Title: Scythe and Sword, Heart and Soul
Author: Red Roses (redroseskt@aol.com)
Archive: EMERGED AS ONE
Category: Line challenge from Duo-neko, yaoi, (later on).
Rating: G for setting up- R later
Pairings: None yet
Disclaimer: Gundam Wing characters are the property of the copyright owners Bandai and such and such. The land and river are mine, especially the river. My river. I have no cash- only lint and an old car wash coupon, so don’t sue!!

Feedback: Drop me a line if this is good!

Scythe and Sword, Heart and Soul

by Red Rose

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~Prologue~

Long ago and far away, like so many other stories and tales, there were two kingdoms. Now don’t click the window away just yet; there is much you don’t see.

This fable is something a bit different from your normal Grimm and Anderson . . .

It all starts in a land you've never seen, at a time that never existed. There is always two of everything: two roads that lead to the market square, two girls to fawn for every handsome youth, two castles yearning for one power . . . yes, there is always two.

And there are always two people who share one love. The tricky part is finding that love, and all it comes with.

Shall I go on?

In a time that never was, and in a place that’s never seen, there were two kingdoms. One was the kingdom of Oz, a leader in wealth and production. At its throne was King Treize, and his three sons.

The eldest was Heero, a cold yet ambitious young man of twenty. His mother, Queen Une, had died giving birth to him, and Trieze was forever unemotional to his firstborn. He resembled Une in hair and smile, but that smile had long since vanished after years of neglect. As heir to the throne, Heero was immersed in years of schooling and training by the Grand Advisor, Professor J.

"The Perfect Solider," J would joke to the King, whenever Heero would perform 100% on any task given.

The second born of Trieze, by his second wife Catherine, was 18-year-old Trowa. Trowa, too, resembled his mother, but his quiet nature made it all but impossible to make anyone be his friend. As if by a curse, Catherine also passed away when Trowa was 4. Still, the boy did carry his mother’s talent for playing the flute. Treize always held a smile when he heard the instrument being played in the castle corridors.

A kingdom is never complete without a beloved Queen, so Treize took on a third wife: the exotic Xiao La Chang from the Eastern lands. Tall, thin, dark hair and ivory skinned, she was indeed a beauty to see. Treize’s third son was born within the year of their marriage.

Wufei was certainly one to make Treize proud. At only 16, the young swordsman proved himself worthy to his father, wielding any weapon for any situation. Fate was kind this cycle round, and Xiao La lived on as Treize’s wife to this very time.

Oz was a fine kingdom, without a doubt. Treize’s ideals were to have peace and unity in the entire land, including with the neighboring kingdom of Sanc. However, such ideals were too decorated with pretty words, and Treize’s method for unity was to plan a war.

The kingdom of Sanc, not too far from Oz, was indeed one for the history books. Lying next to the Endless Forrest, it was the center of art and creativity. Paintings, literature and fashion could all be found there.

The ruler of such a place was King Zechs, who preferred to be called Milliardo. He, with his beautiful wife Queen Noin, had three children of his own- Duo, a jester by nature and just 19. Violet eyes and a meter-length braid were his trademarks. Although always smiling, he seemed distant at times, as if he were searching for something not there.

Milliardo’s second son was quoted to have been, "born a diplomat", by the mid-wife. Gentle, serene and loving to all, the 17-year-old Quatre was a genius in political affairs and love of music. With sandy-blonde hair and cerulean eyes, Quatre was an angel from the start.

The third child born to the kingdom was a sweet little girl named Relena. With honey-wheat hair and sky-blue eyes, she was most certainly a lady- Noin had seen to that with the utmost care. Now, at 15, she was in every way a prim and proper courtier.

Milliardo and Noin were quite happy with each other, their children and their lives. Neither wished for any trouble or doubt from their people.

This was why Treize was only encouraged to take over the kingdom of Sanc for his own kingdom’s growth.

"The people in both lands must learn to live together. Power, wealth, art and beauty should be one community, and they need a true leader to guide them. I will stand tall for this, a bright new future for Oz."

Papers signed, notices stamped, armies gathered; Oz was ready to start a war to start peace. The message was delivered to Sanc the following morning.