(I don't own Gundam Wing)

Flame of Darkness
By: Starlight – x1

Chapter 5: Song of the Warrior

Heero bent over his staff, using his innate magic to smooth and shape the wood. It was a slow, painstaking process that would take a lifetime to complete. The end result being a staff attuned meticulously to the life magic of its creator, the perfect focusing point for a spellcaster.

The staff was only beginning to take on the end shape he had envisioned. Heero paused his shaping and ran his fingers over the smoothed wood. Satisfied with the results for now, he set the staff down and leaned back against the tree he had been working under. Closing his eyes he relaxed.

He knew Relena was somewhere close. The feel of her presence had become an almost physical sensation and a very pleasant one at that.

Unconsciously he began to frown. He couldn't begin to understand what his feelings were towards the beautiful elf.

The was a rustle in the grass as someone approached him. Not the feather light footsteps of an elf but the clumsier tread of a human. "Yes, Duo?"

"Just wandering." Duo seated himself with a sigh next to his companion. "I haven't seen much of you lately."

"You've been busy."

"You can say that again. I never thought I'd see the day I could keep up with Zechs. That elf has got to be one of the best swordsmen I've ever met." Duo tugged absently on the end of his braid. His eye fell on the staff lying between them. "I see you've been working on your staff. It looks good." One hand reached down to touch the smoothed wood.

Instantly Heero snatched it up. "Don't touch it." Gently he set it down on his other side, away from Duo.

Duo pulled his hand back with a slightly guilty look. "Sorry, forgot for a moment how delicate an operation creating a staff can be."

Silence fell between them. Heero's eyes drifted shut again.

"How're you doing?"

Heero's eyes opened slowly and he looked over at Duo. "You can see me. I'm fine."

"That's not what I meant and you know it." Duo wasn't to be deterred. "I'm talking about your life bond with the elf princess."

Heero let out an irritated sigh. "Why don't you try it if you're so curious about it."

"Maybe I will." Duo returned with some heat. "From what Hilde told me a life bond doesn't seem so bad."

"No?" Heero lifted an eyebrow. "What about the fact that if the bond is severed you die?"

Duo snorted. "If I really loved the person I was bound to I don't think it would matter to me if I lived longer then they did or not."

Frustrated now Heero stood up and looked down on his companion. "A life bond between an elf and a human is foolish. Elves can live over a thousand years while humans barely make it past one hundred, maybe two if they're lucky. A life bond with a human will just cut an elf's life short and to what advantage?" Heero's mouth curled in a sneer. "This bond is just another trick the gods play on mere mortals."

Duo looked steadily into Heero's eyes and nodded. "I see."

Heero picked up his staff and turned away, not liking the knowing look gleaming from Duo's eyes.

Placing his hands behind his head Duo watched the retreating form of his friend. A smile lurked at the corners of his mouth. Just what I figured, he does have feelings for her.

'''''''

Catherine circled a few times before finally settling into the upper branches of a tree. Using her hawk eyes she was able to see most of the group she'd been sent to watch.

Ah, Catherine, it is good to see you again.

Catherine turned her head and saw the translucent form floating next to her. Unable to smile in her hawk form she placed as much warmth as she could in her reply. Quatre, it is good to see you as well. I trust you had a good sleep?

You know how it is. Quatre gave a shrug. I know something bad is happening if I awake, but I was glad to do so. Three hundred years is a long time to do nothing. Besides, my hero seems like a decent fellow, and it has been a long time since I was used by a human. There's something entirely refreshing about their outlook.

Catherine stretched her wings and settled again. You haven't told him yet?

Of course not, what's the fun in that? Quatre lifted an eyebrow and smiled. How's Trowa? He's still the Watcher isn't he?

Yes. Ha'derkaath's been causing havoc all over the place, so he's been busy keeping track of everything.

What else could you expect from a death and destruction god? Quatre shook his head despairingly. I always figured I'd get called back to duty because he did something stupid.

I have to admit, stealing the key of truth was a brilliant move. He attempted to steal the key of Justice as well. Fortunately the Dragon Lord was able to hide it from him. We were concerned there for a moment. If Ha'derkaath had been able to twist Justice as well as truth. Catherine stopped and shuddered.

I take it the other gods have been ignoring him so far?

Yes, although one of his followers did rouse Askar by messing with a courtesan. He died which wasn't a problem for Ha'derkaath.

Hmmm, Quatre nodded his head. This is definitely more problematic then anything else I've dealt with. Before it was always a few rogue dragons getting hot headed and aggressive. Or maybe a giant here or there. I've never tackled an actual god before.

Neither have they. Catherine turned her attention downwards to where Duo waved cheerily at Hilde and Zechs and Noin sat talking quietly.

I was wondering. Which of the god's was responsible for the life bond between the mage and the elf? Quatre looked inquiringly at Catherine. Elai?

I don't know. If Trowa does he's not saying anything. The gods of course, are keeping their own counsel. I'm just here to keep an eye on your group. Trowa is interested in them.

They are interesting. Quatre smiled. Well I must be going. My hero's had more then enough time to rest.

Are you going to tell him now? Catherine couldn't disguise the mirth in her voice.

We shall see. Quatre's answer was noncommittal as he slowly vanished from her sight.

''''''

"Duo."

"Ahh!!!" Duo jerked in surprise and glared at Quatre. "Give some warning next time." He allowed his sword to slip back completely into its sheath since he had drawn it part-way in response to Quatre's voice.

"Walk with me."

"Walk? You float everywhere." Duo pointed out needlessly.

Quatre smiled but continued moving forward, causing Duo to hurry his stride in order to catch up to his teacher.

"What do I have to work on now? Another sparring match with Zechs?"

"Actually no." Quatre stopped and faced him. "Your training is finished. You are ready to wield me."

The look of pleasure on Duo's face rapidly faded into confusion. "Wield you? What do you mean?"

"I'm a sword." Quatre spoke bluntly. "Or rather I'm the personification of a sword called The Song of the Warrior."

"A sword? How? You're right there." Duo reached out to poke Quatre's shoulder only to have his finger go right through and send him stumbling.

"I'm only able to appear to you and the others here in this form because the inherent magic in this place is very strong. After you leave this place I will not be able to appear in a physical form. Instead I will communicate mentally with you."

"I've been taught by a sword." Duo was in a daze. Slowly he sank to the ground and propped his chin in his hand as he digested the information.

Quatre waited patiently.

"You're sure you're not joking." Duo peered up suspiciously at him.

Quatre shook his head. "No joke. Sorry, I really am a sword. A sentient sword, but a sword nonetheless."

"A sword…." Duo shook his head. "How old are you?"

"I've been sleeping for the past three hundred years and I've been wielded by many champions before you." Quatre answered casually.

"Whew." Duo let out a whistle. "I guess you picked up quite a few tricks that way."

"A few."

Duo shook his head again. "What better teacher then a sword who's been around for thousands of years, huh?"

Quatre didn't say anything, just smiled cordially.

"I guess that means you agree with me." Duo flopped on his back. "Alright, how do I find you?"

"You have to figure that out on your own."

''''''''

The climb was tiring. Dorothy paused and pushed back strands of hair that had escaped to stick to her sweaty face. Her goal was an abandoned ruin of a temple. To which god or goddess it had originally been dedicated she had no idea. The old woman hadn't specified that. She had only said the sword Dorothy needed to kill Malak was kept there.

Dorothy's legs felt wobbly as she stood to continue her journey. She hadn't slept for three days. The vision of Cala's death played repeatedly in her mind. Fear that Malak would return before she was ready for him mixed with her memory to ensure sleepless nights.

She took another step forward and felt the atmosphere subtly shift around her while a sense of security swept over her. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she realized that she had entered a protective circle surrounding the temple ruins.

Still cautious, Dorothy stopped and examined her surroundings carefully. Her vigilance was rewarded when she saw the white clad figure sitting against a tree. Assuming he was a priest Dorothy strode forward until she stood directly in front of him.

"I'm looking for a sword." Dorothy watched the young man's head raise slowly.

Inscrutable black eyes stared back at her. "Take it if you wish. I'm no guardian of this place."

Frowning Dorothy looked over towards the ruins. She'd expected more resistance, perhaps a fight. True, the old woman hadn't said anything about a guardian but in her experience anything worth having was obtained through effort and struggle.

She moved a few steps away before looking back at the stranger. He had turned his attention elsewhere and was presently watching the flight of two birds. His face might have been made of stone for all the emotion he showed.

Dorothy continued her walk towards the ruins. Perhaps more tests would appear once she was inside.

'''''''''

Wufei listened as the blonde warrior retreated and relaxed. True, he hadn't felt any antagonism towards himself but he was certainly not going to let his guard down. He rose gracefully from his sitting position and stretched, his eyes again following a few stray birds as they soared overhead. This human form had its restrictions but was necessary in his current plight.

He reached for his staff. Better that he left before the warrior returned from seeking the sword.

A companion….

Wufei halted.

Is company so undesirable?

"Lady Agnialla." Wufei murmured. "Why should I wish this life of wandering on another?" His jaw tightened stubbornly as he waited for her reply.

Perhaps because they have already committed themselves to revenge and therefore to a life of wandering as well. There was no hesitation in Agnialla's answer. Her voice faded away leaving one last thought. Besides, you are becoming much too introverted. A companion will lighten the burden of your thoughts.

Wufei bowed his head in reluctant acquiescence. Agnialla had given him no room to argue or choose. He was to have a traveling companion whether he liked it or not. He sat back down facing the ruins. Was that worshiper of the goddess Askar supposed to be his companion? A sigh of impatience escaped his lips.

Shadows had lengthened on the ground when Dorothy emerged from the ruins clutching the sword tightly. She had never felt such power from a weapon before. Her gaze fell on the stranger still seated with his back to a tree, his chin resting comfortably against his chest. She began to walk past him, her purpose here accomplished.

"The day is nearly spent. You would do well to rest here the night."

Dorothy glanced warily back at the stranger. He still sat in the exact same position, neither moving nor looking at her. Glancing at the sky she confirmed that the sun was indeed low on the western horizon. Her gaze traveled back towards the young man. What he said was only common sense. Better for her to sleep a night in this protected place, free from worries and continue her journey on the morrow, well rested.

Wufei could feel the human's eyes on him as she prepared to sleep. Her weariness covered her like an old cloak. He could smell it, even now. That and a tang of fear. He kept his eyes shut, able to read her movements without even looking at her. She was lying down now, facing him, one hand grasping her sword. As the minutes ticked by and he made no move he could feel her tension begin to drain away, helped by the protective circle that surrounded them. Finally her breathing deepened and he knew she was asleep.

Only then did Wufei allow himself to relax completely and drift into a light slumber.

'''''''

Quatre watched as Duo tossed and mumbled incoherently, caught in the binding grasp of some dream or nightmare. Quatre frowned. The familiar tugging that had awakened him from his three hundred year sleep was growing stronger. He could feel himself being pulled downwards toward the sleeping human. He resisted, unsure of what was actually happening.

There was a shimmer on the ground. Quatre watched amazed as the sword that was his physical manifestation appeared next to Duo. The warrior rolled over on his side and grasped the sword possessively, his thrashing calmed and his breathing deepened.

Quatre gasped. Somehow Duo had called The Song of the Warrior to him, all while he was sleeping. He had been right when he concluded that this human was special. The pull on his ethereal form was becoming unbearable. It was time. Quatre finally gave in and allowed himself to melt back into the sword.

''''''''

The day dawned cool and bright. Wufei stood, feeling the early morning breeze whip over his skin. Closing his eyes he could almost imagine he was flying, high above the clouds. After a moment he opened his eyes and turned around to see the courtesan watching him warily. "Well, are you ready to go?" He spoke brusquely.

"Go? Why should I go with you? I don't even know your name." Her pale blue eyes narrowed to slits and she shifted slightly.

"I don't know yours either. What does it really matter?"

She continued to stare at him suspiciously. Wufei frowned. Why did Agnialla have to choose this human to be his traveling companion? Why did she have to choose him a traveling companion at all?

"The times are dangerous. It is best to travel together for protection." Wufei bit the inside of his cheek as he spoke, tasting blood. He hated to sound so weak. Protection? He certainly had no need for it. "And if it makes you feel better my name is Wufei." Wufei couldn't help the touch of sarcasm that found its way into his last response. How would knowing his name change anything for her?

"I don't need help from you or anyone else."

Never before had he been so tempted to assume his natural form, if only to scare the living daylights out of this pale-skinned human. He bit down harder on his cheek, filling his mouth with the coppery taste of blood. Silver. He closed his eyes, seeking the calm he needed. Silver light flashing… No, now was not the time. Wufei forced his muscles to relax. Reaching up he wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his lip. Glancing at his fingertips he saw that the red color had taken on a darker aspect, becoming almost black. His mind cleared. That had been close.

"Maybe we should travel together. I'm Dorothy."

He looked over to see Dorothy watching him with a calculating look on her face. Trust a human's curiosity with the unknown to make their decision for them. "Fine." He turned and walked off.

Dorothy followed silently. There was something different about this so-called human male. Better to keep him in sight for a while longer. Besides, she had absolutely no clue of where she would find Malak. She was as apt to run into him while traveling with this Wufei as not. And he just might turn out to be useful.

''''''''

Just what are you planning Lady Agnialla? Trowa breathed in deeply, a hint of laughter on his normally stoic features. The wind had come, bringing far off echoes of a new partnership between two equally reluctant beings.

"Have you ever seen two more stubborn creatures?"

Trowa turned to see Agnialla herself standing behind him. "Should I really answer that?" He responded

Agnialla arched a thin eyebrow.

"I thought not." Trowa folded his arms. "So, why did you decide to give the young guardian a companion?"

"The battle for the Key of Truth is drawing nearer and that young courtesan is going to be right in the middle of things. Her thirst for revenge and her oath will not let her do otherwise. It is time for Wufei to come out of obscurity. He has done well, hiding from Ha'derkaath's gaze for so long, even though his young blood abhorred the idea. It is nearly time for him to become again the warrior he truly is.

"I must congratulate you on your timing. The Song of the Warrior has appeared and the group at Eleanon shall leave that place shortly."

"Then my time is even shorter then I imagined." Agnialla sighed. "There is always so much to do…"

"And it would help if the gods managed to rouse themselves enough to take care of one of their own." Trowa finished her thought.

"The gods." Agnialla shook her head disparagingly. "They're just immortals with an attitude and ego to match."

The corner of Trowa's mouth twitched in amusement as he watched Agnialla leave. No one else would ever dare say such a thing except you, Matriarch of all Dragons. Good luck. The wind blew around him, echoing his silent laugher.