Wing Warriors

Abby Ebon

All five did what came naturally having been 'transported' four or so times in the past two days. They scanned the area. Indeed they could breath, and there was no one near, so in no danger of being threatened – by lack of air or a weapons attack, they took in the scene before them

It was subterranean chamber- water seeped from the bottom, forming a cool clear pool of the bottom of the lake.

The land they were standing on was a mix of black rocks and sand, and more importantly, solid, no one was in any danger of falling into the 'pool' below. The only light came from the pool, reflected off the light sand at the bottom of the lake, which had been filtered through the watery surface.

The chamber itself was huge, big enough to comfortably fit all five Gundams, and then some. There were the same large crystal spheres as in Mage of Silence's Tower- they were lit, proving that someone had indeed been there recently.

The pilots wondered for a moment what exactly they were supposed to do with the white stone Quatre held. Wufei glanced around the chamber.

"I don't see anything resembling a time machine." The Chinese pilot stated as Huang perched on his shoulder nuzzled her head into his loose hair. He had lost the band somewhere in K'Chona…

"She said device. It would make sense if it was more magic then science." Trowa stated, Wufei grunted in agreement.

: Hungry…Where sun light? : Huang asked, Wufei shrugged, and Huang spread her wings to keep balance.

"We're underground Huang; there isn't any sunlight unless we swim up." Huang squawked, her indignity plain at the thought of getting her feathers wet.

: Cat not swim- Huang no swim. : Was the firebirds stubborn reply. Duo chuckled at Wufei's annoyed expression, though he knew it was because of Huang he didn't know what was being said.

"We'll get in the Gundam's first, Huang." Wufei assured her, soothing ruffled feathers. Huang leaned forward so her golden-brown eyes were fixed on Wufei's black ones.

: White-spirits not swim well in horse flesh. : Huang told him as if in secret, Wufei blinked, as if the thought hadn't occurred to him.

With the firecat, gods, and ancient magic's transporting them without the Gundam he had forgotten that Huang, Amensa and Jinni would fit inside the cockpits of the Gundam's (being half or less of the full size of a human), Sartra and Senta would not.

"Huang just brought up something important. The Companions won't fit inside the Gundams- while we fight – or if we had to escape in a hurry, they would be vulnerable." Wufei stated, Duo flinched, and Quatre didn't look any happier- though neither looked as if they had an idea.

Sartra whinnied in amusement, her big blue eyes catching the pilots own eyes, then she spoke to all five – and their bond mates. : Do not worry for us young ones. We are not what we seem. : Senta nodded in agreement to her twins 'words' and Quatre held an arm around her unsurely.

Amensa mewled softly to gain their attention. : You might as well show them your true forms – they won't think of anything else until you prove you can be cared for. : Trowa raised an eyebrow at Amensa, who seemed smug in her knowledge.

Senta huffed out air through her nose. : Very well. : She and her sister traded looks, then a soft silver light – a little brighter then their coats, surrounded them, and they gained less a less solid form.

Two young women had appeared, and were clearly their Companions – both had blue eyes and silver hair- both were as the Avatar's had first appeared to be- glass like and shinning with silver power.

Quatre and Duo looked startled, by this, and looked somewhat relived when the two girls were replaced by their horse-like Companions.

: So you see; you need not worry Chosen – if in need we well transform our selves to stay by your side. : Senta told them, nuzzling Quatre, who seemed in awe of her. Sartra nudged Duo, who chuckled and obediently scratched her ears.

: Do not tell the Heralds of our other forms, for they do not know yet- and are not ready to. : The two pilots shared a look, and nodded silent and thoughtful. Heero looked down at Jinni and raised an eyebrow. The kyree grinned wolf-like, her tongue hanging out and her jaws wide, at her bond-mates skeptical look.

: Do not worry so bonded, I am as I seem. : Jinni assured him, pressing her weight against him reassuringly. Heero nodded, and gently rubbed her ears, a thoughtful look passing over his face.

"Amensa, are you like the Companions?" Trowa asked the firecat, catching one of Heero's stray thoughts. Heero's eyes caught Trowa's, and Heero nodded, grateful for voicing his question. Duo and Quatre were also looking at the firecat somewhat expectantly.

Wufei rolled his eyes; the answer was an obvious 'yes' to the Chinese pilot. He also knew, from when he had 'called' for a 'bird' that Huang was like the kyree – and not a spirit. Or like the Companions and the firecat.

: Yes, and no, I serve the Sun Lord and his Great Ones. Companions …are different. : The cat, in a cat-like way, refused to explain herself further- and the Companions were quick to point out the need to find the device Dekim would be using- so they could use the white stone, somehow.

"You know, I'm getting awful sick of being transported around the planet and not to mention everything in-between." Duo said referring to the past and the moonpaths, as he glared at Trowa's firecat – if a cat could smirk, Amensa would be doing so.

Duo grumbled, and Quatre chuckled, given Duo's thoughts on the matter curtsey of Sartra, and his own Companion Senta. Twin Companions, it seemed, really did share everything- including their Chosen's thoughts on certain ways of transportation.

Duo caught sight of Deathscythe and made a noise somewhat like a yelp and a squeal. Wufei choked on an amused laugh – it wouldn't do to get the American upset, especially with Quatre around to glare at him.

Besides it was good to see their Gundams – to the pilots they were much more then tools for war- especially now that magic had fused into them and gifted the Gundams with a sort of sentience, Wufei decided to test something that had been gnawing on him.

Like with Huang, he reached out to touch its 'mind'. It was surprisingly easy, like slipping your hand into a favorite pair of gloves. He knew it inside and out, and was comfortable with the contact.

Nataku didn't so much as think - although it was aware of its surroundings, as react. It knew him, and knew the other Gundams- and their pilots, and the Gundams were collectively becoming more comfortable with the links their pilots held with 'the Others' as the Gundams 'thought' of them as.

Then he asked Nataku to pick him up and open the hatch. Surprisingly, although he should have expected it – Nataku obeyed. The others had noticed some of the exchange and he felt their curiosity in the back of his mind.

Satisfied that he could reach Nataku if he needed it, although it left him with a faint headache, he decided to tell the others, mentally – Duo thought it was 'wicked awesome', and Trowa and Heero were with him on its usefulness. Quatre had merely nodded, not voicing an opinion.

Quatre and Duo put this newfound ability to the test, where the other pilots told their Gundams to do as Nataku had with her pilot – Duo and Quatre asked their Gundams to follow them deeper into the cavern.

They did so, obedient - if some-what reluctant; reminding Trowa eerily of the un-manned Mobile Dolls they had fought during the war.

None-the-less with Wufei walking Nataku to one side, and Heero in Wing on the other side (Deathscythe and Sandrock in the middle) – Trowa was forced to walk Heavyarms behind them.

Duo and Quatre led them, well, Quatre led them. Duo was still struggling to learn to ride…

-Flash Back-

Heero and Trowa watched in amusement as Quatre helped Duo onto Sartra's back. After falling for the fifth time – Sartra snorted, and laid down – then announced for all the pilots to hear within their minds.

This method of communication was becoming somewhat automatic for pilots, companions, firecats, and their bond mates alike- simply because the pilots were closer then anyone- and if Duo broke out laughing for no apparent reason – they worried, Sartra had a sense of humor…but no one of the pilots wanted to deal with one of them gone insane.

Beloved, get on my back. If you pull on my hair, Chosen – I know where you sleep- and your beloved braid will not survive the night…: Looking somewhat pale, Duo had obeyed her. Then Sartra had stood- slowly, and Duo was now astride- and looking down.

A Gundam pilot who flew over the Earth, and jumped out of hospital buildings should not be afraid of a three or four foot drop. However…It was quite clear that he was… or had become afraid some time in the past three tries.

"Maybe, I ought to walk…" Duo murmured softly, he then glanced at Quatre who looked fantastically annoyed at him.

"No, Duo, you are staying put." Quatre ordered point-black, and then turned and easily (with grace, dignity, and surprising ease) sat himself upon an amused Senta and then the two Companions 'led' the Gundams at a quick trot through the cavern – despite, or because of, Duo freaked expression.

-End Flashback-

Ahead, they made out signs of life – and the metallic glint of the machinery and magic Dekim was planning to use.

AN: Chapter Fifteen was what I changed, so that the pilots actually saw Ancient Egypt, so you get to see it as they would instead of just reading it in a summery.

Well I want to thank you too; this is near its end. For those of you who read every chapter, and reviewed, this is for you. To those in the future who read it, I hope you enjoy it. I want you to know, that this has been fun, and for someone who never really writes past the 15th chapter, that's saying something.

Well I got to say at sixty reviews, seven C2s, and fourteen favorites, and twenty-nine alerts, this is my most successful fic – and will always hold a special place in my heart.

I'm almost tempted to write a sequel…

P.S. Two more chapters to go till THE END.