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DISCLAIMERS: With the exception of Sette Devion and Kumi Yuy, none of these characters are mine. There are any others that are original, but if you watch Gundam Wing, you'll know the original ones from those that were part of the original show. And I do not own the beautiful song "I'll Be." That song belongs to Edwin McCain, the genius and talented man that he is! I have to give them him credit for writing such a beautiful song.
Well, I make it brief, any ideas or suggestions, please send them to cyclone2996@hotmail.com or put them in your review! This is where I'll need as much help as possible. Let me know where you would like to see the story go from here since there will be A LOT of options! As always, this goes out to my sister (Snodin), Tracy 14, and all of you faithful readers of this saga! Enjoy! Love Always, SkyLark
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 11: Few and Far Between
by SkyLark
with help from Traci 14
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Doctor J stood in a white room with two doors at either side of the area. Heero walked through one as Kumi walked through the other. This was what Doctor J and his team believed would be the last time the pilots would see eachother as they were to be separated. Heero was chosen to fly to Earth for Operation Meteor while Kumi went to the Colonies for Operation Saturn's Rings. At the age of fifteen, they were ready to fight in a war that one would never believe children could fight. The pilots met in the middle and looked to the doctor. He nodded to them, "Alright, you have two minutes to say goodbye before you leave on your missions." He left them upon saying this.
The cousins looked to eachother, unable to know how to feel, or know how they should feel. The first minute was spent in silence. Heero and Kumi had never been parted for longer than a few hours on occasion. Now, with the wars that they were to fight, they were told that they would most likely never see eachother again. And they were only granted two minutes to say their farewells.
Finally, Kumi removed a jagged-edge dagger from her leather belt that fell over her spandex shorts. Without saying anything and without any sound or expression of pain, she sliced a deep gash into her right palm. Heero gave a nod and took the blade from her when she was finished. He sliced into his left palm just the same, making sure that the wound was good and deep. When he was finished they clasped their blood-covered hands together. "I only say goodbye when I mean it," the young girl said in monotone. Heero gave his usual, "Hn."
They squeezed their hands tightly before releasing, blood rolling down their arms from the deep gashes they inflicted upon themselves. They just looked to eachother one last time, never saying anything. The doors opened to notify them that their two minutes was up. The pilots turned and walked through the doors that would lead them to their Gundams. From there, they would be on their own.
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As Colony F32 burned, the pilots left a small bronze plaque in the mountain where they stood watch over the flames. That same night, after hours of drinking, it was agreed that Heero, Duo, Kumi, Trowa, Sette, Quatre and Wufei would be the pilots sent to regain the 'Magnificent Seven' Colonies and through that, break the wall of silence and confusion in communications between all of the colonies, themselves and the Preventers. The Earth would come later, when there was better word on what the situation was there.
The seven original pilots sat together in discussion to who would go to what Colony. Heero began, "It would only make sense that Quatre and Sette go to their home Colonies." The pilots agreed to this notion. While L4 wasn't far from the Earth and H7 was past Mars, Quate and Sette would be closer than any of their comrades. Kumi continued, "There have been some changes in Keiser's 'Magnificent Seven' The remaining five Colonies are C91, M29, R58, V10 and X63."
Wufei stated, "X63 is the closest to Pluto. Wouldn't the Zero system in Wing Zero and Excalibur be best to take to that Colony, since we don't know how heavy the forces are out there?" The Wing and Excalibur pilots nodded as they looked to eachother. Heero shrugged, "I'll head there is it's alright with you." Kumi nodded, "That's fine with me. I move that Duo takes V10, since that'll be the closest to you. He'll be the best support." Her cousin and Duo gave her small smiles and nods at this suggestion. Trowa offered, "I'll take R58." Wufei nodded and shrugged, "C91 sounds fine to me. That'll leave M29 to Kumi." The pilots all agreed with their destinations as they documented them.
Sette asked quietly, "So when are we all leaving to do this?" Heero answered, "Tomorrow before noon." Quarte nodded, "Good. The sooner the better. We've waited long enough for this." They all rose and took their belongings with them as they made their way to the door. "So this is the last twenty-four hours that we'll be spending together, then." the tomboy noted as thy entered the hallway. Her comrades all nodded in response. The princess lowered her head sadly, then felt Quatre's arm wrap around her shoulder. He assured her, "We'll all be together again soon. We're not easy to get rid of." Duo smiled and nodded, "Damn straight, Quat." The pilots broke off and went to their rooms.
* * * * * *
Sette and Quatre met later that day in the lounge, discussing their plans that would be carried out before too long. Quatre lied on the couch and sighed, "I never thought that Colony L4 would be such a major influence in this war." Sette nodded as she plopped next to him, "Believe me, it's still a shock to me that H7 is a part of this as well...It will be nice to go home for a while, still." Her Arabian, proclaimed boyfriend, looked off into space and said quietly, "I'm not necessarily looking forward to going back to that Colony. I don't really consider it home...Not ever since my father's death during the first war."
Sette's eyes widened and she looked sadly to the young pilot. She said quietly, "I heard about that incident with your father's death...I'm sorry about that." Quatre looked to her and smiled warmly, "Thank you...He was a good person." Sette smiled back, "Of course he was...He had you as a son. That says that he was a great man...I know that he's proud of you." The Arabian sat up and inched his way next to her. He said quietly, "That means a lot." He saw the ring of the princess's finger. It was an imperial design, a dragon wrapped around as a silver band and a blue crystal in the open mouth of the creature.
The Arabian took his proclaimed girlfriend's hand and looked closer at the ring. "This is beautiful," he said in astonishment. The tomboy blushed at the gesture. "It was a gift from my father...When I decided to pilot Unit 07." she said in response. Quatre looked to her and smiled, "He must be a great guy." Sette smiled wholeheartedly, "Yea...He is. I miss him." Quatre nodded and said, "Well he had you for a daughter, so that must say something about him." Sette laughed, "Yea, it says he should have had his head examined." She and the Arabian laughed hysterically.
"As much as I love my father, I really consider you, Kumi and the others as my family," Sette said quietly. Quatre kissed her temple and smiled, "It's nice to have you along." Looking around, Quatre said, "I'm surprised nobody else stopped in here." Sette nodded, "I know. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with the storm when they see it coming." Quatre nodded, "And we have this whole room to ourselves?" Sette replied, "Yep." His eyebrows rose a bit and he said, "And I have you all to myself." Sette's smile grew from ear-to-ear as she looked to him and said "Yeeeea."
Quatre all of a sudden became nervous and jumped to his feet, walking to the door. "Well, I have stuff to do," he said with a nervous chuckle. Sette opened her arms and walked to him as she smiled, "Don't tease me, come here." The Arabian made a mad dash, calling, "We won't bee too far from eachother, Sette." The princess was running after him as she called back, "Oh come on, beloved!"
* * * * * *
Wufei walked to his quarters to find Sally Poe waiting for him at his door. She forced a smile and asked, "So you're leaving soon?" The Chinese pilot's eyes softened and he nodded sadly. The young woman lowered her head. After a pause of silence, Wufei walked to her and embraced her. Sally sighed deeply, then held the pilot in her own arms. "I'm going to miss you," she said quietly. Wufei whispered back, still in the embrace, "I'll be back...somehow." Sally nodded as they broke the hub to look at eachother.
Sally smiled, "We've been through a lot together...It's just that you...I..." Wufei gave a soft smile and said, "I love you, Sally." The young woman's eyes widened in shock at these words. She instantly felt tears in her eyes as she looked back to the young man. Sally smiled through her tears, "I love you, too, Wufei." The pilot dried the tears that fell from her eyes and leaned in to kiss her. After the long, deep kiss broke, the young man said quietly, "We still have a few hours left together." The young woman smiled and nodded. With that, they held hands and walked into Wufei's room.
* * * * * *
Kumi was typing away at her laptop in a small kitchen near the pilots' quarters when a braided American bounced in to grab some snacks from the refrigerator. He looked to the young woman and smiled, "What's up, Kumi?" The young woman never looked from her screen and replied, "Hn." Her rapid typing reminded Duo of how Heero would do the same thing constantly, as he tried everything in his power to take him away from the contraption. He smiled to himself and took some drinks and snacks into his arms as he walked over to the table. He sat across from the silver-haired pilot as she typed on. "Peace Million to Kumi," he smiled behind the computer. A small "Humph," came from his lover's cousin.
Duo closed the lid of the computer, causing the pilot to look at him in rage. "What the hell are you doing!?!" she yelled as she got to her feet. Duo looked up and answered calmly, "You need to learn that there's more to life than these missions and this war, girl...You're just like Heero-" Before he could finish the sentence, Kumi snapped loudly and quickly, "Heero and I are nothing alike now." The American's eyes widened at her sudden, angered remark. "Kumi, I...I didn't mean to upset you," he replied quietly. Kumi sighed deeply and sat back down in her chair. She folded her hands on the table and rested her head in them. Her muffled voice said quietly, "I'm just worried that he's weakened now that he's opened up...Yet at the same time, I'm so..." She stopped to find the right words as she clenched her fists.
Kumi raised her head slowly and shook it, "I apologize, Duo. I didn't mean to snap at you like that...I'm just concerned that since Heero's emotions opened, he'll be weak in this war...And I can't help him if anything goes wrong." Duo's face saddened and he pulled his chair to sit beside her. As he did this, the young woman lowered her head and explained, "I once had what you and Heero have now with a Preventer...When he died..." She bit her lip, trying not to get emotional. "I wanted to die as well...I never should have opened up in the first place. I'm a soldier and I have to think about my missions clearly without letting any emotions affect my judgments or actions...I'm concerned that if anything should happen to you, or Heero, you'll have to go through the same thing, or more than likely worse." Duo interrupted as he said quietly, "And now there's Trowa."
Kumi looked to him in shock for a brief second, which faded as easily as it appeared. She looked away, cursing herself for giving letting even that show on her face. Duo rested a hand on her shoulders and said quietly, "Kumi, no matter what training you and Heero have had, you're human beings, first and foremost. Like it or not, you have to realize that no person who opens up to their emotions is weak. They're actually the bravest people out there."
The silver-haired pilot looked to him with her eyebrows raised as she asked, "How can that be?" Duo smiled, "With all of the risks that involved in following your heart and the feelings you have there, it takes a hell of a lot more courage to do that than to block them out and act like you feel nothing for anything or anyone." He lowered his head and continued, "Of all of the pilots, I feel the worst for you and Heero. The rest of us chose to be pilots in one way, shape or form. The two of you were forced and through means that nobody, especially children, should have to face...I know that you have nightmares even to this day about Doctor J and the things that he did to you and Heero." Kumi now did give a look of shock that lasted a bit longer than the last. Duo nodded, "I know because Heero still has them, as well. He wakes up in a cold sweat every now and then, just as I know you do." He cupped her face and said sternly, "It's because you're people, not machines...And as far as Trowa is concerned, listen to what your heart tells you...not your training. Just follow your heart with everything. Use it while you have it."
There was a long silence between the two pilots. Finally, Duo smiled. He kissed Kumi's temple as he got to his feet. "Heero is almost finished talking to Milliardo. Once he's finished, everyone will know their responsibilities from now until the time that we come back." Kumi gave a nod but didn't look to him. Walking to the door, he turned his head and smiled, "See you around, Kumi." "Bye, Duo," his friend replied, still not looking to him. The American walked out of the room with the drinks and snacks for himself an his lover. They made plans to stay in their room together from the time Heero got back from talking to Milliardo to when it was about time to part the next morning. When the door closed, Kumi instantly opened her laptop and typed away as fast as her hands could work. She stopped only when her hands began to start shaking. Looking to her trembling hands, she growled, "Get yourself together, Yuy." She tightened her hands into fists until they stopped shaking and resumed typing.
* * * * * *
Catherine was in the observation tower over the hanger, watching the repairs being done to Slither. Her plan do destroy the suit had failed, but there was a great amount of damage done to the Gundam. Looking through the glass, she sighed then said with venom in her voice, "I hope you never fly again." "You don't really mean that, do you?" a voice came from behind. The redhead spun in shock to see her brother standing at the entrance way. "Why shouldn't I?" she asked coldly. "We don't have a chance at winning this war. Why are you and those pilots so bent on getting yourselves killed? We could just surrender and-" "No, we can't," Trowa interrupted sternly.
The younh woman frowned and lowered her head with tears in her eyes, "This is so pointless. Now you're going to leave and I'll never see you again." Tears rolled down her cheeks as she whispered, "I'll never understand your ways...And I don't want to, either." Trowa walked to her and dried her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with you not understanding," he said softly. "At least have faith in us...That means more than anything." Catherine looked up to him and thought of the right words to say. Finally, she accepted as she nodded, "You know that no matter what, I have faith in you." "Thank you," her brother replied quietly. He turned back to the door. When her brother was gone, Catherine frowned, "You're all crazy."
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Heero walked out of the hanger as Milliardo watched him depart as he stayed inside. He sighed deeply and looked to Euphoria. He was alone briefly before his wife walked in. Noin saw that something was troubling her husband. She quietly walked beside him and took his hand. Instantly, the pilot was brought back to reality and he turned to the young woman. Noin frowned, "What's wrong, hon?" Milliardo answered quietly and lowered his head, "The Gundam pilots are leaving early tomorrow for their missions...I'll be able to fly Euphoria the second there is trouble near us." His wife lowered her own head and sighed, "I see...You're worried about them."
Milliardo raised his shocked face to look at her. After a brief pause, he smiled, "You know me better that I thought." Noin nodded, "That's because I feel the same way you do...Those pilots aren't children anymore, but they're still too young to be doing this...Piloting Gundam suits and dealing the things they have to face in a war like this isn't right." Her husband said sadly, "They're been robbed of so much...And all that they have is eachother. I'm concerned that something will happen to them. One falls, they'll all fall." Noin squeezed his hand and replied, "We have to try not to think like that...as hard as it is." Milliardo kissed her forehead and nodded, "Of course, Noin." They wrapped their arms around eachother's shoulders and walked out of the hanger like that. Euphoria's gold Gundamimum glistened under the bright lights of the hanger as they left the room.
* * * * * *
The Wing pilot walked to the room that he and Duo shared. When he entered, he found his lover fell asleep while waiting for him. He lied on their bed in his loose clothes and his hair was down. Heero smiled lovingly to the napping pilot as he entered the room with the door closing behind him. He kneeled beside the bed and kissed Duo's forehead. Duo woke and smiled warmly to the other pilot and embraced him. They held eachother for a moment in silence, pulling back a bit to share a deep kiss. "Ohayo," Duo whispered. Heero smiled and whispered back, "Ohayo." The braided pilot caressed his cheek and sighed deeply. Heero's eyes closed as he took the gesture in.
When his eyes opened, the Wing pilot saw the sad look in his koi's face. His heart fell at this and he frowned. After kissing Duo's lips gently, he said quietly, "We'll be back together before too long, koi." Duo forced a smile and nodded, "I know...It's just..." The American's head lowered with a soft sigh. He felt his cheek being caressed now. Looking up into Heero's deep blue eyes, all of his fears vanished again. Duo kissed the hand on his cheek and whispered, "I love you." Heero held him close to his body and replied just as quietly, "Aishiteru, Duo."
Heero smiled warmly to his partner and offered a hand to him. Duo looked to him with wide eyes, then smiled back to his lover and accepted his hand. The Wing pilot helped him off the bed and dimmed the light in the room. He then led his koi to the window where there was the most space in the room. Heero wrapped his arms tightly around Duo's waist and pulled him to his body. The braided pilot wrapped his own arms around the Japanese pilot's neck and rested his cheek against Heero's left shoulder. Resting his chin on Duo's right shoulder, the Wing pilot began to move them in a slow dance. He then began to sing quietly into his lover's ear an old song that they had the luck of finding, instantly it was deemed 'their song.'
"The strands in you eyes that color them wonderful stop me and steal my breath..." Duo instantly felt the sting of tears in his eyes as he clutched onto his Heero tighter. The pair continued to dance beautifully together the one known as the 'Perfect Soldier' continued to sing. "Emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky, never revealing their depths...." Never missing a beat with singing or dancing, Heero kissed the American's head gently and continued, "Now tell me that we belong together...Dress it up with the trappings of love. I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips...Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above..." Heero clutched onto Duo tighter as he felt small tears sting his own eyes. "...I'll be your crying shoulder, I'll be love suicide, I'll be better when I'm older, I'll be the greatest fan of your life..."
The pilot almost couldn't continue singing, being caught up in the moment and his emotions. As if Duo already knew this, he continued the song, looking up to Heero with a warm smile and love in his eyes. He sang quietly as they kept dancing slowly, "And rain falls angry on the tin roof as we lie awake in my bed...You're my survival, you're my living proof my love is alive and not dead..." Heero gave a soft smile back to his love and rested their foreheads together as they danced Duo continued, "So tell me that we belong together...Dress it up with the trappings of love...I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips, instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above..." After placing a soft kiss on Heero's lips, the braided pilot sang on, "And I'll be your crying shoulder, I'll be love suicide, I'll be better when I'm older, I'll be the greatest fan of your life."
There were tears falling down the American's cheeks and his lover dried them gently, still smiling and dancing. Heero and Duo went on dancing closely and slowly as they harmonized and sang together, "And I've been dropped out, burned up, I've fought my way back from the dead...Tuned in, turned on, remembered the thing that you said...And I'll be your crying shoulder, I'll be love suicide, I'll be better when I'm older, I'll be the greatest fan of your life...I'll be your crying shoulder, I'll be love suicide, I'll be better when I'm older...I'll be the greatest fan of your life..." A stray tear broke through Heero's eye and Duo kissed it away softly.
The pair looked to eachother in silence when their dance ended, but they remained in eachother's tight embrace. Finally, Heero leaned in and kissed Duo's lips. The braided pilot returned the gesture and the kiss deepened. When they broke for air, they held eachother tightly. "Looks like we'll be taking turns tonight, ne?" Duo said with a deep chuckle. Heero smiled and nodded, "Hai." They both laughed and looked into eachother's eyes. When the laughter subsided, Heero gently brushed some long bangs from his partner's eyes. "Aishiteru, Duo," he whispered. "I love you, Heero," his lover whispered in response. "I-I don't want to fall asleep tonight..." the braided pilot said quietly as he lowered his head. Heero shook his head and replied, "Neither do I...We can stay up all night and talk after..." His partner looked back to his eyes. He smiled, "I'd like that." Heero kissed his lips, whispering, "Same here." They embraced tightly again.
* * * * * *
In the lounge the not far from where their rooms were, the rest of the pilots were sitting, talking and drinking at a table in the center of the room. Relena sighed deeply as she looked to her friends that were to leave the next morning. "I don't envy any one of you." Trowa shrugged, "It doesn't really effect us since we've been doing this for so long." Dorothy shuddered, "But alone...And with OZ so strong?" Shaking her head, she said quietly, "As much as I wish I could say that I could do go through that, I'm not afraid to admit that I wouldn't face that for anything." Quatre smiled, "Yes you would, Dorothy...If you knew that there wasn't any other way to stop OZ." The young woman whispered to herself, "I just feel so weak."
Kumi walked into the lounge and the princess waved to her, "Good of you to join us, boss." The young pilot sat across from the tomboy as she slid a bottle of beer across the table. The silver-haired girl caught it with ease and instantly took a swig of the drink. "Is Catherine going to be joining us?" Relena asked. Trowa shook his head, "I doubt it. She's still not thrilled about this whole situation." Dorothy sighed, "After what's happened the last few weeks, who could blame her?" Wufei snorted, "Anyone can. Women aren't meant to-" Sette crashed her bottle onto the table, nearly breaking it as she glared and threatened, "Before I close your sexist mouth for you, you better do the job yourself." The Chinese pilot laughed and shook his head, "You know it's true. Sally, Noin and Kumi are the only exceptions to the female race that I can say are good pilots and soldiers. And the only reason they are like that is because of the training and experiences they've had." Now all of the girls were glaring at Wufei, bus he paid no mind.
Sette sneered, "Alright. If women are so weak, explain this: Five men get sent to the Earth at the start of a major was against OZ. Meanwhile, at the same time, two girls are sent out to bring a revolution and uprising that would effect thousands of Colonies, as well as the war on the Earth that those boys were sent on. The girls end their war before the boys do, bringing about the support and help that they need to finish their war. Kumi and I pulled all of this off while you, Heero, Duo, Quatre and Trowa were fighting your war. I'm not saying that you're weak pilots. You're the best I have ever seen. But, think...Two girls...Five boys..." She took a chug at her beer, slammed it down again and announced loudly, "Do the math!" With the exception of Wufei, her friends laughed and clapped. Kumi merely crossed her arms smirked as her eyes, along with the eyes of her comrades fell upon the Chinese pilot. "We'll see how true your stand is as the war goes on," was all Wufei sneered to the princess. "I'll drink to that," the tomboy replied as she took another swig.
Just then, the door opened as Catherine walked in. "The Queen of Knife-throwing," Sette cheered as she raised her glass to the redhead. Catherine didn't bother listening as she walked to the table. Her brother smiled to her and moved his chair over a bit to make room for her as she pulled a chair up. Looking to Kumi specifically, Catherine said harshly, "I'm only here to show support for Trowa, Quatre, Duo, Heero and Wufei before they leave. I could care less about you or Sette." The eyes and mouths of the pilots widened in shock at the bold statement. Kumi had no reaction. Trowa gasped, "C-Catherine!?!" "It's the truth, Trowa," his sister replied loudly. "You can't blame them for what's been happening in this war," her brother came back even louder.
"That's enough," Kumi said out of the blue. The siblings looked to her in shock along with their comrades. Kumi simply said in monotone with a nod, "I understand, Catherine. Heero and Duo won't be joining us tonight, but you can see them off tomorrow morning. They'll appreciate your support." The tomboy growled and rose from the table, feeling her face redden with rage. She said quietly, trying to remain calm though he voice growled, "May I have you word with you, Kumi?" Catherine shook her head, "Why don't we all just talk right here?" Sette shouted as she was about to lunge at the redhead, "That's a hell of a tone coming from an ex-pilot!" Catherine hollered, "Better than listening to a deadbeat princess!" Sette's eyes got as wind as they could as she gasped and screamed, "WHY YOU LITTLE BIT-" "SETTE!" Kumi hollered, jumping to her feet.
The other pilots were still in such shock due to the quick exchange. Kumi's eyes narrowed towards the tomboy as she growled, "Outside, Sette." The tomboy protested, "But-" "Now," her comrade ordered as she walked of the room. The princess glared at Catherine, who returned the glare, before she left the room.
In the hallway, Sette punched a wall and shouted, "I'm gonna ring that scrawny little neck of hers!" Kumi glared to her, "Sette, shut up." The princess looked to her in rage and shock rolled in one. "You heard all of the things that she said in there," Sette replied loudly, pointing to the door of the lounge. Kumi nodded, "And you didn't help the situation by angering Catherine more." The tomboy raised her hands in the air and shook her head, "What the hell else was I supposed to do? Let her get away with what she said?" Kumi nodded, "Catherine is dealing with this war the only way she knows. And thought she might not be a Gundam pilot anymore, she's still close to the other pilots...If you were in her place, you would do the same thing she has...Catherine never fought in a war before. If all of a sudden someone came from nowhere and said that you had to fight when you didn't want to, how would you act towards them when hell broke loose in battle?" Sette was pacing through the speech, listening closely and taking seep breaths. Finally, she stopped and sighed deeply. She looked to Kumi and nodded, "Alright. I see your point."
The silver-haired pilot turned and walked to the door, suggesting in monotone, "Try to focus on the mission ahead and not what others think about you." With that, she entered the room and Sette shook her head sadly, "A princess doesn't have the luxury of not being concerned with the opinion of others." After a pause, she walked back into the lounge with the other pilots as she announced, "Alright, Wufei. Let's have a drinking match." The door closed behind her.
* * * * * *
That morning found Wufei and Sette passed out on the floor of the lounge where they were drinking with their friends. Unknown to them, they were so drunk they passed out practically on top of each other. Their comrades were too buzzed or tired themselves to carry them to their rooms. So, a blanket was thrown over them as they were snuggling together the whole night. They remained like this to the morning.
The door opened as Heero and Duo walked in, holding hands. Neither Heero nor Duo got a moment of sleep the night before, but they were awake as ever. Their eyes widened at the sight of the pilots who couldn't stand eachother. Duo's free hand instantly slapped over his mouth, in defense against a sharp laugh that threatened to leave him. Heero chuckled deeply and the pair quietly took two chairs, sat down and watched Wufei and Sette. Duo straddled his chair and rested her head and arms on the back of it. Heero crossed his legs and leaned back in his seat. Not long after they settled down, the door opened again as Kumi walked in.
Excalibur's pilot froze with a brief look of shock when she saw the sleeping pilots. Heero and Duo smiled and placed a finger over their mouths. Kumi have half of a smile as she walked to them and whispered, "Are you going to wake them up?" Duo smiled and shook his head, "Nah...Just watch the whole thing play out." They didn't have long to wait. Sette began to stir, quickly followed by Wufei. Slowly, their eyes opened. Their eyes blinked a few times in disbelief at the person that were holding and finally focused as they shot wide. They screamed loudly as they instantly sat up. They sighed in relief when they saw that all of their clothes were on and the sound of three pilots laughing hysterically caught their ears. The Wing and braided pilots, of course, were laughing much more and practically falling out of their chairs.
Sette looked to Wufei and asked, "We didn't hook up or anything did we?" Wufei shuddered and shook his head, "Not to my knowledge." "Good," the princess sighed in relief. She suddenly smiled and began to play with the Chinese pilot's hair. "So how are you, sexy?" Wufei growled and jumped to his feet to leave the room as quick as he could. The laughter got louder and Sette stretched her arms out to the retreating pilot. "Wait. Come back...You said I meant something to you." At this, Wufei was out the door. The laughter went on and Duo wiped a tear from his eye as he laughed on, "God, that was priceless!"
When the pilots got their composure back, Sette rose and folded the blanket. "So this is the day, huh?" she asked quietly. Heero nodded, "We leave in two hours." The princess sighed, "Well, I better finish packing. See you all in the hanger in two hours, then." With a wave that was returned, she left. Duo stood and stretched. He kissed Heero's cheek and said, "I'm headin' back to finish the rest of our packing, too." Heero nodded, "Okay. I'll be there soon." Duo nodded and left the room.
"I don't even have to ask if you're ready," the Wing pilot smiled to his cousin. Kumi gave another half-smile. The Wing pilot got to his feet, smiled to her and removed a dagger from his pant belt. He sliced into his right hand, making sure the wound was deep. Kumi gave a small, but warm smile as he handed the blade to her. She sliced a deep gash into her left hand as blood came out quickly. The pilots clasped their bleeding hands together and squeezed.
With the blood rolling down his arm, Heero said quietly, "I only say goodbye when I mean it." His cousin gave a soft chuckle and they embraced tightly. "You be good out there," the Wing pilot whispered. "Same to you," Kumi said quietly in response. When the embrace broke, Heero lifted the other pilot's chin a bit and smiled with a wink as he walked out of the room. When she was alone, Kumi gave a small sigh and looked to the old scar on her right hand and the new one on her left.
* * * * * *
The Gundam pilots said goodbye to eachother just beyond the hanger before going to their suits. They wore their space suits and bore duffel bags and back packs. They all hugged eachother and wished one another the best during their missions. They were just about to walk to the hanger when Sette asked nervously, "Anyone mind if we said a prayer before we head off?" The pilots stopped and looked to one another. It was the first time anyone had asked something like that before leaving during a war. Nobody had an objection. The Arabian smiled, "Sure. Prayers all go to the same place anyway." He and his comrades joined hands, making a circle. Trowa asked, "So who wants to lead us?" Duo offered, "It's been a long time since I've prayed...But I could try." Everyone agreed and lowered their heads. The American cleared his throat and pause before beginning. Heero squeezed his hand for reassurance and smiled to him.
Duo smiled back in relief and they lowered their heads. "Father, we ask that you watch over all of us as we part for our missions. Please keep everyone on Earth and in the Colonies safe from OZ. And give those who fight for them the strength and courage they need to defeat those who threaten them, in this war and any war to come..." He paused for a moment, trying to keep from getting emotional. With another gentle squeeze of reassurance from Heero, he continued, "Please bring all of us back safely...We're that we have." All of the pilots nodded with sad faces as they kept their heads down and squeezed the hands that they held tightly. "And this, we pray, Amen," the braided pilot concluded in a choked whisper. "Amen," his comrades whispered in unison.
The pilots all walked off to the hanger with their belongings. Heero took Duo's hand and kissed his cheek. He whispered in his ear, "Nice work, koi." Duo gave a small, nervous chuckle, "It's been years since I've said any prayer. I hope I didn't offend 'The Big Guy.'" Heero chuckled, "I don't see how you could do anything to offend Him." Duo smiled and looked to Heero. He asked timidly, "Does this mean that you might believe in God?" The Wing pilot lowered his head and whispered, "It's still hard for me to believe in a God that would allow wars like this to go on...But it would be nice if there really was a Supreme Being out there...looking after all of us...I just don't know if I can bring myself to put faith into that just yet." Duo nodded as he wrapped his arm around his partner's waist. "It's alright. I honestly don't know how I feel about the whole God thing, myself most of the time."
In the hanger, Relena, Dorothy, Catherine, Lady Une, Sally Poe, Noin, Milliardo, Brian Weatherall and Catherine were in the hanger, awaiting the arrival of their friends. Finally, the door beyond them opened as the pilots filed in. Milliardo walked to Heero first and shook his hand. "Take care, Heero," he said sternly. The Wing pilot nodded and received a hug from Noin. "Make sure that you get back safe," she told him. Heero replied, "We will. Take care of everyone here." The couple nodded. Duo came from behind his lover and kissed Noin's belly. He smiled, "We'll be back soon, baby." The others laughed and Duo hugged Noin then Milliardo.
Quatre in the meantime was saying goodbye to Relena, Catherine, Brian and Dorothy. They all hugged eachother. Trowa came from behind him and hugged them as well. "We'll be back before you all know it," the tall pilot said with a warm smile. Dorothy sighed, "The sooner the better. It's not the same without all of you around. And we'll be worried until you all come back." "Don't be too worried," the Arabian replied. "We need you to stay strong here while we're gone." Catherine hugged her brother and Quatre. "Just come back safe, that's all," she said quietly.
Lady Une hugged Kumi and Sette. "I know that you'll all be fine out there," the young woman said with assurance. Kumi nodded, "It's nothing we can't handle. Thank you for all of your help again." Une nodded, "It's a pleasure to work with you pilots." Sette smiled, "Yea, well, we do kind of grow on people." "That's an understatement," Wufei chuckled as he came and hugged the leader of the Preventers. "Take care, Wufei," she smiled to the Chinese pilot. Wufei gave a nod and wave as he walked off to say goodbye to Sally.
Sally forced a smile as the young pilot walked to her. "Saved the best for last," he said quietly. Sally lowered her head with a chuckle. Wufei the his arms around her and she returned the gesture. "I'll be back," Wufei promised as he whispered in her ear. The young woman nodded, "I know you will be. Just take it easy out there." They kissed deeply and embraced once again, tightly.
Catherine walked to Heero and Duo, hugging them both. The pilots pecked her on the cheek. The Wing pilot rested his forehead onto hers, saying gently, "Don't look for enemies among friends, Catherine." The young woman's eyes widened a bit, then she lowered her head and looked in the direction of Kumi and Sette. "They're in the same boat we are, babe," the braided pilot said quietly. The redhead nodded, "Yea...I know." Looking to Heero and Duo, she shrugged, "You two watch yourselves." "Aw, you know us," Duo smiled. "What will you do now?" Heero asked. Catherine sighed, "I'll wait here for all of you. Someone should stick around as a cheerleader."
Quatre hugged Noin and smiled, "Bye, Miss Noin." "Bye, Quatre. Play it safe out there." The Arabian nodded, "Always." Milliardo shook the pilot's hand before giving a quick hug and asking, "Are you ready to head home?" Quatre sighed, "This is my home, with the other pilots and all of you. I'm looking forward to returning." Noin gave a warm smile and said quietly, "We're going to miss all of you terribly." Milliardo nodded, "You've helped teach us more than people twice your age have been able to. To lose any of you would be a loss greater than anything the people of the Earth and the Colonies could afford." The blonde pilot lowered his head humbly. "I thank you for those kind words, Mister Milliardo." "I wouldn't say them if they weren't true," the long-haired pilot replied.
Kumi looked to Relena and Novem. She gave a nod and said, "I know that you're prepared for anything and everything that comes your way while we're gone. With Miliardo, you'll be able to hold off OZ and any threat that they make." Relena replied, "We'll do everything that we can." Kumi nodded, "That's all we can ask." Sette smiled as she joined them. "You girls are going to kick ass!" she cheered with a huge hug for each pilot. Novem laughed, "Thank you for everything, both of you. It'll be good to have you back to fight by you sides again." Relena smiled, "Thank you for giving a chance to be soldiers instead of spectators."
Hidden from the eyes of all of the pilots and their friends, two pilots held eachother tightly in a hidden section of the hanger. Both had their eyes closed, memorizing the feeling so that they could recall it at times of loneliness during their missions. Duo fought the tears building in his eyes and instead gave a forced, small chuckle as he and his lover pulled back for a moment to look in eachother's eyes. Heero bit is lip and sighed deeply as he caressed the braided pilot's cheek deeply. "I miss you already," he whispered sadly. The tears in Duo's eyes were more threatening now more than ever as he nodded, "I miss you, too, koibito."
Duo searched for something under his space suit and pulled out his cross. The gold glistened brightly even under the dim lights where they stood. He took the chain from around his neck and placed it around Heero's. The Wing pilot's eyes widened as he gasped, "Duo, you should keep it." The braided pilot smiled and shook his head, "I'll feel better knowing that you have it." Heero looked to the crucifix and whispered, "Are you sure?" Duo nodded, "I might run and hide, but I never tell a lie, remember." His lover chuckled and kissed his lips gently. "Thank you," he whispered. After placing the cross under his suit, the Wing pilot wrapped looked into Duo's eyes and said quietly, "I don't believe in much in this life...But there is one thing I believe in." His lover bit his lip and a stray tear rolled down his cheek. Heero kissed it away and whispered, "I believe in you, Duo...always." Duo gave a wide smile through his tears and replied, "I believe in you, Heero...forever."
They kissed deeply for what seemed to be an eternity. Neither wanted to break the kiss, but had to in order to breathe again. They held each other tightly and Duo whispered, "Don't over-do it out there." They pulled back a moment and Heero ran his thumb over Duo's lips, whispering, "You either." They kissed gently and grabbed their backpacks. Still holding hands, they joined their comrades, who were just finished their goodbyes and have their possessions with them.
Heero gave a nod, "Let's move." At that, the pilots all went to their Gundams and prepared to set out. Heero and Kumi passed eachother as they walked to their suits. They took eachother by their bandaged hands, gave a squeeze and never said a word to eachother. After the gesture, they placed their gloves on and went to their cockpits. Their friends all watched from below as the young soldiers vanished in the huge Gundams. Wing Zero was the first to depart, followed by Excalibur and Deathscythe right behind. Mason and Sand Rock took off soon after finally Heave Arms and Nataku took to the air. Their friends watched and waved them off.
Noin sighed deeply, "Seven pilots...And a lot of ground between them." Milliardo nodded, "And a foe that is waiting for them to arrive." The couple held hands and prayed silently to themselves. "They have to come back safely," Noin whispered. Milliardo kissed her head, unable to find the words to ease the fear and concern that either of them had. The harsh truth was that there was no way to be certain that all seven pilots would live to return. All that they could do now was hope, fight when they had to...and wait.
TBC
DISCLAIMERS: With the exception of Sette Devion and Kumi Yuy, none of these characters are mine. There are any others that are original, but if you watch Gundam Wing, you'll know the original ones from those that were part of the original show. And I do not own the beautiful song "I'll Be." That song belongs to Edwin McCain, the genius and talented man that he is! I have to give them him credit for writing such a beautiful song.
Well, I make it brief, any ideas or suggestions, please send them to cyclone2996@hotmail.com or put them in your review! This is where I'll need as much help as possible. Let me know where you would like to see the story go from here since there will be A LOT of options! As always, this goes out to my sister (Snodin), Tracy 14, and all of you faithful readers of this saga! Enjoy! Love Always, SkyLark
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 11: Few and Far Between
by SkyLark
with help from Traci 14
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Doctor J stood in a white room with two doors at either side of the area. Heero walked through one as Kumi walked through the other. This was what Doctor J and his team believed would be the last time the pilots would see eachother as they were to be separated. Heero was chosen to fly to Earth for Operation Meteor while Kumi went to the Colonies for Operation Saturn's Rings. At the age of fifteen, they were ready to fight in a war that one would never believe children could fight. The pilots met in the middle and looked to the doctor. He nodded to them, "Alright, you have two minutes to say goodbye before you leave on your missions." He left them upon saying this.
The cousins looked to eachother, unable to know how to feel, or know how they should feel. The first minute was spent in silence. Heero and Kumi had never been parted for longer than a few hours on occasion. Now, with the wars that they were to fight, they were told that they would most likely never see eachother again. And they were only granted two minutes to say their farewells.
Finally, Kumi removed a jagged-edge dagger from her leather belt that fell over her spandex shorts. Without saying anything and without any sound or expression of pain, she sliced a deep gash into her right palm. Heero gave a nod and took the blade from her when she was finished. He sliced into his left palm just the same, making sure that the wound was good and deep. When he was finished they clasped their blood-covered hands together. "I only say goodbye when I mean it," the young girl said in monotone. Heero gave his usual, "Hn."
They squeezed their hands tightly before releasing, blood rolling down their arms from the deep gashes they inflicted upon themselves. They just looked to eachother one last time, never saying anything. The doors opened to notify them that their two minutes was up. The pilots turned and walked through the doors that would lead them to their Gundams. From there, they would be on their own.
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As Colony F32 burned, the pilots left a small bronze plaque in the mountain where they stood watch over the flames. That same night, after hours of drinking, it was agreed that Heero, Duo, Kumi, Trowa, Sette, Quatre and Wufei would be the pilots sent to regain the 'Magnificent Seven' Colonies and through that, break the wall of silence and confusion in communications between all of the colonies, themselves and the Preventers. The Earth would come later, when there was better word on what the situation was there.
The seven original pilots sat together in discussion to who would go to what Colony. Heero began, "It would only make sense that Quatre and Sette go to their home Colonies." The pilots agreed to this notion. While L4 wasn't far from the Earth and H7 was past Mars, Quate and Sette would be closer than any of their comrades. Kumi continued, "There have been some changes in Keiser's 'Magnificent Seven' The remaining five Colonies are C91, M29, R58, V10 and X63."
Wufei stated, "X63 is the closest to Pluto. Wouldn't the Zero system in Wing Zero and Excalibur be best to take to that Colony, since we don't know how heavy the forces are out there?" The Wing and Excalibur pilots nodded as they looked to eachother. Heero shrugged, "I'll head there is it's alright with you." Kumi nodded, "That's fine with me. I move that Duo takes V10, since that'll be the closest to you. He'll be the best support." Her cousin and Duo gave her small smiles and nods at this suggestion. Trowa offered, "I'll take R58." Wufei nodded and shrugged, "C91 sounds fine to me. That'll leave M29 to Kumi." The pilots all agreed with their destinations as they documented them.
Sette asked quietly, "So when are we all leaving to do this?" Heero answered, "Tomorrow before noon." Quarte nodded, "Good. The sooner the better. We've waited long enough for this." They all rose and took their belongings with them as they made their way to the door. "So this is the last twenty-four hours that we'll be spending together, then." the tomboy noted as thy entered the hallway. Her comrades all nodded in response. The princess lowered her head sadly, then felt Quatre's arm wrap around her shoulder. He assured her, "We'll all be together again soon. We're not easy to get rid of." Duo smiled and nodded, "Damn straight, Quat." The pilots broke off and went to their rooms.
* * * * * *
Sette and Quatre met later that day in the lounge, discussing their plans that would be carried out before too long. Quatre lied on the couch and sighed, "I never thought that Colony L4 would be such a major influence in this war." Sette nodded as she plopped next to him, "Believe me, it's still a shock to me that H7 is a part of this as well...It will be nice to go home for a while, still." Her Arabian, proclaimed boyfriend, looked off into space and said quietly, "I'm not necessarily looking forward to going back to that Colony. I don't really consider it home...Not ever since my father's death during the first war."
Sette's eyes widened and she looked sadly to the young pilot. She said quietly, "I heard about that incident with your father's death...I'm sorry about that." Quatre looked to her and smiled warmly, "Thank you...He was a good person." Sette smiled back, "Of course he was...He had you as a son. That says that he was a great man...I know that he's proud of you." The Arabian sat up and inched his way next to her. He said quietly, "That means a lot." He saw the ring of the princess's finger. It was an imperial design, a dragon wrapped around as a silver band and a blue crystal in the open mouth of the creature.
The Arabian took his proclaimed girlfriend's hand and looked closer at the ring. "This is beautiful," he said in astonishment. The tomboy blushed at the gesture. "It was a gift from my father...When I decided to pilot Unit 07." she said in response. Quatre looked to her and smiled, "He must be a great guy." Sette smiled wholeheartedly, "Yea...He is. I miss him." Quatre nodded and said, "Well he had you for a daughter, so that must say something about him." Sette laughed, "Yea, it says he should have had his head examined." She and the Arabian laughed hysterically.
"As much as I love my father, I really consider you, Kumi and the others as my family," Sette said quietly. Quatre kissed her temple and smiled, "It's nice to have you along." Looking around, Quatre said, "I'm surprised nobody else stopped in here." Sette nodded, "I know. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with the storm when they see it coming." Quatre nodded, "And we have this whole room to ourselves?" Sette replied, "Yep." His eyebrows rose a bit and he said, "And I have you all to myself." Sette's smile grew from ear-to-ear as she looked to him and said "Yeeeea."
Quatre all of a sudden became nervous and jumped to his feet, walking to the door. "Well, I have stuff to do," he said with a nervous chuckle. Sette opened her arms and walked to him as she smiled, "Don't tease me, come here." The Arabian made a mad dash, calling, "We won't bee too far from eachother, Sette." The princess was running after him as she called back, "Oh come on, beloved!"
* * * * * *
Wufei walked to his quarters to find Sally Poe waiting for him at his door. She forced a smile and asked, "So you're leaving soon?" The Chinese pilot's eyes softened and he nodded sadly. The young woman lowered her head. After a pause of silence, Wufei walked to her and embraced her. Sally sighed deeply, then held the pilot in her own arms. "I'm going to miss you," she said quietly. Wufei whispered back, still in the embrace, "I'll be back...somehow." Sally nodded as they broke the hub to look at eachother.
Sally smiled, "We've been through a lot together...It's just that you...I..." Wufei gave a soft smile and said, "I love you, Sally." The young woman's eyes widened in shock at these words. She instantly felt tears in her eyes as she looked back to the young man. Sally smiled through her tears, "I love you, too, Wufei." The pilot dried the tears that fell from her eyes and leaned in to kiss her. After the long, deep kiss broke, the young man said quietly, "We still have a few hours left together." The young woman smiled and nodded. With that, they held hands and walked into Wufei's room.
* * * * * *
Kumi was typing away at her laptop in a small kitchen near the pilots' quarters when a braided American bounced in to grab some snacks from the refrigerator. He looked to the young woman and smiled, "What's up, Kumi?" The young woman never looked from her screen and replied, "Hn." Her rapid typing reminded Duo of how Heero would do the same thing constantly, as he tried everything in his power to take him away from the contraption. He smiled to himself and took some drinks and snacks into his arms as he walked over to the table. He sat across from the silver-haired pilot as she typed on. "Peace Million to Kumi," he smiled behind the computer. A small "Humph," came from his lover's cousin.
Duo closed the lid of the computer, causing the pilot to look at him in rage. "What the hell are you doing!?!" she yelled as she got to her feet. Duo looked up and answered calmly, "You need to learn that there's more to life than these missions and this war, girl...You're just like Heero-" Before he could finish the sentence, Kumi snapped loudly and quickly, "Heero and I are nothing alike now." The American's eyes widened at her sudden, angered remark. "Kumi, I...I didn't mean to upset you," he replied quietly. Kumi sighed deeply and sat back down in her chair. She folded her hands on the table and rested her head in them. Her muffled voice said quietly, "I'm just worried that he's weakened now that he's opened up...Yet at the same time, I'm so..." She stopped to find the right words as she clenched her fists.
Kumi raised her head slowly and shook it, "I apologize, Duo. I didn't mean to snap at you like that...I'm just concerned that since Heero's emotions opened, he'll be weak in this war...And I can't help him if anything goes wrong." Duo's face saddened and he pulled his chair to sit beside her. As he did this, the young woman lowered her head and explained, "I once had what you and Heero have now with a Preventer...When he died..." She bit her lip, trying not to get emotional. "I wanted to die as well...I never should have opened up in the first place. I'm a soldier and I have to think about my missions clearly without letting any emotions affect my judgments or actions...I'm concerned that if anything should happen to you, or Heero, you'll have to go through the same thing, or more than likely worse." Duo interrupted as he said quietly, "And now there's Trowa."
Kumi looked to him in shock for a brief second, which faded as easily as it appeared. She looked away, cursing herself for giving letting even that show on her face. Duo rested a hand on her shoulders and said quietly, "Kumi, no matter what training you and Heero have had, you're human beings, first and foremost. Like it or not, you have to realize that no person who opens up to their emotions is weak. They're actually the bravest people out there."
The silver-haired pilot looked to him with her eyebrows raised as she asked, "How can that be?" Duo smiled, "With all of the risks that involved in following your heart and the feelings you have there, it takes a hell of a lot more courage to do that than to block them out and act like you feel nothing for anything or anyone." He lowered his head and continued, "Of all of the pilots, I feel the worst for you and Heero. The rest of us chose to be pilots in one way, shape or form. The two of you were forced and through means that nobody, especially children, should have to face...I know that you have nightmares even to this day about Doctor J and the things that he did to you and Heero." Kumi now did give a look of shock that lasted a bit longer than the last. Duo nodded, "I know because Heero still has them, as well. He wakes up in a cold sweat every now and then, just as I know you do." He cupped her face and said sternly, "It's because you're people, not machines...And as far as Trowa is concerned, listen to what your heart tells you...not your training. Just follow your heart with everything. Use it while you have it."
There was a long silence between the two pilots. Finally, Duo smiled. He kissed Kumi's temple as he got to his feet. "Heero is almost finished talking to Milliardo. Once he's finished, everyone will know their responsibilities from now until the time that we come back." Kumi gave a nod but didn't look to him. Walking to the door, he turned his head and smiled, "See you around, Kumi." "Bye, Duo," his friend replied, still not looking to him. The American walked out of the room with the drinks and snacks for himself an his lover. They made plans to stay in their room together from the time Heero got back from talking to Milliardo to when it was about time to part the next morning. When the door closed, Kumi instantly opened her laptop and typed away as fast as her hands could work. She stopped only when her hands began to start shaking. Looking to her trembling hands, she growled, "Get yourself together, Yuy." She tightened her hands into fists until they stopped shaking and resumed typing.
* * * * * *
Catherine was in the observation tower over the hanger, watching the repairs being done to Slither. Her plan do destroy the suit had failed, but there was a great amount of damage done to the Gundam. Looking through the glass, she sighed then said with venom in her voice, "I hope you never fly again." "You don't really mean that, do you?" a voice came from behind. The redhead spun in shock to see her brother standing at the entrance way. "Why shouldn't I?" she asked coldly. "We don't have a chance at winning this war. Why are you and those pilots so bent on getting yourselves killed? We could just surrender and-" "No, we can't," Trowa interrupted sternly.
The younh woman frowned and lowered her head with tears in her eyes, "This is so pointless. Now you're going to leave and I'll never see you again." Tears rolled down her cheeks as she whispered, "I'll never understand your ways...And I don't want to, either." Trowa walked to her and dried her eyes. "There's nothing wrong with you not understanding," he said softly. "At least have faith in us...That means more than anything." Catherine looked up to him and thought of the right words to say. Finally, she accepted as she nodded, "You know that no matter what, I have faith in you." "Thank you," her brother replied quietly. He turned back to the door. When her brother was gone, Catherine frowned, "You're all crazy."
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Heero walked out of the hanger as Milliardo watched him depart as he stayed inside. He sighed deeply and looked to Euphoria. He was alone briefly before his wife walked in. Noin saw that something was troubling her husband. She quietly walked beside him and took his hand. Instantly, the pilot was brought back to reality and he turned to the young woman. Noin frowned, "What's wrong, hon?" Milliardo answered quietly and lowered his head, "The Gundam pilots are leaving early tomorrow for their missions...I'll be able to fly Euphoria the second there is trouble near us." His wife lowered her own head and sighed, "I see...You're worried about them."
Milliardo raised his shocked face to look at her. After a brief pause, he smiled, "You know me better that I thought." Noin nodded, "That's because I feel the same way you do...Those pilots aren't children anymore, but they're still too young to be doing this...Piloting Gundam suits and dealing the things they have to face in a war like this isn't right." Her husband said sadly, "They're been robbed of so much...And all that they have is eachother. I'm concerned that something will happen to them. One falls, they'll all fall." Noin squeezed his hand and replied, "We have to try not to think like that...as hard as it is." Milliardo kissed her forehead and nodded, "Of course, Noin." They wrapped their arms around eachother's shoulders and walked out of the hanger like that. Euphoria's gold Gundamimum glistened under the bright lights of the hanger as they left the room.
* * * * * *
The Wing pilot walked to the room that he and Duo shared. When he entered, he found his lover fell asleep while waiting for him. He lied on their bed in his loose clothes and his hair was down. Heero smiled lovingly to the napping pilot as he entered the room with the door closing behind him. He kneeled beside the bed and kissed Duo's forehead. Duo woke and smiled warmly to the other pilot and embraced him. They held eachother for a moment in silence, pulling back a bit to share a deep kiss. "Ohayo," Duo whispered. Heero smiled and whispered back, "Ohayo." The braided pilot caressed his cheek and sighed deeply. Heero's eyes closed as he took the gesture in.
When his eyes opened, the Wing pilot saw the sad look in his koi's face. His heart fell at this and he frowned. After kissing Duo's lips gently, he said quietly, "We'll be back together before too long, koi." Duo forced a smile and nodded, "I know...It's just..." The American's head lowered with a soft sigh. He felt his cheek being caressed now. Looking up into Heero's deep blue eyes, all of his fears vanished again. Duo kissed the hand on his cheek and whispered, "I love you." Heero held him close to his body and replied just as quietly, "Aishiteru, Duo."
Heero smiled warmly to his partner and offered a hand to him. Duo looked to him with wide eyes, then smiled back to his lover and accepted his hand. The Wing pilot helped him off the bed and dimmed the light in the room. He then led his koi to the window where there was the most space in the room. Heero wrapped his arms tightly around Duo's waist and pulled him to his body. The braided pilot wrapped his own arms around the Japanese pilot's neck and rested his cheek against Heero's left shoulder. Resting his chin on Duo's right shoulder, the Wing pilot began to move them in a slow dance. He then began to sing quietly into his lover's ear an old song that they had the luck of finding, instantly it was deemed 'their song.'
"The strands in you eyes that color them wonderful stop me and steal my breath..." Duo instantly felt the sting of tears in his eyes as he clutched onto his Heero tighter. The pair continued to dance beautifully together the one known as the 'Perfect Soldier' continued to sing. "Emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky, never revealing their depths...." Never missing a beat with singing or dancing, Heero kissed the American's head gently and continued, "Now tell me that we belong together...Dress it up with the trappings of love. I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips...Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above..." Heero clutched onto Duo tighter as he felt small tears sting his own eyes. "...I'll be your crying shoulder, I'll be love suicide, I'll be better when I'm older, I'll be the greatest fan of your life..."
The pilot almost couldn't continue singing, being caught up in the moment and his emotions. As if Duo already knew this, he continued the song, looking up to Heero with a warm smile and love in his eyes. He sang quietly as they kept dancing slowly, "And rain falls angry on the tin roof as we lie awake in my bed...You're my survival, you're my living proof my love is alive and not dead..." Heero gave a soft smile back to his love and rested their foreheads together as they danced Duo continued, "So tell me that we belong together...Dress it up with the trappings of love...I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips, instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above..." After placing a soft kiss on Heero's lips, the braided pilot sang on, "And I'll be your crying shoulder, I'll be love suicide, I'll be better when I'm older, I'll be the greatest fan of your life."
There were tears falling down the American's cheeks and his lover dried them gently, still smiling and dancing. Heero and Duo went on dancing closely and slowly as they harmonized and sang together, "And I've been dropped out, burned up, I've fought my way back from the dead...Tuned in, turned on, remembered the thing that you said...And I'll be your crying shoulder, I'll be love suicide, I'll be better when I'm older, I'll be the greatest fan of your life...I'll be your crying shoulder, I'll be love suicide, I'll be better when I'm older...I'll be the greatest fan of your life..." A stray tear broke through Heero's eye and Duo kissed it away softly.
The pair looked to eachother in silence when their dance ended, but they remained in eachother's tight embrace. Finally, Heero leaned in and kissed Duo's lips. The braided pilot returned the gesture and the kiss deepened. When they broke for air, they held eachother tightly. "Looks like we'll be taking turns tonight, ne?" Duo said with a deep chuckle. Heero smiled and nodded, "Hai." They both laughed and looked into eachother's eyes. When the laughter subsided, Heero gently brushed some long bangs from his partner's eyes. "Aishiteru, Duo," he whispered. "I love you, Heero," his lover whispered in response. "I-I don't want to fall asleep tonight..." the braided pilot said quietly as he lowered his head. Heero shook his head and replied, "Neither do I...We can stay up all night and talk after..." His partner looked back to his eyes. He smiled, "I'd like that." Heero kissed his lips, whispering, "Same here." They embraced tightly again.
* * * * * *
In the lounge the not far from where their rooms were, the rest of the pilots were sitting, talking and drinking at a table in the center of the room. Relena sighed deeply as she looked to her friends that were to leave the next morning. "I don't envy any one of you." Trowa shrugged, "It doesn't really effect us since we've been doing this for so long." Dorothy shuddered, "But alone...And with OZ so strong?" Shaking her head, she said quietly, "As much as I wish I could say that I could do go through that, I'm not afraid to admit that I wouldn't face that for anything." Quatre smiled, "Yes you would, Dorothy...If you knew that there wasn't any other way to stop OZ." The young woman whispered to herself, "I just feel so weak."
Kumi walked into the lounge and the princess waved to her, "Good of you to join us, boss." The young pilot sat across from the tomboy as she slid a bottle of beer across the table. The silver-haired girl caught it with ease and instantly took a swig of the drink. "Is Catherine going to be joining us?" Relena asked. Trowa shook his head, "I doubt it. She's still not thrilled about this whole situation." Dorothy sighed, "After what's happened the last few weeks, who could blame her?" Wufei snorted, "Anyone can. Women aren't meant to-" Sette crashed her bottle onto the table, nearly breaking it as she glared and threatened, "Before I close your sexist mouth for you, you better do the job yourself." The Chinese pilot laughed and shook his head, "You know it's true. Sally, Noin and Kumi are the only exceptions to the female race that I can say are good pilots and soldiers. And the only reason they are like that is because of the training and experiences they've had." Now all of the girls were glaring at Wufei, bus he paid no mind.
Sette sneered, "Alright. If women are so weak, explain this: Five men get sent to the Earth at the start of a major was against OZ. Meanwhile, at the same time, two girls are sent out to bring a revolution and uprising that would effect thousands of Colonies, as well as the war on the Earth that those boys were sent on. The girls end their war before the boys do, bringing about the support and help that they need to finish their war. Kumi and I pulled all of this off while you, Heero, Duo, Quatre and Trowa were fighting your war. I'm not saying that you're weak pilots. You're the best I have ever seen. But, think...Two girls...Five boys..." She took a chug at her beer, slammed it down again and announced loudly, "Do the math!" With the exception of Wufei, her friends laughed and clapped. Kumi merely crossed her arms smirked as her eyes, along with the eyes of her comrades fell upon the Chinese pilot. "We'll see how true your stand is as the war goes on," was all Wufei sneered to the princess. "I'll drink to that," the tomboy replied as she took another swig.
Just then, the door opened as Catherine walked in. "The Queen of Knife-throwing," Sette cheered as she raised her glass to the redhead. Catherine didn't bother listening as she walked to the table. Her brother smiled to her and moved his chair over a bit to make room for her as she pulled a chair up. Looking to Kumi specifically, Catherine said harshly, "I'm only here to show support for Trowa, Quatre, Duo, Heero and Wufei before they leave. I could care less about you or Sette." The eyes and mouths of the pilots widened in shock at the bold statement. Kumi had no reaction. Trowa gasped, "C-Catherine!?!" "It's the truth, Trowa," his sister replied loudly. "You can't blame them for what's been happening in this war," her brother came back even louder.
"That's enough," Kumi said out of the blue. The siblings looked to her in shock along with their comrades. Kumi simply said in monotone with a nod, "I understand, Catherine. Heero and Duo won't be joining us tonight, but you can see them off tomorrow morning. They'll appreciate your support." The tomboy growled and rose from the table, feeling her face redden with rage. She said quietly, trying to remain calm though he voice growled, "May I have you word with you, Kumi?" Catherine shook her head, "Why don't we all just talk right here?" Sette shouted as she was about to lunge at the redhead, "That's a hell of a tone coming from an ex-pilot!" Catherine hollered, "Better than listening to a deadbeat princess!" Sette's eyes got as wind as they could as she gasped and screamed, "WHY YOU LITTLE BIT-" "SETTE!" Kumi hollered, jumping to her feet.
The other pilots were still in such shock due to the quick exchange. Kumi's eyes narrowed towards the tomboy as she growled, "Outside, Sette." The tomboy protested, "But-" "Now," her comrade ordered as she walked of the room. The princess glared at Catherine, who returned the glare, before she left the room.
In the hallway, Sette punched a wall and shouted, "I'm gonna ring that scrawny little neck of hers!" Kumi glared to her, "Sette, shut up." The princess looked to her in rage and shock rolled in one. "You heard all of the things that she said in there," Sette replied loudly, pointing to the door of the lounge. Kumi nodded, "And you didn't help the situation by angering Catherine more." The tomboy raised her hands in the air and shook her head, "What the hell else was I supposed to do? Let her get away with what she said?" Kumi nodded, "Catherine is dealing with this war the only way she knows. And thought she might not be a Gundam pilot anymore, she's still close to the other pilots...If you were in her place, you would do the same thing she has...Catherine never fought in a war before. If all of a sudden someone came from nowhere and said that you had to fight when you didn't want to, how would you act towards them when hell broke loose in battle?" Sette was pacing through the speech, listening closely and taking seep breaths. Finally, she stopped and sighed deeply. She looked to Kumi and nodded, "Alright. I see your point."
The silver-haired pilot turned and walked to the door, suggesting in monotone, "Try to focus on the mission ahead and not what others think about you." With that, she entered the room and Sette shook her head sadly, "A princess doesn't have the luxury of not being concerned with the opinion of others." After a pause, she walked back into the lounge with the other pilots as she announced, "Alright, Wufei. Let's have a drinking match." The door closed behind her.
* * * * * *
That morning found Wufei and Sette passed out on the floor of the lounge where they were drinking with their friends. Unknown to them, they were so drunk they passed out practically on top of each other. Their comrades were too buzzed or tired themselves to carry them to their rooms. So, a blanket was thrown over them as they were snuggling together the whole night. They remained like this to the morning.
The door opened as Heero and Duo walked in, holding hands. Neither Heero nor Duo got a moment of sleep the night before, but they were awake as ever. Their eyes widened at the sight of the pilots who couldn't stand eachother. Duo's free hand instantly slapped over his mouth, in defense against a sharp laugh that threatened to leave him. Heero chuckled deeply and the pair quietly took two chairs, sat down and watched Wufei and Sette. Duo straddled his chair and rested her head and arms on the back of it. Heero crossed his legs and leaned back in his seat. Not long after they settled down, the door opened again as Kumi walked in.
Excalibur's pilot froze with a brief look of shock when she saw the sleeping pilots. Heero and Duo smiled and placed a finger over their mouths. Kumi have half of a smile as she walked to them and whispered, "Are you going to wake them up?" Duo smiled and shook his head, "Nah...Just watch the whole thing play out." They didn't have long to wait. Sette began to stir, quickly followed by Wufei. Slowly, their eyes opened. Their eyes blinked a few times in disbelief at the person that were holding and finally focused as they shot wide. They screamed loudly as they instantly sat up. They sighed in relief when they saw that all of their clothes were on and the sound of three pilots laughing hysterically caught their ears. The Wing and braided pilots, of course, were laughing much more and practically falling out of their chairs.
Sette looked to Wufei and asked, "We didn't hook up or anything did we?" Wufei shuddered and shook his head, "Not to my knowledge." "Good," the princess sighed in relief. She suddenly smiled and began to play with the Chinese pilot's hair. "So how are you, sexy?" Wufei growled and jumped to his feet to leave the room as quick as he could. The laughter got louder and Sette stretched her arms out to the retreating pilot. "Wait. Come back...You said I meant something to you." At this, Wufei was out the door. The laughter went on and Duo wiped a tear from his eye as he laughed on, "God, that was priceless!"
When the pilots got their composure back, Sette rose and folded the blanket. "So this is the day, huh?" she asked quietly. Heero nodded, "We leave in two hours." The princess sighed, "Well, I better finish packing. See you all in the hanger in two hours, then." With a wave that was returned, she left. Duo stood and stretched. He kissed Heero's cheek and said, "I'm headin' back to finish the rest of our packing, too." Heero nodded, "Okay. I'll be there soon." Duo nodded and left the room.
"I don't even have to ask if you're ready," the Wing pilot smiled to his cousin. Kumi gave another half-smile. The Wing pilot got to his feet, smiled to her and removed a dagger from his pant belt. He sliced into his right hand, making sure the wound was deep. Kumi gave a small, but warm smile as he handed the blade to her. She sliced a deep gash into her left hand as blood came out quickly. The pilots clasped their bleeding hands together and squeezed.
With the blood rolling down his arm, Heero said quietly, "I only say goodbye when I mean it." His cousin gave a soft chuckle and they embraced tightly. "You be good out there," the Wing pilot whispered. "Same to you," Kumi said quietly in response. When the embrace broke, Heero lifted the other pilot's chin a bit and smiled with a wink as he walked out of the room. When she was alone, Kumi gave a small sigh and looked to the old scar on her right hand and the new one on her left.
* * * * * *
The Gundam pilots said goodbye to eachother just beyond the hanger before going to their suits. They wore their space suits and bore duffel bags and back packs. They all hugged eachother and wished one another the best during their missions. They were just about to walk to the hanger when Sette asked nervously, "Anyone mind if we said a prayer before we head off?" The pilots stopped and looked to one another. It was the first time anyone had asked something like that before leaving during a war. Nobody had an objection. The Arabian smiled, "Sure. Prayers all go to the same place anyway." He and his comrades joined hands, making a circle. Trowa asked, "So who wants to lead us?" Duo offered, "It's been a long time since I've prayed...But I could try." Everyone agreed and lowered their heads. The American cleared his throat and pause before beginning. Heero squeezed his hand for reassurance and smiled to him.
Duo smiled back in relief and they lowered their heads. "Father, we ask that you watch over all of us as we part for our missions. Please keep everyone on Earth and in the Colonies safe from OZ. And give those who fight for them the strength and courage they need to defeat those who threaten them, in this war and any war to come..." He paused for a moment, trying to keep from getting emotional. With another gentle squeeze of reassurance from Heero, he continued, "Please bring all of us back safely...We're that we have." All of the pilots nodded with sad faces as they kept their heads down and squeezed the hands that they held tightly. "And this, we pray, Amen," the braided pilot concluded in a choked whisper. "Amen," his comrades whispered in unison.
The pilots all walked off to the hanger with their belongings. Heero took Duo's hand and kissed his cheek. He whispered in his ear, "Nice work, koi." Duo gave a small, nervous chuckle, "It's been years since I've said any prayer. I hope I didn't offend 'The Big Guy.'" Heero chuckled, "I don't see how you could do anything to offend Him." Duo smiled and looked to Heero. He asked timidly, "Does this mean that you might believe in God?" The Wing pilot lowered his head and whispered, "It's still hard for me to believe in a God that would allow wars like this to go on...But it would be nice if there really was a Supreme Being out there...looking after all of us...I just don't know if I can bring myself to put faith into that just yet." Duo nodded as he wrapped his arm around his partner's waist. "It's alright. I honestly don't know how I feel about the whole God thing, myself most of the time."
In the hanger, Relena, Dorothy, Catherine, Lady Une, Sally Poe, Noin, Milliardo, Brian Weatherall and Catherine were in the hanger, awaiting the arrival of their friends. Finally, the door beyond them opened as the pilots filed in. Milliardo walked to Heero first and shook his hand. "Take care, Heero," he said sternly. The Wing pilot nodded and received a hug from Noin. "Make sure that you get back safe," she told him. Heero replied, "We will. Take care of everyone here." The couple nodded. Duo came from behind his lover and kissed Noin's belly. He smiled, "We'll be back soon, baby." The others laughed and Duo hugged Noin then Milliardo.
Quatre in the meantime was saying goodbye to Relena, Catherine, Brian and Dorothy. They all hugged eachother. Trowa came from behind him and hugged them as well. "We'll be back before you all know it," the tall pilot said with a warm smile. Dorothy sighed, "The sooner the better. It's not the same without all of you around. And we'll be worried until you all come back." "Don't be too worried," the Arabian replied. "We need you to stay strong here while we're gone." Catherine hugged her brother and Quatre. "Just come back safe, that's all," she said quietly.
Lady Une hugged Kumi and Sette. "I know that you'll all be fine out there," the young woman said with assurance. Kumi nodded, "It's nothing we can't handle. Thank you for all of your help again." Une nodded, "It's a pleasure to work with you pilots." Sette smiled, "Yea, well, we do kind of grow on people." "That's an understatement," Wufei chuckled as he came and hugged the leader of the Preventers. "Take care, Wufei," she smiled to the Chinese pilot. Wufei gave a nod and wave as he walked off to say goodbye to Sally.
Sally forced a smile as the young pilot walked to her. "Saved the best for last," he said quietly. Sally lowered her head with a chuckle. Wufei the his arms around her and she returned the gesture. "I'll be back," Wufei promised as he whispered in her ear. The young woman nodded, "I know you will be. Just take it easy out there." They kissed deeply and embraced once again, tightly.
Catherine walked to Heero and Duo, hugging them both. The pilots pecked her on the cheek. The Wing pilot rested his forehead onto hers, saying gently, "Don't look for enemies among friends, Catherine." The young woman's eyes widened a bit, then she lowered her head and looked in the direction of Kumi and Sette. "They're in the same boat we are, babe," the braided pilot said quietly. The redhead nodded, "Yea...I know." Looking to Heero and Duo, she shrugged, "You two watch yourselves." "Aw, you know us," Duo smiled. "What will you do now?" Heero asked. Catherine sighed, "I'll wait here for all of you. Someone should stick around as a cheerleader."
Quatre hugged Noin and smiled, "Bye, Miss Noin." "Bye, Quatre. Play it safe out there." The Arabian nodded, "Always." Milliardo shook the pilot's hand before giving a quick hug and asking, "Are you ready to head home?" Quatre sighed, "This is my home, with the other pilots and all of you. I'm looking forward to returning." Noin gave a warm smile and said quietly, "We're going to miss all of you terribly." Milliardo nodded, "You've helped teach us more than people twice your age have been able to. To lose any of you would be a loss greater than anything the people of the Earth and the Colonies could afford." The blonde pilot lowered his head humbly. "I thank you for those kind words, Mister Milliardo." "I wouldn't say them if they weren't true," the long-haired pilot replied.
Kumi looked to Relena and Novem. She gave a nod and said, "I know that you're prepared for anything and everything that comes your way while we're gone. With Miliardo, you'll be able to hold off OZ and any threat that they make." Relena replied, "We'll do everything that we can." Kumi nodded, "That's all we can ask." Sette smiled as she joined them. "You girls are going to kick ass!" she cheered with a huge hug for each pilot. Novem laughed, "Thank you for everything, both of you. It'll be good to have you back to fight by you sides again." Relena smiled, "Thank you for giving a chance to be soldiers instead of spectators."
Hidden from the eyes of all of the pilots and their friends, two pilots held eachother tightly in a hidden section of the hanger. Both had their eyes closed, memorizing the feeling so that they could recall it at times of loneliness during their missions. Duo fought the tears building in his eyes and instead gave a forced, small chuckle as he and his lover pulled back for a moment to look in eachother's eyes. Heero bit is lip and sighed deeply as he caressed the braided pilot's cheek deeply. "I miss you already," he whispered sadly. The tears in Duo's eyes were more threatening now more than ever as he nodded, "I miss you, too, koibito."
Duo searched for something under his space suit and pulled out his cross. The gold glistened brightly even under the dim lights where they stood. He took the chain from around his neck and placed it around Heero's. The Wing pilot's eyes widened as he gasped, "Duo, you should keep it." The braided pilot smiled and shook his head, "I'll feel better knowing that you have it." Heero looked to the crucifix and whispered, "Are you sure?" Duo nodded, "I might run and hide, but I never tell a lie, remember." His lover chuckled and kissed his lips gently. "Thank you," he whispered. After placing the cross under his suit, the Wing pilot wrapped looked into Duo's eyes and said quietly, "I don't believe in much in this life...But there is one thing I believe in." His lover bit his lip and a stray tear rolled down his cheek. Heero kissed it away and whispered, "I believe in you, Duo...always." Duo gave a wide smile through his tears and replied, "I believe in you, Heero...forever."
They kissed deeply for what seemed to be an eternity. Neither wanted to break the kiss, but had to in order to breathe again. They held each other tightly and Duo whispered, "Don't over-do it out there." They pulled back a moment and Heero ran his thumb over Duo's lips, whispering, "You either." They kissed gently and grabbed their backpacks. Still holding hands, they joined their comrades, who were just finished their goodbyes and have their possessions with them.
Heero gave a nod, "Let's move." At that, the pilots all went to their Gundams and prepared to set out. Heero and Kumi passed eachother as they walked to their suits. They took eachother by their bandaged hands, gave a squeeze and never said a word to eachother. After the gesture, they placed their gloves on and went to their cockpits. Their friends all watched from below as the young soldiers vanished in the huge Gundams. Wing Zero was the first to depart, followed by Excalibur and Deathscythe right behind. Mason and Sand Rock took off soon after finally Heave Arms and Nataku took to the air. Their friends watched and waved them off.
Noin sighed deeply, "Seven pilots...And a lot of ground between them." Milliardo nodded, "And a foe that is waiting for them to arrive." The couple held hands and prayed silently to themselves. "They have to come back safely," Noin whispered. Milliardo kissed her head, unable to find the words to ease the fear and concern that either of them had. The harsh truth was that there was no way to be certain that all seven pilots would live to return. All that they could do now was hope, fight when they had to...and wait.
TBC