Chapter Two: The Trump Card's Wild Ace
"Why are you such a loner, Schwartz? I mean, you were never like that before." Alia lay on her back atop a cluster of tree branches, her arms behind her head. "What changed?"
"Two birds were killed with one stone."
"Did you and Ravyn break up or something?" At the mention of the Wild Ace, Schwartz bent his head.
"No. Neo-Germany's government forbade her to come within the borders of our country. They said she was distracting me too much."
"I have to agree on that. I don't know of any other couple who'll make out in the cockpit of a Gundam."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You're a bad liar, Schwartz. Don't even try it. You know, why don't you two get back together now the your government's not in the way? She's part of the Shuffle Alliance. What's the harm?"
"I… I don't think I should. Ravyn will find me on her own time, if she still… anyway, you've seen her more recently than I have. Is she okay?" Schwartz kept his head down, not daring to look at Alia.
"Yeah, sorta. She misses you, though, Schwartz Bruder. Even Epona can see that. Maybe you should go to her." Alia snapped her fingers. "I have an idea!"
"That's bad."
"Shut it. Send her a message, call her or something, tell her you wanna talk to her. Have her come to the Ghianna Highlands." Now, why hadn't he thought of that? He ought to try it. He desperately wanted to see Ravyn.
* * * *
"What do you want, Master Asia?" Argo demanded angrily. The former King of Hearts smiled evilly.
"To deliver a message from the Dark Gundam to the Neo-Germany representative."
"Oh, really?" Chibodee snapped, his skepticism written all over his face. "We don't wanna hear it."
"Well, then, I guess I'll just let my master kill the Wild Ace. Such a pity, really. I heard Ravyn was really important to you, Bruder." At first, the others were confused, but then Schwartz stepped forward.
"You have Ravyn?"
"Yes."
"I don't believe you." The Undefeated of the East grinned maliciously, and threw down two playing cards, a Wild Card and an Ace of Hearts. In the center of the Joker was a picture of a dark haired man, with brilliant blue eyes and a broad grin. Centered on the Ace was the picture of a beautiful woman, with raven black hair and cobalt blue eyes, a sweet smile on her face. When Schwartz saw them, he choked with disbelief. "Where did you get these, Master Asia?"
"From your precious Ravyn, who as we speak is being tortured by my master."
"Why, God? Why her, of all people?" The fighter whispered softly. "What is the message?" He shouted.
"If you want your dear Wild Ace, you'll cease opposing the Dark Gundam. Continue to fight, and that first day I send you her lifeless corpse, by Express Mail." You have a week. And, Bruder? Think happy thoughts." The older man walked away. Everyone rounded on Schwartz, trying to out shout each other while asking him hundreds of questions. Domon raised his hand, and all fell silent.
"What was that all about?" Domon asked him. Schwartz Bruder looked up into Domon's eyes, and the King of Hearts was surprised by the intense pain and anguish he saw.
"Ravyn Elliot is the representative to Neo-Britain, the Wild Ace of the Shuffle Alliance, and… she's very dear to me. Somehow the Dark Gundam has discovered this, and is trying to use it against the Shuffle Alliance."
"Oh, man, Schwartz…." Chibodee trailed off, looking uncomfortable.
"Well, we'll just have to get her back." Rain said decisively. "Right, Domon?"
"Right."
"Hey, Schwartz, define 'dear to you.'" Chibodee wheedled.
"Chibodee, that's none of your business!" Bunny snapped.
"Okay, okay! Yeesh…."