Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Gundam Wing on Mount Olympus ❯ Our New Son ( Chapter 11 )

Dear Readers: Sorry for the long delay in posting a chapter. Both the holidays and work have been a little hectic, so I was not finding time to sit down and write. This chapter is a bit short, but these things happen. I'll try to do better next time.

-o-o-o-

Chapter 11: Our New Son

Hadeya sat up groggily and looked around.

“You don't drink very often, do you?” Heero asked gruffly.

Hadeya ducked his head, a little embarrassed. “I avoided drinking with the heroes after a battle because they seemed to find my looks too attractive. Mother warned me about them when I was very young.”

“As well she should have,” Heero shrugged. “I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, mind you. A little healthy sex is a good thing, in my opinion, but any son of mine should be in the driver's seat.”

“Oh.” Hadeya rubbed his temples. “Where are the others?”

“Eating breakfast.” Heero stood up. “They're all looking forward to meeting you again.”

Hadeya got up and followed Heero outside. The other Gundam pilots, Roku and Alexa were busily consuming a hearty breakfast.

“Good morning, Hadeya!” Duo called cheerfully. “How's your head?”

“A little sore,” Hadeya admitted with a shy smile. “Wine is a much stronger drink than one expects from the taste.”

“Don't worry about it,” Duo assured him. “A few weeks under my tutelage and you'll be drinking with the best of us.”

“I hardly think a talent for drinking is a skill Hadeya needs to acquire,” Wu-Fei said. “We should start with languages.”

“Languages? But we already understand each other,” Hadeya pointed out in confusion.

“That's because we're all being affected by a proximity-based translation spell I cast on us,” Quatre stated matter-of-factly. “It allows us to all understand one another while speaking the language in which we are most comfortable. But when you return with us to our home on Mars, it would be better if you learned the languages spoken there, rather than use the crutch of the spell.”

“I see.” But Hadeya's statement did not match his tone. He made a show of eating to cover his confusion.

“So tell us, Hadeya,” Treize said, “did you inherit any godlike powers from your beautiful mother?”

“Not really. I'm just a demigod, since my father is mortal. I guess my only real talent is being able to cross the Rainbow Bridge.”

“Oh, did it grow back?” Quatre asked curiously.

“Yes, although Loki says it's just a piece of Jormangand's tail connecting Asgard to Midgard. He might be right, because when I came to Midgard, there was an earthquake.” Hadeya smiled. “Loki says it tickles when people walk on Jormangand's back.”

Roku giggled. “I like Jormangand.”

Duo frowned. “But if Jormangand's tail extends to Asgard, wouldn't that mean that one or the other or both should be visible from Earth?”

“Remember, Asgard was shifted out of phase with Earth,” Wu-Fei reminded him. “But that is an interesting thought that Jormangand's body crosses the phase shift.”

“It's probably just as well,” Trowa noted, “or the Earth would keep getting bigger as Jormangand grows. It's a good thing if he's growing into alternate dimensions rather than this one.”

“That's a headache-inducing concept,” Duo remarked. He slathered a piece of toast with jam, wrapped it around a sausage and shoved the whole thing into his mouth.

“Good day, friends!” a familiar voice boomed. They all turned to see Hercules and Iolaus approaching. “I have come to congratulate you on finding a long-lost relative. It is good luck, you know, to locate a missing relative in good health. How did you misplace him?”

“We didn't misplace him,” Heero growled. “He was born, um, elsewhere and we, ah, didn't get a chance to meet him until now.”

Hercules scratched his head at this rather unclear explanation. “I see. Well, it is still all to the good.” He held out a large hand to Hadeya. “Well met, young sir! I am Hercules, son of Zeus.”

Hadeya's eyes widened. “You are also a demigod, Hercules?”

“Indeed I am, although,” Hercules lowered his voice, “some would begrudge me that title. Lady Hera has never much cared for me, I fear. That is why I am engaged in my labors: to prove my worth among the gods of Olympus.”

“I guess I was fortunate to be accepted without question in Asgard.”

“More likely it was that everyone was afraid of your mother,” Duo chuckled. “Freya had something of a temper, as I recall.”

Hadeya flushed. “Mother exhibited a patient and ladylike demeanor at all times.”

All seven Gundam pilots and their two offspring blinked at him.

Hadeya's flush deepened. “Well, upon occasion, she might raise her voice slightly to impress her point upon another during a discussion.”

Nine sets of eyes continued to regard him with faint disbelief.

Hadeya shifted uncomfortably. “It is possible that she lost her temper on one or two occasions.”

“How many years did you say you lived in Asgard?” Treize asked.

“Well, she was always nice to me!” Hadeya finished weakly.

“Undoubtedly,” Zechs interjected soothingly. “Freya was so overjoyed at becoming a mother I have no doubt that she treated you with the greatest affection. We are only surprised by the thought that her affectionate manner might extend beyond you.”

“Well,” Hadeya bit his lip. “She never was the best of friends with the Valkyries and she thinks the heroes are a little too boisterous, especially after meals when the mead is flowing freely.”

“That sounds like the Freya we know and love!” Duo said cheerfully.

Hadeya hung his head. “Mother will never forgive me for disparaging her reputation.”

“Nonsense!” Quatre said. He patted Hadeya's shoulder. “We're family. And none of us has such a spotless reputation that we would notice a few very slight character flaws in that lovely lady.”

“Speak for yourself,” Zechs said absently. “I'm perfect.”

Treize had the misfortune to have chosen that exact moment to sip his tea. His ill-timed gasp of surprise reminded him that humans cannot easily breathe liquid after birth. He began to choke and cough. Zechs fixed an icy blue stare on him. Treize waved a hand desperately as he tried to catch his breath. “My tea went down the wrong way!” he gasped out.

“Oh, really?” Zechs continued to glare at him. “I thought perhaps you were taking exception to my statement.”

“It sure sounded like it,” Trowa stated with wide-eyed innocence. “Maybe he was remembering how severe your mood swings were when you were pregnant.”

“Yeah,” agreed Duo, “that was pretty scary.”

Zechs swept his freezing gaze over the two speakers, both of whom were trying to stifle grins, before returning his wintry glare to Treize. “Well?”

Treize groaned. He glared at Trowa. “Why do you enjoy stirring up strife between me and my darling, sweet-tempered Zechs?”

“Who, me?”

“You still haven't explained yourself,” the darling, sweet-tempered Zechs growled.

“Beloved!” Treize moaned. “I admit I was somewhat intimidated by the mercurial nature of your pregnancy-induced moods, but I was nevertheless overjoyed to spend every moment in your company.”

“Except for the times he was hiding from him,” Trowa stage-whispered to Duo.

“I never hid from him!”

Alexa got up and climbed into Zechs' lap. “Mommy, did I make you feel bad when I was in your tummy?” Her big, blue, innocent eyes seemed to fill up her entire face. She blinked at him uncertainly.

“Oh sweetie!” Zechs exclaimed. He put one arm around her and smoothed her wavy brown curls with his other hand. “Men are not designed to be pregnant. I admit I complained a little bit during my pregnancy.”

Duo lifted his eyebrows and mouthed the words “a little bit” questioningly. Treize frowned threateningly at him and Duo made a zipping motion across his lips with his thumb and forefinger.

Zechs brushed Alexa's cheek with the back of his fingers. “But I never regretted it because I got you as a result and I'm very happy about that.”

Alexa smiled happily.

“Tell me, Hercules,” Heero interrupted loudly, “are you off to do another labor soon?”

“Indeed I am,” Hercules said, “and I confess to a certain trepidation about it. I have been ordered to obtain the girdle of Hippolyta for King Eurytheus' daughter. Why she should want it, I have no idea, but I fear I have little say in the matter.”

“Who is Hippolyta?” Roku asked.

“She is the queen of the Amazons and a most fearsome woman,” Hercules said with great seriousness. “I have no doubt I can defeat her, but I fear I might have to slay her in the process and that would not be a good thing.”

“Is she pretty?” Duo asked.

“I have heard she is a stunning beauty.”

“Maybe you should challenge her to a wrestling match.” Duo chuckled wickedly. “That might be fun.”

Hercules grinned and Iolaus frowned slightly.

Heero stood up. “Hadeya and I will come with you. As impartial outsiders, we can referee the match and ensure no lasting injuries are inflicted.”

Hercules rose also. “That is very kind of you, Heero. Although the Amazons are known to have little use for men, a man of your obvious strength and virtue is sure to win their respect.”

So Hercules, Iolaus, Heero and Hadeya set off for the Land of the Amazon Women, which was on a heavily forested island off the coast of Greece. Hercules rowed them over in a boat, but no sooner had they stepped on shore when they were surrounded by a dozen muscular and scantily clad women with gleaming bronze spears.

One woman stepped toward them with her spear poised to strike. “Men are not welcome here!” she growled.

“Mistress Warrior!” Hercules said quickly, “we mean you no harm by coming here. But I crave an audience with your queen, the mighty Hippolyta.”

The woman regarded them suspiciously. “Why?”

The simplicity of the question left Hercules at a loss for words. He turned to Heero. Heero rolled his eyes.

“My friend here is Hercules, the renowned son of the god Zeus. He has heard that Hippolyta is a woman of such incredible prowess that no man can defeat her in a wrestling match. Now Hercules has wrestled every strong man he can find and has never been defeated, so he wants to pit his strength against your queen to see if the stories about her are true.”

The woman absorbed this information with pursed lips. “I see. Our queen is easily the match of any man, so perhaps she would be interested in your proposal. We will take you to her.” But then she frowned at them. “But mind your manners. We Amazons only need men when we're inclined to produce young.”

The women parted to form a path and the warrior who had spoken led the way. Deep in the forest at the heart of the island, they came to a cleared area where the trunks of several large trees had been shorn of branches to a distance several arm-lengths above their heads. The area between the trunks had been cleared of brush and stamped flat to make room for several neat shelters constructed of branches and animal skins. The women led them to the largest of these structures, which stretched between the trunks of two large trees. As soon as they arrived, the women all dropped to one knee and urged the men to do the same by whacking them across the backs of their knees with the butts of their spears. The woman who had spoken stepped to the door of the shelter and spoke quietly.

A moment later, an amazingly beautiful woman stepped out. Her long coppery hair flowed to her knees in smooth waves over unblemished golden skin. Her features were perfectly formed and so pleasing that it was difficult to look away. Bright green eyes regarded them with open curiosity.

“Who are these men?” said the beauty in a rich contralto voice that suited her perfect features completely.

“This is Hercules, my queen. He says he has come to wrestle you because you are the strongest woman in existence.”

“Oh?” Hippolyta chuckled. “Are there no strong men left for you to fight that you must turn to women? Or are you merely hoping for the chance to lay your hands on my virtuous body?”

Hercules' mouth fell open. When it was obvious that he was not going to respond, Heero sighed and spoke up.

“To be honest, Queen Hippolyta, he is hoping to persuade you to give him your girdle.” Heero nodded at the beautiful belt formed of beaten gold links wrapped around the woman's graceful hips. “He was thinking to wrestle you for it.”

“My girdle?” Hippolyta touched it with trim fingers. “Whatever for?”

“Some foolish princess wants it,” Heero shrugged. “You are so famous and revered among women that the silly girl thinks it will impress people if she wears your girdle.”

Hippolyta smiled. “That is such a charming reason to ask for it, my inclination is to give it to you. But we would not be Amazons if we did not make you earn it.” She grinned. “It has been some time since we had such a well-proportioned man visit our island. Stand up, please.” Hercules rose uncertainly to his feet as Hippolyta stepped forward. She trailed appreciative fingers across his broad, firm chest. “Oh, my!” she murmured. “I think I would enjoy a wrestling match with you very much, but perhaps I am not thinking of the same kind of wrestling that you are.” Her eyes gleamed brightly and several of the Amazons snickered.

Iolaus flushed. “Hercules!”

Hippolyta's eyes fell on Iolaus. “Do you take exception, pretty boy?”

“Well, um,” Iolaus stammered. “Hercules is a man of honor.”

“I have no doubt of it,” Hippolyta chuckled. “But if he wants my girdle, it is my right to set the terms.”

“She has a point, Iolaus,” Heero said. He sat back on his heels and addressed himself to Hippolyta. “But my son and I came along only to referee the wrestling match, if there was one. The sort of wrestling you seem to be planning doesn't require a referee, I think.”

“Quite true. However…” Hippolyta eyed Hadeya appreciatively. “He is quite a beautiful young man!” She leaned over and gazed directly into his handsome face. “Your face and form are so well-made I think the blood of the gods must flow in you.”

Hadeya inclined his head. “My mother is a goddess, Queen Hippolyta.”

“Making you a worthy mate for my Amazons,” Hippolyta replied with a smile.

“Wait a minute…” Heero began.

“Have you a claim on this young man's virtue?” Hippolyta asked archly.

“I said he's my son,” Heero growled, “and I didn't bring him here so he could get ravished by a bunch of horny women!”

“What?” Hippolyta exclaimed. “What did you call us?”

Heero stood up and crossed his arms. “You heard me.” He glared darkly at Hippolyta. She returned his glare with narrowed eyes. When Heero showed no signs of flinching, she pursed her lips.

“Very well. I concede that you have placed no demands on us and therefore owe us for nothing except trespassing.” Her pursed lips suddenly curved into a sweet smile. “For that, I will accept a kiss as payment from your handsome son and call it even.” She cupped Hadeya's face in her hands and planted a warm kiss on his lips. “There. Now there is no debt between you and the Amazons. You may go.”

Heero inclined his head. “Thank you.”

“Just a minute!” Iolaus jumped to his feet. “What about me?”

“You may go with them or stay with Hercules,” Hippolyta said. “If you have some small skill at singing, my Amazons will treat you kindly.”

Iolaus sighed. “I'll stay, in case Hercules has need of me.”

“So be it,” Hippolyta declared. She gestured to her warriors and a tall Amazon led Heero and Hadeya from the village.

“Is it all right to just leave them there?” Hadeya asked Heero worriedly in a low voice. “Those women are terribly fierce.”

“They'll be fine.” When they reached the shore, Heero shaded his eyes and looked across the water toward the distant coast. “Do you mind swimming? We should leave the boat for Hercules and Iolaus.”

“Sure, it's not that far.”

Heero grinned. “Good lad!” And he plunged into the water. Father and son matched each other stroke for stroke as they swam from the island back to the mainland. When they strolled up onto the beach, Heero patted Hadeya on the arm. “Sorry about not letting you shack up with the Amazons, but the way our luck runs, one of them would have fallen hopelessly in love with you and wanted to keep you there and then I would have had to fight all those women to free you. It's just better this way. You'll get your chance to, ah, indulge your manhood another time.”

Hadeya blushed. “That's all right. Maybe I'm not quite ready.”

Heero eyed him. “How old did you say you are, again?”

Hadeya's blush deepened. “I'm old enough! I'm just in no hurry!”

“I suppose I can respect that. Let's get back to Olympus.”

They arrived back on Olympus shortly before sunset and ran into the others on their way to dinner.

“Where are Hercules and Iolaus?” Quatre asked.

“We left them with the Amazons,” Heero said with a shrug. “They're doing a few chores to earn Hippolyta's girdle.”

“So Hercules didn't wrestle her for it?”

“Oh, he's wrestling her for it; he just didn't need a referee,” Heero said with a snicker. “Hippolyta liked the look of him.”

“You mean she's…” Quatre stared. “Poor Iolaus!”

“He'll get over it. Let's eat. I'm starved. Hadeya and I had to swim two kilometers in the open ocean and we're a little beat.”

“Why were you swimming, Papa Heero?”

“So we could leave the boat for Hercules and Iolaus. The Amazons live on an island.”

“Oh.” Roku suddenly stopped and dashed toward a nearby shrub. “Papa Trowa! It's your staff!”

“No kidding? I haven't seen that thing for weeks.” Trowa hurried over to the bush and retrieved the snake from underneath. “Where the hell have you been?” he hissed at it.

“Ah!” The snake sighed deeply. “I have been wrapped around the base of a vase on a pedestal beside the bathing pool in the Temple of Artemis.” The snake draped itself over Trowa's shoulder. “I have seen such sights! There are surely no more beautiful maidens in existence anywhere. I am fairly sated with the pleasure of viewing naked female flesh.”

“I should have known.” Trowa settled the snake across his chest and it clasped its tail beside his opposite hip.

“Where has it been?” Treize inquired curiously.

“Watching Artemis' maidens bathe.”

“All this time?”

“It really likes looking at naked women.”

“I'm surprised it came back.”

The snake hissed a soft response and Trowa chuckled. “It says one of the maiden's finally realized it was real and they chased it away with a stick.”

“How unfortunate.”

“It's just as well. It saves us looking for it later when it's time to go.”

“That's true.”

“Speaking of that,” Wu-Fei said. “Shouldn't we be thinking about heading back? Alexa hasn't grown an unusual amount lately, so she must be stabilized.”

Alexa nodded gravely. “My bones don't creak as much now.”

Zechs started. “Your bones were creaking?”

“Yeah, sometimes. Uncle Quatre said they were stretching.”

Zechs frowned at Quatre. “You didn't mention this.”

“It's nothing,” Quatre said with a weak smile. “Just a side effect of growth acceleration. Roku went through it too.”

“My bones don't creak at all now,” Roku assured him.

“I think,” Zechs said slowly, “that creaking bones are something a parent might want to hear about.”

“But she's outgrowing it now so it's ok, right?” Duo said helpfully.

“Is there anything else about my daughter you need to tell me?”

“Nothing at all,” Quatre said quickly. “She's a perfectly normal six year old child.”

“Who hasn't quite reached her first birthday yet and has a man for a mother,” Duo added, still smiling helpfully. Quatre glared at him.

“See, Mommy? I'm fine.” Alexa clasped Zechs' hand.

Zechs looked down at her and smiled. “Of course you are, sweetie. You're perfect. Just like me.”

Stifled strangling sounds emanated from nowhere in particular and everyone was suddenly looking in other directions. Zechs chose not to notice.