Operation Mobile Suit!
Episode 4: Ten Years After.
Disclaimer: Chapter 2.
The year is AC 217. The former Gundam pilots have relocated to the Sanq kingdom, and most of the children are in their senior year of high school. However, the year has just begun, and many of the sleepy eyed teens don't feel like it's the first day of school.
Location: Barton Household Time: 6:30 in the morning. Specifics: Belle's room
A Raytaro clock starts chirping happily, and Belle rolls over.
Belle: K'so. not right now. I'm still sleepy. *covers her head with a pillow and dozes off again.*
The little alarm clock soon starts blaring and, unable to take the noise anymore, Belle gets up, dragging herself into the bathroom. She takes a cold shower, effectively waking herself up, before getting dressed in her favorite outfit (hunter green top and black pants).
Belle: Somehow I think Tre's behind this. *The phone extension in her room begins to ring, and she answers it.* Moshi moshi arude, Belle Catherine Barton. Lee: Hi, uh Belle? *Belle grins* Belle: Lee, you're back! *laughs* How are you? Was the colony cool? Lee: *Laughs nervously* As Father would put it, the whole time was an 'Injustice'. He kept trying to tell me about all of this stuff and I would just sit there and read the guidebook. Got him a little riled up.
Belle brushes her hair, puts in a black head band, and heads downstairs. Tre sits in front of the television. He's already graduated. Belle goes in front of the television and turns it off. Tre is about to say something, but she's glaring at him.
Tre: *innocently* Morning, 'sis. Belle: *Covers receiver and snarls at him* *mouthing* Rig my alarm clock again, and I'll blow your brains out. Tre: Yeah, yeah. Lee: Belle? You still there? Belle: *Goes back to talking* Yeah. So why'd you call, anyway? I'll see you in school, right? Lee: *pauses* I was calling to see if you wanted a ride to school. Belle: Sure! Lee: Okay. I'll be right there. Bye. *click* Belle: *hurls an apple at Tre* Why don't you go get a job or something?! Tre: *kicks his feet up onto the coffee table* 'Cause Seiben wouldn't have anyone to bum around with if I did! Anyway, who was that? Belle: A friend. *Lani happens to come down just then.* Oh, Mom, Lee's coming to pick me up this morning. Tre: Oh, you mean your boyfriend? *She throws another apple at him, barely missing her mother.* Belle: He is not my boyfriend! *sighs in frustration, then goes back in the kitchen* Lani: Tre Barton, get your feet off of that table right now. *He does so, then notices his mother's mask with a small yelp.* Tre: Geeyow, mom, do you sleep in that thing? *Lani glares at him, only noticeable because of her frown. He stands up and heads into the kitchen as well, turning on the coffee pot.* Fine. I know when I'm not wanted. Belle: *picks up a mango and her book bag* Obviously not, since you've been here for ten years. *Gina, their pet cat, happens to rub past her leg.* Good morning, Gin! *Picks her up.* Mommy's going to school today. After this, she'll finally be able to stay home and spend time with you. Isn't that exciting?
Gina yawns, and Tre begins to laugh. She puts down the cat at the sound of a horn and heads out the door.
Belle: Bye, Mom. Send Dad my love! Tre: *comes to the door* Don't forget to tell the others about the little meeting thing after school, okay? *Belle nods* Alright, little sis. See you later! Lani: Bye sweetie! *Shakes her head as she watches her get in the car with a very rowdy Dimitri, Shannon (who's reading a book), and Lee (who's driving)*
Belle: Aww, Lee. why'd you have to pick up Dimitri? Shannon: *still reading* Act of pity. Ferio and Sandy came to pick up Duet, but Dimitri was too afraid that Sandy would try to kill him. Dimitri: *turns pale* No I wasn't! Lee: *Backing out of the drive* Riight. that's why you hid when you heard her ring the doorbell. Shannon: That's also why you called us. *closes the book* Honestly, no one's seen the girl in years. how do you even know it was her? Dimitri: Evil pacifist vibes. Shannon: By the way, you do know that Sandy's starting a Neo RPG? *Belle clasps her hands together.* Belle: For real?! *Lee sighs.* Lee: That show's about ten years old. And you guys are eighteen- Belle: Seventeen! *grin.* Lee: But still! You guys still watch it. That's for little kids and old people. *Belle gives Lee a death glare.* Belle: What about Dragon Ball Z, huh? Older than dirt! Dimitri: *pipes up from the back of the car* Dragon Ball Z is a classic! Where else are you going to find drastic character changes, messy but cool hair, and fighting action?! *Lee hastily pulls up into the school parking lot.* Belle: Sandy at three in the morning when she's mad at you. *notices Lee looking around suspiciously.* Lee: Something feels like it's missing. Belle: Huh? Like what? Kiko: LEE-CHAN! Lee: -.- I knew I spoke too soon.
Kikozono, now somewhat more domesticated than she was ten years ago, heads over to the car to hug her younger brother.
Lee: Ack, lemme go, Kikozono! What're you doing here anyway?! Kiko: Didn't you know? I'm a teacher's aid! *Lee's eyes widen as he breaks his sister's headlock hug.* Lee: WHAT?! For what class? Kiko: *spots one of the other student teachers* Ooh. Can't talk right now, oniichan. Cute guy at three o'clock. Later! *She leaves.* Belle: That was odd. *Lee rubs the back of his neck.* Lee: Isn't she always? *Anna and Troy happen to come up on their motorcycle, Anna driving.* Woah! What a bike, Troy! Surprised you let Anna drive it.
Troy: *quietly* It's not mine; it's Anna's. *Everyone's mouths drop.* Dimitri: The brat Yuy-child getting a bike like that?! No way! *Anna glowers at him, helmet still on.* Anna: Omae o korosu, Maxwell. Dimitri: *laughs* Right. what're you gonna hit me with, your little bi- *stops, then reconsiders.* I'll just be writing my obituary. Shannon: Wait a sec, I thought your parents were transferring you to a private school, Anna. Anna: *smirks, then takes off her helmet, running a hand though her short moss green hair.* Nope. They won't allow me to ride my bike there, so I said 'Screw 'em.'
A door is heard slamming in the parking lot. A girl with wavy blonde hair girl and bluish-green eyes can be seen coming over to the group. Girl: TROY YUY! Troy: *suddenly pales, then jumps into Lee's car, slamming the door.* Lee: Hey! Troy: *makes the shut up sign at him.* Girl: *stalks over to the car, irate.* Dimitri: *thinking* I can handle this. *Out loud* Hey, who do you think you are, dame, that you can just come storming over here and mess with my buddy? *The girl glowers at Dimitri in recognition.* Girl: I'm his girlfriend. Or do you not remember who I am, Dimitri? *Dimitri stares hard at the girl, then begins to stammer. She smirks at him.* Dimitri: N-no way! That can't be you! Girl: Move. *He does so.* *Ferio comes running up behind her.* Ferio: I wish you would tell me what this is all about. *Everyone looks thoroughly confused at this point, except for Anna, who is strangely quiet.* Belle: Who does this airhead think she is? *Watches as the girl looks around the car, calling for Troy.* Girl: Shut up, Ferio! *Looks at Dimitri.* You, I'll kill later. Now where's Troy? *Sees a flicker of movement from the car and opens the door to find Troy cowering in the backseat.* Troy: Uh. hi Honey. Dimitri: Honey?! What're you talkin' about, Troy?! Snap out of it man! Do not let the pacifist She-devil toy with your brain! *The girl growls at Dimitri. * Duet: Wait a minute, isn't that what you call Sandy? Dimitri: *nods* Troy: It's true. Sandy's my girlfriend.
Everyone looks kind of shocked, until Sandy snaps them out of it with her questioning.
Sandy: Where were you all summer, and why didn't you call me? *She looks like she's about to burst into tears.* Don't you like me anymore? Troy: It's not that I don't! *Looks at Anna* A certain idiot happened to hit the speaker phone button when Dad was in the room. Anna: Hey! I'm no dumber than you are! Lee: Don't tell me your father's not allowing you to date. Troy: *hesitiates* No... It's not that. Duet: Then what is it? Troy: Dad won't let me go out with Sandy. Anybody else in the world, sure! Go ahead Troy! Just be home by the time your mother wakes up. But nooo! He's afraid Sandy will turn me into a pacifist or something. Dimitri: I think we all know that's not gonna happen any time soon. I mean, look what she did to me! Sandy: *rolls her eyes* Dimitri, that was ten years ago! I don't even remember doing it! Belle: Well, then there was the time at my birthday party when you chased him around with Anthony's head. Sandy: He said I looked funny! Troy: I think we're rolling away from the point. *hugs Sandy* I'll see you today after school, at least. Sandy: . Okay. Dimitri: *starts yelling* No! Don't do that! She's a demon, just like Rando! She'll squeeze your ribcage to pieces and then- GAK!- before you know it, you'll end up lying on the ground with swamp grass in your ears and she'll try to shrink you, only she'll shrink herself! Duet: . No more Code Red in the mornings for you, brother. Lee: *growls* As touching as this is, I want you all out of and/or AWAY from my car! NOW!
The bell rings just as he screams, and the school doors open.
Duet: Kya! I don't wanna be late for my first AP class! C'mon, Ferio. Ferio: *just stands there in a daze* Sandy and Troy? Dating? My sister, dating the war freak? Duet: *sighs* Let's go, Ferio. *grabs him by the elbow and drags him off to class.* Anna: *tucks her helmet under her arm* I think we're in for a long day, Ferio-san!
And so, the day wears on. Ferio is in several of Troy's classes, and keeps throwing "anonymous" death messages at the back of his head, warning him to break up with his sister. Kiko is a student teacher for Duet's AP Calculus class, and she keeps calling her "Dewey-chan". Sooner or later, lunchtime sneaks up on them.
Dimitri: (at the lunch table with Anna) Okay, give me another one. Anna: *hands him a piece of paper* Lee: What are you two doing? Anna: Trying to give my brother his sanity back. Lee: Eh? Belle: *sits down across from him with a sundae and two spoons* Eat. *starts feeding him* Your mother told me that you weren't eating the whole time you were at the colony. Lee: *blocks the third heap of ice cream* Quit it! I did eat. About once every two weeks. Belle: . *goes back to the lunch line* Yeah, whatever. I forgot my cheesecake. Lee: Girls. *back to the subject* What are you two doing, exactly? Anna: Dimitri got the idea in history class. So we were learning about a bunch of Gundam crap, right? Well, I threw a note at Dimitri. I was talking about Sailor Moon again, he started writing back. Lee: *glares at Dimitri* Traitor. Dimitri: Shut up and let her finish, Chang! Anna: Anyway, he suggested that we make a bunch of ofuda scrolls to keep Sandy away from the table. Lee: Wait a sec. *takes one of the scrolls and reads it (kanji means the same in Chinese as it does in Japanese; they're just differently worded.) "Evil Spirits Begone?" Dimitri: *nods* That'll keep Sandy away from Troy! He's not normal, man! Shannon: You talking about yourself in third person again, Dimitri? *sits down at the table.* Dimitri: *scowls* I think we just might have to stick one on Shannon, too. We're talking about Troy and Sandy. Anna: We're trying to keep them apart. Shannon: What, and miss the opportunity for her to kill Trojan? No way. *looks around the lunch room* You know, this table's starting to look awfully embarrassing. Anna: Strange. It was fine until you came over here. Belle: *comes back with a huge platter of Chinese food* Hey, Chang, look what I got. Lee: 0.0 How'd you manage to get all that? *takes some of the plates and starts eating really fast.* Belle: I talked the lunch lady into it. *remembers what Tre said* Oh yeah, you guys, there's supposed to be some kind of meeting at my house today.
Sandy and Troy approach the table.
Sandy: What the hell is this?! *Looks at the papers* Dimitri: *Stands up on the table and starts dancing* Ha! See this, Pacifist She-devil?! This says that you can't sit here. *does The Rocky "just bring it"* Now give me my best friend back, you candy ass! Anna: And my brother, too, while you're at it. Troy: Dimitri. I can't believe you're letting my sister manipulate you. *starts reading the things and sweatdrops* These are from Sailor Moon. Dimitri: Yup! Spent the whole study hall getting Anna to make 'em! Cool, huh? Sandy: *starts dragging Troy over to another table* Fine, they work. We're leaving. Dimitri: What? *yells after them across the cafeteria* It's not supposed to work that way! You leave and Troy stays. *looks down at Anna* Why didn't you tell me that would happen?! Anna: I didn't think it would. It always worked on Sailor Moon. Ferio: *walks over to the table, looks around for Sandy, then growls as he sits down* Nice try, Dimitri. Dimitri: *shrugs* Worth a shot. Hey, where's my annoying sister? *sits on the table cross legged and starts drinking some Code Red* Ferio: Last time I saw her, she was going to go get a bagel or something. *starts hurling notes over at Sandy.* Sandy: *looks around, then picks up the note*
To Whom It May Concern: Dating non-pacifist blood carriers can be hazardous to your health.
Sandy: *glowers at her brother, then goes back to eating* Duet: I miss anything? *somehow ignores the ofuda scrolls and the now constantly eating Lee.* Dimitri: Nope, not really. *shakes empty bottle* Go get me some more Code Red. Duet: No. Get off your lazy kiester and get it yourself. *points to pop machine* Dimitri: Pleeeease? Duet: *sighs, then takes his money and goes over to the machine* Lee: Anyway, what's this meeting supposed to be about, Belle? Belle: *shrugs* Tre just told me to tell you guys. Ferio: *busy scribbling a note* Dimitri: *looks over his shoulder* She's not gonna listen, you know. Here, put this on it! *starts writing at the bottom.* There! Ferio: *cocks an eyebrow* You sure this'll work? Dimitri: It'd better. Ferio: *launches another note at Sandy* Sandy: *annoyedly looks around again and reads the note*
Hey you, Meeting at Belle's tonight. THERE WILL BE PUNCH AND PIE!!!
Sandy: *looks over at her brother* Ferio: *shrug* Dimitri: *Waves* Sandy: *shakes her head in annoyance and turns back to her lunch*
After school at the Barton house, Trowa constantly gets up to answer the door as more and more of the OMS kids show up. Belle, obviously, is in the kitchen, her older brother harassing her.
Belle: Out! Now! Tre: Aw, but 'sis, I wanna help! Shannon: *calls from the adjacent living room* You're a horrible liar, Tre. You just want some of whatever she's cooking! Lee: I smell food! *comes into the kitchen.* Hey, what's in there? Belle: *shoves Tre out of the kitchen* Food. What else? Lee: Haha. What are you cooking? Belle: Peach pie, pot pie, apple pie, cherry pie, cherry cheesecake, key lime pie, apple crumb pie, pumpkin pie, blueberry pie, sweet potato pie, cookie pie, chocolate pudding pie, turtle pie, lemon meringue, plum pie, cheesecake, New York cheesecake, banana pudding pie, and strawberry cheesecake. (1) Dimitri: What about Putang Pie?! *backhanded by Duet* Duet: Grow up, Dimitri. *turns the TV on to the Destiny Collision episode where Rhea breaks in* Dimitri: Did you remember the punch? *smack, this time by Ferio* Ow, what'd I do now? Ferio: Sandy's not coming, and it's your fault.
Trowa peeks into the living room at Tre.
Trowa: How many other people are supposed to be coming? I hope this isn't some secret party that you're planning. Tre: About four or five. And anyway, if it was, I wouldn't be able to get Belle to help. *realizes something* Hey, where's Seiben? Lee: *starts helping remove about half of the pies and putting them on cooling racks and in the fridge.* Don't you remember? He called and said he would pick up Hana and Sakura for me. Tre: Oh yeah. Ferio: I think we should start this little meeting of yours, Tre. Exactly why did you call us all here? Duet and I have Metaphysics homework. Tre: Well, I kinda have a few worries, the main one being this: has anyone else's parents been training them on a Gundam system? Dimitri: Dad's been teaching me. Duet: Mom won't let me anywhere near a Gundam. She says I should study, so I've been studying medicine and first-aid. *peace sign* I may not be able to help out on the field, but I'm a pretty good medical technician! Dimitri: No you're not! Remember the time you tried to give me stitches when I fell off my bike? Mom and Dad had to take me to the emergency room cause you almost stitched through a vein! Duet: We were twelve! Sue me! Shannon: Actually, he could sue you for malpractice. Duet: Please don't give him any ideas.
Lee comes out of the kitchen just as the doorbell rings.
Lee: I've got it, Mr. Barton. *opens the door* Hana: Oniisama! *glomp* Where is everyone? *Kiko enters the house, armed with a huge bottle of soy sauce.* Kiko: C'mon, Seiben! *Seiben comes in carrying a bunch of groceries.* Tre: What the. What's all that for? Belle: *From the kitchen* Kiko's cooking dinner, I'm making desserts. *Blender starts whirring* Tre: *looks at Seiben* . Since when did you turn servant boy? Seiben: Since Lee sent me to go get his stupid sisters. *looks around the filled living room* Where's Trojan? Shannon: No one's seen him or Sandy, as of yet. Or Anna, for that matter. Ferio: o.o Tre, isn't that your cat? *points to a mass of white hair sitting in the chair.* Tre: Huh? *picks it up* There you are, Tonikka! Shannon: Ton-what? Tre: Her nickname's Tonik. We got her a month after we got Gin. Kiko: Speaking of gin and tonic, there's some margaritas in here, in case any of you want one. Dimitri: Really? With all the liquor and stuff? Belle: No, Maxwell, it's nonalcoholic. I'd get in major trouble at school if there was. Anna: What, you mean your cheerleading?
*Everyone looks over to the door, where Anna just entered, Troy and Sandy a few hundred feet approaching.*
Belle: Anna! No, I don't cheerlead. I meant my zero-tolerance stuff I have to follow for fencing. Tre: What took you guys so long? We have important business to take care of! Anna: The two lovebirds decided to stop by the house, and they ended up making out. Sandy: *screeches* DIMITRI! Dimitri: *blink* Strange, my watch didn't go off. Duet: *thwack* Earth to Yurameshi! This isn't an anime! (suuure.) And what did you do to her? Dimitri: More ofuda scrolls outside. Rigged to fall on the last person coming in.
*Sandy storms into the house, looking rather angry. There's water dripping from her hair, and scrolls all over her.*
Sandy: You little bastard! *Troy has to hold her back, and Tre stands up.* Tre: Hey, little miss, calm down. The kid's special; I think we all know that. And anyways, I'm not gonna have that fighting stuff in this house. Dimitri: ^^ Hear that, Pacifist She-Devil? I'm spe- *blink* Hey! Sandy: *glares at Dimitri* I'm not a fricking demon! How many times do I have to tell you that? Dimitri: Until your little horns on your head go away. Sandy: *slugs Dimitri once, then sits down* So, what's this meeting about? Tre: Well, I didn't want it to have to come to this, but I think we have a new enemy.
A plate can be heard dropping and shattering in the kitchen, while the whirring of the blender ceases as well. Kiko, Belle, and Lee rush into the living room.
Belle: What're you talking about, Tre? There's no new enemy! Miss Noin and Miliardo are taking care of that; that's why they're Preventers, after all. Lee: Yeah, Dad's out there, too! He would've known by now as well! Tre: *shakes his head* Somehow, they've missed all of these signs. I've. I've even been asked to fight on their behalf. Shannon: Wait a sec, Tre, who's they? Tre: They call themselves H.O.P.E. It stands for Halo Of Peace Eternal. I don't know how they can say that, however. They've got their own little frilly mobile suits as well. *points to Belle, Hana, Anna, and Sandy* And they've especially got it out for you four. Sandy: What do they want with me? Seiben: *enters the room, arms folded across his chest* They haven't quite as much interest in you, Sandra, because they think you're still a pacifist-
Sandy: But I am! I just sometimes- Seiben: *holds up his hand* It doesn't matter. They're after you all because you're girls. Hana: But. but what's that got to do with anything? Anna: *slams her fist into her hand* We're the only ones that can pilot Cupid, Eris, and Lazerius: the only three mobile suits that survived the Chronus War in one operational piece. Seiben: *nods* Exactly. Hana: Demo. I'm just a little girl! *runs over and hugs her sister.* Onesama! I don't wanna die! Kiko: *hugging her younger sister, looks at Seiben* But don't you think it's unfair for them to just assume that they'll pilot the suits? Why not me? Tre: You have a habit of rebelling against people when you don't get your way. Duet: But why not me? And why Anna? Anna: If we want to get into the mindframe of psychos, then the answer is simple: I'm the daughter of the perfect soldier. I'm the most valuable weapon to either side. Tre: Precisely. Some of us guys are also targets, too. *watches Hana continue to cry* Oh, Hana-chan, don't worry, please! They won't get any of us, not as long as I'm still alive. *walks over to her and gets on one knee* Okay? Hana: *sniffles, then flings her arms around Tre's neck* Okay, Tre. If you say so. Belle: Tre. why don't our parents know any of this? Trowa: In actuality, Belle, we do.
The teens all turn to see Trowa and the other ex-gundam pilots standing there in the archway to the living room, along with their mothers.
Tre: *stands, holding Hana* What? How long have you been there? Heero: Long enough to hear you start the debriefing session. Well done. Quatre: I don't think that's exactly the point, Heero. Miliardo: Indeed, it isn't. *looks at Seiben* How did you and Tre find out about this? Seiben: *as Belle goes back in the kitchen to sweep up the glass* You left a disk in my computer. Thought it was one of mine, so I browsed around on it. When I found out all that stuff, I thought I should- Miliardo: *angry* What, go and talk to Tre so that you could scare the daylights out of your friends? Do you think this is a JOKE or something, Seiben? Huh? Noin: Miliardo! Calm down. *Miliardo glowers at his son, then excuses himself from the living room.* Seiben. how long ago was this? Seiben: About a month or two. Tre: *nods* We figured that since the kids were starting school again, we could get them all together here on the first day and- Trowa: Warn them? Tre: Well, yeah. Wufei: Damned weakling. Don't you see what's coming out of your actions? Tre: *confused* Well, uh, yeah. I'm warning the people I care about- Wufei: If you CARED about them so much, you would have done like Peacecraft and said nothing! Did it not occur to you that we were doing this for the girls' protection? Duet: Excuse me, Mister Chang, but how exactly are you protecting them if you withhold information from them? Trowa: As you've already seen, Hana's scared to death about this whole situation. And although they don't show it as much, so are the other girls. Anna: Death doesn't scare me. It's an event in life. Lani: Well you know what, Miss Yuy? It didn't scare Carmen either, but look where she is now: six-feet under! One of the best friends I've had is DEAD now, not because of lack of fear, but arrogance like you're showing! Anna: I'm just trying to keep a level head, Miss Lani. Is there anything wrong with that? Kiko: 'Tousan. you couldn't have kept it secret for much longer. Pearl: We know that, Kikozono. But we had to, just for now. Lee: Seems like there's nothing much we can do, now. *sighs* If anything good came out of this, I have yet to see it. Pearl: Hm? *glances at her son* My goodness, Lee! It looks like someone's been feeding you! Belle: ^^ That'd be me! Duo: I smell chocolate pie! Hildi: -.- Only you, Duo. ~*~
(1) Remember Dimitri and Ferio's note? That's what's with all the pies.
The year is AC 217. The former Gundam pilots have relocated to the Sanq kingdom, and most of the children are in their senior year of high school. However, the year has just begun, and many of the sleepy eyed teens don't feel like it's the first day of school.
Location: Barton Household Time: 6:30 in the morning. Specifics: Belle's room
A Raytaro clock starts chirping happily, and Belle rolls over.
Belle: K'so. not right now. I'm still sleepy. *covers her head with a pillow and dozes off again.*
The little alarm clock soon starts blaring and, unable to take the noise anymore, Belle gets up, dragging herself into the bathroom. She takes a cold shower, effectively waking herself up, before getting dressed in her favorite outfit (hunter green top and black pants).
Belle: Somehow I think Tre's behind this. *The phone extension in her room begins to ring, and she answers it.* Moshi moshi arude, Belle Catherine Barton. Lee: Hi, uh Belle? *Belle grins* Belle: Lee, you're back! *laughs* How are you? Was the colony cool? Lee: *Laughs nervously* As Father would put it, the whole time was an 'Injustice'. He kept trying to tell me about all of this stuff and I would just sit there and read the guidebook. Got him a little riled up.
Belle brushes her hair, puts in a black head band, and heads downstairs. Tre sits in front of the television. He's already graduated. Belle goes in front of the television and turns it off. Tre is about to say something, but she's glaring at him.
Tre: *innocently* Morning, 'sis. Belle: *Covers receiver and snarls at him* *mouthing* Rig my alarm clock again, and I'll blow your brains out. Tre: Yeah, yeah. Lee: Belle? You still there? Belle: *Goes back to talking* Yeah. So why'd you call, anyway? I'll see you in school, right? Lee: *pauses* I was calling to see if you wanted a ride to school. Belle: Sure! Lee: Okay. I'll be right there. Bye. *click* Belle: *hurls an apple at Tre* Why don't you go get a job or something?! Tre: *kicks his feet up onto the coffee table* 'Cause Seiben wouldn't have anyone to bum around with if I did! Anyway, who was that? Belle: A friend. *Lani happens to come down just then.* Oh, Mom, Lee's coming to pick me up this morning. Tre: Oh, you mean your boyfriend? *She throws another apple at him, barely missing her mother.* Belle: He is not my boyfriend! *sighs in frustration, then goes back in the kitchen* Lani: Tre Barton, get your feet off of that table right now. *He does so, then notices his mother's mask with a small yelp.* Tre: Geeyow, mom, do you sleep in that thing? *Lani glares at him, only noticeable because of her frown. He stands up and heads into the kitchen as well, turning on the coffee pot.* Fine. I know when I'm not wanted. Belle: *picks up a mango and her book bag* Obviously not, since you've been here for ten years. *Gina, their pet cat, happens to rub past her leg.* Good morning, Gin! *Picks her up.* Mommy's going to school today. After this, she'll finally be able to stay home and spend time with you. Isn't that exciting?
Gina yawns, and Tre begins to laugh. She puts down the cat at the sound of a horn and heads out the door.
Belle: Bye, Mom. Send Dad my love! Tre: *comes to the door* Don't forget to tell the others about the little meeting thing after school, okay? *Belle nods* Alright, little sis. See you later! Lani: Bye sweetie! *Shakes her head as she watches her get in the car with a very rowdy Dimitri, Shannon (who's reading a book), and Lee (who's driving)*
Belle: Aww, Lee. why'd you have to pick up Dimitri? Shannon: *still reading* Act of pity. Ferio and Sandy came to pick up Duet, but Dimitri was too afraid that Sandy would try to kill him. Dimitri: *turns pale* No I wasn't! Lee: *Backing out of the drive* Riight. that's why you hid when you heard her ring the doorbell. Shannon: That's also why you called us. *closes the book* Honestly, no one's seen the girl in years. how do you even know it was her? Dimitri: Evil pacifist vibes. Shannon: By the way, you do know that Sandy's starting a Neo RPG? *Belle clasps her hands together.* Belle: For real?! *Lee sighs.* Lee: That show's about ten years old. And you guys are eighteen- Belle: Seventeen! *grin.* Lee: But still! You guys still watch it. That's for little kids and old people. *Belle gives Lee a death glare.* Belle: What about Dragon Ball Z, huh? Older than dirt! Dimitri: *pipes up from the back of the car* Dragon Ball Z is a classic! Where else are you going to find drastic character changes, messy but cool hair, and fighting action?! *Lee hastily pulls up into the school parking lot.* Belle: Sandy at three in the morning when she's mad at you. *notices Lee looking around suspiciously.* Lee: Something feels like it's missing. Belle: Huh? Like what? Kiko: LEE-CHAN! Lee: -.- I knew I spoke too soon.
Kikozono, now somewhat more domesticated than she was ten years ago, heads over to the car to hug her younger brother.
Lee: Ack, lemme go, Kikozono! What're you doing here anyway?! Kiko: Didn't you know? I'm a teacher's aid! *Lee's eyes widen as he breaks his sister's headlock hug.* Lee: WHAT?! For what class? Kiko: *spots one of the other student teachers* Ooh. Can't talk right now, oniichan. Cute guy at three o'clock. Later! *She leaves.* Belle: That was odd. *Lee rubs the back of his neck.* Lee: Isn't she always? *Anna and Troy happen to come up on their motorcycle, Anna driving.* Woah! What a bike, Troy! Surprised you let Anna drive it.
Troy: *quietly* It's not mine; it's Anna's. *Everyone's mouths drop.* Dimitri: The brat Yuy-child getting a bike like that?! No way! *Anna glowers at him, helmet still on.* Anna: Omae o korosu, Maxwell. Dimitri: *laughs* Right. what're you gonna hit me with, your little bi- *stops, then reconsiders.* I'll just be writing my obituary. Shannon: Wait a sec, I thought your parents were transferring you to a private school, Anna. Anna: *smirks, then takes off her helmet, running a hand though her short moss green hair.* Nope. They won't allow me to ride my bike there, so I said 'Screw 'em.'
A door is heard slamming in the parking lot. A girl with wavy blonde hair girl and bluish-green eyes can be seen coming over to the group. Girl: TROY YUY! Troy: *suddenly pales, then jumps into Lee's car, slamming the door.* Lee: Hey! Troy: *makes the shut up sign at him.* Girl: *stalks over to the car, irate.* Dimitri: *thinking* I can handle this. *Out loud* Hey, who do you think you are, dame, that you can just come storming over here and mess with my buddy? *The girl glowers at Dimitri in recognition.* Girl: I'm his girlfriend. Or do you not remember who I am, Dimitri? *Dimitri stares hard at the girl, then begins to stammer. She smirks at him.* Dimitri: N-no way! That can't be you! Girl: Move. *He does so.* *Ferio comes running up behind her.* Ferio: I wish you would tell me what this is all about. *Everyone looks thoroughly confused at this point, except for Anna, who is strangely quiet.* Belle: Who does this airhead think she is? *Watches as the girl looks around the car, calling for Troy.* Girl: Shut up, Ferio! *Looks at Dimitri.* You, I'll kill later. Now where's Troy? *Sees a flicker of movement from the car and opens the door to find Troy cowering in the backseat.* Troy: Uh. hi Honey. Dimitri: Honey?! What're you talkin' about, Troy?! Snap out of it man! Do not let the pacifist She-devil toy with your brain! *The girl growls at Dimitri. * Duet: Wait a minute, isn't that what you call Sandy? Dimitri: *nods* Troy: It's true. Sandy's my girlfriend.
Everyone looks kind of shocked, until Sandy snaps them out of it with her questioning.
Sandy: Where were you all summer, and why didn't you call me? *She looks like she's about to burst into tears.* Don't you like me anymore? Troy: It's not that I don't! *Looks at Anna* A certain idiot happened to hit the speaker phone button when Dad was in the room. Anna: Hey! I'm no dumber than you are! Lee: Don't tell me your father's not allowing you to date. Troy: *hesitiates* No... It's not that. Duet: Then what is it? Troy: Dad won't let me go out with Sandy. Anybody else in the world, sure! Go ahead Troy! Just be home by the time your mother wakes up. But nooo! He's afraid Sandy will turn me into a pacifist or something. Dimitri: I think we all know that's not gonna happen any time soon. I mean, look what she did to me! Sandy: *rolls her eyes* Dimitri, that was ten years ago! I don't even remember doing it! Belle: Well, then there was the time at my birthday party when you chased him around with Anthony's head. Sandy: He said I looked funny! Troy: I think we're rolling away from the point. *hugs Sandy* I'll see you today after school, at least. Sandy: . Okay. Dimitri: *starts yelling* No! Don't do that! She's a demon, just like Rando! She'll squeeze your ribcage to pieces and then- GAK!- before you know it, you'll end up lying on the ground with swamp grass in your ears and she'll try to shrink you, only she'll shrink herself! Duet: . No more Code Red in the mornings for you, brother. Lee: *growls* As touching as this is, I want you all out of and/or AWAY from my car! NOW!
The bell rings just as he screams, and the school doors open.
Duet: Kya! I don't wanna be late for my first AP class! C'mon, Ferio. Ferio: *just stands there in a daze* Sandy and Troy? Dating? My sister, dating the war freak? Duet: *sighs* Let's go, Ferio. *grabs him by the elbow and drags him off to class.* Anna: *tucks her helmet under her arm* I think we're in for a long day, Ferio-san!
And so, the day wears on. Ferio is in several of Troy's classes, and keeps throwing "anonymous" death messages at the back of his head, warning him to break up with his sister. Kiko is a student teacher for Duet's AP Calculus class, and she keeps calling her "Dewey-chan". Sooner or later, lunchtime sneaks up on them.
Dimitri: (at the lunch table with Anna) Okay, give me another one. Anna: *hands him a piece of paper* Lee: What are you two doing? Anna: Trying to give my brother his sanity back. Lee: Eh? Belle: *sits down across from him with a sundae and two spoons* Eat. *starts feeding him* Your mother told me that you weren't eating the whole time you were at the colony. Lee: *blocks the third heap of ice cream* Quit it! I did eat. About once every two weeks. Belle: . *goes back to the lunch line* Yeah, whatever. I forgot my cheesecake. Lee: Girls. *back to the subject* What are you two doing, exactly? Anna: Dimitri got the idea in history class. So we were learning about a bunch of Gundam crap, right? Well, I threw a note at Dimitri. I was talking about Sailor Moon again, he started writing back. Lee: *glares at Dimitri* Traitor. Dimitri: Shut up and let her finish, Chang! Anna: Anyway, he suggested that we make a bunch of ofuda scrolls to keep Sandy away from the table. Lee: Wait a sec. *takes one of the scrolls and reads it (kanji means the same in Chinese as it does in Japanese; they're just differently worded.) "Evil Spirits Begone?" Dimitri: *nods* That'll keep Sandy away from Troy! He's not normal, man! Shannon: You talking about yourself in third person again, Dimitri? *sits down at the table.* Dimitri: *scowls* I think we just might have to stick one on Shannon, too. We're talking about Troy and Sandy. Anna: We're trying to keep them apart. Shannon: What, and miss the opportunity for her to kill Trojan? No way. *looks around the lunch room* You know, this table's starting to look awfully embarrassing. Anna: Strange. It was fine until you came over here. Belle: *comes back with a huge platter of Chinese food* Hey, Chang, look what I got. Lee: 0.0 How'd you manage to get all that? *takes some of the plates and starts eating really fast.* Belle: I talked the lunch lady into it. *remembers what Tre said* Oh yeah, you guys, there's supposed to be some kind of meeting at my house today.
Sandy and Troy approach the table.
Sandy: What the hell is this?! *Looks at the papers* Dimitri: *Stands up on the table and starts dancing* Ha! See this, Pacifist She-devil?! This says that you can't sit here. *does The Rocky "just bring it"* Now give me my best friend back, you candy ass! Anna: And my brother, too, while you're at it. Troy: Dimitri. I can't believe you're letting my sister manipulate you. *starts reading the things and sweatdrops* These are from Sailor Moon. Dimitri: Yup! Spent the whole study hall getting Anna to make 'em! Cool, huh? Sandy: *starts dragging Troy over to another table* Fine, they work. We're leaving. Dimitri: What? *yells after them across the cafeteria* It's not supposed to work that way! You leave and Troy stays. *looks down at Anna* Why didn't you tell me that would happen?! Anna: I didn't think it would. It always worked on Sailor Moon. Ferio: *walks over to the table, looks around for Sandy, then growls as he sits down* Nice try, Dimitri. Dimitri: *shrugs* Worth a shot. Hey, where's my annoying sister? *sits on the table cross legged and starts drinking some Code Red* Ferio: Last time I saw her, she was going to go get a bagel or something. *starts hurling notes over at Sandy.* Sandy: *looks around, then picks up the note*
To Whom It May Concern: Dating non-pacifist blood carriers can be hazardous to your health.
Sandy: *glowers at her brother, then goes back to eating* Duet: I miss anything? *somehow ignores the ofuda scrolls and the now constantly eating Lee.* Dimitri: Nope, not really. *shakes empty bottle* Go get me some more Code Red. Duet: No. Get off your lazy kiester and get it yourself. *points to pop machine* Dimitri: Pleeeease? Duet: *sighs, then takes his money and goes over to the machine* Lee: Anyway, what's this meeting supposed to be about, Belle? Belle: *shrugs* Tre just told me to tell you guys. Ferio: *busy scribbling a note* Dimitri: *looks over his shoulder* She's not gonna listen, you know. Here, put this on it! *starts writing at the bottom.* There! Ferio: *cocks an eyebrow* You sure this'll work? Dimitri: It'd better. Ferio: *launches another note at Sandy* Sandy: *annoyedly looks around again and reads the note*
Hey you, Meeting at Belle's tonight. THERE WILL BE PUNCH AND PIE!!!
Sandy: *looks over at her brother* Ferio: *shrug* Dimitri: *Waves* Sandy: *shakes her head in annoyance and turns back to her lunch*
After school at the Barton house, Trowa constantly gets up to answer the door as more and more of the OMS kids show up. Belle, obviously, is in the kitchen, her older brother harassing her.
Belle: Out! Now! Tre: Aw, but 'sis, I wanna help! Shannon: *calls from the adjacent living room* You're a horrible liar, Tre. You just want some of whatever she's cooking! Lee: I smell food! *comes into the kitchen.* Hey, what's in there? Belle: *shoves Tre out of the kitchen* Food. What else? Lee: Haha. What are you cooking? Belle: Peach pie, pot pie, apple pie, cherry pie, cherry cheesecake, key lime pie, apple crumb pie, pumpkin pie, blueberry pie, sweet potato pie, cookie pie, chocolate pudding pie, turtle pie, lemon meringue, plum pie, cheesecake, New York cheesecake, banana pudding pie, and strawberry cheesecake. (1) Dimitri: What about Putang Pie?! *backhanded by Duet* Duet: Grow up, Dimitri. *turns the TV on to the Destiny Collision episode where Rhea breaks in* Dimitri: Did you remember the punch? *smack, this time by Ferio* Ow, what'd I do now? Ferio: Sandy's not coming, and it's your fault.
Trowa peeks into the living room at Tre.
Trowa: How many other people are supposed to be coming? I hope this isn't some secret party that you're planning. Tre: About four or five. And anyway, if it was, I wouldn't be able to get Belle to help. *realizes something* Hey, where's Seiben? Lee: *starts helping remove about half of the pies and putting them on cooling racks and in the fridge.* Don't you remember? He called and said he would pick up Hana and Sakura for me. Tre: Oh yeah. Ferio: I think we should start this little meeting of yours, Tre. Exactly why did you call us all here? Duet and I have Metaphysics homework. Tre: Well, I kinda have a few worries, the main one being this: has anyone else's parents been training them on a Gundam system? Dimitri: Dad's been teaching me. Duet: Mom won't let me anywhere near a Gundam. She says I should study, so I've been studying medicine and first-aid. *peace sign* I may not be able to help out on the field, but I'm a pretty good medical technician! Dimitri: No you're not! Remember the time you tried to give me stitches when I fell off my bike? Mom and Dad had to take me to the emergency room cause you almost stitched through a vein! Duet: We were twelve! Sue me! Shannon: Actually, he could sue you for malpractice. Duet: Please don't give him any ideas.
Lee comes out of the kitchen just as the doorbell rings.
Lee: I've got it, Mr. Barton. *opens the door* Hana: Oniisama! *glomp* Where is everyone? *Kiko enters the house, armed with a huge bottle of soy sauce.* Kiko: C'mon, Seiben! *Seiben comes in carrying a bunch of groceries.* Tre: What the. What's all that for? Belle: *From the kitchen* Kiko's cooking dinner, I'm making desserts. *Blender starts whirring* Tre: *looks at Seiben* . Since when did you turn servant boy? Seiben: Since Lee sent me to go get his stupid sisters. *looks around the filled living room* Where's Trojan? Shannon: No one's seen him or Sandy, as of yet. Or Anna, for that matter. Ferio: o.o Tre, isn't that your cat? *points to a mass of white hair sitting in the chair.* Tre: Huh? *picks it up* There you are, Tonikka! Shannon: Ton-what? Tre: Her nickname's Tonik. We got her a month after we got Gin. Kiko: Speaking of gin and tonic, there's some margaritas in here, in case any of you want one. Dimitri: Really? With all the liquor and stuff? Belle: No, Maxwell, it's nonalcoholic. I'd get in major trouble at school if there was. Anna: What, you mean your cheerleading?
*Everyone looks over to the door, where Anna just entered, Troy and Sandy a few hundred feet approaching.*
Belle: Anna! No, I don't cheerlead. I meant my zero-tolerance stuff I have to follow for fencing. Tre: What took you guys so long? We have important business to take care of! Anna: The two lovebirds decided to stop by the house, and they ended up making out. Sandy: *screeches* DIMITRI! Dimitri: *blink* Strange, my watch didn't go off. Duet: *thwack* Earth to Yurameshi! This isn't an anime! (suuure.) And what did you do to her? Dimitri: More ofuda scrolls outside. Rigged to fall on the last person coming in.
*Sandy storms into the house, looking rather angry. There's water dripping from her hair, and scrolls all over her.*
Sandy: You little bastard! *Troy has to hold her back, and Tre stands up.* Tre: Hey, little miss, calm down. The kid's special; I think we all know that. And anyways, I'm not gonna have that fighting stuff in this house. Dimitri: ^^ Hear that, Pacifist She-Devil? I'm spe- *blink* Hey! Sandy: *glares at Dimitri* I'm not a fricking demon! How many times do I have to tell you that? Dimitri: Until your little horns on your head go away. Sandy: *slugs Dimitri once, then sits down* So, what's this meeting about? Tre: Well, I didn't want it to have to come to this, but I think we have a new enemy.
A plate can be heard dropping and shattering in the kitchen, while the whirring of the blender ceases as well. Kiko, Belle, and Lee rush into the living room.
Belle: What're you talking about, Tre? There's no new enemy! Miss Noin and Miliardo are taking care of that; that's why they're Preventers, after all. Lee: Yeah, Dad's out there, too! He would've known by now as well! Tre: *shakes his head* Somehow, they've missed all of these signs. I've. I've even been asked to fight on their behalf. Shannon: Wait a sec, Tre, who's they? Tre: They call themselves H.O.P.E. It stands for Halo Of Peace Eternal. I don't know how they can say that, however. They've got their own little frilly mobile suits as well. *points to Belle, Hana, Anna, and Sandy* And they've especially got it out for you four. Sandy: What do they want with me? Seiben: *enters the room, arms folded across his chest* They haven't quite as much interest in you, Sandra, because they think you're still a pacifist-
Sandy: But I am! I just sometimes- Seiben: *holds up his hand* It doesn't matter. They're after you all because you're girls. Hana: But. but what's that got to do with anything? Anna: *slams her fist into her hand* We're the only ones that can pilot Cupid, Eris, and Lazerius: the only three mobile suits that survived the Chronus War in one operational piece. Seiben: *nods* Exactly. Hana: Demo. I'm just a little girl! *runs over and hugs her sister.* Onesama! I don't wanna die! Kiko: *hugging her younger sister, looks at Seiben* But don't you think it's unfair for them to just assume that they'll pilot the suits? Why not me? Tre: You have a habit of rebelling against people when you don't get your way. Duet: But why not me? And why Anna? Anna: If we want to get into the mindframe of psychos, then the answer is simple: I'm the daughter of the perfect soldier. I'm the most valuable weapon to either side. Tre: Precisely. Some of us guys are also targets, too. *watches Hana continue to cry* Oh, Hana-chan, don't worry, please! They won't get any of us, not as long as I'm still alive. *walks over to her and gets on one knee* Okay? Hana: *sniffles, then flings her arms around Tre's neck* Okay, Tre. If you say so. Belle: Tre. why don't our parents know any of this? Trowa: In actuality, Belle, we do.
The teens all turn to see Trowa and the other ex-gundam pilots standing there in the archway to the living room, along with their mothers.
Tre: *stands, holding Hana* What? How long have you been there? Heero: Long enough to hear you start the debriefing session. Well done. Quatre: I don't think that's exactly the point, Heero. Miliardo: Indeed, it isn't. *looks at Seiben* How did you and Tre find out about this? Seiben: *as Belle goes back in the kitchen to sweep up the glass* You left a disk in my computer. Thought it was one of mine, so I browsed around on it. When I found out all that stuff, I thought I should- Miliardo: *angry* What, go and talk to Tre so that you could scare the daylights out of your friends? Do you think this is a JOKE or something, Seiben? Huh? Noin: Miliardo! Calm down. *Miliardo glowers at his son, then excuses himself from the living room.* Seiben. how long ago was this? Seiben: About a month or two. Tre: *nods* We figured that since the kids were starting school again, we could get them all together here on the first day and- Trowa: Warn them? Tre: Well, yeah. Wufei: Damned weakling. Don't you see what's coming out of your actions? Tre: *confused* Well, uh, yeah. I'm warning the people I care about- Wufei: If you CARED about them so much, you would have done like Peacecraft and said nothing! Did it not occur to you that we were doing this for the girls' protection? Duet: Excuse me, Mister Chang, but how exactly are you protecting them if you withhold information from them? Trowa: As you've already seen, Hana's scared to death about this whole situation. And although they don't show it as much, so are the other girls. Anna: Death doesn't scare me. It's an event in life. Lani: Well you know what, Miss Yuy? It didn't scare Carmen either, but look where she is now: six-feet under! One of the best friends I've had is DEAD now, not because of lack of fear, but arrogance like you're showing! Anna: I'm just trying to keep a level head, Miss Lani. Is there anything wrong with that? Kiko: 'Tousan. you couldn't have kept it secret for much longer. Pearl: We know that, Kikozono. But we had to, just for now. Lee: Seems like there's nothing much we can do, now. *sighs* If anything good came out of this, I have yet to see it. Pearl: Hm? *glances at her son* My goodness, Lee! It looks like someone's been feeding you! Belle: ^^ That'd be me! Duo: I smell chocolate pie! Hildi: -.- Only you, Duo. ~*~
(1) Remember Dimitri and Ferio's note? That's what's with all the pies.