Gundam Aurelia

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Heero and Relena woke to a tapping on the window. He pulled on his jeans, and she hurriedly put on her nightgown. He pulled open the curtains. It was D'arcy. She motioned for him to open the window. He did so.

We've got to go. Lord Une is sending some missiles right this way. Duo and Trowa are doing what they can, but They sent me to make sure you guys got off alright. Heero, is there room in your cockpit for someone else? He nodded. Okay, you take Relena. I assume you want Pegan to come with you?

Of course, Relena said.

Alright. I'll take him. You guys get dressed. I'll go wake him up and take care of ZERO. That alright with you? Heero nodded again. She started to leave, then stopped. You'll want to bring along a bit of formal wear. You're going to have to broadcast that you're all right after this. Just a jacket will do. She jumped down.

Heero and Relena dressed quickly, packed a few things, and went to the window. ZERO's hand was there, waiting for them. They climbed in. Relena had to squeeze, but they managed. D'arcy was already waiting.

she said. I've got Pegan. Let's go!

~~~

Meanwhile, Duo and Trowa were at Kojiro Base. They had disabled the biggest missiles, but there were still a lot more. They had gotten quite good at shoving a doll in the way just as a missile went off, but they were running out of dolls.

It's a good thing D'arcy found out about this in time, Trowa said.

Yeah. Otherwise Heero and Relena'd be nothing but smithereens by now. Another missile went off, and another doll went the way of its fellows.

~~~

D'arcy got Heero, Relena, and Pegan to the camp. She saw them to their tents, and was about to get back up into her Gundam when a shadow fell over her. She looked up at Altron, and gestured for Wufei to come out. When he did nothing, she called out, Wufei, I know that's you. You might as well come out. Still no response. D'arcy rolled her eyes, got to her feet, and crossed her arms. She stood there, glaring at Altron, until Wufei came out.

Now that you've finally condescended to come out, what can I do for you?

You have no right to pilot a Gundam.

I think Aurelia is glad to have me.

Aurelia? What kind of a name is that? Faugh! It's a coward's name.

D'arcy's eyes narrowed, and she walked towards Wufei. Her voice became so quiet that he had to strain his hears to hear what she said. Aurelia was my mother's name. She was murdered by an OZ soldier. I fight for her revenge. Got a problem with that?

A fighting woman is wrong. It is for men to carry out justice.

And who would I turn to? I don't know who my father is, and I have no brothers. There have been no male Collinses for over two hundred years. We are proud of the fact.

It's wrong! Wufei shouted, and charged at her.

She ran to meet him, but just before she came in reach, she dropped to the ground and rolled between his legs, and stood up behind him. He, realizing what had happened, stopped.

I see no reason to fight you, Wufei. What's the point?

He turned around, and came back to D'arcy, so close he could feel her breath on his chin. Her eyes met his fearlessly. No male Collinses for over two hundred years, he all but spat. No wonder your family is so weak. Your mother deserved to be killed by that OZ soldier—

That's it! D'arcy said. Her hands flew for his shoulders, and she kneed him in the groin, then released him, letting him fall to the ground. Insult me all you like, but nobody supports my mother's death.

Wufei just groaned. D'arcy sighed, and let her anger slide away. She squatted on her haunches beside him, and helped him sit up. He tried to stand, and failed, so she picked him up and carried him to a chair. She went away briefly, and came back with what looked like slightly green milk. she said. It should help the pain.

It did. When he had recovered a bit, she continued. Did you ever think to thank your mother for giving you life, or your wife for at least trying to give life to your son? Women are important. I'm sorry for hitting you, but I've spent seven years fueled by the desire of revenge for my mother. I guess you sort of became that OZ soldier for a while. Wufei didn't respond, and D'arcy sighed again.
After a while, Wufei got ready to go. He was halfway to Altron when D'arcy called out his name. He turned to see her come running up to him.

Don't feel bad about losing. Had I been trained, you would have beat me soundly. My strength is in the unexpected. She smiled. Be seeing you. She kissed his cheek, and ran back to camp.

~~~

What I wouldn't give for D'arcy's gun right now, Duo said.

Will this do? Wufei asked, and sent a continuous bout of flame at the center until it burst.

Thanks, Wufei. I didn't know you were here.

I wasn't, but now I am.

Trowa spoke up. It's good to see you again, Wufei.

Duo stared at him. My, haven't we grown polite. Don't blast those dolls, Wufei. I've got a special patch for them.

From D'arcy, right?

Yes, but don't start on injustice right now. We haven't got much time. He jumped down from Deathscythe Hell and affixed the patches to the dolls. Once they were on their way, he said, Okay, now you can rant.

I've changed my opinion, Wufei said.

How so?

D'arcy Collins is worthy of piloting her Gundam.

You really believe this, Wufei? asked Trowa.

She proved it to me, Wufei said.

What did she do? Duo said.

She kneed me in the groin.

Trowa made a sympathetic sound, but Duo was thoughtful. Well, she bit off Lord Une's finger, so I guess I'm not that surprised.