Chapter 7- Knightsaber
Gilly awoke. The smell of the hospital crept into her nose. She coughed. Coughing made her sit up. She looked around. It was a hospital. Her leg throbbed terribly. She lifted the sheets and pulled her leg carefully up to her. Her bullet wound had been stitched up, and was now healing properly. She gave a slight gasp.
"Oh no." She whispered, "What's going on. This is not good."
* * * * *
"Hi." Duo said to the woman behind the counter, "I'm here to see Gillian Hathaway."
"Okay," she said sweetly, "may I ask your name?"
"Yeah. It's Duo, Duo Maxwell." He smiled.
The nurse looked at something and frowned; "I'm sorry, sir, but I can't allow you to see her."
"Why not?"
"I have a note here saying not to."
"Excuse me?"
"That's what it says."
"Look, I was told I could come and see her, so here I am."
"I'm sorry, sir, I can't let you in." She repeated.
"On who's authority?" He asked angrily.
"The principal and the nurse at Centennial."
"And, why can't I go see her?"
"I'm sorry once more, but I can't give you that information, sir."
"Crap!" Duo yelled, "They think I'm responsible for what happened!"
"I really am sorry, sir." The nurse assured him, than she continued her work.
"Can I at least know how she's doing?" He asked as he leaned over the counter.
* * * * *
Gilly sat up. She had never liked hospitals. Carefully she began to walk towards the door. As she walked over, she heard a familiar voice yell. She peeked her head around the corner, than walked out. She carefully looked all around her.
Duo saw out of the corner of his eye, a girl walking out of a nearby room. He turned towards the girl, leaned against the counter, and smiled; it was Gilly.
The nurse saw her, too; "Excuse me, " She called, "miss, you need to stay in your room."
Gilly looked over at the nurse and saw Duo. She released a sigh of relief and began to walk over to him, a fresh smile on her face. The nurse bit her lip. She quickly ran over to Gilly, as if to hide her.
Instead, Gilly ignored the nurse and hobbled over to Duo; "Duo!" She called.
Duo still leaned there and smiled even broader as Gilly approached him. Gilly stopped gave a closed-eyes smile with a tilt to her head. Expectedly, she threw her arms around Duo's neck. She held on tightly, and the nurse just starred as Duo still leaned with his left arm and held Gilly securely with his right.
"Hey, cutie." He whispered in her ear, "Glad you're okay."
"Thank you, Duo."
"For what?"
"For saving my ass again."
The nurse stood there in awe. Her active thoughts brought her back to her job. Without another thought, she called for security. The security people showed up behind her. She pointed to Gilly and Duo, and the guards went for them.
"How's your leg?" Duo asked.
"It's fine." Gilly replied as she held herself away, "But, who cares?" She laid her head on his left shoulder.
"Look," Duo said as he watched the nurse, he leaned onto Gilly's left ear, "that nurse is calling security. They don't want me here. They think I'm a problem or a threat to your safety."
"They do?" Gilly asked, her head still on his shoulder.
"Even though I am..." Duo began.
"You can't say that." Gilly cut him off, "It's not your fault, it's mine."
"To an extent it is."
Gilly sighed.
"If they ask you what happened, say you ran into a sharp metal thing. I'll see you back at school, so..."
"No good bye's. I'll see you later."
"Later than." He let go.
"I'm sorry." Gilly said, head down, as she let go.
"Don't be. It'll all work out, so don't be apologizing."
"Kay." Gilly backed away.
"Excuse me, kids," One of the guards said, "I hate to break up this little love-fest, but it's time for Mr. Maxwell to go. He's not supposed to be here." The two guards began to escort Duo out.
Gilly couldn't hold her anger; "You idiots!" She cried, "If you won't listen to him, than listen to me!" She clenched her fists; "I'm the one who ran into the damn piece of metal, not him! It's not his fault!" She cried as she slipped to the floor, "He saved my life! How can you people be so blind?!"
Gilly covered her face with her hands as the nurse ran up to her. The nurse leaned down to help Gilly, but Gilly knocked her arms away. As she did, Duo broke free for just one moment. He ran up to Gilly and knelt next to her.
"Be strong." He whispered, "For Knightsaber and I."
Gilly looked up at him, shocked.
"I'll see you in school and we'll get this all cleared up."
Gilly smiled, and Duo helped her brush her tears away; "You're right." She said, "I'm sorry, crying is the most inappropriate thing right now."
The guards came up behind Duo, helped him up, and lead him out.
"See you later, Duo!" Gilly called, smiling and waving.
* * * * *
Duo had his hands in his pockets and an angry look on his face. He had just been called to the office. Gilly was going to return tomorrow, and he wasn't allowed to be socializing with her. Although, he knew it was good for his position as a Gundam pilot, but it was harmful for his heart. It was the end of the day. He retired to his room to think. Perhaps, he and Gilly could appeal to the principal on the subject.
He didn't mean to pump up his ego, but he honestly felt that he was actually good, not bad, for not only Gilly's health, but her heart, as well. She seemed to really like him. He wasn't sure, but he thought that maybe, just maybe, he felt the same way about her.
* * * * *
Today was the day that Gilly would return. Duo was still thinking about a way to prove that he was innocent and not a threat to Gilly's safety. They called it carelessness, he called it a stubborn girl with too much or too little confidence, but he couldn't decide which. Duo wasn't paying attention to where he was walking on his way to his dorm, after school. His absence of mind caused him to run directly into Greg.
"Whoa. Sorry 'bout that, Greg." Duo apologized.
Greg scowled, "Hey!" He snarled, "Oh, it's you." He said, annoyed.
"Huh?" Duo looked at him oddly.
"I hear you've been beating the crap out of Gilly."
"Well, you heard wrong. But, I'll let your incompetent mind believe that for now."
"Is that a threat?"
"Could be."
"Smart ass. How could you even think of letting that happen to Gilly?"
"That's just it. I didn't even think about it, and that's the mistake I made."
"Do you even care about her? I talked to her before formal, and she seemed pretty upset."
"I care for her more than you ever will. It's none of your business, anyway."
Greg grabbed Duo firmly by the shoulder; "If you care so much, than why'd you let her wind up the way she did?!" Greg growled.
"It's not his fault." Gilly said as she limped up on her crutches, "I wasn't watching where I was going."
"If you won't listen to me, listen to her." Duo said as he stuck out his tongue.
"Look! I don't trust you any farther than I can throw you. I don't believe either of you. Something's not right about this!" Greg said angrily.
Greg raised his fist to take a swing at Duo, but as he did, Gilly dropped her crutches and caught his fist.
"Stop it, Greg!" Gilly yelled as she stepped in front of Duo, Greg's right fist gripped tightly in her hand, "You want to hit Duo, go through me first."
But, as Gilly said it, Greg took another shot at Duo with his left fist. It was before Gilly or Duo realized it and Greg hit Duo right in the chin.
"Duo!" Gilly shrieked.
Duo hit the ground hard. Gilly fell to her knees next to him and looked at his chin. Heero walked up out of nowhere behind Greg and placed his right hand on Greg's left shoulder. With a slight movement, Heero spun Greg around and gave him deadly look.
"Don't go any further," Heero threatened, "you don't know what you're getting into."
"Alright, children!" Mrs. Hissy called, "Stop this nonsense! All four of you," She pointed, "to the principal's office!"
Gilly helped Duo up, picked up her crutches, and as they started to walk, Mrs. Hissy stepped between them. Gilly heard Greg's laugh behind her. That did it. She whirled around and slapped Greg across his left cheek with the right palm of her hand. Everyone looked at her in amazement, as Greg recoiled, mouth open.
"Shut your mouth, take it," Gilly yelled, "and get over yourself, you stuck up jerk."
As quickly as she'd done before, Gilly spun back around and continued walking, without her crutches. The four other people watched her for a second, than fell in behind her. Mrs. Hissy made no attempt to punish Gilly; she felt Greg deserved it, too.
The five people walked into the principal's office. The four teenagers were told to sit. Heero sat first and half closed his eyes, Duo sat next to Heero and felt his chin, Greg sat and starred at the wall in awe, and Gilly sat next to Greg with a disgusted look on her face.
"Mr. Hurst?" Mrs. Braughton asked Greg.
"Yeah?" Greg replied.
"You punched Mr. Maxwell?"
"He asked for it, ma'am."
"I did not." Duo pressed.
"It's a figure of speech, Duo." Mrs. Braughton informed him and Duo gave an all-knowing smile back, "Greg, we'll talk about his later..."
Greg stood up.
"...Before you go to detention at 3."
Greg sighed and left the room.
"Heero Yuy, you may leave as well. You were only there to stop the fight, if I understand correctly?"
Heero nodded and left.
"Now, Mr. Maxwell, you have been instructed to stay away from Ms. Hathaway, have you not?"
"Mrs. Braughton," Gilly stepped in, "it's not Duo's fault, what happened was entirely on my own accord."
"Gilly, weren't you with Duo when it happened?"
"Yes..." Gilly was unable to finish.
"If it's not his fault, how come he didn't get you to a hospital on his motorcycle, or get you here faster. I understand you were on school grounds, so what was the problem?"
"Some obligations come first." Gilly snarled.
"More important than saving a life, especially his girlfriend's?"
"As a matter of fact, yes." Gilly retorted, "And I'm not his girlfriend." She muttered.
"Gilly, if you don't mind, maybe Duo would like to answer his own questions."
"Be my guest." Gilly fumed and folded her arms.
"Duo, do you believe these obligations couldn't wait, while your girlfriend was holding on my a thread to life?"
"I'm not his girlfriend!" Gilly said loudly, "Duo, be honest, some people could never understand."
"I believe that Gilly's life is a very valuable and fragile thing, but she is also, not my first obligation. I'm not her master."
"And what is this #1 obligation?"
"Not any of your business!" Gilly yelled, "I'm sorry, but I can't take any more of this! Duo is my best friend. I care for him so much that it makes me sick when he's unable to be with me due to his obligation. But, I'm willing to except it. It wasn't Duo's fault he was distracted when I came into trouble! If you people won't except that, than you all need serious psychological help! You're only punishing me!" She finished and calmed herself enough to make it out the door.
Once out of the office, Gilly ran for her room. Duo was on his own now. She could feel the synapse pulse starting, and she knew that she'd have to go now or never. She'd leave a note for Duo, than go to look for Knightsaber.
Gilly reached her room. Gilly wrote a note on her computer, letting duo know what she was up to. She slipped her gun into her knapsack, went out on the balcony, climbed down the drainpipe, and headed for the cave.
* * * * *
Duo stood up as Gilly went, but he just stood there. Mrs. Braughton attempted to get up and follow, but Duo placed his hand in front of her. She looked at him angrily.
"She really needs to be alone right now." Duo sighed sadly.
Mrs. Braughton looked at Duo's face. She could see how much this boy cared for that girl. It was entirely possible that he was telling the truth. Gilly had said so many times, but Mrs. Braughton was still unsure. She closed her eyes and gave a little laugh. Duo looked at her inquisitively.
"She really believes in you, doesn't she?" Mrs. Braughton said hopefully.
"What do you mean?" Duo shot her another curious look.
"I believe you. You are cleared of all charges brought upon you. You may go now."
"Thank you." Duo smiled as he walked out.
"You're welcome." She smiled after him.
Duo walked down the hall towards the dorms. He knew Gilly wouldn't be there, but he had to check. It was already too late for anything to be done. Gilly needed to be alone, that was all there was to it.
"Hey! Duo!" Amanda called.
Duo stopped and turned around. Amanda walked briskly up to him.
"I heard about what happened to Gilly. But, I want to know the real story."
The two walked next to each other; "It just got settled. I'm innocent, and it's all cleared up."
"Cool!"
"Did you see Gilly come past here?"
"Coming? More like flying. She looked to be in a hurry."
"Damn!" Duo fumed.
"What damn?" Amanda asked with a concerned voice.
"It's too late."
"Too late for what?"
"You said Gilly looked like she was in hurry?"
"Yeah."
"She's going to do something audacious."
"Like?"
"I'm not sure, but I'd better hurry." Duo said as he ran towards Gilly's room, Amanda right behind him.
They arrived and Duo pulled out a key card with a wire attached to it, leading to a small machine. The machine had a blank screen on it.
"Aren't you going to knock?" Amanda asked.
"No. Even if Gilly's in there, she won't come to the door." He said as he slipped the card into the slot.
The machine activated and numbers ran across the screen. Amanda watched closely. Duo wondered why Amanda wasn't asking questions, beings how suspicious this looked. The numbers stopped and the door's lock clicked. Duo opened the door.
"Cool." Amanda said plainly.
Duo gave her an odd look as he walked in. He looked around, and as he'd expected there was no sign of Gilly. Amanda caught a glance of Gilly's laptop.
"Look," She pointed at it; "her computer is on."
Duo walked over to it, with Amanda right behind him. There was a message on the screen.
"A note..." Duo drifted as he read what it said.
Duo-
I'm sorry to have caused you so much trouble. That's all I seem to be. I need to be alone for a while, so this is the best time to look for M.S.G.K. I hope you understand that I should do this alone, as useful as you may be. Thank you for staying with me for so long, as much of a burden as I am. I think that it's the best thing if we remain as it has been for the past little while. You really should be grateful that I'd be out of your life.
I have a strong feeling that we'll see each other again. School is inevitable, but in the future maybe we'll be on the field, side by side. Once again I'm sorry, but I also need to thank you for all that you have done for me.
: ) Gilly Hathaway
"M.S.G.K.?" Amanda asked.
"Her mission. Long story." Duo replied.
"Oh. What does it all mean?"
"She's run away."
"What?!"
"She'll be back, just not right away. Even so, when she returns, she's going to make it a point to avoid me."
"Why?"
"It's for the best."
"But, she really cares about you."
"That's irrelevant right now."
"What are you going to do?"
"Be the excuse maker while she's gone."
Amanda sighed very deep, and it was full of sadness. She walked out of the room and left Duo sitting at the computer. He starred at the screen blankly for a while, than got up and went to his own room.
He walked into his room and dug through his equipment bag. He pulled out a small monitor. It was a tracking monitor. He had placed a bug on Gilly's gun before he'd returned it to her room. He was debating whether or not he wanted to follow her and make sure she was okay. He knew she'd stop by the cave first, for he hadn't put her bike back in the lot. He tapped the monitor with his finger.
Duo jumped up. He'd made his decision. He flipped on the monitor and adjusted the frequency.
* * * * *
Gilly rode on and on. She finally came to that dirt road she'd almost gone down once before. The synapse pulse inside her mind told her to go that way. She was going on just what the synapse pulse told her to do. She was going at an outrageous speed, but she kept firm of her steering. She continued on for some time. She rode on into the night, unaware of any feeling of fatigue.
It was dark when she stopped. She pulled to the side of the road. It ended suddenly. She felt very tired, and her leg was still very weak. She used an over hanging tree limb to lower herself to the ground. She felt the serenity of sleep take hold of her, and she was gone.
* * * * *
Gilly awoke. She yawned and looked around. There was a blanket on top of her and a body lying next to her. She gasped and backed away. Than she realized it was Duo. How had he found her? She wondered.
The sun was rising in the East, the direction she was facing. She realized that the reason the road had ended was there was a cliff right there. She let out a sigh of relief and watched the sun come up. The sun warmed her inside and out. She stood up slowly, stretching her extremities. Carefully, she placed the blanket over Duo and began to climb down the cliff.
There was a building at the bottom. It looked like a military facility, and it was covered with foliage. It hadn't been used in forever and was very old. She examined the entrance. There was a machine set to take retinal scans. She activated it and looked into the eyespot. A red beam of light scanned her eye. The machine made a few clicks, than a light flashed green and the door opened. Gilly cautiously walked in and closed the door behind her.
The room she stood in was empty.
"Crap! I came all this way for nothing!" She said, annoyed.
But, than Gilly saw a handle on the ground. Next to it was a keypad. She starred at it, dumbfounded. A 6-digit number flashed through her mind. Without any hesitation, she typed in the number. A loud beeping sounded and Gilly instinctively backed up.
The ground lifted up, exposing a staircase. Lights came on everywhere and Gilly saw it. Knightsaber was standing tall. Gilly ran down the stairs. She stood on the walkway looking at Knightsaber's head. It was amazing to be at eye level with her very own Gundam.
Knightsaber was very different from the other Gundams. Its mechanical make-up was relatively the same, it just looked different. It looked different than the way she'd drawn it, but the weapons were the same. It looked like a female. Gilly knew the Gundams looked like guys, well Knightsaber looked like a girl. Its different colorings included black, blue, turquoise, aqua, and white.
"Knightsaber." She whispered, "My Knightsaber. Wow."
She grabbed the pulley contraption and lowered herself to where she could get into the cockpit. The cockpit was already open, waiting for her. She stepped onto the platform and cautiously walked in. As Gilly did, she felt the building shudder. She stumbled as the great mass of Knightsaber lifted up. She looked out and above her. The roof was opening up, and Knightsaber's feet were being lifted up to be horizontal with its head. When the process was done, Knightsaber lay on its back on top of the building.
Gilly climbed out of the cockpit. Duo stood on the cliff's edge, watching Gilly. She smiled and gave him a thumbs-up sign. Duo placed his hands on his hips and shook his head.
"You could've woke me up!" He called.
"No, I couldn't have!" Gilly retorted.
Duo climbed down the cliff face. Gilly watched him for only a second, than jumped into the cockpit. She sat in the seat and closed her eyes. A brilliant white light surrounded her. She could feel all sorts of information about Knightsaber being hardwired into her brain.
To sit in Knightsaber, meant Gilly could be stronger, faster, smarter, and better in every way. Knightsaber's system was designed like Zero's, but it was all of Gilly's own potential. Including her potential emotions. Knightsaber had a mind of its own, and the current situation between Gilly and Duo could cause great dangers with Knightsaber's learning system. Not only was Gilly receiving information about Knightsaber, but also Knightsaber was catching up on the information about Gilly's life. It had to know its own pilot, in order to understand why the pilot did certain things, otherwise, Knightsaber would run amuck doing what it felt necessary. Knightsaber and Gilly's minds were at a current state, that they were one coexisting with the other, as one. The two heard the sound of Duo's footsteps above. Gilly knew it was Duo, therefore Knightsaber knew it, too. Knightsaber also knew the complications and hurt Gilly felt, that had been caused by this relationship. Knightsaber didn't like the idea of its pilot being distracted and unable to fight, due to the emotions caused by this boy. To Knightsaber, Duo was a dangerous threat that must be eliminated, and eliminate him, it would.
Knightsaber was going to wipe out Duo, using Gilly. The blank and expressionless stare that flowed into Gilly's eyes was not her own. Gilly climbed out of the cockpit and stood in front of Duo, head down.
Duo looked at Gilly, he could tell something was wrong. Without any warning, Gilly attacked Duo. She tackled him and brought him to the ground. Knightsaber caused her increased strength. Knightsaber was also using Gilly's feelings toward Duo to make her feel she hated him. It was all her potential strength that ran through her body, and her potential and possible hatred for Duo.
Duo tried to fend Gilly off, but she was just too strong. She got behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her intent was to strangle him.
"Gilly!" Duo yelled, "You've got to stop! That cockpit has done something to you!"
Gilly tightened her grip.
"Gilly!" He pleaded with her; "This is not you! You don't want to kill me!"
"Yes I do." Gilly replied, but it was not her voice, it was different.
"Think really hard! What is it that you feel about me?"
"I feel a burning..." Gilly gasped, "...Of hatred!"
"No! You told me yourself how much you care about me!"
"I..."
"Try to remember!"
Gilly's grip loosened and Duo wiggled free. Gilly stood there looking at the ground with a frightened look on her face. The light had returned to her eyes.
"Are you okay?" Duo asked.
"I..."
"What happened?" Duo asked.
"My potential."
"Potential?"
"That system takes all you are and increases it to your full potential." Gilly explained, "It makes you stronger, faster, smarter. It even puts your emotions on steroids."
"Emotions? Such as hate?"
"My potential and possible hatred towards you was decided by Knightsaber."
"Isn't that a little dangerous?"
"Yes, but it helps, I'll just have to learn how to control it."
"Why would it do that? Do you know?"
"Yes, it felt that you would be affecting my fighting abilities." Gilly sighed, standing straight up.
"Can you stop it?"
"I think so. But, I'm not sure." Gilly began to walk over to the cliff face.
"Where are you going?"
"To get my bike. I'm going to load it onto Knightsaber and head back."
"Need help?"
"If you would, but remember Duo, when we get back, we go our separate ways."
"Until we meet again."
"Yes."
The two climbed up the cliff. Once up, they made a pulley system to lower Gilly's Crotch Rocket onto Knightsaber. The rest of the morning was spent doing so. When they were done, Duo hopped onto his Harley and took off. Gilly watched him go, still regretting her decision. After Duo was out of sight, Gilly climbed back down the cliff and into Knightsaber. She was about to take off when Knightsaber asked why she hadn't killed Duo.
"He's not a distraction so don't worry. Plus, this will all work out eventually." Gilly smiled.
Knightsaber agreed not to take control of Gilly any more. Gilly took off with her new friend, but what was to happen in the future was unknown to anyone.
The speed of Knightsaber was amazing. It shared different traits with some of the other Gundams. Knightsaber went into what was very much like the bird-mode of Wing, it had a similar buster rifle, a beam saber that changed and became a beam staff, and various other weapons. Gilly felt very proud of her new friend.
Gilly awoke. The smell of the hospital crept into her nose. She coughed. Coughing made her sit up. She looked around. It was a hospital. Her leg throbbed terribly. She lifted the sheets and pulled her leg carefully up to her. Her bullet wound had been stitched up, and was now healing properly. She gave a slight gasp.
"Oh no." She whispered, "What's going on. This is not good."
* * * * *
"Hi." Duo said to the woman behind the counter, "I'm here to see Gillian Hathaway."
"Okay," she said sweetly, "may I ask your name?"
"Yeah. It's Duo, Duo Maxwell." He smiled.
The nurse looked at something and frowned; "I'm sorry, sir, but I can't allow you to see her."
"Why not?"
"I have a note here saying not to."
"Excuse me?"
"That's what it says."
"Look, I was told I could come and see her, so here I am."
"I'm sorry, sir, I can't let you in." She repeated.
"On who's authority?" He asked angrily.
"The principal and the nurse at Centennial."
"And, why can't I go see her?"
"I'm sorry once more, but I can't give you that information, sir."
"Crap!" Duo yelled, "They think I'm responsible for what happened!"
"I really am sorry, sir." The nurse assured him, than she continued her work.
"Can I at least know how she's doing?" He asked as he leaned over the counter.
* * * * *
Gilly sat up. She had never liked hospitals. Carefully she began to walk towards the door. As she walked over, she heard a familiar voice yell. She peeked her head around the corner, than walked out. She carefully looked all around her.
Duo saw out of the corner of his eye, a girl walking out of a nearby room. He turned towards the girl, leaned against the counter, and smiled; it was Gilly.
The nurse saw her, too; "Excuse me, " She called, "miss, you need to stay in your room."
Gilly looked over at the nurse and saw Duo. She released a sigh of relief and began to walk over to him, a fresh smile on her face. The nurse bit her lip. She quickly ran over to Gilly, as if to hide her.
Instead, Gilly ignored the nurse and hobbled over to Duo; "Duo!" She called.
Duo still leaned there and smiled even broader as Gilly approached him. Gilly stopped gave a closed-eyes smile with a tilt to her head. Expectedly, she threw her arms around Duo's neck. She held on tightly, and the nurse just starred as Duo still leaned with his left arm and held Gilly securely with his right.
"Hey, cutie." He whispered in her ear, "Glad you're okay."
"Thank you, Duo."
"For what?"
"For saving my ass again."
The nurse stood there in awe. Her active thoughts brought her back to her job. Without another thought, she called for security. The security people showed up behind her. She pointed to Gilly and Duo, and the guards went for them.
"How's your leg?" Duo asked.
"It's fine." Gilly replied as she held herself away, "But, who cares?" She laid her head on his left shoulder.
"Look," Duo said as he watched the nurse, he leaned onto Gilly's left ear, "that nurse is calling security. They don't want me here. They think I'm a problem or a threat to your safety."
"They do?" Gilly asked, her head still on his shoulder.
"Even though I am..." Duo began.
"You can't say that." Gilly cut him off, "It's not your fault, it's mine."
"To an extent it is."
Gilly sighed.
"If they ask you what happened, say you ran into a sharp metal thing. I'll see you back at school, so..."
"No good bye's. I'll see you later."
"Later than." He let go.
"I'm sorry." Gilly said, head down, as she let go.
"Don't be. It'll all work out, so don't be apologizing."
"Kay." Gilly backed away.
"Excuse me, kids," One of the guards said, "I hate to break up this little love-fest, but it's time for Mr. Maxwell to go. He's not supposed to be here." The two guards began to escort Duo out.
Gilly couldn't hold her anger; "You idiots!" She cried, "If you won't listen to him, than listen to me!" She clenched her fists; "I'm the one who ran into the damn piece of metal, not him! It's not his fault!" She cried as she slipped to the floor, "He saved my life! How can you people be so blind?!"
Gilly covered her face with her hands as the nurse ran up to her. The nurse leaned down to help Gilly, but Gilly knocked her arms away. As she did, Duo broke free for just one moment. He ran up to Gilly and knelt next to her.
"Be strong." He whispered, "For Knightsaber and I."
Gilly looked up at him, shocked.
"I'll see you in school and we'll get this all cleared up."
Gilly smiled, and Duo helped her brush her tears away; "You're right." She said, "I'm sorry, crying is the most inappropriate thing right now."
The guards came up behind Duo, helped him up, and lead him out.
"See you later, Duo!" Gilly called, smiling and waving.
* * * * *
Duo had his hands in his pockets and an angry look on his face. He had just been called to the office. Gilly was going to return tomorrow, and he wasn't allowed to be socializing with her. Although, he knew it was good for his position as a Gundam pilot, but it was harmful for his heart. It was the end of the day. He retired to his room to think. Perhaps, he and Gilly could appeal to the principal on the subject.
He didn't mean to pump up his ego, but he honestly felt that he was actually good, not bad, for not only Gilly's health, but her heart, as well. She seemed to really like him. He wasn't sure, but he thought that maybe, just maybe, he felt the same way about her.
* * * * *
Today was the day that Gilly would return. Duo was still thinking about a way to prove that he was innocent and not a threat to Gilly's safety. They called it carelessness, he called it a stubborn girl with too much or too little confidence, but he couldn't decide which. Duo wasn't paying attention to where he was walking on his way to his dorm, after school. His absence of mind caused him to run directly into Greg.
"Whoa. Sorry 'bout that, Greg." Duo apologized.
Greg scowled, "Hey!" He snarled, "Oh, it's you." He said, annoyed.
"Huh?" Duo looked at him oddly.
"I hear you've been beating the crap out of Gilly."
"Well, you heard wrong. But, I'll let your incompetent mind believe that for now."
"Is that a threat?"
"Could be."
"Smart ass. How could you even think of letting that happen to Gilly?"
"That's just it. I didn't even think about it, and that's the mistake I made."
"Do you even care about her? I talked to her before formal, and she seemed pretty upset."
"I care for her more than you ever will. It's none of your business, anyway."
Greg grabbed Duo firmly by the shoulder; "If you care so much, than why'd you let her wind up the way she did?!" Greg growled.
"It's not his fault." Gilly said as she limped up on her crutches, "I wasn't watching where I was going."
"If you won't listen to me, listen to her." Duo said as he stuck out his tongue.
"Look! I don't trust you any farther than I can throw you. I don't believe either of you. Something's not right about this!" Greg said angrily.
Greg raised his fist to take a swing at Duo, but as he did, Gilly dropped her crutches and caught his fist.
"Stop it, Greg!" Gilly yelled as she stepped in front of Duo, Greg's right fist gripped tightly in her hand, "You want to hit Duo, go through me first."
But, as Gilly said it, Greg took another shot at Duo with his left fist. It was before Gilly or Duo realized it and Greg hit Duo right in the chin.
"Duo!" Gilly shrieked.
Duo hit the ground hard. Gilly fell to her knees next to him and looked at his chin. Heero walked up out of nowhere behind Greg and placed his right hand on Greg's left shoulder. With a slight movement, Heero spun Greg around and gave him deadly look.
"Don't go any further," Heero threatened, "you don't know what you're getting into."
"Alright, children!" Mrs. Hissy called, "Stop this nonsense! All four of you," She pointed, "to the principal's office!"
Gilly helped Duo up, picked up her crutches, and as they started to walk, Mrs. Hissy stepped between them. Gilly heard Greg's laugh behind her. That did it. She whirled around and slapped Greg across his left cheek with the right palm of her hand. Everyone looked at her in amazement, as Greg recoiled, mouth open.
"Shut your mouth, take it," Gilly yelled, "and get over yourself, you stuck up jerk."
As quickly as she'd done before, Gilly spun back around and continued walking, without her crutches. The four other people watched her for a second, than fell in behind her. Mrs. Hissy made no attempt to punish Gilly; she felt Greg deserved it, too.
The five people walked into the principal's office. The four teenagers were told to sit. Heero sat first and half closed his eyes, Duo sat next to Heero and felt his chin, Greg sat and starred at the wall in awe, and Gilly sat next to Greg with a disgusted look on her face.
"Mr. Hurst?" Mrs. Braughton asked Greg.
"Yeah?" Greg replied.
"You punched Mr. Maxwell?"
"He asked for it, ma'am."
"I did not." Duo pressed.
"It's a figure of speech, Duo." Mrs. Braughton informed him and Duo gave an all-knowing smile back, "Greg, we'll talk about his later..."
Greg stood up.
"...Before you go to detention at 3."
Greg sighed and left the room.
"Heero Yuy, you may leave as well. You were only there to stop the fight, if I understand correctly?"
Heero nodded and left.
"Now, Mr. Maxwell, you have been instructed to stay away from Ms. Hathaway, have you not?"
"Mrs. Braughton," Gilly stepped in, "it's not Duo's fault, what happened was entirely on my own accord."
"Gilly, weren't you with Duo when it happened?"
"Yes..." Gilly was unable to finish.
"If it's not his fault, how come he didn't get you to a hospital on his motorcycle, or get you here faster. I understand you were on school grounds, so what was the problem?"
"Some obligations come first." Gilly snarled.
"More important than saving a life, especially his girlfriend's?"
"As a matter of fact, yes." Gilly retorted, "And I'm not his girlfriend." She muttered.
"Gilly, if you don't mind, maybe Duo would like to answer his own questions."
"Be my guest." Gilly fumed and folded her arms.
"Duo, do you believe these obligations couldn't wait, while your girlfriend was holding on my a thread to life?"
"I'm not his girlfriend!" Gilly said loudly, "Duo, be honest, some people could never understand."
"I believe that Gilly's life is a very valuable and fragile thing, but she is also, not my first obligation. I'm not her master."
"And what is this #1 obligation?"
"Not any of your business!" Gilly yelled, "I'm sorry, but I can't take any more of this! Duo is my best friend. I care for him so much that it makes me sick when he's unable to be with me due to his obligation. But, I'm willing to except it. It wasn't Duo's fault he was distracted when I came into trouble! If you people won't except that, than you all need serious psychological help! You're only punishing me!" She finished and calmed herself enough to make it out the door.
Once out of the office, Gilly ran for her room. Duo was on his own now. She could feel the synapse pulse starting, and she knew that she'd have to go now or never. She'd leave a note for Duo, than go to look for Knightsaber.
Gilly reached her room. Gilly wrote a note on her computer, letting duo know what she was up to. She slipped her gun into her knapsack, went out on the balcony, climbed down the drainpipe, and headed for the cave.
* * * * *
Duo stood up as Gilly went, but he just stood there. Mrs. Braughton attempted to get up and follow, but Duo placed his hand in front of her. She looked at him angrily.
"She really needs to be alone right now." Duo sighed sadly.
Mrs. Braughton looked at Duo's face. She could see how much this boy cared for that girl. It was entirely possible that he was telling the truth. Gilly had said so many times, but Mrs. Braughton was still unsure. She closed her eyes and gave a little laugh. Duo looked at her inquisitively.
"She really believes in you, doesn't she?" Mrs. Braughton said hopefully.
"What do you mean?" Duo shot her another curious look.
"I believe you. You are cleared of all charges brought upon you. You may go now."
"Thank you." Duo smiled as he walked out.
"You're welcome." She smiled after him.
Duo walked down the hall towards the dorms. He knew Gilly wouldn't be there, but he had to check. It was already too late for anything to be done. Gilly needed to be alone, that was all there was to it.
"Hey! Duo!" Amanda called.
Duo stopped and turned around. Amanda walked briskly up to him.
"I heard about what happened to Gilly. But, I want to know the real story."
The two walked next to each other; "It just got settled. I'm innocent, and it's all cleared up."
"Cool!"
"Did you see Gilly come past here?"
"Coming? More like flying. She looked to be in a hurry."
"Damn!" Duo fumed.
"What damn?" Amanda asked with a concerned voice.
"It's too late."
"Too late for what?"
"You said Gilly looked like she was in hurry?"
"Yeah."
"She's going to do something audacious."
"Like?"
"I'm not sure, but I'd better hurry." Duo said as he ran towards Gilly's room, Amanda right behind him.
They arrived and Duo pulled out a key card with a wire attached to it, leading to a small machine. The machine had a blank screen on it.
"Aren't you going to knock?" Amanda asked.
"No. Even if Gilly's in there, she won't come to the door." He said as he slipped the card into the slot.
The machine activated and numbers ran across the screen. Amanda watched closely. Duo wondered why Amanda wasn't asking questions, beings how suspicious this looked. The numbers stopped and the door's lock clicked. Duo opened the door.
"Cool." Amanda said plainly.
Duo gave her an odd look as he walked in. He looked around, and as he'd expected there was no sign of Gilly. Amanda caught a glance of Gilly's laptop.
"Look," She pointed at it; "her computer is on."
Duo walked over to it, with Amanda right behind him. There was a message on the screen.
"A note..." Duo drifted as he read what it said.
Duo-
I'm sorry to have caused you so much trouble. That's all I seem to be. I need to be alone for a while, so this is the best time to look for M.S.G.K. I hope you understand that I should do this alone, as useful as you may be. Thank you for staying with me for so long, as much of a burden as I am. I think that it's the best thing if we remain as it has been for the past little while. You really should be grateful that I'd be out of your life.
I have a strong feeling that we'll see each other again. School is inevitable, but in the future maybe we'll be on the field, side by side. Once again I'm sorry, but I also need to thank you for all that you have done for me.
: ) Gilly Hathaway
"M.S.G.K.?" Amanda asked.
"Her mission. Long story." Duo replied.
"Oh. What does it all mean?"
"She's run away."
"What?!"
"She'll be back, just not right away. Even so, when she returns, she's going to make it a point to avoid me."
"Why?"
"It's for the best."
"But, she really cares about you."
"That's irrelevant right now."
"What are you going to do?"
"Be the excuse maker while she's gone."
Amanda sighed very deep, and it was full of sadness. She walked out of the room and left Duo sitting at the computer. He starred at the screen blankly for a while, than got up and went to his own room.
He walked into his room and dug through his equipment bag. He pulled out a small monitor. It was a tracking monitor. He had placed a bug on Gilly's gun before he'd returned it to her room. He was debating whether or not he wanted to follow her and make sure she was okay. He knew she'd stop by the cave first, for he hadn't put her bike back in the lot. He tapped the monitor with his finger.
Duo jumped up. He'd made his decision. He flipped on the monitor and adjusted the frequency.
* * * * *
Gilly rode on and on. She finally came to that dirt road she'd almost gone down once before. The synapse pulse inside her mind told her to go that way. She was going on just what the synapse pulse told her to do. She was going at an outrageous speed, but she kept firm of her steering. She continued on for some time. She rode on into the night, unaware of any feeling of fatigue.
It was dark when she stopped. She pulled to the side of the road. It ended suddenly. She felt very tired, and her leg was still very weak. She used an over hanging tree limb to lower herself to the ground. She felt the serenity of sleep take hold of her, and she was gone.
* * * * *
Gilly awoke. She yawned and looked around. There was a blanket on top of her and a body lying next to her. She gasped and backed away. Than she realized it was Duo. How had he found her? She wondered.
The sun was rising in the East, the direction she was facing. She realized that the reason the road had ended was there was a cliff right there. She let out a sigh of relief and watched the sun come up. The sun warmed her inside and out. She stood up slowly, stretching her extremities. Carefully, she placed the blanket over Duo and began to climb down the cliff.
There was a building at the bottom. It looked like a military facility, and it was covered with foliage. It hadn't been used in forever and was very old. She examined the entrance. There was a machine set to take retinal scans. She activated it and looked into the eyespot. A red beam of light scanned her eye. The machine made a few clicks, than a light flashed green and the door opened. Gilly cautiously walked in and closed the door behind her.
The room she stood in was empty.
"Crap! I came all this way for nothing!" She said, annoyed.
But, than Gilly saw a handle on the ground. Next to it was a keypad. She starred at it, dumbfounded. A 6-digit number flashed through her mind. Without any hesitation, she typed in the number. A loud beeping sounded and Gilly instinctively backed up.
The ground lifted up, exposing a staircase. Lights came on everywhere and Gilly saw it. Knightsaber was standing tall. Gilly ran down the stairs. She stood on the walkway looking at Knightsaber's head. It was amazing to be at eye level with her very own Gundam.
Knightsaber was very different from the other Gundams. Its mechanical make-up was relatively the same, it just looked different. It looked different than the way she'd drawn it, but the weapons were the same. It looked like a female. Gilly knew the Gundams looked like guys, well Knightsaber looked like a girl. Its different colorings included black, blue, turquoise, aqua, and white.
"Knightsaber." She whispered, "My Knightsaber. Wow."
She grabbed the pulley contraption and lowered herself to where she could get into the cockpit. The cockpit was already open, waiting for her. She stepped onto the platform and cautiously walked in. As Gilly did, she felt the building shudder. She stumbled as the great mass of Knightsaber lifted up. She looked out and above her. The roof was opening up, and Knightsaber's feet were being lifted up to be horizontal with its head. When the process was done, Knightsaber lay on its back on top of the building.
Gilly climbed out of the cockpit. Duo stood on the cliff's edge, watching Gilly. She smiled and gave him a thumbs-up sign. Duo placed his hands on his hips and shook his head.
"You could've woke me up!" He called.
"No, I couldn't have!" Gilly retorted.
Duo climbed down the cliff face. Gilly watched him for only a second, than jumped into the cockpit. She sat in the seat and closed her eyes. A brilliant white light surrounded her. She could feel all sorts of information about Knightsaber being hardwired into her brain.
To sit in Knightsaber, meant Gilly could be stronger, faster, smarter, and better in every way. Knightsaber's system was designed like Zero's, but it was all of Gilly's own potential. Including her potential emotions. Knightsaber had a mind of its own, and the current situation between Gilly and Duo could cause great dangers with Knightsaber's learning system. Not only was Gilly receiving information about Knightsaber, but also Knightsaber was catching up on the information about Gilly's life. It had to know its own pilot, in order to understand why the pilot did certain things, otherwise, Knightsaber would run amuck doing what it felt necessary. Knightsaber and Gilly's minds were at a current state, that they were one coexisting with the other, as one. The two heard the sound of Duo's footsteps above. Gilly knew it was Duo, therefore Knightsaber knew it, too. Knightsaber also knew the complications and hurt Gilly felt, that had been caused by this relationship. Knightsaber didn't like the idea of its pilot being distracted and unable to fight, due to the emotions caused by this boy. To Knightsaber, Duo was a dangerous threat that must be eliminated, and eliminate him, it would.
Knightsaber was going to wipe out Duo, using Gilly. The blank and expressionless stare that flowed into Gilly's eyes was not her own. Gilly climbed out of the cockpit and stood in front of Duo, head down.
Duo looked at Gilly, he could tell something was wrong. Without any warning, Gilly attacked Duo. She tackled him and brought him to the ground. Knightsaber caused her increased strength. Knightsaber was also using Gilly's feelings toward Duo to make her feel she hated him. It was all her potential strength that ran through her body, and her potential and possible hatred for Duo.
Duo tried to fend Gilly off, but she was just too strong. She got behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her intent was to strangle him.
"Gilly!" Duo yelled, "You've got to stop! That cockpit has done something to you!"
Gilly tightened her grip.
"Gilly!" He pleaded with her; "This is not you! You don't want to kill me!"
"Yes I do." Gilly replied, but it was not her voice, it was different.
"Think really hard! What is it that you feel about me?"
"I feel a burning..." Gilly gasped, "...Of hatred!"
"No! You told me yourself how much you care about me!"
"I..."
"Try to remember!"
Gilly's grip loosened and Duo wiggled free. Gilly stood there looking at the ground with a frightened look on her face. The light had returned to her eyes.
"Are you okay?" Duo asked.
"I..."
"What happened?" Duo asked.
"My potential."
"Potential?"
"That system takes all you are and increases it to your full potential." Gilly explained, "It makes you stronger, faster, smarter. It even puts your emotions on steroids."
"Emotions? Such as hate?"
"My potential and possible hatred towards you was decided by Knightsaber."
"Isn't that a little dangerous?"
"Yes, but it helps, I'll just have to learn how to control it."
"Why would it do that? Do you know?"
"Yes, it felt that you would be affecting my fighting abilities." Gilly sighed, standing straight up.
"Can you stop it?"
"I think so. But, I'm not sure." Gilly began to walk over to the cliff face.
"Where are you going?"
"To get my bike. I'm going to load it onto Knightsaber and head back."
"Need help?"
"If you would, but remember Duo, when we get back, we go our separate ways."
"Until we meet again."
"Yes."
The two climbed up the cliff. Once up, they made a pulley system to lower Gilly's Crotch Rocket onto Knightsaber. The rest of the morning was spent doing so. When they were done, Duo hopped onto his Harley and took off. Gilly watched him go, still regretting her decision. After Duo was out of sight, Gilly climbed back down the cliff and into Knightsaber. She was about to take off when Knightsaber asked why she hadn't killed Duo.
"He's not a distraction so don't worry. Plus, this will all work out eventually." Gilly smiled.
Knightsaber agreed not to take control of Gilly any more. Gilly took off with her new friend, but what was to happen in the future was unknown to anyone.
The speed of Knightsaber was amazing. It shared different traits with some of the other Gundams. Knightsaber went into what was very much like the bird-mode of Wing, it had a similar buster rifle, a beam saber that changed and became a beam staff, and various other weapons. Gilly felt very proud of her new friend.