Author's Note: My Beta rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Sumeragi-san get back it's not safe!" Ian yelled running after his tactical forecaster through the blazing hallways of Ptolemy.
"I'm not leaving a meister behind." She yelled back as she sprinted towards the holding cells. Just as they rounded the corner a metal support beam came crashing down towards her, out of nowhere Tieria rushed up and tackled her out of the way. By now the hallway was completely ablaze and successfully blocking their path to Lockon. Dazed from the impact Sumeragi didn't even realize that Ian and Tieria were now dragging her back to the escape pod.
"Pod 1 is ready to go..." the young crew member announced before turning back to see only the three of them returning, now panicked she asked "...Where's Lockon?"
Ian walked past her head bowed, without a word. After handing off the concussed tactical forecaster to , Tieria turned back and ran towards the Holding cells. Ptolemy's structure was so weak that huge debris pieces now sealed them from the ship.
"Let me go! We need to get LOCKON!!!!" Feldt yelled at Ian as he solemnly blocked her path back to Ptolemy, Tieria stood near the entrance defeated, as a flying shard nearly cracked his helmet. Unable to do anything more the Meister went to the controls, tears for his comrade floating freely in his helmet. With a final rumble the pod accelerated down to earth.
Sumeragi woke up with a start, cold sweat trickled down her forehead as she closed her eyes and tried to regain her breathing. It had been the ever recurring nightmare of the final departure from Ptolemy that always haunted her.
"Lockon" she uttered quietly as the feeling of guilt that always followed her after this nightmare came up. "Setsuna...Allelujah...I've failed you" she spoke as she lay back down into the cold empty bed. As she sat there trying to warm up, the more she realized how it wasn't the bed that felt cold it was her heart. She was sick to the core with self loathing and there wasn't a thing she could do about it. The past remained in the past and she kept everyone including Billy at arm's length. She knew that he of all people didn't deserve her detachment but at this point in life after everything that's happened, she was cautious when it came to getting involved in any serious relationships. So instead she strung him along and gave him the illusion of what they could have been if only for his sake. Just as she was getting ready to stay in the bed for the day Billy walked in with a homemade pancake breakfast.
"Hey Kujou, thought you'd be up. Would you like to try these?" He asked holding a plate stacked high with the pancakes. Looking up from her pillow she greeted him with a small smile, "Thanks Billy but I think I'll just lay here for a while."
"I don't understand Kujou you've been like this for 4 years, when you're not drowning in alcohol you're trying to sleep the day away. What's wrong?" Feeling guilty she replied with another lie "I'm sorry Billy, it's nothing really. I just need more sleep."
"Is it the bed?" he asked coming over to take a seat at the edge of the bed "Because we can trade mattresses if you like" She had to smile at that, Billy never ceased to make her feel welcome, "No Billy the mattress is fine...I'll come out a bit later."
Bowing his head Billy stood to leave, "Okay Kujou if you say so."
But before he could leave she added, "And Billy, thank you. Thank you for the last 4 years."With some regained hope he swiftly turned to reply but was met with her peacefully dozing figure, he smiled and let himself out.
The shamrock pub was busy this summer day, many patrons were crowded around the television cheering for Ireland's national team. Waiters and waitresses scurried about balancing trays laden with no less than 5 beers. A very relieved waitress carrying only 2 cups of coffee set them down before the two handsome and grateful young men, before begrudgingly running back to hoist a huge tray of beer.
"So that's all there is to it bro?" The man addressed his brother across from him while taking a sip of his coffee.
"That's it, that's who I've been working for these past couple of years." The man replied
"And you want me to..."
"No" the slightly older brother cut him off "I don't want anything. You have to decide this for yourself not for me, Lyle." Cheers erupted from behind them as the "boys in green" scored the first goal. Once the noise died down Lyle spoke up
"I understand, but why me? Surely they've got other snipers to fill in for you Neil." He asked while turning back to his drink
"Sadly not many people can snipe from the other side of the stratosphere." Lockon Stratos smiled and took another sip of coffee while watching with amusement the puzzled look on Lyle's face. "I'll give you two days, no more. If you're willing to do it contact this number."
With that the former meister turned to leave. Once out the door he rubbed at his eye patch, a habit he'd developed during his 4 years of recovery/civilian life. It's amazing how dull life seemed without Celestial Being, sure he was limited to providing strategic Intel for Setsuna's missions but he really missed flying, being in space, sniping down his enemies, and his friends onboard Ptolemaios.
That night when he came too in fershettes medical ward he'd never felt such fury, not even after his family had died. At the moment he'd learned what happened to his mother ship his hate for the entire world intensified, all the meister wanted to do was destroy everything, as if he could somehow atone for the deaths of his comrades, his friends and budding new family. He missed the joking between Lasse, Lichty and Ian, he missed hanging out with Allelujah and finding new ways to bother Tieria. He missed Chris and Feldt, the latter of which he'd come close to calling his little sister, but most of all he missed Sumeragi.
For someone who was so diluted with alcohol he always admired her quick decisions, he also saw a side of her she'd thought she had hidden from everyone, a sort of vulnerability that was brought on by guilt. They were growing closer as the days on Ptolemy rolled by, he wanted to help her because he knew firsthand what guilt did to its victims, in fact his own revenge didn't do much to ease his guilt. Every day for the past 4 years he wondered if it was not for his blind rage all in the name of revenge, if he hadn't stupidly charged after Ali and stayed to protect the ship would they have survived? That question always bothered him, and now it spawned in him a much greater hatred of war and all who endorsed it.
All these thoughts flowed through Lockons' head as he approached his car, the ringing of his cell phone brought him out of it.
"Yo, Setsuna, what's happening?" He spoke to the image of the now fully grown ex-meister.
"Lockon, I need schematics for the Proud colony's labour block."
"OK, give me a second" with that Lockon brought up the map which they've acquired earlier through their contacts on his laptop.
(8 hours later)
It was a quiet night in Ireland, the sound of steady traffic undisturbed by the windless air ran lightly in the background as Neil stood before the memorial and took in the rebuilt scenery around him. When his nights were plagued with visions of the bombings he found solace by visiting the now strong and proud square where so many have lost their lives.
"That bastard didn't receive any mercy. Please rest peacefully." He said to no one in particular as he looked at the foot of the monument where the pictures where people have put up pictures of those they lost, among them his family pictures stood. Two devoted parents stood smiling with their litter of two twin boys and one beautiful girl, now he stood alone looking down at what he once had.
With a final look he slowly got back into his car. 8 hours have passed since Setsuna's transmission and he started to worry, this was the meister's first solospace mission after all.
It was interesting how they both operated now, without Celestial Being it was a slightly different war. Both have taken on terrestrial missions where Setsuna rescued hostages while Lockon provided sniper cover. Still sitting in his parked car Lockon remembered the day they put the finishing touches on Exia's control system, he'd never been so proud and miserable at the same time. He was proud because the two of them did a job it would have taken 10 Haro's to do. Yet he was miserable because with Dynames destroyed and his annoying condition, Lockon couldn't provide back-up for Setsuna in the field. Just as his condition sent a surge of pain across his chest the onboard phone popped up an image of Setsuna on his windshield.
"Setsuna it's about ti-"he didn't get finish as a shocked Tieria Erde appeared right beside the ex-meister.
"Lockon…?" Tieria uttered in disbelief and awe. Lockon's heart nearly stopped at the sight of him. Fershette told him and Setsuna that everyone died on board; now staring at the wide-eyed meister it was his turn to break into a smile. "Tieria…you're alive!"
"And you…you're okay!" he sighed relieved before continuing "…Setsuna explained what happened but I wouldn't believe him until I saw you with my own eyes."
Sometime later the entire crew of the Ptolemaios II had assembled and talked to Lockon via video feed. Lasse and Ian were yammering on about the ship's new features, while Tieria proudly described his new Gundam. Everyone was pouring facts into Lockon at the speed of light, all except Feldt who stood in the middle her eyes never leaving Lockon's image. Once he consoled Tieria, Lockon turned his attention to the girl he came to love as a sister. When she first saw him on the screen she cried uncontrollable tears of joy until the rest of the crew filled in. Words like "I missed you" and "Thank god you're alive" were exchanged between the two, Lockon couldn't stop smiling so he spoke up again.
"Feldt, thank you for keeping your promise to me." At his words the pink haired girl teared up again. Ian was unofficially in command, and seeing as how they were still within enemy territory and still had a lot of work to do he slowly started herding people back to work.
"Alright guys let's get back to work. It's great to have you back Lockon, we'll talk later about my surprise for you."
Lockon nodded "Sounds great old man, good to see that you guys are okay"
"Come back to us soon Lockon" Said Tieria before heading towards the bridge
"Will do" he replied with his trademark amused grin. Everyone left and now the Terrestrial Being 2 man team was reunited. "So have they got you a Gundam yet?" Lockon asked.
"No they're still preparing Exia for the twin drive test"
"Good" was all the meister said before asking solemnly "Is Allelujah still..."
"Yes, Fershette has him down as KIA..."Setsuna replied
At those words Lockon's anger for the HRL intensified, I will avenge you Allelujah he swore.
"...and what about Sumeragi-san?" He asked tentatively almost afraid of the answer he would receive.
"Feldt and Ian have confirmed that she got to earth alive, tracking her down will take time." At his response Lockon was somewhat relieved.
"We need to make sure she's safe as soon as possible." He stated, as memories of their time aboard Ptolemy flashed in his head.
"Agreed, I'll track her down. You need to get back to Ptolemy, they can treat your condition here" Setsuna remarked.
Lockon chuckled as he applied a cream under his shirt. "You're taking care of me now kiddo?" he shook his head before continuing, "I'll meet you at the HRL elevator once you find her. I'm bringing some reinforcements with me." He added with a wink.
Billy came out of his study to find Sumeragi completely wasted and kneeling by the coffee table. She could hardly support another shot of whiskey let alone stand.
"Wow, slow down with the alcohol there Kujou" said Billy as he scooped up the extra cans before wrestling the half empty shot from her grasp. "I can't keep taking care of you if you're like this." He added slightly exasperated.
That was the first time in four years Billy looked burdened, she saw the worry and exhaustion in his eyes and it pained her to know she was the cause of it. She knew what would make him feel better but she was just tired of stringing him along, it was unfair to him. Finding some resolve Sumeragi got up on unsteady feet and formed a sad smile in his direction before announcing, "I'm sorry Billy. You've been great to me these past 4 years but I should go now." With that she made for the door.
Billy quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her back "Wait Kujou that's not what I meant-" the ringing doorbell cut him off. "Hmm...a visitor. It's been a while since we had guests." Grateful for the distraction he went to get the door. The outside camera displayed the image of a middle-eastern man with a white shirt, black pants, red folded scarf and a signature swept hairstyle.
"Friend of yours?" Billy asked as he caught her shocked expression. He reached for the door just as she yelled for him to stop, but it was too late. Billy opened the door and Setsuna F. Seiei locked eyes with his former tactical forecaster.
"Sumeragi Lee Noriega, your time hiding is over" He stated bluntly as ever.
"What? No you got it wrong her name's not..." But Billy didn't get to finish that sentence as Setsuna explained much to her dismay.
"Codename Sumeragi Lee Noriega, Celestial Being's Tactical Forecaster" At those words Billy froze and turned to her, she kept her eyes downcast unable to meet his. Neither she nor Billy looked up at each other as Setsuna took hold of her arm and led her out the door.
Once he was alone again Billy stumbled over to his coffee table and opened up one of the cans of beer laying around. All this time, all this time she was with them he thought as he drowned his sorrows with another gulp. Hours later after much careful thinking he realized what had conspired, she was taken from him against her will; she couldn't resist a terrorist how could he have been so stupid he thought to himself. Throwing the beer aside he immediately ran for his car as he paged Anton his personal security guard.
After a long journey, not helped by Sumeragi's numerous escape attempts they arrived at the low orbit station via AEU elevator. Sumeragi sat silently for the last leg of their ride, as the elevator began to slow down Setsuna asked, "Are you going to try and run?"
She tensed at that guiltily before replying, "Of course I am," she said turning to face him "what good would it do to go back to Celestial Being?"
The grown-up meister leaned back against the door before answering, "We are fighting to change the world, and Celestial Being needs you."
"Change through our actions?" she replied incredulously "we haven't changed anything, and what a price we paid." Memories of her fallen comrades stung as she continued "I can't say I believe in Aeliola Shenburgs ideals anymore."
The airlock cabins released and the doors opened with a whoosh. Setsuna took hold of her arm once more and led her out. They crossed an obstacle course of checkpoints, security was heightened for some reason Setsuna assumed it was due to the stunt he pulled at the work camp. Nevertheless the reinstated meister was ever cautious and continued to produce their forged documents when prompted.
They cleared the last gate when Sumeragi spoke up again, "Setsuna you can let go now." She demanded as the last closed behind them.
"Are you going to try and run?" he asked again looking back at her he noticed her eyes slowly widen as they both floated onwards. Turning to inspect her line of sight he understood her surprise as Lockon's reinforcement stood up to greet them.
"Lockon...but how..." she trailed off whispering as she floated to a stop before him. Could it really be him she thought? His eye was healed and he didn't have a scratch on him how was that possible? She continued to ponder as the man before her smiled.
"Do I really look that much like my brother?" he asked watching her shock turn into confusion.
"Brother?" she asked. To her knowledge nothing in Lockon's file said anything about a brother.
"The name is Lyle Dylandy" he offered before turning to the meister beside her "And you must be Setsuna, his partner?"
"Lyle Dylandy, our newest gundam meister." Setsuna spoke in understanding, but before he could get another word out a gunshot rang out. Setsuna and Lyle ducked for cover, as Sumeragi dodged Setsuna's arm and bolted towards the descending elevators.
"Sumeragi-san!" Setsuna shouted after her but was forced back by more gunfire. "Lyle head for the train." He ordered to the man crouched for cover next to him.
"What about her and Neil?" He asked drawing his pistol.
"I've got her and Lockon will be fine, "said Setsuna as he took the safety off his gun before repeating "now head for the train"
Just as he was about to dash after her the descending elevator's doors opened and a swarm of armed men in AEU military gear surrounded her. Among them was Billy Katagiri, as soon as they locked eyes Setsuna changed course and dashed after Lyle, there was no way he could deal with that many people armed only with a pistol. Damn it, I guess it's up to you now Lockon he thought before diving into the train after Lyle just when the first wave of semi-automatics hit the bullet-proof glass.
"CEASE FIRE!" yelled Billy "what are you all thinking there are civilians on that train." Once his men were under control an exasperated Billy turned o Sumeragi who was being restrained by one of the men.
"Let me go!" she said through gritted teeth as she fought against him.
"Let her go Anton" Billy spoke up as he approached "she's not one of them. Isn't that right Kujou?" He asked once he was near.
Anton let her go but she could not meet Billy's gaze. Instead she looked to the floor as she spoke, "Billy...I..."
"You didn't want to go with him did you?" he asked, not waiting for a reply he stepped closer and continued "he came onto my property and took you against your will, but you want to stay with me don't you?" She was at a loss for words as he took her into his arms and continued to speak "I won't let them come near you again."
She did not protest, instead she let him hold her as she wondered how on earth she would escape both him and Celestial Being.
Lockon stood near the payphones and observed the entire display that started with Setsuna and Lyle being shot at and ended with her in Billy's arms. It took all his self control to not walk over there and punch the ignorant man who held her, it was pretty clear to anyone with a brain that she did not want to be there. Lockon kept his distance as the large party boarded the descending elevator. All Lockon could focus on was her, he was so relieved that she was alive that his gaze never wavered as she walked alongside Billy.
The feeling of being watched trickled down her neck, she turned swiftly but all she saw were the phone booths which busy people with simple lives occupied.
"Come on Kujou we need to go" Billy called as he took her arm. The telephone booth was slowly being shielded from view as the doors hissed shut and the train began to descend.
Billy led Sumeragi to a waiting limousine once they departed the ferry which took them from the HRL elevator to the magnificent shores of Ireland.
"I know it's been a busy day" he said as they started to move "but I was wondering if you would accompany me to the AEU veteran gala tonight? I know its short notice but my father's being honoured and they only told me today."
Tonight she wished to be nowhere near a military outlet, she hated everything war stood for. She especially harboured deep hatred for commander Katagiri, it was his military exercise that put Emilio on the battlefield that day. However she refused to take her hatred out on Billy; He, like her was just another player in this grand game of war they played, even if he flat out refused to see her as one.
"That would be great Billy." She replied with all the faked enthusiasm she could muster. After all, it will be easier to escape once she drunk him under the table.
Lockon followed the limo through the busy streets of Ireland when Setsuna and Lyle flashed up on his windshield.
"Hey, are you guys alright?"
"We're fine" Setsuna replied "But we've lost Sumeragi"
"I'm on their tail now. I will phone the ship once I get help her out."
"How are you going to join us in space?" Lyle asked he was well aware of his brother's condition.
"One step at a time little bro" Lockon smiled before disconnecting. You won't make this easy will you Sumeragi-san he thought as he drove on.
Author's Note: First of all I've got to say you guys are amazing, your reviews rock and they kept me going as I typed this by candle light. Thank you so much for bearing with me through the technical difficulties, updates will still come slow due to the fact that I'm now computer-less so please bear with me. You can check my profile for recent developments at any time.
So that was chapter 3 let me know what you think, and remember constructive criticism is always welcome, just as long as you identify the specific text where the problems occurred that would be much appreciated.