought along side him for it as well.
Something caught his eye. Heero looked sharply to his left to see Zechs Merquis riding through the ranks, slicing through Heero's men. Kicking his horse, Heero rode over to meet the Lightning Count.
Duo almost laughed as he struck out with deadly accuracy. His scythe was lethal and his black armor made him look like Death himself. Soldiers fled in terror when Duo came near them. It made the former thief laugh in amusement.
"That's right!" he cried. "Shignami is here and I am his messenger!"
"Duo, do not be foolish" cried Quatre from a few feet over.
The blonde man was struggling with an extremely large foot soldier. He had knocked Quatre from his horse, but luckily, Quatre had managed to recover quickly to his feet. He grunted as he struck out with his staff at his opponent.
"Relax, Quatre!" he heard Duo cry back. "Death does not come for me!"
"That's what I am afraid of!" replied Quatre as he struck his opponent down finally.
The blonde man looked around at the battlefield. Despite all his training, nothing could ever prepare a man for the actual battle. Fear was in his heart but he pushed it aside as another opponent charged him. Adrenaline pumped through is blood and after Quatre felled his next opponent, he suddenly found himself wishing that he was far away from this place as possible.
Trowa could sense Quatre's uneasiness when he glanced over at him from some distance away. The former gypsy lashed out with his daggers and used all his acrobatic skills to fend off his enemies. His green eyes flashed and matched the hue of his armor. A man rushed towards him, blade upraised. Trowa side-stepped him quickly, unsheathed his sword from behind his back and took his enemy down. The former gypsy bowed his head. Every time he spilled blood upon the earth, he said a prayer to Ariel, goddess of the land, for forgiveness.
Wufei on the other hand, was taking matter s much differently. He let his voice ring out above the others and shouted to his men to move forward. Using his anger as a weapon, the oriental man unleashed his fury. He would leave none alive. The enemy did not deserve to live. He would do this for his family; he would do this for the families of Mythica who had suffered. Justice had to be served.
000
"We take the upper hand," murmured Noin quietly as she watched with Hilde from the safety of the treetops.
The two women had a perfect view of the battle as it raged on just outside the forest. For nearly an hour, the war had been raging on. Hilde had just raced back from the encampment to report the status of the battle. Now, the former servant girl watched nervously with a little hope in her heart at Noin's words. Hilde glanced around to catch glimpses of shining black armor every now and then. Duo's attitude towards fighting worried her deeply. He was reckless, as if he didn't care whether or not he died. She sighed and looked at Noin; the woman had a strange look upon her face.
"Noin, what is wrong?" asked Hilde with concern.
Noin bowed her head, "The Lightning Count has entered the fray."
Hilde looked to see a tall figure riding on horseback. His face was shielded by an odd looking mask. Hilde frowned and looked back to her friend.
Noin watched as Zechs rode through the fight. Although he was small in the distance, she knew he was the tallest, strongest warrior out there. Her heart went cold as she watched him strike down men. Something was different about his technique. She began to frown. She had known Zechs for years now, and never had she seen him fight so mechanically. He was a warrior, yes, but he was also a passionate man. Something was wrong and fear began to grow in her heart.
"What has he done to him?" asked Noin under her breath.
"What has who done to who?" asked Hilde in confusion.
Noin did not answer. She watched Zechs intently, following his every move.
Suddenly, Hilde began to pat Noin's arm heavily.
"What is it?" asked Noin.
Hilde's eyes were wide as she pointed to enemy lines. Noin looked over and gasped. Fear gripped her heart and she froze. A fresh, new line of men was coming down to enter the battle. They came by the thousands, and as they inched closer and closer, Noin saw the blank looks on their hideous faces. They were not men at all, but horrendous creatures.
000
"Zechs Merquis!" cried Heero at the top of his lungs.
The Lightning Count spun around to see the same knight who had challenged him some time ago. Narrowing his eyes, Zechs held up his sword; accepting the rematch.
Heero held steady as the Lightning Count charged him. Their swords met in a clash of fury and rage. Equally matched, the two men began their duel. Zechs struck out hard, with skill and strength beyond anyone Heero had ever fought with before. He sliced down at Heero, spun around, and swung his sword to meet Heero's blade.
Heero grunted as he felled off the blows. Zechs stalled for a moment and Heero took the opportunity. He began an onslaught of attacks; fierce and competitive. But, Zechs defended himself well.
They broke apart for a moment and Heero studied his opponent as they circled each other. Zech's demeanor was strange and much different from the last time Heero had fought with him. The man showed no emotion in his tactics.
Heero cried out and lunged again, this time, knocking Zechs to the ground. Heero was on top of him in an instant, swinging his sword with all his might. In one fell swoop, he knocked Zechs' blade from his hand. Heero stood over the Lightning Count breathing heavily.
Zechs stared at him coldly. Heero pointed his sword at his throat.
"You are not who you appear to be," said Heero coldly.
"I am the Lightning Count," replied Zechs emotionlessly.
"You are a coward," spit Heero. "A coward who forsakes his name and his dignity; you are no warrior."
Zechs made no reply. Heero raised his sword and was about to finish his opponent when he heard sudden screams of panic rise throughout the battlefield.
"Heero!" screamed Quatre. "Look ahead of you!"
Heero did so and as he did, he knew his grave mistake. Zechs took the opportunity to pull out a dagger and slash Heero's side with it where his armor did not protect him. Heero fell to the ground in pain. Zechs stood over him. Heero could almost see the smirk behind the mask.
"It appears that you are no warrior also," said Zechs as he kicked Heero sharply in his wound. Heero grunted and rolled over. Zechs walked away from him, mockingly. Heero's body shook and he struggled to stand.
"Heero!" cried Quatre. The blonde man rushed over to his companion. He helped Heero to his feet. "Come on!" screamed Quatre. "Martin calls for a retreat into the forest!"
"Why?" asked Heero.
"Because of them," said Quatre gravely as several creatures began to run towards them, weapons upraised.
000
Noin heard the cries of retreat spread throughout their men. She and Hilde watched in dismay. The creatures were upon them. They would never make it into the forest. It would soon be a massacre.
"Hilde," said Noin as she turned to her friend, "go and run to Relena! Tell her what is happening!"
Hilde nodded and climbed down from her spot in the tree. When she hit the ground, she ran quickly and with all her heart. It was some time before she reached the encampment. She spotted Relena immediately.
"Relena!" cried the girl.
"Hilde, what is it?" Relena could tell from the urgency in her voice that something was wrong.
"Creatures!" cried Hilde. "They attack our ranks! They are to strong, Relena, the men are trying to escape into the forest for protection, but they cannot break free from battle with them!"
Relena's eyes grew wide. Turning away from Hilde, Relena looked to see that nearly everyone had heard the fearful statement. Relena watched as they began to panic. She had to do something to protect the people. She had to do something to help the men of the women who were with her. An idea formed in her head.
"Hilde, gather every able body and any weapon you can find!"
Hilde nodded and set off. Several women and older men followed her. Relena turned to the rest of the group and addressed them.
"The men we love are out there dying for us at this very moment!" she cried. "And I for one will not see them massacred without knowing we could have done something about it! Anyone who is willing may follow me to the edge of the forest. There, we shall take a stand in fending off the enemy while our men retreat. All we need to do is give them a little bit of time!"
Relena's eyes grew desperate. She looked at the faces of those around her. "I will not be afraid!" she cried. "I solemnly swear to defend all that is good in Mythica! We are all capable of great things! It does not matter who we are or where we come from! Please, help me save those whom we care about…and love."
"I will help you," said Anton as he stepped forward.
"As will I," replied Sally as she too, took a place beside Relena.
Relena smiled. Slowly, little by little, a new army was born. They stepped forward, mothers and daughters of Mythica, old men who were too old top fight physically but still had spirits full of fire. Smaller boys came forth, and even some of those who were once injured.
Hilde came running up, "Relena, there are crossbows here, around the woodpile; swords and daggers as well!"
"Very well," said Relena. "Let's go!"
000
"To the trees!" screamed Martin. The men began to fall back as the creatures came on rapidly. Trieze's foot soldiers even fell behind 5the ranks of the creatures in fear, not daring to stand in their way.
Quatre helped Heero run. They ran into Duo along the way.
"Look out!" cried the braided boy. He swung his scythe lethally at one of the creatures, wounding it grievously down the middle. Quatre and Heero turned to stare. The creature stare at the wound then looked at Duo, un-phased.
"What the…" began Duo.
The creature smiled wickedly and swung his arm, knocking Duo to the ground. Heero swung his sword, once again, striking the creature roughly. Quatre helped Duo to his feet. All three men stared as the creature once again shook off the blow as if it were nothing.
"Run," muttered Heero quickly.
The creature roared as they took off pursuing them quickly.
"What the hell are those things?" screamed Duo.
"They are going to massacre us all if we don't get out of here!" cried Quatre. He could see the forest ahead of them. Men were already falling back.
The creatures were upon them. The three companions were soon separated from each other, fending off the beasts. Again and again, they mortally wounded the enemy, but the same response occurred each time: the creature would simply smirk and carry on as if nothing had happened.
"It's no use!" cried Duo. "They are immortal!"
Heero continued to fight. He would not let them win. There had to be a way to destroy them. Crying out loud, Heero rushed towards his enemy and drove his sword deep into the creature's heart. Black blood seeped on the hilt of the sword and Heero's blue eyes blazed with fire.
"Foolish mortal," growled the creature. Using his burly arms, he knocked Heero away from him to the ground, sword and all.
Heero landed on his wounded side, seething in pain. He looked up to see the creature standing over him, blade upraised to end his life. Heero narrowed his eyes.
"Watch your heads!" he heard someone cry.
Arrows flew through the air. The beast whom had Heero trapped was struck by several of them. Taking the opportunity, Heero rose to his feet and began to make his retreat with the others. Heero gazed at the sky. Black objects flew above him, poised in the air for a moment, and then, descended to the ground with deadly accuracy. Someone was trying to help them.
"Heero!" cried Trowa.
Heero ran up to the former gypsy who was standing beside Wufei. The oriental man was crying at the top of his lungs for retreat.
"Injustice!" cried Wufei to Trowa and Heero. "Treize fears defeat. That is why he sent these hideous beasts!"
More arrows whizzed past their heads. "Come on!" cried Trowa as they ran to the forest.
Slightly across the field, the Lightning Count watched as the knight in white armor disappeared into the forest. Arrows flew past his head and Zechs ducked slightly to avoid them. The creatures were falling back because of the archers. An idea formed in Zechs' head.
"You there!" he cried to a large group of beasts.
They turned to him and bowed.
"Follow me!" he ordered as he mounted his horse and rode towards the forest.
000
"It's working!" cried Hilde excitedly.
"They fall back a little ways," agreed Noin. "Our men are now coming."
Relena glanced as several men rushed past her into the safety of the forest. She was still afraid.
"What about the creatures?" she asked Noin. "They will follow them into the forest."
Noin shook her head, "Martin said that the Guardians would protect us with there magic! I believe him. Have faith!"
Relena nodded and shook her head. She peered out from her perch on a tree as more soldiers continued to make their way into the forest. A glint of white armor caught her eye. Quickly, Relena made her way down the tree and jumped to the ground, her cross bow in hand. She ran to the edge of the forest and fired at the enemy who was pursuing Trowa, Heero, and Wufei. When the creature stumbled back, she reloaded and fired again, with accuracy.
"Relena!" cried Heero, "Get back!"
She nodded and ran as the creatures approached the trees. Heero and the others caught up with her quickly. Heero grabbed her arm and forced her to run with all speed. He turned to look back; the creatures had stopped pursuing them.
Wufei stopped running and turned around, "Why do they stop?"
"I don't know," whispered Heero.
The defenders of Mythica gathered together, weapons ready. The creatures mocked them from the forest line.
"Relena," said Heero. "Go back to the encampment."
"No," she replied harshly. "I make my stand with my people."
He looked at her sharply, but did not reply. Now was not the time to argue.
Screams broke out to their right. Spinning in that direction, they caught their breath. The Lightning Count rode in with twenty of the creatures by his side. They struck down everyone in their path. Heero placed Relena behind him, defensively.
"Relena!" cried Anton. Heero turned to see the medicine man.
"Anton!" cried Heero. "Take Relena and get her out of here!"
Anton nodded and grabbed Relena by the arm.
"Heero!" she cried. He turned to look at her with his piercing eyes. She pleaded with him, but said no more. He turned away from her as the creatures charged.
"Come on!" said Anton as he pulled her away.
Heero, Trowa, and Wufei ran to meet the creatures. They struck out with all their remaining energy.
The Lightning Count took down several opponents before glancing around. He soon spotted her making a hasty retreat.
"Bring me that girl!" he cried as he pointed to Relena. "Lord Treize orders it!"
Several creatures began to pursue Relena and Anton with Zechs leading them.
Heero cried out and stood in their path. He would not let them take her while he was alive. He knocked down two of the creatures and began to fight with the others. Zechs smirked and rode past him. Heero cried out in rage.
"Anton!" he screamed.
The healer looked behind him to see a man in a mask heading towards them at full speed on a horse. Relena turned around and suddenly stopped running. Her breathing stopped as she saw her brother come towards her.
Anton pulled at her hand, "Relena! Come on!"
"Milliardo," she whispered to herself.
The Lightning Count rode towards them and knocked Anton off his feet in a single blow. Relena stood motionless as she watched him. Zechs circled his horse back around and came charging towards Relena.
Her mind suddenly ceased its abrupt halt. She began to run. However, he was beside her in an instant. Reaching out, he grabbed her, and thrust her up beside him in the saddle. Relena screamed and kicked and fought. He was being rough with her and hurting her.
"Let go of me!" she screamed.
Heero saw him getting away and ran with all his speed to meet them. Jumping up, he knocked off both Zechs and Relena from the saddle. All three fell to the ground roughly. Heero picked Relena up and threw her behind him, drawing his sword.
"Out of my way," seethed Zechs.
"Over my dead body," replied Heero coldly.
Zechs lunged at Heero and the two began to duel one another. Relena stood back in terror watching. She had to do something. Looking around, she saw a crossbow lying on the ground. She picked it up and said a quick prayer of forgiveness. Taking aim, she shot the arrow towards the Lightning Count. It struck him in the shoulder. Zechs cried out and with anger turned to Relena.
"No!" cried Heero. He swung his sword and met Zechs again in battle.
Zechs took note of Heero's wounded side. With a swift kick, he sent the young man to ground, breathing heavily in pain.
"Heero!" cried Relena. She lunged forward to interfere, but strong arms picked her up. She screamed. One of the creatures had just abducted her. He began to run away.
"Relena!" screamed Heero. He scrambled to get up and go after her, but a sword point to his throat stopped him. Zechs smirked at him maliciously through his mask.
"Don't be a fool," growled Zechs. He raised his sword and began to let it fall towards Heero's neck.
000
Noin struggled to make her way to Relena's side during the battle. The last she had seen, Anton was pulling her away from the fray. Noin promised herself that she would take care of Relena, a task that Milliardo had asked of her, not Zechs Merquis.
She froze when she saw him. He rode through the battle like a hawk seeking out his prey. Noin could not help but stare at him for a while. She simply watched as he grabbed Relena and made off with her. She also watched as Heero tried to interfere with Zechs' getaway.
Desperately, her heart raced. What was she supposed to do? Betray the man she loved, or fight for the cause she was beginning to believe in? Noin's eyes widened when she saw Heero on the ground.
Running with all her might, Noin unsheathed her blade and dodged in between Zechs sword and Heero's body. Her blade blocked his and she grunted in exertion. She stared at him, challenging him.
Heero rose to his feet. Noin was on her knees protecting him against Zechs. Her hands trembled and her eyes were filling up with tears. Zechs looked at her in disgust.
"Out of my way," he growled.
"No," she replied coldly.
He kicked her and sent her flying backwards. Heero jumped in and once again began fighting one on one with Zechs. He swung his saber swiftly and attacked the Lightning Count with all his energy and strength. Zechs defended himself without any problems. The Lightning Count could sense his enemy's weakness. All he needed was the right opportunity to strike. Heero and Zechs crossed their swords and met face to face with one another. Heero stared coldly into Zechs' hidden eyes.
"You disgrace yourself by wearing the mask," breathed Heero.
Zechs smirked. In a quick motion, he sent his right knee flying up to Heero's wounded side. Heero cried out in pain and fell back as the blood began to flow freely. Zechs then took the opportunity to hit Heero's head with the hilt of his sword. The white knight fell to the ground, motionless.
"No!" screamed Noin.
Noin lifted herself to her feet. She would not lose this battle. This was one that she had to win on her own. Picking up her blade she once again jumped in between, Heero and Zechs. This time, exchanging blows with the Lightning Count.
"You do not wish to quarrel with me," said Zechs.
"Nor you with me," seethed Noin.
She spun around and delivered a swift kick to his stomach. Zechs stumbled back slightly, but soon returned back to challenge her again. Noin could feel the tears streaming down her face. What was she doing? Why was he acting like this? He acted as if she didn't even matter to him.
They separated for a second. Noin spoke to him angrily, "Why are you doing this Zechs?"
He looked at her curiously, "Do I know you personally from somewhere?" he asked coldly.
Noin's face fell. Her eyes grew sad, "What happened to you, Milliardo?"
He looked at her strangely, "I do not know whom you are addressing."
"Do you not remember me?" she asked. "Milliardo, please, it's me, Lucrezia."
He paused and looked at her. Her eyes were pleading with him. His next words nearly plunged a knife into her heart. "I know no one by that name."
He charged her, sword upraised. Noin desperately tried to fend him off, but he was quicker than she anticipated. He knocked her to the ground, after planting a heavy wound to her left arm. She screamed in pain. He walked to her and stood over her. Looking at him, Noin landed a swift kick to his head. Zechs fell backwards, his helmet flying off in the air. It landed on the ground.
Noin stood. His back was to her now. Slowly, his stood up and turned around to face her. Noin nearly caught her heart in her throat. He stared at her, his eyes filled in completely black. Their once blue hue, completely gone, as if someone had painted over them.
"What has he done to you?" she cried. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
He marched towards her sword in hand. She simply stared at him. With his free hand he reached out and grabbed her by the throat, picking her up off her feet. Noin dropped her sword and struggled to breathe. He then threw her to the ground and kicked her.
Noin panted heavily. She looked up at him to see his sword upraised. He was getting ready for the final strike. She closed her eyes, anticipating her death.
"I love you," she whispered to him.
Her words stopped him. He struggled to bring down the blade to meet her neck, but something inside of him told him to stop. He looked at her curiously. Who was this woman? He saw her open up her eyes and at once he understood.
A sharp pain hit his gut. Grabbing his stomach, Zechs doubled over screaming. Something was tearing at him from the inside. He rolled on the ground crying out in pain. Noin watched in astonishment. His eyes were glowing and his body shaking uncontrolably. Suddenly, a bright light flashed and Noin had to shield her eyes. When she opened them again, Zechs lay motionless on the ground a black cloud rising from his body to the sky. The cloud dissolved.
"Zechs!" she cried as she ran over to him. She knelt by his side and touched his forehead. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open. They were clear blue. She smiled as he looked at her.
"Lucrezia…" he began. He sat up and looked at her. She was bleeding heavily on her left arm. "You're hurt," he exclaimed.
Tears streamed down her cheeks, "Not anymore," she cried as she hugged him.
AN: Definitely one of my favorite parts in the story right there. Well, in my opinion at least. I hope you all enjoyed it. Next chapter will be coming up shortly.