(DISCLAIMER)
I do not own anything having anything to do with Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing,
Sunrise Inc., or anything else that could make me quite a bit of money.
Chapter 14: Mind of a Warrior
"Class we have two more new students today," the teacher begins, "Please introduce yourselves."
"I am Hilde Schibeker," Hilde comments sporting a bandaged ankle.
"And I am the legendary Duo Maxwell," Duo smartly and arrogantly remarks catching some giggles and gawking from the girls in the class. Duo smiles back.
"Eat it up, hot shot," Hilde whispers firmly. Duo smiles back and laughs as he takes his seat ahead Trowa who is shaking his head. Duo glances at Heero who is seemingly paying no attention and notices the blue-haired girl next to him, whose mind seems preoccupied with something, stealing glances at Heero. He chuckles as Hilde sits behind Ami, obviously keeping an eye on her for Relena back home.
"Hey Trowa," Duo starts, "How much of this stuff is new to us?"
Trowa almost without moving his lips replies, "Nearly nothing, but we still need to keep appearances so we don't become too suspicious."
Duo sighs heavily as the teacher begins the class, "Ami, could you please remind us what yesterday's lesson topic centered around?"
Silence was returned. "Miss Mizuno, I asked you a question," the teacher beckons.
"Uh, what?" Ami mutters coming out of her trance, "Oh, I'm sorry teacher could you repeat the question?"
The teacher sighs, "Ami, this isn't like you. I want to see you and Heero after class, understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," Ami sadly replies. Heero gives the teacher a mean look for involving him. The teacher in turn look turns a little worried.
"And he doesn't make us any less inconspicuous," Trowa complains to Duo.
The class continues uneventfully, except for a few times that Trowa had to kick Duo's chair for almost nodding off. The bell rings and all of the students leave the class as Heero and Ami remain in their seat. Ami looks embarrassed and apologetic for getting Heero involved. Heero remains indifferent.
"I don't know what is going on, but now I'm almost certain it has to do with you, Mr. Yuy," the teacher accuses. "I don't want to see my best student stumble over a boy. I want you two to talk this over now, I know you both have a study hall next, so I will vouch for both of you."
Ami's face turns red in embarrassment as the teacher is forcing Heero on her. The teacher walks away as Heero begins, "The teachers are very good here."
"Yes, they help me a lot, Heero," Ami replies nervously dodging the subject. Heero turns to her and raises his eyebrows and gazes right through her. 'There's that gaze again,' Ami notices getting more anxious every second he analyzes her, 'I guess he wants me to start, but where?'
"This is what I was talking about Ami," Heero begins, "What did I tell you a while ago?" Ami calms herself remembering, "You told me I need to start appreciating the unique person I am."
"What did you get from that?" Heero replies indifferently.
"I don't know what I was suppose to?" Ami returns confusedly, "I know my strengths and weaknesses just like most. You just told me to basically acknowledge myself for who I am. I already was doing that."
"Do you know how I know you aren't?" Heero points out.
"No, I just don't like to brag about them," Ami figures, "That couldn't possibly be wrong."
"No, that isn't," Heero returns, "But, not trusting them is a big problem. For instance, Trowa trusted his intuition that he has to judge the Taurus' strength and his own in that first battle you saw. The Taurus could be an elite pilot who could kill him. But, Trowa trusted in his own abilities as a pilot and proceeded to win the fight for all of you."
"That is different Heero," Ami argues, "You have been trained for those situations. It is a different issue altogether. Besides, battles are black and white in terms of decisions are they not?"
"Maybe in this world they are," Heero states plainly, "But in our world there is nothing definite. For example, we fought for freedom for our homes, the colonies. In the middle of it all, the colonies stuck deals with the enemy and declared us as enemies as they were absorbed into the organization. We had to trust that ourselves and our ideals were right, though no one was there to help or even encourage. In our world, trusting in yourself and your feelings is the only way to live a fulfilling life."
"Are you saying I don't trust myself," Ami accuses half-heartedly.
"Exactly," Heero states, "If you did trust that your own intelligence wouldn't hurt you or anyone, you wouldn't be reluctant to approach me on this subject, or the girls when they gossip about you. I would go as far as to say you may have beaten me if you trusted in yourself considering I had no idea how you fought." Ami sits there pondering what he said as Heero stands up and walks to the teacher.
"I trust this won't happen again, Mr. Yuy," the teacher questions, "I'd hate to have you in the hall testing your strength with water buckets and a sign saying you interrupted a fellow student's learning."
"They'd better be big buckets," Heero replies as the teacher looks back in amusement as he walks out.
---Meanwhile (GW - Just outside the Black Out point)---
"Signal is getting stronger," Wufei reports as Altron nears the last know whereabouts of DeathScythe.
"Good, you should be getting a visual on the beacon soon," Sally informs from the Preventer carrier. 'Obviously,' Wufei thinks to himself.
Altron drifts a few more clicks and something catches his eye. A soft light is pulsing off the distance. "Target confirmed," Wufei reports in. He speeds Altron towards the target. He reaches the device and discovers DeathScythe isn't attached.
"Looks like Duo is over there now too," Wufei angrily remarks.
"That's is okay Wufei." Sally comforts, "Now we can get them back, so it doesn't matter." Altron's alarm signals as he retrieves the frequency device.
"I am afraid we cannot allow that," a voice emits over the radio, "We have the carrier targeted and will destroy it if you, Gundam Zero-Five, does not hand over that device."
"Wufei, that device can't be lost or Duo's possible sacrifice will be in vain," Sally reasons.
"I know that, but I cannot reach you that fast and there are six Taurus," Wufei informs.
"Than what is your decision, Zero-Five," the pilot arrogantly boasts.
"You know we know who you are Terranean," Wufei barks as his eyes quickly shift on and off the radar.
"That may be a good guess, but you have no proof," the pilot confidently charges.
"Actually, we have thought how to pin this on you and get the government involved in shutting you down," Wufei remarks a little arrogantly himself.
"Quit stalling and make your decision before my finger slips," the pilot threatens.
Wufei laughs, "But it is already too late for you all." The mobile suits to the rear and rear-right explode in a flash.
"Wha? How?" the lead suit mumbles as he runs from the scene. His questions are answered as a large blue and white suit tosses away a cloak revealing a large rifle and a chain whip.
"Tallgeese! Tallgeese is here!" a pilot yelps as the rifle obliterates his suit.
"Decided to join the party, eh Zechs?" Sally pokes. The alarm quickly goes off revealing one of the suits intends to take someone with it.
"Une saw them leave and thought it a perfect opportunity to play her 'Wind' card," a girlish voice calls out from a new white Taurus shooting down the perpetrating suit.
"Unbelievable, an ambush set for an ambush," the lead pilot sighs in disbelief, "Nevertheless, we will continue coming because you cannot confirm who we are."
Altron appears in front of the retreating suit and glows its eyes. The suit shudders as Altron grasps the opposing suit's arm and pulls it straight out until the arm is completely extended.
"What are you going to do?" the newly humbled pilot whimpers.
"As we have all said, Terranean is quick and decisive but entirely too reckless," Wufei barks as he rears the trident back and proceeds to chop the arm off clean. Altron seems to be dormant briefly and a small light is emitted from its hand. "Well, according to the sample I just collected, the metal being used for that suit is a strange metal called Iron Titranium. It is a weak metal and is found in only one place. One of the asteroids that Terranean is mining," Wufei explains.
"You bastards, I will kill you all for deceiving us. I will stop you from disrupting our plans!" the pilot desperately yells as he lunges one last time at Altron. Altron in one motion tosses away the maimed arm and fires the dragon attached to its newly freed hand. The dragon hand grabs the Taurus by the head and lowers the suit to chest level, which in turn opens the chest hatches and uses the vulcans to shred the remaining suit.
"Well done," Zechs acknowledges, "But why is a metal sample necessary for identifying Terranean. Wasn't Ms. Noventa enough?"
"Actually Sylvia just knows of their backhanded business tactics and the details on the gate device," Sally replies, "We hadn't gotten confirmation on the suits or their factory."
"Very well, I guess Relena finally gets to join in on this battle like she's wanted to since Heero disappeared," Noin anticipates.
Sally nods to her, "It is about time we put a stop to this once and for all!"
---Meanwhile (SM - Outside of school)---
Trowa gazes off into the distance as he usually does at this time waiting until a specific someone joins him.
"Well I thought it be a nice change of pace to bring something," Makoto gleams holding up a paper sack with an afternoon snack made specially by her.
"Hmm, thank you," Trowa replies as he reaches in and begins tasting the quite refreshing morsels.
Makoto's expression turns serious and she turns away and stares into the sky. "You were really going to do it during that battle weren't you?" Makoto sadly asks.
Trowa slows eating to nod.
"How would that solve anything Trowa," Makoto yells at him, "What good is victory if you aren't there to enjoy it. There is always another way."
"However, it is not always the best way," Trowa replies, "A warrior must weigh the possible scenarios and judge which outcome will have the best results. I see the way you fight is completely by how you feel. It is good to live by emotions, but to fight by them is not always good."
"So, having you die along with all of them was the best way out?" Makoto argues, "What if it didn't work. There have been many battles where our abilities weren't enough."
"Don't underestimate me," Trowa getting a little annoyed states, "If I thought there was a possibility of avoidance, do you think I would've done that? The explosion would have obliterated them, the base, and any hint of our world's existence here, while leaving you girls shaken, but alive to continue defending this world."
"Trowa," Makoto sighs as she touches his arm catching his attention, "It may be that suicide was the most efficient method, but sometimes you have to look past the statistics and try to do the morally right thing. In that situation, not killing yourself in front of our eyes."
Trowa turns and looks deeply into Makoto's eyes, "A side reason for me doing that was to protect you. I don't want anything to happen to you. This trouble is from our world and we are responsible for removing it, in order to avoid hurting any of you. I care too much for you to have our enemies putting you in danger." Trowa quickly stops realizing what he said, 'Why did I say that? Yes, it is true that I haven't felt this way about anyone, but is it wise to tell her of this?'
Makoto notices Trowa look away a little confused by his last words. She smiles and changes the subject, "Anyway, we have been so busy lately, you and I haven't had time to enjoy each others company."
Trowa turns back and states, "Well, we should head out somewhere and chat." Trowa freezes in his sentence, 'I did not do what I thought I just did! We are here on a mission; I can't be getting attached to anyone here. Why is my heart causing problems now? Why are motives never clear to me.'
"Trowa actually asking me on a date," Makoto pokes, "Well I have no choice but to accept. Let's go!"
Makoto grabs his arm with both hands and begins tugging him. "What about waiting for Heero and Duo?" Trowa quickly blurts trying to get control of the situation.
"Let Ami have Heero!" Makoto, turning into her giddy form, returns, 'I know how to get him going.' Makoto turns and looks at Trowa with her 'dreamy' eyes and before Trowa can offer a retaliation, Makoto gives him a quick kiss on the cheek and lets go of his arm and glides away wistfully. Trowa stands there slightly blushing and without a thought going through his head follows Makoto like a lost puppy.
'Interesting how these girls can break just about anybody's defenses,' Ryo muses as he watches the scene just beyond the steps leading away from the school. He turns around and sees Ami walking alongside Heero. He dives next to the cement stairs and hides hoping to make out their conversation. 'Heero you fiend, you will not take Ami away from me,' Ryo threatens silently.
"I mean, this would mean we would spend quite a bit of time together," Ami inquires of Heero as they pass by.
'Drat, he has already asked her out. I will not allow it!' Ryo confirms to himself. He gets ready to follow when familiar laughing is heard behind him. He turns to see Usagi and Hilde walking and laughing with a stricken Duo in tow.
"Mamoru has been asking me to bring one of the guys along, so they can chat but I like my dates with him as they are," Usagi explains, "You just made my life a whole lot easier."
"That would be great idea. Duo and I haven't done one of these in a while. Heero is the only one of our group even remotely close to a relationship," Hilde giggles. As the pass by, a thud is heard like someone face-vaulting into the ground. They turn and see Ryo picking himself up.
Usagi surprised begins, "Ryo, what are you,"
"I haven't lost Ami yet, you wait and see!" Ryo screams as he darts through the group and in the direction he saw Ami and Heero headed.
"What the hell is that all about," Duo asks stunned.
"I guess some guy is putting the moves on Ami. We will just have to interrogate her later." Usagi plots.
Hilde turns looks at Duo and furrows her brow. Duo wags his hand at her informing her not to jump to conclusions like Heero is playing around on Relena. She mouths back to get to the bottom of it. Duo just sighs as the two girls begin their chatter and he puts his hands on the back of his head and follows behind.
Chapter 14: Mind of a Warrior
"Class we have two more new students today," the teacher begins, "Please introduce yourselves."
"I am Hilde Schibeker," Hilde comments sporting a bandaged ankle.
"And I am the legendary Duo Maxwell," Duo smartly and arrogantly remarks catching some giggles and gawking from the girls in the class. Duo smiles back.
"Eat it up, hot shot," Hilde whispers firmly. Duo smiles back and laughs as he takes his seat ahead Trowa who is shaking his head. Duo glances at Heero who is seemingly paying no attention and notices the blue-haired girl next to him, whose mind seems preoccupied with something, stealing glances at Heero. He chuckles as Hilde sits behind Ami, obviously keeping an eye on her for Relena back home.
"Hey Trowa," Duo starts, "How much of this stuff is new to us?"
Trowa almost without moving his lips replies, "Nearly nothing, but we still need to keep appearances so we don't become too suspicious."
Duo sighs heavily as the teacher begins the class, "Ami, could you please remind us what yesterday's lesson topic centered around?"
Silence was returned. "Miss Mizuno, I asked you a question," the teacher beckons.
"Uh, what?" Ami mutters coming out of her trance, "Oh, I'm sorry teacher could you repeat the question?"
The teacher sighs, "Ami, this isn't like you. I want to see you and Heero after class, understood?"
"Yes, ma'am," Ami sadly replies. Heero gives the teacher a mean look for involving him. The teacher in turn look turns a little worried.
"And he doesn't make us any less inconspicuous," Trowa complains to Duo.
The class continues uneventfully, except for a few times that Trowa had to kick Duo's chair for almost nodding off. The bell rings and all of the students leave the class as Heero and Ami remain in their seat. Ami looks embarrassed and apologetic for getting Heero involved. Heero remains indifferent.
"I don't know what is going on, but now I'm almost certain it has to do with you, Mr. Yuy," the teacher accuses. "I don't want to see my best student stumble over a boy. I want you two to talk this over now, I know you both have a study hall next, so I will vouch for both of you."
Ami's face turns red in embarrassment as the teacher is forcing Heero on her. The teacher walks away as Heero begins, "The teachers are very good here."
"Yes, they help me a lot, Heero," Ami replies nervously dodging the subject. Heero turns to her and raises his eyebrows and gazes right through her. 'There's that gaze again,' Ami notices getting more anxious every second he analyzes her, 'I guess he wants me to start, but where?'
"This is what I was talking about Ami," Heero begins, "What did I tell you a while ago?" Ami calms herself remembering, "You told me I need to start appreciating the unique person I am."
"What did you get from that?" Heero replies indifferently.
"I don't know what I was suppose to?" Ami returns confusedly, "I know my strengths and weaknesses just like most. You just told me to basically acknowledge myself for who I am. I already was doing that."
"Do you know how I know you aren't?" Heero points out.
"No, I just don't like to brag about them," Ami figures, "That couldn't possibly be wrong."
"No, that isn't," Heero returns, "But, not trusting them is a big problem. For instance, Trowa trusted his intuition that he has to judge the Taurus' strength and his own in that first battle you saw. The Taurus could be an elite pilot who could kill him. But, Trowa trusted in his own abilities as a pilot and proceeded to win the fight for all of you."
"That is different Heero," Ami argues, "You have been trained for those situations. It is a different issue altogether. Besides, battles are black and white in terms of decisions are they not?"
"Maybe in this world they are," Heero states plainly, "But in our world there is nothing definite. For example, we fought for freedom for our homes, the colonies. In the middle of it all, the colonies stuck deals with the enemy and declared us as enemies as they were absorbed into the organization. We had to trust that ourselves and our ideals were right, though no one was there to help or even encourage. In our world, trusting in yourself and your feelings is the only way to live a fulfilling life."
"Are you saying I don't trust myself," Ami accuses half-heartedly.
"Exactly," Heero states, "If you did trust that your own intelligence wouldn't hurt you or anyone, you wouldn't be reluctant to approach me on this subject, or the girls when they gossip about you. I would go as far as to say you may have beaten me if you trusted in yourself considering I had no idea how you fought." Ami sits there pondering what he said as Heero stands up and walks to the teacher.
"I trust this won't happen again, Mr. Yuy," the teacher questions, "I'd hate to have you in the hall testing your strength with water buckets and a sign saying you interrupted a fellow student's learning."
"They'd better be big buckets," Heero replies as the teacher looks back in amusement as he walks out.
---Meanwhile (GW - Just outside the Black Out point)---
"Signal is getting stronger," Wufei reports as Altron nears the last know whereabouts of DeathScythe.
"Good, you should be getting a visual on the beacon soon," Sally informs from the Preventer carrier. 'Obviously,' Wufei thinks to himself.
Altron drifts a few more clicks and something catches his eye. A soft light is pulsing off the distance. "Target confirmed," Wufei reports in. He speeds Altron towards the target. He reaches the device and discovers DeathScythe isn't attached.
"Looks like Duo is over there now too," Wufei angrily remarks.
"That's is okay Wufei." Sally comforts, "Now we can get them back, so it doesn't matter." Altron's alarm signals as he retrieves the frequency device.
"I am afraid we cannot allow that," a voice emits over the radio, "We have the carrier targeted and will destroy it if you, Gundam Zero-Five, does not hand over that device."
"Wufei, that device can't be lost or Duo's possible sacrifice will be in vain," Sally reasons.
"I know that, but I cannot reach you that fast and there are six Taurus," Wufei informs.
"Than what is your decision, Zero-Five," the pilot arrogantly boasts.
"You know we know who you are Terranean," Wufei barks as his eyes quickly shift on and off the radar.
"That may be a good guess, but you have no proof," the pilot confidently charges.
"Actually, we have thought how to pin this on you and get the government involved in shutting you down," Wufei remarks a little arrogantly himself.
"Quit stalling and make your decision before my finger slips," the pilot threatens.
Wufei laughs, "But it is already too late for you all." The mobile suits to the rear and rear-right explode in a flash.
"Wha? How?" the lead suit mumbles as he runs from the scene. His questions are answered as a large blue and white suit tosses away a cloak revealing a large rifle and a chain whip.
"Tallgeese! Tallgeese is here!" a pilot yelps as the rifle obliterates his suit.
"Decided to join the party, eh Zechs?" Sally pokes. The alarm quickly goes off revealing one of the suits intends to take someone with it.
"Une saw them leave and thought it a perfect opportunity to play her 'Wind' card," a girlish voice calls out from a new white Taurus shooting down the perpetrating suit.
"Unbelievable, an ambush set for an ambush," the lead pilot sighs in disbelief, "Nevertheless, we will continue coming because you cannot confirm who we are."
Altron appears in front of the retreating suit and glows its eyes. The suit shudders as Altron grasps the opposing suit's arm and pulls it straight out until the arm is completely extended.
"What are you going to do?" the newly humbled pilot whimpers.
"As we have all said, Terranean is quick and decisive but entirely too reckless," Wufei barks as he rears the trident back and proceeds to chop the arm off clean. Altron seems to be dormant briefly and a small light is emitted from its hand. "Well, according to the sample I just collected, the metal being used for that suit is a strange metal called Iron Titranium. It is a weak metal and is found in only one place. One of the asteroids that Terranean is mining," Wufei explains.
"You bastards, I will kill you all for deceiving us. I will stop you from disrupting our plans!" the pilot desperately yells as he lunges one last time at Altron. Altron in one motion tosses away the maimed arm and fires the dragon attached to its newly freed hand. The dragon hand grabs the Taurus by the head and lowers the suit to chest level, which in turn opens the chest hatches and uses the vulcans to shred the remaining suit.
"Well done," Zechs acknowledges, "But why is a metal sample necessary for identifying Terranean. Wasn't Ms. Noventa enough?"
"Actually Sylvia just knows of their backhanded business tactics and the details on the gate device," Sally replies, "We hadn't gotten confirmation on the suits or their factory."
"Very well, I guess Relena finally gets to join in on this battle like she's wanted to since Heero disappeared," Noin anticipates.
Sally nods to her, "It is about time we put a stop to this once and for all!"
---Meanwhile (SM - Outside of school)---
Trowa gazes off into the distance as he usually does at this time waiting until a specific someone joins him.
"Well I thought it be a nice change of pace to bring something," Makoto gleams holding up a paper sack with an afternoon snack made specially by her.
"Hmm, thank you," Trowa replies as he reaches in and begins tasting the quite refreshing morsels.
Makoto's expression turns serious and she turns away and stares into the sky. "You were really going to do it during that battle weren't you?" Makoto sadly asks.
Trowa slows eating to nod.
"How would that solve anything Trowa," Makoto yells at him, "What good is victory if you aren't there to enjoy it. There is always another way."
"However, it is not always the best way," Trowa replies, "A warrior must weigh the possible scenarios and judge which outcome will have the best results. I see the way you fight is completely by how you feel. It is good to live by emotions, but to fight by them is not always good."
"So, having you die along with all of them was the best way out?" Makoto argues, "What if it didn't work. There have been many battles where our abilities weren't enough."
"Don't underestimate me," Trowa getting a little annoyed states, "If I thought there was a possibility of avoidance, do you think I would've done that? The explosion would have obliterated them, the base, and any hint of our world's existence here, while leaving you girls shaken, but alive to continue defending this world."
"Trowa," Makoto sighs as she touches his arm catching his attention, "It may be that suicide was the most efficient method, but sometimes you have to look past the statistics and try to do the morally right thing. In that situation, not killing yourself in front of our eyes."
Trowa turns and looks deeply into Makoto's eyes, "A side reason for me doing that was to protect you. I don't want anything to happen to you. This trouble is from our world and we are responsible for removing it, in order to avoid hurting any of you. I care too much for you to have our enemies putting you in danger." Trowa quickly stops realizing what he said, 'Why did I say that? Yes, it is true that I haven't felt this way about anyone, but is it wise to tell her of this?'
Makoto notices Trowa look away a little confused by his last words. She smiles and changes the subject, "Anyway, we have been so busy lately, you and I haven't had time to enjoy each others company."
Trowa turns back and states, "Well, we should head out somewhere and chat." Trowa freezes in his sentence, 'I did not do what I thought I just did! We are here on a mission; I can't be getting attached to anyone here. Why is my heart causing problems now? Why are motives never clear to me.'
"Trowa actually asking me on a date," Makoto pokes, "Well I have no choice but to accept. Let's go!"
Makoto grabs his arm with both hands and begins tugging him. "What about waiting for Heero and Duo?" Trowa quickly blurts trying to get control of the situation.
"Let Ami have Heero!" Makoto, turning into her giddy form, returns, 'I know how to get him going.' Makoto turns and looks at Trowa with her 'dreamy' eyes and before Trowa can offer a retaliation, Makoto gives him a quick kiss on the cheek and lets go of his arm and glides away wistfully. Trowa stands there slightly blushing and without a thought going through his head follows Makoto like a lost puppy.
'Interesting how these girls can break just about anybody's defenses,' Ryo muses as he watches the scene just beyond the steps leading away from the school. He turns around and sees Ami walking alongside Heero. He dives next to the cement stairs and hides hoping to make out their conversation. 'Heero you fiend, you will not take Ami away from me,' Ryo threatens silently.
"I mean, this would mean we would spend quite a bit of time together," Ami inquires of Heero as they pass by.
'Drat, he has already asked her out. I will not allow it!' Ryo confirms to himself. He gets ready to follow when familiar laughing is heard behind him. He turns to see Usagi and Hilde walking and laughing with a stricken Duo in tow.
"Mamoru has been asking me to bring one of the guys along, so they can chat but I like my dates with him as they are," Usagi explains, "You just made my life a whole lot easier."
"That would be great idea. Duo and I haven't done one of these in a while. Heero is the only one of our group even remotely close to a relationship," Hilde giggles. As the pass by, a thud is heard like someone face-vaulting into the ground. They turn and see Ryo picking himself up.
Usagi surprised begins, "Ryo, what are you,"
"I haven't lost Ami yet, you wait and see!" Ryo screams as he darts through the group and in the direction he saw Ami and Heero headed.
"What the hell is that all about," Duo asks stunned.
"I guess some guy is putting the moves on Ami. We will just have to interrogate her later." Usagi plots.
Hilde turns looks at Duo and furrows her brow. Duo wags his hand at her informing her not to jump to conclusions like Heero is playing around on Relena. She mouths back to get to the bottom of it. Duo just sighs as the two girls begin their chatter and he puts his hands on the back of his head and follows behind.
