The tigers Den.

Hey there everyone Here it is the newest chapter hope you enjoy. Tried to make this a longer one. Hope you like it.

Quatre sighed in exhaustion as the Gundams stood amidst the a debris of many BuCUEs that were littered around the battlefield. Zaft had launched a attack the day they arrived.

"What's the score? I got about ten of them." Trowa said as the Heavyarms ran a systems check to ensure that there was no damage sustained in the battle.

"I only managed to get about 10 of them." Quatre said. He was torn between being amused and wondering whether they needed a mental institution for the twisted game they had created.

"I managed to get 20 ." Duo said, frowning over at the Altron and the Wing Zero as he wondered how many they got each.

"25 is my score." Wufei said casually.

"He must have cheated…" Duo muttered under his breath.

"…Forty." Said Heero.

"Now I know he cheated…" Duo said as he glanced at the Wing Zero, which had been picking off the fleeing BuCUEs from the air as they tried to retreat.

"50.'' Said Dead, like it was nothing.

"Why does it not surprise me that Dead is the winner?" Trowa asked in amusement.

"Hey kid, how many did you get?" Duo asked Kira .

Kira had been listening to their conversation and was kinda disturbed at how lightly they seemed to take killing the people who had been piloting the suits they so mercilessly destroyed.

"I… don't keep track of something like that…" Kira said.

Trowa frowned as he caught the tone of Kira's voice. "Kid; don't get the wrong idea. We only did this 'game' so we could make it out of this battle alive. We haven't been on a field of battle a while. If we were rusty, this would have proven it, but no matter what condition we were in: we couldn't allow ourselves to die here." Trowa explained coolly.

"Are you guys afraid of dying?" Kira asked in shock. He didn't expect them to be afraid of something they seemed to deal out so easily.

Laughter suddenly broke out from the pilots, causing him to wonder if he said something wrong.

"Sorry, we lost that fear when we became Gundam pilots.'' Said Trowa. ''Sacrifice is an unwritten part of the job description. If you want an example, you're looking right at them: Heero self destructed one of his Gundams while he was still on it and, as you know now, Duo is the self-proclaimed God of Death. No, … we're not afraid of Death… we're just afraid of dying here, where nobody we care for would know… So I guess you could say we're more frightened of the prospect of leaving our friends and family with the torment of wondering whether we're dead or alive." Trowa replied.

"If anyone and that includes you and the archangel threatens our lives, we will not hesitate to Kill them. Don't forget that… we absolutely refuse to die here." Heero warned, causing Kira to go slightly pale.

It was apparent that the warning for him and the crew of the Archangel was real.

"All right, let's head back." Quatre said as the Sandrock turned back towards the Archangel.

A few moments passed before the others followed him.

After returning they saw Kira walk off with Flay.

"She's using him. It's easy to see that." Trowa said worriedly.

"I've heard her say it herself: she hates Coordinators. And she blames Kira for an incident that happened in space, so she's trying to use his feelings for her against him in hopes that he'll get killed in battle…" Said Dead as everyone stared over at him.

"That would make sense… he'd be taking his fellow Coordinators with him, and nobody would be on the hook for murder." Wufei said as he closed his eyes.

"If that's true… then that girl is one sick chick…" Duo said.

"Regardless it is none of our business.'' Said Heero.

Later at night.

Dead was putting some things away and walking towards Epyon. He glanced behind him as he realized he was being followed.

Flay stood behind him, glaring dangerously at him.

"What do you want?" He asked icily as he turned to face her.

She walked up to him and tried to slap him, but he dodged it and tripped her and punched her to the ground.

"May I ask what this is about?'' Asked dead tho he knew the answer.

"Don't you dare talk to Kira ever again… or else I'll…" She hissed. As Dead delivered a jump kick to her face knocking her aside.

"Do what? You can't do anything to us." Heero said reavealing himself as the others did to.

"You one crazy bitch you know that.'' Said Duo.

"Shut up.'' Yelled Flay as Duo responded by sticking his tongue at her.

She seemed to balk at his actions before lunging forward at him. Duo dodged as Flay turned around she found a sword blade at her cheek. She saw it was Wufei as some blood dripped from her cheek.

"Unlike that weak fool we see through you.'' Said Wufei.

"And soon he will to.'' Said Trowa.

"And unless you want us to kill you, you best leave now.'' Said Dead.

Flay did as she was told.

"Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out.'' Said Duo laughing.

The next day.

"Report back here in four hours." said a disguised Badgiruel as Dead, Kira and Cagalli where dropped off in a market place.

"No problem we just have to get some things." said Kira as the car drove off.

"How I let you talk me into this I'll never know.'' Said Dead.

"You need to get out more.'' Said Cagalli.

"A boy your age needs to have some fun now come on.'' Said Cagalli as she took Deads hand and lead him like a child.

"Im not a baby, i can walk on my own.'' Said Dead.

Meanwhile back on the Archangel most of Kira's friends sat around a table in the dining eating.

"So Dead and his friends sure have been a big help." Said Kuzzy. AsFlay walked in.

"Morning Flay." said Sai in an attempted to talk to his former arranged bride but she just kept walking.

"Don't worry Sai I am sure it will work out in the end. She is just dealing with the loss of her father." said Miriallia but like her everyone knew it was a lie.

"Hey, how long has Flay had that cut on her cheek?" asked Tolle as Sai looked up and noticed a straight cut that ran down the far edge of Flay's cheek. In an instant Sai was at her side.

"Flay what happened?" asked Sai "who hurt you?"

"It was one of those pilots, the chinese one I asked for something he whips out a sword and threatens to kill me." said Flay as anger built up in Sai.

"Where is he?" demanded Sai.

"Right here.'' Came Wufei's voice as they saw him leaning in the door way. "You have something to say to me, you say it to my face.''

"You son of a bitch.'' Said Sai as he lunged at Wufei, but in mear seconds Sai was on the ground after getting a kick to the gut.

"Pathetic, may I ask what that was about?'' Asked Wufei.

"Why did you attack Flay.?" Asked Sai wgile grunting.

"She attacked us, I did what I did in self defense, honestly do you believe everything she says, any way why do you care?;'' Asked Wufei.

"She and I are arranged to get married that is why I care and her father just died in battle so she needs time to think without someone trying to kill her." Snapped Sai as Wufei grinned at the new information.

"Wow, so she is supposed to marry you. Now I know why she sleeps with the strikes pilot." Said Wufei as Sai's eyes opened wide along with the others.

"Flay really sleeps with Kira?" asked Sai

"Yep I herd them go at it once a while ago, congrats your engaged to a slut.'' Said Wufei. As he turned and left.

Meanwhile in town Dead, Cagalli and Kira sat down at a small food stand. "All we have left is that girl's Flay stuff. How are we supposed to get these things, like these lotions, there are like five different types, how many does one girl need?"

"People like her just like to obsess over their looks thats all.'' Said Dead.

"Yeah guess you right.'' Said Cagalli.

"Hey thats my girlfriend your talking about.'' Said Kira.

"Be silent you.'' Said Dead as Kira did as he was told, as their food arrived.

"You should really try this with chili sauce." said Cagalli.

"No you should really try it with Yogurt sauce." said a man as he placed a bottle in front of them. All 3 teens looked up to see a tall man with brown hair under his hat and with dark shades.

"Yogurt is horrible on this." stated Cagalli. Forget that and worry about them.'' Said Dead directing them towards some people hiding. "Good eye.'' He said. Across the street a man stood up with an RPG in his hands. He took aim at the small stand and the group of three people sitting there.

"Say goodbye Tiger." He said as he pulled the trigger. The moment the rocket fired the group reacted. The man with shades threw the small table over forming a small shield from the blast as the rocket hit next to them. Kira jumped in the air to try to protect Cagalli but chili sauce got all over Cagalli. When the smoke started to clear four men ran out of a building across the road firing guns. Dead Cagalli, Kira and the stranger ducked behind the table as bullets ripped through the air.

"For the preservation of our pure and blue world!" Yelled a few of the men firing at them as the man they meet pulled a gun from his waist line.

"Those people are from Blue Cosmos." said Cagalli "Yep now stay down.'' Said Dead as he got up, took out his gun and started shooting the men started to go down from from getting shot. One of the men fell to the ground causing his gun to skid across the ground stopping at Kira's side. Kira looked toward the side of a building and saw another man aiming a gun at the man's back. Kira grabbed the gun next to him and threw it at the man. Causing the man to fall back dropping the gun. Kira ran toward the man kicking him in the head causing him to fall to the ground. That is when the gun fire stopped and a Zaft soldier ran up to man who they had been talking to.

"Your suppose to shoot people with guns, not throw them.'' Said Dead as he walked up to the fallen man and shot him in the head.

"Sir, are you ok?" Asked the soldier.

"I'm fine thanks to this kid." said the man as he tilted his head toward Kira before taking off the hat and glasses showing his brown hair and a huge smile.

"So we have been talking to Andrew Waltfield, the Desert Tiger." said Cagalli as her sauce covered hair stuck to her face.

"Well how can I ever thank you my boy." Said Andrew "I know I can get your girlfriend cleaned up from the battle. Bring the car around."

"Yes, sir."

The three arrived and entered the home of the desert tiger as Kira and Cagalli looked around, admiring the magnificence of the home. Dead looked back seeing how many suits and guards there were. He sighed inwardly and stood by the two. In front of them stood a woman with blue hair dressed in a blue outfit. Her hair had a streak of orange on the sides. "Is this the girl you were talking about Andy?" she asked.

"Yea, she managed to get yogurt and chili sauce on her hair and clothes" Andrew replied. Dead and Kira watched as Cagalli was led away. Dead looked to face Andrew as he entered the room. Dead looked around the room; the smell of freshly brewed coffee entered his nose with each breath he took in. Kira entered shortly, noticing three cups of coffee.

Andrew turned around smiling at them. "I'm quite confident that the coffee I made is first rate. Come on, have a seat, make yourself at home." He said. Dead took a seat. He had his eyes closed as he thought about the situation and contemplated over a strategy to escape with all three of them alive. Kira stopped and glanced at the small rock piece on the mantle. "Huh.." Kira stepped closer toward the piece and looked at it carefully, noticing the deep impressions on the rock. "A fossil?"

"Evidence 01" Andrew said. As Kira turned around seeing Andrew putting a cup in front of Dead before offering a cup to him. "I have no idea why they call this a whale stone." He commented. Dead looked at the coffee for a moment ignoring the conversation. He seemed to be deep in some kind of preoccupied thought. "Hmm…" Dead took a sip of the coffee and kept the taste in his mouth for a moment letting the flavor sink in before he swallowed. He glanced up, looking at Andrew sitting in front of him.

"Well whatever that thing is, it's problematic." Andrew said. Kira was confused by his statement. "Problematic? Why?" he questioned.

Dead looked at Andrew. "You don't agree? It's only because they found this thing that this hope was suddenly opened up. Or you might call it a possibility. It's the possibility that human beings have the potential to go much further." Andrew said taking a sip of his coffee. "How about you what do you think of this?" he asked Dead. Dead looked at him with an indifferent demeanor. "Humans will evolve in whatever way they choose; it's not my say in how they will do it. Free will and emotions are what makes us humans. "he said. Dead still had an alert personality emanating from his body, yet there were signs that he calmed down and didn't seem to look at Andrew as much of a serious threat.

"Thoe it's that kind of hope that started this war…" He said As Dead looked up at him, finding this interesting. "Perspective on this war through the eyes of its soldiers from the enemy side…" He thought.

Before Andrew continued on about what started this war, the blue haired woman knocked on the door. "Hey Andy…" she called out. The door opened as the two women walked in. "Well, well, well." Andrew said looking at the two. Kira turned around, surprised at what he saw. Cagalli was wearing a light green dress. The dress was complimented by jewelry on her neck and wrists. She wore a light green hair pin that looked like a heart scale. Cagalli stood in front of them, blushing. She honestly hated dress like these. It reminded her too much of where she came from and where she ran away from.

Kira stared at her with his eyes wide open. "You're…you're a girl!" he said aloud. Insulted by his worlds she leaned in holding a fist up in anger. "Gr…what did you think!" she yelled. Kira raised his hands in defense. He shook his head apologetically. "No! I was just saying that this dress reminds me that you are a girl!"

"That amounts to the same thing, Jackass!" She retorted. Andrew and the blue haired girl broke out in laughter. Dead simply shook his head annoyed at everything that was going on.

Cagalli soon joined the two and sat down. Andrew looked at her and smiled. "That dress looks very flattering on you." He complimented. "From the looks of it, it seems you're accustomed to dressing up in fine clothing like that." He added.

Cagalli picked her cup of coffee up, bring it to her lips. "Say what you want." Andrew smiled finding her personality such a contrast to how she looked. "The perfect little lady until you speak." He said.

Cagalli replied quickly in response. "Well, your one to talk. I still can't believe that you're the Desert Tiger. Why spend your valuable time dressing people up? Is it to get your kicks?" she questioned.

"Well, Aisha was the one who selected that ensemble. What do you mean by getting my kicks?"

"Taking a trip into the city while wearing some disguise? Or have residence evacuate their town before burning it. That's what I mean."

Andrew was about to speak when Dead interrupted. "Calm down." He said. "There's no point in getting worked up. You will only succeed in getting yourself killed." Everyone looked at Dead as Andrew smiled. "Well seems like one of you doesn't want to die." He turned his attention to Dead. "What's your name? You're a very skilled pilot from what I've seen, and here you show the wisdom of a veteran." Andrew said smiling.

Dead thought for a moment. He thought about if he should give his name to this person. He thought back to when he first got his name, Dead prime.

*flashback*

He suddenly remembered how when he was just 7 years old he lost his both parents and little brother when the space coloney they were all born on was attacked. He joined a rebel group were he took the name Dead cause he looked like he was void of life, and chose the sure name prime cause he liked the word. Then one day fate led him to Epyon. And he met the others, and was adopted by Zechs and Noin thoe mostly noin.

*end flashback*

"My name is Dead prime."

"Wait your name is dead?'' Asked Andrew as he raised a eyebrow.

"Its the one I've taken.'' Said Dead.

"Well then, Dead. What do you think about all this?" he questioned. "What do you think needs to be done in order for this war to finally end? Give me your opinion as mobile suit pilots!" Andrew said in a demanding tone. "Unlike sports; War has no set time limit or points. So how do you determine who is the winner. At what point do we put an end to it?" Cagalli hid behind Kira worried that something bad would happen. She hoped that he would be able to protect her. Kira's eyes showed confusion as he repeated Andrew's words "At...What…point?"

"When every one of your enemies has been destroyed?" Andrew questioned as he pulled out a pistol. Dead stood up and pulled his pistol out aiming it at Andrew in response. Andrew smiled at the speed Dead stood up and pulled his handgun out. He looked over toward him. "So Dead, are you a Coordinator? Only a Coordinator would have that kind of reflexes." Andrew questioned. This question surprised the two as they glanced at Dead. Cagalli looked at him as she couldn't imagine Dead being a Coordinator. "It can't be…"

Dead answered without pause. "No, I'm not." He said. "What…?" was all Andrew could utter.

"It's difficult to explain…." Dead said calmly. He didn't really wish to go into detail about how much training he had to go through to get where he stood or that he was a newtype a evolved human today. "Endless hours…constant…" he thought to himself. Dead slipped for a moment while he thought of his past as Andrew noticed his eyes changed slightly.

Meanwhile In the Archangel's hangar, Sai stood in front of the Strike as he thought about how everyone relied on Kira and thought how he was the best. He thought of how Flay moved on to Kira and left him behind. Duo stood by Deathscythe hell guarding Epyon looking around. He glanced over to Sai. "Huh?"

He noticed the look in his eyes. Anger, sadness, and envy. He narrowed his eyes. His gut told him something was going to happen, but he didn't know what. All Duo knew was it would involve that kid.

Sai got into the Strike assuming that no one had seen him. Duo looked up noticing the boy climbing into the cockpit. "What's that kid doing?" Duo rushed toward the machine, hoping to convince the kid to get out. "He has no experience in a mobile suit and he's intending on piloting that!"

Sai booted up the Strikes system. Nervousness coursed through his veins. The thought of being caught, the thought of actually piloting this machine pushed his adrenaline rush to the maximum. His heart pounded like a battering ram, hitting his chest with full force. He watched as the machine came to life. He looked through the main screen seeing the end of the hangar. The Strike's eyes glowed a bright yellow. The machine started moving out of its holder. The mechanics moved out of the way

"Hey! What the hell?" Murdock shouted. Duo looked up at the suit seeing it moving. He was worried for a slight moment, assuming there was more than one person able to pilot the suit. He calmed down, noticing the suits wobbly movements.

The Strike continued to move as the mechanics and officers gathered in the Hangar. "Will someone please tell me what's going on? The kid hasn't returned from his trip yet, has he?" he questioned

Duo walked up next to Murdock fallowed by the others, and looked at the Strike. "It's another kid, I think his name was Sai?" he asked wondering if Murdock knew the name.

"Who's inside it?" Mu questioned.

"What? I don't understand this at all" Miriallia said.

Sai tried his best to pilot the machine. He narrowed his eyes in anger. "But why!" he questioned. "It's not fair!" Sai stepped on the lower pads that controlled the suits leg movement and balance. The suit was still connected to the ship by the cable line.

"Hey stop!" Murdock yelled.

Sai struggled to keep the Strike on its feet. The suit fell down on its knees. The system beeped, signaling some kind of error. Sai cried out holding onto the controls tightly. He kept thinking why. Why did Flay go to Kira? Why did Kira let that happen? Why did this have to happen to him?

Flay knew why Sai would such a thing. She didn't want to be the center of everyone's judgment and left the hangar. "Dummy…" She thought. Tears ran down her eyes as she ran.

Meanwhile.

Andrew kept his look on Dead, puzzled and at the same time, fascinated that such a person existed. "This kid must have gone through one hell of a training program or something" He assumed. He caught a glimpse of Kira's eye movements. He kept his gun pointed at the two. "I'd advise you not to try anything stupid. Even if you have berserker capabilities, you still wouldn't be able to escape out of here with any degree of success. Even if you had this guy helping you, its three kids versus a military strong hold." Andrew said.

Kira looked at Andrew questioningly. "Did you say Berserker?"

"Everyone in here is a Coordinator, just like you. There's no way you could overpower us all." Andrew warned. Surprised by the allegation made by Andrew, Cagalli looked at Kira confusingly. "Huh..! But wait…"

"Even if you aren't a Coordinator, Dead; I have a strong feeling that this boy is one, and by the look he's giving me, my hunch is right." He said. "I saw you in battle on two separate occasions. Take your adjustments for contact pressure on the sand and the heat convection parameters. I would say someone like you would be considered a first rate specimen."

Andrew kept his gun aimed at them as he looked at Dead once again. "It's difficult for me to believe that a Natural could pilot such a machine. Then again, the mobile suit itself isn't registered as an Earth Alliance mobile suit." Dead looked at him calmly listening to his words. Andrew stared into his eyes. There were definitely signs of a cold soldier, yet there was something else inside. "So let me ask you again Dead, what will it take to end this war?"

Dead found this question easy to answer. "A battle ends when all enemies are eliminated. Humans will always fight; it's a part of who we are. It does not matter if we're Coordinators or Naturals. All humans are weak. We're so weak…we can't even fight without weapons. save for those who have evolved" He said coldly. Andrew and Dead looked into the barrel of each other's guns as Andrew was surprised by his words. He smiled at Dead, realizing something. "Sounds like you understand. How many battles have you been in?" he asks Dead. "I've been fighting for as long as I can remember. So much so I cant remember what havinga normal life was like" Dead replied.

Andrew smiled, understanding Dead a bit better, even if he had minimal information on the pilot. He felt that his goal for this escapade was nearly complete. What he wanted out of this was a sense of understanding and to gain something that would peak his curiosity. Although he felt conflicted with everything he learned today, he still felt satisfied with the results. He turned his attention looking at Kira.

"If rumors started circulating around that it's actually a Natural who's the pilot of that mobile suit, I'm not one who'd believe it without question. But considering your actions on the battlefield, there's no doubt about it. I have no idea what your reasons are for fighting against your own people, but as long as you remain the pilot of that Earth's forces mobile suit, you and I are destined to be sworn enemies; even if we both are Coordinators."

He relaxed his hold on his pistol as the two teens let their guard down. Dead lowered his gun but he kept it in his hand. "Makes you wonder if there's any other way besides for one of us to be killed in battle." Andrew said casually. Kira and Cagalli looked at him confused while Dead remained calm and seemly indifferent.

Andrew's personality changed. He seemed more relaxed, like he was before. "Well the fact is you all saved my life today. And this time, we aren't meeting on the battlefield." Andrew opened puts the gun back and stored it away. He pushed a button on the device sitting on the drawer.

The door opened as the three glanced at Aisha standing by the door. "You're all free to go. I enjoyed talking with you today; although, I can't determine if it was beneficial or not." He said. Kira put his hand on Cagalli's shoulder as they headed to the door, leaving.

"I'll see you on the battlefield." Andrew said. Kira glanced back at Andrew and thought about everything they went through. The two left with a dejected look on their faces. Dead was the last to leave. "I'll see you on the battlefield as well, Dead?" he questioned. Dead looked at him for a moment. Andrew was still astonished that throughout this whole ordeal, Dead's demeanor never changed at all.

"You should watch yourself, commander. You're kindness will only lead to heartbreak." Dead glanced at Aisha before he left. Andrew was left with the most unprecedented look of confusion.

Well thats it for now please review. Was thinking of putting Dead, Miriallia and Cagalli in a love triangle any thoughts.