DISCLAIMERS: Aside from Kumi Yuy and Sette Devion, I do not own the Gundam Wing characters. THERE! HAPPY!?! *crawls into ball and sobs*
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 35: Sting of Deception
by SkyLark
with help and support from: Snodin, Vampira, Sam, Stormy, Silver Star, Beekay, GREETER 600, Ruby, Naz, Akuma and everyone at 1x2x1 along with everyone enjoying this!
On Pulsar, Kumi was squatting by the hospital room where Duo was being looked over by Sally Poe. The silver-haired pilot brought her braided comrade to the ship for a closer look at his health when she woke first thing in the morning after bringing him back to the Earth. The American had a slight fever when Kumi checked on him and didn't want to take any chances. She was determine to keep Duo safe at all costs, knowing how much Heero needed him.
As she sat there, waiting for the word on Deathscythe's pilot, the sound of footsteps came to her ears. Looking up, she saw Milliardo and Noin making their way to her quickly. The 'Perfect Soldier' got to her feet and gave a nod to greet the couple. Try as she might, Kumi couldn't hide the fact that she still was deprived of sleep. The young man once known oz Zechs pulled the pilot into a tight embrace that was accepted and returned. Noin gave he own embrace to support the tired girl.
Milliardo kissed the top of the pilot's head and asked gently, "Any word yet?" Kumi replied as the embrace ended, "No...Not yet." Noin questioned, "Do the others know that he's here?" The silver-haired pilot nodded, "Trowa stayed on the Earth to let all of them know what happened." Lady Une made her way to her friends along with Marimaya, Brian Weatherall, Sera Makato and Lieutenant Keiser. The head of the Preventers informed them, "I just got word from Quatre. They'll be here in a few minutes with the Gundams."
Just then, the door to Duo's room opened as Sally slipped through quietly. Kumi was the first to ask with a hint of concern in her voice, "How is he?" Water smiled and answered, "Duo will be just fine. After everything that his body went through, he only needed a few vitamin injections to clear his system." The others breathed a sigh of relief.
The silver-haired pilot huffed and walked ahead, a few paces, shaking her head. "I know that I was crazy for flying him here as quickly as I did over a fever." Sally chuckled and assured her friend as she rested a hand on her shoulder, "You did the right thing. There really was no telling what was wrong until we were able to run tests." The Gundam pilot then asked quietly, "Does he know about everything that happened?" Sally nodded, "He's been filled in on everything." Walking back to the door, she said, "I'll see if he's up for any visitors when he wakes up again." The door closed behind her.
At that time, the other Gundam pilots all ran to their friends with looks of concern and anxiousness on their faces. Trowa was the first to ask as he panted, "I-is he here?" His answer came as the door opened and Sally's head peeked out as she smiled, "Duo's asking for all of you." The pilots all held their breaths as they looked in shock to each other. Quickly, they piled into the hospital room with their together. Kumi was the last to enter and stayed at the door when she closed it behind her.
Everyone froze as they looked to the braided friend. He was hooked up to an IV and wore a pale green hospital gown, but his face was as bright and friendly as ever as he smiled to everyone's shocked glances. "Y'all are acting like you just saw a ghost or something!" he laughed. Everyone suddenly smiled and laughed as they hugged and kissed the pilot that they swore had been killed. Already, he was his jovial self even after everything that he had been through.
Almost everyone was fighting tears as they were reunited, especially those who knew Duo longest. As Relena hugged the American, he sighed deeply in content, "I've missed you, too, Lena." Looking to the queen of the world and Brian, he smiled, "I hear congrats are in order." The queen of the world nodded with a warm smile and rubbed her still tiny stomach as she whispered sincerely, "Thank you, Duo." Brian nodded and firmly shook hands with his friend as he offered his thanks as well.
Noin now had Mirando with her and she made her way to the pilot. Duo's eyes widened as he gasped, "Get out!" Everyone laughed and the four-month-old child was placed in the American's arms. Noin smiled to her son and the Gundam pilot as Milliardo wrapped an arm gently around her shoulders, bearing the same sweet expression. "Mirando, meet your Uncle Duo...Duo, this is your nephew, Mirando," Fire introduced.
Duo looked to the baby and smiled as he waved with his free hand. He greeted in a soft voice, "Hey, Mirando." The child laughed and took hold of Duo's braid, playing with it. The American laughed along with him and kissed his forehead. "You'll know me as the fun uncle by the time you can talk." Wufei laughed and shook his head as he warned Noin and Milliardo, "Better get Mirando away from him before it's too late." The braided pilot smirked, "Good to see you're still your cheerful self, Wufei."
Everyone had their chance to share time in catching up with Duo. All the while, the silver-haired pilot stayed leaning against the door with her arms crossed, watching the reunion silently. The braided pilot continued to crack jokes that brought the others into fits of laughter with ease. The IV that was hooked into his right arm had been removed by Sally during the reunion. The American looked over to Kumi as everyone continued to talk and laugh around him.
Looking back to his friends, he smiled and said sincerely, "I hate to ask everyone this, since I've missed all of you so much...But, could I have a word with Kumi alone for a sec?" Nobody had any objections and agreed as they smiled to the American and hugged and kissed him once again before filing out of the room. Duo carefully handed Mirando into his father's arms and waved to the baby as the child waved back.
Trowa was the last to leave the room. Walking to the post that his lover never left by the door, he smirked and said just low enough for her to hear, "I'll see you later, mom." Kumi never smiled back, but nodded and replied just as quietly, "You too, dad." After everything that had happened the last few weeks, Trowa and Kumi were somehow becoming the parental figures of the pilots. The tall pilot slipped from the room and closed the door behind him.
Taking a deep breath, Kumi moved to the bedside of her cousin's lover. She stood at his right with her stoic expression and straight stance as she looked down to him. Duo motioned with his right hand for her to get closer as he chuckled deeply, "Come here." Hesitant at first, the 'Perfect Soldier bent at the waist as Duo sat up.
The braided pilot wrapped his arms around her shoulders and whispered, "Thank you." Kumi returned the embrace and closed her eyes as she said sternly, "I didn't do anything. I just carried out my mission. That's all." The American sighed deeply, "I figured you would say that...But, thank you for getting me out of OZ's hands anyway."
The embrace ended as the two pilots continued to gaze to each other. Kumi asked, "Can you make it to the hanger?" Duo smiled and nodded, "Sure. Just give me a sec to get changed. As much as I love these hospital gowns, they're pretty drafty, and in all the wrong places." The young woman replied, "Then I'll meet you there," as she turned and left the room.
Duo chuckled deeply to himself and shook his head. The smile soon faded and Duo sighed deeply to himself. Lying back in his bed to watch the ceiling, he gathered his thoughts and concerns.
* * * * * *
A few minutes later, Duo made his way into the hanger, dressed in a new black T-shirt and black jeans. He found Kumi waiting for him not far beyond the door. She said simply, "I thought that you would like to see another familiar face." At this, she moved to the other pilot's side and his eyes widened as he looked up. "DEATHSCYTHE!" he shouted in elation as he looked to his restored Gundam.
The demon wings of the suit had been improved and detailed, built to be as large and as impressive of the angel wings on Wing Zero and Excalibur. Each wing even had a claw at their tips. Duo was in utter shock at the site as he walked to his suit and asked in a small voice, "How?" Kumi replied, "We managed to find shreds of Deathscythe after Colony V10 was destroyed. I had the wings enhanced as a tribute since we all thought you had been killed."
Duo was still in shock as he ran a hand along the metal of his suit's feet. Sighing deeply, he closed his eyes and lowered his head as he explained, "The men in the heart of V10 that knocked me out were with OZ all along. They had me sent to Quasar just before the Colony was destroyed. They were ordered to make my death look as believable as possible." Kumi replied, "They did a hell of a job. No one managed to get away from that Colony safely."
The braided pilot took a deep breath and slowly turned back to the other pilot. He frowned and said painfully, "I've been so afraid to ask..." Kumi lowered her head and stated, "We lost contact with Heero not long after V10's destruction. He...didn't want to be found." Duo nodded and looked away for a moment, feeling his heart being ripped at the seams. "We have to find him," came the small response from the American. The silver-haired pilot stated sternly, "We will." It was one promise that she was determined to see through.
* * * * * *
Back in the control room, Derek was working at one of the computers with all focus on the screen before him. As he continued to type away, a pair of slender arms wrapped around the young man's neck as he started just or a second. Delapan kissed his cheek as she whispered, "Surprise." Derek chuckled deeply and folded his arms around those of his girlfriend. He turned his head to kiss Catherine's temple as she rested her head on his shoulder.
The Preventer rose from his seat and turned to embrace Delapan tightly, closing his eyes. Catherine gladly returned the gesture. The pilots kissed deeply and smiled to one another when the soft exchange broke. Looking to the door of the hanger, Derek watched as Quatre and Sette entered. They waved and smiled to him as they walked towards the pair.
The Arabian shook hands with the young man and asked, "How are you, Derek?" Anderson shrugged, "Can't complain. It's been pretty quiet up here." Sette nodded, "Now that Quasar was destroyed, OZ will be working on coming back twice as strong." Derek's eyes widened as his face turned pale in a matter of seconds. He asked in a breathy whisper, "Quasar is gone?"
The Gundam pilots looked to the sincere and total shock all over the Preventer's face. The redhead nodded and replied, "It was destroyed last night." The Arabian continued, "Kumi had a mission to carry out involving the ship. She destroyed it during her stay." Sette asked, "You never heard about that?" Derek shook his head and replied, "I just returned from looking after another colony about an hour ago and came right here. I haven't seen anyone since I got back." He shrugged and smiled as he said, "It doesn't matter. I'm glad to see all of you. What brings you to Pulsar?"
Catherine's eyes widened as she and all but shouted in elation, "That's right! You haven't heard!" Derek smiled, "Heard what?" Quatre was beaming as he informed the Preventer, "Duo's alive!" Derek looked to the pilots in sheer terror and shock. Instantly, he covered it up and smiled brightly as he cleared his throat and shouted, "That's great!" Sette, however, caught his first expression and remained silent as she listened closely.
"How is he?" Derek asked, careful not to come across too frightened. Quatre answered, "Duo's okay. He's really worried about Heero, but other than that, he's his good old self." Delapan took Derek's hands as she suggested, "You should come and see him. I know that he'd appreciate it." Anderson kissed her forehead and told her, "I'll see him as soon as my shift is over. I'll meet you in the lounge in about an hour." The Arabian nodded, "We were heading that way, ourselves. We'll see you there, then." After kissing Delapan on the lips one last time, the Preventer simply nodded. Together, the three pilots left the control room.
When the others left, Derek very slowly lowered himself into the seat before the computer, steadying himself with his hands resting on the desk. His face was flushed as he struggled to catch his breath. "My God," was all he could whisper gravely to himself. He quickly began planning his escape from Pulsar. Quickly working at the computer before him, he sent an urgent message to his OZ commander.
* * * * * *
Sette, Quatre and Delapan were making their way past through the halls and towards the lounge where the others were waiting. Looking to some of the dorms that they passed on the way, Sette stopped and informed the others, "I'll meet up with you guys in a second. There's something that I need to take care of while I'm here." Quatre nodded, "Alright." Delapan smirked, "Don't do anything that'll embarrass us." The tomboy shot back as she walked in the opposite direction, "Like getting drunk and holding a conversation with every inanimate object I come across the way you did this past weekend?"
The redhead growled deeply and yelled to Sette, "I would have won that game of shots if someone hadn't cheated." The ex-princess called as she placed a hand next to her ear, "What was that, Monkey Girl? I can't hear you!" Before the exchange could continue, Quatre chuckled to himself and led Catherine down the halls, holding onto her shoulders.
Sette located Derek's room and made sure that no one was around before hacking into the lock on the wall. The door slid open and the tomboy floated inside, quickly having the door slide shut behind her. The lights were switched on and Sette looked to the laptop on Derek's desk in the far corner.
Not wasting anytime, she quickly ran to the computer and opened it. Her hands soared over the keys as she worked on hacking through the system. As she worked, she told herself, "I know there was a reason for Derek's reaction when he heard Duo was still alive. Something about him never sat right with me since that night I saw him before V10 exploded. Now, I have reason to think that something really is up."
The clicks of the keys were the only sound in the room as Sette made her way into the database that had been heavily protected. Finally, the ex-princess managed to break through the defense of the laptop and sat back so she could scan the reports clearly. As she read, she thought aloud, "He has a log of every fight that he's been a part of. All of these reports that he was writing had to be going somewhere." Clicking a few more commands, the screen changed and Sette requested as she typed, "Name of recipient." One last click and the request was answered.
Instantly, a sharp gasp left the Gundam pilot as her eyes widened and face paled. Plain as day, the identity of the recipient was shown... Quinze Kushrenadah. The tomboy took a staggered breath as she rode from her seat, still looking to the screen in shock and fear. The door to the room opened and Derek entered. He stopped in his tracks the instant that he saw Sette as her head snapped to face him. The ex-princess's shocked expression changed into one of rage as she shouted, "YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
Derek removed a gun, but was unmatched by Sette's speed as she ran across the room and kicked it from his hand. Before he could blink, Sette punched him across the face and sent him reeling back-first against the wall beyond his still open door. He flew down the hall as if he was being chased by the Devil himself. Sette was fast on his heels as she followed him with determination all over her face.
Once the two pilots were in the hanger closest to the lounge where the others were resting, Sette managed to catch up to Derek as she jumped and tackled him from behind. Derek managed to fight back, as he blocked her hits and returned some of the blows. Finally, Sette found her gun and rose to aim it at the OZ spy. Anderson was on his back, looking to the tomboy with an empty expression.
Sette shouted to the guards in the lookout tower as they watched in shock, uncertain as to what they should do, "GET EVERYONE IN HERE NOW!" Snapping from their shock, one of the Preventers quickly sounded the alarms of the ship. The ex-princess focused on Derek again, as she continued to hold her gun to him with both hands. The red lights and sirens rang out throughout all of Pulsar and it would only be a moment before the other pilots would reach them. Anderson then moved for the as he spun on his back and kicked Sette square in the abdomen quicker than she could blink. With a chocked cry, the tomboy was thrown back and rolled on the floor, gasping for air after the wind had been knocked from her. Struggling, she shot at the spy nonetheless.
Derek ran off into the cockpit of his Taurus suit, as the bullets just missed him by hairs, and made a quick escape. Sette had just enough time to grab a space helmet and tank to keep breathing as he forced the doors open long enough for his getaway. When the doors closed and the air supply returned to the hanger, the tomboy removed her helmet and coughed violently as she fell onto her knees and doubled over. The doors flew opened as all of the Gundam pilots ran into the hanger along with Keiser.
Quatre shouted as he looked to his injured fiancee, "Sette!" He and the others ran to her. The tomboy's cough died as she managed to breathe easier again. The Arabian lowered onto his own knees and took her into his arms and got their gazes to meet. "What happened?" he asked with concern all over his face. Sette took a deep, struggled breath as she shouted, "It's Derek." Delapan's eyes widened as she asked, "Derek?"
Looking up to her comrades, Sette informed them, "Derek is an OZ spy." That was all that it took for Wufei, Kumi and Trowa. The three pilots ran to their Gundams with enraged faces as they prepared to go after the soldier. The other pilots were still in a state of shock, no more then the redhead. Glaring to the tomboy, she hissed, "You better be right about this." Running to Slither, she was determined to learn the truth, herself.
Duo looked to Keiser and informed him, "We'll take care of Derek. More than likely, he called for back-up." The Lieutenant nodded and replied, "We'll be here if you need help." The American gave an affirmative nod and ran to Deathscythe. Zes helped Quatre get Sette onto her feet as she asked the tomboy, "Will you be alright to pilot?" The ex-princess steadied herself and nodded, "Yea. We can't waste any more time." They ran off to their own suits and the hanger opened to the stars the moment all of their cockpits closed.
Excalibur and Deathscythe led the charge as they shot through the doors. It wasn't long before Relena noticed something on her monitors. She announced, "I've picked up Derek's Taurus suit. He's heading for Colony D217, just ten miles away." Trowa's voice followed, "There's a large army of mobile suits making their way to the same sight."
Suddenly, Wufei was looking around to the others and asked, "Where's Duo?" He checked his scanners and picked nothing up on Deathscythe. Shaking his head, he stated, "I don't have any signs of him here." Delapan replied, "Neither do I." Kumi deadpanned, "We have to focus on getting Derek. Duo will be fine."
The large army of OZ mobile suits was now in sight as the Gundams neared the colony where Anderson was hiding. The silver-haired pilot ordered, "Everyone fan out. We can't have the colony put at risk." There was no argument and the pilots spread out, quickly shooting towards the OZ suits. Nataku was the first to reach the opponents as Wufei shouted and took out a handful of soldiers. Mason was next as Sette spun and maneuvered through the mobile suits with grace and ease, striking them at great force with her laser sledge hammer.
Heavy Arms charged through the center of the pack as Trowa fired everything that he had. Suits were sliced before him as if they were made of paper. Calvary cut through the soldiers everywhere it flew. Slither wrapped suits within its coiled whip and crushed them as the long nails shot out from the weapon that bound them. Excalibur made its throughout the struggle as it made use of its sword and its Buster Riffle. The battle was as fierce and relentless as any other when the two forces collided.
Sette looked to see that a large number of the soldiers making their way down past the Gundam pilots' defenses, no matter how good they were. She gasped and cried out to the others, "They're making their way to the colony!" The others watched with frustrated faces and growls as they did whatever they could to hold off the soldiers directly against them, while going after those who threatened the safety of the innocents below.
For every few feet they gained in making their way to the colony, the Gundam pilots were forced back as the OZ troops fought back twice as strong as before. Turning to his monitors to watch the descent of other mobile suits as they continued to fall to the colony, Wufei hissed, "Shit! We can't reach them to hold them off!" The other pilots managed to look helplessly to their screens, all the while, trying to keep themselves from being swallowed by the army they faced.
The OZ soldiers that made their way to the colony below were trying to get their hands on Derek just as much as the Gundam pilots were. The young pilot leading the charge downward shouted to his comrades, "We need Anderson alive! If we have to kill people on this colony to get him back, so be it!" Just as they were about to reach the D217 atmosphere, the fleet stopped as they watched a terrifying sight.
A dark form was beginning to materialize before them. A pair of massive demon wings belonging to the suit unfolded to their widest span. The same soldier that was leading his fellow OZ troops to the colony watched in horror as he whispered in a breathy whisper, "N-no...It's can't be..." Just as the renewed Deathscythe was in plain sight, Duo screamed, "SHINIGAMI LIVES!" Instantly, he soared to the OZ soldiers.
Using his suit's laser scythe, the American made an easy kill of the first soldiers that he came up against. Cutting through them without any hesitation or difficulty, Duo slaughtered everyone that he came across. Single-handedly, he managed to keep the soldiers who threatened D217 at bay. The other Gundam pilots watched with elated and relieved glances. Trowa laughed to himself, "He had to make an entrance!"
Noin's voice called over the transmitters of the Gundams, "I have a fix on Derek's location. I'm sending the coordinates of the Taurus suit now." Kumi told the others sternly, "Alright. We'll handle the rest of the soldiers within the colony's atmosphere. We can't let them have Derek alive." Delapan's eyes widened and the bottom of her stomach fell out. Lowering her head, she knew that she couldn't allow her feelings for the young man play a role any longer. Narrowing her eyes, she took to the fight again full-force.
Now with the coordinates that Noin has sent them, the pilots shot to D217 along with the OZ soldiers. It was now a race to see who would find the young spy first. A frantic chase was the result as everyone now knew the exact direction to they needed to locate him. As they pierced the clouds of the colony, the soldiers were now in the midst of a thunderstorm over the vast plains of D217.
The thunder and lightning along with the pounding rain added to the intensity of the situation that the pilots found themselves in. As they flew through the skies, the OZ soldiers and Gundam pilots fought each other all the way. Trowa shouted, "If we keep this up, there's bound to be a few soldiers that will make their way to Derek first." His lover growled as she realized that he was right. Turning to the other Gundams, she ordered, "Sette, go after him. The rest of us will take care of the OZ soldiers." The tomboy nodded firmly, "Alright!" Mason soon disappeared ahead of everyone.
With the large suit of the tomboy out of sight, Catherine bit her lip and her thoughts were circling everywhere but on the fight. "DELAPAN!" she heard Relena scream. Gasping and turning to her monitors, the redhead watched in terror as a Leo suit was inched from taking her out with its blade. The moment before the sword was to cut through Slither's cockpit, the Leo froze as a sai stabbed through its back and out the front of its own cockpit.
The explosion from the destroyed suit faded as Catherine looked to Zes, panting from shock as relief slowly washed over her. "Are you alright?" Zes asked in great concern to her friend. The redhead nodded, "I'm fine...Thank you, Zes." The queen of the world said gently, "Be careful." At this, she returned to the struggle. Swallowing hard as she managed to catch her breath, Catherine refocused her attention to the direction that Mason shot off in.
Without thinking twice, Delapan flew off after Sette. Trowa noticed his sister's retreat and shouted, "CATHERINE!" The young woman paid no mind to his cry and continued to take off past all of the pilots. Trowa was about to fly after his sister when Deathscythe blocked his path. Duo told his friend, "We have to keep these OZ soldiers off their backs. She'll be alright." The tall pilot lowered his head and agreed. Together, he and the braided pilot returned to taking out their enemies.
As Sette was making her way through the storm, she watched the monitors to home in on Derek's course. Locking onto his signal, she sneered, "Gottch 'ya." Mason charged plowed through the wind and rain unaffected. Suddenly, something beeped on her radar. Her eyes narrowed as she growled, Damn." More OZ soldiers forged their way in her direction. Turning back, Sette had no choice but to kill them before returning to her mission in finding Derek.
Just as the handful of soldiers made their way to the Gundam, Sette raised her sledge hammer and crushed them, despite their evasive maneuvers and retaliation. As she went on fighting, Slither came from nowhere as Catherine gave aid to the ex-princess. Not bothering to ask questions, Sette was silently grateful that she had back-up.
The two pilots made quick work of their opponents and were nearly through all of them when yet another threat was picked up by their monitors. Delapan shook her head as she said gravely, "Not now." Flare Spheres were now falling from the heavens along with the rain, taking out everything that they touched. The two pilots scrambled throughout the area, careful not the be hit by the explosives.
At the battlefield where the other Gundam pilots were fighting, the same thing was happening. The OZ soldiers retreated to save themselves and their foes were left to deal with the challenge on their own. The silver-haired pilot shouted to the others, "We're going after Derek. Proceed at your own discretion." At this, she shot off through the storm and Flare Spheres. The other pilots followed without question or doubt.
Five minutes passed since the Flare Spheres were dropped. As they soared over the planes, the surface below Sette and Delapan became steep cliffs. Now that they finally had a haven they could shelter themselves in, Sette shouted as she looked to Slither and cried, ""TAKE COVER!" No sooner had she said this than her suit was hit by a Flare Sphere right over the suit's chest.
The tomboy shouted in agony from the blast that the collision caused. Her suit plummeted from the sky as she was knocked unconscious. Delapan shouted, "SETTE!" Acting on pure instinct, Catherine pilot through the rain of flare spheres as she shot downward in effort to catch the falling suit.
As Mason was about to crash into the rocky ground below the cliffs that they have been flying over, Slither gathered the suit into its arms. Grunting loudly, Delapan pushed up on her controls with all the strength in her. She managed to have both suits airborne again before hitting the rough surface under them.
The shower of flare spheres had concluded by the time the redhead piloted them to the top of the cliff again. Delapan lowered Mason onto its back and looked to the damaged suit. Knowing that time was running out, Delapan left her comrade where she was and took after the OZ spy.
* * * * * *
Moments later, Derek was flying as fast as his suit would carry him through the cliffs miles ahead of where the battle was being waged. His breath was heavy as he panted and looked to his monitors with wide eyes, trying to see past the heavy rain as he sought shelter anywhere. The spy was now nearing the manmade ocean of the colony. A small smile of relief crossed his face, finally sensing that he was close to reaching safety.
"So close," the pilot told himself quietly. The ocean was only two short miles away. Just as he cleared the Taurus over another steep cliff, something crashed upon him from above and forced him downward to the rocky surface below the cliff. He shouted in agony as he was jolted in his seat violently. Looking to his monitors, he saw that Slither wrapped its arms around his Taurus's waist as the Gundam's pilot fell from the storm-filled skies with him.
Delapan released her hold on the helpless mobile suit and pulled up in time to keep her own suit from crashing. In the meantime, the Taurus suit was not able to prevent its terrible collision. Catherine hovered over the fallen suit with sweat running down her face and a glare in her raged eyes. She was panting and wiped some of the sweat from her brow as she looked to her monitors. The Taurus suit remained still, on its stomach for a few moments as she watched.
* * * * * *
The Gundam pilots who followed their two friends soon found the fallen Mason. Quatre shouted in frantic concern, "SETTE!?!" The suit's cockpit was open with no occupant. Wufei had a close look within as his monitors scanned in. "Her emergency jet-pack is missing. She must be alright." Zes asked, "Do we still have a fix on Derek?" Duo nodded, "Yea. He's stopped a few miles from here. Sette and Delapan must have him." Trowa breathed a sigh of relief, holding in his worry over his sister and led the charge forward.
* * * * * *
Catherine lowered her suit and removed her harness. She opened her cockpit and made her way to the ground. The rain was not as heavy as it had been, but it was enough to drench the pilot before long. As she walked to the mobile suit, she removed a pistol from her belt. The Taurus rolled onto its right side after much effort and the redhead stood on a hill of stone to look down to the cockpit as it opened slowly. Derek staggered out, falling to his knees and doubling over as he coughed violently, unaware that the Gundam pilot was standing over him. He was in his space suit with his helmet in one hand and the emergency jet pack in the other.
The redhead fired a bullet that purposely hit the ground just inches from Derek's head. The startled spy spun and looked up. There was a deep, long gash running across his forehead from the crash. The blood was running down his face as it mixed with the rain. Delapan didn't budge, still aiming her gun at the young man. Derek stumbled onto his feet as his eyes never left her. "Catherine," he called. "I never meant for this to happen." Delapan didn't respond with words. She fired another bullet that landed just before his feet. The spy stepped back, never losing his desperate gaze on the your woman.
Sette landed with her jet-pack on the top of the cliff high above the two of them. She was bleeding in several places from the terrible explosion that she was involved in. However, he injuries weren't anything that kept her down for long. Carefully and silently, she made her way to the ground, far enough from Catherine that she couldn't hear the hum of the jet-pack.
Catherine continued to glare at the OZ spy. "Why, Derek?" she asked quietly. Anderson lowered his head and shook his head, "I didn't have a choice, I swear...I never meant to hurt any of you...Especially not you, Catherine." "Shut up!" the redhead screamed over the wind. Her face was now becoming emotional. Sette had removed her jet pack and reached the base of the tall hill where the redhead was standing with her back to her. Delapan was still frozen with her gun aimed at the spy.
After what seemed like an eternity, the sound of the Gundam suits could be heard in the far distance. Derek's eyes widened at the sound and his face looked from the sky to the armed pilot over him. Catherine let out a loud growl and hissed, "Get the hell out of here! I won't miss the next time." At this, she clicked the gun to aim at Derek's head. The spy wasn't going to challenge her as he quickly threw his helmet on. The jet-pack was strapped in place and he was airborne. In seconds, he ascended through the storm clouds.
Sette had since run to the top of the hill just in time to see the Derek's disappearance. Soaked from the rain, she turned to Delapan. The other pilot didn't care to look back at her as her head had been lowered. "What were you thinking?" Sette asked with a hint of disappointment and anger in her tone. "You realize that you just handed OZ-" The redhead stopped her I mid-sentence as she deadpanned, "I realize what I've done." Raising her head to face Sette's shocked and heated gaze, she finished sternly, "And I don't regret it."
Their friends made the scene and lowered themselves to the ground. Sand Rock was carrying Mason and Quatre was the first to make it to the two pilots. Looking with worry to both of them, he asked, "Are you alright?" He hugged Sette as she sighed deeply, "We're okay, Quatre." Wufei ran to the Taurus suit and searched the cockpit. Running back up to the hill, he asked, "What happened to Derek?" Everyone was surrounding Catherine as their eyes were fixed on her. She opened her mouth and was about to tell them the whole truth when Sette told all of them, "He was gone by the time we got here. The Taurus suit must have been hit by a flare sphere." Catherine turned to the tomboy, who gave a small nod to her. The redhead turned to the others and nodded to stand by the statement.
Trowa wrapped his arms around his sister's shoulders for support. Kumi looked to Sette then to Delapan and suggested, "We better get back to Pulsar. We have to report what we know and find a way to prevent this from happening again." At this, she turned back to Excalibur as the rain continued to fall. The pilots all made their way to their own suits.
* * * * * *
Later that night, Catherine was sitting in one of the lounges alone as she watched the stars. The door opened and Sette entered, her wounds bandaged and two cups of hot chocolate in her hands. Walking to the redhead, she told her, "I thought that you could use this." Receiving one of the cups of cocoa, Delapan gave a small but sincere smile and whispered, "Thank you." The tomboy sat in the couch beside her comrade and sighed deeply in content as she took a sip from her cup.
Delapan turned to the ex-princess and said quietly, "You didn't have to lie to me." The tomboy shrugged, "I know. But I tried to put myself in your shoes." The redhead paused, shocked by this. Finally, she asked, "Would you have done the same thing?" Sette sat up and shrugged as she looked to her partner, "Honestly, I don't know...But I can't judge you for the choice that you made."
Catherine reached her hand forward and the pilots shook firmly. The redhead smirked after the exchange, "So this ,eans we won't be at each other's throats all the time?" The two looked to each other. After a brief pause, they laughed and shook their heads, "Nah."
* * * * * *
A week after Derek's return to OZ, Duo was sleeping in the living room of the safe house as Zes and Quatre watched sadly from a couch opposite of him. Kumi made her way from the basement and informed the pair, "Sette will be returning from Pulsar with the supplies in an hour so so." She stopped when she noticed the sad and concerned looks on her comrade's faces. "What's wrong?" she asked after looking back to the Arabian and the queen once she looked to Duo.
Quatre sighed deeply, "Duo hasn't been eating." Zes continued, "And he's not sleeping too well, either. He only takes naps throughout the day." The silver-haired pilot lowered her head and said quietly, "He's worried about Heero and I have been too busy in the hanger to pay any notice." She looked back to the braided pilot. "I'll take care of him," she informed her comrades. "Thank you for telling me." Quatre and Zes smiled, knowing that the American would be in good hands with the 'Perfect Soldier.' They left the room and allowed Kumi to watch after their friend as he slept.
* * * * * *
About an hour later, Duo sighed softly as he felt himself waking slowly from his slumber. There were so many reasons not to wake up. Still, he reluctantly slid his eyelids open. A small gasp left him as he looked up in disbelief. Heero was holding him, gazing lovingly with a sweet smile meant just for Duo as he watched him. The lovers were naked and covered only a sheet from their waists down.
The arms of the two pilots were wrapped around each other as they were whenever they slept together. The Wing pilot kissed his lover's forehead and whispered softly as he smiled, "Ohayo, Duo." A small whimper left Duo as he whispered sadly, "Heero." He leaned up and planted quick, soft kisses all over his partner's face. The Japanese pilot returned the gesture.
Soon, Duo was sobbing and shaking. Heero frowned and pulled him into a tight embrace. The American held his lover tightly as he cried into his chest. "I know this isn't real," he whispered in a small and broken voice. Heero whispered and rubbed his partner's back to soothe him, "Shhh. Please don't cry my love. it hurts me to see you in pain." Tears were building in his own eyes as he tried to comfort Duo. He kissed the long-haired pilot's neck and leaned back so that they could look into each other's eyes.
Heero kissed away the tears that wet his love's cheeks and whispered, "I wish that I could really be holding you, too, koibito." Duo stifled a sob and shook his head as he looked up to his lover, "God, this hurts so much, Heero. I just want to be with you and hold you and have you hold me back. These dreams should never have to end." The Wing pilot nodded and said gently, "I don't know what we'll be together again, Duo...If we ever will be."
Instantly, fear shot into Duo's eyes and expression as he gasped, "Heero, if anything happens to you-" His lover cut him off with a gentle kiss on the lips. "I'll do everything in my power to survive this war with you. But I need a favor from you." Duo nodded immediately and replied, "Anything. I'll do whatever you ask. Please, just don't leave me."
The Wing pilot caressed his cheek and asked, "Stay strong for me, Duo. No matter what happens, stay strong. I need that from you." The American was focused on his koi's eyes. Taking in his request, he gave a small smile and nodded as he whispered, "I'll be strong for you, Heero. I promise."
Heero smiled lovingly and tilted his head so that he could kiss Duo's lips again. The kiss became deep and a small moan came from the Wing pilot. When the kiss broke for the pilots to breathe again, Duo sighed sadly and lowered his head as he sighed, "God, I just wish that I didn't have to say goodbye to you again, dream or not." Heero smiled warmly and said gently, "We never have to say goodbye." The American looked back up to his love with wide eyes. The Wing pilot placed his right hand over Duo's chest where his heart was beating and whispered when their eyes met again, "Carry me in here." Taking Duo's hand and placing it over his own heart, he continued to whisper, "Just as I always carry you in here."
Small tears entered the cobalt spheres of the American. He smiled through them and replied in a breathless whisper as he promised, "Always, koi." After sharing a soft kiss with his partner, Heero whispered, "I love you, Duo." The long-haired pilot replied the same, "I love you, Heero." Heero gave a small nod and said gently, "Time to wake up." The lovers wrapped their arms tightly and Duo closed his eyes as he whispered, "I'll be strong for you, Heero. I promise I will. Just please don't ever die on me." Heero kissed his temple and whispered back, "I'll do everything within my power not to, koibito. I swear it." Satisfied with this response, Duo was reluctantly willing to open his eyes to the harsh and cruel world of reality again.
Duo awoke to see Kumi sitting on the couch across from him. She was watching him and as soon as his eyes focused, she walked over to the couch he was lying on. The living room was only lit by the fireplace as the sun had set recently. The American sat up and looked to her with uncertainty. Without saying anything, the silver-haired girl motioned for her comrade to follow her as she walked to the dining room. Duo knew best than to question this particular pilot, so he simply got to his feet and walked through the living room.
Making her way to the table in the dining room, Kumi pulled out a chair and left it out as she continued to make her way into the kitchen. Duo looked to the seat for a moment with a lost glance before sitting in it quietly. He watched from the table as he could see his lover's cousin working in the kitchen with her back to him. Centered entirely by the stove, the 'Perfect Soldier' made few walks around the small room. This was unless she needed to gather something from the refrigerator.
It wasn't long before an appealing smell was recognized in the air. Duo's stomach began to twist and somehow, he managed to fight off the growl that threatened to leave it. After a few minutes, Kumi placed a frying pan and sauce pan in the sink. Just then, the tea pot was whistling as steam flowed through the nozzle. The Japanese pilot took the kettle and poured the hot water into two large teacups.
From there, Kumi walked from the kitchen with a large bowl of vegetable soup and a plate with two grilled cheese sandwiches on it. The braided pilot's eyes widened for a moment as he watched the food being set before him. Placing them both before Duo, the 'Perfect Soldier' walked back into the kitchen and finished with the tea. Bringing the two large cups with her, she sat in the seat at the head of the table, next to her comrade. Setting one of the cups before Duo while keeping the other, she informed him in monotone, "I'm not leaving until you've eaten everything."
The cobalt eyes of the braided pilot widened for an instant, yet again. Though her soldier expression and voice was there as always, Kumi was being nurturing towards him. As they sat in the dim room, Duo couldn't help but notice how much the young woman bore the resemblance of his lover. She was a female Heero with long, silver hair.
Duo paused only to smile warmly at her before taking a few bites from one of the grilled cheese sandwich that Kumi made for him. He made a promise to Heero that he would remain strong. The fact that it was a dream didn't matter any. A promise to his lover was a promise. He needed to stay strong.
Satisfied that Duo was finally eating again, Kumi remained in her seat, drinking slowly from the hot tea that she made. While they sat in silence as the American ate his first nourishing meal, there was an unspoken language between the two pilots. A language bearing one that a brother and sister would have.
Sette was walking into the safe house after her return from Pulsar. Just as she made her way through the living room, the scene in the dining room caught her attention. The princess froze in her tracks as she gazed to the pilots sitting quietly together. She breathed an inward sigh of relief seeing that Duo was eating.
Seeing how her stoic friend watched after him as she drank her tea, she almost didn't recognize her partner of years. The sight was endearing and heart-warming. Sette smiled warmly to herself as she took one last, long glance to her friends before quietly slipping out of the room.
Climbing the stairs to the hall where the bedrooms were, the tomboy found her fiancee waiting for her return. Quatre smiled brightly when he saw Sette and hugged her as he said quietly, "I miss you." The blue-haired pilot pecked his cheek and nodded, "Missed you too, love."
The Arabian then heard a chuckle come from his partner and asked, "What is it?" Sette smiled and said quietly with assurance, "Duo's going to be just fine...I think we're all going to be just fine...somehow." The blonde pilot's face softened from concern to relief at these words, already having a feeling as to what she meant. He kissed Sette's temple and they walked to rejoin their friends at the other end of the hall together. Somehow, things had to get better.
TBC
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 35: Sting of Deception
by SkyLark
with help and support from: Snodin, Vampira, Sam, Stormy, Silver Star, Beekay, GREETER 600, Ruby, Naz, Akuma and everyone at 1x2x1 along with everyone enjoying this!
On Pulsar, Kumi was squatting by the hospital room where Duo was being looked over by Sally Poe. The silver-haired pilot brought her braided comrade to the ship for a closer look at his health when she woke first thing in the morning after bringing him back to the Earth. The American had a slight fever when Kumi checked on him and didn't want to take any chances. She was determine to keep Duo safe at all costs, knowing how much Heero needed him.
As she sat there, waiting for the word on Deathscythe's pilot, the sound of footsteps came to her ears. Looking up, she saw Milliardo and Noin making their way to her quickly. The 'Perfect Soldier' got to her feet and gave a nod to greet the couple. Try as she might, Kumi couldn't hide the fact that she still was deprived of sleep. The young man once known oz Zechs pulled the pilot into a tight embrace that was accepted and returned. Noin gave he own embrace to support the tired girl.
Milliardo kissed the top of the pilot's head and asked gently, "Any word yet?" Kumi replied as the embrace ended, "No...Not yet." Noin questioned, "Do the others know that he's here?" The silver-haired pilot nodded, "Trowa stayed on the Earth to let all of them know what happened." Lady Une made her way to her friends along with Marimaya, Brian Weatherall, Sera Makato and Lieutenant Keiser. The head of the Preventers informed them, "I just got word from Quatre. They'll be here in a few minutes with the Gundams."
Just then, the door to Duo's room opened as Sally slipped through quietly. Kumi was the first to ask with a hint of concern in her voice, "How is he?" Water smiled and answered, "Duo will be just fine. After everything that his body went through, he only needed a few vitamin injections to clear his system." The others breathed a sigh of relief.
The silver-haired pilot huffed and walked ahead, a few paces, shaking her head. "I know that I was crazy for flying him here as quickly as I did over a fever." Sally chuckled and assured her friend as she rested a hand on her shoulder, "You did the right thing. There really was no telling what was wrong until we were able to run tests." The Gundam pilot then asked quietly, "Does he know about everything that happened?" Sally nodded, "He's been filled in on everything." Walking back to the door, she said, "I'll see if he's up for any visitors when he wakes up again." The door closed behind her.
At that time, the other Gundam pilots all ran to their friends with looks of concern and anxiousness on their faces. Trowa was the first to ask as he panted, "I-is he here?" His answer came as the door opened and Sally's head peeked out as she smiled, "Duo's asking for all of you." The pilots all held their breaths as they looked in shock to each other. Quickly, they piled into the hospital room with their together. Kumi was the last to enter and stayed at the door when she closed it behind her.
Everyone froze as they looked to the braided friend. He was hooked up to an IV and wore a pale green hospital gown, but his face was as bright and friendly as ever as he smiled to everyone's shocked glances. "Y'all are acting like you just saw a ghost or something!" he laughed. Everyone suddenly smiled and laughed as they hugged and kissed the pilot that they swore had been killed. Already, he was his jovial self even after everything that he had been through.
Almost everyone was fighting tears as they were reunited, especially those who knew Duo longest. As Relena hugged the American, he sighed deeply in content, "I've missed you, too, Lena." Looking to the queen of the world and Brian, he smiled, "I hear congrats are in order." The queen of the world nodded with a warm smile and rubbed her still tiny stomach as she whispered sincerely, "Thank you, Duo." Brian nodded and firmly shook hands with his friend as he offered his thanks as well.
Noin now had Mirando with her and she made her way to the pilot. Duo's eyes widened as he gasped, "Get out!" Everyone laughed and the four-month-old child was placed in the American's arms. Noin smiled to her son and the Gundam pilot as Milliardo wrapped an arm gently around her shoulders, bearing the same sweet expression. "Mirando, meet your Uncle Duo...Duo, this is your nephew, Mirando," Fire introduced.
Duo looked to the baby and smiled as he waved with his free hand. He greeted in a soft voice, "Hey, Mirando." The child laughed and took hold of Duo's braid, playing with it. The American laughed along with him and kissed his forehead. "You'll know me as the fun uncle by the time you can talk." Wufei laughed and shook his head as he warned Noin and Milliardo, "Better get Mirando away from him before it's too late." The braided pilot smirked, "Good to see you're still your cheerful self, Wufei."
Everyone had their chance to share time in catching up with Duo. All the while, the silver-haired pilot stayed leaning against the door with her arms crossed, watching the reunion silently. The braided pilot continued to crack jokes that brought the others into fits of laughter with ease. The IV that was hooked into his right arm had been removed by Sally during the reunion. The American looked over to Kumi as everyone continued to talk and laugh around him.
Looking back to his friends, he smiled and said sincerely, "I hate to ask everyone this, since I've missed all of you so much...But, could I have a word with Kumi alone for a sec?" Nobody had any objections and agreed as they smiled to the American and hugged and kissed him once again before filing out of the room. Duo carefully handed Mirando into his father's arms and waved to the baby as the child waved back.
Trowa was the last to leave the room. Walking to the post that his lover never left by the door, he smirked and said just low enough for her to hear, "I'll see you later, mom." Kumi never smiled back, but nodded and replied just as quietly, "You too, dad." After everything that had happened the last few weeks, Trowa and Kumi were somehow becoming the parental figures of the pilots. The tall pilot slipped from the room and closed the door behind him.
Taking a deep breath, Kumi moved to the bedside of her cousin's lover. She stood at his right with her stoic expression and straight stance as she looked down to him. Duo motioned with his right hand for her to get closer as he chuckled deeply, "Come here." Hesitant at first, the 'Perfect Soldier bent at the waist as Duo sat up.
The braided pilot wrapped his arms around her shoulders and whispered, "Thank you." Kumi returned the embrace and closed her eyes as she said sternly, "I didn't do anything. I just carried out my mission. That's all." The American sighed deeply, "I figured you would say that...But, thank you for getting me out of OZ's hands anyway."
The embrace ended as the two pilots continued to gaze to each other. Kumi asked, "Can you make it to the hanger?" Duo smiled and nodded, "Sure. Just give me a sec to get changed. As much as I love these hospital gowns, they're pretty drafty, and in all the wrong places." The young woman replied, "Then I'll meet you there," as she turned and left the room.
Duo chuckled deeply to himself and shook his head. The smile soon faded and Duo sighed deeply to himself. Lying back in his bed to watch the ceiling, he gathered his thoughts and concerns.
* * * * * *
A few minutes later, Duo made his way into the hanger, dressed in a new black T-shirt and black jeans. He found Kumi waiting for him not far beyond the door. She said simply, "I thought that you would like to see another familiar face." At this, she moved to the other pilot's side and his eyes widened as he looked up. "DEATHSCYTHE!" he shouted in elation as he looked to his restored Gundam.
The demon wings of the suit had been improved and detailed, built to be as large and as impressive of the angel wings on Wing Zero and Excalibur. Each wing even had a claw at their tips. Duo was in utter shock at the site as he walked to his suit and asked in a small voice, "How?" Kumi replied, "We managed to find shreds of Deathscythe after Colony V10 was destroyed. I had the wings enhanced as a tribute since we all thought you had been killed."
Duo was still in shock as he ran a hand along the metal of his suit's feet. Sighing deeply, he closed his eyes and lowered his head as he explained, "The men in the heart of V10 that knocked me out were with OZ all along. They had me sent to Quasar just before the Colony was destroyed. They were ordered to make my death look as believable as possible." Kumi replied, "They did a hell of a job. No one managed to get away from that Colony safely."
The braided pilot took a deep breath and slowly turned back to the other pilot. He frowned and said painfully, "I've been so afraid to ask..." Kumi lowered her head and stated, "We lost contact with Heero not long after V10's destruction. He...didn't want to be found." Duo nodded and looked away for a moment, feeling his heart being ripped at the seams. "We have to find him," came the small response from the American. The silver-haired pilot stated sternly, "We will." It was one promise that she was determined to see through.
* * * * * *
Back in the control room, Derek was working at one of the computers with all focus on the screen before him. As he continued to type away, a pair of slender arms wrapped around the young man's neck as he started just or a second. Delapan kissed his cheek as she whispered, "Surprise." Derek chuckled deeply and folded his arms around those of his girlfriend. He turned his head to kiss Catherine's temple as she rested her head on his shoulder.
The Preventer rose from his seat and turned to embrace Delapan tightly, closing his eyes. Catherine gladly returned the gesture. The pilots kissed deeply and smiled to one another when the soft exchange broke. Looking to the door of the hanger, Derek watched as Quatre and Sette entered. They waved and smiled to him as they walked towards the pair.
The Arabian shook hands with the young man and asked, "How are you, Derek?" Anderson shrugged, "Can't complain. It's been pretty quiet up here." Sette nodded, "Now that Quasar was destroyed, OZ will be working on coming back twice as strong." Derek's eyes widened as his face turned pale in a matter of seconds. He asked in a breathy whisper, "Quasar is gone?"
The Gundam pilots looked to the sincere and total shock all over the Preventer's face. The redhead nodded and replied, "It was destroyed last night." The Arabian continued, "Kumi had a mission to carry out involving the ship. She destroyed it during her stay." Sette asked, "You never heard about that?" Derek shook his head and replied, "I just returned from looking after another colony about an hour ago and came right here. I haven't seen anyone since I got back." He shrugged and smiled as he said, "It doesn't matter. I'm glad to see all of you. What brings you to Pulsar?"
Catherine's eyes widened as she and all but shouted in elation, "That's right! You haven't heard!" Derek smiled, "Heard what?" Quatre was beaming as he informed the Preventer, "Duo's alive!" Derek looked to the pilots in sheer terror and shock. Instantly, he covered it up and smiled brightly as he cleared his throat and shouted, "That's great!" Sette, however, caught his first expression and remained silent as she listened closely.
"How is he?" Derek asked, careful not to come across too frightened. Quatre answered, "Duo's okay. He's really worried about Heero, but other than that, he's his good old self." Delapan took Derek's hands as she suggested, "You should come and see him. I know that he'd appreciate it." Anderson kissed her forehead and told her, "I'll see him as soon as my shift is over. I'll meet you in the lounge in about an hour." The Arabian nodded, "We were heading that way, ourselves. We'll see you there, then." After kissing Delapan on the lips one last time, the Preventer simply nodded. Together, the three pilots left the control room.
When the others left, Derek very slowly lowered himself into the seat before the computer, steadying himself with his hands resting on the desk. His face was flushed as he struggled to catch his breath. "My God," was all he could whisper gravely to himself. He quickly began planning his escape from Pulsar. Quickly working at the computer before him, he sent an urgent message to his OZ commander.
* * * * * *
Sette, Quatre and Delapan were making their way past through the halls and towards the lounge where the others were waiting. Looking to some of the dorms that they passed on the way, Sette stopped and informed the others, "I'll meet up with you guys in a second. There's something that I need to take care of while I'm here." Quatre nodded, "Alright." Delapan smirked, "Don't do anything that'll embarrass us." The tomboy shot back as she walked in the opposite direction, "Like getting drunk and holding a conversation with every inanimate object I come across the way you did this past weekend?"
The redhead growled deeply and yelled to Sette, "I would have won that game of shots if someone hadn't cheated." The ex-princess called as she placed a hand next to her ear, "What was that, Monkey Girl? I can't hear you!" Before the exchange could continue, Quatre chuckled to himself and led Catherine down the halls, holding onto her shoulders.
Sette located Derek's room and made sure that no one was around before hacking into the lock on the wall. The door slid open and the tomboy floated inside, quickly having the door slide shut behind her. The lights were switched on and Sette looked to the laptop on Derek's desk in the far corner.
Not wasting anytime, she quickly ran to the computer and opened it. Her hands soared over the keys as she worked on hacking through the system. As she worked, she told herself, "I know there was a reason for Derek's reaction when he heard Duo was still alive. Something about him never sat right with me since that night I saw him before V10 exploded. Now, I have reason to think that something really is up."
The clicks of the keys were the only sound in the room as Sette made her way into the database that had been heavily protected. Finally, the ex-princess managed to break through the defense of the laptop and sat back so she could scan the reports clearly. As she read, she thought aloud, "He has a log of every fight that he's been a part of. All of these reports that he was writing had to be going somewhere." Clicking a few more commands, the screen changed and Sette requested as she typed, "Name of recipient." One last click and the request was answered.
Instantly, a sharp gasp left the Gundam pilot as her eyes widened and face paled. Plain as day, the identity of the recipient was shown... Quinze Kushrenadah. The tomboy took a staggered breath as she rode from her seat, still looking to the screen in shock and fear. The door to the room opened and Derek entered. He stopped in his tracks the instant that he saw Sette as her head snapped to face him. The ex-princess's shocked expression changed into one of rage as she shouted, "YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
Derek removed a gun, but was unmatched by Sette's speed as she ran across the room and kicked it from his hand. Before he could blink, Sette punched him across the face and sent him reeling back-first against the wall beyond his still open door. He flew down the hall as if he was being chased by the Devil himself. Sette was fast on his heels as she followed him with determination all over her face.
Once the two pilots were in the hanger closest to the lounge where the others were resting, Sette managed to catch up to Derek as she jumped and tackled him from behind. Derek managed to fight back, as he blocked her hits and returned some of the blows. Finally, Sette found her gun and rose to aim it at the OZ spy. Anderson was on his back, looking to the tomboy with an empty expression.
Sette shouted to the guards in the lookout tower as they watched in shock, uncertain as to what they should do, "GET EVERYONE IN HERE NOW!" Snapping from their shock, one of the Preventers quickly sounded the alarms of the ship. The ex-princess focused on Derek again, as she continued to hold her gun to him with both hands. The red lights and sirens rang out throughout all of Pulsar and it would only be a moment before the other pilots would reach them. Anderson then moved for the as he spun on his back and kicked Sette square in the abdomen quicker than she could blink. With a chocked cry, the tomboy was thrown back and rolled on the floor, gasping for air after the wind had been knocked from her. Struggling, she shot at the spy nonetheless.
Derek ran off into the cockpit of his Taurus suit, as the bullets just missed him by hairs, and made a quick escape. Sette had just enough time to grab a space helmet and tank to keep breathing as he forced the doors open long enough for his getaway. When the doors closed and the air supply returned to the hanger, the tomboy removed her helmet and coughed violently as she fell onto her knees and doubled over. The doors flew opened as all of the Gundam pilots ran into the hanger along with Keiser.
Quatre shouted as he looked to his injured fiancee, "Sette!" He and the others ran to her. The tomboy's cough died as she managed to breathe easier again. The Arabian lowered onto his own knees and took her into his arms and got their gazes to meet. "What happened?" he asked with concern all over his face. Sette took a deep, struggled breath as she shouted, "It's Derek." Delapan's eyes widened as she asked, "Derek?"
Looking up to her comrades, Sette informed them, "Derek is an OZ spy." That was all that it took for Wufei, Kumi and Trowa. The three pilots ran to their Gundams with enraged faces as they prepared to go after the soldier. The other pilots were still in a state of shock, no more then the redhead. Glaring to the tomboy, she hissed, "You better be right about this." Running to Slither, she was determined to learn the truth, herself.
Duo looked to Keiser and informed him, "We'll take care of Derek. More than likely, he called for back-up." The Lieutenant nodded and replied, "We'll be here if you need help." The American gave an affirmative nod and ran to Deathscythe. Zes helped Quatre get Sette onto her feet as she asked the tomboy, "Will you be alright to pilot?" The ex-princess steadied herself and nodded, "Yea. We can't waste any more time." They ran off to their own suits and the hanger opened to the stars the moment all of their cockpits closed.
Excalibur and Deathscythe led the charge as they shot through the doors. It wasn't long before Relena noticed something on her monitors. She announced, "I've picked up Derek's Taurus suit. He's heading for Colony D217, just ten miles away." Trowa's voice followed, "There's a large army of mobile suits making their way to the same sight."
Suddenly, Wufei was looking around to the others and asked, "Where's Duo?" He checked his scanners and picked nothing up on Deathscythe. Shaking his head, he stated, "I don't have any signs of him here." Delapan replied, "Neither do I." Kumi deadpanned, "We have to focus on getting Derek. Duo will be fine."
The large army of OZ mobile suits was now in sight as the Gundams neared the colony where Anderson was hiding. The silver-haired pilot ordered, "Everyone fan out. We can't have the colony put at risk." There was no argument and the pilots spread out, quickly shooting towards the OZ suits. Nataku was the first to reach the opponents as Wufei shouted and took out a handful of soldiers. Mason was next as Sette spun and maneuvered through the mobile suits with grace and ease, striking them at great force with her laser sledge hammer.
Heavy Arms charged through the center of the pack as Trowa fired everything that he had. Suits were sliced before him as if they were made of paper. Calvary cut through the soldiers everywhere it flew. Slither wrapped suits within its coiled whip and crushed them as the long nails shot out from the weapon that bound them. Excalibur made its throughout the struggle as it made use of its sword and its Buster Riffle. The battle was as fierce and relentless as any other when the two forces collided.
Sette looked to see that a large number of the soldiers making their way down past the Gundam pilots' defenses, no matter how good they were. She gasped and cried out to the others, "They're making their way to the colony!" The others watched with frustrated faces and growls as they did whatever they could to hold off the soldiers directly against them, while going after those who threatened the safety of the innocents below.
For every few feet they gained in making their way to the colony, the Gundam pilots were forced back as the OZ troops fought back twice as strong as before. Turning to his monitors to watch the descent of other mobile suits as they continued to fall to the colony, Wufei hissed, "Shit! We can't reach them to hold them off!" The other pilots managed to look helplessly to their screens, all the while, trying to keep themselves from being swallowed by the army they faced.
The OZ soldiers that made their way to the colony below were trying to get their hands on Derek just as much as the Gundam pilots were. The young pilot leading the charge downward shouted to his comrades, "We need Anderson alive! If we have to kill people on this colony to get him back, so be it!" Just as they were about to reach the D217 atmosphere, the fleet stopped as they watched a terrifying sight.
A dark form was beginning to materialize before them. A pair of massive demon wings belonging to the suit unfolded to their widest span. The same soldier that was leading his fellow OZ troops to the colony watched in horror as he whispered in a breathy whisper, "N-no...It's can't be..." Just as the renewed Deathscythe was in plain sight, Duo screamed, "SHINIGAMI LIVES!" Instantly, he soared to the OZ soldiers.
Using his suit's laser scythe, the American made an easy kill of the first soldiers that he came up against. Cutting through them without any hesitation or difficulty, Duo slaughtered everyone that he came across. Single-handedly, he managed to keep the soldiers who threatened D217 at bay. The other Gundam pilots watched with elated and relieved glances. Trowa laughed to himself, "He had to make an entrance!"
Noin's voice called over the transmitters of the Gundams, "I have a fix on Derek's location. I'm sending the coordinates of the Taurus suit now." Kumi told the others sternly, "Alright. We'll handle the rest of the soldiers within the colony's atmosphere. We can't let them have Derek alive." Delapan's eyes widened and the bottom of her stomach fell out. Lowering her head, she knew that she couldn't allow her feelings for the young man play a role any longer. Narrowing her eyes, she took to the fight again full-force.
Now with the coordinates that Noin has sent them, the pilots shot to D217 along with the OZ soldiers. It was now a race to see who would find the young spy first. A frantic chase was the result as everyone now knew the exact direction to they needed to locate him. As they pierced the clouds of the colony, the soldiers were now in the midst of a thunderstorm over the vast plains of D217.
The thunder and lightning along with the pounding rain added to the intensity of the situation that the pilots found themselves in. As they flew through the skies, the OZ soldiers and Gundam pilots fought each other all the way. Trowa shouted, "If we keep this up, there's bound to be a few soldiers that will make their way to Derek first." His lover growled as she realized that he was right. Turning to the other Gundams, she ordered, "Sette, go after him. The rest of us will take care of the OZ soldiers." The tomboy nodded firmly, "Alright!" Mason soon disappeared ahead of everyone.
With the large suit of the tomboy out of sight, Catherine bit her lip and her thoughts were circling everywhere but on the fight. "DELAPAN!" she heard Relena scream. Gasping and turning to her monitors, the redhead watched in terror as a Leo suit was inched from taking her out with its blade. The moment before the sword was to cut through Slither's cockpit, the Leo froze as a sai stabbed through its back and out the front of its own cockpit.
The explosion from the destroyed suit faded as Catherine looked to Zes, panting from shock as relief slowly washed over her. "Are you alright?" Zes asked in great concern to her friend. The redhead nodded, "I'm fine...Thank you, Zes." The queen of the world said gently, "Be careful." At this, she returned to the struggle. Swallowing hard as she managed to catch her breath, Catherine refocused her attention to the direction that Mason shot off in.
Without thinking twice, Delapan flew off after Sette. Trowa noticed his sister's retreat and shouted, "CATHERINE!" The young woman paid no mind to his cry and continued to take off past all of the pilots. Trowa was about to fly after his sister when Deathscythe blocked his path. Duo told his friend, "We have to keep these OZ soldiers off their backs. She'll be alright." The tall pilot lowered his head and agreed. Together, he and the braided pilot returned to taking out their enemies.
As Sette was making her way through the storm, she watched the monitors to home in on Derek's course. Locking onto his signal, she sneered, "Gottch 'ya." Mason charged plowed through the wind and rain unaffected. Suddenly, something beeped on her radar. Her eyes narrowed as she growled, Damn." More OZ soldiers forged their way in her direction. Turning back, Sette had no choice but to kill them before returning to her mission in finding Derek.
Just as the handful of soldiers made their way to the Gundam, Sette raised her sledge hammer and crushed them, despite their evasive maneuvers and retaliation. As she went on fighting, Slither came from nowhere as Catherine gave aid to the ex-princess. Not bothering to ask questions, Sette was silently grateful that she had back-up.
The two pilots made quick work of their opponents and were nearly through all of them when yet another threat was picked up by their monitors. Delapan shook her head as she said gravely, "Not now." Flare Spheres were now falling from the heavens along with the rain, taking out everything that they touched. The two pilots scrambled throughout the area, careful not the be hit by the explosives.
At the battlefield where the other Gundam pilots were fighting, the same thing was happening. The OZ soldiers retreated to save themselves and their foes were left to deal with the challenge on their own. The silver-haired pilot shouted to the others, "We're going after Derek. Proceed at your own discretion." At this, she shot off through the storm and Flare Spheres. The other pilots followed without question or doubt.
Five minutes passed since the Flare Spheres were dropped. As they soared over the planes, the surface below Sette and Delapan became steep cliffs. Now that they finally had a haven they could shelter themselves in, Sette shouted as she looked to Slither and cried, ""TAKE COVER!" No sooner had she said this than her suit was hit by a Flare Sphere right over the suit's chest.
The tomboy shouted in agony from the blast that the collision caused. Her suit plummeted from the sky as she was knocked unconscious. Delapan shouted, "SETTE!" Acting on pure instinct, Catherine pilot through the rain of flare spheres as she shot downward in effort to catch the falling suit.
As Mason was about to crash into the rocky ground below the cliffs that they have been flying over, Slither gathered the suit into its arms. Grunting loudly, Delapan pushed up on her controls with all the strength in her. She managed to have both suits airborne again before hitting the rough surface under them.
The shower of flare spheres had concluded by the time the redhead piloted them to the top of the cliff again. Delapan lowered Mason onto its back and looked to the damaged suit. Knowing that time was running out, Delapan left her comrade where she was and took after the OZ spy.
* * * * * *
Moments later, Derek was flying as fast as his suit would carry him through the cliffs miles ahead of where the battle was being waged. His breath was heavy as he panted and looked to his monitors with wide eyes, trying to see past the heavy rain as he sought shelter anywhere. The spy was now nearing the manmade ocean of the colony. A small smile of relief crossed his face, finally sensing that he was close to reaching safety.
"So close," the pilot told himself quietly. The ocean was only two short miles away. Just as he cleared the Taurus over another steep cliff, something crashed upon him from above and forced him downward to the rocky surface below the cliff. He shouted in agony as he was jolted in his seat violently. Looking to his monitors, he saw that Slither wrapped its arms around his Taurus's waist as the Gundam's pilot fell from the storm-filled skies with him.
Delapan released her hold on the helpless mobile suit and pulled up in time to keep her own suit from crashing. In the meantime, the Taurus suit was not able to prevent its terrible collision. Catherine hovered over the fallen suit with sweat running down her face and a glare in her raged eyes. She was panting and wiped some of the sweat from her brow as she looked to her monitors. The Taurus suit remained still, on its stomach for a few moments as she watched.
* * * * * *
The Gundam pilots who followed their two friends soon found the fallen Mason. Quatre shouted in frantic concern, "SETTE!?!" The suit's cockpit was open with no occupant. Wufei had a close look within as his monitors scanned in. "Her emergency jet-pack is missing. She must be alright." Zes asked, "Do we still have a fix on Derek?" Duo nodded, "Yea. He's stopped a few miles from here. Sette and Delapan must have him." Trowa breathed a sigh of relief, holding in his worry over his sister and led the charge forward.
* * * * * *
Catherine lowered her suit and removed her harness. She opened her cockpit and made her way to the ground. The rain was not as heavy as it had been, but it was enough to drench the pilot before long. As she walked to the mobile suit, she removed a pistol from her belt. The Taurus rolled onto its right side after much effort and the redhead stood on a hill of stone to look down to the cockpit as it opened slowly. Derek staggered out, falling to his knees and doubling over as he coughed violently, unaware that the Gundam pilot was standing over him. He was in his space suit with his helmet in one hand and the emergency jet pack in the other.
The redhead fired a bullet that purposely hit the ground just inches from Derek's head. The startled spy spun and looked up. There was a deep, long gash running across his forehead from the crash. The blood was running down his face as it mixed with the rain. Delapan didn't budge, still aiming her gun at the young man. Derek stumbled onto his feet as his eyes never left her. "Catherine," he called. "I never meant for this to happen." Delapan didn't respond with words. She fired another bullet that landed just before his feet. The spy stepped back, never losing his desperate gaze on the your woman.
Sette landed with her jet-pack on the top of the cliff high above the two of them. She was bleeding in several places from the terrible explosion that she was involved in. However, he injuries weren't anything that kept her down for long. Carefully and silently, she made her way to the ground, far enough from Catherine that she couldn't hear the hum of the jet-pack.
Catherine continued to glare at the OZ spy. "Why, Derek?" she asked quietly. Anderson lowered his head and shook his head, "I didn't have a choice, I swear...I never meant to hurt any of you...Especially not you, Catherine." "Shut up!" the redhead screamed over the wind. Her face was now becoming emotional. Sette had removed her jet pack and reached the base of the tall hill where the redhead was standing with her back to her. Delapan was still frozen with her gun aimed at the spy.
After what seemed like an eternity, the sound of the Gundam suits could be heard in the far distance. Derek's eyes widened at the sound and his face looked from the sky to the armed pilot over him. Catherine let out a loud growl and hissed, "Get the hell out of here! I won't miss the next time." At this, she clicked the gun to aim at Derek's head. The spy wasn't going to challenge her as he quickly threw his helmet on. The jet-pack was strapped in place and he was airborne. In seconds, he ascended through the storm clouds.
Sette had since run to the top of the hill just in time to see the Derek's disappearance. Soaked from the rain, she turned to Delapan. The other pilot didn't care to look back at her as her head had been lowered. "What were you thinking?" Sette asked with a hint of disappointment and anger in her tone. "You realize that you just handed OZ-" The redhead stopped her I mid-sentence as she deadpanned, "I realize what I've done." Raising her head to face Sette's shocked and heated gaze, she finished sternly, "And I don't regret it."
Their friends made the scene and lowered themselves to the ground. Sand Rock was carrying Mason and Quatre was the first to make it to the two pilots. Looking with worry to both of them, he asked, "Are you alright?" He hugged Sette as she sighed deeply, "We're okay, Quatre." Wufei ran to the Taurus suit and searched the cockpit. Running back up to the hill, he asked, "What happened to Derek?" Everyone was surrounding Catherine as their eyes were fixed on her. She opened her mouth and was about to tell them the whole truth when Sette told all of them, "He was gone by the time we got here. The Taurus suit must have been hit by a flare sphere." Catherine turned to the tomboy, who gave a small nod to her. The redhead turned to the others and nodded to stand by the statement.
Trowa wrapped his arms around his sister's shoulders for support. Kumi looked to Sette then to Delapan and suggested, "We better get back to Pulsar. We have to report what we know and find a way to prevent this from happening again." At this, she turned back to Excalibur as the rain continued to fall. The pilots all made their way to their own suits.
* * * * * *
Later that night, Catherine was sitting in one of the lounges alone as she watched the stars. The door opened and Sette entered, her wounds bandaged and two cups of hot chocolate in her hands. Walking to the redhead, she told her, "I thought that you could use this." Receiving one of the cups of cocoa, Delapan gave a small but sincere smile and whispered, "Thank you." The tomboy sat in the couch beside her comrade and sighed deeply in content as she took a sip from her cup.
Delapan turned to the ex-princess and said quietly, "You didn't have to lie to me." The tomboy shrugged, "I know. But I tried to put myself in your shoes." The redhead paused, shocked by this. Finally, she asked, "Would you have done the same thing?" Sette sat up and shrugged as she looked to her partner, "Honestly, I don't know...But I can't judge you for the choice that you made."
Catherine reached her hand forward and the pilots shook firmly. The redhead smirked after the exchange, "So this ,eans we won't be at each other's throats all the time?" The two looked to each other. After a brief pause, they laughed and shook their heads, "Nah."
* * * * * *
A week after Derek's return to OZ, Duo was sleeping in the living room of the safe house as Zes and Quatre watched sadly from a couch opposite of him. Kumi made her way from the basement and informed the pair, "Sette will be returning from Pulsar with the supplies in an hour so so." She stopped when she noticed the sad and concerned looks on her comrade's faces. "What's wrong?" she asked after looking back to the Arabian and the queen once she looked to Duo.
Quatre sighed deeply, "Duo hasn't been eating." Zes continued, "And he's not sleeping too well, either. He only takes naps throughout the day." The silver-haired pilot lowered her head and said quietly, "He's worried about Heero and I have been too busy in the hanger to pay any notice." She looked back to the braided pilot. "I'll take care of him," she informed her comrades. "Thank you for telling me." Quatre and Zes smiled, knowing that the American would be in good hands with the 'Perfect Soldier.' They left the room and allowed Kumi to watch after their friend as he slept.
* * * * * *
About an hour later, Duo sighed softly as he felt himself waking slowly from his slumber. There were so many reasons not to wake up. Still, he reluctantly slid his eyelids open. A small gasp left him as he looked up in disbelief. Heero was holding him, gazing lovingly with a sweet smile meant just for Duo as he watched him. The lovers were naked and covered only a sheet from their waists down.
The arms of the two pilots were wrapped around each other as they were whenever they slept together. The Wing pilot kissed his lover's forehead and whispered softly as he smiled, "Ohayo, Duo." A small whimper left Duo as he whispered sadly, "Heero." He leaned up and planted quick, soft kisses all over his partner's face. The Japanese pilot returned the gesture.
Soon, Duo was sobbing and shaking. Heero frowned and pulled him into a tight embrace. The American held his lover tightly as he cried into his chest. "I know this isn't real," he whispered in a small and broken voice. Heero whispered and rubbed his partner's back to soothe him, "Shhh. Please don't cry my love. it hurts me to see you in pain." Tears were building in his own eyes as he tried to comfort Duo. He kissed the long-haired pilot's neck and leaned back so that they could look into each other's eyes.
Heero kissed away the tears that wet his love's cheeks and whispered, "I wish that I could really be holding you, too, koibito." Duo stifled a sob and shook his head as he looked up to his lover, "God, this hurts so much, Heero. I just want to be with you and hold you and have you hold me back. These dreams should never have to end." The Wing pilot nodded and said gently, "I don't know what we'll be together again, Duo...If we ever will be."
Instantly, fear shot into Duo's eyes and expression as he gasped, "Heero, if anything happens to you-" His lover cut him off with a gentle kiss on the lips. "I'll do everything in my power to survive this war with you. But I need a favor from you." Duo nodded immediately and replied, "Anything. I'll do whatever you ask. Please, just don't leave me."
The Wing pilot caressed his cheek and asked, "Stay strong for me, Duo. No matter what happens, stay strong. I need that from you." The American was focused on his koi's eyes. Taking in his request, he gave a small smile and nodded as he whispered, "I'll be strong for you, Heero. I promise."
Heero smiled lovingly and tilted his head so that he could kiss Duo's lips again. The kiss became deep and a small moan came from the Wing pilot. When the kiss broke for the pilots to breathe again, Duo sighed sadly and lowered his head as he sighed, "God, I just wish that I didn't have to say goodbye to you again, dream or not." Heero smiled warmly and said gently, "We never have to say goodbye." The American looked back up to his love with wide eyes. The Wing pilot placed his right hand over Duo's chest where his heart was beating and whispered when their eyes met again, "Carry me in here." Taking Duo's hand and placing it over his own heart, he continued to whisper, "Just as I always carry you in here."
Small tears entered the cobalt spheres of the American. He smiled through them and replied in a breathless whisper as he promised, "Always, koi." After sharing a soft kiss with his partner, Heero whispered, "I love you, Duo." The long-haired pilot replied the same, "I love you, Heero." Heero gave a small nod and said gently, "Time to wake up." The lovers wrapped their arms tightly and Duo closed his eyes as he whispered, "I'll be strong for you, Heero. I promise I will. Just please don't ever die on me." Heero kissed his temple and whispered back, "I'll do everything within my power not to, koibito. I swear it." Satisfied with this response, Duo was reluctantly willing to open his eyes to the harsh and cruel world of reality again.
Duo awoke to see Kumi sitting on the couch across from him. She was watching him and as soon as his eyes focused, she walked over to the couch he was lying on. The living room was only lit by the fireplace as the sun had set recently. The American sat up and looked to her with uncertainty. Without saying anything, the silver-haired girl motioned for her comrade to follow her as she walked to the dining room. Duo knew best than to question this particular pilot, so he simply got to his feet and walked through the living room.
Making her way to the table in the dining room, Kumi pulled out a chair and left it out as she continued to make her way into the kitchen. Duo looked to the seat for a moment with a lost glance before sitting in it quietly. He watched from the table as he could see his lover's cousin working in the kitchen with her back to him. Centered entirely by the stove, the 'Perfect Soldier' made few walks around the small room. This was unless she needed to gather something from the refrigerator.
It wasn't long before an appealing smell was recognized in the air. Duo's stomach began to twist and somehow, he managed to fight off the growl that threatened to leave it. After a few minutes, Kumi placed a frying pan and sauce pan in the sink. Just then, the tea pot was whistling as steam flowed through the nozzle. The Japanese pilot took the kettle and poured the hot water into two large teacups.
From there, Kumi walked from the kitchen with a large bowl of vegetable soup and a plate with two grilled cheese sandwiches on it. The braided pilot's eyes widened for a moment as he watched the food being set before him. Placing them both before Duo, the 'Perfect Soldier' walked back into the kitchen and finished with the tea. Bringing the two large cups with her, she sat in the seat at the head of the table, next to her comrade. Setting one of the cups before Duo while keeping the other, she informed him in monotone, "I'm not leaving until you've eaten everything."
The cobalt eyes of the braided pilot widened for an instant, yet again. Though her soldier expression and voice was there as always, Kumi was being nurturing towards him. As they sat in the dim room, Duo couldn't help but notice how much the young woman bore the resemblance of his lover. She was a female Heero with long, silver hair.
Duo paused only to smile warmly at her before taking a few bites from one of the grilled cheese sandwich that Kumi made for him. He made a promise to Heero that he would remain strong. The fact that it was a dream didn't matter any. A promise to his lover was a promise. He needed to stay strong.
Satisfied that Duo was finally eating again, Kumi remained in her seat, drinking slowly from the hot tea that she made. While they sat in silence as the American ate his first nourishing meal, there was an unspoken language between the two pilots. A language bearing one that a brother and sister would have.
Sette was walking into the safe house after her return from Pulsar. Just as she made her way through the living room, the scene in the dining room caught her attention. The princess froze in her tracks as she gazed to the pilots sitting quietly together. She breathed an inward sigh of relief seeing that Duo was eating.
Seeing how her stoic friend watched after him as she drank her tea, she almost didn't recognize her partner of years. The sight was endearing and heart-warming. Sette smiled warmly to herself as she took one last, long glance to her friends before quietly slipping out of the room.
Climbing the stairs to the hall where the bedrooms were, the tomboy found her fiancee waiting for her return. Quatre smiled brightly when he saw Sette and hugged her as he said quietly, "I miss you." The blue-haired pilot pecked his cheek and nodded, "Missed you too, love."
The Arabian then heard a chuckle come from his partner and asked, "What is it?" Sette smiled and said quietly with assurance, "Duo's going to be just fine...I think we're all going to be just fine...somehow." The blonde pilot's face softened from concern to relief at these words, already having a feeling as to what she meant. He kissed Sette's temple and they walked to rejoin their friends at the other end of the hall together. Somehow, things had to get better.
TBC