Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Gundam Wing on Mount Olympus ❯ It Can't be That Bad ( Chapter 2 )

Chapter 2: It Can't be that Bad

After a week of intensive home schooling, Treize declared Alexa not ready for school.

“Why not?” Zechs asked. He was seated in the Gundam pilots' living room with Alexa in his lap.

“Because Alexa is too honest to not answer a direct question truthfully.” Treize favored her with a warm smile. “Like she did when Noin asked where she was born.”

Duo grinned at Roku. “That sounds a lot like someone else we know.”

“So, I think Alexa needs a little more time to grow up to the point where she can lie convincingly. I'm sure I can teach her. I used to be a politician. I'm a skilled liar.”

Zechs frowned. “I'm not sure I want my little girl taught how to lie convincingly. It's not a very good trait. And I don't expect her to go into politics.”

“Nevertheless,” Quatre said, “we need to protect Treize's identity and to do that we can't have Alexa telling anyone who asks that her daddy is Treize Kushranada.” He smiled at Alexa. “No matter how proud she might be of that fact.”

“It's wrong to lie,” Alexa said gravely.

“You're right, dear,” Zechs agreed.

“But that doesn't mean you always have to tell people what you know. Not answering a question without specifically lying is a politician's lifeblood,” Treize said.

“That still sounds wrong,” said Alexa.

“Corrected by a six-year-old,” Heero muttered.

“Well, if all we need is time…” Trowa hinted.

“Not again!” Wu-Fei groaned. “You know how climate change affects me.”

“But it's for Alexa's sake.”

Alexa blinked at Wu-Fei with large blue eyes.

Wu-Fei sighed. “Fine! Let's go somewhere then. But for a change, can it be someplace where we will not risk destroying the entire future?”

“I kind of liked hanging around with gods, though,” Duo said. “Let's visit some more.”

“More gods? Which ones?”

“The Greek gods!” Duo exclaimed immediately. “They were a real party crowd, judging from the stories.”

“You just want to get drunk and laid!” Wu-Fei accused.

“The ancient Greeks were rather casual about sexual relations,” Trowa noted.

“Oh yeah!” Duo rubbed his hands together. “That's what I'm talking about!”

“And they were fond of bathing, Fei,” Trowa pointed out. “They also had very refined tastes in food. I think you'd rather enjoy it. It should be quite educational as well.”

“Well…” Wu-Fei grew thoughtful. “When you put it like that, it does sound rather interesting.”

“It's all settled then,” Trowa said. “We'll go to Mount Olympus in ancient Greece for a few months. Or maybe a year.”

“Just like that?” Heero grumbled. “We've barely managed to get settled back here.”

“You're just whining because the sprites will be able to follow you there,” Duo chuckled.

Heero muttered something unrepeatable under his breath.

“Should we mention it to Sally and Noin or just disappear overnight again?” Quatre asked.

“We should tell them,” Zechs said. “They'd probably figure it out anyway. We are always a little disoriented after these trips.”

“Good point.”

“Very well,” said Treize. “We should probably leave as soon as possible.”

“We can go tomorrow night,” Quatre said. “We can tell Noin and Sally what the plan is tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.”

So the next morning, when Sally and Noin arrived to accompany them to work, Quatre cleared his throat.

“Um, Sally? Noin? There's something we want to talk to you about.”

“You're leaving again,” Noin said immediately.

“Well, you see…” Quatre began.

“You're worried about what Alexa might say to someone,” Noin interrupted. She fixed Quatre with a stern glare. “Une sent you out here to work. How can you do that if you keep wandering off?”

“We'll only be gone for the night,” Quatre said with his best smile. “You won't even notice.”

Noin frowned. “That's something I don't understand. You say that you spend months away when you go on these trips, but none of you look like you're getting any older. Shouldn't you be aging?”

Quatre shifted uncomfortably. “I'm sure we're all aging.” He straightened up and combed his fingers through his blond hair. “Don't I look older?”

“No.” Noin poked his smooth, downy cheek with a fingertip. “You aren't even shaving yet.”

“I am too!”

“That's true,” Trowa said with a smile. “I saw him shave just three days ago. I'm sure he'll need to again next week.”

Quatre glared. “I shave more often than that!”

“But didn't Heero say the sprites knew how long we'd been gone?” Duo interrupted.

“Yeah, but I'm pretty sure the sprites also move through time,” Heero grumbled. “They talk about stuff we did in the past like it was yesterday.”

“Maybe all the time travel is decelerating our growth,” Wu-Fei speculated.

“That's an interesting thought,” said Quatre. “I'll have to think about that.”

“You can do that on your own time,” Noin said. “It's time to go to work.”

“Right.”

But after a typical day at work, everyone returned to the Gundam pilots' house to plan their excursion. This time, Noin watched along with Sally as they assembled the items they would need for their trip. She blinked in surprise as Roku stuffed item after item into his storage space.

“Where is he putting all that?” Noin whispered to Sally.

“I'm not sure,” Sally replied with a smile, “but it's fascinating isn't it? I imagine our best scientists would have a grand time trying to figure out the space-time ramifications implied by the existence of Roku's storage space.”

“It gives me a headache,” Noin muttered.

“That's why I try not to think about it too hard.”

“Ok,” Quatre said finally. “I think we're ready.”

“Aren't you going to change into tunics or something?” Noin asked.

“It isn't necessary,” Zechs said. “They'll notice we're strangers whether we're wearing strange clothes or not.”

“Too bad!” Sally chuckled. “We were looking forward to seeing you in a skirt. You've got nice legs.”

Zechs' face reddened and Treize smiled. “He certainly has,” he agreed.

“Do you mind?” Zechs said primly.

“I think you'd better go outside like before,” Quatre said to Sally and Noin. “I don't want to pick you up in the spell inadvertently.” Then he grinned. “Unless you want to go?”

“No thanks!” Noin replied. She scooted for the door. “Come on, Sally. You have to keep me company.”

Sally smiled. “As always, my friend.” She followed Noin to the door. “Have a good trip! See you in the morning.”

After the two women had departed, Quatre looked around. “All set?” Everyone nodded. He held his spell book up in front of him. “We wish to go to Mount Olympus in the time of Zeus.” He flipped the book open and read for a moment. “All right, here we go.” And he spoke the spell aloud.

The world shifted and they found themselves standing in a grassy meadow on the slope of a tall mountain. Small gold, white and lavender flowers bobbed in the warm breeze above the emerald grass, filling the air with a beautiful scent. Fluffy white clouds floated in the deep blue sky over their heads. Above them, the slopes of the mountain rose toward a rocky, snow-covered peak. At the edge of the meadow stood several buildings constructed in the classical Greek style, with snow white pillars supporting intricately carved roofs. Beautiful people walked in and amongst the buildings, dressed variously in flowing robes that resembled togas and shorter leg-revealing tunics that were belted at the waist. A few people lounged on carpets in the meadow, sipping from large golden goblets. Several of them were now sitting up and staring curiously at the group who had suddenly appeared in the middle of the meadow. They gestured and spoke to each other excitedly.

One of these people finally rose and approached them. She was a handsome woman of indeterminate years with flowing dark brown hair woven into elaborate curls with strands of gold and lavender ribbon. She wore a dress that was simply several lengths of snow white cloth folded about her and held in place with a wide embroidered belt around her trim waist and a golden clasp at her left shoulder. The cloth hung down around her right arm, revealing her shoulder and a generous portion of her right breast. She stopped in front of them and bowed.

“Welcome to Mount Olympus, strangers. I am Hera, the wife of mighty Zeus.” She regarded them curiously, but her eyes fixed on Treize's face. “What brings you to the home of the gods?”

“We are traveling scholars,” Treize replied graciously, “and we are intrigued by the stories of the wisdom and beauty of the fabled residents of Mount Olympus. We beg to impose on your hospitality for a brief educational visit.”

Hera smiled, lighting up her face and making her appear quite youthful. “We would be honored to have you as our guests.” She stepped forward and looped her arm through Treize's. “Come. I will show you to guest rooms suitable for such fine persons as yourselves. I hope you will accept me as your humble hostess for the time being. My husband is away at present.” She frowned slightly. “No doubt dipping his wick between the legs of some charming girl or other.” She glanced at Quatre. “Pray tell me, young man, for your youthful beauty is on such a par with the gods I must wonder aloud, were you perhaps sired by my wayward husband on one of his many excursions among the mortals?”

Quatre flushed. “No I was not, Lady Hera. My mother and father were both mortals.”

Hera favored him with a smile. “Forgive me for asking, but it seems like we are always having half-mortal children turn up on Mount Olympus claiming they were fathered by Zeus. More often than not, it's true. My husband is rather too fond of his pleasures.”

“With a wife as lovely as you,” said Treize, “I cannot understand why he would ever need to stray from home.”

Hera flushed a delicate pink. “You flatter me most graciously, sir. What is your name?”

“I am Treize Kushranada. Please call me Treize. My companion is Zechs Merquise and the child he carries is our daughter, Alexa.”

“Your daughter?” Hera stared at Zechs and Alexa. “But who is her mother?” She looked around at the complete lack of other females in the group.

“Treize and I are pleased to have created this child together,” Zechs answered. He was frowning slightly at the possessive way Hera was clinging to Treize's arm.

Hera stared at him. “But are you not also a man?”

“I am.”

Hera blinked in confusion for a moment and then shook her head. “No matter.” The smile returned to her face. “We gods have seen and done more astonishing things in the creation of new life.” She smiled at Alexa. “Your daughter is certainly lovely enough to grace Mount Olympus. I think perhaps she might be prettier than Athena.” She led them up the wide shallow steps of the largest of the buildings and between its massive marble pillars. “This is the main hall of our complex. This is where we take the majority of our meals and hold our councils.” She led the way through the main hall, which was strewn with low tables surrounded by cushions and bolsters of various sizes. Down a side hall, through a beautiful garden with a sparkling fountain, and along a trellis-covered walkway laden with sweet-smelling roses, she led them finally to a long, low building built in a semi-circle around a wide green lawn. Small pillars at the edge of the grass supported a roof over a wide veranda with recliners and small round tables. Beyond the veranda, open doorways and large windows revealed comfortable bedrooms with large, pillow-covered beds and sideboards supporting intricate porcelain basins and pitchers.

“I hope you will find this accommodation to your liking,” Hera said.

“It's lovely!” Quatre exclaimed. He stepped up onto the veranda and turned to look at the view. The snowy peak of the mountain towered above them, partly hidden by fat cumulous clouds.

Hera disengaged her arm from Treize's and clapped her hands. Several young men and women in tunics appeared. “Bring wine and food for our guests,” she commanded. Then she turned to Treize. “If you need anything, just clap and ask a servant to bring it to you.”

Wu-Fei scratched his shoulder. “Is there a bath nearby?”

“Of course!” Hera took his hand and led him across the lawn. Beyond a low hedge at the edge of the lawn was a large round pool. A stand of slender trees on the left partially shaded smooth rocks with a low waterfall tumbling over them. The water from the waterfall flowed into the pool and then flowed out again in a narrow stream on the right. “Don't be fooled by the nearness of the snow,” Hera said, “the water is quite warm. You will find this a most pleasant bath.”

Duo's eyes were sparkling. “Let's take a bath, Fei! This looks great!”

Wu-Fei eyed him suspiciously. “You just want to get my clothes off.”

Duo grinned. “I'll oil your back.”

Wu-Fei shifted uncomfortably and scratched some more. “Oh, all right.”

“Mama, look there's food.” Roku pointed back toward the house.

“You just had dinner.”

“But I'm hungry!”

“I'm hungry too, Mommy,” Alexa piped up. Her little tummy growled.

Zechs put her down. “Go ahead, but leave something for the rest of us.”

“Yes, Mommy!” Alexa and Roku raced back to the veranda, where the servants had set out several plates and pitchers.

“May I have milk, please?” Roku asked the nearest servant.

“Of course, sir.” The handsome servant turned to Alexa. “Would you like milk also, miss?”

“Yes please.”

Hera beamed. “A healthy appetite is a good thing in children,” she said approvingly. “Now, I will leave you to get settled, but I hope you will join us in the main hall for dinner this evening. A gong will sound when dinner is served.” She bowed again and moved off, her hips swaying slightly.

Zechs watched her go with a faint frown. “She seemed mighty interested in you, Treize.”

“She was just being friendly, I'm sure.” Treize put his arm around Zechs' waist. “But that's why I made sure to point out that we're a family.”

Zechs did not look convinced.

Duo was already stripping out of his clothes. “Anyone else want to bathe?” He splashed into the pool. “Oh wow! This is great!” He pointed to the side of the pool, where a small collection of pitchers rested in a shallow niche. “I bet there's bath oil in one of those, Fei.”

In fact, there were several kinds of bath oil, scented with various flowers. Wu-Fei stripped out of his own clothes and slid into the water next to Duo.

Duo poured a generous dose of some oil into his palm. He sniffed it. “Smells like lilac.” He smeared it onto Wu-Fei's scales. “I like how this feels. How about you?”

“It's niiiice.” Wu-Fei purred. He closed his eyes and slumped over a little. “Don't forget my butt. It itches too.”

Duo grinned. “I'll be happy to oil your butt for you, Fei!”

Heero sighed. “It's a good thing the children are eating.” But then he started pulling off his own clothes. “But I think a bath might be nice right now. I do feel a little… well…”

Quatre shook his head. “Just say horny and be done with it.” He took Trowa's hand. “Come on, let's go sit with the kids. We'll bathe later.” He shook a finger at the three young men in the water. “Try not to make too much noise.” They returned to the veranda with Treize and Zechs.

Treize poured wine into goblets and took a sip. “This is really good. It's fruity but you can taste the wood tones.”

Zechs took a sip too. “You're right, that is good.” He and Treize settled onto recliners. “This is definitely better than working. All these vacations are destroying my work ethic.”

“Being dead sort of did that for me,” Treize murmured sleepily. “I think I'm going to take a nap until dinner.” He put his wine down and dozed off.

“That sounds like a good idea,” said Trowa. He curled up on another recliner and closed his eyes.

Zechs lifted an eyebrow at Quatre. “Looks like we're left minding the children again.”

“We mothers always get stuck with that chore,” Quatre chuckled.

Roku and Alexa finished eating. “Mama, can Alexa and I go exploring?”

“Well, I guess so. But don't get lost. And come back when you hear the gong ring for dinner.”

“Ok.” The two of them dashed away.

“That's interesting,” Zechs said casually. “Roku didn't change back into a tiger.”

“He will eventually. I think he's just on his good behavior right now.” Quatre leaned over and held out his goblet. “Now that the kids are gone…” Zechs filled his goblet with more of the deep red wine.

Quatre took a long sip and leaned back with a sigh. “I could definitely get used to this.”

“Me too.”

From the direction of the bath, a good deal of splashing and groaning could be heard.

“They're having way too much fun,” Quatre murmured sleepily.

“Yeah.” Zechs closed his eyes. “Maybe I'll invite Treize to have a bath after dinner.”

“That sounds like a good idea. We can bunk Alexa in with Roku for the night.”

Zechs nodded drowsily. A moment later, he was sound asleep.

“This would work better if the time zones lined up more,” Quatre mumbled. Then he too fell asleep.