CROSSING THE LINES
A work of fanfiction based on the GUNDAM WING and VISION OF ESCAFLOWNE
television anime series
Written by Sandrock(sandrock@gundamwing.mailbox.as)
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Gundam, Gundam Wing and all related characters, references and trademarks
are the property of Sotsu Agency and Sunrise Inc. The Vision of Escaflowne
and all related characters, references and
trademarks are the property of Sunrise Inc. Original characters created for
non-profit use within a work of fan fiction are the property of their
respective creators. The writer authorizes the free distribution of this
work of fan fiction in its original unedited form, solely for the purpose of
entertainment and general viewing, and this work of fan fiction is strictly
not to be used for financial gain, monetary or otherwise.
AUTHOR'S NOTE - To provide for a sense of connection to the series, several
sequences(with minor changes made by the author ^_^)from the Escaflowne TV
series have been reproduced herein. These sequences will show the exact
timing the events in the fic occur.
TIMELINE
Gundam Wing - January AC 196, after the end of the war between the World
Nation and White Fang
Escaflowne - Episode 20/21, just prior to Princess Millerna's wedding to
Dryden
Bright amethyst eyes gazed out at the startling expanse of space just beyond
his cockpit, the moon large and bright as he soared past it, the sense
of complete and total freedom hitting him like a sudden rush of adrenalin.
The young boy couldn't help a grin as he took one hand off Deathscythe's
thruster controls, a hand that reached over to slap the button that
activated a comlink to the other Gundam soaring through space abreast of
him.
Twisting his braid around one finger as he expertly piloted Deathscythe with
the other hand, he saw a little green light on his console blink, indicating
that a communications channel had been established between their two mechas.
He spared a quick glance through his right viewscreen at the white Gundam,
wings flapping as its thrusters kept up with Deathscythe's pace
effortlessly. Tapping a finger on his console, the braided teen spoke, his
voice laced with mirth.
"Ne, Heero... just look at that sight! I can't believe how beautiful space
is when there's no fighting going on!"
Silence.
Duo smirked. Despite the war having ended and peace established between the
Colonies and Earth over a month ago, some things hadn't changed, and Heero
was one of them. Still as sullen as ever, Duo couldn't remember ever seeing
him laugh... or even smile. That, however, never stopped the braided one
from trying.
Grinning madly, he activated the channel again, "Heero? Are ya there? Heero?
Oi, Heero!"
Silence.
He stared at Wing Zero through the viewscreen, a finger coming up to tap at
his chin thoughtfully as plans to attract Heero's attention raced through
his mind. His eyes seemed to brighten after barely a moment, and a huge grin
broke out on his face. He cleared his throat as he pressed the comms button
again.
"Heeeeeeeroooooo!", screeched the braided teen, in a ear-piercing falsetto
that reverberated around the cockpit, a smirk of satisfaction crossing his
face as he saw Wing Zero suddenly shudder and lurch off-course. Moments
later, the com-channel activated, and Heero's deep tenor reverberated around
Duo's cockpit.
"Yamero."
Duo Maxwell grinned, "That'll teach you to ignore me."
Silence.
Raising an eyebrow, Duo inhaled deeply, preparing to screech a second time.
Heero's voice crackled into existence, "If you do that again.... omae wo
korosu*."
The braided teen laughed, "Yeah right. You've been spoutin' that line since
who-knows-when."
A small video-window formed in the bottom corner of Duo's main viewscreen,
and he found himself staring at Heero's finely chiselled features, a dark
frown prominent on his face, "Enough nonsense, Duo. Remember why we're
here."
Duo nodded, sighing, "Hai hai...". His voice took on an exaggerated
lecturing tone, as he waggled a finger at Heero's image, "Several factions
of the former World Nation and the colonies have refused to acknowledge the
peace treaty, and are threatening violence. Quatre, Trowa, Wufei... you guys
patrol Earth and L1 through L3. Heero, Duo, you two take L4, L5 and the Moon
colonies. We cannot let them continue to pose a threat."
A small pinpoint of light in the distance caught Duo's attention, and he
frowned, squinting. The light was getting closer... and very fast. Too late,
he realized what it was. Too late, he attempted to veer off, to evade, and
the beam of energy struck his mecha in the chest, Deathscythe shuddering
from the impact. The American teen grunted. *I'm gettin' careless.* A quick
check showed no damage to the tough armor, and Duo nodded appreciatively. It
took a lot to damage his precious Deathscythe. He could just make out their
unseen attackers... a small posse of mobile suits in the distance... they
looked like Leos. His eyes narrowed, a deadly fire seemingly glowing within.
"Payback time."
It took Duo a moment to realize that there was a rather insistent sound
coming from his cockpit's speakers. Breaking his train of thought, he
grinned as he realized the source of the 'noise'.
"Duo... are you okay?"
Duo ran a hand through his thick mop of chestnut-brown hair as he smiled,
pushing his fringe back to prevent it from blocking his view in the upcoming
battle. He shook his head a little. *Even when he's concerned, he sounds
like he's talking about the weather*. In reply however, all the American
teen said was, "Hai, Heero... daijobu."
Heero's voice was no-nonsense, "Good... I'm detecting about ten Leos up
ahead... probably responsible for that attack. They're not responding to
attempts at communication."
Duo nodded, "Wakatta. This'll be a peice of cake!" He pushed Deathscythe's
thruster controls forward, hard, and felt a slight rumbling as his Gundam
soared forward. In one swift motion, he had the thermal scythe out and
activated, the huge glowing blade shimmering with vibrant energy. He patted
the console in front of him, "Here we go again, pal."
Soaring forward, ignoring Heero's sudden exclamation of "Matte, Duo!", Duo
Maxwell, as the essence of Deathscythe, brought the thermal scythe down hard
on the hapless Leos, obilerating three with his first swing. He vaguely saw
as Wing Zero caught up, taking out two of the remaining Leos with a shot
from its buster rifle.
*No distractions, Duo... the fight is all.*
He grinned again, his weapon coming up to deflect an energy beam one of the
Leos had tried to fire at him, the same weapon he brought down on the
hapless mobile suit's head.
*No distractions.*
A small insistent beeping caught his attention, and he spared a glance at
his console. He blinked. It couldn't be...
"Shimatta! Heero, it's a trap! I'm detecting over a hundred Mobile Dolls
bearing down on us!"
Silence.
Duo cursed silently inside. To his partner, he yelled, "Heero! Damn it, say
something!"
The comlink crackled open, "We'll survive. We've faced worse."
The American pilot felt his Gundam shake slightly. Flipping camera views, he
realized that Wing Zero was hovering behind him, almost back-to-back,
thermal blade extended in one hand, buster rifle in the other, as the wave
of Mobile Dolls began to surround them. He smiled. His hands gripped at his
controls.
*No distractions...*
*We'll survive...*
*We'll get out of this...*
*We'll get out of this...*
Heero raised Wing Zero's rifle. Duo held his thermal scythe at the ready.
The Mobile Dolls were closing in fast, impossibly fast.
Heero fired. Duo brought his scythe down on the nearest Mobile Doll. His
mecha shuddered as blast after blast pummelled its armor, and Duo repressed
a shudder himself. Even Gundanium had to give in sooner or later...
No...
*We'll get out of this...*
*We'll get out of this...*
The thundering blasts continued, and Duo prayed. Prayed for Quatre and the
rest to show up... prayed for anything... anything that would get them out
of this mess.
A blinding white light filled his viewscreen, and he brought his arm up to
shield his eyes. All around him... he felt a sensation of floating... of
being lifted...
*This is it... this is the end. Finally... I embrace Death.*
His thoughts wandered.
*Hilde... I never got to tell her... what I've always wanted to tell her...*
Everything faded to black.
*****
Hitomi Kanzaki found herself concentrating hard, staring at the large
brownish-yellow fruit in her hands. A 'piscus', he had called it. Whatever.
She took a sip from the straw sticking out of the fruit, grimacing at the
sourish tang. Anything to distract her attention away from the young
black-haired teen sitting several meters away, sharpening a massive silvery
sword, bare inches from Escaflowne.
*Those eyes... his hair... the sword at his waist... even that red...
vest... thing he loves to wear... it fits him perfectly. Why does he have to
be so... cute?*
Her cheeks turned a bright pink as she realized what she was thinking, and
she turned away abruptly, drawing a long sip from the straw. She winced as
the liquid flowed down her throat. Heavens, this fruit made lemons seem
sweet... how could he drink the baka thing?
"Hitomi."
The Japanese girl's head instinctively jerked in his direction, her gaze
focused intently on his sleek back, the rhythmic motion of his arms as he
continued to file at that huge sword giving him an aura of grace and fluid
motion.
"Hitomi... I..."
A measure of puzzlement seemed to slide across her face as Hitomi silently
regarded the young man in front of her, waiting for him to complete what he
had to say. *Strange... he's usually a lot more eloquent than this.*
"I... want you... to be by my side... forever... from now on."
Hitomi's eyes widened in shock, a small gasp escaping her throat, the fruit
dropping, only to smash against the wooden floor.
Shock still evident in her wide-eyed stare, her heart racing inside of her,
Hitomi found herself speechless for a moment.
*He... wants me... to be...*
*He... wants...*
Breaking her train of thought, she found her voice.
"Van... what did you just say?"
Van still had his back to her, but his voice had taken on steely
determination.
"I want you."
Hitomi jumped involuntarily at his words, her cheeks blushing furiously.
*He wants... -me-? My bo...*
"...sonna..."
The Fanelian teen seemed to pause, almost as if struggling with something.
He repeated his words, oblivious to Hitomi's growing discomfort. Turning,
his deep crimson-red eyes seemed to take hold of Hitomi, refusing to let her
go.
"I want you...", he paused, his eyes widening as he realized she was
blushing, and in a sudden outburst, he yelled in her direction, "I... I want
your power!"
Hitomi quirked an eyebrow, "Huh?"
*He wants my... what?*
Not letting up, the young teen leapt off his guymelfe, crossing the short
distance to where Hitomi sat, extending his hand out towards her.
"Hitomi... let's go to Zaibach together... we have to stop them... and to do
so, we need your power... to trigger the power of Atlantis... so that...
maybe... Escaflowne's true power can be unleashed.... I ask you... lend me
your power, Hitomi... please."
For a moment, Hitomi Kanzaki simply stared at the young man standing in
front of her, her mind absorbing the sudden turn of events. Without warning,
her face suddenly contorted into a frown, her teeth clenched, her eyes
burning with a hidden anger. The straw snapped in her fist. Without warning,
she got up abruptly, so abruptly, that Van actually took a step back.
*How... dare... he...*
Without thought, without care, she brought her hand up, and struck him full
across the face. His head jerked visibly with the blow, his hand coming up
to touch the already-reddening cheek. His face mirrored the shock... and
hurt, of having been struck by her.
His hand to his cheek, Van watched as Hitomi turned abruptly, sprinting out
of the windmill, and into the distance.
*****
Duo Maxwell jerked into consciousness, his first reaction an attempt to sit
forward. He blinked slightly.
Something was wrong... his orientation was off... his head felt heavy... and
all around him... pitch blackness.
*Am I dead?*
*Is this...*
He brought one hand up in front of his face.
He couldn't see it.
He tried to sit forward again... he couldn't move his body.
He paused for a moment, thinking.
In a blinding flash of the obvious, it struck him, and Duo Maxwell grinned
like a mad fool in the dark, the relief plain on his face.
He groped around a little... and released the restraining belt tethering him
to his pilot seat.
Feeling in front of him, he felt the cold firmness of Deathscythe's console
directly ahead. Expertly, his mind and hands trained from years of practice,
his hand reached for the 'SYSTEM RESET' button. He pressed the button, his
breath catching in his throat.
*Please work... please work...*
With a loud hum, the console stirred to life. All around, Duo could make out
the sounds of systems reactivating, of gears locking into position, all the
whirring and clicking that meant his Gundam was in perfect working
condition. The braided teen could not help another grin.
*Heero.*
Hastily, he reached for another button, the viewscreens obediently
springing to life. Vivid shades of green and blue filled his vision.
Duo gasped.
A forest. The ocean. The sky.
Impossible.
*How'd we land back on Earth?*
Extending the field of vision, a sense of relief filled him as he noticed
Wing Zero standing next to him, its white armor gleaming in the yellowish
sunlight. A small figure stood on a grassy patch in front of the other
Gundam.
Getting out of his chair, Duo waited for the soft hiss of the door's
hydraulics to end before pushing open the cockpit's entrance and leaping
down, landing with a dull thud on the soft grass. He stretched a little...
those cockpits were a little cramped, deeply inhaling the fresh crisp air,
before walking over to join Heero.
The Japanese teen was staring at the sky, seemingly oblivious to Duo's
approach. By now, the American teen was standing next to Heero, hands on his
hips, an eyebrow raised in curiosity, peering intently at the Japanese boy.
Heero appeared to be ignoring him. Again. This definitely called for drastic
action. He inhaled deeply, readying another 'Heeeeero!'.
He raised another eyebrow as he noticed Heero's left arm lifting up,
reaching in his direction, aiming for the back of his head.
*What the hell is he up to?*
Eyes widening, Duo felt Heero's hand grip his braid.
Trying to back away, Duo found his voice, even if all he managed was a
startled, "Chotto..."
Heero's yanked forcefully, yet not hard enough to hurt, just enough to force
Duo's head forward and up, in the same direction the Japanese teen was
looking.
Duo's breath caught.
"Masaka..."
Both teens turned towards each other simultaneously, and Duo was the first
to find his voice.
"Heero... I don't know about you... and I don't know -where- we are... but I
think I'd much prefer to be -there-...", the braided teen lifted one hand
up, a finger reaching out to point towards the barely visible, pale shadows
of two large spheres in the sky... one, a pale yellow....
...the other, a shining blue.
The Moon... and Earth.
Duo shuddered, "Okay... this is way -too- weird. Heero, I'm outta here!"
Turning, he made his way back into Deathscythe's cockpit, buckling himself
in even before the entrance had finished securing itself. In moments, he had
the engines fired, and Deathscythe primed, ready to leave. With no small
satisfaction, he noted that Heero had kept up with his pace rather well, the
distinct humming of Wing Zero's engines evident in the silence.
Duo Maxwell pushed the thruster controls forward hard, and with a loud roar,
his Gundam took off, soaring into the sky like a large black eagle. Out of
the corner of his eye, he saw as Heero caught up, his mobile suit lining up
with Deathscythe.
Flipping views, he studied the planet in detail. Freaky... it looked
almost -exactly- like Earth should... if not the war-torn, polluted Earth he
knew. Duo scratched his head in confusion. Where the hell did this planet
suddenly appear from? Glancing at Deathscythe's external sensors, he took a
look at the coordinating and navigation system.
A frown creased his face. Opening his communications channel, he spoke.
"Heero... this planet is sitting right smack where the L2 colony cluster is
supposed to be... and my sensors aren't picking up any of the other colonies
either."
For once, Heero responded immediately, the comms system crackling with
static, "I know. I just ran a check."
Duo shuddered, "Where... where are we, Heero?"
Silence permeated for a moment, a silence soon replaced by Heero's deep
tenor, ".... I don't know, Duo."
The stars were becoming more visible, and a reddish haze had begun to shroud
the viewscreen, indicating they were about to leave the atmostphere.
An insistent beeping from his console caught his attention. Keying in a few
commands, Duo frowned yet again.
"What the..."
A blinding flash of white light filled the viewscreen, and the braided teen
found himself forced to shield his vision once again.
Everything faded to black, once more.
*****
Heero opened his eyes as consciousness quickly flooded his senses.
Instantly, he was alert, looking around his cockpit for any possible
structural damage. None. At least, this time Wing Zero's systems hadn't
reset themselves. Activating the viewscreen, he blinked slightly.
Water filled his vision and Heero's eyes narrowed as he studied the screen.
The body of water appeared large... he couldn't see any boundaries at first,
but his vision soon adapted to the strange conditions displayed on the
screen, and he made out what appeared to be the shore some distance away.
Activating his sensors, he studied the results. He was still on that strange
planet... several miles away from his previous position. Wing Zero appeared
to have been submerged in the ocean they had seen moments ago, and the
'shore' he had seen was actually a relatively large city. Not exactly
technologically-advanced, according to the analysis of the materials used in
construction, but large nonetheless.
Not a good place to show up in a large walking mech, mused Heero. Pressing a
button on his console, he activated the docking clamps in Wing Zero's feet,
grounding the Gundam in position, before unbuckling the safety restraints
holding him in his seat. He stood up, pressing the control to open the
cockpit's hatch. Activating an automatic function to flush out the cockpit
twenty seconds after the hatch had closed, Heero Yuy braced himself,
inhaling deeply, preparing.
A loud beep sounded, indicating that the hatch was opening.
A forceful barrage of water slammed into the young teen, filling the
cockpit. Not wanting to waste precious time and air, Heero kicked furiously,
heading for the surface.
It was then, that the thought struck him.
*Where's Duo?*
*****
Duo Maxwell blinked, his eyes attempting to readjust as consciousness
flooded back once again in a huge rush. His hands were grasping at
something, soft and thin. His eyes widened.
Grass.
It took a moment for him to realize he was flat on his back, lying on the
ground, staring up at the sky. The same sky. Leaping up, he stared at
Deathscythe, standing motionless like a huge behemoth behind him. The
cockpit hatch was open.
Duo frowned slightly as everything fell into place. He'd lost consciousness
again. He'd forgotten to secure himself in his seat. He'd probably slumped
forward... his head hitting the control to open the hatch. And he'd fallen
out.
Grumbling slightly, Duo picked himself up, brushing off the twigs and leaves
that stuck to his black priest outfit, looking around at the surroundings.
He was on top of a small hill... a knoll perhaps... overlooking a huge city
just beneath him, the ocean and the horizon just beyond.
Duo's breath caught in his throat. He was still on that... other planet. No
city on Earth looked like that... at least, none that had existed for
centuries...
He turned away from the ledge, leaning against a large tree, continuing to
look around. Nothing prominent... apart from the large windmill directly
behind Deathscythe. Nothing prominent...
He blinked. *Where's Heero?*
A slight noise coming from the windmill caught his attention.
*Damn.*
Visions of a terrified farmer running away hysterical, screaming about a
large black giant sitting outside his windmill filled Duo's mind. Acting
quickly, he whipped out a small remote control he kept tucked away,
pressing the panic button. Nothing happened.
*C'mon... work, you freakin'...*
He pressed the button again, and this time, a shimmering effect shrouded his
Gundam, a shimmering effect that gave way into... nothing. It was as though
the mobile suit wasn't even there, and the braided teen allowed himself a
sigh of relief.
Taking tentative steps, he moved towards the windmill, weighing his options.
*Maybe whoever's in there can tell me where the hell I am.*
As he neared the open entrance, he blinked, followed by a broad grin.
It was Heero.
Heero was inside.
A small laugh escaped from the braided teen. *And you were so worried about
some farmer...*
Heero had his back turned away from the door, he appeared to be looking for
something. In the darkness of the interior, Duo managed a glimpse of
something huge and white. Wing Zero, no doubt.
Duo frowned. *Odd... when did he start wearing red? I thought he hated
red...*
Shrugging, Duo cupped a hand to his mouth, and yelled, "Oi, Heero! Aren't ya
gonna welcome me in?"
Heero jumped visibly, turning around to face the braided teen.
Duo's jaw dropped.
"You're... not... Heero."
The black-haired teen simply looked at him. A moment later, he replied
dryly.
"I'm glad you noticed."
*****
TO BE CONTINUED
"Irane yo, abunai ryu!!" - Hanabishi Recca
sola verbum Dei
Wanna glomp Chichiri? How about Duo? Van? Recca?
Proud Member of Glomp Fest 2000 NO DA!
Keeper of the Wing Chronicles*
Sandrock
* aka He Who Answers Inane Questions
A work of fanfiction based on the GUNDAM WING and VISION OF ESCAFLOWNE
television anime series
Written by Sandrock(sandrock@gundamwing.mailbox.as)
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Gundam, Gundam Wing and all related characters, references and trademarks
are the property of Sotsu Agency and Sunrise Inc. The Vision of Escaflowne
and all related characters, references and
trademarks are the property of Sunrise Inc. Original characters created for
non-profit use within a work of fan fiction are the property of their
respective creators. The writer authorizes the free distribution of this
work of fan fiction in its original unedited form, solely for the purpose of
entertainment and general viewing, and this work of fan fiction is strictly
not to be used for financial gain, monetary or otherwise.
AUTHOR'S NOTE - To provide for a sense of connection to the series, several
sequences(with minor changes made by the author ^_^)from the Escaflowne TV
series have been reproduced herein. These sequences will show the exact
timing the events in the fic occur.
TIMELINE
Gundam Wing - January AC 196, after the end of the war between the World
Nation and White Fang
Escaflowne - Episode 20/21, just prior to Princess Millerna's wedding to
Dryden
Bright amethyst eyes gazed out at the startling expanse of space just beyond
his cockpit, the moon large and bright as he soared past it, the sense
of complete and total freedom hitting him like a sudden rush of adrenalin.
The young boy couldn't help a grin as he took one hand off Deathscythe's
thruster controls, a hand that reached over to slap the button that
activated a comlink to the other Gundam soaring through space abreast of
him.
Twisting his braid around one finger as he expertly piloted Deathscythe with
the other hand, he saw a little green light on his console blink, indicating
that a communications channel had been established between their two mechas.
He spared a quick glance through his right viewscreen at the white Gundam,
wings flapping as its thrusters kept up with Deathscythe's pace
effortlessly. Tapping a finger on his console, the braided teen spoke, his
voice laced with mirth.
"Ne, Heero... just look at that sight! I can't believe how beautiful space
is when there's no fighting going on!"
Silence.
Duo smirked. Despite the war having ended and peace established between the
Colonies and Earth over a month ago, some things hadn't changed, and Heero
was one of them. Still as sullen as ever, Duo couldn't remember ever seeing
him laugh... or even smile. That, however, never stopped the braided one
from trying.
Grinning madly, he activated the channel again, "Heero? Are ya there? Heero?
Oi, Heero!"
Silence.
He stared at Wing Zero through the viewscreen, a finger coming up to tap at
his chin thoughtfully as plans to attract Heero's attention raced through
his mind. His eyes seemed to brighten after barely a moment, and a huge grin
broke out on his face. He cleared his throat as he pressed the comms button
again.
"Heeeeeeeroooooo!", screeched the braided teen, in a ear-piercing falsetto
that reverberated around the cockpit, a smirk of satisfaction crossing his
face as he saw Wing Zero suddenly shudder and lurch off-course. Moments
later, the com-channel activated, and Heero's deep tenor reverberated around
Duo's cockpit.
"Yamero."
Duo Maxwell grinned, "That'll teach you to ignore me."
Silence.
Raising an eyebrow, Duo inhaled deeply, preparing to screech a second time.
Heero's voice crackled into existence, "If you do that again.... omae wo
korosu*."
The braided teen laughed, "Yeah right. You've been spoutin' that line since
who-knows-when."
A small video-window formed in the bottom corner of Duo's main viewscreen,
and he found himself staring at Heero's finely chiselled features, a dark
frown prominent on his face, "Enough nonsense, Duo. Remember why we're
here."
Duo nodded, sighing, "Hai hai...". His voice took on an exaggerated
lecturing tone, as he waggled a finger at Heero's image, "Several factions
of the former World Nation and the colonies have refused to acknowledge the
peace treaty, and are threatening violence. Quatre, Trowa, Wufei... you guys
patrol Earth and L1 through L3. Heero, Duo, you two take L4, L5 and the Moon
colonies. We cannot let them continue to pose a threat."
A small pinpoint of light in the distance caught Duo's attention, and he
frowned, squinting. The light was getting closer... and very fast. Too late,
he realized what it was. Too late, he attempted to veer off, to evade, and
the beam of energy struck his mecha in the chest, Deathscythe shuddering
from the impact. The American teen grunted. *I'm gettin' careless.* A quick
check showed no damage to the tough armor, and Duo nodded appreciatively. It
took a lot to damage his precious Deathscythe. He could just make out their
unseen attackers... a small posse of mobile suits in the distance... they
looked like Leos. His eyes narrowed, a deadly fire seemingly glowing within.
"Payback time."
It took Duo a moment to realize that there was a rather insistent sound
coming from his cockpit's speakers. Breaking his train of thought, he
grinned as he realized the source of the 'noise'.
"Duo... are you okay?"
Duo ran a hand through his thick mop of chestnut-brown hair as he smiled,
pushing his fringe back to prevent it from blocking his view in the upcoming
battle. He shook his head a little. *Even when he's concerned, he sounds
like he's talking about the weather*. In reply however, all the American
teen said was, "Hai, Heero... daijobu."
Heero's voice was no-nonsense, "Good... I'm detecting about ten Leos up
ahead... probably responsible for that attack. They're not responding to
attempts at communication."
Duo nodded, "Wakatta. This'll be a peice of cake!" He pushed Deathscythe's
thruster controls forward, hard, and felt a slight rumbling as his Gundam
soared forward. In one swift motion, he had the thermal scythe out and
activated, the huge glowing blade shimmering with vibrant energy. He patted
the console in front of him, "Here we go again, pal."
Soaring forward, ignoring Heero's sudden exclamation of "Matte, Duo!", Duo
Maxwell, as the essence of Deathscythe, brought the thermal scythe down hard
on the hapless Leos, obilerating three with his first swing. He vaguely saw
as Wing Zero caught up, taking out two of the remaining Leos with a shot
from its buster rifle.
*No distractions, Duo... the fight is all.*
He grinned again, his weapon coming up to deflect an energy beam one of the
Leos had tried to fire at him, the same weapon he brought down on the
hapless mobile suit's head.
*No distractions.*
A small insistent beeping caught his attention, and he spared a glance at
his console. He blinked. It couldn't be...
"Shimatta! Heero, it's a trap! I'm detecting over a hundred Mobile Dolls
bearing down on us!"
Silence.
Duo cursed silently inside. To his partner, he yelled, "Heero! Damn it, say
something!"
The comlink crackled open, "We'll survive. We've faced worse."
The American pilot felt his Gundam shake slightly. Flipping camera views, he
realized that Wing Zero was hovering behind him, almost back-to-back,
thermal blade extended in one hand, buster rifle in the other, as the wave
of Mobile Dolls began to surround them. He smiled. His hands gripped at his
controls.
*No distractions...*
*We'll survive...*
*We'll get out of this...*
*We'll get out of this...*
Heero raised Wing Zero's rifle. Duo held his thermal scythe at the ready.
The Mobile Dolls were closing in fast, impossibly fast.
Heero fired. Duo brought his scythe down on the nearest Mobile Doll. His
mecha shuddered as blast after blast pummelled its armor, and Duo repressed
a shudder himself. Even Gundanium had to give in sooner or later...
No...
*We'll get out of this...*
*We'll get out of this...*
The thundering blasts continued, and Duo prayed. Prayed for Quatre and the
rest to show up... prayed for anything... anything that would get them out
of this mess.
A blinding white light filled his viewscreen, and he brought his arm up to
shield his eyes. All around him... he felt a sensation of floating... of
being lifted...
*This is it... this is the end. Finally... I embrace Death.*
His thoughts wandered.
*Hilde... I never got to tell her... what I've always wanted to tell her...*
Everything faded to black.
*****
Hitomi Kanzaki found herself concentrating hard, staring at the large
brownish-yellow fruit in her hands. A 'piscus', he had called it. Whatever.
She took a sip from the straw sticking out of the fruit, grimacing at the
sourish tang. Anything to distract her attention away from the young
black-haired teen sitting several meters away, sharpening a massive silvery
sword, bare inches from Escaflowne.
*Those eyes... his hair... the sword at his waist... even that red...
vest... thing he loves to wear... it fits him perfectly. Why does he have to
be so... cute?*
Her cheeks turned a bright pink as she realized what she was thinking, and
she turned away abruptly, drawing a long sip from the straw. She winced as
the liquid flowed down her throat. Heavens, this fruit made lemons seem
sweet... how could he drink the baka thing?
"Hitomi."
The Japanese girl's head instinctively jerked in his direction, her gaze
focused intently on his sleek back, the rhythmic motion of his arms as he
continued to file at that huge sword giving him an aura of grace and fluid
motion.
"Hitomi... I..."
A measure of puzzlement seemed to slide across her face as Hitomi silently
regarded the young man in front of her, waiting for him to complete what he
had to say. *Strange... he's usually a lot more eloquent than this.*
"I... want you... to be by my side... forever... from now on."
Hitomi's eyes widened in shock, a small gasp escaping her throat, the fruit
dropping, only to smash against the wooden floor.
Shock still evident in her wide-eyed stare, her heart racing inside of her,
Hitomi found herself speechless for a moment.
*He... wants me... to be...*
*He... wants...*
Breaking her train of thought, she found her voice.
"Van... what did you just say?"
Van still had his back to her, but his voice had taken on steely
determination.
"I want you."
Hitomi jumped involuntarily at his words, her cheeks blushing furiously.
*He wants... -me-? My bo...*
"...sonna..."
The Fanelian teen seemed to pause, almost as if struggling with something.
He repeated his words, oblivious to Hitomi's growing discomfort. Turning,
his deep crimson-red eyes seemed to take hold of Hitomi, refusing to let her
go.
"I want you...", he paused, his eyes widening as he realized she was
blushing, and in a sudden outburst, he yelled in her direction, "I... I want
your power!"
Hitomi quirked an eyebrow, "Huh?"
*He wants my... what?*
Not letting up, the young teen leapt off his guymelfe, crossing the short
distance to where Hitomi sat, extending his hand out towards her.
"Hitomi... let's go to Zaibach together... we have to stop them... and to do
so, we need your power... to trigger the power of Atlantis... so that...
maybe... Escaflowne's true power can be unleashed.... I ask you... lend me
your power, Hitomi... please."
For a moment, Hitomi Kanzaki simply stared at the young man standing in
front of her, her mind absorbing the sudden turn of events. Without warning,
her face suddenly contorted into a frown, her teeth clenched, her eyes
burning with a hidden anger. The straw snapped in her fist. Without warning,
she got up abruptly, so abruptly, that Van actually took a step back.
*How... dare... he...*
Without thought, without care, she brought her hand up, and struck him full
across the face. His head jerked visibly with the blow, his hand coming up
to touch the already-reddening cheek. His face mirrored the shock... and
hurt, of having been struck by her.
His hand to his cheek, Van watched as Hitomi turned abruptly, sprinting out
of the windmill, and into the distance.
*****
Duo Maxwell jerked into consciousness, his first reaction an attempt to sit
forward. He blinked slightly.
Something was wrong... his orientation was off... his head felt heavy... and
all around him... pitch blackness.
*Am I dead?*
*Is this...*
He brought one hand up in front of his face.
He couldn't see it.
He tried to sit forward again... he couldn't move his body.
He paused for a moment, thinking.
In a blinding flash of the obvious, it struck him, and Duo Maxwell grinned
like a mad fool in the dark, the relief plain on his face.
He groped around a little... and released the restraining belt tethering him
to his pilot seat.
Feeling in front of him, he felt the cold firmness of Deathscythe's console
directly ahead. Expertly, his mind and hands trained from years of practice,
his hand reached for the 'SYSTEM RESET' button. He pressed the button, his
breath catching in his throat.
*Please work... please work...*
With a loud hum, the console stirred to life. All around, Duo could make out
the sounds of systems reactivating, of gears locking into position, all the
whirring and clicking that meant his Gundam was in perfect working
condition. The braided teen could not help another grin.
*Heero.*
Hastily, he reached for another button, the viewscreens obediently
springing to life. Vivid shades of green and blue filled his vision.
Duo gasped.
A forest. The ocean. The sky.
Impossible.
*How'd we land back on Earth?*
Extending the field of vision, a sense of relief filled him as he noticed
Wing Zero standing next to him, its white armor gleaming in the yellowish
sunlight. A small figure stood on a grassy patch in front of the other
Gundam.
Getting out of his chair, Duo waited for the soft hiss of the door's
hydraulics to end before pushing open the cockpit's entrance and leaping
down, landing with a dull thud on the soft grass. He stretched a little...
those cockpits were a little cramped, deeply inhaling the fresh crisp air,
before walking over to join Heero.
The Japanese teen was staring at the sky, seemingly oblivious to Duo's
approach. By now, the American teen was standing next to Heero, hands on his
hips, an eyebrow raised in curiosity, peering intently at the Japanese boy.
Heero appeared to be ignoring him. Again. This definitely called for drastic
action. He inhaled deeply, readying another 'Heeeeero!'.
He raised another eyebrow as he noticed Heero's left arm lifting up,
reaching in his direction, aiming for the back of his head.
*What the hell is he up to?*
Eyes widening, Duo felt Heero's hand grip his braid.
Trying to back away, Duo found his voice, even if all he managed was a
startled, "Chotto..."
Heero's yanked forcefully, yet not hard enough to hurt, just enough to force
Duo's head forward and up, in the same direction the Japanese teen was
looking.
Duo's breath caught.
"Masaka..."
Both teens turned towards each other simultaneously, and Duo was the first
to find his voice.
"Heero... I don't know about you... and I don't know -where- we are... but I
think I'd much prefer to be -there-...", the braided teen lifted one hand
up, a finger reaching out to point towards the barely visible, pale shadows
of two large spheres in the sky... one, a pale yellow....
...the other, a shining blue.
The Moon... and Earth.
Duo shuddered, "Okay... this is way -too- weird. Heero, I'm outta here!"
Turning, he made his way back into Deathscythe's cockpit, buckling himself
in even before the entrance had finished securing itself. In moments, he had
the engines fired, and Deathscythe primed, ready to leave. With no small
satisfaction, he noted that Heero had kept up with his pace rather well, the
distinct humming of Wing Zero's engines evident in the silence.
Duo Maxwell pushed the thruster controls forward hard, and with a loud roar,
his Gundam took off, soaring into the sky like a large black eagle. Out of
the corner of his eye, he saw as Heero caught up, his mobile suit lining up
with Deathscythe.
Flipping views, he studied the planet in detail. Freaky... it looked
almost -exactly- like Earth should... if not the war-torn, polluted Earth he
knew. Duo scratched his head in confusion. Where the hell did this planet
suddenly appear from? Glancing at Deathscythe's external sensors, he took a
look at the coordinating and navigation system.
A frown creased his face. Opening his communications channel, he spoke.
"Heero... this planet is sitting right smack where the L2 colony cluster is
supposed to be... and my sensors aren't picking up any of the other colonies
either."
For once, Heero responded immediately, the comms system crackling with
static, "I know. I just ran a check."
Duo shuddered, "Where... where are we, Heero?"
Silence permeated for a moment, a silence soon replaced by Heero's deep
tenor, ".... I don't know, Duo."
The stars were becoming more visible, and a reddish haze had begun to shroud
the viewscreen, indicating they were about to leave the atmostphere.
An insistent beeping from his console caught his attention. Keying in a few
commands, Duo frowned yet again.
"What the..."
A blinding flash of white light filled the viewscreen, and the braided teen
found himself forced to shield his vision once again.
Everything faded to black, once more.
*****
Heero opened his eyes as consciousness quickly flooded his senses.
Instantly, he was alert, looking around his cockpit for any possible
structural damage. None. At least, this time Wing Zero's systems hadn't
reset themselves. Activating the viewscreen, he blinked slightly.
Water filled his vision and Heero's eyes narrowed as he studied the screen.
The body of water appeared large... he couldn't see any boundaries at first,
but his vision soon adapted to the strange conditions displayed on the
screen, and he made out what appeared to be the shore some distance away.
Activating his sensors, he studied the results. He was still on that strange
planet... several miles away from his previous position. Wing Zero appeared
to have been submerged in the ocean they had seen moments ago, and the
'shore' he had seen was actually a relatively large city. Not exactly
technologically-advanced, according to the analysis of the materials used in
construction, but large nonetheless.
Not a good place to show up in a large walking mech, mused Heero. Pressing a
button on his console, he activated the docking clamps in Wing Zero's feet,
grounding the Gundam in position, before unbuckling the safety restraints
holding him in his seat. He stood up, pressing the control to open the
cockpit's hatch. Activating an automatic function to flush out the cockpit
twenty seconds after the hatch had closed, Heero Yuy braced himself,
inhaling deeply, preparing.
A loud beep sounded, indicating that the hatch was opening.
A forceful barrage of water slammed into the young teen, filling the
cockpit. Not wanting to waste precious time and air, Heero kicked furiously,
heading for the surface.
It was then, that the thought struck him.
*Where's Duo?*
*****
Duo Maxwell blinked, his eyes attempting to readjust as consciousness
flooded back once again in a huge rush. His hands were grasping at
something, soft and thin. His eyes widened.
Grass.
It took a moment for him to realize he was flat on his back, lying on the
ground, staring up at the sky. The same sky. Leaping up, he stared at
Deathscythe, standing motionless like a huge behemoth behind him. The
cockpit hatch was open.
Duo frowned slightly as everything fell into place. He'd lost consciousness
again. He'd forgotten to secure himself in his seat. He'd probably slumped
forward... his head hitting the control to open the hatch. And he'd fallen
out.
Grumbling slightly, Duo picked himself up, brushing off the twigs and leaves
that stuck to his black priest outfit, looking around at the surroundings.
He was on top of a small hill... a knoll perhaps... overlooking a huge city
just beneath him, the ocean and the horizon just beyond.
Duo's breath caught in his throat. He was still on that... other planet. No
city on Earth looked like that... at least, none that had existed for
centuries...
He turned away from the ledge, leaning against a large tree, continuing to
look around. Nothing prominent... apart from the large windmill directly
behind Deathscythe. Nothing prominent...
He blinked. *Where's Heero?*
A slight noise coming from the windmill caught his attention.
*Damn.*
Visions of a terrified farmer running away hysterical, screaming about a
large black giant sitting outside his windmill filled Duo's mind. Acting
quickly, he whipped out a small remote control he kept tucked away,
pressing the panic button. Nothing happened.
*C'mon... work, you freakin'...*
He pressed the button again, and this time, a shimmering effect shrouded his
Gundam, a shimmering effect that gave way into... nothing. It was as though
the mobile suit wasn't even there, and the braided teen allowed himself a
sigh of relief.
Taking tentative steps, he moved towards the windmill, weighing his options.
*Maybe whoever's in there can tell me where the hell I am.*
As he neared the open entrance, he blinked, followed by a broad grin.
It was Heero.
Heero was inside.
A small laugh escaped from the braided teen. *And you were so worried about
some farmer...*
Heero had his back turned away from the door, he appeared to be looking for
something. In the darkness of the interior, Duo managed a glimpse of
something huge and white. Wing Zero, no doubt.
Duo frowned. *Odd... when did he start wearing red? I thought he hated
red...*
Shrugging, Duo cupped a hand to his mouth, and yelled, "Oi, Heero! Aren't ya
gonna welcome me in?"
Heero jumped visibly, turning around to face the braided teen.
Duo's jaw dropped.
"You're... not... Heero."
The black-haired teen simply looked at him. A moment later, he replied
dryly.
"I'm glad you noticed."
*****
TO BE CONTINUED
"Irane yo, abunai ryu!!" - Hanabishi Recca
sola verbum Dei
Wanna glomp Chichiri? How about Duo? Van? Recca?
Proud Member of Glomp Fest 2000 NO DA!
Keeper of the Wing Chronicles*
Sandrock
* aka He Who Answers Inane Questions