DISCLAIMER: The Gundam Wing characters (other that Kumi Yuy and Sette Devion) and not mine.
This goes out to all of my friends and supporters: Snodin, Traci, Sam, Beekay, Ruby, Mylia, Ryla, GREETER 600, D-max, Stormy, Naz, Akuma, Kai, my 1x2x1 family and everyone who reads and enjoys this fic. *tackle glomps*
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 41: Eternal Devotion
by SkyLark
Thirteen-year-old Duo was running to the base where he was been living and training for the last five years late one star-filled night on L2. Reaching the facility's gate, the braided youth made sure to wait for the searchlight to pass the stretch of land he needed to cross as he hid behind a tree. Panting, he watched as the light moved onto scan the rest of the grounds. Duo didn't waste any time as he ran to the gate, quickly scaling it and jumping from the top to land on the other side. Looking back to the gate, the American chuckled deeply.
Sprinting back to the main building, the pilot made sure to avoid the sight of the guards that paced throughout the area. It wasn't long before Duo caught sight of the tanks and planes that were returning from their search for the mischievous American. In the clear, he stopped a few feet from the main building and watched. Duo smiled though his pants for air, "Calling out the heavy artillery for me tonight, ne, Doctor G?" "You've become more than a challenge to find nowadays," a familiar voice replied from behind. The braided pilot's eyes widened as a sharp gasp left him.
Turning around, he looked to Doctor G, himself. Even in the darkness, there was no mistaking the look of anger and disappointment on the old man's face. Duo chuckled deeply with a wide smile as he played with the end of his braid and shrugged, "Why hello, good doctor. Nice night, don't you think?"
The professor's eyes narrowed further at this as he shook his head, "Duo, you're a Gundam pilot. Act like it... We have more important things to worry about with the coming war than to be concerned with you leaving the base in the middle of the night to watch the stars." The American frowned and lowered his hands as he nodded, "I know, Professor." Doctor G sighed deeply and ordered his subject, "Get back to bed. We have a lot of work in the morning." The pilot nodded and replied, "Sure thing." Not looking back, he ran inside the facility.
Walking through the hanger, Duo looked up to his Gundam, Deathscythe. The braided pilot gave his companion a small smile as he shrugged, "Almost got away with it tonight, pal. You should have seen G's face. I haven't seen him that pissed in a long time." There was a pause as the suit remained silent in response as always.
Duo shrugged, "I know I shouldn't be as disobedient as I am... G's given me more something to fight for and a place to live." Placing his hands in the black pant pockets of his priest outfit, Duo frowned sadly as he lowered his head, "I just can't help but think of Solo... Sister Helen... Father Maxwell... It's lonely being the God of Death."
Looking back up to his silent friend, the braided pilot said quietly, "I can't help wishing that maybe I'll find someone that'll stick around for a change." Deathscythe just glistened under the dimmed lights of the hanger. Duo smirked, "Yea, I know... Who wants to stick around with Death, ne?" Waving up to his suit as he walked on, Duo smiled, "Night, buddy. See you in the morning.
@ @ @ @ @ @
That next day, on L1, two fourteen-year-olds were running through the green hills of the countryside miles from their base. Their eyes and hair color gave away the fact that they must have been related. In their spandex shorts and tank tops, they ran on through the hills and valleys. Reaching the bottom of another hill, the boy turned back as the pair hid behind a tree. He and his cousin panted as they looked around, "Do you think we lost them?" The dark-haired girl nodded as she panted back, "I think we lost them a while back. They won't be following us now."
The young man sighed deeply in relief and looked to the lilies that he held tightly during their sprint. Walking a few more miles through the green fields on this clear day, the pilots reached the site that they visited once every month. There was a small pile of grass that stood at the top of one of the most desolate hills. The reason this pile stood out was the fact that there was more dirt than grass or flowers.
The boy knelt before the patch of dirt and placed the lilies he picked on the top. The girl stood back in silence as she watched. After a brief pause, the young man lifted his head again and rose. His cousin walked to his side as they looked down to the tiny grace belonging to the puppy that had been killed in an accident. "Do you think I'm weak, Kumi?" he asked quietly. His partner's eyes widened at this question. Looking to her cousin, she asked, "For visiting a grave?" The other pilot turned to her and nodded.
The wind blew through Kumi's dark hair as she shook her head and answered sincerely, "You're not weak by any means, Heero... But can I ask a personal question?" The Wing pilot nodded, "Sure." Excalibur's pilot inquired, "What are you looking for by coming here?" Her cousin simply replied as he looked back to the grave, "Answers that will never come." Kumi gave a nod as if she expected this response. Another breeze came to play with the clothing and locks of hair.
"Death must be a lonely soul," the Wing pilot said out of the clear blue. Taken back, again, by her cousin's words, Kumi turned to him and shrugged, "I suppose he so. We'll know for certain before long, when we're sent on our missions." Heero gave a small, peaceful smile to this as he replied, "I'm looking forward to meeting him." He turned and headed back to return to the base. His cousin remained on the hill for a moment, looking to the back of the other pilot as he continued to walk, "I know that you are," she told the wind before moving to join her cousin.
@ @ @ @ @ @
Nebula was floating into the atmosphere of a Colony miles from the Milky Way. Purposely, Lieutenant Marx made sure that the ship was only a few hundred miles from Pulsar as a challenge to the remaining Gundam pilots to try and stop him. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before the location of Nebula reached them. Marx was not only counting on that, but he was also looking forward to facing them again.
* * * * * *
2:16 a.m.
Inside the massive ship, Heero and Duo were sleeping in their cell, in each other's arms. The door to their prison was thrown opened as the Gundam pilots sat up instantly. Before they could even blink, the pair was gripped by a set of strong arms and pulled onto their feet. Struggle and growl as they might, the Japanese and American pilots were being held back by a pair of soldiers each. Standing side by side, they looked forward to the doorway. Lieutenant Marx entered the cell as he sneered to his captives.
"What the hell do you want?" Heero hissed as the tall man walked towards him. Marx replied as he glared to the 'Perfect Soldier', "I just wanted to let you know that you'll be the first test subject of our latest experiment." Duo's eyes widened at these words as the bottom of his stomach fell out. Heero saw the pain and fear in his lover's expression as he turned his head to look at him.
Duo shouted to the Lieutenant, "YOU BASTARDS AREN'T LAYING A HAND ON HIM-" The braided pilot's protest ended as an other soldier rammed the base of his shotgun into his gut. Duo dropped to the ground, couching violently with his arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Heero's eyes widened as he looked to his injured lover. His head snapped back up to the sneering Lieutenant. Heero spat directly in his face. Marx growled deeply as he wiped his face, recoiling a bit. He chuckled deeply, "You know, I could just test our weapon on you right now." Unmoved by this threat, Heero continued to glare to the tall man.
The Lieutenant sneered once more before turning and walking towards the door. With a snap of his fingers, Marx signaled for his guards to release the Gundam pilot. The moment that he was freed from the strong hold of the guards, Heero dropped to is knees to gather Duo into his arms, stroking the back of his head and kissing it gently. "You have a pleasant night," Marx called as he reached the doorway followed by his soldiers. Heero glared to the door as it slammed closed again.
Duo's form began to shake in his lover's arms as he bit back a sob and whispered brokenly, "This can't be happening..." Heero closed his pained eyes, burying his face in the long hair of his partner. He placed a gentle kiss there and whispered, "Duo... Whatever happens, we'll get through this, koibito." As quiet as his voice was, there was still no question of the certainty behind the Japanese pilot's words as they left his mouth.
After a brief pause, Duo looked up to him with tears running rapidly down his face as he shook his head, "How can you say we'll get through this, Heero?" The Wing pilot kissed his tears, fighting his own as he said gently, "I don't know... But we will somehow." The braided pilot couldn't think of anything to say. Instead, he just buried his face into his lover's strong chest, wrapping his arms around Heero's waist as tightly as he could. He instantly felt the arms around him tighten all the same. The remainder of their time in the cell was spent just holding each other, trying their best not to think of what was in store for the 'Perfect Soldier.'
* * * * * *
8:02 a.m.
Sette Devion's image appeared on the screen of every monitor, television and computer on H7. The men and women looked to their queen as they listened intently. The tomboy stated, "My people, I am speaking to all of you now to request your assistance. In several hours, I will be flying with my friends to a ship known as Nebula. For many reasons, this is a fight that we cannot afford to lose. The victor will be a step closer to winning the war and as we must see that OZ does not ever gain the upper-hand..."
Quatre spoke to his people on L4 the same as his fiancee was as he continued, "I am not here to order anyone to rush into battle. There are many reasons why anyone would wish not to fight. Those who remain behind will not be judged by anyone for their decision. But for those who are willing and able, we need all of the help we can get. Should you choose to join us, the coordinates of Nebula and our means of attack will be relayed to your mobile suits. I send my best to all of you." At this, the image of the Arabian disappeared.
* * * * * *
9:15 a.m.
"Alright, that should be all of it!" a young woman shouted to her commander on H7. The large fleet of soldiers stationed at this particular base had been preparing for the battle immediately following the message that Queen Sette had given them. H7 alone mustered a force of over two hundred soldiers. While there were many other willing and able troops, it was decided that they should remain on the Colony until it was certain that they were needed. Those looking after their suits jumped into their cockpits and flew off into the sky.
NARRATOR: "While the Gundam pilots had made plans to attack Pulsar as soon as morning came, their plans had to be put on hold by a few hours. There were several key elements that needed to work in their favor before launching their plans. The most important of these elements was the official order of the attack by Lady Une. Not wishing to upset the Colony Council any further than they already had, everyone made sure that there would be no question of their rights to make the next move. The last thing that would help any of them was the arrest of another pilot. The announcement was made by the head of the Preventers for the crew of Pulsar to set out at noon that same day."
On Colony L4, there were many pilots working together to arm their suits. The Maquanauts aided in the colony's movement to fight with the Prevneters and Gundam pilots. Rashid was watching the soldiers making their way to their suits. Smiling and waving to several familiar faces from the men and women there, the tall man felt a small wave of relief in seeing that so many people accepted Quatre's request for assistance. The skies were soon filled with almost three hundred mobile suits as they shot off left and right from their ports. The Maquanauts were the last to leave the colony. They soon caught up with the fleet and from there, took the lead.
"There was also a question as to how the ship would be destroyed. With the ability to clone soldiers within the facility, Nebula would never have no lack of man power. This was what caused the most concern for the Preventers and the Gundam pilots themselves. Knowing that Heero and Duo couldn't remain in OZ's hands any longer, a strategy was made and studied since they only had one shot at this rescue. Nothing was overlooked as the preparations were made. There was too much riding on this battle if there was any chance for them to win this war."
In Space, the armies from H7 and L4 were soon united. Greeting each other warmly as they continued to fly, the two sides blended. It became impossible to know which suits were piloted by H7 soldiers and which came from L4 as they became one massive unit.
"Reaching a desperate time in the war, differences of every kind between the people of the Colonies and the Earth were put aside. If OZ was going to be stopped, everyone needed to band together. This was something that was accepted and understood by all who were threatened by the organization. Directly or indirectly, they were going to support the young pilots and the Preventers to the war's bitter end."
* * * * * *
10:32 a.m.
In a small room that bore only a round table with two chairs in the center, Trowa sat in waiting. There was a small, flat suitcase beside him as he rested in his chair with his eyes closed, head down and arms folded. Finally, the huge metal door to his right opened with a loud click from the lock as it had been undone. Quickly, the Gundam pilot rose to his feet but remained at the table with his gaze at the door. Kumi walked in slowly, her arm cuffs removed and an uncertain look on his face as the door closed behind her. That expression disappeared the moment she looked to her lover.
A wide smile spread across the silver-haired pilot's face as she sighed deeply, "Trowa." They quickly walked to each other and met in the middle, wrapping their arms tightly around each other. Trowa sighed deeply as he ran his right hand through his partner's loose hair, the side of her face pressed against his chest. Kumi looked up to him, her eyes brighter than they had been. They only looked to each other for a moment before their eyes closed as they leaned in and kissed sweetly then deeply.
Only breaking for air, Trowa whispered sadly, "Are you alright?" The 'Perfect Soldier' nodded and deadpanned, "I'm fine." Knowing that this was anything but the case, the tall pilot simply tightened his embrace. It was returned in silent gratitude. Allowing a quiet moment for them to simply hold each other, Trowa whispered, "We're attacking Nebula again." Instantly, he felt his lover's body tense in his arms.
Kumi stepped back a few paces, eyes wide with what couldn't be read as being fear or anger. "What the hell are you thinking?" she asked in a small hiss as her eyes narrowed. "You all want to end up like this?" The tall pilot shook his head, "Lady Une gave the direct order for the attack. Even if she didn't give the order, the Colony Council wouldn't arrest any pilot after a successful attack." The silver-haired pilot snapped, "What makes you so sure this attack will be successful!?! Anyone of you could be injured, or worse!"
Trowa walked to her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. Kumi lowered her head with her eyes close, not wanting to look into his eyes again. Her intent to avoid his gaze failed when the tall pilot carefully lifted her head until their eyes met. Trowa felt his heart break when he saw the pain in the Japanese pilot's eyes as the smallest of tears began to build in her cobalt orbs. She looked lost. The 'Perfect Soldier' took a small, deep breath as she whispered, "If anything happens to you-" Her words were cut short by a gentle kiss. Trowa gave a small smile and whispered, "Please don't worry about that, love. You know that we can't wait any longer if we hope to bring Heero and Duo back safely." Kumi closed her eyes and nodded, "I know." Opening her eyes again, no longer held the glassy look in them.
Sternly, she asked, "Will you have backup?" The tall pilot nodded, "Lady Une and Lieutenant Keiser are prepping the Preventers here and on the ships closest to Nebula. We'll have every able pilot that they can contact supporting us." His partner asked, "Where is Nebula now?" Trowa answered, "It was heading for Colony A131 early this morning. They'll have the support of the people there on an account of their alliance with them."
The silver-haired pilot sighed deeply, "And with the fact that they can clone soldiers at will, you'll still be at disadvantage no matter how much help you gather in time." Trowa squeezed her shoulders a bit for more assurance as he said quietly, "We'll be alright." His lover warned, "There isn't any way that you can be certain of that." Trowa gave a small, deep chuckle, "I know that nothing I saw will make you feel any better." Lowering his hands and walking to the table, Trowa smiled back, "I thought that this might be something that could change that."
Kumi looked to him with uncertainty as she walked towards the table, herself. The tall pilot placed the suitcase on the flat surface and opened it. Removing the folded blueprints within, the pilot of Heavy Arms spread the sketches out to reveal his discovery. His lover's cobalt eyes widened in disbelief as she looked to the sketches. Unable to find her voice, she bent at the waist to have a better look at the images, running her hands along the paper as she did so.
Taking everything in, Excalibur's pilot whispered, "You did it... You really did it." She looked back to her partner with a huge smile just before throwing her arms around his neck and laughing, "You're amazing!" Trowa smiled brightly as he returned the tight embrace, "They're your designs. I just put the finishing touches on to make the pieces fit." Kumi kissed his cheek and replied, "You're too modest."
It was then, as she looked to the tall pilot's face, when she saw the dark circles under his eyes. "Trowa," she whispered sadly as she caress his cheek. "You stayed up all night with this, didn't you?" The tall pilot shrugged, "I couldn't sleep, anyway, since you were arrested. It helped me say focused on the designs better." Kumi kissed his lips in a soft caress, holding her own lips their for a moment before whispering a breath apart, "Thank you."
The tall pilot smiled and nodded, "Anytime... Howard and his staff worked all night on the modifications with Excalibur. They just need to give it a test run once you're out of this place before we know for certain that it worked." He blushed, "There shouldn't be any problems with the fit since I... remember your measurements pretty well."
The silver-haired pilot gave a sharp laugh as she heard this. "I would hope so," she chuckled deeply with a sly grin. Trowa fought the blush off as he cleared his throat. While quickly placing the blueprints back in his suitcase, he told his lover, "Well, as soon as we return from this fight, we'll have the modifications added to Wing Zero and Deathscythe."
Just as Kumi was about to say something, the door to the cell opened as the guard entered. Looking to the pilots, he informed them, "Time's up." Trowa gave a nod to him to have one more moment to say goodbye alone. The guard stepped out and closed the door again. The pilots looked to each other sadly before hugging each other tightly one last time. "Please be careful," Kumi whispered. Trowa promised, "We will be."
They kissed deeply and the door opened again just as they broke. The guard returned with the arm cuffs for the Japanese pilot. Kumi was almost through the door when she turned back to her partner and said quietly, "I love you, Trowa." He looked up to her in shock at these words. She gave him a small, sad smile as she shrugged, "There. I said it." Trowa smiled lovingly as he replied gently, "I love you, too, Kumi." He watched with a heavy heart as his partner was led off to return to her cell.
* * * * * *
11:04 a.m.
Heero and Duo were still in each other's arms, resting their backs against the wall opposite of the cell's door. Their eyes were closed and Duo was listening closely to his lover's heartbeat with his right ear pressed against his chest. Their moment of peace was disrupted with the door to their prison suddenly being thrown open again. Heero and Duo tightened their arms around each other as they watched a handful of armed soldiers enter the room. The braided pilot closed his eyes and buried his head further into his partner's chest as the men walked towards them.
One of the guards grabbed Duo's arm and pulled forcefully as he hissed, "Get up. We're wasting time." Heero kissed his love's forehead and whispered, "Do what they say, Duo." The American looked up to him with pain-filled eyes. Finally, he gave a small nod and kissed the Wing pilot's lips gently before getting to his feet. The soldier who insisted on holding his arm tightly pulled the braided pilot to the door. Heero rose to his feet. Neither he nor his lover broke their gaze. One soldier remained in the room as the others waited outside. That soldier who stayed with Duo removed the prisoner's arm cuffs from his belt.
Just as the soldier was about to cuff the Gundam pilot's arms, Duo mouthed to Heero, "Forgive me." Heero's eyes widened just as he translated this. Before anyone could blink, the American launched himself at the guard, twisting his neck with ease and taking hold of his riffle. With everything happening so quickly, there wasn't any time for his lover to think as he remained frozen in shock and disbelief. The braided pilot shot out of the room, closing the cell door behind him as Heero ran after him and screamed, "DUO!"
The sound of gunfire was all that could be heard past the cell. Reaching the door a second too late, the Wing pilot slammed his fist into the steel as he shouted, "FUCK!" He turned to the dead body and searched for the soldier's key to release him from within the cell. "What could you possibly be thinking, you crazy baka!?!" he shouted to the air as he frantically looked through the suit of the dead guard.
In the halls of the massive ship, Duo was taking out any and every soldier who dared to face Death. With narrowed eyes and a determined glare, the Gundam pilot returned fire and killed all those who opposed him. Taking the guns and weapons of those he killed, he made sure to keep his ammo supply from running out. While several bullets managed to graze him every now and then, Deathscythe's pilot never receive any life-threatening wounds. With blood running down his right shoulder and sweat coating him, he continued his desperate assault.
Finally, Duo reached the hanger closest to the prison. Once in there, the braided pilot began blowing up mobile suits. In the midst of this, he went on to fend for his life against the men and women that were working there. As the explosions, screams and cries all around increased, Duo made his way up to one of the highest balconies. Once there, he had a clear view of everything the hanger below had to offer. A sneer crossed his lips as he poured every round down on the OZ troops below.
A long time passed as the American continued his shooting spree in this manner before someone wrapped their muscled arms around his waist, tackling him onto the balcony's flat surface. Duo fell onto his left side with the man who grabbed him lying flat on top. Startled from the sudden assault, Duo was not able to hold onto the gun tight enough to prevent the attacker from knocking it loose from his grip. The man on top of him grabbed his black, tattered t-shirt and spun him forcefully to lie on is back.
Duo's waist was straddled by the man on top of instantly as they pinned the braided pilot's wrists against the metal floor, arms stretched out over his braided head. His cobalt eyes widened as they looked into the narrowed Prussian eyes of his lover. Heero was sweating and panting loudly as he glared down to his partner. For what felt like an eternity on both their parts, the two pilots remained like this, just looking into one another's eyes. The loud shouts and cries of the soldiers below meant nothing to the couple.
Heero's panting calmed and his eyes softened as they gazed to the saddened expression on his love's face. Duo's bit his lip as tears began to build in his eyes. The Japanese pilot released his lover's wrists, but continued to straddle him at the waist as he rested his hands on the floor at either side of his partner. He now took a good look at the wounds that the braided pilot endured from his attack. His right hand came up and gently wiped some blood that had fallen from the gash at the right side of Duo's head.
The Wing pilot looked as though he was about to cry as well. Brokenly, he whispered, "Duo... What have you done?" Duo couldn't look at him any longer as he turned his head to his right and closed his eye. Several tears escaped the slits as he continued to bit his lip. Heero gently turned his head to face him again. With a small whimper, he whispered, "Duo... Please look at me, koibito."
The American opened his tear-filled eyes to his lover as a small whimper left him. Tears rolled down the Wing pilot's own face as he asked in the tiniest of voices, "Why?... They wouldn't have killed you if you hadn't-" Duo shook his head and whispered brokenly, "If we go, we go together. We promised each other that, remember..." The breath of the 'Perfect Soldier' was caught in a small, sharp gasp at this answer.
Taking a strangled deep breath, the braided pilot whispered again, even more quietly, "If we go we go together." Heero's eyes widened for a moment. With his bottom lip quivering, he asked in a small voice, "Y-you went this far to keep a promise you made me?" Duo replied, "Heero, I would never make a promise that I never intended to keep... Especially one that I make to you... I'm as good as dead without you, anyway... Better to die with you than to live a day without you by my side." The Wing pilot couldn't breathe as he took all of this in.
The Wing pilot gave another small whimper and he whispered, "Duo...I..." Words were meaningless at this point, except for those that mattered most. "Ai shireru," he breathed. "I love you," Duo replied the same, caressing his partner's cheek and drying a few of his tears, Lowering himself to lie flat over his koi, Heero wrapped his arms tightly around him. Duo responded the same as they held each other. The Japanese pilot began to sob along with the American, their bodies beginning to tremble.
Footsteps made the way towards the pilots and stopped a few feet from their side. "Well isn't this sweet," a deep, familiar voice hissed. Looking up, the pair gazed to Lieutenant Marx. The man's eyes were glaring with the coldest of stares as he looked down to the Gundam pilots. Heero and Duo glared back with just as much hatred as they held each other tighter, never breaking their glares on Marx. Without saying a word, they spoke volumes of their commitment to each other. It would take Hell and worse to keep them apart. And even then, they would still find a way to be together.
Several OZ soldiers made their way to the site, pulling the Gundam pilots onto their feet roughly. Marx walked to the lovers with a growl as he shook his head, "The price of devotion such as yours will cost you more than you could ever imagine." Stopping just inches away from the prisoners, he stated, "Far be it of me to break up such a... handsome couple." Those last two words were said with venom dripping all over the cold man's voice.
Looking to Heero, Marx told him, "You should have remained the 'Perfect Soldier' that Doctor J intended you to be. The love you feel for this pilot has cost you everything." Turning to Duo, he sneered, "And as for you, congratulations. You've eared yourself the same fate as your lover." The moment these words left their Lieutenant's mouth, two of the guards behind the pilots hit the back of their heads with the base of their guns. Heero and Duo fell to the ground unconscious. Mark growled deeply as he looked to the pilots at his feet. "Get them out of here and have the laser prepared," he order the soldiers.
A half-hour later, Duo was lying on his right side. Back inside the cell where he and his lover were held, the pilot groaned a bit as he absently rubbed the back of his head. Rolling onto his back with his eyes still closed, he moaned, "They did us over... You'd think they would be a little more gentle." his eyes began to open and they widened for a moment as they focused on his lover.
Heero was leaning over his partner, looking down to him as he lied next to him. Duo blinked once and said timidly, "Hey, Heero." The Wing pilot huffed and turned his head away from him for a moment. Turning his back to face his best friend, Heero whispered, "Baka." The braided pilot gave a small, sincere smile in response to the endearment. Leaning down, Heero began planting soft butterfly kissed all over his koi's face. As he continued to kiss him, he whispered, "You sweet... crazy... beautiful baka." Duo's arms wrapped around the Wing pilot's neck, pulling him down on top of him. Heero allowed himself to be pulled down, folding his own arms back around the Duo's body.
After a pause of silence so they could just hold one another, Duo heard Heero begin to chuckle softly. He smiled at this sound and pulled back to look into his love's Prussian eyes. "What is it?" he asked gently. The Japanese pilot ran his hand through the braided pilot's long bangs as he answered with a sweet smile, "I was just thinking about the first time we met." Duo laughed loudly, "Like that was so romantic! I shot you!" "Twice," Heero reminded him, still smiling lovingly.
Sitting up, Duo laughed loudly, "I know! You'll never let me hear the end of that! You're just lucky I didn't kill your sorry ass then and there!" Heero sat up beside him as he laughed in response, "I was the lucky one!?! You just got some lucky hits in!" Duo wrestled him to the ground as their laughter continued to grow, "You just think whatever you want, pal!" The two pilots continued to wrestle and laugh as they debated over that night's events.
In the end of the wrestle, Heero was on top of Duo, pinning him beneath his body as their eyes locked. Lowering himself, the Wing pilot initiated a soul-searing kiss that left the both of them breathless. Placing a soft kiss at the tip of the braided pilot's nose, Heero smiled and rolled onto his back as he pulled Duo into his arms. The prisoners sighed deeply in content on cue as they held each other.
Heero ran his hand through Duo's hair again as he smiled to him, "It's funny how life works out, ne?" Intertwining the fingers of their hands, he continued, "After that night, who would have thought that we would end up like this... Unable to live without each other?" Duo smiled and answered, "I was hoping... There was something about you from the start that I loved." He chuckled deeply, "It was the only think that kept me from killing you." Heero smirked, "Hn."
Duo kissed his lover's chest and whispered, "The moment that I looked into your eyes that night, I lost myself." The 'Perfect Soldier' gave a warm smile and hugged Duo tighter to him. "It was then that I knew that you were special," the braided pilot smiled as he closed is eyes and buried the side of his face deeper into the other pilot's chest. Just then, the American looked back up to the face of the man he loved as he asked almost hesitantly, "If you had to do it over again... Knowing what you know now... Would you still have gone to L2 to ask me to live with you?"
Heero saw the fear in his lover's eyes as he asked this. He knew that Duo would never doubt that he loved him. But, knowing that they were sentenced to die like this must have shaken the braided pilot to the core. Heero made sure that he had the American's full attention as they locked eyes. "Asking you to live with me after the Marimaya Incident was the best decision I ever made. The same goes with every decision involving you from that point on. I would do everything the same a million times over."
Any signs of uncertainty in his koi's face and eyes vanished at this confession as he smiled brightly and pilled him into a deep kiss. "I love you, Heero," Duo whispered breathlessly when they finally broke for air. "Forever and always," he said quietly as he rested his head over the Wing pilot's heart beat again. "Ai shiteru, Duo. With all my heart," Heero whispered the same. Together, they lied down and rested their eyes. I would only be a matter of time before the cell door would open again, for the last time.
* * * * * *
11:57 a.m.
Pulsar's hangers were buzzing with activity as every able soldier was making their way to their suits. Taking every provision that they needed and inspecting every detail, the Preventers focused all they had on the fight to come. Lady Une was busy in the control room along with Lieutenant Keiser as they reviewed all that they had gathered on Nebula. Milliardo and Noin kissed their six-and-a-half-month old son good-bye before handing him over to Marimaya. Hugging and kissing the small girl as well, the couple ran from their room to join their friends.
The Gundam pilots ran into the largest hanger of them all, making their way to their suits. Determination all over their faces, they climbed into their cockpits and harnessed themselves in. Trowa looked to his monitors as he stated, "We'll reach Nebula in twenty-five minutes. Is everyone ready?" All of his comrades gave an affirmative answer and the crew of the hanger cleared the room as they prepared to open the hatch doors.
The pilots moved their Gundams to the end of the hanger. The doors opened and Trowa shouted, "Let's go!" Heave Arms lead the charge with the other suits right behind with the pilots shouting and cheering loudly as they flew to the stars at great speed. Just as they entered Space, the Gundams were united with the Preventer fleets that flew from the other hangers of the great ship.
Together, they shot off to their target. Zes's image appeared on the monitors belonging to her closest friends as she smiled, "Good luck, all of you. I'll be watching the whole fight from the control room, so I'll be able to back all of you up this way." Sette smiled and replied, "Thanks, sis. We'll need your eyes." Wufei nodded, "You'll have a better chance than anyone in helping us beings your a Gundam pilot, yourself." The Queen of the World smiled, "Just be careful out there." At this, her image disappeared.
Ten minutes into their flight, Delapan announced, "I have a fix on the armies coming from Colony L4 and H7. By the time we find Nebula, they'll be about fifteen minutes away. It's still an option to wait for them before we reach A131." Milliardo shook his head and stated, "We've waited long enough. It'll be better to just hit Nebula with what we have when we get there." Noin nodded, "He's right. Having those reinforcements will work better to our advantage if they come at a time that we need them most."
Wufei warned, "Just remember that we still don't know exactly what we're up against with Colony A131. Even with the reinforcements, we still have the Colony to deal with along with the clones that Nebula can produce." Quatre cringed inwardly at the reminder of this. He replied, "We can only worry about that when we get there. But I agree that the sooner we initiate the fight, the better. Heero and Duo are in great danger right now."
Trowa's eyes widened at this. He asked quickly, "You found them with your Space Heart, then?" The Arabian answered, "I don't have an exact understand as to what is going on, but they're both the calmest and happiest that they've been since the war began." Sette said gravely to herself with a look of concern, "The calm before the storm." Her fiancee nodded, "Exactly."
With a deep growl, Delapan gripped her controls as she hissed, "Those bastards are going to kill them from within the ship." Noin tried to remain in control of her fear for the captured pilots as she told the others, "Just take the fight one step at a time. We can't afford to lost Heero and Duo before we reach them." Milliardo was as tense as his wife was now. He questioned, "Quatre, do you think that you'll be able to get a fix on exactly where they are inside Nebula when we reach it?" Quatre replied, "It'll be easier to locate them since they're together now. I'll do what I can."
Wind nodded, "Alright. The moment you find anything, even if you're not certain if it's Heero and Duo, let the rest of us know. At least that way, we'll know where we need to go." Everyone agreed that this would be the best tactic for the time being. As the pilots flew on in silence, Trowa sat in his cockpit as he thought to himself, "Hopefully, everything is going as planned on Pulsar right about now."
* * * * * *
In the branch of Pulsar that bore the ship's prison, the soldiers stationed at the cell doors were making their rounds business as usual. One young woman just happened to look up and caught sight of the surveillance camera ahead of her. Her eyes widened as they noticed that the small red light at its top was off.
Running to have a look at the camera from behind, the guard saw that the wires had been cut. She gasped loudly, "What the-?" Just as these words left her, the entire hallway was soon covered in a think, white gas. The guards fell to their knees, gasping and coughing as the fumes covered every hall in the prison.
With all of the soldiers unconscious and the haze from the gas beginning to fade, a Preventer ran down the halls with a gas mask over their face. The cloudy smoke had vanished by the time they reached the cell that stood on its own, the furthest from the door leading to freedom. Sally removed her gas mask and undid her braids that she tied together in the back of her head. Quickly, she punched in the password of the huge door's lock. The metal entrance slid open as she hit the last number in the code.
Kumi was lying on her right side along the floor, her back to the door. The light from the hall outside poured into the pitch cell as it was opened. Her head lifted and turned along with her body as this happened. Looking up, her cobalt eyes widened as she asked in shock, "Sally!?!" Water ran through the door as the Gundam pilot got onto her knees. "We don't have a lot of time," Sally stated as she quickly reached the prisoner and got onto her own knees. As fast as she could, she unlocked the arm cuffs from her friend with the key she had stolen from a guard outside.
The moment her arms were free, the silver-haired pilot rubbed her wrists. Sally informed her as they rose to their feet, "You have a straightaway to the hanger. It won't be there much longer." Kumi nodded, "Arigato." Not taking a moment to think, she ran through the door and down the halls as fast as her feet would allow. As she looked to the doorway, Sally smiled in relief, "Mission accomplished."
It wasn't long after she ran through the entrance to the prison before Kumi heard soldiers shouting. "HOW THE HELL DID SHE GET OUT!?!" "SHE'S HEADING FOR THE HANGER!" and "SOUND THE ALARMS!" were just some of those things that Kumi heard all around. The moment that the alarms sounded with flashing lights, the 'Perfect Soldier' then heard gunfire from all around. Guards were crawling in the balconies and hallways that Kumi had to pass to reach the hanger. Nothing could touch her as she never paused for a breath in her escape.
It wasn't long before the entrance to the hanger was in sight. Eyes narrowing, the Japanese pilot gathered all of the strength that she held back as she ran even faster that she already had been. Once inside, there were even more obstacles as handfuls of soldiers were waiting for the Gundam pilot to arrive. They opened fire as soon as she was in their sight. Again, Kumi ran unaffected by the threats on her life.
Excalibur lied on its back when the silver-haired pilot reached it. In the middle of the spray of bullets, she flipped and scaled up the side of her Gundam. Closing the hatch of her cockpit, Kumi got her suit to rise to its feet. Many of the Preventers dropped their guns as they looked up to Excalibur with terror all over them. Others continued to shoot, despite the fact that none of the gunfire made a mark in the Gundamimum. Finally, knowing that they wouldn't be able to stop the pilot before she would break through the doors leading to Space, the men and women inside yelled and ran through the doors leading back into Pulsar's halls.
In the midst of all of this, Lieutenant Keiser ran into the observation tower of the hanger and looked in awe to the black suit. A wide smile crossed the Lieutenant's face and he slammed the release button to open the hanger doors. Kumi turned to her monitors as Keiser's image blinked on. "Good luck, Kumi. Bring the others back safely," he told her. The pilot simply gave a stern nod and pushed forward on her controls.
The black Gundam flew off into the stars with a powerful wind left behind as its wings gave a massive flap. Keiser smiled to himself as he watched until there was nothing left of the suit but a glimmer in the dark heavens, miles ahead. He closed the hanger doors again and walked down to the surface of the room. He chuckled deeply as he looked to the door and shook his head, "Those damn kids can do anything." He turned back and quickly made his way back to the control room.
* * * * * *
Sera Makato was in the hallway beyond the prison as she watched Excalibur's flight from the ship. Closing her eyes and resting a hand and her forehead on the glass, she whispered, "God, please bring all of them back safely. And please let my son and Duo still be alive when they find them." Sally Poe walked towards her friend and placed a supportive hand on her shoulder as she smiled warmly to her. Sera turned to face Water as she asked quietly, "You think they'll be alright... don't you?"
The braided Preventer replied, "I won't lie and say that they'll come out of this without any problems... But this is one mission I know that they're determined not to fail." Satisfied with that response, Sera gave a small smile and nodded. Sally wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked down the hall. She chuckled deeply, "Come on. We'll be better off worrying in the control room."
* * * * * *
Lieutenant Marx was in the control room of Nebula, arms crossed and stern face looking to the monitors in the front of the room. One of his men walked to him and saluted, "Sir, we have a fix on the Gundam suits. They're ten minutes from reaching the ship. Shall I prepare the prisoners for the execution?" Marx turned to him and smiled, "Yes, you shall. And see that our allies below are aware that our friends will be joining us soon." The soldier nodded in response as he ran out of the control room. Looking to the monitors again, Marx sneered, "Let's see what those Gundams really have to offer."
TBC
This goes out to all of my friends and supporters: Snodin, Traci, Sam, Beekay, Ruby, Mylia, Ryla, GREETER 600, D-max, Stormy, Naz, Akuma, Kai, my 1x2x1 family and everyone who reads and enjoys this fic. *tackle glomps*
Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 41: Eternal Devotion
by SkyLark
Thirteen-year-old Duo was running to the base where he was been living and training for the last five years late one star-filled night on L2. Reaching the facility's gate, the braided youth made sure to wait for the searchlight to pass the stretch of land he needed to cross as he hid behind a tree. Panting, he watched as the light moved onto scan the rest of the grounds. Duo didn't waste any time as he ran to the gate, quickly scaling it and jumping from the top to land on the other side. Looking back to the gate, the American chuckled deeply.
Sprinting back to the main building, the pilot made sure to avoid the sight of the guards that paced throughout the area. It wasn't long before Duo caught sight of the tanks and planes that were returning from their search for the mischievous American. In the clear, he stopped a few feet from the main building and watched. Duo smiled though his pants for air, "Calling out the heavy artillery for me tonight, ne, Doctor G?" "You've become more than a challenge to find nowadays," a familiar voice replied from behind. The braided pilot's eyes widened as a sharp gasp left him.
Turning around, he looked to Doctor G, himself. Even in the darkness, there was no mistaking the look of anger and disappointment on the old man's face. Duo chuckled deeply with a wide smile as he played with the end of his braid and shrugged, "Why hello, good doctor. Nice night, don't you think?"
The professor's eyes narrowed further at this as he shook his head, "Duo, you're a Gundam pilot. Act like it... We have more important things to worry about with the coming war than to be concerned with you leaving the base in the middle of the night to watch the stars." The American frowned and lowered his hands as he nodded, "I know, Professor." Doctor G sighed deeply and ordered his subject, "Get back to bed. We have a lot of work in the morning." The pilot nodded and replied, "Sure thing." Not looking back, he ran inside the facility.
Walking through the hanger, Duo looked up to his Gundam, Deathscythe. The braided pilot gave his companion a small smile as he shrugged, "Almost got away with it tonight, pal. You should have seen G's face. I haven't seen him that pissed in a long time." There was a pause as the suit remained silent in response as always.
Duo shrugged, "I know I shouldn't be as disobedient as I am... G's given me more something to fight for and a place to live." Placing his hands in the black pant pockets of his priest outfit, Duo frowned sadly as he lowered his head, "I just can't help but think of Solo... Sister Helen... Father Maxwell... It's lonely being the God of Death."
Looking back up to his silent friend, the braided pilot said quietly, "I can't help wishing that maybe I'll find someone that'll stick around for a change." Deathscythe just glistened under the dimmed lights of the hanger. Duo smirked, "Yea, I know... Who wants to stick around with Death, ne?" Waving up to his suit as he walked on, Duo smiled, "Night, buddy. See you in the morning.
@ @ @ @ @ @
That next day, on L1, two fourteen-year-olds were running through the green hills of the countryside miles from their base. Their eyes and hair color gave away the fact that they must have been related. In their spandex shorts and tank tops, they ran on through the hills and valleys. Reaching the bottom of another hill, the boy turned back as the pair hid behind a tree. He and his cousin panted as they looked around, "Do you think we lost them?" The dark-haired girl nodded as she panted back, "I think we lost them a while back. They won't be following us now."
The young man sighed deeply in relief and looked to the lilies that he held tightly during their sprint. Walking a few more miles through the green fields on this clear day, the pilots reached the site that they visited once every month. There was a small pile of grass that stood at the top of one of the most desolate hills. The reason this pile stood out was the fact that there was more dirt than grass or flowers.
The boy knelt before the patch of dirt and placed the lilies he picked on the top. The girl stood back in silence as she watched. After a brief pause, the young man lifted his head again and rose. His cousin walked to his side as they looked down to the tiny grace belonging to the puppy that had been killed in an accident. "Do you think I'm weak, Kumi?" he asked quietly. His partner's eyes widened at this question. Looking to her cousin, she asked, "For visiting a grave?" The other pilot turned to her and nodded.
The wind blew through Kumi's dark hair as she shook her head and answered sincerely, "You're not weak by any means, Heero... But can I ask a personal question?" The Wing pilot nodded, "Sure." Excalibur's pilot inquired, "What are you looking for by coming here?" Her cousin simply replied as he looked back to the grave, "Answers that will never come." Kumi gave a nod as if she expected this response. Another breeze came to play with the clothing and locks of hair.
"Death must be a lonely soul," the Wing pilot said out of the clear blue. Taken back, again, by her cousin's words, Kumi turned to him and shrugged, "I suppose he so. We'll know for certain before long, when we're sent on our missions." Heero gave a small, peaceful smile to this as he replied, "I'm looking forward to meeting him." He turned and headed back to return to the base. His cousin remained on the hill for a moment, looking to the back of the other pilot as he continued to walk, "I know that you are," she told the wind before moving to join her cousin.
@ @ @ @ @ @
Nebula was floating into the atmosphere of a Colony miles from the Milky Way. Purposely, Lieutenant Marx made sure that the ship was only a few hundred miles from Pulsar as a challenge to the remaining Gundam pilots to try and stop him. He knew that it would only be a matter of time before the location of Nebula reached them. Marx was not only counting on that, but he was also looking forward to facing them again.
* * * * * *
2:16 a.m.
Inside the massive ship, Heero and Duo were sleeping in their cell, in each other's arms. The door to their prison was thrown opened as the Gundam pilots sat up instantly. Before they could even blink, the pair was gripped by a set of strong arms and pulled onto their feet. Struggle and growl as they might, the Japanese and American pilots were being held back by a pair of soldiers each. Standing side by side, they looked forward to the doorway. Lieutenant Marx entered the cell as he sneered to his captives.
"What the hell do you want?" Heero hissed as the tall man walked towards him. Marx replied as he glared to the 'Perfect Soldier', "I just wanted to let you know that you'll be the first test subject of our latest experiment." Duo's eyes widened at these words as the bottom of his stomach fell out. Heero saw the pain and fear in his lover's expression as he turned his head to look at him.
Duo shouted to the Lieutenant, "YOU BASTARDS AREN'T LAYING A HAND ON HIM-" The braided pilot's protest ended as an other soldier rammed the base of his shotgun into his gut. Duo dropped to the ground, couching violently with his arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Heero's eyes widened as he looked to his injured lover. His head snapped back up to the sneering Lieutenant. Heero spat directly in his face. Marx growled deeply as he wiped his face, recoiling a bit. He chuckled deeply, "You know, I could just test our weapon on you right now." Unmoved by this threat, Heero continued to glare to the tall man.
The Lieutenant sneered once more before turning and walking towards the door. With a snap of his fingers, Marx signaled for his guards to release the Gundam pilot. The moment that he was freed from the strong hold of the guards, Heero dropped to is knees to gather Duo into his arms, stroking the back of his head and kissing it gently. "You have a pleasant night," Marx called as he reached the doorway followed by his soldiers. Heero glared to the door as it slammed closed again.
Duo's form began to shake in his lover's arms as he bit back a sob and whispered brokenly, "This can't be happening..." Heero closed his pained eyes, burying his face in the long hair of his partner. He placed a gentle kiss there and whispered, "Duo... Whatever happens, we'll get through this, koibito." As quiet as his voice was, there was still no question of the certainty behind the Japanese pilot's words as they left his mouth.
After a brief pause, Duo looked up to him with tears running rapidly down his face as he shook his head, "How can you say we'll get through this, Heero?" The Wing pilot kissed his tears, fighting his own as he said gently, "I don't know... But we will somehow." The braided pilot couldn't think of anything to say. Instead, he just buried his face into his lover's strong chest, wrapping his arms around Heero's waist as tightly as he could. He instantly felt the arms around him tighten all the same. The remainder of their time in the cell was spent just holding each other, trying their best not to think of what was in store for the 'Perfect Soldier.'
* * * * * *
8:02 a.m.
Sette Devion's image appeared on the screen of every monitor, television and computer on H7. The men and women looked to their queen as they listened intently. The tomboy stated, "My people, I am speaking to all of you now to request your assistance. In several hours, I will be flying with my friends to a ship known as Nebula. For many reasons, this is a fight that we cannot afford to lose. The victor will be a step closer to winning the war and as we must see that OZ does not ever gain the upper-hand..."
Quatre spoke to his people on L4 the same as his fiancee was as he continued, "I am not here to order anyone to rush into battle. There are many reasons why anyone would wish not to fight. Those who remain behind will not be judged by anyone for their decision. But for those who are willing and able, we need all of the help we can get. Should you choose to join us, the coordinates of Nebula and our means of attack will be relayed to your mobile suits. I send my best to all of you." At this, the image of the Arabian disappeared.
* * * * * *
9:15 a.m.
"Alright, that should be all of it!" a young woman shouted to her commander on H7. The large fleet of soldiers stationed at this particular base had been preparing for the battle immediately following the message that Queen Sette had given them. H7 alone mustered a force of over two hundred soldiers. While there were many other willing and able troops, it was decided that they should remain on the Colony until it was certain that they were needed. Those looking after their suits jumped into their cockpits and flew off into the sky.
NARRATOR: "While the Gundam pilots had made plans to attack Pulsar as soon as morning came, their plans had to be put on hold by a few hours. There were several key elements that needed to work in their favor before launching their plans. The most important of these elements was the official order of the attack by Lady Une. Not wishing to upset the Colony Council any further than they already had, everyone made sure that there would be no question of their rights to make the next move. The last thing that would help any of them was the arrest of another pilot. The announcement was made by the head of the Preventers for the crew of Pulsar to set out at noon that same day."
On Colony L4, there were many pilots working together to arm their suits. The Maquanauts aided in the colony's movement to fight with the Prevneters and Gundam pilots. Rashid was watching the soldiers making their way to their suits. Smiling and waving to several familiar faces from the men and women there, the tall man felt a small wave of relief in seeing that so many people accepted Quatre's request for assistance. The skies were soon filled with almost three hundred mobile suits as they shot off left and right from their ports. The Maquanauts were the last to leave the colony. They soon caught up with the fleet and from there, took the lead.
"There was also a question as to how the ship would be destroyed. With the ability to clone soldiers within the facility, Nebula would never have no lack of man power. This was what caused the most concern for the Preventers and the Gundam pilots themselves. Knowing that Heero and Duo couldn't remain in OZ's hands any longer, a strategy was made and studied since they only had one shot at this rescue. Nothing was overlooked as the preparations were made. There was too much riding on this battle if there was any chance for them to win this war."
In Space, the armies from H7 and L4 were soon united. Greeting each other warmly as they continued to fly, the two sides blended. It became impossible to know which suits were piloted by H7 soldiers and which came from L4 as they became one massive unit.
"Reaching a desperate time in the war, differences of every kind between the people of the Colonies and the Earth were put aside. If OZ was going to be stopped, everyone needed to band together. This was something that was accepted and understood by all who were threatened by the organization. Directly or indirectly, they were going to support the young pilots and the Preventers to the war's bitter end."
* * * * * *
10:32 a.m.
In a small room that bore only a round table with two chairs in the center, Trowa sat in waiting. There was a small, flat suitcase beside him as he rested in his chair with his eyes closed, head down and arms folded. Finally, the huge metal door to his right opened with a loud click from the lock as it had been undone. Quickly, the Gundam pilot rose to his feet but remained at the table with his gaze at the door. Kumi walked in slowly, her arm cuffs removed and an uncertain look on his face as the door closed behind her. That expression disappeared the moment she looked to her lover.
A wide smile spread across the silver-haired pilot's face as she sighed deeply, "Trowa." They quickly walked to each other and met in the middle, wrapping their arms tightly around each other. Trowa sighed deeply as he ran his right hand through his partner's loose hair, the side of her face pressed against his chest. Kumi looked up to him, her eyes brighter than they had been. They only looked to each other for a moment before their eyes closed as they leaned in and kissed sweetly then deeply.
Only breaking for air, Trowa whispered sadly, "Are you alright?" The 'Perfect Soldier' nodded and deadpanned, "I'm fine." Knowing that this was anything but the case, the tall pilot simply tightened his embrace. It was returned in silent gratitude. Allowing a quiet moment for them to simply hold each other, Trowa whispered, "We're attacking Nebula again." Instantly, he felt his lover's body tense in his arms.
Kumi stepped back a few paces, eyes wide with what couldn't be read as being fear or anger. "What the hell are you thinking?" she asked in a small hiss as her eyes narrowed. "You all want to end up like this?" The tall pilot shook his head, "Lady Une gave the direct order for the attack. Even if she didn't give the order, the Colony Council wouldn't arrest any pilot after a successful attack." The silver-haired pilot snapped, "What makes you so sure this attack will be successful!?! Anyone of you could be injured, or worse!"
Trowa walked to her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders. Kumi lowered her head with her eyes close, not wanting to look into his eyes again. Her intent to avoid his gaze failed when the tall pilot carefully lifted her head until their eyes met. Trowa felt his heart break when he saw the pain in the Japanese pilot's eyes as the smallest of tears began to build in her cobalt orbs. She looked lost. The 'Perfect Soldier' took a small, deep breath as she whispered, "If anything happens to you-" Her words were cut short by a gentle kiss. Trowa gave a small smile and whispered, "Please don't worry about that, love. You know that we can't wait any longer if we hope to bring Heero and Duo back safely." Kumi closed her eyes and nodded, "I know." Opening her eyes again, no longer held the glassy look in them.
Sternly, she asked, "Will you have backup?" The tall pilot nodded, "Lady Une and Lieutenant Keiser are prepping the Preventers here and on the ships closest to Nebula. We'll have every able pilot that they can contact supporting us." His partner asked, "Where is Nebula now?" Trowa answered, "It was heading for Colony A131 early this morning. They'll have the support of the people there on an account of their alliance with them."
The silver-haired pilot sighed deeply, "And with the fact that they can clone soldiers at will, you'll still be at disadvantage no matter how much help you gather in time." Trowa squeezed her shoulders a bit for more assurance as he said quietly, "We'll be alright." His lover warned, "There isn't any way that you can be certain of that." Trowa gave a small, deep chuckle, "I know that nothing I saw will make you feel any better." Lowering his hands and walking to the table, Trowa smiled back, "I thought that this might be something that could change that."
Kumi looked to him with uncertainty as she walked towards the table, herself. The tall pilot placed the suitcase on the flat surface and opened it. Removing the folded blueprints within, the pilot of Heavy Arms spread the sketches out to reveal his discovery. His lover's cobalt eyes widened in disbelief as she looked to the sketches. Unable to find her voice, she bent at the waist to have a better look at the images, running her hands along the paper as she did so.
Taking everything in, Excalibur's pilot whispered, "You did it... You really did it." She looked back to her partner with a huge smile just before throwing her arms around his neck and laughing, "You're amazing!" Trowa smiled brightly as he returned the tight embrace, "They're your designs. I just put the finishing touches on to make the pieces fit." Kumi kissed his cheek and replied, "You're too modest."
It was then, as she looked to the tall pilot's face, when she saw the dark circles under his eyes. "Trowa," she whispered sadly as she caress his cheek. "You stayed up all night with this, didn't you?" The tall pilot shrugged, "I couldn't sleep, anyway, since you were arrested. It helped me say focused on the designs better." Kumi kissed his lips in a soft caress, holding her own lips their for a moment before whispering a breath apart, "Thank you."
The tall pilot smiled and nodded, "Anytime... Howard and his staff worked all night on the modifications with Excalibur. They just need to give it a test run once you're out of this place before we know for certain that it worked." He blushed, "There shouldn't be any problems with the fit since I... remember your measurements pretty well."
The silver-haired pilot gave a sharp laugh as she heard this. "I would hope so," she chuckled deeply with a sly grin. Trowa fought the blush off as he cleared his throat. While quickly placing the blueprints back in his suitcase, he told his lover, "Well, as soon as we return from this fight, we'll have the modifications added to Wing Zero and Deathscythe."
Just as Kumi was about to say something, the door to the cell opened as the guard entered. Looking to the pilots, he informed them, "Time's up." Trowa gave a nod to him to have one more moment to say goodbye alone. The guard stepped out and closed the door again. The pilots looked to each other sadly before hugging each other tightly one last time. "Please be careful," Kumi whispered. Trowa promised, "We will be."
They kissed deeply and the door opened again just as they broke. The guard returned with the arm cuffs for the Japanese pilot. Kumi was almost through the door when she turned back to her partner and said quietly, "I love you, Trowa." He looked up to her in shock at these words. She gave him a small, sad smile as she shrugged, "There. I said it." Trowa smiled lovingly as he replied gently, "I love you, too, Kumi." He watched with a heavy heart as his partner was led off to return to her cell.
* * * * * *
11:04 a.m.
Heero and Duo were still in each other's arms, resting their backs against the wall opposite of the cell's door. Their eyes were closed and Duo was listening closely to his lover's heartbeat with his right ear pressed against his chest. Their moment of peace was disrupted with the door to their prison suddenly being thrown open again. Heero and Duo tightened their arms around each other as they watched a handful of armed soldiers enter the room. The braided pilot closed his eyes and buried his head further into his partner's chest as the men walked towards them.
One of the guards grabbed Duo's arm and pulled forcefully as he hissed, "Get up. We're wasting time." Heero kissed his love's forehead and whispered, "Do what they say, Duo." The American looked up to him with pain-filled eyes. Finally, he gave a small nod and kissed the Wing pilot's lips gently before getting to his feet. The soldier who insisted on holding his arm tightly pulled the braided pilot to the door. Heero rose to his feet. Neither he nor his lover broke their gaze. One soldier remained in the room as the others waited outside. That soldier who stayed with Duo removed the prisoner's arm cuffs from his belt.
Just as the soldier was about to cuff the Gundam pilot's arms, Duo mouthed to Heero, "Forgive me." Heero's eyes widened just as he translated this. Before anyone could blink, the American launched himself at the guard, twisting his neck with ease and taking hold of his riffle. With everything happening so quickly, there wasn't any time for his lover to think as he remained frozen in shock and disbelief. The braided pilot shot out of the room, closing the cell door behind him as Heero ran after him and screamed, "DUO!"
The sound of gunfire was all that could be heard past the cell. Reaching the door a second too late, the Wing pilot slammed his fist into the steel as he shouted, "FUCK!" He turned to the dead body and searched for the soldier's key to release him from within the cell. "What could you possibly be thinking, you crazy baka!?!" he shouted to the air as he frantically looked through the suit of the dead guard.
In the halls of the massive ship, Duo was taking out any and every soldier who dared to face Death. With narrowed eyes and a determined glare, the Gundam pilot returned fire and killed all those who opposed him. Taking the guns and weapons of those he killed, he made sure to keep his ammo supply from running out. While several bullets managed to graze him every now and then, Deathscythe's pilot never receive any life-threatening wounds. With blood running down his right shoulder and sweat coating him, he continued his desperate assault.
Finally, Duo reached the hanger closest to the prison. Once in there, the braided pilot began blowing up mobile suits. In the midst of this, he went on to fend for his life against the men and women that were working there. As the explosions, screams and cries all around increased, Duo made his way up to one of the highest balconies. Once there, he had a clear view of everything the hanger below had to offer. A sneer crossed his lips as he poured every round down on the OZ troops below.
A long time passed as the American continued his shooting spree in this manner before someone wrapped their muscled arms around his waist, tackling him onto the balcony's flat surface. Duo fell onto his left side with the man who grabbed him lying flat on top. Startled from the sudden assault, Duo was not able to hold onto the gun tight enough to prevent the attacker from knocking it loose from his grip. The man on top of him grabbed his black, tattered t-shirt and spun him forcefully to lie on is back.
Duo's waist was straddled by the man on top of instantly as they pinned the braided pilot's wrists against the metal floor, arms stretched out over his braided head. His cobalt eyes widened as they looked into the narrowed Prussian eyes of his lover. Heero was sweating and panting loudly as he glared down to his partner. For what felt like an eternity on both their parts, the two pilots remained like this, just looking into one another's eyes. The loud shouts and cries of the soldiers below meant nothing to the couple.
Heero's panting calmed and his eyes softened as they gazed to the saddened expression on his love's face. Duo's bit his lip as tears began to build in his eyes. The Japanese pilot released his lover's wrists, but continued to straddle him at the waist as he rested his hands on the floor at either side of his partner. He now took a good look at the wounds that the braided pilot endured from his attack. His right hand came up and gently wiped some blood that had fallen from the gash at the right side of Duo's head.
The Wing pilot looked as though he was about to cry as well. Brokenly, he whispered, "Duo... What have you done?" Duo couldn't look at him any longer as he turned his head to his right and closed his eye. Several tears escaped the slits as he continued to bit his lip. Heero gently turned his head to face him again. With a small whimper, he whispered, "Duo... Please look at me, koibito."
The American opened his tear-filled eyes to his lover as a small whimper left him. Tears rolled down the Wing pilot's own face as he asked in the tiniest of voices, "Why?... They wouldn't have killed you if you hadn't-" Duo shook his head and whispered brokenly, "If we go, we go together. We promised each other that, remember..." The breath of the 'Perfect Soldier' was caught in a small, sharp gasp at this answer.
Taking a strangled deep breath, the braided pilot whispered again, even more quietly, "If we go we go together." Heero's eyes widened for a moment. With his bottom lip quivering, he asked in a small voice, "Y-you went this far to keep a promise you made me?" Duo replied, "Heero, I would never make a promise that I never intended to keep... Especially one that I make to you... I'm as good as dead without you, anyway... Better to die with you than to live a day without you by my side." The Wing pilot couldn't breathe as he took all of this in.
The Wing pilot gave another small whimper and he whispered, "Duo...I..." Words were meaningless at this point, except for those that mattered most. "Ai shireru," he breathed. "I love you," Duo replied the same, caressing his partner's cheek and drying a few of his tears, Lowering himself to lie flat over his koi, Heero wrapped his arms tightly around him. Duo responded the same as they held each other. The Japanese pilot began to sob along with the American, their bodies beginning to tremble.
Footsteps made the way towards the pilots and stopped a few feet from their side. "Well isn't this sweet," a deep, familiar voice hissed. Looking up, the pair gazed to Lieutenant Marx. The man's eyes were glaring with the coldest of stares as he looked down to the Gundam pilots. Heero and Duo glared back with just as much hatred as they held each other tighter, never breaking their glares on Marx. Without saying a word, they spoke volumes of their commitment to each other. It would take Hell and worse to keep them apart. And even then, they would still find a way to be together.
Several OZ soldiers made their way to the site, pulling the Gundam pilots onto their feet roughly. Marx walked to the lovers with a growl as he shook his head, "The price of devotion such as yours will cost you more than you could ever imagine." Stopping just inches away from the prisoners, he stated, "Far be it of me to break up such a... handsome couple." Those last two words were said with venom dripping all over the cold man's voice.
Looking to Heero, Marx told him, "You should have remained the 'Perfect Soldier' that Doctor J intended you to be. The love you feel for this pilot has cost you everything." Turning to Duo, he sneered, "And as for you, congratulations. You've eared yourself the same fate as your lover." The moment these words left their Lieutenant's mouth, two of the guards behind the pilots hit the back of their heads with the base of their guns. Heero and Duo fell to the ground unconscious. Mark growled deeply as he looked to the pilots at his feet. "Get them out of here and have the laser prepared," he order the soldiers.
A half-hour later, Duo was lying on his right side. Back inside the cell where he and his lover were held, the pilot groaned a bit as he absently rubbed the back of his head. Rolling onto his back with his eyes still closed, he moaned, "They did us over... You'd think they would be a little more gentle." his eyes began to open and they widened for a moment as they focused on his lover.
Heero was leaning over his partner, looking down to him as he lied next to him. Duo blinked once and said timidly, "Hey, Heero." The Wing pilot huffed and turned his head away from him for a moment. Turning his back to face his best friend, Heero whispered, "Baka." The braided pilot gave a small, sincere smile in response to the endearment. Leaning down, Heero began planting soft butterfly kissed all over his koi's face. As he continued to kiss him, he whispered, "You sweet... crazy... beautiful baka." Duo's arms wrapped around the Wing pilot's neck, pulling him down on top of him. Heero allowed himself to be pulled down, folding his own arms back around the Duo's body.
After a pause of silence so they could just hold one another, Duo heard Heero begin to chuckle softly. He smiled at this sound and pulled back to look into his love's Prussian eyes. "What is it?" he asked gently. The Japanese pilot ran his hand through the braided pilot's long bangs as he answered with a sweet smile, "I was just thinking about the first time we met." Duo laughed loudly, "Like that was so romantic! I shot you!" "Twice," Heero reminded him, still smiling lovingly.
Sitting up, Duo laughed loudly, "I know! You'll never let me hear the end of that! You're just lucky I didn't kill your sorry ass then and there!" Heero sat up beside him as he laughed in response, "I was the lucky one!?! You just got some lucky hits in!" Duo wrestled him to the ground as their laughter continued to grow, "You just think whatever you want, pal!" The two pilots continued to wrestle and laugh as they debated over that night's events.
In the end of the wrestle, Heero was on top of Duo, pinning him beneath his body as their eyes locked. Lowering himself, the Wing pilot initiated a soul-searing kiss that left the both of them breathless. Placing a soft kiss at the tip of the braided pilot's nose, Heero smiled and rolled onto his back as he pulled Duo into his arms. The prisoners sighed deeply in content on cue as they held each other.
Heero ran his hand through Duo's hair again as he smiled to him, "It's funny how life works out, ne?" Intertwining the fingers of their hands, he continued, "After that night, who would have thought that we would end up like this... Unable to live without each other?" Duo smiled and answered, "I was hoping... There was something about you from the start that I loved." He chuckled deeply, "It was the only think that kept me from killing you." Heero smirked, "Hn."
Duo kissed his lover's chest and whispered, "The moment that I looked into your eyes that night, I lost myself." The 'Perfect Soldier' gave a warm smile and hugged Duo tighter to him. "It was then that I knew that you were special," the braided pilot smiled as he closed is eyes and buried the side of his face deeper into the other pilot's chest. Just then, the American looked back up to the face of the man he loved as he asked almost hesitantly, "If you had to do it over again... Knowing what you know now... Would you still have gone to L2 to ask me to live with you?"
Heero saw the fear in his lover's eyes as he asked this. He knew that Duo would never doubt that he loved him. But, knowing that they were sentenced to die like this must have shaken the braided pilot to the core. Heero made sure that he had the American's full attention as they locked eyes. "Asking you to live with me after the Marimaya Incident was the best decision I ever made. The same goes with every decision involving you from that point on. I would do everything the same a million times over."
Any signs of uncertainty in his koi's face and eyes vanished at this confession as he smiled brightly and pilled him into a deep kiss. "I love you, Heero," Duo whispered breathlessly when they finally broke for air. "Forever and always," he said quietly as he rested his head over the Wing pilot's heart beat again. "Ai shiteru, Duo. With all my heart," Heero whispered the same. Together, they lied down and rested their eyes. I would only be a matter of time before the cell door would open again, for the last time.
* * * * * *
11:57 a.m.
Pulsar's hangers were buzzing with activity as every able soldier was making their way to their suits. Taking every provision that they needed and inspecting every detail, the Preventers focused all they had on the fight to come. Lady Une was busy in the control room along with Lieutenant Keiser as they reviewed all that they had gathered on Nebula. Milliardo and Noin kissed their six-and-a-half-month old son good-bye before handing him over to Marimaya. Hugging and kissing the small girl as well, the couple ran from their room to join their friends.
The Gundam pilots ran into the largest hanger of them all, making their way to their suits. Determination all over their faces, they climbed into their cockpits and harnessed themselves in. Trowa looked to his monitors as he stated, "We'll reach Nebula in twenty-five minutes. Is everyone ready?" All of his comrades gave an affirmative answer and the crew of the hanger cleared the room as they prepared to open the hatch doors.
The pilots moved their Gundams to the end of the hanger. The doors opened and Trowa shouted, "Let's go!" Heave Arms lead the charge with the other suits right behind with the pilots shouting and cheering loudly as they flew to the stars at great speed. Just as they entered Space, the Gundams were united with the Preventer fleets that flew from the other hangers of the great ship.
Together, they shot off to their target. Zes's image appeared on the monitors belonging to her closest friends as she smiled, "Good luck, all of you. I'll be watching the whole fight from the control room, so I'll be able to back all of you up this way." Sette smiled and replied, "Thanks, sis. We'll need your eyes." Wufei nodded, "You'll have a better chance than anyone in helping us beings your a Gundam pilot, yourself." The Queen of the World smiled, "Just be careful out there." At this, her image disappeared.
Ten minutes into their flight, Delapan announced, "I have a fix on the armies coming from Colony L4 and H7. By the time we find Nebula, they'll be about fifteen minutes away. It's still an option to wait for them before we reach A131." Milliardo shook his head and stated, "We've waited long enough. It'll be better to just hit Nebula with what we have when we get there." Noin nodded, "He's right. Having those reinforcements will work better to our advantage if they come at a time that we need them most."
Wufei warned, "Just remember that we still don't know exactly what we're up against with Colony A131. Even with the reinforcements, we still have the Colony to deal with along with the clones that Nebula can produce." Quatre cringed inwardly at the reminder of this. He replied, "We can only worry about that when we get there. But I agree that the sooner we initiate the fight, the better. Heero and Duo are in great danger right now."
Trowa's eyes widened at this. He asked quickly, "You found them with your Space Heart, then?" The Arabian answered, "I don't have an exact understand as to what is going on, but they're both the calmest and happiest that they've been since the war began." Sette said gravely to herself with a look of concern, "The calm before the storm." Her fiancee nodded, "Exactly."
With a deep growl, Delapan gripped her controls as she hissed, "Those bastards are going to kill them from within the ship." Noin tried to remain in control of her fear for the captured pilots as she told the others, "Just take the fight one step at a time. We can't afford to lost Heero and Duo before we reach them." Milliardo was as tense as his wife was now. He questioned, "Quatre, do you think that you'll be able to get a fix on exactly where they are inside Nebula when we reach it?" Quatre replied, "It'll be easier to locate them since they're together now. I'll do what I can."
Wind nodded, "Alright. The moment you find anything, even if you're not certain if it's Heero and Duo, let the rest of us know. At least that way, we'll know where we need to go." Everyone agreed that this would be the best tactic for the time being. As the pilots flew on in silence, Trowa sat in his cockpit as he thought to himself, "Hopefully, everything is going as planned on Pulsar right about now."
* * * * * *
In the branch of Pulsar that bore the ship's prison, the soldiers stationed at the cell doors were making their rounds business as usual. One young woman just happened to look up and caught sight of the surveillance camera ahead of her. Her eyes widened as they noticed that the small red light at its top was off.
Running to have a look at the camera from behind, the guard saw that the wires had been cut. She gasped loudly, "What the-?" Just as these words left her, the entire hallway was soon covered in a think, white gas. The guards fell to their knees, gasping and coughing as the fumes covered every hall in the prison.
With all of the soldiers unconscious and the haze from the gas beginning to fade, a Preventer ran down the halls with a gas mask over their face. The cloudy smoke had vanished by the time they reached the cell that stood on its own, the furthest from the door leading to freedom. Sally removed her gas mask and undid her braids that she tied together in the back of her head. Quickly, she punched in the password of the huge door's lock. The metal entrance slid open as she hit the last number in the code.
Kumi was lying on her right side along the floor, her back to the door. The light from the hall outside poured into the pitch cell as it was opened. Her head lifted and turned along with her body as this happened. Looking up, her cobalt eyes widened as she asked in shock, "Sally!?!" Water ran through the door as the Gundam pilot got onto her knees. "We don't have a lot of time," Sally stated as she quickly reached the prisoner and got onto her own knees. As fast as she could, she unlocked the arm cuffs from her friend with the key she had stolen from a guard outside.
The moment her arms were free, the silver-haired pilot rubbed her wrists. Sally informed her as they rose to their feet, "You have a straightaway to the hanger. It won't be there much longer." Kumi nodded, "Arigato." Not taking a moment to think, she ran through the door and down the halls as fast as her feet would allow. As she looked to the doorway, Sally smiled in relief, "Mission accomplished."
It wasn't long after she ran through the entrance to the prison before Kumi heard soldiers shouting. "HOW THE HELL DID SHE GET OUT!?!" "SHE'S HEADING FOR THE HANGER!" and "SOUND THE ALARMS!" were just some of those things that Kumi heard all around. The moment that the alarms sounded with flashing lights, the 'Perfect Soldier' then heard gunfire from all around. Guards were crawling in the balconies and hallways that Kumi had to pass to reach the hanger. Nothing could touch her as she never paused for a breath in her escape.
It wasn't long before the entrance to the hanger was in sight. Eyes narrowing, the Japanese pilot gathered all of the strength that she held back as she ran even faster that she already had been. Once inside, there were even more obstacles as handfuls of soldiers were waiting for the Gundam pilot to arrive. They opened fire as soon as she was in their sight. Again, Kumi ran unaffected by the threats on her life.
Excalibur lied on its back when the silver-haired pilot reached it. In the middle of the spray of bullets, she flipped and scaled up the side of her Gundam. Closing the hatch of her cockpit, Kumi got her suit to rise to its feet. Many of the Preventers dropped their guns as they looked up to Excalibur with terror all over them. Others continued to shoot, despite the fact that none of the gunfire made a mark in the Gundamimum. Finally, knowing that they wouldn't be able to stop the pilot before she would break through the doors leading to Space, the men and women inside yelled and ran through the doors leading back into Pulsar's halls.
In the midst of all of this, Lieutenant Keiser ran into the observation tower of the hanger and looked in awe to the black suit. A wide smile crossed the Lieutenant's face and he slammed the release button to open the hanger doors. Kumi turned to her monitors as Keiser's image blinked on. "Good luck, Kumi. Bring the others back safely," he told her. The pilot simply gave a stern nod and pushed forward on her controls.
The black Gundam flew off into the stars with a powerful wind left behind as its wings gave a massive flap. Keiser smiled to himself as he watched until there was nothing left of the suit but a glimmer in the dark heavens, miles ahead. He closed the hanger doors again and walked down to the surface of the room. He chuckled deeply as he looked to the door and shook his head, "Those damn kids can do anything." He turned back and quickly made his way back to the control room.
* * * * * *
Sera Makato was in the hallway beyond the prison as she watched Excalibur's flight from the ship. Closing her eyes and resting a hand and her forehead on the glass, she whispered, "God, please bring all of them back safely. And please let my son and Duo still be alive when they find them." Sally Poe walked towards her friend and placed a supportive hand on her shoulder as she smiled warmly to her. Sera turned to face Water as she asked quietly, "You think they'll be alright... don't you?"
The braided Preventer replied, "I won't lie and say that they'll come out of this without any problems... But this is one mission I know that they're determined not to fail." Satisfied with that response, Sera gave a small smile and nodded. Sally wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked down the hall. She chuckled deeply, "Come on. We'll be better off worrying in the control room."
* * * * * *
Lieutenant Marx was in the control room of Nebula, arms crossed and stern face looking to the monitors in the front of the room. One of his men walked to him and saluted, "Sir, we have a fix on the Gundam suits. They're ten minutes from reaching the ship. Shall I prepare the prisoners for the execution?" Marx turned to him and smiled, "Yes, you shall. And see that our allies below are aware that our friends will be joining us soon." The soldier nodded in response as he ran out of the control room. Looking to the monitors again, Marx sneered, "Let's see what those Gundams really have to offer."
TBC