I don't own Gundam Wing or Escaflowne. These are my interpretations of their characters. I don't want to make any money. Etc........
It had been a day since the representatives of the Dragon Clan had arrived. After getting situated, the three boys had gone off into the woods at Quatre's suggestion. According to Van's recollection to her last night, the triad had been approached by a group of Dragons. However instead of showing fear, Quatre had walked right over to the leader, the matriarch of the family according to him, and placed his hand against its face. They had spent the rest of the day there, talking. Van told Quatre and Trowa about his past and his part in the Gaea war and Quatre had told him about his childhood and how Heero had found him and given him a purpose. He also taught Van a little bit of the Dragon-tongue which he spoke, to everyone's surprise, rather fluently. He explained that an affinity with animals had been a gift he had been born with.
Hitomi found herself liking the earnest blonde who seemed to work so hard to make sure any tension in the group was eliminated. She hoped that the two of them could become friends in the future as besides Van and Merle she didn't really know anyone in Fanelia. As for Trowa, well Quatre didn't seem to mind him. At one point during the day Hitomi had made a point of touching his shoulder. To her relief she found that she received no negative vibe like the one she had felt in their first encounter. Still, Van's safety as well as her own Hitomi had decided to proceed with the one way she knew to be sure. "Tonight," Hitomi promised herself, "tonight I will read Quatre's fortune. It's the only way to be positive he's not planning to betray Van."
It was midafternoon and the two foreigners had decided to call together a more official meeting. Van would be representing Fanelia, Quatre and Trowa would speak for the Dragon Clan and Relena, who would also be attending after Van had asked permission from Quatre, would act as the voice of the Sanc Kingdom. The King of Fanelia had also insisted that Hitomi be present and he received no complaints. Instead all he received was a warm smile from Quatre who told Van in front of her that he was happy that she would attend. "She will represent the Mystic Moon," Quatre joked.
The five individuals sat cross legged on the floor inside one of the more private rooms in the palace. Van was at the head of the table with Hitomi to his left and Trowa to his right. On the other side of Hitomi, Quatre sat sipping tea quietly but with his anticipation evident on his face. Across from him Relena waited patiently for Van to start the negotiations.
Finally Van spoke, "Normally I try to avoid such formal meetings whenever possible. However, I think it is necessary for certain parties to make their intentions clear before I am willing to commit my country to any cause. In any case let's proceed. I think we should start by having Quatre explain exactly what the Dragon Clan's intentions are and how they intend to carry them out."
From across the table, Quatre smiled, happy to take the opportunity to earn Van's trust. "Of course. To begin with the Dragon Clan's long term goal is to restore peace to Gaea. We believe that to do this all the nations must be united. Under our leadership, we will lead Gaea to a new future of peace and prosperity."
"Who is 'we'?" Hitomi asked earning an approving look Van.
Quatre explained, "The leaders of the Dragon Clan are all Draconians. We believe that because we created Gaea centuries ago we deserve to be its rulers. Fate has chosen us to lead this beautiful world into a bright tomorrow. We are lead by High Lord Heero. He is the only pure-blooded Draconian that we know about. He is carrying on his father's dream by uniting nations under his leadership. There is also Wufei who is an honorable warrior raised by a respectable clan with strong principles. Then there is of course myself and Trowa. Oh and Duo. Lord Maxwell was an orphan on the streets before Heero found him. Though he was a pickpocket he has a strong faith in the people and always wants what's best for them. And of course Van would join the Inner Circle and he would have his input as well."
Hitomi glanced at Van. Though she didn't actually live on Gaea, its future was important to her. She wondered if he felt at all uneasy that so much of the world's fate would be decided by six young men. If Van felt wary, it didn't show on his face. Surprisingly, it was Relena he spoke up, "You say that you plan to unite all of Gaea. How are you planning on doing this?"
It was Trowa who responded, "We believe that the only way to create a peaceful future is to do away with the current leaders who wish only to squabble and fight. The current system is flawed. Only by one quick, decisive action can peace truly be established."
"So what you're saying is that you are going to forcefully take control of all the countries in Gaea?" Relena rephrased Trowa's statement.
Quatre shook his head, "You misunderstand. We will give these nations a chance to join us in our cause. Heero has assured us that it will be little bloodshed."
"But I am correct in my statement. If they refuse you will repress them until they agree or have no way to resist," Relena persisted.
"In order to establish true peace sacrifices must be made. We believe that the ends justify the means," Trowa responded, his voice rising in volume.
Relena shook her head, "I disagree. Though sacrifices sometimes must be made there are some prices to high to pay. Human life is one of these."
Trowa leaned back, deciding not to press the issue. Hitomi glanced at Van who was looking over the whole scene with concern and thoughtfulness. "He's probably trying to decide what would be the best course of action for his people," Hitomi thought with admiration. Van had truly become a wise king.
"But if you try to make peace through discussions it only wastes time. More lives will be lost trying to seek peace over a long period of time," Quatre said slowly. Looking over at the blonde Emperor, Hitomi realized that his face was filled with confusion. Though his words strong he sounded almost as if he was quoting someone else.
"Could it really be that he has never considered this side of the issue?" Hitomi wondered.
Van finally spoke up, "I believe that hearts that truly wish for peace will always seek the solution with the least amount of bloodshed. I am sorry, Quatre but I have to agree with Relena on this issue. Peace cannot be attained it if is forced. The people must truly believe in the harmony of all living things or it is all in vain. Your solution may work for now but in the end it will only produce more fighting."
"But Heero assured us that there would be need for other nations to fight," Quatre murmured. For several seconds the table was silent as everyone processed what had happened. Hitomi looked at Trowa, expecting him to be either be angry at Relena or his usual impassive self. Instead she saw that he was looking over at Quatre with concern in his eyes.
Suddenly Quatre straightened. "Trowa," he asked, his voice unusually serious, "What do you believe?"
The boy paused for several seconds, considering his words carefully. Finally with the focus of the entire room upon him he responded, "I believe that Heero is driven to carry out his goals. I believe he wishes to unite Gaea and create a peaceful reign. However I also think he is so certain of the purity of his goals that he is willing to go to great lengths to achieve them, even if it means the squandering of human life. The real question is, do you want to live in a Gaea controlled by Heero? Because if things continue as they have been, he will succeed. That I am sure of."
There was a long pause as Trowa's words sunk in. The other boy added as Quatre began to nod, "I am willing to follow you, Quatre, whatever you decide."
"I cannot make such an important choice now," the blonde Emperor spoke, "Van, do you still want us to stay here?"
Hitomi watched as the King of Fanelia stood, a determined look on his face. "Of course. Quatre, I must tell you. If Heero plans to attack Asturia, Freid and all the other nations I have no choice but to help them. As much as I admire your and Heero's ideals, I cannot sit back and allow the Dragon Clan to take complete control of Gaea."
They all stood now and Trowa put a hand on Quatre's shoulder. The young man replied, "I understand." With that final remark, the group disassembled, each person going off their separate ways. Soon Hitomi and Van were alone in the room.
"Van..." Hitomi said, walking over next to him. The young king led her outside where he sat on a rock, fiddling with his sword.
"Hitomi," Van spoke, his voice deadly serious, "Things here are escalating. If this continues there may very well be another war."
Hitomi sat down next him, putting a hand on his knee comfortingly. "I know, Van. I am here beside you."
Van looked at her, his face full of intensity, "Are you sure you want to stay here, Hitomi. It isn't safe anymore."
"Van," Hitomi spoke softly, "I want to be with you. I've waited so long for this. I'm not going to let anything keep me from being with you."
Van put his arm around her, filling her being with warmth and reassurance. Hitomi rested her head on his shoulder. "All right," he said, stroking her hair with one hand, "If that is what you want. We will face this new threat together. Our strength will prevail as it has before."
"Van..." Hitomi paused, remembering her dream. Finally, after almost a minute had gone by, she spoke up, "I had another vision."
From her close proximity, she could feel Van stiffen slightly. "What was it?" he asked, looking down into her eyes and kissing her forehead lightly.
"I dreamt I was on the battlefield. There were people dying all around me," Hitomi's voice choked for a second as she remembered the carnage. "Then I saw two Dragon Guymelefs fly overhead. One of them was Escaflowne and you were on it. The other one I didn't recognize. It was darker and it shot fire from its mouth. I couldn't get a very good look at its pilot but I thought it was a boy about your age. Then another boy came up behind me. It might have been the same one, I couldn't tell. He demanded to know who I was and then he saw my pendant." As Hitomi spoke she clutched her grandmother's heirloom in one hand without realizing it. "He started to shake me and I told him my name. Then I woke up."
"What did he look like?" Van asked, his voice betraying both his anxiety and curiosity.
Hitomi paused for a moment, thinking, then she responded slowly, "He had brown hair and dark eyes. He was well built looking but not overly muscular. He had a very serious and angry voice."
:It sounds like Heero," a voice from behind them said. As the pair turned quickly, Trowa raised both his hands up the air passively, "I wasn't eavesdropping, I just wanted to go for a walk and I happened to overhear. But the guy you are describing, Hitomi, it sounds like you are describing Heero."
"What do you think he wanted?" Van asked, standing to look the other teenager in the eye.
"I assume it has something to do with Hitomi's pendant," Trowa explained, "You see, all the members of the Inner Circle have one very similar to it." Trowa pulled out the jewel of his necklace which was hidden beneath his shirt. Hitomi gasped, it was almost identical to her own. "Heero gave us each one when he told us about our heritage. At the time I assumed it was some sort of gift but now I suspect it may be more than that. He came to you in a dream you say?"
Hitomi nodded, finding her initial distrust of the boy beginning to dissolve. Trowa seemed generally interested in finding out the truth behind Heero's actions. It seemed that the loyal soldier didn't like the idea of being manipulated, even less so the idea that Quatre might have been. "Van has always been able to contact our minds whenever he wished. At the time I assumed it was a power granted to him from his pure blood but now I'm thinking it might have been something else. Hitomi, be careful with that pendant. It might be a link that Heero could exploit."
Hitomi nodded, tucking the jewel beneath her shirt. Trowa nodded respectfully at Van and then left the pair alone once again. Van leaned over and kissed Hitomi lightly on the lips, putting his hand on the back of her head and emerging it in her soft hair. "I'm sorry but I have business I have to take care of. We'll talk later, all right?" he asked, favoring her with a sexy smile.
Hitomi wondered for a moment who had taught him how to grin like that, "All right. You promise?"
"I promise," Van said, still smiling, "I'll see you tonight." With that, Van stood and left the courtyard, leaving Hitomi alone with her thoughts.
It had been a day since the representatives of the Dragon Clan had arrived. After getting situated, the three boys had gone off into the woods at Quatre's suggestion. According to Van's recollection to her last night, the triad had been approached by a group of Dragons. However instead of showing fear, Quatre had walked right over to the leader, the matriarch of the family according to him, and placed his hand against its face. They had spent the rest of the day there, talking. Van told Quatre and Trowa about his past and his part in the Gaea war and Quatre had told him about his childhood and how Heero had found him and given him a purpose. He also taught Van a little bit of the Dragon-tongue which he spoke, to everyone's surprise, rather fluently. He explained that an affinity with animals had been a gift he had been born with.
Hitomi found herself liking the earnest blonde who seemed to work so hard to make sure any tension in the group was eliminated. She hoped that the two of them could become friends in the future as besides Van and Merle she didn't really know anyone in Fanelia. As for Trowa, well Quatre didn't seem to mind him. At one point during the day Hitomi had made a point of touching his shoulder. To her relief she found that she received no negative vibe like the one she had felt in their first encounter. Still, Van's safety as well as her own Hitomi had decided to proceed with the one way she knew to be sure. "Tonight," Hitomi promised herself, "tonight I will read Quatre's fortune. It's the only way to be positive he's not planning to betray Van."
It was midafternoon and the two foreigners had decided to call together a more official meeting. Van would be representing Fanelia, Quatre and Trowa would speak for the Dragon Clan and Relena, who would also be attending after Van had asked permission from Quatre, would act as the voice of the Sanc Kingdom. The King of Fanelia had also insisted that Hitomi be present and he received no complaints. Instead all he received was a warm smile from Quatre who told Van in front of her that he was happy that she would attend. "She will represent the Mystic Moon," Quatre joked.
The five individuals sat cross legged on the floor inside one of the more private rooms in the palace. Van was at the head of the table with Hitomi to his left and Trowa to his right. On the other side of Hitomi, Quatre sat sipping tea quietly but with his anticipation evident on his face. Across from him Relena waited patiently for Van to start the negotiations.
Finally Van spoke, "Normally I try to avoid such formal meetings whenever possible. However, I think it is necessary for certain parties to make their intentions clear before I am willing to commit my country to any cause. In any case let's proceed. I think we should start by having Quatre explain exactly what the Dragon Clan's intentions are and how they intend to carry them out."
From across the table, Quatre smiled, happy to take the opportunity to earn Van's trust. "Of course. To begin with the Dragon Clan's long term goal is to restore peace to Gaea. We believe that to do this all the nations must be united. Under our leadership, we will lead Gaea to a new future of peace and prosperity."
"Who is 'we'?" Hitomi asked earning an approving look Van.
Quatre explained, "The leaders of the Dragon Clan are all Draconians. We believe that because we created Gaea centuries ago we deserve to be its rulers. Fate has chosen us to lead this beautiful world into a bright tomorrow. We are lead by High Lord Heero. He is the only pure-blooded Draconian that we know about. He is carrying on his father's dream by uniting nations under his leadership. There is also Wufei who is an honorable warrior raised by a respectable clan with strong principles. Then there is of course myself and Trowa. Oh and Duo. Lord Maxwell was an orphan on the streets before Heero found him. Though he was a pickpocket he has a strong faith in the people and always wants what's best for them. And of course Van would join the Inner Circle and he would have his input as well."
Hitomi glanced at Van. Though she didn't actually live on Gaea, its future was important to her. She wondered if he felt at all uneasy that so much of the world's fate would be decided by six young men. If Van felt wary, it didn't show on his face. Surprisingly, it was Relena he spoke up, "You say that you plan to unite all of Gaea. How are you planning on doing this?"
It was Trowa who responded, "We believe that the only way to create a peaceful future is to do away with the current leaders who wish only to squabble and fight. The current system is flawed. Only by one quick, decisive action can peace truly be established."
"So what you're saying is that you are going to forcefully take control of all the countries in Gaea?" Relena rephrased Trowa's statement.
Quatre shook his head, "You misunderstand. We will give these nations a chance to join us in our cause. Heero has assured us that it will be little bloodshed."
"But I am correct in my statement. If they refuse you will repress them until they agree or have no way to resist," Relena persisted.
"In order to establish true peace sacrifices must be made. We believe that the ends justify the means," Trowa responded, his voice rising in volume.
Relena shook her head, "I disagree. Though sacrifices sometimes must be made there are some prices to high to pay. Human life is one of these."
Trowa leaned back, deciding not to press the issue. Hitomi glanced at Van who was looking over the whole scene with concern and thoughtfulness. "He's probably trying to decide what would be the best course of action for his people," Hitomi thought with admiration. Van had truly become a wise king.
"But if you try to make peace through discussions it only wastes time. More lives will be lost trying to seek peace over a long period of time," Quatre said slowly. Looking over at the blonde Emperor, Hitomi realized that his face was filled with confusion. Though his words strong he sounded almost as if he was quoting someone else.
"Could it really be that he has never considered this side of the issue?" Hitomi wondered.
Van finally spoke up, "I believe that hearts that truly wish for peace will always seek the solution with the least amount of bloodshed. I am sorry, Quatre but I have to agree with Relena on this issue. Peace cannot be attained it if is forced. The people must truly believe in the harmony of all living things or it is all in vain. Your solution may work for now but in the end it will only produce more fighting."
"But Heero assured us that there would be need for other nations to fight," Quatre murmured. For several seconds the table was silent as everyone processed what had happened. Hitomi looked at Trowa, expecting him to be either be angry at Relena or his usual impassive self. Instead she saw that he was looking over at Quatre with concern in his eyes.
Suddenly Quatre straightened. "Trowa," he asked, his voice unusually serious, "What do you believe?"
The boy paused for several seconds, considering his words carefully. Finally with the focus of the entire room upon him he responded, "I believe that Heero is driven to carry out his goals. I believe he wishes to unite Gaea and create a peaceful reign. However I also think he is so certain of the purity of his goals that he is willing to go to great lengths to achieve them, even if it means the squandering of human life. The real question is, do you want to live in a Gaea controlled by Heero? Because if things continue as they have been, he will succeed. That I am sure of."
There was a long pause as Trowa's words sunk in. The other boy added as Quatre began to nod, "I am willing to follow you, Quatre, whatever you decide."
"I cannot make such an important choice now," the blonde Emperor spoke, "Van, do you still want us to stay here?"
Hitomi watched as the King of Fanelia stood, a determined look on his face. "Of course. Quatre, I must tell you. If Heero plans to attack Asturia, Freid and all the other nations I have no choice but to help them. As much as I admire your and Heero's ideals, I cannot sit back and allow the Dragon Clan to take complete control of Gaea."
They all stood now and Trowa put a hand on Quatre's shoulder. The young man replied, "I understand." With that final remark, the group disassembled, each person going off their separate ways. Soon Hitomi and Van were alone in the room.
"Van..." Hitomi said, walking over next to him. The young king led her outside where he sat on a rock, fiddling with his sword.
"Hitomi," Van spoke, his voice deadly serious, "Things here are escalating. If this continues there may very well be another war."
Hitomi sat down next him, putting a hand on his knee comfortingly. "I know, Van. I am here beside you."
Van looked at her, his face full of intensity, "Are you sure you want to stay here, Hitomi. It isn't safe anymore."
"Van," Hitomi spoke softly, "I want to be with you. I've waited so long for this. I'm not going to let anything keep me from being with you."
Van put his arm around her, filling her being with warmth and reassurance. Hitomi rested her head on his shoulder. "All right," he said, stroking her hair with one hand, "If that is what you want. We will face this new threat together. Our strength will prevail as it has before."
"Van..." Hitomi paused, remembering her dream. Finally, after almost a minute had gone by, she spoke up, "I had another vision."
From her close proximity, she could feel Van stiffen slightly. "What was it?" he asked, looking down into her eyes and kissing her forehead lightly.
"I dreamt I was on the battlefield. There were people dying all around me," Hitomi's voice choked for a second as she remembered the carnage. "Then I saw two Dragon Guymelefs fly overhead. One of them was Escaflowne and you were on it. The other one I didn't recognize. It was darker and it shot fire from its mouth. I couldn't get a very good look at its pilot but I thought it was a boy about your age. Then another boy came up behind me. It might have been the same one, I couldn't tell. He demanded to know who I was and then he saw my pendant." As Hitomi spoke she clutched her grandmother's heirloom in one hand without realizing it. "He started to shake me and I told him my name. Then I woke up."
"What did he look like?" Van asked, his voice betraying both his anxiety and curiosity.
Hitomi paused for a moment, thinking, then she responded slowly, "He had brown hair and dark eyes. He was well built looking but not overly muscular. He had a very serious and angry voice."
:It sounds like Heero," a voice from behind them said. As the pair turned quickly, Trowa raised both his hands up the air passively, "I wasn't eavesdropping, I just wanted to go for a walk and I happened to overhear. But the guy you are describing, Hitomi, it sounds like you are describing Heero."
"What do you think he wanted?" Van asked, standing to look the other teenager in the eye.
"I assume it has something to do with Hitomi's pendant," Trowa explained, "You see, all the members of the Inner Circle have one very similar to it." Trowa pulled out the jewel of his necklace which was hidden beneath his shirt. Hitomi gasped, it was almost identical to her own. "Heero gave us each one when he told us about our heritage. At the time I assumed it was some sort of gift but now I suspect it may be more than that. He came to you in a dream you say?"
Hitomi nodded, finding her initial distrust of the boy beginning to dissolve. Trowa seemed generally interested in finding out the truth behind Heero's actions. It seemed that the loyal soldier didn't like the idea of being manipulated, even less so the idea that Quatre might have been. "Van has always been able to contact our minds whenever he wished. At the time I assumed it was a power granted to him from his pure blood but now I'm thinking it might have been something else. Hitomi, be careful with that pendant. It might be a link that Heero could exploit."
Hitomi nodded, tucking the jewel beneath her shirt. Trowa nodded respectfully at Van and then left the pair alone once again. Van leaned over and kissed Hitomi lightly on the lips, putting his hand on the back of her head and emerging it in her soft hair. "I'm sorry but I have business I have to take care of. We'll talk later, all right?" he asked, favoring her with a sexy smile.
Hitomi wondered for a moment who had taught him how to grin like that, "All right. You promise?"
"I promise," Van said, still smiling, "I'll see you tonight." With that, Van stood and left the courtyard, leaving Hitomi alone with her thoughts.