John, Mu, Murrue and Natarle inspected the girl that sat calmly before them in the Captains quarters. John was leaning against the wall beside the door while Natarle and Mu sat on a chairs across from Lacus while Murrue was behind her desk "So you were going to Junius Seven for a memorial service when the EA forced an inspection on your ship and acted aggressively making your crewmen nervous, they then proceeded to force you into one of the life pods when the EA soldiers suddenly attacked you and launched you away from the ship." Murrue reiterated what Lacus had just told them. At Lacus' nod Murrue lent back into her seat and heaved a sigh "Just like you said John, things got more complicated."

"I apologize if my presence causes you any problems." Lacus said apologetically with a small bow.

"Sorry, Haro, Sorry!" the red Haro added from its spot on her lap between her hands.

"Well we can't really do much about it now, she isn't a member of ZAFT and, while albeit important, she is only a civilian so we can't hold her hostage or ransom her away." Mu stated before he sighed "Admiral Halberton would be able to send her back to the PLANTs once we rendezvous with the 5th fleet."

John rubbed his forehead as he shook his head "Blue Cosmos is going to have a field day," he muttered catching every ones attention "Seven coordinators piloting their 'top secret' Machines and Lacus Clyne daughter of the supreme chairmen of the ZAFT council. Yeah this'll end well." He muttered at the end and did air quotes on top secret.

"But ma'am I have to disagree with you there, we could use her as a bargaining chip with ZAFT-" Natarle began only to get cut off by John.

"If you even think of following through with that sentence Ensign I will personally make sure that you will never see the ground again." John snarled standing up straight his green eyes flashing dangerously "That would be the same as me and the others using Flay as a bargaining chip with Halberton to make sure we get to ORB safely, you would be showing the world that the EA doesn't care for the rules of war. No one would trust you to keep to your treaties and then break them off." Natarle shrank back under his hard glare and gulped when she heard of the possible ramifications, Turning to the captain John's look softened "Are there any Blue Cosmos supporters that you know of on this ship?" he asked her.

Murrue sighed and folded her hands in front of her with her elbows resting on the desk "I honestly don't know, and that is not a good thing when there is a VIP coordinator on board." She admitted with a sigh

"Actually, there may be a way," said Louise. "We can hide her amongst the civilians of Heliopolis. She'll be sent with them to Orb. Then the Orb government will simply send her to a nearby ZAFT base and they'll send her back to the PLANTs."

"Hmm… Could that really work?" asked Murrue.

"If everyone on board agrees to it. Then yes," Louise replied.

Murrue nodded. John turned and left the room, as soon as the door closed he was ambushed by an excited Sarah "Is that really Lacus Clyne?" she demanded as she pinned a surprised and shocked Joh to the wall.

"Yes." He answered cautiously "It is Miss Clyne, now can you let me go."

Sarah squealed as she let John go deteriorating into her Fangirl state making John slowly back away as he searched for an escape route, spotting Corrine he grabbed her and made a swift retreat around the corner leaving Jordan and the others to deal with Sarah. Corrine giggled as she saw John pant from exertion from trying to get away from Sarah "You really fear fangirls don't you John?" she asked teasingly as she grinned at him.

John shivered "That was nothing, I've seen several commandos go into that state," he said with a haunted look "Ever since then I could never sleep in the same room as Hawk."

Corrine laughed out loud as John mocked glared at her.

I was currently in the mess hall eating some very much needed lunch. Its really her! I thought. THE lacus clyne! For the most part of my life, I've been a fan of Lacus's songs for the longest time. I was not the only one thinking this, of course. Both me, Scout, Sarah, and Adam were big Lacus fans. But having her on the same ship…I mean come on! What are the odds!

Right now, as I finished my meal, the others, including Adam, Sarah, and Scout, were debating who was going to bring Lacus her own meal. It wasn't a test of who didn't want to, it was more who Wanted to do it the most. Flay, who was also in the mess hall desided not to. She never herd of Lacus before, so It was not a big surprise. Adam, who was possibly the biggest Lacus fanboy in human existence, pleaded to go in there just for an autograph from her personally. Sarah and Scout were also fighting to who would get the chance as well.

The debate ended when a familure pink robot rolled into the mess hall. "Haro. Hungry. Haro" everyone staired at the haro, who was soon followed by Lacus. "I was getting alittle hungy, so I just desided to come down here." She said.

"Wasn't there a lock on the door for your room?" Kira asked. "If there was, it wasn't working." She said. She then saw the food between the huddle of people. "Is that mine?" she asked. "Yes," I replied, and grabbed it. "If you want, I can take it to your room." "Yes, thank you." Lacus said, and we headed back to the room.

A few minutes later in Lacus's room

"Thank you," said Lacus, finishing off the tray of food. I smiled. "It's no problem," I said. "Still, I should properly thank you, Mister…" she trailed off, realizing she didn't know my name. "Jordan, Jordan Takeo." I said. "But please just call me Jordan."Lacus raised an eyebrow. "You wouldn't happen to be related to Gineta Takeo, would you?" My eyes widened. "T-That's my Mother!" I said. "H-how-" "We met at a party a few years ago." She said. "Come to think of it, I do see a striking resembelense to you mother. You have the same eyes." I blushed slightly. "T-thank you." I said. "Say," she asked. "You wouldn't happen to be a singer, would you?" now my blush was increasing in brightness. "W-What?" I asked. "You mother had a beautiful singing voice." She said. "Did she give you any lessons?" I scratched the back of my head. "Well…" I said. "There are a few song's I wrote…and sung…" "Well then lets hear one!" Lacus said.

"Uh… no. I'm just an amateur singer, nothing like you."

"Oh, come on," said Lacus as I blushed more. "I want to hear it."

"O… okay," I said, before clearing my throat.

Song is here: .com/watch?v=SrQrkZtg-mo

The Heliopolis volunteers, including Adam, Sarah, Flay, and Scout, pressed their ears tighter to Lacus's door, now even more curious. All of them wanted to hear this. They'd never have pegged Jordan as someone who would pursue singing, even as a hobbie.

The journey begins

Starts from within

Things that I need to know

My blush grew deeper as I began to sing. I didn't think I was that good, and here I was, being asked to sing by Lacus Clyne, the most prominent diva in the modern world.

The song of the bird

Echoed in words

Flying for the need to fly

Outside, eyes widened, especially Sarah's. Jordan's singing was as stunning as everything else about him, even if it didn't measure up to Lacus's.

Thoughts endless in flight

Day turns to night

Questions you ask your soul

Haro was completely silent, almost seeming to be listening as well, while Lacus's smile grew.

Which way do I go?

How fast is too slow?

The journey has its time within us

My blush faded as I began to relax into the song, my eyes closing.

If a man can fly over an ocean

And no mountains can get in his way

Will he fly on forever

Searching for something to believe

Even outside the room, one could tell that the boy had thrown himself, heart and soul, into his singing. It was now loud enough that several crewmen, walking down the hall, paused to listen as well.

From above I can see from the heavens

Down below I see the storm raging on

And somewhere in the answer

There is a hope to carry on

Lacus admired the serene look on Jordan's face. The boy seemed at peace—as he hadn't seemed since Lacus had met him.

Neither of them noticed Haro's eyes flashing rapidly.

When I finally return

Things that I learn

Carry me back to home

Many of Jordan's friends couldn't believe their ears. Jordan had such potential at being a singer. Maybe even better Lacus could be. None were more shocked that Sarah.

The thoughts that I feed

Planting a seed

With time will begin to grow

The more that I try

The more that I fly

The answer in itself will be there

Jordan fell silent, a smile on his face. Lacus smiled as well. Jordan was better than he gave himself credit for.

"Well, I'd say you have a very promising career in the music industry," said Lacus. Haro's eyes stopped flashing. "It was beautiful." I blinked. "Y-you really think so?" I asked. She nodded.

"Lacus! Beautiful. Jordan!" said Haro as I blushed. Haro suddenly stopped moving, and then they heard my voice coming from the robot, singing the same song.

"What the hell? Did that thing just record me?" I exclaimed, blushing again, this time at the thought of someone having a recording of my singing.

"Now why don't you ever do that for me?" asked Lacus playfully. "Hmm… maybe Athrun can explain it."

"Athrun?" I asked. "Athrun's my Fiance." Lacus said. "Though, it's complicated in a way." I raised an eyebrow. "How so?" I asked. "Well, though I do love him," she explained. "And he does love me, but its more like we love each other as sibilings."

I nodded "So this Haro is his design?"

"That's right," said Lacus cheerfully.

"I see…" I said. "I guess you can consider yourself lucky really." Lacus raised an eyebrow. "How so?" she asked.

"Well, you know how much someone loves you." I said, smiling. "But…there is a person who I really do like, maybe even more than I have anyone else, and I don't know if she loves me the same way."

Lacus smiled. "That's a touph situation." She said. "Well, the best way to find out is to just ask from what I've seen." I blinked. "Really?" I asked.

She nodded. "I may not know who she is exactly." She said grinning. "But all I can really tell you is that you just need to give it your all, just like how you sing." I smiled. "Thanks Lacus." I said, and I stood up. "I think it's about time I got something to eat. Who knew singing could take so much out of ya." Lacus giggled. "I know all too well." She said. "I'll send someone else to get you Dinner when its time." I said.

Unknown to either of them, everyone outside had begun to move, most heading for the mess hall, and Adam, remembering Kira's expression back in the hangar, grinned as an idea came to him.

I opened the door and stepped out. I glanced back at Lacus. "I'll see you later… and please don't let anyone else hear that recording, at least not yet?" Lacus smiled and nodded.

"Okay," she said. "I'll only show it when you say it's ok." I smiled. "Thanks lacus." I said.

A few minutes later

"Uh, what's up guys?" I asked uncertainly as I entered the mess hall. Everyone was staring at me.

Sarah stood up, two trays held in her hands.

"Hey, Jordan, I was hoping you'd show up," she said. "Can we talk? Alone?"

"Uh, sure," I said uncertainly before leaving the mess hall with Sarah.

A few more minutes later

"So, what did you want to talk about?" I asked as I sat down on one of the beds, My tray of food resting in my lap as Sarah did the same on the opposite bed.

"I… well, I heard you singing earlier," confessed Sarah, blushing slightly. I looked down, feeling uncharacteristically nervous. "It was… it was beautiful. Why don't you sing more often?"

That's when I looked up. "Y-you really think that?" I stuttered out. She nodded, smiling weakly. "Yes." She said. "But…Why don't you sing more often?" I looked back on the ground. "Well…"I said. "I feel…embaresed when I sing sometimes." "Embaresed?" She asked. "Ya…"I said. "Ya see…something happened about a year ago when I first moved to Heliopolis…let's just say I haven't sung since then."

"Something bad, Funny, or Embaresing?" she asked. "Bad and Emarresing from my point of view." I said. "But from Adam's, it was all too funny."

"What?" she asked. I scratched the back of my head. "Well…" I said. "It was a night after me and Adam were studying for some test…" I told her the whole story, and by the end of it, Sarah was trying her very best not to lauph in front of me. "That…Was…HILARIOUS!" she shouted as she couldn't suppress the laupher any longer and rolled on the bed lauphing. It was a good thing she set her food aside otherwise it would have been all over her.

After a minute of her lauphing, she finally calmed down, and faced a blushing red me. "Oh um…sorry." She said, starting to blush again. "Its ok." I said. "Just…please don't tell anyone else." She nodded. "Also…" she said, standing up. "I herd that their was someone that you cared about." She sat back down in the bed I was sitting in.

At that point blushing was an understatement for my appearance. My face was as red as a ripe Tomato. "Someone you cared about more than anyone else you've known. Who is it?" I bit my lip, and almost tore it off when Sarah put her hand on mine. My mouth was rapidly stuttering to just say the words I was trying to say. "I…I…I" I stuttered, trying to force the words out. Come on man! I thought. Just say it!

"What?" Sarah asked. "What is it?" That's when I took a very deep breath. "Well, Sarah…" I said. "That person I love most…is…you."

Now it was Sarah's turn to be ripe as a tomato. "M-me?" she asked, stuttering just as I was. "Yes." I said, relaxing a bit now that that was off my shoulders. "I…don't know if you feel the same way for me…but I guess I just wanted to tell you that."

Sarah, though I didn't see it, leaned closer. "Jordan…"she said. "I admit, I have feelings to you just as you have them for me." She said. I turned to face her. "Though…I'm not sure if the way I feel for you is the same love…but knowing how much you feel about me…"

she stiffened, and smiled gentally. "…I think I'm willing to find out. And now…I feel more sure about this than anything." My eyes widened, and almost subconsciously to both of us, we slowly leaned towards one another, and before either of us knew it, our eyes closed, and our lips met into a kiss.

Outside, Scout was watching this in secret just outside the door. She smiled. It's about time. She thought. She always knew Jordan loved Sarah, and that Sarah loved Jordan just as much. She was just fighting herself from smacking the two from taking so long to tell each other. But what's done, is done. She thought. All it took was the distruction of a colony, almost being captured by Zaft, and then threats from Garcia of being killed for one of them to finally admit to it. She suppressed her laupher at the thougth of it. Take care of her, Jordan. She thought. Or I'll ring your neck.

Vesalius

Athrun laid on his bed staring up at the ceiling lost in thought reflecting on what he learned just a couple of hours ago. Lacus, who had taken a trip to Junius Seven for a memorial service, had gone missing, possibly kidnapped, he and Rau now carried new orders for a search and rescue for Lacus. He wasn't able to sleep because of his worry for his fiancé, while he may not love her in that way he still cared for her deeply and would do anything to protect her, rolling over on his side he saw his new roommate fast asleep and remembered meeting him shortly after being informed of his new mission.

Flashback

"Now that we are clear on your orders I want to introduce you to a pilot who will be temporarily joining your squad." The admiral said as he gestured to a man off to the side, He was Male, he was about five feet tall with short red hair and blue eyes.

"This is Kyle Reese," the admiral gestured to the first man. "he's the pilot of an experimental mobile suit." Kyle saluted "A pleasure to serve under you sirs." He said crisply. "I'm the pilot of the rebuilt ZGMF-X9900."

"The X?" Rau questioned looking a bit startled "I didn't know they were actually rebuilding that suit."

"The council was impressed with the suits performance, right up until The Dragon of Endymion Ryu Hissinaga stole it during the demonstration." The Admiral said "Do you know, the council also put in a suggestion to use that as a simulation for commando teams."

Kyle smiled at the admirals joke "I've definitely have some big shoes to fill though as the X's pilot." He said.

End Flashback

Though he was curious about the reason behind Kyle joining the crew, and becoming the X's pilot, He had other things to worry about. Like finding Lacus, and trying to convince Kira to get off that ship, and join him in the PLANT's. He tossed in bed and tried to get some sleep.

Eric, like Athrun couldn't sleep. For Athrun, he assumed it was because he was to worried about Lacus. But for him, he was still worried about Corrine. Why wont she understand? He thought. The E.A is just trying to use her!

"Are you alright Eric?" Kyle asked jerking Eric out of his thought "You look like something's troubling you."

Eric gave a wry smile "A couple of something's actually, but..." he searched for a way to describe his predicament without revealing that he knew the pilot of the Wolverine "I have a sister in ORB and I have been having this argument," Kyle raised an eyebrow and motioned for to continue but said nothing "We're disagreeing on whether or not she should be living in the PLANTs because she's a coordinator, she says that she doesn't want to, but I just want to make sure she is safe."

Kyle nodded with a frown "Let me guess, your sister is the pilot of the Wolverine." He said shocking Eric "Don't worry I won't tell anyone, the only reason I guessed is because you said she lived in ORB and in all of your fights with the Wolverine you both slightly hesitated in your attacks. Has she told you why she is fighting for the EA right now?" he asked.

Eric sneered "She believes that she is protecting her so called friends." He snarled the word "but they're just tricking her to fight for them!"

"Have you met these friends of hers?" he asked curiously to which Eric shook his head "Than why do you judge those you have not met? The way I see it is that she doesn't want to fight you, but she's in a position where she has to chose between two groups, Her brother, or her friends. That would be a tough choice."

Eric clenched his fist tightly "Also her and the Demon Lord are apparently in a relationship." He reveled surprising Kyle.

Flashback

"The reason I care is because I love her, I am her guardian as she is mine."

End Flashback

John's words echoed through his head as he thought back to that moment "That's a surprise." Kyle finally said after awhile "You just have to accept the fact that what she is doing is what she believes is right, is she in the wrong? I don't know, and in the end neither do you. You have to accept the fact that the two of you are on different paths now, who knows, maybe in the future your paths will cross again in better circumstances, but until that time, what will you do?" Kyle laid back down and closed his eyes "That is where many make their mistakes, I hope you can find your path, not the one someone else laid out for you."

Athrun remained silent as Kyle's words coursed through his head.

Archangel

5 hours later

Lacus looked up as the door opened, a "welcome back" forming on her lips when she saw that it wasn't Jordan. However, her smile only grew when she saw that it was the same boy who'd helped her earlier in the hangar when she couldn't stop her momentum. She liked the look in his eyes. There was something there that just drew her in.

"Thank you," said Lacus, seeing the tray of food. "That's very kind of you."

The brunette smiled. "It's no problem," he said.

"Still, I should properly thank you, Mister…" she trailed off, She still diddnt know his name.

"Ah, Kira. Kira Yamato," he said. Lacus smiled.

"Thank you, Mr. Yamato," she said.

"No, just Kira's fine."

"Thank you Kira."

Kira blushed.

"Would… would you mind keeping me company, Kira?" asked Lacus uncertainly. She felt her heartbeat speed up just from looking into Kira's eyes.

Kira smiled.

"Yeah, I'd like that," he said, sitting down.

"So, tell me about yourself," said Lacus.

"Uh, well… I guess… hmm… where to start?" Lacus giggled at Kira's uncertainty.

"Okay, I'll go first," she said.

Archangel Bridge

"Hmm? What's this?" murmured Romero, staring intently at his display console as his fingers moved over the controls.

"Ma'am!" said Romero. "We're receiving a transmission."

"Who is it from?" asked Murrue.

"I'm verifying it right now," replied Romero. "It's from the 8th Fleet!"

"It's from Admiral Halberton," said Murrue, practically jumping out of her chair. "Patch it through."

Static filled the bridge speakers. "Arch… gel… Come… Archangel… This is… gomery…" said a voice, growing clearer and clearer. "Come in Archangel… This is the Montgomery. We've been dispatched to rendezvous with you and escort you to the rest of the 8th Fleet."

A loud cheer filled the bridge. It looked like their luck was finally turning around.

Archangel Mess Hall

John yawned as he and Corrine stepped into the cafeteria to get some dinner after finishing the the maintenance and repairs for both the Wolverine and Demon as well as making some minor adjustments to the other Gundams. The pair sat down next to Adam, Darknal and Flay, who had apparently hit it off well with Lacus after learning she was a daughter of a leader as well, who were talking and eating with Lacus. After some debating, they allowed Lacus to go about in the ship, as long as she stays away from the Engine room, and other vital stations on the ship without an escort.

"Hi," Corrine chirped brightly "We haven't been properly introduced yet, I'm Corrine Leese, the pilot of the Wolverine."

Lacus smiled at the brunette "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Leese, my name is Lacus Clyne." She said with a slight bow of her head.

Corrine groaned "Please don't call me that, makes me feel old." She said plaintively giving a puppy eye look.

Lacus and the other laughed at Corrine while Lacus nodded in agreement. That was when Jordan, Followed by Sarah walked into the Mess Hall. "Hey, Jordan! Sarah!" Greeted Adam. "Where've ya been?" John raised an eyebrow at when both of them blush a light red.

"Well…uh…" Jordan said, Sarah not fairing any better. "They were in one of the Unused rooms Making out." Scout said as she entered with a "Cat that swallowed the Cannary" look. Both of them flinched when she just blared it out, while Adam, and Darknal's Jaw's dropped, and Corrine and John's eyes Widened.

"Scout!" Sarah shouted at her sister. To witch Scout started lauphing. "Hey, I gotta keep an eye on ya." She said, then faced Jordan. "Expecially now your Dating him."

Jordan Raised an eyebrow. "What's that supost to mean?" He said. She shrugged. "Can't be too safe." She said, smirking deviously.

"So is this the girl you mentioned Jordan?" Lacus said, looking at Sarah. "Yup." Jordan said. "I don't think you've been properly introduced yet. Lacus, this is Sarah Lenix. And yes, she is a rabid fangirl of yours so be on your guard."

Lacus giggled as Sarah blushed from his remark. "Its good to see my advice wasn't in vain." Lacus said. "I'm happy for you Jordan, I'm sure both of your Parents will be happy."

The once happy mood turned sour at the mention of my dead parents. "Did I say something wrong?" Lacus asked, worried. "No lacus…Its just…" I said. "My mother and Father died when Heliopolis was attacked a few days ago, and Sarah's father was killed as well." Lacus stiffened. "I'm…so sorry." She said. "Its ok." Sarah said. "You didn't know."

Suddenly came on "Attention Personnel and Civilians, we have recently made contact with an escort sent by Admiral Halberton of the 8th Fleet led by George Allster." Kuzzey, who had taken the role of communication, announced to everyone's delight.

Flay's eyes widened at the sound of her father's name and started crying in happiness while Corrine hugged John, Adam and Darknal exchanged high fives, And me and Sarah hugged. The whole mood of the Archangel changed with that simple announcement, the civilians were talking excitedly about the prospect of returning home while the crew was relieved and relaxed that they had allies en route. The pilots were relieved that they may not have to fight again anytime soon, although some where having second thoughts to their plans.

Adam sat back in his chair forehead creased in thought 'What should I do?' he asked himself 'Grandfather always taught us to fight for one of three things, honor, A cause they truly believed in and to protect a life. What should I do?'

Adam still didn't why he had felt so strange when Flay had visited him a few days ago. He had never talked to almost anyone like that…then again its not every day you save someone's life. And yet he said it all to Flay, a girl he known for only a short amount of time. For what had to be the millionth time, he wondered why Flay seemed to be increasingly on his mind.

A sudden thought entered his mind. It's simple. You have a crush on her.

No! I can't be. She's arranged to marry Sai. So I can't like her that way!

What does her marriage arrangement have to do with your feelings for her?

Adam quickly buried those thoughts. Flay was Sai's girlfriend. That meant look but don't touch. He wasn't going to come between the two of them. Maybe he'd stay on board just to stay away from Flay.

I guess it really doesn't matter. We'll soon meet up with the advanced fleet and be on our way to the moon. Then they'll send us back to Orb and I doubt we'll see each other that much after that.

Corrine was having similar thoughts while she was concerned about John rejoining the EA 'What would I do if he did, would I want to stay just to be with him?' she wondered as she leant into John with his arms wrapped around her shoulder 'Well, it's like John always says, if it has no impact on the moment than wait and see what happens.'

As I hugged Sarah, I was having a mental tsunami. What should I do? I thought. At first, I was confident I would stay with the Archangel and the Katana…but now…I looked at Sarah. …Now I'm afraid that Sarah will stay if I stay. Not that it would be a bad thing, but I want her to be safe more than ever now. I shrugged it off. We'll worry about that later. I thought. Right now, let's just enjoy the moment.

Sarah was having similer thoughts. What will you do Jordan? She thought. I don't care what you choose, right now, I just want to be with you. Weather its at Orb, or at the Archangel.

The Bridge of the Hades

Elsewhere

"Sir. We've detected three Earth Forces warships."

"Out this far? That's unusual," said the XO.

"They could be an escort for the legged ship," said Captain Dren.

"Indeed. That is likely why they're out here," said Zar. "Have they detected us yet?"

"No Sir. As you know, we're on the edge of the Debris Belt. They will not be able to detect us."

"Hmm… If they detected us, they'll warn the legged ship. And depending on the Captain of that vessel, they'll either stay away or come to their assistance," said Zar thoughtfully, staring at the ceiling.

"Sir. The Vesalius is hailing us."

"Commander Zar, it seems we've found some unexpected guests. It's safe to assume that they're here for the legged ship, which means that we should remove them from the field immediately," said Le Creuset.

"So we're switching from searching for Miss Clyne, back to our original mission," said Zar. "You're planning on using that small fleet as bait to draw in the legged ship."

"Yes. Either the legged ship will come to their allies aid, in which case, we'll be able to destroy it right here and now. Or they'll flee, in which case, they'll be alone and likely low on supplies. So why don't you deploy that High maneuver team that your ship is so famous for?" said Le Creuset.

Zar nodded. "Very well. We'll deploy the Gelb Team when the time arrives. We'll launch additional GINN High maneuver Types in advance to engage the enemy Fleet. Once they've done their damage and pulled back, I'll be sending the rest of my forces to engage them. If the legged ship comes to their aid, we'll destroy those three warships with the cannons of the Hades, and move against the legged ship. If not, then the mobile suits will shoot them down. I assume that you'll be deploying the rest of the mobile suits as well."

"Of course," said Le Creuset before closing the connection.

Bridge

Murrue stood between Mu and Natarle as they talked with the Vice Minister and the Captain of the Menelaos Captain Hoffman. "So I hear that my daughter is onboard correct?" George asked eagerly leaning forward in his seat.

"That is correct sir," Murrue confirmed with a smile "She is doing well and is safe and sound."

"And what of Cypher, have you had to throw him in the brig yet?" Hoffman asked jokingly "Still remember when your squad was stationed on my ship La Flagga."

Mu chuckled sheepishly "Sorry about that Captain, but to be fair the guy was a member of Blue Cosmos." He countered making the Captain laugh.

"We should be able to rendezvous within the next day, until then Archangel." Hoffman dismissed with a nod as the link closed.

Murrue smiled gently and turned to the Heliopolis volunteers "Go ahead and visit your friends," she said to their delight "Also can you ask John to report to the bridge please?"

They nodded and left the bridge to go celebrate with the rest of their friends and a short while later John stepped into the bridge and saluted "You called Captain?" He asked.

Murrue nodded "What is the status of the mobile suits?" she asked.

John cocked an eyebrow but answered nonetheless "The mobile suits are all ready to launch when you give the word ma'am, we had to make several adjustments to the OS for the Patriot Zero and added some of the spare Striker Hard points to it, while the G-weapons are all fully functional, why?"

"A feeling I have," she answered honestly "I don't want to get caught with our pants down."

John smirked in understanding "Anything else you need from me ma'am?" he asked.

"To stop calling me ma'am for one." She answered as she waved her hand in dismissal.

"Whatever you say," he answered as he saluted "Ma'am."

Murrue's eye twitched as the rest of the bridge crew stifled their laughter.

Three hours later, John and Corrine's room.

John groaned as he stretched out in his room, it had been a long day for him, he hadn't gotten any sleep since Junius Seven and he was looking forward to getting some sleep. "Tired John?" Corrine asked teasingly as she hugged him from behind.

"Yeah I am." He admitted turning in her embrace and put his arms around her "I can't believe that were going to going home soon."

"I know, these past few weeks have been exhausting." She added as she kissed him "Sometimes I feel like I'm going to wake up in the morning and this has all just been a dream."

John smiled in understanding as they both sat on the edge of him bed "I know how you feel, It was the same for me after I left the EA, Like I was going to wake up to the sound of Claxons instead of my alarm." He said as he rubbed her back.

Corrine bit the inside of her lip as she leaned against him "What do you plan on doing when we linkup with the 8th fleet?" she asked surprising him.

"I plan on returning to ORB with you Corrine." He answered reassuringly "Why do you ask?"

Corrine sighed "Because I'm worried that you'd stay with the Earth Forces," She admitted "I don't want to lose you John, I'd rather stay a pilot beside you than lose you."

John blinked several times before smiling softly and held Corrine tighter "I don't want to lose you either Corrine, you mean a lot to me as well," he agreed "The only way I'd remain a pilot is if you decided to continue pilot Corrine."

Corrine blinked away a couple of tears as she buried her face into his shoulder while he ran his hand through her hair "Thanks, I needed to hear that." She said gratefully after they broke apart.

Archangle bridge

The Next Day

"Three silhouettes detected at long range. Identifying now. They're the Montgomery, the Bernard and the Law," said Romero. "Looks like we've made it," said Murrue, breathing a sigh of relief. "Ma'am! We're detecting high levels of N-jammer interference!" "What?" "I'm detecting heat signatures from the advanced fleet. It looks like a battle is breaking out," called Jackie from the CIC. "Ma'am, a message from the Montgomery. Reads: Cancel rendezvous. Continue to the 8th Fleet on your own," said Romero.

"How many enemies are there?" asked Murrue.

"Three Nazca-class warships are position near the advanced fleet, with two Lurasia-class frigates. And-" Romeo suddenly stopped talking. "Romeo, what is it?" Murrue asked. He turned to face her. "One, Aztec class Battleship, Ma'am." He said, fearfully. That gained a gasp from the entire bridge crew. They all knew that the Z.A.F.T Aztec class was Zafts touphest, and most deadly ships ever created. And carried more mobile suits than any other ship.

"Also, Two GINN High Maneuver Types currently engaging the fleet, with an additional 18 GINN's, Aegis, Rosso, and what appears to be the X that will reach the fleet in 5 minutes!"

"What the X!" Mu shouted in disbelief even as Sai confirmed the numbers "So they really did rebuild it."

"Your orders Captain?" Ensign Badgiruel asked. "Looks like our luck has run out again. There's no guarantee that we would be able to escape safely if we fled now. A Duo of GINN High Maneuver Types, and GINN normals… it's almost certainly the Le Cruset Team." Murrue paused for a moment, sighing. "All hands, level one battle stations! The Archangel will provide reinforcement for the advanced fleet."

"All hands, report to level one battle stations! I repeat…"

"Oh, You have got to be kidding me!" I said to myself.

I left my room as Kira left his own room, across from mine. The we sprinted towards the hanger.

"Here I thought we'd be home free." I said to Kira.

"I just wish they'd leave us alone," replied Kira.

Suddenly, to our surprise, the supposedly locked door to Miss Clyne's room opened and Miss Clyne stuck her head out. "My. What's all the commotion about?" she asked.

"Don't tell me kira has been talking to you and forgot to lock the door," I said in an annoyed tone.

"Actually, Kira, Scout, Sarah, Adam, and Darknal have all been visiting me," she replied.

Right… but that doesn't explain the locked door… they wouldn't forget that…

"The ship's going into battle and we have to report to our battle stations," explained Kira. "And you should stay in your room."

"Are you going to be fighting Kira, Jordan?" she asked.

"Yes," I said. "Now listen to Kira and get back in your room."

They continued on their way to the hanger.

Hanger

As the other pilots rushed to the hanger, Adam stopped when they heard Flay call out his name "Please, please protect my father!" she pleaded her grey eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"We'll do our best Flay." Adam promised reassuringly "But we really need to get moving now."

In the Hanger John was shouting off his own orders to the pilots "Listen up, your machines still haven't been fully tested yet with their new upgrades, so if you are having ANY troubles whatsoever than I want you to fall back to Archangel and get it looked at I don't care how you feel about it, it is an ORDER! MOUNT UP!" he shouted over the sound of the hanger as they dashed to their machines.

"Mir, mount up the Aile Pack!" Kira requested as the Strike settled into the Launch Catapult.

John's Demon settled into the second catapult and went over the contact report "The X? Alright listen up Kira you're on the Aegis, Darknal and Adam you'll be joining the defensive screen that the mobile armors are prepping, Corrine, take on the Rosso. Jordan, try and distract the GINN High maneuver types. Sarah, Scout, Protect the Archangel. Mu I want you at the back of that screen, you're still not used to that machine so you won't be at top form, but if you see a hole fill it, everyone, leave the X copy to me."

A course of 'yessir' followed his orders as he and Kira were given the all clear for launch.

"Kira Yamato, Strike Gundam Launching!"

"John Cypher, Demon Gundam, Engaging the enemy!"

Next up Adam and Darknal were loaded into the catapults.

"Darknal, Archer Gundam, Let's go!"

"Adam Parker, Orca Gundam, Taking off!"

Then the Slash and Guardian stepped into the Catapults.

"Sarah Lenix, Slash Gundam, Moving out!"

"Scout Lenix, Guardian Gundam, launching!"

Jordan and Mu were the last to be loaded as there suits weapons were equipped. Jordan armed his Katana Samurai pack, and Mu the Gunbarrel.

"Mu la Flagga, Patriot Zero, Let's show'em how it's done!"

"Jordan Takeo, Katana Gundam, Lets Rock and Roll!"

Hades

"Sir, the ship is joining the battle." Captain Dren said. Perfect. Zar thought. "Very well then." He said. "Tell the Gelb team to break there attack, and engage the Katana. I will be heading out shortly."

Archangel

"Ma'am, the first two GINN High maneuver types have broken away, and are heading towards the Katana." Romeo reported."Just the two?" Natarle asked. "They seem to be moving twice as fast as the rest of them." Romeo said. "There speed is faster than anything we've come across before." I know one person that could dwarf there speed. Mu thought.

GINN high maneuver type

Gelb team, 5th space division, 23rd tactical mobile suit squadron.

Rainer Altman followed his flight lead, captain Kurt Gelb. "Rainer, you following me?" His captain asked. "Yes, sir." He replied. "High maneuver system is still operating at full function." "Then lets show these earth forces how real aces of Zaft play." The captain said. "Is it true they shot down all of the Gurdega team?" Rainer asked. He personally knew one of the Grudega pilots as a close friend. "Ya." Kurt said. "I herd that one of them survived, though. Not sure who. Probobly Burnard. He always was a lucky bastard." Rainer formed a light fist. Lucy. He thought. He then staired at the Katana. "You'll pay for what you did." He whispered, and he punched his GINN speed to maximum.

Katana

The two GINN's sped towards me. I looked at there mobile suit's colors. They were both Tan yellow, with some darker tan brown in a camo-style paint job, similer to the color scheam of the Grudega mobile suits me and kira took out a few days ago. Gelb team. I thought. The high-speed reapers of space. Not as famous as most Zaft ace aggressor squadrons, but they still have a noted name. I returned there invitation and accelerated towards them. I saw the two mobile suits swerve left and right, they were trying to confuse me. Not gonna happen. I thought. I fired a shot with my beam rifle, near missing the two mobile suits. They stopped swirving, and then broke apart left, and right. Using the same tactics the Grudega team did, trying to double team me. It diddnt work for them. I thought. Its not gonna work for you either. I accelerated to the one on the right. I drew out my sword, and sliced. The GINN parried with its own GINN Sword. Then the second GINN flew in, firing its beam rifle. I jumped forward, dodging the basts, and parying a swipe from the first GINN. I then fired a quick burst of Inglusadie rounds at him. They hit, and the GINN lost its head.

GINN

Damnit! Rainer thought as his GINN's head was blown off, and the camera went dead. "Rainer, you alright?" asked the captain. "I'm fine." He said. "I'll try to get back to the Hades." "Good." The captain said. "I'll take care of him."

Katana

There goes one. I thought as the GINN limped back home headless. "Now just one left." I said to myself. The last GINN High maneuver type charged forward, firing its beam rifle. I deflected the shots with my shield. When the GINN came close enough, I then charged forward, and rammed my own shield at it. The GINN was hit, the pilot was dased, and I took this opertunity to whip out my beam sabers, and sliced it in half.

Bingo. Zar thought as he saw Kurt Gelb's GINN explode. There is only one man who could take down an aggressor team like the Gelb team, and survive. It has to be him. "I will be heading out." Zar said. "Tell all forces they are weapons free on all enemies. But the Katana is mine." "Yes, sir." Dren said. Zar then activated his Custom ZGMF-600 GuAIZ. Painted completely blood red. Armed with a MA-M12 G Beam rifle, two Pictus CIWS's, MAMV03 Compositive anti-beam coated shield with beam-claws, and the most resent acquirement, a beam saber. This GuAIZ, unlike the other modles, has a enhanced engine, and compact battery. It can be in missions longer, and its speed is 3 times faster than any other GuAIZ, giving him the respected and feared name of Satan. "Zar Hellfury, GuAIZ Devil. Launching!" Zar stormed out from the Hades.

"Ma'am! New contact launched from Aztec-class Battleship! Making good speed towards the Katana." Romeo said. I was listening in on the transmissions on the bridge of the archangel. "What is it?" Mu asked. "It appears to be a GuAIZ." Romeo said. "But its moving three-times faster than any other model."

From the screen on the katana, I could see Mu's eyes widen in horror. "Get a visual on it now!" Mu ordered. Another screen poped up, and the GuAIZ appeared. Its whole body was a blood red color. Equiped with a wide-veriety of weapons.

I could see the fear in Mu's eyes now. "…It cant be." He said. "It just cant be!" "What?" I asked. "Who is it?" "Zar Hellfury." Mu said. That sent more than just a shiver up my spine. I've read all there is on Zar. He was called "The Devil of Endymion" among many in the ranks of both Zaft, and the Earth Alliance He single-handedly sunk 5 ships in the battle of Endymion. And he was heading towards me.

"Kid, stay as far away from that bastard as you can!" I herd John say. "If that fails, Run." Just then, The GuAIZ was right in front of me. Its Omni-eye glaring at me. "Pilot of the GAT-X900 Katana." A voice came in through my speakers. "Do you hear me?" Its Zar! I thought. My hand pressed the radio. "Yes, I here you Devil" I said as calmly as I could. "Hm?" Zar said. "Strange, you fight like him, but you do not sound like Alen. Tell me, what is your name?"

"Jordan Takeo." I said, and I herd Zar chuckle. "well, well." He said. "It would seem it runs in the family. Your father was a great mobile suit pilot after all."

Then my eyes widened. "You know who my father is?" I asked. "Tell me!" Zar lauphed louder. "Well well well." He said. "Even his temper runs in the family. Tell you what, defeat me, and I'll tell you everything I know about your real father."

I then saw Zar's GuAIZ activate its Beam-Claws on its shield. It then charged towards me. I gunned the Katana's full speed just to avoid the first swipe.

Shit he's fast! I thought. As I continued to run, I fired vollies of Inglusadi rounds at the Red GuAIZ. But it dodged them like it was nothing!

I then drew out my beam rifle, and started shooting with that. Still missing! That's when the most idiotic idea came into my mind. I'm screwed either way. I thought.

That's when I drew my katana sword, and stopped dead. My theory was that the GuAIZ's momentum when it stopped would cause it to hit my sword. I was half-right. The GuAIZ breaked, almost hitting the sword. But it dodged at the last moment. But its beam rifle was destroyed however. "Interesting." Zar's voice rang in. "That was a very clever move, Jordan." He said. "You are deffinetly Alen's son." Then Zar drew his own beam saber. "let me see your swordsmenship for myself."

The Strike and Aegis clashed, the two former friends attempting to overpower one another's machine. Kira grit his teeth. Several body parts of the two machines were touching, allowing for contact link communication.

"Athrun! Why the hell won't you just give up?" he demanded. "We were so close… it could've all been over for me and my friends!"

"Don't give me that Kira!" said Athrun. "You're a Coordinator! Why the hell are you fighting for the Earth Forces at all?"

"I told you already! My friends are on that ship!" said Kira. "And I won't let you hurt her either!" As the two broke away, Athrun blinked. "Her?" he asked himself.

In any other situation, he would've smiled. From the sounds of it, Kira had gotten himself a girlfriend. But this wasn't "any other situation". This was a battlefield—and they were enemies now, not friends.

Grabbing their rifles, the Strike and Aegis blasted at one another, each blocking the opponents shot with their shields. His agility hadn't been as great as the last time he fought Athrun. But the strike's abilities compensated for that.

Narrowing his eyes John charged at the X with his beam rifle and Trikeros shield firing drawing the pilots attention to him "I'll be you playmate for today Rookie." John stated as he extended the Mesamune and clashed against the X's katana, John was slightly surprised to find that the X's sword wasn't cut by his swords heating abilities "So the X received some upgrades has she?" he asked tauntingly "No matter, it is only a copy of the original!"

John suddenly reversed his suit causing the X to lose its balance before he swung again only for the X to roll out of the way and pull out its rifle and fired off a beam at the Demon that John dodged. "True this may be a copy," the Pilot admitted "But it's the pilot who matters, not the Machine!" with that multiple DRAGOON fangs were launched and circled the X before launching out at John. That's new. John thought.

Corrine grunted as the Wolverine's new Katana smashed against Eric's beam saber in a battle of dominance before she slid out of the way of his second saber and returned the favor with a kick to the Rosso's gut that he dodged by backing off "Finally taking me seriously Bro?" she questioned as the two suits circled each other both of their allies avoiding the area they were fighting in.

"Yes," he admitted "I have come to the realization that you are fighting for what you believe in, and I can do nothing to swat that, so I will answer your conviction with my OWN!" He shot forward again and clashed with the Wolverine before suddenly shifting to the side and kicking out with one of his feet beam sabers only for Corrine to block with the beam shield before she backed off a little "There will be no more holding back on my part Sis, I will come at you with everything I have."

Corrine smiled grimly in her suit as she felt something stir in her, she quickly recognized the feeling, Battle Lust, John called it during one of the sessions when he was teaching basic mobile suit tactics to the others.

Flashback

"During battle most of the veteran soldiers will tell you that the most important thing is to kill your emotion," John dictated as they sat around in the hanger in front of the mobile suits "That is not completely correct, you need to throw away your anger, pride, arrogance and your fear. Those four will reduce your abilities to either react of think clearly, but that does not mean you can't feel them, fear for example, when controlled, can warn you of ambushes or stronger enemies. In extreme cases though, they can help awaken a phenomenon that I call Battle Lust."

"Battle Lust?" Adam asked in confusion "You mean where you only want to fight and kill right?"

John shook his head "No, that is Bloodlust, Battle Lust is when you reach a state of a single minded purpose, defeating your enemy," he clarified "You focused on your enemy and your enemy alone, this is a boon and a bane."

"How?" Kira asked tilting his head slightly.

"Because you are so focused on your opponent you can almost predict there moves," he said "Not perfectly but you will have a better idea of what they are about to do. However, the bane is that you will not be aware of anything other than your opponent, meaning if your friends are in trouble than you will not be aware of this. So if you feel something like this come about you in combat, only submit yourself to it if absolutely necessary."

End Flashback

Corrine steeled herself 'I need to do this.' She resolved herself and allowed the feeling sweep over her and focused completely on Eric "If you won't hold abck than neither shall I!" she stated as she activated the mobile armor mode and started her assault on Athrun.

Scout cut through yet another GINN with her beam saber. She then fired a barrage of bullets from her gataling cannon at another GINN, tearing it into pieces.

This is getting too easy now. She thought. Then, warning alarms went off, as she dodged a barrage of bullets from behind.

Then, another GuAIZ soared past Scout, and the guardian.

Scout then looked at the GuAIZ. This GuAIZ was different from the others. Its entire body was colored in bright orange, much like her guardian was. A shield was mounted on its left arm, with a Skull and cross-bones painted on the shield. In its right arm was a standard beam rifle used by Zaft GuAIZ's, but the GuAIZ holstered that, and drew out the beam saber.

A challenge? Scout thought. Well, best not be rude. She then drew out her own beam saber. The GuAIZ charged at her.

She sliced her Beam saber, but it was parried on the GuAIZ's own Blade. He jumped the guardian away, but then charged back forward. This time stabbing the shield, melting a hole in it. The GuAIZ then fell back, and fired off a few rounds of its rifle.

Scout dodged them, and fired off a few rounds of her own. The GuAIZ dodged the bullets. Now this is what I'm talking about! She thought. A real challenge.

Adam narrowed his eyes as he dodged a blast from a GINN carrying a heavy beam cannon, to him the soldiers, while skilled and high in number, did not present the challenge that the pilots of the Le Crueset Team did, not that he wanted to fight them, especially when he compared his current opponents to the pair that John warned them to stay away from. With those two their teamwork was streamlined and flawless, but these guys, while they worked together had many holes that he exploited in an eerily similar manner to that pair. "Is it just me or do you feel like those two Cgue pilots that John warned us about?" He asked Darkal as they tore through another GINN.

"Yeah, I know how you feel," he agreed "I guess we need to work on our teamwork some if we hope to match them." he proceeded to fire his sniper rifle tearing through another GINN before he moved back to back with the Orca as they protected each other "I am so glad that John made these upgrades."

"Here here!" Adam agreed as he fired a series of missiles taking out some of the Missiles that were heading for the Menelaos.

It's official, thought Athrun. I hate incomplete intelligence.

Kira, himself, was struggling. He was lucky that Athrun was too busy dodging the Strike's beam shots to realize that the Strike itself was vulnerable. If any of the other Gundams stolen by ZAFT were on the battlefield, he would've been finished—he didn't have to worry too much about the GINNs, since their weapons were virtually useless against the Strike. As Athrun finally managed to destroy the strike's beam rifle, Kira drew a second beam rifle. The two mobile suits backed away from each other, firing their beam rifles as they did so.

Mu grunted as he flipped his suit around in a back flip unused to the g-forces that went with such a move before he aimed at the GINN that attacked him and returned fire destroying the suit before noticing a couple more in bound and activated the Gunbarrels and started raining hell upon them. However despite the best efforts of both the Archangel's and their escorts pilots they were slowly losing the battle as one of the escorts ships blew up in a fiery explosion "Goddammit!" Mu swore as he blocked a salvo of bullets before returning fire with his rifle and gunbarrels "We're getting creamed out here." Scanning the battle field he saw John currently busy dodging the X's Fangs as he returned fire while Corrine was completely occupied with the Rosso showing a level of skill he hasn't seen from the young teen yet. Adam and Darknal were in a no better situation as they were occupied by several GINNs that kept switching out tiring out the pair. Sarah and Scout were swiping away GINN's, but Scout was focusing mostly on an Orange GINN. Kira was dueling out with the Aegis, and Jordan was in the fight of his life against the Devil of Endymion, Zar Hellfurry himself in his Custom blood red GuAIZ.

Cursing he ducked under a swing from another GINN he then drew his beam saber and cut the GINNs arm off before kicking it away into another GINN "This is gonna be a lo-o-ong day." He predicted as he prepared himself for the next wave of GINNs.

With John

The Demon Flipped over as a pair of fangs tried to pincer him and destroyed the with a swing of his Mesamune before shooting another destroying the last of the fangs and focused once more on the X "Not bad Rookie," he commended "But not good enough!" charging in, he activated the beam saber of the Shield and clashed against the Bayoneted rifle and katana in a struggle for dominance that he was slowly winning when he suddenly opened up with his Igelstellungs forcing the X back even further and followed it up with a slash that removed the left arm of the mobile suit before kicking it and sending it tumbling back.

About to press forward in his attack he paused when the X disarmed itself and raised its remaining hand in surrender "I've clearly lost this round," the pilot admitted "It seems that I am no match for the legendary Demon after all."

John drifted in front of the suit alert for any sign of treachery "What's your name rookie?" he asked genuinely curious.

"Kyle sir, Kyle Reese." The pilot replied proudly.

"Kyle huh," John mused before turning away "I suggest you leave the field of battle before your killed Kyle."

Boosting away John paid him no more mind as he charged in and started attacking the suits that were surrounding the Menelaos giving aid to its strained defenders and gazed over the battlefield he saw that, even with the loss of the X, the ZAFT forces had the victory, it was just a matter of when.

Sarah cleaved a GINN in half, her second one in as many minutes.

The GINNs had already learned to stay away from her, and they definitely had an easier time evading her rifle shots then dealing with her sword. While their weapons all had anti-beam coating, the swords simply couldn't stand up to the sheer cutting power behind the Exia's PS reinforced blade.

However, despite their improvements over even ordinary GINN HM Types, and the skill of the pilots, the Slash's speed and mobility was allowing her to keep up.

Okay, things weren't going well. She seemed to be the best off—better, even, than the Archangel. Four skilled GINN pilots were harassing the ship, plus another that her sister was dealing with, and three additional GINNs were reinforcing another one in its attack on the Montgomery. Kira was facing off with Athrun, and the two seemed equal, though Kira looked to be winning—barely. Adam and Darknal were clearly in a similar boat to Sarah, outclassed by his opponent, but managing to equal him on account of a superior machine. Corrine was dueling the Rosso in a similer style Kira was, Shifting back and forth from M.S mode, to M.A mode. With the Rosso doing the same thing. Jordan was probobly in the worst condition, next to the E.A fleet. He was in a massive duel with the Blood red GuAIZ belonging to Zar Hellfury. Jordan had the advantage in equipment with his Melee weapons majority, but Zar had almost 5 years of experience in fighting. So it was a very equal match. Sarah herself had only two GINNs remaining to deal with.

Adam finally found an opening through his opponent's frustration, and didn't hesitate a second in taking it, striking a vulnerable joint of the CGUE's left arm, removing its shield, and leaving it considerably more vulnerable to the unharmed—though admittedly low on power—Orca.

"You won't last much longer!" said Adam, firing a round off from his shield cannon. Though I suppose I won't either.

Flay and Lacus both sat in the cafeteria with Lacus doing her best to help soothe the worried Flay "I'm sure that your father will be fine Flay, have faith in your friends." Lacus said calmly as she placed a hand over Flay's.

"I-I do i-it's just I'm worried for them." She admitted "I-I don't want them to get hurt trying to protect my father because I asked them to."

Begin playing this song: .com/watch?v=_Qlt15YKPN4 And continue playing until you feel like stopping it.

Lacus smiled gently at the redhead "I'm sure that they will return just fine," she soothed "They are all strong in their own ways," *The Demon Slashed through the Cockpit of a GINN* "Each carry a burden," *The Strike and the Aegis clash again as one of the escorts blow up in the background* "But they move forward," *The Orca fires it short range energy cannons and flies through the debris of the destroyed suit* "And strive for their future," *The Guardian firing its gatling cannons and beam rifle at a volley of missiles* "And protect those precious to them." *The Patriot Zero launches its gunbarrels and fires off a volley of shots, each destroying a mobile suit.* "They all have a reason to fight" *The katana throws its two beam boomerages at the Devil, but the miss and the Katana grabs its Katana swords and charges forward *"And that is enough reason to keep fighting"*The archer fires it's beam rifle at a pair of GINN High maneuver types* "For the hopes of tomorrow" *The Rosso and the M.A form of the Wolverine clash*"And to protect those they love"

Flay smiled at the pinkette as she felt some of her worry fade away.

I dived as the red GuAIZ opened up on me. Despite the speed of the Katana, a number of rounds struck the Katana, but, of course, they had no effect on the Phase Shift armor. In spite of that, the Devil was good. Very good, that much was obvious. Fortunately for me, The Katana had some tricks of its own up its sleeve.

I let loose with the beam rifle with full auto mode, but the CGUE evaded.

"Clever," said Zar. "Take this!"

Zar opened up on the Katana with his machine gun, but to his suprise, even though many of the rounds struck this time, they had no effect on the armor. I forgot about the Phase shift! Damn! He thought.

Discarding the useless rifle, he fired a barrage from his missile pod, but I quickly destroyed them with the Inglusadi's

The GuAIZ now closed in with its Beam claws activated, I blocked the sword with my shield, and drew a saber, slashing towards the GuAIZ as I did so. But the machine dodged, and lashed out with its fist, delivering a punch to the Katana's head, sending me tumbling back.

"Damn," I said. "This guy's good… better than me, that much is certain." Then the radio crackled to life as the sound of Zar's voice came through. "You are a formidable fighter." Zar said. "You are the first in a long time to last this long against me. For that, here is a tip of information on your father." He deactivated his beam claws, and drew his beam saber. "His name is Alen Takeo." He said. "He was a Mercenary fighting for both the E.A and Z.A.F.T. If you want more, you'll have to last longer." He then charged forward, but I had my duel-katana sword ready and caught his charge.

As the Wolverine and Rosso clashed once more neither paid any attention to the battle around them, they were completely focused on one another. If Eric wasn't fighting her right now, he wouldn't have believed that this was Corrine he was fighting, the skill Corrine was showing was completely different than from the other time they had fought, she truly was putting her all into it, and matching Eric blow for blow so far. It wasn't all that surprising to him really, sure she was slightly clumsy. But she had a learning curve like no other, and with her being wing mates with The Demon Lord and Hawk of Endymion she was definitely bound to pick up pointers and tips from the two veterans.

In all honesty he was actually enjoying the fight with Corrine, neither were aiming for 'lethal' hits and were pushing each other to new limits, but he was also aware that it may not remain that way either 'but it's like Kyle said: It's what I do that matters.' He reminded himself and he transformed into mobile form and fired the Scylla main cannon and destroyed Corrine`s Beam rifle, that however pushed his energy into the red zone. Both fighters paused as they stared at each other trying to guess at what the other would do. Eric was the first to make his move as he saluted and turned the Rosso away, somehow knowing Corrine wouldn`t attack "See ya Sis." He simply said with a hint of a smile.

With Corrine

"See ya Bro." Corrine replied as she turned her suit to the Archangel and started making her way there. As awareness returned to her she made note of the fact that the Menelaos was the last remaining ship aside from the Archangel and the others were holding strong against the tides of GINNs with the four other Mobile Suits acting as their stalwart guardians supported by the remaining Moebius' "This is Corrine Leese heading back for resupply!" She called out on the allied channel and immediately a squad of Moebius' broke off and formed up around her.

"Allow us to escort you back Ensign Leese." The squad commander said as they flew towards the Archangel "It's the least we can do for you keeping the Aegis off our backs!"

Corrine smiled briefly and had the Wolverine salute the Squad as she landed on the catapult "I need a new Rfile, and some juice" she said.

"Will do," Mir answered and a short while later Corrine and the Wolverine were back out in space and she rejoined the others in the defensive line.

I growled, now completely fed up with Zar. I grabbed hold of both Boomerangs, tossing them. Zar dodged both of them, and managed to avoid the follow-up swipes with my Katana swords. I then blasted off a Grenade round with my Rifle's grenade launcher in Zar's face, forcing him to fall back… and behind the inferno, I snapped off a half-dozen shots with the rifle in normal mode, several of them connecting with Zar's GuAIZ, blowing away the head, the shield arm, the rifle, and damaging the right leg.

Zar smiled. "You are good," he said. "I leave with this last tip of information. I know that your Father is Alive. He is a good man, and an expert Mobile suit pilot. He would be very proud of you." He then contacted the Hades. "Dren, I'm withdrawing!"

My confrontation with Zar settled, I took a quick moment to recollect what I have learned. So the Father I knew for years isn't my real Father. I thought. But my real father is alive, and a mobile suit pilot…but I have no idea where he is.

I pushed that thought aside until I got out of that mess. I then moved forward to help Sarah and Scout with the defense of the Archangel.

"Main turret's been hit," announced one of the crewmen of the Montgomery.

"This is just intolerable!" exclaimed Allster. "What on Earth do your people think they're doing?"

"Vice Minister," said Copeman, turning to look at Allster. "Proceed to the lifepod."

Zar boarded the Hades, and immediately sent a command to the bridge.

"Dren, destroy the Nelson-class and retreat," ordered Zar. "We've had our fun for now."

"Yes sir," said Ades.

"Fire!" ordered Dren from the bridge of the Hades.

"Aim Gottfrieds and fire!" called Murrue on the Archangel.

The massive two-hundred and twenty-five centimeter dual high-energy beam cannons known as Gottfrieds, the main weapon of the Archangel, blasted at the ZAFT Battleship, in tandem with the powerful one-hundred and twenty centimeter high-energy beam cannons that served as the main cannons aboard the Aztec-class Battleship.

The Aztec avoided a direct hit.

The Earth Forces Nelson-class battleship Montgomery, however, was not so fortunate… and the battleship was gutted. The damage caused a chain reaction that obliterated the entire vessel, even as ZAFT sent out retreat signal flares, calling away the badly outmatched Aegis, and other Zaft Mobile suits.

The Archangel crew and pilots ignored ZAFT as the destroyer limped away, all eyes fixed on the destruction of the Montgomery.

In the mess hall of the assault ship, a red-headed girl cried out in aguish.

Adam's grip on the Orca's controls tightened. He'd failed… he'd told Flay he would protect her father, and yet…

"Adam, do you see that?" Came Darknal's voice suddenly.

Adam looked up as something registered on the Orca's sensors. A glance at his power monitors revealed that, surprisingly, he still had more than a quarter of his full power.

Following the sensor blip, Adam's eyes widened, and he activated the radio.

"Archangel, I just found a lifepod from the Montgomery," came Adam's voice. Flay, who had been crying on Lacus's shoulder, suddenly looked up, hope shining in her tear-filled eyes. "I'm bringing it aboard." Fatigue was apparent in his voice.

"Alright Adam," said Murrue. "Jordan, you and the others hurry aboard as well. We did significant damage to them, but who knows how long it will be before ZAFT returns." Murrue paused. "And… good work out there."

"Don't worry about it," said Jordan as the comm. channel went dead.

"M-my dad," said Flay. "Is he…?"

"It seems likely," said Lacus.

As she said this, the Orca, Wolverine, Demon, Archer, Slash, Guardian, and Katana reentered the hangar. Flay spun around and rushed out of the Mess hall, barreling down the halls for the hangar, determined to make sure that her father had made it out alright.

"Alright, popping the hatch now," said Murdoch, as Flay rushed into the hangar and the exhausted Coordinator pilots emerged from their mobile suits.

The hatch of the lifepod opened… and Vice Minister Geore Allster stumbled out, panting.

"That was close…" muttered Allster. "But… I can't believe we lost Copeman… all of this…"

"Daddy!" cried Flay, tears of joy leaving a trail behind her as she pushed herself down towards her father.

"Flay!" exclaimed Allster, wrapping his arms around Flay as she crashed into him.

"You're okay…" sobbed Flay, clinging to her father's suit. "Just like he promised…" Smiling, Flay turned slightly to look at where Kira, and the others were watching from the catwalk.

"Thank you Adam!" called Flay. Adam smiled slightly. "And Darknal, Jordan? You as well!"

"Not a problem!" called Adam.

"Flay, who are they?" asked Allster, obviously confused. Flay smiled at him.

"Kira Yamato, Adam Parker, Darknal, Jordan Takeo, Sarah Lenix, and her sister Scout," said Flay. "They're volunteers, from Heliopolis. They were piloting the mobile suits out there."

"What? A couple of kids?" murmured Allster. "How though? Only civilians, and they can do that? I heard the reports about the Demon lord, but Even trained soldiers should've had difficulty at first… even I know that…"

"They learn quick," said Flay.

"But, to put children in mobile suits…" started Allster.

"They were the only ones," said Flay softly, looking down. "Only Coordinators could operate those machines…"

"What? Coordinators?" said Allster, shocked. He glanced up at the group, then down at Flay, and shook his head.

"Come on, Flay, I think we should talk," said Allster. "I can meet with the captain later…"

Flay nodded, and the two Allsters left the hangar, leaving a confused team of pilots.

"But… shouldn't he be meeting the captain first?" said Jordan. The others nodded in agreement.

Being the last to return, John and Corrine arrived as Flay and her father left. "Thank god he's alright." John said. "Flay would have been mad as hell if he got killed." "Ya." Corrine said. The two docked into there respected slots. Soon the two were out of there machines. "That was intense," Corrine said as she sat beside John on a crate of supplies pick up from the debris "I think I might have experienced the Battle Lust."

"Really, are you feeling alright?" John asked in concern as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"I feel fine," Corrine assured "Tired, but fine."

John nodded, and then he faced Jordan. "I had forgotten what it was like to fight odds like that." He said to Jordan, catching his attention. "I honestly thought we had lost there for awhile, but it seems that your victory against Zar boosted our morale and lowered there's quite a bit."

Jordan blushed at the praise and tried to brush it off "I guess it was nothing." He said. "Nothing!" Darknal blerted out. "Dude, you went toe-to-toe with THE Devil of Endymion, And Lived! Not only that, but you even gave that Devil a run for his money!"

"Don't worry about accepting credit kid." Mu laughed "You guys deserve it after what the six of you have done, just don't let it go to your head and become all cocky. We'd have to knock ya down a few pegs then."

Everyone laughed as they left the change room each heading for their specific dorm looking to simply get some sleep and to prepare for the next day.