Nothing Is Fair In Love And War
A/N: I'm sure you read these all the time, but I have to put this here for a reason. I really can't afford to be sued by big companies so here it is. I don't own Gundam Wing or any of the characters, except the ones I made up and you'll know which ones they are.
I finally redid the beginning, though I ended up changing a lot of the storyline. Oh well it's way better anyway, at least I think so.
This fanfiction takes place in between the show. It is right after Heero destroyed the plane in which Martial Noventa was on, a dirty trick of Treize Krusranada. The story is something I thought up all on my own, so if there is anything that might resemble somebody's or your work, I assure you that it is by coincidence and has not been copied. Anyway, enjoy!
Chapter 1
Another Gundam
It was dark out, as winter was blowing nearer. Heero was in a dark room of a hideout were he and the other gundam pilots were staying at. The only light that was there came from a computer. He was looking through information when he was suddenly interrupted by a video from a friend.
Good day Heero. I have a message for you, said the old man.
What is it?Well, it is about your mistake with the plane. Many are disappointed and they don't think that you can handle the job anymore.Don't worry. You still have a chance. Instead, I have convinced them to let me send another Gundam.I don't need any help.Heero do stop being so stubborn. It was either that or pull the plug and I certainly wasn't about to do that.I still think that it is unnecessary. Then again, I guess we don't really have a choice.
He shut the computer off, going to the open window. He couldn't place it, but he felt something coming. Something familiar. Too tired to worry about it, he ignored the feeling and went to bed.
He knew it was a dream, but it felt as real as if he were awake. He stood in a courtyard, surrounded by cherry blossom trees, their leaves a soft pink. In the center was an elaborate pond, with a wooden bridge crossing over it. Stones lined the outer rim of the pond. Sitting on one, leaning over into the water, was a girl his age, wearing loose green pants, and a matching oriental top that buttoned all the way down. Her bright orange hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, with two chopsticks protruding out. She plucked a lotus flower and put it in her hair, right at the top of the ponytail.
Somehow she knew he was there, and she looked over her shoulder with a beautiful smile. He hadn't noticed it before, but dangling from her neck was a silver object that reflected the sun. It was a star pendant, but only half of one.
Suddenly he felt something heavy in his hand. Looking down, he found the other half in his grasp.
He wasn't sure if he heard it or just sensed it, but a voice called out. The girl turned the other way, looking at a figure standing on the stone bridge. To him, it was just a white blur with brown at the top. She got up and walked over to him, obeying his call. He wanted to go to her, but when he tried to move forward the ground moved in the opposite direction, preventing him from going any farther. A white light rose from the background, consuming everything till he could see nothing.
His eyes opened against his will, finding himself back in the barren room.
What was that dream? He got up and went to the open window with a view of the backyard, a spacious lot full of oak trees. She seems so close...
He knew he couldn't let a dream bother him, even if it was about her. There were more important things to worry about. He still had to tell the others the news. Heero didn't really care much about them, in fact they just annoyed him. Still he knew that he had to tell them about the other gundam.
Going out to the living room, he found everyone already there, ready and waiting for him.
Hey, what took you so long? You're usually up before anybody else, said Duo.
It's none of your business. Besides, I have something more important to tell you, said Heero, It seems that the colonies don't think that we are doing a good enough job so they're sending another Gundam.What? That's insane. said Duo.
Why would they do that? Is it because of what happened last time? said Quatre.
It's just wasting the gundanium that we could have used as repair parts, said Wufei.
At that moment, the air was taken over with the sounds of machinery, hovering over the house, and ending abruptly.
Could that be him now? said Quatre.
Well let's go and find out, said Duo as he went outside to the front of the building.
The others followed to see the new Gundam. Sure enough, that's just what it was. Plated in green, white, and an occasional gold, it was somewhat smaller than the other five Gundams. The door to the cockpit opened, and out leaped a figure in a dark green space outfit that clung tightly to its slender figure. Covering its head was a helmet, the visor too dark to see through. It started to undo the clamps around the helmet, bending down enough to slide it off.
To their surprise, orange hair flew up with a pretty face of a girl their age. She was physically flawless. Every angle, every curve was just right. Her skin was a soft tan, not too pale and not too dark. Her eyes were deep as emeralds, a sea of mystery. The most fascinating thing about her though was her hair. It was a bright orange, like fire, going down to her waist. She was everything they had not expected.
Heero stood blankly, shocked as to who it was. It was the girl in his dream. The others were shocked as well, but for a different reason.
Whoa, wait a minute here. The sixth Gundam pilot is a girl? said Duo.
Yes, do you have a problem with that? she said with a snappy voice and placing her hand on her waist.
No not at all. Man, she's feisty too.What are you doing here? said Heero.
Honestly Heero. Is that how you greet an old friend? she said.
Do you know her Heero? said Quatre.
Yeah? Is she your girlfriend or something? said Duo.
Girlfriend? Ahahhah! The girl laughed at such a thought.
Can I talk to you alone for a second? said Heero as he came up to her and grabbed her by the arm.
Hey, all you had to do was ask!
He ignored her comment and continued to drag her inside the house till they were out of the other pilots' earshot's.
What the hell are you doing here?If you would just calm down for a minute I could tell you. Look after the last time we met, I went back to The Hyoujin, but it was destroyed. Everyone is dead. I had nowhere else to go, so I went back to Dr. Jay and asked him if there was a way I could get to earth. He said he would disguise me as a Gundam pilot because we both knew that you would have stopped me if he had told you the truth.You don't belong here. A war is starting.You think I don't know that? It's another reason why I wanted to come. I want to do something about it.There's nothing you can do. You'll only get in the way.What's the matter with you? Aren't you even glad to see me? You haven't said anything nice since I got here.I'm sorry. I am glad to see you, just not like this.Well, you'll just have to get use to it cause I'm staying.You always were stubborn.And you were always bossy. She sat on the table, ignoring the chair.
Is he dead too?I don't know. I hate to say it, but I'm glad The Hyoujin is gone. Now I am free again. She gazed over her shoulder, looking at the other pilots who were walking back in, Who are they?They are other Gundam pilots.I thought there was only you?We all thought we were alone.Wow, talk about disorganization.I don't even know why they're here. I don't need their help.Maybe they need yours. She walked out to the living room to finish introducing herself.
Heero had noticed a great change in her. The last time he saw her she was immensely depressed, as if she carried the weight of the world on her shoulders. Now she was so carefree, like the way she used to be. He thought the reason could have been that she was free from The Hyoujin. Free from him.
Sorry about that. Oh my god! I haven't even told you my name. It's Kasen.I'm Quatre Robaba Winner, it's nice to have you here, said Quatre, trying to be friendly.
The name's Duo.
The last one remained silent, leaning up against the wall. He looked at her, remembering her from years ago. I've seen you before.Really? I've never met you.Your hair was shorter back then, but, I'm sure it's you, the himochi kunochi, the fire-haired ninja.A ninja? said Duo and Quatre.
They all looked at her, wondering if she would deny his accusation.
Is that what everyone's been calling me? Well I guess it makes sense. But how do you know that?You stole the sacred sword from the martial arts school I attended and you killed my master.Well I am sorry about the sword but I did not kill your master.You were the only one there. I saw you run away.Don't be stupid. I wasn't alone. I'm the only one that you saw. The one who killed your master was Mokurei.The least you could do is not to lie to my face.I'm not lying. Your master caught me taking the sword and said that we had to fight to the death, because killing him was the only way I was going to escape with it. So we fought. He had an amazing talent. He was far better than me. You should know that no one using a sword could have killed him unless they caught him completely off guard, and even that would have been difficult to do. But Mokurei is very good at doing just that.
In her mind she could see it happening as if it were the first time. She had fallen to the ground, and he hovered over her, his fist ready to strike. But before he ever made an attack, a steel blade lashed out, cutting his head off in one swift slice. From the roof, he dropped down, looming over his prey with pride.
Exceptionally good at it.Why should I believe anything you say?You're right. She got down on her knees and bowed down, All I can give you is my word, and my deepest apologies.Spare me your pity. I don't need it. I suppose you didn't kill him. A weakling like you could never compare to my master.Is it weak to honor life?
Wufei said nothing, not wanting to discuss the issue any longer, and walked outside.
Well, that was sufficiently awkward, said Duo, not knowing what was going on.
Trowa and Quatre looked on, equally confused.
So, you're a ninja? asked Trowa.
Yes, from the Hyoujin clan.
You're not a real Gundam pilot are you?No. I just used it to get here. After all, it is the fastest means of transportation around.
He sighed out of disappointment. It seems Wufei was right. It was a waste. Now we have six Gundams, but only five pilots. He walked away as well.
She sat there with a forlorn look on her face. Kasen knew they would not open up to her so easily, and she accepted their coldness.
Hey don't let what those two said bother you. They're always depressing, said Duo.
But they do mean well, chimed in Quatre.
She smiled reassuringly as she stood back up, happy that at least two of them were friendly.
Thank you.So why are you here if you're not a Gundam pilot? asked Quatre.
I want to change the future. We must stop a war from breaking out.It's in all of our best interests.I hate to say it, but I think it's a lost cause, said Duo.
It's only a lost cause as long as you believe that it is.In case your not aware of what's been going on down here, there isn't much left to believe in.Maybe you're just not looking hard enough.
Duo just smiled. You're pretty optimistic. That's something that's been missing around here.So I've noticed.
She went to the doorway that lead outside, taking in the beauty of the area. She took in a deep breath, and for the first time breathed real fresh air. Curious about this new world, she went to the trees and touched their rough bark. The birds barked at her for being so close, but she was glad to hear their calls. Stepping away, she let herself fall to the ground. Soft grass gave way from underneath her as she looked up to the sky. It was more real than anything she had even looked upon. It had been made by nature, and kept by nature. Life flowed through the planet's veins, and lying there, on it's grassy soil, made her feel whole.
Duo and Quatre looked on, finding her behavior strange.
What's with this girl? said Duo.
She's lived her whole life on the colonies. An artificial world is all she's ever known, replied Heero.
I must admit Earth is quite overwhelming, said Quatre.
Is she just gonna lay there all day? said Duo.
said Heero as he walked away, knowing that there was more important things to do than just standing around talking.
It really is disappointing... said Wufei from behind Duo and Quatre. They both jumped, not knowing that he was there at all.
Where there hell did you come from? said Duo.
Wufei ignored him and continued with his sentence.
People in the feudal district always talked about how fearless the himochi kunochi was. She was the best. Now look at her, soft as damn clay. What a waste.Is it really so bad to put your sword down? said Quatre. He could understand why she would. He too was growing weary of fighting.
Well she sure as hell picked the wrong time.I'm not putting my sword down, she said, sitting up, having heard their entire conversation. Not just yet. Rising to her feet she walked over to them, her demeanor changing from cheerful to serious.
I don't know anything about fighting with a Gundam, but I will help you stop a war and if one does break out, I will help end it.No offense, but how do you plan on doing that without a mobile suit? said Duo.
There is more than one way to attack. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to change out of this thing. It's way too hot. She went back in side and entered a room off to the right, locking the door behind her.
Is this girl for real? said Duo.
She seems sincere, said Quatre.
I wouldn't be so certain. You heard her. She's not really on anyone's side except her own. How do we know she won't slit our throats in the night? said Wufei.
She won't do that, said Heero, She is on our side, that much I know for sure.You mean your side.Yeah, as long as I don't piss her off again.Well that's comforting said Duo sarcastically.
We have bigger problems than Kasen. We need to think of how we are going to get back OZ.Oh yeah that.All I've been able to collect is that they're building a base close by, off the coast, said Trowa.
How's that possible? The coast is covered with houses and rocks, said Quatre.
It's on a ship. My guess is they're gonna transport mobile suits to Remington. It's the weakest base in this proximity.So we hit the ship before it docks and then take out the base, sounds easy enough, boasted Duo.
The locked door opened, followed by Kasen. Her arms and legs were completely covered by black tight pants and a long sleeve turtle neck, with a short green dress layered over. Coming up to her knees were high heeled boots that clicked with her every step. Around her neck was a silver chain, with a star pendant.
What are you guys talking about? She said as she sat on the armrest of the couch.
Nothing of your concern, snapped Wufei.
Well fine. I wasn't really interested anyway.Isn't there something more important that you could be doing instead of bothering us?
Kasen stared him down, You wanna repeat that?No, I'm pretty sure you heard me right the first time.
As soon as he had finished his sentence a shroduken landed into his chair, inches away from his face. Enraged by his comment, Kasen stormed off to the back porch, before she threw another with better accuracy.
Nice going Wufei, said Duo, who went after her since Heero didn't plan on moving.
She stood with her arms crossed, muttering to herself to let off steam. Though she was mad at him, she couldn't help to think that he was right. She felt useless, and that's when tears started to fill her eyes.
What's this? A ninja crying? said Duo.
Go away. she turned away from him, now embarrassed on top of everything else.
You know, I think Wufei's only messing with you because he's disappointed. You don't live up to all the stories.That's because the stories aren't about me. She looked over her shoulder, not sure what to expect from him.
You wanna get out of here?And go where?I don't know. Anywhere.
She wasn't sure if that was such a good idea. She had the feeling that he was only being nice to her because she was pretty. No, I won't run away. I'm tired of running.We're hitting OZ tonight. It's a transport ship. Then the Remington base. Heero will probably kill me for telling you, but...he's pissed me off before so I figure this way we'll be even.
He turned around, heading for the door.
He stopped and turned around to listen to what she wanted to say.
Thank you.
He smiled and went back inside.
She didn't know what to do, but she had to prove herself to them somehow, or she would never stop being ridiculed. She wanted nothing more than to give up her ninja life, but the world was tumbling towards chaos, and diplomacy just wasn't an option.
She had distanced herself from them for the rest of the day, until Heero finally confronted her. She sat in a chair out back, sharpening a throwing knife, when he came up to her.
Kasen, we're going on a mission, and I don't want you following us.I'm going no matter what.I mean it Kasen. Doesn't matter how skilled you are, you'll still be in the way because you'll be on the ground, while the rest of try to blow the place up. And don't even think about using the Gundam.I would never use that thing. I hate it. I only took it because it was the fastest way to get here.Then stay here.Damn it Kasen I'm not asking! If you follow us, I'll shoot you down.You wouldn't dare...Don't push me. You'll get your chance, but not right now. I promise I'll come back for you.
She hated being bossed around, especially by him. But she could let this fight go. He had no idea that she knew where he was going, and protesting against being ditched made it even more believable.
Fine, but this is the only time and the last time.
He and the others entered their Gundams, starting the engines up, which was more noise them she could stand. One by one they lifted off into the night sky, leaving her alone.
She laid out on the couch, contemplating whether she should follow them or not. She wanted to go, but the more she thought about it, the more she realized that there was little she could do. Compared to the mobile suits, she was outdated, which was why the clans had been declining. If it wasn't from going broke it was that they pissed the wrong person off and were attack by mobile suits. Just as The Hyoujin had been.
Maybe it was my fault she thought to herself, If only I hadn't been caught. How did they know I was there? It's as if they knew I was coming...like they were waiting for me...
She didn't want to think about it, but her mind drifted to other thoughts that she would have preferred to forget. Thinking of the clan only reminded her of Mokurei. It was his ninja name, but she had always called him but his real name, Makoto. He was one of the few who knew her real name, though now she did not know what had become of him.
Mako, I wish things could have ended better between us. Wherever you are, I hope that you can forgive me.
She closed her eyes and dozed off, not wanting to think about anything else.