Wolf Moon Part 31
"Beware all who enter the Temple of Deep World for the Guardians that never sleep watch the gate. Good will beget good, evil will beget evil and judgment will be absolute."
With the grave warning fixed in their minds, the Warriors of the Rose walked the last fifty yards to the Temple of Deep World.
*********
The last ornate arch, more imposing in height and grander in scope, served as the Temple's gateway. Etched across the bowed arc were graphic battle scenes of angels and demons locked in perpetual combat with the victor's reward being mankind's salvation or damnation.
On opposite sides of the apocalyptic arch, the stone "Guardians of the Gate" kept an eternal vigil. The twin sentinels towered over the quinque. Red crystal eyes, fixed into scaly faces that resembled snakes, glared down with fiery gazes. Mouths opened wide exposing long fangs and forked tongues.
The serpent heads rested on human bodies that, judging by the huge genitalia, were indisputably male. Wings that measured six feet from tip to tip sprouted from bare shoulders.
Right arms were bent at the elbow; each right hand held a large bronze key that had lost its luster. Left arms were extended towards the ceiling's spiky stalactites and left hands held swords made of the same tarnished metal that fashioned the keys.
As Trowa and Quatre stepped across the Temple's imaginary threshold, they gave the Guardians fleeting glances. After repeated journeys, the watchers no longer held the Priest and his lover in awe.
Wufei and Heero stood back to back and stared up into faceted eyes that returned scarlet stares.
Wufei tilted his head sideways then centered his sight on the right side statue's impressive penis and testicles the size of cantaloupes. "I don't know whether to be jealous or repulsed." he commented to no one in particular.
Heero shrugged. "If one was inclined to be insecure concerning his manhood," he stated both literally and figuratively, "I could understand the conflict."
A smirk tugged at Wufei's lips. "I'll make a deal with you. The next time we bathe there will be no comparisons of anyone's...ah...manhood."
Duo wasn't aware of his comrades' genital evaluations instead he mentally recalled the story of how Satan, disguised as a serpent, became the guileful tempter and set man on the path of war illustrated on the Gateway Arch.
*********
Muted footsteps were the only sound as Heero, Duo and Wufei made their way up an aisle lined with short pillars supporting statuettes of the signs of the Zodiac. The aisle ended in a semicircle of benches hewn from slabs of the same white marble as the rose-adorned crosses that had been kissed by Heero's blood.
Blocks of granite formed two broad steps leading to an elevated platform where Trowa and Quatre stood beside an altar embellished with thousands of brilliant amethyst, topaz and garnet gemstones.
Two gold incense burners decorated with delicate filigree patterns were suspended from chains attached inside the roof's natural dome formation. A tri-leg brazier constructed from interwoven bands of hammered brass that had been blackened by fire held cold ashes.
However the three-foot tall rectangle rising from the floor had no obvious function. The mystery was multiplied when Duo realized the eight-inch thick walls formed a protective casing around what appeared to be a pit.
Duo braced his hands and leaned over until his head disappeared over the edge. "There's a hole in here." he declared, the words muffled by the high stone sides. "Deep and cold."
Withdrawing his head, he wrinkled his nose to empathize an unpleasant discovery. "Stinks, too."
"That's because it's an ossuary." Quatre informed the snoopy Irishman.
"Osss...uuu...what?"
"Ossuary." The Manipulator repeated. "A depository for the bones of the dead."
Duo glanced over his shoulder then quickly move away from the lifeless chill and stench of decay. "Why didn't ya say somethin' before I stuck my head down there?"
"Bones won't harm you." Wufei stated with just enough sarcasm to produce a reaction.
"Damn creepy." Duo retorted as a shiver slinked up his spine.
Heero shook his head, "Aren't you being a bit dramatic?"
"How'd you like a closer look? We'll see if bones don't hurt ya." Duo threatened in response to the Tracker's smug smile.
Trowa decided intervention was necessary before teasing escalated into brawling. He tapped his staff, the sound of wood against stone echoed over the sacred chamber.
"Stop! This Temple is a place of peace and you would do well to remember that."
Like children who had been properly chastised, Duo, Wufei and Heero muttered penitent apologies.
Always the peacemaker, Quatre took Trowa's hand then inclined his head passed the altar at a doorway framed by columns inlaid with alternating stripes of gold and silver.
"Come. Trowa and I have something extraordinary to show you.
*********
A solitary statue dominated the Temple's innermost sanctuary. The form was an accurate human reproduction chiseled from marble that was not white but a fleshy shade of pink.
Unlike the serpent sentries at the Gateway Arch, the figure projected a majestic dignity that promised compassion for the weak and swift retribution for any enemy. Further affirmation of the figure's authority was evident by the Staff of the Rose clutched in its right hand and the Celtic cross hanging around its neck.
Contrary to blazing eyes and venomous fangs, a tender expression and high cheekbones were pleasing to the eye.
Stately robes, each fold, crease and pleat engraved in meticulous details, flowed over a trim body. Toned muscles lent an athletic quality that exhibited underlying strength. An aura of sanctity surrounded the stature and once its eyes fixed your gaze, it was difficult to look away.
But two seemingly feminine characteristics raised a question of gender. Long hair, that even etched in stone was silken, ended at the figure's waist. Also each pierced earlobe was adorned with twin hoops.
Perhaps the enigmatic sculptor who liberated the image from its marble encasement had created neither male nor female but the essence of humanity, the intuitive connection of heart and mind and spirit that was not divided by sex but was unified by soul.
Heero circled the statue. He examined the stonework, evaluated each curve and angle and marveled at the noble countenance.
Duo and Wufei also scrutinized the likeness of man but from a respectful distance. They fixated on every aspect and were mesmerized by the chaste beauty until they became oblivious of their surroundings...until all that mattered was the tingling sensation coursing through their bodies and the blissful euphoria clouding their minds.
"Welcome."
The voice was soft yet its resonance boomed over the chamber.
Heero whirled about, his fingers curled over his crossbow. Suddenly freed from his enchantment, Wufei reached for his sword. Duo's reaction was more sluggish. He blinked several times before the spell was broken and he turned to discover the voice's origin.
A man or maybe a mirage was encircled in an amber aura so dazzling it stung the sight. Heero raised a hand to shield his eyes then the hand dropped away, as he instinctively knew that the yellow luminosity was the same light that brightened the caverns.
Gradually the aura dimmed but didn't fade away completely. Now Heero, Duo and Wufei was certain that the being standing before them was indeed a human made of flesh and bones.
The man had no visual weapons but he carried a wooden rod topped with a smooth ruby stone that could be used for self defense should the need arise. He was tall with a lean muscular frame, dressed in form-filling black trousers and a black tunic embroidered with a red rose positioned so that the flower rested over his heart.
Sky blue eyes did not look at you but through you. If eyes were truly mirrors to the soul then his eyes reflected many ancient secrets.
But the man's most striking feature was long hair the color of polished silver that stopped just above his slender waist.
The physique. The hair. The hypnotic eyes.
THE STATUE!
"Zechs Merquise." Duo proclaimed barely above a whisper.
As the Temple Keeper stepped forward the glossy tresses swishing against his back sounded like a sigh.
Zechs bowed in turn to the warriors. "I'm honored to meet you."
Heero offered his hand. "I'm also honored to meet you."
Wufei lowered his eyes in deference to the former Twilight Priest then bowed. "I humbly accept your gracious greeting." he said in Chinese, somehow knowing that Zechs was fluent in many languages.
Duo hesitated not from fear but from the admiration a peasant experiences when meeting a king.
The Keeper must have sensed Duo's feelings of inferiority. With sincerity he assured the Duel Spirit. "We are all equal. There is no master here."
Zechs pulled Trowa and Quatre into an embrace. "I've missed you my friends."
Quatre nodded. "We have missed you, too. It's not right that you should be alone."
"That doesn't matter now."
Duo leaned close to Heero. "It this real or a trick of the mind?"
Heero studied the Keeper, observed his mannerisms, his attitude as he talked with Trowa and Quatre. Usually the Tracker's sixth sense could "see" through the best-crafted persona but Zechs Merquise was unreadable.
There was a definite physical presence but an impenetrable barrier had been erected around Zechs' mind and trying to decode his thoughts hurt Heero's head.
"I'm not sure what is real." Heero answered truthfully. "Stay alert and carefully consider what you see, hear or feel."
Zechs ended the debate concerning any paranormal powers he might possess by redirecting the quinque's attention to an alcove behind the statue that had clearly been transformed by the hand of man.
The wall's irregular texture had been covered with plaster and the even surface painted with five magnificent frescoes that were illustrated like tarot cards. A border of white lilies symbolizing purity, red roses for courage and Celtic crosses linked by gold cords framed each depiction.
On the first fresco the Roman Numeral "I" was centered above a man with glaring cobalt eyes who was arrayed in black garb. A quiver of glowing arrows rested against his leg. As the man aimed his crossbow towards the sky and prepared to shoot an arrow shaped like a bolt of lightening demons cowered at his feet.
Zechs pointed at Heero and declared. "Heero Yuy, you are one. The Lone Hunter wise to demonic ways."
Numeral "II" identified the man standing naked among the clouds. Violet eyes looked to the heavens. Long hair, highlighted with a fusion of ginger and cinnamon, fell about his shoulders like a cape and windblown strands shielded his frontal region. A great bird of prey, wings unfurled and razor-sharp beak parted in a silence screech, perched on his outstretched right arm.
Zechs continued. "Duo Maxwell, you are two. The Duel Spirit of earth and sky."
The middle mural was marked by "III". There was no doubt concerning the man clothed in the priestly robe. Emerald eyes displayed the stern stare of righteous judgment. The man held a tri-ringed rod. The center stone emitted crimson light that flared like rays from the sun.
"Trowa Barton, you are three. The Cleric who rules the tri-ringed rod that represents Power, Purity and Peace."
"IV" denoted the man attired in a flared-sleeve caftan of pale blue. Azure eyes offered a gentle gaze. Blond hair was crowned with stars. His left hand held the silver moon; his right hand held the fiery sun. He stood before a tree, bottom branches bare, shrouded with snow. Middle branches cradled tender leaves and young buds awaiting spring's caress. The next limbs were bursting with blossoms in every color of the rainbow and the topmost boughs were ablaze with the orange, yellow and red hues of autumn.
Zechs pondered the fourth picture. "Quatre Winner, you are four. The Manipulator of the four seasons and protector of the heavenly lights."
"V" was painted inside a full moon on the final fresco. The last man's skin was golden. Shoulder-length hair was the color of midnight and slanted eyes were equally ebony. His legs and feet were encased in leather and knee-high boots; a double-edged sword was angled across his bare chest. He stood beneath the gleaming "Eye of Heaven" but instead of casting a human shadow the bluish outline was the silhouette of a baying wolf.
Zechs assigned the last number that would forever define the warrior's true nature. "Chang Wufei, you are five. The Beast with two forms united by heart and mind and soul."
Zechs Merquise regarded the five unique men who had pledged themselves for peace, even at the sacrifice of the lives. With a wave of his hand he proclaimed.
"Warriors of the Rose behold your destiny."
TBC...
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