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Post Episode 35, Pre Episode 36
Preconceptions
Treize gazed down at the still figure collapsed upon the grass. The boy's face relaxed in unconsciousness as it never could be when the assassin was awake.
He had hoped Epyon would give Heero back his warrior spirit. The fierce drive that separated the Gundam pilots from the common soldiers. Maybe then the pilot of 01 would be able to give Treize some answers. Treize had hoped talking with one of the pilots would help him resolve his disquiet over the folly (the abomination) the Romefeller Foundation had created. Or at the very least they could put him out of his misery. For Treize wanted his death to come from someone whose purpose was greater than his own. Someone who would direct the course of the future.
Perhaps he had expected too much. Really, Heero looked so small, still little more than a child.
Something stirred in Treize's chest. Something the former colonel hadn't ever expected to feel. The feeling was so unexpected that Treize didn't recognize it right away.
Paternal Instinct.
Treize couldn't help the wave of guilt that almost overcame him at the thought. Here he was, nearly old enough to be the boy's father and he expected this child to bear the weight of the world!
He was just as guilty as those fools who underestimated the Gundam pilots because of their age. No, he was worse. Treize had almost forgotten the pilots were children. He overestimated their strength. Treated them as adults when they clearly were not.
Treize bent down and gently lifted the boy into his arms. He was shocked by how light Yuy was, it was ridiculous for a boy of fifteen. As if the Gundam pilot was nothing more than bones and thin muscle.
A child. A child had brought one of the world's most powerful militaries nearly to its knees. Only cunning and foul play had prevented the complete destruction of Oz.
A group of children made the hardened soldiers of the Romefeller foundation quail. Had the rest of the world's militaristic forces literally running in fear.
And all because they wanted to protect their homes and families.
Maybe that was his answer. The desire to protect had been the Gundam pilots' driving force. It was only when they had lost sight of what they should have been protecting that they became… adrift.
Treize looked at the limp figure in his arms.
He could protect the children. The pilots and the Peacecraft girl. That would be his new purpose. He would create a world where fighting was no longer necessary. Where children would never have to take up arms again. Where those gentle souls could rest easy, where they would be safe.
Treize carried Heero inside and placed him carefully on a couch, before fetching a blanket and tucking it tenderly about the boy's lean frame. He stood and stared at the pilot's face for a long time, finally reaching a decision. He would give Heero Epyon in the morning. But for now it was enough to know he was still needed. The world may have started down the wrong path, but the pilots would correct it.
And Treize would make certain they succeeded.
-Owari