Of Mystical Gates 5

[Melville's Best Friend]

Of Mystical Gates
Chapter 5
Melville?s Best Friend


Lacey look! ^_^ I worked REALLY hard on this and I hope it?s to your liking and standards! The next chapter will be ALL NEW!!!!!! ^_^ <--- happy MBF This one?s for you, Lacey-poo! I love ya!


The moonlight toyed with the tips of leaves before spilling around the forest floor, illuminating the wood. Silence filled the air, blanketing the Dorna Empire with serenity. The night was beautiful in its simplicity, and the Dorna princess sat and watched the moonlight fall upon a gentle stream. The crystal around her neck shimmered in the darkness-- a sign someone was coming. She hid herself in the top of the tree; relieved she?d had to wait for them no longer.

?But?shouldn?t we tell them we?re leaving? It seems awfully rude to just leave after they?ve been so hospitable!? Quatre pleaded.

?We can not afford to have a member of their clan die at our hands,? Trowa whispered.

Quatre glanced downward, silently admitting defeat. If Trowa felt the same way as Heero, there was no need to argue any further; Quatre would loose the argument. Silence followed the warriors safely out of the realm and crept up on them as they neared the edge of the empire. Heero made no sign of remorse when they had finally passed the borders of the kingdom. A smug smile crossed the features of Duo-- the only trace of emotion in the group. He knew what Heero had on his mind; the leader would never admit it, however.


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Quatre was the first to notice some other presence. It penetrated his senses, flowing into him like renewed breath. He fluttered aimlessly about the wood, seeking its source. He stopped quickly, however, he felt the essence he noted was some magic the Dorna had given them in order to heal. Assuming it was one of his brothers, he let the notion slide.

Duo noticed it next. His ears never betrayed him; there was definitely something following them. It crept in the bushes with the dexterity of a cat. Whatever was following the party was trained well. He remained alert, but tacit. Whatever was following them didn?t seem that big. He assumed it was just an animal; perhaps it was a panther.

Trowa saw it. It flew through the canopy in the blink of an eye, but he saw it. Stopping the group, he raised his bow towards the tree. Heero glared at the spot at which Trowa pointed, Duo smiled, his azure eyes gleaming, and Quatre waited with anticipation. The men were shocked when a figure boisterously jumped out of a tree?from nowhere near where the arrow had been aimed. Trowa quickly swung around, and once again aimed his weapon at the individual that had been following them.

?You!? Duo screamed, astounded at the figure before him. He moved back, blinking repeatedly to make sure he wasn?t hallucinating from lack of sleep. Heero?s eyes sought hers, his stare trying to force her to leave. His fists clenched, threatening to grasp his sword and threaten her to leave, as she obviously would not heed his orders. His eyes had no effect on her, as she watched Duo casually.

In front of them stood the one entity that had haunted Heero?s thoughts since the moment he regained consciousness-- the Dorna girl. Her features were still covered, and all they could stare at were her beautiful crystal eyes. The entire forest seemed to radiate from them. Heero walked up to her, and forcefully grabbed a section of her cloak, lifting her upward. Her gaze didn?t waver.

?What are you doing here? Leave.? His hand found his sword, and he made sure she saw the movement. If he had to threaten her, he would. He could not have her die. To be responsible for the death of such a creature would find him in the keep of Moor for all eternity.

He flung her away, shoving her in the direction of the empire. She stared at him, refusing to move. Her gaze bore into his soul, and for the first time in his life, he found himself afraid. He was afraid of what she might see.

He motioned with his hands, telling her to go, since she didn?t seem to comprehend. Still, she stayed. His eyes were aflame as he watched her. She was as calm as water itself.

?Heero, you can?t send her back alone. She might get hurt,? Quatre whispered, staring at the girl?s eyes. A sly secret was hidden beneath his youthful features. Heero glared at Quatre as if to say there was no way he was going to allow her to stay. His eyes wavered for an instant. Quatre?s reasoning was on par. He could not allow her to return alone, even if she did go on his command. He needed all with him, so having someone escort her was impossible, and they could not waste the two-day journey back.

He turned to continue the journey, his cape flying about in a whirlwind about his body. The others did the same. Quatre, however, lagged, and flew over to the girl.

?I beg your pardon, my Lady, but I must confess to you that I know you?re not merely a humble servant of the Dorna Empire,? he whispered.

She smiled at him, and he could see it in her eyes.

?Oh? And what am I, little pixie??

?Your Highness, you are the heir to the throne. You are Queen Relena.?

?We best get going,? she said, walking to catch up with the rest of the train. She smiled as she walked, and allowed herself to be overcome by the beauty around her.

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?I want them all killed.?

?Sire, we cannot possibly find them. We have no clues as to where they might be,? a small dwarf pleaded. His hands grasped each other, gliding over his skin as if he were washing them. The speaker saw his master?s eyes glow a deep red. A small well arose from the middle of the room, and the master walked to it, stretching his hand over the water regally.

?You will find them in the Ampa forest, 20 miles outside of the Dorna empire,? the master stated, watching the water reflect to him their whereabouts.

An Elf smiled at his master, his dark skin catching the light of the single torch on his nearly- bare body. A small vest and long leather pants covered most of his skin. His teeth pointed all directions, letting all around him note that he killed with no creature-made weapons; he tore into flesh with his teeth. His voice was hard and raspy when he spoke:

?They?ve been to the empire already. My liege. The Queen will surely know where they are headed.?

?Indeed, Martyl. The Dorna Queen and I are in need of a chat. You will bring her to me, will you not??

?It would be my utmost pleasure, Lord Rameen,? the Elf faded backwards, but was stopped by his Lord?s voice.

?Unharmed, Martyl. She is to be unharmed.?

?I will use my powers as a servant of Moor to weaken her. She will rest on her journey back to m?Lord.?

Lord Rameen smiled at his servant, then waved him away.

?Anar!?

A dragon swiftly flew into the dark room, taking up all the space in it. A moat encircled the single throne that sat in the middle of the space, and the dragon stayed away from the water, moving his body very little to accommodate for the small space. His eye was as big as its master. It stared at him, silently telling his master that he would obey all orders.

?Anar, I want you to kill Azure. Seek him out and spill his blood as you see fit. Our ?prophesy friends? will most definitely be headed towards him.?

The dragon laughed, smoke seeping out of his throat.

?Go. Kill him before they reach Azure-- if are able to.?

Anar?s voice was deep and tackled the stone walls that surrounded them. ?The Mighty dragon?s blood will be on my hands. I will pick his bones clean, my master.?

Anar expanded his chest, allowing gas to collect within his lungs, His body slowly lifted unto the heavens, and when he was clear of his master, his wings flapped, sending trees crashing to the ground. Fire resounded in their ears, and Lord Rameen watched the dwarf he had spoken to only moments before.

?Cut them off wherever you can. Kill them all or do not return.?

He left the Dwarf alone, turning to watch the reflection of the Queen of the Dorna.

?Soon, Relena. Very soon indeed.?










Ominous clouds engulfed the sky, blocking the one source of light the team had. The sun was extinguished beneath the walls of the horizon, and started to leak, blanketing the forest with sparkling water. Beads of shimmering silver fell upon them as they made their way through the forest, and Heero led them through the tricks of the wood until his eyes rested upon a cave. This would serve as the perfect shelter; they would rest here. He motioned to where he was leading them. They each nodded. The girl watched his less-than-graceful movements as he made the gestures. Smirking, she followed him into the abyss of the cave. Once inside, the barriers of silence were broken.

?Whew. What a relief. My ears were drowning!? Duo exclaimed, while pouring out the water from his ears. He looked at Heero, wincing as he rung his ears dry. ?We are to stay here all night??

?At least until the rain stops. I suggest we rest,? his monotone voice replied. The girl?s eyes once again captured him. Everything about him screamed that he was trained for battle; even the way he gestured them to follow him was precise in its way. She sat on a rock, and took off her cloak.

The shimmering armor greeted the weary young men. It seemed to rejuvenate them. The brightness caught all of their attention, and the girl blushed, trying to place the cloak back on her shoulders.

?Astounding! Small one, I doubt even Heero?s sword could scratch that, ? Duo stated. He looked at Heero with the corner of his eye, hoping he noticed the girl.

?Hn.?

?That?s very beautiful. I assume it?s standard Dorna armor,? Trowa stated.

?Indeed, Trowa. You must be correct. For what male Dorna wouldn?t wish his stomach revealed to the world?? Duo laughed. ?However, I?m not complaining.? His gaze rested on her figure. She gave him an annoyed look, and tried to cover herself more quickly. He continued to ravish his body with her eyes, once again watching Heero all the while. No one could convince an Elf he wasn?t tricky.

Quatre smiled. Whispering to her in her own tongue, he commented, ?Lady Relena, you don?t have to put it back on. They like to look at it.?

She nodded her understanding, and still scowled from the looks Duo was casting her way. She felt his hands over her, caressing her. His voice was in her ear, pleading with her. The thought disgusted her until she replaced Duo with Heero. A tint flew to her face, and she found herself removing her cloak slowly, trying to catch Heero?s attention. When he refused to look her way, she covered her middle with her hands, and sent Duo a glare she had picked up from Heero. He smirked at her, aware of where she?d picked up her newfound glare.

?Were I you, I would remove the mask from my face. You will catch cold more easily,? Duo commented, and turned away, ending their mental battle.


The girl stared at him and placed the cloak around her shoulders, ignoring what he said.

His nose wrinkled.

?She must not be able to understand. Poor small one. Dorna are supposed to be the most intelligent creatures in the world, yet she can only speak one language,? he looked at Quatre. ?Most disappointing, I fear. Most un-regal, also. Would not you agree, Quatre??


Quatre merely nodded, a hint of crimson kissed the arch of his nose.

?How did you find out?? she addressed Quatre.

The room grew silent when she spoke. Heero watched her speak so fluently to the pixie. She had such a wonderful tone to her voice?

Quatre smiled at her, and flew around, trying to dry himself more quickly. He shook as if he were an animal, and watched her laugh at him. The horn embedded in his forehead brightened, lighting the room with a holy glow. He fluttered beside her before slowly sitting down. His horn returned to normal, and the cheerful warmth of the room left.

?I just over heard you is all. I heard you talk to your mother,? he smiled.

The girl laughed. The sound brought an even brighter light to the cavern, and filled the cave with a new presence. Heero couldn?t help but be somewhat enamored of this girl who had kept herself hidden from his view. She was an enigma.


?I guess I should have been more careful!? she stated jovially. Quatre joined her in laughter.

?Duo, can you start a fire?? Trowa inquired.

?I shall indeed.?

When the girl stopped laughing, she watched the elf intently.

?Spirit of fire, lend me your power. Spirit, surrender yourself to my whim.?

Burning bits of light danced around the room, and struck a few dry fragments of wood Heero had gathered. Soon they were alight, and the cavern now had an earthly glow. The flames leapt along the walls, casting shadows of its inhabitants along the narrow space.


Light poured forth along the ramparts, allowing the members to see how deep it went.

?Upon Zenethia! Astounding! This used to belong to my people!? Duo proclaimed.

?Really?? Quatre exclaimed, excited to learn a bit about Duo?s history. He flew over to where Duo was standing, and listened.

?A long time ago?after the first attack in the War of Aria, my people fled here, afraid of persecution.?

The girl listened silently, noting all he said, mentally recording it all. Besides Duo?s voice, the crackling of the fire was the only noise. Her ears twitched at the sound of the fire, and burned with the knowledge the Elf King had to offer.

?We escaped here with other creatures that had been branded as traitors. We made homes down there. They were huge and safe and warm,? his eyes closed in remembrance. ?This was our sanctuary.?

She watched his pain reveal itself, and she felt the need to console him. Her eyes tore away from him, unable to watch his face twist in the haunting memories. They were all too familiar.


?We moved to the forest because Goblins began attacking on a regular basis,? his eyes turned deadly, ?I lost my mother to one of them.?


?Duo. It must feel??

Quatre was unable to finish. A roar from the heavens muted all noise. It clapped and sparked, moving the cave?s rocks and making them moan with pressure. Unholy light flashed about the room from the weather, causing the Pixie to find solace behind Relena. She watched the sky with care, noting the abrupt change in the color of the clouds. A protective hand shielded the frightened Quatre as her other gracefully caught the rain. It dribbled down her fingertips and kissed her hand. Bits of magic were locked within the element, and Relena?s eyes widened with horror. She turned to Duo, ready to speak when a huge bolt of lightning struck the cave roof.

Rocks tumbled to the ground, shaking it with abandon. Their legs unable to move with the force, all were unable to leave the cave before they were swallowed.

The stones found their way towards Quatre and the girl, threatening to kill them. Unable to react, she waited for the blow, covering Quatre with her body. She was quite taken aback when she met Heero?s steady gaze. He had rescued her from the debris. He gently let her down, and turned to the males, assessing the situation.

I don?t believe this. Not only did he save my life, but also he did it faster than any of my people could have. I?ve never before heard of a Wildoor?or any creature for that matter with such incredible power?that speed?incredible.


She stood in awe as they decided what to do, fingers trembling not only from the near-death experience, but from the marks his hands had left on her flesh. They burned her skin with a fire unable to smolder. Her cheeks adopted the same color, and she watched Heero speak.

?If we follow this path, we should come out right above Asitura,? Duo said, brushing dust off his clothes.

?That?s right next to the where we are headed, is it not?? questioned Trowa. ?That is where the Queen said we would find Azure??

?Indeed. This path should be more simple than the forest,? Heero answered.

?Have we encountered a bit of luck?? Trowa smiled.

?Quatre! Tell them this is the wrong way. We should find another way!? the girl commanded. Quatre obliged, and Heero turned to look at her.

?You are in my way. If you can?t even defend yourself, you?re of no use to this quest. Therefore, you are not suited to offer comments,? he spat, commanding Quatre to translate. His eyes were cold and steady. The kindness he had shown her moments before was fleeting, and she was becoming aware this creature would do anything rather than be blamed for the death of a more noble creature than he.

?My Lady?? Quatre started to calm her. Her eyes were aflame. They danced with a mixture of hatred and hurt. Disappointment was evident on her face, and she hugged the drape over her face with her hand, making sure to cover the emotion.

?Don?t,? she brushed off the look coming from Heero, and bowed respectfully. It caught him off-guard, but he quickly turned around and told Duo to lead the way.

?Quatre, that lightning was no mistake. That was a storm conjured by someone,? she said as she touched her hands?still damp from the rain. A light magic glowed in her hands, but died almost instantly.

The Pixie nodded, ?What should we do??

?Wait. We are in danger, but we cannot possibly make the first move.?

Duo lit a small torch for each of the travelers and led the way down the musty caverns.

?You know, there may be some good art still down here. I might be able to show you how skilled my people are.?

?Silence, Elf. We needn?t hear all your babble? Heero muttered.

?Well, pardon me for being proud of my heritage,? Duo muttered, and kept leading them further into the labyrinth.

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They had gone far before she began to feel more than uncomfortable. Sweat formed on her brow at an incredible rate, and she watched every shadow for signs of movement. Her vision blurred, unable to focus on anything for more than an instant. She remained close to Quatre. Heero caught her strange behavior but thought nothing of it. She continued to grow worse. She had visibly paled within the next hour. Signs of fever ran through her body.

?Lady Relena, are you alright?? Quatre whispered.

?I?m fine, just watch everything. Grow eyes in the back of your head.?

Quatre nodded, sure that she knew something he didn?t. Heero once more noted her condition, and told the train to halt. They would rest here for the night. Her eyes closed half way, and her breathing became more shallow, echoing off the walls abnormally. Falling to the floor, her lips opened for a small cry.

?Queen Relena! What?s wrong?? Quatre was at her side in an instant.

?Goblins?dwarves?they?re here?? she panted, almost unable to speak.

?What?? a look of panic crossed the pixie?s features, as he continued to stare at her.

?Turn and fight! Now!? she screamed.

Quatre turned around to meet the gaze of the other warriors. Behind Duo, he saw small figures approaching their camp at increasing speed. His eyes squinted, trying to see the beasts more clearly. His comrades twirled around in time to prepare for battle. Trowa quickly grabbed his arrows, and killed many of the advancing creatures.

They kept coming.

Heero and Duo tried to fight them off with swords, but they still managed to come in numbers that they couldn?t possibly withstand. Quatre flew into the air, muttering an enchanting spell, and many of the goblins disintegrated upon touching him. His eyes were huge, and light shot through them. Duo reared his sword back and killed one near Heero. The two fighters were now back-to-back, trying to ward off the goblins.

?I thought they hated light! There?s light in here?so why don?t they die?!? Heero screamed as he killed two with one blow. He dodged an attack from one, and, as it fell, stabbed it in the back.

Duo was busy slaying them left and right as well.

?I have no idea?they should be dead by now,? he murmured, continuing his battle.


They heard Trowa shout from some high point within the cave. They looked up to watch him.

?This is for my people, the ones to whom I have pledged my life,? his weapons gathered energy that flew from his spirit. A light seeped out of his heart and engulfed his weapon, making them glow radiantly with warmth. With the memory of his people came his power, and he aimed it at the heart of the goblin hoard.

?Die, beasts,? he said almost in a whisper, and fired an arrow that was alight with his blue flames.

Many of the beasts fell. Quatre continued his chanting, but was flying about the room, running into the goblins, and killing them by disintegration. Heero threw his sword into the air.

?Ancestors of the Wildoor,? his eyes changed color to mach his rapidly changing weapon. ?Grant me your power. Lend me the strength of my people.?

The sword grew in length, the handles flying about with wings all their own. The blade grew as well, gleaming with the light that poured from Heero?s eyes. He watched the Goblins squirm back in horror as the weapon found its way to his hand. He reared back and thrust the sword in the direction of the evil. Although he was a distance from them, energy surrounded the sword, and flew at the Goblins, making a huge ball of light. Unholy screams filled his ears as they were burned alive.

Duo?s eyes closed as he stood as if he could care less they were under attack.

?Element of fire, I call upon thee. Aid your master in this time of need.?

He slowly brought his hands up to his body, forming a bubble with his hands. A light sparked in the shell he had made and cast a shadow upon his face. Leaping flames weaved through the gaps between his fingers and licked at the oxygen they were being offered. He opened his eyes, revealing that they had turned the color of the fire. His hands flew to his sides, where the fire made an arc from one hand to the other. His hands darted behind his back as his front lurched forward. His weight was pushed to his arms as they flung his fire unto the enemy. A smirk crossed his face when he heard the Goblins crackle.



The monsters attacked with more severity, trying to use their numbers to defeat the creatures from above; but to no avail. They were being swept away by the immense power of the weapons. Light flooded the room, and the travelers found they didn?t even need to get close to slay the goblins. The energy and power of the weapons dealt a horrifying blow. The soldiers made no sound as they killed, and the only noises that resonated form the cave were the sounds of the dying. A stench rose from the corpses, and filled the nostrils of the warriors causing their eyes to water. Their breathing sucked up the death, allowing the heated air to find its way to their veins.

They continued to fight.

The girl was trying her best not to die. She barely had the strength to stand; yet she had her sword out, killing as many of the goblins as the rest of them. Her crystal, which had been eerily bright, faded with the loss of her strength, and she felt it increasingly difficult to stand. She backed herself to a corner to eliminate the possibility of attack from behind. She wouldn?t let herself fall in front of him. She was not a burden. She screamed it out in panted breaths as she slashed through the skull of an enemy. She looked over her shoulder to see that Heero was about to be wounded from a goblin sneaking up from behind. The others were busy killing the remaining few demons. Heero had just destroyed the enemy in front of him, and turned in time to see one leap for him. A grin was embedded onto its face as its saliva spewed over its teeth and fell to the floor in a black puddle resembling blood. Heero?s body froze in anticipation of the blow, and his muscles tightened, making it impossible for him to move, even if his mind allowed him to. His mind was blank and dark; nothing crept into it.

Out of nowhere, the girl sliced the monster in two. The gruesome creature landed on the floor with a thud, and Heero watched its blood cover the cavern floor. His eyes rose to meet hers. Her cheeks were flushed, and she panted a bit before her eyes fogged, and she fell.

He caught her before she hit the stone floor, and felt her forehead. She was burning with fever. The fact that she?d not only been able to save her life, but his as well was beyond unbelievable.

While supporting her lighter-than-feather-body, he signaled for help. The goblins defeated, every member of the team went to his aid.

?What?s wrong with her?? Duo fretted. His usually jovial eyes were filled with concern.

?It?s the goblins,? Quatre started, ?This type of goblin poisons the air to Dorna. It makes it very hard for them to breathe. Had I but known, I?? he sighed, tears threatening to fall. ?Put her down.?

Heero did as he was told, and Quatre pulled a crystal they had found from out of his pocket. He held it over her crystal, allowing it to see where its energy needed to go. It slowly glowed with a power none could comprehend, and sent energy to her crystal. The process was slow, and Duo?s eyes dulled, giving up hope for her. Suddenly, they heard her breathe. Although shallow and gasping, it was harmony to their worried ears. They watched as the color returned to her face, and her crystal once again lit to a glorious color. She sat up with aid from Quatre.

?We almost had our first fatality, there, Dorna. You should have told us beforehand,? Duo stated, the happiness returning to his eyes.

?I?m glad she?s okay,? Trowa breathed, ?Thank you for helping her, Quatre.?

When she opened her eyes, she saw only Heero. He was right next in front of her, mere inches away from her face. She blushed, and blinked wildly, color immediately returning to her cheeks. He held his hand out to her, and she tilted her head?She didn?t understand his gesture. He touched her cheek with his calloused hand, sending warmth to her already burning face, and lowered his face to hers. The thinness of a hair separated them from one another. She felt his warm breath against her face, and her stomach clenched with a series of emotions she?d never felt before. His eyes bore into her lips. He wanted so badly to give in to the feelings that threatened to tear him apart, but he just whispered to her.

?I was mistaken. Thank you.? He could tell she understood when she flushed. He quickly stood up, leaving her to melt. She felt a sudden pride in her heart, and stood up to listen to his orders. She eyed Quatre, and nodded her appreciation. He blushed.

?What now?? Quatre asked Heero.

?What else? We continue,? he said looking at Duo. ?Which way??

?Towards that cavern?there,? Duo pointed. ?That should bring us to our destination.?

?I see. How long will it be before we reach the surface?? questioned Trowa. He followed the path down which Duo led them. It was horribly rocky and they had trouble keeping their balance. Heero aided the girl, and she felt lightheaded at his touch. When they reached the top, Duo smiled and answered Trowa?s question.

?We?re here.?

They saw the light from the outside, and Quatre flew quickly to get out, beyond happy to see the sunlight. Duo smiled and spoke to the remaining comrades.

?I had forgotten that Pixies thrive from sunlight.?

?His mood thrives from it as well,? Trowa stated, watching his friend flutter to the light.

They sighed and walked on, eager to catch up with Quatre. They stopped dead in their tracks when a large creature attacked the poor pixie. Though its details were hidden in the shadows, it was apparent that the creature was above normal in stature. Screaming, Quatre somersaulted backwards, his body moving about the air with a grace as if he were suspended in water. He landed on Relena, and she flew back with his weight, somehow managing to keep her balance. She looked down at him, surprise evident in her eyes. The horn on his brow glowed a brilliant shade from the few beads of sunlight that entered the room.

An axe met the two travelers. She scowled, berating herself for letting down her guard. Her free hand flew to her weapon, but the attacker moved his hand with the speed of a snake, catching her wrist.


Heero, who had let go of the girl?s waist when Quatre was knocked off-guard, drew his weapon. It was at the base of the creature?s neck, and Heero spoke quietly; an edge on his voice struck the creature?s heart, and the newcomer frowned.

?Release her at once.?

She watched Heero, surprised that Heero didn?t say ?them?. Quatre was in danger as well.

?Stand down, goblin, or your comrades die,? a harsh voice commanded. The speaker was strangely calm, yet there was danger in the depth of his voice.

?Who are you calling goblins? We?re not kin of those twisted creatures!? Duo said, face twisted in a grimace. His eyes showed his emotions clearly. Upset at being titled a Goblin, he bared his teeth like that of a fox; the animal most compared to an Elf.

The creature?s voice was apparently confused. ?You?re not goblins?? He lowered himself a little in order to get a better look at Quatre. Upon seeing a pixie, he released her wrist, and took many steps back, now silhouetted by the sun. Quatre saw his face, and jumped back, hiding behind Relena.

?What are you?? Trowa asked.

?Come out of the cave. But I warn you, if you are enemies, you shall perish,? the voice stated.

They stepped out of the cave and beheld the creature in front of them. The girl smiled; she knew what he was. The others weren?t so educated.

The creature stood on the legs of a horse, and his golden body illuminated with the light of the sun. He was half of a man?yet had pointy ears that protruded from the side of his head. They would have considered him a centaur, but he had four hooves instead of two. His black hair fell in cascades upon his shoulders, and shone like the feathers of a raven in the sun. They marveled t his beauty, watching his muscles move elegantly with his breathing. To them, he was the epitome of a warrior.

?What are you?? Quatre chirped in wonder. He glided over to the beast.

?Quatre, he?s a Marteer,? the Dorna laughed. Her voice filled the wood with glee. The Marteer looked her direction, and smiled. His look was cold, yet she could tell it was the sweetest expression he could make.

?A Dorna. Well, now, what kind of group is this? A Wildoor, Dorna? a Treeling?. a little Pixie?.and??-his eyes narrowed-?an Elf.? His voice captured a harsh tone, and glared the direction of the Elf.

?I beg your pardon, good sir,? Duo spoke through clenched teeth, ?but you are in the presence of the King of the Elves. Perhaps you would give us the pleasure of knowing who and what you are.? Duo?s hand rested on his sword when he noticed Heero had yet to sheath his.

?I doubt you would, know me, Elf. I am a Marteer.? He glanced at the girl. ?I am in search of King Heero?s party. I was told I could meet them at the Great Azure?s nesting place.?

?Look no farther. I am he,? Heero had yet to return his weapon to its holster.

?Unbelievable. I am to join you? Pledge my axe to you? In the company of an Elf?? the Marteer spat. ?Injustice.?

?Hold your temper, Marteer. You are in royal company,? the girl said in his language. He glared at her, and a smile of recognition sparked in his eyes.

?Well. If it isn?t our queen. Your Majesty, what brings you out here??

?Wufei, silence. They have yet to know me.?

?In the dark, I see. A cave was the perfect place to bury that secret.?

Her eyes narrowed.

?Um, excuse me, but could you talk our language?? Quatre questioned, smiling innocently, watching the confused looks on his comrades? faces.

?How did she know your tongue?? Duo inquired, eyeing the girl. She turned her head away from him quickly.

?She and I know each other. I was a servant in their realm.?

Heero looked at her, eyes focused and decisive, ?Good. You will escort her home.? Heero turned to leave, motioning the rest of the group to follow. The Marteer caught up with them quickly, and pointed his axe at Heero?s neck.

?I am no servant of yours.?

She looked at him through the corner of her eye, so as not to let him know she understood. She then looked at Wufei, who merely looked as if he?d die of laughter. His eyes danced with mischief. Her eyes told him to stand down. He laughed.

?You will return her.? Heero?s voice was strangely calm. He slowly placed his sword in its home, where the clasp fastened with a resounding click.

?I refuse. I am required to aid your party, Heero, not baby-sit.?

?We have become redundant in our speeches,? Duo laughed. The two kept bickering as the rest of the warriors watched.

?You can aid my party by taking her home.?

?I refuse to play a role in that,? Wufei sneered. ?It is a four-day journey!?

?You best start walking.?

?Ungrateful Wildoor!? Wufie reeled, ready to strike the Wildoor. He stopped seeing a light in Heero?s eyes. The light did not flicker like a fire, nor did it dim like the sunset. It resonated within his body and forced the creature?s axe back. Quatre intervened before any could see what Wufie had.

?You must stop! We have a mission to accomplish! You must stop the meaningless fight!?

Heero was the first to glance another direction, though they stood until many leaves fell from the Oak behind them. The girl smiled?amused at the childish behavior of the two.

?We must speak with Azure. He?ll be able to help us,? Trowa sighed, eager to change the subject.

?He is resting now. It would not be wise to wake him,? Wufei commented, never lifting his gaze from that of the Wildoorian king.

The girl walked on, taking the path to the dragon. They all watched her go.

?Heero my friend, it appears our new ally will not need to return her after all. She will die at the hands of Azure, for sure,? Duo smiled at Heero sweetly.

?That?s not funny, Duo,? Quatre snapped, following the girl.

The rest of the crew was quick to pursue. They stopped short, however, when they saw the dragon.
It was as tall as hundreds of Duo?s trees, and was as black as the heart of the Manya they had fought in Relena?s realm. Darkness itself would have been lost in its scales. Wings rested gently against his back, and a slow flame formed at the corner of his nostrils. They could see his giant teeth peeking through the creature?s massive jaws; the glistening weapons were as tall as Wufei. The girl kept walking towards it.

?She ?will die?.?Duo cowered. Not even all the magic in the world could have killed the beast?it was beyond terrifying. They watched her touch the dragon.

?Azure, arise,? the girl whispered in his ear. ?We are in need of your assistance.?

The dragon arose with a start, shooting flames that could have set an entire forest on fire had Azure not kept his breath in check. The girl continued to stand, eyes focused and intense. The dragon spoke with the intensity of a thousand wizards. A booming bass voice shouted at them, rocky from the searing fire that dwelled in his throat.

?Who goes?? he cried. ?Who is foolish enough to place himself in my bed of gold, eh? A human?? He sniffed the air, and opened one eye to see. Upon glancing down, he saw the girl.

?Upon my word!? he chuckled, ?And I?ll be blessed, too! The queen of the Dorna herself! Of all that is immaculate! Your Majesty!? he stood up, and bowed, leaving her laughing at his foolishness.

The dragon spoke in a tongue they could all understand, and only two of the three soldiers? jaws didn?t hit the ground. Heero, Duo, and Trowa were beyond dumbfounded. Duo nearly fainted, his blood rushing to his head all at once. He staggered back and leaned on a tree, where a bird chirped friendly at him. Trowa quickly recovered; eyes gleaming an ?I knew it? shine that accented his face. Heero kept his jaw down, muttering words in his own tongue that would never make sense. A hand ran through his hair, trying to assess the situation as best he could. It only added to Heero?s astonishment, when she finally threw off her cloak.





Disclaimer: I don?t own the series.


PEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dragonlady9]

Love the story! I can't wait for the next chapter!!

[Lacey]

*gasp* The last new chapter that is old! Or something like that. Wonderful work, Kat. I love those cliffhanger endings. You should be fine with Ch. 6: your writing has really come along. It's about time Ch. 5 came out!

Love,

Lacey

[AngelOfDeath]

More interesting developments.

Quatre is just so adorable! So huggable, that one. Wufei was hilarious, so appropriate.

[Melville's Best Friend]

Love the story! I can't wait for the next chapter!!

Woot! I've reeled in a new fish! Yay for me and Lacey!!!!!
Thanks for replying!!!!

Originally posted by Lacey:
I love those cliffhanger endings. You should be fine with Ch. 6: your writing has really come along. It's about time Ch. 5 came out!

Cliffhangers are fun!!!!! I like them! They make me giddy! ^_^
Thank you for saying that, though I know chapter six will be ready to post in a DECADE.....Do you know how long it took me to fix this chapter? Well....yeah, ya' do....But...multiply that by a hundred, and then you'll have how long it'll take me to do chapter 6....*sigh*


BUT IT WILL BE OUT!!!!

Originally posted by AngelOfDeath:
More interesting developments.

Quatre is just so adorable! So huggable, that one. Wufei was hilarious, so appropriate.

QUATRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^_^ He IS hugg-able!!!!!!!!

Wufie didn't mean to be funny...THAT'S HOW SAD HE IS!!!!

Thanks, as always Angel!!!!! *glomps*

[Lacey]

Do you know how long it took me to fix this chapter? Well....yeah, ya' do....But...multiply that by a hundred, and then you'll have how long it'll take me to do chapter 6....*sigh*

LOL. Well, I ain't going anywhere for the summer and things are pretty much cleared up over here. So if ya want, you can send me some of your ideas for chapter 6 and we'll put our heads together somewhere over cyberspace. Heh. I should just let you do it by yourself-you've gotten too good for me, Kat! ^_^

Love,
Lacey

P.S. Do you know anything about France? Non? How 'bout New Orleans? Try and guess why I would be so interested in these...