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Disclaimer: The original Gundam Wing characters are not mine. That includes everyone with the exception of Kumi and Sette and several others, but you'll know who they are.
Notes: Once again, Tracie 14, you have some of the best suggestions that I have ever received, actually the only ones at that! I thank you and am happy to use them! For anyone interested in giving suggestions, PLEASE e-mail me at cyclone2996@hotmail.com with any and everything you would like to see happen! You'll get credit! And please R&R! Thank you! Enjoy! Love You All, SkyLark
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 8: When Stars Collide
by SkyLark
along with Tracie 14
Narrator: Since the night that Dorothy had gone out on her own, a week of calmness went by. This was more than welcoming for the Gundam pilots and the Preventers. Though there were no battles being fought close enough for them to get to, the pilots were busy meeting, planning and training themselves for the inevitable fighting to come. Their meetings involved how they would be able to deal with the fact that OZ had Gundam suits of their own in this war. How OZ was able to make these suits was not what they were concerned with. The pilots had no choice but to accept this somehow.
* * * * * *
In Peace Million, the pilots walked down the hall to their rooms, Sette sighed, "Does it bother anyone else that Keiser has yet to come up that that so-called plan that he said will win the war?" Dorothy nodded, "It does have me a little concerned about how good of a leader he is. OZ learns more and more about us every fight and we have yet to know anything about their tactics." Trowa replied, "As much as we have to respect Keiser, I couldn't agree more with either of you."
Heero looked back to them and stated, "We can't make any more adjustments or modifications to our suits until we know exactly what their own suits are capable of." Duo shot out a sharp laugh and responded, "That's easy. They capable kick our asses. I never thought that Gundam suits could move that fast." Relena said quietly, "And you know that if they have those suits, they must have others somewhere. That's what I'm worried about." Kumi took these words to heart the most. Her tomboy friend also bit her lip at this statement.
There was a pause of silence between the pilots as they all stopped in the center of the break-off point. The American shrugged, "I know that they have other suits, too. But at least now we know to stay on our toes for that." Kumi closed her eyes and lowered her head in thought. Quatre sighed deeply and told the others, "A Gundam suit is only as good as its pilot. OZ has managed to find people with the ability to pilot those suits. I have a feeling that those pilots of Gemini were just a sample of what the rest of their pilots have to offer." Catherine yawned and stretched, "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm beat. Good night, guys. See you in the morning." With that, Delapan walked down one of the halls to her room.
One-by-one, the pilots broke off and said good night to their friends. Kumi was one of the last to go off. She took a moment to through her reports and filed them along with her blueprints. She didn't bother going to her room right away and headed for the hanger. Once there, she looked over Excalibur and went over to a window to look to the stars. "I know you're out there, somewhere," she growled quietly. "Kumi?" a gentle voice came from behind her. Trowa walked up to her, a look of concern on his face. "You were awful quiet the last few days. Is everything okay?" he asked kindly. Kumi could barely look in his eyes as she nodded slightly, "I just have a bad feeling about something." Trowa nodded, "You're thinking about Demetris aren't you?" The female pilot's eyes widened in shock as a small gasp betrayed her. Realizing that she gave away to some of her shock, she shook her head to regain her static expression. "I know that he's alive somewhere. What has my mind occupied is knowing that I can't do anything about it."
The tall pilot took a moment before saying quietly, "He must have hurt you." Kumi sighed and lowered her head. Quietly, she answered, "He hurt a lot of people. What he did to me doesn't matter. Demetris is a monster that doesn't deserve to live...Not after all the lives he's destroyed." "That's a huge burden for you on your shoulders alone." Kumi looked back to the window and replied, "I'm used to being alone." A hand fell on her shoulder and caused the return of her glance to her friend. Trowa replied with concern, "Who'll be there when you fall?" Kumi knew she was in danger of opening into her emotions and fought to find the right thing to say would stop that. She looked into his eyes and replied sternly, "I won't fall."
With that, Kumi turned away and began to walk to her room. Trowa sighed sadly as he watched her walk off. "It must be a hard life you lead," he whispered to himself. He slowly walked off to head to his room. Neither of them were aware that a certain braided pilot was in the hanger before them, looking over Deathscythe. Duo didn't mean to spy on his friends, but the way that they were speaking and acting towards eachother was all too familiar to him as he couldn't help but watch from afar. The American closed his eyes and chuckled when he was alone. "So history repeats itself," he smiled.
* * * * * *
In her adjoining bathroom, Kumi was in the shower under a hot spray of water, washing her hair. Trowa's voice played in her mind. "Who'll be there when you fall?" The pilot closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She flashed back to a time not months after she and a Preventer named Matt had met...
The pilot and the Preventer were sitting together after a long battle with rebel OZ forces after the first war. Kumi was cracking her left hip back into place as her comrade winced at the sound. The young woman sighed in relief as she straightened and turned her body a few times to see that she placed her hip right. "I still can't get over ow you can do that to yourself," Matt sighed deeply. "You get used to it," Kumi replied, in monotone. Matt chuckled and shook his head, "Whatever you say." "Hn," Kumi replied with an empty expression.
Matt rose and walked to her. His blonde hair was shining under the reddening sky of sunset. He sighed and placed a hand on the pilot's shoulder. Smiling, he whispered to her, "You don't have to go through life alone, you know. You're a good friend of mine and I don't want to see anything happen to you...I'll be happy to help catch you if you ever fall." Kumi looked to him with a lost expression as she froze at his words. After a brief pause, she shook her head and said clearly, "I won't fall." As she began to walk off, she heard her friend reply, "Well, I'll be around in case you do anyway."
Kumi sighed deeply and rested her forehead against the tile wall as the water continued to pour on her. After a moment to get her thoughts together, she turned the shower off and stepped out to wrap a mint green towel around her. The pilot walked into her room and began to brush her wet locks. Lost in thought again, she dropped the brush and as she reached for it. Her hand was beginning to shake a bit as she held the brush again. Kumi cursed, "K'so. Not again." She shook her head and sighed, "I can't let it happen again."
* * * * * *
Heero was lying on the bed that he and Duo shared, reading a book and waiting for his lover to return from the hanger. Duo walked in whistling and smiling from ear-to-ear. The Wing pilot couldn't help but chuckle at his koi's demeanor. "What has you so happy?" he asked as he lied his book back on the table. Duo smiled, "Oh, nothing." Heero's eyes narrowed a bit as he crossed his arms, "You can't even tell a good white lie." Duo stretched, still smiling as he said, "Weeeeeell, I just found out that Kumi has an admirer." As he said this, he sat beside his partner. Heero's eyes widened as he asked in shock, "What? Who? Are you sure?" The braided pilot nodded, "Oh. pretty sure." "Who is it?" the Japanese pilot inquired. Duo gave an evil grin and walked from the bed, not answering the question.
Heero jumped from the bed and tackled him to the floor. Duo fell on his back as his lover tickled him. Duo burst into laughter as his partner hit every sensitive spot. Heero sneered, "Tease. Out with it!" Duo laughed harder, "OI, HEERO! COME ON! NO FAIR!" Heero just kept on tickling as he smiled down to his prisoner. Finally, Duo couldn't take it anymore as he burst in a fit of laughter, "I-IT'S TROWA!" Heero stopped his attack and Duo doubled over himself on the ground as he got out the aftershocks of the assault, giggling and trying to catch his breath. Heero's eyes were wide as he took in what he just heard. Duo looked up to him when all his laughter subsided. "Are you okay, Heero?" he asked with concern.
The Wing pilot looked to him and smiled, "Trowa, huh?" The American smiled and nodded, "I was already in the hanger and he was talking to Kumi. They didn't know I was there. I didn't really mean to spy, but I thought that the situation was interesting." Heero nodded as the braided pilot sat up before him. Duo smiled, "It reminded me of us." Heero asked quietly, "How so?" The American shrugged, "Trowa is trying to get through to Kumi the same way I tried to get through to you during the first wars we fought. The way they act towards one another is just like what we went through before we admitted out feelings for eachother." Heero sighed and lowered his head, "Kumi need someone to open her up. It would be nice if Trowa got to open her up the way you did you me."
Duo kissed his forehead and whispered, "I have a feeling that he will. Trowa can be as stubborn as you and I can be. And you know that he would never hurt Kumi. He and Quatre and the only people I can honestly say would never hurt a fly." Heero raised on eyebrow at the last line and Duo chuckled, "Well, they'd never hurt a fly they cared about." Heero nodded and chuckled as well. He kissed Duo's lips gently and helped him up. "Well, anything is possible in love and war," the Wing pilot sighed as they walked to the bed. Heero pulled the covers down and Duo fluffed the pillows. "You could say that again, koi," he nodded. They removed their shirts and stripped to their boxers.
Duo sat in front of his lover as the Wing pilot undid his braid. Heero smiled, "I'd like to see those two together. They could learn a lot from eachother." Duo nodded, "They'd be almost as cuts a couple as we are..." The couple looked to eachother and emphasized at the same time, "Almost." Heero chuckled as he lied in the bed first, opening his arms, his lover slipped next to him. The American smiled as he turned the light out and lied his head over Heero's heart. The Wing pilot lifted his partner's face up gently and they kissed deeply. Heero sighed in content, "Sweet dreams, Duo." "Sweet dreams, Heero," Duo whispered as they closed their eyes and were surrounded in warmth.
* * * * * *
The next morning, two Preventer ships soared through the stars as they looked for any signs of where they could fain and sign of enemy crafts. Several mobile suits were scanning the area as the pilots tried to get readings. Jupiter's many moons were almost an obstacle course as they made sure to cover the area thoroughly. One of the pilots sighed, "I don't see any signs of life out here other than ourselves. This is not helping out situation any in taking the offensive in this war."
One of his comrades appeared on his monitor as he told him, "Just keep your eyes open. There might not be anything out here, but OZ can't hide forever." The first soldier sighed, "Yea, yea. I know. I just wish that- Wait a minute." "What is it?" his alarmed comrade asked. "I thought that I saw something pop up on the screen," the first Preventer said nervously. "Are you sure you weren't seeing things? We've been out here for a while now." "No, I know that there was something....THERE!" his friend shouted just as something did come right for them. It was a huge, dark blue Gundam suit with a head that resembled that of a ram. "A GUNDAM!?!" the second soldier screamed as he and the other Preventer shot at the suit. They managed to hit the metal several times, but the beams bounced right off. The suit had weapons in its hands, but the pilot didn't use them as he flew head-first in their direction.
"GET OUT OF HERE!!!" the second pilot screamed as he and his comrade tried to escape. The Gundam plowed into the mobile suit of the second pilot, causing a massive explosion. The first Preventer shouted, "YOU BASTARD!!!" as he fired at the suit with everything he had. The blue Gundam merely turned to face him and the soldier froze. The OZ pilot within sneered as he chuckled deeply. The young pilot was sweating badly with his eyes widened as he looked to the mysterious suit. He only had a second to look before he was plowed through, screaming in agony. "COMMANDER WILCOX, THERE'S A GUNDAM SUIT HEADING YOUR WAY-AAAAAHHH!!!!!" With that, his suit exploded into a fall of fire.
On the a large craft known as Pulsar, a uniformed Preventer of the age of forty ran to the monitors in the control room. "Get the images of where those pilots were," he shouted to his team at the computers. "We're working on that, Commander Wilcox," one of the young men replied as he looked up from his screen. All that they managed to catch what looked like a streak of light head off past the large planet they were closest to. "It's headed for Peace Million," the Commander whispered gravely.
He turned back to the crew and shouted, "Get whatever you were able to find on that thing to Lady Une immediately." "Sir, it will take some time to get through to Peace Million." "I'm well aware. And even though we don't have much on that Gundam, we're the only ones who have a chance to warn everyone on that ship before it reaches them." "Yes, sir," the Preventer saluted and ran off to carryout his orders.
* * * * * *
Quatre and Wufei were sitting in a small kitchen having breakfast together. A pot of coffee was boiling, the only sound in the whole room. The Arabian took a sip from his coffee while Wufei was busy reading status reports on the suits known as Gemini that the pilots managed to get. "These suits have as many similarities to our Gundams as they have differences," the Chinese pilot began. Quatre replied, "I know. More than likely, we'll be seeing more of those from where they came from." The Chinese pilot nodded and sighed, "Yea."
The door to the kitchen opened as Duo walked in, wearing a silk, black robe. He was beaming and humming some cheerful tune as he walked past the others. In a loud voice, he smiled and called to the others, "Morning, guys." Quatre chuckled and Wufei rolled his eyes before retuning them to the reports before him. Quatre smiled brightly, "Good morning, Duo. How are you?" Duo gave a huge smile as he answered loudly and quickly, "I'm wonderful, thank you! Beautiful day out here, don't you think!?!" The American made has way to the fridge. Wufei grumbled, "Must you make it so obvious that you and Heero had sex this morning?"
The braided pilot smiled to his friend. He held up the first two fingers finger of his right hand and told him, "Two things, Wufei...One, Heero and I don't 'have sex,' we make love. There's a big difference." The Chinese pilot grumbled to himself. Still hyper and not going to allow anyone ruin this morning, Duo concluded, "And two, I can't help it if I behave this way afterwards. So, yes, I suppose I do have to make it obvious. Why? Do you have a problem with the fact that Heero and I make love?" His thoughts were ended as his lover walked in quickly, wearing a dark green, silk robe. His eyes were a bit narrowed as he walked to Duo's side, asking loudly, "Who has a problem with us making love!?!"
Wufei's eyes widened as he began to sink slowly in his chair. He shook his head quickly and answered in a small voice "Nobody. I-I don't have a problem." Heero turned to him and nodded, "Good." Wufei breathed a sigh of relief as he began to sit up. His Arabian friend shook his head with a small smile as he whispered, "See why you need to stay quiet more often?"
The Arabian and Chinese pilots looked to their comrades as they prepared their breakfast. As Heero made his way to the fridge, he grabbed Duo's butt and pulled his lover into him, kissing him deeply. When the kiss broke, they were both smiling and talking in whispers to each other. Heero gently hit the braided pilot's rear before proceeding to the fridge. Quatre smiled to himself as Wufei shrugged and just knew it was best to keep quiet from this point on. He honestly never had any problems with the pilots being lovers, still, he couldn't help a few crude words coming from his mouth.
Duo poured a cup of coffee and took a sip. Immediately, he spit the drink out, coughing and gasping. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE COFFEE!?!" he yelled, looking into his mug. Quatre turned and replied, "It's decaffeinated. It's all we have for now." Duo's eyes widened as he said gravely, "They're trying to kill us." He dumped coffee into the sink. Heero chuckled as he shook his head, "Baka."
The Japanese pilot removed a black container the size of a shoebox that only he knew existed inside after hiding it so well. He gave a mischievous grin as he put the box under his and walked to his lover. "What's that?" Duo asked as he looked to the mysterious item in his lover's possession. Heero whispered something in his ear and the American's eyes widened was he spoke. Duo was in shock as a huge smile crossed his face. Heero merely kept the same grin had when he retrieved the box and led Duo out of the room by his braid.
When they were out of the room, Quatre blushed as he looked to his comrade. "Uh, Wufei?" he asked quietly. His Chinese friend laughed hysterically, "Don't ask, Quatre. For God's sake, don't ask! I have no idea what that was about and I don't want to know." Getting over the redness in his face, the Arabian laughed, "Yea. Some things are best left unknown." They went back to just enjoying a peaceful morning.
* * * * * *
Lady Une was speaking with Milliardo and Noin in the control room of Peace Million. Lady Une stated, "I know that the plan Lieutenant Keiser has been creating is taking a long time. But we can't rush into the first strategy that comes to mind." Milliardo nodded, "We all understand that. The situation is just difficult in knowing that OZ has managed to hide a lot of things from us as far as what they have to offer." Noin continued, "The Gundam pilots don't have any problem defending anything that OZ hits. But they know that they need to take the offensive soon. They know that we would never be able to win this war without that."
Lady Une, "Keiser is not fond of them at all. His pride is suffering knowing that the victory of this war relies solely on pilots so young, even though they're not children any more." Noin smiled, "I am sure that Keiser will learn to accept them eventually. They have a way of growing onto people." Une chuckled, "You don't have to remind me." Milliardo looked to the monitors that revealed their home planet. "What of the Earth?" he asked. Une replied, "We are still trying to gather information as far as what the status is. We should never doubt that OZ is taking advantage of the fact that King and Queen Weatherall are no longer there. As far as the exact situation, it will take time, just as it will for all of the Colonies."
Noin sighed, "There are just so many places and people at risk in this war. It's terrifying to think that OZ could be hitting a city or colony without our knowing." Her husband shook her head, "I don't think that they would go through too much trouble with that." The young women looked to him in confusion. The pilot explained, "I have a feeling that OZ is after revenge against the pilots personally. They fought so hard over the years to defend the Earth and Colonies. I think that they want to make them watch everything start to fade before them." Noin shuddered at the thought of that and said quietly, "You have a good point. And that is something that OZ leaders would love to see happen." Lady Une nodded, "Yes. Unfortunately, it is. Every soldier of the organization has been out for revenge since the first war. This is their first greatest chance at achieving just that."
The three of them stood silent, not one of them able to find words of encouragement at this time. Lieutenant Keiser walked into the room and joined them. He looked to his leader and requested, "May I speak with you alone, Lady Une?" She gave a nod to him, "Yes, Lieutenant." She and her friends parted. Milliardo and Noin looked back to the monitors of the Earth. The young man sighed, "The people there need to know that we didn't desert them." His wife held his hand, "I'm worried about the Earth, too. Once we are all able to take the offensive, they'll see that we would never leave them." Her husband nodded and looked into her eyes.
Milliardo smiled and placed a hand on her stomach. He said quietly, "I can't believe it's been seven months already." His wife laughed, "You and I both. We've all been managing pretty well somehow, considering the situation." Milliardo wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. "Well, with everything that we've already been through, I don't think there's anything we can't get through," he replied. Noin rested her head against his chest and whispered, "That's because you're too stubborn to give up and I'm too crazy to agree with you." "Well it works, doesn't it?" her husband smiled. The couple laughed and they shared a soft kiss.
* * * * * *
Lady Une was speaking with the Lieutenant quietly as she looked through reports that he had given her as they walked to the small gathering room. "Are they certain that it was another Gundam suit other than the Gemini suits the pilots battled last week?" she asked quietly. Keiser nodded, "Yes. It was moving too fast for clear images to be taken by the Preventer crafts. It was moving in this direction. As of an hour ago, it was just passing Jupiter when these reports were gathered." Une sighed deeply, "I see." "I have my crew ready with some of the best pilots around the galaxy waiting to meet the intruder head-on."
The Lieutenant's leader replied, "Good. We can count on more OZ soldiers backing up this suit just as they supported Gemini. Get Heero, Kumi and the others ready as well." Keiser saluted, "My Lady." and left the room. Looking to the papers in her hand, Lady Une whispered gravely, "I was so afraid that OZ was going to be capable of making suits like this. If they ever knew that I was responsible-" She stopped her words and shook her head. She took a deep breath and sighed, "I can't let anything happen to those pilots."
* * * * * *
The pilots were on their guard after the word of a mysterious suit was heading in the direction of Peace Million. They were all waiting in the hanger by their suits and preparing themselves. Sette was nervous. She wasn't this nervous in a very long time. Something about the news of this newest opponent had her worried. She would constantly look to Kumi, who was as expressionless as ever, and wonder how she could keep herself together in any situation. Even now, she didn't seem phased in any way. 'What is my problem?' the princess asked herself. 'It not like I haven't fought hundreds of times before. Why am I so worried about this fight?'
Heero ran in last as he announced, "There has been a disturbance picked up on Colony J21. We're going to look into it while the Preventers guard Peace Million from any soldiers that might get too close and reveal out location." Delapan asked, "Is it another Gundam suit?" The Wing pilot nodded, "Yes, there is a chance that's what we'll be up against." Zes's eyes widened and she asked timidly, "Another Gundam?" Heero answered, "We'll know exactly how to handle the problem as soon as we get there so let's move out." The pilots ran into their cockpits and took off instantly. It was a good five minutes before they would make it to the Colony in danger. By the time they got there, the large city below was in flames as spheres like the ones that destroyed the Weatherall castle came from the sky. "Not again," Zes whispered gravely as she looked in fear to the large town below. "Flare Spheres," Sette growled. "LOOK OUT! ABOVE US!" Novem cried as the pilots looked up to see a swarm of OZ soldiers fly towards them.
Kumi informed the others," We need more cover on the ground than we do in the air for now." Heero nodded, "Okay. Duo, Trowa, you'll help me up here while the others help get everyone below to safety. They're our priority in this fight. If anything changes, be prepared to switch around." Everyone fanned out as ordered, careful to avoid the fireballs that the OZ soldiers were raining on the city.
Calvary was the first Gundam to tough ground as Zes blocked two Aires suits from shooting civilians. Relena shouted to the people she saved, "Get on," as she lowered her suit's opened palm to carry them to safety. Kumi, Novem and Wufei shot at the approaching troops with everything they had. Catherine, Quatre and Sette worked at helping Relena and Catherine at getting as many people out safely as possible.
Miles above them, three of their comrades fought through an obstacle course of Flare Spheres as they attacked the OZ mobile suits. Trowa hissed, "This is going to be a challenge trying to shoot them down while avoiding those spheres." Heero's voice chimed in, "That's why we have back-up on the ground. If you can't get all of them, don't worry. Someone will get them eventually." Duo nodded, "Just worry about staying away from those spheres." The tall pilot understood and continued to fire on the OZ suits with Heavy Arms.
Back on the ground, their friends were working double-time as they worked to get survivors from the burning, deteriorating city. Sand Rock lifted the side of a skyscraper that had fallen over. Quatre gasped as he looked to the broken, bloody bodies of victims that he and the pilots couldn't get to in time. He closed his eyes tightly at the gruesome sight.
Excalibur, Nataku and Rampage all came to their friends involved in the rescue as Kumi told them, "The numbers of mobile suits is increasing. If you happen to be fighting near people that you can get to, worry about them first. Other than that, focus on knocking out the OZ soldiers." This was agreed upon as the pilots began an all-out assault against the mobile suits. "Where the hell are they all coming from," Wufei growled to himself as he took out two Leos. Quatre wiped sweat from her brow and shook his head, "I don't know. I've never seen anything like this."
Heero, Duo and Trowa were having hard time, themselves. "Damn it," Heero growled as he watched more soldiers come from nowhere. Just then, he saw something get picked up by his radar. "Do you guys see this?" he asked. The others didn't even have time to reply. Before they knew it, what looked like a shooting star shot right past them. The pilots were watching shock as the mysterious form descended to the ground below them. Heero shouted, "Kumi, something is heading your way."
Below, his cousin looked up in Excalibur and noticed a streak of light coming down fast. "I got it," she replied to her cousin as she flew off to where the form would be landing. Sette as close enough to her that she followed quickly. The two suits stood before a barren stretch of rubble when the ball of light began to slow. The two pilots squinted to get past the blinding light and make out what was heading for them. Just then, Kumi's and Sette's eyes widened as they watched a deep blue Gundam suit land a half-mile before them.
"No...Oh God, no," Sette whispered as she began to turn pale at the sight before her. She began to shake fear rushed over her, wrapping tightly around every nerve in her body. Though the other Gundam pilots were busy, they looked to their monitors that showed the suit to them. Quatre asked, "Is that-" "Demetris," Kumi growled as a sneer crossed her lips. Her hands gripped the controls tightly in anticipation. "It's been a while, ladies," the OZ pilot smiled wickedly to them in his deep voice. "YOU'RE MINE!!!!" Kumi screamed as she launched Excalibur to take the initiative. The blue suit removed a jagged-edge sword that was almost as large as the suit itself and welcomed the fight.
The pilots battled bitterly as their comrades were torn between watching them and taking care of the OZ soldiers that they were battling themselves. Sette was still frozen in terror as she watched her friend fight against the skilled Demetris. "T-They turned Capricorn into a Gundam suit," she whispered brokenly. Quatre rushed to her side and asked, "Can you still help us?" The princess shook her head to snap out of it as she nodded, "Y-Yea." With that, they flew back to support their comrades.
Far above, there were more soldiers appearing as Heero began to turn to the Zero system to make the fight less challenging, all the while trying not to allow the system take control of him. Fortunately, his lover was with him to keep that from happening. As he switched onto the program, he told his koi, "Duo, see that I don't lose myself." Duo replied gently, "I'm right here with you, Heero. I won't let that happen." Heero nodded as his cockpit began to give off a golden glow. Wing Zero was soon moving quickly through the suits.
Kumi and Demetris went on fighting, neither showing signs of tiring. They were impressive to watch, skilled in their attacks as they went back and forth with getting hits in against their opponent. "You've only gotten better over the years," Demetris sneered to his greatest foe. Kumi growled, "And you're still an asshole." With that, she managed to knock her sword into the metal side of Capricorn. They had been at this for a good fifteen minutes. Aside from sweating, neither pilot seemed to have any sign that they were at this for a while.
The other pilots were making their way to the battlefield as they spanned the city, taking OZ soldiers with them. The princess was trying not top think of the fact that Demetris was actually working with OZ and on the same colony as she and her friends were, but it was all her mind kept replaying. She looked to her monitor to see how the fight was progressing. Not to her surprise, it hadn't changed since the time she let. Neither pilot had the advantage as they went on fighting.
Kumi shouted as she threw a punch to the exposed cockpit of Capricorn. Demetris managed to capture the suit's hand just before impact and twisted the arm quickly. The silver-haired pilot cried out in pain and was soon punched time and time again by her foe. Demetris laughed, "That wasn't like you at all, Yuy. Maybe I spoke too soon when I said that you've improved." He continued to sock Excalibur as its pilot groaned and tried to break free.
Demetris was blindsided as Heavy Arms threw into his side and tackled him to the ground. The OZ pilot got to his feet right away and looked to his new challenge. "Trowa! Demetris is my problem to fix. Leave us!" Kumi shouted. Trowa responded, "Heero and Duo need help above us. You're the only other pilot who had the Zero system in their Gundam. I'll take care of him." Kumi growled, "Trowa." She squeezed her controls and groaned as she knew that her cousin did need her help above. She took off at treat speed as Demetris laughed, "Go on and run, Kumi!" The silver-haired pilot called back, "You are I are far from finishing this, Demetris!" Her suit vanished from their sight.
The OZ pilot licked his lips as he looked to Heavy Arms. He chuckled deeply, "So you're Trowa Barton. It's a pleasure." "Shut up and fight," Trowa growled as he went on to shoot at Capricorn. Nothing affected the suit as it began an assault with the large, sharp blade. Still, Demetris looked as though he could have kept this up all day. His evil smile rarely left his lips, though he was impressed to see Barton get some good hits in. In the midst of the confusing battle, the pilots working on getting survivors from the city, Wufei looked to his monitors. Trowa had been fighting Demetris for a while now. Before too long, Trowa looked as though he was weakening.
Wufei quickly came to his aid as he took his place. "Help the others," the Chinese pilot told his friend, who nodded and agreed to go and regain his strength. Nataku shot flames at Capricorn, who flew through them with no difficulty. Wufei and the large pilot were at each other's throats as they continued where Trowa had left off. It was amazing to the Chinese pilot that this man could show no signs of faltering after fighting so hard for so long.
From above, Heero and Kumi soared through the skies with the Zero system as they knocked out soldiers left and right. The good thing about the Zero System is that it kept Kumi from worrying about what her old enemy was doing as her focus was the OZ soldiers that were coming from the sky.
The Chinese pilot was wearing thin after several minutes of brutal fighting. "Whoever this Demetris is, he's unbelievable," Wufei groaned as he took another blow to the side. Sand Rock came from behind as Quatre called, "I'll take it from here." His friend nodded, "Alright," and flew off. Quatre and Demetirs took their time to fight now. The large pilot smiled, "This is more fun that I first thought it was going to be." Quatre told himself, "I've lever felt so much anger and hate in one person before. I know he's human, but he's more of a beast than anything." Their exchange of swipes and punches continued.
It was only a matter of time before everyone who was alive in the doomed city had been taken to safety. All the Gundam pilots were worried about now was destroying the soldiers that remained. Novem shot through a Virgo with her arrows and asked, "Any signs of relief up there?" Duo replied, "It looks like their defenses are finally wearing thin." "Good. We'll need all the help down here we can get," Trowa informed him. "I'll be right down," the American nodded once he heard this. Heero and Kumi shut off the Zero system now that they didn't have too many forces left to take out. Heero's cockpit finished glowing as he told his partner, "We're fine here, Duo. Hurry and help the others." Duo flew off, leaving the cousins to fight off the few remaining soldiers alone.
By now, Quatre and Demetirs had been fighting for almost ten minutes and the Arabian was struggling. Demetris was about to slice through the suit as he swept the sword from over his suit's head. Before he could hit Sand Rock, Duo's laser scythe blocked the hit. "Go on, Quat. I'll take care of him," the braided pilot smiled to his friend in assurance. "Good work." Quatre was still panting as he wiped sweat from his brow and smiled, "Thanks, Duo." He went back to where the struggle on the ground was being waged. Duo sneered to Demetris, "Allow me to give you my self-introduction." With that, he shrieked as he went on to swipe at Capricorn.
Everything was starting to come to an end before much longer as the forces in the air and on the ground were thinning out. "I think we've gotten through the worst of this attack," Delapan smiled weakly as she tried to get her bearings after the difficult ordeal. Sette warned, "We can't say that with Demetris piloting a Gundam suit." Her friends agreed but they did have a good number of soldiers to take care of before they got to him.
Far above, Heero and Kumi were about finished their fight. In a sudden wave, the remaining OZ soldiers, about fifty or sixty in total, flew off in a retreat. They did the same from below as those who stayed alive flew off at great speed. And not a moment too soon. Duo was starting to have a hard time with Demetris now as they had been a whle since he began their fight. Demetris grinned, "I wish I could stay and continue this, but we'll all see eachother again real soon." His Gundam shot off in a streak of light again. Duo looked up and called, "Heero, Kumi, Demetris is making a break for it!" The two cousins looked to their monitors. Kumi growled, "You're not getting away that easy."
Excalibur shot straight down in a perfect line towards the blue Gundam. "KUMI!" Heero shouted as he watched her shoot from the sky. He flew off behind her but he would never reach her in time. Demetris saw his greatest opponent heading in his direction. The two suits shot towards eachother like shooting stars. "At least I'll die taking you out," Kumi grinned as she was not the least bit afraid. She didn't even hear the cries of her friends as they were forced to watch. Her foe sneered, "I'm always up for a game of chicken." Demetris pushed his suit to go faster as he laughed like a mad man.
The Gundams were just feet from eachother and both pilots were prepared to meet their fate. "And this is what happens what stars collide!" Demetris screamed and the suits were just about to crash. The pilots screamed and looked away from their screens in terror. Heavy Arms came from nowhere and at Trowa knocked Excalibur and himself out of Capricorn's way just in time. The sudden, forceful blow threw Kumi around in her cockpit like a rag doll. The strap strangled her as she fell flat onto the monitor, unconscious, broken and bleeding. Excalibur started to plunge to the ground. Trowa just got himself back together after the collision and screamed, "KUMI!"" as he raced to catch her.
Heavy Arms made it to the falling suit and cradled the Gundam in its arms as Trowa brought them safely to the ground, just as the other pilots flew around them. Excalibur was lied on its back and the pilots all ran from their suits. "Is she alright?" "What the hell happened!?!" were some of the things that they were all shouting as they headed to the fallen suit. Trowa and Heero were the first ones to make it to the cockpit's entrance. They called for Kumi several times as they worked to get the bent metal to open. Sette looked up along with her friends. Her hands were shaking as she brought them to her face, whispering, "She was going to kill herself just to kill him off." Quatre saw that she was close to becoming hysterical and wrapped his arms around her.
Duo and Wufei climbed up quickly just as Heero and Trowa managed to open the cockpit. The pilots froze and gasped in shock at the broken and bleeding form of the pilot within. Kumi had a deep gash across her forehead that was bleeding badly. Her left arm and right leg were broken along with several ribs. Her head was tossed to the side. Heero worked quickly and got the seatbelt off of her as he helped Trowa lift her. "Watch her head," the Wing pilot said quietly as he tried not to get too emotional at this time. Duo lowered a hand to held his comrades climb out. Wufei had a blanket that he pulled from Nataku and wrapped it around the unconscious pilot.
Trowa took Kumi into his arms as he cradled her. Heero wiped some blood from her face as he told her, "Hang in there, Kumi," and kissed her cheek. He looked to the tall pilot and told him. "We'll take care of Excalibur. You get her to Sally Poe." Trowa nodded and went off quickly. The other pilots made their way to their Gundams again. Wing Zero and Deathscythe lifted Excalibur as they rested an arm over their shoulders.
* * * * * *
Much later that night, Demetris walked into the gathering room where his leader was waiting. The man smiled warmly and shook his hand as he said, "Excellent work, my friend. I take it you enjoy the new Capricorn?" The tall man nodded, "It's incredible. I've never come across a suit that powerful before." The man smiled, "I thought that you would enjoy it. You're the best pilot I have. Now those pilots know how impressive you are as well."
Demetris replied, "Thank you, sir. What will our next tactic be?" The ma answered, "Something that Carter has been working on for some time now." The large man's eyes widened as he whispered, "It's finished?" His leader nodded. "Very well, sir. What Colony shall we make the first target?" Demetris asked. The young man sneered, "Colony L2."
TBC
Disclaimer: The original Gundam Wing characters are not mine. That includes everyone with the exception of Kumi and Sette and several others, but you'll know who they are.
Notes: Once again, Tracie 14, you have some of the best suggestions that I have ever received, actually the only ones at that! I thank you and am happy to use them! For anyone interested in giving suggestions, PLEASE e-mail me at cyclone2996@hotmail.com with any and everything you would like to see happen! You'll get credit! And please R&R! Thank you! Enjoy! Love You All, SkyLark
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 8: When Stars Collide
by SkyLark
along with Tracie 14
Narrator: Since the night that Dorothy had gone out on her own, a week of calmness went by. This was more than welcoming for the Gundam pilots and the Preventers. Though there were no battles being fought close enough for them to get to, the pilots were busy meeting, planning and training themselves for the inevitable fighting to come. Their meetings involved how they would be able to deal with the fact that OZ had Gundam suits of their own in this war. How OZ was able to make these suits was not what they were concerned with. The pilots had no choice but to accept this somehow.
* * * * * *
In Peace Million, the pilots walked down the hall to their rooms, Sette sighed, "Does it bother anyone else that Keiser has yet to come up that that so-called plan that he said will win the war?" Dorothy nodded, "It does have me a little concerned about how good of a leader he is. OZ learns more and more about us every fight and we have yet to know anything about their tactics." Trowa replied, "As much as we have to respect Keiser, I couldn't agree more with either of you."
Heero looked back to them and stated, "We can't make any more adjustments or modifications to our suits until we know exactly what their own suits are capable of." Duo shot out a sharp laugh and responded, "That's easy. They capable kick our asses. I never thought that Gundam suits could move that fast." Relena said quietly, "And you know that if they have those suits, they must have others somewhere. That's what I'm worried about." Kumi took these words to heart the most. Her tomboy friend also bit her lip at this statement.
There was a pause of silence between the pilots as they all stopped in the center of the break-off point. The American shrugged, "I know that they have other suits, too. But at least now we know to stay on our toes for that." Kumi closed her eyes and lowered her head in thought. Quatre sighed deeply and told the others, "A Gundam suit is only as good as its pilot. OZ has managed to find people with the ability to pilot those suits. I have a feeling that those pilots of Gemini were just a sample of what the rest of their pilots have to offer." Catherine yawned and stretched, "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm beat. Good night, guys. See you in the morning." With that, Delapan walked down one of the halls to her room.
One-by-one, the pilots broke off and said good night to their friends. Kumi was one of the last to go off. She took a moment to through her reports and filed them along with her blueprints. She didn't bother going to her room right away and headed for the hanger. Once there, she looked over Excalibur and went over to a window to look to the stars. "I know you're out there, somewhere," she growled quietly. "Kumi?" a gentle voice came from behind her. Trowa walked up to her, a look of concern on his face. "You were awful quiet the last few days. Is everything okay?" he asked kindly. Kumi could barely look in his eyes as she nodded slightly, "I just have a bad feeling about something." Trowa nodded, "You're thinking about Demetris aren't you?" The female pilot's eyes widened in shock as a small gasp betrayed her. Realizing that she gave away to some of her shock, she shook her head to regain her static expression. "I know that he's alive somewhere. What has my mind occupied is knowing that I can't do anything about it."
The tall pilot took a moment before saying quietly, "He must have hurt you." Kumi sighed and lowered her head. Quietly, she answered, "He hurt a lot of people. What he did to me doesn't matter. Demetris is a monster that doesn't deserve to live...Not after all the lives he's destroyed." "That's a huge burden for you on your shoulders alone." Kumi looked back to the window and replied, "I'm used to being alone." A hand fell on her shoulder and caused the return of her glance to her friend. Trowa replied with concern, "Who'll be there when you fall?" Kumi knew she was in danger of opening into her emotions and fought to find the right thing to say would stop that. She looked into his eyes and replied sternly, "I won't fall."
With that, Kumi turned away and began to walk to her room. Trowa sighed sadly as he watched her walk off. "It must be a hard life you lead," he whispered to himself. He slowly walked off to head to his room. Neither of them were aware that a certain braided pilot was in the hanger before them, looking over Deathscythe. Duo didn't mean to spy on his friends, but the way that they were speaking and acting towards eachother was all too familiar to him as he couldn't help but watch from afar. The American closed his eyes and chuckled when he was alone. "So history repeats itself," he smiled.
* * * * * *
In her adjoining bathroom, Kumi was in the shower under a hot spray of water, washing her hair. Trowa's voice played in her mind. "Who'll be there when you fall?" The pilot closed her eyes and breathed deeply. She flashed back to a time not months after she and a Preventer named Matt had met...
The pilot and the Preventer were sitting together after a long battle with rebel OZ forces after the first war. Kumi was cracking her left hip back into place as her comrade winced at the sound. The young woman sighed in relief as she straightened and turned her body a few times to see that she placed her hip right. "I still can't get over ow you can do that to yourself," Matt sighed deeply. "You get used to it," Kumi replied, in monotone. Matt chuckled and shook his head, "Whatever you say." "Hn," Kumi replied with an empty expression.
Matt rose and walked to her. His blonde hair was shining under the reddening sky of sunset. He sighed and placed a hand on the pilot's shoulder. Smiling, he whispered to her, "You don't have to go through life alone, you know. You're a good friend of mine and I don't want to see anything happen to you...I'll be happy to help catch you if you ever fall." Kumi looked to him with a lost expression as she froze at his words. After a brief pause, she shook her head and said clearly, "I won't fall." As she began to walk off, she heard her friend reply, "Well, I'll be around in case you do anyway."
Kumi sighed deeply and rested her forehead against the tile wall as the water continued to pour on her. After a moment to get her thoughts together, she turned the shower off and stepped out to wrap a mint green towel around her. The pilot walked into her room and began to brush her wet locks. Lost in thought again, she dropped the brush and as she reached for it. Her hand was beginning to shake a bit as she held the brush again. Kumi cursed, "K'so. Not again." She shook her head and sighed, "I can't let it happen again."
* * * * * *
Heero was lying on the bed that he and Duo shared, reading a book and waiting for his lover to return from the hanger. Duo walked in whistling and smiling from ear-to-ear. The Wing pilot couldn't help but chuckle at his koi's demeanor. "What has you so happy?" he asked as he lied his book back on the table. Duo smiled, "Oh, nothing." Heero's eyes narrowed a bit as he crossed his arms, "You can't even tell a good white lie." Duo stretched, still smiling as he said, "Weeeeeell, I just found out that Kumi has an admirer." As he said this, he sat beside his partner. Heero's eyes widened as he asked in shock, "What? Who? Are you sure?" The braided pilot nodded, "Oh. pretty sure." "Who is it?" the Japanese pilot inquired. Duo gave an evil grin and walked from the bed, not answering the question.
Heero jumped from the bed and tackled him to the floor. Duo fell on his back as his lover tickled him. Duo burst into laughter as his partner hit every sensitive spot. Heero sneered, "Tease. Out with it!" Duo laughed harder, "OI, HEERO! COME ON! NO FAIR!" Heero just kept on tickling as he smiled down to his prisoner. Finally, Duo couldn't take it anymore as he burst in a fit of laughter, "I-IT'S TROWA!" Heero stopped his attack and Duo doubled over himself on the ground as he got out the aftershocks of the assault, giggling and trying to catch his breath. Heero's eyes were wide as he took in what he just heard. Duo looked up to him when all his laughter subsided. "Are you okay, Heero?" he asked with concern.
The Wing pilot looked to him and smiled, "Trowa, huh?" The American smiled and nodded, "I was already in the hanger and he was talking to Kumi. They didn't know I was there. I didn't really mean to spy, but I thought that the situation was interesting." Heero nodded as the braided pilot sat up before him. Duo smiled, "It reminded me of us." Heero asked quietly, "How so?" The American shrugged, "Trowa is trying to get through to Kumi the same way I tried to get through to you during the first wars we fought. The way they act towards one another is just like what we went through before we admitted out feelings for eachother." Heero sighed and lowered his head, "Kumi need someone to open her up. It would be nice if Trowa got to open her up the way you did you me."
Duo kissed his forehead and whispered, "I have a feeling that he will. Trowa can be as stubborn as you and I can be. And you know that he would never hurt Kumi. He and Quatre and the only people I can honestly say would never hurt a fly." Heero raised on eyebrow at the last line and Duo chuckled, "Well, they'd never hurt a fly they cared about." Heero nodded and chuckled as well. He kissed Duo's lips gently and helped him up. "Well, anything is possible in love and war," the Wing pilot sighed as they walked to the bed. Heero pulled the covers down and Duo fluffed the pillows. "You could say that again, koi," he nodded. They removed their shirts and stripped to their boxers.
Duo sat in front of his lover as the Wing pilot undid his braid. Heero smiled, "I'd like to see those two together. They could learn a lot from eachother." Duo nodded, "They'd be almost as cuts a couple as we are..." The couple looked to eachother and emphasized at the same time, "Almost." Heero chuckled as he lied in the bed first, opening his arms, his lover slipped next to him. The American smiled as he turned the light out and lied his head over Heero's heart. The Wing pilot lifted his partner's face up gently and they kissed deeply. Heero sighed in content, "Sweet dreams, Duo." "Sweet dreams, Heero," Duo whispered as they closed their eyes and were surrounded in warmth.
* * * * * *
The next morning, two Preventer ships soared through the stars as they looked for any signs of where they could fain and sign of enemy crafts. Several mobile suits were scanning the area as the pilots tried to get readings. Jupiter's many moons were almost an obstacle course as they made sure to cover the area thoroughly. One of the pilots sighed, "I don't see any signs of life out here other than ourselves. This is not helping out situation any in taking the offensive in this war."
One of his comrades appeared on his monitor as he told him, "Just keep your eyes open. There might not be anything out here, but OZ can't hide forever." The first soldier sighed, "Yea, yea. I know. I just wish that- Wait a minute." "What is it?" his alarmed comrade asked. "I thought that I saw something pop up on the screen," the first Preventer said nervously. "Are you sure you weren't seeing things? We've been out here for a while now." "No, I know that there was something....THERE!" his friend shouted just as something did come right for them. It was a huge, dark blue Gundam suit with a head that resembled that of a ram. "A GUNDAM!?!" the second soldier screamed as he and the other Preventer shot at the suit. They managed to hit the metal several times, but the beams bounced right off. The suit had weapons in its hands, but the pilot didn't use them as he flew head-first in their direction.
"GET OUT OF HERE!!!" the second pilot screamed as he and his comrade tried to escape. The Gundam plowed into the mobile suit of the second pilot, causing a massive explosion. The first Preventer shouted, "YOU BASTARD!!!" as he fired at the suit with everything he had. The blue Gundam merely turned to face him and the soldier froze. The OZ pilot within sneered as he chuckled deeply. The young pilot was sweating badly with his eyes widened as he looked to the mysterious suit. He only had a second to look before he was plowed through, screaming in agony. "COMMANDER WILCOX, THERE'S A GUNDAM SUIT HEADING YOUR WAY-AAAAAHHH!!!!!" With that, his suit exploded into a fall of fire.
On the a large craft known as Pulsar, a uniformed Preventer of the age of forty ran to the monitors in the control room. "Get the images of where those pilots were," he shouted to his team at the computers. "We're working on that, Commander Wilcox," one of the young men replied as he looked up from his screen. All that they managed to catch what looked like a streak of light head off past the large planet they were closest to. "It's headed for Peace Million," the Commander whispered gravely.
He turned back to the crew and shouted, "Get whatever you were able to find on that thing to Lady Une immediately." "Sir, it will take some time to get through to Peace Million." "I'm well aware. And even though we don't have much on that Gundam, we're the only ones who have a chance to warn everyone on that ship before it reaches them." "Yes, sir," the Preventer saluted and ran off to carryout his orders.
* * * * * *
Quatre and Wufei were sitting in a small kitchen having breakfast together. A pot of coffee was boiling, the only sound in the whole room. The Arabian took a sip from his coffee while Wufei was busy reading status reports on the suits known as Gemini that the pilots managed to get. "These suits have as many similarities to our Gundams as they have differences," the Chinese pilot began. Quatre replied, "I know. More than likely, we'll be seeing more of those from where they came from." The Chinese pilot nodded and sighed, "Yea."
The door to the kitchen opened as Duo walked in, wearing a silk, black robe. He was beaming and humming some cheerful tune as he walked past the others. In a loud voice, he smiled and called to the others, "Morning, guys." Quatre chuckled and Wufei rolled his eyes before retuning them to the reports before him. Quatre smiled brightly, "Good morning, Duo. How are you?" Duo gave a huge smile as he answered loudly and quickly, "I'm wonderful, thank you! Beautiful day out here, don't you think!?!" The American made has way to the fridge. Wufei grumbled, "Must you make it so obvious that you and Heero had sex this morning?"
The braided pilot smiled to his friend. He held up the first two fingers finger of his right hand and told him, "Two things, Wufei...One, Heero and I don't 'have sex,' we make love. There's a big difference." The Chinese pilot grumbled to himself. Still hyper and not going to allow anyone ruin this morning, Duo concluded, "And two, I can't help it if I behave this way afterwards. So, yes, I suppose I do have to make it obvious. Why? Do you have a problem with the fact that Heero and I make love?" His thoughts were ended as his lover walked in quickly, wearing a dark green, silk robe. His eyes were a bit narrowed as he walked to Duo's side, asking loudly, "Who has a problem with us making love!?!"
Wufei's eyes widened as he began to sink slowly in his chair. He shook his head quickly and answered in a small voice "Nobody. I-I don't have a problem." Heero turned to him and nodded, "Good." Wufei breathed a sigh of relief as he began to sit up. His Arabian friend shook his head with a small smile as he whispered, "See why you need to stay quiet more often?"
The Arabian and Chinese pilots looked to their comrades as they prepared their breakfast. As Heero made his way to the fridge, he grabbed Duo's butt and pulled his lover into him, kissing him deeply. When the kiss broke, they were both smiling and talking in whispers to each other. Heero gently hit the braided pilot's rear before proceeding to the fridge. Quatre smiled to himself as Wufei shrugged and just knew it was best to keep quiet from this point on. He honestly never had any problems with the pilots being lovers, still, he couldn't help a few crude words coming from his mouth.
Duo poured a cup of coffee and took a sip. Immediately, he spit the drink out, coughing and gasping. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE COFFEE!?!" he yelled, looking into his mug. Quatre turned and replied, "It's decaffeinated. It's all we have for now." Duo's eyes widened as he said gravely, "They're trying to kill us." He dumped coffee into the sink. Heero chuckled as he shook his head, "Baka."
The Japanese pilot removed a black container the size of a shoebox that only he knew existed inside after hiding it so well. He gave a mischievous grin as he put the box under his and walked to his lover. "What's that?" Duo asked as he looked to the mysterious item in his lover's possession. Heero whispered something in his ear and the American's eyes widened was he spoke. Duo was in shock as a huge smile crossed his face. Heero merely kept the same grin had when he retrieved the box and led Duo out of the room by his braid.
When they were out of the room, Quatre blushed as he looked to his comrade. "Uh, Wufei?" he asked quietly. His Chinese friend laughed hysterically, "Don't ask, Quatre. For God's sake, don't ask! I have no idea what that was about and I don't want to know." Getting over the redness in his face, the Arabian laughed, "Yea. Some things are best left unknown." They went back to just enjoying a peaceful morning.
* * * * * *
Lady Une was speaking with Milliardo and Noin in the control room of Peace Million. Lady Une stated, "I know that the plan Lieutenant Keiser has been creating is taking a long time. But we can't rush into the first strategy that comes to mind." Milliardo nodded, "We all understand that. The situation is just difficult in knowing that OZ has managed to hide a lot of things from us as far as what they have to offer." Noin continued, "The Gundam pilots don't have any problem defending anything that OZ hits. But they know that they need to take the offensive soon. They know that we would never be able to win this war without that."
Lady Une, "Keiser is not fond of them at all. His pride is suffering knowing that the victory of this war relies solely on pilots so young, even though they're not children any more." Noin smiled, "I am sure that Keiser will learn to accept them eventually. They have a way of growing onto people." Une chuckled, "You don't have to remind me." Milliardo looked to the monitors that revealed their home planet. "What of the Earth?" he asked. Une replied, "We are still trying to gather information as far as what the status is. We should never doubt that OZ is taking advantage of the fact that King and Queen Weatherall are no longer there. As far as the exact situation, it will take time, just as it will for all of the Colonies."
Noin sighed, "There are just so many places and people at risk in this war. It's terrifying to think that OZ could be hitting a city or colony without our knowing." Her husband shook her head, "I don't think that they would go through too much trouble with that." The young women looked to him in confusion. The pilot explained, "I have a feeling that OZ is after revenge against the pilots personally. They fought so hard over the years to defend the Earth and Colonies. I think that they want to make them watch everything start to fade before them." Noin shuddered at the thought of that and said quietly, "You have a good point. And that is something that OZ leaders would love to see happen." Lady Une nodded, "Yes. Unfortunately, it is. Every soldier of the organization has been out for revenge since the first war. This is their first greatest chance at achieving just that."
The three of them stood silent, not one of them able to find words of encouragement at this time. Lieutenant Keiser walked into the room and joined them. He looked to his leader and requested, "May I speak with you alone, Lady Une?" She gave a nod to him, "Yes, Lieutenant." She and her friends parted. Milliardo and Noin looked back to the monitors of the Earth. The young man sighed, "The people there need to know that we didn't desert them." His wife held his hand, "I'm worried about the Earth, too. Once we are all able to take the offensive, they'll see that we would never leave them." Her husband nodded and looked into her eyes.
Milliardo smiled and placed a hand on her stomach. He said quietly, "I can't believe it's been seven months already." His wife laughed, "You and I both. We've all been managing pretty well somehow, considering the situation." Milliardo wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. "Well, with everything that we've already been through, I don't think there's anything we can't get through," he replied. Noin rested her head against his chest and whispered, "That's because you're too stubborn to give up and I'm too crazy to agree with you." "Well it works, doesn't it?" her husband smiled. The couple laughed and they shared a soft kiss.
* * * * * *
Lady Une was speaking with the Lieutenant quietly as she looked through reports that he had given her as they walked to the small gathering room. "Are they certain that it was another Gundam suit other than the Gemini suits the pilots battled last week?" she asked quietly. Keiser nodded, "Yes. It was moving too fast for clear images to be taken by the Preventer crafts. It was moving in this direction. As of an hour ago, it was just passing Jupiter when these reports were gathered." Une sighed deeply, "I see." "I have my crew ready with some of the best pilots around the galaxy waiting to meet the intruder head-on."
The Lieutenant's leader replied, "Good. We can count on more OZ soldiers backing up this suit just as they supported Gemini. Get Heero, Kumi and the others ready as well." Keiser saluted, "My Lady." and left the room. Looking to the papers in her hand, Lady Une whispered gravely, "I was so afraid that OZ was going to be capable of making suits like this. If they ever knew that I was responsible-" She stopped her words and shook her head. She took a deep breath and sighed, "I can't let anything happen to those pilots."
* * * * * *
The pilots were on their guard after the word of a mysterious suit was heading in the direction of Peace Million. They were all waiting in the hanger by their suits and preparing themselves. Sette was nervous. She wasn't this nervous in a very long time. Something about the news of this newest opponent had her worried. She would constantly look to Kumi, who was as expressionless as ever, and wonder how she could keep herself together in any situation. Even now, she didn't seem phased in any way. 'What is my problem?' the princess asked herself. 'It not like I haven't fought hundreds of times before. Why am I so worried about this fight?'
Heero ran in last as he announced, "There has been a disturbance picked up on Colony J21. We're going to look into it while the Preventers guard Peace Million from any soldiers that might get too close and reveal out location." Delapan asked, "Is it another Gundam suit?" The Wing pilot nodded, "Yes, there is a chance that's what we'll be up against." Zes's eyes widened and she asked timidly, "Another Gundam?" Heero answered, "We'll know exactly how to handle the problem as soon as we get there so let's move out." The pilots ran into their cockpits and took off instantly. It was a good five minutes before they would make it to the Colony in danger. By the time they got there, the large city below was in flames as spheres like the ones that destroyed the Weatherall castle came from the sky. "Not again," Zes whispered gravely as she looked in fear to the large town below. "Flare Spheres," Sette growled. "LOOK OUT! ABOVE US!" Novem cried as the pilots looked up to see a swarm of OZ soldiers fly towards them.
Kumi informed the others," We need more cover on the ground than we do in the air for now." Heero nodded, "Okay. Duo, Trowa, you'll help me up here while the others help get everyone below to safety. They're our priority in this fight. If anything changes, be prepared to switch around." Everyone fanned out as ordered, careful to avoid the fireballs that the OZ soldiers were raining on the city.
Calvary was the first Gundam to tough ground as Zes blocked two Aires suits from shooting civilians. Relena shouted to the people she saved, "Get on," as she lowered her suit's opened palm to carry them to safety. Kumi, Novem and Wufei shot at the approaching troops with everything they had. Catherine, Quatre and Sette worked at helping Relena and Catherine at getting as many people out safely as possible.
Miles above them, three of their comrades fought through an obstacle course of Flare Spheres as they attacked the OZ mobile suits. Trowa hissed, "This is going to be a challenge trying to shoot them down while avoiding those spheres." Heero's voice chimed in, "That's why we have back-up on the ground. If you can't get all of them, don't worry. Someone will get them eventually." Duo nodded, "Just worry about staying away from those spheres." The tall pilot understood and continued to fire on the OZ suits with Heavy Arms.
Back on the ground, their friends were working double-time as they worked to get survivors from the burning, deteriorating city. Sand Rock lifted the side of a skyscraper that had fallen over. Quatre gasped as he looked to the broken, bloody bodies of victims that he and the pilots couldn't get to in time. He closed his eyes tightly at the gruesome sight.
Excalibur, Nataku and Rampage all came to their friends involved in the rescue as Kumi told them, "The numbers of mobile suits is increasing. If you happen to be fighting near people that you can get to, worry about them first. Other than that, focus on knocking out the OZ soldiers." This was agreed upon as the pilots began an all-out assault against the mobile suits. "Where the hell are they all coming from," Wufei growled to himself as he took out two Leos. Quatre wiped sweat from her brow and shook his head, "I don't know. I've never seen anything like this."
Heero, Duo and Trowa were having hard time, themselves. "Damn it," Heero growled as he watched more soldiers come from nowhere. Just then, he saw something get picked up by his radar. "Do you guys see this?" he asked. The others didn't even have time to reply. Before they knew it, what looked like a shooting star shot right past them. The pilots were watching shock as the mysterious form descended to the ground below them. Heero shouted, "Kumi, something is heading your way."
Below, his cousin looked up in Excalibur and noticed a streak of light coming down fast. "I got it," she replied to her cousin as she flew off to where the form would be landing. Sette as close enough to her that she followed quickly. The two suits stood before a barren stretch of rubble when the ball of light began to slow. The two pilots squinted to get past the blinding light and make out what was heading for them. Just then, Kumi's and Sette's eyes widened as they watched a deep blue Gundam suit land a half-mile before them.
"No...Oh God, no," Sette whispered as she began to turn pale at the sight before her. She began to shake fear rushed over her, wrapping tightly around every nerve in her body. Though the other Gundam pilots were busy, they looked to their monitors that showed the suit to them. Quatre asked, "Is that-" "Demetris," Kumi growled as a sneer crossed her lips. Her hands gripped the controls tightly in anticipation. "It's been a while, ladies," the OZ pilot smiled wickedly to them in his deep voice. "YOU'RE MINE!!!!" Kumi screamed as she launched Excalibur to take the initiative. The blue suit removed a jagged-edge sword that was almost as large as the suit itself and welcomed the fight.
The pilots battled bitterly as their comrades were torn between watching them and taking care of the OZ soldiers that they were battling themselves. Sette was still frozen in terror as she watched her friend fight against the skilled Demetris. "T-They turned Capricorn into a Gundam suit," she whispered brokenly. Quatre rushed to her side and asked, "Can you still help us?" The princess shook her head to snap out of it as she nodded, "Y-Yea." With that, they flew back to support their comrades.
Far above, there were more soldiers appearing as Heero began to turn to the Zero system to make the fight less challenging, all the while trying not to allow the system take control of him. Fortunately, his lover was with him to keep that from happening. As he switched onto the program, he told his koi, "Duo, see that I don't lose myself." Duo replied gently, "I'm right here with you, Heero. I won't let that happen." Heero nodded as his cockpit began to give off a golden glow. Wing Zero was soon moving quickly through the suits.
Kumi and Demetris went on fighting, neither showing signs of tiring. They were impressive to watch, skilled in their attacks as they went back and forth with getting hits in against their opponent. "You've only gotten better over the years," Demetris sneered to his greatest foe. Kumi growled, "And you're still an asshole." With that, she managed to knock her sword into the metal side of Capricorn. They had been at this for a good fifteen minutes. Aside from sweating, neither pilot seemed to have any sign that they were at this for a while.
The other pilots were making their way to the battlefield as they spanned the city, taking OZ soldiers with them. The princess was trying not top think of the fact that Demetris was actually working with OZ and on the same colony as she and her friends were, but it was all her mind kept replaying. She looked to her monitor to see how the fight was progressing. Not to her surprise, it hadn't changed since the time she let. Neither pilot had the advantage as they went on fighting.
Kumi shouted as she threw a punch to the exposed cockpit of Capricorn. Demetris managed to capture the suit's hand just before impact and twisted the arm quickly. The silver-haired pilot cried out in pain and was soon punched time and time again by her foe. Demetris laughed, "That wasn't like you at all, Yuy. Maybe I spoke too soon when I said that you've improved." He continued to sock Excalibur as its pilot groaned and tried to break free.
Demetris was blindsided as Heavy Arms threw into his side and tackled him to the ground. The OZ pilot got to his feet right away and looked to his new challenge. "Trowa! Demetris is my problem to fix. Leave us!" Kumi shouted. Trowa responded, "Heero and Duo need help above us. You're the only other pilot who had the Zero system in their Gundam. I'll take care of him." Kumi growled, "Trowa." She squeezed her controls and groaned as she knew that her cousin did need her help above. She took off at treat speed as Demetris laughed, "Go on and run, Kumi!" The silver-haired pilot called back, "You are I are far from finishing this, Demetris!" Her suit vanished from their sight.
The OZ pilot licked his lips as he looked to Heavy Arms. He chuckled deeply, "So you're Trowa Barton. It's a pleasure." "Shut up and fight," Trowa growled as he went on to shoot at Capricorn. Nothing affected the suit as it began an assault with the large, sharp blade. Still, Demetris looked as though he could have kept this up all day. His evil smile rarely left his lips, though he was impressed to see Barton get some good hits in. In the midst of the confusing battle, the pilots working on getting survivors from the city, Wufei looked to his monitors. Trowa had been fighting Demetris for a while now. Before too long, Trowa looked as though he was weakening.
Wufei quickly came to his aid as he took his place. "Help the others," the Chinese pilot told his friend, who nodded and agreed to go and regain his strength. Nataku shot flames at Capricorn, who flew through them with no difficulty. Wufei and the large pilot were at each other's throats as they continued where Trowa had left off. It was amazing to the Chinese pilot that this man could show no signs of faltering after fighting so hard for so long.
From above, Heero and Kumi soared through the skies with the Zero system as they knocked out soldiers left and right. The good thing about the Zero System is that it kept Kumi from worrying about what her old enemy was doing as her focus was the OZ soldiers that were coming from the sky.
The Chinese pilot was wearing thin after several minutes of brutal fighting. "Whoever this Demetris is, he's unbelievable," Wufei groaned as he took another blow to the side. Sand Rock came from behind as Quatre called, "I'll take it from here." His friend nodded, "Alright," and flew off. Quatre and Demetirs took their time to fight now. The large pilot smiled, "This is more fun that I first thought it was going to be." Quatre told himself, "I've lever felt so much anger and hate in one person before. I know he's human, but he's more of a beast than anything." Their exchange of swipes and punches continued.
It was only a matter of time before everyone who was alive in the doomed city had been taken to safety. All the Gundam pilots were worried about now was destroying the soldiers that remained. Novem shot through a Virgo with her arrows and asked, "Any signs of relief up there?" Duo replied, "It looks like their defenses are finally wearing thin." "Good. We'll need all the help down here we can get," Trowa informed him. "I'll be right down," the American nodded once he heard this. Heero and Kumi shut off the Zero system now that they didn't have too many forces left to take out. Heero's cockpit finished glowing as he told his partner, "We're fine here, Duo. Hurry and help the others." Duo flew off, leaving the cousins to fight off the few remaining soldiers alone.
By now, Quatre and Demetirs had been fighting for almost ten minutes and the Arabian was struggling. Demetris was about to slice through the suit as he swept the sword from over his suit's head. Before he could hit Sand Rock, Duo's laser scythe blocked the hit. "Go on, Quat. I'll take care of him," the braided pilot smiled to his friend in assurance. "Good work." Quatre was still panting as he wiped sweat from his brow and smiled, "Thanks, Duo." He went back to where the struggle on the ground was being waged. Duo sneered to Demetris, "Allow me to give you my self-introduction." With that, he shrieked as he went on to swipe at Capricorn.
Everything was starting to come to an end before much longer as the forces in the air and on the ground were thinning out. "I think we've gotten through the worst of this attack," Delapan smiled weakly as she tried to get her bearings after the difficult ordeal. Sette warned, "We can't say that with Demetris piloting a Gundam suit." Her friends agreed but they did have a good number of soldiers to take care of before they got to him.
Far above, Heero and Kumi were about finished their fight. In a sudden wave, the remaining OZ soldiers, about fifty or sixty in total, flew off in a retreat. They did the same from below as those who stayed alive flew off at great speed. And not a moment too soon. Duo was starting to have a hard time with Demetris now as they had been a whle since he began their fight. Demetris grinned, "I wish I could stay and continue this, but we'll all see eachother again real soon." His Gundam shot off in a streak of light again. Duo looked up and called, "Heero, Kumi, Demetris is making a break for it!" The two cousins looked to their monitors. Kumi growled, "You're not getting away that easy."
Excalibur shot straight down in a perfect line towards the blue Gundam. "KUMI!" Heero shouted as he watched her shoot from the sky. He flew off behind her but he would never reach her in time. Demetris saw his greatest opponent heading in his direction. The two suits shot towards eachother like shooting stars. "At least I'll die taking you out," Kumi grinned as she was not the least bit afraid. She didn't even hear the cries of her friends as they were forced to watch. Her foe sneered, "I'm always up for a game of chicken." Demetris pushed his suit to go faster as he laughed like a mad man.
The Gundams were just feet from eachother and both pilots were prepared to meet their fate. "And this is what happens what stars collide!" Demetris screamed and the suits were just about to crash. The pilots screamed and looked away from their screens in terror. Heavy Arms came from nowhere and at Trowa knocked Excalibur and himself out of Capricorn's way just in time. The sudden, forceful blow threw Kumi around in her cockpit like a rag doll. The strap strangled her as she fell flat onto the monitor, unconscious, broken and bleeding. Excalibur started to plunge to the ground. Trowa just got himself back together after the collision and screamed, "KUMI!"" as he raced to catch her.
Heavy Arms made it to the falling suit and cradled the Gundam in its arms as Trowa brought them safely to the ground, just as the other pilots flew around them. Excalibur was lied on its back and the pilots all ran from their suits. "Is she alright?" "What the hell happened!?!" were some of the things that they were all shouting as they headed to the fallen suit. Trowa and Heero were the first ones to make it to the cockpit's entrance. They called for Kumi several times as they worked to get the bent metal to open. Sette looked up along with her friends. Her hands were shaking as she brought them to her face, whispering, "She was going to kill herself just to kill him off." Quatre saw that she was close to becoming hysterical and wrapped his arms around her.
Duo and Wufei climbed up quickly just as Heero and Trowa managed to open the cockpit. The pilots froze and gasped in shock at the broken and bleeding form of the pilot within. Kumi had a deep gash across her forehead that was bleeding badly. Her left arm and right leg were broken along with several ribs. Her head was tossed to the side. Heero worked quickly and got the seatbelt off of her as he helped Trowa lift her. "Watch her head," the Wing pilot said quietly as he tried not to get too emotional at this time. Duo lowered a hand to held his comrades climb out. Wufei had a blanket that he pulled from Nataku and wrapped it around the unconscious pilot.
Trowa took Kumi into his arms as he cradled her. Heero wiped some blood from her face as he told her, "Hang in there, Kumi," and kissed her cheek. He looked to the tall pilot and told him. "We'll take care of Excalibur. You get her to Sally Poe." Trowa nodded and went off quickly. The other pilots made their way to their Gundams again. Wing Zero and Deathscythe lifted Excalibur as they rested an arm over their shoulders.
* * * * * *
Much later that night, Demetris walked into the gathering room where his leader was waiting. The man smiled warmly and shook his hand as he said, "Excellent work, my friend. I take it you enjoy the new Capricorn?" The tall man nodded, "It's incredible. I've never come across a suit that powerful before." The man smiled, "I thought that you would enjoy it. You're the best pilot I have. Now those pilots know how impressive you are as well."
Demetris replied, "Thank you, sir. What will our next tactic be?" The ma answered, "Something that Carter has been working on for some time now." The large man's eyes widened as he whispered, "It's finished?" His leader nodded. "Very well, sir. What Colony shall we make the first target?" Demetris asked. The young man sneered, "Colony L2."
TBC