Disclaimer: see Chapter 1
Fated Shift: Rearmed
Centurious the Azure and Storm Wolf77415
Earthfall
(EAS Archangel, Middle of the Desert, African Community, February 15th, C.E. 71)
It was early in the morning when the Archangel descended from the heavens onto the pristine expanses of the African desert. All of the ship's officers were in the main conference room taking the moment to get their bearings. It wasn't what anyone was expecting. "Libya? We're in motherfucking Libya?" Keijiro exclaimed, pointing on a map at their current destination, marked by a blue cursor in northern Africa. "What the hell, Kira? This wasn't part of the plan! We should be right here!" He pointed to the red cursor over a point in Alaska. "Not over here!" He pointed back to the blue one.
"I'm sorry! It's not my fault I drifted off course!" Kira shot back, but the crew's resident stoner was in full rant mode. Natarle was completely numb to his antics by this point. Murrue was the model of a patient commander. Yukimasa, Kuro, and Cagalli just stood off to the side, figuring it was just better to let him work it out of his system before whacking him over the head and stuffing him back into the cell to get some rest. Even after being effectively exonerated by Admiral Halberton, he still preferred the brig to normal crew quarters.
"We're supposed to be neck-deep in a different kind of white stuff! Snow! SNOW! Not sand! I hate sand! It's coarse and irritating when it gets in my asshole!" He paced about the bridge, continuing to carry on. "And on top of it all, we ended up going from one extreme to the other! This is the Waltfeld Team's territory! We are so going to get Quaddafied by him!"
Mu groaned, interjecting before Keijiro could continue whining any further. "Okay, thanks for your wonderful contributions to this briefing. We have now met all our quotas for anal jokes and references to Pre Reconstruction War dictators. Can we now focus on the matter at hand?" Everyone seemed uneasy about this turn of events. Was it too much to ask to just let them get to their destination without some wrench getting thrown into the works?
"He does bring up a pretty valid point though. We just went from being pursued by the White Meteor to having to deal with the Desert Tiger. We traded out ZAFT's best space commander for their best ground commander. Talk about your lose-lose situations." Yukimasa commented.
"Is it though?" Cagalli asked. "I mean let's face it, we're not exactly vulnerable here. We have two of the Heliopolis Gundams. Kuro's Reconstruction War-era beast, whatever it is Alyssa's machine can do. And Keijiro's Eurotrash Gundam wannabe. Plus we have those new fighters we got from the Eighth Fleet, all of that has to amount to something." It was then a hand fell on her shoulder, causing the blonde to jump.
There stood Alyssa, seeming to materialize out of nowhere. "It makes all the difference Lady Cagalli. How many mobile suits we have means nothing if we're corned by the most strategically gifted commander the enemy has. He's the supreme theater commander in Africa for a reason. He's the Cosmic Era equivalent to General Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox. Commander Waltfeld earned his name, he's just as brilliant."
Keijiro snorted. "Isn't that something? It's known the Tiger is of Jewish descent, and here he is being compared to a Nazi."
"Oh shut your damn mouth, Keijiro!" Cagalli butted in, her temper flaring up as always. "It just makes it a wide target that I'll be all too happy to hit, and this range I won't miss! Alyssa was talking and we don't need your smartass commentary!"
"Oh, you're one to talk, Miss Aryan Princess who lives on a tropical island!" Keijiro was extra moody, not just because he hated the desert, but because also didn't have his morning ration of the sweet green stuff. "When was the last time you got a tan, Cagalli? I thought Flay was completely transparent due to being a ginger, a sexy ginger at that." He added at the end. "But a ginger regardless."
"That's enough from all of you!" Murrue took back control of the meeting, not before letting out a quiet sigh. "Why did I leave behind teaching high school science for the tech industry if I knew it would mean quelling playground fights in the middle of an active war zone? Not sure which is more dangerous, the battlefield or the classroom!" The Hawk of Endymion then put on the charm.
"Now relax there, Captain. You know you love all of our little darlings. They've certainly made this house feel more lively after all." He patted her on the shoulder. Natarle coughed, trying to restore some order to the scene.
"The more pressing question is why most of them are here in the first place? The only ones we needed were Ensign Yamato and Colonel Sahaku. In fact, I distinctly recall saying they were not to be here." She glared at Keijiro in particular, who just simply winked and grinned.
Kuro gave a noncommittal shrug. "Truthfully the only reason I'm here is that Alyssa asked me to be present. Need I remind you, Commander Badgiruel, but I'm also a ranking officer in the Orb Defense Forces. I would think career military like you would appreciate the extra insight, even if this isn't really my bag. I prefer the cockpit to the conference room, doubly so when it involves trying to figure out an exit strategy from a whole continent."
Kuro paused, his eyes sweeping over all in attendance before he continued. "If you do want my insight, Captain Ramius." He locked eyes with their captain. His composure shifted from relaxed to unflappably professional, going from languid ennui to a stoic bearing. It was quite easy for Murrue to forget this young man was also a professional soldier. "We should think about making contact with the local resistance groups and guerillas. According to my country's ONI, Libya is particularly thick with those kinds of crews against ZAFT's presence. It's why he took his headquarters at Banadiya. It's one of the last places that aren't completely pro-ZAFT. Now that I think about it, they really aren't pro anyone except for their kind."
"Then why would they want to help us?" Sharon crossed her arms beneath her ample chest.
"And how do we find them?" Natarle blinked, sharing in her companion's curiosity.
"To answer your question, Commander Heim. It's simply the enemy of my enemy is my friend." Kuro stated before shifting to Natarle, gesturing to the ensign casually. "And we won't find them, Commander Badrigurel. Odds are they'll find us when ZAFT attacks. I'm sure it will catch the locals' attention once they see the Tiger's forces on the move and it's not after them. It's only natural, pun not intended, they'll follow."
"It's the best idea we've got right now." Murrue groaned, sinking backward into her chair. Wishing this old office chair was as comfy as her chair on the bridge as it squeaked. Only for Mu to pat her on the shoulder again.
"Whatever you want to do, I will follow oh fair captain. although I'll admit that I was more into girls at that age rather than military intel." He flashed another debonair smile at Murrue. Murrue thought she might have swooned if she were far less composed. Although, she felt her cheeks flare up a bit at it.
Natarle rolled her eyes, letting out a long-suffering sigh. "What is it about combat pilots and their incessant desire to get laid? Let's face it, two of them already have steady girlfriends on this ship. I don't know about the two of you." She gave a pointed look at Kuro and Cagalli in particular. Cagalli stuck her tongue out at the ensign. Kuro looked at Natarle as if to say: "what?" "But between all the hormones and stress, I hope that we don't have a sudden baby boom."
"Damn, I'm the only one on this ship without access to some decent pussy!" Keijiro stood up, exclaiming. As if he just hit upon a great revelation. "Why the only person who's getting less action than me is Badgerall over here." He jerked a thumb at the XO. She flashed the nastiest glare she could, but Keijiro was unaffected. He just shrugged. "I'm going to go down to the hangar and give my dear Hyperion some attention before the Tiger shows up to shove his claws up our assholes."
Cagalli growled under her breath as their long-time constant irritant departed with a hiss of the automatic door. "He is such a raging dick! I'm hitting the simulators. I need to work off some stress!" The four of them left the conference room together, leaving the Earth Forces officers to talk among themselves. They headed to the revamped cargo bay where a pair of simulators were set up. She let out a groan, stretching her arms to the ceiling. It was but a short meeting. Still, Cagalli needed to work out the kinks of sitting. There was no keeping her at rest for long. "Our country may be one dedicated to peace, but nothing is more gratifying than blowing something up!"
"It is basically a giant video game system," Kuro remarked carelessly, gesturing to the sim. "It does keep away the stir crazy. You've spent a lot of time there."
"I've got the high score to prove it!" Cagalli puffed out her chest in pride.
"And yet you still haven't gotten down the landing." Alyssa quipped, making Cagalli start blushing.
"I'm working on it!" The blonde protested, casting a look at Alyssa. Then, Cagalli paused for a long moment. A concerned expression crossed her features. "Although what's really weird is that Flay girl is spending time in the other simulator. What could someone like her want to do getting into the cockpit of a fighter?" This got Kuro's attention. Who then looked over to Yukimasa, looking intently at the ceiling.
"What indeed." Yukimasa finally spoke, frowning deeply. His gaze fell upon his fellow noble. "Unlike you, Cagalli, Flay has no prior military training. I've noticed over the last few days that she has spent more and more time logging hours in the simulator. I'm afraid her father's death may have pushed her down this path. Would it be too much to ask if you could keep an eye on her while you're both working in the sims?" Cagalli looked like Yukimasa just asked her to open-mouth kiss Flay.
"I sympathize with her, but what would I talk with her about? What kind of makeup we both like? She and I have nothing in common!" They soon arrived in front of the simulator room. Cagalli and Alyssa went in, while Kuro stopped Yukimasa to talk.
"You okay, Bro?" Kuro asked, concerned. "I figure this whole thing with Flay has you pretty concerned."
He nodded slowly, worry coloring his face. "It does. I mean it's not like we have any available machines for her to go out and cause trouble in." He let out a weary chuckle. "Really though it was the whole talk about our romantic entanglements that got me thinking about my relationship with Flay. We've kept it PG up to this point, and I'm pretty sure Flay is okay with it. But given this attitude of hers, if she really is going to join us on the battlefield. What if tomorrow is the last day for either of us? Should I…?" He trailed off, not able to finish the thought.
Kuro gave him an understanding nod, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Not wanting to live with any regrets. It's a tough call to make. In that case, it may not be a bad idea, but ultimately that decision falls to you and Flay. I trust you enough to make that choice, bro. Perhaps I should talk about it with Cagalli. But after we fend off the Tiger." He then went into the simulator room and Yukimasa departed for the hangar, resolving to talk with Flay about this, and if need be, start training her personally.
(Staging Point, Middle of the Desert, African Community)
Commander Andrew Waltfeld, known as the Desert Tiger of Victoria, sat in the cockpit of his personal TMF/A-802 BuCUE, painted orange and his personal emblem on the shoulders against a red background. He hadn't bothered with his flightsuit today, given how hot it was, instead clad in his normal ZAFT uniform in desert tan. News of the legged ship had spread throughout the ranks quickly, and it was known they were heading for Earth. The Tiger was ready, with a force of twelve BuCUEs, accompanied by an equal number of TFA-2 ZuOOTs for artillery support. Plus a half dozen AMF-101 DINNs for aerial support.
In all the Waltfeld Team had brought a significant amount of firepower to bear. And the Desert Tiger himself was ready for a brawl. "So this is the legged ship that's given the White Meteor so much trouble. What do you think of it, Aisha? What's your womanly opinion?" He asked his alluring companion manning the gunnery station, and she was wearing a pale blue ZAFT style flightsuit, minus her helmet. Her long blue hair was tied up in a ponytail.
Aisha let out a merry giggle, leaning forward in her seat with a toothy grin. "It's a pretty looking ship to be sure. I'm amazed they made it all the way here. I suppose it's a testament to the Earth Alliance for building such a hardy vessel. I've heard it has quite the eccentric collection of mobile suits as well. It apparently has a Eurasian prototype. It's been a while since we've had some new playmates, Andy." Her thin smirk mirrored the Tiger's own as she primed the BuCUE's missile launchers. "I hope they won't disappoint us."
"Then let's welcome them to the desert." He keyed the radio to address the entire battalion. "All units this is Tiger Actual, you know how this goes! Weapons Free!" And with that, the battle was on! The BuCUEs and DINNs surged forward to battle. Missiles rocketed out from the 13 tube launchers and 450mm railgun shells lanced out across the desert toward the Archangel. The mighty white vessel responded in turn with its array of formidable weaponry. The Valiants launched 110cm shells back, while green beams the size of telephone poles surged from the Gottfrieds.
Andy could make out small gleams of light launching from the open hangar bays. "So let's get a look at these mobile suits. Hold on Aisha!" He punched the accelerator to the floor. And his machine leapt ahead of the pack, kicking up a massive amount of sand in its wake. "This is what gets me up in the morning, besides my normal cup of coffee that is!" Alisha let out an excited giggle as she was pushed back into her seat by the sheer force of acceleration. The Desert Tiger wore a nasty grin that would make his namesake proud. "All right legged ship, here comes the welcome of the Desert Tiger!"
(EAS Archangel, Bridge)
Murrue figured she should be inured to this song and dance by now. They were military officers involved in one of the largest wars humanity had seen since the Reconstruction War. But still, the surge of combat, shells, and beams flying at the ship made her hair stand on end. "Report on our mobile complement Commander Heim?" She barked down to Sharon, manning the CIC with Natarle.
"The Gravesend and Masamune are already on the catapults. The Absynthion and Hyperion are getting their final preparations. Ensign Yamato is making some last-minute adjustments on the Strike, and Captain La Flaga is getting Skygrasper 1 prepped. Although we don't have anyone on the other plane." Natarle said, looking worriedly at the radar screen and the huge amount of angry red blips approaching quickly. "What I wouldn't give to have an armored corps or two right now. A few hundred linear tanks would certainly make my day."
"For once we agree," Sharon concurred, uneasily gazing at the same display, even as the brilliant blue blips for the Gravesend and Masamune appeared, beginning to engage the Waltfeld Team. "Even if they aren't nearly as maneuverable as BuCUEs, their firepower would be a great distraction for the others. Try to flank them or something."
"Or at the very least keep the ZuOOTs at bay!" Murrue said, grasping the arms of her chair tightly as if hanging on for dear life. Even the tanks were more maneuverable than the artillery mobile suits were! All she could do was observe and hope they managed to repel their attackers.
(Archangel, Hangar)
Kira paid little mind as Mu's Skygrasper taxied to the catapult. He was madly typing away on the Strike's keyboard, entering in the last vital calculations to ensure his machine didn't stumble around on the sand like a drunken metal idiot. Yui was outside, making sure the dust covers were in place on the Gundam's joints in order to keep the sand from making too much of a mess to the exposed machinery.
For the newly minted White Knight, he couldn't help but look at his princess with a sense of awe and pride. Yui was the one who brought up the little fact that the Strike's weight distribution had never been properly calibrated for desert environments, so he was scrambling as quickly as possible to enter the calculations. Kira reckoned even faster than he had initially rewritten the Strike's operating system back on Heliopolis.
A final beep indicated the adjustments to the code were complete. The Strike would be able to keep its footing on the sandy ground. Yui slid halfway into the cockpit. "You're all set!" She leaned in, giving him a deep kiss. "Please be careful, Kira. I know you've come a long way since we left Heliopolis but this is your first ground battle." Her voice dropped lower. "Not to mention there's something I need to talk to you about. It's really important."
He could see the worry in her eyes. As if she was quite reluctant to share this. But he trusted her enough. "No problem." Yui's anxiety faded. It was thanks to that easygoing nature of Kira that made their relationship work so well. He sealed the cockpit and got one last look at his beloved who blew him a kiss and waved before leaving the gantry. He guided the Strike to the catapult.
"What do you need today, Kira?" Miriallia's pleasant voice cracked into his earpiece, offering the succor he so needed for the battle ahead.
"I need to make sure the new adjustments to the OS for the sand. So give me the Launcher Pack, and keep the Aile on standby." This would be the true test of his handiwork. If it didn't, then he switch over and make use of the flight pack's superior maneuverability to give him a slight edge and not have to be ground-bound all the time. He paid little mind to the now-familiar process of the equipment pack attaching to the Strike.
"Kira Yamato, Strike Gundam Launching!" The lurch and he was soon hurtling into the night sky. Using the boosters to slow his descent, Kira couldn't help but smile triumphantly as his mobile suit settled firmly on the loose, coarse sand. "The adjustments to the OS are working just like I hoped!" He saw a BuCUE hurtle toward the Masamune. He snapped up the Agni, squeezing off a round, immolating it in seconds. The Masamune gave a jaunty wave, before engaging a second BuCUE, sparks fizzling off the physical blade as it deflected the double beam saber held in its mouth.
"Down boy! I already have a girlfriend!" Yukimasa said, giving the offending BuCUE a face full of flaming wrist launched beams. The sword flipped back, and he made use of the rifle's stronger beams to take potshots at the BuCUEs circling him. One of the BuCUEs began lobbing railgun shells at him once again. A ZuOOT joined the fray, rumbling into position, firing its whole arsenal. It was due to the Masamune's greater speed and agility that kept the young Sahaku scion from an early grave. The sleek machine lunged forward, slicing the artillery machine in half.
It was then another BuCUE bodychecked the Masamune right in the gut. If not for his seatbelt. Yukimasa would have gone ping-ponging around the cockpit. He then got a good look at who had attacked him. The offending BuCUE had a desert camouflage paint scheme, a series of tans and browns, even some pink in a digital pattern, and armed with a very different equipment package. Rather than the 13 tube missile launcher or the twin railguns, this BuCUE carried a single cannon of unknown design and twin four-tube missile launchers.
The engineer in Yukimasa was already piqued at the hardware being carried by this particular unit. "Oh, you're not just an average grunt are you?" He said, watching as the BuCUE slowly prowled around him. "If that weapon and paint job are any indication… You must be the Waltfeld Team's resident ace. I suppose it makes sense he wouldn't be the only elite present."
"Why thank you so much, mate! I'm always flattered to be acknowledged for my skill." A voice with a thick Australian drawl responded. "Truthfully, the boss man's on a completely different level from all of us. But I'm certainly no dim-witted grunt. The name's Lieutenant Bryce Ramsay, but everyone calls me 'Dingo'."
"Oh, so does that mean you're going to eat my baby?" Yukimasa quipped back, readying his sword, holding it out in front of him. "Well, I hate to say it, but I'm afraid I don't have kids at this point in time. I'm not even married. Really, knowing my girlfriend it will still be a few years, so I'm afraid there are no babies for you today!"
Dingo just let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, like I haven't heard that old joke a million times before! And kids aren't my type, way too stringy and they don't digest very well." The two mobile suits crouched, just waiting for the right moment to strike. "But since I've introduced myself, it's only proper that you do the same. I am a bit curious as to what an Orb native is doing on an Earth Alliance ship."
Yukimasa hid his surprise relatively well. The Waltfeld Team were either very observant or had really good intelligence! "How did you know I was from Orb?" He asked.
"Your accent, mate. It always gives guys like us away. Not that I really care about where you're from. I have nothing against you guys. I'm just here looking for a good fight. So are you going to give it to me or not?" Yukimasa couldn't help but find himself liking this enemy soldier. He was like Kejiro if he wasn't such an asshole. And since it wasn't like the Tiger and his men were going to let them go. He may as well get a few good hits in.
The Masamune and BuCUE rushed each other. The cannon fired a barrage of green beams only to be parried by the shining blade. Yukimasa took his machine to the sky, but the Dingo's fangs had a long reach as a spray of missiles followed him. Just one of many fights erupting in the greater conflict.
(Desert)
The Gravesend loomed in the desert night like a true monster. Kuro had made the spare anti-ship sword a regular part of his arsenal. Who could say no to a fifteen-foot-long sword with a laser cutting edge? It would be quite useful against a BuCUE provided they slowed down long enough for him to swing it. One tried pouncing on the demonic mobile suit, and it was only due to the Alaya-Vijiana and good senses that allowed him to elbow the quadrupedal beast, knocking it back as it fired off a pair of railgun rounds at him.
Kuro snarled wordlessly, doing his best to avoid getting plugged. Gravesend's armor was sturdy, but those railgun shells could still do some significant damage at this range. He rolled and hopped over the sandy embankments, evading shells and missiles. He began scanning the dunes, looking for any possible ZAFT forces. His master alarm began blaring. A couple of ZuOOTs come over a tall sand dune. The twin barrels of the shoulder-mounted 105mm cannons and the arm-mounted 88mm cannons all gleamed ominously. "Fuck." Was Kuro's sole response.
He kicked the thrusters, leaping into the air to avoid being blown apart by the combined firepower of the artillery machines. The explosion lit up the night. The Gravesend landed in a crouch, only to find a trio of BuCUEs rushing right at him. "Somedays you can't get rid of a BuCUE!" He quipped, taking the anti-ship sword, and finally cleaving one of the machines in twain. "Now that's more like it!" Only for the Gravesend to stagger from a barrage of missiles. "Oh fuck you!" He yelled at the BuCUE running by him. damned four-legged speed demons, "I should probably see about getting some ranged firepower for this thing."
But for now, he'd have to settle for just staying alive. One of the ZAFT machines pounced on the Gravesend, the beam saber cutting a deep swath across its midsection. Kuro cursed out in every language he knew as his machine stumbled to the ground. The ZAFT pilot sensed the blood in the water. The BuCUE pounced at the Gravesend, only to be met by a heavy metallic fist. "That's what you get for trying to cheap-shot me!" He snarled in satisfaction as it was the BuCUE's turn to flounder about.
It was then a pair of shells streaked toward him. Kuro sidestepped it, to see a ZuOOT looming over the sandy wastes. Another BuCUE was there. He sighed. It just never ended! It was then orange and blue beams punched through the artillery machine. The Strike held the Agni. Kuro gave the customary double click. Brandishing the anti-ship sword. He would deal with the two BuCUEs.
A white blur flew across the desert, yellow bursts of light followed by a BuCUE or a ZuOOT exploding, punctuating where Alyssa was leaving her mark. "Fear not, Master Kuro. I will assist you when I can." She said, knowing he full well he was fine on his own. But Kuro wasn't going to say no to aid. Forgoing the railgun, she reached into the round shield mounted on Absynthion's left arm, pulling out a white handle, a column of icy fire springing to life.
Alyssa impassively swung her blade downward, cleaving one of the BuCUE's in half right down the middle, before wheeling about to blast a ZuOOT in the back, a perfect hole right through the torso. Kuro couldn't help but be impressed with his companion's eerie precision, but he was quickly reminded this was still a battlefield when his alarm went off, alerting him in time to avoid being turned into scrap by a missile barrage.
(Desert)
Kira was quick to come to Kuro's defense, firing a couple more hyper impulse bursts, scattering the BuCUEs. The shoulder-mounted 120mm anti-ship vulcan cannon, and twin 350mm gun launcher rang out in concert, kicking up plumes of sand. A salvo of 120mm shells tore off the port wing of one BuCUE, and a 350mm sheared off the tip of a railgun barrel on a second. His alarm began blaring again, and he raised his shield to protect himself from a hail of missiles. Through the smoke, he saw the telltale glow of a red monoeye sensor. Kira's heart seized at that moment.
A BuCUE emerged, unlike the others. It had no beam saber, rather it had a pair of menacing meter-long steel fangs. It was colored orange and gray, stalking around the Strike just as a wild beast hunted its prey. The White Knight had come face to face with the Tiger of the Desert! "So that's the one who got away," Andy said. "The Strike it was called, right?" He smirked, sensing a true challenge. "Well then, let's see what it can do!" The custom BuCUE surged toward the Strike.
It took all of Kira's reflexes to avoid losing an arm as the Tiger's machine swung at him with those big nasty fangs. He tried firing the Agni, but the BuCUE was quicker on the draw. It launched a couple more missiles. The projectiles intercepted by a spray of 75mm shells from the CIWS, made them explode early, blinding Kira, firing off another blast from the Agni, but he missed completely.
Waltfeld just shook his head in disappointment. The pilot needed some marksmanship lessons. If he couldn't hit the broadside of a mountain with that cannon, what hope did he have? He was already getting some distance from the Strike, regrouping for the next attack. The white and blue Gundam fired the shoulder-mounted array this time, but the BuCUE was true to its master's namesake, leaping about as fountains of sand erupted upward. It darted close to the Strike, passing it by before it bring the cannon to bear. Kira fired again, this time grazing the backside.
"Getting a little toasty in here!" Waltfeld remarked at the charred blast mark on the BuCUE's left metallic haunch, his brain already starting to formulate his next strategy. "This is Tiger Actual, ZuOOTs 505, 511, and 503. I need immediate fire support." A trio of artillery mobile suits rolled to their commander's aid. "Target that machine." All of the ZuOOTs opened fire at once, the Strike battered from all directions. They continued this onslaught, even as Kira struggled to find an opening to shoot back.
"Your fancy armor is impressive, but it can't last forever." Even as more shells continued laying into the mighty Gundam. "I've read the reports given by the Le Creuset Team, and it was estimated to last seventy-six hits before you run out of power, and when that happens," Andy smirked, as the armor flickered briefly. The BuCUE sprinted in and tore into the Strike's exposed leg, the fangs tearing a chunk out of its leg. "The armor goes down and you're vulnerable!"
(Desert)
Keijiro eagerly waded into the conflict. This would be a real test of the Hyperion's capabilities. He already knew what target would be his focus. "Ah ZuOOTs, a major step up from linear tanks." Two of the mobile suits in question were lumbering along toward where the Strike and the Tiger were clashing. "But still just big ass targets when compared to this little beauty!" He raised his beam submachine gun, locking on to the first. The magenta beam flashed over the sand, catching the artillery mobile suit in the shoulder and back. It sparked a couple of seconds before exploding. Taking everyone off guard.
The second ZuOOT turned to avenge his comrade. But Keijiro was ready. There was another pink flash, catching the ZuOOT right in the side. The Hyperion's thrusters flared to life and he rushed forward, activating his port side beam shield. He took one of the beam knives, flinging it right at the ZuOOTs head, destroying the main camera. He finished it off with a pair of quick swings, and he claimed his second kill. "Tell Yui I owe her one for keeping your sorry ass alive!" Keijiro told Kira, firing a few quick bursts at Waltfeld's custom BuCUE to give him some breathing room.
He saw two more BuCUEs and three ZuOOTs coming to support their commander. A wall of railgun shells and missiles flying toward the Eurasian Gundam. Fire, smoke, and sand flew everywhere as the rounds hit their mark. The ZAFT pilots felt rather smug until a pair of cold, emerald lights flared. "So sorry, I'm afraid that did nothing at all!" Keijiro sang out, the full power of the Armure Lumiere on display as the Hyperion stood in the middle of a glowing, honeycomb barrier.
"Now the real party starts!" Keijiro let out a wordless cry, kicking on the thrusters the Hyperion leapt into the night sky, priming the Hyperion's most powerful weapon, the backpack binders flipping over the shoulders. "Who ordered their mobile suits extra charred!" A pair of emerald green beams, wreathed by pearlescent light lanced downward, destroying all of the ZAFT mobile suits in the vicinity, leaving just a few slivers of metal lying in a crater coated in glass.
Keijiro's eye went to the battery meter. "Hmm, best not use the full shield or the cannons again. Otherwise, I'll be dead in the water for sure. So I'll just have to take a more personal approach!" He put the beam rifle away, pulling two more beam knives. There were still nearly a dozen and a half of the clunky artillery mobile suits remaining. But he wasn't about to take it lightly. He began scanning for the nearest target. A pair of ZuOOTs were harassing the Archangel. He growled when he saw a salvo catch the white vessel in the starboard flank, smoke roiling out of the hole.
"Hey, you guys all right?" Keijiro barked. But all he got was static. His blood was getting up. That ship was something he helped create. No one laid a finger on it! As he focused on the ZuOOTs still bombarding his greatest creation. "Oh, you're going to pay for that! This was just business, but now you've gone and made it personal! Death to all ZuOOTs!" Thus began a mad hopscotch game as the Hyperion began jumping across the dunes. All of the remaining ZuOOTs had now become Keijiro's target, and none of them would escape.
He descended upon the hapless artillery suits. Keijiro stabbed right into the ZuOOT's left shoulder with one knife, before impaling the other square through the cockpit. The Hyperion leapt onto its next victim. The glowing blades cleft through the barrels of the shoulder-mounted cannons, before kicking the cockpit in, crushing it in a manner that Kuro would have approved of. The third one met the worst fate of all, being repeatedly stabbed by the glowing knives.
He then zeroed in on the ZuOOTs targeting Yukimasa. He didn't even bother with the knives this time. Instead, he settled for flat-out landing on the ZAFT mobile suit, the sickening noise of crushing metal barely registering with him. "Hehe, there's nothing like the ol' Goomba Stomp! It never fails to put a smile on my face!" He looked down at the crushed remains of the ZAFT mobile suit. "Mm, gonna need some seltzer water and lemon juice for getting rid of that blood."
"Keijiro, what the hell was that?" He then looked to where the Masamune and Dingo's BuCUE temporarily halted their fight. Yukimasa's face came on the monitor he was disturbed by what his friend had just done.
All he got back was a big, giddy smile. "Just embracing my inner Mario! It's a very freeing experience. Now if you'll excuse me, I have still many more soda cans to crush under my huge, metallic girth!" The Hyperion lurched into the sky, watching as a couple of ZuOOTs tried to escape.
(Desert, Yukimasa vs Dingo)
It had been the weirdest image for Dingo, A Gundam descending from on high to crush one of the Waltfeld Team's artillery support machines. It reminded him of the time he had crushed a beer can against his forehead. He had to admit it was a fairly impressive landing. His opponent exchanged some words with the new arrival's pilot before it took off to hunt some more ZuOOTs, leaving them to pick up where they left off, firing his prototype beam cannon at the sleek mobile suit. Friend of yours?" He finally asked.
"Yeah, much as I hate to admit it. Think of Keijiro like Trevor Phillips, if only slightly less demented, but even that's reaching a bit!" Yukimasa figured Los Santos would be absolute heaven for a guy like Keijiro.
Dingo just shrugged. "We all have at least one psycho friend like that. I know two personally. Wish we could be free of them, but at our core, we know they're valuable regardless." He parried Masamune's blade. "Impressive you can swing that beast around. Hope it's not an indication you're compensating down under if you catch my meaning?" This threw Yukimasa off guard. This allowed the Oceanian pilot to get in a blast from the cannon, singing the left hip of the Masamune.
"I'll have you know, I'm very well hung! My girlfriend is crazy about it!" He was very glad Flay wasn't present to hear that part. Dingo seemed to take that as a challenge and became even more aggressive in his attack. He unveiled another secret feature of his BuCUE, the claws became aglow with magenta energy. Yukimasa raised his shield, as the BuCUE slashed downward, leaving three deep gashes that burned at the edges.
"Say hi to my beam claws, a neat little innovation I came up with from the data we took from the prototypes. Beam sabers are all well and good, but the best thing is that they can be shaped into whatever form they want." Yukimasa wasn't paying all that much attention to Dingo as he was trying to avoid being slashed to pieces. "I decided to marry this with the concept of the metal claws on the boss's machine, and this is the end result!"
"I'm so glad you're happy about this!" Yukimasa fired a barrage of CIWS at his opponent, trying to create some breathing room. Forgoing his rifle or the large blade. Instead, he drew one of his beam sabers to stand against the BuCUE's white-hot claws. The Masamune hopped up and kicked the BuCUE in the side, sending Dingo sprawling back. His mobile suit landed in a crouched position, a predator battered, but still plenty of fight left in it.
They were about to go again. When several new contacts appeared on Yukimasa's screen. "What the hell?" He said, realizing what they were. His gaze fell to a nearby dune where several dark spots came into view. Zooming in, he saw about a half dozen missile trucks and jeeps, all loaded down with people armed with old-school assault rifles and rocket launchers. He quirked an eyebrow. "The locals have shown up. I guess they didn't appreciate us throwing a party and not inviting them!"
The guerrillas wasted no time entering the fray. One such jeep coming right toward Yukimasa and Dingo. For the Australian native, it wasn't a big deal. It wasn't the first time this particular group had made trouble for them. It wouldn't take much to scatter them. "What a pity, throwing their lives away like this." He aimed his beam cannon at them. Only for the Masamune to swing the heavy blade, knocking the beam cannon's aim off.
"Did you forget about me?" Yukimasa smirked. Another ZuOOT exploded. He watched Hyperion Unit 3 leap into the sky, coming down on another machine. Before shielding a couple of the missile trucks from a railgun strike. "Hm, I think the tide of the battle has turned. You might want to let your boss know that."
Dingo let out a mildly irritated grunt, watching as the guerrillas inserted themselves into the conflict, giving aid to the Archangel's mobile suits. "Apparently so. Ugh, the Commander is not going to like this."
"And you have to be the guy who delivers the message, too bad for you!" Yukimasa grinned. "I will say, you weren't half bad, Lieutenant Ramsay. If you manage to stay alive through this conflict. Look me up in Orb. We have some pretty good waves, I bet someone like you lives in the surf."
The Oceanian native grinned himself. "You're not wrong. I was a two-time champ before I joined the service. Maybe I'll bring my kid sister, Kyana, as well. She's not bad on a board either." He sighed. "Well, I suppose I'll have to face the music, mate. Of course, if this had continued, I would have won." The BuCUE stalked off, heading toward the horizon.
"Sure, whatever you say." Yukimasa felt a wave of exhaustion pass over him. That was one of the most intense battles he had ever been in. Flay was the only thing on his mind at that moment. A part of him resolved to have a long chat with her about their relationship.
(Desert, Kuro vs BuCUEs)
Kuro rasped, taking his helmet off. Using a towel to wipe the sweat he accumulated off his face. "I hate BuCUEs! Way too fucking fast for my tastes!" He then departed, leaving behind the shattered hulks of a half-dozen BuCUEs and a couple of ZuOOTs Keijiro hadn't gotten to yet.
But the Waltfeld Team still had plenty of fight in them and weren't too happy about the deaths of their comrades. So Kuro had no choice but to grit his teeth as he replaced his helmet, watching more of the quadruped mobile suits rush at him. "I wish I still had my giant mace! The Schwert Gewehr is nice, but it's just not the same!"
That weapon had meant a lot to Kuro, it had been his creation. Even with the advent of beam sabers, he much preferred crushing his opponents over slicing them into molten chunks. Luckily, he had a couple of spares back in Orb. And at this moment, the anti-ship sword did have one edge over the mace. It allowed him to deflect the BuCUE's mouth held beam sabers, as one was currently trying to bisect him.
"Note to self. Either apply anti-beam coating to existing maces, or just forge a new one with laminated armor!" He parried the BuCUE before chopping downward, cleaving the machine in twain. "Or maybe laminated armor with anti-beam coating. It would last a lot longer." A part of him started wondering if he could do something with what was onboard the ship. Something to consider for when ZAFT wasn't trying to kill them.
A ZuOOT rolled onto the scene. Kuro was expressionless, while they weren't as big of a hassle as a BuCUE or even a GINN, the heavy cannons they carried still was enough to knock him about pretty hard, and Gravesend had no ranged firepower of his own. Kuro would have to rely on his reflexes and the armored hide of his beloved Gundam to carry the day. He blitzed across the dunes, paying no mind to the plumes of sand flying up, obscuring his vision.
But it wasn't an issue for Kuro. He would regularly practice against artillery bombarding his position. He leapt through a sand geyser, his anti-ship sword raised overhead. "Sorry Keijiro, but I'm stealing this ZuOOT kill from you!" The glowing blade of the Schwert Gewehr flashed through the night air, bisecting the artillery machine in twain.
"Aw, no fair!" The stoner in question whined, the Hyperion having just tromped up across the dunes, plugging one of the BuCUEs with an off-hand shot from his beam rifle. "That would have made a straight ten for me!"
"Oh, give it a rest!" Kuro shot back, noticing the new arrivals. "Hey, looks like we have some party crashers." He got a bead on them. "Guerrillas, I suppose it was inevitable they'd show up."
Keijiro scoffed, not impressed with their paltry armaments. "As if they can do any good against BuCUEs with those little pop guns and pipe bombs?" Even as one of them managed to plug one of the agile four-legged machines in question with an RPG, damaging its leg joint. Kuro almost felt sorry for the poor soul in that machine as he sliced the limbs and stabilizer wings off, causing the limbless BuCUE to go sliding across the sand, ending up on its back in a very undignified position.
"You were saying?" Kuro quipped, filing away the disbelief on the stoner's face. "Maybe these guys can't directly stand toe to toe against ZAFT. But they can make for quite the useful distraction if someone knows how to exploit it! Shall we give them a hand, Kei? They may even pay us for their trouble, even if it's just with a good meal!"
Keijiro thought about this. He was a mercenary after all. He finally shrugged. "If money isn't present, food is a proper alternative. If anything else, it could beat the slop we've been eating for the past month and a half! I suppose I can find it within me to help the little people out. I just hope they have some good cooks! I have a very refined palette after all. I won't just eat anything."
"This coming from the guy ate a centipede just to win five bucks?" Keijiro just cackled before going after the remaining members of the Waltfeld Team. Kuro shook his head, knowing better than to expect a straight answer from their resident stoner. Not wanting to push the issue any further, he went back to taking on the BuCUEs, shielding the guerrillas from any possible counterattack.
(Archangel, Bridge)
The guerrillas had a bigger impact than either side expected. They daringly weaved in and out amongst the BuCUEs, RPGs flying in every direction. Their missile trucks managed to take out one of the ZuOOTs harassing the Archangel itself. The element of surprise was a powerful weapon in even the smallest hands. "What is going on out there?" Murrue asked, noting the new signals on the radar, marked in neutral green.
"Local resistance cell, I'd wager." Alyssa chimed in. The Absynthion fired another round from its railgun to take out some of the Agile attack helicopters providing close air support "More than a few of them are in opposition to ZAFT. They may not have the ability to go directly against the likes of Waltfeld's people, but some help is better than no help at all."
"Alyssa, see if you can get in contact with them." Murrue was taking a risk here, but they were trapped on Earth and cut off from any Atlantic Federation and Earth Alliance support. She knew the old adage 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' as well as any other soldier. If these partisans were willing to help them get out of this predicament, then she was going to use whatever option came her way. The heavily armored white mobile was fast to make its presence felt, firing the titanic railgun mounted on its arm.
The yellow lance erupted from the barrel, aimed not at any mobile suit but into the air. The shockwave from the round tore nearby Agiles into shreds, before the shell exploded, sending shrapnel in all directions. The attack helicopters had little chance against the armored titan.
Alissa was scanning the various radio frequencies, hoping to find the one being used by the insurgents. Not having any luck, she turned to an open frequency and hoped for the best. "This is Alissa Mishima of Mishima Security Consulting on an open frequency, trying to contact the attacking insurgents. Please identify yourselves."
"Is that you, Alissa?" Her thin eyebrows widened a little at the deep, bass voice responding. "This is Kisaka! What are you guys doing here in Africa? Last I heard you were heading for Alaska before coming back to Orb? Is Lady Cagalli with you? Is she safe?"
"Colonel Kisaka?" It took a few seconds for her to work out how Colonel Ledonir Kisaka made it from Orb to Africa. "Oh wait a minute, you're from around here, aren't you? To answer your questions in turn. We ended up falling off course after fighting ZAFT in orbit. Lady Cagalli is with us, she's just fine, so you don't have to worry about that. We're actually kind of glad you and your fellow insurgents arrived when you did. The Waltfeld Team is as tough as we've heard."
"Indeed, the Desert Tiger and his men are formidable opponents, but the men and women of the Desert Dawn have an equally passionate desire to protect their homes. Their leader, Sahib Ashman, has been a friend of mine for many years. They will give whatever aid you require."
"I'm going to patch you through to Captain Ramius, work out what needs to be done. In the meantime, I'll assist the others."
(Desert, Kira vs Waltfeld)
The battle between the White Knight and Desert Tiger continued unabated. Although Kira was certainly on the back foot. The constant battering by artillery had hampered the Strike's movement, not to mention lightning-quick passes by Waltfeld himself left Kira off balance. This was all part of the Tiger's greater strategy to burn off the Gundam's battery supply. The Launcher pack was just too bulky and cumbersome for this kind of high-speed battle. He saw one of the ZuOOTs about ready to fire at him again, when an emerald lance fell from the heavens, catching it in the right shoulder, a foot, or some from the neck. The artillery machine's monoeye sensor faded and slumped down.
"Hang on Kid!" The Hawk of Endymion made his presence felt, descending at a fast rate. Much to Kira's relief, he saw the Skygrasper equipped with the Aile Pack. The beam rifle and turret-mounted beam cannon fired in concert at a second ZuOOT, the twin beams burning through it, and finished off by a missile strike. One of the BuCUE's tried shooting the fighter down. But Mu La Flaga wasn't one of the best pilots the Earth Alliance had to offer. He banked right, the railgun shells breezing by its left wing.
"Captain La Flaga, my battery's almost dead. I need an equipment swap!" Kira said, ejecting the nearly spent Launcher parts, as the PSA went down, leaving him even more vulnerable than before. It was just the kind of opening the Tiger would exploit. He fired a spray of 75mm shells. "The sooner, the better!"
"I'm all over it, Kid. Get into position and I'll make the drop!" The Skygrasper made another pass, scattering the ZAFT machines enough to create a clear spot. The Strike tromped into position as the rifle, shield, and thruster backpack dropped from the passing fighter. He grabbed the rifle first, locking it onto one of the BuCUEs, plugging it dead in the battery. Kira wasn't done, the minute the thruster pack was attached, he went for one of the beam sabers, slashing downwards to finish the job. Kira then snatched the shield out of the air, using it to defend against a salvo of missiles.
Waltfeld's eyes narrowed slightly as he saw his subordinate's mobile suit become a funeral pyre. "Damn, that was impressive." He saw the Skygrasper fly overhead, unleashing its arsenal against a ZuOOT. "Admittedly it's not the most efficient way to change weapons, but still not bad if you can get it set up properly."
"Yeah, but only if your enemy is stupid enough to let them do that," Aisha stated with a titter. "And I know for a fact you're not that stupid."
"War is a gamble. Sometimes you have to take a calculated risk." He then saw an explosion in the distance. "What was that?"
Dingo's voice cut in on the comms. "Tiger Actual, this is Dingo One. We got visitors. I think it's the Dawn! I hate to say this Boss Man, but we may need to withdraw for right now. We gave these Earth Alliance guys a bloody nose. It's not like they're going anywhere."
The Tiger sighed. Of course, something had to come along and spoil their fun. "Very well, Dingo One, send Omega Signal." He then turned to a general Earth Alliance channel. "To the crew of the legged ship. I acknowledge your fighting skill and prowess. You got off easy today. Next time you'll see what we're made of."
(Archangel, Hangar)
It was with much relief Yui saw the Strike enter the hangar. The white and blue Gundam was battered and scratched from the Tiger's beating. She smiled as he emerged from the cockpit, looking haggard but whole. The minute he was released from the zipline. Kira was greeted by the woman of his heart, giving him the deepest hug possible and a kiss that made every one of his nerve endings crackle.
"Nice welcome," Kira said when they finally parted. He saw the concern in Yui's eyes. "Are you okay?"
"No!" She shook her head. "I was listening in on your transmissions through the whole battle. Waltfeld figured out how to bring down the PSA. All I could do was sit there and watch you get pummeled. I felt totally helpless." Yui's voice cracked a little. She held him a little tighter, burying her face into his shoulder. "Kira, can we go back to our quarters? There's something I need to tell you."
He was about to open his mouth, but he looked into her eyes, moist with unshed tears. That sight made Kira reconsider, instead, he gently stroked Yui's hair. "Okay then. We can talk in private." The two left the hanger together, arm in arm, but the White Knight's girlfriend still wore a pained expression. It hurt to see her looking like this. He said nothing until they made it to the officer's quarters they shared. "Okay Yui, what's wrong?"
Yui didn't look Kira in the eye. She hugged her chest. Another red flag in the scholar turned the soldier's mind. She always did that when something was really bothering her. Her mouth opened partially as if to say something, only to shut. A few more moments of hesitation passed before her bearing changed and she seemed more her usual self. "I think there's something off about Keijiro, more so than normal. If he's not in his quarters, and I use that term loosely. He's ensconced in the Hyperion, tinkering away. I pass by him all the time, and I swear he's whispering to himself, whole conversations even."
The White Knight cocked his head. "I always knew he was a little off, but that's weird even by his standards. He was going around literally crushing ZuOOTs by landing on them. He said he was embracing his inner Mario. But I guess when you have that kind of mindset, war can be a fun thing. I sure don't feel that way." His hand clenched slightly, remembering the Tiger's fangs cutting into the Strike's leg just as PSA had weakened. It was the closest he had come to being defeated since their journey began.
"I know I'm doing this to protect you and the others. But I still feel like this isn't my war to fight. I'm so tired." He slumped on the bed, not seeing Yui flinch slightly. "When it is going to all end, Yui? How long do both sides have to keep acting like spoiled children, dragging innocent people into a fight they never asked for?" Something became clear to Yui at that moment. Kira was still very much anti-war at this point and was only reluctantly taking orders from the Earth Alliance to keep her and the others safe.
A few tears fell down her face. "I'm sorry that you feel that way." She sniffled. "You should probably get some rest, Kira. I'm going to start up maintenance on the Strike." Yui stood in the darkened corridor and wept.
"Yui?" She turned and saw Flay. The redhead was on her way to the hangar to check on Yukimasa when she saw the Japanese beauty crying. Flay had always known Yui to be a very cool, professional type that rarely let her emotions get the best of her, and to see her cheeks stained, her purple eyes puffy. "Did Kira hurt you?" Yui quickly shook her head.
"No, it wasn't that." Yui sighed, trying to wipe the tears away. "It's just, he's really stressed out from all the fighting, and I feel like I should be doing more. I just don't know what that is." Only for Flay to take her by the hand. "Hey, where are we going?"
"My quarters, I think what's needed here is a little girl talk. Clearly, something's bothering you and I'm just willing to offer a sympathetic ear." Flay smiled, before holding up Yui's hand, and inspecting her long, elegant fingers. "And while I'm at it, maybe I can do something to help you be a little more appealing to Kira. The silly boy doesn't know how lucky he is to have you, so we're going to make sure he appreciates it!" Yui's heart lightened a little bit. Perhaps the opinion of another woman was required.
(Gibraltar Base, African Community, February 17th, C.E. 71)
The crash of thunder roused the pilot of the Buster from his slumber. Dearka groaned as he looked out the window at the drab, overcast, endless gray sky that hung over Gibraltar Base. He sighed. "Man, I've seen some gloomy days in the PLANTs, but I guess nothing compares to the genuine article." It was common for the artificial weather in the PLANTs to produce a rainstorm at certain intervals, but this was nature unchained in its truest, purest form.
He whistled at the sight of a massive lightning bolt stabbing through the heavens, the hairs on Dearka's arms standing on edge with the accompanying crack of thunder, it made him think of a massive explosion. "Okay, if the entire base wasn't awake before, it sure is now!" Pulling on his blue undershirt and sweatpants, Dearka stepped out of his room into the common living area given to the members of the Le Creuset Team that ended up planetside.
"Morning to you," Ezra said, wearing a black tank top with the ZAFT logo that revealed a well-toned upper body, holding out a nice piping hot cup of coffee. "Felecia's still asleep. Yzak's out too, considering his snoring woke me up. Seriously, he needs to get the engine on that chainsaw of his fixed." Dearka grunted in suppressing a laugh, Ezra just smirked. "So I figured I'd get the day going and have the lifeblood of any military officer ready."
"You are far too kind." Dearka readily took the offered mug, relishing the warm brew. It was that moment when another titanic lightning bolt flashed into the sky and its accompanying thunderclap made him think of a volcanic eruption, causing both boys to jump slightly. "Damn, I wasn't aware thunder nukes existed."
"Shh! Don't give anyone any ideas!" Ezra hissed. "Besides, if anyone's going to develop thunder nukes it will be me." Dearka didn't bother suppressing his laughter this time. The pilot of the Buster had grown fond of his fellow redcoat over the past few days. Ezra was in all a pretty laid-back guy, and that biting wit was just the thing to take the wind out of Yzak's sails when he got a little too full of himself, which was quite often.
"Morning everyone. Man, thunder on Earth is loud." Dearka's eyes bugged out at the sight of Felecia leaving the room she shared with Ezra. "I think the whole planet heard that one." He found it hard not to stare at Felecia, clad only in a one-piece racerback bathing suit. The center panel was in the deep blue she preferred while the side panels were a lighter shade of blue. She whined as she stretched. The sound of her bare feet slapping lightly against the carpet floor.
"Is something wrong, Elsman?" Ezra asked, but his question fell on deaf ears. Dearka wasn't sure where his attention should be. He couldn't help but take in the sight of Felecia's chest, Upper C-cups he determined from the way they bounced with each long step. Not to mention she had a pair of pale, creamy legs that went on for miles, and that butt. Oh, that butt! It was so squeezable! "What's going on with you, Elsman?" Ezra's voice brought Dearka out of his little fantasy.
"Why is she dressed like that?" The pilot of the Buster asked quietly, his eyes not leaving her butt as loving every minute of it and thanking God he was born male as Felecia walked to the window, curling up on the leather sofa, watching the rain continue to beat down. "Not that I have a problem with her doing that." It took a couple of minutes for Ezra to catch on, Felecia looked to the boys and waved. Ezra smirked a little before waving back.
"Oh, Felecia wearing her bathing suit to bed? She does that all the time." To Ezra, it was as common as anything else in this world. Dearka had to choke down hard. "She was a competitive swimmer back in the PLANTs, and she would actually put her swimsuit on the night before so she could dream and get into the right mindset." Ezra's smile grew ever wider, relishing the quiet fury on his face. "Felecia has always loved the water. Remember she said she hoped to be able to swim in a real ocean. It's why she's so excited to finally be Earthside."
He sighed fondly. "During the summer months, it's all too common for Felecia to wear her bathing suit around the house and nothing else!" Both pilots had a very pleasant image in their heads. "Of course, she would always climb into bed with me, and I'd wake up with her straddling my midsection and her chest in my face." He just shrugged, ignoring the growing blaze in Dearka's eyes. "I suppose that's one of the many perks of having a swimmer girlfriend."
Dearka gave his fellow redcoat a mixed look of jealousy and admiration. "I'll be honest, I'm torn between strangling you and shaking your hand. You brilliant son of a bitch, I think I speak for every man when I say I would kill to be in your position right now!" Ezra just grinned and the two shared a quiet fist bump. "She is a rare treasure. Do not ever let her go, man, do not let anyone steal her away from you!"
"Heh, I already swore that to myself when we first started dating, but the sentiment is nice," Ezra remarked.
"Ezra, come and watch the rain with me!" Felecia called out in a playful tone. "It's lonely sitting here by myself." So the pilot of the Thunderbolt joined his sweetheart, curled up in a ball hugging her legs to her chest. She smiled at him warmly, letting out a mock squeal at the next thunderclap, grabbing onto his arm for comfort, nuzzling up to Ezra. He ran his hand through her feathery hair. Dearka was sorely tempted to take a picture at the scene.
(EAS Archangel, Desert Dawn Base, African Community, February 18th, C.E. 71)
About three hundred miles to the southeast, Kira would have loved nothing more than to see some rain. After the Waltfeld Team's withdrawal, the Desert Dawn had readily accepted the Archangel and its crew into their midst. The ship was now hidden under a series of camouflage netting within the Desert Dawn's main camp.
He stood on the forward deck and saw nothing but the endless expanse of sand and rocks expanding out in all directions from the ship and the camp. It was just before dawn so it was still relatively cool. Letting out a sigh from his parched lips. Kira went back inside. It had been three days since the Waltfeld Team's attack. The ZuOOT that hit the ship had knocked out the environmental controls, so it made the whole interior a veritable sauna.
The pilot of the Strike removed his jacket, throwing it over his shoulder. He grimaced the minute his face was hit by the crushing humidity. Even summers in Orb weren't this brutal. Kira decided to hit the simulators before going to check on the Strike once again. That seemed to be the sum of his existence right now, eat, sleep, practice on the sims, work on the Strike, go out to fight ZAFT, and repeat.
Even though he told himself it was in the name of Yui and his friends, Kira was fast becoming tired of this gig. The weather certainly wasn't working in his favor either. Nevertheless, he entered the simulator bay, of course, Cagalli had one locked up, seriously she practically lived in it! The other one was occupied as well. So it meant he'd have to wait a little bit. Kira sat down on one of the benches lining the wall, relishing the cool feeling of the metal bulkhead against his back. It was his one comfort at the moment.
His zen moment was broken by the sound of the hatch opening, and the Hawk of Endymion entering the room, a pair of water bottles in hand. "Enduring the scorching heat of the desert, kid?" He drawled, pushing one of the water bottles into the younger pilot's hand. The White Knight eagerly snatched it away. He was about to start chugging it only for Mu to stop him. "Slow down, it's not going anywhere." Mu took a seat next to Kira, holding it up for a toast. "Here's to surviving one more day."
"One more day." Kira concurred, tapping the bottles together before taking a welcome swig of the cold stuff. He saw the light reflecting through the plastic. Images of the recent battle flashed in his mind, and Kira was reminded of what he had said to his girlfriend in the aftermath. "Can I ask you something, Captain La Flaga? How do you do it? How are you able to keep pushing on through this war?" Mu gave him a questioning gaze. "When I was fighting the Tiger, he was able to figure out a weakness in the Strike's PSA, managed to get a couple of good hits in on me. It made me reconsider why I chose to keep fighting."
Mu folded his arms. He could see the conflict in the kid's eyes. Perhaps it was time to step in and give some words of wisdom. "Left you that shaken, huh? I caught a glimpse of your battle with Waltfeld, not surprised. I know how unfair it seems to keep you out there in this mess, and you may not like being stuck in the middle of this fight. But you do this for your friends, and especially your little princess Yui. I won't deny for a minute your cause for fighting was far nobler than why I originally enlisted."
Mu's sky blue orbs became distant. "I didn't have a great home life, even though I came from wealth and prestige. You ever heard of Al Da Flaga? He was a senator who had aspirations of becoming President of the Atlantic Federation. My old man was a cold-hearted bastard, and I was only useful to him for furthering his own goals and ambitions. It's going to sound ice cold, but I truly did not shed any tears after he died in a house fire. At the time it was the best thing that happened to me. I inherited the family fortune, and had billions to my name. I tried filling it in with women, fast cars, and anything else that caught my interest. But it still wasn't enough. I wasn't happy."
"You didn't have any purpose," Kira said. "So you joined the military?"
Mu nodded, taking another drink. "Now, I was already in flight training when I was your age. I actually showed some real promise behind the controls. Even then I was a hotshot." Mu's expression brightened a little, his chest puffing out as he got on the subject of what he was best at. "I went to Annapolis, studied hard, and made it to the top of my class. Certainly had no problems rubbing it in my buddies' faces when I could. But if you can back it up, no one can really complain, right? My high spatial awareness became known in my senior year and I was inducted into the Zero Corps."
"I spent my late teens and early twenties drifting from one battlefield to the next, doing what I do best. My superiors called me the guy who could make the impossible possible. And yet I still felt unfulfilled, but then the war started and we got sent to the Lunar Front." Mu's eyes became haunted. "What a meat grinder it had become, thousands dying on both sides. It seemed like the stalemate would not end."
"Until you guys came on the scene," Kira interjected, starting to catch onto Mu's story. "Even Orb knew about the Zero Corps. Your successes helped start to turn things on the Grimaldi Front around. It was the first time the Earth Forces began to take some momentum from ZAFT."
Mu's face darkened. "Until the day I met the White Meteor and his men on the battlefield. I really don't need to tell you. You know firsthand how dangerous he is. Le Creuset is the devil incarnate, easily my greatest rival." He sighed. "And yet, that man was the push I needed to realize what I had to do. Endymion happened, and every one of them got fried. I was the sole survivor. As our most experienced pilot, I was hand-picked to escort the original G-Project pilots to Heliopolis. We both know what came about from that."
The older pilot put a hand on Kira's shoulder. "And then here you came, a ray of light in the darkness. I knew at that moment that I would do anything I could to get this ship to Alaska. I truly believe you and the Strike are the game-changer we need kid. And let's face it, you're hardly the only one out there. We've got the brothers Sahaku, our mysterious lady in white, not to mention the crazy stoner, plus yours truly is at your back. We can get through this together." Mu gave Kira a brotherly pat on the shoulder. "Just remember that."
The Hawk's words had the desired effect. Kira's anxiety had lessened some, and all he had to do was focus on Yui, and his resolve crystalized.
(Gibraltar Base)
Now that the storm had passed, the four earthbound members of the Le Creuset Team were walking through the base, checking out what Gibraltar had to offer. "Wow, the place is like a small city, and not lacking in heavy metal at all," Ezra said, taking sight of the various mobile suits populating the base. The quartet saw a squadron of AMF-101 DINNs soar overhead, followed by some GINNs being led by a CGUE riding on Guul sub-flight lifters. The GINNs were equipped with Cattus recoilless rifles.
"They're heading for the target range, which means they must be running drills or wargames. Let's go check it out!" Ezra grabbed Felecia by the hand and headed for the range. Dearka just shrugged, taking a more relaxed pace, all the while eyeing every female soldier he saw. Yzak snorted, following after his fellow pilots.
Gibraltar's practice range was 120 acres of coastline, which allowed them to practice for amphibious landings, dotted with pillboxes, and fortified weapon emplacements, manned by GINNs, BuCUEs, and ZuOOTs with blue stripes painted on them.
There was indeed a wargame taking place. The DINNs and Guul mounted machines were supporting a line of TMF-802/A BuCUES and TFA-2 ZuOOTs, all with red stripes painted on them, emerging from the landing craft, along with infantry. The DINNs swooped in first, launching a salvo of missiles with machine gun and anti-air shotgun fire mixed in.
They were followed by the Guul mounted mobile suits, the GINNs armed with M66 Cattus recoilless rifles, and M69 Barrus heavy particle cannons. A shower of lead and emerald lances tore up the landscape. The BuCUEs and ZuOOTs added their firepower to the mix, missiles and 450mm railgun shells tearing into the bunkers, but the defenders held their ground, responding with a wall of defensive fire.
"I'm going to assume they're not using live weapons on each other?" Felecia asked.
"Of course not, the intensity of the beam weapons are tuned down so they don't do any damage, and all kinetic weapons have paint warheads," Dearka said, watching as a couple of the defending mobile suits were hit by missiles and bullets, splattering red paint across them, as the attacking machines were likewise hit by rounds with blue colored ink.
"It's surprising they're practicing this. It seems more likely we'd go for an orbital drop." Dearka remarked, whistling at the precision of a quartet of ZGMF-L44704B GINN Long Range Reconnaissance Types provide sniper support for the landing troops, noting how their aim was off. He shook his head. "Wow, Commander Russo would throw a fit at that."
"It's important to be well versed in all branches of warfare. One insertion method isn't inferior to the other." Ezra pointed out, watching as the CGUEs leading both sides met in single combat. "An amphibious assault can be easily reinforced by an orbital insertion being dropped behind the enemy beachhead, a modern take on the old pincer movement." They stayed about a half-hour more to watch the war game before heading to get some lunch.
Yzak growled, his head going to his forehead. "Damn thing won't stop bugging me!" He rubbed the scar repeatedly. "Sahaku bastard!"
Dearka sighed. "You know you're supposed to take that burn cream you got from the doctor right?"
"I ran out and I haven't had a chance to replenish it!" The Duel's pilot snapped, still rubbing at the scar when a small tin was pushed into his hand by the blonde.
"Here, only because I like you so much." Dearka just sighed dramatically, watching as Yzak opened the canister to begin applying the cream to his face, visibly relaxing. "I guess that's the price I pay for being your keeper because let's face it, do you think your mother is going to come down here and rub it on your face for you?" He deftly twisted to the side to avoid being swatted by his irritated white-haired comrade. "Now now, Zakkie, angrily lashing out is what got you that scar in the first place. So maybe think a bit more next time?"
Felecia giggled and Ezra just nodded in agreement. "Yeah man, I'm not saying you're unskilled, you've certainly proven that by the color of your uniform. No one gets that by cheap means. But at the same time going off like the Incredible Hulk only works on TV. No amount of burning rage is going to get you any close to beating your hated nemesis. So maybe consider going for a more zen-like approach? Or at the very least taking your rage and honing it to a fine edge. You'll get a lot farther that way." Yzak just glowered at Ezra.
"I'm going down to the shooting range, I need to improve my accuracy anyway." The arrogant, white-haired pilot huffed, before leaving the group.
Dearka shrugged. "Well, I'm going to the mess hall to get some chow, and then maybe I'll see about looking around for any cuties that might be milling about the base." He struck a debonair pose. "Let's face it, chicks dig mobile suit pilots! And as a redcoat, my sex appeal is three times more than the average pilot!" Ezra and Felecia looked at each other, not convinced in the slightest. Dearka just smirked, running his hand through his hair. "Just you wait! I'll bag a lady sooner or later." A couple of female greencoats walked by. "Ah, my first targets of the day! Later folks! Hey ladies!" He ran off, leaving the two of them alone.
The quiet of the late morning was broken by the shrill cry of an ambulance racing past the two ZAFT pilots. It was followed by a pair of jeeps. Felecia instinctively grabbed her skirt to keep it from blowing up. Doctors and medics raced out of the hospital toward the still-running vehicle. They bundled a stretcher from the back, A figure swaddled in blankets. "So where did you find her?" One of the doctors asked a greencoat in combat fatigues, that had just climbed out of the jeep.
"Sentry patrol found her washed up on the beach. Apparently, an Earth Alliance Spearhead was flying in our airspace during last night's storm. I'm not sure what brought it down though. I'm surprised she survived the crash. Although she's in pretty bad shape." Ezra thought he saw a shock of bright red just for a minute before the stretcher was currently rolled inside. He made a mental note to look into that at a later date. For right now he'd settle for spending time with Felecia.
(Desert Dawn Camp)
Kuro was just knocking about the camp. A lot was on his mind and he needed to clear his head. He had been surprised at first to see Kisaka amongst the guerrillas but like Alissa remembered he called this place home. Cagalli had been overjoyed to see her uncle in spirit, given how much of a fixture Kisaka had been in her life since childhood. The elder soldier had quietly applauded Kuro for taking good care of Cagalli after Heliopolis's fall. Uzumi had been nervous for weeks after that.
They were also introduced to Sahib Ashman, a family friend of the Kisakas and head of the Desert Dawn. Even though he seemed like a fairly likable sort, Kuro didn't think too highly of the man. Especially how Sahib painted their struggle in such a romantic light, fighting against ZAFT's unfair oppression of their lands. Cagalli lit up hearing his story. The blonde-haired Lioness was always a sucker for the underdog.
It was no secret that she had wanted to join the fighting for a while, having grown tired of being stuck on the ship while everyone else was neck-deep in the fighting against both the Le Creuset and Waltfeld teams. Cagalli's impatience couldn't be contained any longer and she was determined to get in on the action.
Things got a little tense when Cagalli had asked to join the Desert Dawn on one of their upcoming raids. He promised to only "Consider the manner and speak with Sahib about it." Which Kuro knew was his superior's subtle way of saying, "Never going to happen as long as I draw breath, young lady." Her stubbornness was well known to both men and it was clear the matter wasn't closed. It was going to fall to Kuro to settle it once and for all. That meant it was tough love time.
He found Cagalli taking in the desert evening. It was quite pleasant when the sun wasn't beating down on them and the arid humidity wasn't boiling their lungs. She was sitting at a table under one of the myriad tents made of stretched-out camouflage netting, cleaning her recently acquired sidearm. Cagalli wore a red tank top and camouflage pants, the former tight against her upper torso. Kuro batted those thoughts aside. He had a job to do and couldn't be distracted. "Hey there, Cags." He said quietly, taking a seat across from her. "Checking up on your equipment, glad to see you were paying attention to that lecture."
"Of course I am!" She said, snapping the slide back onto the frame. "I want to be ready for when Mr. Ashman and his men leave on their next raid." It made Kuro uneasy just how eager she was for it. "It's about time I got to show off what I can do," Cagalli noted the disproving frown he gave her, responding with a scowl of her own. "What's that look for? You think it's a good thing ZAFT is keeping the locals under their boot? It's sickening! You heard it for yourself. The Desert Dawn's fighting for their homes, it's a noble goal!"
His response was an exhausted sigh and shake of the head. "You just don't get it, do you Cagalli? You just don't understand the full scope of the war. Your dad has told you that, Tatsuo has told you that, Alissa has told you that, and I have told you that. Repeatedly I might add. Maybe you're revved up for the chance to get your hands dirty. Me, I've had enough. The only reason I'm here is that Kisaka ordered me to. I could care less what drivel Ashman is spouting. What he wants isn't necessarily what we want. So don't become too attached to them."
"Drivel? How can you be so cynical, Kuro!" Cagalli snapped, her eyes blazing with indignation at her bodyguard's apathy. "In case you've forgotten, they helped us out against ZAFT earlier and drove them off! We owe it to them to help liberate them from Waltfeld's oppression!"
"We don't owe them a single damn thing!" Kuro's temper was rising. He was getting tired of Cagalli's unyielding stubbornness. "Yeah, they're fighting with all their hearts, but what does it matter if they don't have the strength to fight back? Besides, is this really oppression? Is ZAFT suddenly going to roll up and wipe them all out? No Cagalli, they are not! It's not how the Desert Tiger works. These people are just territorial, nothing more. It doesn't help they don't have any discipline. If you ask me, they're just going to get in the way and in all likelihood end up dead!"
"I can't believe you!" Cagalli raged, tears in her eyes as she grabbed across the table to take Kuro by the shirt. "How can you be so heartless Kuroto Takeshi Sahaku?! I thought you were better than that!" But his obsidian gaze was unmoved.
"And now you're just proving my point, Cagalli. You're too emotional, and hot-tempered. I'm not Myrna, and I'm not Kisaka. I won't sit here and vapidly nod my head in agreement with all of your opinions. It's not in my job description." He pointedly leaned in close to Cagalli, making sure they were both staring each other dead in the eyes. "Your father and Kisaka put me here to be your bodyguard, not your yes man!" It was then a pair of pale hands gently pushed them apart.
"That's enough!" Alissa's voice brokered no argument. Her icy blue eyes flickered back and forth as she folded her arms. "Lady Cagalli, go and find a place to cool off. Now!" It wasn't an order. Cagalli huffed and stomped away to one of the tents. With her gone, Alissa turned her attention to him. "That goes for you, Master Kuro."
Kuro just snorted, rolling his eyes as he rested his chin in his hand. "Real funny joke, Alissa. What place is there to cool off in this whole dump? It's stupid uncomfortable in the desert. Even at night!"
The mysterious woman then took Cagalli's place at the table. "Master Kuro, what was the whole point of that quarrel? Clearly, she was looking for your approval and you just tore her apart. What were you trying to accomplish in breaking her spirit?"
He looked surprised at her choice of words. "I'd hardly call it breaking her spirit. I'm just trying to get her to see reason, Alissa. The gentle approach wasn't working so I had to go for some tough love. Even if Cagalli does have military training. She's never seen combat before. She's fighting for all the wrong reasons. That stubborn attitude of hers is going to get her killed. We both know that!"
"You're right and I understand where you're coming from." Alissa leaned closer to Kuro. "However, you also don't need to be so cold to her, Master Kuro. Lady Cagalli is still a woman. And a woman's heart is a very fragile thing." She sat back, looking outward to the desert, watching as the sky was painted in the vibrant orange and violet of twilight. For a few moments, she looked almost vulnerable.
Kuro was now seeing his crewmate in a new light. "Where is all this coming from?" He finally said. "In all the time I've known you. This is the most you've ever emoted, Alissa." He scratched his head. "It's a side of you I've never seen before." Alissa took hold of his hand.
"I just don't like it when the two of you fight. It's evident you and Lady Cagalli care for each other so much. It hurts when you start arguing so fiercely." Now Kuro was starting to feel bad, nothing was worse for him than seeing a woman sad or worse, crying.
"You really do care, Alissa. Most of the time you're so quiet, only really speaking when Tatsuo has orders for us. It's nice to know that you want to ensure that things work out between us." He was rewarded with a small but beautiful smile.
"Master Tatsuo was my only friend for a long time. He is like a father to me. Not being near him is kind of painful. I suppose I've latched onto Lady Cagalli for my comfort, hence why I've intervened in this little spat. I know relationships aren't always smooth, but it's important to remember why you're together in the first place."
Kuro nodded in agreement. "You're not wrong, Alissa. You're not wrong at all. I'll talk to Cagalli in the morning. Perhaps she'll have settled down and we can ensure she stays alive." They looked out to the desert, watching the evening skies.
(EAS Archangel, Officer's Quarters)
Yukimasa groaned as he wiped a sheet of sweat off his face, wincing at his white and blue t-shirt drenched in sweat. "Fucking ZuOOTs, taking out the A/C and making us all suffer like this!" He muttered to himself as he made his way to his quarters to get a dry shirt. Of course, those thoughts went flying out the window the minute the door swung open, and he caught sight of Flay lying on the bed, using a makeshift paper fan to try and cool herself off.
Like everyone else, the redhead was partially undressed. Her uniform jacket hanging on the back of the desk chair. Her black stockings and boots were discarded on the floor. All she had on was her pink tank top and grey skirt. It wasn't all that bad in Yukimasa's eyes. He could tell Flay was not wearing a bra under the thin fabric of her tank top. His focus then fell directly on those long legs of hers, her pale, creamy skin flawless and smooth to the touch. "Oh, that is just not fair! You waving those sexy gams of yours around." He finally said with a teasing smirk.
Flay huffed. "It's literally too hot not to!" She pouted before a playful smile came on her face. "Besides I figured you'd want to see my legs? Is it too much for a little boy like you to handle? That's too bad, I thought you were a real man! Perhaps I should go and see if Kira wants to see them?" This earned her a laugh from her beloved.
"Oh please! He can barely handle Yui." Yukimasa sat down next to her, gently stroking her face. "How are you doing right now? We never really had a chance to talk about what happened to your father. I just want to know how you're feeling so I can be the best I can for you." Flay smiled warmly, taking hold of his hand, their fingers intertwining before leaning to kiss him, even delicately sliding her tongue into his mouth. He was quick to respond as they shared a very passionate lip and tongue lock. They were still only teenagers and hormones were running wild.
"You know Flay, I've been meaning to ask you something. You're the first serious girlfriend I've ever had." Yukimasa's heart raced at what he was about to say next, but he never broke his gaze, focusing intently on those blue-gray eyes he adored so much. "We've been together for a few months now, and we're both pretty comfortable with each other. How do you feel about taking our relationship to the next level?" He could how her eyes danced, her emotions all over the place. "If don't feel up for it, I understand completely. I only wanted to bring it up because I love you so much. How the war has been going. There's no guarantee we'll survive it. I don't want to have any regrets, do you?"
He had been worried about Flay's reaction. All he got for his trouble was another kiss. The redhead's cheeks were flushed bright red and that smile could melt snow off the highest mountain. "Not at all. I had wondered the same thing myself. I certainly wouldn't mind at all if you brought it up." She put her arms around his neck, leaning into to breathe in Yukimasa's ear. "So, what are you waiting for?" Yukimasa needed so further prompting, going for the hem of her tank top, pulling it upward, while she did the same to him.
Yukimasa then ripped off her skirt, what they hid registered a large grin across his face. "So uh?" He said, not minding her biting his ear. "So uh, are we just going to let nature take its course?" He asked, flushing heavily. Those big bedroom eyes were the only answer she gave him. "Okay, round one ding!"
(Across the Hall)
While Yukimasa and Flay took their relationship to the next level. Kira sat at the desk in his uniform t-shirt and shorts, going over the data from the recent battle. It was the one thing helping him to keep his mind off the malfunctioning environmental system. The heat itself wasn't bad, but the humidity made the ship feel like a sauna! He groaned, letting his forehead hit the desktop. "A three-billion-dollar warship, and they can't fix the A/C fast enough?"
There was a light knock at the door. "Kira, can you let me in?. I'd like to talk to you." There was a visible touch of fear in Yui's voice. He stood there for a minute, thinking about what Yukimasa had said to him earlier about keeping his sanity in this war, and how she had done just that for him. The White Knight made his choice, opening the door for her. To his surprise, she was wearing a bathrobe and sandals. She was embarrassed about something if the way her face was the same shade as the Aegis. Her eyes were hopeful at the fact he hadn't turned her away.
"Thank you." Yui stepped inside, hugging her chest. Neither of them said anything for a few minutes, unsure of how to break the awkward moment. Eventually, Kira took the initiative.
"You going to take a shower or something?" He asked.
"Not exactly." She said, her cheeks glowing a shade of red that few could imagine possible as she tugged at the sash holding her robe closed. The White Knight's eyes widened as the garment fell to the ground. Thus revealing his girlfriend's secret. She was wearing a one-piece racerback bathing suit in a shade of light blue that suited Yui very well. Her long, chocolate brown locks hung down, gently draping way down against her butt. "Do you like it?" She asked, blushing heavily.
Kira's hormones were going a mile a minute. Damn right he liked it! But he decided to play it cool. "Where did you get it?" He managed to keep his voice even.
Yui bowed her head as she hugged her chest again, clearly embarrassed about it. "It was among the provisions given to us by the Eighth Fleet. Which is a good thing because I didn't want to have to walk around the ship in just my underwear." Her eyes flickered off to the right as her arms nervously tightened around her breasts. Yui looked quite vulnerable at that moment.
It was hard for Kira to give a response since his attention was focused on that particular part of Yui's anatomy. He knew she was on the busty side, but seeing them like that made him realize just how big Yui was, forget D-cup. She was a lower E if that was possible! The way the tight blue fabric stretched and clung to her chest, and the way they were rubbing together from how she was hugging them. It was all so hypnotic. "Kira, Do-Do you like seeing me this way?" Yui asked shyly shifting from one foot to another.
Kira reached out to take hold of Yui's hand, giving his girlfriend a warm smile. "Yeah, I really do." The tears were already forming in her eyes. "And I also know this is the truth. You've done so much for me in the past few months, Yui Takamura. I've managed to survive this waking hell because I had a beautiful goddess watching over me the whole time. So thank you for all of your love and kindness to me."
Those words were too much for Yui to take, and she started crying softly, but these were tears of joy. Throwing herself into Kira's arms and embraced him tightly. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" She said between sobs and they shared a deep and loving kiss. Caught up in the throes of their passion the two teenagers sat down on the bunk, Yui in Kira's lap, and began a quick makeout session. The White Knight threaded his fingers through his princess's hair, relishing the scent of her shampoo. She in turn tightened her embrace around his neck, content that he wouldn't leave her alone.
When they finally finished, Yui rested her head against Kira's shoulder. She was still blushing, but this time it was out of happiness and love. She made to kiss him one more time really trying to push in on him, but found her movement hampered by her chest, and no matter what she did, they kept interfering. "There are times when I wish these weren't so big!" She huffed. Kira couldn't help but think she looked cute when she pouted. "They get in the way at the worst possible times!"
He said nothing, just stroking her cheek. Yui tugged at the shoulder strap of her suit. "You know, it's really funny I chose to wear this, but I don't know how to swim at all." Kira's eyebrows shot upward. "I know, right? With all my achievements and everyone touting me as some kind of genius. I'm like a brick in the water."
Kira wasn't sure how to process this little bit of information. "You really don't know how to swim? That is a total surprise to me. I'll freely admit I'm not the most athletically inclined. But even I know basic swimming. It comes with living on an island. But that's okay, I'll just be sure to have an inner tube waiting for you." He laid down on the bed with Yui straddling his midsection, quietly running his hands along her legs, relishing how smooth her skin was.
Yui's legs were soft to the touch, even giving off a slight shine. He then noticed Yui's bare feet, and saw her nails done up with purple nail polish, the same brilliant hue as her eyes. "You got a pedicure." She held her hand out, "And your fingernails too. When did you have the time to do that?"
"Flay did it for me." Yui blushed, remembering their girl's night in a couple of days ago. "I really never put much emphasis on my looks. She told me I should go the extra mile for you."
"I'll have to thank her because it worked. It brings out the color of your eyes. Not to mention I think the color of your bathing suit goes well with your hair." Kira said, relishing the way her face lit up at the compliments.
"If you like it so much, then you wouldn't object to me wearing it when we're alone?" Yui cooed, feeling much more at ease now she knew Kira still loved her. The wide grin was the only response he gave her. So Yui gave Kira a dazzling smile back to him. "I have something in my robe, give me a minute." Getting off him, She padded over to where the garment in question still lay on the steel floor.
Yui came back with a small tablet, linked to an external hard drive. "My sister gave this to me. It contains all my favorite plays." She resumed her place mounting her boyfriend, turning it to Miss Saigon. "Would like to listen to them with me?"
He stroked her cheek one more time, relishing the feel of her skin. "We never did get to see it on Heliopolis. I'll look up when a show is coming to Orb. I'll make it up to you."
She leaned forward to nuzzle against her beloved. Kira did not mind how her chest was pressed against his. She gave him another kiss and they settle down to get some much-needed rest, listening to her favorite musical. The lull they had hit would only last so long before the Desert Tiger knocked on their door again, but at least at this moment Kira Yamato and Yui Takamura could savor their love without any interruptions.