I own none of this.
Archangel, infirmary, 7 February, C.E. 71
Kira felt a deep sense of trepidation as he trailed Kuzzey into the infirmary. Trepidation, and guilt, guilt for being unable to keep his promise, for being unable to save Flay's father. Even in the chaos that had followed Ensign Badgiruel's unexpected action, it still ate away at him.
Flay lay asleep on the near bed, the other students gathered worriedly around her. Perversely, she looked almost peaceful, as though the last battle hadn't even happened.
"How is she?" Kira asked quietly.
"According to the doctor, she just fainted," Sai said, his voice equally quiet. "She should be okay when she wakes up. Physically, at least."
Mentally, of course, was another story. Kira was all too well aware of it, and it only made him feel worse. After all, it was his fault Flay was in such a state.
There was a stirring on the bed, accompanied by a soft moan. Flay's blue eyes flickered open, glancing around the room before landing on Sai. "Uhh . . . what. . . ."
He was at her side in an instant. "I'm right here, Flay," he said. "Are you all right?"
She shook her head, evidently still groggy. "I'm. . . ." There was a long pause as she readjusted to her surroundings, and her expression slowly hardened into a mix of grief and fury. Her eyes focused on Kira and narrowed dangerously. "You. . . ." she hissed.
Kira didn't reply, but mentally braced himself; he had a good idea what was coming.
It wasn't enough. "You lied to me!" Flay snapped, voice rising. "You promised my father would be all right, and now he's dead!" Her hands fisted on the sheets. "You weren't even trying to fight, were you!? It's because you're a Coordinator just like them!"
Each word struck like a physical blow, a punch in the face. The last accusation, delivered at a near shriek, was a hit to the solar plexus. Half-blind with tears, barely able to think, Kira staggered away, barely aware of Sai and Mir trying in vain to placate the grieving girl.
He found himself once again by the huge viewport on the aft of the Archangel's superstructure. Choking back a sob, Kira leaned his forehead against it. His thoughts were in turmoil, Flay's grieving, hateful accusation warring with Athrun's cold fury.
I never wanted anything to do with this! Kira screamed in his mind. I just wanted to live in peace! Why do I have to fight!? Why do I have to keep climbing into that mobile suit, keep fighting against Athrun!? WHY!? With a strangled cry, he slammed a fist against the viewport, did it again, and fell nearly silent, trembling.
"Oh, my. Are you all right?"
Kira spun around, hurriedly wiping one sleeve across his face. Lacus Clyne hovered just above the deck, a friendly if slightly puzzled smile on her face. "Miss Clyne? What are you doing out here?"
Lacus giggled. "Mister Pink," she held up the Haro robot, "wanted to take a walk; even if the door is locked, he somehow always manages to open it."
"I see." Actually he didn't, but there was no point in pursuing the issue.
"And then I heard a loud cry, which is how I found you," Lacus went on.
Kira winced. "Sorry about that. Listen," he sighed, "you need to return to your room."
The Pink Princess merely smiled. "I understand the battle is over."
"Yeah," Kira said, resigning himself. He looked back out the viewport. "And it's all thanks to you." And Ensign Badgiruel's madness, he carefully didn't add.
Lacus tilted her head. "Yet you seem so sad."
Kira sighed. "I'm just sick of all this," he said. "With the Gradosians and those new aliens around, for humans to be fighting each other is just stupid. Not to mention," he hesitated, "not only am I a Coordinator, but an old friend of mine was out there today."
"A friend?"
"Yeah." Kira closed his eyes. "I hadn't seen Athrun in three years, and then he turned up at Heliopolis as part of the attacking force. Now he's piloting one of those stolen mobile suits, the Aegis."
"I see." Lacus nodded. "It's sad that you have to fight each other. You're both such good people."
Huh? Kira looked at her in surprise. "Wait, are you saying you know Athrun Zala?"
Lacus smiled brightly. "Of course! Athrun is the one who I will eventually be marrying."
Well. That sure put a new spin on things. It certainly explained Athrun's barely-controlled rage when Ensign Badgiruel had brought everything to a screeching halt. It wasn't just the natural reaction to cowardice, it was personal.
Which, unfortunately, didn't change their current situation one iota.
"You really should return to your room," he said. "This is a UEFA warship; there's no telling what will happen if they find you wandering around." Actually he could make a good guess of the consequences, but saw no reason to burden an innocent girl with that knowledge.
"Oh, all right." Lacus gave a mock pout, then smiled and allowed Kira to lead her off.
Neither noticed Kuzzey standing just out of view.
Archangel, bridge
Stalemate. With Lacus Clyne in the UEFA's hands, the Le Creuset team couldn't do anything, but at the same time they were between the Archangel and her destination. Granted there was also the Nadesico, but Le Creuset had undoubtedly factored the Nergal ship into his own plans, so they dared not move rashly.
"So that's the situation," Jun Aoi said from the Nadesico. "We're okay so far, but if Le Creuset gets any reinforcements it's going to get ugly."
"Unfortunately, I have to agree," Murrue said, thoughtfully drumming her fingers on the arm of her chair. "We're in a very awkward position."
"Understatement of the year," Jun said, grimacing. "The issue with Miss Clyne is causing some morale problems on our end."
Natarle bristled at that. "I did what was necessary to keep our ships and crews intact," she said.
Jun shrugged. "I understand that." He did not, Murrue, noted, say he agreed with Natarle's action. "Look, Ensign, most of our crew aren't exactly fond of the UEFA. General Colbert tried to hijack our ship when we left for Mars, Toya joined Nergal to get away from the military, and remember we've got two of the colony Gundams onboard."
That much not even Natarle could dispute. The relationship between Nergal and the UEFA was uneasy at best; the presence of colony Gundams amplified that uneasiness by a considerable margin.
"Be that as it may, you're a former soldier of the UEFA yourself," Natarle said. "And don't you have the White Lynx onboard as well?"
Jun's lip twitched. "You don't want to call Ms Coulange that, Ensign. It's one of the few ways to really make her angry."
Natarle seemed taken aback by that, but didn't press the matter. "Where is your Captain? Shouldn't she be on the line right now?"
"She's busy; there's a lot that needs her attention on a ship like this," Jun said. "For now, I'm operating in her stead."
"I see."
Murrue had a good idea what her XO was thinking. Natarle's opinion of the Nadesico and its crew had started out low, despite their undeniable achievements and combat power. Hearing that Captain Misumaru was "busy" for unspecified reasons was likely to confirm that view on her own mind.
For herself, Murrue disagreed. She rather liked the Nadesico's oddball captain, and Mu's point about their trip to Mars and back was well taken. Moreover, having met General Colbert, she could understand why the Nergal crew was uncomfortable working with a UEFA warship.
"Do you anticipate any difficulties if combat resumes?" she asked after a moment.
Jun shook his head, a wry smile on his face. "Not really. Our pilots may be unhappy with the . . . situation, but they don't want to die, either."
"In that case, we should focus on finding a way to extricate ourselves from this," Murrue said.
Nadesico, residential block
It was hard to sleep, Toya discovered, when you were both outraged and worried sick. After tossing and turning for over an hour, he gave up and wandered into the corridor with the vague intention of grabbing a soda. Maybe it would settle his nerves.
Apparently he wasn't the only one; the Aestivalis trio were already there. "Couldn't sleep?" Ryoko said as he approached.
"That easy to tell?" Toya responded, swiping his card and scooping up his drink. "Yeah. Too much buzzing around in my head."
"A veritable hornets' nest," Izumi said solemnly, then promptly ruined the effect with a snorting laugh.
Hikaru joined her teammate in laughing. Ryoko just rolled her eyes. "Can't blame you," she admitted. "Let me guess, it's about that stunt Badgiruel pulled."
"Right in one," Toya said. He took a quick gulp. "You know why I came aboard in the first place. This is a big example of why." Another gulp. "Right now I'm just trying to clear my head so I can get some sleep. The crazy dreams aren't helping."
That, naturally, was more fodder for Izumi. "Dreams. What do they mean? Are they prophetic, or just random flotsam of the mind? Who can know?"
"I know you're completely off your rocker, Izumi," Ryoko said, but there was little bite in her voice. "My advice, Toya, find something to burn off the energy, like Tenkawa and his Gekiganger or whatever it is."
She had a point, Toya decided. And he actually had an idea of how to go about it, though it wasn't something Ryoko and her cohorts knew about. Something that would ease the stresses he was feeling a little and do some real good at the same time.
"That sounds like a good idea," he said. "Thanks, Ryoko."
She smiled and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Least I could do. You've come a long way since the Mars trip."
"I guess you could say that," Toya murmured as the trio wandered off. Yes, there was something he could do, all right. He walked to a nearby intercom panel. "Bridge? Hi, Megumi, it's Toya. Just thought you should know I'm heading over to the Archangel to talk to Kira. . . .Yes, I'll make sure to go in the Bellzelute and take one of the girls. Tenia's been making noises about wanting to go." He paused. "Got it, thanks."
I really hope this works.
Nadesico, infirmary
Somehow, Noal wasn't surprised to see Aki watching over their unconscious passenger. She'd been curious (Noal would have said smitten) about the mysterious boy ever since they'd picked him up. Her interest had seemed harmless enough, though, so Noal hadn't gone beyond some mild (for him) teasing.
"So how's our sleeping prince, Doc?" he asked, looking over at Elizabeth Clabery.
She glanced at a readout of some kind before replying. "Recovering nicely," she said. "He should be regaining consciousness any time now."
Noal grunted. "Good news, I guess."
Aki frowned at him. "You 'guess'?"
"He might give us some info on those monsters we fought," Noal said, "but it's just as likely he'll attack us."
"He didn't when we were fighting those monsters," Anna said. "I don't know much about that kind of thing, but it looked like he had a clear shot at Combattler."
"Which isn't exactly a small target," Noal conceded. "Maybe those monsters were a bigger problem. Point is, Anna, we just don't know."
The life-sign monitor beeped. "We will soon," Elizabeth said. "He's waking up."
Noal looked on with some interest as Anna stepped back, allowing the boy to sit up. He put a hand to his face, groaning softly; he appeared more than a little groggy, no surprise. After a moment he lowered his hand and looked up, taking in his surroundings.
"Where. . . ."
"You're in the infirmary aboard the Nergal warship Nadesico," Elizabeth said. "How do you feel?"
For a moment the boy didn't even seem to hear her. Then he seemed to erupt, leaping off the bed and wrapping one arm around Anna's neck.
"I knew something was going to go wrong," Noal spat, drawing his sidearm. "Let her go!"
The boy didn't flinch. "Are you with the Radam?" he demanded, dark green eyes hard.
Noal frowned. "What the hell are you talking about?"
"Answer me!" the boy snapped. "Are you Radam or Earthling?"
What kind of stupid question is that? "What does it look like?" Noal retorted. "I don't see any alien monsters here. Except maybe you."
The boy gave a brief snort. "So you aren't Radam. That doesn't mean I trust you."
"Right back at you," Noal said. "Now let Anna go."
"Fine." The mysterious boy gave Anna a brief shove; she stumbled against Aki, coughing and rubbing her throat.
For a moment Noal and the boy simply glared at each other. Noal was seriously starting to wonder just what it was they'd picked up. On the one hand, the boy had taken Anna hostage, however briefly. On the other, it seemed to be because he wasn't certain they were human, though Noal didn't get the reference to "Radam."
"Just who are you, anyway?" he said at last.
The boy looked at him for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't know."
Noal lifted an eyebrow. "What do you mean, you don't know?"
"Exactly what I said, I don't know." The boy met Noal's gaze. "I have no memory of who I am."
Noal snorted derisively, rolling his eyes. "Amnesia? Gimme a break; that's the oldest trick in the book."
The boy shrugged. "I only speak the truth."
Yeah, right. Noal didn't believe him for a nanosecond, but pursuing the matter was an obvious waste of time. He had better things to do than argue with some kid pretending to have amnesia. Better to let Doctor Clabery handle him.
Apparently she didn't think the amnesia angle would get them anywhere, either. "Are you an Earthling?"
"My appearance should answer that question for you," the boy said, a distinct touch of impatience in his voice.
Noal rolled his eyes. A year ago the boy would have had a point, but now they had a half-alien with them, and that Gradosian, Gale, had looked completely human. Just looking like an Earthling wasn't proof of anything anymore.
"None of that matters, anyway," the boy said, his impatience visibly growing. "I have to get going; the Radam have to be stopped."
"Hold on," Elizabeth said. "You're in no position to be going anywhere, much less into combat. If you overexert yourself, you'll only make things worse."
He glared at her. "I don't have time to worry about that. The Radam won't wait." He lunged violently forward, this time at Aki, who let out a surprised yelp.
"Bastard!" Noal snarled, drawing his sidearm again. It proved unnecessary, however; with a pained groan, the mysterious boy sank to the deck, unconscious.
Elizabeth stared down at him, shaking her head. "He overexerted himself. I did warn him," she said, sighing.
"For all the good it did," Noal muttered. "D-Boy here went bonkers, and ended up knocking himself out."
Aki looked at him curiously, regaining her equilibrium. " 'D-Boy'?" she repeated.
Noal shrugged. "Short for 'Dangerous Boy.' Since he won't tell us his name, that's what I'm gonna call him. Pretty nice, if I do say so myself."
Aki shook her head. "You're hopeless, Noal."
Nadesico, bridge
Yurika and Prospector listened without comment as Noal related the events in the infirmary. He was just as glad; no one had been seriously hurt (save apparently D-Boy himself), but it could just as easily have been otherwise.
"So do you think he's an Earthling?" Prospector asked when he'd finished.
"Doctor Clabery's tests say he is, but I'm not so sure," Noal said. "Eiji's almost identical to your basic Earthling, too, and he's not even from our solar system."
Prospector stroked his chin. "So we're back to square one," he mused. "It would probably be best to keep him away from the civilians Mister Yamato brought onboard, though. We don't know what he might do."
"I don't think he'd hurt them," Aki put in. "He seems more focused than anything else, and he did release Anna once we convinced him we weren't Radam."
Prospector looked skeptical. However, an unexpected voice spoke up in Aki's support. "I agree," Heero said. He was leaning against Ruri's station, arms folded. "He was only hostile because he thought you were interfering with his mission. If he can be convinced that we can help him, he should cooperate."
Noal lifted an eyebrow. "You'd know, wouldn't you, Heero?"
The stoic Gundam pilot looked at him sidelong. "I carry out my missions, nothing more, nothing less. It just happens that we have much the same mission."
Typical Heero. Well. Duo vouched for him, and while Noal wasn't entirely sure about the God of Death's sanity, he trusted his judgment. Mostly.
"We'll table the matter for now, then," Prospector said. "After all, we have more immediate problems to worry about."
Yurika nodded her agreement. "Ruri, what's the status of that ZAFT force?"
"Unchanged," Ruri said. "No sign of additional ZAFT units within range, or of mobile suit launches."
"Could the Blitz be out there?" Jun asked. "I remember that one can turn invisible."
Ruri shook her head. "We'd still have noticed a mobile suit launch sequence," she replied. "They can't hide that."
Which didn't help them much. It was entirely possible Le Creuset would decide to force the issue regardless of Lacus Clyne's presence on the Archangel.
"Say, where's Koji?" Minato wondered. "Isn't he usually on the bridge, catching the latest gossip?"
Prospector lifted an eyebrow. "You're right, this is rather unusual. Miss Hoshino, can you confirm his location? I doubt it's anything to worry about, and technically he isn't a Nergal employee, but under the circumstances we can't really afford to lose track of anyone."
Ruri's eyes took on a distant look. "Koji Kabuto, Toya Shiun, Akito Tenkawa, Festenia Muse, Duo Maxwell, and the Combattler team have gone over to the Archangel."
"Toya said something about wanting to talk to Kira a little while ago," Megumi offered. "Maybe the others decided to tag along."
"That would explain Festenia at least," Aki said, "and Akito's situation is a lot like Kira's."
Prospector pursed his lips in thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Like I said, I doubt it's anything to worry about, and it might even foster a greater sense of cooperation between our crews. That alone would help immensely."
No one voiced any disagreement at that. Natarle's recent actions aside, they'd for the most part come to like the Archangel's crew. Mu La Flaga had a gift for making people feel at ease, and Kira had made himself almost as popular on the Nadesico as he was on the Archangel.
It was Ruri, however, who had the last word. "Idiots," she muttered.
Archangel, residential block/hangar
Ship's night. After a lot of soul searching, Kira realized there was only one thing he could do, and night was the best time to do it. He knew it wouldn't be easy, could in fact get him killed, but his conscience would not permit anything else. He only hoped he could complete his task first.
Getting into Lacus's room was easy enough, of course; as the only other Coordinator onboard, it was his job to deliver her meals anyway. Though at first surprised, the Pink Princess (as Mu had dubbed her) proved cooperative, easing another of Kira's worries.
Then things got complicated; Sai and Miriallia appeared ahead. Kira hurriedly pressed Lacus back, hopefully out of view.
"Kira?" Sai said, tilting his head in puzzlement. "What are you doing up so late?"
Kira wracked his brain for an answer, but it was quickly taken out of his hands. There was a whisper of movement behind him, and Lacus poked her head around the corner. "Oh, hello there," she said, the ever-present pink Haro echoing her greeting.
"Kira, what are you . . . what are you doing with her?" Mir asked.
"Bet he's planning to give her to ZAFT," a new voice said cheerfully.
Kira's shoulders slumped. Sai and Mir he could likely have bluffed, but Duo was more perceptive than that. Nor was he alone; Koji Kabuto was visible further along the corridor, along with the Combattler team, Akito, Toya, and one of the girls he was always seen with. Festenia, that was the name, the energetic redhead.
"Lucky for you, we had the same idea," Duo said, a lazy grin on his face.
Kira felt his jaw drop. "Huh!?"
"We don't like it any more than you do," Koji said. "In fact, we're mad as hell."
"And since we knew you'd try something like this, we thought we'd lend a hand," Hyoma said. "Okay, Heero knew you'd try it, don't ask me how."
Kira's jaw worked for several seconds, no sound coming out. Giving up, he turned to where Sai and Mir were having a whispered conversation of their own. He didn't think they'd interfere, but it was still awkward; he didn't want his friends put in any further danger.
He was just opening his mouth to say so when they finished. "We'll help, too," Sai said. "We don't like what's going on either."
"And don't try to keep us out of it, Kira," Mir warned.
Kira was about to try just that, but the look in her eyes stopped him. "Thanks," he said instead.
"We'd better get moving," Toya said, looking uneasily down the corridor. "I don't think Zechs would try to stop us, but Lieutenant La Flaga might, and I sure as hell don't want to run into Badgiruel."
That made Kira wince at the very thought. "Right. Let's go."
After a brief detour to get Lacus a space suit, they made it to the hangar without incident. Their last worry, that someone would appear at the last moment and force them to abort, proved groundless. With the ship as shorthanded as it was, the mechanics appeared to be all off-shift.
Perfect.
While Kosuke did something or other with the hatch controls, probably making sure they could launch, Kira and Sai helped Lacus into the Strike's cockpit. Toya and Tenia were busy prepping their own mech; Duo and Chizuru kept watch on the entranceways.
"All clear on this end," Toya said. "Akito, you ready?"
"I'm good to go," the cook/pilot replied. "Kira, hurry up!"
Kira was in fact in the process of strapping himself in. It was more awkward than usual, what with the increased bulk stuffing Lacus's dress into a space suit entailed, but nothing he couldn't handle. "All ready here," he said.
"Thank you for everything," Lacus said, smiling at Sai. "I hope we meet again someday under happier circumstances."
Sai managed a brief smile. "I'm honestly not sure that we will." He looked at Kira. "You're good to go, Kira." He hesitated. "You'll be back, right?"
The question hurt a little, but Kira understood perfectly where his friend was coming from. By now everyone on both ships had heard about Athrun. "I will be," he said, giving him a reassuring smile. "That's a promise."
Sai smiled back. "I believe you, Kira. Good luck."
Feeling just a bit lighter, Kira began his launch sequence. They can't stop me now, he thought as the Aile Striker connected with a solid thunk. Between Kosuke and me, we can shortstop any attempt to override the launch.
Which didn't mean they wouldn't try anyway, and Kira grimaced when he saw Kojiro Murdoch appear in the hatchway. "Hey, what the hell do you think you're doing!?" he demanded.
Kira didn't bother answering. "Just tying up some loose ends, and making sure a civvie doesn't wind up a pawn in somebody else's game," Duo said, a definite note of mockery in his voice.
Murdoch dashed to the intercom. "Bridge, they're taking the girl out!"
Too late.
Archangel, bridge
Despite the tension, it had been almost peaceful for several hours. The Le Creuset team was stymied for the time being, so they had some breathing space, however distasteful Murrue found the method. Then Murdoch's report came through and all hell broke loose.
"Kira Yamato, what do you think you're doing!?" Natarle demanded incredulously. "Return at once!"
A mocking laugh came over the comm. "A little late for that, Ensign!" Koji said.
"Strike, Aestivalis Tenkawa unit, Mazinger Z, Combattler V, Bellzelute, and Gundam Deathscythe have launched," Ruri said from the Nadesico.
Natarle was visibly fuming. "This isn't happening," she muttered, punching up her own comm link. "Lieutenant La Flaga, Lieutenant Merquise, scramble at once!"
"Negative."
Murrue found the look on her subordinate's face at that amusing, in a twisted sort of way. Not that she herself was any less surprised by Zechs's blunt, cold refusal.
"What did you say!?" Natarle snapped once she'd recovered.
"I won't repeat myself," Zechs said. "You have no right to call yourself a UEFA soldier, Ensign. Your actions were illegal and the height of cowardice."
For perhaps the first time since Heliopolis, Natarle was stunned speechless. Once she recovered, her expression darkened. "Lieutenant Merquise-"
"It's a waste of time anyway, Ensign," Mu interrupted. "If we try anything, odds are the kid will attack us this time, and I'd give good odds Bellzelute and Deathscythe would help him."
He was right, Murrue knew. Kira, from what she'd heard later, had looked almost ready to kill after the last battle. If they tried to prevent him from doing what he so obviously believed was right, it was unlikely to end well for anyone.
Apparently, not everyone on the Nadesico agreed with them. "I can't believe this!" Erina Won said. "How dare they do something so selfish, and so insane!"
"It's all right, Erina," Yurika said. "I approve of what they're doing."
"What!?" It was remarkable, Murrue reflected, how people on two different ships could be so closely in sync as Erina Kinjo Won and Natarle Badgiruel were at that moment.
"This whole mess has been bad for morale," the Nadesico's captain said. "We can't possibly fight at full strength like this."
Erina made an exasperated sound. "Captain, that kind of thinking is far too simplistic."
"She got us to Mars and back, Ms Won," Noal Vereuse said. "The Captain knows what she's doing."
"It doesn't matter anyway," Akatsuki said. "It's far too late to stop them. Hmm, Kira certainly deserves credit for audacity."
The Nergal man had a gift for understatement, Murrue noted distantly. With the Strike on point, the six mobile weapons coasted to a gentle stop roughly halfway between the Archangel and the Nazca-class Vesalius. She unconsciously held her breath, wondering just what Kira was planning.
There was a burst of static, followed by Kira's voice. "This is the pilot of the UEFA mobile suit X105 Strike," he said. "I am bringing Lacus Clyne to you. She will be handed over on two conditions: that the Nazca-class cut its engines, and we be met only by the pilot of the Aegis." His voice hardened. "If these demands are not met, I cannot guarantee her safety."
Vesalius, bridge
Well, this could be interesting, was Rau Le Creuset's first thought. Athrun's friend or not, I wouldn't have thought him capable of something like this.
"Orders, Commander?" Ades said.
"Commander, please, let me go," Athrun said from the hangar before Le Creuset could reply.
Yzak snorted derisively. "Are you really that stupid, Athrun? They couldn't come up with a more obvious trick if they tried."
"I don't believe it's a trick," Athrun retorted. "Kira would never go along with something like that."
"He went along with the hostage thing in the first place, didn't he?"
Le Creuset raised a hand, forestalling further debate. This may be an opportunity. Yes. That young pilot just opened a door. He looked at Athrun's image. "Very well. You have permission."
Athrun smiled in gratitude. "Thank you, sir." The screen went blank.
"Commander?" Ades said. "We don't even know for sure if Miss Clyne is in that machine."
"Oh, I'm sure she is," Le Creuset said. "The Strike pilot is too naive and inexperienced to pull off a deception of that sort. In the meantime, we have an opportunity that cannot be wasted."
Ades tilted his head. "Sir?"
Le Creuset pushed out of his chair. "Bring the ship to a stop and prepare the remaining mobile suits for launch, including my CGUE. This is our chance."
Open space
Kira tensed as the ZAFT ship's catapult opened, relaxed slightly as a single red mobile suit emerged. The all-too-familiar form of X303 Aegis boosted forward, then reversed its thrusters, coasting to a stop perhaps fifty meters from the Strike. No one moved.
"Athrun Zala?"
"That's right," Athrun said immediately.
Slowly the Strike's beam rifle came up, aimed directly at the Aegis's hatch. "Open your cockpit!"
Athrun complied; seeing the Aegis's hatch open, Kira did the same. For a long moment the two friends merely stared at each other across the void.
Kira nudged Lacus. "Say something." At her puzzled look, he explained, "He can't see your face from there."
"Oh, I understand," Lacus said. She waved. "Hello, Athrun! I'm very happy to see you again!"
Athrun exhaled in profound relief. "I confirm it's Lacus."
"Then prepare to receive her."
Kira gave Lacus a gentle push, propelling her into Athrun's waiting arms. The ZAFT pilot caught her with ease, setting her on the Aegis's open hatch.
Lacus smiled in greeting. "Thank you, Athrun," she said, and looked back at the ragtag formation. "And Mister Yamato and the others, thank you as well."
Koji waved that away. "Eh, it was nothing. We're just glad you're okay."
Kira said nothing, once against focused on Athrun. Even at such a distance he could tell his old friend was struggling emotionally. Athrun's face wasn't visible, but his body language was all too clear. Not that Kira felt any better.
"Kira! You come along with us, too!"
Huh!?
"With that machine, you could easily escape!" Athrun persisted. "There's no reason for you to continue fighting for the UEFA! We can. . . ." He choked, unable to continue.
Feeling tears welling up, Kira closed his eyes. "Believe me, the last thing I want to do is fight against you. But aboard that ship are people who I feel obligated to protect." His eyes opened, moist but unwavering. "My friends are on that ship!"
Athrun clearly didn't like his answer. It took almost a minute for him to find his voice. "Then . . . I have no choice, Kira," he said, almost whispering. "The next time we meet in battle . . . I'll show no mercy."
Kira swallowed hard. It was the response he'd expected, but it still hurt. Hurt more than he could have imagined. "Likewise, Athrun." No longer able to hold back his tears, he watched the Aegis turn back for the Vesalius.
"Mobile suits incoming," Ruri said. "Numerous GINNs, Duel, Buster, Blitz, and a single CGUE."
The impromptu rescue team was for a brief moment frozen in disbelief at the sudden force arranged against them. There was no way it was spur of the moment, not with that many machines so well-positioned. Le Creuset had to have planned it from the start.
Not that they were helpless, Kira mused grimly. He brought the Strike around, aware of his friends doing the same. Their ragtag force's remaining units were already launched, led by the Moebius Zero, Zechs's Leo, and Ryoko's Aestivalis.
"Did you really think it would be that easy!?" Mu said; whether it was directed at Le Creuset or the rescue team, Kira couldn't tell.
A moment later and it didn't matter anyway. Lacus Clyne's voice came over their comms, broadcasting in the clear. "Commander Le Creuset, what do you think you're doing?" she demanded.
"Miss Clyne?" Le Creuset's voice rose slightly; evidently Lacus had caught the masked man by surprise.
"Do you truly intend to turn this area into a battlefield in front of a memorial representative such as myself?" the Pink Princess said. "Fall back at once."
Judging by the sounds, Le Creuset was practically grinding his teeth in frustration. "Very well," he said at last, slowing. "All units, pull back."
"My, that was unexpected," Akatsuki commented, watching them go. "Miss Clyne appears to have hidden depths."
That was one way of putting it. One teenage girl, from all appearances sweet but on the naive side, had singlehandedly caused a ZAFT attack force to just turn around and leave. Kira was certainly grateful, but he had to wonder just what went on beneath the surface.
"Hey, all's well that ends well," Koji said. "What say we head back; Lacus is safe, so our job is done."
"Standby," Ruri said. "Aliens incoming."
It was the first time Kira had seen the invaders firsthand, but he'd watched enough news reports to recognize the crab-like creatures. They were, he thought distantly, even uglier and more frightening in person. Forcing his breathing under control, he kicked in the Strike's thrusters, beam rifle coming up at the same time.
"Watch yourselves," Toya said, moving to Kira's right while Wing Gundam settled in on the left. "Those things spit corrosive venom. Dunno if PSA will protect you or not, so don't get hit if you can help it." He smiled grimly. "Beams work just fine on 'em."
"Roger that." Kira squeezed the trigger, grimacing as the creature in front of him vanished in an explosion of ichor. Disgusting didn't begin to describe it.
Well. It wasn't like he had a choice, and it was at least better than facing Athrun across the battlefield. Two more fell to his rifle, and then a brilliant yellow beam scorched past, immolating three at once.
"Targets destroyed," Heero said. "Continuing engagement."
Nadesico, infirmary/open space
The man now known as D-Boy sat bolt upright, sweat pouring down his face. This feeling . . . he's here! Ignoring the startled looks the doctor and the young girl were shooting him, he swung his legs over the side of the bed. There's no time!
"Wait," the doctor said, reaching out to hold him back. "You're still injured; you need to rest."
"There's no time for that," D-Boy replied, irritably brushing her off. "He's coming, and I'm the only one who can fight him." Dodging another attempt at restraint, he bolted down the corridor, looking for the nearest airlock.
Luckily, the Nadesico proved easy to navigate, and he found an airlock within minutes. He stepped inside and sealed the inner door. Undoubtedly alerts were lighting up like a Christmas tree on the bridge, but he didn't care. Only one purpose remained to him.
"Airlock number three is active," the ops officer said.
"Are you insane or what!?" That was the captain. "You're gonna die if you go any further!"
D-Boy reached into a pocket, and withdrew a blue-green, vaguely arrowhead-shaped crystal. For a moment he just gazed at it, a storm of conflicting emotions raging within. It was what allowed him to fight the Radam, and yet it had cost him everything.
Father . . . Shinya . . . Miyuki. This is all I have left, now. I'm not that person anymore.
"I'm not going to die here," he said aloud. "I can't die yet." He lifted the crystal over his head. "TEK SETTER!"
The first time had been excruciatingly painful. Now, all he felt was a rush of energy as the Tek System activated. Flesh and fabric alike gave way to unyielding metal. Powerful thrusters materialized on his back and hips, allowing him to outspeed any mobile weapon in the Earth Sphere. His shoulders grew broader and heavier with his ultimate weapon, the Voltekka.
He reached up, drawing a double-ended lance from generator ports on his shoulders, and spun the weapon over his head. "Tekkaman Blade!"
Judging by the sudden yelps from the Archangel pilots, his transformation had caused a bit of a stir. "What the hell!?" a woman's voice snapped. Their XO, from the bits and pieces he'd managed to hear. "What is that thing!?"
"He's some monster guy we picked up just before we arrived at Heliopolis," Captain Misumaru told her. "We ran into him while fighting those freaky aliens."
Monster. Yes, he was a monster. The Radam had taken his family, stolen his very humanity. Now he was a monster, but a monster with a purpose. A monster whose purpose was the defeat, nay, the total destruction of the Radam.
Noal snorted. "Yeah, sure. Just so you know, I don't trust you. Step out of line, and you're history."
Meaningless threats. Noal couldn't do anything worse than what the Radam had already done. "Do what you want," Blade replied, "just don't get in my way."
For he had already spotted his true target, something far more important and dangerous than those pathetic Radam beasts. A robotic figure much like himself, shorter and stockier, dark green in color, eyes an ominous red. Where Blade held a double-ended lance, the other gripped a bow in his left hand.
"I thought I felt your presence here," an echoing voice sneered. "Your life ends here, Tekkaman Blade, the traitor!"
"The only one who's going to die here is you, Tekkaman Dagger!" Blade retorted. "I'm going to send every last one of you to oblivion!"
That provoked a harsh laugh. "You really think you can do it? Fine. Come, Blade!"
Screaming wordlessly, Blade charged, his lance slashing viciously through a couple of Radam beasts that tried to block his path. A third didn't even get that far; evidently whoever was piloting the spindly blue-and-white mech had decided to lend him a hand. The pair of vaguely pistol-like weapons spat fire, and the Radam evaporated.
Then it was just Blade and Dagger, lance clashing against reinforced bow. Though Blade was the stronger, Dagger was no pushover, and for several minutes they were at a deadlock, even as Blade's impromptu allies dealt with the Radam beasts. He barely noticed, his attention completely on the Radam warrior before him.
"You fight better than I thought," Dagger conceded, sounding almost amused. "But don't think you've won!" He kicked Blade in the chest and drew back, arrows of pure energy stabbing out from his bow.
Dammit! One arrow grazed Blade's leg, but he was able –barely– to dodge the rest. Snarling in fury, he split his lance in half and hurled the pieces. One glanced off Dagger's shoulder armor, while the second struck more directly, carving a gash over his right eye.
The Radam Tekkaman screamed, one hand going to his face. "Damn you, Blade!" he shouted. "You won't live long enough to savor your victory!"
"I'll live longer than you, Dagger," Blade shot back, his shoulder panels flipping open. "I'm ending this here and now! VOLTEKKA!"
Toya decided he hated the Radam more than ZAFT and the Gradosians combined. Both had people they could talk to, even if they were on opposing sides; Ahmos Gale seemed a decent sort, and Toya certainly had nothing against Kira's friend Athrun Zala.
The Radam were different. Aside from that guy D-Boy seemed to know, they were little more than mindless monsters, and even "Dagger" wasn't exactly friendly.
Something sparked in his mind, the mysterious Cytron system again, this time warning him of danger. Whirling the Bellzelute around, he sent an energy blast into a Radam beast that had come up from behind, then followed up with a shot to one that had latched onto Combattler.
"Thanks, Toya," Hyoma said, sounding a bit rattled. "I owe you one." Which he promptly repaid by sending a saw-bladed yo-yo clean through another Radam that had managed to close with the melee-challenged Bellzelute.
At least the damn things went down easily. Moebiuses and Delphiniums would likely have been easy prey for the Radam, but a force like theirs had the firepower to fight back.
The Moebius Zero shot past, gunbarrels and linear cannon shredding a Radam. "This is gettin' hairy, kid. You and Kira back up the Blue Earth."
"Roger that," Toya said; he'd already spotted the OSDG ship under heavy attack. "You get that, Tenia?"
"Sure did," his copilot said. "Let's kick these bastards clear to Saturn!"
It was a testament to Noal's skill that the Blue Earth hadn't already been overwhelmed. As it was, Toya and Kira arrived barely in time, beam rifle and Shot Launchers spitting death into the Radam swarm. One managed to knock the Strike's rifle away; Kira, undaunted, responded by drawing a beam saber and hacking the monster in two.
That was enough of an opening for Noal to bring the Blue Earth back around, bow-mounted lasers flashing. After killing two Radam, he pulled up and around in a maneuver that by rights should have been impossible for a ship of that size.
"Thanks, you two," Aki said.
"Don't you mean three?" Tenia countered with a laugh. "Hey, we're just glad you're okay, right, Kira?"
"Uh, yeah." The Coordinator sounded slightly taken aback. "Guys, I think we're finally thinning them out."
There did seem to be fewer of the monsters. A couple had gotten in range of the Archangel's CIWS and gotten shredded for their trouble, and they seemed as vulnerable as anything else to the Nadesico's Gravity Blast. The SPTs were holding their own, which wasn't a surprise given they were more advanced than most Earth weapons.
"Kira's right," Toya said. "That's just about all of them. Let's head-"
"VOLTEKKA!"
Toya's head snapped around. D-Boy's shoulder panels had opened, unleashing a well-remembered energy blast on the hapless Dagger. He was still there when it faded, but visibly the worse for wear. His bow had shattered, and part of his faceplate seemed to have cracked.
"Human vermin!" he snarled. "You may have won today, but this is not the end!" His thrusters flared, carrying him away from the battle zone.
Mu whistled. "Well, that was exciting. What's up with that guy, anyway?"
"We don't know," Noal said, sounding just a bit grumpy. "D-Boy here says he doesn't remember anything, but I don't believe that for an instant. All he'll admit is those things are called 'Radam,' and he's all about slaughtering them. Can't blame him there," he conceded with obvious reluctance.
Toya was honestly too tired to care. Lacus Clyne was safe, they'd avoided another fight with ZAFT, Captain Misumaru had approved his actions (Kira, he suspected, would not be so fortunate), and they'd even beaten back those Radam freaks. All in a day's work, he supposed, slumping wearily in his seat.
He really should have learned not to tempt fate.
"Numerous Jovian units detected," Ruri said.
Yurika let out a surprised yelp. "Jovians!? How many are we talking about, Ruri?"
"A lot," the stoic ops officer said.
"We wasted too much time near a live Tulip," Mu said, disgusted. "Damn! That must be why that son of a bitch let us go so easily!"
"Regardless, there are far too many for us to fight," Akatsuki said. "Captain, I think we should try for atmospheric entry. 'Demons of the Stratosphere' or not, we don't have a choice anymore."
There was a hurried conversation in the background; Yurika and Ruri hashing things out with Murrue and Natarle, by the sound of it. "We'll make for Earth," Yurika said. "We'll have to punch a hole in the Jovian formation to do it, though."
"All units that can undergo independent reentry should remain deployed," Natarle said. "At the least that gives us the Strike, the Blue Earth, and Wing Gundam."
"Our Aestivalis can manage as well," Prospector said. "What about you, Toya?"
Toya looked at Tenia, got a confirming nod, and keyed his comm. "We'll be fine. I still don't quite understand how this thing works," he grimaced, "but the Orgone Cloud should shield us and allow for us to fight back."
"I can enter the atmosphere myself," D-Boy said out of nowhere. "Don't worry about me."
"Very well, then," Murrue said. "All units that can remain combat capable, clear a path; all others return to the ships at once."
We just can't catch a break, Toya thought morosely, already bringing his main weapons to bear. A Batta flew into his path and shattered; beyond it he saw Heero immolate three more with a single shot. A fourth charged Wing Gundam from the right, only for Heero to snatch out a beam saber and contemptuously slice it in half.
"Crash Intrude!" D-Boy shot past, wreathed in some kind of blue energy field, Battas and at least one Katonbo detonating in his wake.
Noal whistled. "He's not Dangerous Boy, he's Destructive Boy," he said, sounding impressed despite himself.
Can't argue with that. More, their mysterious new ally had given Toya a perfect opening. Grinning tightly, he brought up his rifle and selected N mode. He fired once, then twice more, first smashing a Batta and then crippling a Katonbo whose Distortion Field had been disrupted by D-Boy's banzai charge.
"This is for you, Gai! Gekigan FLAAAAAAARE!" Screaming like a maniac, Akito streaked in from below, finishing the Katonbo with a vicious uppercut.
Evidently unprepared for such a counterattack, the Jovian formation was already beginning to fray in one area, the precise point they needed. Just a little more, and they would be through.
"Jovian formation broken," Ruri said, her voice glacially calm as usual. "Radam in sight."
There they were, the "Demons of the Stratosphere." Radam sentinels, in effect, disrupting movement between Earth and space, attacking UEFA and ZAFT alike. Toya's jaw tightened; if they could take out just a couple, it would benefit the entire Earth Sphere.
Wing Gundam had shifted to its fighter-like flight mode. "Target locked," Heero said. "Firing."
One down, at least three more to go. Toya's mouth was dry; he was beginning to understand just why D-Boy was such a monomaniac about fighting those freaks.
Speaking of whom. . . . "You won't stop us, Radam! VOLTEKKAAAAAA!"
"That'll leave a mark," Tenia said dryly.
"I'll say," Toya agreed. He started to say more, paused as something off to his right caught his eye. "Damn, the Archangel!"
The UEFA warship had gotten thrown off course by a Radam attack, and was now much farther from the Nadesico than any of them were comfortable with. And the Radam apparently knew it; two more of the giant monsters were closing in.
"Archangel has missed its descent point, and come under heavy attack," Ruri said, even as Kira made some kind of lunge at one of the Radam beasts.
"No choice," Yurika said. "Tell Kira to fall back, then fire a Gravity Blast!"
"Understood."
Kira needed no urging. Evidently he'd seen the Nadesico maneuvering, as he was out of the line of fire almost before Megumi contacted him. The huge Gravity Blast cannon opened up, and suddenly the Archangel was clear.
"Match course with the Archangel," Yurika said. "Bring us in close, keep the Field up until we land."
"You seriously intend to follow them into Africa?" That, predictably, was Erina Won. "That's ZAFT territory!"
Also predictably, Yurika was having none of it. "We're supposed to be cooperating with the UEFA, aren't we?" she countered. "We can't afford to be separated from the Archangel now."
Toya didn't need the subsequent recall order; with the battle finally over (for real this time), he was only too happy to return to the Nadesico. Settling in behind Akito's Aestivalis in the landing pattern, he stifled a yawn; it had been, without a doubt, his most grueling battle yet.
"Know what I'm gonna do when we land?" Tenia said.
Toya managed a tired grin. "You're about to tell me."
His friend grinned back. "I'm going to have a nice big dinner —Akito probably won't make it; I don't think he could make a ham sandwich right now— take a long shower, and go to bed."
"Sounds like a plan," Toya agreed. "We've earned it, that's for damn sure."
Nadesico, hangar
Toya barely had enough energy to stand when he finally climbed out of the Bellzelute's cockpit. As it was, Akito had to catch him when he stumbled; Tenia followed him down at a more sedate (for her) pace. Nodding his thanks to Akito, he looked over to where D-Boy was settling to the deck.
There was a flash of hazy blue-green light, and an instant later D-Boy had reverted to human form, falling to his knees. "Hey, give me . . . something to eat."
While Aki went in search of the nearest vending machine, Noal lifted an eyebrow in slightly mocking curiosity. "Burned off that much, did you?"
"The Tek System eats up most of my energy," D-Boy said. "My stomach is practically consuming itself."
"You were saying something like that before," Toya said. "Something about Daggers and Blades?"
D-Boy glanced at him sidelong. "I am Tekkaman Blade," he said. "My only purpose is to fight the Radam, and stop their invasion of Earth."
Toya wasn't sure he believed that. D-Boy's answers were a little too glib; yes, he was obsessed with fighting the Radam, but the whole amnesia thing was a little too convenient. A glance at Tenia's expression confirmed she was thinking much the same.
And so was Noal. "So you're saying you don't remember anything besides that."
"That's right." D-Boy's voice was flat.
"Fine, whatever," Noal said. "I'll be waiting whenever you want to come clean, D-Boy."
That got him a puzzled look. "What?"
Noal snorted. "Since you won't tell us your name, 'D-Boy' it is. Short for 'Dangerous boy.' Got a problem with that?"
D-Boy shook his head. "It's fine."
"That practically tells us he's lying," Hyoma said, rolling his eyes.
I am too tired for this. Toya and the girls made for the nearest hatch, Akito, Koji, and Duo trailing along behind. ZAFT, hostage rescues, alien monsters, after all that he could have cared less about a possible new ally's supposed amnesia. As long as D-Boy didn't turn on them, Toya was past caring.
Archangel, bridge
Murrue was almost as exhausted as the pilots were. While they had managed to avoid a clash with ZAFT, the Radam attack and subsequent encounter with the Jovian Lizards had pushed the Archangel's crew to their limit. Listening to the damage reports coming in, she could only marvel at their survival.
"That about covers it, Captain," Murdoch finished. "We can fix it, but it'll take a while. Couple of days, minimum."
"Can't you speed up the process any?" Natarle asked.
Murdoch shrugged. "Not without more people than we've got, Ensign. Maybe if we ask the Nadesico for help, otherwise we're out of luck."
Natarle's expression made clear what she thought of that course. "This is a top secret military vessel," she said. "We can't just allow Nergal's people into certain sections."
"I don't think we have a choice," Murrue said. "We're in ZAFT-controlled territory, and the Radam have a significant presence here as well. I'll talk to Captain Misumaru; Chief Murdoch, you'll work with Mister Uribatake on the details."
Murdoch tossed a quick salute. "Roger that, Captain."
That was one problem dealt with, at least. Murrue understood her XO's reservations regarding the Nadesico, but did not share them. Whatever Nergal was up to, she somehow doubted Yurika Misumaru was in on it; the ebullient captain was to all appearances incapable of any serious deception.
There was still, however, one other issue, in some ways a much thornier one.
And Natarle, of course, was quick to jump on it. "There is still the matter of Kira Yamato's actions," she said. "We can't just overlook him breaking a prisoner out and taking the Strike to give her back to ZAFT." She looked at Murrue, expression stony. "Either merits a court-martial."
"Lacus Clyne was not a prisoner, Ensign," Zechs said coldly. "She was in point of fact illegally held in confinement." He held up a hand, forestalling Natarle's angry retort. "I agree Kira taking the Strike out cannot be overlooked, but he is not a member of our forces. A court-martial would be excessive and," he glanced at Murrue, "given our current situation, actively counterproductive. We still need him piloting the Strike."
Murrue looked at Mu, who shrugged. "Gotta agree with Zechs." He plainly didn't like making that admission, but there was no hesitation in his voice.
Natarle glared at the two pilots. "I agree that we still need the Strike, but allowing Yamato to go unpunished would undermine discipline."
Murrue sighed. "You all make valid points. Kira is not a member of our forces, but his actions cannot be entirely overlooked." She drummed her fingers on the arm of her chair. "I think a warning will suffice for now. We can't really afford to do more than that under current circumstances."
Natarle wasn't satisfied, that much was clear, but just as clear was her realization that pushing further would be futile. Mu had to all appearances gotten the outcome he wanted, and Zechs, normally inscrutable behind that mask, had relaxed considerably.
"In any case, we really need to get some rest before we go much further," Murrue said, stifling a yawn. "With the possible exception of Heero Yuy, none of us are in any shape to fight. Dismissed."
Vesalius, crew quarters
Accommodations aboard a warship were necessarily utilitarian, but not uncomfortable. Not something a girl like Lacus Clyne would be used to, perhaps, but she understood the situation. Understood better than anyone, even her own fiance, realized.
The admittance chime sounded. "Come in," Lacus said cheerfully.
With a soft whoosh, the hatch slid aside, revealing Athrun Zala. "I wanted to see how you were doing," he said, answering her unspoken question. He tilted his head, emerald eyes dark with concern. "Are you all right? It must have been quite an ordeal."
Lacus smiled. "I'm perfectly fine, Athrun, thank you for asking. Your friend Kira and some of his friends were very kind to me."
"I see." Athrun didn't sound convinced. Sadly, Lacus wasn't at all surprised. The Bloody Valentine and his time in ZAFT since had taken their toll on him.
"You sound troubled," she said. "Is it about Kira?"
Evidently it was, judging by the way his face suddenly twitched. "I tried to persuade him, but he wouldn't listen," he said, half to himself. "The Naturals are just using him, but he still refuses to see it!" His fists clenched. "He just repeats that excuse about 'protecting his friends'."
"Athrun." Lacus touched his face. "Several of those friends helped him save me. You saw them, remember?"
That much he couldn't deny. It was not, however, enough to mollify him. "They have to know what's going on," he insisted. "They've even got two Colony Gundams with them, and yet they're cooperating with that UEFA warship."
"I asked Mister Maxwell about that, actually," Lacus said. "He said that while neither he nor his comrades have any love for the UEFA, in light of the Gradosian invasion and those alien creatures they have decided the Federation is the lesser threat." She understood the logic, especially after meeting people like Kira and Toya.
From the decidedly mulish look on Athrun's face, he did not understand and had no particular desire to. "I don't like it. The UEFA definitely can't be trusted, and I don't think Nergal can be, either. They've always been shady; for a maverick like Duo Maxwell to be working with them isn't a good sign." He shook his head suddenly. "I shouldn't be going on like this with you. Please excuse me." He turned to leave.
Lacus sighed. "When I look at you, all I see is a soldier. There's no light in your eyes anymore. It's very sad."
Athrun paused at the hatch. "I can't exactly fight a war with a big smile on my face," he said quietly, and was gone.
Lacus sat back on the bunk, deep in thought. Her fiance's words troubled her more than she cared to admit. His mother's death was still eating at him; discovering that Kira was fighting for the UEFA, regardless of the circumstances, only made things worse. Athrun seemed almost dead inside, as though nothing mattered to him anymore.
Athrun . . . what can be done to bring you back to life?
Archangel, residential block
Relena wasn't sure what she expected to find in her quarters, but whatever it was, Gundam pilot Heero Yuy wasn't it. "Heero? What are you doing here?" she asked, covering her surprise.
"You said you wanted to talk," Heero said simply.
I did, but I didn't think you'd actually be willing to, or that you'd show up in my room in the middle of the night. Unsure of how to begin, she said the first thing that came to mind. "Why?" When Heero lifted an eyebrow questioningly, she elaborated, "Why are you a Gundam pilot? Why have you been attacking people on Earth?"
Heero's expression didn't change, but something flickered in those deep blue eyes. "Because it's what I was raised for," he said quietly. "And because it needs to be done."
Relena didn't care for that answer one bit. "What you were raised for!?" she repeated, horrified at the very notion. "And it needs to be done!? How can you say that?"
Heero met her gaze. "I was brought up as an assassin," he said. "As long as I can remember, I was trained in both ground combat and piloting, all so that I could carry out my part of Operation Meteor." He paused to let that sink in. "The UEFA is corrupt, Relena. Your father is one of the few officials not to be tainted. My mission is to find those corrupt individuals," his voice hardened, "and kill them. For peace."
"For peace?" Relena felt a bit like a parrot, but she couldn't help it. "How does that lead to peace?"
"With the corrupt elements eliminated, the UEFA can make peace with the colonies. In theory, at least; Patrick Zala's behavior in the wake of the Bloody Valentine is an unexpected complication."
Relena slowly nodded; that actually made sense, however much she disliked it. "And then you'll leave the battlefield behind."
Heero shook his head. "It's not that simple. Even if the UEFA makes peace with the PLANTs and the other colonies, that doesn't mean people like me won't be needed. There are still external threats like the Gradosians and the Radam, and unstable elements on Earth itself."
"So you'll keep fighting?"
Heero nodded. "As long as I have a mission, I'll keep fighting." He walked to the hatch. "It's what I do."
"Heero." Relena reached out, stopped before she could touch him. "Why are you telling me this?"
He was silent for so long that Relena thought he wasn't going to answer at all. "I guess . . . it's because I needed someone to know." He sounded uncertain, but before Relena could press the matter, he departed and the hatch slid closed.
She stared after him, her mind in turmoil. "Heero. . . ."
Nadesico, residential block
Toya slept fitfully that night. Images flooded through his mind, things he didn't understand and would only half-remember when he awoke. The scene blurred and shifted, never the same for more than a few seconds.
"I'll put an end to this right now, Kyoji!"
An armored humanoid form, menacing, spiked, colored red and black, a lance similar to D-Boy's in one hand. "Shall we finish this, Big Brother?"
"Athrun, stop! I don't want to fight you anymore!"
"So how do you determine the winners and the losers? When every one of your enemies has been destroyed?"
"Gauron! This is it!"
"Time to die, Baron Ashura!"
He didn't understand what he saw and heard. He knew only that it was important somehow. Vitally important, on many levels. But there was no way to know how, or where.
Later, he would understand. But for now, it was nothing but a mix of barely-remembered dreams.
Author's note: Very, very late, I know. I apologize for that; the last couple of months have been something of an emotional roller-coaster for me. Still, here's the next one; I'm not entirely happy with it, but perhaps I'm selling myself short. Hopefully I'll be able to speed things up again.