The Keystone Quest
A Gundam Wing alternate universe story
by Nikholas "Katana" F. Toledo


����������������������� Chapter Second: Nightfall


����� "I am impressed, very impressed."� Lambent torchlight made the
black-robed cleric's honey-blonde hair glow faintly, just enough to
reflect into the royal-blue eyes that blazed with an unholy light.� He
sat at the very end of a vast underground chamber, on a stately stone
dais, and looked with interest into the crystalline sphere that floated
just above the palm of his left hand.� "I did not know that, even newly
unlocked, the Cardinals could wield such power."

����� "It is the silver spirit's fault," the woman who knelt before him,
clothed in rich red and gold, muttered angrily.� "We did not expect that
she was the same spirit who guarded the Cardinals' powers for them."

����� The man --- none other than Treize Khushrenada himself --- laughed
at that, his rich tenor echoing and re-echoing off the stalagmites and
stalactites that hung from the domed ceiling.� "Calm down, my dearest
Une," he said, dissipating the crystal ball.� "It is a mistake that will
shortly be rectified.� We shall strike directly at the five bearers....
Come with me, Lady Une."� He got up and moved into the depths of his
lair, his robes swirling energetically about him though there was no
wind.

����� The girl found herself alone with him in what seemed to be a
private study.� More rock formations rose from the floor, dropped from
the ceiling and stuck out from the walls to become a cluttered desk, a
second high-backed chair, cabinets and shelves to hold faded manuscripts
and tall candelabra.

����� Treize reached into a small container on the desk and drew out a
pair of black keys.� One was made of transparent crystal and the other
was forged clumsily from ebony rock --- the Keys of Chaos and Darkness.
He held them out to his shocked associate with the words "I wish for you
to touch them."

����� Une drew back involuntarily, taking a half-step away from that
awful power.� "I am merely in training," she gasped out, "a weak and
inept student, and have no right to wield the Double Keys."

����� The mage smiled to himself, and when he spoke again his voice was
seductive: "As you love me and honor me, Lady Une, I order you to take
the Twin Keys from my hands."

����� Shocks of energy surged along her limbs and she fell away from him,
crumpling in tortured agony to the cold floor, writhing with almost
uncontrollable spasms.� A thin scream of pain tore itself from her
throat, high-pitched and almost inaudible.

����� "Yes, that's just the way," Treize crooned as he gently picked up
the stricken woman, clasping her to his breast and bearing her away,
deeper into the recesses of his massive underground hideout.� "I thank
you, my dearest Une.� My everlasting gratitude shall be with you."

��������������������������������� ~ * ~

����� Another day's journeying brought the five youths to the gurgling
creek right on the edge of what the blue-clad scholar called the Dusky
Forest.� "This is as good a spot as any to rest," Wufei declared as they
stopped at the shore.� "And tomorrow we'll be hidden safely within the
forest, where no magic can find us."

����� Quatre exhaled on a sigh of relief as he put his aching feet into
the clear, cold water.� "About time, too. Wufei," and he turned back to
their guide, "are you sure that this forest you're telling us about will
protect us?"

����� "Do not doubt me," and he preened self-righteously.� "Our maps
cannot fail.� In the Dusky Forest, we'll be well protected from anything
that might come our way.� Hail, storm, demons... nothing and no one will
befoul our paths."

����� "Add stray crystal-shard attacks to that list," Duo said with a
laugh as he knelt and scooped his left hand into the water for a drink.
At the expression on Quatre's face, he slung another handful of water
into the startled blonde's eyes and yelled, "Hey, I was just joking!"

����� "Why you!"� Quatre threw himself at the braided healer, sending
both of them straight into the creek.� He dunked Duo savagely, mock-
snarling as he held the other's head down, "Next time, I'll use the Key
of Water on you, and then where would you be?"

����� Trowa and Heero exchanged grins and then waded out to separate
them.� "Now, now," the Tarquen lightly admonished his "debtor" as he
picked him bodily out of the stream, "none of that!� Save your energies,
both of you.� And why," his voice softened to a murmur as he wrapped his
cape around him, "didn't you let me handle him?� I can do what you did
without getting wet --- Key of Wind, remember?"

����� "Well, I've got the Key of Water," Quatre replied half-
belligerently, curling up within the protective circle.

����� "Look at you.� You're a dripping, gods-awful mess," Heero was
saying on the other side of the clearing as he squeezed the water out of
Duo's long braid.� "And now you've caught me without any blankets.
You're going to have to do with me --- is that all right?"

����� "Damn straight," Duo returned contentedly, snuggling into the
hermit's body heat and quickly falling asleep, the end of his braid
clutched tightly in one hand.

����� Wufei got a small fire going and rummaged busily through Sandrock's
saddlebags for some food, finding an ample supply of dried fruit and
meat.� "Is anyone else hungry?"� When no one answered, he shook his head
fractionally and turned his attention back to the piquantly flavored
jerky.

����� A very surprised Noin woke them all up the next morning, her
silvery mental tones shot through with wonder at the bonds that had so
easily been forged among her charges.� *Wind and Water, Earth and
Spirit... and though he stands on his own, Fire is not --- will and can
not be --- alone,* she mused.� *The signs were there from the very
start... each was searching for his heart!*

����� "Noin, our powers... how strong are we, really?� And will we always
weaken after we use them?"� Heero asked over their simple breakfast of
dried fruit and Tarquen cheese.

����� Instead of answering him directly, the silver spirit pointed one
long finger at the young prince.� *Cardinal Wind!*

����� "I listen, Lady Quicksilver."

����� *Know you the power of your chosen weapon?*

����� "The best sword-smith in the kingdom forged it... my sword is his
masterwork, and I owe its power to him."� *But at the cave... my shields
are not that invulnerable!*� Trowa knitted his brows together, pulling
them into a straight line as he considered the matter.

����� Noin smiled.� *The Key of Wind lends its power to your sword, my
lord prince.� Even the merest breeze of its passage can maim.� If you
wish it, you can channel your most destructive force into it and the
energy will be released as a killing wave: the spell of the Windscythe.*

����� "Wait a minute now," and Duo looked up.� "How come he's got a
weapon and the rest of us don't?� You can't possibly expect him to defend
all of us at the same time!� He's already got his hands full, what with
Quatre and all..."

����� *The spell you seek is already within you... search yourself,
Cardinal Earth.*� The silver spirit actually looked amused, her lips
curving into a faint smile, as she and the rest of them watched him
scratch his head.

����� "What's the word?" Duo muttered absently.� After a moment, he held
out his right hand.� "Whiplash?"

����� A long green tendril appeared and stiffened before his eyes to
become a long fighting staff.� He twirled it once and then dropped into a
combat crouch before the prince, the challenge written clearly in every
line of his preparatory stance.� "How's about it, Trowa?"

����� "Accepted."� The blade flashed downward, hacking the staff cleanly
into two --- but the cut ends reached towards each other with astonishing
rapidity, fresh green growth closing the breach.� Duo spun around neatly
to jab at Trowa's chest area, and grinned as his jaw dropped in surprise.
The same expression was mirrored in the others' faces.

����� *Very good!� Enough now,* and Noin placed herself between the two
of them.� *You must save your strength for the other spells.� This
staff,* and she took Duo's hand in hers, *can also become a whip --- so.*
She curved his fingers around one end in another grip and the tendril
regained its pliancy, save for the portion that he was holding, which
remained as a stiff handle.

����� "Neat!� This hits the spot!"� He cracked the whip a few times,
testing the feel of the weapon in his hand.� "With this in my hand, I
feel like I can take on Treize himself!� Bring on those demons of his,
I'm more'n ready for 'em!"

����� Quatre shuddered in spite of himself at that, remembering Heero's
cave.� "Please don't say that," he pleaded softly.� "I'd rather not think
about that now."

����� Noin stooped to look the downcast scryer in the face.� *Fear not.
The gods shall not desert their chosen ones.*

����� "Nor will I," and Trowa placed a strong hand on the blonde's head,
carding his fingers through the fine cornsilk hair.� He smiled
reassuringly at his friend in a bid to snap him out of it.� "Debt of
blood, remember?"

����� "I'll keep that in mind," and Quatre hauled himself to his feet and
faced the silver spirit in the center of the clearing.� "Trowa's sword is
ensorcelled, Duo's plants can defend him, Wufei fights with fire, Heero
has you for a protector.� What about me?"

����� To his shock, Noin sent a silvery plume of flame directly at him.
*Defend yourself, Cardinal Water!*

����� Quatre faced the burning projectile, held out his hands at chest
level and spoke his charm: "Backwash!"� The beam hissed on towards him --
- too close --- and then just as suddenly reversed itself to charge right
back at the female eidolon.� "Noin!� Look to yourself...!" he screamed,
almost exactly echoing her earlier statement.

����� The flare dissipated, just before it slammed into her, with a snap
of her fingers.� *I meant you no harm, only to show you your strength.*
The apology in the spirit's voice was too sincere to be faked.� *Your
power is retaliation, the correction and reversal of any wrongdoing.*

����� "Heero!"

����� All heads turned at Duo's confused howl, just in time to see the
hermit take on an odd sheen and then disappear completely.� In the next
instant, he was with them again, albeit on the other edge of the
clearing.� "Soulshift," he said and winked out again to reappear right
behind the braided healer, a small smile on his face.� "Surprise.� Missed
me?"

����� "You could kill a person with the things you do, but you're
forgiven, I think."� Duo looked out at the others and they all nodded,
impressed by Heero's show of power.

����� The blue-robed cleric who'd been silent all this time was not to be
outdone.� "Foxfire," Wufei muttered, seeming to juggle the small balls of
flame that appeared in response before sending them all at the easiest
target --- Noin.

����� She stepped aside casually and caught the first ball as it came,
examining it carefully before crushing it between her long fingers.
After treating the rest in the same cavalier fashion, she nodded at him,
satisfied.� *Good, Cardinal Fire, very good.� As I crushed them, so can
they engulf your adversaries.� Well then.*� She cast her blue eyes around
the clearing, pinning down each of the five youths in turn, and her voice
became grave.� *Your powers are great, my Cardinals... but I warn you,
even greater trials lie ahead of you.� Be on your guard and watch each
other, rely on your bonds and grow together.� Your lives depend upon
this, and the future of this world.*

����� "Evil draws near to us, walks at large, flies in the darkness,"
Quatre suddenly spoke up, his eyes hooded.� He held the Key of Water in a
white-knuckled death-grip, and there seemed to be a silver-blue aura
around him, not unlike Heero's earlier emanation.� "Abroad on wings of
night, a creature of shadow takes to flight."� He blinked as he came out
of his trance.� "Did I just say something important?"

����� Ignoring his remark, Wufei dropped to the ground, arranging himself
gracefully into a meditation posture.� "One of Treize's minions, we need
not doubt that.� Hmm..."� He closed his eyes and was wrapped deep in
thought for a few moments, then focused back on Noin.� "Our powers are
still incomplete, Lady Quicksilver," he said, using Trowa's honorific
again.� "Will you help us reach our full strengths?"

����� *Did I not say it is so?� That is why I am here.*

��������������������������������� ~ * ~

����� Somewhere in the pitch-black night, a human heart continued to
beat, and very strongly.� Keeping time with the frantic, adrenalized
pulse was the one thought that occupied Une's mind: *I shall not fail
you, my lord Treize... I shall not betray your honorable and sacred
trust!*

����� Gusting winds buffeted her from all sides as she crouched atop the
rocky, precipitous slope, the black-feathered wings that she had acquired
from the contact with the Double Keys folded back along her shoulder
blades.� Taloned feet and hands secured her to her barren perch, and
sharp brown eyes --- the last vestige of humanity in her face now ---
scanned the forbidding, mountainous landscape just beyond the black
mage's crypt stronghold.

����� She paused a moment longer, vaguely recalling how she came to be
changed so greatly and permanently.� Half-remembered scenes and snatches
of memory rose up before her mind's eye: the hazy transit from the study
into another hidden chamber --- a cold stone platform --- leather bands
wound loose about her wrists and ankles --- the awful black nothingness
that threatened to take her for its own --- the soothing tones of
Treize's voice, banishing the shadows.

����� *He battled the evil on my behalf,* Une mused with wonder and
respect.� *Yet, I am no one but merely another sniveling weakling who
fears her own gifts.� He alone of all those whom I have met and trained
under has deigned to do such a thing... and that is why my loyalty is
his.*

����� She looked down at her black, armor-clad body, which had now taken
on a decidedly serpentine form, somewhere between a snake and a dragon.
A long tail lashed behind her; oversized canines poked into her gums.
*It is all worth it, the loss of my human body... if such an inhuman
shape will serve to further my lord Treize's cause even more, then I
shall accept this fate with all willingness.*

����� "The Cardinals, my dearest Une," Treize had explained to her as she
preened herself before her first flight.� "The five chosen ones who wish
to oppose me.� The fault lies not in their coming together to stand
against me... it is in their knowing nothing about my plans.� Will you
see to it that this... this ignorance is properly banished?"

����� Then, as now, her reply had been a strong downward stroke of the
wings that had launched her into the black night, and the words "I do as
you command me, my lord Treize!"

��������������������������������� ~ * ~

����� "I just cannot see why this place is named so forbiddingly," Trowa
asserted admiringly as their little party rode on through the Dusky
Forest, his arms curving around Quatre's waist to grasp Sandrock's reins.
He craned his neck in all directions, drinking in as much of the scenery
as he could.� "I've seen a few forests ---" he paused, recalling his
ordeal by senescence, "--- but none so wildly verdant as this."

����� "You can 'most hear the life humming all around you" was Duo's
appreciative rejoinder, up in front where he and Heero were animatedly
exchanging healing spells and techniques.� "Everything someone like me'd
need's all here in one place.� Never seen so many good plants just
growing all together in this way, natural like."

����� "This is nothing.� You should see the forest I grew up in," and
Quatre spoke up, boyish pride in his voice and eyes.� "We all do our
share in tending the forest, my family and the entire clan, but mostly we
leave the good earth well enough alone.� After all, she's the mother.
She'd know best what to do with such a place."

����� It was the chill wind that blew across the back of his neck that
caused Heero to throw out his arm, effectively blocking Duo from forcing
his way into a particularly dark thicket.� "Stop," he said in a deadly
quiet voice.� "Something's not right about this place...."� Before anyone
could do anything to stop him, he invoked the "Soulshift" and vanished.

����� "What the.... Heero, what do you think you're doing?!"� Duo made as
if to rush headlong into the stand of strangely twisted, black-barked
trees, but something --- *someone* --- staggered out, then collapsed onto
the path.

����� Heero emerged an instant later, the shifting haze of his wards
melting away as he spoke, his voice quivering with fear.� "I touched one
of the trees and... and he fell out of the trunk... he's been ensnared in
some person's spell or something..."

����� Quatre and Trowa leapt off Sandrock at the same time that Wufei
charged forward to help.� They tried to lift the man, but he let out an
almost animal groan and began to convulse violently before their
horrified eyes.

����� "Hold him still, all of you!"� They all scrambled to obey Duo's
sharp orders as he knelt down beside the still-struggling stranger.� An
incredible strength was quickening within the braided healer; his hands
began to glow with iridescent gray-green as he held them over his patient
--- a light that became a blinding flash when he finally exhaled his
pent-up breath on one word: "Cocooning!"

����� More plants burst up from the already overgrown forest floor, long
vines and gnarled roots and large leaves, enclosing the stranger in dark-
green growth.� Duo slapped his hands together to keep them from shaking
and looked down nervously at him.� "That ought to hold him," he
pronounced.� "There should be enough magic mixed into those herbs to
defeat whatever's got him."

��������������������������������� ~ * ~

����� Heero was tending to the fire by himself --- Quatre, Trowa and
Wufei had all gone off to somewhere --- as the sun set, when he noticed
how Duo was hunched over some distance away, the cheerful flames only
throwing more shadow into the brooder's despondent face.� He knelt down
in front of his friend and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, looking
right into the troubled violet eyes.

����� "I'm not too sure if what I did was right," Duo said somberly as he
turned away from the scrutiny.� "I'm not even supposed to have the power
of Cocooning.� Only the most experienced healers are capable of doing it,
and I've only been at this for two years.� Spent too much time picking
pockets and purses.� Maybe I should've had that accident much earlier; it
sure knocked some sense into my head."

����� "What accident?"� Heero's tones were quiet, encouraging him to
continue but respectful of the silence that would ensue should the other
decide not to go on.

����� "Picked someone's pocket right on the steps of the town hall.� I
was a fool to even think about it, and an even greater fool to actually
attempt it.� I managed to grab the merchant's purse, but he felt it and
gave chase.� I tripped at the top of the steps and banged all the way
down.� I never knew it, 'cause I was well out cold by then.

����� "I woke up in the triage, and this girl --- about my age, her name
was Hilde --- was tending to the huge gash in the back of my head.� I
asked her why she'd bothered with me, I was just another street rat and
there're a whole lot of us in Escantra, I won't be missed if I should
die.� Turned out she's got the same power as Quatre, and she said the
gods had something in store for me.� I got the Key of Earth from her, and
everything I know about healing.

����� "She doesn't have the power for the Cocooning spell either.� Even
when she had the talisman."� He swallowed hard and looked away, wary of
the pity --- *Let's be blunt,* he thought harshly, *make that disgust* --
- that he thought he could see in Heero's eyes.� *I like you and I've
been hoping you'd like me, too, but you wouldn't want someone like me ---
a stupid thief who's pretending to be a healer.*

����� Heero stared in shock as Duo curled up into a ball, feeling the
other's tension build up as he withdrew into himself completely.� *I
don't care if he's a thief or a murderer or even the very same person
who's wielding the Double Keys --- Treize Khushrenada.� No, I don't care
about that, not now and not ever.� Nothing matters to me except his
happiness... and I want to be the reason he's happy.*� He reached out and
pulled him into his arms, pushing the healer's head down to his shoulder,
gathering Duo to him as closely as he could.

����� The braided healer was more than surprised.� *What the...?!� Gods,
don't let this be charity or pity,* he caught himself thinking, drawing
desperately on the wild and fervent hope that flared up in his soul.
*Please let him be telling the truth...*

����� "You might not believe this, Duo, but I do care for you, with all
of my heart and soul.� None of what you said matters to me, except as
history... all that matters to me is you, right here and right now."

����� Duo gaped over Heero's shoulder as the shell of his magic
dissipated on its own to reveal a young man only a few years older than
they were, with eyes a few shades lighter than Quatre's and long ash-
blonde hair that fell halfway down his back.� "Who are you?" he squeaked,
turning to the stranger.

����� "I know you!"� The others had been on the other edge of the
clearing when the cocoon broke, and Wufei now walked forward to shake the
other's hand.� "Zechs!� Zechs Merquise, is it really you?� Do you
remember me?� You sponsored me during my novice period... it's me, Wufei
Chang!"

����� "Brother Wufei. I am glad to see you," Zechs replied gratefully,
shaking the younger monk's hand.� "And I thank you for rescuing me.� I
see that you have listened to Father Shen very well."

����� "It wasn't him, it was Duo who did it," Quatre spoke up.� "He's a
healer."

����� Trowa added after a moment, "And Heero found you... he actually
went into that thicket and got you out of there... although you were...
ah... changed."

����� For the first time, the other man smiled, bowing deeply to the
assembled five.� "I am grateful to you all, then, for what you have done
for me.� You have great power indeed if you are capable of countering the
spells of the Double Keys.

����� "You are they, are you not?� The power radiates clearly from your
hearts.� You honor me with your presence, chosen ones.� The Cardinals
five, whose mission and sacred duty it is to form the Star of Completion
and bind the Double Keys.� We have awaited your return for a very long
time.

����� "Now that you have returned to us we may hope once again... your
powers will stop the evil from polluting our land further.� We are saved,
at last."

��������������������������������� ~ * ~

����� "I am honored yet again that you have allowed me to join you on
your journey," Zechs told Wufei as they proceeded on their way through
the Dusky Forest.� "It is a rare privilege indeed to travel with the five
chosen ones.� I shall not forget this."

����� Quatre looked over his shoulder at the two clerics.� "I wish you
wouldn't speak of us that way, Zechs.� We're still mere children, after
all, hands still groping for our true strength, hearts still searching
for our true light.� We're just simple people with simple dreams and
hopes and wishes."

����� "Our hands are weak compared to yours," Trowa added.� "Our powers
are as nothing yet."

����� "Listen, yes, listen to him, for he speaks the truth!"� The vaguely
feminine voice resonated menacingly around them, striking them all like a
biting-cold wind.� "Heed my words or die, Cardinals five, you who dare
oppose my lord Treize!"

����� "Back up, everyone, please," Wufei requested, stepping to his
elder's side.� "We must protect my brother!"

����� "We'll do what we can, Wufei."� Quatre linked his fingers tightly
into Trowa's and joined the others in forming a tight, outward-facing
circle around Zechs.� "Try to keep physical contact with one another,
everyone," the scryer added after a moment.� "I'm going to try
something."

����� Duo did the same with Heero, holding the staff form of the
"Whiplash" spell in his free hand.� "Whatever you do, make sure it
works," he said through gritted teeth.� "We're counting on you."

����� Quatre swallowed hard, got a reassuring squeeze from his Tarquen
protector and spoke quietly: "Shroud descend."

����� Une's monster launched herself from her crouch with a shriek of
pure rage and headed straight for the six young spellcasters, but
violently stopped in mid-pounce as an almost solid barrier of mist
blocked her vision.

����� "This won't do much on its own.� Let me help you."� Heero caught
Wufei's attention with the words, "A spell of illusion ought to serve the
purpose."

����� Recognition, and something else, lit up the worried black eyes.
"Done."� His orders were crisp, forceful: "As soon as she veers off, Duo,
do what you can to hold her --- use your plants, use your whip, anything!
Trowa, take her down as soon as that happens... Quatre, let your spell
up, just a little."� Wufei waited until his field of view cleared and
then pointed at a spot across the clearing.� "Send your spell there,
Heero... Corpse-candle!"

����� Almost at the same time, the hermit muttered the word "Simulacrum,"
and a silver beam shot from his forehead, wove once about his body from
head to toe and then streaked to the indicated place.� It traced out a
second downward spiral, generating a ghost-like image of him, before
skipping elsewhere to repeat the process.

����� The multiple reflections were joined by small tongues of flame that
hung suspended in mid-air, each taking on Wufei's outward appearance.

����� As they had hoped, the black-winged being was caught off-guard, and
she actually dropped to the ground, at a loss.

����� "Now's your chance, Duo!"

����� "I hear you."� An unholy glee suffused the healer's handsome
features as he recalled his weapon.� "Here we go... Blockade!"

����� Quatre watched, wide-eyed, as Une was ensnared by a dense, choking
paroxysm of plant growth.� Thick, thorny vines fouled her wings and
scratched even through her armor-like skin; spreading leaves clamped down
over her nose and mouth, threatening to cut off her breathing.� "What is
all that, Duo?" he finally managed to say.

����� "Cocooning spell's 'dark twin', you might call it," he replied,
tossing his braid over his shoulder.� "One heals, the other kills."

����� "My turn."� Trowa drew his enspelled sword, held it upright a few
inches from his face, and let it pull from his own energy field, enough
for a bright glaze to materialize around it.� As soon as that happened,
he pointed it at the still-struggling creature and yelled, "Gale
Gauntlets!"

����� The survival instincts kicked in and not a second too late, as with
a mighty effort Une unfurled her wings, sending bits of leaf and vine
flying.� Just as suddenly she closed them in protectively over her face
and body, and the miniature windstorms hurtling toward her shattered
harmlessly, the defeated breezes blowing the mists away.

����� She sneered at her adversaries.� "It will take much more than that
to defeat me!� The powers of Chaos and Darkness are mine to command!"
She spread her pinions for the third time and flew right at them, talons
bared and ready to strike...

����� Zechs made his move at that moment.� "*Down*, chosen ones!� I will
die soon, my brother Wufei," and he touched the horrified youth's
shoulder, lips parted in a pained smile.� "The dark spells that trapped
me within the thicket have pierced into my soul.� I have not long to stay
in this world... but I am proud to give my life for you.� Flee,
Cardinals... leave and live to fight another day.� You cannot lose your
lives here and now."� His voice hardened as they remained standing about
him.� "I beg of you, children of the gods, leave me now!� Your presence
will not help either of us!� Or must I make you leave...?"

����� "Do it, Heero, use the Soulshift!"� Quatre's voice shrilled up into
a higher register before the panic choked him off completely.

����� "We've got to get ourselves out of here!"� Duo's voice was equally
urgent.

����� "Forgive me, brother, forgive my thoughtlessness" were Wufei's last
distressed words as the silver sheen of the spell closed around them.

��������������������������������� ~ * ~

����� "None of this should have come to pass," the same youth agonized an
hour later and many miles away, his head buried in his hands.� "I should
have helped him defeat that... that benighted black being!� I should have
defended Zechs instead of leaving him alone..."

����� "You would have gotten yourself killed in the process," Heero told
him bluntly, helping himself to Duo's herbal tea.� "We may be the
talismans' bearers, but that doesn't mean we are immortal... not even me,
and I have the Key of Spirit."

����� Quatre took a cup to Trowa and then settled himself on the stones
at his feet.� "He's right, Wufei.� Together we'll form the Star of
Completion that will seal off Treize and stop his plans, but only
together.� Only if we are complete."� He propped his elbows up on his
friend's knees and then released a small, rueful sigh.� "But knowing that
won't help him, or us, at all...."

����� *Downcast, my Cardinals?*

����� "Lady Quicksilver," and the Tarquen prince nodded as Noin's
trademark silver flames sprang up in the middle of their sobered group.
"We have lost one who would be another guide to us on our quest.� A
brother and friend to Wufei... his name was Zechs Merquise."

����� To their surprise, she actually called out, *They ask for your
presence, child of the Light Eternal.� Come, Zechs!*

����� The second silver spirit joined her, smiling down at the youths and
holding out his hands, which were wrapped in a more subdued sheen.
*Children of the gods, I hear your call.� Need you my help?*

����� "But how...?" Wufei finally managed to choke out.

����� Noin answered: *The gods have decreed it shall be so, chosen ones.
And we have been waiting for him to come to us, as well.� This is his
destiny --- to serve in this way, for all time --- if fate so wills it.*

����� *Remember, Cardinals,* and Zechs' flare dimmed as he addressed them
solemnly, *our hopes rest on you.� We --- Noin and I --- shall ever be
guiding you.� Neither one of us shall leave those whom we have been
charged a sacred duty to protect.� Never doubt that, not even for a
moment.*

����� "I believe you," Quatre said as he rose to his feet and stood
before the two spirits, eyes filled with determination and trust.� "I
swore it once and I'll swear it again: I came of my own free will and I
will do what I can to discharge my duties, for having a talisman is a
duty in itself.� I'm not backing out now."

����� "I go where Quatre goes.� And you have my word: I will not leave
him or the group."� Trowa took his place beside his blonde "debtor",
placing a hand on his shoulder.

����� Duo got up from his place behind the fire, nodding like mad.� "I'm
not backing out, either... I've been in on this almost from the start.
There's no other place for me to go anyway.� I'm with you, too."

����� "And I'm with him," Heero said simply, reaching out to take the
braided healer's hand in his.

����� Wufei remained seated for a few more seconds, deliberating with
himself, before joining the other four.� "For the honor of the Light
Eternal, if nothing else, my brother," he told Zechs.

����� *It will be accepted,* the spirit replied.� *Look here.*� He
pointed to a dark shape on the horizon, shadowy spires seeming to reach
up and impale the heavens.� *Yonder lies the Shadow Stronghold, the lair
of the Black Mage.� He is at once Cardinal Chaos and Cardinal Darkness,
this man Treize Khushrenada.� We have not far to go.� You must gather
your strength now, children of the gods.*

����� *It will not take long before we face this being,* Noin seconded
him.� *You must ready yourselves.*

��������������������������������� ~ * ~

����� There was a very satisfied sneer on Treize Khushrenada's face as he
saw the young spellcasters into the Shadow Stronghold itself.� "It is as
I have predicted it shall be," he murmured to himself.� "Yes, come to me,
children of the gods.� Closer and closer, the day of reckoning
approaches, on the stealthy feet of the constant present...."� Chilling
laughter pealed off the cavern's walls as he made his way into the lower
levels.

����� The feeble, desperate voice of what had once a woman filtered
through the thick wooden door before which he stopped: "Forgive me, my
lord Treize... I seek your pardon for my failures...."

����� He strode in, sleeves fluttering as he spread his arms.� "Have you
now seen the error of your ways, my dearest Une?� Know you now what you
must do against the five Cardinals and their guardians?� Will you now act
exactly in accordance with my words?� Answer me, child."

����� "Yes, my lord and master Treize," Une replied, broken and defeated
and completely helpless before this single, powerful man.� "I shall
obey."

����� Treize raised one hand, and the shackles at her wrists undid
themselves with loud clacks.� She fell to the cold stone floor with a
gasp, landing hard on her hands and knees.� "Come with me.� There is
someone I would like you to meet."

����� The first thing Une saw when they reentered the main cavern were
two long falls of blonde hair, one the color of wheat and the other that
of bright moonlight.� Both newcomers seemed to have the full appearances
of ordinary humans, sparking off a disappointed train of thought: *Would
that these newcomers are not truly what they seem to be.� What is their
place in my lord's plan?� Are we to depend on common humans now?*

����� The slightly smaller girl turned around slowly, a malicious smirk
curving her full, pouty lips.� "You seem doubtful of what we can do, Une.
My name is Relena."� Strange vapors billowed and swirled around her lithe
frame, flashes of color sparking randomly at her fingers.

����� "And I am Dorothy," the second girl said as she came to attention.
A prismatic emanation closed tightly about her figure and flared out into
wings at her shoulders, the variegated pattern of light and shadow
rippling as she moved.

����� Treize's hand moved again, this time in a gesture that encompassed
the three of them.� "Those whom the outside world calls 'chosen' draw
ever closer to this our home with each passing moment.� We must prevent
them from desecrating our sanctuary.� Will you help me mount a defense
against the Cardinals and their guardians?"

����� "With all willingness, master."� All three of them bent the knee
before the Black Mage, eyes focused humbly on the floor.� "We hear what
you say and we do as you will," Une, Dorothy and Relena said in one
voice.

����� The man allowed himself a smug half-smile as the trio vanished in
the next instant.� "Good, my shadow-spawned children.� Go, and bring the
Cardinals to me!"

����� He was not referring to the five bearers.

������������������������� ~ end chapter second ~


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Nikholas F. Toledo Zu @ WWW: The Entertainment Capital of UP Village
 Vector, Switch, Yebah, Rain Man, goo, Pervert, Scruples, Hollie, NomaD, 
 Blitz, Gee, Datzo, Jewel, elf, Radler, Pinball, Mayhem, Chaos, Father, 
 Attar, Llewe and Katana @ http://nikholas-f-toledo-zu.webjump.com/ NEW!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------