Anthony sighed as he looked over his damaged CGUE, the mechanics had told him that it would be easier to build a new suit than to repair it from the damage it sustained from the mines and the Wolverine, it was the same with Cory, and Jack, they were to be receiving a new fresh off the line prototype suit that supposedly can match the G-weapons. He looked at the paper in his hands, it was the orders that he had received "We're all going to die." he muttered bitterly.
"Why do you say that?" A voice asked, turning Anthony saw Kelsey and Rusty approaching him in their uniforms.
"Simple," he said "Because the Demon Lord is going to lose it once he finds out who our new commander is."
Rusty blinked "You're being replaced?" he questioned in surprise.
Anthony nodded "I am now a regular red uniform pilot like the rest of you, I was demoted because of my constant failures to destroy the legged ship, though they managed to let me keep command of the Sorcerer team." he explained "Our new commander is Kyoji Shinto, he'll be arriving in a hour with our new orders, replacement suits for me Cory and Jack, and some new team member for you guys."
"But why would the Demon lord lose it?" Kelsey asked "Does he have some kind of history with Commander Shinto?"
"You could say that," Anthony sighed "Kyoji is responsible for the death of the Demon's whole family."
The two pilots blink in surprise "Umm, we're in trouble than aren't we?" Rusty asked nervously "Because I remember the last time he got pissed, and, well Eric's suit got completely totaled in a couple of minutes."
Anthony nodded "Yes I've read the report," he said "Not surprised he reacted like that, surprised that Eric isn't dead however as John always has been protective of his friends and teammates." He sighed as he pushed himself off the railing he was leaning on "Well I best pack up my stuff and move it to my new quarters, see ya."
Anthony walked off with his hands in his pockets leaving the two rookie red coats in the hanger "I have heard some not so nice things about this Kyoji Shinto," Rusty commented making Kelsey look at him "He's a ruthless commander who doesn't care if innocents are harmed during battle, so long as they are Naturals, he is known as the Butcher of New Orleans for his actions during the North America invasion in an attempt to destroy the EA government early in the war, Kyoji ordered the use of D-class equipment on civilian cities."
"What?" Kelsey whispered "How could the council allow something like that?"
Rusty grimaced "Patrick Zala personally defended him saying that his actions would demoralize the Naturals," He explained with thinly veiled contempt "This later served to be a mistake when the Demon lord of the round table went on a warpath, of course this was before Endymion happened, the council had to call Commander Waltfield for him to team up with Commander Crueset to fight against the Demon, thankfully they damaged his suit enough to force him to retreat, but not before he issued the warning that if he ever see Kyoji he will tear the fleet between him and Kyoji to shreds to get at him."
Kelsey groaned and hung her head while she leaned against the railing "I wish that my suit was too damaged to sortie." She complained making Rusty chuckle before he moved off to check his suit.
Archangel, Rec Room
Corrine snuggled contently up against John with a smile on her face while he ran a hand through her soft hair. The Heliopolis volunteers and Lacus had gathered in the rec room while they linked up finally with the 8th fleet 'I wonder what will happen now?' Corrine wondered as she watched Adam teach Flay martial arts while Sarah, sat with Lacus, and Mir gossiping with each other, Jordan, Sai, Scout, Darknal, Kuzzy and Tolle where playing a game of pool. Kira wasn't there at the moment. 'I wonder who will stay and who will leave?'
Looking up as they heard the door open they saw Natarle enter with two other unknown officers "Hello John," one of them said, he had the rear admiral bars on his chest causing some of them to snap up into a salute "I haven't seen you for what, two years now."
John chuckled as he untangled himself from Corrine and stood up grasping Halberton's hand "Been to long Admiral," John said with a smile "Glad to see someone competent is still in charge of 8th fleet."
Halberton nodded and smiled at each of the Heliopolis volunteers as John introduced them "Thank you all for your hard work, I've received word from the ORB government and your families are fine, they were successfully rescued and brought back to ORB," he said gratefully shaking everyone's hand as they celebrated at the good news in turn and motioned for his aid who handed out a set of papers "These are you discharge papers, in order to avoid a slew of legal problems we registered you as enlisted personal, so thank you again for your hard work."
Halberton stopped when he saw Jordan. "You look oddly famimure." He said. "Have we met before?" Jordan shook his head. "No, sir." He said. "But everyone keeps telling me I look like my Father."
"And that would be?" Halberton asked. "Well, Zar Hellfury said his name was Alen Takeo." Jordan said.
This news caused Halberton's eyes to widen slightly. "So your Alen's son?" He asked, to witch Jordan shrugged. "Apparently." He said. "Never met him, the only father I actually knew of was Philip Takeo, along with my mother Gineta Takeo." Halberton nodded. "Well, either way I'm sure your Father, wherever he is, is very proud of you." He said.
Halberton nodded again to John and turned to leave when Flay stepped forward "I would like to enlist in the Alliance." She stated surprising everyone, Halberton turned back to her with a surprised expression "I've realized during my time on this ship that I cannot hide in ignorance while so many people are fighting to protect the peace of the people they care for, I do not want to abandon this ship for without them I would have remained in complete ignorance to what's happening in the world."
Halberton stared at the girl analyzing her, Flay met his gaze defiantly almost daring him to deny her, chucking he nodded "Very well, I assume you can take it from here Natarle?" he asked turning to Natarle who nodded and led Flay away.
Once the Admiral and his aid left John looked over to the others who looked like they were having doubts about leaving "Do not hesitate to do what you believe is right." He advised surprising the others before he left the rec room and headed to the hanger.
Corrine bit her lip in concern as she stared at the door he left out of only to break out of her thoughts when she heard a tearing sound, turning she saw that Sai had tore his discharge papers in half "Flay's right," he said "We sometimes have to fight to protect our peace."
Adam grinned and followed suit tearing up his papers "This ship needs someone to pilot those Gundams." He commented smirking.
Darknal grinned at his friend and followed suit "Someone need to keep your asses in line." he teased elbowing him.
Slowly one by one the Heliopolis volunteers tore up their papers until it was just Corrine, Jordan, and Sarah left "No one would think less of you if you chose to return home Kira, Corrine," Adam reassured "We'll be fine if you guys return home."
"I-I just need to think about things." Corrine said as she left the room and made her way to the hanger.
Soon after, Jordan stood up, and sighed. "What's keeping you Jordan?" Adam asked. "A few days ago, we were sure you'd stay." Jordan bit his lip. "I know that," he said. "But…"
He was stopped when Sarah walked up to him. "Your worried about me, arnt you?" she asked. Jordan nodded his reply. "Sarah," he said. "The last thing in the world I want to see now is you to get hurt, or worse." He took a deep breath. "Yet, half of me want to stay here, and fight. While the other half says I should go back to Orb with you where we'll be safe."
Sarah grinned, she looked at her discharge papers, and ripped them in half. "Does that make thing easier?" she asked.
Jordan's eyes widened. "B-but sarah-" he said, but she cut him off. "Jordan, like you, the last thing I want is for you to get killed." She said. "But next to that, is hating seeing you look like your regretting something. I know that look in your eyes, Jordan. You want to stay here. you want to stay with me, and you want me to be safe." She stepped closer, and held his hand. "Well, I say that we both stay here, together, and keep each-other in check." She smiled. "After all, someone needs to watch your back." Jordan chuckled slightly. "There is no arguing with you, is their?" he asked. "Nope." She said as the two kissed.
"Like Adam said, get a room." Darknal said, as Lacus, Mir, Flay, and Scout grinned at the sight.
Minutes later
Hanger bay
Kira stood next to the first shuttle that was heading for Orb. This one wasn't ment for the Civilians, but as a Private one for Lacus. The Civilian Refugees would be departing on a separate shuttle that will be arriving shortly. Kira was simply saying good-bye to Lacus.
"Lacus…" said Kira uncertainly. The pink-haired girl merely smiled at him.
"You know, Athrun was always more of a brother than anything else to me," she said. "And I'm sure he feels the same about me. It was the same between you two… wasn't it?"
"Yes," said Kira, smiling slightly. Then, to his surprise, Lacus reached out and hugged him.
"I hope we meet again, Kira," she said. Kira smiled at her.
"Yeah," he said. "Me too."
"Good-by Kira." Lacus said. "Good by…Lacus." Kira said.
With that, Lacus then stepped into the Shuttle, and Kira had to leave the hanger for it to leave. Kira watched as the shuttle launched from the Archangel and out towards Orb.
Later
In the Archangel's hangar, Mu was floating about lazily next to the hatch of the Zero, where he'd set Kira to work fixing it up after the last skirmish, when…
"We've already hooked up with the fleet!" said Kira, popping out of the Zero and startling Mu. "So would someone tell me why we're in a rush?"
"I don't feel secure while it's still damaged," said Mu, shrugging slightly.
"The pilots joining us from the 8th fleet are all wet behind the ears," said Murdoch. "If anything happens to them, we'll need the lieutenant here to sortie."
'Wet behind the ears' was a bit of an understatement. The 8th fleet was large, and it was led by one of the most brilliant tacticians and strategists in the entire Atlantic Federation, but the pilots were even greener than all of the Heliopolis volenteers were together. In mere mobile armors, that was more than simply fatal, against ZAFT's mobile suits. Though no one had ever voiced it, they suspected it had something to do with the fact that there were very few Coordinator-haters in the 8th fleet. The soldiers of the fleet were loyal, and great believers in their duty to the Earth Alliance, but almost none of them felt the sort of resentment for Coordinators that was so common in Naturals, particularly those of the Atlantic Federation.
Kira glanced over at the three mobile suits in the hangar, his eyes eventually settling on the Strike.
"Yeah, but what do we do about the Strike?" asked Kira. "Is it really okay if we leave it as is?"
That drew everyone's attention, and they all looked over at the mobile suit Kira piloted since fleeing Heliopolis. They had all but forgotten that it was impossible for any Natural to pilot it. The OS had been so heavily tailored to Kira's specifications that even many Coordinators would have difficulty with the machine.
"Uh, good point," said Mu. "Never thought of that. But I'm not so sure we should return it to its original state, since that would reduce its performance."
"Well then, let's hope we can get someone who can pilot it as is," came the voice of the captain. Kira, Mu, and Murdoch, who had all gathered around the Zero, looked up to catch sight of Murrue floating toward them, a smile on her face.
"Uh, captain?" asked Kira.
"What's this? To what do we owe the honor?" asked Mu.
"Sorry to interrupt," said Murrue, landing on the Zero next to Kira. "I just wanted to have a chat with Kira."
"Huh?" murmured Kira. Murrue chuckled slightly.
"Oh don't give me that suspicious look of yours," she said. "Although, I can't really say that I blame you."
With a slight smile, Murrue pushed herself up from the Zero towards the catwalk in front of the Strike. Pushing off from the Zero himself, Kira followed her, landing on the catwalk a moment later.
"I've hardly had a free moment," said Murrue. "So I could never find the time to really talk to any of you. Well, I just wanted to thank you all properly this time."
Kira looked at her curiously.
"I'm well aware that I've put you all through a great deal of hardship," continued Murrue. "And I'm truly grateful for what you've done for us." Murrue bowed in thanks, surprising the Coordinator. "I put a lot on your shoulders, and made you give us your all. I can't thank you enough."
"Uh, it's alright," said Kira quickly, uncomfortable with this show of gratitude. "Really, captain."
Murrue stood up and smiled at them. "The others may not actually say it to your face," she said. "But each of us is deeply grateful."
"The way things are going right now," said Murrue, suddenly changing the subject. "I imagine it will be hectic even on Earth. But best of luck." Murrue held out a hand to Kira. Kira looked at Murrue's hand before reaching out and shaking it.
Hanger
John stared up at the Demon as the mechanics were fitting the new equipment that was transferred over "The Demon," he said as Halberton floated up beside him "I can't believe you guys named it after me."
Halberton chuckled as he looked up at the suit with John "I still remember the day that you came to me with the basic concept for the Demon, and the other G-Weapons" he mused with a smirk "Such powerful suits and the brass was hesitant to produce such suits only to produce 17 others of similar strength. Of course, we have Jordan to thank for the exterior design."
John smiled sadly "If only I didn't come up with those design plans," he whispered "Than maybe Heliopolis wouldn't have happened, and maybe Jordan's mother wound'nt have been killed."
"You're starting to sound like a bitter old man," Halberton commented "Regretting decisions you can't change."
John sighed heavily "I feel old," he admitted "Look at me I'm 18 fucking years old and I already lost my family, the majority of my squad and a ex-fiancé." he sighed again "How could I not feel old when some elderly haven't experienced what I have."
Halberton looked at John with a frown "You still blame yourself for their deaths." He accused.
John nodded "And not just theirs, but those at Junius Seven as well, on top of Jordan's Brother who lived there." he admitted darkly "I know I did all I could but still, I haven't earned my redemption yet."
"Yes you have John," Corrine said surprising the two as they turned to see Corrine coming up to them "You earned it when you protected us, when you taught us how to fight so that we could protect ourselves and others as well, you gave us the strength to protect John, I think that's enough to redeem yourself."
John smiled at her and placed an arm over her shoulder and drew her close "Heh, I suppose you're right Corrine." he agreed.
Halberton chuckled "Not even Nagase could get you out of those moods so quickly," he observed before winking at Corrine "Thank you, I was just about to try and beat some sense into him."
John and Corrine laughed "Wouldn't be the first time that needed to happened." John said before turning to Corrine "I take the others have decided to stay?"
Corrine nodded and sighed "I don't know what I want to do," she admitted "A part of me wants to stay and help protect my friends on this ship, but another part of me wishes to just go home and live in peace."
"An understandable feeling," Halberton said "After all you were thrusted into this situation unwillingly, so I can understand your wish to want to get out of it."
"Do not be afraid to make a choice using your heart Corrine," John advised "Life is too short, live your life the way that you believe will give you the least regrets."
"What about you?" Corrine asked "What will you do?"
"I have already made my decision to follow and protect you Corrine," John stated as he pulled her close "No matter what you decide to do I will make sure you are safe while you do it."
Corrine smiled at him and looked at her Discharge papers and tore it in half "I will protect my friends," she said confidently "And I will fight beside you John and watch your back while you watch mine."
John grinned back at her and pulled out his discharge papers and tore his apart, Halberton smiled at them "Then it's official as Rear Admiral of the 8th fleet I hereby promote you John Cypher to Flight Captain and place direct command of the Archangel's pilots in your hands, if you say they will launch then it will be so," he informed.
"Corrine Leese, for your actions in defending this ship I hereby promote you to Flight Lieutenant, you will be John's second in command and when he is in absentia you are in command."
"M-me?" she asked shocked.
John nodded "Sounds like a good idea," he mused surprising Corrine "You have a good head on your shoulders Corrine, not to mention that you are now officially an ace in the EA giving you a lot of weight with the other pilots even if you're a coordinator."
Kira blushed lightly as Halberton's aid came up to them and informed Halberton it was time to leave "Well I must be going now, I hope to see the two of you again in the future. Now there's just a few more people I need to speak to." He said as way of goodbye before he moved off.
Corrine sighed contently as she leaned against John "I don't know why but I feel happy," she mused "Why is that?"
"Maybe it's because you made the right decision," John speculated "Or it could be the fact you know I'm not leaving your side."
Corrine giggled and pushed herself up in his grasp to kiss him "Or maybe it's because right now I am simply in your arms enjoying my time with you." She countered making John chuckle as they kissed again.
Later
Archangel Captain's Office
"Ah, there you are," said Halberton, smiling as I entered the room. "Please, have a seat." Following Halberton's request, I slid into the seat opposite the admiral.
"You wanted to see me, sir?" I asked uncertainly. Halberton nodded.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I did," he said. "is about your Father, Alen Takeo."
I stiffened. "What do you know about him, sir?" I asked, paying close attention.
Halberton nodded. "As you may have gathered, Alen is, or was a Earth Alliance Mobile suit pilot." He said. "Quite possibly the only Natural that could operate a Mobile suit at a Coordinator level. But shortly after Junius 7, he left the E.A like John and his team. He then joined up with different Mercenary teams and companies. Like Serpent Tail, Terminal, and such." He paused to catch his breath.
"Alen actually was here with the fleet about a month ago." He said, quickly drawing my attention even more."Simply aiding us in a small skirmish with a Zaft raiding fleet. And almost as quickly as he got here, he left. Where too, I don't know." I bowed my head. Another dead end. I thought.
"But I can give you this." He said. He then reached into his pocket, and pulled out a Photo. "It's not much, I know. But it should give you some leads." I took the Photo, and looked at it. It showed the image of a man, probobly around his 40's. He had short brown hair, Brown eyes, and a slight smirk on his face.
It actually scared me how much that looked like me. "Is this…" I trailed of as Halberton nodded. "That's his Picture." He confirmed. "It's not much, but it's all I can really do." I nodded. "Thank you sir." I said. The Admiral nodded. "You're Welcome." He said. "And I wish you the best of luck." With that I saluted the Admiral, and I left the room.
"The Ziegler and the Gamow have met up with us," Dren informed Zar.
"The enemy hasn't noticed us yet, have they?" asked Zar.
"No, the fleet has descended to a lower orbit," said Dren, turning back to face Zar as the devil around and moved back to the tactical board.
"I thought the Archangel would be heading for their lunar headquarters," commented Zar as he looked the board over. "But after reassessing their movements, I believe they'll be landing on Earth."
"Their intended target appears to be Alaska," said Dren. Alaska was the location of the Earth Forces JOSH-A base, the headquarters of the Alliance. It was perhaps the most heavily defended location in the war. Even with the superiority of their mobile suits, ZAFT would need nearly the entirety of their Earth-based forces to take it, and with fighting on all fronts, they didn't have the needed manpower.
"I'd somehow like to finish them off or even capture them while they're still in our own backyard," said Zar. He turned to look at Dren directly. "What say you?"
"Well, the Ziegler has seven GINNs," said Dren. "Including Kane's sir." Zar bit his lip. So he was here. He thought.
" We have your GuAIZ, along with 25 GINN's. 5 of witch are High maneuver types. The Gamow can send out the Buster, Blitz, Shadow Scythe, Duel, Spark, Inferno, and the new machines that are en-route. Our escort ships the Corsair and Crusader have a total of 12 GINN's, along with the Scorcerer team."
Zar smiled slightly, looking down at the tactical board. "The infamous Halberton…" he murmured. "It's time the admiral took his final curtain call."
Gamow
Anthony sighed irritably as he waited for the shuttle's passenger to disembark with the other red coats, finally the door opened and out stepped a 6'3" man with blond shoulder length hair and pale blue eyes. This man was soon followed by another man, younger than the first, who had jet black hair, and blood red eyes. Wearing a red zaft Uniform.
Anthony snapped up into a salute "Welcome aboard commander Shinto." Anthony greeted as Kyoji returned the salute.
"Ah, Anthony Palmer the famed Warlock of Junius Seven, a pleasure to finally meet you," Kyoji said pleasantly "These must be the other G-weapon pilots."
"Yessir," Anthony said and introduced them each in turn. Kyoji nodded, and turned to the man behind him. "And this is my Protégé, Kane Hellfury." He said. This caused most of the Pilots, along with Anthonys, eyes to widen. He was the Son of Zar Hellfury? Anthony thought. He had herd rumors about his two children, a son, and a daughter.
His daughter wasn't as well know, but his son was much more noted. He gradguated from the Zaft military academy at the age of 13. And with little praise about him being the Devil of Endymon's son.
Anthony could easily see Kane as Kyoji's "Apprentice" as you can call it. Kane was well known for his disreguard for human life that wasn't Coordinator. He gives no quarters to Naturals unless ordered to accept their surrender. To witch is why he dispises his own father for being Kind to Naturals.
Anthony pushed this thought aside for the time being. "What are your orders sir?" he asked.
"We are to attack the 8th fleet as soon as you, Cory and Jack go over your new machines," Kyoji said. "Kane will also be joining us in the attack in his own unit. Also Zar himself will also be participating in the attack." Anthony noticed Kane scowl slightly at the mention of working with his father. Then Kyoji smiled. "We shall show those damn primates who the real power in the universe is."
Anthony swallowed but didn't say anything only saluted and moved to inspect the machines that came aboard for them, he had to wonder though, how did they produce new models so early after receiving the technical data only weeks ago. Sighed Anthony pushed those thoughts out of his head and inspected his new Machine, The ZGMF-X01A Shocker,
Cory had received the ZGMF-X02A Shreader and Jack got the ZGMF-X03A Defender. Kane reseaved the ZGMF-X04A Ravage.
Meanwhile Kyoji looked up at his personal suit the crimson colored GuAIZ 'Soon,' he thought 'Soon those dirty primates will be wiped out completely.'
"Well, Kira. I guess this where we part ways," I said as we approached the line up for the shuttle. "Take care of yourself."
"Yeah," said Kira. "You take care too."
Suddenly, a little girl floated up to us, and reached into her bag.
"Thank you for protecting us," said the little girl, handing us Eight little paper flowers. "And please give these to the others."
"Thanks," said I, taking seven of the flowers and patting the girl on the head.
"Hey Kira!" shouted Tolle as he, Sai, Miriallia, and Sarah approached the pair.
"Hey. I've been looking all over for you guys. Why—"
"Here," said Tolle, handing him a piece of paper. "You can't leave without your discharge papers."
"You're going alone. We've all decided to stay," said Sai.
"All hands. Report to level one battlestations. I repeat…"
"They're playing our song again. Well, good luck Kira," I said before leaving.
"Yeah. Good luck Kira," said Tolle, patting Kira's back. "You better not do something stupid without us there to watch your back."
"Goodbye Kira," said Mir.
"Bye Kira. Don't worry. I'll make sure Jordan doesn't do anything stupid," said Sarah.
"Goodbye Kira," said Sai. "Take care of yourself."
"Well, we better get to our battlestations," said Tolle. "And you have a shuttle to catch."
Kira watched his friends leave the hanger. He stared at his discharge papers. Then he turned to the paper flower. Torn between what he should do. Images of his past battles filled his mind. The destruction of Heliopolis. His battles against the stolen Gundams, alongside Jordan, Sarah, Scout, Adam, Darknal, Corrine, John, and Lieutenant La Flaga. His failure to protect the Montgomery and almost Flay's father. Finally, the little girl that had given him the paper flower.
"Are you coming kid?"
"Please. Go on without me," said Kira, tossing the discharge papers as he left the hanger.
"All ships are to keep in tight formation around the Fleet." Zar ordered on the Bridge of the Hades. "Launch all Mobile suits. We move in slow and steady on the enemy fleet. Have Anthony, and the La Cruset team launch now to attack the 8th fleet." His reply was a series of "Yes sirs" as the ships moved into position. Its been a while since I've been in a battle of this scale. He thought calmly to himself. I hope I didn't get too rusty.
Me, Sarah, Darknal, and Adam had just finished zipping up their flight suits when Kira entered the room.
"Kira? What are you doing here?" I asked in surprise.
"I've decided to stay," said Kira simply, reaching to grab his own flight suit.
"Happy to hear that. I was little worried that I was gonna have to pilot the Strike." said Adam. "It's a good machine, but it's not my machine."
Kira quickly put on his flight suit and the three took off for the hanger. When they reached the hanger, they found Mu arguing with the Captain over a comm. line. "But Captain, their target is this ship. If the kids, John and I deploy, we'll be able to draw some of the enemy mobile suits from the Fleet."
"Our ship wasn't been signaled to join the battle. Please remain on standby," said Murrue.
"But that's crazy!" objected John from where he was standing next to Mu in his flight suit. "If we don't sortie soon, the 8th Fleet will be crushed, and the Archangel will be vulnerable! It would all be meaningless at that point! If it were ordinary ZAFT forces, sure, I wouldn't worry, but we're talking about the best ZAFT has to offer!"
"I said to remain on standby," said Murrue sternly before cutting the comm.
Mu swore and punched the wall. "Why isn't the Captain letting us launch? We're under attack, aren't we?"
"She's probably worried about getting a sudden order from Admiral Halberton while we're too far to lend a hand," said Kira, causing John, Corrine and Mu to both turn around in surprise.
"Hey. What are you doing here kid?" asked Mu.
"I've decided to stay," replied Kira.
"Alright. Well that's good to hear," said Mu. "Well, you heard the Captain. Let's get to our machines."
"Heat source detected!" the radar man for Halberton's ship shouted "It's the Second ZAFT Fleet!"
"All Ships this is Halberton," The admiral said calmly "Form a defensive perimeter around the Archangel so that it can begin it's decent to earth, THAT SHIP MUST MAKE IT!"
The ships cheered as the mobile armors launched and the ships moved in a defensive screen around the Archangel "But Admiral," John protested "If they are using the G-weapons you wouldn't stand a chance."
"I know Flight Captain," Halberton said "But that ship contains our best hope of ending this war, so it is our DUTY to make sure it arrives safely."
Corrine could almost hear John gritting his teeth "Attention all Archangel Pilots, you are too launch and defend the Archangel during its decent," John ordered "La Flaga be sure to remain close, our Gundams may be able to survive reentry but you're suit wouldn't be able to."
"Understood." The pilots coursed as they launched.
"Corrine-" John started only to be interrupted.
"Don't even say it John," Corrine said fiercely "I meant it when I said I'd watch your back."
John chuckled "Hey I wasn't going to tell you to head back," he protested "I was just going to say keep sharp."
"You better have been." Corrine warned before the two pilots blasted away to the frontlines.
The stolen Gundams, the Zaft-made Gundams, and the mobile suits of the Sorcerer Team launched, heading for the Earth Forces 8th Fleet. "Hey Yzak, are you sure that you're able to pilot the Duel in your condition?" asked Rusty.
"Just shut up and stay out of my way!" shouted Yzak from the Duel, now equipped with an assault shroud. "I'm gonna take down the Katana once and for all!"
Anthony sat in his new G-weapon as his team flew forward ready to attack the Alliance fleet in front of them, his squad consisted of himself, Cory and Jack, their objective, the Demon G-weapon and it's pilot the Demon Lord of Endymion. Yzak led his own squad consisting of himself, Dearka, and Nicol on an attack against the Katana, Matthew, Pixy, and Miguel were also in the frey attacking the enemy fleet, while Rusty and Kelsey attacked the Archangel. Kane was given orders from Kyoji to stay back until he was given the order.
They had a supporting force of over 100 GINNs, 7 Nazca-class, 4 Laurasia-class, and the Hades. and were up against 12 Drake-class, 7 Nelson-class, 4 Agamemnon-class and too many Moebius' to count along with the legged ship and it's G-weapons.
It was a slaughter.
The defending ships and armors fought valiantly but for every one suit they took down five armors and a ship was destroyed. Anthony cruised through the enemy lines his swords cutting the enemy mobile armors to shreds alongside Jack while Cory fired at the ships crippling them, their first warning of the Demon's arrival was the shout of a nearby GINN pilot "W-what is this!" the pilot shouted as his suit was dismembered before it was destroyed.
Looking over the trio saw the destroyed GINN and emerging from the remains was the Dragon wielding a whole lot of weapons, each of them were close combat type weapons, but they knew, they knew to the Demon nothing like that mattered as the suits eyes flashed he charged forward meeting Anthony's swords with his own Murasame arm units blades before delivering a devastating kick to the Shocker's midsection and put some minor distance between them when a single beam shot from the Hawk separated them "I see ZAFT came out with some new toys pretty quickly." Anthony heard John comment.
"Yeah apparently they are that good." Anthony agreed grimly, they were in trouble, they knew it, their enemy knew it, they were new to these rushed suits that weren't fully out fitted, while he was in a suit he knew like the back of his hand, with a lot of weapons in his specialization, this wasn't good
Yzack
Yzak growled as more of these cannon fodder armors got in his way from his objective, the Katana, that damn suit scarred his face and it will pay "Out of my way!" Yzak shouted as his Assault Shroud Dual tore through another mobile armor finally spotting the Katana he grinned sickly "I have you now Katana!"
And as if the pilot heard him the Katana turned to see the Dual, Buster and Blitz charging towards it, raising its rifle and the Trikeros it snapped off a series of shots forcing the pilots to break formation, falling back Nicol activated his Mirage Colloid in an attempt to sneak up on the enemy while the Buster combined it's rifles into the cannon form and started returning fire while Yzak charged forward drawing his beam saber as he went and clashed against the Katana's katana in an attempt to overpower the suit.
Breaking away the Katana danced around the Dual and kicked at seemingly nothing only for the Blitz to appear as the Mirage Colloid was deactivated "I've told you that I know the weaknesses of the Mirage Colloid Nicol." A young voice reprimanded surprising both Dearka and Yzack as the two sides split apart.
"Yeah I was hoping to get you off guard Jordan." Nicol said sheepishly.
"You know him Nicol?" Dearka asked shocked.
"We know only each other's names," Nicol corrected "We've never met in person."
"The name's Jordan, The Katana knight of Heliopolis." Jordan said as he drew a second katana and held both swords out. "Or you can call me The Crimson Samurai. Either one works."
"Sigh, Dearka Elsman, Pilot of the Buster." Dearka said as he took aim.
"Yzak Joule, the one who is going to kill you!" Yzak roared as he charged forward and clashed his beam saber against the katana only to be forced away when Jordan brought his swords up and nearly dissected the Dual.
"Why?" Jordan asked "Because I fight for the opposite side from you?"
"Of course!" Yzak raged as he fired his shoulder mounted rail gun and missiles as Dearka fired his cannon and missiles and Nicol fired with is beam rifle. Jordan fired his Igelstellungs at the missiles detonating them as he dodged the incoming fire.
"That doesn't make any sense," he commented calmly as he returned fire with both the beam rifle and his Trikeros forcing them to to evade, charging forward using her superior mobility and speed, he started making a series of hit and run attacks on them briefly hitting them before moving away and hitting another target "So then how will the war end with an attitude like that? With all of the Naturals dead? The Entire Earth in flames?"
Yzak growled as he tried to hit the Katana only for it to dance out of the way.
Scout grunted as the Inferno impacted her suit in a tackle before she flipped the suit off of her and took off after the mobile suit "Just sit still will you!" Scout shouted in frustration as she made sure not to stray too far from the Archangel.
"Why so you could shoot me?" the Inferno's pilot asked teasingly as he banked hard to avoid a cluster of missiles from the Guardian.
"That is the point of a battle isn't it?" Scout countered sarcastically as she pulled up into a steep climb to avoid the Inferno's sudden turn around saber attack and clashed sabers with the Inferno "Tell me, how much coffee do you drink to go that fast?"
The pilot laughed at Scout's joke "My name is Rusty Meckenzie, you?" Rusty asked in curiosity as they broke apart.
"Scout Lenix, Guardian Phoenix." Scout introduced as the pair circled "Nice to meet you!"
They charged again clashing swords as they tried to overpower each other.
Adam and Mu had teamed up against the Spark to prevent it from getting a clear shot at the Archangel as it began to descend into the atmosphere "Damn how thick is that armor?" Adam questioned as his rail blast did little more than scratch the paint of the heavily armored suit.
"Humph to thick for those weapons to pierce, with this Upgraded Armor" the pilot commented as Mu's assault rifle did little damage "As a soldier I can't help but be impressed, as a human I can't help but be afraid."
"Huh?" Adam responded smartly "What are you talking about?"
"He's talking about the G-weapons, Right?" Mu asked as the three suits paused for a minute.
"You are correct Mu la Flaga, Hawk of Endymion," the pilot answered politely "My name is Kelsey Brenards."
"Adam Parker, Grey Orca." Adam said in introduction and with that out of the way the three pilots engaged in combat once more.
Darknal fired away his sniper rifle at a team of GINN's charging at him. Not a single one got a chance to fire. "You'll have to do better than that." He said. Then warning alarms went off, and by instinct, Darknal evaded a blast from a beam rifle. Who the? Darknal thought as he looked up at the shooter. Damn, its him.
Darknal looked at a Grey and Orange GuAIZ. Beam rifle red hot from the resent discharge. "Hm, your pretty good." The pilot said. "Not as good as the Demon lord, but still good enough."
The pilot of the GuAIZ charged forward with its beam claws drawn. Darknal waisted no time, and fired his Sniper rifle to attempt to destroy the GuAIZ, but not one shot hit. Damn he's good! He thought as he drew his beam saber as the GuAIZ appeared in front of him. Quickly, the GuAIZ and the Archer's sabers met. "Colton Brus. Solo wing Pixy." Colton said, introducing himself. Darknal chuckled. "Christopher Thake, The Star Archer. But please, call me Darknal."
Colton chuckled. "Darknal, eh?" he said. "Well, I look forward to this battle, Darknal."
"Me too." He replied, as they separated.
Elsewhere, Sarah Locking the Exia into its right wing storage rack, deflected beam bullets with her shield, and sprung a pair of beam Daggers from the Slash's right hip armor. With that area hidden by her shield, Sarah reached down and grabbed the knives… then spun slightly, moving the shield aside, and sending the blade flying through space, past the beams, and straight into the underbelly of the Shadow scythe's shield. "That was for Jordan's Parents you son of a bitch!" Sarah yelled.
Matthew swore as he realized what his opponent had done, and pressed the button to launch the shield off of the Shadow Scythe's arm. And not a moment to soon, as the shield exploded barely twenty meters away. While the explosion was small, it would've taken a fair chunk of his remaining power. Grinning almost insanely and dull eyes dancing with life, Matthew pulled out his beam scythe and flew at the Slash, firing his Inglusadie's the whole way.
Jordan
I grunted as I recovered from a kick from Yzak "Just die already!" Yzak screamed as he swung at the Katana only for me to evade it and returned the favor by kicking the Dual in the head.
Boosting back I evaded a blast from the Buster "Is he always things angry?" I asked humorously.
"You don't know the half of it." Dearka muttered as he fired a volley of missiles that I destroyed before I blocked the Blitz's Lancer Darts.
I breathed deeply as I concentrated on the enemy in front of me, it was tempting to fall into the battle lust, but using it when outnumbered and waiting for the signal to fall back to the Archangel was ill advised "I won't give up." I said as I pulled out my katana's, fused them together, and charged forward ducking under the Blitz's counter swing and swung up aiming for the joints of the arm removing it and kicked Nicol away into Dearka and clashed swords again with Yzak "Why do you fight with such anger?" I asked "What purpose does it serve to you? I mean sure, I get mad when I fight, but you take it too a totally new level."
"SHUT UP!" Yzak roared as he pushed harder against the unyielding Strike "You damn Traitor! How could you Betray-"
"My own kind?" I finished "Do you mean Coordinators? Or do you mean Humanity? I hold no loyalty to ZAFT or the PLANTs because they have done nothing to gain it. I lost my Brother at Junius 7, sure. But Zaft killed my family at Heliopolis! So tell me why the hell should I fight for Zaft? I know that it was not Zaft as a whole that attack my home. So I don't blame you. I only blame Rau Le Cruset, and the Pilot of the Shadow Scythe who pulled the trigger that killed my family. My loyalty is to my friends, comrades, and Sarah."
Yzak tried to argue but when he opened his mouth he just couldn't find anything to argue with, ZAFT had done nothing to gain my loyalty, instead they destroyed my home, and killed my parents. "Your view on Naturals, while understandable, is horribly flawed, even on the very ship you are trying to shoot down there are few people who hate the Coordinators as a whole, I have met both the good and the bad, and it is the same with Coordinators as well, I am not trying to prove myself right or you wrong, I am not trying to sway your beliefs or loyalties, I am simply presenting the facts that I have gained through personal experience."
The trio of red coats sat there as they processed what she said "That is true," Dearka admitted "But that doesn't change our orders."
"I never was trying to change your mind," I countered as I activated the beam mode Katanas and held them at the ready "Let's do this."
"Agreed." Yzack said calmly.
John
John ducked under Cory's Saber and he swung with his blade forcing him to back off before he boosted to the side to avoid a beam shot from Jack. John pulled out his dual heat blades and clashed blades once more with Anthony "You're taking us completely serious." Anthony observed as they tried to overpower one another.
"Yeah I am," John confirmed "Because I have found my redemption, I will protect my friends and that ship."
"I see." Cory muttered as the trio of ZAFT aces faced off against the legendary EA coordinator ace who combined his two blades into a double bladed staff and extended one of his arm blades.
"Let's go." John said and charged forward clashing his arm blade against Cory's saber and his double bladed staff against Anthony's swords. Moving quickly John disengaged from both of them and slipped between them and spun his suit lashing out with his feet kicking both suits away and charged at Jack weaving through her fire, folding up his extended blades he returned fire with the beam pistol mounted into the unit forcing Jack to begin to dodge while two exchanged fire, charging forward John attempted to cut him down only for Cory to intercept the sword with his Buster Shield Saber and swung saber around only for John to flip over it and kicked Jack into Cory sending the pair flying.
Turing he starting exchanging fire with Anthony who had his 'Reamer' beam pistol out before the pair charged in close and collided swords against each other breaking away John dodged some sniper fire before blocking a strike from Cory' heavy Sword and kicked him away before bringing up his beam pistol and destroying the volley of missiles that Jack fired only to get tackled by Anthony when he was turning to engage Jack.
Kicking the suit off of his own John spun the Demon in a barrel roll narrowly evading a sniper shot that would have put him out of commission he spun his staff and, to ZAFT's surprise, threw at Anthony who was recovering piercing the head of the mobile suit destroying the cameras taking Anthony out of the fight.
Quickly retrieving the blades he blocked a strike from behind by Cory and aimed his Beam pistol at close range and destroyed the Defener's limbs rendering it useless, turning he focused on the Shreader and charged forward blocking a couple of shots and dodging the missiles and bullets before coming in close and severing the head and right arm of the mobile suit crippling it.
John let out a breath as he saw them limping their way back to ZAFT lines covered by a squad of GINNs and grabbed his Anti-ship sword and charged towards the ZAFT frigates that were starting to break through.
"The Archangel's now pulling away?" asked Zar, surprised. "Argh… Halberton, that bastard. Is he using the 8th fleet as a shield to allow that ship to get to Earth?"
His words drew a somewhat surprised glance from Dren.
"Close in on them!" ordered Zar. "It's imperative we destroy it before it makes its descent!"
"Right!" said Dren.
"And I'm launching!" said Zar. "We can't afford to hold back even a single machine any longer!"
"I think the phrase 'Well Shit' sums this situation up pretty well." Scout stated as she and Rusty fought against Earth's gravity. The pair had been fighting when they had gotten too close to an Agamemnon-class that had exploded sending them tumbling into the point of no return. Looking over to the right and behind Scout spotted the Archangel entering its decent mode, gritting her teeth Scout made a snap decision and grabbed the Inferno and began to drag it to the Archangel.
"W-what are you doing?" Rusty asked in shock as the Guardian dragged the Inferno.
"We're past the point of no return and have two choices," Scout informed "Board the Archangel which can descend through the Atmosphere safely or use mobile suits that while theoretically can enter the Atmosphere I am in no mood to test that theory right now, are you?"
Rusty was silent as he thought his options over "What will happen to me?" he asked.
Scout sighed "I won't lie, chances are we will keep you as a prisoner of war," she admitted honestly "But the crew harbors no hatred towards Coordinators."
Rusty dumbly nodded and the two mobile suits worked together to get to the Archangel.
Archangel, Bridge
"Ma'am, Guardian on approach with the Inferno!" Sai shouted to Murrue "She's requesting permission to bring the Inferno aboard."
"I'll allow it!" Murrue confirmed "Have a security team on standby in the hanger, Where is the Demon, Katana, Slash and the Wolverine? We're about to hit stage 3!"'
"The Wolverine and Demon are currently engaging the ZAFT fleet alongside the remaining allied forces," Mir reported "Admiral Halberton is currently gathering his forces for one last stand! The Slash and Katana are fighting the Duel, Buster, Blitz, and Shadow Scythe, with a GuAIZ approaching!"
"Get them on the radio, and have Kira give Jordan and Sarah some cover fire!" Murrue ordered "Flight Captain Cypher and Flight Lieutenant Leese Why haven't you returned yet?"
"Sorry Captain," John apologized as he fought his way through waves of GINNs beside the Wolverine "We kinda caught up in something here, continue on without me, Corine fall back I'll cover you."
"Like HELL I will Cypher!" Corrine shouted back angrily as she cut a GINN in half "I told you I will watch your back while you watch mine."
John chuckled as he shook his head "Captain can you open this to the entire ship, and also one to the otehrs?" he asked and receiving a nod he started speaking "Attention Archangel."
Change room
Adam, Darknal and Mu looked up to the Speaker when John's voice broke through "This is Flight Captain John Cypher speaking with you for what may be the last time,"
"Don't tell me." Mu muttered as he frowned.
"It has been my honor to serve on the Archangel as an EA soldier,"
Hanger
"While our time together may have been short I can't say I regret a second of it."
"John? Corrine?" Scout asked in fear as all movement stopped in the Hanger.
"W-what's going on?" Rusty asked in confusion.
"It was an honor to see such people in the EA exist, people who don't discriminate against Coordinators for how we are born."
Flay's quarters
"Some of you I know had to work hard to overcome these problems."
"A-are they?" Flay murmured in surprise.
"Please do not lose that."
Bridge
Little did John know that he was in actuality announcing his speech to the entire EA fleet as well as Murrue, who realized what he was going to do, switched the comm from ship wide to fleet wide.
"It is in these troubled times that we cannot lose sight of the fact that we are in reality all are the same, Naturals and Coordinators are no different from one another, only in how we are born, we all are a part of the race known as Humanity," John paused for a second to collect his thoughts "I truly believe that unity between Coordinators and Naturals can be achieved so to the crew of the Archangel I ask you of one favor, please do this in mine and Corrine's place."
Katana
No…I thought as I clashed with the Shadow Scythe. Damnit no…no…NO!
Hanger
"No..." Scout said collapsing to her knees in shock surprising Rusty who was starting to understand what was happening.
Change Room
"Goddammit!" Mu shouted punching the wall while Adam and Darknal simply stared off into space numbed from the revelation.
Flay's Quarters
"N-no it can't be." She whispered in fear as tears fell down her face.
Bridge
The entire bridge was silent but for Mir's sobs as Sai tried to comfort her, the senior crew and NCO's all were saluting.
"But please do not become enwrapped in hatred because of this," John pleaded unaware of the mood on the Archangel "We are fighting for what we believe in, this is our final stand for the future."
"I do feel the same as John," Corrine confirmed cutting into the broadcast "All I ask is that you tell my parents that I love them and that I'm sorry."
Katana
"Jordan, if your listening, I am hearby promoting you to Flight Captain of the Mobile suits for the archangel." John said. Though I was still fighting the G-Weapons, I flinched in the cockpit. "John?" I asked. "But, sir!"
"Don't argue with me, kid." He replied. "You are the most experienced out of all of the others. This is something I know you can do. And I know you will not dissipoint me, or your Father." And then the transmission ended.
I resisted the urge to cry right then, and with four mobile suits trying their best to kill you, it was pretty easy.
As we fought the four Gundam's, and Zar in his GuAIZ, we were now in Earth's Gravitational pull. Shit, this isn't good. I thought. I noticed that Zar was pulling out, staying away from the Gravitational pull of earth.
It was then that the Melanos shuttle with the Civilians passed between us.
"Oh no, the shuttle from the Menelaos!" I said. I keyed the radio, intent on contacting the ZAFT soldiers. "Please stop!" he called. "It's a refugee shuttle!"
Zar's eyes widened. Of course… Heliopolis refugees… it made sense, really.
Kane, Dearka, Yzak, and Nicol had all heard the transmission too… and Kane snorted, activating his own radio.
"Refugees?" he said. "That means nothing! There is no such thing as innocence in humanity, in war! They were on the battlefield… that means their lives are forfeit!"
The eyes of everyone who heard—Mine, Kira, Sarah, Matthew, Yzak, Dearka, and Nicol—widened. Kane took aim… I rushed forward… Kane fired… and the round from the railgun pierced the shuttle, destroying it, and blasting me away.
"NOOO!" I screamed. The last thing I herd before loosing consciousness from the heat of reentry, exhaustion, and anger, was Sarah shouting my name, and that Kane bastard's Sadistic lauphter.
Matthew gritted his teeth.
Kane… you bastard… why couldn't the Katana have killed you instead of forcing you into retreat?
Disgusting, thought Yzak, glaring at Kane.
"Ugh, bastard!" shouted Nicol, glaring at Kane himself, and resisting the urge to kill the Ravage pilot.
"H-how could he? Civilians…" choked Dearka.
"No…" whispered Sarah, tears in her eyes as she looked at the remains of the shuttle burning up in the atmosphere. Jordan tumbled down towards Earth. "Damn you!" she screamed. She activated her verniers and flew to the Katana.
"Commander…" said Matthew over a private radio link. "Permission to shoot him down?"
"Denied," said Zar, his anger obvious. "Because I want him for myself… and because this is something better left to the public court martial."
The Archangel bridge crew stared, just as horrorstruck by the meaningless and merciless slaughter as everyone else was. However, seeing the movements of the Strike, Katana, and Slash, they all began frantically calling for the two.
Knowing even through their tear, rage, and grief-filled minds that they couldn't make it back, Kira and Sarah grabbed hold the Katana, and began pushing together with everything they had for the Archangel.
But they knew they'd never make it. It quickly became too much, and they were forced to separate. Both brought their shields up in front of them, and began to dive directly into the atmosphere.
"Kira! Sarah! Jordan!" exclaimed Tolle.
"No…" whispered Sai.
"They're attempting reentry on their own?" asked Natarle, incredulous.
"Descent angle for Strike, Katana, and Slash differs from our own," said Pal. "They're gonna land in a completely remote location!"
"Come in Kira, Jordan, Sarah! Come in! Can't you get back here?" called Mir. "Return to the ship!"
"It's impossible," said Natarle grimly. "Even the Katana's thrusters aren't strong enough."
"Bring us closer to them!" ordered Murrue. "The Archangel's thrusters should be powerful enough!"
"But then the ship will also miss its descent point!" objected Neumann.
"Making it there won't mean a thing if we lose track of the Strike, Katana and Slash! Hurry!"
Kira and Sarah watched as the Archangel moved closer, finally settling beneath them. Summoning all remaining rationale, they pushed themselves a bit faster, and landed on the top deck of the ship. They heard voices over the radio, from the Archangel's bridge.
"The Strike, Slash, and Katana have landed on the ship," said Pal.
"Alright!" came Tolle's voice.
"Please respond," came Pal's voice again. However, Kira and Sarah were both drifting out, the chaotic entry causing the cockpits to heat up far beyond what they should. The two began to pass out.
"Kira, Sarah, Jordan?" asked Tolle.
"You okay?" came Murrue's voice.
"Kira! Jordan! Sara!" cried Miriallia.
With that, everything went black.
Battlefield
Minutes before
"Sorry to drag you into this Corrine." John apologized as he recharged their suits using an abandoned Nelson-class.
"Don't apologize John," Corrine reprimanded "I chose this of my own free will, I'm sure that my parents will understand eventually."
John smiled at her "I love you Corrine Leese."
"I love you John Cypher."
The pair blasted away to rejoin the battle, it was not going well, ZAFT lost about ten GINNs and Three Nazca-classes, while the EA lost three quarters of their mobile armors, only two Drake-classes remained along with the Montgomery, an Agamemnon-class captained by Halberton and finally the Menelaos.
"I hope you know that speech of yours was broadcasted to the entire fleet." Halberton informed in a regretful tone "It certainly has hardened the resolve of our soldiers."
"Really?" John asked surprised.
Halberton chuckled "Can't you hear it?" he asked "Their war cry?"
John frowned and switched over to an open channel immediately the first thin heard was "FOR A UNIFIED FUTURE!" As the Moebius pilots began to fight harder as their Resolve became fixed in concrete "FOR THE DREAM OF THE DEMON AND THE VALKYRIE, FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY!"
It started off as a chuckled but soon it became a full blown out laugh "This is so true," John muttered "You ready Corrine?"
"Yeah," Corrine confirmed "As Jordan would have said, Lets rock and roll."
(Start Playing 'Don't be Afraid' Knight of the Round Version[Link in Dragonknightryu's profile])
"John Cypher!"
"Corrine Leese!"
"Demon Lord of the round table!"
"Valkyrie of Heliopolis!"
"Demon Destroyer Frame!"
"Wolverine!"
Both: "Fighting for the Future!"
The pair pushed their thrusters to the limits and started tearing through the ZAFT forces with an unheard of fury as they two worked together like a well oiled machine. Pulling out his Buster Sword John charged forward cutting off the Bridge of a Nazca -class while Corrine used her katana to cut through several GINNs in rapid progression, the pair saw the same vision when they closed their eyes and took a breath.
A pair of seed, one Crimson and the other amethyst circled each other before colliding in a burst of light and when the pair opened their eyes there was a major difference, John's right eye was Red with a slight pupil, while his left was Amethyst in color and a dilated pupil.
Corrine's right eye was amethyst with a dilated pupil, while her left was Red with a slit pupil. Somehow, someway the two could see from each other's perspective and could feel and hear each other's thoughts and feelings 'W-what is this?' Corrine questioned in her mind.
'Corrine?' John wondered upon hearing her voice in his head 'H-how is this possible.'
'I don't know,' Corrine admitted 'But we have something to do, don't we love?'
'You got that right Beautiful,' John agreed with a grin as he opened a full spectrum channel and took a deep breath and let out one of his loudest most demonic roar since Endymion "Look out you ZAFT bastards!" John shouted "'Cause the Demon Lord is coming for you!"
ZAFT froze in shock as the pair surged forward along with the remaining EA fleet hot on their heels smashing into the ZAFT fleet like a surge of water, and smashed through the primary defensive screening as they fought countless GINNs that seemed to just keep coming, John kept the pair supplied for power as he stole power from the enemy suits and ships to enable them to keep fighting.
The pair never faltered as their seemingly melded consciousness brought them a whole other level of fighting, they didn't need to speak, they didn't need to actively look for each other or the enemy, they could see from the others eyes, they could sense the pilots of the enemy fleet, even after the Demon lost an arm from a Cannon blast he continued to wield the Buster Blade to deadly effect smashing suits together cutting entire squads apart in single swing. Corrine even after losing her right leg and a stabilizer wing and a near miss from a carriers laser blast tearing her cockpit open continued to fight, they felt like they had become one with their suits, like their suits were a complete extension of themselves.
Gamow, Bridge
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEIR BREAKING THROUGH!" Kyoji roared from his command chair "How did this happen!"
"It was the Demon's roar," Anthony stated calmly as he analyzed the situation "Kelsey and the Spark would be useless against the pair, they are just too fast and he is to slow."
Kyoji growled and stood up "If you want something done right than do it yourself." He muttered as he strode to the Hanger and enter his GuAIZ "I'm launching now."
(End 'Don't be Afraid')
Corrine
Corrine tried to regulate her breathing as not to waste her precious supply of oxygen, she had linked her suit directly to the suits supply but that would only last so long "John, Corrine," Halberton said getting their attention "You both have done enough, fall back."
"No can do Halberton," John stated as the pair formed up in front of the last remaining ship, the Montgomery "We decided to stick this out to the end, and that is what we will do."
"I'm with John," Corrine said thankful her radio was still working by some miracle "No matter what we will stand and fight."
"I see," Halberton breathed out "Thank you, both of you."
An idea crossed Corrine's mind and John with their new connection agreed instantly. You always did like that movie, didn't you? Corrine asked John through their thought-speak. To witch John chuckled to.
"There is one thing you can do for use Captain." Corrine said "Can you marry the two of us?"
Halberton Chuckle along with the rest of his crew and remaining pilots "It would be my honor." He agreed "Dearly beloved," he started to some chuckles "We are gathered here to witness the union of this young couple in holy matrimony, they have overcome many trials and adversities to stand here today in front of God, Do you John Cypher take this women to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," John confirmed as he cut a GINN in half and evaded a Laser blast
"Do you Corrine Leese take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" he asked Corrine.
"I do." She Confirmed as she destroyed a GINN equipped with a laser cannon trying to sneak up on the Montgomery.
"Than By the power vested in me I pronounce you Husband and Wife." Halberton declared to a massive round off cheers and whistles.
"So I am John Leese now huh?" John asked lightly surprising Corrine slightly "The Cypher has always prided themselves on being the best soldiers, it's time for them to fade into history."
"Alright than," Corrine agreed as they went back to back "Sounds better than Corrine Cypher at any rate."
John chuckled in agreement until he saw a flash of red. In front of them, a GuAIZ now stood in front of them. Painted blood red (A/N: Seriously, is it a fad in Zaft to have Blood red if you're a main villain?), and on its right shoulder, an image of a Axe and a machete crossed each other. "Hello, John Cypher." A cold, and menacing voice said. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"
"It can't be," John whispered "The Butcher of New Orleans."
Through their link Corrine could see the flashes of his memories, his home destroyed a crimson GINN hovering over his home city laughing joyfully at the destruction, John's subsequent warpath, his oath 'Let's go John.' Corrine whispered into his mind 'Your family is my family, so he killed my parent-in-laws, so let's show him our strength.'
'Yeah.' John agreed tightening his grip on his controls "Kyoji Shinto!" he shouted "I will kill you today!"
The two boosted forward towards the strange new mobile suit firing their beam weapons as they approached, Kyoji raised his shield and block the shots and started firing with his shots focusing on John "Oh really, you damn Natural lover, you will never beat me!" Kyoji yelled as he charged at John extending his beam claws and swiped at John narrowly missing him and rolled out of the way from Corrine's slash as she attacked from behind "You may be in G-weapons, but you will never touch my GuAIZ!"
"Don't bet too much on that!" Corrine countered as she and John weaved back and forth as they charged forward, Corrine was the first to connect with the beam claws blocking them with her katana and brought up her beam rifle in her opposite hand and fired forcing Kyoji to move to the right, right into the path of John's buster sword that managed to cleave off a portion of armor on his right arm shocking the pilot and Corrine followed it up with a shoulder tackle sending him tumbling back from the impact.
Moving as a single entity the pair continued trading blows with the crimson suit slowly cutting it to pieces "Fucking Whore!" Kyoji shouted as Corrine cut off one of his thrusters that John followed up by cutting off a leg "Son of a Bitch!" Kyoji tried to escape but the pair showed no mercy as they relentlessly dogged him, even after the Montgomery was destroyed they continued to fight the final words of Lewis Halberton engraved into their souls.
"Live long and strong," he said calmly as his ship crashed into the remaining Laurasia-class leaving only the Gamow, Hades, 10 GINNs, and the GuAIZ that was being torn apart "And Always fight for the future."
Hades, Bridge
Zar sighed as he went over to the communications terminal "This is Zar Hellfury, all surviving suits return to the Gamow, and Hades, we are leaving this field of battle." He ordered grimly as he surveyed the destruction that was the ZAFT and EA fleet "This battle is over."
"WHAT!" Kyoji Yelled as his suit was dragged by a pair of GINNs "What about those traitors!"
"They have very little power left, maybe even less oxygen with nowhere to go," Zar informed "I don't think they will survive."
Kyoji snarled but complied anyways as the two G-weapons left the be drifting closer together.
John and Corrine
Corrine transferred herself over to the Demon's cockpit and sat on John's lap exhausted as they felt their connection fade, John transferred the last of the Wolverine's power and oxygen to the Demon. Once the cockpit was repressurized they removed their helmets and kissed each other hard and passionately "I'm so happy," Corrine stated once they broke apart "I'm married to you of all people, I really don't mind that I may die, my only regret is not being able to say goodbye to mom and dad."
John wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest "My only regret is not being able to have a child with you," John admitted as the Demon and Wolverine floated amongst the debris "But that I can deal with that, I'm just happy that you are here beside me."
"I'm happy to be here John." Corrine said as they kissed once more before their exhaustion got the better of the slipping into a deep sleep, dreaming of a pair of seeds continually circling each other.
(A/N: This was probobly the touphest chapter for me to write so far, so please review, and tell me what Ya'll think!)