I don't own Gundam Wing or Escaflowne. These are my interpretations of their characters. I don't want to make any money. Etc........
Quatre sipped his drink and stared dreamily out the window at the rich countryside that was rushing by. He, Trowa, as well as several other of his closest servants were on his personal Airship, the , headed for Fanelia. The scenery was fantastic. The land was literally blooming with life. The wonderful shades of green, yellow and occasionally brown seemed to blend together as the ship soared by. "The soil here must be very rich," Quatre thought offhandedly.
"Rashid!" he called out at the captain of the ship and his older friend and former mentor, "how long till we arrive?"
"Only another hour or so, Master Quatre," the huge man replied from the bridge.
"Thank you," Quatre acknowledged, polite whenever possible even to his servants. "I suppose that is something I got from my upraising," he thought to himself. The small blonde reflected on how he had come to his position as Emperor. He had been born to a rich family of merchants. His mother had died giving birth to him, not an unusual occurrence. His father was a harsh man with high expectations. He was always particularly demanding towards his only son.
Quatre always suspected that his dad had blamed him for his mother's death. The young heir spent most of his early life being raised by his numerous sisters, though their mother was different than his, ignored by his grief stricken parent. His father had tried so hard to have a worthy beneficiary to the family fortune but had been disappointed with his male child, despite how hard the young blonde had tried to live up to his expectations. His father seemed to disapprove of everything he did. He felt like a caged bird and finding out about his wings hadn't helped things. Though he had been smart enough not to show his new abilities to anyone, the secret added to Quatre's feeling of isolation. Finally, when he was 14, Quatre left his family, giving up all claims to his inheritance.
To his surprise, many of the family servants left as well, determined to help take care of the youth they'd come to love. That year had been a difficult one and it was one in which the adolescent learned about the hardships of the outside world. He went from job to job, trying to earn enough money to live on. Despite the assistance of his followers, Quatre had very little to come by, having left almost all his belongings in his father's maintain. The only way he could get enough money to live on was by playing his violin on the streets of the city in which they lived. A few weeks shy of a year after he left, Quatre was contacted by Duo who had joined High Lord Heero's cause several months beforehand. Inspired by Duo's fiery speeches and promises of uniting Gaea, the teenager left his life on the street to undergo vigorous training. It was there that he met Trowa and the rest of the Draconians and found out about his true heritage.
At the time it had seemed like Heero's dream was such a noble one. Once they had united Gaea and restored everlasting peace, he could return to his father with an accomplishment that he could be proud of. He could finally prove once and for all that he was a son worthy of his father. But now, things didn't seem so simple.
The sound of the door creaking open startled Quatre from his thoughts. Glancing behind him, he saw Trowa had left his quarters and had entered the main lounge area. "I'm sorry," the other boy apologized quietly, "I didn't know anybody was in here. I'll leave."
"No!" Quatre found himself protesting, "I mean, it's fine. Please sit down."
To his joy, Quatre found that the shy fighter complied with his request. Trowa Barton walked over to where there was a small platter of food made by the Manganac Corps, for that was what Quatre's servants had chosen to name themselves. Taking a plate, the quiet teenager piled on some food and sat down opposite Quatre. The blonde boy smiled encouragingly at his companion. Maybe now he would finally get a chance to probe at the stranger. Despite having worked with him for over a year, the other Draconian knew almost nothing about the silent outsider who rarely said anything.
For several minutes nobody said anything as Trowa ate his food in silence. Quatre wondered desperately how he could get the other boy to open up. To his dismay he saw that Trowa had finished eating and they hadn't said a word yet. As Trowa began to stand he started talking, "So Trowa... What's Fanelia like?"
The other boy stopped moving and, to Quatre's delight, sat back down. Trowa avoided eye contact as he began recounting his impressions. "From what I saw, it was a beautiful village. It was tucked in a small valley with a road leading to the main gate and cliffs on either side. There was a picturesque forest behind the castle with every shade of green you can imagine. It's hard to describe. It reminded me of a piece of music I once heard."
Quatre, who had been listening intently, studying Trowa's face with a look of curiosity and enjoyment, perked up at the other boy's reference to song. "I didn't know you had an interest in music!" he exclaimed.
Trowa didn't answer but Quatre continued forward, having discovered a common pastime, "Do you play an instrument?"
"I play the flute," the normally untalkative teenager answered uncertainly, as if suspecting a trap.
"What a coincidence!" the cheerful blonde declared, "I play the violin. We should try a duet sometime."
There was a long pause as Trowa was silent while Quatre stared encouragingly into his face. A call from the bridge started the pair and the two Emperors jumped. "Master Quatre! We will be nearing Fanellia any time now!"
"Thank you, Rashid!" Quatre called back to his servant, turning to Trowa he added, "I guess we'd better get our things together."
Disappointed that he hadn't gotten the other boy to open up, the young master was at the door when a quiet voice from behind him caused him to turn around. "I think I might take you up on that offer sometime, Mr. Winner."
For a few moments, Quatre went rigid on hearing his father's name but then relaxed, pleased that he'd been successful in finally getting the little known Draconian to open up, "You can call me Quatre," he informed his new friend happily.
"Quatre..." Trowa said the name, as if trying it out, "and you may call me Trowa."
"All right," Quatre agreed, practically radiating, "Let's get ready to land in Fanelia, Trowa." The stone faced boy stood up and with his new friend headed to get together his supplies and as Quatre led the way to their rooms, Trowa Barton smiled.
"Could you please repeat that, General?" Treize Kushrenada asked, his tone changing only slightly, despite the shocking report. "More slowly this time."
"Yes sir," the flustered officer complied. Many of the previous leaders in the military had been replaced by those under Treize's personal staff. Thus many of the positions of rank in Baslam's military were held by young men, self-confident and hardworking. The youthful General swallowed and repeated his unexpected account. "Travelers from the region around Daedalus report that the city has fallen to an unknown force. After a relatively short battle which lasted less than an hour, the city's defenses collapsed and their military was completely wiped out.
The castle and surrounding area is now officially in the hands of a previously unrecorded organization calling itself the 'Dragon Clan.'"
"Dragon Clan," Treize repeated to himself thoughtfully, making a note to have someone look for any references in their books and logs.
"Though the details are sketchy, spectators who managed to escape claim that the army is made up of several thousand Guymelefs and at least that many soldiers. Approximately fifteen Flying Fortresses have been sighted in the surrounding area adding to the evidence that a larger scale invasion is along the way." The young man in the uniform finished speaking and looked up at his lord.
"Is that the end of your report?" Treize asked lightly.
"Yes, sir," the General concluded, straitening in preparation for orders.
"Interesting. It seems a new player has entered the field," Treize murmured, clasping his gloved hands together. "This is an surprising turn of events. Destiny once again has surprised us all."
Turning to the general, Treize gave his orders, "I want you to keep a steady stream of information with the area around Daeadalus. If they show any signs of moving, contact me immediately. Inform the other officers of our current situation. Advise them not to panic. This is an unexpected development but not necessary an unfortunate one. "
"Yes sir!" the officer bowed and quickly exited the room to carry out his orders.
"What do you think, Lady Une?" Treize asked his second in command who had been standing to the side, listening quietly.
"If this new aggressor targets Baslam then we may have no choice but to defend ourselves. The result would be a bloody series of battles. However, I have faith in your Excellency's abilities. We would be the victor."
"You flatter me, lady," Treize smiled softly, "Yes, we might be successful, however it would be a costly triumph. At the least it would postpone our offensive for many seasons in the future. Therefor we have only one option. Baslam must align itself with this new opponent. With our combined force even Asturia would have no choice but to surrender."
Lady Une frowned, quickly noticing a potential problem, "How will we convince this 'Dragon Clan' that our interests coincide? They will be, no doubt, self-confident after their recent conquest and the fact that they are situated on their plunder will be a constant reminder of their success."
Treize smiled at his worried colonel and explained, "I admit it will be difficult. It is not always easy to know how to gain a complete strangers respect and awe. However, I am confident in my ability to ascertain the best way to gain their leader's admiration."
Lady Une picked up on the unspoken decision instantly, "But your Excellency!" she protested, "It's too dangerous!"
"Nonsense. I wasn't always a politician, I can handle myself in a fight if there is a need to. However, I don't think that will be necessary. In any case, I will be going to Daedalus personally to take care of this matter," Treize informed his subordinate.
"If that is the case then I ask permission to accompany his Excellency," Une accepted Treize's decision quickly. She respected Treize too much to argue and even if she held him in such low esteem as to protest, she had been around him well enough to know that her efforts would be futile. Once his Excellency had made up his mind, there was no convincing him otherwise.
"As you wish," Treize agreed courteously, "Before we leave, there is one thing I would like you to do for me."
"What is it?" Lady Une asked quickly, eager to assist the man she respected so much.
"Write a letter to Zechs," Treize told her, giving no hint of emotion in his voice, "If my efforts fail and a war erupts I will need him here, at my side, to serve me directly. If not, then our operation will be ready ahead of schedule and I will need him to lead our offensive. In either case, he needs to return to Baslam. Tell him to make haste. By the time he gets the letter we will most likely have already made contact with the Dragon Clan."
Lady Une succeeded in matching her lord's tone, keeping the feeling of triumph she felt to herself, "Of course, your Excellency. I will send the letter well before we depart."
The pair left the room and Lady Une headed for the quarters, smiling fiercely. "So at last it begins," she murmured, pulling out a small roll of parchment and beginning her message.
Once again Hitomi found herself in the midst of a great battle. All around her a fierce clash of several mighty armies filled the air with the sounds of suffering. A heavy rain began to fall, completing the atmosphere. A nearby soldier ran, screaming, towards an enemy Guymelef. With a flash of remembrance, Hitomi suddenly realized that she knew what was going to happen next. "No!" she screamed, her feeling of powerlessness melting away. The girl from the Mystic Moon dashed forward, trying to stop the graphic scene that she knew would follow. As her legs pounded along the wet ground, propelling her forward, Hitomi's vision blurred. As her perspective changed, she could still make out the vague figure of the boy being spit by the snake-like shafts.
To her shock, Hitomi found herself at the top of a tall sheer wall of rock. Barely managing to keep herself from charging off the edge, Hitomi stumbled to a hasty halt. Turning, she saw that she was alone on a tall piece of rock overlooking the entire battlefield. "Why am I here?" she said aloud, confused at her sudden change in location. Hitomi reached for her pendant, which she had taken from its secure location in a locked drawer the day before, and squeezed it as if it could give her answers.
Suddenly, without warning, Hitomi felt a heavy gust of wind from behind her, pushing her forward. Barely managing to maintain her balance to keep from falling, Hitomi looked upwards to see a familiar shape soaring overhead. "Escaflowne!" she breathed as the dragon-shaped Guymelef flew swiftly past. To her relief she saw that Van was standing on the barely noticeable platform where the wings met.
Before she could cry his name, however, a second serpent flew overhead. "What?" she exclaimed in surprise and confusion. The other dragon was dark gray, almost black and its wings were blood red. Out of the mouth came spurts of flame and to her surprise, she saw that its crimson eyes seemed to glow with life.
On its back was an unfamiliar figure clad in a eloquent black garment with several red sashes and a belt with an ornate sword sheath complete with a gold handle sticking out. In an instant, the figure and his suit were gone, following Van closely.
The two serpents weaned through the clouds, occasionally making dives at each other. Around them, lightning flashed though the sky was devoid of any rain. Hitomi watched, wide eyed as the strange Guymelef shot a pillar of flame, nearly missing Escaflowne as Van pulled into a sharp turn. Below them, the battle raged on, unaffected by the test of skill going on above them.
Suddenly Hitomi got the feeling she was being watched. She quickly spun round to see the very figure from the strange Guymelef staring at her with an expression of confusion. "Who are you?" he asked bewilderedly.
"What do you mean?" Hitomi stammered, suddenly realizing that she was asleep and dreaming, "How are you in my dream?"
The other figures' eyes narrowed as he began to a get a grip on what was going on. Suddenly, his eyes fixed on Hitomi's necklace. "That pendant!" he asserted, "Where did you get it?"
Hitomi looked down and to her surprise saw that her grandmother's necklace was glowing. "Why do you ask?" she inquired, avoiding the stranger's question. Then she realized that around his neck was a similar piece of jewelry. The ruby that rested against his chest was even larger than hers and it too was glowing.
"Who are you!?" the serious young man demanded again, this time stepping forward and taking hold of her arms and beginning to shake her.
"Hitomi!" the girl cried out, fear gripping her heart.
The boy tightened his grip on her arms and said the name back to her, "Hitomi!" As her vision began to go bleary, Hitomi realized that someone else was calling her name. "Hitomi! Hitomi!"
With a jolt, Hitomi shot up from where she'd been sleeping. Van was holding her arms and repeating her name. When he realized she was awake, he quickly stopped and let go. "I'm sorry for scaring you like that. You just wouldn't wake up!"
"It's all right," Hitomi stammered, regaining a sense of her surroundings, "What is it?"
Van smiled, glad that she was all right. She had once again managed to give him quite a scare. "An airship has been sighted heading this way. It bears the symbol of the dragon."
"Oh!" Hitomi understood the implications almost instantly. "I'll come with you to meet them," she said, getting slowly to her feet.
"Are you sure you're feeling up to it?" Van asked with concern, causing a flare of annoyance across Hitomi's face.
"I'm sure!" she informed him, stretching and facing the young king, "Let's go."
As Van led the way out to the courtyard, Hitomi remembered her strange dream. "I wonder what that was all about," she thought to herself. But as soon as Merle appeared the strange figure was pushed out of her mind as her curiosity about the new visitors took precedence.
Quatre sipped his drink and stared dreamily out the window at the rich countryside that was rushing by. He, Trowa, as well as several other of his closest servants were on his personal Airship, the , headed for Fanelia. The scenery was fantastic. The land was literally blooming with life. The wonderful shades of green, yellow and occasionally brown seemed to blend together as the ship soared by. "The soil here must be very rich," Quatre thought offhandedly.
"Rashid!" he called out at the captain of the ship and his older friend and former mentor, "how long till we arrive?"
"Only another hour or so, Master Quatre," the huge man replied from the bridge.
"Thank you," Quatre acknowledged, polite whenever possible even to his servants. "I suppose that is something I got from my upraising," he thought to himself. The small blonde reflected on how he had come to his position as Emperor. He had been born to a rich family of merchants. His mother had died giving birth to him, not an unusual occurrence. His father was a harsh man with high expectations. He was always particularly demanding towards his only son.
Quatre always suspected that his dad had blamed him for his mother's death. The young heir spent most of his early life being raised by his numerous sisters, though their mother was different than his, ignored by his grief stricken parent. His father had tried so hard to have a worthy beneficiary to the family fortune but had been disappointed with his male child, despite how hard the young blonde had tried to live up to his expectations. His father seemed to disapprove of everything he did. He felt like a caged bird and finding out about his wings hadn't helped things. Though he had been smart enough not to show his new abilities to anyone, the secret added to Quatre's feeling of isolation. Finally, when he was 14, Quatre left his family, giving up all claims to his inheritance.
To his surprise, many of the family servants left as well, determined to help take care of the youth they'd come to love. That year had been a difficult one and it was one in which the adolescent learned about the hardships of the outside world. He went from job to job, trying to earn enough money to live on. Despite the assistance of his followers, Quatre had very little to come by, having left almost all his belongings in his father's maintain. The only way he could get enough money to live on was by playing his violin on the streets of the city in which they lived. A few weeks shy of a year after he left, Quatre was contacted by Duo who had joined High Lord Heero's cause several months beforehand. Inspired by Duo's fiery speeches and promises of uniting Gaea, the teenager left his life on the street to undergo vigorous training. It was there that he met Trowa and the rest of the Draconians and found out about his true heritage.
At the time it had seemed like Heero's dream was such a noble one. Once they had united Gaea and restored everlasting peace, he could return to his father with an accomplishment that he could be proud of. He could finally prove once and for all that he was a son worthy of his father. But now, things didn't seem so simple.
The sound of the door creaking open startled Quatre from his thoughts. Glancing behind him, he saw Trowa had left his quarters and had entered the main lounge area. "I'm sorry," the other boy apologized quietly, "I didn't know anybody was in here. I'll leave."
"No!" Quatre found himself protesting, "I mean, it's fine. Please sit down."
To his joy, Quatre found that the shy fighter complied with his request. Trowa Barton walked over to where there was a small platter of food made by the Manganac Corps, for that was what Quatre's servants had chosen to name themselves. Taking a plate, the quiet teenager piled on some food and sat down opposite Quatre. The blonde boy smiled encouragingly at his companion. Maybe now he would finally get a chance to probe at the stranger. Despite having worked with him for over a year, the other Draconian knew almost nothing about the silent outsider who rarely said anything.
For several minutes nobody said anything as Trowa ate his food in silence. Quatre wondered desperately how he could get the other boy to open up. To his dismay he saw that Trowa had finished eating and they hadn't said a word yet. As Trowa began to stand he started talking, "So Trowa... What's Fanelia like?"
The other boy stopped moving and, to Quatre's delight, sat back down. Trowa avoided eye contact as he began recounting his impressions. "From what I saw, it was a beautiful village. It was tucked in a small valley with a road leading to the main gate and cliffs on either side. There was a picturesque forest behind the castle with every shade of green you can imagine. It's hard to describe. It reminded me of a piece of music I once heard."
Quatre, who had been listening intently, studying Trowa's face with a look of curiosity and enjoyment, perked up at the other boy's reference to song. "I didn't know you had an interest in music!" he exclaimed.
Trowa didn't answer but Quatre continued forward, having discovered a common pastime, "Do you play an instrument?"
"I play the flute," the normally untalkative teenager answered uncertainly, as if suspecting a trap.
"What a coincidence!" the cheerful blonde declared, "I play the violin. We should try a duet sometime."
There was a long pause as Trowa was silent while Quatre stared encouragingly into his face. A call from the bridge started the pair and the two Emperors jumped. "Master Quatre! We will be nearing Fanellia any time now!"
"Thank you, Rashid!" Quatre called back to his servant, turning to Trowa he added, "I guess we'd better get our things together."
Disappointed that he hadn't gotten the other boy to open up, the young master was at the door when a quiet voice from behind him caused him to turn around. "I think I might take you up on that offer sometime, Mr. Winner."
For a few moments, Quatre went rigid on hearing his father's name but then relaxed, pleased that he'd been successful in finally getting the little known Draconian to open up, "You can call me Quatre," he informed his new friend happily.
"Quatre..." Trowa said the name, as if trying it out, "and you may call me Trowa."
"All right," Quatre agreed, practically radiating, "Let's get ready to land in Fanelia, Trowa." The stone faced boy stood up and with his new friend headed to get together his supplies and as Quatre led the way to their rooms, Trowa Barton smiled.
"Could you please repeat that, General?" Treize Kushrenada asked, his tone changing only slightly, despite the shocking report. "More slowly this time."
"Yes sir," the flustered officer complied. Many of the previous leaders in the military had been replaced by those under Treize's personal staff. Thus many of the positions of rank in Baslam's military were held by young men, self-confident and hardworking. The youthful General swallowed and repeated his unexpected account. "Travelers from the region around Daedalus report that the city has fallen to an unknown force. After a relatively short battle which lasted less than an hour, the city's defenses collapsed and their military was completely wiped out.
The castle and surrounding area is now officially in the hands of a previously unrecorded organization calling itself the 'Dragon Clan.'"
"Dragon Clan," Treize repeated to himself thoughtfully, making a note to have someone look for any references in their books and logs.
"Though the details are sketchy, spectators who managed to escape claim that the army is made up of several thousand Guymelefs and at least that many soldiers. Approximately fifteen Flying Fortresses have been sighted in the surrounding area adding to the evidence that a larger scale invasion is along the way." The young man in the uniform finished speaking and looked up at his lord.
"Is that the end of your report?" Treize asked lightly.
"Yes, sir," the General concluded, straitening in preparation for orders.
"Interesting. It seems a new player has entered the field," Treize murmured, clasping his gloved hands together. "This is an surprising turn of events. Destiny once again has surprised us all."
Turning to the general, Treize gave his orders, "I want you to keep a steady stream of information with the area around Daeadalus. If they show any signs of moving, contact me immediately. Inform the other officers of our current situation. Advise them not to panic. This is an unexpected development but not necessary an unfortunate one. "
"Yes sir!" the officer bowed and quickly exited the room to carry out his orders.
"What do you think, Lady Une?" Treize asked his second in command who had been standing to the side, listening quietly.
"If this new aggressor targets Baslam then we may have no choice but to defend ourselves. The result would be a bloody series of battles. However, I have faith in your Excellency's abilities. We would be the victor."
"You flatter me, lady," Treize smiled softly, "Yes, we might be successful, however it would be a costly triumph. At the least it would postpone our offensive for many seasons in the future. Therefor we have only one option. Baslam must align itself with this new opponent. With our combined force even Asturia would have no choice but to surrender."
Lady Une frowned, quickly noticing a potential problem, "How will we convince this 'Dragon Clan' that our interests coincide? They will be, no doubt, self-confident after their recent conquest and the fact that they are situated on their plunder will be a constant reminder of their success."
Treize smiled at his worried colonel and explained, "I admit it will be difficult. It is not always easy to know how to gain a complete strangers respect and awe. However, I am confident in my ability to ascertain the best way to gain their leader's admiration."
Lady Une picked up on the unspoken decision instantly, "But your Excellency!" she protested, "It's too dangerous!"
"Nonsense. I wasn't always a politician, I can handle myself in a fight if there is a need to. However, I don't think that will be necessary. In any case, I will be going to Daedalus personally to take care of this matter," Treize informed his subordinate.
"If that is the case then I ask permission to accompany his Excellency," Une accepted Treize's decision quickly. She respected Treize too much to argue and even if she held him in such low esteem as to protest, she had been around him well enough to know that her efforts would be futile. Once his Excellency had made up his mind, there was no convincing him otherwise.
"As you wish," Treize agreed courteously, "Before we leave, there is one thing I would like you to do for me."
"What is it?" Lady Une asked quickly, eager to assist the man she respected so much.
"Write a letter to Zechs," Treize told her, giving no hint of emotion in his voice, "If my efforts fail and a war erupts I will need him here, at my side, to serve me directly. If not, then our operation will be ready ahead of schedule and I will need him to lead our offensive. In either case, he needs to return to Baslam. Tell him to make haste. By the time he gets the letter we will most likely have already made contact with the Dragon Clan."
Lady Une succeeded in matching her lord's tone, keeping the feeling of triumph she felt to herself, "Of course, your Excellency. I will send the letter well before we depart."
The pair left the room and Lady Une headed for the quarters, smiling fiercely. "So at last it begins," she murmured, pulling out a small roll of parchment and beginning her message.
Once again Hitomi found herself in the midst of a great battle. All around her a fierce clash of several mighty armies filled the air with the sounds of suffering. A heavy rain began to fall, completing the atmosphere. A nearby soldier ran, screaming, towards an enemy Guymelef. With a flash of remembrance, Hitomi suddenly realized that she knew what was going to happen next. "No!" she screamed, her feeling of powerlessness melting away. The girl from the Mystic Moon dashed forward, trying to stop the graphic scene that she knew would follow. As her legs pounded along the wet ground, propelling her forward, Hitomi's vision blurred. As her perspective changed, she could still make out the vague figure of the boy being spit by the snake-like shafts.
To her shock, Hitomi found herself at the top of a tall sheer wall of rock. Barely managing to keep herself from charging off the edge, Hitomi stumbled to a hasty halt. Turning, she saw that she was alone on a tall piece of rock overlooking the entire battlefield. "Why am I here?" she said aloud, confused at her sudden change in location. Hitomi reached for her pendant, which she had taken from its secure location in a locked drawer the day before, and squeezed it as if it could give her answers.
Suddenly, without warning, Hitomi felt a heavy gust of wind from behind her, pushing her forward. Barely managing to maintain her balance to keep from falling, Hitomi looked upwards to see a familiar shape soaring overhead. "Escaflowne!" she breathed as the dragon-shaped Guymelef flew swiftly past. To her relief she saw that Van was standing on the barely noticeable platform where the wings met.
Before she could cry his name, however, a second serpent flew overhead. "What?" she exclaimed in surprise and confusion. The other dragon was dark gray, almost black and its wings were blood red. Out of the mouth came spurts of flame and to her surprise, she saw that its crimson eyes seemed to glow with life.
On its back was an unfamiliar figure clad in a eloquent black garment with several red sashes and a belt with an ornate sword sheath complete with a gold handle sticking out. In an instant, the figure and his suit were gone, following Van closely.
The two serpents weaned through the clouds, occasionally making dives at each other. Around them, lightning flashed though the sky was devoid of any rain. Hitomi watched, wide eyed as the strange Guymelef shot a pillar of flame, nearly missing Escaflowne as Van pulled into a sharp turn. Below them, the battle raged on, unaffected by the test of skill going on above them.
Suddenly Hitomi got the feeling she was being watched. She quickly spun round to see the very figure from the strange Guymelef staring at her with an expression of confusion. "Who are you?" he asked bewilderedly.
"What do you mean?" Hitomi stammered, suddenly realizing that she was asleep and dreaming, "How are you in my dream?"
The other figures' eyes narrowed as he began to a get a grip on what was going on. Suddenly, his eyes fixed on Hitomi's necklace. "That pendant!" he asserted, "Where did you get it?"
Hitomi looked down and to her surprise saw that her grandmother's necklace was glowing. "Why do you ask?" she inquired, avoiding the stranger's question. Then she realized that around his neck was a similar piece of jewelry. The ruby that rested against his chest was even larger than hers and it too was glowing.
"Who are you!?" the serious young man demanded again, this time stepping forward and taking hold of her arms and beginning to shake her.
"Hitomi!" the girl cried out, fear gripping her heart.
The boy tightened his grip on her arms and said the name back to her, "Hitomi!" As her vision began to go bleary, Hitomi realized that someone else was calling her name. "Hitomi! Hitomi!"
With a jolt, Hitomi shot up from where she'd been sleeping. Van was holding her arms and repeating her name. When he realized she was awake, he quickly stopped and let go. "I'm sorry for scaring you like that. You just wouldn't wake up!"
"It's all right," Hitomi stammered, regaining a sense of her surroundings, "What is it?"
Van smiled, glad that she was all right. She had once again managed to give him quite a scare. "An airship has been sighted heading this way. It bears the symbol of the dragon."
"Oh!" Hitomi understood the implications almost instantly. "I'll come with you to meet them," she said, getting slowly to her feet.
"Are you sure you're feeling up to it?" Van asked with concern, causing a flare of annoyance across Hitomi's face.
"I'm sure!" she informed him, stretching and facing the young king, "Let's go."
As Van led the way out to the courtyard, Hitomi remembered her strange dream. "I wonder what that was all about," she thought to herself. But as soon as Merle appeared the strange figure was pushed out of her mind as her curiosity about the new visitors took precedence.