Ch. 2: A Heart Lost
We're never told what Gaia's role was when Zarm was Spirit of the Earth, so I always envisioned her as a nature spirit. As to whether or not Captain Planet was around during that time, I like to think he was. The idea of Captain Planet and Gaia working together to defeat Zarm always made sense to me, even as a young child.
"This... it just isn't right."
"But what is happening, Gaia?"
"That's just it. I'm not certain what Zarm is up to, but whatever he's doing, it's causing a lot of harm. Look!"
The nature spirit pointed to the shapes moving about in one of the crystals decorating her chamber. Captain Planet studied it carefully, barely making out a depleted village.
"This can't be right. I just returned from there. The people were fine and healthy!"
"Yes, and now the majority of the men are gone." Captain Planet ran a red hand over the crystal and the vision changed, showing fields that were being tended to by young children. Unfortunately, most of the growth in said fields were the weeds the children were pulling up.
"They need all the help they can get. If I could, I'd give the land a helping hand, but just getting to these places takes up most of my power."
"Would that I could give you more." With a sigh, Gaia sat down upon a woven rush mat, hanging her head. "Would that I could do more." Captain Planet sat down next to her, tentatively putting a hand on her shoulder.
"You're the spirit of nature, Gaia. And I know for a fact that you do everything you can to ensure all living creatures thrive." The spirit sighed. "And it's Zarm who should be telling you this." Gaia raised her head to meet the gentle brown eyes of her companion.
"Zarm may be the spirit of Earth, but you are humanity's champion, Captain Planet." Taking Captain Planet's hand, Gaia added,
"And mine as well." Captain Planet favored her with a gentle smile beofre standing, still gently grasping Gaia's hand.
"Then as your champion, I propose we go to Zarm now and ask him about this. The village you showed me isn't the only one with missing young men. And there are the rumors of a war in a farway land and demons by the score."
"I hope rumors is all those stories are. If not..." Gaia let her voice trail off.
"If not, then you and I may be Earth's only voice of reason.
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"Resiliant, aren't you, Yoran?" Zarm glared at the orb in the center of his chamber. The smoking ruin of a once fruitful filed, something that would have horrified him long ago, now caused his heart to race with joy. Fingering the golden band circling his brow, the spirit of Earth continued his rant.
"Still, little by little I sent my troops to destroy your precious world. And no resistance? Why, I've seen neither hide nor hair from you, brother. Hah, brother, you once called me. And would you share a bit of your magic with me? Me, the spirit of Earth? Of course you wouldn't! Well, no matter, Yoran. Your world burns and your magic is depleted, no doubt. Soon, I'll have you and enough power to conquor everything in my path!"
The sound of waves slapping on the shore was Zarm's only answer. Swirling his burgendy cloak around him, the spirit of Earth waved his hand over his orb, revealing a seaside village. However, while the houses still stood, there were no people moving about them or fishing by the shores.
"Hmm, it seems the women and children have moved off. Ah, well, perhaps one of the children will show promise as a warrior. I'm sure the prospect of finding out what happened to his logn lost father will be all the motivation he needs to follow me."
"Follow you where, Zarm?" Zarm whirled to see Gaia and her companion spirit- whom she'd dubbed Captain Planet- entering his chamber.
"That need not concern you, Gaia, my dear," Zarm answered, glaring at Capatin Planet. "Nor need it concern you."
"Considering my job is to safeguard humanity, I'm going to guess it does," Captain Planet answered.
Zarm gritted his teeth, sorely regretting allowing Gaia to talk him into creating a third spirit to babysit the wretched mortal race. Before he could rebuke Captain Planet for speaking out against his superior, Gaia stepped forward.
"Zarm, humans have been vanishing from the villages for months on end. Surely you've noticed that by now!"
"Gaia, I've told you, there's nothing abnormal about that. Humans aren't as resiliant as you think they are; sickness, famine, skirmishes over land, all would lead to the depletion of these young men."
"Funny, we never said young men were disappearing." Zarm shot Capatin Planet a look, but the blue-skinned spirit didn't back down. "And when young men leave their village at once, it's usually due to them going off to war. Any idea where that war may be?"
Mentally cursing himself, Zarm willed his face into a mask of indifference. "I believe you just referred to yourself as humanity's guardian, Captain Planet. Why don't you tell me?"
"Because wherever this war is, it's not on Earth. Skirmishes over land would not cause such a wide-spread disappearence of people."
"Depends on the land."
"Zarm." Despite himself, Gaia's soft voice still managed to penetrate his defenses. The spirit of Earth met Gaia's soft blue eyes, eyes that once believed he could stare into forever. "What have you done?"
"What have I done?" The words tumbled from Zarm's mouth like a river rushing toward the sea. "I have done nothing! I have done everything in my power to make this planet the greatest in the galaxy! And yet, what thanks do I get for it? Nothing! And what of our "brother" Yoran? Does he thank me for safeguarding his realm? No! Rather he hoardes the magic of the world for himself and thinks not a wit of my troubles!"
"What has Lord Yoran-" Gaia's voice trailed off as the full impact of Zarm's words hit her. "Zarm, no!"
"Oh yes! Soon, very soon, the realm of magic will belong to me and I will be the ruler not just of Earth, but of every possible planet in existance!"
"You're mad, Zarm! And I won't let you use humanity as your pawn!" Captain Planet rushed warrior spirit. With a role of his eyes, Zarm merely flicked his wrist and sent the much weaker spirit flying out of the chamber, letting him crash upon the sand.
"I'd say you're not living up to your role as defender, my good Captain." Zarm watched as Gaia ran to Captain Planet's side, not missing the tender glance the two shared.
"So, not content to be be my side now that you have him, eh, Gaia?" Gaia's fearful gaze met his as Zarm stepped out onto the sandy beach that circled the island the three spirits called home. "No matter. As your heart has moved from me, so has mine moved from yours. I've found a new love, Gaia, and her name is power."
"She's a cruel mistress and she'll betray you in the end." Captain Planet had pulled himself to his feet.
"You're one to talk of betrayal. You and Gaia, sneaking behind my back, no doubt looking for a way to dispose of me."
"Listen to yourself!" Gaia shot back. "Why, you don't even sound like yourself anymore, Zarm! What's happened to you?"
"The price for your treason," Zarm went on, ignoring Gaia completely, "is death!"
With a gasp, Gaia edged closer to Captain Planet, who wrapped protective arms around her.
"Zarm, if you raise your hand against us, all really will be lost! Remember your role as spirit of the Earth and forget about gaianing more power!" Gaia pleaded.
"Listen to Gaia, Zarm. She knows what's talking about!"
"I'm through listening to anyone! Now begone!" Zarm raised his hand, ready to summon as much power as possible when a youthful voice reached his ears.
"Wait! Great Spirit, stay your hand!"
