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DISCLAIMER: Not my characters, other than Kumi and Sette!
I really hope that all of you are enjoying this! I always appreciate feedback! Please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions! cyclone2996@hotmail.com Thanks! Enjoy! SkyLark
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 7: Gundamium Foes
by SkyLark
Stacey Stanton stormed into the office of OZ's new leader. Her face was red from rage as she threw the door open. The young man smiled to her, "Hello, Stacy. What is troubling you?" Stacy shouted, "I'm furious that you are sending the Grayson twins off to fight the Gundam pilots before those of us who are much more experienced...Not only that, but you know fully well how they get out of control when they're fighting!...I trust that you have a good reason behind it, I just want to hear it from your mouth, not Carter's, not Demetris's, not anyone else."
The young man chuckled, "You have spirit, Stanton. It's one of the reasons I admire you and am happy that you're on our side. Yes, there is a good reason behind my orders for the Grayson twins to go off and fight first." He went to sit at the table in the center of the room and patted its surface before the chair next to him. "Please," he offered, "Sit down and relax a moment." The woman pushed back her short, dark hair and took a deep breath to relax as she walked to the seat. When she sat, she whispered, "I apologize for my behavior." "Nonsense," the man said kindly to her. "As I said, I admire your spirit. Don't apologize for displaying the very reason I wanted you to work with me."
Stacey nodded and sat quietly as her commander leaned back, hands behind his head. "I know fully well that the Grayson twins can be a little...much. That is why I am giving them a chance to see what fighting those pilots will be like before those of you that remain behind for now...You see Stacy, they are going to help distract the Gundam pilots while your lover boy completes the preparations for one of our many secret weapons. They'll be more than a handful for them. And it'll give them experience that they need."
The young woman sighed again, "I don't know...They give me the creeps, in all honesty. They're not normal." "You're right about that," the man laughed. "That's why they're perfect for Gemini. No sane pilot would be able to work those suits, since the Zero system is built into them. Heero and Kumi Yuy are the only true pilots that can handle the system, aside from those two. They know what is required of them and will not fail. They'll bring about our first official victory in this war with their first mission."
"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into, sir," Stanton stated as she rose. The young leader nodded, "Don't worry. I know fully well what I'm doing. And don't fret...You'll have your first taste of fighting very soon, as well." "Thank you, sir," the woman nodded as she stepped out of the room silently. When she was gone, the man smiled and sighed, "My warriors are getting restless...Good. That'll help bring about the best in them when they fight."
* * * * * *
The Gundam pilots were all recovering from the night before. Trowa walked down one of the halls when he heard typing coming from a meeting room. He walked to the door and saw Kumi typing away like crazy at her laptop. All kinds of blueprints were spread across the table as she looked from them to the screen rapidly. After a few minutes, she snapped, "Damn it." With that, she deleted whatever she was working on. She brought her hands to her cover face as she took a deep breath.
"Hi, Kumi," the usually quiet pilot said. The other pilot turned to him quickly in shock. She gasped and got up right away to gather the blueprints. Not looking to him, she replied, "Hi, Trowa." The other pilot gave a look of concern to her sudden change. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I didn't mean to bother you." Kumi stopped and slowly turned her head to him. She moved some hair from her eyes and sighed when their eyes locked, "I'm sorry...You didn't do anything wrong." Trowa smiled, "I understand. I know that you still have a hard time trusting others. Quatre once said that two is better than one. I didn't believe him then, but that's changed."
The young woman said quietly, "I'm still working on that." The tall pilot looked to the tattoo on the girl's left arm. "That's nice," he told her, pointing to it. Kumi's eyes almost turned sad when she looked to the armband. She whispered, "Thank you." "What does that Japanese word between the rosebuds mean?" Kumi looked back to her computer and typed again as she replied, "Hope." The other smiled and nodded, "Pretty." He turned to look at the papers that she had been holding onto tightly. "Anything I can help with?" he asked hesitantly. The other snapped back to reality, "Huh, oh, these...I'll be okay with this assignment, thanks." "Yea. I figured as much," Trowa shrugged.
These words from Trowa disturbed Kumi, for some reason, she was worried she might have hurt him. Before she knew it, she replied, "If I can't figure this out on my own before long, I could use your help." She silently cursed herself for saying this out loud. The other pilot nodded with a warm smile, "Just give me a call." He waved to her, "I'll see you around." Kumi nodded back and said, "Bye, Trowa." The tall pilot disappeared, leaving Kumi to drop the papers back onto the table and cover her face in her hands again. "What the hell did I do that for," she growled to herself.
The sound of chuckling came from the door as she spun to see what the source was. Sette stood leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed and a wide smile on her face. "Girl, you need to open your eyes," she told the silver-haired pilot. Kumi's eyes narrowed, "What are you talking about? And what right do you have eavesdropping on others' conversations?" The princess shook her head and walked to the table to sit beside her friend. Her long, blue hair was still messed up, but she didn't care.
"You're a mess," Kumi chuckled as she looked to her. Sette pointed at her and warned, "Don't mess with me, Kumi. I just got over a terrible hangover and I could care less what I look like right now." Her comrade shook her head and continued to type away at the computer. "Kumi?" Sette said in a timid whisper. "Yes?" he friend replied, never looking up from the screen. The princess bit her lip before asked, "About that rumor about Demetris-" Kumi's typing stopped immediately at the sound of that name. The princess stopped talking as she took a deep breath. The silver-haired pilot closed her eyes and deadpanned, "It's just a rumor for now. Don't think about it." Sette nodded and decided that it was best not to bring up the subject any further. Just the thought of that monster was bad enough than thinking of the possibility of him fighting with OZ.
Kumi resumed typing again, this time with a stern look on her face as she drove the last discussion from her mind. Sette could see that she was greatly upset about what she had just asked. Silently, the princess prayed that the rumor of Demetris with OZ really was just a rumor. Otherwise, she feared for her life either at the hands of that large man, or her partner. She needed to think of something to lighten the air in the room. She looked to the papers spread out around the table and a sneer crossed her face as she purred, "Hmmmmm."
Taking one of the blueprint papers, quickly, she smiled and took a pen from the table. "What are you doing?" Kumi protested. "I have to show you this. Just listen," the princess whispered, smiling as she turned to the clean side of the paper. Sette began to doodle. Her comrade crossed her arms and kept her anger at bay. The tomboy drew a gun and pointed to it. "Okay, this is you," she began. She proceeded to draw a stick figure with a very long set of bangs. "This is Trowa...We need to get the two of you together." Kumi growled, "I told you, I don't have time for-" "Shh. I just hear me out. See you don't have anyone and all Trowa has is his sister." She drew another stick figure beside the one that represented Trowa, this one with animal ears and a long tail and pointed to it, smiling, "Monkey Girl. But she's not a challenge, I don't like her." Sette quickly scribbled over the image. "I want her to die, ANYWAY!" Drawing a brick wall between the gun and 'Trowa,' she explained, "See you need to get past this wall that you've built up to keep from letting anyone in again."
Her partner's face became sad as she shook her head, "You know what happened to the only person I let in." Sette nodded, "I know, but you can't believe that anyone who gets too close to you is going to die, Kumi. I loved Matt to death..." she paused and lowered her head. "It's just that Trowa reminds me of him, a lot." Kumi whispered, "That's why this is so hard for me. I can't do this again." Sette brightened a bit and pointed to the image of the wall, "What you need is a sledgehammer," she began drawing one then crossed it out and drew, "A huge bazooka to get rid of that wall." "It's still easier said than done...I honestly don't know how Heero was able to do it." "I do," Sette replied quickly, "His name's Duo."
The princess drew a large knife at one end of the paper and a stick figure with a very long braid at the other. "They were waaaaaaaay apart from each other, then something happened and now they're together. She drew two more stick figures in the middle, holing hands (one holding a knife and the other with a long braid, both with huge smiles). "Somehow, you and Trowa have to get there, too."
The silver-haired pilot shook her head, "I told you, I don't have time for-" her words were stopped when Sette grabbed her hands and looked into her eyes with seriousness. She pleaded, spilling out quickly, "Kumi, I have a bet with Wufei that you'd be able to open him to fall in love with you, or that he'll get you to fall in love with him, it doesn't matter which way. The bet's up to three hundred dollars." "Sette!" he friend shouted in shock. "And a Mercedes Benz," the princess added quickly. "Wolf man doesn't think that boy will say more than four sentences. I bet that he'll say five." Kumi growled, "Sette." "Don't let me down, girl," the tomboy pleaded quickly.
The Excalibur pilot sighed deeply as she rubbed her temples, "I don't believe this." Her friend was busy humming with a huge smile on her face as she doodled a car onto the back of the crumples blueprint sheet. "SETTE!" the pilot shouted as she saw what she was drawing. The princess stopped as she gasped, "Huh? Wha? Oh!" Kumi grabbed the blueprint and pointed to the door. "Out," she ordered quietly but sternly. Sette shrugged, "Okay...okay." Getting up she began to walk to the door.
The princess stopped at the doorway and turned to her comrade. "Kumi?" she asked quietly. Not turning to face her, the other pilot replied, "Yes, Sette?" "If Heero and Duo get married, who'll take who's name?" Kumi lowered her hands from her face as she turned to face the tomboy. "Shut up, Sette," she deadpanned. "Yes boss," her friend replied automatically. She move to walk out of the room again and stopped just again. She turned quickly to Kumi and quickly said, "I was just wondering. I never knew the rule about that-" "OUT!" Kumi shouted as she pointed to her. "Got it," Sette nodded as she ran off.
Kumi shook her head, a soft smile on her face as she chuckled, deeply. Her eyes were caught by the crumpled piece of blue print paper her friend had been drawing on. Unrolling the paper, she looked to the images that her friend had doodled. The last thing her eyes focused on was the stick figure that represented Trowa. Her small smile grew somewhat as she looked to it. Just then, she closed her eyes shook her head, crumpling the paper and throwing it into a trashcan in the corner of the room. She looked to the can the paper landed in for a moment and sighed. Kumi went back to face her laptop. Her reflection was in the screen of the computer as she looked to it. She whispered to herself, "Baka," and closed the computer.
* * * * * *
That night, Dorothy was on her way to the hanger when she ran into Relena. "Hello, Miss Relena," Dorothy smiled. Her friend returned the smile and replied, "Hi, Novem. Where are you off to?" Novem replied, "I just wanted to look after Rampage for a little bit." The queen chuckled, "I don't think he'll be going anywhere if that's what you're worried about." Dorothy shook her head and explained, "No, Miss Relena. I just can't stand sitting back and waiting. I actually feel more at peace when I am with Rampage then when I'm anywhere else."
Relena looked to her friend in concern. She was never able to understand Dorothy's passion for war, whether or not she was had a better perspective of it had improved from the first war. Zes nodded, "Alright, Dorothy. I'll see you around, then." Novem smiled and nodded in return as she walked off. The queen watched her dismissal and sighed to herself, "Always the soldier at heart."
Quatre walked came from behind and smiled, "Hi, Relena." The young pilot turned to smile to her comrade and replied, "Hello, Quatre." "You look upset about something," the Arabian stated with concern in his voice. Relena's face fell into sadness and she nodded, "I'm worried about Dorothy. She has too much ambition when it comes to fighting." Quatre sighed, himself, and nodded, "I know what you mean. Dorothy can be stubborn. It's needed as a Gundam pilot, but sometimes, I wonder is she is too stubborn for her own good."
The queen stated, "She's the best friend I ever had. I don't want to see anything happen to her. Dorothy's always been like a sister to me." The young man smiled and rested a hand on Zes's shoulder, saying, "I know you're concerned. But she's going to do what she wants to do, Relena. You can't watch over her constantly. It wouldn't be fair to either of you." Relena looked to him and gave a small nod. "You're right," she whispered.
There was a pause between the pilots. "How are you dealing with this new situation...I mean piloting a Gundam?" Quatre then asked. Relena smiled, "I like that I'm not the one being saved all the time. It's wonderful to finally be able to help save others and defend peace as a soldier and not a person from the sidelines." The blonde smiled, "You are a wonderful pilot out there. I am pretty impressed. As a fellow pacifist, I understand that the initial thought of fighting in an battle is unnerving. But when you have wonderful support from pilots like the ones we fight with, it's quite an honor." The queen smiled warmly and nodded, "I couldn't agree more."
Quatre offered her his arm saying, "I was on my way to join the others in the lounge if you'd like to join us." Relena nodded and put her arm around his. "I'd like that. Thank you." They walked down the halls together. Though she did appreciate the talk she had with the Arabian, Relena couldn't help but continue to worry about her rambunctious friend.
The hanger was silent and empty until the door opened. Novem entered and searched to see that there were no other bodies present other than her own and the suits. Dorothy looked to her Gundam in calm reverence, a soft smile on her face. "Hello, Rampage" she greeted him quietly. The Gundam stood silently, glistening under the bright lights of the hanger. "You must hate just waiting as much as I do," she sighed sadly. She took a moment to think silently. Raising her head, she smiled, "We'll just have to do something about that."
* * * * * *
Wufei was taking a sip from his soda while he and his comrades spoke. "If you ask me," he began as he placed the can back down on the table. "We should make our own strategy, instead of waiting for Sergeant Keiser and his crew to come up with one of their own. He isn't fond of us, and I guarantee that'll show when he develops that plan." Heero nodded, "I understand and agree, Wufei. However, the Preventers do respect him for his ability to make strategies that win battles. If we were to go and completely ignore every plan he makes, they would lose their faith in us." Duo continued, "Keiser knows not to hold us back from a fight now. And Lady Une will keep an eye on everything he does from this point on." Catherine shrugged, "I guess that you all make a good point. Still, I just don't like that man. And Wufei wasn't wrong to suggest that we come up with a plan of our own." Relena sighed, "Still, we need to show the Preventers that we stand by them. Sette added, "Right now, we just have to stay here and-" her words were cut off by sirens.
The pilots jumped to their feet immediately as they flew out of the room. Preventers were scrambling everywhere. As the Gundams looked all around, they saw Kumi run past them, yelling, "GET TO YOUR GUNDAMS!" Heero shouted over the loud sirens and shouting as he ran beside her, "What's going on?" Kumi replied, "Novem took off in Rampage." Relena shouted, "WHAT!?!" The silver-haired pilot looked to her and explained, "She just took off. We have to stop her before she gets herself killed."
The pilots all got in their suits and flew off in quick pursuit of their comrade. Heero and Kumi were well aware that the suit would be hard to catch up with, since it was one of the fastest when in space. Still, they had to stop Novem before she put herself and others in danger. Sette growled in her cockpit, "I knew that girl was going to be trouble." Relena protested, "She doesn't know any better, Sette." "Don't yell at me," the princess replied quickly. "I'm not the one who decided to go joyriding in my Gundam suit." "Everyone just calm the hell down," Heero ordered sharply. "Right now, we have to catch up to Novem. We'll discuss her actions later."
Duo announced, "I've managed to fix onto her location. She's got a good nine miles on us. It almost looks like Rampage is picking up speed." Kumi nodded, "Makes sense. That suit was specifically made for great performance in space." Heero asked, "Duo, what are those exact coordinates?" "465 degrees North and 586 West," his lover answered. Quatre nodded, "I got it. She is picking up speed." "Are there any colonies close to where she's heading?" Sette asked. "No, thankfully," Trowa sighed in relief. Wufei shook his head and growled to himself, "Stupid...So stupid." "Just try to keep her on your monitors," Kumi told all of them. "If she keeps this up, we might lose her soon."
In her suit, Dorothy was certain that the others would be following her. "I don't care what they think. I can't let OZ have the chance to hit us first again. I'll fly to the furthest reaches of space if that's what it takes to find them." Rampage sped off into the sea of stars. Just then, something seemed to beep on her radar. "What the-" was all she could say before two silver Gundam suits, identical to each other, flew right to her. The only difference between the two suits was that one of the Gundams had green eyes while the other had red. In the red-eyed suit, Azrael sneered, "Well, well, well, Abrasia...Look what we have here." Abrasia smiled, "Looks like we didn't have to search hard for them after all, sis."
Dorothy was still frozen from shock as she looked to the suits. She gasped when she remembered to breathe. She whispered hoarsely, "O-OZ has Gundam suits?" Azrael licked her lips, "I want to first hit." She removed a bow from her suit. With that, she launched herself to Rampage. The silver Gundam pulled the bow in half to make two long swords as she struck Novem's suit continuously. The Gundam pilot didn't respond to the blows her suit received. The OZ soldier just went on hitting her. "FIGHT, DAMN YOU!" Azrael screamed to her opponent. The other pilot finally snapped out of her shock and realized the situation she was in.
Novem pulled her bow out and began firing at the silver Gundam with red eyes. "That's more like it," the young woman chuckled deeply as she fought through the arrows fired at her. "Enough," her brother called as he pushed her suit out of the way. "It's my turn to have some fun," Abrasia smiled as he took to his weapon, exactly like his sister's. He began a brutal attack on Rampage. Dorothy grunted at the pain racing through her.
The ambitious pilot began to fight back again. Still, she was more than outmatched by the two pilots. They were just so fast and strong in their Gundams. Dorothy was still giving them everything that she had. "You won't defeat me," she hollered to the opponents. They laughed instantly. "Just keep telling yourself that, sweetheart," Abrasia growled before sending a fist over her cockpit. They had exchanged blows for some time before Azrael looked to her monitors that picked something up. She sneered, "It's about time."
Calvary flew in front of Rampage just in time to block a blow from Abrasia. Relena looked to her friend on the monitor in concern and asked, "Are you all right, Novem?" The other pilot nodded. Wing Zero, Excalibur and the other Gundams looked to the twin suits in awe. "It can't be," Duo whispered. "WHEN THE HELL DID OZ GET GUNDAMIUM SUITS!?!" Sette shrieked in fear. Wufei growled, "I never thought they would ever find the way to make Gundams of their own."
Abrasia looked to his foes and smiled, "Allow us to introduce you to Gemini." At this, he and his sister worked at lightning speed as they fought the other pilots. Sette got one of the suits locked on target and was prepared to send a crushing blow when Azrael got out of the way and hit her from behind. "They're so fast," she groaned in pain. "We have company," Trowa announced. Just after saying this, a swarm of OZ soldiers in Taurus sits came firing. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!?!" Abrasia shouted to the soldiers. One man came on his monitor, saluting, "We were ordered to see that you both stay in line." The young man growled, but resumed the attack.
Catherine was soon face-to-face with the red-eyed Gemini. Azrael said quietly, "So you're one of the new pilots." She began an exchange of blows and thrusts with her swords. As they fought, the brown-haired pilot asked, "You're not bad, my friend. I'm impressed." Catherine shouted, "The name is Delapan." She took her whip and managed to wrap the weapon around the Gemini's right arm. "Pleased to meet you, Delapan. It will be an honor to kill you," Azrael smiled. An electric current came from her suit and traveled along the metal whip. Before it reached her Gundam, Catherine removed the weapon from Gemini. Instantly, Azrael went off to battle with another pilot. Delepan didn't have a moment to think before she was being attacked by the Taurus suits. "I-I can't believe I lasted that long against another Gundam," she gasped to herself as she battled.
The Gundams were struggling as they fought between the mobile suits and Gemini as they seemed to come from everywhere. Not one of the Gundam pilots were going away without dueling with Gemini at some point. With the speed and accuracy of the suits, they seemed to come and go with great ease, leaving some kind of pressure on each of the pilots. "How are we going to get out of this one," Catherine shouted as she cut through two Taurus suits. Wufei shouted back, after sending a wave of flames over more suits, "Keep your eyes open. They can't keep this up forever." Trowa shouted, "Quatre, above you!" The Arabian looked overhead to see one of the Gemini suits soaring down to slice him in half. Quatre just managed to block their swords with his blades. Azrael laughed as if mad, "Is that the best you can do!?!" as she lunged at Deathscythe. "Actually," Duo replied, "No it's not." He shouted and began to get some hits in, shocking his foe.
Seeing that she needed another approach, Azrael decided to fall back and go for another suit. Duo didn't have a chance to breathe as he was soon being attacked by Taurus suits. Duo knew what they were doing as he told himself, "They're taking in all of our strengths and weaknesses." He shouted to his comrades, "WHATEVER HAPPENS, GUYS, DON'T LET THOSE GUNDAM SUITS GET AWAY!" Heero looked to his monitor as his lover continued, "They're studying everything about our suits." Heero's eyes widened as he whispered gravely, "That's all they wanted in the first place...And we came right to them." "Smart. Very Smart," Azrael laughed as she and her brother were fighting back-to-back with Sand Rock and Heavy Arms now.
Dorothy gasped as her eyes widened. "W-What have I done," she whispered hoarsely to herself. She lowered her head and stopped fighting. Rampage was shot countless times by the OZ soldiers. They weren't going to let her time of shock pass them. "DOROTHY!" Relena screamed as she rushed to her friend's side to help. Abrasia sneered, "So her name's Dorothy." "Damn it!" Relena hissed to herself. "ZES! GET NOVEM OUT OF HERE NOW!" Kumi shouted to the queen. "Everyone else, see that nobody follows them, " Heero ordered.
"Got it," Trowa acknowledged as he flew off to Rampage and Calvary. He shot at the Taurus suits to protect the queen and her friend. Rampage's right arm was lifted over Calvary's shoulder. "It's going to be all right, Novem," the queen tried to assure her. Dorothy did not respond as she stayed in her cockpit, head down in shame. "Better hurry," Trowa warned Zes. Relena nodded and flew off with her comrade. Trowa was soon aided by Catherine as they killed any and every soldier who attempted to follow the retreating pilots.
"Is she going to be okay?" Catherine asked in concern. Trowa replied, "Don't worry about that. Worry about your mission at hand." Catherine swallowed a lump of fear and nodded as she went on destroying the Taurus suits. Azrael and Abrasia were working faster than ever, moving from one suit to the other, laughing, shouting and cheering the whole time. Their sounds of enjoyment and excitement was more than frightening for the Gundam pilots.
Sette was dueling with the green-eyes Gemini. Abrasia laughed, "So, you're princess Devion." The princess did not respond as she fought to keep his blows away. Sometimes she would accomplish that, but the other pilot was able to get several good shots in. "What's the matter, your highness?" the brown-haired pilot chuckled. "Cat got your tongue?" The princess growled, "Go to hell." Abrasia shook his head, "That's not a very ladylike thing to say. Sette huffed as she was too busy fighting for her life to make a good comeback. Finally, she was about to slice through the cockpit of the Gemini Gundam. As soon as her spear was about to cut through, the other pilot steered clear of the attack. He went off to an other pilot.
"WOULD SOMEBODY PLEASE GET THOSE BASTARDS!?!" Sette shouted in frustration. There wasn't anything that any of the pilots could do. Gemini was just to fast and too clever. As soon as they realized that they were starting to falter against one of the pilots, they moved to the next and started all over, letting the OZ soldiers take care of the pilot they just left behind.
Demetris appeared on the monitors of Gemini as the pilots looked to their commander. "Abrasia, Azrael, we have been watching the fight. Well done. Now return to the ship with the information you have gathered. You've been out there long enough." Azrael groaned, "We're having too much fun. We have those pilots scared out of their minds. And we've only been fighting for twenty minutes." Her brother nodded, "We'll finish them all right here." Demetris shook his head, "No you won't. You are ordered to return to headquarters immediately." The twins ignored the orders and continued to fight anyway. "You can't tell us what to do," Azrael shouted as she slashed at Excalibur. Kumi grunted and pulled her Buster Riffle out to shoot at the suit. The Gemini dodged the blast and Kumi went on shooting. "We can't let them get away from us," she growled to herself.
Abrasia went onto attack Wing Zero. Heero tried to shoot the suit down, but also missed anytime he tried to destroy the Gundam. "Damn!" he shouted. "There has be someway to stop them." Sette looked to her monitors. She sighed with relief when she saw that there were Preventer ships approaching. "Good news, guys. Help's almost here." Quatre saw what the princess was speaking of and smiled, "Good. Now we can concentrate on destroying Gemini."
The twins stopped their assault as they saw the suits and small crafts approaching. Demetris was extremely aggravated with the twins as he growled, "The two of you had better get your asses back this instant. You won't be able to handle all of them on your own, even with the soldiers that we sent. You've accomplished your mission and you are to obey the order to return. Ignore me again and I'll have you destroyed, myself." Abrasia and Azrael growled and shouted in anguish. "WE'RE NOT THREW WITH YOU, GUNDAMS!" Abrasia screamed. Azrael cried, "WE'LL BE BACK TO FINISH WHAT WE STARTED!" That instant, the two suits shot back the way that they came in the midst of heavy fire.
"GET THEM!" Wufei shouted to his comrades as he watched their retreat. Nataku began to sly after the silver Gundams when he was stopped by several Taurus suits. The Chinese pilot sprayed them with flames only to be faced against more suits. "There are too many OZ soldiers to get to them," Quatre informed the others. "Then what the hell are we going to do?" The Chinese pilot shouted, frustrated and tired. "The only thing we can," Duo answered, "Take care of these soldiers and head back."
Nothing would have made any of the pilots happier than to go after the Gemini suits. But, they were heavily guarded and were no longer in sight or reach of the radars. About ten minutes passed before the remaining Taurus suits retreated. They knew that the Gundam pilots were worn out and not in any position to follow at this point. The Gundam pilots fell back in their cockpits, exhausted and sore. Even more than that, they were shocked and frightened as it continued to sink in that somehow, OZ managed to create Gundam suits like their own.
One of the Preventers came on Heero's monitor as he informed him, "We're your cover for when we head back. We'll see that nobody follows us to Peace Million." The Wing pilot sighed, "Thank you. We better get moving now." The soldier nodded, "I couldn't agree more." The Japanese pilot radioed to the others, "Everyone all right to get moving?" Duo answered, "Yea. I'm fine." Kumi responded, "Yes." Trowa nodded, "Everything's fine here." Quatre replied, "I'm okay." Sette sighed, "Yea. Let's get out of here." Catherine radioed, "I'm ready when you all are." Wufei said simply, "I'm here." The Wing pilot nodded to himself. "Good, let's get the hell out of here," he said with the fatigue he felt showing in his voice. Heero led the way as his comrades flew behind him.
* * * * * *
Dorothy and Relena were sitting in a small conference room. The queen was beside herself as she looked to her friend who sat at the table, her head lowered and eyes closed. "Dorothy," she asked sadly. "What could possibly have been thinking when you went off like that?" Novem looked up to her and shook her head, "I'm sorry, Miss Relena. I just couldn't stand not doing anything. I felt helpless." "Dorothy," her friend sighed. "You know that we all hate waiting, but that's all we can do for now. You could have been killed out there." "In a war, Miss Relena," Dorothy replied, looking up to her, "We're all expendable." The queen felt a chill go up her spine at these words.
Just then, the door opened to reveal Heero and Kumi Yuy standing in the entrance. Novem's expression fell even more as she looked to them. They walked into the room slowly. Relena walked to them first said quietly, "I-I'm sorry I gave away her name to those pilots." Kumi replied, "It's alright, Relena. We know that you were upset out there." Zes nodded, "Thank you." Heero suggested, "You best join the others. We're going to be here a while." Relena frowned and looked back to Dorothy, who was still silent and at a loss. "Okay," she finally accepted. With that, she walked out of the room.
* * * * * *
In the hallway not far from that small conference room, the remaining Gundam pilots waited. Some looked out the windows, others just leaned against the wall and the remainder simply sat on the floor while they waited patiently. Sette was among those leaning against the wall. She was with Trowa and Duo. "I'm telling you," she began with a concerned look on her face. "That girl is a loose cannon waiting to go off." Wufei looked back from the window and sighed, "I won't disagree with you on that. I don't think she was ever meant to be a Gundam pilot." Quatre intervened as he looked up from where he sat, "I don't believe that. Dorothy had a nightmare of the war to come just as we did." Trowa nodded, "And regardless of what she did earlier, she's an excellent pilot. We need her in Rampage."
Catherine shook her head, "She could have gotten herself or others killed out there. If she flew close to a Colony, she would have put countless lives in danger." Relena interrupted as she walked to all of them, "She purposely flew where she knew there weren't any Colonies when she left the ship." Sette lowered her head and crossed her arms as she said, "It doesn't matter. She was way out of line just leaving like that." The queen stayed calm and stated, "I agree that she was wrong to do what she did, but we can't take away her right to pilot Rampage. She's rather die." Duo nodded, "She's right. Dorothy has been waiting for the chance to pilot a Gundam for a long time now. She deserves that right just as much as we do. I'm sure Heero and Kumi will see to it that she remembers her responsibilities with that honor."
* * * * * *
Heero and Kumi looked down to the saddened pilot that sat before them. Heero began, "Are you alright?" The concern in his voice caused Dorothy to look up to him in shock. "Y-You're worried about me even after what I did?" she asked quietly. Kumi nodded, "Believe it or not, you're out first concern, as your comrades. We're not here to scorn you." Heero added, "It's clear that you realize you made a mistake...One that you won't make again." Novem nodded, "Yes. I am sorry for what I've done. I wasn't acting like a true soldier by any means."
The cousins looked to eachother and eased a bit. Kumi asked, "You're not hurt are you?" Dorothy shook her head, "Not physically." Heero replied, "Good. Don't think about what happened earlier. We all got out alive." Novem looked to them with relief, "The others are all safe as well, then?" "Yes, they're all fine," Heero answered. "Thank goodness," Novem sighed.
Dorothy's look of relief disappeared and she lowered her head again. "I brought us right into OZ's plan to learn more about our updated Gundams." Heero and Kumi didn't change their calm expressions. Kumi shook her head, "Those Gundams would have carried out their objectives whether or not you led us to them. It was good that it happened the way it had." Heero nodded, "No Colonies were in danger and the location of Peace Million is still unknown to Oz. While that doesn't make light of your behavior, it is good for you not to blame yourself that OZ was able to get one on us the way they did." Dorothy's face calmed again as she replied, "Of course."
After a pause, Kumi told her, "You better get some rest. It's been a long night." Novem smiled, "Yes. Thank you, both of you...For not being mad at me." Heero shrugged, "Like we said, you and the other pilots are out first concern. First as friends then as soldiers." Kumi looked to Heero with wide eyes when he said this. The Wing pilot noticed her expression of shock, but simply would not address it at this time. Novem smiled again as she rose from her seat. "See you in the morning, then," she waved to them both. The nodded back, saying good night.
When the door closed and the cousins were left alone, Heero walked over to the table and took a seat. Kumi crossed her arms and looked to him with a lost expression. "Friends before soldiers?" The Wing pilot smiled to her. Kumi looked even more lost when he did this. "I never thought I'd ever hear those words from you," she stated. "...Especially during a war." Heero nodded, "I know. But no matter what training we've had, we're human beings first and foremost, not soldiers. And as human beings, we all need friends." Kumi asked, "Something Duo told you?" Heero's smile grew as he closed his eyes and nodded. "Hn," was all his cousin could say as she walked over to sit across from him at the table.
Heero smiled and shook his head as he looked to her look of confusion. "What's so funny?" Kumi asked. Heero answered with another question, asking, "Do you still believe what Doctor J told us when we were under his training...That having any emotions will make us weak as soldiers?" Kumi nodded, "I have good reasons to believe that's true, yes." The Wing pilot sat us and looked her in the eyes, replying, "Nobody believed that more than I did. Then I met Duo."
His cousin shook her head, "I still can't believe that you, Heero Yuy, have opened up to your emotions. Don't get me wrong, I am happy you were able to do it. But I never thought that you would have been able to." Heero stated, "It's because I learned that I'm so much stronger when I'm with Duo and when I let my emotions play a role in everything I do. They don't make me weak, in fact, it's just the opposite. It's like there isn't anything I can't do when I'm with the one I love. Doctor J never understood how wrong he was." Kumi sighed, "Or he just didn't want us to know any better." Heero nodded, "Maybe. But no matter what his reasons, no emotions could ever weaken a soldier." Kumi sat quietly and took all of his words in. They both remained quiet for a good moment.
Kumi shook her head to come back to reality. "We have a lot to discuss about this war first thing tomorrow...Like how OZ has Gundam suits of their own now," she stated, in her usual monotone voice again. Heero sighed deeply, "Yea. I know." They both rose and made their way out of the room. The halls were empty as the other pilots ass had decided it would be best to turn in. Heero and Kumi went off to their quarters.
* * * * * *
Azrael and Abrasia sat before the young leader of OZ as he looked to them. The young female pilot began quietly, "We're sorry for not obeying Demetris sooner. But we just couldn't help wanting to destroy those pilots ourselves." The man smiled and shook his head, "Not to worry, Azrael. You both accomplished your mission to obtain information on their suits." Abrasia looked to him timidly and asked, "You're not mad at us, then?" Their leader laughed, "Why should I be mad at two of my best pilots? You were asked to carry out a specific duty and you pulled through. Did you give the information to Stanton?" The young male pilot nodded, "Yes, sir. We gave her the disks as soon as we returned."
The young leader smiled, "Then we have nothing to worry about. I am proud of you both. You suit Gemini very well." Azrael's face brightened, "Those suits are amazing. I can't wait to fight in that again." Abrasia added, "It was even more incredible that we first expected." Their commander nodded, "I am glad that you enjoyed that. You won't be sent to battle the Gundam pilots for a some time now. I have other ideas in mind before that'll happen. Still, I will be happy to send you off on hitting Colonies and parts of the Earth that they cannot get to right away." Azrael replied, "That's fine, we just want to pilot Gemini again." "Good. You will be doing that soon enough," their commander promised. He informed them, "You are both excused. I have a lot that I must to do prepare for our next course of action."
The twins rose and nodded to him. "Thank you for your faith in us, sir," Abrasia smiled. His sister concluded, "We won't ever let you down." "I don't doubt that," the young man replied. With that, the twins left the room quickly. Their leader chuckled deeply to himself when he was alone. "They can be a handful, but their passion for fighting is not something that I need in all of my pilots." The door opened again as Demetris walked into the room. "You wished to see me, sir," he said to his leader.
"Yes, Demetris. Come with me," the much smaller man replied with a wide grin. The two men walked out into the hallway as the leader informed his pilot, "Those twins did well today." Demetris grumbled, "They're too headstrong for their own good." His leader laughed, "You'll feel better once you see the surprise I have for you." The huge man's eyes widened as he asked, "Sir?" "Patience, my friend. We're almost there." They made their way to the hanger of the enormous ship. Upon entering the dimly lit room, the young man told his pilot, "I have had our crew working on this for some time without your knowing. It's the reason you couldn't possibly have gone off to fight those Gundam pilots any time sooner."
Demetris was led into the furthest edge of the hanger. The young leader placed his hands on the railing to his side and looked down from the metal balcony. "Here is your surprise," he told the other. Demetris walked to the railing and looked down below. His eyes widened as he gasped, "My suit." Below them, a large, beep blue Gundam stood. It was the size and structure of the Gundam suits that he would be fighting against. The head of the suit still resembled an animal with curled horns that started at the head's top and fell back, much like a ram. Most of the suit was not finished as the crew members in the hanger worked away in building the suit.
The leader smiled, "You didn't really plan on fighting those pilots in the worn out suit you had been using for years, did you? I had the crew tear it apart and begin from scratch. They improve the design and rebuilt it all together, using one hundred percent pure Gundamium as its material. I know that it's still a work in progress now, but it will be finished in about a week." Demetris's eyes never left the very impressive, half-finished Gundam. His look of awe was enough to show how much he appreciated is gift. Finally, he questioned, "Does this mean...?" He looked to his leader as their eyes met.
"Yes, Demetris. Your patience has paid off. As soon as the suit is completed, you'll get your time on the battlefield against the Gundam pilots." Demetris sneered as he looked to his Gundam. "I look forward to that," he replied.
TBC
DISCLAIMER: Not my characters, other than Kumi and Sette!
I really hope that all of you are enjoying this! I always appreciate feedback! Please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions! cyclone2996@hotmail.com Thanks! Enjoy! SkyLark
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 7: Gundamium Foes
by SkyLark
Stacey Stanton stormed into the office of OZ's new leader. Her face was red from rage as she threw the door open. The young man smiled to her, "Hello, Stacy. What is troubling you?" Stacy shouted, "I'm furious that you are sending the Grayson twins off to fight the Gundam pilots before those of us who are much more experienced...Not only that, but you know fully well how they get out of control when they're fighting!...I trust that you have a good reason behind it, I just want to hear it from your mouth, not Carter's, not Demetris's, not anyone else."
The young man chuckled, "You have spirit, Stanton. It's one of the reasons I admire you and am happy that you're on our side. Yes, there is a good reason behind my orders for the Grayson twins to go off and fight first." He went to sit at the table in the center of the room and patted its surface before the chair next to him. "Please," he offered, "Sit down and relax a moment." The woman pushed back her short, dark hair and took a deep breath to relax as she walked to the seat. When she sat, she whispered, "I apologize for my behavior." "Nonsense," the man said kindly to her. "As I said, I admire your spirit. Don't apologize for displaying the very reason I wanted you to work with me."
Stacey nodded and sat quietly as her commander leaned back, hands behind his head. "I know fully well that the Grayson twins can be a little...much. That is why I am giving them a chance to see what fighting those pilots will be like before those of you that remain behind for now...You see Stacy, they are going to help distract the Gundam pilots while your lover boy completes the preparations for one of our many secret weapons. They'll be more than a handful for them. And it'll give them experience that they need."
The young woman sighed again, "I don't know...They give me the creeps, in all honesty. They're not normal." "You're right about that," the man laughed. "That's why they're perfect for Gemini. No sane pilot would be able to work those suits, since the Zero system is built into them. Heero and Kumi Yuy are the only true pilots that can handle the system, aside from those two. They know what is required of them and will not fail. They'll bring about our first official victory in this war with their first mission."
"I hope you know what you're getting yourself into, sir," Stanton stated as she rose. The young leader nodded, "Don't worry. I know fully well what I'm doing. And don't fret...You'll have your first taste of fighting very soon, as well." "Thank you, sir," the woman nodded as she stepped out of the room silently. When she was gone, the man smiled and sighed, "My warriors are getting restless...Good. That'll help bring about the best in them when they fight."
* * * * * *
The Gundam pilots were all recovering from the night before. Trowa walked down one of the halls when he heard typing coming from a meeting room. He walked to the door and saw Kumi typing away like crazy at her laptop. All kinds of blueprints were spread across the table as she looked from them to the screen rapidly. After a few minutes, she snapped, "Damn it." With that, she deleted whatever she was working on. She brought her hands to her cover face as she took a deep breath.
"Hi, Kumi," the usually quiet pilot said. The other pilot turned to him quickly in shock. She gasped and got up right away to gather the blueprints. Not looking to him, she replied, "Hi, Trowa." The other pilot gave a look of concern to her sudden change. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I didn't mean to bother you." Kumi stopped and slowly turned her head to him. She moved some hair from her eyes and sighed when their eyes locked, "I'm sorry...You didn't do anything wrong." Trowa smiled, "I understand. I know that you still have a hard time trusting others. Quatre once said that two is better than one. I didn't believe him then, but that's changed."
The young woman said quietly, "I'm still working on that." The tall pilot looked to the tattoo on the girl's left arm. "That's nice," he told her, pointing to it. Kumi's eyes almost turned sad when she looked to the armband. She whispered, "Thank you." "What does that Japanese word between the rosebuds mean?" Kumi looked back to her computer and typed again as she replied, "Hope." The other smiled and nodded, "Pretty." He turned to look at the papers that she had been holding onto tightly. "Anything I can help with?" he asked hesitantly. The other snapped back to reality, "Huh, oh, these...I'll be okay with this assignment, thanks." "Yea. I figured as much," Trowa shrugged.
These words from Trowa disturbed Kumi, for some reason, she was worried she might have hurt him. Before she knew it, she replied, "If I can't figure this out on my own before long, I could use your help." She silently cursed herself for saying this out loud. The other pilot nodded with a warm smile, "Just give me a call." He waved to her, "I'll see you around." Kumi nodded back and said, "Bye, Trowa." The tall pilot disappeared, leaving Kumi to drop the papers back onto the table and cover her face in her hands again. "What the hell did I do that for," she growled to herself.
The sound of chuckling came from the door as she spun to see what the source was. Sette stood leaning against the doorway with her arms crossed and a wide smile on her face. "Girl, you need to open your eyes," she told the silver-haired pilot. Kumi's eyes narrowed, "What are you talking about? And what right do you have eavesdropping on others' conversations?" The princess shook her head and walked to the table to sit beside her friend. Her long, blue hair was still messed up, but she didn't care.
"You're a mess," Kumi chuckled as she looked to her. Sette pointed at her and warned, "Don't mess with me, Kumi. I just got over a terrible hangover and I could care less what I look like right now." Her comrade shook her head and continued to type away at the computer. "Kumi?" Sette said in a timid whisper. "Yes?" he friend replied, never looking up from the screen. The princess bit her lip before asked, "About that rumor about Demetris-" Kumi's typing stopped immediately at the sound of that name. The princess stopped talking as she took a deep breath. The silver-haired pilot closed her eyes and deadpanned, "It's just a rumor for now. Don't think about it." Sette nodded and decided that it was best not to bring up the subject any further. Just the thought of that monster was bad enough than thinking of the possibility of him fighting with OZ.
Kumi resumed typing again, this time with a stern look on her face as she drove the last discussion from her mind. Sette could see that she was greatly upset about what she had just asked. Silently, the princess prayed that the rumor of Demetris with OZ really was just a rumor. Otherwise, she feared for her life either at the hands of that large man, or her partner. She needed to think of something to lighten the air in the room. She looked to the papers spread out around the table and a sneer crossed her face as she purred, "Hmmmmm."
Taking one of the blueprint papers, quickly, she smiled and took a pen from the table. "What are you doing?" Kumi protested. "I have to show you this. Just listen," the princess whispered, smiling as she turned to the clean side of the paper. Sette began to doodle. Her comrade crossed her arms and kept her anger at bay. The tomboy drew a gun and pointed to it. "Okay, this is you," she began. She proceeded to draw a stick figure with a very long set of bangs. "This is Trowa...We need to get the two of you together." Kumi growled, "I told you, I don't have time for-" "Shh. I just hear me out. See you don't have anyone and all Trowa has is his sister." She drew another stick figure beside the one that represented Trowa, this one with animal ears and a long tail and pointed to it, smiling, "Monkey Girl. But she's not a challenge, I don't like her." Sette quickly scribbled over the image. "I want her to die, ANYWAY!" Drawing a brick wall between the gun and 'Trowa,' she explained, "See you need to get past this wall that you've built up to keep from letting anyone in again."
Her partner's face became sad as she shook her head, "You know what happened to the only person I let in." Sette nodded, "I know, but you can't believe that anyone who gets too close to you is going to die, Kumi. I loved Matt to death..." she paused and lowered her head. "It's just that Trowa reminds me of him, a lot." Kumi whispered, "That's why this is so hard for me. I can't do this again." Sette brightened a bit and pointed to the image of the wall, "What you need is a sledgehammer," she began drawing one then crossed it out and drew, "A huge bazooka to get rid of that wall." "It's still easier said than done...I honestly don't know how Heero was able to do it." "I do," Sette replied quickly, "His name's Duo."
The princess drew a large knife at one end of the paper and a stick figure with a very long braid at the other. "They were waaaaaaaay apart from each other, then something happened and now they're together. She drew two more stick figures in the middle, holing hands (one holding a knife and the other with a long braid, both with huge smiles). "Somehow, you and Trowa have to get there, too."
The silver-haired pilot shook her head, "I told you, I don't have time for-" her words were stopped when Sette grabbed her hands and looked into her eyes with seriousness. She pleaded, spilling out quickly, "Kumi, I have a bet with Wufei that you'd be able to open him to fall in love with you, or that he'll get you to fall in love with him, it doesn't matter which way. The bet's up to three hundred dollars." "Sette!" he friend shouted in shock. "And a Mercedes Benz," the princess added quickly. "Wolf man doesn't think that boy will say more than four sentences. I bet that he'll say five." Kumi growled, "Sette." "Don't let me down, girl," the tomboy pleaded quickly.
The Excalibur pilot sighed deeply as she rubbed her temples, "I don't believe this." Her friend was busy humming with a huge smile on her face as she doodled a car onto the back of the crumples blueprint sheet. "SETTE!" the pilot shouted as she saw what she was drawing. The princess stopped as she gasped, "Huh? Wha? Oh!" Kumi grabbed the blueprint and pointed to the door. "Out," she ordered quietly but sternly. Sette shrugged, "Okay...okay." Getting up she began to walk to the door.
The princess stopped at the doorway and turned to her comrade. "Kumi?" she asked quietly. Not turning to face her, the other pilot replied, "Yes, Sette?" "If Heero and Duo get married, who'll take who's name?" Kumi lowered her hands from her face as she turned to face the tomboy. "Shut up, Sette," she deadpanned. "Yes boss," her friend replied automatically. She move to walk out of the room again and stopped just again. She turned quickly to Kumi and quickly said, "I was just wondering. I never knew the rule about that-" "OUT!" Kumi shouted as she pointed to her. "Got it," Sette nodded as she ran off.
Kumi shook her head, a soft smile on her face as she chuckled, deeply. Her eyes were caught by the crumpled piece of blue print paper her friend had been drawing on. Unrolling the paper, she looked to the images that her friend had doodled. The last thing her eyes focused on was the stick figure that represented Trowa. Her small smile grew somewhat as she looked to it. Just then, she closed her eyes shook her head, crumpling the paper and throwing it into a trashcan in the corner of the room. She looked to the can the paper landed in for a moment and sighed. Kumi went back to face her laptop. Her reflection was in the screen of the computer as she looked to it. She whispered to herself, "Baka," and closed the computer.
* * * * * *
That night, Dorothy was on her way to the hanger when she ran into Relena. "Hello, Miss Relena," Dorothy smiled. Her friend returned the smile and replied, "Hi, Novem. Where are you off to?" Novem replied, "I just wanted to look after Rampage for a little bit." The queen chuckled, "I don't think he'll be going anywhere if that's what you're worried about." Dorothy shook her head and explained, "No, Miss Relena. I just can't stand sitting back and waiting. I actually feel more at peace when I am with Rampage then when I'm anywhere else."
Relena looked to her friend in concern. She was never able to understand Dorothy's passion for war, whether or not she was had a better perspective of it had improved from the first war. Zes nodded, "Alright, Dorothy. I'll see you around, then." Novem smiled and nodded in return as she walked off. The queen watched her dismissal and sighed to herself, "Always the soldier at heart."
Quatre walked came from behind and smiled, "Hi, Relena." The young pilot turned to smile to her comrade and replied, "Hello, Quatre." "You look upset about something," the Arabian stated with concern in his voice. Relena's face fell into sadness and she nodded, "I'm worried about Dorothy. She has too much ambition when it comes to fighting." Quatre sighed, himself, and nodded, "I know what you mean. Dorothy can be stubborn. It's needed as a Gundam pilot, but sometimes, I wonder is she is too stubborn for her own good."
The queen stated, "She's the best friend I ever had. I don't want to see anything happen to her. Dorothy's always been like a sister to me." The young man smiled and rested a hand on Zes's shoulder, saying, "I know you're concerned. But she's going to do what she wants to do, Relena. You can't watch over her constantly. It wouldn't be fair to either of you." Relena looked to him and gave a small nod. "You're right," she whispered.
There was a pause between the pilots. "How are you dealing with this new situation...I mean piloting a Gundam?" Quatre then asked. Relena smiled, "I like that I'm not the one being saved all the time. It's wonderful to finally be able to help save others and defend peace as a soldier and not a person from the sidelines." The blonde smiled, "You are a wonderful pilot out there. I am pretty impressed. As a fellow pacifist, I understand that the initial thought of fighting in an battle is unnerving. But when you have wonderful support from pilots like the ones we fight with, it's quite an honor." The queen smiled warmly and nodded, "I couldn't agree more."
Quatre offered her his arm saying, "I was on my way to join the others in the lounge if you'd like to join us." Relena nodded and put her arm around his. "I'd like that. Thank you." They walked down the halls together. Though she did appreciate the talk she had with the Arabian, Relena couldn't help but continue to worry about her rambunctious friend.
The hanger was silent and empty until the door opened. Novem entered and searched to see that there were no other bodies present other than her own and the suits. Dorothy looked to her Gundam in calm reverence, a soft smile on her face. "Hello, Rampage" she greeted him quietly. The Gundam stood silently, glistening under the bright lights of the hanger. "You must hate just waiting as much as I do," she sighed sadly. She took a moment to think silently. Raising her head, she smiled, "We'll just have to do something about that."
* * * * * *
Wufei was taking a sip from his soda while he and his comrades spoke. "If you ask me," he began as he placed the can back down on the table. "We should make our own strategy, instead of waiting for Sergeant Keiser and his crew to come up with one of their own. He isn't fond of us, and I guarantee that'll show when he develops that plan." Heero nodded, "I understand and agree, Wufei. However, the Preventers do respect him for his ability to make strategies that win battles. If we were to go and completely ignore every plan he makes, they would lose their faith in us." Duo continued, "Keiser knows not to hold us back from a fight now. And Lady Une will keep an eye on everything he does from this point on." Catherine shrugged, "I guess that you all make a good point. Still, I just don't like that man. And Wufei wasn't wrong to suggest that we come up with a plan of our own." Relena sighed, "Still, we need to show the Preventers that we stand by them. Sette added, "Right now, we just have to stay here and-" her words were cut off by sirens.
The pilots jumped to their feet immediately as they flew out of the room. Preventers were scrambling everywhere. As the Gundams looked all around, they saw Kumi run past them, yelling, "GET TO YOUR GUNDAMS!" Heero shouted over the loud sirens and shouting as he ran beside her, "What's going on?" Kumi replied, "Novem took off in Rampage." Relena shouted, "WHAT!?!" The silver-haired pilot looked to her and explained, "She just took off. We have to stop her before she gets herself killed."
The pilots all got in their suits and flew off in quick pursuit of their comrade. Heero and Kumi were well aware that the suit would be hard to catch up with, since it was one of the fastest when in space. Still, they had to stop Novem before she put herself and others in danger. Sette growled in her cockpit, "I knew that girl was going to be trouble." Relena protested, "She doesn't know any better, Sette." "Don't yell at me," the princess replied quickly. "I'm not the one who decided to go joyriding in my Gundam suit." "Everyone just calm the hell down," Heero ordered sharply. "Right now, we have to catch up to Novem. We'll discuss her actions later."
Duo announced, "I've managed to fix onto her location. She's got a good nine miles on us. It almost looks like Rampage is picking up speed." Kumi nodded, "Makes sense. That suit was specifically made for great performance in space." Heero asked, "Duo, what are those exact coordinates?" "465 degrees North and 586 West," his lover answered. Quatre nodded, "I got it. She is picking up speed." "Are there any colonies close to where she's heading?" Sette asked. "No, thankfully," Trowa sighed in relief. Wufei shook his head and growled to himself, "Stupid...So stupid." "Just try to keep her on your monitors," Kumi told all of them. "If she keeps this up, we might lose her soon."
In her suit, Dorothy was certain that the others would be following her. "I don't care what they think. I can't let OZ have the chance to hit us first again. I'll fly to the furthest reaches of space if that's what it takes to find them." Rampage sped off into the sea of stars. Just then, something seemed to beep on her radar. "What the-" was all she could say before two silver Gundam suits, identical to each other, flew right to her. The only difference between the two suits was that one of the Gundams had green eyes while the other had red. In the red-eyed suit, Azrael sneered, "Well, well, well, Abrasia...Look what we have here." Abrasia smiled, "Looks like we didn't have to search hard for them after all, sis."
Dorothy was still frozen from shock as she looked to the suits. She gasped when she remembered to breathe. She whispered hoarsely, "O-OZ has Gundam suits?" Azrael licked her lips, "I want to first hit." She removed a bow from her suit. With that, she launched herself to Rampage. The silver Gundam pulled the bow in half to make two long swords as she struck Novem's suit continuously. The Gundam pilot didn't respond to the blows her suit received. The OZ soldier just went on hitting her. "FIGHT, DAMN YOU!" Azrael screamed to her opponent. The other pilot finally snapped out of her shock and realized the situation she was in.
Novem pulled her bow out and began firing at the silver Gundam with red eyes. "That's more like it," the young woman chuckled deeply as she fought through the arrows fired at her. "Enough," her brother called as he pushed her suit out of the way. "It's my turn to have some fun," Abrasia smiled as he took to his weapon, exactly like his sister's. He began a brutal attack on Rampage. Dorothy grunted at the pain racing through her.
The ambitious pilot began to fight back again. Still, she was more than outmatched by the two pilots. They were just so fast and strong in their Gundams. Dorothy was still giving them everything that she had. "You won't defeat me," she hollered to the opponents. They laughed instantly. "Just keep telling yourself that, sweetheart," Abrasia growled before sending a fist over her cockpit. They had exchanged blows for some time before Azrael looked to her monitors that picked something up. She sneered, "It's about time."
Calvary flew in front of Rampage just in time to block a blow from Abrasia. Relena looked to her friend on the monitor in concern and asked, "Are you all right, Novem?" The other pilot nodded. Wing Zero, Excalibur and the other Gundams looked to the twin suits in awe. "It can't be," Duo whispered. "WHEN THE HELL DID OZ GET GUNDAMIUM SUITS!?!" Sette shrieked in fear. Wufei growled, "I never thought they would ever find the way to make Gundams of their own."
Abrasia looked to his foes and smiled, "Allow us to introduce you to Gemini." At this, he and his sister worked at lightning speed as they fought the other pilots. Sette got one of the suits locked on target and was prepared to send a crushing blow when Azrael got out of the way and hit her from behind. "They're so fast," she groaned in pain. "We have company," Trowa announced. Just after saying this, a swarm of OZ soldiers in Taurus sits came firing. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE!?!" Abrasia shouted to the soldiers. One man came on his monitor, saluting, "We were ordered to see that you both stay in line." The young man growled, but resumed the attack.
Catherine was soon face-to-face with the red-eyed Gemini. Azrael said quietly, "So you're one of the new pilots." She began an exchange of blows and thrusts with her swords. As they fought, the brown-haired pilot asked, "You're not bad, my friend. I'm impressed." Catherine shouted, "The name is Delapan." She took her whip and managed to wrap the weapon around the Gemini's right arm. "Pleased to meet you, Delapan. It will be an honor to kill you," Azrael smiled. An electric current came from her suit and traveled along the metal whip. Before it reached her Gundam, Catherine removed the weapon from Gemini. Instantly, Azrael went off to battle with another pilot. Delepan didn't have a moment to think before she was being attacked by the Taurus suits. "I-I can't believe I lasted that long against another Gundam," she gasped to herself as she battled.
The Gundams were struggling as they fought between the mobile suits and Gemini as they seemed to come from everywhere. Not one of the Gundam pilots were going away without dueling with Gemini at some point. With the speed and accuracy of the suits, they seemed to come and go with great ease, leaving some kind of pressure on each of the pilots. "How are we going to get out of this one," Catherine shouted as she cut through two Taurus suits. Wufei shouted back, after sending a wave of flames over more suits, "Keep your eyes open. They can't keep this up forever." Trowa shouted, "Quatre, above you!" The Arabian looked overhead to see one of the Gemini suits soaring down to slice him in half. Quatre just managed to block their swords with his blades. Azrael laughed as if mad, "Is that the best you can do!?!" as she lunged at Deathscythe. "Actually," Duo replied, "No it's not." He shouted and began to get some hits in, shocking his foe.
Seeing that she needed another approach, Azrael decided to fall back and go for another suit. Duo didn't have a chance to breathe as he was soon being attacked by Taurus suits. Duo knew what they were doing as he told himself, "They're taking in all of our strengths and weaknesses." He shouted to his comrades, "WHATEVER HAPPENS, GUYS, DON'T LET THOSE GUNDAM SUITS GET AWAY!" Heero looked to his monitor as his lover continued, "They're studying everything about our suits." Heero's eyes widened as he whispered gravely, "That's all they wanted in the first place...And we came right to them." "Smart. Very Smart," Azrael laughed as she and her brother were fighting back-to-back with Sand Rock and Heavy Arms now.
Dorothy gasped as her eyes widened. "W-What have I done," she whispered hoarsely to herself. She lowered her head and stopped fighting. Rampage was shot countless times by the OZ soldiers. They weren't going to let her time of shock pass them. "DOROTHY!" Relena screamed as she rushed to her friend's side to help. Abrasia sneered, "So her name's Dorothy." "Damn it!" Relena hissed to herself. "ZES! GET NOVEM OUT OF HERE NOW!" Kumi shouted to the queen. "Everyone else, see that nobody follows them, " Heero ordered.
"Got it," Trowa acknowledged as he flew off to Rampage and Calvary. He shot at the Taurus suits to protect the queen and her friend. Rampage's right arm was lifted over Calvary's shoulder. "It's going to be all right, Novem," the queen tried to assure her. Dorothy did not respond as she stayed in her cockpit, head down in shame. "Better hurry," Trowa warned Zes. Relena nodded and flew off with her comrade. Trowa was soon aided by Catherine as they killed any and every soldier who attempted to follow the retreating pilots.
"Is she going to be okay?" Catherine asked in concern. Trowa replied, "Don't worry about that. Worry about your mission at hand." Catherine swallowed a lump of fear and nodded as she went on destroying the Taurus suits. Azrael and Abrasia were working faster than ever, moving from one suit to the other, laughing, shouting and cheering the whole time. Their sounds of enjoyment and excitement was more than frightening for the Gundam pilots.
Sette was dueling with the green-eyes Gemini. Abrasia laughed, "So, you're princess Devion." The princess did not respond as she fought to keep his blows away. Sometimes she would accomplish that, but the other pilot was able to get several good shots in. "What's the matter, your highness?" the brown-haired pilot chuckled. "Cat got your tongue?" The princess growled, "Go to hell." Abrasia shook his head, "That's not a very ladylike thing to say. Sette huffed as she was too busy fighting for her life to make a good comeback. Finally, she was about to slice through the cockpit of the Gemini Gundam. As soon as her spear was about to cut through, the other pilot steered clear of the attack. He went off to an other pilot.
"WOULD SOMEBODY PLEASE GET THOSE BASTARDS!?!" Sette shouted in frustration. There wasn't anything that any of the pilots could do. Gemini was just to fast and too clever. As soon as they realized that they were starting to falter against one of the pilots, they moved to the next and started all over, letting the OZ soldiers take care of the pilot they just left behind.
Demetris appeared on the monitors of Gemini as the pilots looked to their commander. "Abrasia, Azrael, we have been watching the fight. Well done. Now return to the ship with the information you have gathered. You've been out there long enough." Azrael groaned, "We're having too much fun. We have those pilots scared out of their minds. And we've only been fighting for twenty minutes." Her brother nodded, "We'll finish them all right here." Demetris shook his head, "No you won't. You are ordered to return to headquarters immediately." The twins ignored the orders and continued to fight anyway. "You can't tell us what to do," Azrael shouted as she slashed at Excalibur. Kumi grunted and pulled her Buster Riffle out to shoot at the suit. The Gemini dodged the blast and Kumi went on shooting. "We can't let them get away from us," she growled to herself.
Abrasia went onto attack Wing Zero. Heero tried to shoot the suit down, but also missed anytime he tried to destroy the Gundam. "Damn!" he shouted. "There has be someway to stop them." Sette looked to her monitors. She sighed with relief when she saw that there were Preventer ships approaching. "Good news, guys. Help's almost here." Quatre saw what the princess was speaking of and smiled, "Good. Now we can concentrate on destroying Gemini."
The twins stopped their assault as they saw the suits and small crafts approaching. Demetris was extremely aggravated with the twins as he growled, "The two of you had better get your asses back this instant. You won't be able to handle all of them on your own, even with the soldiers that we sent. You've accomplished your mission and you are to obey the order to return. Ignore me again and I'll have you destroyed, myself." Abrasia and Azrael growled and shouted in anguish. "WE'RE NOT THREW WITH YOU, GUNDAMS!" Abrasia screamed. Azrael cried, "WE'LL BE BACK TO FINISH WHAT WE STARTED!" That instant, the two suits shot back the way that they came in the midst of heavy fire.
"GET THEM!" Wufei shouted to his comrades as he watched their retreat. Nataku began to sly after the silver Gundams when he was stopped by several Taurus suits. The Chinese pilot sprayed them with flames only to be faced against more suits. "There are too many OZ soldiers to get to them," Quatre informed the others. "Then what the hell are we going to do?" The Chinese pilot shouted, frustrated and tired. "The only thing we can," Duo answered, "Take care of these soldiers and head back."
Nothing would have made any of the pilots happier than to go after the Gemini suits. But, they were heavily guarded and were no longer in sight or reach of the radars. About ten minutes passed before the remaining Taurus suits retreated. They knew that the Gundam pilots were worn out and not in any position to follow at this point. The Gundam pilots fell back in their cockpits, exhausted and sore. Even more than that, they were shocked and frightened as it continued to sink in that somehow, OZ managed to create Gundam suits like their own.
One of the Preventers came on Heero's monitor as he informed him, "We're your cover for when we head back. We'll see that nobody follows us to Peace Million." The Wing pilot sighed, "Thank you. We better get moving now." The soldier nodded, "I couldn't agree more." The Japanese pilot radioed to the others, "Everyone all right to get moving?" Duo answered, "Yea. I'm fine." Kumi responded, "Yes." Trowa nodded, "Everything's fine here." Quatre replied, "I'm okay." Sette sighed, "Yea. Let's get out of here." Catherine radioed, "I'm ready when you all are." Wufei said simply, "I'm here." The Wing pilot nodded to himself. "Good, let's get the hell out of here," he said with the fatigue he felt showing in his voice. Heero led the way as his comrades flew behind him.
* * * * * *
Dorothy and Relena were sitting in a small conference room. The queen was beside herself as she looked to her friend who sat at the table, her head lowered and eyes closed. "Dorothy," she asked sadly. "What could possibly have been thinking when you went off like that?" Novem looked up to her and shook her head, "I'm sorry, Miss Relena. I just couldn't stand not doing anything. I felt helpless." "Dorothy," her friend sighed. "You know that we all hate waiting, but that's all we can do for now. You could have been killed out there." "In a war, Miss Relena," Dorothy replied, looking up to her, "We're all expendable." The queen felt a chill go up her spine at these words.
Just then, the door opened to reveal Heero and Kumi Yuy standing in the entrance. Novem's expression fell even more as she looked to them. They walked into the room slowly. Relena walked to them first said quietly, "I-I'm sorry I gave away her name to those pilots." Kumi replied, "It's alright, Relena. We know that you were upset out there." Zes nodded, "Thank you." Heero suggested, "You best join the others. We're going to be here a while." Relena frowned and looked back to Dorothy, who was still silent and at a loss. "Okay," she finally accepted. With that, she walked out of the room.
* * * * * *
In the hallway not far from that small conference room, the remaining Gundam pilots waited. Some looked out the windows, others just leaned against the wall and the remainder simply sat on the floor while they waited patiently. Sette was among those leaning against the wall. She was with Trowa and Duo. "I'm telling you," she began with a concerned look on her face. "That girl is a loose cannon waiting to go off." Wufei looked back from the window and sighed, "I won't disagree with you on that. I don't think she was ever meant to be a Gundam pilot." Quatre intervened as he looked up from where he sat, "I don't believe that. Dorothy had a nightmare of the war to come just as we did." Trowa nodded, "And regardless of what she did earlier, she's an excellent pilot. We need her in Rampage."
Catherine shook her head, "She could have gotten herself or others killed out there. If she flew close to a Colony, she would have put countless lives in danger." Relena interrupted as she walked to all of them, "She purposely flew where she knew there weren't any Colonies when she left the ship." Sette lowered her head and crossed her arms as she said, "It doesn't matter. She was way out of line just leaving like that." The queen stayed calm and stated, "I agree that she was wrong to do what she did, but we can't take away her right to pilot Rampage. She's rather die." Duo nodded, "She's right. Dorothy has been waiting for the chance to pilot a Gundam for a long time now. She deserves that right just as much as we do. I'm sure Heero and Kumi will see to it that she remembers her responsibilities with that honor."
* * * * * *
Heero and Kumi looked down to the saddened pilot that sat before them. Heero began, "Are you alright?" The concern in his voice caused Dorothy to look up to him in shock. "Y-You're worried about me even after what I did?" she asked quietly. Kumi nodded, "Believe it or not, you're out first concern, as your comrades. We're not here to scorn you." Heero added, "It's clear that you realize you made a mistake...One that you won't make again." Novem nodded, "Yes. I am sorry for what I've done. I wasn't acting like a true soldier by any means."
The cousins looked to eachother and eased a bit. Kumi asked, "You're not hurt are you?" Dorothy shook her head, "Not physically." Heero replied, "Good. Don't think about what happened earlier. We all got out alive." Novem looked to them with relief, "The others are all safe as well, then?" "Yes, they're all fine," Heero answered. "Thank goodness," Novem sighed.
Dorothy's look of relief disappeared and she lowered her head again. "I brought us right into OZ's plan to learn more about our updated Gundams." Heero and Kumi didn't change their calm expressions. Kumi shook her head, "Those Gundams would have carried out their objectives whether or not you led us to them. It was good that it happened the way it had." Heero nodded, "No Colonies were in danger and the location of Peace Million is still unknown to Oz. While that doesn't make light of your behavior, it is good for you not to blame yourself that OZ was able to get one on us the way they did." Dorothy's face calmed again as she replied, "Of course."
After a pause, Kumi told her, "You better get some rest. It's been a long night." Novem smiled, "Yes. Thank you, both of you...For not being mad at me." Heero shrugged, "Like we said, you and the other pilots are out first concern. First as friends then as soldiers." Kumi looked to Heero with wide eyes when he said this. The Wing pilot noticed her expression of shock, but simply would not address it at this time. Novem smiled again as she rose from her seat. "See you in the morning, then," she waved to them both. The nodded back, saying good night.
When the door closed and the cousins were left alone, Heero walked over to the table and took a seat. Kumi crossed her arms and looked to him with a lost expression. "Friends before soldiers?" The Wing pilot smiled to her. Kumi looked even more lost when he did this. "I never thought I'd ever hear those words from you," she stated. "...Especially during a war." Heero nodded, "I know. But no matter what training we've had, we're human beings first and foremost, not soldiers. And as human beings, we all need friends." Kumi asked, "Something Duo told you?" Heero's smile grew as he closed his eyes and nodded. "Hn," was all his cousin could say as she walked over to sit across from him at the table.
Heero smiled and shook his head as he looked to her look of confusion. "What's so funny?" Kumi asked. Heero answered with another question, asking, "Do you still believe what Doctor J told us when we were under his training...That having any emotions will make us weak as soldiers?" Kumi nodded, "I have good reasons to believe that's true, yes." The Wing pilot sat us and looked her in the eyes, replying, "Nobody believed that more than I did. Then I met Duo."
His cousin shook her head, "I still can't believe that you, Heero Yuy, have opened up to your emotions. Don't get me wrong, I am happy you were able to do it. But I never thought that you would have been able to." Heero stated, "It's because I learned that I'm so much stronger when I'm with Duo and when I let my emotions play a role in everything I do. They don't make me weak, in fact, it's just the opposite. It's like there isn't anything I can't do when I'm with the one I love. Doctor J never understood how wrong he was." Kumi sighed, "Or he just didn't want us to know any better." Heero nodded, "Maybe. But no matter what his reasons, no emotions could ever weaken a soldier." Kumi sat quietly and took all of his words in. They both remained quiet for a good moment.
Kumi shook her head to come back to reality. "We have a lot to discuss about this war first thing tomorrow...Like how OZ has Gundam suits of their own now," she stated, in her usual monotone voice again. Heero sighed deeply, "Yea. I know." They both rose and made their way out of the room. The halls were empty as the other pilots ass had decided it would be best to turn in. Heero and Kumi went off to their quarters.
* * * * * *
Azrael and Abrasia sat before the young leader of OZ as he looked to them. The young female pilot began quietly, "We're sorry for not obeying Demetris sooner. But we just couldn't help wanting to destroy those pilots ourselves." The man smiled and shook his head, "Not to worry, Azrael. You both accomplished your mission to obtain information on their suits." Abrasia looked to him timidly and asked, "You're not mad at us, then?" Their leader laughed, "Why should I be mad at two of my best pilots? You were asked to carry out a specific duty and you pulled through. Did you give the information to Stanton?" The young male pilot nodded, "Yes, sir. We gave her the disks as soon as we returned."
The young leader smiled, "Then we have nothing to worry about. I am proud of you both. You suit Gemini very well." Azrael's face brightened, "Those suits are amazing. I can't wait to fight in that again." Abrasia added, "It was even more incredible that we first expected." Their commander nodded, "I am glad that you enjoyed that. You won't be sent to battle the Gundam pilots for a some time now. I have other ideas in mind before that'll happen. Still, I will be happy to send you off on hitting Colonies and parts of the Earth that they cannot get to right away." Azrael replied, "That's fine, we just want to pilot Gemini again." "Good. You will be doing that soon enough," their commander promised. He informed them, "You are both excused. I have a lot that I must to do prepare for our next course of action."
The twins rose and nodded to him. "Thank you for your faith in us, sir," Abrasia smiled. His sister concluded, "We won't ever let you down." "I don't doubt that," the young man replied. With that, the twins left the room quickly. Their leader chuckled deeply to himself when he was alone. "They can be a handful, but their passion for fighting is not something that I need in all of my pilots." The door opened again as Demetris walked into the room. "You wished to see me, sir," he said to his leader.
"Yes, Demetris. Come with me," the much smaller man replied with a wide grin. The two men walked out into the hallway as the leader informed his pilot, "Those twins did well today." Demetris grumbled, "They're too headstrong for their own good." His leader laughed, "You'll feel better once you see the surprise I have for you." The huge man's eyes widened as he asked, "Sir?" "Patience, my friend. We're almost there." They made their way to the hanger of the enormous ship. Upon entering the dimly lit room, the young man told his pilot, "I have had our crew working on this for some time without your knowing. It's the reason you couldn't possibly have gone off to fight those Gundam pilots any time sooner."
Demetris was led into the furthest edge of the hanger. The young leader placed his hands on the railing to his side and looked down from the metal balcony. "Here is your surprise," he told the other. Demetris walked to the railing and looked down below. His eyes widened as he gasped, "My suit." Below them, a large, beep blue Gundam stood. It was the size and structure of the Gundam suits that he would be fighting against. The head of the suit still resembled an animal with curled horns that started at the head's top and fell back, much like a ram. Most of the suit was not finished as the crew members in the hanger worked away in building the suit.
The leader smiled, "You didn't really plan on fighting those pilots in the worn out suit you had been using for years, did you? I had the crew tear it apart and begin from scratch. They improve the design and rebuilt it all together, using one hundred percent pure Gundamium as its material. I know that it's still a work in progress now, but it will be finished in about a week." Demetris's eyes never left the very impressive, half-finished Gundam. His look of awe was enough to show how much he appreciated is gift. Finally, he questioned, "Does this mean...?" He looked to his leader as their eyes met.
"Yes, Demetris. Your patience has paid off. As soon as the suit is completed, you'll get your time on the battlefield against the Gundam pilots." Demetris sneered as he looked to his Gundam. "I look forward to that," he replied.
TBC