Chapter 16
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Training
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Wufei, Serena, and Duo all walked Sammy to school. When they arrived Sammy let go of Serena and Duo's hand, which is was holding since they left the house. He turned to them before he entered the school. "You'll be here for me won't you Sere?" he asked, a little fear in his voice. Serena nodded. "I'll be here if I can and if not once of Quatre's workers will come for you and bring you home and take care of you. Won't that be nice? You've seen them around haven't you? Those nice Arabian men. But believe me Sammy I will never abandon you like mother has. I just may be out but make no mistake. I will be back for you ok?" she gazed up at him and he nodded in response. "Ok Serena. I'll see you later." And he skipped into the building and the door slammed behind him.
Wufei and Duo were looking around at all the men staring at Serena in her tight pants and shirt. They glared at them all until they got the message and averted their gaze. Duo whispered to Wufei. "Do you believe those men? They have to at least be twice as old as Serena and married to boot. They must be depraved or something." Wufei nodded as they closed ranks around Serena to keep wandering eyes off of her.
"So guys what shall we do today?" she asked. Duo shrugged. Wufei turned to Serena. "I would like to train with you." Serena looked at him. "Yeah? Ok. Maybe we came make a game out of it. Include everyone. I think I have an idea. Paintball capture the flag! I saw it on Tv once where it was like capture the flag but instead of water balloons they use paintball guns but I want to put a twist to it. You will only get a certain number of paintballs and when you run out you have to challenge your opponent physically so we can get some training in there as well. What do you think?"
Duo's eyes lit up like a christmas tree. "Wow what a great idea Serena!" Wufei nodded. "For once I agree with Maxwell. Not a bad idea." Serena beamed. "Thanks guys."
They quickly made their way back to the mansion to tell the rest of the guys.
~~~~~
The other G-boys where just sitting in the kitchen eating when the rest walked in on them. Serena made herself a sandwich and sat on a seat next to Heero and started munching away.
Duo burst into the room with excitement. "Serena just had a brilliant idea guys!" Quatre, Heero, and Trowa all looked up at Duo, then at Serena. "Is this true Serena?" asked Heero. Serena just nodded, to involved with her sandwich to answer.
"Yes a good idea if I say so." Said Wufei.
"Yeah since Wufei wanted to train with Serena, Serena thought of the idea of all of us playing a game of capture the flag." Heero raised an eyebrow. "Capture the flag? What relevance does that have?" Serena finished her food and looked up at Heero. "It has a twist. Instead of pelting people with water balloons we'll use paintball guns and only have a certain amount so when we run out we have to challenge our opponent to a physical battle to see who wins and gets to remain in the game to capture the flag." She stuck out her tongue at Heero. "So there. Now just tell me I'm brilliant and shut up."
Heero's eyes widened. No one had ever talked to him in such a manner before. This girl was definitely intriguing. Quatre smiled. "That is a pretty brilliant idea Serena. It helps us with the element of surprise, how to handle a gun and how to take a hit, and also physical combat. I applaud you." Serena blushed. "Thanks." Trowa spoke up for the first time. "Yes I agree. Nice job." Serena's blush deepened. "That means a lot coming from you Trowa." Trowa blinked and his cheeks became tinted a light shade of red.
Serena just laughed. "Excuse me but I have to freshen up. I'll be back in a minute." And she bounced out of the room. The pilots all started talking at once.
"Man this is going to be so much fun." Exclaimed Duo.
"Now I shall know her secrets, she won't be able to beat me again." Proclaimed Wufei.
"It's sheer brilliance." Said Quatre.
"I must agree that it's not a bad idea." Said Heero.
"I think she would make an excellent pilot. She has all the qualities." Said Trowa quietly, musing to himself. Everyone stopped and stared at Trowa. Then they all started talking again.
"That would be so cool!" cheered Duo.
"I think she is way to innocent to be a Gundam Pilot." Said Quatre.
" A woman? A pilot? Well it is Serena. There are some possibilities there." Conceded Wufei.
"I was just thinking. But you must admit that she would be good." Said Trowa.
"Stop! Now is not the time to discuss this issue. She doesn't even know we are the Gundam Pilots and I think for her own safety that she should never know." Proclaimed Heero.
The other all started to protest. Heero just shook his head. "Not now. We shall talk about this later." Duo opened his mouth but then they heard Serena coming down the steps, so he closed it again.
She walked into the room and leaned up against a counter. "I think we should begin the game in about one hours time." Said Serena. The others nodded. "Ok. She grabbed Wufei and headed out of the kitchen.
She led him to one of the many training rooms and closed the door firmly. "I am going to pick you to be on my team Fei-chan, for many reasons. One, we can both speak Chinese and communicate that way without the others knowing what we are talking about. And another thing is I know you are a good fighter and that will come in handy. You said you wanted to train with me so here is your chance, We will train until it is time to go. I am doing this because it will help us in the long run. We should be able to tell what the other is about to do so we can compliment than and cover their back." She looked up at him her blue eyes wide. "Are you up to it Wufei?"
He just stared at her. Trowa was right, she would make an excellent pilot. I don't know why Yuy is so against it. He nodded his agreement. "I am up to anything." She smiled. "I am glad. So now. the training shall start."
She started out with simple things, such as blocks and fakes. Then the moved became more advanced and Wufei followed her easily.
They trained for the following hour until it was time for the real training. "I think we are ready Fei-chan."
They left the room and made their way to the living room where everyone else was. "Where were you two?" asked Duo. "That is classified information." Serena's blue eyes glinted and she smirked. Wufei smirked as well.
The other guys were getting suspicious, but not of anything that had to do with paintball. It ran more along the lines of jealousy. "No need to worry." Said Serena and she left to go change into something more appropriate.
She walked back down fifteen minutes later and opened the kitchen door because that's where the guys had gone after she left. They had been staring at one another for the past fifteen minutes and hadn't moved.
Serena frowned at them. "Why aren't you guys dressed?" She moved farther into the room wearing green and black fatigues and black boots. Her hair crammed under a hat of the same design.
Duo scrambled to his room to change and the others followed suit at a more sedate speed.
They all returned to the living room where Serena was waiting. They all wore the same outfit. Serena looked at them. "Very nice. Now we have to decide who is on what team. I want to be captain of one team. Who wants to be the other captain?"
Heero stepped forward. "I will." Serena nodded. "Good. Now who shall be on my team?" The others pushed and shoved their way forward and she just smiled. "Well tough choice. Well I want Wufei on my team for special reasons that I will not disclose at this point in time. Now you pick Heero."
He looked at his options. He definitely didn't want to be stuck with Duo. "I suppose Winner will do." Quatre walked over and stood besides Heero.
Serena smiled. "I pick Trowa." She went over and grabbed his arm and pulled her over to Wufei. Trowa went along, quietly pleased that she picked him.
Heero sighed. "I guess that leaves me with Duo." Duo smiled. "Yeah, I get to be with my best buddy." And he hopped over to Heero. Serena pulled out a bottle of shoe polish and painted a line on each cheek then reached over and did the same for her teammates. She also pulled out three bands of blue cloth. "We are the blue team." She threw three pieces of red cloth at Heero. "You are the red team." She tied the cloth around her upper arm and the others followed her lead.
She walked into the kitchen and came out with their respective flags. She handed the red one to Duo.
"Quatre can your men get us some paintball guns and balls please?" Serena asked. He nodded and went in search of his right hand man. He came back several minutes later with six paintball guns and balls. He handed the guns out and gave the balls to Serena. She counted them. "There are 120 paintballs here so that means we all get twenty. Use them wisely. There will be no refills." She handed them out to everyone and they loaded them into their guns.
"Now lets head out into the woods." Serena led the way until the stopped in front of the biggest patch of woods in the city.
"How did you know of this place?" asked Wufei. "I scouted the area when we first moved here." She answered. "Good idea." Trowa shot a look at Heero and raised an eyebrow almost as if saying, I told you so. Heero averted his gaze and ignored him.
"Ok now the teams split up and hide their flags then go in search of the opponents flag. Remember if you get hit you can either be out of the game or challenge your opponent and take his gun to proceed in the game, same goes if you have used all your ammunition." Serena picked up a stick and drew a line separating the two teams. "This is your side and this is mine. You bring the flag to your side of the woods first without being hit with a paintball and you win. Also if you do get hit you can run and challenge the person who hit you or hand it off to a teammate. Remember the flag has to be in plain sight or you automatically forfeit. Ok teams, move out!" and the two teams scattered in different directions.
Serena's team went right while Heero's went left. "Ok men. Where shall we hide our flag?" whispered Serena as they marched through the woods. "I say we hide it in a tree. Plainly in sight so we keep with the rules. But we rig it so it makes it hard for them to unattach it and return to their side of the woods.
Serena turned to Trowa. "You're a genius." And she hugged him. "Ok troops, lets go." And she started farther into the woods.
~~~~~
On the other side of the woods Heero was looking around for a place to hide their flag. "How about me bury it?" asked Duo. "That's not keeping with the rules. It has to be in plain sight." Said Quatre. "Ok.. How about under a rock or in a stream?" Quatre just sighed. "Shut up Duo." Said Heero.
They came up upon an old tree with a hole in it. "Hmmm. definite possibilities." Muttered Heero. He took the flag and rammed it hard into the hole then pulled on it. "Yup. It is in plain sight but it will be hard for them to get it out. So who will guard the flag?" "I will." Said Quatre and he lifted his gun and paced around the tree.
Heero nodded. "Good. Come on Duo." And the went in search for the blue team's flag.
~~~~~
Trowa hung from a branch and secured the flag, it waving in the wind. He finished the last of the traps and smiled slightly with satisfaction.
Serena looked up at him. "Good work Trowa! Come down now." Trowa nodded and let go of the branch. Serena's eyes widened and she shouted. "Trowa!"
Wufei just smirked. "Settle down woman. He is fine." Just then Trowa did a perfect flip and landed firmly on his feet. Serena ran to him. "I was worried about you. Never to that to me again." And she hugged him tightly.
Trowa's eyes widen. He never had anyone to worry about him before. "I'm ok Serena. I do it all the time." He whispered.
Wufei looked on in annoyance. "Can we please continue before the others find our flag?" Serena stepped back. "Of course. Who will stay behind?"
Trowa looked at Wufei and he looked back at Trowa. Trowa sighed. "I will." He walked off to go hide.
Serena nodded and motioned Wufei forward. They held their guns up and proceeded into enemy territories. "This will be great fun. I'm so excited." Serena said in Chinese. Wufei nodded.
Then there was a rustling in the bushes. Serena's eyes sharpened. "Remember we only talk in Chinese." She whispered and moved to one side of the bush and Wufei to the other.
Serena moved aside the bush only to see a rabbit. "Awww how cute." She whispered. Wufei just shook his head and moved forward, Serena behind him.
"I'll check left and you check right and lets keep within hearing distance." Serena said and broke off to go to the left. Wufei went right.
~~~~~
Duo and Heero were making there way to the blue team's side of the field. There was a sound off to the side and Duo jumped shooting one of his paintballs. "Oh shoot. There goes one of my paintballs." "Stop being so jumpy Duo. At this rate you'll lose them all before you even need them."
Duo nodded. "You're right." And he gripped the gun tighter. They saw the line making the difference between the sides. "Oh we're in enemy lands now." Whispered Duo.
There was some whispering to the side and Heero and Duo turned to the noise. "Who is there?" Duo shouted. Heero slapped his hand over his mouth. "Shut up. Do you want to give out our location?" Duo shook his head no and Heero dropped his hand and held his gun tightly.
There was some more whispering. Nothing they could understand. Then suddenly they were being shot at. Heero dropped quickly and rolled out of sight. Duo fell, hit in the chest. "Oh the agony. The pain. Someone help me now." He whimpered.
Serena popped her head up and laughed. "Nahhhh. Sucker. Now you have to catch me, fight me, and beat me in order to stay in the game. And that is so not going to happen. See ya!" and she ran off yelling in Chinese and laughing.
Heero sighed as he crawled out from under some bushes. "Look at you. You are useless. Aren't you going to go after her?" Duo shook his head in the negative. "Even if I could catch up to her I doubt I could actually beat her in a fight." Heero heaved another big sigh. "You won't even try?" "Nope." Was he only answer.
Heero stood. "Well I guess you can stay right there. And don't use the paintballs against anyone. You're out of the game." "Awwww you mean I don't even get to shoot at anyone? That sucks."
"Yeah well you could always go after Serena." Answered Heero. Duo shook his head again. "That would suck even more. I think I'll stay right here." "Fine with me. Just don't interfere." And he ran off.
Duo pouted and played with the gun and he accidentally shot it off. A bunch of birds flew away. "Oops."
~~~~~
Sammy stepped out of the school and looked around for his sister. "Serena?" A tall man walked forward. "Sammy I presume?" it was more of a statement then a question. Sammy nodded. Rashid smiled. I am here to take you home as the others are not back yet." Sammy was hesitant but took Rashid's hand and walked back to the mansion.
They walked into the mansion. "Would you like something to eat young master?" Sammy's eyes widened. He had never been called that before. "Yes please." Rashid smiled. "Such perfect manners for one so young." Rashid complimented as he walked into the kitchen to make Sammy a sandwich. Sammy beamed. Serena would be very proud of him.
Rashid stepped back into the room and placed the plate before Sammy. "Thank you." And he dug into his food and polished it off quickly.
"Would you like to play a card game Sammy?" Sammy nodded. "Oh yeah!." Rashid smiled and pulled out a deck of cards. "Ok this is a game that originated in my home land." and they played on quietly.
~~~~~
Serena was still laughing as she and Wufei ran farther into red territory. Serena smiled at Wufei and started to talk to him in Chinese. "Now that was invigorating Fei-chan!" Wufei nodded. "Indeed." They ran farther in the woods and slowed down.
"Do you hear something?" he asked. She nodded and crouched down and pulled Wufei with her. They crawled along the dirt and saw Quatre walking around. "Since Heero and Duo were on our territory then this must mean that they left Quatre behind to guard the flag. So since Quatre is here then that must imply that the flag is nearby." Whispered Serena. Wufei nodded. "We should get him out of the game. Let us try our new fighting skills as a team."
"Good idea Fei-chan." She held up her hand.
Three.
Two.
One.
They both jumped out from behind the bush as silently as possible. Quatre looked up, his blue eyes wide.
"Ahhhhh.!" yelled Serena as she landed besides Wufei. Quatre raised his paintball gun. Without even looking at each other they ran on either side of him and kicked his feet out from under him them hit him with a paintball each.
"Ouch! Those hurt." "Sorry Quatre. But you know the rules but since we both hit you, you have to beat both of us in a physical fight to stay in the game." Serena smiled brightly as she and Wufei got into a fighting stance.
Quatre sighed and dropped his gun. Serena and Wufei charged at him and started fighting, almost as if participating in an intricate dance.
They both grabbed one of his hands and flipped him over their heads. Quatre landed hard on the dirt but quickly righted himself and stood up before Serena and Wufei punched at where his stomach would have been.
They went like that for a time until Quatre became very tired. He breathed heavily and she knocked him off his feet and stayed down. He waved his hand. "You guys win. I can't fight anymore."
Serena giggled. "I'm sorry Q-chan." She offered him a hand and her gratefully took it and stood up. "You guys are incredible." "Thank you. Now go find Duo, we left him somewhere in our territory."
Quatre nodded and walked off. "Ohhh I'm having such fun!" squealed Serena. "We are a pretty good team." Serena smiled. "I know so let's go find that flag!" And they walked farther into the red territory.
~~~~~
It was getting slightly darker as Heero walked through the woods. "Where is that flag?" he muttered. He wandered around more, the sun dipping low in the sky.
~~~~~
Serena looked up at the sky her eyes widening. "Oh my god. What time is it?" Wufei checked his watch. "7:00pm" "Oh man. Sammy!" and she turned to run away. "Relax Serena. I'm sure that Rashid has gotten him by now. He is probably having such fun. Now back to the game." They played until it was even darker.
~~~~~
Serena stopped and looked at the sky again. "Don't we have to go to school tomorrow?" asked Wufei. "Actually no. It's some kind of holiday or something. So no school tomorrow." "Yes!" she raised her voice and spoke loudly for all to hear. "Since we have no school tomorrow we shall play this game until the end!" she giggled and grabbed Wufei's hand and ran off in search of the red flag.
Duo looked up and turned his head as he saw Quatre walk over to him and sit down, placing his gun in his lap. "You got beaten as well?" Duo asked. Quatre nodded. "Did you hear what Serena said? We play until we're done. We could be here a while." Said Quatre. "Yeah." And they both went silent.
Heero turned in the direction of Serena's voice. It sounded awfully close to their flag. "Damn." And he ran.
Trowa nodded his head and stayed in his hiding spot, looking out for the enemy.
Serena and Wufei searched for the flag continuously. "Where could it be!" yelled Serena in Chinese. Wufei shushed her. "Quiet woman. You'll give away our position." Just then a paintball hit Wufei in the chest. Serena ducked and crawled under a shrub and looked out.
Wufei growled. "Yuy." And he stood up and faced Heero silently. "Chang." Wufei dropped his gun and went into a fighting stance, as did Heero.
They rushed at each other and fought with everything they had. Wufei started to breathe heavily and got sweaty. Heero was unaffected.
Heero grabbed Wufei's hand and spun him around and kicked him in the stomach then swept his feet out from under him. Wufei landed hard on his back and groaned.
Heero helped Wufei up. "Nice doing battle with you Chang, but I have to get Serena." He turned to look for her but he saw her long blond hair trail behind her as she ran towards where her flag was hidden.
Heero ran after her as Wufei went to find Duo and Quatre. Serena ran and barreled into Trowa and he held her up. "Oh Trowa, Heero got Wufei." He nodded. They hid behind a tree as Heero bounded into the clearing.
"Come out Serena. I know you are close." Serena crept around the clearing to stand behind him and watch. Heero looked around. I know she is here. I can feel her. He looked around more and then glanced upward. He saw something fluttering in the wind.
He smirked. The flag. He dropped his gun and started climbing the tree. It was a tedious task but he was up to the challenge. He would win. He was within reach of the flag and grabbed it and yanked.
His eyes widened as a rope wrapped itself around him and he fell upside down, hanging by his feet. The flag was still higher up in the tree. He growled. "Damn."
While Heero was trying to free him Trowa snuck out from hiding and took his gun and hid with it. Heero finally cut himself down and he landed hard on the ground and nearly fell. He stood up straight and looked for his gun. Where did it go? Serena! Get out here now!"
Instead of Serena, Trowa stepped out with his gun at the ready. He shot a paintball at Heero and it struck him on the shoulder.
Heero got ready to fight. Trowa dropped his own gun and waited. Heero ran at him and they fought. Trowa was pushed up against a tree and they looked at each other. "Where is Serena?" Trowa remained silent. Heero backed away and dropped him hand hard on Trowa's shoulder and Trowa dropped to the ground.
Serena watched silently then she stood up and whistled. Heero turned around sharply. "Looking for me Hee-chan?" and she ran away in the direction of the red flag.
Heero muttered a curse and looked up at the blue flag. Trowa laughed softly. "You won't be able to climb up there, fight our traps, get it down, and get it to your side before Serena gets your flag and returns back here. You have a better chance of eliminating her from the game." Whispered Trowa as he stood by himself.
Heero nodded. "I think you are right." He grabbed Trowa's gun and followed Serena at a fast pace. Trowa chuckled as he went to find the others.
Serena ran as fast as she could. It was getting darker by the minute. She saw something red flashing in the wind and she smiled. "Yes!" she walked to the tree and looked up to see the flag sticking out from a hole in the tree.
She jumped up and grabbed at the flag and pulled, but it would budge. "Come on!" She didn't have much time. She thought she heard Heero coming. She jumped up again and put her feet against the tree and arched her back to pull. "Uuhhhh."
Heero pushed through the bushes and saw Serena pulling at his flag. Serena went still and let her head drop to see Heero walked towards her. "You won't get it out before I shoot you so just give up. I always win." He said softly. "Is that so?"
Serena pulled again very hard and felt it give way. She let the momentum of the pull flip her over Heero's head, grab her gun, and run off in the direction of her side.
Heero's eyes were wide as he turned to look at Serena disappear into the pitch-black night. "Well. damn." He gripped his gun tightly and ran as fast as he could to beat Serena to her side get their flag and get back to his side.
After a couple of minutes Serena realized that she was lost. She had no idea exactly where she was.
Heero made it back to Serena's side and was climbing the tree as quick as he could.
~~~~
The others were just sitting around. "God I'm bored. Let's go." Whined Duo. "Shut up Maxwell." Muttered Wufei. "I have to agree. We've been here a long time." Said Quatre as he stood up. Duo bounced up as the other two stood up as well. They made their way back to where they had entered the woods.
"Good lord what is taking Serena and Heero so long?" asked Duo. They others shrugged and they all looked back into the dark woods and waited.
~~~~~
Heero finally got the flag down and dropped to the ground and ran to his side.
"Umph." He had bumped into something. He pulled up his gun just as Serena pulled up hers. The flags in their other hand.
"Well look who it is." Said Serena. Heero looked down. "Well look at this." Serena looked down and saw that they were both one step away from winning. There right at their feet was the line separating the different sides.
Serena started fighting to push her way past Heero and he was reciprocating. They held their guns up again. "Move." They both said to each other in the same monotone voice. Serena growled and pushed him hard, ducking her head and landing on top of him as he fell backwards.
She rolled off him and farther into her side of the field. "Woohoo! I won!" she glanced at Heero who was still lying stunned on the ground, so close to winning.
"What was that about always winning?" she taunted. Heero shook his head to clear it and pulled himself up off the ground. "You win." He whispered as he looked up at her.
Serena's smile dropped as she stared at him. They stepped closer to each other, speechless. They were about to touch each other when they heard the most annoying voice in the whole universe.
"Guys! Are you done yet?" yelled Duo. They both sighed as they made their way to the voice. "Shut up Duo. We're coming." Yelled Serena.
The came out of the woods and saw the others standing there. Serena bounded over to her team.
"So who won?" asked Duo. Heero and Serena looked at each other. Serena blushed slightly and looked away. She was just glad that it was too dark for them to notice. "Well.?" Duo looked at them expectantly. Serena inhaled deeply. "We did!" she squealed. She hugged Wufei and Trowa. "And I had the best team. Thank you so much."
Wufei smirked. The woman had spunk. Trowa just nodded and glanced at Heero. He mouthed the words Gundam Pilot. Heero just shook his head and averted his gaze. He would hear of it.
"Now lets get home. I'm tired." And Serena yawned.
The entered the mansion quietly and headed to their rooms. "Night everyone." Said Serena and went to her room and shut the door.
"Night." They replied and the pilots went to their own rooms to sleep off their weariness.
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Wow. Long chapter. Sorry it took so long but I was busy and it also took long to write and put together. I kept adding things to make it better. I swear I wrote so much I might develop carpal tunnel. I hope you guys enjoy my efforts. Review.
Serena & Heero: 20
Serena & Wufei: 6
Serena & Trowa: 2
Serena & Duo: 1
Serena & Quatre: 1
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Training
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Wufei, Serena, and Duo all walked Sammy to school. When they arrived Sammy let go of Serena and Duo's hand, which is was holding since they left the house. He turned to them before he entered the school. "You'll be here for me won't you Sere?" he asked, a little fear in his voice. Serena nodded. "I'll be here if I can and if not once of Quatre's workers will come for you and bring you home and take care of you. Won't that be nice? You've seen them around haven't you? Those nice Arabian men. But believe me Sammy I will never abandon you like mother has. I just may be out but make no mistake. I will be back for you ok?" she gazed up at him and he nodded in response. "Ok Serena. I'll see you later." And he skipped into the building and the door slammed behind him.
Wufei and Duo were looking around at all the men staring at Serena in her tight pants and shirt. They glared at them all until they got the message and averted their gaze. Duo whispered to Wufei. "Do you believe those men? They have to at least be twice as old as Serena and married to boot. They must be depraved or something." Wufei nodded as they closed ranks around Serena to keep wandering eyes off of her.
"So guys what shall we do today?" she asked. Duo shrugged. Wufei turned to Serena. "I would like to train with you." Serena looked at him. "Yeah? Ok. Maybe we came make a game out of it. Include everyone. I think I have an idea. Paintball capture the flag! I saw it on Tv once where it was like capture the flag but instead of water balloons they use paintball guns but I want to put a twist to it. You will only get a certain number of paintballs and when you run out you have to challenge your opponent physically so we can get some training in there as well. What do you think?"
Duo's eyes lit up like a christmas tree. "Wow what a great idea Serena!" Wufei nodded. "For once I agree with Maxwell. Not a bad idea." Serena beamed. "Thanks guys."
They quickly made their way back to the mansion to tell the rest of the guys.
~~~~~
The other G-boys where just sitting in the kitchen eating when the rest walked in on them. Serena made herself a sandwich and sat on a seat next to Heero and started munching away.
Duo burst into the room with excitement. "Serena just had a brilliant idea guys!" Quatre, Heero, and Trowa all looked up at Duo, then at Serena. "Is this true Serena?" asked Heero. Serena just nodded, to involved with her sandwich to answer.
"Yes a good idea if I say so." Said Wufei.
"Yeah since Wufei wanted to train with Serena, Serena thought of the idea of all of us playing a game of capture the flag." Heero raised an eyebrow. "Capture the flag? What relevance does that have?" Serena finished her food and looked up at Heero. "It has a twist. Instead of pelting people with water balloons we'll use paintball guns and only have a certain amount so when we run out we have to challenge our opponent to a physical battle to see who wins and gets to remain in the game to capture the flag." She stuck out her tongue at Heero. "So there. Now just tell me I'm brilliant and shut up."
Heero's eyes widened. No one had ever talked to him in such a manner before. This girl was definitely intriguing. Quatre smiled. "That is a pretty brilliant idea Serena. It helps us with the element of surprise, how to handle a gun and how to take a hit, and also physical combat. I applaud you." Serena blushed. "Thanks." Trowa spoke up for the first time. "Yes I agree. Nice job." Serena's blush deepened. "That means a lot coming from you Trowa." Trowa blinked and his cheeks became tinted a light shade of red.
Serena just laughed. "Excuse me but I have to freshen up. I'll be back in a minute." And she bounced out of the room. The pilots all started talking at once.
"Man this is going to be so much fun." Exclaimed Duo.
"Now I shall know her secrets, she won't be able to beat me again." Proclaimed Wufei.
"It's sheer brilliance." Said Quatre.
"I must agree that it's not a bad idea." Said Heero.
"I think she would make an excellent pilot. She has all the qualities." Said Trowa quietly, musing to himself. Everyone stopped and stared at Trowa. Then they all started talking again.
"That would be so cool!" cheered Duo.
"I think she is way to innocent to be a Gundam Pilot." Said Quatre.
" A woman? A pilot? Well it is Serena. There are some possibilities there." Conceded Wufei.
"I was just thinking. But you must admit that she would be good." Said Trowa.
"Stop! Now is not the time to discuss this issue. She doesn't even know we are the Gundam Pilots and I think for her own safety that she should never know." Proclaimed Heero.
The other all started to protest. Heero just shook his head. "Not now. We shall talk about this later." Duo opened his mouth but then they heard Serena coming down the steps, so he closed it again.
She walked into the room and leaned up against a counter. "I think we should begin the game in about one hours time." Said Serena. The others nodded. "Ok. She grabbed Wufei and headed out of the kitchen.
She led him to one of the many training rooms and closed the door firmly. "I am going to pick you to be on my team Fei-chan, for many reasons. One, we can both speak Chinese and communicate that way without the others knowing what we are talking about. And another thing is I know you are a good fighter and that will come in handy. You said you wanted to train with me so here is your chance, We will train until it is time to go. I am doing this because it will help us in the long run. We should be able to tell what the other is about to do so we can compliment than and cover their back." She looked up at him her blue eyes wide. "Are you up to it Wufei?"
He just stared at her. Trowa was right, she would make an excellent pilot. I don't know why Yuy is so against it. He nodded his agreement. "I am up to anything." She smiled. "I am glad. So now. the training shall start."
She started out with simple things, such as blocks and fakes. Then the moved became more advanced and Wufei followed her easily.
They trained for the following hour until it was time for the real training. "I think we are ready Fei-chan."
They left the room and made their way to the living room where everyone else was. "Where were you two?" asked Duo. "That is classified information." Serena's blue eyes glinted and she smirked. Wufei smirked as well.
The other guys were getting suspicious, but not of anything that had to do with paintball. It ran more along the lines of jealousy. "No need to worry." Said Serena and she left to go change into something more appropriate.
She walked back down fifteen minutes later and opened the kitchen door because that's where the guys had gone after she left. They had been staring at one another for the past fifteen minutes and hadn't moved.
Serena frowned at them. "Why aren't you guys dressed?" She moved farther into the room wearing green and black fatigues and black boots. Her hair crammed under a hat of the same design.
Duo scrambled to his room to change and the others followed suit at a more sedate speed.
They all returned to the living room where Serena was waiting. They all wore the same outfit. Serena looked at them. "Very nice. Now we have to decide who is on what team. I want to be captain of one team. Who wants to be the other captain?"
Heero stepped forward. "I will." Serena nodded. "Good. Now who shall be on my team?" The others pushed and shoved their way forward and she just smiled. "Well tough choice. Well I want Wufei on my team for special reasons that I will not disclose at this point in time. Now you pick Heero."
He looked at his options. He definitely didn't want to be stuck with Duo. "I suppose Winner will do." Quatre walked over and stood besides Heero.
Serena smiled. "I pick Trowa." She went over and grabbed his arm and pulled her over to Wufei. Trowa went along, quietly pleased that she picked him.
Heero sighed. "I guess that leaves me with Duo." Duo smiled. "Yeah, I get to be with my best buddy." And he hopped over to Heero. Serena pulled out a bottle of shoe polish and painted a line on each cheek then reached over and did the same for her teammates. She also pulled out three bands of blue cloth. "We are the blue team." She threw three pieces of red cloth at Heero. "You are the red team." She tied the cloth around her upper arm and the others followed her lead.
She walked into the kitchen and came out with their respective flags. She handed the red one to Duo.
"Quatre can your men get us some paintball guns and balls please?" Serena asked. He nodded and went in search of his right hand man. He came back several minutes later with six paintball guns and balls. He handed the guns out and gave the balls to Serena. She counted them. "There are 120 paintballs here so that means we all get twenty. Use them wisely. There will be no refills." She handed them out to everyone and they loaded them into their guns.
"Now lets head out into the woods." Serena led the way until the stopped in front of the biggest patch of woods in the city.
"How did you know of this place?" asked Wufei. "I scouted the area when we first moved here." She answered. "Good idea." Trowa shot a look at Heero and raised an eyebrow almost as if saying, I told you so. Heero averted his gaze and ignored him.
"Ok now the teams split up and hide their flags then go in search of the opponents flag. Remember if you get hit you can either be out of the game or challenge your opponent and take his gun to proceed in the game, same goes if you have used all your ammunition." Serena picked up a stick and drew a line separating the two teams. "This is your side and this is mine. You bring the flag to your side of the woods first without being hit with a paintball and you win. Also if you do get hit you can run and challenge the person who hit you or hand it off to a teammate. Remember the flag has to be in plain sight or you automatically forfeit. Ok teams, move out!" and the two teams scattered in different directions.
Serena's team went right while Heero's went left. "Ok men. Where shall we hide our flag?" whispered Serena as they marched through the woods. "I say we hide it in a tree. Plainly in sight so we keep with the rules. But we rig it so it makes it hard for them to unattach it and return to their side of the woods.
Serena turned to Trowa. "You're a genius." And she hugged him. "Ok troops, lets go." And she started farther into the woods.
~~~~~
On the other side of the woods Heero was looking around for a place to hide their flag. "How about me bury it?" asked Duo. "That's not keeping with the rules. It has to be in plain sight." Said Quatre. "Ok.. How about under a rock or in a stream?" Quatre just sighed. "Shut up Duo." Said Heero.
They came up upon an old tree with a hole in it. "Hmmm. definite possibilities." Muttered Heero. He took the flag and rammed it hard into the hole then pulled on it. "Yup. It is in plain sight but it will be hard for them to get it out. So who will guard the flag?" "I will." Said Quatre and he lifted his gun and paced around the tree.
Heero nodded. "Good. Come on Duo." And the went in search for the blue team's flag.
~~~~~
Trowa hung from a branch and secured the flag, it waving in the wind. He finished the last of the traps and smiled slightly with satisfaction.
Serena looked up at him. "Good work Trowa! Come down now." Trowa nodded and let go of the branch. Serena's eyes widened and she shouted. "Trowa!"
Wufei just smirked. "Settle down woman. He is fine." Just then Trowa did a perfect flip and landed firmly on his feet. Serena ran to him. "I was worried about you. Never to that to me again." And she hugged him tightly.
Trowa's eyes widen. He never had anyone to worry about him before. "I'm ok Serena. I do it all the time." He whispered.
Wufei looked on in annoyance. "Can we please continue before the others find our flag?" Serena stepped back. "Of course. Who will stay behind?"
Trowa looked at Wufei and he looked back at Trowa. Trowa sighed. "I will." He walked off to go hide.
Serena nodded and motioned Wufei forward. They held their guns up and proceeded into enemy territories. "This will be great fun. I'm so excited." Serena said in Chinese. Wufei nodded.
Then there was a rustling in the bushes. Serena's eyes sharpened. "Remember we only talk in Chinese." She whispered and moved to one side of the bush and Wufei to the other.
Serena moved aside the bush only to see a rabbit. "Awww how cute." She whispered. Wufei just shook his head and moved forward, Serena behind him.
"I'll check left and you check right and lets keep within hearing distance." Serena said and broke off to go to the left. Wufei went right.
~~~~~
Duo and Heero were making there way to the blue team's side of the field. There was a sound off to the side and Duo jumped shooting one of his paintballs. "Oh shoot. There goes one of my paintballs." "Stop being so jumpy Duo. At this rate you'll lose them all before you even need them."
Duo nodded. "You're right." And he gripped the gun tighter. They saw the line making the difference between the sides. "Oh we're in enemy lands now." Whispered Duo.
There was some whispering to the side and Heero and Duo turned to the noise. "Who is there?" Duo shouted. Heero slapped his hand over his mouth. "Shut up. Do you want to give out our location?" Duo shook his head no and Heero dropped his hand and held his gun tightly.
There was some more whispering. Nothing they could understand. Then suddenly they were being shot at. Heero dropped quickly and rolled out of sight. Duo fell, hit in the chest. "Oh the agony. The pain. Someone help me now." He whimpered.
Serena popped her head up and laughed. "Nahhhh. Sucker. Now you have to catch me, fight me, and beat me in order to stay in the game. And that is so not going to happen. See ya!" and she ran off yelling in Chinese and laughing.
Heero sighed as he crawled out from under some bushes. "Look at you. You are useless. Aren't you going to go after her?" Duo shook his head in the negative. "Even if I could catch up to her I doubt I could actually beat her in a fight." Heero heaved another big sigh. "You won't even try?" "Nope." Was he only answer.
Heero stood. "Well I guess you can stay right there. And don't use the paintballs against anyone. You're out of the game." "Awwww you mean I don't even get to shoot at anyone? That sucks."
"Yeah well you could always go after Serena." Answered Heero. Duo shook his head again. "That would suck even more. I think I'll stay right here." "Fine with me. Just don't interfere." And he ran off.
Duo pouted and played with the gun and he accidentally shot it off. A bunch of birds flew away. "Oops."
~~~~~
Sammy stepped out of the school and looked around for his sister. "Serena?" A tall man walked forward. "Sammy I presume?" it was more of a statement then a question. Sammy nodded. Rashid smiled. I am here to take you home as the others are not back yet." Sammy was hesitant but took Rashid's hand and walked back to the mansion.
They walked into the mansion. "Would you like something to eat young master?" Sammy's eyes widened. He had never been called that before. "Yes please." Rashid smiled. "Such perfect manners for one so young." Rashid complimented as he walked into the kitchen to make Sammy a sandwich. Sammy beamed. Serena would be very proud of him.
Rashid stepped back into the room and placed the plate before Sammy. "Thank you." And he dug into his food and polished it off quickly.
"Would you like to play a card game Sammy?" Sammy nodded. "Oh yeah!." Rashid smiled and pulled out a deck of cards. "Ok this is a game that originated in my home land." and they played on quietly.
~~~~~
Serena was still laughing as she and Wufei ran farther into red territory. Serena smiled at Wufei and started to talk to him in Chinese. "Now that was invigorating Fei-chan!" Wufei nodded. "Indeed." They ran farther in the woods and slowed down.
"Do you hear something?" he asked. She nodded and crouched down and pulled Wufei with her. They crawled along the dirt and saw Quatre walking around. "Since Heero and Duo were on our territory then this must mean that they left Quatre behind to guard the flag. So since Quatre is here then that must imply that the flag is nearby." Whispered Serena. Wufei nodded. "We should get him out of the game. Let us try our new fighting skills as a team."
"Good idea Fei-chan." She held up her hand.
Three.
Two.
One.
They both jumped out from behind the bush as silently as possible. Quatre looked up, his blue eyes wide.
"Ahhhhh.!" yelled Serena as she landed besides Wufei. Quatre raised his paintball gun. Without even looking at each other they ran on either side of him and kicked his feet out from under him them hit him with a paintball each.
"Ouch! Those hurt." "Sorry Quatre. But you know the rules but since we both hit you, you have to beat both of us in a physical fight to stay in the game." Serena smiled brightly as she and Wufei got into a fighting stance.
Quatre sighed and dropped his gun. Serena and Wufei charged at him and started fighting, almost as if participating in an intricate dance.
They both grabbed one of his hands and flipped him over their heads. Quatre landed hard on the dirt but quickly righted himself and stood up before Serena and Wufei punched at where his stomach would have been.
They went like that for a time until Quatre became very tired. He breathed heavily and she knocked him off his feet and stayed down. He waved his hand. "You guys win. I can't fight anymore."
Serena giggled. "I'm sorry Q-chan." She offered him a hand and her gratefully took it and stood up. "You guys are incredible." "Thank you. Now go find Duo, we left him somewhere in our territory."
Quatre nodded and walked off. "Ohhh I'm having such fun!" squealed Serena. "We are a pretty good team." Serena smiled. "I know so let's go find that flag!" And they walked farther into the red territory.
~~~~~
It was getting slightly darker as Heero walked through the woods. "Where is that flag?" he muttered. He wandered around more, the sun dipping low in the sky.
~~~~~
Serena looked up at the sky her eyes widening. "Oh my god. What time is it?" Wufei checked his watch. "7:00pm" "Oh man. Sammy!" and she turned to run away. "Relax Serena. I'm sure that Rashid has gotten him by now. He is probably having such fun. Now back to the game." They played until it was even darker.
~~~~~
Serena stopped and looked at the sky again. "Don't we have to go to school tomorrow?" asked Wufei. "Actually no. It's some kind of holiday or something. So no school tomorrow." "Yes!" she raised her voice and spoke loudly for all to hear. "Since we have no school tomorrow we shall play this game until the end!" she giggled and grabbed Wufei's hand and ran off in search of the red flag.
Duo looked up and turned his head as he saw Quatre walk over to him and sit down, placing his gun in his lap. "You got beaten as well?" Duo asked. Quatre nodded. "Did you hear what Serena said? We play until we're done. We could be here a while." Said Quatre. "Yeah." And they both went silent.
Heero turned in the direction of Serena's voice. It sounded awfully close to their flag. "Damn." And he ran.
Trowa nodded his head and stayed in his hiding spot, looking out for the enemy.
Serena and Wufei searched for the flag continuously. "Where could it be!" yelled Serena in Chinese. Wufei shushed her. "Quiet woman. You'll give away our position." Just then a paintball hit Wufei in the chest. Serena ducked and crawled under a shrub and looked out.
Wufei growled. "Yuy." And he stood up and faced Heero silently. "Chang." Wufei dropped his gun and went into a fighting stance, as did Heero.
They rushed at each other and fought with everything they had. Wufei started to breathe heavily and got sweaty. Heero was unaffected.
Heero grabbed Wufei's hand and spun him around and kicked him in the stomach then swept his feet out from under him. Wufei landed hard on his back and groaned.
Heero helped Wufei up. "Nice doing battle with you Chang, but I have to get Serena." He turned to look for her but he saw her long blond hair trail behind her as she ran towards where her flag was hidden.
Heero ran after her as Wufei went to find Duo and Quatre. Serena ran and barreled into Trowa and he held her up. "Oh Trowa, Heero got Wufei." He nodded. They hid behind a tree as Heero bounded into the clearing.
"Come out Serena. I know you are close." Serena crept around the clearing to stand behind him and watch. Heero looked around. I know she is here. I can feel her. He looked around more and then glanced upward. He saw something fluttering in the wind.
He smirked. The flag. He dropped his gun and started climbing the tree. It was a tedious task but he was up to the challenge. He would win. He was within reach of the flag and grabbed it and yanked.
His eyes widened as a rope wrapped itself around him and he fell upside down, hanging by his feet. The flag was still higher up in the tree. He growled. "Damn."
While Heero was trying to free him Trowa snuck out from hiding and took his gun and hid with it. Heero finally cut himself down and he landed hard on the ground and nearly fell. He stood up straight and looked for his gun. Where did it go? Serena! Get out here now!"
Instead of Serena, Trowa stepped out with his gun at the ready. He shot a paintball at Heero and it struck him on the shoulder.
Heero got ready to fight. Trowa dropped his own gun and waited. Heero ran at him and they fought. Trowa was pushed up against a tree and they looked at each other. "Where is Serena?" Trowa remained silent. Heero backed away and dropped him hand hard on Trowa's shoulder and Trowa dropped to the ground.
Serena watched silently then she stood up and whistled. Heero turned around sharply. "Looking for me Hee-chan?" and she ran away in the direction of the red flag.
Heero muttered a curse and looked up at the blue flag. Trowa laughed softly. "You won't be able to climb up there, fight our traps, get it down, and get it to your side before Serena gets your flag and returns back here. You have a better chance of eliminating her from the game." Whispered Trowa as he stood by himself.
Heero nodded. "I think you are right." He grabbed Trowa's gun and followed Serena at a fast pace. Trowa chuckled as he went to find the others.
Serena ran as fast as she could. It was getting darker by the minute. She saw something red flashing in the wind and she smiled. "Yes!" she walked to the tree and looked up to see the flag sticking out from a hole in the tree.
She jumped up and grabbed at the flag and pulled, but it would budge. "Come on!" She didn't have much time. She thought she heard Heero coming. She jumped up again and put her feet against the tree and arched her back to pull. "Uuhhhh."
Heero pushed through the bushes and saw Serena pulling at his flag. Serena went still and let her head drop to see Heero walked towards her. "You won't get it out before I shoot you so just give up. I always win." He said softly. "Is that so?"
Serena pulled again very hard and felt it give way. She let the momentum of the pull flip her over Heero's head, grab her gun, and run off in the direction of her side.
Heero's eyes were wide as he turned to look at Serena disappear into the pitch-black night. "Well. damn." He gripped his gun tightly and ran as fast as he could to beat Serena to her side get their flag and get back to his side.
After a couple of minutes Serena realized that she was lost. She had no idea exactly where she was.
Heero made it back to Serena's side and was climbing the tree as quick as he could.
~~~~
The others were just sitting around. "God I'm bored. Let's go." Whined Duo. "Shut up Maxwell." Muttered Wufei. "I have to agree. We've been here a long time." Said Quatre as he stood up. Duo bounced up as the other two stood up as well. They made their way back to where they had entered the woods.
"Good lord what is taking Serena and Heero so long?" asked Duo. They others shrugged and they all looked back into the dark woods and waited.
~~~~~
Heero finally got the flag down and dropped to the ground and ran to his side.
"Umph." He had bumped into something. He pulled up his gun just as Serena pulled up hers. The flags in their other hand.
"Well look who it is." Said Serena. Heero looked down. "Well look at this." Serena looked down and saw that they were both one step away from winning. There right at their feet was the line separating the different sides.
Serena started fighting to push her way past Heero and he was reciprocating. They held their guns up again. "Move." They both said to each other in the same monotone voice. Serena growled and pushed him hard, ducking her head and landing on top of him as he fell backwards.
She rolled off him and farther into her side of the field. "Woohoo! I won!" she glanced at Heero who was still lying stunned on the ground, so close to winning.
"What was that about always winning?" she taunted. Heero shook his head to clear it and pulled himself up off the ground. "You win." He whispered as he looked up at her.
Serena's smile dropped as she stared at him. They stepped closer to each other, speechless. They were about to touch each other when they heard the most annoying voice in the whole universe.
"Guys! Are you done yet?" yelled Duo. They both sighed as they made their way to the voice. "Shut up Duo. We're coming." Yelled Serena.
The came out of the woods and saw the others standing there. Serena bounded over to her team.
"So who won?" asked Duo. Heero and Serena looked at each other. Serena blushed slightly and looked away. She was just glad that it was too dark for them to notice. "Well.?" Duo looked at them expectantly. Serena inhaled deeply. "We did!" she squealed. She hugged Wufei and Trowa. "And I had the best team. Thank you so much."
Wufei smirked. The woman had spunk. Trowa just nodded and glanced at Heero. He mouthed the words Gundam Pilot. Heero just shook his head and averted his gaze. He would hear of it.
"Now lets get home. I'm tired." And Serena yawned.
The entered the mansion quietly and headed to their rooms. "Night everyone." Said Serena and went to her room and shut the door.
"Night." They replied and the pilots went to their own rooms to sleep off their weariness.
*******************
Wow. Long chapter. Sorry it took so long but I was busy and it also took long to write and put together. I kept adding things to make it better. I swear I wrote so much I might develop carpal tunnel. I hope you guys enjoy my efforts. Review.
Serena & Heero: 20
Serena & Wufei: 6
Serena & Trowa: 2
Serena & Duo: 1
Serena & Quatre: 1