The Bridge of the Hades
Elsewhere
"Sir. We've detected three Earth Forces warships."
"Out this far? That's unusual," said Sayla.
"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.
Back with the Archangel
Atlantic Federation Vice Foreign Minister George Allster was doing a good impression of a fish, and everyone else on the bridges of both the Archangel and Montgomery could only stare at the brown-haired, blue-eyed young man with a Cheshire Cat grin on his face.
"You know, I wish I had a camera, because that look is priceless" Sebastian said, still grinning.
"Wh-what did you call me?" Allster said, not daring to believe it.
"Uncle, I believe that is the title a person gives to the brother of one of his parents" Sebastian said, like it was obvious, he then slapped his forehead, "I'm sorry, Uncle. I never introduced myself, Sebastian Connor, the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due, ZAFT's Supreme Ace, at your service."
"Z-ZAFT!" Allster said, now clearly outraged, "Lieutenant Ramius, why is there a ZAFT pilot on the bridge of your ship with my daughter!"
"Hold on daddy!" Flay cut in, she turned to Sebastian, "It is true, Sebastian? Are you really related to Me and Father?" To which the Storm Wolf merely nodded.
"Yes, Flay, I am exactly that" He then proceeded to pace the bridge, and spoke in a tone that a teacher would use to address his students, "My full name is Sebastian Andrew Connor. I was born on February 26th, C.E. 53 in Kansas City, MO, in the Atlantic Federation, on Earth. My parents were Dr. Timothy Michael Connor, and JoAnn Marie Connor, or as she was known before her marriage, JoAnn Marie Allster."
"Your mother was a Natural?" Natarle said, as surprised as everyone else was at this revelation.
"Yes indeed," Sebastian said, "Uncle, I am very certain you remember your older sister, and how much she took care of you. Remember the time you had a serious case of the flu, you were bedridden for two days, and my mom took care of you through the whole thing, she never left your side once. But I don't need to remind you. You remember it already, I know."
Allster hesitated, ready to vehemently deny everything, but then he looked to his daughter, standing by Sebastian's side, the living image of his sister. He hung his head, "Yes, I do remember my big sister, very well. Flay, what Sebastian is saying is true. His mother was my older sister. He's your cousin."
"Daddy, why didn't you tell me?" Flay said, clearly upset.
"I was angry, angry that she could have fallen for one of…them!" Allster said, "She was my best friend, and she forgot all about me when she ran off with him."
Sebastian said, "Uncle, my mother never forgot you. She talked about you all the time. She said it was always her hope that I could meet you." "With the death of my father's side of the family in the Bloody Valentine, that means you and Flay are all I have left."
"When this is all over, you and I need to sit down, Flay, you as well. We have a lot to discuss…nephew" George Allster, a genuine smile forming.
"I'll look forward to that, Uncle" Sebastian said, and then the alert klaxon went off.
"What is it?" Murrue said.
"Radar interference! N-jammer levels increasing!" I'm reading A Nazca and a Laurasia. It's the Vesalius and the Gamow!" Romero Pal reported.
"Le Creuset!" Sebastian growled, "Uncle, I'm sorry to cut this short, but I've got to get to work."
"I understand, just promise me this, take care of my daughter" Allster said, looking his nephew square in the eye.
"I won't even promise you that. I guarantee it, and I always live up to my guarantees" Sebastian said, and the screen went blank.
"Murrue, we had better get ready," Sebastian said.
"Red Alert! Sound General Quarters! Level One Battle stations!" Murrue barked on the loudspeakers, and Sebastian raced for the hanger, Flay, hot on his heels.
Gamow, hanger
So it comes to this, Nicol thought as he sat in the Blitz's cockpit, Once again I have to fight my best friend. How did we end up like this? How did things get so bad?
"How lucky can you get!" Yzak smirked from the cockpit of the Duel, "We thought we had lost the legged ship, and Evans leads us right to it!"
"Yeah, but did he have to stay?" Dearka said from Buster, and Yzak grudgingly nodded. After getting thoroughly trounced by the Storm Wolf in the Debris Belt, Evans had hooked up with the Le Creuset team. He had transferred to the Vesalius while the Dark Tooth returned to the PLANTS.
"Sebastian and Kyle can't stand each other" Nicol said, "I know when we attack they'll go straight for each other."
"Maybe we'll get lucky and Connor will do him in," Yzak said.
"Kyle Evans is the reason that Sebastian and I even met, and I speak from first hand experience that the man's a lunatic", Nicol said, "I certainly won't lose any sleep if Sebastian removes him from this world!"
"That may not be so easy. I heard that they modified Commander Evans CGUE to test some new weapons they reverse engineered from the G-weapons, A beam rifle, and a laser sword they say is capable of piercing Phase Shift", Dearka noted, "G-weapon or not, Commander Connor will have his hands full."
"Then hope Sebastian wins," Nicol said, "I know I am."
"I second that." Dearka said.
"You know all what to do," Le Creuset said as he came up on the pilot's video monitors, "Nicol, if you face Predator, feel free to use disabling attacks only. I've already told Athrun the same thing for if he faces the Strike."
"Thank you, Commander" Nicol said, Sebastian I don't want to fight you. I have my duty to the PLANTS, and yet, I have my loyalty to you. I'm so confused!
Archangel, hallway
It never ends, Chris thought, now in his flight suit. The others had already reached the hanger.
"Chris!" Flay cried, having caught up to him, "You probably haven't heard, but my father is on one of those ships. Please protect him!"
"Of course, Flay" Chris said giving a small smile, "I promise."
"Thank you", she smiled back, and Sebastian emerged in his green flight suit, "You do the same, and please come back to me." She said to him, giving him a sisterly kiss on the cheek.
"What was that about?" Chris asked suspiciously.
"Don't worry Chris, I already know how you feel about Flay. In a nutshell, she's my cousin. Her dad and my mom were brother and sister. I'll give you the whole story later on, but right now we have work to do" Sebastian said, and the two pilots headed for the hanger and their Gundams.
In the Hanger Ryu 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.
Sebastian finished strapping himself into Predator, and performing his standard check-out procedure.
"Bridge, this is Sebastian, in my rush, I forgot to ask what exactly it is we're dealing with, give me the rundown."
"Seven GINNs, four G-weapons the Blitz, Buster, Duel and Aegis, the X, two GINN HMT's, and a CGUE," said Murrue.
"Son of a bitch!" Sebastian said, FOUR of them, and an X? That means Nicol's out there, terrific! I wouldn't be surprised if that CGUE was Evans. So I'll have two problems to deal with!, "Lieutenant, I'm ready for take off, give me the word and I'll give them hell."
"I understand, but we been ordered to hold back and let the advance force take care of things" Murrue said with consternation.
"Koopman is an idiot!" Sebastian hissed, "What is he trying to do? Get himself and my uncle killed!"
Montgomery, Bridge
Damn it all to hell! This can't be happening to me now of all times! George Allster cursed he looked out to the Archangel, the pristine white of its laminated armor hull contrasting against the black, star filled sky, Sebastian, you're my daughter's best chance for survival. Don't you dare let anything happen to her!
"Launch mobile armors and bring all weapons online. Not that it'll do any good" said Koopman.
"I still don't understand why you ordered the Archangel to stand off when it's obvious they could be such a help to us!" Allster said.
"They could, but we'd still be outnumbered. We need to give them time to escape to Ptolemaeus. I hate to say this sir, but we're expendable, they're not" Koopman said, his face like stone
"But even still" Allster said, "my daughter's on that ship."
"I know sir. In fact it's probably the safest place for her to be right now. Besides, she's not alone. Your nephew is there with her, and knowing who he is, he would fight tooth and nail to protect her" Koopman said, giving a small smile.
"I suppose you're right. After all, he does have Allster blood in him, and we don't back down from fights easily!" Allster said with pride, and then adding quietly "Good luck Sebastian, please take care of my little ballerina princess. I have a feeling she's going to need you. Godspeed, nephew."
Then a crewman gave the warning that all aboard had expected, and dreaded, "We have engaged the enemy captain."
"Then let's do it!" Koopman said, and all hell broke lose.
Archangel, Bridge
I don't believe this, just as we catch up to the advance force, ZAFT shows up and ruins everything! Murrue thought as the first ship went up.
"Lieutenant Ramius, we have to do something!" Ryu said from the command chair's left hand screen.
"Commander, our orders are clear-", was as far as she got before the Storm Wolf cut her off.
"Fuck the orders!" Sebastian yelled, "The advance force is getting slaughtered like three fat pigs, and once they're gone, we're next. Do you really think all of us will be able to stand against those kinds of odds? Alone?"
Murrue considered this for a few seconds as the second ship was vaporized, leaving only the Montgomery, and then Murrue said to Mir, "Launch the Mobile suits."
Archangel, Hanger
"Finally, I was wondering when we were going to act!" Sebastian said, as he guided Predator to the port catapult, Hold on uncle, we're coming as fast we can.
Chris was already loaded up the Raven on the starboard catapult, "Raven here. I'm ready."
"Watch yourself out there, Chris. Remember, Flay's father is on one of those ships as well."
"I remember, and it's not just Flay's father, he's also Sebastian's uncle." Chris tightened his grip on the controls, determined to see this through to the end, "Chris Dante, Raven Gundam, lets do it!"
"Sebastian Connor, Predator Gundam, Moving out!"
"Mir, mount up the Gunbarrel Pack!" Kira requested as the Strike settled into the Launch Catapult.
"Get me the 'Trikeros' unit." Ryu ordered as his Dragon settled into the second catapult and went over the contact report "The X? Alright listen up Kira you're on the Aegis, Liz, Chris, and Sebastian you'll be joining the defensive screen that the mobile armors are prepping, 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. Matthew, Jordan and Sarah, you three watch over the Archangel. 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, Lets do it!"
"Ryu Hisanaga, Dragon Gundam, Engaging the enemy!"
Next up Sarah and Liz were loaded into the catapults.
"Liz Dante, Zephyr Gundam, Let's go!"
"Sarah Lenix, Slash Gundam, Launching!"
The next two were Jordan and Matthew. "Time to give the Katana Knight it debut." Jordan said as his Custom "Katana Knight" pack was mounted.
"Jordan Takeo, Katana Gundam, Lets Rock and Roll!"
"Matthew Takeo, Shadow Scythe Gundam, Lets cut 'em up!"
Mu was the last to be loaded as his suits weapons were equipped "Mu la Flagga, Let's show'em how it's done!"
Montgomery, Bridge
"Captain, the Archangel is deploying its machines!" a crewman called out.
"What?" Allster said, "Are they insane? Even with their help, we're not going to last much longer!"
"I'm not surprised," Koopman said, "The first rule of command, never give an order you know won't be obeyed. Ramius is Halberton's protégé. He had a stubborn streak a mile wide, and it seems to have translated to her."
"Give me the Archangel!" Allster said, and Murrue's image appeared on the screen, "Captain Ramius, what do you think you're doing! Captain Koopman gave you a direct order to move off."
"I'm sorry sir, it was your nephew that convinced me to launch" said Murrue.
"Let me speak to my daughter", Allster said. Flay, who had returned to the bridge after speaking to Chris, came into view.
"Daddy, I'm scared" Flay said.
"I know, princess. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared myself. If anything happens to me, I want you to…", and Flay stopped him.
"No daddy, don't talk that way!" Flay said in a panicking tone.
"Flay!" He said sharply, "If anything happens to me, I want you to know that I love you, Stick close to Sebastian. And remember this, my ballerina princess, you are not alone. I love you baby doll."
"I love you, too Daddy" Flay said, tears in her eyes.
The Nine suits streaked through space as they took up their positions and waited the enemy, they didn't have long to wait as a wave of GINNs lead by the Aegis and the X-copy smashed into the defensive screen. Narrowing his eyes Ryu charged at the X with his beam rifle and Trikeros firing drawing the pilots attention to him "I'll be you playmate for today Rookie." Ryu stated as he extended the Mesamune and clashed against the X's katana, Ryu 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!"
Ryu 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 Dragon that Ryu dodged. "True this may be a copy," the Pilot admitted "But it's the pilot who matters, not the Machine!" with that the fangs of the X were launched and circled the X before launching out at Ryu. So true. Ryu thought and he grinned as he dodged the DRAGOON's.
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."
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 let's 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. Probably Burnard. He always was a lucky bastard." Rainer formed a light fist. Lucy. He thought. He then stared 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 cameo-style paint job, similar to the color scheme of the Grudega mobile suits me and Matthew took out a few days ago.
"Gelb team." Matthew said. "Another Aggressor Squadron. Jordan, you need any help?"
I shook my head. "I think I got this one." I said. "You guys don't worry about me."
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 swerving, and then broke apart left, and right. Using the same tactics the Grudega team did, trying to double team me. It didn't work for them. I thought. Its not gonna work for you either. I accelerated to the one on the right. I drew out my Dauntless 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 blasts, and parrying a swipe from the first GINN. I then fired a quick burst of Ingleside rounds at him. They hit, and the GINN lost its head.
GINN
Dammit! 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 dazed, and I took this opportunity to whip out my beam sabers, and sliced it in half.
Hades
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 Picus CIWS's, MAMV03 Composite anti-beam coated shield with beam-claws, and the most resent acquirement, a beam saber. This GuAIZ, unlike the other models, has an 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.
Zar Hellfury theme: http: / www . youtube . com /watch?v=eu4tCWTyqds
"Ma'am! I've got intense head sources approaching at high speed! 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 Sebastian's eyes widen in horror. "Get a visual on it now!" He ordered. Another screen popped up, and the GuAIZ appeared. Its whole body was a blood red color. Equipped with a wide-variety of weapons.
I could see the fear in Sebatian's eyes now. "Oh fuckberries." He said. "It just can't be him!"
"What?" I asked. "Who is it?"
"Zar Hellfury." Sebastian said. "The Devil of Endymion."
That sent more than just a shiver up my spine. I've read all there is on Zar. 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 Ryu say. "If that fails, Run." Just then, The GuAIZ was right in front of me. It's Omni-eye glaring at me. "Pilot of the GAT-X900 Katana." A voice came in through my speakers. "Do you hear me?" It's Zar! I thought. My hand pressed the radio. "Yes, I here you." 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 laughed 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 volleys of Ingleside 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 stopped, 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 definitely Alen's son." Then Zar drew his own beam saber. "Let me see your swordsmanship for myself."
With Kira
Kira grunted as the Strikes new Katana smashed against Athrun'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 Aegis' gut that he dodged by backing off "Finally taking me seriously Athrun?" 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 Strike before suddenly shifting to the side and kicking out with one of his feet beam sabers only for Kira to block with the Trikeros before she backed off a little "There will be no more holding back on my part Kira; I will come at you with everything I have."
Kira smiled grimly in her suit as she felt something stir in her, she quickly recognized the feeling, Battle Lust, Ryu called it.
Kira steeled herself 'I need to do this.' She resolved herself and allowed the feeling sweep over her and focused completely on Athrun "If you won't hold back than neither shall I!" she stated as she activated the Gunbarrels and started her assault on Athrun.
With Chris
Chris 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 Creuset Team did, not that he wanted to fight them, especially when he compared his current opponents to the pair that Ryu 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 Ryu warned us about?" He asked his sister as they tore through another GINN.
"Yeah, I know how you feel," she agreed "I guess we need to work on our teamwork some if we hope to match them." She proceeded to transform into jet form and fired her Gatling Cannons tearing through another GINN before she moved back to back with the Raven as they protected each other "I am so glad that Ryu made these upgrades."
"Here, here!" Chris agreed as he transformed the Raven and fired a series of missiles taking out some of the Missiles that were heading for the Menelaos.
With Mu
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 Ryu currently busy dodging the X's Fangs as he returned fire while Kira was completely occupied with the Aegis showing a level of skill he hasn't seen from the young teen yet. Chris and Liz were in a no better situation as they were occupied by several GINNs that kept switching out tiring out the pair. Sarah and Matthew were busy fighting a team of GINN's that were attempting to attack the Archangel, Sebastian was making his way towards the CGUE, and finally, there was Jordan fighting the Devil of Endymion…and doing a fairly good job at it.
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 Ryu
The Dragon 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 Trikeros 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 Dragon after all."
Ryu drifted in front of the suit alert for any sign of treachery "What's your name rookie?" he asked genuinely curious.
"Ragnos sir, Ragnos Vermeer." The pilot replied proudly.
"Ragnos huh," Ryu mused before turning away "I suggest you leave the field of battle before your killed Ragnos."
Boosting away Ryu 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.
"This is nuts!" Sebastian said as he took quick stock of the scene. Strike and Aegis were engaged in another battle. Mu had taken charge of the mobile armors, Chris, and Liz was leading them against the Duel, Buster, Blitz and the GINNS. Ryu was fending off a series of GINN's as well, Matthew and Sarah were defending the Archangel, and Jordan was stuck in a one-on-one fight with the Red Demon of Endymion.
The ZAFT forces were clearly winning. Through it all the Blitz was intentionally staying away from Predator. Nicol, Sebastian thought.
"Hello Connor!" an all too familiar voice said, "Are you ready for round two?"
"Evans!" Sebastian hissed, and sure enough, a spotted brown CGUE, rocketed toward the Storm Wolf, "You better believe it, cockbite! Last time we were both in CGUEs, and even then, I won. Do you really think you can stop me now that I have a G-weapon?"
"That fancy machine doesn't mean anything! A true pilot can adapt to face any scenario, any opponent. You won't live to see the day! Although, I've got some new toys I'm dying to try out!" Kyle replied.
The Storm Wolf noted that his rival's machine indeed had some new improvements. A beam rifle similar to the one he was carrying at that very moment in one hand, and a big nasty looking laser sword in the other hand.
"Then test your luck against the GAT-X108 Predator!" Sebastian replied by drawing a beam saber and the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due and the Grimaldi Hyena clashed once more.
It started with out with a good old-fashioned beam battle. Kyle, still new to how a beam rifle worked, wildly blasted at Predator, while Sebastian used the Gundam's superior maneuverability and speed to evade most of Evans' attacks. Seeing that his beam rifle wasn't working, Evans pulled out the laser sword, while Predator pulled out a beam saber locking up like the horns of two massive bulls.
"Is this the best you can do?" Sebastian said.
"No, as a matter of fact, it isn't!" Kyle said with an almost maniacal tone to his voice, and he pointed his beam rifle straight at the Montgomery, "I can still do THIS!" And three shots were fired. Sebastian could only watch as the ship bearing his uncle went up in flames. He, of course was not the only one to bear witness to this.
"NOOOOOO!" Flay screamed as she saw the Montgomery consumed in explosions.
"That's the price you pay for siding with the Naturals!" and Evan's cruel laughter permeated the air. Predator stood there for a few seconds, Sebastian's knuckles were whitened as he held the controls in a death grip.
"You…miserable…COCKBITING…FUCKTARD!" Sebastian roared at his top of his lungs, "I'll KILL YOU!" A blue seed fell behind Sebastian's eyes, and spun twice. On the second spin the seed turned gold, and then exploded in a maelstrom of light, a wolf's howl in the background. Sebastian's eyes had turned gold and dilated. He then let off the loudest howl he could manage, and attacked like a wolf set upon by the bloodlust of the hunt.
By this time, the Duel, Buster, and Blitz had finished off the last of the mobile armors, but thanks to Mu's leadership, and assistance from Chris and Liz, the ZAFT forces had suffered as well, with five GINNs lost, Yzak had the others return to the ships.
"Should we get involved?" Dearka asked Yzak.
"Do you see how he's fighting!" Yzak said, "It's just like at Jachin. We'd never stand a chance, even with numbers on our side."
Nicol was once more plagued by his conflicting loyalties and could only watch his best friend continue his grudge match against his rival.
Archangel, Bridge
The mood on the bridge had been one of silence when the Montgomery exploded. Flay had gone nearly catatonic. It was in that moment that Natarle acted, making a decision that she would regard in the future as one of the stupidest in her entire life. She grabbed Kuzzey's headset, and spoke.
"Attention all ZAFT forces, I suggest you cease all combat operations at this very moment. We have Lacus Clyne onboard on this vessel. As in Supreme Chairman Siegel Clyne's daughter and I imagine that you would not want anything to happen to her. So think hard about what you do next, should anything happen to her." And she cut the radio link. Murrue looked at her in disbelief.
"I can't believe you said that! Commander Connor will skin you alive when he hears of this!"
"I'd like to see him try!" Natarle hissed. She'd really regret that comment later on!
With Ryu
"WHAT IN THE FUCK WAS THAT!" Ryu shouted in rage connecting with the Archangel "Care to explain captain?"
"I had nothing to do with it Lieutenant Hisanaga," Murrue explained hastily "Ensign Badgiruel acted completely on her own."
"Ensign, we will be having words when I land." Ryu growled out turning to the Archangel and firing his thrusters to the max "And I can guarantee that Sebastian will also be present."
And audible gulp was heard over the radio as Natarle began to sweat.
With Jordan,
My mouth dropped open at what Natarle had just done. "What the hell happened to playing by the book Natarle?" I asked out loud. "Sebastian's gonna kill you."
"It would seem our fight has come to an undetermined end." Zar said. "Just so you know, I had NOTHING to do with that, and neither do any of the pilots." I pointed out. "And we do NOT support it!"
Zar chuckled. "You're just like your Father, ya know?" He said. "I'll leave you with this bit of information. Your Father's name is Alen Takeo. He's a mobile suit pilot…and he'd be very proud of you." With that, the Red GuAIZ retreated.
I sighed as our battle finally came to an end. They don't call him the Devil of Endymion for nothing. I thought. "Yo Jordan, you alright?" Matthew asked as he and the Slash approached the Katana.
"Ya, I'm fine." I replied. "But, Damn! Does Natarle have a death-wish or something? Seb's gonna KILL her."
"We'll see about that." Matthew said. "But it looks like he's having his own problems at the moment."
Open Space
Sebastian was so overcome with rage his fighting grew more and more reckless and wild. And that was exactly the opening the Grimaldi Hyena was waiting for. With one swipe of his laser sword, Evans removed Predator's head and left arm, jarring the machine, which caused Sebastian to hit the instrument panel, knocking him out, and so he didn't hear what transpired next, for if he had, then he'd really have reason to kill with his bare hands.
"Die!" Evans said, but as he readied the killing blow, The Blitz charged forward, rapidly firing its beam rifle. Nicol had made his choice on where his loyalties lie.
"GET AWAY FROM MY BROTHER!" Nicol roared.
"Nicol!" Athrun shouted, causing the battle between the Strike and Aegis to end.
"Nicol what are you doing!" Dearka yelled.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry you guys, but I have to follow my heart. I've known Sebastian since I was ten years old. I refuse to believe that he's doing this solely on a whim. Next time we meet. It will be as enemies. Please forgive me," Nicol said, and went back to saving his best friend.
The Blitz put itself between Evans' CGUE and Predator, "You want Sebastian? You're going to have to go through me!" Nicol said putting every bit of courage he had forward.
Evans just laughed "Oh look, the little boy is standing up for his big brother! I should have known you would do this, Amalfi! You're weak, just like Connor is."
"You're right! I am standing up for my brother! That what it means to be a friend, looking out for others, something you'll never understand! Besides this machine has some interesting tricks, you won't get Sebastian without going through me!" and with that the Blitz disappeared under Mirage Colloid, and every few seconds it would reappear, fire a few shots, and disappear once more.
"Stand still and face me directly, you coward!" Evans snarled, and then, the Blitz came up from behind and removed the CGUE's head and destroyed the beam rifle.
"Next time, I'll take off a lot more!" Nicol said.
"You haven't changed a bit, Amalfi! Fine then! Go with your brother! Natural lovers should always stick together!" Evans hissed, "Come on you three, we're returning to base" he said to Athrun and the others.
"But sir-", Yzak started.
"We're returning to base!" Evans roared, and the four machines sped back to the Gamow.
The Blitz turned to face Predator, and the other G-Weapons and the Patriot joined the other two machines.
"To the pilots of the G-Weapons, please don't fire, I surrender." Nicol said quickly, and to show he was on the level. He stepped out of the cockpit, and held up his hands.
"Who are you kid?" Ryu asked of Nicol.
"My name is Nicol Amalfi. I don't know if Sebastian has told you about me, but I've known him since I was a kid. He's my best friend, and I couldn't let him die."
A groan sounding, signifying that Sebastian had awoken, his eyes returned to normal, "Did anyone get the license plate number of that Nazca that hit me?" he said, he then noticed the Blitz, just hovering there, "Nicol, what are you doing?"
"You were fighting Evans, and he beat you up pretty good. I-I stepped in and saved your life" Nicol replied.
"Nicol, do you have any idea what you've done with this little stunt?" Sebastian said incredulously.
"I know full well of the consequences, and such, I'd like to request permission to come aboard. If you'll let me."
"Lieutenant, we'd be a fool not to do it" Sebastian said.
"Of course, Commander" said Murrue, "We can discuss this further when you're aboard."
"Yes ma'am, Well Nicol, welcome aboard the Archangel. I certainly hope you know what you've gotten yourself into."
"All that matters is that we're reunited," Nicol said, and with that the Gundams and the Patriot Zero returned to the ship, although Sebastian would be in for a nasty surprise when he returned.
