DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters with the exception of Kumi Yuy and Sette Devion. I also do not own 'Heaven Can Wait.'

*I am also adding the closing theme from 'Back Draft' by Hanz Zimmer. I get chills every time I hear it and it's PERFECT for the scene where I used it!*

HUGE thanks to Sam, Cat, Lily, Tora and Akuma for their ideas on the last fight! You really helped me come up with something that I hope everyone will enjoy!

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, Enigma, Lily, Kit, Toynit, my entire 1x2x1 family and everyone who reads and enjoys this fic. *tackle glomps*


Gundam Wing: The Second Chapter
Episode 48: Forces of Light and Darkness
by SkyLark


"Fools... " A crystal glass of red wine sat in the middle of a wooden desk, hardly touched since it was poured almost an hour ago. A long hand wrapped around its slender neck to be lifted to a pair of thin lips. After throwing back all of the contents, Quinze Khushrenadah lowered the crystal and walked towards his window. Gazing to the stars, he continued, "Every last one of them... To be killed by pilots almost half their age... It doesn't seem possible." Smirking, he told himself, "It's difficult to decide who is the greater of the fools, my men for being killed by those pilots... or those Gundam pilots for thinking that they still have a chance to defeat me."

The smug man chuckled deeply as he would never doubt himself. "You're the only fool that I can see," a familiar voice from behind stated. Quinze spun quickly with wide eyes and a sharp, strangled gasp left him. Looking to the figure behind him, he turned pale and whispered, "B-brother?" Treize Khushrenadah stood with his arms crossed before the young OZ leader, a look of disgust and anger clear on his expression. In the blue-caped uniform that he always wore, Treize said coldly, "I am only your brother by blood, though I wish that were not the case." Quinze was shocked and hurt at these words as his eyes widened again.

That hurt instantly turned into rage as the dark-haired man shouted with narrowed eyes, "What do you mean by that!?! I have built the same OZ organization that you led during the Eve Wars into a force greater than it ever was!" Treize shook his head as he glared back and replied, "Sine the Eve Wars, I have seen the error in my ways. No one, whether in Space or on the Earth, deserves to live in persecution... And even while I was involved in the war, I respected the lives of those who fought for and against me..."

As he continued, Treize walked slowly towards the new OZ leader. "You throw lives away as though they meant nothing. You send others into the fray before you even consider what they face in battle." Standing toe-to-toe with his brother, Treize continued to lock eyes with him as he stated, "The OZ organization I fought for is nothing like the OZ your are fighting for now." He sneered, "And I, for one, hope the Gundam pilots put an end to all of this madness you've caused."


Growling deeply, Quinze retorted, "With or without your support, I will win this war! I do not need anyone, dead or living, giving their consent before I carry out my actions. This war belongs to OZ and I will be there to rule over everything as I see fit." Treize chuckled deeply, "While you are still a force to be reckoned with, you have no idea what you're up against... They're all coming for you... Milliardo, Noin, Wufei, Quatre, Delapan, Zes, Sette, Trowa, Kumi, Duo and Heero... and my beloved Lady Une... They're coming to destroy you and your OZ. And I, dear brother, will be watching everything."

Quinze turned to the window and stretched his arms out as he shouted, "Then let them come! Let this war come to an end and we will see who truly is the greater powers of the two, OZ or Peace." The voice of his brother deadpanned, "And they will come." Quinze chuckled deeply and turned around to face his brother again. "WHAT!?!" he shouted in horror as his face turned gravely pale. Treize was gone and in his place, Heero Yuy stood straight and tall, pistol aimed at his foe with a cold glare in his eyes. Quinze whispered, "You-" There were no more words as the Wing pilot pulled the trigger.

Screaming and in a cold sweat, Quinze Khushrenadah sat up upright in his bed. Panting loudly, the OZ leader looked frantically to the familiar surroundings of his dark room. It took a moment for his pants to calm. Wiping some of the sweat from his face with a trembling hand, Quinze calmed his breathing again. His thoughts quickly returned him to the present and out of the horrifying wake of that dream. Eyes narrowed, he growled to himself, I will not allow myself to become shaken now." Walking to his window, the bare-chested young man sneered, "Come for me, all of you... Nothing of Heaven or Hell will be able to keep me from wining this war."

* * * * * *

Back on the Earth, Quatre was working in the hanger as he sat before the main monitors that overlooked the area above and around the safe house. Around the Arabian, there were three stacks of two large boxes that had been taped shut very tightly. Sette entered the room. With a wide smile on her face, the tomboy stood beside the blonde pilot. Quatre smiled and made room for her to sit in his lap. The moment she rested on his legs, Quatre wrapped his arms around his finance's waist as he said quietly, "No sign of her yet." Sette rested her head on the Arabian's shoulder as she chuckled deeply, "She'll be here. She wouldn't miss this for anything." Quatre's response was a nod and a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"It won't be much longer now, will it?" the tomboy asked quietly, looking off into space ahead of her. Quatre shook his head and whispered, "No... Not much longer at all." Sette sighed deeply, "Good. I feel better hearing that from you." With a loving smile, the Arabian took the tomboy's right hand into his own and squeezed it. Just then, Sand Rock's pilot decided to try something he never would have dared before. Gently, he lifted Sette's chin so that their eyes met.

Before the young queen could say anything, Quatre pressed his lips to hers, bringing her blue eyes to shot wide open before they closed as she leaned into the kiss. The kiss soon deepened as the pilots allowed their feelings to take over with their first exchange. It wasn't a very long kiss, but it was enough for the young couple as they parted, flushed and at a loss for words.

The monitors before the pilots began to beep in warning that something was approaching the safe house. Both startled by the sound, they gasped loudly at the first sound of the alarm. Sette jumped clear off Quatre's lap, with the Arabian standing just as quickly beside her as they looked to the screens. Smiling widely, trying to cover up the fact that she was still floored by the most recent event, Sette quickly announced, "Told you she'd be back!" With a wide, nervous smile of his own, Quatre nodded and shouted just as quickly, "Great! Then everything's alright!" He opened the hanger doors in the ceiling to make way through the ground overhead. They watched as Kumi flew back inside with the doors closing behind her again.

Once she was on the ground, the 'Perfect Soldier's' wings and helmet were removed as she placed them where the remainder of Excalibur stood. The large, crescent scar on the right side of her face was clear as day, even from many feet away. She walked quickly to her friends with a concerned look as she said, "Sorry I'm late. I didn't miss everything did I?" Quatre smiled warmly and shook his head, "No, you're just in time. Heero and Delapan just started a few minutes ago." Sette asked, "How is Zes?" Kumi answered, "She's fine. Everything is going well with the pregnancy. Trowa is staying with her and Duo on Pulsar for one last blood test... We all have to head there, ourselves, in an hour."

With a look of concern, Quatre inquired, "Is everything alright?" Kumi replied, "I should be asking you both that same question. You look kind of under the weather." At this, both Sette and Quatre's eyes widened. Kumi smirked, "It's about time, you, two." Both pilots blushed brightly the moment they heard this, a reminder that the Japanese pilot could read Quatre's Space Heart. Turning to each other, the flushed pilots smiled warmly. In response to the blonde pilot's question, Kumi stated, "Lady Une requested out return to Pulsar. Whatever she has to tell us, she wants all of us together." Sette asked with wide, hope-filled eyes, "D-do you think that she might know how we can take out what's left of OZ?" Kumi paused before nodding, "It's safe to say yes."

Knowing that it was too early to discuss the matter further before seeing Lady Une, Excalibur's pilot walked to the piles of boxes and asked, "Is this all of it?" Neither the young queen nor her fiancee had a chance to react to the affirmative answer to her inquiry of the war reaching an end. The tomboy walked to her partner and nodded, "Yes. Heero and Delapan have the rest." Quatre added as he joined the young women, "An hour should be more than enough time to finish up." Each of the pilots took a pile of the remaining boxes and walked towards the elevator of the hanger together, trying to enjoy their task without thinking about the war.

* * * * * *

Later that afternoon, in a small assembly room on Pulsar, the Gundam pilot sat together at a long table as they looked to Lieutenant Keiser and Lady Une. The Preventers stood before the table with all eyes on them as they began their meeting. Lady Une began, "As of this time, we have the location and several images of the last OZ stronghold." The young pilots' eyes widened as they looked to one another in shock and disbelief. Heero and Kumi quickly removed the notepads and pens that they brought with them to the ship. Keiser switched the lights of the room off and clicked a remote that brought a wide, white screen down from the ceiling before his comrades.

Turning on a small camera, the Lieutenant revealed the image of a Colony that stood alone amidst the stars. It was clear that the pilots were confused as to why they were looking at this. Delapan was the first to speak up as she asked, "Is Quinze's ship hiding somewhere on that Colony?" Lady Une replied, "The Colony is Quinze's ship." A sharp gasp left nearly all of those in the room as they took this in. Duo shook his head, "Thank son of a bitch... With all of the new Colonies that had been built in the last five years, he knew that they couldn't all be charted." Zes concluded, "And no one would think that a Colony would be the new home of the OZ organization."

Sette growled deeply, "They were right under our noses this whole damn time." Lady Une nodded, "And thanks to Derek, we were able to pinpoint its location. The ship's name is Mystia." The images of the Colony showed the ship up close and at many different angles. Heero and Kumi continued jotting notes as they listened and looked intently to everything. Their friends took absorbed whatever was discussed and shown in regards to the organization's final hope in winning the war.

In the middle of their session, Jason added, "The only way to destroy this base is through the destruction of its heart. Like every Colony, this ship has a heart exactly like those that most of you had to patch into when you went on your separate missions a while back." Wufei asked, "And Quinze's headquarters?" Lady Une sighed deeply, "Is right over the only entrance to the target." The pilots all groaned or gave some sign of frustration. Trowa shook his head, "Well, we all knew that this wouldn't be easy." Quatre replied quietly, "Yea, but this is going to be more than just difficult. It's going to be a suicide mission with Quinze right there."

Lady Une informed her pilots, "Derek found the maps leading through the headquatrers and leading to the secret entrance that will take you to Mysita's heart... But, as if things weren't complicated enough, we have also been informed that OZ has control of Colony O72." Lowering her head she said quietly, "It was last spotted making it's way towards the Earth." Heero's eyes widened before they narrowed as he said quietly, "He's going to pick up where Marimaya left off." Lady Une nodded, "By dropping the Colony on the Earth to keep as many of you away from his ship as possible."

Duo sighed deeply, "Here we go again," as he covered his face with his hands. Keiser stated, "The Colony won't be dropped until Quinze knows he's being threatened. We use all of the Preventers we have in the attack to securing O72, along with those of you who will be asked to fight there. Lady Une, Sally, Derek and Sera will also be a part of that unit." Lady Une concluded, "This is all that we have on our last fight... We attack in two days." Noin replied sternly, "We'll be ready." The head of the Preventers smiled sincerely, "I don't have any doubts about that." Together, she and the Lieutenant walked out of the room to allow the Gundam pilots time to discuss their strategy.

When the door closed behind Lady Une and Keiser, there was nothing but a dead silence in the room as the occupants took in everything that they had learned. After the long pause, Milliardo looked to his comrades and suggested, "Now might be the best time to discuss who will be going where." Kumi looked through her notes as she nodded, "Yea. We'll need as many of us on O72 as possible." Zes responded, "I agree. Even with all the Preventers out there, OZ will have clones covering that entire area." Wufei remarked, "Then four of us take care of Mystia and Quinze and while the rest of us secure the Colony's stability."

Heero confirmed, "Fair enough. Duo and I will take care of and Quinze." Delapan looked to Heero and Duo as she laughed, "You guys can have him! I don't want to be anywhere near that monster!" Zes shuddered, "Neither do I." Milliardo proposed, "With the new modifications in our suits, you'll be better off with Kumi and Trowa as your back-up on Mystia." There were no arguments from the pilots as they looked to each other. Kumi asked, nevertheless, "Is everyone alright with this plan?" All of the pilots gave a nod or some sign of agreement to this.

Heero nodded, "Alright. We have two days before the attack. Spend that time doing wherever you want wherever you want, preferably something that'll take your minds off everything involving this war." Duo smiled, "In other words, just chill." His partner chuckled and nodded, "Exactly. We'll meet back on the Earth two days from now, at the site that Lady Une has located for our launch."

The Gundam pilots rose from their seats and filed out of the meeting room. Wrapping his arms around Noin's shoulder, Milliardo said quietly, "We'll finally get to spend some real time with Mirando." His wife rested her head on his shoulder and sighed in content, "Yea. And we can get some real sleep." Zes informed the others, "Brian and I could use some peaceful together. We'll leave for the Earth later tonight." Delapan stated, "Trowa will be visiting L3 with me in a little while." Her brother nodded, "We have a lot of friends there who we haven't seen since the war began." Wufei added, "And Sally and I could finally get away for a change."

Sette smiled and stretched as she and her friends walked to the hanger as she chimed, "Man, I'll be good to see H7 again. It's been weeks since I got to see anyone there." Quatre nodded, "I know that the people on L4 will need some reassurance in knowing that the end of the war is almost here." Heero squatted a bit before Duo, allowing him an easier access to wrapping his arms around his neck as he turned to smile to his lover. The braided pilot smiled warmly and accepted the offer of a ride as he slid onto Heero's back. Lifting the American so that his arms caught under his knees, the 'Perfect Soldier' carried Duo down the halls towards the hanger along with their comrades.

Turning to face his partner, Heero asked quietly, "Mind if we stay at the safe house for the next two days?" Duo kissed his love's temple before he replied, "I'll be happy wherever you are." Kumi informed the pair, "I'll be staying there, as well." She continued, "I won't be around the whole two days, though... There's something that I have to take care of."

Duo lowered himself from Heero's back once they all reached the hanger doors. Milliardo nodded to the others, "So, we'll be together again in two days." His comrades nodded as they said their farewells for the time being. Wufei, Zes, Milliardo, Noin, Trowa and Delapan stayed behind as the remainder of their group split off and entered the hanger. Heero, Duo and Kumi made use of their wings and helmets while Sette and Quatre entered their crafts. Those staying watched from the observation tower. It wasn't long before those leaving Pulsar entered the ocean of stars.

From where she and her fellow pilots watched, Zes sighed deeply, "It's hard to believe that this war will finally be decided before the week is over." Milliardo wrapped his arm around his sister's shoulder and warned, "And you'll be three weeks from you due date, so you don't have to fight if you think it'll jeopardize you or your babies." Relena rubbed her stomach and assured him with a warm, "I'll be careful." Wufei turned to his friends before they left the tower and suggested, "Let's just try and enjoy the time off that we have. Two days go by pretty quickly." At this, the remaining Gundam pilots nodded and left the observation tower in silence.

* * * * * *

Long after the sun had set the next night, Duo walked into the hanger of the safe house, braid swinging behind him and brushing against his black jeans. To fight off the sudden chill in the air, the American wore one of his favorite loose sweaters. His top's deep purple brought out the brilliance of his eyes as he searched for any sign of life in the large room. As he neared the end, Duo smiled as he saw Kumi working at her laptop. The crescent-scarred pilot sat on the right foot of her Gundam as she was finalizing her reports to be sent to Lady Une. Lost in her work, the 'Perfect Soldier' never heard the arrival of her cousin's lover.

Just as he reached the large foot, Duo called up to the silver-haired pilot, "Hey, Kumi. You got a sec?" Looking down to the American, she smiled, "Sure, Duo." Closing her laptop, she lowered herself to stand before her the braided pilot. Smiling warmly, Kumi asked, "What can I do for you?" Duo replied, "I've been looking for Heero. Have you see him at all?" The other pilot nodded, "I remember seeing him head off in the woods before I came down here. He must be watching the stars." The American smiled and nodded, "Cool." He saluted and turned as he winked, "Thanks for your help, babe."

Before the American walked too far from her, Kumi called, "By the way, Duo..." Turning back to face the silver-haired pilot, Duo nodded, "What's up?" His lover's cousin reached into the right pocket of her loose pants to pull out a white envelope from it confines. Holding it out to her partner, Kumi smiled, "I found this earlier today as I was jogging." With wide, hope-filled eyes, Duo accepted the envelope and quickly opened it. Taking only one swift glance inside, he noticed a familiar gold chain. With a radiant smile, he shouted, "MY CROSS!"

Without taking a look back inside the envelope, the braided pilot threw his arms around his friend and planted a quick kiss on her lips as he held her tightly. "You're a doll!" Duo said gratefully before releasing the 'Perfect Soldier' to run out one of the hidden doors of the hanger. As the door opened, he turned back and waved with his smile never fading, "Thanks for everything again, Kumi!" She smiled and waved back, "Anytime." The door opened as Duo quickly ran out. Once the door closed again, Kumi smiled and chuckled deeply to herself as she shook her head. Turning back to her Gundam, she said quietly, "Mission complete."

Duo was so thrilled to have his cross back that he threw it on without even taking a close look at it in the light of the full moon. Running quickly through the woods, he smiled to himself. The braided pilot knew exactly where he would find his lover. During one of there jogs through the countryside, the pilots found a small garden that was hidden within a circle of trees amidst the forest. It became the place where they would go whenever they wanted to be alone. Above the garden, the sky could be seen clearly as the treetops made a dome, perfect for stargazing on clear and beautiful nights like this.

Nearing the break in the trees, Duo could see the entrance to their special place. Still smiling from ear-to-ear, Duo called, "Heero! You'll never believe it!" He was just about in the clearing as he continued, "Kumi found my c-" Duo's heart stopped instantly, as well as his thoughts the moment he passed the last tree and entered the garden. Eyes wide, the braided pilot's jaw dropped as a soft gasp left him.

[Music to 'Heaven Can Wait' begins]

The round garden glowed as rings of white candles burned all around. The rings of light started just before where the American stood and grew smaller is they neared the center. In the very middle, a white sheet had been spread out at one end of the bare grass. Standing before it, looking to his partner with a loving smile, was Heero. Dressed in his pale blue jeans and unbuttoned white blouse, the Wing pilot chuckled deeply at the shock all over his lover's face.

[Heaven can wait
And a band of angels wrapped up in my heart
Will take me through the lonely night
Through the cold of the day]

Duo gave a small, almost inaudible laugh, blinking for the first time since he reached the garden. Seeing the walkway through the rings of candles, the braided pilot made his way to the center, taking everything in as he walked towards the Japanese pilot. Once he reached his partner, Duo held him tightly and whispered breathlessly, "Heero... this is beautiful." Returning the embrace, Heero smiled whispered back, "I had a lot of help... I wanted to do something special." The braided pilot pulled back to dry his eyes as he chuckled deeply and nodded, "I'd say you pulled it off."

[And I know I know
Heaven can wait
And all the gods come down here just to sing for me
And the melody's gonna make be fly
Without pain
Without fear]

Heero kissed the American's eyes, nose, and cheek reverently. Duo leaned in to claim his lips as they kissed deeply. They wraped their arms tightly around one another, as if to become one being. Panting, the pilots broke only so they could breathe. Heero smiled and whispered, "Look up." The braided pilot lifted his head to look to the dome of stars high above as the other pilot did the same. After waiting a moment, Duo asked quietly, "What are we looking for?" The Wing pilot answered gently, "You'll see in a second."

[Give me all of your dreams
And let me go along on your way
Give me all of your prayers to sing
And I'll turn the night into the skylight of day]

Waiting in silence for a brief moment longer, they watched as the sky was painted with streaks of light as a meteor shower crossed the Earth's atmosphere. Breathless and with wide eyes that couldn't tear from the sight overhead, Duo whispered, "Shooting stars." Lowering his head to look to his lover, Heero smiled and whispered back, "Like us." The American nodded, biting his lip before turning back to the pilot that held him. Duo hugged him tightly, sighing deeply, "This is so perfect." Heero chuckled deeply as he returned the embrace.

[I got a taste of paradise
I'm never gonna let it slip away
I got a taste of paradise
It's all I really need to make me stay-
Just like a child again]

When they pulled back, the Wing pilot noticed the gold chain and pendent around his koi's neck. "You found your cross," he smiled brightly. Duo nodded and subconsciously reached for the pendant as he replied, "Yea, Kumi found it when she was out run-" Again, the braided pilot stopped dead in mid-sentence as a small gasp left him. The moment his hand wrapped around the cross, something felt strange... loose. Slowly, Duo looked down to take a good look at the pendant since he lost it. His eyes widened as they focused of a platinum ring that had been carefully placed around the top as the cross. The band was streaked with diamond-cut streaks to look like shooting stars.

[Heaven can wait
And all I got is time until the end of time
I won't look back I won't look back
Let the altars shine]

Forgetting how to breathe, Duo kept his wide eyes on the ring as his hand began to shake. "H-Heero?" he barely managed to whisper. Both of his hands were taken into those of his love as Heero whispered, "Duo..." A soft, loving smile crossed Heero's lips as he lowered himself onto one knee before the braided pilot. Instantly, Duo's eyes squeezed shut as he sobbed quietly. Heero kissed his partner's hands and continued to smile up to him as their gazes locked.

[Instrumental]

Duo took a deep, shaking breath as tears fell from his cobalt eyes. He bit his lip and smiled down to the Wing pilot. Heero took a deep breath and his voice cracked as he whispered, "I..." He stopped to clear his throat as he and the American chuckled gently at the emotion that the 'Perfect Soldier' was revealing. "I'm going to get through this," Heero chuckled deeply as he looked back up to his lover, who was only able to smile lovingly down to him and gently squeezed his hands.

Planting a gentle kiss on each of Duo's hands and never letting them go, Heero found the courage that he needed as he looked back up to meet eyes with his love. He began with a small frown and a shuddered breath, "When I first fell to the Earth at the start of the Eve Wars, I was lost... All of my training and conditioning took my ability to feel anything... least of all love. With everything that came with that, I hoped every day that being sent here would bring me to my death, to be relieved of everything..." As he continued to lock eyes with Duo, he paused as a small whimper left him, his eyes filling with huge tears. He whispered brokenly, "Then I met you and I learned how to live..."

[And I know that I've been released
But I don't know to where
And nobody's gonna tell me now
And I don't really care]

Duo gave a small sob as he and his lover squeezed their hands tightly. Heero's face was just a streamed with tears as the braided pilot's as he whispered, "And I wasn't lost anymore because I soon learned that I need and want to be wherever you are." Taking another deep breath, he reached up with his right hand to gently remove the ring from his partner's cross. Even as he did this, he never broke eye contact and said quietly, "Duo, you are the most amazing person that I have ever met... You taught me how to laugh, cry... and most importantly, you taught me how to love... And I love you, Duo Maxwell, with all my heart, soul and being...

[I got a taste of paradise
That's all I really need to make me stay]

"My partner, my lover and my best friend... I could never imagine going through life one day without you there by my side and without being there for you..." Duo's knees were about to fail him as he took all of this in, crying silently all the while. With another deep breath, Heero smiled warmly through his tears and asked, "Duo... Will you marry me?" Finally lowering onto his knees, Duo nodded, whispering, "Yes, Heero." The lovers threw their arms around each other in a crushing embrace, burying their heads in their partner's shoulder as they shook with sobs.

[I got a taste of paradise
If I had it any sooner you know
You know I never would have run away
From my home]

Still holding their koi as tight as they could, they kissed each other's tears with butterfly kisses. Finally, they kissed deeply and poured everything into it. When they broke, they smiled as Heero slipped the engagement ring on Duo's left ring finger. The engraving on the band read, 'Forever and Always...Heero and Duo' in the midst of the diamond-cut streaks. The Wing pilot said gently, "The engravings are a gift from Kumi." Duo smiled and whispered, "It's beautiful." Looking back into Heero's Prussian eyes, he whispered, "I love you so much, Heero." The Japanese pilot continued to smile as he answered, "I love you, Duo."

[Heaven can wait
And all I got is time until the end of time
I won't look back I won't look back
Let the altars shine]

They kissed sweetly then deeply again. As the kiss continued, Heero cradled his fiancee in his arms and led them to the white sheet that he had spread out for them in the midst of the glowing candles. Lowering his precious bundle onto the sheet, the Wing pilot carefully laid Duo on his back. Duo sat up just a bit to free his locks from the braid that held them. The long, chestnut strands cascaded in waves as the pilots never broke their gazes. Heero was struck in awe, as he always was, when he saw duo with his hair down. Slowly, the Japanese pilot removed Duo's light sweater. Once that article was discarded, the pair kissed passionately as Duo removed Heero's unbuttoned blouse. Still kissing deeply, they lowered themselves to lie fully on the sheet.

[Heaven can wait
Oh Heaven can wait
I won't look back I won't look back
Let the altars shine...]

Panting, Duo caressed his lover's cheek and whispered, "I still can't believe this is real." Heero smiled and placed his hand over his partner's to whisper back, "It's real, koibito... And I'll spend the rest of our lives to prove it." The long-haired pilot smiled and nodded, "I'm looking forward to that."

[Let the altars shine]

With smiles brighter than all the stars in the heavens combined, Heero and Duo leaned into kiss again, losing themselves all together as they consummated their engagement. Overhead, the shooting stars continued to streak the skies in brilliant color right until the sun rose that morning.

[Song Ends]

* * * * * *

Sera Makato had been pacing her room for hours that next day. Sitting at her desk, the Preventer sighed deeply and covered her face in her hands. Sera whispered to herself, "How am I going to do this?" Lowering her hands to look to her clock, her brown eyes saw that it was 4:20 p.m.. She said quietly, "They'll be separating for the fight tomorrow morning." Makato got to her feet and began pacing again. She continued to talk to herself, weighing her options. With a frustrated growl, she asked, "Why can I go through with this!?!" Just then, there was a knock on her door. Sera hesitated before she managed to call, "Come in."

Milliardo and Noin entered the room with Mirando in his father's arms as they greeted their friend with smiles. Sera smiled warmly to the pair, "I was hoping that I would get to see you. Please, come in." Wind and Fire accepted the offer and sat at some of the chairs provided in the private quarters. Milliardo asked gently, "How are you, Sera?" The Preventer shrugged as she tried to convince her comrades, "I'm fine... Just getting ready for tomorrow." Noin nodded, "We know you're a skilled pilot, Sera... We weren't worried about your preparation for the fight." Makato's forced smile faded as she allowed her pain to show. Lowering her head with her eyes closed, she whispered, "I haven't told Heero yet."

Noin placed a hand on the young woman's shoulders to bring their eyes to lock. Fire said quietly, "Heero is engaged now." A sharp gasp left Sera as her eyes shot wide. Unable to breathe, she barely managed to ask, "W-when?" Wind stood with his son still in his arms as he answered, "He proposed to Duo last night. Duo accepted." Makato's eyes filled with tears as she whispered brokenly, "My son's getting married?" With warm smiles, her friends nodded. As tears rolled down her cheeks, Sera smiled brightly and whispered in awe, "My son's getting married."

* * * * * *

A few hours later, Heero and Duo were having bowls of soup for dinner in the dining room of the empty safe house when the Wing pilot's laptop beeped as it sat closed at the far end of the table. Lowering his spoon, Heero walked over to his laptop and opened it. Sitting before the computer, the Japanese pilot looked to the image of someone he never expected to find. He smiled brightly, "Sera." The American's own smile showed as his head popped up at the name.

Matato nodded to her son, "Hello, Heero. How are you?" The Wing pilot answered, "I'm doing well. This is a nice surprise." Sera replied, "Well, Milliardo and Noin just came by to tell me some good news...I hear congratulations are in order." Taken back, the 'Perfect Soldier' paused with his eyes widened at the initial shock of this. Quickly, he covered up that shock as he smiled sincerely and nodded, "Thank you, Sera." He motioned for Duo to come over.

The braided pilot knelt beside his fiancee as he waved, "Hey, Sera! Good to see you!" Makato chuckled deeply and replied, "Good to see you, Duo." Looking to the pair, she said gently and shrugged, "I just wanted to send you both my best...I'm happy for you." She went on to ask, "Is Kumi there with you?" Heero shook his head, "She had something that she needed to take care of. She won't be back on the Earth until tomorrow, before we leave." Sera nodded, "Please tell her that I say hello and wish her the best with the fight, as well." Duo assured her, "We'll do that."

Knowing it would be best to leave the conversation at this before she gave away her identity, Makato forced another smile as shrugged, "Well, we all have a lot of work ahead of us. I best leave you for now... Good luck tomorrow." At this, the screen went black. The pilots gazed to the blank screen for a moment with looks of uncertainty. Finally, Duo said quietly, "That was strange." Heero nodded, "I wonder what that was all about."

Closing his laptop, the 'Perfect Soldier' thought aloud, "I wonder why she felt as though she had to congratulate us as soon as she heard about out engagement... And she asked to speak with Kumi, too." Duo continued, "And it may have just been me, but she seemed like she was trying to say something more than what she did." Heero nodded, "I noticed that, too." He paused as he stated quietly, "I wonder why Milliardo and Noin announced our engagement to her?" Duo's eyes widened as he replied, "Maybe they know something about her that we don't." The Japanese pilot shook his head, "Whatever the reasons, I'll speak to Sera when I see her again."

The braided pilot sighed deeply and frowned, "Yea... We have enough to worry about right now." Heero kissed his lover's cheek and whispered, "Don't think of the war today, koi...That's what tomorrow is for." Duo nodded as his eyes closed slowly and whispered back, "I know." The Japanese pilot kissed his lips gently and hugged his partner tightly. The American returned the embrace. Duo's smile soon returned as he looked up to the slightly taller pilot and asked, "Can we watch the sunset?" Heero returned the warm smile and nodded, "I'd love that."

The braided pilot's relief was clear and kissed his koi's lips gently before moving to clear the table. As his partner disappeared into the kitchen, Heero was suddenly hit with a memory from when he and Sera had been flying through Space in the shuttle that led him to his mission that separated them...

(Flashback)

"Do you have a family?" Heero asked out of nowhere. Sera caught her breath and turned to face the pilot. "Hai," she nodded after a pause. "I have a son." Heero gave an almost shocked look and Makato continued, "His father, my husband, dies years ago." Heero's shocked look turned to one of understanding and sadness. He said quietly and sincerely as he lowered his head, "I'm sorry." Sera smiled warmly to her son, "It's alright. He was a wonderful man, regardless of what others might think. I was lucky to know him as long as I did."

The Wing pilot asked as he returned his gaze to his mother, "How old is your son?" Makato replied, "Twenty-two...you're age." the Preventer frowned sadly and looked ahead to her screen. She sighed deeply, "I haven't been a very good mother to him. It's been so long since I saw him that he might not know who I was if he saw me again." Heero chuckled and shook his head, "I doubt that's possible." Sera forced a smile and turned back to the pilot as she shrugged, "Well, I would understand if he didn't know me."

(End Flashback)

"Heero?" Duo called gently to the frozen pilot. His wide Prussian eyes blinked and he turned to Duo once he broke from his state. The American looked with concern to his fiancee as he asked, "Are you alright, koi? You look like you just saw a ghost." Heero whispered, "Sera..." He ran back to his laptop and flipped it open. Typing as quickly as he could, he connected himself with Pulsar's control room. The image of another Preventer appeared on the screen.

The young man greeted, "Hello, Heero. How can I help you?" The Japanese pilot requested with urgency in his voice and eyes, "I need to speak to Sera Makato." The Preventer shook his head sadly, "I'm sorry, but she was just sent to report to the Earth. She won't be able to be reached." With a deep sigh, the pilot nodded, "Alright... Thank you." He turned his laptop off and closed it slowly.

Duo sat in the chair beside the Wing pilot and took his hands into his own, squeezing them gently as he asked, "Heero?" His cobalt eyes were locked with the Prussian set of his koi. The Japanese pilot lowered his head as his eyes closed after a brief pause. Duo kissed the top of his head and rested his lips there for a moment. That gentle sign of affection was enough to help Heero find the strength to lift his head and whisper, "I understand now..."

* * * * * *

In the middle of a beautiful, lush and flower-spotted valley on L29, there was a graveyard filled with those Preventers that lost their lives from the Marimaya Incident to the present war being fought. Kumi landed on a small hill that provided the home of one of those brave soldiers that gave their life to defending peace and justice for those who couldn't. A large tree filled with purple blossoms rested a few feet beside the grave that she came to visit. The headstone was shaped as a table of black marble that rose to a average-sized person's waist. On the front, the stone's engraving read, 'Matt Dawson' in the center. Below it, there was another inscription that read, 'Devoted soldier' and 'Loved by all who knew him' in smaller letters.

The silver-haired pilot knelt before the stone and lowered her head in silent prayer to a God that she wasn't sure that she believed in. The angel wings had since concealed themselves. Kumi removed the lightning-bolt-shaped sword that belonged to her lover before his death. Looking to the blade for a moment, her Prussian eyes took in every detail of the weapon. Looking back to the marble table, she said quietly, "I vowed to bring the sword that killed Demetris.... and I'm true to my word..." A small breeze blew Kumi's silver hair to her side as she remained in silence for a moment. Once the gentle gust passed, the 'Perfect Soldier' rose and walked to the headstone, raising the sword so its tip was over the center of the marble table's flat surface.

With one, swift and forceful thrust, Kumi drove the blade into the stone until only its hilt remained. Once the blade was within its permanent home, the Japanese pilot kissed the marble surface gently. "You're always in my heart, Matt... I love you." Stepping back just enough to take one last look, the Japanese pilot remained in silence for a moment. Another breeze played with her hair as Kumi stated, "I have another promise to make to you..." She paused before slowly sneering and vowed, "We're going to win this war." She opened the angel wings from their braces as she continued to look to the tombstone. At this, she turned her back to the grave and took to the skies again.

* * * * * *

('Closing Theme' from 'Backdraft' begins)

On the second day, the sun rose to mark the beginning of the end.
On the Colony that he and his wife had been visiting, Wufei was already awake and watching the bright rays as they spread across the fields around him. With the unsheathing of his sword, he brought the light from the sun to sparkle brightly across the blade. The Chinese pilot took a few practice swings, dodges and slashes before lowering the sword to his side. Closing his eyes, Wufei went into a deep meditation.

Zes was on the balcony of the beach house that she and Brian had been staying. Looking to the ocean across the way, the Queen of the World stood with her hands over her round stomach as she watched the sunrise in silent awe. Two familiar arms wrapped around her waist to gently hug her from behind. Relena smiled lovingly as she leaned back into her husband's arms. With the same smile, Brian kissed his wife's cheek and temple. Zes turned her head to kiss him deeply. Turning back to the ocean, they continued to embrace tightly while watching the sunrise.

Trowa and Delapan walked from the circus tent where they had spent their summers for the last five years before the war. Walking to their ship, they were accompanied by the ringmaster that had been like a father to the two of them. The kind, bearded man smiled proudly to his 'children' once they reached the craft. Catherine smiled back and hugged him tightly. Trowa shook the ringmaster's hand firmly before hugging him as well. Together, the tall pilot and his red-haired sister climbed into the shuttle. Their 'father' raised a hand to shield his eyes from the sun as he looked to the skies as he watched the Gundam pilots' departure, waving to them as they did.

Sette quickly ran into her bedroom wearing an elegant, emerald green dress after returning from her last public announcements as queen of H7. Closing the door behind her, she disappeared to prepare for the final battle. When she emerged from her room minutes later, Sette ran to the hanger into the hanger as she the vest that always fell over her jean shorts and T-shirt. In her haste, she realized that her crystal crown was still in place. She walked through a massive crowd that packed the room, clapping and shouting for the young pilot.

Removing her crown, Sette smiled as she replaced it with her favorite, black baseball cap. Flipping her cap backwards, the young queen entered her shuttle, planting the crown in the seat behind her. A path was cleared in the sea of people for the tomboy to fly past. With one last wave through the window of her cockpit, Sette disappeared as her people waved back.

Quatre walked from the tent where he spent the last two nights. Greeting Rashid as he walked to him, the Arabian looked to all of the Maquanauts as they prepared their mobile suits. Quatre lowered his head with a look of concern on his face. The tall man smirked and rubbed the top of his master's head for reassurance. The gesture was enough to relax his master. Quatre looked up and gave a small, sweet smile to Rashid. The Maquanaut with shades walked to his comrade and leader to gave a firm not that informed them that they were ready. Quatre nodded back to the soldier. After giving a tight hug to Rashid, the Arabian was ready, himself, as he ran to the ship that would lead the flight from L4.

In the control room of Pulsar, Noin was typing at her station as she finished her last report. Once she saved the file, she turned off the computer. Looking to the blank screen for a moment, Fire folded her hands before her face as her elbows were propped up before the keyboard. Lost thought, Noin was brought back with a small start as a hand gently rested on her shoulder. Milliardo smiled warmly to his wife when their eyes met. Sitting beside Noin, Wind kissed her forehead and held both of her hands to give them a gentle squeeze of reassurance.

Fire couldn't help but smile to her husband as she gave a firm nod. Together, the couple rose and began to walk out of the room. The moment that they began to leave, the Preventers who had been working around them stood and saluted their comrades from wherever they were stationed. Both Milliardo and Noin were moved beyond words as they looked to their friends as they continued to salute them. Turning back to them, the Gundam pilots waved and nodded to their Preventers before leaving the control room.

Lady Une had located a mass launch pad where the Gundam suits were stored during their much-needed break. This was also where the pilots were to reunite just before leaving the final battle. Just outside of the stadium-like structure, Wufei Zes, Sette, Quatre, Milliardo, Noin, Trowa and Delapan met up a few hours after the sunrise. Reuniting as though they had not seen each other in years, the pilots hugged and kissed with elated smiles as they spoke excitedly amongst themselves.

With her long purple cape flowing behind her, Kumi walked towards her friends through the barren fields. Trowa was the first to see the silver-haired pilot as he ran and greeted her with a tight hug that was gladly returned. The tall pilot placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. Sette ran to them and wrapped her arms around the pair as they continued to hold each other. Quatre did the same as soon, everyone was wrapped in a tight group hug of support, silently expressing the love that they had for each other as more than comrades, but a family.

On a tall hill a few feet from their sight, Duo watched the touching scene of the other pilots hugging tightly. There was a look of sadness in his face and eyes as he continued to observe. "God, please don't let us lose this," he whispered quietly to himself. Walking beside his lover, Heero gathered him into his arms as they both watched the others below. With the braided pilot's head tucked in the nape of his neck, the Wing pilot whispered softly, "Whatever happens... we'll never lose this." Reassured by his love's words, Duo smiled and nodded. Heero lifted his partner's head from under his chin and kissed his lips gently. Duo returned the kiss with just as much gentleness before they held hands and walked towards the other pilots.

The group hug had since ended as the young couple joined the other pilots. Heero and Duo smiled warmly as they were met with tight embraces and kissed on the cheek as their fellow pilots were joined by them. With their elated smiles ever present, they looked to the engagement ring on Duo's hand. The braided pilot displayed it for them as they waited anxiously for a glimpse. Both the Heero and Duo had love in their eyes and faces to match as the Wing pilot stood behind his lover with his arms wrapped around his waist. Kumi was the last to congratulate the pair.

As the celebration wound down, the Gundam pilots began to focus on the fight ahead of them. They looked up to the great heights of the stone building that housed the launch pad for a moment to admire the coliseum before them. Turning to each other, they knew that they were ready to face their challenge. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, they walked through the large entrance. As they walked through the dark cave of the walkway leading them to the launch pad, they focused on the light ahead of them. The moment that they entered the dome, a deafening cheer rang all around as the pilots looked up in shock and wonder. Every inch of the stands in the stadium was jam-packed with people as they showered the Gundam pilots with flower petals and cheers.

Shocked and moved beyond words, each of the pilots walked around with their heads up as they looked to the crowds. As far as they could see, there was nothing but smiling faces as the people of Earth finally gazed on their heroes. Still showering the elite soldiers with petals, everyone in the stands waved to their saviors and called them by name. Lady Une watched everything from the entrance with tears in her eyes as she applauded along with the mass of people. Climbing up to their cockpits, the Gundam pilot stood on their open hatches. Unable to describe their emotions, they looked to the stands through the shower of pedals. Each pilot different in so many ways, they were one unit as they stood alone amidst the countless lives they defended.

With his cousin right beside him, Heero asked quietly, still in amazement, "Did you ever think that we would live to see anything like this?" Kumi whispered breathlessly, "Never in a million lifetimes." They faced each other with bright eyes as large tears rimmed the edges. They smiled warmly and held hands tightly. At this, all of the pilots held hands with those beside them. Once they were able to breathe again, they lifted their hands as the crowd's cries grew louder than it had ever been. After a brief moment, they released their partners' hands and waved to the mass around them. They mouthed and nodded their thanks and appreciation, having never been recognized or thanked for their lifelong sacrifices.

With the exception of Heero, Kumi and Milliardo, the pilots had to dry the tears hat slipped past their defenses as everything around them was beyond overwhelming. Smiling to their friends, they nodded and stepped inside their cockpits. Once they closed their hatches, the crowd continued to cheer and shout for them. Taking a deep breath, Heero announced, "Alright, everyone. Let's finish this." Wing Zero's angel wings gave a large flap the moment it was airborne, shooting straight into the skies with Deathscythe and Excalibur right behind. The other suits flew off at great speed in suit.

* * * * * *

That afternoon, the Gundam pilots had broken into their groups as they made plans to hit their sites at the same time. It would take them the same amount of time to reach their targets. Heero, Duo, Kumi and Trowa were flying through the stars in silence as they kept their senses keen for anything. Before leaving the Earth's atmosphere, the modifications on their suits were programmed and their plan had been finalized the night before their takeoff. Sticking to this strategy, the four pilots flew towards the last OZ stronghold. The braided pilot flapped his wings to fly beside his fiancee as he asked quietly, "Are you alright, Heero?" Taking his lover's hand into his own, the Wing pilot assured him gently, "I am now."

Kumi flapped ahead of the pair and warned them, "We should be approaching Mystia any minute now. You remember the plan?" Duo saluted as he replied, "Heero and I handle Quinze while you and Trowa take out Mystia's heart. By that time, our friends on O72 will have the Colony's stability in tack and it'll be soaring back into Space before it can harm the Earth. Mission complete, war's over, yadda, yadda, yadda and all that jazz." The silver-haired pilot smirked and nodded, "Alright. Let's hope that it works out smoothly."

Heero nodded, "Both you and Trowa won't be up against the numbers that the others will in O72, though you'll still have more than a challenge in holding them off, so be careful." Trowa's voice chimed in as he stated, "That goes for you, too... If you run into any problems with Quinze, let us know." His lover stressed to her cousin and his fiancee, "That means *any* trouble, not just stuff that you think you can handle." The winged pilots smiled and Duo replied, "I promise that we won't overdo it." Satisfied with this, Kumi and Trowa flew on alongside their comrades with no further discussion in the matter.

A brief moment passed and the four pilots finally looked to the Colony that housed the OZ stronghold. "Here we go," Heero growled deeply. At this, they shot off quickly to the target. Just as they neared the sight, several lasers shot from all directions of the ship ahead. While Heavy Arms and the winged pilots managed to dodge the shots, there were several close calls as the cannons firing upon them followed their movements with just as much speed and agility.

* * * * * *

Milliardo looked to his monitors as he and his team now had a visual of O72. "There it is," he announced as he brought Euphoria to lead the charge. With the Preventers that had gathered together for the fight, the Gundam pilots had an army of over a thousand. As they shot for the target, they knew that there would be more than this up against them. Sette informed her comrades, "Once the Colony begins to drop towards the Earth, we'll have a little over eight hours to regain its stability before it enters the planet's atmosphere."

Wufei growled deeply, "That's not a lot of time. With all the clones they'll have against us, it'll take at hours just to reach the control room." Suddenly, Zes shouted, "Here they come!" At this, a massive army of OZ mobile suits made their way to their foes. Even with the great numbers that they had, the Preventers found themselves having to spread out in order not to be swallowed by the forces against them. The first to be met head-on were the Gundam suits as they were concerned with preserving as much of their unit as possible. Together, they gave the troops everything that they had while trying to preserve their strength for what they knew would be a very long struggle.

* * * * * *

As he and his comrades continued to make his way towards the target, Heero called with a mischievous smirk, "Hey, Duo, looks like Quinze's congratulating us on our engagement!" Duo sneered, "Weeeel, we better be nice enough to thank him." The pair shot off as fast as their wings could carry them. With Kumi and Trowa doing the same, the four pilots were able to reach the ship.

Splitting apart, each of them focused on knocking out as many of the cannons as possible to clear their way. In the middle of their assault, a swarm of OZ mobile suits greeted the Gundam pilots. Trowa was able to hold off most of them with the thanks of his firepower in Heavy Arms and its black wings to increase his speed. As they came close together again, the four pilots made their way towards the ship's atmosphere. Looking to the landmarks of the ship below, they were just able to make out the area. They found that the 'Colony' had been equipped with one large building that stood alone in the metal city surrounding it. That building took the form of a great fortress.

From where he watched in his large domain, Quinze could see the Gundam pilots perfectly as he looked out and up through his window. Walking back to his desk with his hands folded behind his back, he chuckled deeply, "And I was beginning to worry that they would never come." At this, he pressed a red button that had been hidden beneath the edge of his desk.

* * * * * *

On the OZ leader's command, Colony O72's stability was lost. As he took out three soldiers with his curved blades, Quatre looked to his screen as he watched the Colony begin to move. "No... Not now!" he shouted. He turned to his side monitors and cried, "Everyone, Colony O72 has already begun to fall!" Noin hissed, "Damn it! And we're still a good ten miles from reaching it!" Removing three arrows at once, Rampage shot the weapons through the storm of mobile suits. Milliardo told the other Gundam pilots, "Worry about one thing at a time. We won't do any good in losing out nerve out here." As quickly as its pilot thought, the golden suit known as Euphoria stabbed through its challengers wherever he went.

Delapan shot down a handful of soldiers with electric bolts from Slither's right arm's blade. Zes used the pair of sais and lasers that armed Calvary. Wufei took advantage of using both Nakaku's Samauri sword and laser trident as he fended off the troops apposing him. With her Buster Riffle and laser mallet, Sette was just able to keep her head above water. Sand Rock fought to do the same as Quatre took to his missile launchers and curved blades. As they continued to fight along with the army of Preventers, the Gundam pilots were beginning to feel the effects of the struggle already as they were challenged tooth-to-nail early on.

In the Space Leo that she flew, Lady Une broke through her opponents to reach Lieutenant Keiser. Bringing their Space Leos to fight back-to-back, the young woman called over the explosions and gunfire, "Any word on reinforcements?" Jason shook his head as he continued to shoot, "Nothing as of yet. Our forces in the Outer Rings are still making their way here as fast as they can." Une nodded, "We should be alright for another hour or so... Let's just hope we have some of our forces left by the time they arrive."

Derek Anderson and Sera Makato managed to soar quickly through the swarm of troops around them. Thanks to their Taurus suits, they went on to dodge and shoot much more quickly in Space than any of the other mobile suits. Their skills and experience as pilots were also a benefit as they gave more than a difficult time to anyone trying to shoot them down. The photograph of Sera holding Heero with Odin Lowe was placed just over her controls as Makato focused on the battle around her. Derek wiped some sweat from his brow as he went on to look after himself while trying to keep an eye on Delapan and the Gundam pilots.

* * * * * *

On O72 itself, the people being held under OZ control watched the skies as they stood in the center of their prominent city. While the battle was still several miles past their atmosphere, the men, women and children of the Colony could make out the lights of explosions and lasers in the clear, bright sky. All around, OZ mobile suits surrounded the city with their guns and weapons aimed at the people that had been captured. Looking in great concern and fear to the only sign of hope for them, the innocents gathered closely as they spoke quietly to each other. It was like this in every city, urban and rural on O72... Everyone living within the towns were brought into the center of the city with countless OZ clones rounding them up at gunpoint and with their suits.

In one rural city that was hidden within the beautiful woods of the Colony, the people held hostage there watched the heavens. One man in his late forties with red hair growled deeply, "We should be out there helping them. If it wasn't for these damn guards-" His blonde friend beside snapped as he whispered, "Quiet. If they hear you, they'll kill you before you get the chance." Two of the many OZ clones that made their rounds just beyond the captives. Pausing, they eyed the two men that had been speaking to each other with threatening glares. Both civilians remained motionless, though they did return the glares that were given to them.

After a moment of staring to their prisoners, one of the OZ soldiers sneered as he chuckled deeply. The other snorted before they went back to pacing the town. The blonde young man sighed deeply, "See. They're all over the place. The next time something like that happens, we won't be as lucky." A slender young woman with short, brown hair warned quietly as she leaned to them, "We'll have our chance. For now, just keep still." The first man growled deeply one last time before nodding, "Fine." He looked back to the skies along with his friends and everyone of their neighbors.

* * * * * *

The four pilots over Quinze's ship continued to make their way down to the fortress. The OZ leader smirked, "And one last adjustment..." He pressed another button under his desk. On his command, the fortress lifted, along with everything around it that spanned a great radius. The ship's heart remained attached to the fortress as well as everything that rested beneath it clear to the opposite side of the 'Colony.' The result was the true identity of the OZ ship. It was a sphere all itself as it floated into the skies, leaving the Colony shell that it lived in behind.

From where they were, Heero, Duo, Kumi and Trowa watched in shock as they witnessed the change. The ship was the shape and size of the Earth's moon. As the the target neared them in Space, the pilots broke from their amazement as they narrowed their eyes. Heero shouted, "Alright! Let's hurry and take it out!" With no objection, his friends charged with him towards Mystia. Once they entered the ship's atmosphere, the visors of the winged pilots' helmets snapped back up as they were able to breathe freely again. With their eyes on the large fortress, they soared unnerved.

Before they could reach the castle, the quartet was met with an army of mobile suits as the OZ soldiers stationed there fended for their leader the only way they could. Trowa flew ahead of his friends as he fired upon the unit. Turning to the pilots, he shouted, "I'll talk care of them! Just worry about finding Quinze and Mystia's heart!" His team agreed as they flew through the small gaps within the OZ forces. On their way down, they took out and soldiers that they could to help the tall pilot as much as possible.

With the castle in sight, Duo called to his silver-haired comrade, "Good luck, Kumi!" The young woman nodded, "Good luck to you, too!" At this, she shot ahead of the pair and dodged the fire of every laser and soldier. Heero and Duo freefell at they locked onto the front entrance of the fortress. Taking his built-in Buster Riffle, the Wing pilot shot a hole into the doors for them to fly through. Greeted by soldiers all around, the pilots used their laser sword and scythe to fight through them.

As the struggle continued several stories below him, Quinze flipped a small switch on the side of his desk. The moment he did so, the lights throughout the entire castle went out. Slowly, he flipped several more switches that were aligned beside the first, bringing everything on Mystia into darkness. In the shadows of his own room, he chuckled deeply, "Try to kill an enemy that you cannot see." Rising from his seat, the OZ leader made his way through the pitch halls, not concerned with being discovered since he knew his enemies would not be able to make him out in their heat of their battle and in the blackness.

From where he continued to fight, Trowa hissed as he gazed to the dark land below, "That bastard knows just how to cover himself!" A handful of soldiers attempted to take advantage of the tall pilot's frustration by coming from behind. However, he managed to pick them up on his radar before they could reach him. Turning Heavy Arms quickly, he riddled them with bullets. Still lost in his own fight, Trowa growled deeply, "I know that he has something else up his sleeve! I just hope the others find him before he plans on using it!"

With their only light source coming from their weapons, Heero and Duo shot through the castle as they passed every guard that tried to stop them. As they went on in search of Quinze's main quarters, Heero heard his cousin's voice inform him, "I'm making my way through the lower levels of the fortress now. I'll be cutting all communication to make sure that I'm not spotted." Heero nodded, "Alright, Kumi. If anyone does find you, get out of there fast." Excalibur's pilot replied, "Understood." Their connection was cut.

* * * * * *

Her eyes adjusted to the darkness, Kumi ran through the deserted halls as she made her way through fortress for the passage that would dead straight down to the ship's heart. Having memorized Derek's map of the castle, she knew exactly where she needed to go. Though the darkness was enough to conceal her, Kumi wasn't about to take any chances. The guards of this facility were far too aware of its surroundings and could come out of nowhere. As a precaution, she hid her wings and kept her right arm stretched ahead of her, aimed to shoot her Buster Riffle at any minute as her laser blade was sheathed.

Hiding within the safety of doorways, the 'Perfect Soldier' made sure not to make any movements that would draw attention to her even in the thick shadows. Knowing that there were guards all around, every sound that Kumi heard was enough to make her conceal herself as quickly as possible. A few times, she just managed to avoid being spotted by guards as handfuls of them ran through the halls just past her. This happened again as she continued to near her destination.

Hiding in the doorway of another room, Kumi waited as about twelve more solders charged through the halls, just past her. Panting quietly, she stayed backed against the door as she heard their footsteps disappear. Peering from the doorway, Excalibur's pilot checked both the right and left halls to her. Finding them empty and still in their blackness, she sighed deeply as her breath had returned to normal. Kumi took one step forward before the door behind her opened quickly. A large hand wrapped around her mouth to hold back the growl and cry that came from the 'Perfect Soldier.' That same moment, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her in less time than it would take one to blink.

The door closed as soon as Kumi was pulled in while she grunted and fought to get herself free. She managed to free her mouth as she bit down on the hand covering it. It wasn't until she drew blood from the large hand that it was removed. She instantly spun herself as she remained trapped within the powerful arm that wrapped around her waist to face the intruder. Her narrowed Prussian eyes widened as a sharp gasp left her. Nose-to-nose with the pilot, Demetris sneered as he said darkly, "Boo." Kumi screamed at the top of her lungs in a blood-curdling cry just before she was hurled onto the floor at great force.

On her back, the 'Perfect Soldier' whimpered as she crawled backwards into the nearest corner as quickly as she could, never tearing her terrified and disbelieving eyes to the sight of the man she had killed. Demetris stalked slowly to his prey as he chuckled deeply. Taking hold of the pilot as though she was a rag doll, the tall man threw her into the wall opposite of them.

With a loud cry of pain, the Japanese pilot crashed into the steel siding. Once she hit the ground, stretched out before her enemy, she forced herself to get up. Managing only to get her body from the waist-up to rise, Kumi looked up through the darkness. Demetris bore Gundamumum body armor similar to her own, only it was a navy blue shade. His right arm bearing a built-in laser and his left with a laser sword. The wings on his back were all black as he continued to sneer down to his opponent. Kumi spat a wad of blood before hissing, "So they cloned Demetris, too." The tall clone chuckled deeply, "Clever girl." With narrowed eyes, 'Demetris' growled deeply and lunged himself at the fallen pilot.

* * * * * *

Heero and Duo stormed Quinze's office, kicking the doors in, as they aimed their weapons ahead of them. Their eyes narrowed, they scanned the room and carefully advanced. Finding the space empty, the braided pilot walked to the desk and located the switches in the flat surface. Flipping the switches, he returned the light throughout the fortress and ship. Once the power returned, the Wing pilot looked to his partner and said quickly, "The hanger." Duo's eyes widened and instantly, he and his fiancee were soaring from the room at great speed.

Shooting through floor after floor, the winged pilots made their way to the hanger of the massive facility. Finally, they found the room that they searched for. Landing in the center of the huge space, they looked to see if it looked as though any ships had been taken. Scanning the crafts that remained, Heero asked, "Any signs someone made a retreat?" Duo shook his head from a few feet away, "Nothing just yet." This being said, the doors to the hanger slammed shut behind the pilots.
The pair looked with wide eyes as every opening in the room were sealed tight. The ships and crafts of the hanger disappeared as hey fell through hatch doors that opened beneath them. Those hatches closed again, leaving the room barren and open. Sharp spikes of Gundamium came from every angle of the walls that closed the area in.

Finally, a white Gundam fell through the ceiling, crashing just feet before Heero and Duo. Their eyes widened as they looked up to the familiar sight. The suit had been modified and from its original form. The red bow at the top of its head was replaced with a curved blade. The edges of the Gundam were not as broad as they had been, to give the pilot more mobility and agility in the suit's movements. "I-it can't be," Duo whispered breathlessly as he continued to look up to the Gundam in shock and disbelief. Heero whispered the same, "Tallgeese." Quinze chuckled deeply within his cockpit with a nasty sneer, "You didn't think those Gundams your friends destroyed were the only ones I had, did you?"



TBC