Orange Star: A revised history

Commanding Officer Mel

Disclaimer: I still don't own the company that made Advance Wars but I do own a copy of the game as usual.

Author's note - And anything that is in Romanji or Pinyin and base Cantonese will be translated, or stated otherwise. Read And Review!

Time: Morning

Place: Yellow Comet HQ

"Mmph . . .ah . . ." Sami yawned. "Hmm . . .where'd he go?" She sat up on the bed.

"Where'd who go Miss Sami?" An officer who happened to be walking by asked.

"Mel, where'd he go?"

"Oh . . .I believe he went wandering about the headquarters."

"Oh . . ." She sounded disappointed. "Phooey . . ."

"Don't worry. He said not to wake you and he'd return shortly."

"All right . . ." 'I'd better find him anyway . . .never know what sort of trouble he'll get into when I'm not around . . .' She got off the bed, quietly closed the door and got changed.

Time: Momentarily

". . .man . . .this place is a freaking museum . . ." Sami mumbled to herself as she wandered around. "Hmm . . ."

"Sami . . .could you not wander around so much?" Sonja asked as she saw her friend drifting about the halls.

"Oh . . .? Sonja . . ."

"Don't 'oh' me. What are you doing?"

"Mel went wandering around . . .I'm looking for him."

"Huh . . .I doubt he's actually wandering around the HQ. Knowing him . . .he's probably sitting around somewhere sipping coffee."

"Why didn't I think of that?" Sami wondered aloud.

"Because . . .you're still half asleep. Your shoes don't match . . ." Sonja motioned to the redhead's feet, wearing a slipper and a combat boot.

"Oops . . ." She giggled.

". . .being around Mel has made you quite an air head . . ." Sonja sighed.

". . .I resent that!" Sami said sticking out her tongue.

". . .the old Sami would never do something so childish like that . . .he's rubbing off on you . . ."

". . .hmph. Well it so happens I like it this way."

". . .whatever Sami . . .just go change your shoes . . ."

"Kay." With that, she was off.

". . .Sami . . .you're officially . . .odd." Sonja shook her head.

Place: Mess hall

Mel sat alone at a table as he saw officers of Yellow Comet go about their business.

". . .I really wondered how boring it was here at Yellow Comet . . .I guess this answers my question . . ."

Place: YC HQ Compound

"Boring . . ." Sami sighed. She paced around the compound, looking completely out of place in a sundress and flip-flops.

"Sami! Oi! Where are you?" Came a shout from the top tier of the pagoda-like headquarters.

"Hmm? Oh! Mel! I'm down here!" Sami shouted and waved to get his attention.

"Oh? Oh! Okay! I can see you! Just a second, I'll be right down."

". . .what's he doing up there?" Sami wondered.

Moments later, Mel met up with her in the compound.

"Out of uniform? You're taking it really easy . . ."

"Why not? I'm not doing anything anytime soon." She shrugged.

". . ."

"Don't be like that . . .it doesn't suit you . . ."

"Hmm . . ." He shook his head.

"What's the matter?"

"Ah . . .this sucks. I just want to go home and slack off . . ."

"Well . . .so do I."

"Well . . .not anytime soon." He sighed.

"Stop that . . .you're making me homesick." She frowned.

"Sorry."

"Hmm . . ." She slowly reached over grabbed his hand. "Come on . . .let's walk around some more . . ."

"Sure."

"See? It's nice out now." She gave him a cute smile.

"Ah . . .so it is . . ." He returned a slight grin.

"Oh . .. it's a lot nicer than an Orange Star HQ too . . ."

"Really?"

"It's so . . .cultured." She said gazing at the rock gardens.

"It's their culture . . ."

"Yeah . . ."

"Well then . . ." He looked carefully at her face. ". . .you look really tired . . ."

"No I – (yawn) – don't . . ." She said turning red.

". . .you're exhausted . . .you're going back to bed."

". . .but . . ."

"No buts . . ." Mel said as he picked her up in his arms. "You're going."

". . .fine . . .but you don't have to carry me." She giggled.

"Oh! . . .heh . . .sorry. Reflex . . ."

Place: Command Central

Sonja sighed.

"Now what . . .is he awake yet!?"

"Almost Commander."

"Very well. Is everything ready?"

Place: Orange Star HQ

"Whuh . . .eh?" Where'd everyone go again?" Max groaned as he woke up. "What . . .Andy? Sami?"

"Max . . ."

"Who's . . .oh . . .it's you . . ." Max looked at the screen in disgust. "Mel . . ."

"Hold it . . .I'm not fighting you . . .it's Sonja you're against."

"What? Sonja!?"

"I'd give you some help . . .but I need to lay low right now . . .I'm not supposed to even be here . . .I'm a 'semi' prisoner."

". . .huh?"

"I'm in the Yellow Comet HQ genius . . ."

"Huh? No way . . .the one over here?"

"Nope . . .I don't think so . . ."

"Damn it . . ."

"Well Sami's here too . . .but I don't know what happened to Andy." Mel said looking around apprehensively.

"Huh . . ."

"Yeah . . ."

"Well . . ."

"Anyway . . .like I said . . .it's not my fault."

"Hmph . . ."

"Well whatever . . .just trust me on this one."

"Fine . . .still . . ."

"Don't argue with me now . . .I have a feeling Sonja's coming for you."

"What?"

"Stop saying 'what', and move it!"

"Why?"

"God! Stop acting like a 5 year old and move your ass!"

"All right then . . .I'll trust you on this one." Max said reluctantly.

". . .good . . .maybe we'll catch up with you as soon as I find out how long it's gonna take . . ."

Time: ???

Place: ???

". . .where . . .am I?" Andy groaned.

Silence.

"Well so much for anything." He sighed. "I wonder where everyone else is . . ."

Time: Early evening

Sonja sat at ease in the war room.

"I hope I can make this easier than it seems . . ." She sighed. "I wish Mel was here . . .he's better at this than I am . . ."

Place: OS HQ

"Dammit . . .I can't see a thing in this blasted fog . . .oh well . . .here goes . . ." Max said as he sent his men out.

Time: Around 8:00 p.m.

Place: YC HQ, where Mel and Sami are currently located.

"Mel!"

". . .hmm?" Mel gave Sami his usual glance as he walked into the room. "What?"

"I'm bored."

". . .you're always bored . . ."

"So?"

"Then do something Sami."

"But I don't feel like it."

". . .that's . . .pointless then."

"Are you rested up now?"

"Yeah!"

"That's good."

". . .so what are you doing now?"

". . .I'm going to . . .I dunno. It is boring here at Yellow Comet . . ."

"Hmph . . .hypocrite."

"Aw don't give me that . . ."

" . . .nya!" She stuck out her tongue at him. "Then you think of something."

". . .I don't want to either . . ."

"Well . . .it's kind of pointless for me to go to bed right now . . .after all . . .I think I was sleeping for most of the day already." She sighed. "It reminds me of how I'd waste the summer snoozing on the couch at your house."

'I usually was the one asleep on the couch . . .' Mel thought to himself. 'You were sprawled on the bed in my room . . .' "Um . . ."

"I think I know what you're thinking Mel."

". . .oh?"

"I'm just teasing." She giggled.

"Oh . . ."

"Well . . .I'm gonna wander around for a bit then." She said getting up. "Bye!"

". . .later 'mi." Mel said as he flopped onto the couch. ". . .damn . . .I always get stuck on this thing . . .whatever . . .I'm taking the bed this time around . . ."

Time: The next morning

"Zzz . . ."

". . .mmm. Stupid . . .make me sleep on the couch . . ." Sami mumbled as she tried to get up. "Huh? What . . ." She blinked as she tried to get her bearings. ". . .why am I seeing the couch . . .and why am I not on it?"

"Huh . . .geez . . .are you always this noisy in the morning?" Mel asked yawning.

". . .Mel . . .did you move in the middle of the night again?"

"Hmm . . .? Oh . . .yeah, I did."

"Why?"

". . .you looked so uncomfortable lying there . . ."

"Oh . . .so you moved me?"

"No really?"

". . .kay."

"Well then ready to . . .do nothing yet again?"

". . .well I'm used to our schedule of 'do nothing'. It's been like that since I've moved in with you." She laughed.

"Very funny . . .I'm not that boring now am I?"

"Well . . .no . . .but you have your moments . . ."

". . .hmm . . ."

"What's wrong . . .?"

"I'd think you would say that I'm crazy . . .but I'm hearing a voice in my head . . ."

'I resent that!' Dark shouted mentally.

". . .are you okay Mel? I just thought you were psycho or something . . .but I didn't know that you really were psycho."

"What!?"

"Just kidding!" She said defensively.

". . .hmm."

"Well what do you mean by a 'voice'."

"I doubt you'd believe me . . .but there's an . . . 'intent' as I'll call it that made me do all that weird stuff a while ago . . .like when I attacked you guys . . ."

". . .right . . .am I supposed to believe you?" She gave him the 'eh' look.

". . .um . . .sorta?"

". . .well, I know you can do all sorts of weird stuff, so I'll let it go this time around . . .considering that."

"So you sort of believe me?"

"Yeah . . ."

"Thank you . . ."

"For what?"

"At least I can have some ease in my mind knowing that at least you know I'm not going crazy."

"Hmm."

"Well . . .what are we gonna do? We're stuck here . . ."

". . .I don't know . . .let's hope Max and Andy can hurry up already . . ." Sami said kicking her feet.

". . .ah . . .if all our stuff is here . . .then . . ." Mel looked around for his bag. "Oh here we go."

"What are you looking for?"

"My Game boy . . ."

". . .you brought THAT with you!?"

"What? I knew I was gonna be bored . . ."

"You're like a big kid."

"And you aren't?"

"Heehee . . .fine." She slid over and put her head on his shoulder. "So what are you playing?"

"Hmm? Nothing interesting."

" . . .aw . . .ooh . . .kill that guy over there!"

". . .but that's my ally . . ."

"Oh . . .well what about that scary looking guy there?"

"Also mine."

" . . .so which ones are bad guys?"

". . .I killed them all . . ."

". . .you must have played that game a lot then . . ."

"Yup."

" . . .when did you have a chance to play such a stupid game anyway? You're usually sleeping half the time when we're at home."

"Hmm? Oh . . .in class." He laughed.

". . .you played video games all class!?"

"Well you were too busy taking notes to notice."

". . .then how did you take notes?"

"With a tape recorder, how else?"

". . .Mel, you don't play fair in anything do you?"

"Nope. Not one bit."

". . .then explain how you have so many notebooks with so many notes."

"I do it in my spare time."

". . ."

"What? It's true."

" . . .I know it's true . . .but you are insane . . ."

"No . . .I stay up really late."

". . .Mel . . .you know that's bad for you."

"Well that's probably why I . . .no never mind, that doesn't work."

". . .hmm?"

"It doesn't matter . . .let's just hope we can get the heck out of here . . ." Mel said as he looked up from his game.

"Yeah . . ."

"Well . . .I hope Max is holding out all right. He still seems pretty pissed at me."

"Well . . .just hope it's nothing important . . .after all you did just kill a bunch of our own men."

". . .details, details . . ." Mel shrugged. "Hmm . . .I hope she doesn't draw it out so long . . .I hate it when she wastes our time like this."

"Mmm-hmm . . ."

"Ah Mel, there you are." An officer said.

"What?"

"A short message from Commander Sonja."

"Oh?"

"She says she'll finish this shortly."

"That's good to hear." Sami said.

"Well . . .what's our next move?" Mel asked.

"You are both to remain here, but please prepare to move to a newly established Orange Star Headquarters."

"Very well, when do we need to go?"

"As soon as Max 'finishes' this battle."

" . . .okay then."

"Mel, what's gonna happen afterwards?" Sami asked.

". . .I dunno . . .we'll check with Sonja as soon as possible."

"Kay . . ."

"Well . . .time to sit another day here in sheer boredom again." Mel said.

"Yup." Sami nodded as she pressed herself against him.

". . .d'you mind?"

"Hmm?"

"You're making me lose concentration." He laughed.

"How?"

"Your chest is against my back."

"So?"

". . .I'd think that'd be kind of obvious." He said as he saved his game. "Apparently you don't understand how distracted a guy gets when girls smoosh up to them like that."

"Hmph. Of course I know. But I want you to pay attention to me instead of your stupid game."

"Oh, so that's your scheme."

"Mm-hmm!"

"Well it worked, now what?"

"Now I just stay pressed against you until I feel like moving somewhere else."

". . .joy."

"Normally you'd have to pay for something like this Mel." She teased.

"Haha. But I don't have to."

"True, because I'm doing this because I want to." She closed her eyes and drifted back to sleep.

". . .oh gimme a break . . .asleep already . . .? Either you're anemic or something or you just haven't been your normal perky self lately."

"Mmm . . .? Just a couple more minutes . . .it's comfy."

"Then go sleep on the bed or something."

"Uh-uh . . ."

". . .you're like a spoiled child . . ."

"No I'm not . . .it's your fault . . ."

"My fault?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Why's that?"

"You spoil me." She said softly.

". . .very funny."

"Well it's true."

"If you insist." He said, letting her rest on his lap.

"Mmm."

"So much like a little kid . . ." He said playing with her hair. "Ah . . .too bad they cut it huh?"

"Mmph." She pouted. "Don't talk about it."

"Fine . . .fine."

Time: A week's time

Place: Sonja's HQ

"Well . . .that should do it. Max should win about now . . .and I need to make sure he gets knocked out again."

"I'll take care of that." Gary offered.

"Oh?" Sonja looked surprised.

"I'll just pour some chloroform anesthetic into the air conditioning vents."

". . .from here?"

"Well no . . .I actually already have my group hidden near the HQ anyway. They should have it prepared by now." He laughed.

"Oh?"

"Well . . .after I give them the signal anyway . . .how much longer?"

"Shouldn't be very long now . . .get ready."

"All right . . .come in men, this is Gary here . . . you are to release the anesthetic gas into the Orange Star HQ and carry out the transport and relocation of all the people inside."

"Sir!"

Place: Orange Star HQ

"Ah, I've won . . .I guess Mel was right."

"Hello Max." Sonja said on the screen.

". . .Sonja!? I remember now. You were that tiny girl that always hung around with Andy . . ."

"Mm-hmm."

"What are you doing!?"

"Following my daddy's orders I guess . . ." She said in a sing-song voice.

". . .I don't believe this . . ."

"Well anyway . . .good night Max . . .I think you all deserve a nice nap now."

"Huh?! What are you talking . . .whoa . . ." Max and the rest of his men in the base collapsed as the drugged air slowly filled the HQ.

Time: Night

Place: YC HQ (Mel and Sami)

"Okay . . .I think it's time we get going then Sami . . ."

"Yeah . . .looks like Max won too."

"Got everything?"

"Yes."

"Let's go then . . .I think Sonja's waiting to tell us something anyway."

"More or less . . ."

Time: Moments later

Place: OS HQ

After their arrival, they found Max's forces already laying out cold within the HQ.

". . .ooh . . .scary." Sami said.

"They're just unconscious." Mel said.

". . .I know . . .but it's kinda weird."

"Oh there you two are!" Sonja called out.

"Hmm? Sonja!" Sami called out. "What's going on?"

"I'm not too sure . . .but the man in black is up to something . . .and I think Grit should have some information for us . . ."

"That's good Sonja . . ." Mel nodded.

"Well . . .how was it you two?"

". . .how was what?"

"Your stay at the HQ."

"It was so incredibly boring." They both said at the same time.

". . .must you two think alike at the same time as well?" Sonja asked annoyed.

"No . . .but we just like to either way to annoy you Sonja." Sami giggled.

"You really are turning into an air head . . ."

"How could you say such a thing about Sami!?" Mel asked in fake shock.

"Because she's around you." Sonja said.

" . . .well if you insist that she's becoming an air head, she's my air head." Mel said pulling her next to him.

"Hey!" Sami pouted as Mel hugged her.

"So what do you want us to do Sonja?"

"Hold your position and we'll figure something out after a couple days or so."

"That's good to hear . . .I'm getting sick and tired of sitting around." Mel said.

"Well then . . .good night you two. I'll be back there if you need anything . . .which I highly doubt . . ."

"Where'd Andy go?" Sami asked.

"Um . . .I left him in another Orange Star encampment . . .he should be fine."

"Should be . . .well let's hope so . . .for his sake." Sami said.

"I'm off then. See you later." Sonja nodded as she quietly left the Orange Star Headquarters.

"Okay . . .I guess it's time I catch up on my sleep . . .again."

"Like you need it 'mi."

"Well you look like you need it." She said.

" . . .do I – oh . . .excuse me." He yawned.

"Yes you do. You shouldn't stay up so late trying to look after me . . .I'm not a little kid . . ."

"But . . ."

"Hush . . ." She said pushing him upstairs. "Just get some rest . . .you look more worse for wear everyday."

"Okay . . .okay . . .if you say so . . ."

"Of course I do . . .if you're worried about me . . .I guess I should be worried about you too."

"All right . . ."

Time: The next day

Place: Orange Star HQ

"Hmm? What's this . . .?" Mel mumbled as he woke up. ". . .is she . . .?"

". . .zzz . . ."

"Yes . . .she is." Mel sighed as he saw the untidy mop of red hair that was plopped on top of his stomach.

" . . .zzz."

"I swear . . .just like a child." He moved his arm and poked her in the ribs.

"Mmph." She squeaked.

"Wake up."

"Don't wanna . . ."

". . .again with this . . .everyday . . ." With that, he reached under her shirt and started tickling her ribs.

"Eek! Stoppit! Stop!" She squealed.

"Mornin' sleepy head."

"Morning yourself." She said gazing blearily at him. "Well . . .it's not like we're gonna do anything today . . ." She moved up a bit and plunked her head next to his on the pillow.

" . . .what are you doing?"

"Going back to bed."

" . . .you're . . .already . . .in . . .bed."

"I know. But I wasn't sleeping with any covers . . .it was chilly."

" . . ."

"Well . . .?"

"I'll get up and let you have the covers to yourself . . .I need my morning coffee."

"Oh pooey." She pouted.

" . . .again with that . . ."

"You always get up just when I'm about to get comfy . . ."

"Maybe another time . . ."

"All right . . .but it's been like a hundred times already . . ."

"I never told you to go plop on top of me in the middle of the night when I'm sleeping."

"Well it's not my fault that it's a bad habit of mine . . ."

"Right . . ."

"Soo . . .how long will you be this time around?"

"I'll see . . .shouldn't take too long." Mel said as she headed out the door.

"Okay. I'll stay right here." She pulled the covers over her head and hid beneath them.

" . . .just . . .like . . .a kid . . ." Mel said smiling to himself. 'That's what I like about her sometimes . . .'

"Bring back food." She said.

" . . .wha?"

"I'm starving . . ."

"Fine . . .fine." Mel nodded. "I'll do it."

"Thanks!"

Place: Orange Star Communications

" . . .this is Mel."

"Ah good morning Mel." Sonja replied.

"Well what's the situation?"

"I've got nothing as of now . . .but, oh wait, here he comes."

"Nice to see you again Sonja. And . . .whoa! What's HE doin' here!?"

"Ah . . .Mel's sitting to find out if anything's happened that's all. I have a feeling that he'll play an integral part in this somehow . . ."

". . .huh . . .well I reckon I might as well tell y'all about what I found . . .which, too bad for me was nothin'."

". . .nothing?"

"I followed his Beardedness, but I think Olaf himself has been tossed aside."

"Oh . . ." Sonja remained silent afterwards.

"Huh . . .so even Olaf's been put aside to that Man's schemes." Mel muttered.

"Yeah . . ." Grit nodded. "I'm sorry about Orange Star and all . . .but it's beyond my control now . . .it was either my life or my country . . ."

"Huh . . .shows what you're made of . . .cowboy."

". . .well ease off kid . . .ya know I can't do a thing about that now."

"Well true . . ."

"Maybe Olaf'll realize he's been used . . .that'd be nice. He's not too bad . . . 'cept when he gets power hungry and stuff . . .after all . . .I put up with him for the last five or so years . . ."

"Hmm . . ."

"Well . . .it's best we get a move on . . ." Grit said. "I'll go see if'n I can find out more . . .now y'all take care now."

"Sure thing Grit." Mel nodded.

"But of course." Sonja replied as Grit signed off.

"Well what do you think Mel-nii?"

". . .I don't know . . .but that man is up to something . . .and when I find out . . .I'll be sure to kick his ass for messing me up."

"Ooh . . .sounds like someone's bitter."

"Heh . . .well of course. Oh . . .what happened to Andy?"

"Andy? Oh . . .I think I left him alone for a bit too long . . ." Sonja said looking worried.

"Are you gonna fight him too?"

". . .well I have to 'fight' you and Sami right now . . .which means . . ."

". . .it means we do nothing."

". . .more or less." Sonja giggled.

". . .so much for fighting."

"Ah . . .I'll keep on trying to gather some more Intel on this . . .it bothers me too much . . ."

"Yeah . . .I hear you." Mel said.

"Well then . . .I hope you have another fun, boring day with Sami-chan onii-chan."

". . .yeah . . .YEAH! Crap! Gotta run!" Mel dashed off.

"What could be so important that he runs off like that?" Sonja asked herself. "Oh well. Couldn't have been that important."

Time: Moments later

Place: Sami's room

". . .gah . . .sorry . . .I forgot to . . .bring . . .euh?"

"Zzz . . ."

". . .I don't believe it . . .she's asleep . . .again."

". . .mm . . .zzz . . .Me . . .l . . ."

". . .what on earth?"

" . . .zzz . . .ah . . ."

". . .weird . . .I'd best wake her up then . . ."

"Zzz . . ."

"Hmm . . .Sami! Breakfast!"

"Huh . . .? Mmm . . .oh . . .morning again." She said sleepily.

"At least you're up."

"Waaah . . ." She yawned loudly.

". . .just how do you do it?"

"Do what?"

"Sleep so much."

" . . .hmm . . .because I can?"

". . .well that doesn't really answer my question . . ."

"Oh . . ."

"And I thought you used to be a . . .lot more energetic back then."

"Being with you makes me feel lazy." She giggled.

". . .that also doesn't really answer my question . . ." Mel sighed.

"So?" She said cocking her head to the side. "Does it really matter?"

"Whatever happened to the girl that used to be ready for anything?"

"She's been in hibernation since she met you."

"Oh my . . ."

"Mm-hmm."

"It's not like I don't mind . . .it's just a bit odd . . ."

"Oh. Well I don't care right at the moment about how I used to be . . ."

" . . .why?"

"Because . . .to be honest . . .I hated that part of myself . . ." She looked slightly ashamed at herself.

". . .why?"

"Because . . .that part was there only because I had practically nothing left."

". . .because you lost your family right?"

"Yeah . . ."

"You are an only child right?"

"Yeah . . ."

"I guess I can understand how you feel then."

"Mmm." She sniffled softly. "It's been almost . . .six years since that day . . .and I . . .I can't bring myself to even go visit their graves . . ."

"You haven't?"

"I haven't . . .I just . . .I just can't do it. Just trying to think about brings back painful thoughts."

"Ah . . .I'm sorry I brought this up somehow . . ." Mel apologized.

"No . . .it's okay . . .I need . . .I need to face it eventually . . ."

"Perhaps . . .perhaps you want to come with me next time I go?"

" . . .huh?"

"I've been to my family's grave for a day each month . . .I haven't had the chance lately because of the fighting we're doing."

". . .oh . . .so that's why sometimes you disappear without notice . . ."

"Yeah."

"And the thing is . . ."

"Hmm . . .?"

"I've been to your parents' grave."

". . .what?"

"It's just a bit off from mine . . ."

"Mel . . ." She was hesitant.

"I took notice of it a few years ago . . .it was quite messy and looked like no one had bothered to clean it or anything. Then I noticed that your name was there on surviving family . . .so I took the liberty of cleaning it and such . . ."

" . . .I . . .I must seem like a horrible daughter to you. . . .I mean . . .what child doesn't go to . . .I . . .and . . .her . . .I'm . . .I'm horrible . . ." Sami sobbed.

". . .perhaps I shouldn't have even brought this up at all . . ." Mel said sitting next to her.

"No . . .I'm glad you're bringing all this up . . ." She said between sobs.

". . .why?"

" . . .that . . .that way . . .since . . .since I have you . . .I . . .I can . . ." She hiccuped softly as she cried.

". . .you can . . .what?" He held her gently as he tried to understand what she was saying.

"I . . .I can . . .probably face all of this . . .as long as you're with me . . ." She sniffled as she leaned against him.

". . .I'm sorry to bring up old wounds . . ."

"It's . . .okay . . ."

"I'll understand if you're angry . . .sorry . . ."

"Stop apologizing Mel . . .I . . .I should have told you a long time ago . . .I should be apologizing . . ."

"But . . ."

"It's all right . . ." She started to calm down.

"Hmm . . ."

"Promise me . . ."

"Anything . . ."

"Promise me . . .that when this is all over . . .you'll take me with you right after this is all over to visit our parents' graves."

". . .very well . . .I promise you that."

"Thank you . . ."

"Well . . .we'd better do our best then . . .and it'd be a bit different but . . .maybe we could see more of the 'ready for anything coming her way' Sami . . ."

"Uh-uh . . ."

"Why . . .?"

"Because . . .no . . .no . . .I'm so stupid . . .I need to accept that part of myself . . ." She dabbed at her eyes with the edge of the sheet.

"Yeah . . ."

"But . . .but I can't do it . . ."

"Why not?"

" . . .because I just . . .can't. Not now, not after going through all of that . . ."

"All of what?"

"The last two years . . .those last two years had been so meaningful . . ."

"Ah . . .I understand."

"And as long as things go back to like how those two years went . . .there's . . .there's no need for me to be like that."

"Then I won't force you . . ."

"Thank you Mel . . ."

' . . .so this . . .no . . .these are . . .and still will be her demons . . .' Mel thought to himself.

'And so they will until she decides to do something about it.'

'Dark . . .why are you . . .'

'I can't stand to see her cry.'

' . . .but . . .'

'As long as you're around . . .I think she'll be happy. But since you brought it up, it's . . .kinda your fault.'

'Well how was I supposed to know asking her about something like THAT would hit such a big nerve!?'

'You weren't I guess . . .but think about it . . .not everyone's like you.'

'Yeah . . .I guess so.'

'Perhaps you should leave her be for a little while Mel . . .'

'Yeah . . .maybe.'

'I sense that whoever's coming for us . . .that man in black . . .we're getting closer to him.'

'Ah . . .'

'But that's all I have to say . . .you should just get up and leave your girl to her own thoughts for a bit . . .I bet she has a lot of people to forgive . . .'

'Yeah . . .'

"Especially herself . . .but since you came along . . .I've been watching silently.'

'Oh?'

"She's grown up from that cocky aggressive girl you met when you were eighteen. She's showing the more sensitive and softer side now that she's regained that small sense of security that she's been longing during the two empty years in her life.'

'How do you know all this!?'

'People . . .no . . .humans are quite interesting. There is a focus on their hearts.'

' . . .hearts huh?'

'Yes . . .because of this . . .you can tell quite a bit if you can understand a person's heart.'

'This sounds really cliché Dark . . .'

'Well sorry . . .but this is the best I can do on such short notice. Aww . . .lookit, she's snuggled up against you.'

'Huh? What are you talking about?'

'Hmm . . .maybe you shouldn't leave her be just yet. Well talk to you later Mel!' With that, Dark silenced himself, kicking Mel back into a sense of reality.

". . .huh . . .whoa . . .that was . . .hmm? Wow . . .he's more attentive than I am . . ." Mel said to himself as Sami had curled up against him, asleep again. ". . .I don't believe this . . ." Mel shook his head. "Well . . .I guess I'll do what I can . . ."

". . .mmm." She whined softly.

'Just looking at her makes me wonder about myself . . .ah . . .I don't think I can do anything about that . . .but . . .the only thing I can do now is just make sure she'll be all right through this . . .I didn't expect her to be so emotionally fragile right now . . .'

Mel remained there until she woke up later that day . . .

Time: Night

"Hmm . . .ooh . . ." Sami moaned.

"You really shouldn't be the one moaning 'mi." Mel laughed.

"Huh . . .why . . .not?"

"Because I can't feel my legs anymore right now. I haven't been able to move since this morning when you squished on top of me."

"Wha . . .?"

"I guess I really shouldn't have done all of that . . ."

"But . . ."

"Well I guess I can't turn back time or anything . . ."

"Hmm . . .um . . .Mel?"

"Yeah?"

"As long as there are people like you . . .I think I can get along fine." She gave him a tiny smile.

"Oh?"

"Because I know that I can face all that . . ."

'Gurgle . . .'

"Um . . .what was that Sami?"

"Um . . .I think that was my tummy . . ."

" . . .ooh . . .right . . .I knew I forgot something . . ."

"What's that?"

"To get you breakfast . . .this morning . . ."

"MEL!!!"

"Ah . . .if you'll . . .oh . . .never mind . . .my legs are so numb from you being on top of them, I can't even get up right now . . .well . . .so much for that . . .just go scoot and get your own food right now . . .I'll just sit and wait . . ."

"Phooey." Sami pouted as she tried to get off him. "Uh . . ."

"What . . .?"

"I can't move either . . .my legs fell asleep . . ."

" . . .what a day . . ." Mel sighed.

Time: After the next few days

Place: YC HQ

"Um . . .well . . .looks like this should do it in 'faking' it." Sonja said. "Hmm . . .I guess actually have to do something about Andy . . .ooh, this might prove fun. I never had a chance to sim battle against him back then . . .but . . .oh dear . . .well I haven't much choice . . .I'd better get this over with then . . ."

Place: Orange Star Convoy

"Is everybody ready?" Sami stood outside ordering the men about.

"Yes commander!"

"All right . . .let's go! We have to find that blockhead Andy!"

"You sure it's okay for you to do this Sami?" Mel asked from behind her.

"Sure it is, I have my obligations and orders as an Officer of Orange Star."

"Ah . . .that's the old Sami I met for the first time."

"Hmm? Oh, I decided that . . .it is reasonable as long as I don't overdo it . . ."

"Okay. Now . . .shall we be off?"

"More or less yeah."

"Ah . . .here it comes now." Mel said as he spotted a helicopter dropping something.

"Here comes what?"

"I had the White Sun airlift Dragon 2 over here."

"What's Dragon 2?"

"Hmm? The military version of my car."

". . .military . . .version?" Sami give him an curious look.

"It's been armored and such."

"Oh."

"It's also for all terrain."

"Since when did you get a new car?"

"Since I came to the White Sun region."

"Ooh."

"Let's go then." He said walking to the landing strip. "I don't know how long it'll take but I think we'll be on the road for a while, then we'll have to go via naval transport."

"So why bother take your car?"

"And sit in one of those APCs all day? It's a lot more comfortable to sit in my car if you ask me. And we can always just load it onto the transports anyway. Beats sitting on the deck when it gets wet too."

"Ah . . .okay." Sami nodded.

"Well . . .come on, let's go. Good . . .it's ready to move. 'mi!"

"Coming!"

Place: On the road

Mel focused his gaze at the hazy paths in front of him as he tapped the gas pedal.

"This is stupid . . .just because we're commanders we get stuck in the middle of the motorcade . . ." Mel muttered. "I hate driving in the middle . . ."

". . .hmm."

"Are you doing okay back there?"

"Yeah . . .just trying to get some sleep."

"I highly doubt you'll get any here . . .the roads are so damn bumpy." Mel said as he hit another bump. "Gah! Dammit."

"And I thought you said this was an all terrain vehicle . . ."

"It is. The problem is that it doesn't mean you'll be comfortable all the time . . ."

"Hmph." Sami made a face. "Well . . .then it can't be helped." She sat up and stared out the window. "How much longer do we have to sit around then?"

"Well . . .I'm not too sure. I haven't been to this region before and because of that . . .I can't tell."

"But didn't you . . ."

"Yeah, but didn't you live here too?"

"Yes, but I stayed near the capital."

"So did I."

"Well . . .I guess we're pretty useless here then huh?" She giggled.

"Yup."

"Hmm . . .can you radio anyone ahead or anything?"

"Well . . .Max finally came to. He's taking the lead."

"Then why aren't we?"

"I dunno. He says he insists."

"Well whatever Mel . . .if anything else . . .this sucks. Can you at least tell them to move faster?"

"I can try . . ."

Time: Hours later

Place: Naval Transport

". . .I can't believe them . . ." Mel said leaning his seat back.

"How long have we sat in here?"

"About eight hours . . .or more."

". . .ugh . . .it's so humid . . ." Sami complained.

"Tell me about it Sami."

"I feel so sticky . . .it's gross."

"Well don't change in here . . ."

"But . . ."

"But what?"

"Why does it matter? I can grab my stuff and change in the back."

"Yeah . . .but I'm here."

"So what?"

". . .don't you have any sense of . . .whatever it is?"

"Of course I do. It's just that . . .argh! Screw that!"

"What are you – " Mel was briefly interrupted as Sami's tank-top landed on his face. "Oh."

"And another thing, no one else can see either way! Your windows are tinted so darkly!"

". . .yeah . . .okay . . .fine . . ."

"Mel! Hold this!" She then thrust her cargo pants into his arms.

". . .um . . .what might this be? I still can't see anything."

"Good! This'll only take a few seconds." She said as she quickly pulled on a pair of shorts. "Done."

". . .can you remove your sweaty clothes from my face please?"

"Hmm? Okay." She picked her top up off from his face. "Ah . . .much better."

"I . . .I really don't understand you sometimes . . ." He said glancing back at her.

"Well you don't have to understand me all the time." She said brushing her hair.

"Oh . . .here's your pants back." He said tossing them to the back.

"Aren't you feeling gross as well?"

"Well . . .yes. But I have my . . .dignity."

"Hmph."

"I'm not like you." Mel said grinning.

"Well . . ."

"Well . . .maybe I'll just snooze here for a bit then . . ."

"Hmm?"

"It's a lot easier to sleep here on a boat than on a bumpy road."

"Kay. I'm gonna go out and look around."

"Dressed like that?"

"What?"

"Whatever happened to uniforms?"

"Who cares? They don't mind. I know that."

"What . . .do you mean?"

"I always dressed like this when I was gone."

"Huh . . .guess no one cared eh?"

"Not a bit."

"Well . . .have fun then."

Place: OS HQ Andy

". . .what is . . .going on!? Ugh . . .I wish someone would tell me . . ." Andy groaned.

"Commander Andy! There's been a sighting of the rest of the separated Orange Star forces."

"Oh? Great! Maybe they know what's going on!"

"Uh . . .Commander?"

"Yeah?"

"There's a transmission for you from Yellow Comet HQ."

"An-dy!'

" . . .Sonja!?"

"That's me!" She giggled.

"What . . .what's going on!?"

"Well . . .my daddy got annoyed at you guys . . .and I volunteered to take care of you even though Mel and his friends completely destroyed you three."

". . .don't remind me . . ."

"Well anyway . . .it's my turn and . . .I kinda kidnapped you guys after Mel was through with you all."

". . .so you planned all this!?" Andy said looking betrayed.

"Sorta . . ."

". . .huh . . ."

"Well . . .if it helps, I'm sorry . . .but there's too much at stake to explain right now."

". . .hmph."

"So let's have a little bit of fun then shall we?"

"Hmm?"

"Capture my HQ, and we'll talk then okay?"

". . .uh . . .sure I guess."

Time: Hours later

Place: Shores of the third island

Sami sat in the back seat of Mel's car as they continued making their way over towards Andy's HQ.

"Waa . . .this is stupid." She whined.

". . .what now?"

"I can hear the fighting over there already. Andy must be getting into trouble already."

". . .well that's Andy for you."

"Hmph . . .he could have at least waited for us to come and save him."

". . .I highly doubt we need to save him . . .he's up against Sonja after all."

"And knowing how those two act . . .they won't really do a thing."

"Yeah." Mel laughed.

"Ah fooey . . .let's just get to the HQ already . . .I wanna grab something to eat then take a shower."

"Hmm . . .but I don't really want to get there so soon . . .we're stuck in the middle again anyway."

"Hmph. Then do something about it."

"There's nothing I can really do . . ."

". . .ooh . . ." She plopped down against the seat and pouted.

". . .such a kid . . ."

"What?"

"Ah . . .nothing."

" . . . 'kay."

Time: Upon arrival at Orange Star HQ

"Mmm . . ." Sami yawned noisily.

"Sleepy again?"

"As usual." She giggled.

"Ah . . .what to do with you . . ."

"Well . . .I guess I can finally get some food . . ."

"Yup."

"Hmm . . .what do you think is happening?"

"Oh who cares? Nothing really matters right now . . .Max and Andy are probably annoyed as heck with me . . ."

"Actually not really. I was talking to Max for a bit a while ago."

"Oh?"

"And he kinda seems to think something weird has been going on . . .so he said he'll ignore what you did."

". . .hmm. Letting me off that easy?"

"Yeah."

"Well . . .I can't refuse that. I'll see you later then . . . I want to see what Sonja and Andy are up to."

"Okay. You want anything?"

"Hmm . . .no, I'm fine."

"Kay." She nodded.

Time: Days later

Place: YC HQ

"Hmm . . .oh, did they let you onii-chan?" Sonja asked as she stood waiting in the lobby.

"Huh? Oh yeah . . .they did." Mel said his attentions elsewhere.

"Well . . .that was fun wasn't it Andy?"

"Yeah . . .I guess." Andy mumbled.

"So now what Sonja?" Sami asked.

"Well . . .from what I've found . . .the man in black . . .and the black army's story is drawing to a close. Something is definitely amiss."

"Oh . . ."

"But I can't be too certain . . .so I have some things to check out then."

"Hmm."

"So . . .I believe your chase should lead you to Green Earth. Perhaps you'll find some answers there hmm?"

"Well . . .what do you think Mel?"

"Huh? What do I think? Well personally I think this is stupid."

"Blunt as ever Mel-nii . . .oh well. You guys . . .see you later. Stay well all right?"

"You too Sonja."

"Yeah, see you."

"I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused you . . .but it's necessary . . ." With that, Sonja left.

"Well . . .I guess that wraps up this battle." Andy said.

"Ah . . .yup." Mel agreed.

"So what do we do now?"

"We'll do what she suggested. Let's go to Green Earth." Mel said.

"Green Earth? Hmm . . .never been there." Andy said.

"Well there's a first time for everything. Let's move."

End of chapter