Warning: Spoilers for Gundam Wing. This goes for both the prologue and the rest of the story.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing.

Chapter Three: Mercenary-for-hire

His name was Alexander Serbiak.

Sandy blond hair stood out against his tan skin, a combination that was deadly to the opposite sex. Bored hazel eyes took in his surroundings, blending in with his classic pretty-boy looks. A scar extending from his left temple and down to the middle of his left cheek was his only facial disfigurement. His build was muscular, adding onto his impressive 6'5" height.

He hated his first name. He hated the variations of it just as much. He was to be only called by his last name as it was the only name he would tolerate.

His occupation was that of a mercenary. Basically, he was paid to kill other people's enemies during times of war. That was something he enjoyed.

However, now since this whole era of peace had come about, the only jobs in his line of work involved bounty hunting or assassination. Unfortunately, both were in low demand. Perhaps that was why he was where he was now…

He had simply been minding his own business when he had been approached by two men in long coats. They somehow knew who he was, though it wouldn't have taken much effort to know as he was an infamous figure in the mercenary world. Obviously, their employer wanted to offer him a job and he was willing to take it.

What was suspicious was that he was prevented from knowing where exactly they were going. Then again, he was used to this as most of his "customers" wanted to keep their meetings low profile and to eliminate any connections between them and him.

Not that he cared.

When he was finally allowed to see, he found himself in a metal room. This led him to conclude that he was in some sort of military base or maybe even a colony…

The sound of a door opening caught his attention immediately. Emerging from the darkness on the other side could have been none other than his potential client. The man was of average height, combed brown hair sitting upon his head. His eyes were an oddity; one was a dark brown color, the other a pure green. Colors aside, the eyes held a cruelty about them and currently both were eyeing him, calculating. He was dressed in comfortable clothes, at least to Serbiak he was, all covered by a long, brown trench coat.

"Alexander Serbiak?" the man question. Serbiak gritted his teeth and nodded curtly. 'Must resist impulse to kill this man…'

The man smirked and held out his hand in greeting. "Janus Xavien. Others have called me 'Lucifer' before but I prefer being called Xavien."

"Of course, Lucifer," Serbiak replied, shaking the offered hand.

Xavien's eyes narrowed. "Call me that again and I'll remove your kidneys."

"Too late," Serbiak said in jest.

"Really? Where did you lose them?"

Stumped, Serbiak saw that this man was serious. He took a step back, as if creeped out by this man's presence alone.

Xavien smiled slightly before resuming business. "So, Serbiak, I hear you're the best."

Not one to miss a chance to boast, Serbiak puffed out his chest and answered, "I am the best of my craft."

"Are you any good with weapons?"

"Any and all."

"What about Mobile Suits?"

Not seeing where this was going, Serbiak answered, "I can use them."

"Do you consider yourself a great pilot?"

Not pausing to think, "Definitely."

"Do you think you could take on the Gundam pilots?"

"I can hold my own against them," Serbiak answered with a smirk.

"Come with me," Xavien commanded, promptly turning around and heading back to the door from which he entered. Simply raising an eyebrow, Serbiak complied.

He was led through a maze of corridors until the man in front of him stopped at a door hidden in the darkness, and punched a code into a panel next to it. The door opening, Xavien led the way to a set of glass windows, gesturing for the mercenary to look.

All Serbiak could do was gasp.

He was witnessing the construction of a Mobile Suit through the windows. However, it was no ordinary suit being created. Serbiak could recognize what kind it was by the "face" of the suit.

It was a Gundam…

It towered over all the equipment in the room. Colored crimson and black, the mercenary could tell once completed it would look demonic. Not unlike the Epyon…

The left arm was a large turret, similar to that of the Heavyarms. Mobile "wings" sprouted from the back would be used as physical shields against any attack. Uneasily noticed was a beam saber on the side that would remain unnoticed until the wielder decided to use it.

Serbiak was sure that there were other little goodies hidden around the Mobile Suit and he was itching to climb into the cockpit. It had been so long…

"Is this what I think it is…?" he asked, slowly turning his head to look at Xavien.

"Made out of Gundanium, just like the other models," Xavien answered. "This, my friend, is my brainchild, almost complete. I am considering letting you pilot this marvelous machine, but there is a catch…"

"What?" Serbiak asked, suspicious.

"You must prove to me you are loyal and competent," Xavien answered. "Do not fret, you will be paid no matter what happens. However, if you want to pilot this suit, you must do something in exchange…"

"And that is?"

Xavien smiled evilly at him. "Oh, nothing much. Just kidnap Relena Darlain."


Author's Note: Alright people. So far I have put out three chapters and have received only one review. This is getting to be ridiculous. I would appreciate it very much if somebody, anybody, would please leave a review. If it is only to tell me you don't like it, then tell and give me some ideas on how I can improve on it. I want some constructive criticism here people. Any tips on grammar, punctuation, where I can add more detail, so on and so forth is welcomed. If you have gotten this far, then please fulfill my request. I do not want to resort to allowing flamers to review. This is my first fanfic so any response would be greatly appreciated.

Anonymous Void