DISCLAIMER: The Gundam Wing characters are not mine, with the exception of Kumi Yuy and Sette Devion.
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 31: Misplaced Loyalties
by SkyLark
with help from Snodin, Vampira, Sam, Stormy, Silver Star, Beekay, GREETER 600, Ruby and everyone who had supported this saga
The Gundam pilots flew off in their suits as they tried to see if there was anyway of knowing where their Arabian friend was headed. Wufei looked to his monitors and said, "I thought that the darkness that was trying to get to Quatre had been stopped." Kumi's monotone voice replied, "It was. Quatre's acting on his own free will." Sette shook her head, "But what could he be thinking?" Trowa answered, "We'll figure that out once we know where he's heading. "
Zes and Novem were flying a carrier that bared Calvary, Rampage, and Sand Rock. The young queen looked to her friends with concern and stated, "I just hope that he's okay. I've never known Quatre to just up and disappear without any explanation." Wufei said with a deep sigh, "You're right about that...And knowing him, it's pretty safe to say that he is taking on something bigger that he can handle."
Delapan announced, "I've got a fix on that ship he took from the hanger." The redhead looked closer to his monitors. As she looked to the radar, her eyes widened as she gave a small gasp. Sette was beyond worried now as she all but shouted, "Where is he!?!" Catherine replied quietly, still in shock, "Colony L4." Sette, Trowa, Wufei, Novem and Zes all shouted, "WHAT!?!" Novem shook her head, "It makes sense. That's why Quatre wouldn't tell us where he was heading. He never was one to involve anyone in personal issues, no matter how bad the situation might be."
In Excalibur, the 'Perfect Soldier' used the information that Delapan had gathered to see what she could find on L4. It wasn't long before she located a message that had been sent by the council of the colony to the regiments of the war. Kumi clenched her fists as she looked to her reports on the screen. She said in a low growl, "I just found out why he's heading there." Trowa asked hesitantly with dread in his voice, "What is it? Is OZ staring another battle there?" The silver-haired pilot replied, "No. Colony L4 is forming an alliance with OZ."
* * * * * *
Pulsar was floating close to the Milky Way as the men and women inside were just beginning to pick up the pieces of the devastation that wrecked them with the accomplishment of the last two missions just five days prior to now. Commander Wilcox was sitting in the control room, watching the Preventers who worked at their computers. Looking to the colored rings in the image of the galaxy, the man sighed deeply and lowered his head. "After all of the hard work those pilots went through, they can't even celebrate the fact that they successfully brought about what will help destroy OZ."
A Preventer walked to the commander with a report in her hand. She informed him, "Sir, we should be receiving Deathscythe in three or four days. The remains of the suit were placed on a Star Shuttle and sent to these coordinates." Wilcox accepted the paper that she offered upon saying this. Looking to the report for a moment, he nodded, "Very good. We'll head in that direction, then. Have the navigators informed. Also, report to the crew in the hanger to inform them that they'll be repairing the Gundam soon. They're already aware of the changes that are to be made on the suit, so all should be in order by the time we intercept Deathscythe." The young woman received the transcript again and saluted, "Yes, Sir." Walking back to her post, she went to do just as Wilcox had asked.
The doors to the control room opened behind the commander. He didn't bother to turn, since he knew that it would be Lady Une or another Preventer that he became friends with while on his ship. He heard a familiar voice say quietly to his back, "Hello, Justin." The man's eyes widened and he quickly turned around to see if his ears were deceiving him. His green eyes were met by the gaze of a pair of soft brown ones. He whispered in shock, "Sera."
Sera Makato looked in sadness to her friend. The two Preventers hugged for a moment. When the embrace broke, Wilcox gave a small smile and said, "I never thought that I would see you here." Makato nodded and admitted, "I wasn't planning on coming here." Lowering her head and clearing her throat, she said sadly, "Then I head about Duo..." Her right hand went up to brush back some of her hair as she tried to find the words she was looking for.
Facing her friend with small tears in her eyes, she barely managed to whisper, "I couldn't stay away from the other Gundam pilots and all of you here...If I had, I never would have forgiven myself." Wilcox gave his comrade another, reassuring hug and whispered, "Thank you. It means a lot to have you back here at Pulsar." The hug was broken again and Sera nodded to herself. Drying her eyes, Sera replied with a small smile, "I've missed it here."
The young woman's smile faded again and she asked quietly in great concern, "How is Heero?" Wilcox sighed deeply and lowered his head as he closed his eyes. He shook his head and answered, "Not good. The other pilots managed to get a few words out of him after V10 was destroyed, but that was all...The last thing that Heero said was that he's beyond help now." Makato gave a small gasp and bit her lip in effort to fight the threat of even more tears that were about to make their way into her eyes.
Wrapping her arms around her waist, the Japanese pilot sniffed and whispered, "God, he loved Duo so much...When I saw them together, it was like two halves of a whole united...I never saw anything like that...It didn't seem possible that two people could love each other so much." Justin nodded and cleared his throat before saying gently, "They really were something." Sera looked to the commander with desperation and said, "We have to find Heero, Justin. If anything happens to him-" The young man shook his head and assured her, "We'll find him, Sera. Don't worry about that." The young woman bit her lip and nodded.
Lady Une entered the room and looked to the two soldiers. Wilcox smiled warmly and wrapped one of his long arms around Makato's shoulders as he introduced, "Lady Une, this is Sera Makato. Sera, Lady Une." The two women smiled to each other and shook hands. Lady Une said sincerely, "It's nice to finally meet you, Sera. Justin, here, has told me a great deal about you. And I can't thank you enough for all that you did to help Heero." Sera nodded and replied, "It's a great honor to meet you, Lady Une."
Wilcox informed his leader, "Sera was looking to see if there was any way that she might be able to stay here at Pulsar and help us out." Une's smile grew as she nodded and looked to the Japanese soldier, "Of course. Thank you for returning to make that request." Makato gave a small nod as she smiled back. Wilcox winked to his friend and led her to the doors of the control room. "Come on," he told her. "I'll introduce you to Marimaya, Noin, Sally and Milliardo." Lady Une watched as the other Preventers left the room. Sighing deeply to herself, she said quietly, "We're going to need all the help that we can get in this war."
* * * * * *
Back on L4, there was an enormous crowd of people that gathered at the main city where their elected council gathered regularly. Before the massive building that housed their representatives, all of the people of L4 gathered in as tightly as possible, looking to the large white structure, the people had brought hundreds of mobile suits that had been built to defend L4 in this war. The suits were lined around the sity, almost looking over the crowd and creating a wall.
Within the mob, a young man with blonde locks walked to the front of the ocean of people. Looking to the podium high at the top of the large and marble stairs, he could see that every member of the colony's council was present as they stood behind the platform, elevated on a stage that rested there. They were speaking amongst themselves, some with smiles and others with almost nervousness in their faces. Everyone in the gathered flock of people had been talking amongst themselves, as well, with the same mixed feelings and expressions. Quatre waited patiently to see if what he feared was true.
Inwardly, the Arabian cringed at the thought of leaving the other pilots behind the was he did, but the he didn't have much of a choice. He didn't want any of their lives to be at risk if there was going to be a riot or a struggle that could erupt. Anything was possible with the people of L4. Quatre always knew the people to be ones of passionate feelings and views, ones that they would be more that happy to kill for if there was an opportunity for it.
After what seemed like an eternity, one of the Senators stepped forward to the podium and the crowd gave a loud cry of elation when they saw him. The Senator of forty years in age waved to everyone with a warm smile. Once the cheers and applause died down, he began, "My people, as your elected officials, we have always considered your safety and protection to be our greatest concern.
"As we all know, this has been a war unlike any to have existed prior to this time. And it is safe to say that the Gundam pilots have taken on an enemy in OZ that they cannot hope to win." The crowd began to show their agreement as there was clapping here-and-there in the mass. Quatre lowered his head and bit his lip, holding back his anger.
The Senator announced, "For your protection, and for the safety of Colony L4...After much deliberation, we have decided that it would be best to ally with OZ." There was an eruption of applause, cheers and cries from the crowd that was deafening at this news. Quatre's eyes widened as he looked in shock and disbelief to the Senator, then to the celebration that took place around him.
Quatre was beside himself. After all of the things that he and his friends had done, the people of his home colony were going to side with the same foe that had threatened their lives and safety from the beginning. The Senator smiled and waved to the cheering crowd again. It then became clear that the hundreds of mobile suits that surrounded the city's boundaries were going to be used in fighting against the Gundam pilots. The crowd continued to applaud and cheer for the decision as they hugged and kissed each other.
Finally, unwilling to listen to this any longer, the Arabian threw his hood off, glaring to the Senator and the Council members behind him. Quatre stepped ahead of the mob and ran to the podium. As soon as he reached the top of the stairs, the people of the crowd looked to the Arabian in shock and disbelief. One of the Representatives whispered hoarsely, "Q-Quatre?" The Arabian looked to all of the Council members with a stern look as he made his way in front of them. Each Representative and Senator continued to look in amazement to the young man who came from nowhere. It had not been since the Eve Wars when they last saw Quatre.
The pilot stepped to the microphone and began, "As you all know, I am Quatre Rabarba Winner. And I understand that seeing me here is the last thing that anyone expected, since I disappeared after my father's death. But, I could not stay quiet, knowing that there would most like be a situation like this here after the announcement fro OZ concerning the death of Gundam Pilot 02." Some of the people in the crowd began to look to the young man with anger, others with sympathy.
Quatre looked to his people and lowered his head as he stated, "I realize that the news of OZ having killed that pilot is more than frightening than anything for all of you. However, to even consider making an alliance with OZ is something that I can not allow to happen." The people of L4 were beginning to grumble and talk among themselves now, after a bad cord had been struck with the Arabian's words. One of the Senators stepped forward and called to the pilot, "What right do you have to return here and tell us what we should or shouldn't do after you disappeared during the Eve Wars?"
The Arabian turned back to him and asked sternly, "What right did any of you have to take the life of a man that was looking our for your best interests?" The Representatives and Senators looked to the blonde pilot with wide eyes upon taking this question in. The crowd was stunned and fell silent before Quatre as well. They had always known him to be the quiet son of their Winner pacifist leader. Not only had he, but he was also confident now. Seeing that he had everyone's attention again, the young man sighed deeply and shook his head, "When will all of you learn? While I have not been here on L4 in person, I have always been concerned with your well-being...Even after my father was killed at your hands."
With a small pause, Quatre continued, "You were always in my thoughts and heart. Colony L4 is made up of good people, regardless of what you have done, I know that you are all decent people. And in knowing that, I can only hope that you would have the decency to hear me out...If anyone wishes for me to leave and not go on with why I returned, I will do so. Speak up if you would rater disappeared again."
The Arabian stepped back from the microphone for a moment to scan the crowd before him. There was nothing but silence. Even the Representatives and Senators looked to each other, but would not say anything in protest. The mob was no longer looking to the pilot with any anger as they continued to listen. Finally, Quatre smiled and nodded, "Thank you."
* * * * * *
The Gundam pilots were nearing Colony L4 now and were about to reach the colony when they noticed that they were not alone. There was an army of OZ soldiers making their way to the same site. Delapan growled and shouted, "Damn it! We can't do anything without OZ showing up!" Wufei said quietly, in a low growl, "They're probably here to finalize the deal that the people of L4 were going to be making."
Kumi nodded her agreement and called, "Zes, Novem, decide between the two of you who will fly Sand Rock to Quatre. The other will stay here in space with us to take out the soldiers. Sette, stay here and contact Pulsar before you go onto the battle. We'll need all the backup that we can get. Everyone else, fan out and keep those pilots as far in space as possible. The people on L4 can't be involved in this if we can help it."
Sette nodded, "You got it, boss," and began channeling the signal right away as the other pilots shot off to the metal cloud of mobile suits that was making its way to the L4. Right away, Rashid's image came on the ex-princess's screen. The tomboy smiled in relief as she sighed, "Man is it good to see you, Rashid." The tall man looked to the pilot with some concern and asked, "Is everything alright, Madame Sette?" The pilot began, "I'll explain the details later. Right now, we need all the help that we can get from everyone. We're over Colony L4." The tall man's eyes widened, since he did not need to ask who was involved in the dilemma. "We'll be there right away," he nodded just as before cutting the connection.
The tomboy gave a small smile and thought aloud, "Those boys are awesome." Looking ahead to the struggle that the other Gundam pilots had begun with the OZ soldiers just a few miles ahead, Sette shouted, "Alright, Mason! Let's show these bastards how piloting is really done!" Instantly, she shot off to the fight, Mason's laser mallet raised high over its head.
* * * * * *
Looking to his people with confidence that he never knew that he had, Quatre informed them, "The Gundam pilots are not going to allow OZ to win this war...And they favor neither the Earth nor the Colonies, defending everyone from the wrath of that terrible organization known as OZ and they will continue to do so until the end." Someone within the crowd shouted, "But OZ killed one of them. The Gundam pilots couldn't possibly be able to recover from such a loss." Quatre lowered his head sadly as his eyes closed.
"Duo Maxwell was a good person, who believed in what all of the Gundam pilots believe in, and that's peace for the people of Earth and Space. He was a friend to all those who he knew and would do anything for any of them if they ever needed help," Quatre bit his lip and cleared his throat. Lifting his head, tears had been building in his eyes as the people watched and listened in shock. The pilot said quietly, "And Duo was a wonderful pilot and an even better friend to myself and my fellow Gundam pilots."
Instantly, everyone in the crowd cried out, gasped, shouted or made some kind of reaction as they looked in shock to the Arabian. Quatre wiped a stray tear and continued, "Now you all know why I couldn't allow myself to return to L4. I am Gundam pilot 04." The commotion's volume increased from the onlookers as he went on, "I was trained to pilot the suit known as Sand Rock to gain the peace that had been robbed of us for years, beginning with the Eve Wars." Many of the members of the crowd were showing other expressions along with shock, including anger and elation.
Quatre stated sternly over the sounds of the mob, "I used to concern myself constantly, worrying about what all of you would think and feel toward me and my actions. I've grown since then and I am no longer concerned with your feelings on the matter because I have no regrets...Thanks to my agreeing to pilot Unit 04, I have fought by the sides of the most amazing people that I have ever met.
"They fight for all of you unselfishly, with no wish for recognition or even respect from anyone. Wanting nothing more than your protection, they risk their lives every day to see that you all go to your beds safely every night...And now you're going to turn your backs on them and sign an alliance with the very cause of the pain and suffering that they have been fighting against for years."
The people were beside themselves, as they took everything in that the young man was telling them. Just then, the sound of massive explosions crashed from miles over the people's heads. Everyone looked up to see that there was a battle being raged high over the colony. Lights from lasers and explosions were in plain sight in the late afternoon air as the mobile suits were beginning to make their way further into the atmosphere. Everyone screamed as they pointed up and watched the display. The Arabian looked in terror as he whispered breathlessly, "Oh no." Quatre shouted into the microphone, "Everyone get to safety!"
With screams and cries, the mob was quickly trying to break through the city in their flee for protection from the battle that was making its way down to them. Since there were far too many people to be able to hide in the buildings that of the city, many had to run towards the fields beyond that.
Quatre looked up to see that a carrier was flying right for the building where he was standing. The Council members behind him shouted and ran back as they looked to the ship. The Arabian shielded his eyes from the dust and small flying stones that had been blown from the descent of the craft. The blonde pilot lowered his arm and watched as the carrier landed just on the steps before him. With the side hatch opening, the Gundam pilot ran down the stairs to see who had been piloting.
To his shock, Relena jumped out from the door and smiled brightly as she waved to her friend, "I brought an old friend of yours!" Quatre laughed and ran into the ship after Zes. The Council members watched as they poked from the shelter of the enormous building where they gathered. Seeing Quatre run in the craft, they moved forward to see what he was doing. Just as they got a good look to the long and wide plane, the vehicle was sliced by two massive sais and a pair of curved blades, causing the carrier to explode with an enormous crash.
Two Gundam suits shot off into the air, past the flames and unscathed. With frightened and shocked faces, the Senators and Representatives watched as the suits ascended into the air without looking back. The same man who began the speech to announce the alliance with OZ stepped forward, looking in the direction where the suits disappeared. With a small voice, he whispered breathlessly with a slack jaw, "I...I'll be damned." The rest of the council gathered around him, as they looked in the same direction they he was now gazing, with the same expression that he bore.
A handful of people began making their way to an opening just beyond the town when an immobile Virgo was falling right towards them. Unable to break from the large suit's path, the men and women screamed as they prepared themselves to be crushed. Just before the Virgo was about to fall upon them, the terrified people heard the crunch of metal against metal over their heads. Uncovering their eyes and looking up, their jaws fell slack and their eyes widened.
A brown Gundam with two massive sais caught the destroyed Virgo suit and tossed the it away with ease. Zes turned and looked to the civilians as she called, "Are you alright?" The people below her continued to look at her suit in shock and relief as they nodded. Relena smiled and sighed deeply in relief as she dried some sweat from her forehead. "Hurry and get to shelter," she called to the civilians just before flying off to where the battle was still being waged. The small group of people that she saved looked to his suit as it shot off in amazement.
In the beginning of L4's atmosphere, Kumi stabbed through two Leos in one thrust, flinging the mobile suits off her blade as they exploded in midair. Looking to her monitors, she growled deeply, "We have to drive them upward again. There'll be too many casualties if we keep being drug down like this." Wufei shot his wave of flames from Nataku's dragon arm and called, "That's going to be easier said than done, since these damn OZ troops keep coming from nowhere!"
Trowa cut through three Aries suits as he flew past them, using the massive blade in his suit's right arm. The tall pilot asked, "Any signs of the Maqunauts yet?" Sette shook her head and hammered down three Space Virgos, "Not yet. But they should be here any minute." A handful of other suits quickly made their way to the ex-princess, who welcomed the fight.
Delapan took out three more suits with her snake-like whip as she wrapped them in the spiked coils in one quick lasso. She told the others, "Just worry about keeping these soldiers as bay. Everyone that lives on this colony is right below us." Novem was shooting arrows left and right as she kept arming her suit with the unlimited supply that Rampage offered every time she needed to reload. "Just be sure to intercept any suits that manage to break through," she called to her comrades.
The pilots continued to wipe out soldiers by any means that they had as the battle raged on. It was becoming increasingly difficult for them as more and more soldiers appeared from nowhere. Zes had made her way back to the fight as she returned with Quatre in Sand Rock right behind her. Sette, Trowa, Delapan, Novem and Wufei cheered when they saw the Arabian making his way up to them. Quatre sighed in relief when he saw that everyone was alright.
"Sorry that I left the way I did, everyone," the Arabian announced to his friends. Sette laughed as she went on fighting, "We'll talk later, sweetheart. Right now, we're a little busy." Quatre nodded and saw that there were some Leos attempting to outnumber Delapan. The blonde pilot instantly shot off in their direction and cut the mobile suits without little difficulty. The redhead sighed deeply and chuckled, "Thanks, Quatre. Good to have you back."
The team of Gundams worked as one, though they were spread throughout the sky. They were sure to help their friends who were struggling and kept special care in seeing that none of the suits made their way to the colony's surface. It was not long before another swarm of OZ soldiers came to back up their comrades.
"Damn it," Kumi snapped as she clenched her teeth and looked to see the great numbers of opponents. Trowa growled, "Where the hell are they all coming from?" Zes shook her head as she continued to fight, "It's like this every time, every battle is the same with them...Just when you start making a mark, there's another pack of soldiers waiting to support the ones that we wipe out. It doesn't make sense." Wufei warned, "Make sure that you don't forget to scan everything around you. These soldiers are a lot faster than you think. Somehow, they must have been preparing for a fight like this."
The Chinese pilot couldn't have been more right in saying this. The more and more the OZ soldiers fought, the better they got at reading the Gundam pilots' motions and reactions to their advances. Sette was looking to her radar and hissed, "Damn! Still no sign of back up, or a slow down in the OZ forces." Trowa's voice rang out, "Right now, just worry about what we're up against. We can't afford to get caught up enough that we make a mistake."
Back on the surface on Colony L4, most of the people came from hiding so that they could squint as they looked to the sky, trying to make out what was happening with the struggle. One young man, just a year older than the Gundam pilots, looked to the battle and growled deeply. Looking to the people around him, he saw that none of them were moving to do anything to end the fight. Finally, he ran up to the podium and shouted, "Everyone listen to me! Quatre was right in everything that he had said! We've been nothing but cowards over the years and have placed our loyalties in the hands of those who threaten the lives and rights of everyone in Space and on the Earth!"
The men and women looked to the young protestor with open minds and hearts for the first time in years, thanks to the speech that the Arabian pilot had given them. Pointing to the Gundam suits and the OZ soldiers that they were fighting, the dark-haired man cried into the microphone, "When will enough be enough? We can't hide any longer, while expecting others to die for us. Quatre and his friends have faith in us, otherwise they would not be protecting us as they have for the last seven years! It's about time that we show them that the sacrifices they make every day for us are not in vain!" The crowd shouted and cheered as they raised their fists in the air with determined and stern faces. "Who will fight with them!?!" the man shouted into the microphone.
Instantly, the mass of people went flocking to the suits that surrounded the city. Every soldier that fought for L4, men and women, took to the mobile suits as they strapped themselves in the cockpits and shot off to the fight miles over their heads. Soon, the airs were filled with a great sheet of metal as the pilots of L4 went to aid the pilots who had been struggling for almost twenty minutes now.
In the air, the Gundam pilots were being greatly suppressed by their opponents. Still, they went on fighting with the same fury and devotion that they always had, refusing to allow themselves to weaken or falter. There wasn't anything that was going to make them slow or stop their assault. Sweating badly and becoming bruised, they never allowed their enemies the benefit of the doubt, other than the fact that they were in no way matched in number.
Quatre took out four suits as he cut into them with his curved blades. Breathing heavily, he looked to the monitors, unable to see an end to the mobile suits, even with all of the ground that he and his friends had covered. Wiping just some of the salty drops from his face, the Arabian said quietly, "If this keeps up, we're not going to be able to hold our own." Just then, there was something beeping on his radars. His eyes instantly widened, expecting the worst. "Don't tell me there are more OZ soldiers coming," he whispered in a tired, grave voice.
The other pilots were picking up the same interference as they all assumed that they would be taking on more opponents making the scene. Just then, Delapan shouted, "Wait a minute! The suits making their way here are coming from L4!" Quatre gasped, "What!?!" He looked to the monitors for a closer investigation.
Sure enough, there was an incredible fleet of mobile suits from the colony making their way to the scene. The blonde pilot laughed loudly as he watched his people coming to join the fight. The image out the brunette that got the people to help the Gundam pilots appeared on their monitors. He smiled to the Arabian, "Quatre, all of you, please forgive us for not doing this sooner. We'll help spread the forces and thin them out that way."
Kumi gave a very small, nearly unnoticeable, smile as she looked to the first sign of support in a very difficult battle. "Alright," she announced. "You heard him! Head for the colony's surface!" At this the Gundam suits dropped from the sky head-first. The startled OZ pilots looked to the retreat as they were uncertain what had just happened. Not concerned with the fact that they did not know where the young warriors were heading, they all shot off right behind them.
The wave of mobile suits from L4 was flying right towards the Gundams and stopped when they were less than two miles apart. Narrowing the gap between them, the Gundam pilots continued to fly for their confirmed allies. Kumi warned her comrades, "Don't pull up until you're almost right on top of them."
The brave young protestor looked to his people and called, "Hold your fire until the Gundam suits are out of the way. The OZ troops will be right behind them." Knowing what they had to do, the two forces kept their senses keen as they prepared for the tactic to come. The L4 soldiers remained suspended in mid-air, with the Gundams quickly making their way to them. The soldiers removes and aimed their guns up in the direction of the large suits.
Just a few short feet from colliding with the reinforcements, Kumi yelled, "Pull up!" As hard as they could, the eight pilots pulled back on their controls. They all managed to shoot right past the L4 troops just before they could crash into them. The moment they were cleared, the OZ soldiers were now in plain sight and just a few short feet from the support team. The brunette L4 pilot shouted, "Pour it on them!" Instantly, all of the mobile suits opened fire upon the dumbfounded enemies. Many of the OZ suits exploded before their pilots had time to realize what happened. Their numbers were being cut as very few managed to pull out of harm's way.
The Gundam pilots reentered the scene and worked their way through the soldiers that managed to escape death for the time being. Now able to have some of the burden on their shoulders removed, they managed to get their second wind and returned stronger than ever. The L4 soldiers spread throughout the air and many began dragging the OZ soldiers closer to the colony's surface, giving themselves more of an advantage since they knew what to expect from the area below.
Wufei sent a fury of flames across his opponents when he noticed yet another massive collection of OZ soldiers making their way to the fight. His eyes narrowed and he hissed, "Shit! We just barely had a moment to breath and they're still sending soldiers in!" Not a minute after he said this, the Chinese pilot was up against the fresh batch of troops as he gladly returned every hit and strike made on him. His comrades and the L4 soldiers refused to give in, having come so far in a fight that meant so much for the victor.
The sights and sounds of the struggle were enough to make anyone cringe, as there were just so many explosions and shouts of rage and agony from all those involved. There was a good number of brave citizens who dared to step into the open as they looked to the skies and territories around them, where the battle was being waged.
Mothers held their children closely to them as they hid in caves, basements, where ever they could go to protect their young ones. Meanwhile, the sobs of their kids were almost covered by the sounds of explosions and screams from outside. For a colony that had never allowed itself to be fully involved in war, though they were not led by pacifism and longer, this was something that the individuals there never thought they would ever have to experience. War was something that they were finally willing to understand, regardless of what price it came with.
Some of the L4 soldiers were beginning to find difficulty in keeping their own numbers as they were becoming overwhelmed by the number of opponents. Quatre was now greatly concerned for his people and called to them as he fought off soldiers working against him, "You don't have to stay here any longer. We understand if you want to turn back and return to your families. We'll manage out here." The brunette L4 pilot shook his head and replied, "We're not going to hide any longer. You and your friends have one more than enough for all of us and it's an honor to fight with all of you."
The Arabian swallowed a lump that had caught in his throat. He never thought that he would hear such words from any of his people. Not one L4 pilot pulled back. Quatre gave a single nod and smiled, "Thank you...all of you." At this, he returned his full concentration on the battle as he dealt with the OZ soldiers that were as threatening as ever. It would be at least another five minutes that the fight would continue in this fashion, the Gundams and the L4 soldiers being grossly outnumbered.
Just when everyone was certain that there wouldn't be anything left to change the situation, Sette looked to her monitors as yet another fleet was being detected. With a small whimper of exhaustion and distress, she lowered her sweat-coated face and closed her eyes. "I don't know how much more of this we can take," she said in a small, exhausted voice.
Looking more closely to the image on her screen, the tomboy's blue eyes widened and her jaw fell slack. On her monitor, the fleet making their way to the atmosphere of L4 was a huge army of Preventer suits along with the Maquanauts. Included in the swarm, and taking the head of the charge, was Euphoria. Elated, Sette shouted, "THEY MADE IT!" Her friends all looked to their screens to see the same image. Their newest support came with loud shouts and screams as they took to the fight without hesitating.
Milliardo killed five pilots before they had a chance to blink. Looking to the Gundam pilots, he smiled, "Good to see you held out so long." Relena laughed and replied, "You have no idea how good it is to see you, right now." Her brother laughed and fought by her side as they made their way through the OZ soldiers. Together, Wine and Zes made quick work of any suit that attempted to challenge them.
Rashid shot to Quatre and killed an Aires that was about to attack the Arabian from behind. The blonde pilot beamed to his friend, "Rashid!" The tall pilot smiled and shook his head, "We'll talk later, Master Quatre. I won't lecture you in the middle of a fight like this." The Arabian smirked and nodded as a child would when they knew that they were going to hear it from their parents. He sighed deeply as he did so, "Yes, Rashid."
Sally Poe went as far as to bring a battle ship equipped with missile launchers like the ones that she and Noin had used to help Heero and Duo in their infiltration in the beginning of the Marimaya incident. Every missile was targeted for the OZ suits and made their marks as they soared through the skies at great speed and with amazing accuracy. Sera, Noin and Derek piloted their Taurus suits with speed, grace and ease as they zigged and zagged through the mobile suits.
The Maquanauts fought with the same talent and strength that they had all their lives. The Preventers were fresh and experienced in the mix of soldiers within their force. The soldiers of L4 were relieved and able to keep their numbers, now that they were able to share the struggle with many other pilots fighting the same enemy. The Gundam pilots were once again able to fight with a little more ease than they had prior to the arrival to their friends. And the OZ pilots were at a loss, as their comrades were being killed in every direction in every way possible.
Night was beginning to fall and the sky was brighter now than it had been in the middle of the day, being lit with the explosions and beams of the mobile suits and the Gundams. By now, every mobile suit that had been lining the capitol was now being used in the fight.
It was not long before the OZ soldiers were noticeably losing the battle that they had initiated. When they first flew to L4, they were certain to arise victorious, especially since they believed that L4 was going to make an alliance with them. Thanks to the quick arrival of the reinforcements of the Gundam pilots, all of their plans had failed. While they had the upper-hand for a good amount of the fight in the beginning, the end would always be what counted.
Excalibur was flapping it's enormous wings through the battle and Kumi took aim with her Buster Riffle to eliminate the OZ troops in large groups at one time. She was now able to see a clear and significant breakdown in the OZ suits. Her soaked face turned to her monitors and looked she witnessed several soldiers attempting to retreat. With a low growl, the Japanese pilot shot straight up to intercept them. The moment she flew past them, the silver-haired pilot turned and took out all fifteen suits with a single shot, despite their attempt to maneuver past the beam.
It was not long later that the OZ soldiers were soon wiped to their last handful. The Gundam pilots were given the pleasure of destroying the last few suits by their friends, since they had been fighting the longest in this struggle. With the destruction of the last mobile suit, there was a great cheer and applause from everyone not only in their own suits, but from those on the colony surface below. Exhausted and banged up, the Gundam pilots collapsed into their seats, panting for air and trying to get their thoughts together. They were all drenched and bore a good amount of bruises from their attacks. After a moment to recover and breathe freely again, the sound of the celebration came to their ears as they lied back in their cockpits.
Finally, the Gundams landed onto the colony, well after their friends and comrades had. The suits made a half-circle as they stood on the ground. When they opened their cockpits, there was what looked like an ocean of screaming, cheering and clapping people before them, from the foot of their suits and all around. The eight pilots stood in the openings of their cockpits, too shocked at the sight before them. The sounds of the celebration were deafening. Each of them looked to each other in shock, elation and relief. They lowered themselves to the ground.
The Maguanatus protected each of them from being trampled by the mob as they acted as their personal bodyguards, all the while celebrating and hugging their friends after their challenging victory. Rashid picked Sette up and they embraced. Quatre looked up to them with a warm smile. As the tall pilot lowered the ex-princess, he smiled back to his young master. He rubbed the top of the Arabian's head and chuckled deeply. Looking to the tomboy, Rashid asked, "You wouldn't happen to have a leash for him, too, would you?" Quatre looked to his protector in shock and Sette laughed loudly at the great expression.
Sera Makato made her way to the silver-haired pilot as some of the Maquanats were speaking with her niece. Kumi recognized the Preventer immediately and walked to her. With a very small nod, the cobalt-eyed pilot greeted, "Sera." The young woman smiled and nodded back, "Kumi." The two soldiers shook hands. Wufei and Sally kissed deeply after they ran to each other and embraced tightly. The Chinese pilot wrapped his arms around the braided pilot's waist and picked her up as they locked lips.
Trowa and Delapan hugged when they finally made their way to each other. It was the first time they got to pilot side-by-side for quite a while in their Gundams and they were both thrilled that they were able to have that opportunity again. Derek soon found the brother and sister team. The redhead cried out in shock, jumping into the Preventer's arms and kissing his cheek. The pair kissed deeply and looked to each other with warm smiles.
Derek and Catherine looked to Trowa, who gazed to Derek with a threateningly. Derek gave a small, nervous chuckle and lowered the tall pilot's sister gently. He extended his hand to the European pilot and gave a soft smile. Trowa chuckled deeply and accepted the hand, shaking it firmly as he nodded, "Nice work, Derek. Just watch yourself with my sister." Derek nodded and assured him, "You don't have to worry about that."
Novem and Zes were laughing and hugging as they managed to reunite in the midst of the celebration. They were soon joined by Milliardo and Noin as the couple held hands tightly, not to lose each other while they made their way through the mob. Milliardo hugged Relena and sighed deeply in content, "You're an amazing pilot." Zes chuckled in the embrace, "It must run in the Peacecraft blood."
It was not long before all of the Gundam pilots and their closest friends managed to gather again before their suits. Kumi finally got a chance to see Quatre for the first time since the time since he went off on his own. The blonde pilot was smiling nervously as the stern pilot approached him. Her face was as expressionless as ever. They stood just a few inches from each other, eyes locked and never tearing away.
After a pause, Kumi threw her right fist into the Arabian's left cheek, quickly catching him before he could fall back and hurt himself. Stunned, Quatre looked to Kumi with wide eyes and his hand over the bruised cheek after she straightened him onto his feet. The silver-haired pilot removed his hand and gently placed her own hand over that same cheek. With a small smirk, she told him, "Just warn us next time you plan on putting yourself in danger again." Quatre smiled warmly and wrapped his arms around the 'Perfect Soldier,' understanding completely that she hit him out of concern for him.
When the embrace broke, Kumi looked to the people around them, who continued to celebrate loudly. The blonde pilot did the same, still amazed that his people were so accepting of him and his friends. He heard the silver-haired pilot say quietly enough that only he could hear, "Never forget this, Quatre. You brought all of these people, your people, together in a time when it didn't seem possible...And you gave them something to believe in, along with everyone on Earth and in Space." With another small smirk, Excalibur's pilot chuckled deeply yet sincerely, "Not bad for a guy that blames himself for everything, if you ask me."
Moved by his friend's words, The Arabian turned back to his comrade with small tears building in his eyes, too taken back by everything that was happening to say anything. Drying a tear that escaped her friend's right eye, the 'Perfect Soldier' said sternly, yet gently, "Don't ever forget this. And don't ever doubt yourself, Quatre. You're a pretty amazing guy." The smaller pilot nodded and gave a small whispered, "Thank you. I promise I'll always remember this."
Kumi gave a nod then looked up to the tall Maquanaut who stood near them. With a single nod she told him, "Hoist him up, Rashid. He's earned it." The man smiled warmly and gripped the sides of Quatre's waist, sitting the pilot on his right shoulder. The moment that he was up over the people, the volume of the crowd increased, even when that didn't seem possible. Soon, everyone in the crowd along with the young pilot's friends, were all chanting, "Quatre!" in one voice. The Arabian's smile was brighter than any star and any sun that the universe had to offer as he waved to everyone.
It was the first time in a long time that everyone could remember what it felt like to be truly happy, and truly hopeful that the war would end favorable for peace, as the last two wars had. It would be a moment that would be recalled by all who witnessed and were present whenever times would become shadowed with doubt and fear from this point on. For regardless of how wonderful this time was, the war was still far from ending.
TBC
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 31: Misplaced Loyalties
by SkyLark
with help from Snodin, Vampira, Sam, Stormy, Silver Star, Beekay, GREETER 600, Ruby and everyone who had supported this saga
The Gundam pilots flew off in their suits as they tried to see if there was anyway of knowing where their Arabian friend was headed. Wufei looked to his monitors and said, "I thought that the darkness that was trying to get to Quatre had been stopped." Kumi's monotone voice replied, "It was. Quatre's acting on his own free will." Sette shook her head, "But what could he be thinking?" Trowa answered, "We'll figure that out once we know where he's heading. "
Zes and Novem were flying a carrier that bared Calvary, Rampage, and Sand Rock. The young queen looked to her friends with concern and stated, "I just hope that he's okay. I've never known Quatre to just up and disappear without any explanation." Wufei said with a deep sigh, "You're right about that...And knowing him, it's pretty safe to say that he is taking on something bigger that he can handle."
Delapan announced, "I've got a fix on that ship he took from the hanger." The redhead looked closer to his monitors. As she looked to the radar, her eyes widened as she gave a small gasp. Sette was beyond worried now as she all but shouted, "Where is he!?!" Catherine replied quietly, still in shock, "Colony L4." Sette, Trowa, Wufei, Novem and Zes all shouted, "WHAT!?!" Novem shook her head, "It makes sense. That's why Quatre wouldn't tell us where he was heading. He never was one to involve anyone in personal issues, no matter how bad the situation might be."
In Excalibur, the 'Perfect Soldier' used the information that Delapan had gathered to see what she could find on L4. It wasn't long before she located a message that had been sent by the council of the colony to the regiments of the war. Kumi clenched her fists as she looked to her reports on the screen. She said in a low growl, "I just found out why he's heading there." Trowa asked hesitantly with dread in his voice, "What is it? Is OZ staring another battle there?" The silver-haired pilot replied, "No. Colony L4 is forming an alliance with OZ."
* * * * * *
Pulsar was floating close to the Milky Way as the men and women inside were just beginning to pick up the pieces of the devastation that wrecked them with the accomplishment of the last two missions just five days prior to now. Commander Wilcox was sitting in the control room, watching the Preventers who worked at their computers. Looking to the colored rings in the image of the galaxy, the man sighed deeply and lowered his head. "After all of the hard work those pilots went through, they can't even celebrate the fact that they successfully brought about what will help destroy OZ."
A Preventer walked to the commander with a report in her hand. She informed him, "Sir, we should be receiving Deathscythe in three or four days. The remains of the suit were placed on a Star Shuttle and sent to these coordinates." Wilcox accepted the paper that she offered upon saying this. Looking to the report for a moment, he nodded, "Very good. We'll head in that direction, then. Have the navigators informed. Also, report to the crew in the hanger to inform them that they'll be repairing the Gundam soon. They're already aware of the changes that are to be made on the suit, so all should be in order by the time we intercept Deathscythe." The young woman received the transcript again and saluted, "Yes, Sir." Walking back to her post, she went to do just as Wilcox had asked.
The doors to the control room opened behind the commander. He didn't bother to turn, since he knew that it would be Lady Une or another Preventer that he became friends with while on his ship. He heard a familiar voice say quietly to his back, "Hello, Justin." The man's eyes widened and he quickly turned around to see if his ears were deceiving him. His green eyes were met by the gaze of a pair of soft brown ones. He whispered in shock, "Sera."
Sera Makato looked in sadness to her friend. The two Preventers hugged for a moment. When the embrace broke, Wilcox gave a small smile and said, "I never thought that I would see you here." Makato nodded and admitted, "I wasn't planning on coming here." Lowering her head and clearing her throat, she said sadly, "Then I head about Duo..." Her right hand went up to brush back some of her hair as she tried to find the words she was looking for.
Facing her friend with small tears in her eyes, she barely managed to whisper, "I couldn't stay away from the other Gundam pilots and all of you here...If I had, I never would have forgiven myself." Wilcox gave his comrade another, reassuring hug and whispered, "Thank you. It means a lot to have you back here at Pulsar." The hug was broken again and Sera nodded to herself. Drying her eyes, Sera replied with a small smile, "I've missed it here."
The young woman's smile faded again and she asked quietly in great concern, "How is Heero?" Wilcox sighed deeply and lowered his head as he closed his eyes. He shook his head and answered, "Not good. The other pilots managed to get a few words out of him after V10 was destroyed, but that was all...The last thing that Heero said was that he's beyond help now." Makato gave a small gasp and bit her lip in effort to fight the threat of even more tears that were about to make their way into her eyes.
Wrapping her arms around her waist, the Japanese pilot sniffed and whispered, "God, he loved Duo so much...When I saw them together, it was like two halves of a whole united...I never saw anything like that...It didn't seem possible that two people could love each other so much." Justin nodded and cleared his throat before saying gently, "They really were something." Sera looked to the commander with desperation and said, "We have to find Heero, Justin. If anything happens to him-" The young man shook his head and assured her, "We'll find him, Sera. Don't worry about that." The young woman bit her lip and nodded.
Lady Une entered the room and looked to the two soldiers. Wilcox smiled warmly and wrapped one of his long arms around Makato's shoulders as he introduced, "Lady Une, this is Sera Makato. Sera, Lady Une." The two women smiled to each other and shook hands. Lady Une said sincerely, "It's nice to finally meet you, Sera. Justin, here, has told me a great deal about you. And I can't thank you enough for all that you did to help Heero." Sera nodded and replied, "It's a great honor to meet you, Lady Une."
Wilcox informed his leader, "Sera was looking to see if there was any way that she might be able to stay here at Pulsar and help us out." Une's smile grew as she nodded and looked to the Japanese soldier, "Of course. Thank you for returning to make that request." Makato gave a small nod as she smiled back. Wilcox winked to his friend and led her to the doors of the control room. "Come on," he told her. "I'll introduce you to Marimaya, Noin, Sally and Milliardo." Lady Une watched as the other Preventers left the room. Sighing deeply to herself, she said quietly, "We're going to need all the help that we can get in this war."
* * * * * *
Back on L4, there was an enormous crowd of people that gathered at the main city where their elected council gathered regularly. Before the massive building that housed their representatives, all of the people of L4 gathered in as tightly as possible, looking to the large white structure, the people had brought hundreds of mobile suits that had been built to defend L4 in this war. The suits were lined around the sity, almost looking over the crowd and creating a wall.
Within the mob, a young man with blonde locks walked to the front of the ocean of people. Looking to the podium high at the top of the large and marble stairs, he could see that every member of the colony's council was present as they stood behind the platform, elevated on a stage that rested there. They were speaking amongst themselves, some with smiles and others with almost nervousness in their faces. Everyone in the gathered flock of people had been talking amongst themselves, as well, with the same mixed feelings and expressions. Quatre waited patiently to see if what he feared was true.
Inwardly, the Arabian cringed at the thought of leaving the other pilots behind the was he did, but the he didn't have much of a choice. He didn't want any of their lives to be at risk if there was going to be a riot or a struggle that could erupt. Anything was possible with the people of L4. Quatre always knew the people to be ones of passionate feelings and views, ones that they would be more that happy to kill for if there was an opportunity for it.
After what seemed like an eternity, one of the Senators stepped forward to the podium and the crowd gave a loud cry of elation when they saw him. The Senator of forty years in age waved to everyone with a warm smile. Once the cheers and applause died down, he began, "My people, as your elected officials, we have always considered your safety and protection to be our greatest concern.
"As we all know, this has been a war unlike any to have existed prior to this time. And it is safe to say that the Gundam pilots have taken on an enemy in OZ that they cannot hope to win." The crowd began to show their agreement as there was clapping here-and-there in the mass. Quatre lowered his head and bit his lip, holding back his anger.
The Senator announced, "For your protection, and for the safety of Colony L4...After much deliberation, we have decided that it would be best to ally with OZ." There was an eruption of applause, cheers and cries from the crowd that was deafening at this news. Quatre's eyes widened as he looked in shock and disbelief to the Senator, then to the celebration that took place around him.
Quatre was beside himself. After all of the things that he and his friends had done, the people of his home colony were going to side with the same foe that had threatened their lives and safety from the beginning. The Senator smiled and waved to the cheering crowd again. It then became clear that the hundreds of mobile suits that surrounded the city's boundaries were going to be used in fighting against the Gundam pilots. The crowd continued to applaud and cheer for the decision as they hugged and kissed each other.
Finally, unwilling to listen to this any longer, the Arabian threw his hood off, glaring to the Senator and the Council members behind him. Quatre stepped ahead of the mob and ran to the podium. As soon as he reached the top of the stairs, the people of the crowd looked to the Arabian in shock and disbelief. One of the Representatives whispered hoarsely, "Q-Quatre?" The Arabian looked to all of the Council members with a stern look as he made his way in front of them. Each Representative and Senator continued to look in amazement to the young man who came from nowhere. It had not been since the Eve Wars when they last saw Quatre.
The pilot stepped to the microphone and began, "As you all know, I am Quatre Rabarba Winner. And I understand that seeing me here is the last thing that anyone expected, since I disappeared after my father's death. But, I could not stay quiet, knowing that there would most like be a situation like this here after the announcement fro OZ concerning the death of Gundam Pilot 02." Some of the people in the crowd began to look to the young man with anger, others with sympathy.
Quatre looked to his people and lowered his head as he stated, "I realize that the news of OZ having killed that pilot is more than frightening than anything for all of you. However, to even consider making an alliance with OZ is something that I can not allow to happen." The people of L4 were beginning to grumble and talk among themselves now, after a bad cord had been struck with the Arabian's words. One of the Senators stepped forward and called to the pilot, "What right do you have to return here and tell us what we should or shouldn't do after you disappeared during the Eve Wars?"
The Arabian turned back to him and asked sternly, "What right did any of you have to take the life of a man that was looking our for your best interests?" The Representatives and Senators looked to the blonde pilot with wide eyes upon taking this question in. The crowd was stunned and fell silent before Quatre as well. They had always known him to be the quiet son of their Winner pacifist leader. Not only had he, but he was also confident now. Seeing that he had everyone's attention again, the young man sighed deeply and shook his head, "When will all of you learn? While I have not been here on L4 in person, I have always been concerned with your well-being...Even after my father was killed at your hands."
With a small pause, Quatre continued, "You were always in my thoughts and heart. Colony L4 is made up of good people, regardless of what you have done, I know that you are all decent people. And in knowing that, I can only hope that you would have the decency to hear me out...If anyone wishes for me to leave and not go on with why I returned, I will do so. Speak up if you would rater disappeared again."
The Arabian stepped back from the microphone for a moment to scan the crowd before him. There was nothing but silence. Even the Representatives and Senators looked to each other, but would not say anything in protest. The mob was no longer looking to the pilot with any anger as they continued to listen. Finally, Quatre smiled and nodded, "Thank you."
* * * * * *
The Gundam pilots were nearing Colony L4 now and were about to reach the colony when they noticed that they were not alone. There was an army of OZ soldiers making their way to the same site. Delapan growled and shouted, "Damn it! We can't do anything without OZ showing up!" Wufei said quietly, in a low growl, "They're probably here to finalize the deal that the people of L4 were going to be making."
Kumi nodded her agreement and called, "Zes, Novem, decide between the two of you who will fly Sand Rock to Quatre. The other will stay here in space with us to take out the soldiers. Sette, stay here and contact Pulsar before you go onto the battle. We'll need all the backup that we can get. Everyone else, fan out and keep those pilots as far in space as possible. The people on L4 can't be involved in this if we can help it."
Sette nodded, "You got it, boss," and began channeling the signal right away as the other pilots shot off to the metal cloud of mobile suits that was making its way to the L4. Right away, Rashid's image came on the ex-princess's screen. The tomboy smiled in relief as she sighed, "Man is it good to see you, Rashid." The tall man looked to the pilot with some concern and asked, "Is everything alright, Madame Sette?" The pilot began, "I'll explain the details later. Right now, we need all the help that we can get from everyone. We're over Colony L4." The tall man's eyes widened, since he did not need to ask who was involved in the dilemma. "We'll be there right away," he nodded just as before cutting the connection.
The tomboy gave a small smile and thought aloud, "Those boys are awesome." Looking ahead to the struggle that the other Gundam pilots had begun with the OZ soldiers just a few miles ahead, Sette shouted, "Alright, Mason! Let's show these bastards how piloting is really done!" Instantly, she shot off to the fight, Mason's laser mallet raised high over its head.
* * * * * *
Looking to his people with confidence that he never knew that he had, Quatre informed them, "The Gundam pilots are not going to allow OZ to win this war...And they favor neither the Earth nor the Colonies, defending everyone from the wrath of that terrible organization known as OZ and they will continue to do so until the end." Someone within the crowd shouted, "But OZ killed one of them. The Gundam pilots couldn't possibly be able to recover from such a loss." Quatre lowered his head sadly as his eyes closed.
"Duo Maxwell was a good person, who believed in what all of the Gundam pilots believe in, and that's peace for the people of Earth and Space. He was a friend to all those who he knew and would do anything for any of them if they ever needed help," Quatre bit his lip and cleared his throat. Lifting his head, tears had been building in his eyes as the people watched and listened in shock. The pilot said quietly, "And Duo was a wonderful pilot and an even better friend to myself and my fellow Gundam pilots."
Instantly, everyone in the crowd cried out, gasped, shouted or made some kind of reaction as they looked in shock to the Arabian. Quatre wiped a stray tear and continued, "Now you all know why I couldn't allow myself to return to L4. I am Gundam pilot 04." The commotion's volume increased from the onlookers as he went on, "I was trained to pilot the suit known as Sand Rock to gain the peace that had been robbed of us for years, beginning with the Eve Wars." Many of the members of the crowd were showing other expressions along with shock, including anger and elation.
Quatre stated sternly over the sounds of the mob, "I used to concern myself constantly, worrying about what all of you would think and feel toward me and my actions. I've grown since then and I am no longer concerned with your feelings on the matter because I have no regrets...Thanks to my agreeing to pilot Unit 04, I have fought by the sides of the most amazing people that I have ever met.
"They fight for all of you unselfishly, with no wish for recognition or even respect from anyone. Wanting nothing more than your protection, they risk their lives every day to see that you all go to your beds safely every night...And now you're going to turn your backs on them and sign an alliance with the very cause of the pain and suffering that they have been fighting against for years."
The people were beside themselves, as they took everything in that the young man was telling them. Just then, the sound of massive explosions crashed from miles over the people's heads. Everyone looked up to see that there was a battle being raged high over the colony. Lights from lasers and explosions were in plain sight in the late afternoon air as the mobile suits were beginning to make their way further into the atmosphere. Everyone screamed as they pointed up and watched the display. The Arabian looked in terror as he whispered breathlessly, "Oh no." Quatre shouted into the microphone, "Everyone get to safety!"
With screams and cries, the mob was quickly trying to break through the city in their flee for protection from the battle that was making its way down to them. Since there were far too many people to be able to hide in the buildings that of the city, many had to run towards the fields beyond that.
Quatre looked up to see that a carrier was flying right for the building where he was standing. The Council members behind him shouted and ran back as they looked to the ship. The Arabian shielded his eyes from the dust and small flying stones that had been blown from the descent of the craft. The blonde pilot lowered his arm and watched as the carrier landed just on the steps before him. With the side hatch opening, the Gundam pilot ran down the stairs to see who had been piloting.
To his shock, Relena jumped out from the door and smiled brightly as she waved to her friend, "I brought an old friend of yours!" Quatre laughed and ran into the ship after Zes. The Council members watched as they poked from the shelter of the enormous building where they gathered. Seeing Quatre run in the craft, they moved forward to see what he was doing. Just as they got a good look to the long and wide plane, the vehicle was sliced by two massive sais and a pair of curved blades, causing the carrier to explode with an enormous crash.
Two Gundam suits shot off into the air, past the flames and unscathed. With frightened and shocked faces, the Senators and Representatives watched as the suits ascended into the air without looking back. The same man who began the speech to announce the alliance with OZ stepped forward, looking in the direction where the suits disappeared. With a small voice, he whispered breathlessly with a slack jaw, "I...I'll be damned." The rest of the council gathered around him, as they looked in the same direction they he was now gazing, with the same expression that he bore.
A handful of people began making their way to an opening just beyond the town when an immobile Virgo was falling right towards them. Unable to break from the large suit's path, the men and women screamed as they prepared themselves to be crushed. Just before the Virgo was about to fall upon them, the terrified people heard the crunch of metal against metal over their heads. Uncovering their eyes and looking up, their jaws fell slack and their eyes widened.
A brown Gundam with two massive sais caught the destroyed Virgo suit and tossed the it away with ease. Zes turned and looked to the civilians as she called, "Are you alright?" The people below her continued to look at her suit in shock and relief as they nodded. Relena smiled and sighed deeply in relief as she dried some sweat from her forehead. "Hurry and get to shelter," she called to the civilians just before flying off to where the battle was still being waged. The small group of people that she saved looked to his suit as it shot off in amazement.
In the beginning of L4's atmosphere, Kumi stabbed through two Leos in one thrust, flinging the mobile suits off her blade as they exploded in midair. Looking to her monitors, she growled deeply, "We have to drive them upward again. There'll be too many casualties if we keep being drug down like this." Wufei shot his wave of flames from Nataku's dragon arm and called, "That's going to be easier said than done, since these damn OZ troops keep coming from nowhere!"
Trowa cut through three Aries suits as he flew past them, using the massive blade in his suit's right arm. The tall pilot asked, "Any signs of the Maqunauts yet?" Sette shook her head and hammered down three Space Virgos, "Not yet. But they should be here any minute." A handful of other suits quickly made their way to the ex-princess, who welcomed the fight.
Delapan took out three more suits with her snake-like whip as she wrapped them in the spiked coils in one quick lasso. She told the others, "Just worry about keeping these soldiers as bay. Everyone that lives on this colony is right below us." Novem was shooting arrows left and right as she kept arming her suit with the unlimited supply that Rampage offered every time she needed to reload. "Just be sure to intercept any suits that manage to break through," she called to her comrades.
The pilots continued to wipe out soldiers by any means that they had as the battle raged on. It was becoming increasingly difficult for them as more and more soldiers appeared from nowhere. Zes had made her way back to the fight as she returned with Quatre in Sand Rock right behind her. Sette, Trowa, Delapan, Novem and Wufei cheered when they saw the Arabian making his way up to them. Quatre sighed in relief when he saw that everyone was alright.
"Sorry that I left the way I did, everyone," the Arabian announced to his friends. Sette laughed as she went on fighting, "We'll talk later, sweetheart. Right now, we're a little busy." Quatre nodded and saw that there were some Leos attempting to outnumber Delapan. The blonde pilot instantly shot off in their direction and cut the mobile suits without little difficulty. The redhead sighed deeply and chuckled, "Thanks, Quatre. Good to have you back."
The team of Gundams worked as one, though they were spread throughout the sky. They were sure to help their friends who were struggling and kept special care in seeing that none of the suits made their way to the colony's surface. It was not long before another swarm of OZ soldiers came to back up their comrades.
"Damn it," Kumi snapped as she clenched her teeth and looked to see the great numbers of opponents. Trowa growled, "Where the hell are they all coming from?" Zes shook her head as she continued to fight, "It's like this every time, every battle is the same with them...Just when you start making a mark, there's another pack of soldiers waiting to support the ones that we wipe out. It doesn't make sense." Wufei warned, "Make sure that you don't forget to scan everything around you. These soldiers are a lot faster than you think. Somehow, they must have been preparing for a fight like this."
The Chinese pilot couldn't have been more right in saying this. The more and more the OZ soldiers fought, the better they got at reading the Gundam pilots' motions and reactions to their advances. Sette was looking to her radar and hissed, "Damn! Still no sign of back up, or a slow down in the OZ forces." Trowa's voice rang out, "Right now, just worry about what we're up against. We can't afford to get caught up enough that we make a mistake."
Back on the surface on Colony L4, most of the people came from hiding so that they could squint as they looked to the sky, trying to make out what was happening with the struggle. One young man, just a year older than the Gundam pilots, looked to the battle and growled deeply. Looking to the people around him, he saw that none of them were moving to do anything to end the fight. Finally, he ran up to the podium and shouted, "Everyone listen to me! Quatre was right in everything that he had said! We've been nothing but cowards over the years and have placed our loyalties in the hands of those who threaten the lives and rights of everyone in Space and on the Earth!"
The men and women looked to the young protestor with open minds and hearts for the first time in years, thanks to the speech that the Arabian pilot had given them. Pointing to the Gundam suits and the OZ soldiers that they were fighting, the dark-haired man cried into the microphone, "When will enough be enough? We can't hide any longer, while expecting others to die for us. Quatre and his friends have faith in us, otherwise they would not be protecting us as they have for the last seven years! It's about time that we show them that the sacrifices they make every day for us are not in vain!" The crowd shouted and cheered as they raised their fists in the air with determined and stern faces. "Who will fight with them!?!" the man shouted into the microphone.
Instantly, the mass of people went flocking to the suits that surrounded the city. Every soldier that fought for L4, men and women, took to the mobile suits as they strapped themselves in the cockpits and shot off to the fight miles over their heads. Soon, the airs were filled with a great sheet of metal as the pilots of L4 went to aid the pilots who had been struggling for almost twenty minutes now.
In the air, the Gundam pilots were being greatly suppressed by their opponents. Still, they went on fighting with the same fury and devotion that they always had, refusing to allow themselves to weaken or falter. There wasn't anything that was going to make them slow or stop their assault. Sweating badly and becoming bruised, they never allowed their enemies the benefit of the doubt, other than the fact that they were in no way matched in number.
Quatre took out four suits as he cut into them with his curved blades. Breathing heavily, he looked to the monitors, unable to see an end to the mobile suits, even with all of the ground that he and his friends had covered. Wiping just some of the salty drops from his face, the Arabian said quietly, "If this keeps up, we're not going to be able to hold our own." Just then, there was something beeping on his radars. His eyes instantly widened, expecting the worst. "Don't tell me there are more OZ soldiers coming," he whispered in a tired, grave voice.
The other pilots were picking up the same interference as they all assumed that they would be taking on more opponents making the scene. Just then, Delapan shouted, "Wait a minute! The suits making their way here are coming from L4!" Quatre gasped, "What!?!" He looked to the monitors for a closer investigation.
Sure enough, there was an incredible fleet of mobile suits from the colony making their way to the scene. The blonde pilot laughed loudly as he watched his people coming to join the fight. The image out the brunette that got the people to help the Gundam pilots appeared on their monitors. He smiled to the Arabian, "Quatre, all of you, please forgive us for not doing this sooner. We'll help spread the forces and thin them out that way."
Kumi gave a very small, nearly unnoticeable, smile as she looked to the first sign of support in a very difficult battle. "Alright," she announced. "You heard him! Head for the colony's surface!" At this the Gundam suits dropped from the sky head-first. The startled OZ pilots looked to the retreat as they were uncertain what had just happened. Not concerned with the fact that they did not know where the young warriors were heading, they all shot off right behind them.
The wave of mobile suits from L4 was flying right towards the Gundams and stopped when they were less than two miles apart. Narrowing the gap between them, the Gundam pilots continued to fly for their confirmed allies. Kumi warned her comrades, "Don't pull up until you're almost right on top of them."
The brave young protestor looked to his people and called, "Hold your fire until the Gundam suits are out of the way. The OZ troops will be right behind them." Knowing what they had to do, the two forces kept their senses keen as they prepared for the tactic to come. The L4 soldiers remained suspended in mid-air, with the Gundams quickly making their way to them. The soldiers removes and aimed their guns up in the direction of the large suits.
Just a few short feet from colliding with the reinforcements, Kumi yelled, "Pull up!" As hard as they could, the eight pilots pulled back on their controls. They all managed to shoot right past the L4 troops just before they could crash into them. The moment they were cleared, the OZ soldiers were now in plain sight and just a few short feet from the support team. The brunette L4 pilot shouted, "Pour it on them!" Instantly, all of the mobile suits opened fire upon the dumbfounded enemies. Many of the OZ suits exploded before their pilots had time to realize what happened. Their numbers were being cut as very few managed to pull out of harm's way.
The Gundam pilots reentered the scene and worked their way through the soldiers that managed to escape death for the time being. Now able to have some of the burden on their shoulders removed, they managed to get their second wind and returned stronger than ever. The L4 soldiers spread throughout the air and many began dragging the OZ soldiers closer to the colony's surface, giving themselves more of an advantage since they knew what to expect from the area below.
Wufei sent a fury of flames across his opponents when he noticed yet another massive collection of OZ soldiers making their way to the fight. His eyes narrowed and he hissed, "Shit! We just barely had a moment to breath and they're still sending soldiers in!" Not a minute after he said this, the Chinese pilot was up against the fresh batch of troops as he gladly returned every hit and strike made on him. His comrades and the L4 soldiers refused to give in, having come so far in a fight that meant so much for the victor.
The sights and sounds of the struggle were enough to make anyone cringe, as there were just so many explosions and shouts of rage and agony from all those involved. There was a good number of brave citizens who dared to step into the open as they looked to the skies and territories around them, where the battle was being waged.
Mothers held their children closely to them as they hid in caves, basements, where ever they could go to protect their young ones. Meanwhile, the sobs of their kids were almost covered by the sounds of explosions and screams from outside. For a colony that had never allowed itself to be fully involved in war, though they were not led by pacifism and longer, this was something that the individuals there never thought they would ever have to experience. War was something that they were finally willing to understand, regardless of what price it came with.
Some of the L4 soldiers were beginning to find difficulty in keeping their own numbers as they were becoming overwhelmed by the number of opponents. Quatre was now greatly concerned for his people and called to them as he fought off soldiers working against him, "You don't have to stay here any longer. We understand if you want to turn back and return to your families. We'll manage out here." The brunette L4 pilot shook his head and replied, "We're not going to hide any longer. You and your friends have one more than enough for all of us and it's an honor to fight with all of you."
The Arabian swallowed a lump that had caught in his throat. He never thought that he would hear such words from any of his people. Not one L4 pilot pulled back. Quatre gave a single nod and smiled, "Thank you...all of you." At this, he returned his full concentration on the battle as he dealt with the OZ soldiers that were as threatening as ever. It would be at least another five minutes that the fight would continue in this fashion, the Gundams and the L4 soldiers being grossly outnumbered.
Just when everyone was certain that there wouldn't be anything left to change the situation, Sette looked to her monitors as yet another fleet was being detected. With a small whimper of exhaustion and distress, she lowered her sweat-coated face and closed her eyes. "I don't know how much more of this we can take," she said in a small, exhausted voice.
Looking more closely to the image on her screen, the tomboy's blue eyes widened and her jaw fell slack. On her monitor, the fleet making their way to the atmosphere of L4 was a huge army of Preventer suits along with the Maquanauts. Included in the swarm, and taking the head of the charge, was Euphoria. Elated, Sette shouted, "THEY MADE IT!" Her friends all looked to their screens to see the same image. Their newest support came with loud shouts and screams as they took to the fight without hesitating.
Milliardo killed five pilots before they had a chance to blink. Looking to the Gundam pilots, he smiled, "Good to see you held out so long." Relena laughed and replied, "You have no idea how good it is to see you, right now." Her brother laughed and fought by her side as they made their way through the OZ soldiers. Together, Wine and Zes made quick work of any suit that attempted to challenge them.
Rashid shot to Quatre and killed an Aires that was about to attack the Arabian from behind. The blonde pilot beamed to his friend, "Rashid!" The tall pilot smiled and shook his head, "We'll talk later, Master Quatre. I won't lecture you in the middle of a fight like this." The Arabian smirked and nodded as a child would when they knew that they were going to hear it from their parents. He sighed deeply as he did so, "Yes, Rashid."
Sally Poe went as far as to bring a battle ship equipped with missile launchers like the ones that she and Noin had used to help Heero and Duo in their infiltration in the beginning of the Marimaya incident. Every missile was targeted for the OZ suits and made their marks as they soared through the skies at great speed and with amazing accuracy. Sera, Noin and Derek piloted their Taurus suits with speed, grace and ease as they zigged and zagged through the mobile suits.
The Maquanauts fought with the same talent and strength that they had all their lives. The Preventers were fresh and experienced in the mix of soldiers within their force. The soldiers of L4 were relieved and able to keep their numbers, now that they were able to share the struggle with many other pilots fighting the same enemy. The Gundam pilots were once again able to fight with a little more ease than they had prior to the arrival to their friends. And the OZ pilots were at a loss, as their comrades were being killed in every direction in every way possible.
Night was beginning to fall and the sky was brighter now than it had been in the middle of the day, being lit with the explosions and beams of the mobile suits and the Gundams. By now, every mobile suit that had been lining the capitol was now being used in the fight.
It was not long before the OZ soldiers were noticeably losing the battle that they had initiated. When they first flew to L4, they were certain to arise victorious, especially since they believed that L4 was going to make an alliance with them. Thanks to the quick arrival of the reinforcements of the Gundam pilots, all of their plans had failed. While they had the upper-hand for a good amount of the fight in the beginning, the end would always be what counted.
Excalibur was flapping it's enormous wings through the battle and Kumi took aim with her Buster Riffle to eliminate the OZ troops in large groups at one time. She was now able to see a clear and significant breakdown in the OZ suits. Her soaked face turned to her monitors and looked she witnessed several soldiers attempting to retreat. With a low growl, the Japanese pilot shot straight up to intercept them. The moment she flew past them, the silver-haired pilot turned and took out all fifteen suits with a single shot, despite their attempt to maneuver past the beam.
It was not long later that the OZ soldiers were soon wiped to their last handful. The Gundam pilots were given the pleasure of destroying the last few suits by their friends, since they had been fighting the longest in this struggle. With the destruction of the last mobile suit, there was a great cheer and applause from everyone not only in their own suits, but from those on the colony surface below. Exhausted and banged up, the Gundam pilots collapsed into their seats, panting for air and trying to get their thoughts together. They were all drenched and bore a good amount of bruises from their attacks. After a moment to recover and breathe freely again, the sound of the celebration came to their ears as they lied back in their cockpits.
Finally, the Gundams landed onto the colony, well after their friends and comrades had. The suits made a half-circle as they stood on the ground. When they opened their cockpits, there was what looked like an ocean of screaming, cheering and clapping people before them, from the foot of their suits and all around. The eight pilots stood in the openings of their cockpits, too shocked at the sight before them. The sounds of the celebration were deafening. Each of them looked to each other in shock, elation and relief. They lowered themselves to the ground.
The Maguanatus protected each of them from being trampled by the mob as they acted as their personal bodyguards, all the while celebrating and hugging their friends after their challenging victory. Rashid picked Sette up and they embraced. Quatre looked up to them with a warm smile. As the tall pilot lowered the ex-princess, he smiled back to his young master. He rubbed the top of the Arabian's head and chuckled deeply. Looking to the tomboy, Rashid asked, "You wouldn't happen to have a leash for him, too, would you?" Quatre looked to his protector in shock and Sette laughed loudly at the great expression.
Sera Makato made her way to the silver-haired pilot as some of the Maquanats were speaking with her niece. Kumi recognized the Preventer immediately and walked to her. With a very small nod, the cobalt-eyed pilot greeted, "Sera." The young woman smiled and nodded back, "Kumi." The two soldiers shook hands. Wufei and Sally kissed deeply after they ran to each other and embraced tightly. The Chinese pilot wrapped his arms around the braided pilot's waist and picked her up as they locked lips.
Trowa and Delapan hugged when they finally made their way to each other. It was the first time they got to pilot side-by-side for quite a while in their Gundams and they were both thrilled that they were able to have that opportunity again. Derek soon found the brother and sister team. The redhead cried out in shock, jumping into the Preventer's arms and kissing his cheek. The pair kissed deeply and looked to each other with warm smiles.
Derek and Catherine looked to Trowa, who gazed to Derek with a threateningly. Derek gave a small, nervous chuckle and lowered the tall pilot's sister gently. He extended his hand to the European pilot and gave a soft smile. Trowa chuckled deeply and accepted the hand, shaking it firmly as he nodded, "Nice work, Derek. Just watch yourself with my sister." Derek nodded and assured him, "You don't have to worry about that."
Novem and Zes were laughing and hugging as they managed to reunite in the midst of the celebration. They were soon joined by Milliardo and Noin as the couple held hands tightly, not to lose each other while they made their way through the mob. Milliardo hugged Relena and sighed deeply in content, "You're an amazing pilot." Zes chuckled in the embrace, "It must run in the Peacecraft blood."
It was not long before all of the Gundam pilots and their closest friends managed to gather again before their suits. Kumi finally got a chance to see Quatre for the first time since the time since he went off on his own. The blonde pilot was smiling nervously as the stern pilot approached him. Her face was as expressionless as ever. They stood just a few inches from each other, eyes locked and never tearing away.
After a pause, Kumi threw her right fist into the Arabian's left cheek, quickly catching him before he could fall back and hurt himself. Stunned, Quatre looked to Kumi with wide eyes and his hand over the bruised cheek after she straightened him onto his feet. The silver-haired pilot removed his hand and gently placed her own hand over that same cheek. With a small smirk, she told him, "Just warn us next time you plan on putting yourself in danger again." Quatre smiled warmly and wrapped his arms around the 'Perfect Soldier,' understanding completely that she hit him out of concern for him.
When the embrace broke, Kumi looked to the people around them, who continued to celebrate loudly. The blonde pilot did the same, still amazed that his people were so accepting of him and his friends. He heard the silver-haired pilot say quietly enough that only he could hear, "Never forget this, Quatre. You brought all of these people, your people, together in a time when it didn't seem possible...And you gave them something to believe in, along with everyone on Earth and in Space." With another small smirk, Excalibur's pilot chuckled deeply yet sincerely, "Not bad for a guy that blames himself for everything, if you ask me."
Moved by his friend's words, The Arabian turned back to his comrade with small tears building in his eyes, too taken back by everything that was happening to say anything. Drying a tear that escaped her friend's right eye, the 'Perfect Soldier' said sternly, yet gently, "Don't ever forget this. And don't ever doubt yourself, Quatre. You're a pretty amazing guy." The smaller pilot nodded and gave a small whispered, "Thank you. I promise I'll always remember this."
Kumi gave a nod then looked up to the tall Maquanaut who stood near them. With a single nod she told him, "Hoist him up, Rashid. He's earned it." The man smiled warmly and gripped the sides of Quatre's waist, sitting the pilot on his right shoulder. The moment that he was up over the people, the volume of the crowd increased, even when that didn't seem possible. Soon, everyone in the crowd along with the young pilot's friends, were all chanting, "Quatre!" in one voice. The Arabian's smile was brighter than any star and any sun that the universe had to offer as he waved to everyone.
It was the first time in a long time that everyone could remember what it felt like to be truly happy, and truly hopeful that the war would end favorable for peace, as the last two wars had. It would be a moment that would be recalled by all who witnessed and were present whenever times would become shadowed with doubt and fear from this point on. For regardless of how wonderful this time was, the war was still far from ending.
TBC