Alright I meant to get this chapter out sooner but here it is

Disclaimer: I don't own gundam seed


"I'm not one of the EA's lapdogs." Eric said.

"Then why are you fighting on their side?" Athrun demanded

"For the same reason Kira is. To protect those I care about."

"And for that you'd use Lacus as a hostage!? She's not a threat to them, she'd never hurt anyone! So why do you have to drag her into this!"

"No I only brought her back to the ship to save her. I never meant for this to happen, she's my friend!"

"And yet she's being used as a shield by the side you're fighting on."

"By the Earth Alliance yeah but not by me."

"You just said you're the one who brought her on the legged ship."

"Yeah but what does that have to do with..." Eric stopped when he realized where Athrun was going with this.

"She's in this situation because of you. The reason the Earth Alliance forces are able to use her like this is because you provided them with the opportunity to do so when you brought her to them. If you were really her friend then you'd never have put her in such danger in the first place. How you can delude yourself into thinking that's saving her is seriously beyond me" Athrun all but yelled mentally stunning Eric in the process before continuing.

"But I promise you I'm definitely gonna rescue her."

With that Athrun began heading back to the Vesalius leaving Eric in a state of shock inside the in now dead (in terms of battery power) Hope shaking in anger at the EA's actions and frustration at himself since he couldn't really do anything at the moment for Lacus.

"Dammit why is Lacus being dragged into this?" Eric asked himself while banging his fist against the controls in frustration before being contacted of the radio by Kira.

"Eric do you have any power left at all."

"No, thanks to that last shot from my shoulder cannons I don't even have enough reserve power to make back to the ship."

"Alright I'll carry you back."

XXXXX

Inside a black and red CGUE Rooks watched from a far enough distance that neither the Archangel nor the Vesalius could detect him with their radars as the two ships in question went in separate directions.

'So it seems Zaft isn't fit to perform the task after all, still this could prove to be problematic for us.'

It was by this time Rooks was contacted on the Radio and a window displaying Barclay's masked face appeared.

"Sir Barclay it's good to see you've arrived."

"I came as swiftly as I was able but I'm still curious has Zaft managed to deal with our potential impediment?"

"No they came rather close to meeting that goal but the EA abandoned whatever sense of honer they had and used the Plant's little makeshift princess as a shield."

"I suppose that's not beyond what the Earth Alliance is willing to do their actions in the past."

"Sir if they use miss Clyne as a bargaining tool they could very well force the Plants into a full surrender. If that happened the war would be over and..."

"Everything we've strived for will be for nothing at least for the next few years." Barclay finished for him.

"Yes sir."

"I'd like to see how things play out first. Should the EA's ship decide to take miss Clyne with them to an Earth Alliance base we will launch a full scall attack on their ship and destroy it and in the case where they decide to return her well I believe the transfer may make the perfect stage for our debut. Plus we may finally be able to meet the unknown machine's pilot."

"If you insist."

"I'm not overlooking the scenario of the EA using Lacus as a hostage to end the war we'll be ready if they should try to leave with her in toe."

XXXXX

As Eric opened the hatch to the Hope's cockpit he was confronted with Ramius and Natarle standing in front of him.

"How much damage did the Hope take?" The latter demanded more so than asked.

"Its' right arm is inoperable."

"Be ready to return to the hanger at a moments notice. We may need you to reset the self detonation should it start up."

"Fine but tell me one thing."

Natarle remained silent having already decided on what her answer was going to be regardless of what Eric intended to ask.

"What do you guys plan to do with Lacus?"

"That doesn't concern a volunteer, how we handle foreign figureheads is our business now return to your assigned room until further notice."

Without a retort Eric turned to leave the hanger bay with Kira walking next to him.

"Eric are you OK Athrun didn't hurt you did he?" Kira asked.

"No I'm fine." Eric said which he was at least physically bit emotionally he was close to a wreck which Kira noticed before remembering that Eric had been spending a good deal of time with Lacus since she was brought on board and how she was currently being used as a make shift hostage.

"Eric if you're worried about Lacus you don't need to. I know they won't tell you what they're planning to do but..." Kira stopped unsure of what else to say.

"It's fine Kira. Besides I think I already have a pretty good idea of what they plan to do to her."

Natarle glared at Eric's retreating back angered by his venomous tone.

"Let it go Badgiruel. Raglan's already made it clear he doesn't have a high opinion of the Earth Alliance for some time." Ramius said.

"True but I'm really starting to wonder what our side has done to make him hate us so much. I know we didn't meet under the best circumstances but still..." Mu La Flaga said.

"I'm beginning to wonder that myself." Ramius replied.

XXXXX

Eric walked towards his room trying not to let the anger he felt get the best of him as the Aegis' pilot's last words repeated in his mind.

"She's in this situation because of you. The only reason the Earth Alliance forces are able to use her like this is because you provided them with the opportunity to do so when you brought her to them. If you were really her friend then you'd never have put her in danger in the first place."

"Dammit I wasn't intending to get her used as a shield." Eric said slamming his fist against the halls window made of reinforced glass.

Eric could only wonder why things had to turn out like this. While he never meant for Lacus to be used as a hostage but he didn't even know she was the one in the life pod until after he brought back to the Archangel. Even if he had known what else could he have done. While it may have been true that bringing Lacus back to the ship may have invited the whole ordeal it was also less then likely that the enemy would have found her plus there was a third group trying to kill her, in simple terms had Eric not brought her back she'd have likely died alone in space so Eric really didn't have a choice if he wanted to ensure her survival at the time.

"Are you alright Eric?" A feminine voice asked shaking the teen boy put of his thoughts as turned to see the who's situation the Aegis' pilot was blaming him for.

"Oh Lacus sorry I was kind of caught up in what happened." Eric said hastily calming down.

"I see."

"Still I'm sorry the EA is using you as a..." Eric couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence.

"It is OK. I had no wish to see any more people die so I won't begrudge the Crew for their decision."

Eric had to admit he was more than a little shocked by how accepting Lacus was of her situation.

"If you say so but..."

"What?"

"It's still wrong regardless of the fact you're the chairman's daughter the EA can't just take you hostage for their own convenience."

"Eric I appreciate your concern I truly do and while I am not fond of being used as a tool the way I currently am I also have no wish for everyone else to be scarified simply so I can be kept oblivious to danger. Weather they are part of the Crew or refugees the people on this ship still have lives of their own."

Eric opened his mouth to protest but no words came out. As worried as he was for Lacus she was right about the others on the ship having lives to.

Realizing his error he finally found words to say but they were different from what Eric originally intended.

"Sorry I wasn't meaning to overlook what could happen to everyone else I just..."

"It's quite alright." Lacus said cutting Eric off before continuing.

"I'm rather happy you care for me even if you only recently met me."

Eric scratched the back of his in slight embarrassment.

"Well we did officially become friends before the fighting started."

Lacus giggled a bit before replying. "Of course and speaking of which I was hoping you would tell me more about yourself."

The sense of frustration from before died down.

"OK I'll be happy to. What do you want to know about me?"

"Anything you're willing to tell me."

"Well to start I originally came from a family of four. Both parents and one sibling."

"Your older sister who was a Coordinator?"

"Yeah her name name was Bahar."

"What was she like?"

"Well pretty head strong and protective of me actually."

"Really?"

"Yeah back when I was little I was picked on a lot by naturals."

Lacus wore a look of surpise at this "Oh my. But aren't you a Natural yourself?"

"Yes but there are lot of people tended on being for lack of a better word dicks because they can't get over racial views and since messing with Behar didn't tend to end well for them they'd often try turn to the next best thing to target which in their minds was me simply for the fact that I was related to her."

"I'm sorry you had such a rough childhood."

Eric laughed in response to this confusing the pop singer.

"Don't worry it wasn't as bad as you're most likely thinking."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. While I'd be lying if I said it wasn't frustrating to deal with but the vast majority of it didn't last long because more often than not the wannabe bullies in question would end receiving beat downs from my sister which would put a stop to it in a snap."

"Well I don't know if I can support such violent measures but I'm glad to know you had such a loving sibling."

"Yeah due to both of my parents working a lot she was practically the one who brought me up."

"I must admit I'm a bit envious."

That caught Eric off guard. "Huh why? I'd imagine you had to have had a good life yourself. Certainly better than mine."

"Well I've certainly had my share of joy but contrary to what most would believe even I have personal problems I must deal with."

"I see. I didn't mean to make an insensitive assumption."

"It's fine but I'm also curious about your current family."

"Well after my sister and parents died nine years ago a was introduced to my current dad Abram and immediately adopted by him."

"So your original family passed away?"

"Yeah but that's another story." Eric said avoiding going into the details of the particular subject and continuing.

"After being adopted by the Raglan family I was living in the Colony of Heliopolis."

"What was your life like on Heliopolis?"

"During the time I lived there I had a little bit of an awkward time fitting in at first but eventually found friends including some of the ones on this ship."

"Oh."

"Even though my current family wasn't my blood one I was still grateful to have them after losing my first one."

"I'm glad you found people to fill in the void."

Eric laughed a bit before replying.

"I think that would the best way to describe it. As I said before I'm glad to have them which is why I was saying I should have been the only one in danger when my Dad was shot."

"I'm not sure how you should've been in danger at all. I know I said this before but you don't seem like the type of person who deserves to be put in any life threatening ordeal."

"It's not that I feel I deserve it I just...maybe I should explain everything everything from the beginning."

XXXXX

On board the Vesalius Rue La Cruset stared out one of the hallway windows as he recalled the fight he had with the Hope Gundam.

He'd undoubtedly be lying if he said that he didn't want to meet that pilot again. The power of their machine was nothing to laugh at and their piloting skills while a bit rough around the edges definitely had potential even if the pilot was a Natural. With the right kind of training and experience the boy known as Eric Raglan could undoubtedly become a refined and deadly pilot. Perhaps one that would easily surpass any level the Zaft reds under Rue's command could hope to reach.

"It seems I was right. That machine and it's Pilot will prove to be quite interesting assets to the war. It's becoming difficult to believe Eric Raglan is just an ordinary Natural."

The door at the end of the of hall Rue La Cruset was in opened revealing the pilot of the Aegis.

"You wanted to see me sir?"

"Yes I wanted to hear your opinion on the enigmatic model."

Athrun inwardly scowled at the meer mention of the Hope. While his personal feelings were pretty much neutral towards the machine he was beginning to develop a disdain for its' pilot.

"The Hope itself seems to generally in the same league as the original five G weapons but beyond that it appears to have no real specialty in the field."

Rue took a few silent moments to ponder Athrun's statement and realized he was right.

It didn't have the stealth capabilities of the Blitz, nor the long distance of the Buster, the mobile armor or melee speciality of the Aegis, or even the ability to equip extra gear via packs like the Strike which granted it extreme versatility.

Overall it seemed to have a simply design much like the Duel. But something seemed odd about that. Why would the Hope be given such a plain design. The only reason the Duel had a simple design was because it was the very first of the original five to be made.

While that may have been the case with the Hope for some reason Rue couldn't really determine he doubted it.

"Then it would seem we've reached the same general assessment. But that's not the only reason I've called you here. I also would like to know how your feeling."

"I'm worried at the moment."

"Ms Clyne I take it?"

Athrun nodded.

"It's understandable since she's your fiance after all."

Athrun resisted the urge to groan. While he cared a great deal for Lacus and had a close relationship with her the truth was he couldn't truly see her as more than a close friend or surrogate sibling and he was more than certain the Lacus saw him the same way. He couldn't blame her however considering their engagement was arranged by their father's at the insistence of Athrun's.

Still he was genuinely worried worried about her and Lacus' being used as shield really made him begin to laoth the EA and more so to the point the Hope's pilot.

After the Pilot of the Aegis nodded silently Rue continued.

"Don't let yourself get to worked up. We'll rescue her."

"Thank you sir." With that Athrun left silently swearing to make Eric pay for Lacus' ordeal."

XXXXX

Back in the hallway of the Archangel Eric had just finished telling Lacus everything that had happened since Heliopolis.

"You've truly been through a great deal of endeavors in a short amount of time." Said Lacus before her expression suddenly become much more stern.

"However you should not have taken that vice Admiral's life in the name of revenge."

"But after everything he tried to do and shooting my dad..."

Lacus cut him off.

"I'm aware what he did wasn't forgivable however you must not allow yourself to be consumed by hatred. If you allow such an emotion overtake your heart you'll head down a path that won't show you any reward just more pain."

Lacus' expression softened a bit.

"And besides that I don't wish to see you lose the part of yourself that makes you such a kind person. So please don't hatred consume you."

"Ok I promise I won't."

"And remember the reason Mr Abram intervened was because he cares for you as much as you do him and he didn't want to let Garcia do what he wished with you."

"I will."

"Thank you." With that Lacus once again wore a cheerful smile.

"So if it's ok to ask what was your life like growing up?" Eric ask.

Lacus giggled a bit before assuring Eric his question was fine and began telling her tail.

Meanwhile at the end of the hall they in three teens were observing them from behind the door way leading into the said hall.

"Man I know you said Eric was a fan of Lacus but I didn't think he'd make a move this fast." Tolle said to Callahan.

"I think you're exaggerating a bit. Eric only just met and so far he's only getting to know her." Mirriallia replied.

"Maybe but he's already trying to earn points with Lacus. I gotta say he's hitting it off with her faster than I thought he would." Said Callahan.

"Oh please probably anything Eric says to Lacus is going to translating as trying to flirt with her in your mind." Mirriallia replied.

The reason the three teens were there at all was to leave Flay and Sai alone. After Kira got back Flay went off on him for failing to protect her dad and accused him (and Eric indirectly) of intentionally letting her dad die due to being a Coordinator hurting the Brunette's feelings and driving him off.

The three teens didn't want to witness anymore of the scene and decided to leave and on their way back to their respective rooms stumbled across Eric and Lacus.

"Whatever you say." Replied Callahan before continuing.

"But in all seriousness I've gotta admit even I'm surprised at this. While I knew Eric was a fan of Lacus and her music. But I didn't think Eric would open up this easily to her."

"Yeah now that I think about I don't remember Eric ever talking to any us about his past."

"I guess that just means he's more comfortable around Lacus." Tolle said

"I hope he's not just acting on some infatuation over Lacus being a celebrity." Mirriallia said.

"No I think it's safe to say he would honestly want that pink princess as a girlfriend." Another voice said causing everyone to turn around and see Mu La Flaga.

"How long have you been there?" Callahan asked.

"Just a minute or two I was on my way to the hanger bay to work do a little work on the Mobius Zero when I stumbled across you guys and I was wondering what you were all watching. I gotta say Eric has his aims set high.

"You can say that again." Callahan said.

Meanwhile as Eric listened to Lacus gave an overview of her life story he had finally came to a decision about what needed to be done.

XXXXX

Back on the bridge Ramius sat in the captain's seat staring out the front windows in shame.

'Are we really so weak we have to resort to using hostages who aren't even soldiers?' She wondered bitterly.

It was not particularly a secrete that she didn't like the decision made to use Lacus Clyne as a hostage in fact she was so hesitant in going through with the said decision that Natarle was the one who actually acted and made the choice for her.

Still while Badgiruel action's weren't exactly ideal in terms of morality they did save the crew a d refugees from certain death.

Regardless Murrue still had to wonder if what the crew was doing was right.

While she may have agreed to help with the construction of the g weapons in any way she was able during the time they in the process of being built because she was hoping to help bring the war to an end and restore peace between Earth and the Plants through ideal means.

However it seemed like since the G weapons were completed she had been forced to do things that were more or less despicable by humanitarian stanards such as taking a bunch of kids at gun point even though they weren't the enemy or done anything wrong, allowing all the Artimes personnel to be killed by Zaft even though they were simply following Garcia's orders, looting the remains of Junius seven even knowing it could easily be considered the equivalent to sacrilege, and now dragging a girl who didn't really have anything to do with the war simply because she was considered a figurehead in the eyes of the EA and the chairman of the Plants' daughter.

"Ms Ramius I suggest we leave for the eighth fleet and take Ms Clyne with us." Badgiruel said snapping Murrue out of her thoughts.

Outrage had filled her mind for moment before realizing Natarle was simply looking at things from a pragmatic point of view.

What the lieutenant was suggesting was optimal for the well being of the Crew and the sake of the overall war but...

"We can't do that Badgiruel."

"lieutenant Ms Clyne is a major figurhead to the Plants and the chairman's daughter. She makes the perfect bargaining chip for br..."

"We're not dragging a civilian into this!" Murrue all but screamed silencing Natarle before regaining her composure and sighing.

"Let's just get some rest for now and have newman oversee the bridge in the meantime." Ramius said before heading off to her room with Natarle following behind though a bit reluctantly.

XXXXX

Around an hour later after getting to know him Lacus was left in Eric's alone with the two Haro bots. After they Eric told her he was going to get something to make things right and to wait for him to return.

While Lacus complied with his request and appreciated the thought she didn't think Eric needed to go out of his way just for her.

The simple fact that he had saved her from certain death by an unknown group was more than enough for Lacus from her own point of view. Still that kind side of him was something she really liked about him along with the fact that he cared a great deal for those close to him.

At the same time she was worried. When Eric mentioned how he killed Garcia in an act of vengence it reminded of the possibility that this war could fill him with hate to be consumed by. That was something she truly hoped would never happen. Eric had a good heart and Lacus didn't want to see him lose that part of himself because of the tragedies the war has caused.

Suddenely the door to the room opened revealing Eric holding two space suits. Who enter the room and grabbed a thumb drive off the desk before turning to Lacus.

"I know this is sudden but please put this on." Eric requested as he handed her one of the suits.

XXXXX

"Eric where are we going?" Lacus now wearing a space suit with her skirt bunched up in the mid section of it making it look like she was pregnant and holding her pink Harobot in her arms asked as she followed Eric through the halls of the Archangel.

"To the hanger bay to bring you bring back to Zaft."

"But Eric you don't need to do such a thing."

"I know you don't want everyone on this ship to die just so you can live but I promise nothing will happen to them, the reason I'm piloting the Hope Gundam is to make sure the refugees get to Orb safely so they can rebuild their lives. So please come with me."

"If you keep your word that those on this ship will be safe I will come."

"I will."

After continuing through the halls for a few minutes and heading towards the hanger bay a voice suddenly called out.

"Eric where are you-wait why is Lacus with you?"

The two teens turned around to see Mirriallia who had spoken along with Tolle and Sai.

After a few silent seconds Tolle spoke up.

"Man Eric I heard you were a big fan of Lacus from Callahan but I didn't think you'd put the bun in the oven that fast."

Eric was confused at first but then he remembered how Lacus' skirt was bunched up in the suit's midsection and found himself having to fight off embarrassment.

"That's just her dress."

"I wonder what Callahan is gonna think of this."

"I'd actually prefer it if you or anyone else here didn't say a word about this to him."

"If you're actually doing what I'm starting to think you are he's going to find out."

"I'm meant about the makeshift appearance Lacus' dress is giving off under the suit. Seriously Callahan would never let me hear the end it. I can almost hear the line of jokes he'd make."

Lacus giggled at this before Mirriallia replied.

"Since you're both in space suits I'm guessing there's only one reason now that I've thought about it more. But are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yeah. I know why Badgiruel the others are using her like this but regardless of Lacus' occociation with the Plants this isn't right and besides she's not even our enemy."

"I see your point so I guess I'll help out." Tolle said.

"Well if Tolle wants to then so will I."

Sai faced Eric silently at first before speaking.

"I'm worried about what'll happen after we let her go but as you said we shouldn't be using Lacus as a hostage."

Eric smiled. "Thank you."

XXXXX

Loading the Hope onto the Catapult Eric glaced at the digital schematics of the Hope.

'It looks Murdoch at least got the arm to an operable state again but a good portion of damage is still there.'

Lacus who was laying across Eric's lap in a bridal style position spoke up.

"Do you intend to board to Vesalius?"

"No Mirriallia's going to send out a message to the Zaft fleet to have the pilot of the Aegis meet up with us. When I last spoke to him over the radio he sounded like someone who really cared for you. I remember my friend Kira calling him Athrun."

"Athrun?!" Lacus asked in a surprised manner.

"You know him?"

"Why yes. He's a close friend from my child hood as well as... The man I will one day marry." Lacus looked away from Eric after finishing her sentence.

"...I see." that was all Eric could bring himself to say.

He wasn't sure why but hearing Lacus confess that particular piece of information made an unusual type of pain take root in his chest. Still whatever the reason for the pain was it was something Eric had to push out of his mind the best he could for the moment since he still had to use what was most likely his one window of opportunity to get Lacus back to the Plant's and out of the Earth Alliance's hands.

"I have a single unit heading towards the meeting point we've requested." Sai said over the radio.

"Alright let's have Tolle open the hatch."

"Already on it." Tolle announced before Mirriallia spoke.

"Get ready to launch."

"Right." Eric replied before one of the personnel doors opened revealing Murdoch who's eyes became as wide as saucers as soon as he laid eyes on the hope being loaded onto the catapult and yelled out.

"What do you think you're doing?! You haven't been cleared for launch!"

To Murdoch's relief he got an immediate response but relief was replaced by shock when he discovered what it was.

"I know I've decided to I'm going to give Lacus back to Zaft."

"Are you out of your mind?! What"s going to stop those other G weapons from shooting our ship down?"

"I will when the time comes."

"With a weapon that has incomplete repairs?"

"If I have to."

"You've completely lost it!"

"Maybe but I'm still going to give Lacus back."

"Kid you really need to think about what you're doing!"

Eric didn't bother with a reply as the hatch to the Archangel's leg opened.

"Eric Raglan, Hope launching."

"Don't!" Murdoch screamed out to the top of his lungs as the Hope was flung forward and out of the ship's leg."

"Dammit." Murdoch cursed before hitting an alarm button on the wall next to him causing every siren light and alarm on the ship to go off waking up everyone on the ship.

"Seriously what is with that kid is he trying to get everyone killed?" Murdoch asked himself.

XXXXX

"Eric you'd best hurry with all these alarms going off Ms Ramius is going to be here in a few minutes if not seconds."

"Got it." Eric said before he flew out of the Archangel's radar range.

Shifting his gaze to the only other occupant in the Hope's cockpit Eric spoke.

"Just hang on for a little bit we'll be meeting with Athrun soon."

"Please do not worry I'm fine." Lacus replied.

XXXXX

"Please let Lacus be alright." Athrun muttered to himself.

When Rue La Cruset first informed him about the message from the Hope's pilot claiming he intended to return Lacus Athrun was initially skeptical but his commander pointed out that this may have been their only window of opportunity for rescuing Lacus.

Being made aware of that Athrun agreed that the risk had to be taken.

Athrun really hoped that Lacus was unharmed but there was no way to confirm the state of her well being until he saw her for himself.

If the Hope's pilot Eric Raglan had truly intended to give her back and Lacus was unharmed Athrun would at the very least see some good in the enemy pilot and if not Athrun intended to make him pay.

Soon the Aegis' radar soon picked up a single enemy unit and to Athrun's moderate relief it was indeed the Hope.

'Let's see if this guy keeps his word.'

Just outside of the Aegis' detection range at a much higher altitude was the customized and repaired DINN belonging to Rue La Cruset.

While Eric bore no personal significance to his personal agenda like Mu La Flaga or Kira Yamato did the boy had more than caught the commander of the Vesalius' interest with all the enigmatic circumstances surrounding him.

Rue found himself wanting to learn more about just who Eric Raglan was and he figured another personal duel with the boy may provide him the opportunity to do so.

XXXXX

"I knew that kid was head over heels for that pink princess but I didn't think he'd decide to play knight in shinning armor." Mu La Flaga said to himself inside the Mobius Zero which was getting ready to launch and find the Hope along with Eric and Lacus.

Mu's comment wasn't meant to be heard by anyone but he forgot that his radio was set on an open channel so his statement was broadcasted to everyone on the bridge.

"Lieutenant La Flaga this is no time for jokes what Raglan has done is an act of betrayel to the Earth Alliance." Came the somewhat angry reply from Natarle.

It wasn't exactly a secrete that Natarle was downright pissed about Eric's actions especailly since upon finding out she swore she'd have Eric thrown in brig and then incarcerated permanently insuring he wasn't allowed to see the light of day or the vacuum of space ever again.

As threatening as that sounded however Mu doubted Natarle would actually go through with it if she were able to since the ship needed Eric to pilot the Hope.

"Not necessarily. The kid's a volunteer, that's not the same as being an actual solider so his actions can't really be considered betrayal since officially he was never established as someone who was loyal to begin with."

"Just bring him back." Ramius said.

"Will do."

Mu then turned his attention to Kira who was in the Strike preping for launch.

"You ready to head out Kira?"

"Ye-yeah."

"You can be at ease we're not planning to fight anyone from Zaft this time."

"Right."

"Alright Mu La Flaga Mobius Zero launching."

With that the Mobile Armor was flung forward.

Kira simply faced forward and sighed hoping this would go smoothly.

He had a feeling that Eric wouldn't comeback willingly until he delivered Lacus back to Zaft. Kira could only pray that Eric would have already succeeded by the time he and Mu caught up. He had no desire for any type of confrontation with Eric or in an unlikely scenario a fight.

It didn't help matters that Eric may very well be meeting up with Athrun and Kira also feared the scenario where the two would kill each other.

XXXXX

On board a Nasca class ship an unusual mobile Suit with an almost ominous single white eye sensor stood on the catapult of the ship as its armor shifted to a dark blue color.

"Sir are you ready to launch?" A voice asked the Pilot over the radio.

"Of course."

"We're opening the hatch."

The face of Rooks appeared on the monitor of the machine's cockpit.

"It looks like the stage is set me and the other teams are ready to join you a moment's notice."

"Good I'd like you and the others to ensure there are no unwelcome interuptions."

"So you want to fight the Hope's pilot yourself I take it?"

"Precisely."

"Very well we'll be sure you're provided a proper battle field."

"Thank you."

With that the pilot faced forward.

"Abner Barclay, fulfillment launching." With that the mobile suit was flung forward.

XXXXX

The Aegis and Hope floated in front of each other at a silent but intense stand off until Athrun spoke.

"I came alone like you requested so give Lacus back now." the bluenette demanded.

"Athrun you shouldn't act so rude." Lacus said.

"Lacus? So it really is you!"

"Yes I'm here alive and well."

"Good. I'm glad to know your OK."

"I'm happy to see you to."

It was then that Eric opened the hatch before speaking for the first time.

"You can take Lacus back with you."

Athrun's attention was then turned to Eric.

"While I'm grateful to you for bringing Lacus back what you're doing begs the question of why."

"Simple because she's my friend. If that's all you want to know I'd like to hurry this up the others could show up any minute."

"You're doing this without your Superior's permission?"

"Pretty much." Eric answer before turning his gaze to Lacus.

"I hope to meet you again."

"As do I."

Without any further words Lacus got out of Eric's lap and exited the Hope and began slowly making her way to the Aegis.

The Aegis's hatch opened revealing it's pilot. Eric would have attempted to get a good look at him but the darkness of space would prevent that.

'Goodbye Lacus.' Eric thought as an odd pain had taken hold of his chest. Closing the hatch to the Hope Eric was about to turn around and head back to the Archangel when another familiar voice over the radio.

"So you actually went through with the transfer. Well now we can continue where we left off.

Lacus stopped her advance towards the Aegis and turned around in time to see the Hope pull back narrowly avoiding a beam blast aimed right for it.

"Eric looked up to the DINN he fought off before."

'Dammit doesn't this guy realize Lacus could get caught up in this?!'

"I must say I've actually been looking forward to this. It's the first time I've found an enemy of interest other then La Flaga."

The DINN then pulled out a beam saber made a beeline for the Hope which drew its own beam saber to block the overhead attack that Rue had readied.

When the two mobile suits clashed blades Eric attempted to raise the Hopes other arm and fire the Gatling gun only for Rue La Cruset to grab a a hold of the Hope's wrist with his Dinn's free hand.

"Nice try but I don't intend on leaving you with any blatant openings this time." with that Rue brought up the Dinn's knee and knocked Eric back letting go of the Hope's wrist in the process.

Making another beeline for his opponent Rue attempt a horizontal slash.

This time Eric blocked the attack with his shield. Unfortunately as soon the Dinn's blade made contact with his shield an Alarm went off causing Eric to look at the PC monitor which showed the Hope's shoulder section flashing red.

'I should have figured as much. Murdoch got the arm moving again but as it is right now it can endure heavy impacts or strain.'

Eric swung his own beam saber in retaliation forcing the Dinn to pull back.

"Stop, I didn't came here to fight you!"

Rue smirked. "Perhaps but I came here with every intention of fighting you!" With that Rue readied himself to charge the Hope once more before an alarm went off alerting him to an incoming attack.

Rue barely manage to climb fast enough to avoid a beam shot from a fast approaching Mobius Zero along with the Strike. Not far behind the two units was the Archangel.

Rue merely smiled at this. "So all the major peices have gathered in one place."

Rue La cruset prepared send out an attack order to the Vesalius when Lacus who was floating just outside the Aegis spoke over the Gundam's radio on an open channel for everyone present to hear.

"Rue La Cruset I would suggest that you stop this now. Or do you intend to turn this place into a battle field in the presence of the chairman's daughter?"

Rue scowled, as much as he hated to admit it he had no choice but to cave in to Lacus' demand. Though three people were present that Rue desired to cross blades with, two of which he dreamed of personally killing throughout most of his lifetime it would mean nothing if he couldn't carry put the rest of his personal goal.

Mu smiled inside the Mobius Zero. "It looks like that pink princess' got more spunk than I thought especially after what that Allster girl tried to pull on the bridge."

Rue was about to reply to Lacus but was beaten to the punch when another completely new and unknown voice spoke over the radio.

"Perhaps he doesn't but I intended to use this as a stage for battle from the beginning.

XXXXX

"We have around over twenty enemies mobile suits heading for us from all directions!" Directions Sai yelled out bordering on going into a full blown panic.

Murrue tensed up momentarily.

"Ready the AA guns to hold off the attacking Mobile suits and set a course to link up with La Flaga, Yamato and Raglan so we can begin our retreat."

Suddenly the Archangel was hailed on the radio which Mirriallia easily take notice have.

"Ms Ramius one of the enemies is trying to contact us."

Before Murrue could issue an order to decide weather to patch them through or not the decision was made for her when the individual trying to contact with the ship broke through its fire walls and a window displaying their face appeared.

"So this is the crew of the EA's new ship? You guys must have only survived thanks to the power of the mobile suits you have with you."

"Who are you? Identify yourself." Ramius demanded.

"Rooks, beyond that the only thing you need to know is that you're not going to allowed to interfere."

"With what?"

"A personal duel my commander desires with the machine his former colleague who used the name Shirou built."

A part of Murrue's mind began to wonder just who this Shirou was but thanks to the current situation of the entire Crew she had to put the mental inquiry aside for the moment.

Turning her gaze to those on the bridge of the Archangel she spoke.

"Our plans remained unchanged use to AA guns to hold the enemy mobile suits at bay and link up with the G weapons and Mobius Zero."

Sai suddenly spoke by this time. "A single enemy unit is heading right for the Hope...it's moving at five times the speed of any other unit on the field...holy shit."

If not for the bleak predicament everyone was in Murrue probably would have reprimanded Sai for his choice of language but as things stood she needed to focus on the safety of everyine on the Archangel as well as the three out in the field.

"Fire the Lohengrin cannons at the unit heading towards the Hope."

Rooks laughed at the declaration before speaking. "Sorry to disappoint but I did just make it clear you won't be interfering."

Moments after Rooks finished his sentence everyone onboard the Archangel felt the ship shake from two hard impacts.

"Both Lohengrin cannons are offline!" Eclaimed a Crew member before being followed up by Sai.

"More enemy units have shown up. They're heading towards the Hope."

"Have Mu and Kira link up with Eric and come back to the Archangel."

"On it!" Callahan exclaimed now scares for his foster brother and friend.

XXXXX

Kira found himself confused and alarmed at the same time. He was wondering why these new mobile suits showed up but also alert since one of the pilots of their group implying they wanted a fight.

While this was happening the Archanngel had come under attack by more of the unkown units.

Kira was about to head back to the Archangel and defend in a moment of desperation before he was hailed by Callahan.

"Kira ms Ramious wants you and Mu to get Eric and get back here as fast as you can."

"Alright." Kira turned his attention to Mu.

"I heard him over the radio, you should focus on getting to Eric. I'll try and hold these CGUEs."

"By yourself?" Kira asked.

"Pretty much I'm known as the hawk of Endymion for my skill with a mobile armor."

Kira simply turned towards the Hope and began accelerating towards it at the top speed the Strike was capable of reaching wanting to reach Eric as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately for the teen Coordinator that hope was dashed when six CGUE's got into a position ahead and at a higher altitude then Kira and split onto two vertical rows of three to the left and right of him and shot their beam rifle's at the exact same time diagonally downward and precise angles that they crisscrossed with each other forming a momentarily makeshift net on Kira's path forcing him to come to a quick and barely controlled stop.

Seconds later two more beams came up behind Kira and struck one of the Strike's thrusters.

Mu who was watching from a distance as he came around for an assault on one of the CGUEs his separated gun barrels were not keeping at bay became wide eyed.

'That precision there's no way this is a typical pirate group!'

That may have been putting it lightly as far as Mu was concerned. Throughout the war with Zaft he had seen many fights and clashed with many skilled teams but even a military made up of coodinators could never produce a team with as much skill and precision as the ones that shot out the Strike's thruster.

Their skills seemed to surpass any Natural's or Coordinators. It may have been accurate to say they possessed skills that were in a sense inhuman.

Soon the six mobile suits flow down to Kira's altitude and formes a horizontal line in front of him before leveling their weapons on him simultaniously.

"Get out the way!" Kira exclaimed only for the mobile suits to taciturnly stay in place.

Growing frustrated Kira aimed his own beam rifle at one of the units only for all of them to shift their weapon to his weapon and fire in perfect sync.

All six beams converged right to the same point, at the exact moment they hit the+q+ beam rifle they obliterated it and creating an explosion that threw the Strike to the side.

Another new voice belonging to what was most likely a boy around Eric and Kira's age spoke over the radio channels.

"I'm pretty damn sure Rooks made it clear that you're not to but in our commander's soon to be fight."

Kira and Mu looked to see another CGUE off in the distance.

"Who are you?"

"Grayson Landry, that's all you need to know."

At that moment the alarm went off in the mobius Zero causing Mu to look at a digital diagram displaying the state of his machine and showing him that two of the four seperate gun barrels were destroyed.

"What the..." Mu was cut off by a hard impact to the back of his mobile armor. Soon after the Mobius Zero quickly decelerated to till it was merely drifting in the vastness of space.

Mu tried to reengage his thruster but immediately found himself unable to before it dawned on him what the hard impact he felt was.

"Don't tell me...!"

Grayson cut him off. "My allies took out your thrusters and without the ability to maneuver around the battle field you're just a stationary target so I'd advise you to recall your two remaining gun barrels and sit tight less you want to be shot down.

As much as Mu La Flaga hated to admit it he was in such a bind that no choice but to comply with Grayson's demand.

After having the two remaining gun barrels come back Mu grunted in frustration and looked towards the Archangel only to be greeted by a shocking sight.

The ship was still intact but essentailly disabled for the majority part. Every single turret and cannon had been taken out by enemy unit and both of the end thrusters underneath the Archangel's main belly were shot out meaning the ship couldn't travel at very high speeds and its' maneuverability was severely reduced.

To make matters worse five units all floated in front of the ship with the rifles aimed directly at the bridge ready to fire at a moment's notice. In short the Strike Gundam, Mobius Zero, and Archangel were all basically being held at gun point by this unknown group and from the looks of it Rue La Cruset and the Aegis' pilot were in similar positions with the only difference being that their machines weren't damaged.

"You've gotta be kidding me."

XXXXX

Eric watched in shock as the Mu, Kira, the two Zaft mobile suits, and the Archangel were all attacked simultaneously unsure of who to help all the while multiple enemies surrounded him from all sides by stopped at a certain distance and merely observed him almost like they were forming a makeshift ring around him.

His anxiety only worsened when his allies were all disabled. Putting power into the Hope's thrusters Eric attempted to make a beeline in his allies general direction until a group of enemy unit fired their weapons in select directions causing their shots to form another makeshift beam net and cut off Eric flight path.

"Get out of my way!" Eric yelled.

"Sorry but that's not gonna happen." Grayson said.

"I know you guys aren't happy about me returning Lacus to the Zaft forces but if you want revenge the only person you should point your weapons at is me."

Grayson laughed at this.

"This isn't about revenge. Our boss just wants your allies and the Zaft forces out of the way so he can duel you personally."

"What?"

Just then Eric was hailed on the radio by the Archangel before Mirrillia's face appeared in the PC monitor and judging by her panicked expression it was obvious she wasn't contacting Eric to give him any good or relieving news.

"Eric there's an extremely fast unit headed right for you!" she practically screamed.

"What?" Eric had no time to speak further as the alarms in his cockpit went off causing him to turn into the direction of an extremely abnormal mobile suit.

In was mainly dark blue in color with an almost dome like head with a thin protrusion coming out of the top of its forehead and a single white eye sensor behin shaped visor. Its arms and legs were mostly round with the latter of the limbs having extra plates on the outer sides of their lower legs. The shoulder were plain of sphere shaped. The area of the mobile suit's chest was dark grey with two small white vents on either side and the middle area protruded outward slightly in a diamond like shape with the bottom part being longer than the top. Two wings extending outward each with a triple set of thrusters.

In its right hand was an amber colored one handed beam Axe which the machine itself held out and at the ready.

The speed of the enemy unit was unreal for even the Gundams. Eric barely had any time to bring his beam saber to block the attack. The moment the blades collided Eric's machine was thrown back.

The sheer power behind the enemy machine was nothing the scoff at anymore than its speed.

"It seems you have adequate reaction speed." said the pilot.

"Who are you?!" Eric asked as the enemy machine closed in on him again and swing its beam Axe at him causing to try and parry the blow only to be thrown back from sheer amount the force behind enemy unit's blow again the moment the blades made contact.

Eric grunted as he struggled to maintain his machine's balance during the time it continued its course backwards until it stopped.

"Abner Barclay, pilot of the fulfilment, and leader of high judgment."

Eric fired the twin shoulder cannons but Barclay easily maneuvered out of the path of both blast before charging the Hope which flew to the side to avoid another clash of weaponry.

The fulfilment made another beeline and swung its beam Axe overhead only for the Hope to once again pull to the side before following up with its twin cannons.

Barclay inwardly chuckled at this. 'you're holding out so far. Perhaps I can cut loose a bit more.'

Twirling the beam Axe in a fan like motion Barclay increased the power in the Fulfilment's thrusters adding to its already unprecedented speed before charging at Eric yet again.

Due to the increase in speed Eric couldn't engage his own thrusters to get out of the way in time so he brought up the Hope's shield in a mixture of instinct and impulse.

The moment the twirling beam Axe made contact with the Hope's shield the result that followed was nothing short of devastating.

The Hope's entire right arm and shredded and severed from the body in the blink eye before the Fulfilment follow with a kick to Hope's torso sending it flying towards the edge makeshift ring formed by the mobile suits of high judgment.

"If that's all you got Barclay will mop the floor with you pretty damn quick." One of the CGUE pilots said.

Ignoring the insult Eric headed right back towards the Fulfillment now all but desperate. Throughout the short duel Eric had not only on the losing side but Barclay had only been putting the bare minimal of effort.

Not only was Barclay's machine far more powerful but his skills were top tier.

At the rate things were going it wasn't going to be long before the Hope was destroyed.

The fulfilment rushed him once more causing Eric to raise his beam saber to block the attack.

This time the Hope and Fulfilment locked blades whilst the latter pushed the former back with moderate effort.

Before Eric veered to the side to Break away before following up with a shot from the twin cannons which the Fulfilment easily dodge via climbing from diving down again bringing its axe down in the process.

Eric barely managed to pull back in time to avoid the attack before Barcaly brought his Axe up again which Eric hastily blocked with his saber.

"Abner Barclay cease your actions at once!" A voice demanded pver the radio.

Eric was taken aback when he realized it was Lacus of all people who was now inside the Aegis which now had its' hatch closed speaking through the use of the Aegis' radio.

"Your actions are turning this into a battle field in the presence of the chairman's daughter you're surely aware of this are you not?"

Barclay simply laughed at the declaration.

"Is there something funny about what you've been warned of?"

"Of course, I told you intended to make this a battle field in your presense right from the start."

"You will be making an enemy of Zaft is that what you wish."

"We've already made an enemy the Plant's military. If attack their vessel wasn't enough of a hint."

At this Athrun became alarmed and switched his radio to the Vesalius' private channel.

"Vesalius come in, what's your status."

"At-Athrun where are you and the commander? We could really use your help." said Nicole making Athrun go cold with the implications he was giving.

"Nicole what's going on?!"

"The Vesalius came under attack from a band of unknown mobile suits. They taken all of the DINNs we had with us and are doing a number on the Vesalius."

"Is it still intact?!"

"Yeah but me and Dearka are having a really hard time with these guy on our own. Urgghh...could you please hurry back?"

"Sorry but I'm kind hold up by Mobile suits myself."

"Don't tell that pilot of the Hope tricked you."

"No the unknown mobile suits have me and the commander along with most of the EA forces at gun point. Their commander is the fighting the Hope one of one for reasons not known to us."

"What should we do then?"

"Your gonna have to surrender."

"But they could..."

"They're not after the G weapons. They just want us and the EA to stay out of their commander while he fights the Hope."

It was at that moment Dearka's face appeared on the Aegis' screen. "Are you saying these guys are attacking every single one of us and the EA just so their head honcho can have a shot at the Hope personally? Man talk about obsessed."

"If you're sure surrendering is our only option then we'll do it." Nicol said over the radio.

Dearka before sighing. "I'm almost out of power anyway and I doubt i can take em all out before in dry so it looks like throwing in the towel's our only option. Still how are things going for the Hope's pilot?"

"Not good actually he lost his machines right arm and the guy he's fighting had had an overhelming advantage since the beggining I don't think it'll be long before this guy shoots the Hope down."

"If we get out of this Yzak's gonna pop a blood vessel when he recovers." With that Dearka cut the connection.

Meanwhile Eric attempted to take advantage of Barclay's momentary distraction and attempted to make a horizontal slash at the Fulfilment with his beam saber only for it the dive under the swing and retaliate by slashing off the Hope's left leg flying by the unit in the process before turning around to face it again

At that moment Kira who had been watching with increasing anxiety finally letting instinct take over and narrowly avoiding shots from the mobile suits holding him at gun point as he made a beeline for the Fufillment pulling out his own beam saber in the process.

With the lack of sudlety of a distraction for Barclay the commandor of high jugement turned to the Strike and simply waited for it to approach.

Eric watched in shock as he registered just what Kira was doing and bevame fearful when he saw the Fulfilment simply staying in place and realized why.

"KIRA STOP!"

Weather he didn't hear or chose to just ignore Eric was unclear but Kira paid him no heed and slowly closed the distance between himself and the Fulfillment.

Meawhile Barclay simply smirked behind his masked in anticipation.

'The price for interfering will be a swift but severe one.,

Kira swung his beam saber at the Fulfillment when he get close enough only for Barclay to parry the attack with bare minimal effort before flowing up with a slash across the front of the Strike's torso with enough force to cause the Strike to spin around to where its back was facing the fulfillment. As this was happening the Strike's controls in the cockpit exploded much like the Duel's only more fiercely which resulted in Kira nearly being engulfed in flame before losing consciousness.

Barclay was about to run the Strike through from behind before one of the alarms went off. Looking behind him he expect to see the Hope coming to attack him but was surprised to be met with the sight of the Aegis firing its' Scylla cannon.

Athrun was originally just hoping for the duel between Barclay and Eric to end so he might be able to head back to the Vesalius and make sure everyone was all right and take Lacus back to the Plants.

It seemed that things were quickly heading in that direction when the Fulfillment was making quick work of Eric's mobile suit with disturbingly little effort.

But Kira had to be an idiot and jump in when his own machine was already in bad shape as it was thanks to the mobile suits that were holding him at gun point prior to his interference.

Athrun was about to yell over the radio for Kira to stop but Eric beat him to it only to be ignored.

Soon after the Strike and cut across its' midriff and went limp. It didn't help matters when the Fulfillment readied itself to deal the finishing blow.

Practically forgetting he had another person with him Athrun switch the Aegis to its mobile armor form in flight mode and flew after the Fulfillment.

About halfway he opened the Aegis's claws and fired the Scylla cannon. While the shot itself was fast in its' own right and accurate Barclay easily say the shot coming and dodged it with minimal effort soon after it turned to face him.

Quickly switching the Aegis back to its' mobile suit form Athrun quickly ignited all four beam sabers on the Gundam's arms and legs.

While odds of him winning were already bleak if the display the Fulfillment had shown so far wasn't enough of hint he had to do something or else Kira would soon die.

Since Barclay's machine displayed enough speed to easily maneuver out of the way of long or mid range attacks Athrun figured his best bet was close combat. While Barclay had shown unprecedented skill with a single beam axe Athrun figured he could counter that factor through his higher number of weapons.

As soon as Athrun used the beam saber on the Aegis' right arm to lock blades with Fulfillment he attempted to utiliz the beam saber on the Aegis' left leg believing he had a window of opportunity to achieve the first blow. Unfortunately in his haste Athrun had failed to notice the Fulfillment's free hand reaching for another armorment mounted on the side of its theigh and had his previous belief proven wrong when the fulfillement produced a second beam Axe and used it to cleave through the Aegis' midrift narrowly missing to cockpit and severing both of its legs.

Barclay followed up using both beam Axes to sever the Aegis' arms leaving it virtually hopless.

"I'd have thought a Zaft red would have been more challenging."

"Dammit!" Athrun spat on frustration. He should have known better then to just throw himself blindly at the Fulfillment thinking the quantity of close combat armants alone would ensure he came out on top. While Barclay had dosplayed top tier prowess from the moment he showed up Athrun could have done more of he had kept his guard up for any other weaponry that the Fulfillment may have possessed.

While he may not have won he would hve at least lasted longer if he was calmer and less impulsive.

Eric who had been watch silently became wide eyed has the Fulfilment raised one of its' beam Axe and prepared to delived the final blow to the Aegis.

While its' destruction would have meant Athrun's death and the elimination of a major threat to his friends' and family's well being it would mean that Lacus would die.

As this revelation sunk in Eric felt his chest tighten with fear and had he been able to see himself in a mirror he would have seen himself go from a light brown color to pale white in mere moments.

But he didn't know what to do to stop what was happening but still he had to do something or else Lacus wound...no he couldn't let that happen not after going so far to keep her out of the EA's grasp.

Suddenly a calming sensation fell over Eric and took hold as if overriding all the in panic and anxiety he had felt moments ago.

At the same time an odd image of a seed that was the same color as his eyes appeared in mind spinning slow at first before picking up the pace until it promplty burst into small particals of light.

Around the same time the Hope's chest jewel and eyes began shinning really brightly and on the inside Eric merely stared at the PC monitor which showed the sentence "HI (Heavans Influence) system activated."

If not for whatever that mysterious seed had done to Eric he would have most likely started desprately trying to figure out what the HI system did but instead he only made a brief mental note of it and refocused on the Fulfillment and took aim with the twin shoulder cannons and fired.

Thanks to the fact the fulfilment never really moved since cutting the Hope's leg off the short distance between the two units only allowed Barclay enough time turn round only to be hit by both blast leaving places of partially melted armor across the Fulfillment's chest before Eric engaged the Hope's thrusters.

To everyone's surprise the Hope's speed was now well the above its previous limit as it closed the distance between itself and the Fulfillment and made an overhead swing which Barclay block with one of his beam axes.

The Fulfillment readied its other axe for a horziontal swing but thanks to some uneplainable highetned awarness Eric saw the attack coming a mile away and used the Hope's remaining leg to kick the Ffillment in its' stomach before it could even begin to swing its' other axe.

Eric soon engaged his thrusters again and brought his beam sabor down grazing the Fulfillment's shoulder pad has it pulled back.

"Eric please flee from here!" A voice pleaded over the Radio and Eric soon realized it was Lacus.

"Lacus I won't leave you to die." Eric said in a monotone voice.

Lacus found herself stunned not by what Eric said but the emotionless tone he used. The way it sounded so robotic made it seem as if Eric wasn't himself anymore.

The pink haired songstress began to worry that this fight was taking a toll on Eric that turning him into someone who wasn't the kind hearted savior that Lacus had gotten to know in the short time she had spent with him.

It was then that Barclay's laughter was heard over the radio before he spoke.

"Eric. So that's your name."

"What about it?" Eric asked.

"Are you by any chance a surviver of the X8 Holocaust?"

The majority of people who were listening were confused save for a few.

Murrue eyes widened in shock, Mu tensed up inside the immobile Mobius Zero, Rue Smiled having his interesting perked, and Lacus stared at the Hope still worried for Eric who merely responded with silence.

"I take your silence is confirmation."

"If you know about X8 then were you one of the ones responsible?"

"And what if I was?,

"Then you're without a doubt my enemy. And in that case I'm going to kill you." For the first time since the vision of the seed and activation of the HI system happened Eric's voice held emotion. However it was laced with nothing but pure venom

"Very well then let us how strong your intent on my life is." with that Barclay connected both beam Axes by their handles with each blade on the opposite ends and sides forming a double sided beam glaive.

Without any type of response Eric charged at the Fulfillment and beam his beam saber down in an overhead swing which Barclay parried before utilizing and the duel blade via spinning around to where to Fulfillment's back was turned towards the Hope before Barclay thruster the beam Glaive behind him in am attempt to impale the Hope only for Eric to pull back.

"It seems you have renewed vigor still I wonder what brought this to the surface." Barclay said as to face the Hope again of set a course straight for it.

"I didn't bring Lacus here just to let you kill her."

Barclay recalled Laces was inside the Aegis with its' pilot.

"I see so that what brought this surge in skill to the surface. Still I feel inclined to inquire as why. Even if you manage to defeat and ensure the famed songstress returns to the plants it will not benifet your side in any shape or form and I'd imagine the EA would rather use her to their advantage before returning to their enemy especially considering that their having a far more difficult time with subduing the Plants then they had assumed by a vast margin." Barlcay said as he brought his duel beam Glaive down only for Eric to parry it and get pushed back as a result though thanks to the HI system it wasn't nearly as far as the previous times.

Eric attempted a head on counter utilizing a thrust a which Barcaly parried before using one arm to thrown a punch at the Hope's head

"I don't care about the what the Earth Alliance wants and I'm not one of them." Eric said as he retiated with his shoulder cannons moments after swiftly regaining his mobile suit's balance forcing Barclay to hastily dodge before storming forward and cutting off the front half of the Hope's right shoulder cannon.

"I'm not doing this on the EA's behalf or because of some misguided idea that they care for Lacus' well being." Eric attempted to counter with an inward horizontal swing only for Barclay to block the attack causing the Hope and Fulfillment to lock blades.

"I'm doing this because Lacus is someone important to me, someone I want to keep out of harms way and out of the hands of scum like the Earth Alliance and you!" Eric yelled practically forgetting he was speaking on an open channel for everyone present to hear.

Barclay increased amount of power the Fulfilment was putting into the blade lock breaking it and pushing the Hope back.

Barclay couldn't help to smile at the display of prowess Eric was now showing. Truthfully it wasn't nearly enough to defeat Barclay contrary to the likely hopes of EA but it made it far more worth dueling. In the beginning of the fight Barclay was actually becoming inwardly disappointed since the Hope and its' pilot weren't showing any real promise by his personal standards which was making come here all but a waste of time.

Now however it looked liked Barclay's interest were actually turning up something worth his attention, enough so the it might be worthwhile getting to meet to pilot face to face.

The only downside meant the current clash between them had to come to an end. Still as impressive as the increase in the machine's ability and pilot's skill was Barclay had seen all he wanted to so the said con was a small price to pay.

Eric rushed the Fulfillment once again but Barcaly was more then regardless of the Hope's enhanced performance.

"You fought well." Barclay said as he pulled back avoiding a horizontal swing from the Hope's beam saber before twirling his beam glaive in hand for a bit.

"But your futile struggle ends here."

Barclay reeled his beam glaive back before thrusting it forward.

Back inside the Aegis on Athrun's lap Lacus turned pale as she watched the Fulfillment's glaive peirced the hope's chest.

Much to her relief however the Hope didn't burst into to flames. However she unable to see that inside the Hope the cockpit the roof had caved in causing a few broken parts to come through right on top of Eric all but crushing his body under the presure they excerted, if not for the lack of gravity Eric would likely already be dead.

Barclay's laughing was heard before he spoke. "It seems Shirou's brilliance still showed itself even in the most unlikely circumstances If his creating that machine didn't make plain as day. But If only the fool hadn't decided to oppose me he would not have to deal with bitter defeat if the afterlife knowing that anything he strived to achieve dies with his final creation."

Eric was heard almost weazing in and out air before he spoke.

"No...th-this machine is the hope that Shirou aimed to use in opening the world's eyes to this stupid...war."

"Beleive me Eric this world will be made to acknowledge it's injudiciousness but it will be by my hand."

Pulling out the beam Glaive from the Hope's chest Barclay split the two beam Axes apart and remounted them to the Fullfillment's thighs and grabbed the Hope's remaining shoulder and began dragging it away.

"Rooks, Greyson come we're leaving."

"Are we to assume you wish to study the Hope?" Rooks asked.

"That and meet the Pilot in a more personal manner."

"Barcaly wait." Lacus' voice sounded over the radio.

Inside remains of the Aegis Lacus opened the hatch. It was child play to remember after seeimg what level Athrun pulled to close it just once and as soon as it was open wide enough Lacus practically leaped out into the vastness of space much to Athrun's shock.

"Lacus what are you doing!?" The bluenette exclaimed only to be more or less ignored.

"Barclay I ask you to take me with you."

Athrun tried to undue his seatbelt only to discover that somewhere during the fighting it became jammed.

'Really?! Now of all times!?' He thought angrily.

Barclay meanwhile had turned his attention to Lacus replying to her request. "And just why would I do that? I already decided to rescind the decision to kill you."

"True but merely having me in your hands would gice you a great advantage over Zaft would it not? Especailly after what you've done here."

Barclay smirked knowing full well that the famed songstress had a completely different motive for wanting to come along still if she was so intent on coming then why not?

"Very well." he said before turning to the other Mobile suits of High Judgment.

"One of you bring miss Clyne with us."

"On it." one of the Pilot's said and they head towards Lacus with their CGUE.

Meanwhile in the Hope's cockpit the said control space had all but lost power with the only screen showing anything was the front one. However what was shown on it wasn't a display of what was in front of the Hope but rather an image or maybe a hallucination which was was hard to determine since Eric was struggling to stay conscious. Had he been outside the Gundam Eric may have taken notice of the Hope's eyes which were still glowing brighter than usual.

In front of the teen however was an image of a girl with a complexion matching his and long flowing black hair. Upon recognition Eric's eyes widened and whole wave of different emotions ran through his mind as he desperately reached out for the girl.

How was she there and why. Eric could only wonder this as he tried to pull himself free from the pile of parts bearing down on him whilst reaching out

"Is it really you? Whe-where have you been al-all this time?"

Outside the Gundam's eyes began losing their glow as the last of the Hope's power was drain and its phase shift armor come down at the same time however the image of the girl began to slowly fade away causing Eric to renew his struggle to reach her.

"Please... Don't go...I go lose you again." He said as a single tear ran down his face and the image was no longer to maintain invisibility.

"Behar." Eric choked out before finally letting sleep take him.

XXXXX

Back on the Archangel Murrue and everyone on the bridge stared wide eyed at the entire event as Eric fought with the blue unknown mobile suit that the individual calling himself Barclay until it was damaged to the point of being inoperable.

One question on Murrue's mind was who was this Shirou character that Barclay and Eric had spoken of.

The former had made it sound like Barclay was the one of created the Hope and the ladder made it sound like he was well aware of that fact.

If that was the case then that meant..."Eric kept info about the Hope prototype from us." Ramius said to herself.


Alright that's it for this chapter I Hope you enjoyed it really differed from cannon here so I like to think I did a decent job at the least. It looks Eric's (and Lacus of her own accord) been captured and Murrue found/realized out he was hiding information about the Hope Gundam from the EA.

On to other things I used this chapter for Barclay's debut and to anyone who thinks he's way to op right now there's a number of reasons for that first he's going to be a major antagonist in the story if the mask he wears or the previous enough of an obvious hint so I have to make him a strong opponent amd the Fulfillment as some of you more than likely realized is stronger then the G weapons (and Hope) which are weaker than most other Gundams in any Gundam universe in general and the Fulfillment to say the least is in a general league with the second Gundams such freedom and Justice which appear later because of the pilot being a major villain as stated before.

As for it's description well to give you the short (and probably much clearer) explanation it's based off of Full Frontal's Sinanju only it's blue with a with a white eye sensor and has the original Sinanju stein's chest (not the modified version full frontal used) and doesn't have any Neo Zeon symbols on its limbs and it's shoulders and sphere shaped.

As for the reason behind the Fulfillment's existance, it will be explained in later chapter's (unless you want me to tell you personally thrpugh a pm but I'll have to reveal other major spoilers to give you the full pitcher) because there is a story to it's creation.

P.S the title of the chapter was refferring to HighJudgment's debut not the Hope's enhanced performance