Accusations

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Thanks for being so understanding, Akilah said.

Well, a similar thing happened to me, so I understand how you feel.

D'arcy and Akilah were lying on their stomachs over the last of their lunch. You know, you're the first girl to become my friend, D'arcy said.

And you're the first person I've really talked to who knows what it's like to fight your way up from the bottom.

D'arcy sighed. Well, I've got something I have to do this afternoon. I think Duo's going to stay here for today. See if you can bother him into teaching you some new maneuvers. You'd make a great Gundam pilot.

Thanks, D'arcy.

Welcome, Kilah. Be seeing you.

D'arcy got into her Gundam and flew off, and Akilah went to bug Duo.

~~~

Master Quatre, are you sure this new girl is all right? Rashid asked. He was still lying on a bed with bandages around his ribs.

Quatre said. She explained it all to me. She was just so startled, she let fly.

A tall girl with dark brown hair, slightly yellowish skin, and dark brown almond eyes came in. She wore a turquoise tee-shirt and jeans. Her boots were black, and there was a dark green band around her upper right arm. She moved very gracefully. Hello, Rashid, she said in a soft voice. How are you doing?

Much better, thank you. The three talked for a while, and then the girl stood.

I really must be going, she said.

So soon? Quatre asked. She nodded. My name is Quatre Rabera Winner. What's yours?

I'm Vingte. She smiled, and turned away again.

THUD.

There was a second thud, then the sound of someone running. Quatre and Vingte looked out of the tent. A figure, silhouetted by the sun, had a long braid, and was running up to them. Quatre said.

Vingte pulled a gun, and trained it on the figure. Once it was within range, she said, Don't move.

Hey, don't mind me. I'm here to see one particular person, a girl's voice said. I don't have any weapons on me. She walked towards them a bit, and Vingte shot her in the arm. The bullet bounced off with a ping.

Vingte slowly lowered the gun, and the other girl walked forward. They could see now that she had purple hair, and her sleeves weren't rolled up. The green was fading from her light brown eyes, but there was still a bit there. She was just a bit taller than Quatre. She stopped just before Vingte. Could you tell me where Quatre is? We've never met, but I have some business with him.

I've already taken care of all my business for the month, Quatre said.

You're Quatre?



This has nothing to do with the head of the Winner family. This has to do with the pilot of Gundam Sandrock, labeled, first by OZ, and then by many others, as model 04.

I'm not selling it.

This doesn't have anything to do with money either. Besides, I've already got my own. Model 06.



Yes. I'm D'arcy Collins. My friend, Akilah—

Vingte asked.

Yes, Akilah. Do you know her?

Yes.

Well, I'm coming on her behalf. She tells me that about a year ago, the Gundam Model 04 blew up her parents' house, with them inside. Since you are the pilot of that Gundam, it is logical to assume that you are responsible.

Now, as damning as the evidence may be in her eyes, I believe in hearing both sides of a story before convicting anyone. What's your version?

I don't remember blowing anything up since—

D'arcy's eyes were almost shut, and her voice was quiet, but she still cut him off easily. Don't give me that crap. Do you expect me to be as trusting as you're reputed to be?

At least Quatre's able to forgive! Vingte said.

So am I, D'arcy replied. I just need a little proof, that's all.

Do you want to see my files? Quatre asked.

D'arcy turned to him, surprised. Oh! You're giving me permission. Thank you. She pulled something out of a pocket, unfolded it, and started typing on the laptop. The laptop just hung in the air. I hate breaking into people's computers without their permission, she said. Data scrolled across the computer screen. Then D'arcy sighed, and closed the laptop up, then returned it to her pocket. She smiled down at Quatre. Thanks. Sorry if I was a bit rude. She turned away.

Aren't you going to stay a while? Quatre asked.

Nope. Gotta go, she said airily. She scrambled up onto her Gundam, climbed into the cockpit, and took off.

~~~

Duo was standing watching his Gundam take down some targets when D'arcy landed. She took her usual jump/fall down and came up behind him. She's good, isn't she? D'arcy said.

Yes. She's trained before, too.

Just then, Deathscythe Hell stopped, and knelt. Akilah opened the cockpit door and stood. She started to climb down, but slipped on something. She fell. D'arcy ran forward and caught her, but the force of Akilah's fall sent her tumbling backwards. The roll should have broken her foot, but even as Duo came up to them, she stood, and helped Akilah get up.

How's your foot? Duo asked.

D'arcy looked puzzled. It's fine, she said.

But that roll should have broken it.

Look, I'm standing on it. Am I screaming?



Then it's not broken.

They helped Akilah back to her tent. She insisted that she was fine, but D'arcy told her sternly that she needed rest, and made her take a pill that put her to sleep. Duo closed the curtains, darkening the room somewhat, and left Trowa to look after her.

Duo and D'arcy walked a little way to the edge of the camp. You know, D'arcy, you're really an incredible girl.

Am I?

Yes. I've lost everyone I ever cared for, but even though I know it'll end badly, you make me forget that it will.

What will?

He gestured all around him. he said. You're my friend, so I know I'll lose you, just like all the others.

She reached up and brushed a speck of something off his cheek. No wonder you don't want to remember, she said.



You sometimes have nightmares. You keep on begging someone in your dream to not make you remember.

I thought nobody knew about them.

No one does, other than me.

Duo stared into the distance, remembering.

Duo? Wake up!



She gave a little sigh. Yes, I'm here.

You're not going to die, are you? Promise me you won't die!

I promise you. I won't die.

He stared into her eyes. Thank God, he whispered, and kissed her.