AN: Here's the next chapter to our exciting tale. I hope that you enjoy it!

I do not own Gundam Wing or any of its characters.

000

Anton watched over Heero as he began to stir from his unconscious slumber. Martin's eyes were very serious as he sat next to the healer. It was dark, and the battle had finally subsided.

After Relena's capture, Treize's entire army marched out abruptly. That had been hours ago. Now, the people of Mythica sat, hopelessly, as they waited for word of the disaster that would befall them next.

Many had died that day. Both men and women who had stood together to fight. Now, their hearts were heavy from so much grief and pain. Relena was gone and with her went the name Peacecraft, with that name, faith died.

Heero groaned slightly and opened his eyes. Anton rested a hand on the young man's forehead.

"His fever is gone," he said quietly to Martin.

Heero sat up slowly and looked around, "Where am I?"

"In my cottage," informed Martin. "I personally insisted that Anton bring you here to take care of you."

Heero lay back on the bed as memories flooded back to him. The last thing he remembered was Relena being carried away. The searing pain in his side at the moment was unimportant. He had failed in his promise to protect her. She was dead by now, taken by the creatures to suffer a horrible death. He should have stopped her; he should have done a better job. What was the purpose of being one of the chosen warriors if he did not live up to the challenge?

"Heero," said Anton quietly, "Relena is gone. Martin believes that there may still be a chance to save her if…."

"It is three days journey to the Cinq Kingdom," replied Heero bitterly. "She will be dead before we get there."

"Heero," Martin jumped in, "do not lose hope."

"Leave me," he retorted coldly.

Martin nodded and led Anton out of the cottage. Heero stared at the ceiling, lost in his own thoughts.

000

She had been searching for hours now and he was nowhere to be found.

"Duo!" cried Hilde into the dark forest.

A number of times she had been out on the battlefield, searching through the bodies, praying that he would not be out there hurt, but at the same time, praying that she not find him at all.

She decided to make her way out there once more. Lighting a torch, the young woman walked to the edge of the forest, away from the bonfires.

"Duo!" she cried again.

Hilde held her breath as she walked amongst the bodies. It was a sickening sight to see so many dead men all at once. But it was also the price of war. She had to be strong and she had to keep trying.

"Duo!" she practically sobbed.

"Hilde!" said Noin as she ran up through the darkness to meet the girl.

Hilde spun around. "I've been looking for hours and I can't find him. Noin, help me look for him, please!"

Noin looked at her sadly, "Hilde, I think that you should come back to the camp."

"Noin, he could be out here right now, hurt or dying."

"Hilde, wait until morning, try and get some sleep…"

"No!" she screamed as she moved away from Noin roughly. "Duo!" she screamed frantically.

Noin watched her sadly and followed her. Suddenly, Hilde dropped to the ground crying.

"He has to be here, he just has to be," she sobbed.

Noin knelt down beside her and rested a soothing hand on her shoulder, "It's the price of war, Hilde. Many of our friends have left us today. Relena is gone and Quatre is missing also…"

"He told me he would be back," said Hilde as tears slid down her cheeks. "I believed him."

"I know," said Noin. "We women tend to do that when we are in love."

Hilde nodded and began to cry hysterically. Noin grabbed her to her and held her tight, hoping beyond hope that somehow, things would get better.

000

"Ouch, onna!" cried Wufei as Sally dressed a wound on his leg.

"Quit whining," she warned. "It only tempts me to pull a little harder."

"Do not tell me what to do," growled Wufei.

Sally threw down the bandages. "What is the matter with you?" she demanded. "I am doing this to help you and the only way you repay me is to complain and judge me with your sexist remarks. I may be a woman, but I am also a person."

"Where I come from, women are taught the importance of obedience and silence; two gifts that were not bestowed upon you."

Her face grew red and she glared at him, "Well, guess what. Where I come from, women are taught to rule with an iron fist."

Their eyes locked with one another. She stared at him in defiance, "I am not afraid of you."

Wufei looked at her. "With an attitude like that you will never get a husband."

Her eyes grew sharp, then, she suddenly looked down to the ground, "I had one. He died two years ago, from the sweating sickness."

Wufei suddenly felt utterly ridiculous. His chest tugged and he felt heartache spread upon him.

"I am sorry…" he began.

"Don't be," said Sally as she began to dress his wound once more. "Life has its hardships."

Wufei watched her. He searched for a way to comfort her.

"I, too, was once married," he said quietly.

She looked at him with her eyebrows raised and smirked, "Do not jest with me."

Wufei shook his head, "I would never." His eyes were serious and she understood he spoke the truth.

"What happened?" she asked as she continued to dress the wound.

"I was fifteen…."

"Fifteen…that is awfully young."

"It was a custom in my country to wed at an early age," he replied. "One day, our village was raided by a mob. They killed my parents, many of my friends, and my wife."

"I am sorry," she said quietly with concern in her eyes.

"That is why we moved to this place, in hopes of a future. My brother Li and I. When he died, I felt I had nothing left, but Martin and the others gave me hope." He turned and looked at her straight in the eyes. "That is why I fight. I do not want others to go through what I have been through."

She nodded at him in understanding. After a few more moments, she had finished with his wound. He stood up and looked at her and bowed.

As he walked away, the two of them both knew that from now on, despite their many differences, they would always share a bond of mutual respect.

000

He groaned and opened his eyes. What was once light was now dark. Stars twinkle in the night sky. Something was pressing on his chest, suffocating him. Duo reached out with his hands to move it away. It was a body.

The young man scrambled to his feet. He was breathing in rapid shallow spurts. Where was he? The last thing he remembered were the creatures coming towards him and being separated from Heero and Quatre.

Something was beginning to crust over on his face. Duo reached out and began to rub it away. It was blood. He must have been knocked unconscious.

The full moon shone brightly overhead of him. The former thief looked out over the battlefield. Bodies were everywhere. Out of the corner of his eye, Duo caught the smirk of Shignami. He turned and looked at the demon.

"Are you happy now?" screamed Duo at the god of Death. "Are you happy now that I have suffered some more? Damn you!" screamed Duo as he picked up a shield and flung it at the demon. Shignami disappeared before the metal object hit him.

Duo fell to his knees crying. He couldn't remember the last time he had truly cried. Life as an orphan had made him tough; had made him strong. Living on your own taught you not to cry. Becoming a man taught you not to cry. But sometimes, even a man breaks down.

For a few minutes he sat there, trying to gather his wits about him. How had the others fared? Did they even know that he was gone?

A noise to his right caused him to look up sharply. Silence. He heard the noise again.

"Who's out there?" asked Duo.

Silence filled the air once more. Duo slowly rose to his feet, looking in the direction of the sound. For a few more moments, he listened carefully. Suddenly, he heard it again. It was a man.

Duo made his way over to the muffled voice. He searched through the bodies. Someone was alive out here. He had to help them.

Again the muffled groaning of an injured man filled his ears. Duo was close now. Looking over, Duo suddenly saw who he was looking for. Rushing to kneel by his side, Duo cried out loud.

"Quatre!" he exclaimed.

The young blonde man was beneath an enemy soldier. He groaned in his unconsciousness. Duo pushed the dead man from off from on top of him and looked at Quatre carefully. His blue armor was tarnished with blood. Duo gasped as he saw a mortal wound upon the young man's left side. In despair, Duo grabbed hold of Quatre's shoulders and shook him fiercely.

"Quatre, wake up! Wake up, damn it!"

Slowly, the blonde haired man opened his eyes. "Duo, where am I?"

"With me," said Duo hastily. "You're hurt. I'm going to get you out of here."

"But, I'm so tired…" began Quatre groggily.

"No you're not!" screamed Duo angrily. "Quatre listen to me…listen to me!" Duo shook his shoulders slightly forcing Quatre's blue eyes open. "You have to stay awake no matter what. Do you understand? You have to stay awake."

Quatre shook his head weakly.

"Good," said Duo. "Now come on, get up! I'm taking you to Anton and Martin so that they can take good care of you."

With that said Duo carefully hoisted Quatre over his shoulders and began to make his way through the field of bodies. He was tired and weary, but the former thief gathered what little strength was left in him. As he was walking, Duo spotted Shignami out of the corner of his eye. Fear began to grow inside of him.

"Quatre, are you with me?"

"Hmmm…"

"Listen, let's talk about something. You got to talk to me to stay awake."

"I'm so tired though…"

"I know, but you have to stay with me. Tell me about Trowa, you two are good friends."

Quatre spoke tiredly, "I met him when I was nearly jumped by gypsies. He helped me get safe passage through the forest. He has a sister, Catherine. She's beautiful…."

Duo listened as he watched Shignami continue to stalk him. He glared at the demon, warning him to stay away. But Shignami persisted. It was only a few seconds before Duo realized that Quatre had stopped talking.

"Quatre?" asked Duo. There was no response.

Panicking, Duo laid the boy on the ground. Quatre's eyes were shut and his skin was cold. Duo shook him furiously, yelling his name. When the boy did not respond, Duo glared at the demon standing before him.

"You don't have him yet!" screamed Duo in anger.

The demon continued to watch Duo as he continued to try and revive Quatre.

"Wake up!" he cried in agony. There was still no response.

Duo's violet eyes grew cold and he picked the young man up in his arms. Standing up he walked towards the demon. Standing before him, Duo's voice grew icy.

"You can't have him."

The demon simply stared at Duo.

"I said: you can't have him. You can't harm me anymore. He is strong and he is going to fight and by the gods he is going to win! For years you have brought fear into my heart, but not now. I am not afraid of you anymore! Do you hear me? The deal is off! Go haunt somebody else, because I am through with you!"

Duo moved forward, but Shignami blocked his path. With his violet eyes, Duo dared to do what he always feared before.

"Back off," he growled.

The demon left.

000

Trowa bowed his head in dismay. For hours, they had been searching for Quatre and Duo. And now, it was night and dread filled his heart. He swore he could hear Ariel grieving over her now tainted earth. For men to lead such destruction was unthinkable.

Thoughts of Quatre flooded his mind. If the poor boy was dead, it would prove to be devastating. Quatre had been the first true friend Trowa had ever had out side of Catherine. He was a good companion and a good man.

"Someone's coming!" cried one of the lookouts.

Trowa grabbed his daggers and jumped to his feet rushing over to a crowd of people who had gathered. Inside, his heart raced. Could Treize be reforming so quickly? Fear began to make its way towards his heart.

Pushing his way through the crowd, Trowa's stomach nearly dropped at the sight before his green eyes. It was Duo, with a wounded Quatre in his arms. Rushing forward, Trowa took Duo's burden away from him. Duo collapsed to the ground in sheer exhaustion.

"Bring him in the cottage!" ordered Anton who had ran to stand next to Trowa. Trowa followed obediently.

He placed Quatre an empty bed. Anton quickly took off the young man's armor and examined the wound.

"Go get Sally!" said Anton. "I will need her help."

Trowa nodded and left quickly to fetch the medicine woman.

Meanwhile, Duo had been lifted up and taken to a nearby campfire. There, he had been laid on some clean blankets while several women began to take care of his many cuts and bruises. Everything seemed like a dream to him. He was so tired. All he wanted to do was sleep. He heard someone calling his name. The voice sounded familiar.

"Hilde…" he whispered.

"Duo!" she cried once more.

She was running through the camp. Word of his return had spread quickly. Her heart had nearly leapt out of her chest at the news. Immediately, she set out to find him. Suddenly, she saw his body lying on the ground. Crying out loud, she ran to him and grabbed his hand.

"Duo, can you hear me?"

He opened his eyes, looked at her, and grinned, "Hey babe."

Tears flowed down her cheeks and Hilde smiled.

000

The following morning, Heero sat in a secluded spot he had found. He was motionless. Thoughts ran through his mind. The words of the little girl rang throughout his ears.

You killed her because you did not love her, Heero. You killed her…

Heero shook his head in dismay and stood. His side ached in pain, but all feeling was beyond him now. Why did he have to lead such a cursed life? He was cold and uncaring. His coldness would cost Relena her life and there was nothing he could do to stop it. Curse destiny and curse life, may death take him soon enough.

"Heero!" called Duo.

Heero did not make any motion to acknowledge his companion. Duo however, saw no reason to not approach the stoic young man.

"Quatre is okay, Anton says he will make it."

Heero did not reply. Duo looked at him with concerned eyes. He reached out a hand to touch Heero's shoulder in comfort, but the Perfect Soldier shrugged him off roughly.

"Listen Heero, you cannot blame yourself for this. Relena would not have any of it. She would want you to keep fighting."

"The fight is over, Duo. Treize will destroy us all. It is only a matter of time," muttered Heero coldly."

Duo narrowed his eyes in anger, "Listen here, Heero Yuy. Just because we have lost one fight doesn't mean the war is over. We can still do this. We just have to try."

"Duo, what chances do we have? Relena will be dead by tomorrow and those creatures have a day and a half head start. After that, Trieze will be too powerful to stop."

Duo stared at him. "I can't believe you. After all the talk about leading us to victory and promising to protect Relena, you're giving up? You are nothing but a hypocrite Heero Yuy."

"You know nothing about me!" cried Heero suddenly. Duo looked at him shocked. Heero's face was fallen, his eyes nearly brimming up with tears. Never had Duo seen such emotion from the young man.

Duo nodded his head in agreement, "That's the thing Heero. None of us do. And until we find out, you're right; we don't stand a chance in hell."

Duo left him alone. Heero turned his gaze up to the stars placing his hardened mask back on his face. What did Duo know? What did anyone know? Heero was alone in this world, no one could possibly understand, or could they?

Relena had once criticized Heero for being cold and uncaring. She, too, had asked why he did not share his past with anyone. They could not handle the truth. The truth was too painful to tell. Reality had made him hard and bitter. Fighting had made him cold and uncaring. Odin had told him many times that feelings and emotions were for the weak. But, the others expressed their feelings openly, especially Relena.

His mind thought about her for a moment and realization suddenly hit him. Relena relied on her emotions for strength though at times she did not realize it. Heero had always been told to follow his. He even expressed this advice to others. Could Duo be right? Was he being a hypocrite? There was only one way to find out.

Heero turned and marched back to camp. He entered Martin's cabin to find Wufei, Trowa, and Duo sitting next to Quatre who was sitting up in bed for the first time. Duo eyed him suspiciously. Heero's face was rigid and unreadable.

"Heero, what's wrong?" asked Trowa.

"We need to talk."

"About what?" asked Wufei as he leaned back in his chair.

"I just remembered something that the Lady of the Spring said to us."

"What?"

"The only way we will realize our true strength is when we bond together."

"We have though," said Duo.

"No, Duo," replied Heero. "We haven't. You just said so yourself and now I am beginning to understand."

"Well that's certainly a revelation," muttered Duo under his breath.

"Duo, be quiet," warned Quatre. "Listen to what Heero has to say."

Heero pulled up a stool and sat down looking at all of them. "You all know little of me, and I little of yourselves. I thought that I would start from the beginning…"

Heero told them everything that night. He shared with them everything in his past and what he once was. He spoke about the murder of the High King and how he tried to stop it, Odin, and meeting Martin. He shared his thoughts with them the best way he knew how. There was no emotion in his voice as he spoke and there was no feeling. But the others listened with wide eyes and open hearts.

After he was finished, Quatre told his story next. He spoke of his family and of losing his mother when he was just a baby. He told them of Rashid and his sisters, particularly Iris. He spoke of how he began to train to enter the knighthood to defy his father. Lastly, he spoke of leaving to fight for the Cause and the quarrel he got in with his father just before he left.

Trowa told them all of Catherine and of life as a gypsy. The usually silent man spoke freely now. He spoke of being found as an abandoned infant. He told them about his love for nature and the animals of the earth. He told them about his longing to find his true identity someday.

Duo went next. First, he told the story of being raised by Friar Maxwell and Sister Helen. He told them how the missionary was burned down and all in it murdered. He talked about life on the streets as a child, growing up, and living each day hoping you get enough food for the next one to survive. He also told them all about Shignami and how he had finally conquered the demon when he saved Quatre.

Wufei was the last one to speak. Painfully, he spoke of his murdered family and of his once beloved wife. He told stories about the ways of his people and shared many memories of when his life was peaceful. Lastly, he told them about his relationship with Li.

When he had finished, they were all quiet for a while. Minutes passed before anyone spoke. Finally, Quatre decided to interrupt the silence.

"We are all very different, but at the same time, we are all the same. Maybe that is why we were chosen. It doesn't matter where we came from; we all share the longing for companionship and comfort, despite our claims to not care at all. We have to continue the fight to help those like us who long for the same thing."

Just then, Anton entered the cottage. "I am sorry to interrupt. I just need to check on Quatre's bandages."

Quatre nodded and they made room for the healer to tend to his patient. Quatre winced in pain as Anton checked his wound.

"You're healing just fine. No sign of infection at all."

Wufei continued on with their previous conversation, "I agree with Quatre when he says we must continue to fight. But if Relena dies, then the people will have no cause to continue. Their hopes will be diminished."

Heero looked at Anton carefully, "What if we told them the High King would lead them?"

All in the room looked at him sharply. Anton set his eyes upon Heero. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"It is time that your identity is revealed," said Heero deeply.

Anton bowed his head, "I am not ready..."

"You don't have to be," said Wufei. "We were not ready to accept our destinies but they were thrust upon us. This could be your destiny Anton. We will help you."

Anton was silent. Heero decided to try a different approach. "Do you care for Relena, Anton?"

"Yes," he muttered.

"Then you must be the one to help save her."

"But, Heero," protested Duo. "You said so yourself. Relena will be dead by the time we get there. It will be too late."

"We've come too far to fail now!" declared Heero. "There has to be a way to get to her! I made her a promise."

Anton looked at Heero sharply. "There is a way…" he said quietly.

All eyes were upon him.

"What do you mean?" asked Quatre slowly.

"I mean there is a way to get to Relena before she dies."

"How?" asked Heero.

"A portal," continued Anton. "Underneath the waterfall where I first met you and where I first met Relena. It is a traveling portal created by the fair folk. Celeste gave me the task of guarding it from intruders."

"Why didn't you say something before?" exclaimed Duo.

"Because the portal can only be used by the High King," Anton explained. "Should anyone else dare enter the portal without his guidance, they will be struck dead."

"But you are the High King," said Trowa.

Anton looked at him with sad eyes, "We shall soon find out I suppose."

Heero stood and began to walk out of the cottage. The others watched him curiously.

"Heero, where are you going?" asked Duo.

Heero stopped and turned only his head to look at them. His Prussian eyes flashed with fire, "To get Relena back."

AN: Wow, I know you don't have to tell me that was a good chapter. LOL I am really not trying to be vain, please send me your comments. I think so far, this one has been one of my favorites to write. Especially the sequence with Duo confronting Shignami. Hope you enjoyed, the last chapter is in the works! Email: