Of Mystical Gates 2
Posted: Sat May 24, 2003 8:38 pm
Once again, I'd like to thank my beta, Lacey, who helped me with this fic! YOU ROCK, LACEY!!!!
Of Mystical Gates
Chapter Two
By Melville?s Best Friend
They had set up camp for the first night?s journey. Heero could hardly keep up with the dribble the elf seemed to pour fourth. He had yet to stop talking. They had traveled very little, noting where they were every step they took. Falling into enemy hand at an early stage was not a good omen. Their quest had not even begun. Once Queen Relena was addressed, then and only then would the final battle ensue. This journey was far from over. Night fell, and they thought it best to rest. Duo leaned against a tree, removing his weapons and cape, and invited Heero to do the same with a fluid sweep of his hand. When Heero turned away in defiance, the elf smirked.
?So, what kinds of powers do Dorna have, anyway? I?ve only heard legend.? Duo questioned, gathering firewood.
?I hear they are Doppelgangers. Shape shifters. These creatures are very cunning, and very magical. Unicorns and fairies bow to their whim.? Heero cleared an area for a fire.
?I don?t trust anything so cunning. What?s to stop them from changing into some tiny little creature, and killing us when we least expect it?? Duo handed a bundle of sticks to his ally, and watched Heero try to start a fire.
?The Dorna are the most wise and thoughtful creatures of our kind.?
?Our kind?? he arched an eyebrow.
?Immortal, Elf.?
?You trust them, Heero??
There was a slight pause before he answered, taking the time to look into Duo?s eyes. ?I would trust a Dorna with my life. We are their humble subjects.?
Duo?s eyes absorbed darkness. ?I bow to no one.?
?And you are a fool. It is no wonder your people are hated.?
?I believe I resent that.?
Heero turned to face the elf. ?I believe you don?t understand the hate all creatures feel towards you and your kind.?
?We are misunderstood.?
?You aided humans in attacks against all harmonious creatures. Your people helped start the war.?
?That was before my time.? Duo?s eyes narrowed, and he sat to watch Heero, weary now, not only from the journey, but from the heartache their arguments had aroused.
?In my eyes, and in the eyes of my people, you are still at fault because you have done nothing to compensate for your mistakes.?
?They were not my mistakes.? His voice held an edge to it that struck something within the Wildoor.
?Elf, I-?
?Quiet Wildoor. Did you not hear that??
The Kings sat up, listening.
?I dislike the feel of this forest. I fear for our lives.? Duo whispered.
?What do you imply??
?Goblins.? Duo?s ears perked with knowledge of a distant sound, ?Goblins are among us. Get ready, Wildoor. Now we see how powerful you really are.?
The two kings stood up, and prepared for battle. Heero?s sword shone in the abyss of the night, as Duo?s sword guided him in the direction of the demons. Before they once again had the chance to speak, the creatures were upon them.
They came in heavy groups, armed with nothing but their claws and teeth. Black saliva poured out of their mouths, falling in gooey blobs upon the forest floor, tainting it with their horrid stench. The air was thick with their odor, enough so that Heero?s eyes had begun to water. The goblins were scrawny and pale; their eyes dimly lit paths to their enemies, and oblong spikes weaved labrynth-like patterns along their backs. The creatures of the forest fled, leaving the sound of death in their place.
Heero flung his sword into the air, calling on its power. Light emitted from the object bathing the forest in a dull blue hue. It bathed Heero ceremoniously, as it seemed to come from within him. The thick end of the burning metal tore into the flesh of the Goblins as easily as if they were clouds, and Heero smiled at his weapon?s power; the hidden sorcery of his people.
The Goblins were in numbers far to great for his magic, however, and the Wildoorian king found himself drenched before long.
?What do they want with us?? Duo screamed, stabbing a screaming goblin to death.
Heero had no answer, and kept fighting the animals.
?Heero, am I correct in my assumption that-? he hit down a goblin about to stab Heero ?-these creatures are afraid of the light??
?I believe so,? he called back, slashing three at a time through their stomachs. Organs of the filthy creatures made horrifying designs along the forest floor. Heero grimaced. If they kept coming at this rate, they would loose their lives. He picked up his pace, only to be hit from behind by a goblin arrow. He grimaced, and killed the satanic monster that had wounded him.
?I need you to keep them busy,? Duo called.
?I?cannot?? Heero choked, fighting the urge to vomit. His wound poured forth his life, his rich Wildoorian blood.
?Heero!? the elf cried.
Suddenly, a screech was heard from atop a tree. Arrows swiftly darted for the goblins, and killed many of them in their tracks. Before the two fighters could question from whence the arrows came, a voice called out to them.
?Elf! Get rid of these creatures while we hold them off!?
Duo nodded. Heero took his cue and did his best to keep fighting, forming a circular barrier around Duo.
?Ancient power of light!? A cloud surrounded Duo, and forced back many of the goblins back just by the force of the wind.
?Come to my aid. I command thee.?
Heero watched as from Duo?s hands, light emitted. The light engulfed the warriors, making the wood a brilliant shade of white. Every goblin that was touched by the light was instantly killed. Heero gasped in shock. His knowledge of both elves and goblins was minute. When the magic subsided, Heero questioned the elf.
?What happened??
The elf merely laughed--a hearty chuckle that filled the wood with glee. Their savior dropped from the tree, and lowered his hood, where his face was covered by hair the color of Aria.
?Elves have the power to manipulate the features of the earth. By using light, Duo has made the creatures of the night cease to exist,? the creature stated, and raised his head to reveal himself.
?King Heero, I?m surprised to see you in such company. Communication with an elf is not like you. ?
Heero looked stunned. ?Trowa? What are you doing here??
?I asked him to come with me.?
Heero turned around to face Duo. ?You asked him to come? How do you know each other??
?He is one of the faithful few I had told you about. He is a friend to my people, unlike the rest of the Treelings.?
?I had no idea, Trowa.?
?Would it have made a difference, your Majesty??the young Treeling questioned.
?Consorting with elves is not the way of an honest creature. Only men would mingle with them.?
?You are not man, sire.?
Heero turned. Statements like these were not like Trowa. He was a loyal servant to the Wildoor people. The Treeling stood as tall as the two kings. His brown bangs hid half his face, making it impossible to note his change in expression. He had noticeable eyes, however. His eyes portrayed all his emotion. Clad in green and brown, like that of a tree, the young Treeling stood ready for acceptance from his leaders.
He reminded Heero of all the Treelings he had met. They were kind creatures whose hearts were pure and just. Heero had hardly ever seen a Treeling become mad. Duo marveled at the creature?s armor and weapons, and briefly recalled that the Treelings were the most skilled weapon makers in all of Aria. Creatures usually traded with the Treelings when preparing for war. Duo?s people had made many pacts with Trowa and his realm.
Trowa?s elfin ears perked up, suddenly, and the occupants of the night heard him shout to a friend.
?Ani! Come!? A phoenix landed on Trowa?s arm. ?She is how I found you.?
?I don?t mean to pry, Wildoor, but how do you know Trowa?? Duo questioned abruptly.
Heero looked at the Elf. ?He has been most faithful to my people. We have had so many battles with the humans?He has helped us through it all. Trowa is as loyal as they come.? He stated all this with a steady face. ?We?ve traded with Trowa and the rest of his delegation for many eons now,? Heero watched Trowa with questioning eyes. ?Why did your country send you, Trowa? Surely someone else-?
?Our King is dying and our people are currently under an invasion by the humans. I offered to leave and find your party before I knew of the attack,? his eyes closed. ?I fear for my family?s life.?
?You are the most capable, my friend. I pray Aria watches over your people.?
?Thank you, Heero, for your kind words and your faith in me,? Trowa looked at Heero almost amused tilting his head towards Duo. There was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
?I have found that things are not always as they seem,? Heero replied to Trowa?s gaze, turning around. Trowa smiled. Duo stood, puzzled until he realized what had happened. He always was one to read Trowa.
?I?m touched, Wildoor. Shall I send you a fruit basket after all this is done, or will your faith in my people last longer than one of your smiles??
?Must you turn everything into a joke, King Duo?? Trowa asked.
?I must for my sanity,? he coyly replied. ?Trowa, why were the goblins here? This is not their territory.?
?They?ve caught word of your quest. They will do all in their power to not have to face a Dorna. They fear for their lives.?
?Then we will encounter many more throughout our journey.? Heero stated.
?How far are we from the queen?? Duo asked.
?About 60 leagues from here. Her people, I hear, await your arrival.? Trowa announced.
?We had best rest.? Heero stated, while lying down. ?You will journey with us Trowa, and aid us on our quest??
?I would not have it any other way.?
?Hold on, Wildoor. You?re wounded.?
?I will live. It is not of your concern.?
?It will be if you can?t fight.?
?We have no medicine.?
?We need no medicine,? Duo chuckled.
?You speak gibberish to me, Elf.?
?Heero, Elves have the ability to heal. Let him help you. It doesn?t hurt.?
?Granted, I?m not as strong as a Pixie, but I?ll manage.?
With the same gentle speech as he used with the light, Duo called on the earth to heal Heero. A small energy flowed from his hands, and Heero felt his wound stop bleeding, and close on its own. Amazed, Heero turned to Duo.
?What you want to say, Wildoor, is ?thank you?.? Duo chuckled.
?I?Thank you, Duo.?
The mystics soon fell asleep.
The trio resumed their search after a small meal of berries. Trowa sent Ani ahead of them to scout what might be coming. The three travelers journeyed in silence, as they had reached unicorn territory. Unicorns were creatures that were quick to kill if they saw anything unworthy. Any creature that laid eyes upon a unicorn that was deemed unfit was instantly assassinated. They had reason to worry, as Elves were nearly hated with unicorns. They had almost made it out of the wood when Ani sent warning.
?Stand down. Hide your weapons.? Heero whispered.
?Do no such thing. Show them what you possess. Don?t be afraid,? Duo said, laying his weapons on the ground.
?Are you crazy, Elf? We will all be killed.?
?Your lack of knowledge of this world surprises me. Do what I say, and we will be spared.?
They acknowledged his command, and the weapons were soon spread across the forest floor. As soon as they had thrown them, a unicorn stood in their presence. On her back lay a pixie. The pixie was a male, with wild blonde hair. His eyes and face were a gentle as a summer breeze, and he smiled when he saw the travelers. His clothes were rugged, as were all pixies, and, when he dismounted, he stood a few inches over four feet. His wings were gold in color, and a small horn grew in the center of his forehead. He easily took their breath away, as Pixies were not common in their respective realms. Pixies resided in lands where not even humans could set their feet. Across the Sea of Stamenta, creatures were closer to humans.A light seemed to radiate from his childish face, and the travelers gazed upon him, open-mouthed.
?Stay away from them, Quatre. They are not to be trusted. They have an elf in their company,? the unicorn whinnied. It?s voice resounded off the tree trunks like the gentle lapping of waves upon the shore.
?Ayah, They look fine to me. They look noble,? he smiled brightly. ?They may even be of whom we?re in search.?
?State your names, trespassers.? The unicorn ignored Quatre?s comments, and glared at the trio.
?We mean no harm. We are on a quest to the queen of the Dorna, Queen Relena,? Duo calmly explained.
?I told you they were the ones! Ayah, we must take them to the village!? Quatre chirped.
?Quatre, you jump to conclusions.? The unicorn walked up to the men. Duo watched every move he made. Unicorns were among the top ranking magical creatures in the forest. They only answered to the Dorna themselves.
?This will not hurt, elf.?
?I know.? Duo closed his eyes.
Heero marveled at her beauty. Never before had he seen a unicorn. He had heard stories of their beauty, but he had never in his wildest dreams pictured the creature in front of him. Her long white mane seemingly played with the wind, and her tail flipped about idly. Sunlight toyed with her movement, catching bits of her hair as if they were silver. She moved with grace and poise, every movement she made was delicate; the turn of her head, the flash of her throat as she breathed, they were all meticulously elegant . He watched as the unicorn placed her horn on Duo?s heart. He watched with a puzzled expression embedded on his face and in his eyes. Having seen Heero?s reaction, Quatre summed what was happening.
?She is looking into his heart, Wildoor. She will find out if you lie, or if you speak the truth.?
Heero watched the enchanting newcomer. He seemed to be of the same age as the rest of the group-- but then, who could tell? They were all immortal.
?He speaks the truth.? The unicorn smiled at Quatre, knowing he?d be pleased.
?I may run and hide, I do everything, but I?ll never tell a lie.?
The unicorn directed her smile towards the travelers. ?We have been expecting your party, Kings. Though I don?t know why were told to trust you.?
?We can trust an elf. Rumors are the ones that can?t be trusted.? Quatre said.
?Thank you, master Quatre,? Trowa said, bowing. Duo smirked while Heero nodded his appreciation.
The pixie blushed. ?Come to our city. We have prepared generously for you.?
The city was in the depth of the forest, and was built on and of the forest. Huts built in trees welcomed a homesick Trowa, caves and mudhouses reminded Duo of his friends, and small houses built from the base of a hollwed tree reminded Heero of what he had left. Fireflies flew about the city, making it appear almost heavenly. They were led to a huge room located in a mud-house, where they had new clothes placed on each bed and fresh water for bathing. Quatre took this time to get acquainted with them.
?I have heard so much of you. Talk of your quest is all over the forest. We all can?t wait for the humans to be destroyed,? he rambled, excited. He flew about the room in a flourish, recording everyone?s features into his mind.
?Are we here to meet with your king?? asked Heero.
?Oh, goodness, no. Pixies don?t have rulers. We mainly follow Dorna principles.?
?Meaning?? asked Trowa.
?We follow what they do. We?re just copycats, is all,? the pixie smiled.
?Why are we here, then, Quatre?? Duo interrogated.
?We have received word that Queen Relena wants you all to be treated with the utmost hospitality.?
?Queen Relena sounds like good people to me,? Duo smirked. (1)
?Oh, yes. Queen Relena is the nicest and most generous of all creatures. She is smart and fun and beautiful. She help everyone with everything, and she?d never EVER hurt anything.? Qautre said, stating facts as if he was reciting a poem.
?Sounds too good to be true.? Trowa stated.
?Oh, no. Queen Relena is held up on a pedestal by all who hear of her,? Quatre nodded, slowing down his fluttering.
?That?s what I mean,? Trowa said.
?If everyone sees her the way you do, she?d have to keep up that impression in order to stay a ruler,? Heero stated. ?Have you ever seen her??
?Well, no,? Quatre replied, suddenly shy.
?Hn.?
?I think that sums THAT up.? Duo said. ?Now, what?s there to eat??
They stayed the night after rejuvenating. They had full stomachs, new cloaks, symbols of the unicorn?in order to protect them from any other of the beasts, and their weapons had been sharpened and polished. Trowa received many new arrows. They had thanked the pixies, expressing their deep gratitude and were about to head off when they were stopped.
?I would humbly ask to join your party,? Quatre pleaded. ?I can be of much use.?
Heero looked at Trowa, who glanced at Duo for support.
?State your credentials, Pixie.?
?I am the top fighter here. I also hold the most magic. I know many a spell, and can help when it comes to Dorna-followers?you know, unicorns, fairies??
?I would be honored to have you join our team, Quatre,? Heero said.
All eyes looked towards Heero. The Wildoor held out his hand as a sign of welcome. The pixie humbly accepted his gesture, and shook hands with him.
?Commendable, Wildoor.? Duo whispered.
They were on their way once more to the realm of Queen Relena.
Of Mystical Gates
Chapter Two
By Melville?s Best Friend
They had set up camp for the first night?s journey. Heero could hardly keep up with the dribble the elf seemed to pour fourth. He had yet to stop talking. They had traveled very little, noting where they were every step they took. Falling into enemy hand at an early stage was not a good omen. Their quest had not even begun. Once Queen Relena was addressed, then and only then would the final battle ensue. This journey was far from over. Night fell, and they thought it best to rest. Duo leaned against a tree, removing his weapons and cape, and invited Heero to do the same with a fluid sweep of his hand. When Heero turned away in defiance, the elf smirked.
?So, what kinds of powers do Dorna have, anyway? I?ve only heard legend.? Duo questioned, gathering firewood.
?I hear they are Doppelgangers. Shape shifters. These creatures are very cunning, and very magical. Unicorns and fairies bow to their whim.? Heero cleared an area for a fire.
?I don?t trust anything so cunning. What?s to stop them from changing into some tiny little creature, and killing us when we least expect it?? Duo handed a bundle of sticks to his ally, and watched Heero try to start a fire.
?The Dorna are the most wise and thoughtful creatures of our kind.?
?Our kind?? he arched an eyebrow.
?Immortal, Elf.?
?You trust them, Heero??
There was a slight pause before he answered, taking the time to look into Duo?s eyes. ?I would trust a Dorna with my life. We are their humble subjects.?
Duo?s eyes absorbed darkness. ?I bow to no one.?
?And you are a fool. It is no wonder your people are hated.?
?I believe I resent that.?
Heero turned to face the elf. ?I believe you don?t understand the hate all creatures feel towards you and your kind.?
?We are misunderstood.?
?You aided humans in attacks against all harmonious creatures. Your people helped start the war.?
?That was before my time.? Duo?s eyes narrowed, and he sat to watch Heero, weary now, not only from the journey, but from the heartache their arguments had aroused.
?In my eyes, and in the eyes of my people, you are still at fault because you have done nothing to compensate for your mistakes.?
?They were not my mistakes.? His voice held an edge to it that struck something within the Wildoor.
?Elf, I-?
?Quiet Wildoor. Did you not hear that??
The Kings sat up, listening.
?I dislike the feel of this forest. I fear for our lives.? Duo whispered.
?What do you imply??
?Goblins.? Duo?s ears perked with knowledge of a distant sound, ?Goblins are among us. Get ready, Wildoor. Now we see how powerful you really are.?
The two kings stood up, and prepared for battle. Heero?s sword shone in the abyss of the night, as Duo?s sword guided him in the direction of the demons. Before they once again had the chance to speak, the creatures were upon them.
They came in heavy groups, armed with nothing but their claws and teeth. Black saliva poured out of their mouths, falling in gooey blobs upon the forest floor, tainting it with their horrid stench. The air was thick with their odor, enough so that Heero?s eyes had begun to water. The goblins were scrawny and pale; their eyes dimly lit paths to their enemies, and oblong spikes weaved labrynth-like patterns along their backs. The creatures of the forest fled, leaving the sound of death in their place.
Heero flung his sword into the air, calling on its power. Light emitted from the object bathing the forest in a dull blue hue. It bathed Heero ceremoniously, as it seemed to come from within him. The thick end of the burning metal tore into the flesh of the Goblins as easily as if they were clouds, and Heero smiled at his weapon?s power; the hidden sorcery of his people.
The Goblins were in numbers far to great for his magic, however, and the Wildoorian king found himself drenched before long.
?What do they want with us?? Duo screamed, stabbing a screaming goblin to death.
Heero had no answer, and kept fighting the animals.
?Heero, am I correct in my assumption that-? he hit down a goblin about to stab Heero ?-these creatures are afraid of the light??
?I believe so,? he called back, slashing three at a time through their stomachs. Organs of the filthy creatures made horrifying designs along the forest floor. Heero grimaced. If they kept coming at this rate, they would loose their lives. He picked up his pace, only to be hit from behind by a goblin arrow. He grimaced, and killed the satanic monster that had wounded him.
?I need you to keep them busy,? Duo called.
?I?cannot?? Heero choked, fighting the urge to vomit. His wound poured forth his life, his rich Wildoorian blood.
?Heero!? the elf cried.
Suddenly, a screech was heard from atop a tree. Arrows swiftly darted for the goblins, and killed many of them in their tracks. Before the two fighters could question from whence the arrows came, a voice called out to them.
?Elf! Get rid of these creatures while we hold them off!?
Duo nodded. Heero took his cue and did his best to keep fighting, forming a circular barrier around Duo.
?Ancient power of light!? A cloud surrounded Duo, and forced back many of the goblins back just by the force of the wind.
?Come to my aid. I command thee.?
Heero watched as from Duo?s hands, light emitted. The light engulfed the warriors, making the wood a brilliant shade of white. Every goblin that was touched by the light was instantly killed. Heero gasped in shock. His knowledge of both elves and goblins was minute. When the magic subsided, Heero questioned the elf.
?What happened??
The elf merely laughed--a hearty chuckle that filled the wood with glee. Their savior dropped from the tree, and lowered his hood, where his face was covered by hair the color of Aria.
?Elves have the power to manipulate the features of the earth. By using light, Duo has made the creatures of the night cease to exist,? the creature stated, and raised his head to reveal himself.
?King Heero, I?m surprised to see you in such company. Communication with an elf is not like you. ?
Heero looked stunned. ?Trowa? What are you doing here??
?I asked him to come with me.?
Heero turned around to face Duo. ?You asked him to come? How do you know each other??
?He is one of the faithful few I had told you about. He is a friend to my people, unlike the rest of the Treelings.?
?I had no idea, Trowa.?
?Would it have made a difference, your Majesty??the young Treeling questioned.
?Consorting with elves is not the way of an honest creature. Only men would mingle with them.?
?You are not man, sire.?
Heero turned. Statements like these were not like Trowa. He was a loyal servant to the Wildoor people. The Treeling stood as tall as the two kings. His brown bangs hid half his face, making it impossible to note his change in expression. He had noticeable eyes, however. His eyes portrayed all his emotion. Clad in green and brown, like that of a tree, the young Treeling stood ready for acceptance from his leaders.
He reminded Heero of all the Treelings he had met. They were kind creatures whose hearts were pure and just. Heero had hardly ever seen a Treeling become mad. Duo marveled at the creature?s armor and weapons, and briefly recalled that the Treelings were the most skilled weapon makers in all of Aria. Creatures usually traded with the Treelings when preparing for war. Duo?s people had made many pacts with Trowa and his realm.
Trowa?s elfin ears perked up, suddenly, and the occupants of the night heard him shout to a friend.
?Ani! Come!? A phoenix landed on Trowa?s arm. ?She is how I found you.?
?I don?t mean to pry, Wildoor, but how do you know Trowa?? Duo questioned abruptly.
Heero looked at the Elf. ?He has been most faithful to my people. We have had so many battles with the humans?He has helped us through it all. Trowa is as loyal as they come.? He stated all this with a steady face. ?We?ve traded with Trowa and the rest of his delegation for many eons now,? Heero watched Trowa with questioning eyes. ?Why did your country send you, Trowa? Surely someone else-?
?Our King is dying and our people are currently under an invasion by the humans. I offered to leave and find your party before I knew of the attack,? his eyes closed. ?I fear for my family?s life.?
?You are the most capable, my friend. I pray Aria watches over your people.?
?Thank you, Heero, for your kind words and your faith in me,? Trowa looked at Heero almost amused tilting his head towards Duo. There was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
?I have found that things are not always as they seem,? Heero replied to Trowa?s gaze, turning around. Trowa smiled. Duo stood, puzzled until he realized what had happened. He always was one to read Trowa.
?I?m touched, Wildoor. Shall I send you a fruit basket after all this is done, or will your faith in my people last longer than one of your smiles??
?Must you turn everything into a joke, King Duo?? Trowa asked.
?I must for my sanity,? he coyly replied. ?Trowa, why were the goblins here? This is not their territory.?
?They?ve caught word of your quest. They will do all in their power to not have to face a Dorna. They fear for their lives.?
?Then we will encounter many more throughout our journey.? Heero stated.
?How far are we from the queen?? Duo asked.
?About 60 leagues from here. Her people, I hear, await your arrival.? Trowa announced.
?We had best rest.? Heero stated, while lying down. ?You will journey with us Trowa, and aid us on our quest??
?I would not have it any other way.?
?Hold on, Wildoor. You?re wounded.?
?I will live. It is not of your concern.?
?It will be if you can?t fight.?
?We have no medicine.?
?We need no medicine,? Duo chuckled.
?You speak gibberish to me, Elf.?
?Heero, Elves have the ability to heal. Let him help you. It doesn?t hurt.?
?Granted, I?m not as strong as a Pixie, but I?ll manage.?
With the same gentle speech as he used with the light, Duo called on the earth to heal Heero. A small energy flowed from his hands, and Heero felt his wound stop bleeding, and close on its own. Amazed, Heero turned to Duo.
?What you want to say, Wildoor, is ?thank you?.? Duo chuckled.
?I?Thank you, Duo.?
The mystics soon fell asleep.
The trio resumed their search after a small meal of berries. Trowa sent Ani ahead of them to scout what might be coming. The three travelers journeyed in silence, as they had reached unicorn territory. Unicorns were creatures that were quick to kill if they saw anything unworthy. Any creature that laid eyes upon a unicorn that was deemed unfit was instantly assassinated. They had reason to worry, as Elves were nearly hated with unicorns. They had almost made it out of the wood when Ani sent warning.
?Stand down. Hide your weapons.? Heero whispered.
?Do no such thing. Show them what you possess. Don?t be afraid,? Duo said, laying his weapons on the ground.
?Are you crazy, Elf? We will all be killed.?
?Your lack of knowledge of this world surprises me. Do what I say, and we will be spared.?
They acknowledged his command, and the weapons were soon spread across the forest floor. As soon as they had thrown them, a unicorn stood in their presence. On her back lay a pixie. The pixie was a male, with wild blonde hair. His eyes and face were a gentle as a summer breeze, and he smiled when he saw the travelers. His clothes were rugged, as were all pixies, and, when he dismounted, he stood a few inches over four feet. His wings were gold in color, and a small horn grew in the center of his forehead. He easily took their breath away, as Pixies were not common in their respective realms. Pixies resided in lands where not even humans could set their feet. Across the Sea of Stamenta, creatures were closer to humans.A light seemed to radiate from his childish face, and the travelers gazed upon him, open-mouthed.
?Stay away from them, Quatre. They are not to be trusted. They have an elf in their company,? the unicorn whinnied. It?s voice resounded off the tree trunks like the gentle lapping of waves upon the shore.
?Ayah, They look fine to me. They look noble,? he smiled brightly. ?They may even be of whom we?re in search.?
?State your names, trespassers.? The unicorn ignored Quatre?s comments, and glared at the trio.
?We mean no harm. We are on a quest to the queen of the Dorna, Queen Relena,? Duo calmly explained.
?I told you they were the ones! Ayah, we must take them to the village!? Quatre chirped.
?Quatre, you jump to conclusions.? The unicorn walked up to the men. Duo watched every move he made. Unicorns were among the top ranking magical creatures in the forest. They only answered to the Dorna themselves.
?This will not hurt, elf.?
?I know.? Duo closed his eyes.
Heero marveled at her beauty. Never before had he seen a unicorn. He had heard stories of their beauty, but he had never in his wildest dreams pictured the creature in front of him. Her long white mane seemingly played with the wind, and her tail flipped about idly. Sunlight toyed with her movement, catching bits of her hair as if they were silver. She moved with grace and poise, every movement she made was delicate; the turn of her head, the flash of her throat as she breathed, they were all meticulously elegant . He watched as the unicorn placed her horn on Duo?s heart. He watched with a puzzled expression embedded on his face and in his eyes. Having seen Heero?s reaction, Quatre summed what was happening.
?She is looking into his heart, Wildoor. She will find out if you lie, or if you speak the truth.?
Heero watched the enchanting newcomer. He seemed to be of the same age as the rest of the group-- but then, who could tell? They were all immortal.
?He speaks the truth.? The unicorn smiled at Quatre, knowing he?d be pleased.
?I may run and hide, I do everything, but I?ll never tell a lie.?
The unicorn directed her smile towards the travelers. ?We have been expecting your party, Kings. Though I don?t know why were told to trust you.?
?We can trust an elf. Rumors are the ones that can?t be trusted.? Quatre said.
?Thank you, master Quatre,? Trowa said, bowing. Duo smirked while Heero nodded his appreciation.
The pixie blushed. ?Come to our city. We have prepared generously for you.?
The city was in the depth of the forest, and was built on and of the forest. Huts built in trees welcomed a homesick Trowa, caves and mudhouses reminded Duo of his friends, and small houses built from the base of a hollwed tree reminded Heero of what he had left. Fireflies flew about the city, making it appear almost heavenly. They were led to a huge room located in a mud-house, where they had new clothes placed on each bed and fresh water for bathing. Quatre took this time to get acquainted with them.
?I have heard so much of you. Talk of your quest is all over the forest. We all can?t wait for the humans to be destroyed,? he rambled, excited. He flew about the room in a flourish, recording everyone?s features into his mind.
?Are we here to meet with your king?? asked Heero.
?Oh, goodness, no. Pixies don?t have rulers. We mainly follow Dorna principles.?
?Meaning?? asked Trowa.
?We follow what they do. We?re just copycats, is all,? the pixie smiled.
?Why are we here, then, Quatre?? Duo interrogated.
?We have received word that Queen Relena wants you all to be treated with the utmost hospitality.?
?Queen Relena sounds like good people to me,? Duo smirked. (1)
?Oh, yes. Queen Relena is the nicest and most generous of all creatures. She is smart and fun and beautiful. She help everyone with everything, and she?d never EVER hurt anything.? Qautre said, stating facts as if he was reciting a poem.
?Sounds too good to be true.? Trowa stated.
?Oh, no. Queen Relena is held up on a pedestal by all who hear of her,? Quatre nodded, slowing down his fluttering.
?That?s what I mean,? Trowa said.
?If everyone sees her the way you do, she?d have to keep up that impression in order to stay a ruler,? Heero stated. ?Have you ever seen her??
?Well, no,? Quatre replied, suddenly shy.
?Hn.?
?I think that sums THAT up.? Duo said. ?Now, what?s there to eat??
They stayed the night after rejuvenating. They had full stomachs, new cloaks, symbols of the unicorn?in order to protect them from any other of the beasts, and their weapons had been sharpened and polished. Trowa received many new arrows. They had thanked the pixies, expressing their deep gratitude and were about to head off when they were stopped.
?I would humbly ask to join your party,? Quatre pleaded. ?I can be of much use.?
Heero looked at Trowa, who glanced at Duo for support.
?State your credentials, Pixie.?
?I am the top fighter here. I also hold the most magic. I know many a spell, and can help when it comes to Dorna-followers?you know, unicorns, fairies??
?I would be honored to have you join our team, Quatre,? Heero said.
All eyes looked towards Heero. The Wildoor held out his hand as a sign of welcome. The pixie humbly accepted his gesture, and shook hands with him.
?Commendable, Wildoor.? Duo whispered.
They were on their way once more to the realm of Queen Relena.
Kat, where's Ch. 3 revision??!!