Standard Warning: Gundam Belongs to Gundam and any scene or plot similarity to another person's story, movie or anime is purely coincidental. As always I hope you find some enjoyment in this offering.

Tears for the Dragon
By: Amber


Thought became deed and she appeared several miles away by a lake. She watched the young girl stroll around the edge of it while the large dog accompanying her was running and jumping happily within calling distance. She strolled down, neither noticing her until she was close enough to touch.

"Hello, Relena, how are you?"

The young girl with hair the color of sun-ripened wheat swung around. Joy lit her face at the site of her friend, returned once more.

"Thea, it's so good to see you." Relena's smile dimmed. "You were gone so long this time, are you alright?"

She smiled. "I am well and you?"

Relena smiled sadly. "I'm fine."

"O, little one, I know you’re lonely. Perhaps he will find some time as soon as the peace negotiations are ironed out."

Relena shrugged. "Perhaps. In any case, it’s alright, it’s not important as long as the blood shed stops. It also gives his new wife less time to parade suitable young men in front of me,” she whispered. Thea stepped forward and gently brushed a length of her hair behind her shoulder.

"He doesn't mean to be unkind, child, he's doing this for you, as well."

She nodded, "I know."

They turned and resumed strolling around the edges of the lake. She studied the young girl’s solemn profile from the corner of her eye. "Why is it, Relena, you never question where I go? Or where I've been or even who I am for that matter?"

Their steps slowed and gradually stopped as Relena looked up, taking stock of eyes the color of jade, they seemed to look into one's soul. Relena looked surprised, she hesitated a second. "I can't lie, I am curious. But I guess in the end it doesn't matter. If that is the price I must pay for your friendship then I shall willingly pay it."

She stepped forward, cupping Relena's cheek. "You are a credit to humanity child."

They resumed walking, silent, each lost in their own thoughts for several moments. She glanced at Relena from the corner of her eye to gage the reaction to her next words.

"It seems, little one, there is a Dragon residing some miles from here."

Relena stopped, her eyes widened. "A dragon? But…” She stammered. “Surely there are no such things."

Her eyebrow rose at Relena's words. "O, are you sure? There are more things in heaven and earth…"

"…Than are dreamt of in your philosophy,” Relena finished.

Thea nodded. "That's right. Who is to say what is out there right under our noses waiting for us to discover?"

Relena tilted her head, intrigued in spite of her doubts. "A dragon,” she murmured.

Thea smothered a satisfied smile. "A dragon." Patting her hand, she pulled free. "It's time."

Relena frowned. "So soon?"

Thea nodded. "You won't be needing me much longer."

Relena stepped forward, her hand reaching out. A knot of apprehension made her stomach clench. "What do you mean? We're friends. I will always need your friendship."

Thea nodded. "Yes, we are friends, but you will move on soon, and that which I provide will be filled by another."

Relena paled. "I don't understand…"

She smiled sadly, "This isn't goodbye yet. You have gifts to share, those who can benefit from knowing you. Share them."

Thea's hands lifted and the wind picked up causing the cherry blossoms to swirl madly about the ground and air. Relena looked around distracted. "Thea…"

She smiled at Relena. "Themis, Relena, my name is Themis." Gradually her form became fainter and fainter.

"Themis?? " Relena cried. " Wait..."

Share them, child, echoed around the lake and within Relena's mind. Silence descended once more and, as she looked around, she realized she was alone.