DISCLAIMER: They're not mine. *winks in direction of Kumi, Sette and a handful of others* Well, not all of them!
CAN YOU BELIEVE WE'RE THIS FAR ALREADY!!??!! GOOD!!! I CAN'T!!! I HAVE SO MUCH S*** TO MAKE WORK OUT IN 10 EPISODES!!! *BOUNCESBOUNCESBOUNCES* *LAUGHS INSANELY* *PASSES OUT*
I have to thank Traci, Sam, Beekay, Silver Star, Mylia, Ruby, D-max, GREETER 600, Lily, Stormy, Naz, Akuma, Kai, my 1x2x1 family and everyone who is enjoying this fic. This fic never would have happened without you! Everything goes out to everyone! *SUPERGLOMPS AND KISSES* I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!!
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 40: Homecoming
by SkyLark
The day after Duo's capture and Kumi's arrest, Quatre and Delapan were on the Earth, at the cabin that they had made their home for months. Walking throughout the house, they collected any personal belongings of theirs and their friends. Once a room was cleared, they soaked the walls and floor with lighter fluid and other oils.
They worked their way down from the floor where the bedrooms were. Quatre walked through the rooms that went to Duo, Trowa and Wufei, taking personal items that they left behind since their last stay. Once they were retrieved, he placed them in a backpack that belonged to each pilot.
Delapan held onto several articles of clothing belonging to Zes as she tossed them into one of the backpacks that she carried with her. As she passed by the room that belonged to Dorothy, she paused and looked through the doorway. Stepping inside slowly, the redhead sighed deeply as she looked to the surroundings. After taking everything in, Catherine turned to make her way out of the room. It was on her way to the door that she noticed a small book that was peeking from under the dresser that was beside the window opposite of her.
Frozen in the doorway, Delapan took a moment before slowly walking towards the dresser. She knelt and removed the book from its hiding place. The small, but thick book was covered in images of roses that had been painted on the front, back and spine. Being next to the window as the sunlight broke through the thin white curtains, Catherine was able to study the item in her hand. Looking carefully to the outside, she ran a hand along the smooth surface and hesitated before opening it.
Catching her breath, the Gundam pilot looked to the pages within. There were hand-drawn images of each pilot. There was an image of each of them standing alone and many others where several of them were together. Along with these impressively detailed images, there were many poems and journal entries that Novem had written during her free time. Delapan could recall her friend's voice in her head as she read one of her entries, written on the inside of the back cover...
"It's strange how much I have changed with the experience that I have had as a Gundam pilot. There was once a time when I thought wars were the most beautiful things to ever exist. Now, I see just how ugly they truly are... While there is honor in dying for what is right, I am now beginning to wish that mankind would find a way to resolve their problems without fighting. While I know that reality will never allow wars to end, it is still nice to dream of a life of never-ending peace... But that would be Heaven, wouldn't it? Well, if that is the case, I am looking forward to joining my grandfather there.
"Right now, I am preparing for the attack of a base in the Philippines with the others. For my friends, I can only hope and pray that they'll all live this war to fight again. As long as there is peace, there will always be forces to threaten it. And defending peace can be more of a challenge than fighting to regain it.
"If anyone would be the best suited, there could be none better than Heero, Duo, Kumi, Trowa, Sette, Quatre, Wufei, Delapan and my dearest friend, Zes. As for myself, there is something greater calling for me. I can hear it even now, though I do not know what it may be. Good night, my friend. I look forward to your company again. Your companion, Dorothy-Novem."
Delapan's face was soaked in tears as she closed the book slowly. Hugging the book, a small sob escaped her. She kissed the front cover and placed it in one of her three backpacks, one of the last possessions that they now had of Dorothy's. Drying her face and getting her emotions under control again, Catherine sighed deeply as she rose to her feet.
Taking one last long look to the room as she stood in the doorway, she gave a small smile as she whispered, "I'm glad that you found the peace you were looking for, Dorothy." Drying the remainder of the tears that fell and threatened to do the same, she closed the door behind her. A small click from the doorknob was all that remained before silence fell on the room that housed the blonde pilot who gave her life for peace.
Quatre was already downstairs, having scanned the rooms that he needed to check. Delapan soon joined him and went to the containers of gas that were waiting at the front door. The two pilots covered their noses and mouths with a long, thick strip of sheets to protect them from the fumes. "I feel bad having to do this. There are so many memories with this place," the redhead said quietly as they emptied their canisters of gas around the living room.
The Arabian nodded and replied, "I do as well, but we can't take the risk of allowing this place to fall into the wrong hands... Whether it's during this war or another. We've worn out our welcome." He smiled and removed a camera along with many cases of film inside from one of the backpacks on him. "As for the memories, Duo took enough pictures for twenty albums." The redhead looked to the camera and film with wide eyes before laughing loudly. They went back to their work, making sure that the room was well covered with the lighter fluid.
Once that task was finished, they left the soaked room and made their way to the hanger, removing the cloths from their faces. Once downstairs, they double-checked that there wasn't anything they left behind in the hidden base. Delapan was looking to the system of the main monitors as Quatre looked to the launch pad and ships below.
Typing in the system to see if there was any stored information, the redhead noted quietly to herself, "Looks like there was another conversation between two of the Earth's Senators while we were away. Good thing this program can save those discussions for us." Placing a set of headphones on, she said, "I better make sure that they didn't say anything we'll need to hear." Clicking onto the icon of the stored recording, the Gundam pilot listened closely to the brief talk that the hanger's signal picked up.
Quatre was taking the elevator back up to the top level of the hanger after making sure that everything was in order. He looked to the pilot who remained before the main monitor, listening to the discussion she found. He wiped his hands clean of the fuel that he released from the ships below with a rag. Looking back to his friend, he sighed deeply, "I think that just about does-" A loud gasp cut him off followed by a shout of, "WAIT A SECOND!"
The Arabian looked up to see the look of disbelief and shock Catherine's face as she looked to the main monitors. Running to the other pilot's side, he asked in concern, "What is it?" Delapan replied, with her eyes still wide and voice small, "T-the Earth is sharing it's leadership with an outside source." "WHAT!?!" Quatre shouted. Quickly, he placed another set of headphones on himself as he listened to the replayed discussion. As the recording played on, the blonde pilot's eyes widened. Turning to Delepan, he shouted, "Let's go!" The pilots removed the headphones and quickly set the self-detonation on the main program.
The time counted down from five minutes. Running to the only ship that they spared its fuel, Quatre and Delapan jumped in as the large, red numbers counted down. The moment they passed through the hanger's opening in the Virginian soil, the hanger was taken in a massive explosion, taking the cabin with it. The shuttle that the Gundam pilots took shot into the stars as the pilots within never looked back.
* * * * * *
Five OZ soldiers walked down the halls of the Nebula's prison. Walking to the door of their two most prized hostages. The men all looked certain of themselves, unafraid of anything and with the confidence that Quinze, himself always gave off. "You would think that by now, the other Gundam pilots would just give up. There isn't anything giving them reason to believe that they have a chance to win," one of the young men sneered to his comrades.
The soldier behind him chuckled deeply, "They'll be sorry they didn't by the time that we're through with them. His Excellency and Demetris returned to main ship to finalize their moves of action to end this war as soon as possible." A third guard asked, "Why did His Excellency not bother making clones with Heero Yuy's DNA? He would have countless pilots like him at his beck and call."
The forth young man shook his head, "It's one thing to clone something that was yours. The clones we have now were made by the DNA of soldiers who willingly worked for OZ. To take Yuy's DNA against his will to make soldiers in his fashion would not be an act of principles. His Excellency would never act as such, when it comes to war. The same would be see through his brother, Treise, when he didn't want mobile dolls fighting in wars because they took the fight out of human hands."
The first soldier to speak nodded, "Makes sense. It doesn't matter, anyway. Yuy and Maxwell aren't a threat to any of us in the state they're in." Just as this was said, the guards reached the cell door of the Gundam pilots. They stood at either side as the first soldier punched the code that undid the lock. Once the door opened, Heero and Duo stood in waiting at the other side, giving the soldier a look of death that they had never seen before. They stepped from the cell, never losing their death glares towards the soldiers.
Frozen in shock and terror, the guards hesitated before two of them cuffed the pilots' arms. It took a moment before they got their composure and glared back to the prisoners. The first guard growled deeply to Heero as he got inches from his face, "What the hell are you looking at?" The Wing pilot replied coldly, "A dead man." The soldier's eyes widened before they narrowed again. He hissed, "You're closer to death than I am." Heero sneered, "I'm sleeping with Death. You can't get closer than that." A sneer crossed Duo's own lips as he looked to the same guard.
The ship's commander, Lieutenant Marx walked to the scene, having heard the conversation from a few feet away. The tall man looked to the guards who allowed the pilots to get under their skin and unnerve them. He glared to Heero and Duo, who gladly returned the favor, before ordering his men, "Get moving. We don't have all day." The young men regained their composure and prepared their guns as they forced their prisoners down the hall for their rounds of torture. Marx watched them leave and growled deeply when he was alone again.
Heero and Duo were shoved violently through the door that would lead them where they were to be tortured. The pilots managed to stay on their feet, despite the forceful blows they received. The door behind them closed, locking the guards outside. Heero and Duo looked to see that they were on a balcony over the room where they would be chained and beaten. Duo's eyes widened as he looked over the railing to the torture devices far below.
"H-heero," he whispered brokenly. Turning to his lover, his eyes gazed to him with pain in them. "You went through this every day?" he just barely managed to ask. Heero walked to him as he nodded, but there was no expression of pain on him. He smiled to his braided koi and kissed his lips gently. He whispered with his lips brushing against his partner's as he spoke gently, "The pain left me the moment I was in your arms again, Duo." A small sigh left the American as they smiled to each other and rested their foreheads against their partner's.
"Now isn't this sweet," a dark voice from behind them mocked followed by a deep chuckle. The pilots turned to see their torturer standing with his arms crossed. His hugs biceps were large enough to break a man in half without any effort. He sneered to the glaring eyes of his prey, "Let's get started, shall we, love birds?" The glares from the pilots faded as sneers of their own crossed their lips in response.
* * * * * *
The Control room of Pulsar was as busy as always with the Gundam pilots helping the Preventers in seeing what move they needed to make in order to help their cause in the war. Sette was looking to the monitor of the computer where she sat, scanning any unusual activity within Pulsar's reach. Looking to her friends, she announced, "Delapan and Quatre made it back from the Earth safely. From what I can gather, they didn't have any problems destroying the safe house." Everyone silently took this news with relief.
Trowa was busy working on Kumi's blueprints, looking to her designs and understand exactly what she had been intending to do to the Gundams. He was determined to have the plans finished by the time his lover's trial was to take place, mading it his own personal mission that he refused to fail. Wufei was working with Sally at one end of the control room, looking over their reports and typing them into the system to see what they could use in their favor for the next time they would have to fight.
It wasn't long before the doors to the control room opened as Quatre and Delapan ran with looks of urgency on their faces. Trowa, Sette and Wufei were instantly concerned as they jumped from their spots and ran to them. Panting, their friends looked to them as they tried to catch their breath. Sette placed her hands on her fiancee's shoulders and asked, "What happened?" The Arabian looked up to her and straightened and replied, "We know what we know the Earth's next move. There's a chance we can get them back on our side." The eyes of the three pilots before him widened as they heard this. "What do we have to do?" was all that Wufei asked as he narrowed his eyes.
Delapan straightened as she regained her breath and explained, "We listened to a conversation between two of the Earth's Senators. The Earth has been in danger because of the fact that none of the Council can agree on a leader for the people. They're looking to share the same leadership as the Colony that they have had the closest personal relationship with since the end of the Eve Wars."
Sette's arms fell to her side and her eyes narrowed as she noted aloud, "Colony H7." Quatre nodded to his fiancee and told her, "Duke Vale is being named as King of H7 tonight. The announcement of his reign over the Earth and the Colony will be made prior to the coronation." The tomboy growled deeply as her face gave testimony to her rage. She growled deeply, "That's what they think."
* * * * * *
Kumi was sitting in her cell, her back against the wall opposite of the door. Her cuffed forearms were resting in her lap and her eyes were closed as she remained in deep thought. The sound of the cell door's lock being undone caused her cobalt sphere to open. She watched as a Preventer, one of her guards, entered the room. The 'Perfect Soldier' looked to him with an empty expression. "You have a visitor," he informed the prisoner. The silver-haired pilot wasn't expecting this, clearly, as her eyes widened for a moment. Getting to her feet, the stoic pilot simply gave a nod, soldier mask back in place. The guard led the way as they left the cell.
In the visiting room, there were several prisoners of the war sat in narrow booths, speaking to their visitors through the phones as they looked to each other through bulletproof, soundproof glass. The Gundam pilot was led to the last of the booths. Her cuffs were removed by her guard as he stated, "You have five minutes starting now."
Kumi walked to the chair before her and her guard stepped away. Looking through the glass, she looked in shock to see the none other than Zes sitting on the other side. Thanks to her time to recover from her collapse and stress, Relena was now clearly beginning to show her pregnancy. Zes gave a small, sad smile as her comrade sat on the other side of the glass. The pilots took hold of the telephones beside them.
"Good to see you, Zes," Kumi said sincerely with a the smallest hint of a smile. The queen's smile faded, not able to stay as positive as she hoped to. She lowered her head and closed her eyes as she sighed deeply, "I'm so sorry, Kumi." The stoic pilot simply replied, "I'm not." Zes raised her head with a look of shock to her partner. Her smile returned as she shook her head, "I didn't think that you would be. You did the only thing you could. Brian and I are looking through the upcoming trial to see if there is anything we can do to get you out of here as soon as possible."
Kumi gave a nod. The stoic pilot couldn't help but chuckle as she chook her head with her eyes closed. Zes looked to her in concern and asked, "What is it?" Kumi stopped chuckling and stated as her eyes opened, "Just ironic how of all the things to be arrested for as a Gundam pilot... they arrest me for treason." Relena's eyes saddened even more as she said quietly, "Life has a way of working out the way we least expect."
The queen hesitated before being able to continue with what she was about to say. Her mouth moved, but nothing came out. She stopped to clear her throat as she just barely managed to inform her comrade, "With the charge of treason... Y-you'll be up against a sentence of death." Kumi seemed unmoved by this as she simply replied, "I understand that."
Relena was still having a hard time in not becoming distressed over this. She growled deeply with her hands clenched in tight fists, "This shouldn't be happening. You should be with the rest of us. Brian and I are doing everything we can, and it still isn't helping to get you out of that cell." The silver-haired pilot said quietly with a gentleness in her voice, "What you and Brian are doing is more than enough, Zes. Thank you for everything... How are all of you holding up?" Relena was thankful for the assurance in Kumi's voice as she sighed and relaxed a bit more. She shrugged, "As good as can be expected, considering everything."
Relena made sure that there wasn't anyone close enough to hear. Leaning in closer to the glass, she whispered into the phone, "I can't tell you much, but there is a chance we'll get our first huge break in this war since all of your missions were completed. I've been speaking with the others and we really have a chance in seeing this work out." The stoic pilot paused, eyes widened for a second as she took the information in.
Leaning closer to the glass, Kumi said quietly, "Whatever it is, be careful. We can't have another pilot down for any reason." Relena smiled and nodded, "We'll be careful. We'll fill you in on everything when we get back." The silver-haired pilot gave a nod as she said, "Understood." The queen sighed sadly, "I hate that you can't be a part of this."
Kumi replied, "I know. I hate this, too. But the trial is a few days away and if there are any opportunities that might help us in this war, we you all need to do whatever it takes it see that it doesn't pass, with or without me." Zes bit her lip and nodded, "We won't let you down, Kumi." Her friend gave a small, genuine smile as she stated, "Not one of you has ever let me down."
The young queen smiled warmly back to the other pilot as she whispered, "I'm glad." Kumi suggested, "You should go do whatever you have to." Zes nodded, "Yea... Take care." The silver-haired pilot replied quietly, "Same to you... Send my best to everyone." Relena assured her, "I'll do that." She hung her phone back up and waved as she rose from her seat. Kumi lowered her phone onto the table and waved back. She watched Zes walked away and hung her phone back on the wall as she rose from her own seat. Her guard came and arm-cuffed her again.
The 'Perfect Soldier' was led back into her cell. There were several Preventers that stood guard at other cells that eyed the pilot as she passed. Some looked in disgust while others looked in grief and loss. Knowing that a Gundam pilot was on trial for their life was something that stirred a great deal of mixed reactions and feelings from the soldiers. The fact that she was being labeled as a traitor was something that they all knew must have cut her deeply, no matter how stoic she came across.
The cell to the pilot's door was opened and the deemed traitor walked in, no questions asked as she thought of her comrades and whatever it was that they would be taking part in. The door was closed behind her, leaving nothing but the pitch blackness. Resting in the spot she had been in when she was called upon, Kumi said quietly as she looked to the door, "Don't go getting yourselves killed."
* * * * * *
That night, on Colony H7, Duke Vale was dressing in his best suit. It was decorated with many metals and emblems of his rank. Looking to himself in the mirror as he fixed his collar, there was a knock as his door. "Come in," he called as he turned in that direction. Representative Frantz and Foreign Minister Kirkland entered, dressed in their finest as well. They smiled to their friend and closed the door behind them.
Looking to the leader of their group, Kirkland sighed deeply in relief, "We actually made it... Are you ready for your coronation, King Vale?" The Duke chuckled deeply, "You know, I think I'm going to get used the sound of that..." Turning to admirer himself in the mirror again, he said with reverence, "King Vale." Kirkland smiled, "I have to hand it to you... Who would have thought that you would be named the King of H7 and the Earth in one night?" Vale gave a smug sneer and replied, "I knew it all along. Why do you think I waited so long before making the move to become ruler of this pathetic waste of Space?"
Frantz's eyes widened and he shook his head, "What are you saying?" Vale turned back to is henchmen and replied, "My cousin, William, is the head Senator of the Earth Council. We've been planning this whole movement of power from day one. The people of Earth are so desperate for someone to step up and accept leadership that they were pleading the Earth Council to bring King and Queen Weatherall back.
"My cousin sent a false document in the forged writing of Brian Weatherall, that neither he nor Relena wish to deal with the Earth any longer, since they were betrayed by them. William has been a loved Senator to the people for many years, so of course, there would be no argument from anyone. So, he was requested to decide on the nezt King of the World." He chuckled deeply, "And who better to give the job than family?" He smiled at the look of shock on the faces of his friends. Finally, Frantz laughed loudly, "You never cease to amaze me, Vale!"
The Duke stated, "We can't allow anything ruin this evening for any of us." Kirkland assured him with a nod, "We have OZ armies stationed in Space and everywhere around this castle. And all preparations have been made to spread the event over every channel that we can pick up. Before long, everyone will know you as one of the most powerful men alive." Vale replied with a conceited smile, "No need for true concern. There isn't anything that could take this away from me."
* * * * * *
"IT'S A GUNDAM!!!!!" an OZ soldier screamed from his Space Leo just before he was sliced in half. Wufei looked to H7 clearly now once the explosion passed. His friends had begun a bitter and violent attack on the guards that had been stationed beyond the Colony's atmosphere, unknown to everyone living below. There was also a massive army of Preventers that fought alongside the Gundams. Together, they used whatever they could to take out the soldiers blocking their way to H7.
As she attacked the soldiers closest to her, Sette turned to see the Colony, herself. The Chinese pilot said quietly, yet sincerely as he struggled with his own opponents, "Welcome home." The tomboy smashed her laser mallet into three guards, destroying the suits instantly as she turned to Nataku. Wiping sweat from her brow, she sighed deeply with a small smile, "Thanks."
Quatre was not wasting any time in the battle as he would cut the mobile suits from top to bottom and others from lefs to right. All the while, he changed his tactics in maneuvers and strikes, never allowing his enemies to know what he would do next. Noin and Delapan were working closely together as hey made fast work of the pilots that began to swarm together. As Noin would shoot a handful of guards with arrows, Delapan would strike and wrap those she could not reach with her whip. Together, they managed to take out more than seven pilots at a time.
Milliardo stabbed through mobile suits as he growled and shouted loudly in the heat of battle. Pulling his bow at the middle, he went to using the blades as separate weapons. Trowa was shooting through everything that came within a half-mile of him. Stabbing one Taurus from the waist up, he pulled back just as the suit exploded. The tall pilot called to the others, "We don't have a lot of time. If we stay here much longer, the ceremony will begin without any way of stopping it."
The image of one of the Preventers fighting with them appeared on their screens of the Gundam as he informed them, "We'll take care of the soldiers here. Just get to the castle before it's too late." Milliardo nodded, "Thank you." At this, he lead the fall from the stars with the other suits and a small fighter craft right behind. The Prevneters worked with even more speed and determination as they held off the guards that attempted to take out the Gundams as they shot for H7.
* * * * * *
"I bet those little bastards are singing a different tune now," one of the four OZ guards chuckled deeply as he and his friends made their way back to the torture room to collect Heero and Duo. The others agreed with sneers and nods to this statement and they reached the door. Walking inside and down the stairs of the balcony, the men were surprised how quiet the room was. The moment that they rounded the stairwell, they froze in their places with shocked faces as they looked before them.
Heero was lying on his back on one of the stretch tables with Duo in his arms, curled against his right side and head on his love's chest. Their arm cuffs had been removed and were lying on the floor beside their 'bed.' They looked to the paralyzed guards with smiles as they continued to lie together. It was the body in the middle of the torture cell that was what caught the attention of the soldiers.
The body was that of the torturer as it lied in a bloody heap of flesh and bones. It was beaten and twisted beyond recognition, lying on it's chest- or so it seemed to be its chest. Two guards ran from the scene as they covered their mouths and gagged loudly. The remaining soldiers finally forced their eyes from the body of their friend as they aimed their guns at the Gundam pilots, who were still smiling as they held each other.
Minutes later, the Heero and Duo were in Lieutenant Marx's office. The tall soldier was pacing around the pair, studying their stern faces as they looked forward, unaffected by his presence. With a threatening, yet quiet voice, he stated, "Over half of my soldier's bones are shattered...his face is beaten in beyond any recognition...every inch of him was scarred and cut in some fashion... and not even my best doctors here can figure out how his limbs could have been so mangled..."
Bringing his face inches from that of the Wing pilot, he screamed at the top of his lungs with wide and maddened eyes, "AND ALL YOU CAN SAY IS THAT HE FELL OFF THE BALCONY!?!" Heero shrugged as he deadpanned, "It was a long fall." Duo had to bite his lip to keep from bursting into laughter at his koi's response. The Lieutenant was beside himself with rage as he paced back from the prisoners who remained unaffected. "Get the fuck out of my office," he growled deeply, lowly.
Hearing this, two armed soldiers entered the office and took Heero and Duo as they led them back to their cell. The Lieutenant lowered himself into the seat at his desk as the door closed. "Those sons of bitches aren't living another day. To hell with Quinze's orders." He looked to a small vile that was resting before him. He sneered as he held the glass container and told himself, "They'll be the perfect test subjects for this latest weapon... And I think I'll start with that 'Perfect Soldier.'" He chuckled deeply and wrapped his hand completely around the vile tightly.
* * * * * *
Kumi was working out in the gym of Pulsar, letting her frustration out in the only productive way that she could as she remained under arrest. Fortunately for her and every Prisoner of War that was on the enormous ship, they were permitted to use the gym for three hours at night, long after the Preventers and other welcomed guests were to leave. While they were granted this time to keep from loosing their minds in the cells, they were heavily guarded by armed soldiers all around.
Utilizing the gray long T-shirts and black boxers that were the only things provided to the prisoners, the silver-haired pilot was showing no mercy for a large punching bag as she unleashed a wave of kicks, hits and punches. Her cobalt eyes were narrowed as she glared to her target with the determination and focus of the soldier she had always been trained to become. Having never slowed during her intense workout, other prisoners watched her in awe.
The Gundam pilot was letting out cries and grunts as she was sweating everywhere, never letting herself a moment to rest. All Kumi could think of was Heero and Duo still in OZ's possession... Trowa, Sette and the other pilots flying off to handle a situation without anyway of her knowing what happened to them... Demetris. That last thought, alone, was enough to make the 'Perfect Soldier's' blood scorch with rage.
Slowly, even more prisoners and guards were no longer focusing on whatever they had been doing as they soon became entranced by the Japanese pilot's strength and determination. The pilot wasn't even aware of her surroundings, lost in her own world as she continued to take everything she had out on the large, red bag before her. "I've never seen anything like her," one young prisoner said quietly to another beside him. His friend shook his head as he replied, "I feel bad for whoever she's thinking of right now." The first captive reminded him with a hint of doubt in his tone, "That's if she gets out of here alive."
Sally Poe ran into the gym and knew right away where she would find the Gundam pilot, seeing that a small crowd was growing in the middle of the large facility. Sighing deeply in relief that she didn't have to look too hard for her, she sprinted off in the direction of the audience.
Several guards stopped the Preventer as she approached the scene. Sally informed them, "I have direct orders from Lady Une to speak with Kumi as soon as possible." One of the guards nodded and replied, "Of course, Water." At this, the other stepped aside and announced, "Alright, everyone! Show's over!" A groan came from the crowd as they slowly parted and went back to their own workouts.
The silver-haired pilot continued to unleash her attack on the punching bag, still locked in her own world. Sally looked with wide eyes, seeing that she must have been at this for a while on account to all of the sweat pouring from her. It was as if the Japanese pilot just returned from a swim. Still, she never showed any signs of slowing her attack. Water called from a few feet, "Kumi?" Having never heard her name, the young woman continued to shout, punch and kick with everything in her. Demetris was standing before her, nothing else.
Sally got closer and called a bit louder, "Kumi!?!" The response was only a loud growl leaving the pilot as she quickened her pace and increased the force of her blows, forgetting that there was anything else around her besides the giant that she was determined to kill. Suddenly, two hands grabbed her shoulders and spun her away from the bag to face whoever seized her.
A loud cry left the pilot as she prepared to punch whoever this person was. Just then, her eyes registered the concerned face of the Preventer as she shouted in her face, "KUMI!" A loud gasp left the 'Perfect Soldier' as her narrowed eyes widened as far as they could. "Sally!?!" she replied in shock. Kumi stumbled back a few paces, eyes still wide as she realized how close she came to hurting one of her comrades. Panting loudly and trying to get her emotions, she continued to gaze to Water.
Sally didn't seem upset at anything that had happened, but it was clear that the silver-haired pilot was shaken. Closing her eyes with a deep sigh as her pants were gentler, Kumi said quietly, "Gomen, Sally... I didn't realize-" Water smiled warmly and walked forward to rest a gentle hand on the soldier's shoulder.
"I know that this is hard for you right now," she said sincerely to the soaked young woman. Looking back up with her emotionless mask back in place, the stoic pilot deadpanned as she shook her head, "I'm fine." Not bothering to argue, Water simply took hold of Kumi's right wrist and led her towards the gym doors. "There's something that you need to see." The 'Perfect Soldier' simply nodded and followed her friend out of the gym.
* * * * * *
Within the castle that once belonged to the Devion family, the largest hall was filled with almost two hundred guests as they gathered in their finest attire for the ceremony. As they took their places in the round gathering hall, in the balconies and raised rows of seats, the discussions between each other soon simmered down as they watched a man in his forties reaching the stage before everyone.
As the bearded, dark-haired man reached the podium, the hush over the crowd passed as everyone cheered and applauded loudly. The brown eyes of the well-dressed Senator looked over those gathered as he smiled and waved to them. As the cheers and applause died, he spoke into the microphone with his baritone voice. "Good evening. My friends of the Earth and Colony H7, it is a great honor to stand before you this evening."
* * * * * *
Sally entered the control room with Kumi close behind. Since there were several Colony Council Representatives present on the ship, the Gundam pilot was ordered to remain cuffed if she was to be permitted to leave the prison. Four armed Preventers were also brought to stand around the silver-haired pilot to keep her from trying anything.
While it was disturbing to Lady Une and those who knew the pilot, they had to follow these orders. As far as the Japanese pilot was concerned, she made no changes in her expression. Lady Une and Keiser were looking up to the monitor when their friends entered. The slight rustle of the chain on the arm cuffs on Kumi was the only thing that drew their attention away from the screen ahead. They turned and offered the prisoner warm smiles that were difficult to produce through their pain in seeing her under such unnecessary protection.
Together with Sally, they all looked up to the main monitor, along with everyone in Pulsar's control room. The image of the bearded man at the podium was on the screen as he continued, "I am Senator William Wray, loyal speaker for the people of Earth. I am here tonight to announce that with the difficult situation of the war, and with no true leader, the Earth cannot continue to act on its own."
* * * * * *
Wray continued as he stood before the assembly in the castle, lowering his head, "While I understand that the people of Earth and the Representatives of the planet wish that Brian and Relena Weatherall would return to the thrown, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you the once loved King and Queen have proclaimed their hatred towards the Earth and all who live there." The crowd stirred as they gasped and spoke amongst each other.
William held the forged document that his cousin had mentioned to his friends as he stated, "For anyone who wished to question this, I hold the statement written by Brian Weatherall's own hands. It will verify everything that I have just informed you is true." The guests began to grow louder than before as they heard this and looked to the document in the speaker's hand.
Lowering the papers, the Senator said, "It is, therefore, in the best interest of the Earth that we share leadership with Colony H7. On this, the night of the new King's coronation, we also accept the friendship with OZ that has been established here. This is to repay the Weatheralls and their friends, the Gundam pilots and Preventers, for their decision."
William then and smiled, "It is my great honor and pleasure to introduce the man who will help lead us to victory along with Quinze Kushrenadah. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome, King Vale." At this, he stepped down from the stage as the massive crowd erupted with shouts and cheers, rising to their feet with elated faces. When the stage was empty, the thick, red curtains behind the podium were spread in half and lifted to make way for the new King.
Finally, everyone watched as the guest of honor walked out. The applause and celebration ended and dead silence fell as they looked with wide eyes and slack jaws to the young woman who entered. The dress she wore was midnight blue with a slit up the right side and the left side was beaded with diamonds. There was a sky blue, chiffon wrap over her shoulders to cover her bare shoulders and low cut front. Her long, deep blue hair was pulled up in a bun and a tiara of gold and diamonds fell across her forehead.
Standing before the microphone, she announced, "My name is Sette Devion, I am here to announce my return to Colony H7 as Queen." There was a loud and collective gasp from those present. The young woman continued, "For those of you who may not know, I was forced to surrender my crown in return for my father's life by three of my most trusted advisors. With my father's life at stake, I had no choice but to agree to announce my resignation. However, I have come to right the wrongs that have been committed.
"Along with my fellow Gundam pilots, I will see that those responsible for the crimes against myself and my friends will punished. This begins with Duke Vale, Representative Frantz and Foreign Minister Kirkland." The assembly gathered rose to its feet as everyone shouted, gasped and gave other signs of shock and fear. Turning to the open curtain behind her, Sette stepped aside to allow everyone a good clear view of the stage behind her.
Duke Vale, Representative Frantz and Foreign Minister Kirkland were led out into the open, their wrists cuffed in shackles before them as Quatre, Delapan and Trowa walked behind them, their guns pressed against their prisoners' backs. Kirkland and Frantz held their heads low. Vale, however, looked to the queen with a rage in his eyes that no one in the assembly had seen in them before. He soon lowered his own head, knowing that he was defeated. Sette looked to the captives and gave her friends a nod with a warm smile to thank all of them.
After a long moment for everyone to gather their bearings, many of those in the massive hall fell back into their seat, unable to lose their shocked glances as they never tore their eyes from the stage. Sette turned back to the podium and stated, "I know that there were others, many of whom are in this room now, who aided these men in their actions. Rest assured, we will find all of you. And you will share the same fate that these three will be facing." Instantly, Senator Wray along with five men who had been watching and listening with great distress jumped from their seats and ran to the only door that would lead them out.
Again, there was an eruption of shouts and cries as everyone watched the escape helplessly, the six men just feet away from the huge doors. Sette and the pilots with her watched without any concern from their place on the stage. The moment the men were just within freedom's reach, someone jumped from the balcony over the doors and aimed a riffle at them.
Wufei's eyes were narrowed into thin slits as he charged the weapon with a click and hissed sharply, "Don't." Wide-eyed and beside themselves, the newest prisoners raised their heads to fold them behind their heads. As the Chinese pilot held the men at gun-point, Milliardo and Noin came from behind them with arm cuffs and guns of their own. Placing the chained restraints on the men, the Gundam pilots forced them to turn and look to the queen of H7. It took a moment for everyone to calm themselves again.
Sette sighed deeply and lowered her head sadly as she said quietly, "My people, I had always been aware that most of you found it hard to accept me as a Gundam pilot while serving as you queen. Foolishly, I believed that I would be able to perform both tasks without any difficulty. Now, it is clear to me that I was wrong in feeling this way. Just know that I have never done anything without thinking of your protection and well-being first."
Looking up again, the young woman could see the pain and sadness in the eyes and faces of those gathered. Every one of them had been her friend and follower and in more ways than one, they realized that they had let her down. A smile crossed the Gundam pilot's lips and she continued, "I am here to inform you that I do not intend on remaining the ruler of this Colony when the war is over."
As everyone took this in with disbelief, Sette gave a gave to them to keep them still as she continued, "When the war is over, I promise that I will find the best King and or Queen to rule fill my place. Further more, I will not be the person to rule the Earth, not now of ever... Instead, I will be giving that role to my brother-in-law and my sister." Looking to the confused glances around her, the tomboy chuckled deeply, "I am sure that you've my family before." She turned to look behind her.
Brian and Relena Weatherall walked from the curtain now. Brian dressed in his royal garb complete with the deep purple robe and large, gold grown over his red hair. Relena was in a white gown with her own crown in place. Her hair in a braided bun, and her stomach had grown enough that there was no doubt that she was a few months along in her pregnancy. Yet again, there was a great stir from those in the room as they rose from their seats, looked with shocked faces to the stage.
Relena smiled warmly to he sister as she stood beside her along with Brian. The Council of the Earth watched with jaws dropped and eyes widened. Sette wrapped her arm around Zes's shoulders, with Zes doing returning the gesture. The tomboy proclaimed, "As the Queen of H7, it is my honor and duty return rule over the Earth to King and Queen Weatherall, where it rightfully belongs. I expect that their should not be a problem for any of you. Besides..." Turning to look at Duke Vale, the queen of H7 sneered, "Who better to give the job than family?"
Instantly, the Earth Council Representatives looked with elation to the Weatheralls as their shock faded. Sette made way from the podium for Brian to stand there as he stated, "My friends, I assure that everything you have heard from Duke Vale and his cousin, Senator Wray, have been nothing but lies. Relena and I could never turn our backs on any of you. We will devote our lives, as we always have, to looking out for your best interests. We will continue to support the Gundam pilots and Preventers with no doubt of their abilities and devotion to all of us. And as for OZ, this now marks the beginning of their end. They will rue the day that they began this war. With everyone united on the Earth and in the Colonies, we will work as one to crush them and any threat to peace that should come hereafter."
There was a pause and soon, one man of the Earth Council rose to his feet and began applauding with a smile on his face. The applause was slow, then picked up as another Senator from H7 stood from her seat and joined in. Soon, there were handfuls of people rising at once as they did the same. And it was not a moment later when every seat was empty as everyone was on their feet, a deafening celebration roaring through the hall.
As people watched on in their homes in Space and on the Earth, they, too joined in the celebration, clapping and shouting in the streets. The Gundam pilots smiled as they watched and listened to the crowd, knowing that this was the first step to a possible victory. They turned to each other and gave elated and relieved smiles as they took all of this in.
On Pulsar, the control room was packed with cheering, shouting, hugging and clapping Preventers. Kumi gave a warm smile as she looked up to the monitors. The screen revealed, Brian, Relena, Sette and all of the Gundam pilots that were called up to receive the recognition they deserved. Still smiling to the monitor, she whispered as she shook her head , "Well I'll be damned," Kumi's smile never faded even as she was taken by the arm by one of the armed guards and was led back to her cell.
As the prisoner passed the massive crowd of Preventers, many of them smiled and fought past their comrades to pat the Gundam pilot's back while some even kissed her cheeks to show their support and appreciation for everything that she and her fellow pilot had done for them. The cobalt eyes of the pilot were soft as all she could to was smile warmly to all around. The celebration just continued and grew not only on the ship, but everywhere in Space and on the Earth.
In the Devion castle hall, Brian stood between his wife and Sette, taking their hands in his. The queens took the hands of their comrades as they stood side-by-side. Lifting their joint hands and arms in the air with huge smiles on their faces, the eruption of cheers and shouts only increased. Small tears filled Sette's eyes as she looked up to the ceiling and whispered, "For you, Daddy."
Quatre was at her other side and turned to smile lovingly to his fiancee as he heard this. He squeezed the queen's hand tight and gave her a nod of reassurance. "I know that he's proud of you," the Arabian whispered to her. The tomboy nodded as she replied quietly in a sigh, "And for once, I'm finally proud of myself, too." Quatre leaned in and kissed her cheek.
The pilots looked to one another, never lowering or releasing each other's hands. While they were not a whole until, they felt their missing friends with them, sharing their relief and joy even now. This was something that they would hold with them forever, however long that would be. And for the first time since the war began, everyone united in one voice across the stars and beyond... And for the first time since the war began, there was hope.
* * * * * *
That night, back on Pulsar, Delapan snuck through the halls of the ship, careful not to wake anyone. Reaching Trowa's room, she gave a small, secret knock as her request to enter was granted with the opening of the door. Slipping inside, she looked to Trowa, Quatre, Sette, Zes, Noin and Wufei as they sat in a circle in the middle of the floor there. Catherine sat with them, throwing a large file of reports in the center of the circle they made as she sighed deeply, "That's all of it."
Together, the pilots looked to the spread papers before them. Trowa looked up to his comrades and smiled, "Alright. We attack Nebula again first thing in the morning... This time, we're not leaving without Heero and Duo." The others smiled and nodded at this as they returned their glances to everything that had been gathered on the ship that had cost them three pilots.
TBC
CAN YOU BELIEVE WE'RE THIS FAR ALREADY!!??!! GOOD!!! I CAN'T!!! I HAVE SO MUCH S*** TO MAKE WORK OUT IN 10 EPISODES!!! *BOUNCESBOUNCESBOUNCES* *LAUGHS INSANELY* *PASSES OUT*
I have to thank Traci, Sam, Beekay, Silver Star, Mylia, Ruby, D-max, GREETER 600, Lily, Stormy, Naz, Akuma, Kai, my 1x2x1 family and everyone who is enjoying this fic. This fic never would have happened without you! Everything goes out to everyone! *SUPERGLOMPS AND KISSES* I LOVE ALL OF YOU!!!!
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 40: Homecoming
by SkyLark
The day after Duo's capture and Kumi's arrest, Quatre and Delapan were on the Earth, at the cabin that they had made their home for months. Walking throughout the house, they collected any personal belongings of theirs and their friends. Once a room was cleared, they soaked the walls and floor with lighter fluid and other oils.
They worked their way down from the floor where the bedrooms were. Quatre walked through the rooms that went to Duo, Trowa and Wufei, taking personal items that they left behind since their last stay. Once they were retrieved, he placed them in a backpack that belonged to each pilot.
Delapan held onto several articles of clothing belonging to Zes as she tossed them into one of the backpacks that she carried with her. As she passed by the room that belonged to Dorothy, she paused and looked through the doorway. Stepping inside slowly, the redhead sighed deeply as she looked to the surroundings. After taking everything in, Catherine turned to make her way out of the room. It was on her way to the door that she noticed a small book that was peeking from under the dresser that was beside the window opposite of her.
Frozen in the doorway, Delapan took a moment before slowly walking towards the dresser. She knelt and removed the book from its hiding place. The small, but thick book was covered in images of roses that had been painted on the front, back and spine. Being next to the window as the sunlight broke through the thin white curtains, Catherine was able to study the item in her hand. Looking carefully to the outside, she ran a hand along the smooth surface and hesitated before opening it.
Catching her breath, the Gundam pilot looked to the pages within. There were hand-drawn images of each pilot. There was an image of each of them standing alone and many others where several of them were together. Along with these impressively detailed images, there were many poems and journal entries that Novem had written during her free time. Delapan could recall her friend's voice in her head as she read one of her entries, written on the inside of the back cover...
"It's strange how much I have changed with the experience that I have had as a Gundam pilot. There was once a time when I thought wars were the most beautiful things to ever exist. Now, I see just how ugly they truly are... While there is honor in dying for what is right, I am now beginning to wish that mankind would find a way to resolve their problems without fighting. While I know that reality will never allow wars to end, it is still nice to dream of a life of never-ending peace... But that would be Heaven, wouldn't it? Well, if that is the case, I am looking forward to joining my grandfather there.
"Right now, I am preparing for the attack of a base in the Philippines with the others. For my friends, I can only hope and pray that they'll all live this war to fight again. As long as there is peace, there will always be forces to threaten it. And defending peace can be more of a challenge than fighting to regain it.
"If anyone would be the best suited, there could be none better than Heero, Duo, Kumi, Trowa, Sette, Quatre, Wufei, Delapan and my dearest friend, Zes. As for myself, there is something greater calling for me. I can hear it even now, though I do not know what it may be. Good night, my friend. I look forward to your company again. Your companion, Dorothy-Novem."
Delapan's face was soaked in tears as she closed the book slowly. Hugging the book, a small sob escaped her. She kissed the front cover and placed it in one of her three backpacks, one of the last possessions that they now had of Dorothy's. Drying her face and getting her emotions under control again, Catherine sighed deeply as she rose to her feet.
Taking one last long look to the room as she stood in the doorway, she gave a small smile as she whispered, "I'm glad that you found the peace you were looking for, Dorothy." Drying the remainder of the tears that fell and threatened to do the same, she closed the door behind her. A small click from the doorknob was all that remained before silence fell on the room that housed the blonde pilot who gave her life for peace.
Quatre was already downstairs, having scanned the rooms that he needed to check. Delapan soon joined him and went to the containers of gas that were waiting at the front door. The two pilots covered their noses and mouths with a long, thick strip of sheets to protect them from the fumes. "I feel bad having to do this. There are so many memories with this place," the redhead said quietly as they emptied their canisters of gas around the living room.
The Arabian nodded and replied, "I do as well, but we can't take the risk of allowing this place to fall into the wrong hands... Whether it's during this war or another. We've worn out our welcome." He smiled and removed a camera along with many cases of film inside from one of the backpacks on him. "As for the memories, Duo took enough pictures for twenty albums." The redhead looked to the camera and film with wide eyes before laughing loudly. They went back to their work, making sure that the room was well covered with the lighter fluid.
Once that task was finished, they left the soaked room and made their way to the hanger, removing the cloths from their faces. Once downstairs, they double-checked that there wasn't anything they left behind in the hidden base. Delapan was looking to the system of the main monitors as Quatre looked to the launch pad and ships below.
Typing in the system to see if there was any stored information, the redhead noted quietly to herself, "Looks like there was another conversation between two of the Earth's Senators while we were away. Good thing this program can save those discussions for us." Placing a set of headphones on, she said, "I better make sure that they didn't say anything we'll need to hear." Clicking onto the icon of the stored recording, the Gundam pilot listened closely to the brief talk that the hanger's signal picked up.
Quatre was taking the elevator back up to the top level of the hanger after making sure that everything was in order. He looked to the pilot who remained before the main monitor, listening to the discussion she found. He wiped his hands clean of the fuel that he released from the ships below with a rag. Looking back to his friend, he sighed deeply, "I think that just about does-" A loud gasp cut him off followed by a shout of, "WAIT A SECOND!"
The Arabian looked up to see the look of disbelief and shock Catherine's face as she looked to the main monitors. Running to the other pilot's side, he asked in concern, "What is it?" Delapan replied, with her eyes still wide and voice small, "T-the Earth is sharing it's leadership with an outside source." "WHAT!?!" Quatre shouted. Quickly, he placed another set of headphones on himself as he listened to the replayed discussion. As the recording played on, the blonde pilot's eyes widened. Turning to Delepan, he shouted, "Let's go!" The pilots removed the headphones and quickly set the self-detonation on the main program.
The time counted down from five minutes. Running to the only ship that they spared its fuel, Quatre and Delapan jumped in as the large, red numbers counted down. The moment they passed through the hanger's opening in the Virginian soil, the hanger was taken in a massive explosion, taking the cabin with it. The shuttle that the Gundam pilots took shot into the stars as the pilots within never looked back.
* * * * * *
Five OZ soldiers walked down the halls of the Nebula's prison. Walking to the door of their two most prized hostages. The men all looked certain of themselves, unafraid of anything and with the confidence that Quinze, himself always gave off. "You would think that by now, the other Gundam pilots would just give up. There isn't anything giving them reason to believe that they have a chance to win," one of the young men sneered to his comrades.
The soldier behind him chuckled deeply, "They'll be sorry they didn't by the time that we're through with them. His Excellency and Demetris returned to main ship to finalize their moves of action to end this war as soon as possible." A third guard asked, "Why did His Excellency not bother making clones with Heero Yuy's DNA? He would have countless pilots like him at his beck and call."
The forth young man shook his head, "It's one thing to clone something that was yours. The clones we have now were made by the DNA of soldiers who willingly worked for OZ. To take Yuy's DNA against his will to make soldiers in his fashion would not be an act of principles. His Excellency would never act as such, when it comes to war. The same would be see through his brother, Treise, when he didn't want mobile dolls fighting in wars because they took the fight out of human hands."
The first soldier to speak nodded, "Makes sense. It doesn't matter, anyway. Yuy and Maxwell aren't a threat to any of us in the state they're in." Just as this was said, the guards reached the cell door of the Gundam pilots. They stood at either side as the first soldier punched the code that undid the lock. Once the door opened, Heero and Duo stood in waiting at the other side, giving the soldier a look of death that they had never seen before. They stepped from the cell, never losing their death glares towards the soldiers.
Frozen in shock and terror, the guards hesitated before two of them cuffed the pilots' arms. It took a moment before they got their composure and glared back to the prisoners. The first guard growled deeply to Heero as he got inches from his face, "What the hell are you looking at?" The Wing pilot replied coldly, "A dead man." The soldier's eyes widened before they narrowed again. He hissed, "You're closer to death than I am." Heero sneered, "I'm sleeping with Death. You can't get closer than that." A sneer crossed Duo's own lips as he looked to the same guard.
The ship's commander, Lieutenant Marx walked to the scene, having heard the conversation from a few feet away. The tall man looked to the guards who allowed the pilots to get under their skin and unnerve them. He glared to Heero and Duo, who gladly returned the favor, before ordering his men, "Get moving. We don't have all day." The young men regained their composure and prepared their guns as they forced their prisoners down the hall for their rounds of torture. Marx watched them leave and growled deeply when he was alone again.
Heero and Duo were shoved violently through the door that would lead them where they were to be tortured. The pilots managed to stay on their feet, despite the forceful blows they received. The door behind them closed, locking the guards outside. Heero and Duo looked to see that they were on a balcony over the room where they would be chained and beaten. Duo's eyes widened as he looked over the railing to the torture devices far below.
"H-heero," he whispered brokenly. Turning to his lover, his eyes gazed to him with pain in them. "You went through this every day?" he just barely managed to ask. Heero walked to him as he nodded, but there was no expression of pain on him. He smiled to his braided koi and kissed his lips gently. He whispered with his lips brushing against his partner's as he spoke gently, "The pain left me the moment I was in your arms again, Duo." A small sigh left the American as they smiled to each other and rested their foreheads against their partner's.
"Now isn't this sweet," a dark voice from behind them mocked followed by a deep chuckle. The pilots turned to see their torturer standing with his arms crossed. His hugs biceps were large enough to break a man in half without any effort. He sneered to the glaring eyes of his prey, "Let's get started, shall we, love birds?" The glares from the pilots faded as sneers of their own crossed their lips in response.
* * * * * *
The Control room of Pulsar was as busy as always with the Gundam pilots helping the Preventers in seeing what move they needed to make in order to help their cause in the war. Sette was looking to the monitor of the computer where she sat, scanning any unusual activity within Pulsar's reach. Looking to her friends, she announced, "Delapan and Quatre made it back from the Earth safely. From what I can gather, they didn't have any problems destroying the safe house." Everyone silently took this news with relief.
Trowa was busy working on Kumi's blueprints, looking to her designs and understand exactly what she had been intending to do to the Gundams. He was determined to have the plans finished by the time his lover's trial was to take place, mading it his own personal mission that he refused to fail. Wufei was working with Sally at one end of the control room, looking over their reports and typing them into the system to see what they could use in their favor for the next time they would have to fight.
It wasn't long before the doors to the control room opened as Quatre and Delapan ran with looks of urgency on their faces. Trowa, Sette and Wufei were instantly concerned as they jumped from their spots and ran to them. Panting, their friends looked to them as they tried to catch their breath. Sette placed her hands on her fiancee's shoulders and asked, "What happened?" The Arabian looked up to her and straightened and replied, "We know what we know the Earth's next move. There's a chance we can get them back on our side." The eyes of the three pilots before him widened as they heard this. "What do we have to do?" was all that Wufei asked as he narrowed his eyes.
Delapan straightened as she regained her breath and explained, "We listened to a conversation between two of the Earth's Senators. The Earth has been in danger because of the fact that none of the Council can agree on a leader for the people. They're looking to share the same leadership as the Colony that they have had the closest personal relationship with since the end of the Eve Wars."
Sette's arms fell to her side and her eyes narrowed as she noted aloud, "Colony H7." Quatre nodded to his fiancee and told her, "Duke Vale is being named as King of H7 tonight. The announcement of his reign over the Earth and the Colony will be made prior to the coronation." The tomboy growled deeply as her face gave testimony to her rage. She growled deeply, "That's what they think."
* * * * * *
Kumi was sitting in her cell, her back against the wall opposite of the door. Her cuffed forearms were resting in her lap and her eyes were closed as she remained in deep thought. The sound of the cell door's lock being undone caused her cobalt sphere to open. She watched as a Preventer, one of her guards, entered the room. The 'Perfect Soldier' looked to him with an empty expression. "You have a visitor," he informed the prisoner. The silver-haired pilot wasn't expecting this, clearly, as her eyes widened for a moment. Getting to her feet, the stoic pilot simply gave a nod, soldier mask back in place. The guard led the way as they left the cell.
In the visiting room, there were several prisoners of the war sat in narrow booths, speaking to their visitors through the phones as they looked to each other through bulletproof, soundproof glass. The Gundam pilot was led to the last of the booths. Her cuffs were removed by her guard as he stated, "You have five minutes starting now."
Kumi walked to the chair before her and her guard stepped away. Looking through the glass, she looked in shock to see the none other than Zes sitting on the other side. Thanks to her time to recover from her collapse and stress, Relena was now clearly beginning to show her pregnancy. Zes gave a small, sad smile as her comrade sat on the other side of the glass. The pilots took hold of the telephones beside them.
"Good to see you, Zes," Kumi said sincerely with a the smallest hint of a smile. The queen's smile faded, not able to stay as positive as she hoped to. She lowered her head and closed her eyes as she sighed deeply, "I'm so sorry, Kumi." The stoic pilot simply replied, "I'm not." Zes raised her head with a look of shock to her partner. Her smile returned as she shook her head, "I didn't think that you would be. You did the only thing you could. Brian and I are looking through the upcoming trial to see if there is anything we can do to get you out of here as soon as possible."
Kumi gave a nod. The stoic pilot couldn't help but chuckle as she chook her head with her eyes closed. Zes looked to her in concern and asked, "What is it?" Kumi stopped chuckling and stated as her eyes opened, "Just ironic how of all the things to be arrested for as a Gundam pilot... they arrest me for treason." Relena's eyes saddened even more as she said quietly, "Life has a way of working out the way we least expect."
The queen hesitated before being able to continue with what she was about to say. Her mouth moved, but nothing came out. She stopped to clear her throat as she just barely managed to inform her comrade, "With the charge of treason... Y-you'll be up against a sentence of death." Kumi seemed unmoved by this as she simply replied, "I understand that."
Relena was still having a hard time in not becoming distressed over this. She growled deeply with her hands clenched in tight fists, "This shouldn't be happening. You should be with the rest of us. Brian and I are doing everything we can, and it still isn't helping to get you out of that cell." The silver-haired pilot said quietly with a gentleness in her voice, "What you and Brian are doing is more than enough, Zes. Thank you for everything... How are all of you holding up?" Relena was thankful for the assurance in Kumi's voice as she sighed and relaxed a bit more. She shrugged, "As good as can be expected, considering everything."
Relena made sure that there wasn't anyone close enough to hear. Leaning in closer to the glass, she whispered into the phone, "I can't tell you much, but there is a chance we'll get our first huge break in this war since all of your missions were completed. I've been speaking with the others and we really have a chance in seeing this work out." The stoic pilot paused, eyes widened for a second as she took the information in.
Leaning closer to the glass, Kumi said quietly, "Whatever it is, be careful. We can't have another pilot down for any reason." Relena smiled and nodded, "We'll be careful. We'll fill you in on everything when we get back." The silver-haired pilot gave a nod as she said, "Understood." The queen sighed sadly, "I hate that you can't be a part of this."
Kumi replied, "I know. I hate this, too. But the trial is a few days away and if there are any opportunities that might help us in this war, we you all need to do whatever it takes it see that it doesn't pass, with or without me." Zes bit her lip and nodded, "We won't let you down, Kumi." Her friend gave a small, genuine smile as she stated, "Not one of you has ever let me down."
The young queen smiled warmly back to the other pilot as she whispered, "I'm glad." Kumi suggested, "You should go do whatever you have to." Zes nodded, "Yea... Take care." The silver-haired pilot replied quietly, "Same to you... Send my best to everyone." Relena assured her, "I'll do that." She hung her phone back up and waved as she rose from her seat. Kumi lowered her phone onto the table and waved back. She watched Zes walked away and hung her phone back on the wall as she rose from her own seat. Her guard came and arm-cuffed her again.
The 'Perfect Soldier' was led back into her cell. There were several Preventers that stood guard at other cells that eyed the pilot as she passed. Some looked in disgust while others looked in grief and loss. Knowing that a Gundam pilot was on trial for their life was something that stirred a great deal of mixed reactions and feelings from the soldiers. The fact that she was being labeled as a traitor was something that they all knew must have cut her deeply, no matter how stoic she came across.
The cell to the pilot's door was opened and the deemed traitor walked in, no questions asked as she thought of her comrades and whatever it was that they would be taking part in. The door was closed behind her, leaving nothing but the pitch blackness. Resting in the spot she had been in when she was called upon, Kumi said quietly as she looked to the door, "Don't go getting yourselves killed."
* * * * * *
That night, on Colony H7, Duke Vale was dressing in his best suit. It was decorated with many metals and emblems of his rank. Looking to himself in the mirror as he fixed his collar, there was a knock as his door. "Come in," he called as he turned in that direction. Representative Frantz and Foreign Minister Kirkland entered, dressed in their finest as well. They smiled to their friend and closed the door behind them.
Looking to the leader of their group, Kirkland sighed deeply in relief, "We actually made it... Are you ready for your coronation, King Vale?" The Duke chuckled deeply, "You know, I think I'm going to get used the sound of that..." Turning to admirer himself in the mirror again, he said with reverence, "King Vale." Kirkland smiled, "I have to hand it to you... Who would have thought that you would be named the King of H7 and the Earth in one night?" Vale gave a smug sneer and replied, "I knew it all along. Why do you think I waited so long before making the move to become ruler of this pathetic waste of Space?"
Frantz's eyes widened and he shook his head, "What are you saying?" Vale turned back to is henchmen and replied, "My cousin, William, is the head Senator of the Earth Council. We've been planning this whole movement of power from day one. The people of Earth are so desperate for someone to step up and accept leadership that they were pleading the Earth Council to bring King and Queen Weatherall back.
"My cousin sent a false document in the forged writing of Brian Weatherall, that neither he nor Relena wish to deal with the Earth any longer, since they were betrayed by them. William has been a loved Senator to the people for many years, so of course, there would be no argument from anyone. So, he was requested to decide on the nezt King of the World." He chuckled deeply, "And who better to give the job than family?" He smiled at the look of shock on the faces of his friends. Finally, Frantz laughed loudly, "You never cease to amaze me, Vale!"
The Duke stated, "We can't allow anything ruin this evening for any of us." Kirkland assured him with a nod, "We have OZ armies stationed in Space and everywhere around this castle. And all preparations have been made to spread the event over every channel that we can pick up. Before long, everyone will know you as one of the most powerful men alive." Vale replied with a conceited smile, "No need for true concern. There isn't anything that could take this away from me."
* * * * * *
"IT'S A GUNDAM!!!!!" an OZ soldier screamed from his Space Leo just before he was sliced in half. Wufei looked to H7 clearly now once the explosion passed. His friends had begun a bitter and violent attack on the guards that had been stationed beyond the Colony's atmosphere, unknown to everyone living below. There was also a massive army of Preventers that fought alongside the Gundams. Together, they used whatever they could to take out the soldiers blocking their way to H7.
As she attacked the soldiers closest to her, Sette turned to see the Colony, herself. The Chinese pilot said quietly, yet sincerely as he struggled with his own opponents, "Welcome home." The tomboy smashed her laser mallet into three guards, destroying the suits instantly as she turned to Nataku. Wiping sweat from her brow, she sighed deeply with a small smile, "Thanks."
Quatre was not wasting any time in the battle as he would cut the mobile suits from top to bottom and others from lefs to right. All the while, he changed his tactics in maneuvers and strikes, never allowing his enemies to know what he would do next. Noin and Delapan were working closely together as hey made fast work of the pilots that began to swarm together. As Noin would shoot a handful of guards with arrows, Delapan would strike and wrap those she could not reach with her whip. Together, they managed to take out more than seven pilots at a time.
Milliardo stabbed through mobile suits as he growled and shouted loudly in the heat of battle. Pulling his bow at the middle, he went to using the blades as separate weapons. Trowa was shooting through everything that came within a half-mile of him. Stabbing one Taurus from the waist up, he pulled back just as the suit exploded. The tall pilot called to the others, "We don't have a lot of time. If we stay here much longer, the ceremony will begin without any way of stopping it."
The image of one of the Preventers fighting with them appeared on their screens of the Gundam as he informed them, "We'll take care of the soldiers here. Just get to the castle before it's too late." Milliardo nodded, "Thank you." At this, he lead the fall from the stars with the other suits and a small fighter craft right behind. The Prevneters worked with even more speed and determination as they held off the guards that attempted to take out the Gundams as they shot for H7.
* * * * * *
"I bet those little bastards are singing a different tune now," one of the four OZ guards chuckled deeply as he and his friends made their way back to the torture room to collect Heero and Duo. The others agreed with sneers and nods to this statement and they reached the door. Walking inside and down the stairs of the balcony, the men were surprised how quiet the room was. The moment that they rounded the stairwell, they froze in their places with shocked faces as they looked before them.
Heero was lying on his back on one of the stretch tables with Duo in his arms, curled against his right side and head on his love's chest. Their arm cuffs had been removed and were lying on the floor beside their 'bed.' They looked to the paralyzed guards with smiles as they continued to lie together. It was the body in the middle of the torture cell that was what caught the attention of the soldiers.
The body was that of the torturer as it lied in a bloody heap of flesh and bones. It was beaten and twisted beyond recognition, lying on it's chest- or so it seemed to be its chest. Two guards ran from the scene as they covered their mouths and gagged loudly. The remaining soldiers finally forced their eyes from the body of their friend as they aimed their guns at the Gundam pilots, who were still smiling as they held each other.
Minutes later, the Heero and Duo were in Lieutenant Marx's office. The tall soldier was pacing around the pair, studying their stern faces as they looked forward, unaffected by his presence. With a threatening, yet quiet voice, he stated, "Over half of my soldier's bones are shattered...his face is beaten in beyond any recognition...every inch of him was scarred and cut in some fashion... and not even my best doctors here can figure out how his limbs could have been so mangled..."
Bringing his face inches from that of the Wing pilot, he screamed at the top of his lungs with wide and maddened eyes, "AND ALL YOU CAN SAY IS THAT HE FELL OFF THE BALCONY!?!" Heero shrugged as he deadpanned, "It was a long fall." Duo had to bite his lip to keep from bursting into laughter at his koi's response. The Lieutenant was beside himself with rage as he paced back from the prisoners who remained unaffected. "Get the fuck out of my office," he growled deeply, lowly.
Hearing this, two armed soldiers entered the office and took Heero and Duo as they led them back to their cell. The Lieutenant lowered himself into the seat at his desk as the door closed. "Those sons of bitches aren't living another day. To hell with Quinze's orders." He looked to a small vile that was resting before him. He sneered as he held the glass container and told himself, "They'll be the perfect test subjects for this latest weapon... And I think I'll start with that 'Perfect Soldier.'" He chuckled deeply and wrapped his hand completely around the vile tightly.
* * * * * *
Kumi was working out in the gym of Pulsar, letting her frustration out in the only productive way that she could as she remained under arrest. Fortunately for her and every Prisoner of War that was on the enormous ship, they were permitted to use the gym for three hours at night, long after the Preventers and other welcomed guests were to leave. While they were granted this time to keep from loosing their minds in the cells, they were heavily guarded by armed soldiers all around.
Utilizing the gray long T-shirts and black boxers that were the only things provided to the prisoners, the silver-haired pilot was showing no mercy for a large punching bag as she unleashed a wave of kicks, hits and punches. Her cobalt eyes were narrowed as she glared to her target with the determination and focus of the soldier she had always been trained to become. Having never slowed during her intense workout, other prisoners watched her in awe.
The Gundam pilot was letting out cries and grunts as she was sweating everywhere, never letting herself a moment to rest. All Kumi could think of was Heero and Duo still in OZ's possession... Trowa, Sette and the other pilots flying off to handle a situation without anyway of her knowing what happened to them... Demetris. That last thought, alone, was enough to make the 'Perfect Soldier's' blood scorch with rage.
Slowly, even more prisoners and guards were no longer focusing on whatever they had been doing as they soon became entranced by the Japanese pilot's strength and determination. The pilot wasn't even aware of her surroundings, lost in her own world as she continued to take everything she had out on the large, red bag before her. "I've never seen anything like her," one young prisoner said quietly to another beside him. His friend shook his head as he replied, "I feel bad for whoever she's thinking of right now." The first captive reminded him with a hint of doubt in his tone, "That's if she gets out of here alive."
Sally Poe ran into the gym and knew right away where she would find the Gundam pilot, seeing that a small crowd was growing in the middle of the large facility. Sighing deeply in relief that she didn't have to look too hard for her, she sprinted off in the direction of the audience.
Several guards stopped the Preventer as she approached the scene. Sally informed them, "I have direct orders from Lady Une to speak with Kumi as soon as possible." One of the guards nodded and replied, "Of course, Water." At this, the other stepped aside and announced, "Alright, everyone! Show's over!" A groan came from the crowd as they slowly parted and went back to their own workouts.
The silver-haired pilot continued to unleash her attack on the punching bag, still locked in her own world. Sally looked with wide eyes, seeing that she must have been at this for a while on account to all of the sweat pouring from her. It was as if the Japanese pilot just returned from a swim. Still, she never showed any signs of slowing her attack. Water called from a few feet, "Kumi?" Having never heard her name, the young woman continued to shout, punch and kick with everything in her. Demetris was standing before her, nothing else.
Sally got closer and called a bit louder, "Kumi!?!" The response was only a loud growl leaving the pilot as she quickened her pace and increased the force of her blows, forgetting that there was anything else around her besides the giant that she was determined to kill. Suddenly, two hands grabbed her shoulders and spun her away from the bag to face whoever seized her.
A loud cry left the pilot as she prepared to punch whoever this person was. Just then, her eyes registered the concerned face of the Preventer as she shouted in her face, "KUMI!" A loud gasp left the 'Perfect Soldier' as her narrowed eyes widened as far as they could. "Sally!?!" she replied in shock. Kumi stumbled back a few paces, eyes still wide as she realized how close she came to hurting one of her comrades. Panting loudly and trying to get her emotions, she continued to gaze to Water.
Sally didn't seem upset at anything that had happened, but it was clear that the silver-haired pilot was shaken. Closing her eyes with a deep sigh as her pants were gentler, Kumi said quietly, "Gomen, Sally... I didn't realize-" Water smiled warmly and walked forward to rest a gentle hand on the soldier's shoulder.
"I know that this is hard for you right now," she said sincerely to the soaked young woman. Looking back up with her emotionless mask back in place, the stoic pilot deadpanned as she shook her head, "I'm fine." Not bothering to argue, Water simply took hold of Kumi's right wrist and led her towards the gym doors. "There's something that you need to see." The 'Perfect Soldier' simply nodded and followed her friend out of the gym.
* * * * * *
Within the castle that once belonged to the Devion family, the largest hall was filled with almost two hundred guests as they gathered in their finest attire for the ceremony. As they took their places in the round gathering hall, in the balconies and raised rows of seats, the discussions between each other soon simmered down as they watched a man in his forties reaching the stage before everyone.
As the bearded, dark-haired man reached the podium, the hush over the crowd passed as everyone cheered and applauded loudly. The brown eyes of the well-dressed Senator looked over those gathered as he smiled and waved to them. As the cheers and applause died, he spoke into the microphone with his baritone voice. "Good evening. My friends of the Earth and Colony H7, it is a great honor to stand before you this evening."
* * * * * *
Sally entered the control room with Kumi close behind. Since there were several Colony Council Representatives present on the ship, the Gundam pilot was ordered to remain cuffed if she was to be permitted to leave the prison. Four armed Preventers were also brought to stand around the silver-haired pilot to keep her from trying anything.
While it was disturbing to Lady Une and those who knew the pilot, they had to follow these orders. As far as the Japanese pilot was concerned, she made no changes in her expression. Lady Une and Keiser were looking up to the monitor when their friends entered. The slight rustle of the chain on the arm cuffs on Kumi was the only thing that drew their attention away from the screen ahead. They turned and offered the prisoner warm smiles that were difficult to produce through their pain in seeing her under such unnecessary protection.
Together with Sally, they all looked up to the main monitor, along with everyone in Pulsar's control room. The image of the bearded man at the podium was on the screen as he continued, "I am Senator William Wray, loyal speaker for the people of Earth. I am here tonight to announce that with the difficult situation of the war, and with no true leader, the Earth cannot continue to act on its own."
* * * * * *
Wray continued as he stood before the assembly in the castle, lowering his head, "While I understand that the people of Earth and the Representatives of the planet wish that Brian and Relena Weatherall would return to the thrown, it is with a heavy heart that I inform you the once loved King and Queen have proclaimed their hatred towards the Earth and all who live there." The crowd stirred as they gasped and spoke amongst each other.
William held the forged document that his cousin had mentioned to his friends as he stated, "For anyone who wished to question this, I hold the statement written by Brian Weatherall's own hands. It will verify everything that I have just informed you is true." The guests began to grow louder than before as they heard this and looked to the document in the speaker's hand.
Lowering the papers, the Senator said, "It is, therefore, in the best interest of the Earth that we share leadership with Colony H7. On this, the night of the new King's coronation, we also accept the friendship with OZ that has been established here. This is to repay the Weatheralls and their friends, the Gundam pilots and Preventers, for their decision."
William then and smiled, "It is my great honor and pleasure to introduce the man who will help lead us to victory along with Quinze Kushrenadah. Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome, King Vale." At this, he stepped down from the stage as the massive crowd erupted with shouts and cheers, rising to their feet with elated faces. When the stage was empty, the thick, red curtains behind the podium were spread in half and lifted to make way for the new King.
Finally, everyone watched as the guest of honor walked out. The applause and celebration ended and dead silence fell as they looked with wide eyes and slack jaws to the young woman who entered. The dress she wore was midnight blue with a slit up the right side and the left side was beaded with diamonds. There was a sky blue, chiffon wrap over her shoulders to cover her bare shoulders and low cut front. Her long, deep blue hair was pulled up in a bun and a tiara of gold and diamonds fell across her forehead.
Standing before the microphone, she announced, "My name is Sette Devion, I am here to announce my return to Colony H7 as Queen." There was a loud and collective gasp from those present. The young woman continued, "For those of you who may not know, I was forced to surrender my crown in return for my father's life by three of my most trusted advisors. With my father's life at stake, I had no choice but to agree to announce my resignation. However, I have come to right the wrongs that have been committed.
"Along with my fellow Gundam pilots, I will see that those responsible for the crimes against myself and my friends will punished. This begins with Duke Vale, Representative Frantz and Foreign Minister Kirkland." The assembly gathered rose to its feet as everyone shouted, gasped and gave other signs of shock and fear. Turning to the open curtain behind her, Sette stepped aside to allow everyone a good clear view of the stage behind her.
Duke Vale, Representative Frantz and Foreign Minister Kirkland were led out into the open, their wrists cuffed in shackles before them as Quatre, Delapan and Trowa walked behind them, their guns pressed against their prisoners' backs. Kirkland and Frantz held their heads low. Vale, however, looked to the queen with a rage in his eyes that no one in the assembly had seen in them before. He soon lowered his own head, knowing that he was defeated. Sette looked to the captives and gave her friends a nod with a warm smile to thank all of them.
After a long moment for everyone to gather their bearings, many of those in the massive hall fell back into their seat, unable to lose their shocked glances as they never tore their eyes from the stage. Sette turned back to the podium and stated, "I know that there were others, many of whom are in this room now, who aided these men in their actions. Rest assured, we will find all of you. And you will share the same fate that these three will be facing." Instantly, Senator Wray along with five men who had been watching and listening with great distress jumped from their seats and ran to the only door that would lead them out.
Again, there was an eruption of shouts and cries as everyone watched the escape helplessly, the six men just feet away from the huge doors. Sette and the pilots with her watched without any concern from their place on the stage. The moment the men were just within freedom's reach, someone jumped from the balcony over the doors and aimed a riffle at them.
Wufei's eyes were narrowed into thin slits as he charged the weapon with a click and hissed sharply, "Don't." Wide-eyed and beside themselves, the newest prisoners raised their heads to fold them behind their heads. As the Chinese pilot held the men at gun-point, Milliardo and Noin came from behind them with arm cuffs and guns of their own. Placing the chained restraints on the men, the Gundam pilots forced them to turn and look to the queen of H7. It took a moment for everyone to calm themselves again.
Sette sighed deeply and lowered her head sadly as she said quietly, "My people, I had always been aware that most of you found it hard to accept me as a Gundam pilot while serving as you queen. Foolishly, I believed that I would be able to perform both tasks without any difficulty. Now, it is clear to me that I was wrong in feeling this way. Just know that I have never done anything without thinking of your protection and well-being first."
Looking up again, the young woman could see the pain and sadness in the eyes and faces of those gathered. Every one of them had been her friend and follower and in more ways than one, they realized that they had let her down. A smile crossed the Gundam pilot's lips and she continued, "I am here to inform you that I do not intend on remaining the ruler of this Colony when the war is over."
As everyone took this in with disbelief, Sette gave a gave to them to keep them still as she continued, "When the war is over, I promise that I will find the best King and or Queen to rule fill my place. Further more, I will not be the person to rule the Earth, not now of ever... Instead, I will be giving that role to my brother-in-law and my sister." Looking to the confused glances around her, the tomboy chuckled deeply, "I am sure that you've my family before." She turned to look behind her.
Brian and Relena Weatherall walked from the curtain now. Brian dressed in his royal garb complete with the deep purple robe and large, gold grown over his red hair. Relena was in a white gown with her own crown in place. Her hair in a braided bun, and her stomach had grown enough that there was no doubt that she was a few months along in her pregnancy. Yet again, there was a great stir from those in the room as they rose from their seats, looked with shocked faces to the stage.
Relena smiled warmly to he sister as she stood beside her along with Brian. The Council of the Earth watched with jaws dropped and eyes widened. Sette wrapped her arm around Zes's shoulders, with Zes doing returning the gesture. The tomboy proclaimed, "As the Queen of H7, it is my honor and duty return rule over the Earth to King and Queen Weatherall, where it rightfully belongs. I expect that their should not be a problem for any of you. Besides..." Turning to look at Duke Vale, the queen of H7 sneered, "Who better to give the job than family?"
Instantly, the Earth Council Representatives looked with elation to the Weatheralls as their shock faded. Sette made way from the podium for Brian to stand there as he stated, "My friends, I assure that everything you have heard from Duke Vale and his cousin, Senator Wray, have been nothing but lies. Relena and I could never turn our backs on any of you. We will devote our lives, as we always have, to looking out for your best interests. We will continue to support the Gundam pilots and Preventers with no doubt of their abilities and devotion to all of us. And as for OZ, this now marks the beginning of their end. They will rue the day that they began this war. With everyone united on the Earth and in the Colonies, we will work as one to crush them and any threat to peace that should come hereafter."
There was a pause and soon, one man of the Earth Council rose to his feet and began applauding with a smile on his face. The applause was slow, then picked up as another Senator from H7 stood from her seat and joined in. Soon, there were handfuls of people rising at once as they did the same. And it was not a moment later when every seat was empty as everyone was on their feet, a deafening celebration roaring through the hall.
As people watched on in their homes in Space and on the Earth, they, too joined in the celebration, clapping and shouting in the streets. The Gundam pilots smiled as they watched and listened to the crowd, knowing that this was the first step to a possible victory. They turned to each other and gave elated and relieved smiles as they took all of this in.
On Pulsar, the control room was packed with cheering, shouting, hugging and clapping Preventers. Kumi gave a warm smile as she looked up to the monitors. The screen revealed, Brian, Relena, Sette and all of the Gundam pilots that were called up to receive the recognition they deserved. Still smiling to the monitor, she whispered as she shook her head , "Well I'll be damned," Kumi's smile never faded even as she was taken by the arm by one of the armed guards and was led back to her cell.
As the prisoner passed the massive crowd of Preventers, many of them smiled and fought past their comrades to pat the Gundam pilot's back while some even kissed her cheeks to show their support and appreciation for everything that she and her fellow pilot had done for them. The cobalt eyes of the pilot were soft as all she could to was smile warmly to all around. The celebration just continued and grew not only on the ship, but everywhere in Space and on the Earth.
In the Devion castle hall, Brian stood between his wife and Sette, taking their hands in his. The queens took the hands of their comrades as they stood side-by-side. Lifting their joint hands and arms in the air with huge smiles on their faces, the eruption of cheers and shouts only increased. Small tears filled Sette's eyes as she looked up to the ceiling and whispered, "For you, Daddy."
Quatre was at her other side and turned to smile lovingly to his fiancee as he heard this. He squeezed the queen's hand tight and gave her a nod of reassurance. "I know that he's proud of you," the Arabian whispered to her. The tomboy nodded as she replied quietly in a sigh, "And for once, I'm finally proud of myself, too." Quatre leaned in and kissed her cheek.
The pilots looked to one another, never lowering or releasing each other's hands. While they were not a whole until, they felt their missing friends with them, sharing their relief and joy even now. This was something that they would hold with them forever, however long that would be. And for the first time since the war began, everyone united in one voice across the stars and beyond... And for the first time since the war began, there was hope.
* * * * * *
That night, back on Pulsar, Delapan snuck through the halls of the ship, careful not to wake anyone. Reaching Trowa's room, she gave a small, secret knock as her request to enter was granted with the opening of the door. Slipping inside, she looked to Trowa, Quatre, Sette, Zes, Noin and Wufei as they sat in a circle in the middle of the floor there. Catherine sat with them, throwing a large file of reports in the center of the circle they made as she sighed deeply, "That's all of it."
Together, the pilots looked to the spread papers before them. Trowa looked up to his comrades and smiled, "Alright. We attack Nebula again first thing in the morning... This time, we're not leaving without Heero and Duo." The others smiled and nodded at this as they returned their glances to everything that had been gathered on the ship that had cost them three pilots.
TBC