El Diablo of Neo Mexico

by Gravitrax

The 14th Gundam fight tournament is quickly approaching, which gives a nation to rule the universe for 4 years. However, the space colony of Neo Mexico is left without a fighter due to the "death" of their previous fighter, Chico Rodriguez. But they might have an ace in the hole to this problem. A man currently in custody, awaiting his sentence, a man by the name of Octavio Arzana.

3. Chapter 3: Gorgeous Fighter!

DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANYTHING!

Announcer/Narrator/Stalker: Now everyone, we have just started the 14th Gundam Fight Tournament on the surface of the Earth and already have seen Octavio Arzana in combat in the country of Neo Sicily. Although he didn't get the chance to fight Salvatore Guiliano and his Corleone Gundam due to some cowardice and ambitions of the Friends of the Friends, he did earn the respect and friendship of the Neo Sicilian fighter. However, the Arzana brothers have left Sicily and have now made their way to the country of Sweden, where someone is keeping tabs on the brothers and Bandito Gundam. But how are they going to factor in today's events on Sweden soil? Today's match will square off Octavio Arzana and Bandito Gundam against the same fighter for Neo Sweden from four years ago: Noble Gundam piloted by the veteran fighter Allenby Beardsley. Let's get things started! Gundam Fight All Set! Ready?! GO!

Episode 2: Gorgeous Fighter! Talented Allenby!

We start this story in a small town just a few miles from the outskirts of the capital city of Sweden: Stockholm. We find the Arzana brothers checking in to their hotel that they pay for with authorization from the Neo Mexican government. Upon getting in their room, Octavio feels a little out of place in this rather nice yet quaint hotel but then Manuel informs his brother that he is about to call their father to give them an update on how things have been so far. To which Octavio replies "Well tell him I said hi for me then. I'd do it myself but the old porcelain throne is just begging for me to pay tribute." he says waving his hand while walking away towards the bathroom. Manuel laughs on account of the fact that even though they were both raised be respectful and mature, most of the time when they're alone they can be a bit childish. The laptop that was provided to them lit up, bringing in the feed from their fathers terminal in his office on the colony. "Manuel! Mijo, how are you and your brother doing so far? I'm already getting reports you've been busy in the old country of Sicily." Manuel says "We're both fine dad. No need to worry. And yes, we were in Sicily and we had a great time while there. We actually met someone who said they knew you from back in the day." Intrigued, Jose inquired "Oh really? Hmmmm. Wait, you must be speaking of Signore Guiliano." "The very same." his son said. "That takes me back to when my old friend Master Asia was alive. I remember that raid on the city of Palermo, that sorry excuse for a police force was ransacking that city for any goods that could get their hands on. They were about to execute an innocent man who merely trying to defend the fruits of his labor in the fields of the mountains. Master Asia and I came in at the last second and dealt with the scoundrels. He was so grateful for us saving his life, it was humbling. If I know him, he must've have brought you in for dinner. Maria Lombardo would be insulted if you didn't." Jose said with a nostalgic smile on his face. "But how did your fight go with Neo Sicilian fighter?" Manuel pauses for a moment "Uh….well dad, we didn't actually fight him. You see, the fighter for Neo Sicily turned out to be their son, Salvatore Guiliano junior. I mean, after the kindness they showed us for saving Maria's life…well we just couldn't. Octavio WAS going to fight him but the local police force was bought off by a man named Giorgio Strozzi to kill Guialiano and his family if they had to." Shocked with concern in his voice, Jose says "Por favor, tell me that you boys are all right!" Manuel assured his father "No worries dad, Octavio and Guiliano dealt with them all and brought them all to justice. But…" "But what?" his father asked. "Someone else was there. He saved my life though, so I guess we owe him I didn't get his name. Actually, he disappeared after the battle." His father then said "If he helped protect you two boys, then he's a friend in my book. Now, where is Octavio? I haven't seen him yet." "He's in the bathroom. But it sounded like it was going to be a while. He told me to say hi to you for him." With that, his father nodded and wished his sons good fortune. Even though they all knew what would happen should Octavio lose in this tournament.

After bidding his father farewell, Manuel placed his laptop back in his bag and then knocked on the bathroom door. "Bro, what did you even eat? We didn't even have breakfast and it's almost lunch time. Bro?" he pauses for a moment, then with a sigh he thinks to himself 'There's a window in the bathroom, isn't there?' he then reluctantly opens the door and to no surprise, his brother had left out the window quite a while ago. Octavio was now walking down the street of the town that was also very close to the Neo Sweden military base on Earth. As he's walking, he thinks to himself 'Haha. I wonder how long it will take him to realize I've been gone for a half hour. Until then, I might as well do some sightseeing while I'm trying to find out about Neo Sweden's fighter.' While he's walking down the street, somewhere off in the distance, we find a blue haired woman running with a playful smile on her face away from an almost out of breath doctor who's telling her "Allenby! Come on now!(pant) You know still have to run(pant) your mobile trace(pant) suit diagnostics!" The woman named Allenby Beardsley looks back while continuing to run saying "Oh don't worry Doctor Beliman. It's not like Noble Gundam is going anywhere. Besides, it's such a beautiful day! I can't help but want to get some fresh air and a little exercise." Dr. Beliman then gives up thinking 'Aw, it's no use. All that training we give her sure comes in handy whenever she needs it.' He sighs in defeat and then looks up at the sky sees what she is talking about. 'But I do have to admit, it is a perfect day.' as a breeze rolls in.

As Allenby reaches the end of the row of shops which ends with a café with a patio outside, she runs past the tables with a few people eating their lunches, she jumps off of the edge to soar through the air to really embrace the day. Losing herself for a moment, she doesn't notice a man walking right where she was going to land, causing her to land on top of this man's ribcage with her forearm in his sternum, knocking the wind out of him. After a moment Allenby looks up into this man's eyes while she's still a little dazed and asks "Huh….what happened?" and in dramatized view of this man's eyes with a colorful background, bubbles and chimes and all, and in a seemingly sensual voice to her, he says "You took my breath away." Raising and eyebrow with a blush that you could see if you really looked, she says "Huh, that's a little weird to say to someone you just met, dontcha think?" Still in the dramatization he says in what sounds to her like a sensual voice "Not if you landed on top of me…" The dramatization fades away and then the man's face then turns flushed blue and exasperated with swirling eyes he then struggles to say "…and I can't breathe!" after which he lies completely flat looking like someone who is about to pass out. It then hits Allenby that this man literally can't breathe "Huh? Oh! Oh I-I'm so sorry!" she says as she finally gets off of this man who then calmly gasps for air.

After letting him catch his breath, Allenby helps the man sit up with him saying "Wow. You really knocked the wind out of me." he said rubbing the back of his neck with a humorous smile. "Now, where did my hat go?" "Oh. You mean this one?" she says putting his hat back on him while he searches for it. "Huh. Well what do you know? There it is! Thank you Miss..?" Octavio paused for a moment as he was out of breath for another reason that he just couldn't put his finger on when really looked at her gorgeous face. She says "Beardsley. Allenby Beardsley. But really, I should be apologizing for losing myself for a moment." With a lax look on his face, he shrugs his shoulders and says "Eh. No harm no fowl. At least you're ok. It's nice to know I at least cushioned your fall." Allenby laughs lightly at his very laid back answer saying "Well, maybe I should at least thank you for that." She then stands up and offers her hand to help him stand up which he happily accepts. All the while on of the researchers who works at the base where Allenby serves as a captain, looks on. Thinking to himself "Well, what are the odds! I do believe that's Neo Mexico's fighter, the man known as "El Diablo". Maybe I can gather more data sooner than expected." with a glare shining over his glasses.

"Well Mrs. Beardsley, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Octavio, Octavio Arzana." She corrects him however "Um, it's actually just Miss Beardsley." With a smile that she notices for some reason, he says "Oh. My apologies. I just thought that guy you were talking to before you…uh…stumbled across me, was your husband. My mistake for assuming." She has a slight blush realizing that the conversation he was talking about was about a block away and that she really needs to stop making so much noise. "Oh no! That was just my physician Dr. Beliman. He was telling me that I needed a checkup whenever I get back to the base." "Oh you're in the Neo Swedish military? I'm not keeping you from work am I?" he asked. "Oh no. I was actually trying to get a break before tomorrow morning. Today just seemed to perfect to pass up on, you know?" He nods his and looks off into the grass fields across the road "Yeah. Just the way the breeze rustles against the grass makes it all so…calm…peaceful even." She takes note of his words with a pleasant smile because she felt the exact same way. He then turns back to her and asks "Well, if you wanted to get out of the office for a while then how about you help me out by showing me around town at some of the sites. I'm not from around here as you can tell." She nods "Of course. Actually, I was on my way to the fair that rolled into town a couple of days ago. But I wouldn't say it's helping you out back if I was going there anyway." He jokes "Tell that to my dispalced spleen." as he rubs his sternum. "That's not where your spleen is silly." She laughs. "I know it's not supposed to be there, but the way you landed on me knocked it all out of whack." he said jokingly which just kept her laughing until they finally headed to the fair.

Once they got to the entrance of the fair, she noticed that Octavio was a rather different kind of man that she is used to being around; most of the men she is around are either running tests on her, giving her orders, or waiting for orders from her, but Octavio…was a gentleman. He insisted "Now come on. I'll pay for your ticket too. It's the least I can do for asking you to let me tag along." "No it's fine. Actually, I get in for free, along with anyone with me, since I'm in the military." Octavio exclaims with almost a childlike excitement "No way! That must be awesome! No wonder you were running over here." Again she laughs and after getting them both entrance to the fair, they go on a variety rides, watch a few shows of the street performers, eat food, and of course play some games there. It's much later on in the evening when they're almost done for the night when Octavio looks to Allenby and asks "Do you want to play one more game before we call it a night?" She says "Sure. But we've done pretty much everything here." "Not that one." He then points to Big Brother 2, which she remembers that game as…the one where she met her first love, Domon Kasshu. "Oh. I don't think we should. I wouldn't want to hurt your pride too." She says sarcastically. "Ouch. You already did with that comment. Come on. It could be fun." She ponders this for a moment, hesitating because she honestly thinks that she would mop the floor with this goof ball. She then decides to go easy on him without telling him and tell him "Ok, you're on Octavio."

As the two of are about to enter to put on the gear required to play the game, Allenby see Octavio take off his zarape and hat and notices that he had pretty wild hair and is actually in pretty good shape. Once the two are ready to fight, the little digital announcer begins the fight Octavio just standing there with his hands in his pockets and a kind smile on his face. Allenby decides to through some pretty obvious punches since she doesn't want to hurt her new friend, which she is slightly impressed by when he dodges each attack with ease, still with his hands in his pockets and smiling. She then turns things up a notch by throwing some pretty quick punch and kick combos, which again, he dodges each attack with ease, still with his hands in his pockets and smiling. Though, now it almost looks like…he's dancing. 'No way! He still managed to dodge me?' she thinks to herself. "I see your picking things up now how about I start throwing a few attacks?" he says to her to whom she nods with a smirk kind of looking forward to it. Octavio then takes his hands out of his pockets throws a few really fast punches with hardly any effort. 'Woah! He's fast! It looks like I should stop playing around.' With that they both go at it fast, all the while Allenby is thinking 'This is great! It's not often I get fight like this! Not since…' she then flashes back to four years ago, to the night when she first Domon Kasshu, and then it hits her: this is exactly like that night! Before she knew it, they were in the same stand off as back when she up against her King of Hearts, or at least who she saw as hers at the time.

The machine then exploded, same as the last time, but with Octavio still smiling. When Allenby stepped out, she looked over to where Octavio was fighting from and amongst the smoke, worried that he might have gotten hurt, she saw the hat he wore drifting through the air until a hand reaches out of the smoke and grabs it. Once the dust settles, Allenby sees Octavio standing there dusting his shoulders off, making note that he too had spikey hair, albeit shorter than Domon's. He then looks to her and smiles as he put his hat back on, after which he says "Wow. You really must not like my hat, do you?" to which she laughed and again slightly blushed, a little embarrassed that she blew up another arcade while having too much fun. After the fire department showed up, they both did their best to clear out of there, so as to avoid having to explain what happened, after which Octavio was walking with Allenby down a street that headed back to both the base and Octavio's hotel. "Well that was pretty awesome, if I do say so myself. It's not every day that you get to blow up some tech with how awesome you are!" he said with childish laughter coming from both of them. "Again, thank you for tonight. I'm sure you must have had some work to do, but I really do appreciate you even giving me the time of day." She smiles; kind of surprised someone who can fight at her level can be so modest. "I can assure you that I was free all day. Again, sorry for displacing your spleen, like you said." she said trying to keep a straight face at the silly joke he said earlier. "Well, if it's any consolation, I think that explosion of awesome may have put it back into place, so thanks for that too." She laughed thinking that she hadn't really laughed this much in a while. As they stopped in front of Octavio's hotel, he turned to her and said "Ah, I guess I better get some sleep. Miss Beardsley, are you sure you don't want me to walk you home?" "Oh it's no worry, it's only about 10 minutes from here before I get on base. And seriously thank you for the politeness, but please, you can just call me Allenby." she said. "All right then. Well, maybe we can do this again sometime in the future. You take care now." He said tipping his hat toward her. As he walked into his hotel, Allenby couldn't help but think 'He's such a cheesy guy…but he's nice.' before she left for her barracks on the base. On the way back, she couldn't help but wonder why when she looked into his eyes for the first time, it… it was…almost dreamy.

After he walked up the stairs into his room, he was wondering if his brother Manuel was worried about him all this time. As he open the door with key, a boot met his chest and an angry younger brother towered over Octavio who thought 'Aw man. That's the second time today.' with the wind knocked out of him. "Asshole! How could you just leave me hanging?! You know dad wanted to talk to you! But noooooo, you had to go and probably start a riot or something for all I know!" Rubbing his neck with his hat off, Octavio nonchalantly says "Hey. For your information, I just blew up and arcade machine. No harm no foul though. Nobody got hurt." " WHAAAAAAT?! YOU MORON! DON'T YOU KNOW WHO HAS TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES?!" Manuel screamed with relentless animated anger. "Dude, seriously? You think I'm that stupid. We got out of there before anyone with a bill or an estimate could get a bead on us." Slightly less angry, Manuel asked "We? What? You got more followers for your cause in Sweden now?!" "Nah. She's actually a really nice girl in the military." With a sigh and a look that said 'you're hopeless' Manuel said "So you were with some Swedish bimbo all day since lunch?" A little offended at the word bimbo Octavio interjects "Hey! Don't call her that. You don't even know her and like I told you she's a really nice girl and my new friend thank you." In slightly defeated tone, Manuel says to his seemingly dimwitted older brother "So you'd rather spend the whole day with some Swedish chick that you met during lunch than your brother who you haven't seen in over 3 years?" Octavio then walks over to his brother with a smile on his face and puts his hand on Manuel's shoulder telling "Bro, calm down. It's not like we don't have a whole year to be brothers again. Even if it's the last one."

That statement made this a surreal moment for Manuel. He saw then that his brother understands that if he doesn't win the tournament, it won't be a 'well, we'll lock you up and train you for next time'. No, he saw that Octavio knew that if he didn't win, that if he didn't become the Gundam of Gundams, this year would be the last any member of his family would see him again. To get his mind off of this grim thought, Manuel changed the subject asking "Well….uh…how did you meet this girl?" "She jumped on top of me." he said nonchalantly. "What?" Manuel asked. Octavio then explained what happened all the while Manuel was thinking 'He seriously just ditched me for some chick that just fell onto him.' After that, they both decided to go to bed, Manuel was tired due to worrying about Octavio and fell sound asleep in minutes. But Octavio, he stayed up a little while thinking about Allenby…just how he liked her skills…but also something else though he couldn't put his finger on it. The next morning, their room received a phone call from the front desk, which Manuel answered. "Yes? A visitor? Allenby? Ok thank you, I'll let my brother know." He hung up the phone and turned to where Octavio was sleeping "Hey bro. I think that girl you told me about is in the din-" He stopped after seeing that his brother was already out of bed and already out the door. Sighing, he decided to head down to get breakfast after he showered first. Octavio went downstairs past the front desk down the hall to the diner: a set of double doors that opened up to a bar to the left of the door that went around the room with booths alongside the windows and kitchen on the other side of the room. Once he stepped in, he noticed Allenby sitting there looking out the window, her blue hair glistening, she then looked to see him as she heard the doors close, waving him over with a delighted smile on her face, which in turn, brought a smile to his face.

As he sat down in front of her he said "Allenby! It's good to see you again. How are you this fine morning?" "Aha. I'm well, thanks for asking. I sure am hungry though, what time does this place start serving?" she asked. "The sign out front said 6 AM, so we have about 20 minutes. But anyway, what brings you here so early in the morning?" he asked "Oh, well I went on my run for the morning and after I got showered, I thought about getting breakfast and see how you are doing." she said somewhat shyly. Octavio doesn't notice her shyness and simply tells her with the same smile he's had since he saw her "Now that's what I call great time management. Do you know what you want to eat yet?" She snaps back into the moment "Oh yeah. Huh, let's see." as she skims the menu she neglected to look at. "And don't worry, it's on me." He says as she open her mouth about to insist that she has no issue paying for herself, which he cuts her off, knowing what she is about to say "Please. I'd be insulted if you didn't let me. If I remember correctly, you did get the two of into the fair for free, so this is the least I can do as a thank you." he said with a genuine sense of fairness that she admired…as a friend of course. "Hahaha. You drive a hard bargain, you know that? I guess I'll have some coffee then." Immediately after she said that, her stomach growled which caused her face to flush and blush out of embarrassment. Octavio, with a sly smile, jokingly says "Now, you say coffee, but your tummy says eggs and waffles. Seriously, order whatever you want. I know I will." She sighs while maintaining her smile and eye contact for a moment and then actually looks over what she would like to eat.

The waitress came by after a while asking for their orders, to which Allenby said " I'll have bacon, scrambled eggs and waffles with some orange juice" The waitress then asked Octavio, to which he requested "Could I have bacon, scrambled eggs with jalapenos, French toast, pancakes and waffles with apple juice please?" The waitress nodded as she took their orders and after she walked away, Manuel was approaching the diner doors thinking 'So this girl Allenby must be the same girl from yesterday that Oc left with. I sure hope he doesn't get her hopes up, after all, he is a Gundam fighter only here to fight Neo Sweden's fighter and leave. But I guess he never learned the difference between friends and lovers.' he thought with just a hint of jealousy. As Manuel opened the door, he could tell where Octavio was sitting and headed over to his booth to ask why he just left him hanging again this morning. But when he got close to him, Octavio turned around, resting his arm on the booth seat behind him, revealing the woman that Manuel so callously called a bimbo last night. In shock that this Allenby, was…just…drop dead gorgeous. After snapping out of it when Octavio told him good morning, Manuel said "G-good morning bro. I'm not…interrupting anything, am I?" Octavio then tells him "Nah. We actually just ordered. So come on, take seat and I'll call the waitress over again." while he shifted over making room for his brother as continued on. "Manuel, this is my new friend Allenby. Allenby, I'd like you to meet my younger brother, Manuel." Allenby then gets up and shakes Manuel's hand saying "Oh. I didn't know you had brother. I wouldn't have guessed that he was your younger brother though. I mean, he is bigger than you." Octavio comically sighs in despair while Manuel rubs his neck with a shy smile, both saying "Yeah. We get that a lot."

After the waitress came back and Manuel placed his order, he introduced himself to Allenby and noticed how polite and cute she was, almost getting a little more jealous of his brother for his luck with women. After a little while, the waitress came back with all of their plates, Allenby was almost shocked and Manuel was a little embarrassed at how fast Octavio gorged on his plate, almost as if he was a vacuum cleaner, and after he was almost done, he paused to see the looks they were giving him asking genuinely with his mouth full of food "What? Is there something on my face?" With that, both Manuel and Allenby burst into laughter, with Manuel face palming himself and Allenby thinking 'This guy is so silly, I wonder if he's like this all of the time.' as Octavio took in their reactions for a second, shrugged his shoulders and then finished gorging. The other two ate their food while Octavio made cheesy jokes and typical small talk with them and when Allenby and Manuel finally caught up to him, they started to converse as they let the food settle in their stomachs. "That was good, thanks for the food Octavio." Allenby said while leaning back a little. "Think nothing of it my friend, it was the least I could after last night. How did you like it bro?" he said as he turned his head to his brother who looked comically bloated who said back to him "It was good. The view and the company really made it nice. Well, I better get going; I still have to call dad and let him know we're doing good. It was very nice to meet you Ms. Beardsley." He said this standing up and extended his hand in newfound friendship which Allenby of course returned saying with a smile"Oh please don't be so formal. It's just Allenby. I hope you have a swell day Mr. Arzana." she said with a playful mocking tone. Manuel felt a little embarrassed as he said "Ah, I apologize, It's just a force of habit from how we were raised. I see what you mean by formal. Please take care Allenby." he gave her one last smile before walking away thinking to himself 'Wow, she really seems like a sweet girl' as he walked out the diner doors.

It was roughly around 7 AM when Allenby and Octavio were left alone at the table and after a moment Allenby asked "You know, I was just wondering if I could as you something" with Octavio assuring her "Of course. What's on your mind?" "Well, you said you two aren't from around here and I was just curious as to where you from." Octavio blinks in realization that he hadn't told her yet "Oh. My bad. You see, my brother and I are actually from the Neo Mexican space colony and Sweden was just the next country decided to visit next. We actually landed in Sicily about 3 days and met some good people out there and just got into town yesterday." This catches her off guard prompting her to ask "Really? Are you here on business or something?" Octavio continues "Well, kind of. I'm looking for somebody." Allenby then asks "Who?" Octavio says "Neo Sweden's fighter. I came here to challenge them to a fight as Neo Mexico's Gundam fighter." Her eyes widen slightly in surprise as she thinks to herself 'Wait what? This goofball is a Gundam fighter? Doesn't he realize that I am the Gundam fighter he's looking for? Well that explains his hat and poncho.' she asks him "Why did you come to Sweden of all places from Sicily?" Octavio answers with "Well for one, I kind of wanted to head north and be in a place with a little more green in its pastures. But the main reason is what my friend Salvatore I met in Sicily told me when I thought about Sweden. I don't remember her name, but Salvatore said that she was a great fighter who was in the last tournament who made all the way to the finals and even was a match for the previous champion Domon Kasshu."

Allenby just sat there in shock trying to take this all in, as she could see, Octavio didn't realize that he already found who he was looking for and she was right there in front of him trying to digest food. However, she calmed down as Octavio continued "The fact she is Neo Sweden's fighter says a lot about her abilities, but the fact she went one on one with the King of Hearts says a lot about her spirit. She sounds like someone who knows how to really express herself through her fists and that is something I can greatly respect. If I could get a chance to face her fair and square in a Gundam fight, it would be a true honor to fight someone like that during the tournament." Allenby heard what he said and saw that he meant every word and after moment she smiled and told him some good news. "Well my new friend, you are in luck because she kind of landed on you yesterday." Octavio looked at her for a moment confused on what she said, but when it hit him, it brought him a smile to his face. "Haha. That's right, I can't believe I forgot. Salvatore did tell me her name: Allenby Beardsley of Neo Sweden. Gah, I'm so dense sometimes." Allenby looked at him as he was laughing at himself and couldn't help but join in the laughter. After catching their breath, Octavio then asked the question "Well Allenby Beardsley, how about it? Would you care to accept my challenge? Or do I have to buy you some more waffles first?" he said jokingly. Allenby couldn't help laugh as she answered him "No thanks. I'm still full from the first batch. But you're on Octavio and I'm not holding back. How about we fight in two hours?" Octavio said with a smile "Make it three hours. That way, the loser buys lunch afterwards." Allenby laughed again saying "Sounds good to me." as they bumped fists at the table as a sign of respect between fighters.

Back in the brothers room, Manuel had just gotten a hold of their father, General Jose Arzana, and was simply telling how they both doing well before he brought up Allenby. "So dad, I thought you should know that Octavio had a date last night." his father just looked at him through the monitor "Hm? Octavio has different women all the time, which he clearly got those skills from me." he said as he slyly stroked his magnificent moustache. "Why should I know that?" Manuel continues by saying "Well, normally I wouldn't bring it up, but the reason this time is different is because of who it was. I can tell Octavio didn't realize it when she came over for breakfast, but I knew it immediately from the files you sent me when we got to Sweden. There's no mistake: the woman he went out with none than…" A voice comes from behind Manuel "Allenby Beardsley. The woman who fights for the nation of Neo Sweden. And also the woman who I'll be facing about three hours from now." Manuel turned around to see Octavio Standing there in the doorway with his hands in his pockets under his zarape as he continued "It's good to see you dad. How's mom and Esmeralda?" "They're fine but mijo, but is it really wise to sleep with someone who you now know is your enemy?" Octavio was legitimately caught off guard and a little offended "What?! Wait! No! It's not like that you two. She just fell on top of me and took me to the fair." Both Manuel and Jose thought the same thing 'That doesn't sound any better.' Octavio saw their expressions and sighed "Look she's just my friend, ok? And besides, I did want to really fight her when Salvatore told me about her. And now I have the opportunity to fight her and get a win for Neo Mexico." Jose heard this but said "I just want to remind you that this isn't a game where you dilly dally with any woman you encounter on Earth mijo. Remember that your life is at stake and we both want you to win and more importantly survive." After he got his composure, Octavio smiled kindly telling both his father and his brother "Look. I know what's at stake here. I can't imagine what would happen to you guys if I lost, much less do I want to. But if I'm going to win this tournament, I'm going to do it my way. That means I'll have fun fighting for my life." His brother looked at him, trying to comprehend how unafraid Octavio is, knowing the level of skill Allenby Beardsley has while his father looked at him nervously. Octavio finished with "Now, let's go fight the famous Allenby Beardsley."

Back at the military base just outside of Stockholm, Allenby Beardsley walked towards Doctor Beliman's office to let him know of her upcoming fight and to get Noble Gundam ready for action. As she entered his office she started saying "Hey doc, I've got some news you want to…" she was thrown off by the fact that there was someone else in his office. She looked this man realized who was after a moment "Doc Prom? What are you doing in here?" The man who was watching Octavio and Allenby the day prior turned around to face her "That's Dr. Promenchenkel Ms. Allenby." he said in stern, annoyed tone which kind of bugged her "Well in that case it's Captain Beardsley to you. Now what are you doing here in Dr. Beliman's office since he obviously isn't here? I though you worked in the R and D department?" The doctor adjusted his glasses to answer her "If you must know, Dr. Beliman had to take a few days off due to an emergency. He didn't say what, so don't ask. So, he asked me to cover down for him for a little while until he returned." Allenby looks at him questioningly "I thought you two hated each other. Why on Earth would he ask you to cover down for him?" The doctor again adjusted his glasses "Clearly Dr. Beliman looked past his petty squabble with me and swallowed his pride knowing that I was the perfect man for the job. Now then, was there something you needed?" "Well yeah, I've got a challenger for my first match of my tournament today and…" The doctor cut her off raising his hand with some files saying "I'm well aware of your upcoming bout and Noble Gundam is being prepared as we speak. But I just thought you should know that we have received information on your opponent." Allenby looks at him confused for a moment and then asks "How could you possibly know that?" to which he replies "Our reports have confirmed that this man, Octavio Arzana of Neo Mexico, landed on Earth about 5 days ago in the old country of Sicily. But that's not what brought us concern."

Allenby looks on as he continues his explanation "This man is son to a member of the top brass in the Neo Mexican military, but our research has brought to our attention that he is also the most wanted man in Neo Mexico, often referred to as "El Diablo" by the Neo Mexican government. We believe he has agreed to be their Gundam fighter as front to get in contact with known world level criminals, mainly Salvatore Guiliano Jr. of Neo Sicily." The doctor opened another folder with pictures taken via satellite "As you can see, he was seen fighting alongside the bandit against the local police in their Gundams, however, we have no information as to why they were let go after reinforcements arrived. We believe it might have something to do with Guiliano also being Neo Sicily's Gundam fighter, giving him some form of diplomatic immunity." Hunched over with her hands on the table, Allenby looked at the pictures and tried to understand what she was looking at; it WAS the same guy she had a great time with during the past 24 hours, but how could this goofball be a Gundam fighter AND a world level criminal? The doctor broke her out of her trance "You need to go suit up and get ready for your first fight in this tournament. I'll be there with every step of the way" he said with a creepy smile that feigned friendliness. Allenby nodded, still trying to wrap her head around all of this, and left the room. All the while, Dr. Beliman had actually been tied up in his office closet with Dr. Promenchenkel speaking to him with a maniacal smile "Don't stress yourself Dr. Beliman, I'll have what I need soon enough." as his glasses shimmered.

Later, at the area Allenby handpicked for her bout with Octavio, Octavio took note that it was away from any innocent civilians and buildings for collateral damage. This wide open pasture was next to a lake and when a breeze came rolling in, Octavio had no choice but to lay under a tree at the edge of the lake, at least that's how he saw it; how could he not enjoy such a perfect day? After a while he nodded off into peaceful nap and stayed asleep until Allenby walked up to him under the tree and called him out "Octavio Arzana of Neo Mexico! Are you ready for our Gundam fight?!" A bubble from Octavio's nose popped as he woke up from his nap groggily looking at Allenby "Huh? Hey…I thought you didn't care for formalities." Allenby with a stern look on face thought back to the information she received from Dr. Promenchenkel, mainly the fact that he was considered a world level criminal yet he was actually a good person. With that in mind, she continued "I'll take that as a yes." as she summoned Noble Gundam from over a far off hill and suited up, ready for battle, still with a stern look on her face with she finished "As Neo Sweden's Gundam fighter and captain in the Neo Sweden military, it is my duty to defeat you and detain you, "El Diablo" of Neo Mexico." This caught Octavio's attention yet also caught him off guard as he wondered how she learned about his past, but more importantly what exactly she heard: the views of the people or the government who has him by the throat? He got his focus back and went behind a nearby hill where Bandito Gundam was poised in the exact same position Octavio was under the tree, activating its systems as he suited up and synchronized with the mobile fighter.

As the two stood ready to fight, Manuel finally got a hold of his brother through the radio "Oc! Can you hear me? All your systems are showing green and synchronizing has completed." Manuel was over in the carrier about a mile away from Octavio and Allenby monitoring Bandito Gundams readings and to provide mostly technical and moral support. Octavio heard his brother but he wouldn't take his eyes off of Allenby "Yeah I hear you. That's good to hear baby brother. But can you be on the lookout too? Something doesn't feel right about this." Manuel agreed and Octavio and Allenby began their bout with moves similar to their fight at the fair, all the while Dr. Promenchenkel was in a submarine in the lake right next to the fight "Good Allenby. Now that we have Bandito Gundam here, the data I want is finally within reach. Now, "El Diablo", show me what the pride of Neo Mexico can do." As the fight continued, Octavio felt like…he could feel a slight coldness from the punches Allenby was landing…but also doubt, so he asked her "Is there something you'd like to talk to me about? You don't seem like your usual self. And who told you about my past?" Allenby coldly answered him "I don't have to answer a criminal like you. I've read your file form the Neo Mexican government: protests, riots, raids on government operations. Even when you first landed on Earth, you fought alongside a bandit in the old country of Sicily against local law enforcement. But…but your people call you… call you a revolutionary, a hero, and even a savior. I just need to know for myself which one is true." Then it dawns on Octavio as to why she has doubt and explained to her "I see. Well then…" he then stood firm and wide open with no way or intention of defending himself. "Show me how you really feel, Allenby Beardsley!"

Manuel, Allenby, and Dr. Promenchenkel were all shocked: the doctor thought 'Is this some kind of joke?" Allenby thought 'Is-is he serious? He's wide open.' but Manuel actually voiced his thoughts "Dude, are you insane? This is Allenby Beardsley! Better known as Allenby the Berserker! She's one of the few people who could go toe-to-toe with the King of Hearts, Domon Kasshu!" Without budging an inch, Octavio answers his brother "She is also the co-founder of the World Gundam Federation! The same group that helped defend everything we care about in this world from the Dark Gundam 4 years ago! I can't believe I didn't recognize her." Manuel remembers this also "Which means she could destroy even kill you if you stay open like that bro! Please!" Octavio stays wide open while Allenby listens to their conversation "Manuel, not everyone in this world can see things like can or have the same views as we do. If she honestly believes that I am a criminal then this is a way I can atone for my crimes. The hand of justice doesn't always seem fair, but how can I argue with the hero from the country who sent all Gundams willing to fight that evil who saved millions of lives?!" Allenby takes this speech in 'Me? A hero? I was just doing my duty as Gundam Fighter of Earth. But he thinks so highly of me that he'll take any punishment without fighting back? No…no this doesn't feel right. This isn't how his files from his government portrayed him as, much less is how a world level criminal is supposed to act.'

"Allenby!" she hears, snapping her out of her train of thought, coming from Bandito Gundam, still open and defenseless. "I can't change what my government said about me, nor do I want to! If standing up for my beliefs is something that can get me killed, then I'll die standing!" Everyone is in shock: Manuel feels his brother's pain in his conviction to do what he feels is right, Allenby starts realize that he isn't a devil like his government said he was, but Dr. Promenchenkel was laughing his head off manically in his submarine. "Captain Beardsley, you're not buying this 'knight in a devils disguise' routine are you?" Everyone is caught off guard by this transmission coming out of nowhere, with doctor popping up on all of their screens: "Huh?!" Manuel says, "Doc Prom?!" Allenby asks, "Huh?! Allenby! You know this guy?!" The doctor stops his laughter in annoyance "For the last time, it's Dr. Promenchenkel! And yes it's me Captain. Now just scrap this criminal so we can research how his Gundam operates to help further our advancement in the Gundam Fight Tournament!" Meanwhile, back at the office of Dr. Beliman, a janitor is cleaning the office as usual until he hears something coming from the closet. As he opens the door, Dr. Beliman falls on the floor, bound and gagged, with the janitor almost immediately taking the gag out and trying to untie him while him "Dr. Beliman?! Are you alright?!" The doctor gasps for air then answers "Yes, yes I'm fine. Now please pass me the phone, I need to call security forces right away! For Allenby's sake!"

Back on the battle field, Allenby Beardsley is having a moral dilemma: should she attack a defenseless man just for the benefit of a doctor who she can't help but distrust? "Doc no! I can't attack someone who won't fight back. Even if it is during the Gundam Fight Tournament, it isn't right!" she says, catching the doctor off guard. "What?! What nonsense are you spitting out right now? It is your duty as a member of the Neo Sweden military and our nation's fighter! Now hurry up before you waste this opportunity!" Allenby shakes her head "No! I-I refuse! I won't attack my friend, even if he is my opponent and even if he is a world level criminal." This statement surprises everyone, and then she continues "It'll just be a draw if anything. So how about we-" the doctor cuts her off "Oh! I see what's going on here. You've been seduced by this demon, haven't you?!" Allenby gets flustered at this absurd accusation "Wh-WHAT?! Where do you get off-" The doctor cuts her off again "I saw you with him outside his hotel last night, and it would explain why you showed up to work late this morning. Too much strenuous exercise, traitor!" Allenby, now shocked and annoyed "Why you weasely little creep! If you want me to fight so badly, I know just who to pulverize!" she said as lunged toward the lake now seeing where the submarine was. "Ah ah ah. I don't think so." the doctor mockingly says he hits a switch that ceases all movement from Nobel Gundam, shocking everyone there, and then Allenby asked "What?! I-I can't move! What the hell did you little troll?"

The doctor manically laughs as he explained "Earlier when I told you Nobel Gundam was being prepared, it was really being outfitted with remote control circuit breakers…and I just tripped about half of them so that you can't." Allenby asks the mad doctor why as he continued "Because this man is a revolutionary! He is basically a cult leader with military power. I wasn't going to take any chances if he somehow got to you and turned you against. And it looks like it was for the better, traitor! I have no use for a fool like yourself. Now just stand there as I do this country a favor and execute you! You traitorous floosy!" At that moment, five missiles launched from the submarine and erupted through the water and headed toward Nobel Gundam and Allenby, all the while Manuel was worried for the safety of his friend and Octavio in too much shock to reach her in time as all five of them hit Nobel Gundam. Allenby Beardsley screams in pain as she get blasted but surprising the doctor as she still lives after the assault "Well well. No wonder you were chosen as our nation's fighter Captain Beardsley. You certainly can take a beating. As a sign of respect, I will finish you with this special cryo missile that will freeze down to the bone that R and D has developed. Fair well Captain Beardsley!" Out came a larger missile than the previous ones, leaving Manuel screaming to his new friend "ALLENBY! YOU HAVE TO GET OUT OF THERE!" with her informing both him and his brother "I can't! The cockpit door won't open." with Octavio just standing there in Bandito Gundam, expressionless with his eyes shaded over. As the missile closed in, both Allenby and Manuel closed their eyes preparing for the impact, but when they heard a massive thud Manuel saw what is was and was instantly relieved. Allenby on the other hand looked out in front of her and Nobel Gundam…and what she saw…left her speechless.

Manuel relieved, Allenby speechless, and Dr. Promenchenkel completely dumbfounded at what they were seeing: Bandito Gundam with Gleaming finger engaged, holding the missile in place. The doctor laughed manically after he got his composure back "You fool! You just did me a huge favor. Now I'll get two birds with one stone. That cryo missile will both of you, but leave the Gundams intact to thaw out and research later. Oh, did I forget to mention that that missile doesn't have explode to freeze things? It might take a little longer, but when you both dead, I'll have plenty of time!" As he said that, Manuel looked at the reading's coming from Bandito Gundam and let his brother know "Octavio! He's telling the truth! My readings are showing the temperature around that thing is dropping to absolute insanely fast! You can't hold on much longer before you completely freeze!" The frost and ice started to inch its way up the hull of the missile towards Bandito Gundams hand, wrapping around it slowly encasing it in ice with Octavio not even budging while he felt his hand freeze, while the doctor laughed on in a rant "You might as well just give up and let it impact! It'll save the pain and freeze you instantly! You worthless devil-" His rant was cut off by Octavio, still with his eyes shaded over "Shut. Up. You call me a criminal and I won't argue with technicalities. I'm not ashamed of the life I've lived, fighting for what I believe in. But when a worthless waste of human skin is wasted on a little backstabbing weasel like you would betray his own fighter for his own ambitions…that is something I cannot and will not let happen!" Insulted, the doctor answers him "How dare a criminal like you call me a weasel! Someone like doesn't even deserve to live with atrocities you've committed, oh you family must be so proud!"

That last statement was the last straw for Octavio as he remembered the last few years on the run, the sleepless nights his brother and mother went through, the heartache they felt praying for his safety. Manuel heard this statement form the doctor as well and with a look of pity on his face he thought 'Bad move doc' for he knew exactly what was about to happen. Octavio's eyes revealed rage, just like the time in Sicily, as he went off on the mad doctor "THAT'S IT! YOU OF ALL PEOPLE DON'T GET TO LECTURE ME!" The radiance from Gleaming started to shine brighter than ever as it cracked and broke the ice from the cryo missile, shocking everyone there. "Th-that's not possible! Nothing can melt my ice, let alone break its when already hardened!" said the doctor in disbelief with Allenby and Manuel looking on in surprise. "You call me a criminal when you committed treason against Neo Sweden by attacking not only their fighter, but a war hero?! DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH! On top of that, you hurt my new friend which is something I will not stand for! Lastly, you interrupted what would have been a great Gundam fight which just pisses me off! If anyone here doesn't deserve to live, IT'S YOU!" Octavio says with a fire in his eyes as he blows up the missile with Gleaming Finger. The doctor panics as he retreats in an escape pod that launches him out of the water amidst the steam from the explosion, thinking to himself 'There's no doubt about it! That Gleaming finger technology…that's the handy work Dr. Vega! I knew he couldn't stay out of the Gundam fight!' After the pod landed, the doctor got out thinking out loud "I'll be back Octavio Arzana! And next time that technology of Dr. Vega will absolutely be mine!" Up on a boulder in front of where he landed, Dr. Promenchenkel saw a visage of a man in a cloak whipping in the wind as he called to the doctor "I sincerely doubt you'll ever get that opportunity… Dr. Promenchenkel"; it was the stranger from Sicily who saved Manuel, glaring at the doctor and putting fear into his heart.

Back at the battlefield, as Gleaming Finger disengaged, the frost from the missile tuned into rainbow like snow as it fell to the ground, with Allenby looking on in awe at the sight as Bandito Gundam turned and extended its giant hand with the snow shimmering. Out of its cockpit came Octavio almost flashily jumping across Bandito Gundams arm to its hand in front of Nobel Gundams cockpit to manually open it. Once he got it open, Allenby would never forget the sight she saw that day: Octavio standing there with the shimmering snow and the bright early afternoon sun as if some sort of angel. "Are you ok Allenby?" Octavio asked as he extended his hand, to which Allenby couldn't answer for a moment, still in awe at the sight of his muscular physique and the genuine look of concern on his face. "Y-yeah. I'll…I'll be fine." she finally got out with Octavio finally saying "Let's get you out of here." as he through her arm over his shoulder to help her out of the cockpit. As they got onto Bandito Gundams hand, Octavio pointed out the beauty of the cryo snow "It's almost like rainbow snow. Now there's something you see every day. Isn't it beautiful?" Allenby took a moment to enjoy the view and then looked at Octavio, his face still appreciating the rare sight, smiling with a slight blush on her face and her eyes glistening telling him "Yeah…it sure is." A few moments later, Octavio pointed out the sight of a vehicle driving toward them. They both looked on and once the vehicle got close enough, they could it was actually Manuel driving up with Dr. Beliman, to their surprise. "Allenby! Oc! I'm glad you guys are ok!" Manuel said as he got out with Dr. Beliman. "Thanks for your concern. But Dr. Beliman, what are you doing here. I thought you had an emergency."

The doctor explained to her exactly what had happened "That's not true. You see, I was in my office early this morning before anyone else to get started on some paperwork I've been putting off and next thing, I wake up bound and gagged in my closet with Dr. Promenchenkel ranting about stealing technology from Neo Mexico." Allenby looked at the doctor and said "I knew something didn't add up! You two hate each other. Oh, uh, Octavio, this is Dr. Beliman. He's been with me for years supporting me as part of my team as a Gundam fighter." The doctor and Octavio exchange a firm handshake with Octavio telling him "I'm sorry you had to go through that entire ordeal doctor. The important thing though is that Allenby is safe." he said putting his hand on Allenby's shoulder and then continued "It's just a shame that weasel Dr. Promenchenkel got away in the midst of all of this." The doctor pleasantly informed everyone "Oh, you didn't hear? Security forces received a call which led them to the mad doctor tied up not too far from here outside and escape pod." Everyone was relieved to hear that the mad doctor had been detained, however the doctor continued "But Mr. Arzana. When security forces found him, they found this letter next to him addressed to you specifically. Would you like to have it?" Curious, Octavio nodded as the good doctor handed him what seemed like a postcard which Octavio read aloud: "When we meet in person, you will see this sky and hopefully have the power to conquer all." It had a picture of a forest that looked like it was in the fall with a red sky and a castle in the background eclipsing the sun. But what got Octavio were a pair of initials on the back next to the Sierra Madre insignia, they read FG.

Manuel looked at his brother and asked him "Do you know anyone with those initials Octavio? It seems like they know you." Octavio looked at him with a blank expression and told him "Nothing comes to mind. But if they know me and know that I'm here on Earth, I'm certain I'll see them soon enough." With that said Octavio gave the card to his brother to hold onto and turned to Allenby. "I'm sorry you had to go through all of this Allenby. I'm also sorry we couldn't finish our match. I'm actually pretty bummed about that." She shook her and looked at him with a smile "It's alright. I'm the one who should be apologizing though. If I had investigated into the matter, I might have found the doctor before too long. But are you going to be ok? That card sounded pretty suspicious and it was found nearby." Octavio looked at her reassuringly "Yeah I'll be fine. Stuff like this sorts itself out when the time comes. Whoever it is, they did me a solid by tying up that little weasel. But…there's something I want to ask you Allenby." Allenby looked at him and asked what it was. "If I buy lunch for all of us, will you give me a rematch later on in the tournament? I promise I'll give it my all." he said with a cheesy smile on his face. Allenby laughed at his cheekiness and told him "Weeelllll….I don't want to be rude. You're on. And next time, there will be a winner." They each threw a punch that they both with the proud smiles of fighters on their faces, all the while Allenby remembered the day of her first match against her first love, Domon Kasshu. She remembered the way addressed each other with a strike that morning…it was exactly the same as this stance 4 years later.

Off in the distance, the stranger from Sicily and earlier who captured the mad doctor was looking at the two fighters, sensing the radiance of their souls through their fists and thought to himself 'Yes Octavio. I'm sure that day will come soon. And I know in my heart you will rise above and conquer all whom you face. Go Octavio Arzana! Go and fight for your life!'