Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN ANYTHING! To give an idea of what Lena Oxton looks like, look up Tracer from the game Overwatch, body, voice, spirit and all. The only differences in appearance are she wears some black shoes that look like Converse, pretty tight black denim jeans with a plain square belt buckle, a gray tight shirt, with a black and white letterman jacket, with black leather gloves.
Mobile Fighter G Gundam Round 2
Narrator/Announcer/ Stalker: Now everyone, we have only just begun this year's Gundam fight Tournament to determine which nation will take control of the universe for the next four years. When we last left off, Octavio Arzana had gotten into some friendly competition with veteran fighter Allenby Beardsley of Neo Sweden. Although they couldn't finish their bout, justice was brought to the mad Dr. Promenchenkel who was attempting to steal Neo Mexico's technology at the cost Allenby Beardsley's life. After the assurance of a rematch with a definite winner, the Arzana brothers left Sweden and made their way the London, England. But how will he face off against todays opponent who is fighting to be considered good enough to represent her nation? Today's match will pit Neo Mexico's Octavio Arzana and Bandito Gundam against Neo England's Gundam Elizabeth and it's pilot: the lovely and charming Lena Oxton. Now, Let's get things started! Gundam fight all set! Ready? Go!
Episode 3: Lovely Pauper! Fighter For The Crown!
We see Octavio walking down alongside the bay at night with light fog, not too far from London bridge in England, wearing black boots, black denim pants, leather jacket with fur around the collar, loose fitting gray shirt, a medallion in the shape of his family crest, and a black beanie with a gundam head decal on it almost like a skull. He feels a little out of place as he thinks back to why he's wearing this get up. (Flashback) In a small apartment somewhere in old London, Manuel is trying to tell his brother a rather good point "Dude, you have to change your clothes." to which Octavio responds "What for?" His brother face palms himself stating "Ok. It wasn't too bad in Sicily but when we were in Sweden, you stuck out like a sore thumb." Octavio returning with "Allenby didn't say anything about it." Manuel sighs and states "Look, this is different. We didn't just run into the fighter like those times. Which means we have do to some asking around until we find them. Here. I got you some clothes from one of the markets downtown that should be your style." Octavio sighs and goes to change before he goes out to do some digging. (Return to present) Octavio keeps walking with one hand in his pocket while the other rubs his head thinking 'That's my favorite hat too' missing his hat. He though could evade the authorities for over three year, he really never was conspicuous by any means.
He keeps walking alongside the by and after a while head toward the street alongside the shops that even though they still have business, they look rundown from the outside. He walks along the side of the street thinking 'Maybe looking for people to talk to at night was a bad idea. But it sure is nice out tonight.' and a few minutes later he can and see one building with lights and music coming from it; 'It must be night club' he thought. As he approached it, he felt a good vibe coming from it and saw a few people outside either smoking in the streetlight, casually drinking while looking out at the bay, and maybe one or two passed out from drinking too much. He heads through the door and looks at the interior: two stories, the bar to his left with the dj booth at the end, past that, was the bathroom right next to the kitchen and an office along with small apartment above the kitchen, in front across the way is a staircase that leads to the second floor which is really just a balcony with some booths for food or drink just like the first floor, and a dance floor occupying most of the building with a monitor at the end that projects light and holograms to liven things up. He walks over to the bar where the barkeep asks what he'll be having an English accent that just fit him to which Octavio ask for a glass of water and chips with no fish.
After he gets what he asked for, he thanks the barkeep, pays, and starts to eat his meal and maybe five chips in he hears a small ruckus coming from a table by the railing overlooking the dance floor on the first floor. He looked over, while still chewing, to see three drunk men trying to hit on this lovely lady who stood out from the other girls in the club/pub; the only reason Octavio heard this was because the place wasn't too packed and the people were pretty tame save for these three. The lady stands there with arms crossed and a look on her face that said 'I'd rather not do this right now' so Octavio turns back around on his bar chair, finishes his water, picks up his bowl of chips and casually walks over to the dj making a request, which the dj agrees with a smile saying that he hadn't heard that song in a while, much less played it, and he plays the song Octavio asked for: 'You Know You Like It' by DJ Snake. The music starts and Octavio thanks the dj with a smile while still chewing and a thumbs up and then he casually walks over to the commotion, bowl in hand while still munching on chips.
He turns the corner of the pillar to get to the table where the lady is visibly annoyed by the men and then one of them says "Oi, Lena. I know you bounce an all, but you should know you can bounce on me anytime!" staring laughter with the other two. Octavio then walks up and says "Excuse me." to the group, drawing their attention and stepping on the foot of the drunk closest to the railing while continuing to walk. The drunk yells in pain and the other two get angered by this as Octavio then casually turns around and asks nonchalantly "Are you ok?" which angers the far drunk and he says "Don't play dumb you arse! You did that on purpose!" and then he throws a punch at Octavio while he's not even looking and Lena looks on saying "Calm down!" Octavio conveniently drops a chip saying "Whoops" and drops down to pick it up, causing the far man's punch to hit his friend and sending them both over railing and falling about 4 feet to the dance floor and Lena looks on surprised thinking 'Is this bloke for real? I can't tell if he did that on purpose or not.' Octavio gets up with his fallen chip and the last man asks him "Just who the hell do you think you are?!" to which Octavio replies nonchalantly with a smile "Someone who abides by the five second rule." The last drunk can barely stand and he swings hard at Octavio's face as Octavio eats the chip, tilting his head back enough that the punch misses throwing the drunk off balance and causing him to fall to the floor unable to get up thanks to the all the ale he drank.
Octavio looks down with more chips in his mouth again nonchalantly asks "Are you ok down there?" then he looks at Lena and states "Well that was weird." She looks at him bewildered for a moment and pops a smile and says "Ha! I don't know if you're clueless or calculating. Either way, that was smooth. Thanks for the help love." Octavio looks at her for a moment and then smiles bashfully "Haha, don't mention it." Just then the two men that fell over the railing come back up and pick up their friend after which one of them pulls out a knife and threatens to stab Octavio, to which he plays dumb asking "For what?" The man then lunges at Octavio, who doesn't even flinch and seemingly out of nowhere the man gets kicked in the face and launched into the other two and through the door of pub which was being held open by the barkeep who closes it after they land outside in the street. Impressed more than caught off guard, Octavio looks at the foot that kicked the man, follows its leg up to see Lena standing there with her hands on her hips on one leg shaking her head sighing and saying "Ugh, some blokes never learn about fighting in the club." Octavio then gets out the words "Wow, you know, you're pretty flexible. Thank you." which catches Lena off guard placing her leg down in slight embarrassment saying "Ah, don't worry about it. I deal with blokes like that all the time. The names Lena, Lena Oxton. I'm the bouncer at this mighty fine establishment."
They shook hands as Octavio introduced himself "My names Octavio, Octavio Arzana" but Lena then said "You know, I'm actually on break and I love this song. Care for a dance love?" to which Octavio slyly says "Well I did request this song." making her laugh as she said "I was afraid they'd ruin the song for me. Come on!" as she took his hand and brought him to the dance floor and danced their way into the crowd. The song was about halfway through when they got there and Lena thought to herself 'Wow he's got some moves. And he's cute.' while Octavio was thinking 'Finding the fighter can wait. Besides, she's pretty good.' The two danced the night away, laughed, joked around, ate free of charge because Lena worked there, and the barkeep kept her on break because he never saw her have this much fun and the other bouncers had no issue covering down and before the two of them knew it, it was almost closing time and they were the only to left dancing. The barkeep walked up to the dj and made a special request for those two, which the dj agreed that it's just the right song and he informed the building, which only had Octavio, the four bouncers including Lena, the barkeep, the cook and dj that this was the last song for the night and then he played it: 'Killing Me Softly' by the Youngblood Brass Band. As the song started, the monitor and the light sets put up a hologram of a performance they did in London long ago. Both smiled, Octavio slyly and Lena overjoyed, and Lena told Octavio "I love the original version of this song by Roberta Flak but Marcus, the barkeep over there, actually saw this performance a long time ago. He swears he relives that night with Vivian, our cook in the back, every time he hears it." Octavio tells her "I can understand that, it is a good song. But Roberta Flak had more…" they both said soul at the same time. They laughed in enjoyment that they felt the same way about this song and that they had very similar taste in music.
Vivian came out of the kitchen in the back smiling at the song playing and when Marcus saw her he walked over to her from behind the bar and danced with her slowly in front of the bar, feeling massive amounts nostalgia from that performance so long ago. The remainder of the dance, Lena was saying to Octavio "You saved my night you know." catching Octavio off guard asking "What do you mean?" she then explains "Well, if you hadn't come over and acted all lost, I probably would've snapped and made more of a seen, scaring off customers. But then you wandered by and dumb lucked all over them." she said giggling slightly leaving Octavio smiling bashfully. The song finished and the two looked at each other with small genuine smiles with Lena thanking Octavio for the dance. "You two have a good morning" said Marcus from behind them with a sly smile and after a moment it hit Lena that he was poking fun at her since she seemed to be lost Octavio's, to which she laughed slyly. Octavio, however, thought what the old man was saying it was late so he looked at his pocket watch and saw that it was 2 in the morning making laugh saying "Well I'll be" with Lena giggling to herself thinking 'Cute and classy' and Octavio with semi embarrassed smile finishing with "What? It goes with my outfit" causing everyone to laugh.
Octavio thanked the couple for the hospitality to which they returned with handshakes and a "Comeback anytime" and the two new friends walked out the pub together. Lena had her hands in her jeans pockets looking down at the ground while walking with Octavio to the street and when they get to the curb they stop, Lena facing Octavio and Octavio looking out at the bay saying "The bay sure does look peaceful right now" to which gives it a quick glance and agrees. Octavio, after taking a breath to take it all in, turns to Lena saying "You know, I'd offer to walk you home to make sure you get there safe, but I'm like 95% sure you can take care of yourself." which makes Lena laugh and asks "Only 95?" with Octavio finishing with small grin "The other 5% knows you'll be fine. Besides, my brother must be worried sick that I'm out so late. He's worse than my mom, I swear." causing Lena to laugh again. "I guess I'll see you around Miss Oxton. You have a good night." Octavio said as he was walking away and Lena standing there with a big smile saying back to him "Good night love." and after Octavio seemed to dissipate into the mist about a block away, Lena stayed there with a smile thinking to herself 'Cute, classy, a gentleman, and funny? That bloke sure is something else." after which she turns around and makes her way home.
Octavio arrives in the little apartment/hideout he and his brother are staying at and sees his brother passed out on the only bed and after getting the dinner that Manuel made for him he starts to get comfy on the couch. After he finishes eating, he thinks to himself 'So I'll get up in about 5 hours to try and look for this fighter again in the morning this time. At the very least, I had fun tonight and made a new friend. I might as well enjoy life even more now.' then he looks out the window 'God only knows how much longer mine will be.' Immediately he shakes his head and starts scolding himself 'Gah! Don't think like that you idiot! If you start doing that, then last few years have been for nothing. People say that dying for the cause is righteous but living and fighting is just as good, if not better.' he then looks over to his brother through the bedroom door and think's 'And above all, I have to live for them.' as reminds himself the self-sacrifice and pain that his family went through because they wanted him to be happy and alive. He then smiles, closes his eyes, and nods off into unconsciousness while Lena on the other hand….she was going through something else. At that same time, Lena been looking out massive window, thinking of whether she can do it or not, she then gets up and walks over to the railing and looks at it: Gundam Elizabeth, the pride of Neo England.
She wonders about whether or not she be the Gundam fighter for her country, after all, she really was just a bouncer who got involved in intergalactic politics. She thinks to herself while looking at the Gundam 'Gundam Elizabeth, you deserve better than this: being locked up on Earth with a lowly pauper the likes of me. You should have someone from MI6 or Special Forces piloting you instead of someone who…" she is interrupted by the sound of an elevator door opening up revealing a man with a stern look on his face approaching her. "Miss Oxton, shouldn't you be resting? Why, it's already morning and you couldn't have worked overtime. We know when that club closes." This man is General Julius Bazel, the commanding officer of the Neo England royal army, the man in charge when in regards to Gundam Elizabeth and her care, however, Lena didn't care what his title or position was since she was technically a civilian and also…well…Bazel was a bit of douche, some might say. She looked at him with a hint of disgust and sarcastically "Hello Miss Oxton, it's good to see you. I hope you're well and was wondering how your day went." she said with hands behind her head and finishes with "Is that so hard for you to do Bazel?"
"That's General Bazel to you Miss Oxton." he said with contempt in his voice to the one person in this facility that he couldn't bark orders at, to which she paid almost no mind in saying nonchalantly "Whatever Baz." causing Bazel to grow a comical vein his forehead. The general growled for a moment and then sighed to say "Well, I suppose it's for the best. I was going to wake you with the latest intel we have received on a possible opponent in the Gundam Fight Tournament here in London as we speak." which catches Lena off guard and genuinely curious as she deep down wants to fight. The general hands her a tablet which she swipes through while explaining to her "MI6 located two individuals whom we believe to be the representatives from Neo Mexico. Now, MI6 is still looking for their Gundam so as to destroy it as soon as possible." and with that statement, looks up at him with fury "Hold on! I don't want you getting involved in matches!" The general exclaims "That is not you're call to make Miss Oxton! Once we find the Gundam, we eliminate it so as ensure our nations progress in the tournament. I assumed you knew since you were stalling one of them to aid in the search." which baffles Lena with her saying "What are you on about?" Bazel then grabs the tablet and swipes through to a specific photo and shows it to Lena stating "Is this not you dancing with Octavio Arzana after 1 in the morning?" sending Lena into a rage.
"You were spying on me?!" she says with borderline fury in her voice and face to which the general argues "It's not spying if it's in the best interest of our country to protect what belongs to us! This man is a wanted criminal in his country! He could've very well killed you and eliminated Neo England from the tournament this year!" Lena, now yelling at the officer, says "I'M PROPERTY NOW?! I AM A KNIGHT! DUBBED BY HER MAJESTY PERSONALLY!" and the general very callously states "You are our nation's fighter! If it were up to me, we would've had one of our best agents from MI6 in the cockpit instead of someone the likes of you! Honestly, you're more of a liability than anything: no training, no discipline and no class!" Lena then walks off to give herself some distance from Bazel before she did something she might regret saying "Well to hell with you too, governor! I'll have you know, that Octavio is a goofball who can handle a few drunks, yes. But I don't think he can pilot a Gundam!" "You're ignorance will be the downfall of Neo England! We didn't waste the last couple of years training you off of the street just to be assassinated because you couldn't keep your bloody bloomers on!" the general screams at her before the elevator doors close. "Bloomers?! As if anyone wears those anymore you arse!" Lena says flabbergasted with her face completely blushing at that statement. After a moment, she sighs loudly and plops herself on her couch thinking 'I can't even have friends now?! Bollocks! I need someone to talk to about this kind of stuff before my bloody head explodes!" and after that, a massive clock hand moved outside her window.
About 5 hours later, Octavio is woken by his brother talking to their father in the next room giving him an update on their current search for the Neo England fighter. "London eh? Well, I hope you boys are doing fine. But do me a favor, if you run into a man by the name of Julius Bazel, contact me immediately." their father states with Manuel asking "Why? Who is that dad?"
General Arzana explains "He's a general in the Neo England royal army whom I've had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting at many intergalactic delegations and conferences. He's very ruthless when it comes to Neo England position in the universe, if it weren't the queen, he would've ran wild long ago. If MI6 is half as good as I think they are, then I'm certain that he is aware of your presence in London. It should be just matter of time before he tries something, so again, be careful my sons." he as Octavio walked in. "No worries dad, we'll be careful. We'll have our communicators on us at all times just in case." After that their father nods and ends transmission and contacts one of his subordinates asking "Get my transport ready and the crew on standby. I have a feeling I'll need it" as he looks at picture on his desk from when he met the queen of Neo England.
Back on Earth, the brothers Arzana are yet again getting into an argument after Octavio let his brother know where he was last night. "So let me get this straight: while I was trying to get a hold of you on the communicator, which you left behind, you were at a club picking fights and dancing the night away?!" with Octavio saying as "You know, that actually sounded better than I thought. I like the way you say it better." Manuel face palms himself telling his brother "Dude, we are not here to party and hook up with chicks!" to which Octavio says "Really bro? I can't even have friends? (sigh) Look, I'm heading back out tonight after you and I ask around this afternoon to actually get some information. Now come on, I've already got food ready for us." One of the things Manuel loved about his brother was the fact that he learned how to cook from mom. Granted, the food today was only some eggs, bacon, and biscuits, it was still cooked with the same familial love as his mother. After eating their breakfast, the brothers set out around the city avoiding police and any government types as much as possible and before they knew it, it was sundown and Manuel wasn't really in shape to keep walking around so he stayed at the apartment to get some rest while Octavio went back to the club before it opened.
Octavio walked the street on the way to the club, taking in how bay looked like it was on fire thanks to the reflection of the sun and as he reached the club knocked on the door and was surprised to see Lena open it after a few moments. She let him and he asked her "Fancy seeing you here. Why did you get here so early?" and she says "Well, after I got to my place, I got into an argument with my…uh… "Landlord" and just wanted to clear my head. I couldn't get much sleep so when I woke up, I came by to clear my head and so Marc and Viv asked me to watch over the place while they left town for a few days. They had this trip planned for a while now, so everyone around knows it's going to be closed for a while. Well…almost everyone." to which Octavio chuckled which also brought a smile to Lena's face…she likes that chuckle. She walks him over to the bar and pours him a glass of water while Octavio sees if he can work the dj booth. He figures it out and puts on "With You" by Chris Brown, which Lena hears and gives him a smile that said 'how did you know' because it was stuck in her head for some reason. She high fives him for the choice saying "Good song" and hands him his glass and sits right next to him asking "So, why are you here so early? Hmmmm Mr. Arzana?" she asked with a cocky smirk. Octavio explains "Well if you must know, I'm actually looking for someone." and curiously Lena asked "Who?" and Octavio explains "I don't who they are or what they look like. But I do know they're in the city." He takes a sip of the glass of water she poured for him and afterwards says "I'm looking for Neo England's Gundam fighter." which shocks Lena 'No way! Baz was right about this goofball?" she thinks to herself before asking him "Why are you looking for them? Are you…planning on….killing them?" on the edge of her chair, awaiting his answer. Octavio is shocked by her question, telling her "What? No! I want to fight them see if I can beat them. Why would I kill a nation's champion?" she gasps in relief while listening intently "I wouldn't kill anyone, especially someone of that importance to the people of Neo England. I'd be no better than an assassin." Her face calms down slightly, a little ashamed that she would ask such a question, and a hint of smile appears on her face as Octavio continued "Honestly, I'm looking forward to meeting them. I know they were specifically chosen by the queen and from what my father tells, that makes them someone who the people of Neo England put all of their hopes in and can rally behind."
Lena relaxes in her chair as Octavio helps himself to some more water, all the while thinking about what Octavio said 'Someone who the people of Neo England put all of their hopes in and can rally behind eh? Wow, I never really thought of it that way. All this time I've been doubting myself…" Octavio breaks her train of thought by saying "And my father always spoke highly of the queen whenever he met with in at delegations and conferences, so I know that this fighter has to be someone pretty amazing if the queen chose them specifically." Lena just looked at him as he took another sip from his drink with her mouth open and her face beginning to blush thinking 'He's serious! This bloke doesn't even know me even remotely well, but I can tell that just by way he talks about the fighter…about me…he means every word!' With that, Lena got up, turned off the music grabbed Octavio by the arm telling him with a shy smile "Can you come with me? There's something I want to show you." which catches Octavio off guard but he says "Uh sure." and they leave the club after Lena locks the place up and Lena lead them towards London bridge.
As they approached the famous bridge, Lena starts to talk a little bit more about herself while still hugging Octavio's arm "You see, I grew up in this city ever since I was a wee babe. And growing up in the streets of good old London wasn't exactly easy, you know?" Octavio chimes in with "It wouldn't surprise me. Especially since most of the cities around the world are in ruins. But people do need ways to make a living, hell, just to get by even." And Lena nods at his comment continuing her story as they walk up towards the staircase on the bridge leading to the upper walkway. "Anyway, my mum and dad passed away when I was old enough to remember their faces and they trusted old Marcus and Vivian to watch over me. But even with them caring for me, I still had to fight to get by. The worst times were when nobles would spit at me for wearing the clothes that old Viv could barely get for me and it just pissed me off when they called them rags. I mean, they weren't many things I actually owned, so it really hurt when some stuck up snooty pompous arses looked down at me and my kind all high and mighty." she said as the two of them finally made up to the walkway atop London bridge. As they walked towards the center of the walkway, Lena finally broke the hug she held since the club and leaned over the railing looking off into the sunset before it went away Octavio joined after he saw what she was doing. "When I got older, Marcus gave me a job as a waitress at the club and after too many drunks kept wrecking the place, I realized that I had a knack for kicking their arses out the door so Marcus let me be one of the bouncers. That's still going on, but then…one day something amazing happened." causing Octavio to look at her with even more intrigue asking "What was it?" Lena then looked back at with the enthusiasm of a child at the memory and telling him "Her majesty herself came down to colony down from the colony to London, more specifically, this bridge."
"I'll never forget it. It was about 3 years ago when she was escorted down these streets in a parade across this bridge and I was on the side railing down there just waiting for a chance to see her majesty." then the joyful face turned serious as she continued "Then…shots were being fired her majesty and her security team scrambled to find the shooter. Don't get me wrong, I was scared as anybody…but the thought of her majesty being killed…I wasn't going to let that happen if I could do something, anything to help." Octavio just looked at her, sensing the drive to do good and devotion she had for her majesty, feeling the sense of duty she had for her nation even if she didn't fully realize it. Lena continued "I remember…I was frozen there for a moment…watching everyone lose their minds and then all of sudden I felt…something hot bounce off of my neck from up above, right where we're standing actually. I touched my neck and then I saw it…a shell casing. Then it dawned on me: I needed to get up those stairs, now!" As she said that, Octavio looked at the spot she spoke of and could just envision everything she was saying just by the emotion she had in her words.
"To this day, I don't what came over me, but I was up here from down there before I knew it. The second I got up here, I saw him: he was an AWOL soldier from the royal army who had gone off the deep end. I rushed at him, not sure of what I would do. He didn't notice me until I was about the distance between you and me right now. I was just a bouncer back then, so after we threw a few punches I did the one thing I knew I could do: throw him. But when I did he grabbed me and dragged me down with. I…I thought I was going to die, but I had now regrets. By the grace of the all mighty though, we landed on a float and I landed on him. He was out and after they took him away, the greatest moment of my life happened." She looked down at the middle of the bridge for a moment and then looked right at Octavio with a prideful smile and said "Her majesty herself walked right up to me and asked me to come with her to the royal palace…THE ROYAL PALACE!" The look on her face bought a smile to Octavio, seeing her as excited as a small child. "After going through what felt like hours of security screenings, I was escorted right to the queen's throne with her waiting for me. And when she spoke to me like I was a close personal friend...my heart almost exploded with joy at just hearing my name leave her lips. But that wasn't the best part. She told me to get down on one knee and bow my head so I did…also so her security would've tackled me if I didn't. AND SHE KNIGHTED ME! ME! Right then and there."
Octavio was smiling wide when he told her "Wow! That's amazing! I met an honest to God knight of Neo England! That is the second best thing to happen since I got here in this city." catching Lena off guard with asking curiously "Second? What could the first be?" He took a moment to give a friendly smile before he looked her right in the eyes as the sun was going down and said "Getting to meet you love." Lena stood there for a moment in shock, thinking to herself 'Meeting me? He-he'd rather meet me over a knight? Did he seriously just say that?' and all the while that her thoughts were racing, she didn't notice that her face was redder than the setting sun and her heart was almost in overdrive until after an almost awkward pause. She cracked a cheeky smile and burst laughing trying to cover up her blushing face and changing the subject by saying back to him "Hahahaha. Oh good lord, did you really just say love?" but she had inadvertently caused her heart to race faster saying the word 'love' again but she couldn't figure out why. Octavio smiled bashfully while chuckling "Hahaha. I mean you say it all of the time. So I felt trying it out to see how it feels. It's just not the same as when you say it." making Lena laugh even harder saying "Well you don't have the accent for it love!" causing both of them to burst into laughter. As the laughter was dying down, Lena thought to herself 'There's no way he could be any kind of bad. That damn Bazel never did like fun. Well, I'll show him what happens when you at like an arse to a knight.' she then asks Octavio with a flirtatious look on her face that she no control over "Can you come back to my place? There's one more thing I want to show you." to which Octavio meet her gaze with a friendly one saying "Of course m'lady. It would be my honor." making her laugh at his poor attempt at an accent before she took him by the arm again and they made their way to her home.
The two crossed the bridge to the other side of the bay and walked down the street for a couple of blocks until they made it to a certain corner and made a turn and that's when she stopped him and pointed up saying "It's not much, but it does have one hell of a view." Octavio looked up and his mouth opened in awe at where she was pointing: the clock known around the world, Big Ben. He was speechless as he stood there flabbergasted, which Lena took mental note of it 'Haha. Adorable as new born babe seeing something shiny.' she thought. Octavio was broken out of his trance as Lena tugged on his arm to continue walking but his face got serious when he saw a security checkpoint manned by the Neo England royal army. When they approached the gate, the guards welcomed Lena very friendly as she asked for a visitor's pass for Octavio, who was a little on edge being around this much military and thinking to himself 'Why would a bouncer be in a place like this. Not that she doesn't deserve it but I don't think her salary could cover this.' After pinning on Octavio's visitor badge like he was a child winning a blue ribbon, which Octavio thought was adorable on account of how perky Lena was, Lena led him to the elevator and as they entered Octavio asked "So, are you on the 3rd floor, 4th floor?" and Lena smiled bashfully saying "Actually…I'm the very tippy top." just astounding Octavio as the elevator doors closed and made its way up. But as they closed, a man standing in the shadows looks on and thinks to himself 'Good old Bazel might want to hear about this. Eh, I'll tell him the morning." This man exits the shadows and proceeds to exit the building telling the guards "Have a good night gents." "Good night sir." the man who Octavio got his badge from replied. The other there with him asks "Who was that?" to which the first guard says "He's an agent for MI6, the top agent in fact: Lloyd Cunningham."
After a listening to some pretty tasteful elevator music, the elevator reached the top and when the doors opened, Octavio was walked into somewhat of loft with a kitchen, shelves, a couch, rugs, a sound system, stairs that led up to a balcony with Lena's bed, closet, and shower and two massive windows, both on opposite sides of the room. The one on his right was actually the glass behind one of the clock faces of Big Ben which as she said had a hell of a view of London Bridge and the other window seemed to be blacked out as if by low lighting on the other side or the window itself shaded the sight. Lena told him "Make yourself at home. Don't mind me, I'm just going to go take a quick shower; it felt muggy outside. You can take your jacket off and put it on the rack if you'd like." which Octavio does as she walks up a flight of stairs to shower. Octavio walks over by the stereo and then asks "Would you mind if I put on some music?" He hears her voice in the back tell him "As long as it's good." she said jokingly to which he responds with "Well it is your music after all." making her blush slightly as she steps in her shower with nothing but her towel.
He then looks through her playlist and finds a song that he hadn't heard in a while: "Shorty Like Mine" by Bow Wow and plays it simply because he liked it, but Lena took it as a little romantic when she heard it playing thinking 'Hahaha. Well I am shorter than you.' After the song started, Octavio made his way to the couch, still looking at Lena's décor and realizing she some pretty nice taste, he sat down in the middle of the modern black leather couch he stretched out his muscular arms in his loose fitting gray shirt and flung them over the back them couch. Sitting there, he looks out the clock face glass window, at ease with the way the music and the air conditioning gave nothing but smooth vibes in the loft, he didn't even notice the sound of the shower stop and Lena stepping out to towel off. Octavio was lost in the cool feeling the atmosphere but was snapped out it by the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs, but when he looked over…and what he saw…took his breath away.
His jaw dropped at the sight of Lena, the bouncer he met yesterday who could beat the tar out of most men around these parts was standing there still toweling her hair and ears, wearing only black sweat pants that hugged her waist that gave her bottom a draping affect around it and a gray loose fitting midriff tank top. He stared at her…this woman…who he hadn't thought of anything more than a friend and just took in all of her details, as if to tattoo the image in his mind. His jaw was still dropped as he looked on at the tone of her muscles, almost as if he could feel the density of her body with the air conditioning blowing lightly against it. His heart picked up its pace when saw her tiny frame with her lovely face and could clearly see that she had nothing else on. She finished toweling off and slung her towel over the back of her neck only take a few steps forward saying "Sorry about that love. I just felt all…" before she could finish she met Octavio's gaze and just froze for a moment at the sight of him on her couch with his physique better shown now with his jacket off before finishing her sentence with "…muggy." The song was about halfway through and Octavio broke the silence with "Wow you…uh…you clean up nice." still at a loss for words but wanting to break the ice.
Lena blushed at that statement and looked away laughing nervously telling Octavio "Oh, uh….thanks love. I haven't heard this song in a while." all the while she smiled bashfully and made her way to the stereo music player and saw that he had placed it on shuffle. "Shuffle eh? I wonder what song is up next. Anyway, this my place. It's not much, but its gift from her majesty so there was absolutely no way I could turn it down, you know? Besides, look at that view!" she said as she motioned towards the clock's window at the city scape lit up at night. Octavio got up and walked over to her by the massive window and just took in the sight...with her...and he spoke "You know a lot of people don't like the night time because it's dark. But when I see something as gorgeous as this, I think people are just happy with stuff they can see clearly." Lena looked at him with a blank stare as he went on with arms folded "The way shadows and the lights work together to wrap themselves around everything looks beautiful to me. It's a plus that that it's pretty quiet out tonight, it kind of adds to the view." Lena smiles and looks out the window saying "Yeah, it does. It feels cool and peaceful. Like everything is just taking a break." then she turns around and head to the kitchen to make some food since they did kind of skip dinner, with Octavio still taking in the view.
"I was thinking of making some noodles for dinner, unless you want something else." snapping Octavio out of it telling her "I'd like some if it's not too much trouble." which Lena assures him "It's fine love. What kind of host would I be if I just let you starve up here?" she said with a smile. Octavio made his way to the couch as Lena had already started the microwave with two bowls of instant noodles and the song changing to "Outta My System" by Bow Wow pleasantly surprising both of them while the noodles finished cooking. The timer went off and Lena took the two bowls out, putting forks in the bowls to bring them over, but when she brought them over, Octavio couldn't help but notice the way her hips swayed in her sweatpants as she walked; thankfully Lena didn't see where his eyes where because she was blowing cool air on the bowls to cool them off. She gave him his bowl, which he thanked her for, and the two of them began eating, all the while they made small talk the décor which Octavio gave her props for. After they both finished their bowls, the tone got a little more serious when Octavio asked the obvious question "So how does a bouncer, who became a knight, get such a suave loft in Big Ben anyway?"
Lena looked away for a second, trying to compose herself before the words came out "It was her majesties idea you know. To give me this place…this life. That day I was knighted, she came to me as I was receiving a tour of the facility and personally guided me to this room." She got up to look out at the city of London, as if to add to the nostalgia she was feeling "She told me that ever since Gentle Chapman passed away last year during the Gundam Fight Tournament Finals, Neo England was left without someone, like you said, the people could rally behind. Even though Neo Japan helped with relief efforts globally to help restore Earth to some semblance of its former glory, the people of Neo England still had no champion to call their own. And that's when she asked me…" Octavio, still on the couch and looking on at her listens intently and then asks her "Asked you what?" Lena crossed her arms while still looking at the city and with somber tone answered him "To undergo training and become Neo England's Gundam fighter." causing Octavio's eyes to widen slightly. After a silence, Octavio gets up and stands right next to her to join her in looking out at the window. Almost as if a little guilty, Lena turns to Octavio not even being able to look at him "Many apologies for not telling you sooner. It's just…" Octavio still looking out the window "…it's just…my handler got intel on two Neo Mexicans coming in all of a sudden with evidence to point out that they were a Gundam fight team. Mind you, this was after the fact that I had blast with you the night before, it still through me off that you would be my first opponent. He even told me that MI6 thought you may have...may have…been an…assassin." Octavio's eyes were shadowed over as he was still looking out at the city as a clock hand passed the window. "I'm sorry for not telling you earlier." she with shame starting to build up inside of her.
For a moment, Octavio did not move, but when he finally turned towards Lena he still had shadow over his eyes. Lena took a glance at him and looked down almost immediately when she wasn't able to see his expression. Then Octavio surprised her when he put his hand on top of her head and when she looked up she saw a big cheesy smile on his face with him telling "Hey no worries. To be fair I never did ask if you were a Gundam fighter." which made her expression almost priceless in his eyes. "Besides, even though I just met you, I can tell that her majesty made a wise choice." Lena's face began to blush slightly "Remember what I said earlier in the club when it was just you and me? I meant every word." which then brings a full blown smile to her face as she looks up at him, remembering the words he told her earlier. When she realized how close she actually was to him, Lena took a step back and asked "So…does that mean you'll still be happy to fight me?" after which she thought to herself 'Smoot Lena'. Octavio smiled and extended his hand out for a handshake and said "It would be my honor."
Lena laughed as she shook his hand telling him "Always so formal Neo Mexico." to which he replied with a snarky smile "It's a force a habit Neo England." At that moment, Agent Cunningham from earlier was on rooftop in the shadows watching the two and taking pictures thinking to himself with a cheeky smile "Oh Bazel's gonna love this with his morning coffee. He took a couple more photos and then seemingly disappeared into the shadows. Back in the loft, Octavio was informing Lena "Well, I should get going. My brother might my lecture my ear off if I stay out late again." while he was going to reach his jacket. However, he was stopped all of a sudden when he touched his jacket on the rack by something tugging at his arm and was surprised to see Lena standing right there, hugging his arm with his upper arm pressing lightly on her against her bosom. When his gaze me hers, it was as if nothing else mattered at that moment with Lena telling him "Why don't you stay tonight? I'm sure your brother wouldn't mind if you showed up early tomorrow…afternoon." she said with a seductive smile, squeezing his arm. Octavio just looked at her: he could feel her heart beat a little faster while she was holding onto him but was just not getting the hint of what she was planning, granted she didn't either since she was in the moment, but something about this just felt…right. The next song started which was "Pulling Me Back" by Chingy, as if some kind of sign and with a sly smile, Octavio told her "You know what? Yeah. Tomorrow sounds good."
He let go of his jacket on the rack and lifted his entire arm with Lena playfully latching on with her legs as he walked over to the end of the couch. When he got there, he raised his arm completely straight, unwavering with ease, and looked at her. 'So strong! He's not even shaking in the slightest.' Lena thought to herself as she smiled at Octavio with an almost innocent smile, even though in the back of her mind she was imagining ripping off his shirt and feeling the density and smoothness of his body, feeling every inch, taking it all in so as to never to forget. Octavio smiled at her also and after a few moments of their gaze, Octavio told her "You know, I'm starting to lose blood flow in my arm. If you could let go, that would be great." Forcing Lena to giggle "Sorry love." Releasing her hold completely, she plopped onto the couch, tucked legs in towards her and patted the seat next to her on the couch telling Octavio "Come on. Sit down so I can even out the blood flow." Octavio chuckled slyly as he sat next to her saying "Well I don't want to be rude." He sat down and Lena latched onto his arm and with a playful smile started conversation about their lives, interests, funny stories, and cheesy jokes, and a lot of flirting on Lena's part. Before he knew it, Octavio woke up on the couch cuddled next to Lena at 5 AM to the sound of rain and her alarm clock built into the stereo: "Brick Ballades-Houston Street" by Toshihiko Sahashi.
Lena woke up just as the main chorus started, finding warmth in Octavio's arms that where wrapped around her fit frame under a blanket that she brought out last night, but her main concern she thought to herself was 'Oh god, please tell me I'm still wearing pants!' A sigh of relief left her as she still felt her sweat pants wear still on, however, Octavio was smiling at her as she in his opinion woke up adorably and told her "Well good morning Lena." She rolled over on her large couch to face him and placed her hands on his chiseled chest, feeling his heart beat just a little faster when she looked up at him and said "Oh, I think I can get used to mornings like this." They exchanged a smile they both laid there next to each other, listening to the music and looking out the massive window at the bright overcast skies and the light rain. After a moment Octavio kept looking out the window as he told Lena "You know, everything about this morning just feels…right. Almost perfect even. And I thought last night was awesome." Lena took this in as she looked up at him staring out the window, taking in his handsome features and his adorable bed/couch hair before she asked him a question. "Hey love? How about we make it…a completely perfect morning?"
Lena looked at Octavio as he placed head back down his pillow and closed his eyes to relax and enjoy the moment. He told her "Sure. I'm open to any (yawn) suggestions." She thought about why she should go with her gut. She couldn't deny that there was something between the two of them: he was a proud fighter, a class act, single, they had great chemistry, and she couldn't deny to herself that he was absolutely gorgeous. So why not give in? She found herself leaning in slowly towards him with her small luscious lips as she placed her free hand on his far shoulder to pull herself towards him. She was maybe a half inch away from his lips, just feeling his breath against her face, but Octavio looked away at the last second completely oblivious to what was going on, leaving Lena hanging and dumbfounded. "Is-is something wrong love?" she asked him slightly embarrassed. "I don't know. Do you usually have visitors this early in the morning?" Lena looked at him puzzled but just then the elevator doors open and out emerged what looked like a SWAT team of about six, not including General Julius Bazel who was the last to exit the elevator. He looked at the apparent couple with distain all over his face "My word! I have never in my entire career been as embarrassed for the country of Neo England. Not since that lunatic Chapman went mad four years ago! Lena Oxton! You're probably wondering why we have shown up this morning in force. You are being charged with treason on the grounds of conspiring with a known world level criminal, letting unauthorized personnel inside high security area without proper clearance, and as a cherry on top degrading yourself as the current fighter of Neo England inside of a national landmark!"
Lena just looked at all of them in shock over the circumstances; could she not have a personal life? She already had another job and never really had anything growing up, but now she can't even have fun without being labeled a traitor even after the queen of Neo England personally chose her for her valor and fighting spirit. Lena got up in a rage screaming the general "Bazel?! You bloody wanker! You would really execute me over having a little fun and some friends?! That's bollocks and you know it!" Bazel coldly answered her "Miss Oxton, you must understand my situation here: "El Diablo" of Neo Mexico has somehow broken into Big Ben and assassinated Neo England's proud fighter who had not even the opportunity to have has her first official match after which he was cornered by MI6 and gunned down. You see? I already have the report typed up for the newspapers so this next part is strictly a formality. I'm sure you understand." As the MI6 agents raised their weapons and pointed them at Lena but were interrupted by a voice coming from the couch "You bastards." Octavio rose from his laid down position and casually walked in between Lena MI6 as he berated them for this heinous and detestable act. "What kind of work is MI6 doing if executing a woman who only wants to live up to the queens expectations is a top priority? You people disgust me." Bazel was insulted by this as he retorted "You think someone the likes of you has any say here, Mr. Arzana?!" Octavio looked right into Bazels eyes with a look that said 'you are not safe from me' and asked him one simple question. "Answer me this. She said your name is Bazel. Would that make you Julius Bazel?"
The general looked slightly surprised "Oh so you have heard of me? Then you must know that I don't toy with matters such as these. Just surrender and this will be quick." Octavio heard his answer then looked back at Lena "Lena, please listen to me. When I tell, close your eyes." Lena looked at him perplexed at what he was thinking of doing as he brought his watch to his mouth and said "It's time. Do it." With that, the entire building started shaking catching everyone except Octavio off guard and throwing off their balance as Bandito Gundam emerged from out beneath London Bridge with Bazel screaming "Damn it all to hell! So that's where they were hiding it! How could we let this happen?!" Octavio got his attention with a sly comment "It's because I'm cool like that." Bazel looked at him infuriated and ordered his me "Kill him!" which prompted Octavio to say "Lena! Now!" as she closed her eyes. The next instant, Bandito Gudnam shined its eye through the window from the bay, blinding all of the MI6 in the loft giving Octavio the opportunity to grab Lena and jump out the window to the roof of the nearest building. As they fell and landed, Lena took note of how amazing Octavio was for not only being able to survive that fall and land on his feet, but also be able to hit the ground running while still carrying her in his arms. But she had to tell Octavio the obvious truth "Octavio! Listen! Even if we escape MI6, they won't stop until both of us are dead! Please just put me down!" Octavio looked at her in his arms while still running with a cheesy smile "Don't worry about Lena! I've got it covered." leaving her perplexed at what he could possibly mean by that.
After Octavio jumped across a few more rooftops, he finally came to a stop on the last rooftop between him and Bandito Gundam because a certain someone was in his way with a sniper rifle pointed right at Lena and him. "And who might you be friend?" Octavio asked the man pointing a loaded gun at him with genuine friendliness. However, he could feel Lena's heart almost stop as she struggled to get the words out "He's…that's…L- Lloyd Cunningham." Octavio saw the look of absolute terror in her eyes and asked her "You know this guy Lena? Is he going to be a problem?" She looked right up to him and pleaded with Octavio "Ocatvio! Please, whatever you do, do not fight him! That's Lloyd Cunningham! The top MI6 agent and professional trained killer! They no one he's ever gone after has survived!" Hearing this, Octavio put Lena down on the ground saying "Is that so? He sounds pretty tough then." Lloyd Cunningham called to them, still aiming the sniper rifle at the two "You make me sound like a bloody villain Lena. I'm just a man who's good at his job, is all. So…you're "El Diablo" eh? Listen I've got what you call a proposition for you. Would you hear me out?" Still at ease even with a gun pointed at him by a very dangerous individual, Octavio asked him nonchalantly "What did you have in mind?" Cunningham smiled as he tossed his sniper rifle aside and told him his idea "Well you see, I've heard a lot about you over the past couple from countless reports that have sent my way. One thing that remained consistent however, was how dexterous you are with your hands, having apparently never lost a fight. I'm much the same way you. Mind you I don't actually like killing, I just love fighting. And I've never gone toe to toe with a world level criminal in a fist fight. I'm supposed to kill you, but this way you should have a fighting chance. Win and you go free, but lose and you die."
Lena observed Octavio after she heard this madness from this man's mouth, hoping to God he wouldn't fall for it on account of how skilled she knows Lloyd Cunningham is. However, her heart sank as she a little smirk on Octavio's face as he said "So all I have to do is kick your ass and you'll let us go? Sounds like a good deal to me." Lena begged him not to fight but Octavio, in his extremely laid back attitude in this stressful situation just looked at her and asked "What? So do you want to fight him?" Lena told him "I'm saying we should keep running while we're still alive!" He looked at her explained his observation "Listen Lena, that sniper rifle he has is Barret .50 caliber sniper rifle. If this dude is as dangerous as you say he is, then odds are that if we try to run, he'll get a bead on with that rifle. Keep in mind that his rifle shoots .50 caliber ammunition, meaning he only needs to shoot close to us to do some damage. My guess is he's an expert marksman and will blow us apart. Fighting him is our best chance. And I refuse to let you die here and now in the rain on some rooftop on to be remembered as a traitor." Just the concern he had on his face for her made Lena stand there in awe at his complete selflessness as she could barely call out his name "Octavio…" The two then looked at each other, exchanging a glance between two fighters before a fight to the death for one of them, and then grinned as they stated to walk towards each other, then jogging, then running, and finally lunging as they both threw punches that each other's fists, creating a shockwave that was powerful enough to even push back rain for a moment.
The two duked it out, exchanging punches, kicks, grapples, and even challenges of strength as the rain consistently dropped on top of them. They each took a step back to get back into their fighting stances and Octavio jokingly said "You know, if I don't die here, I'll at least get sick from this rain." and Cunningham laughed lightly and said "Oh tell me about it. When I get congested, I feel like I want to die." Lena couldn't believe what she was seeing: Lloyd Cunningham, the highly trained killer, and her new friend and also world level criminal were not only fighting, but they were having fun. However, the light humor wore off as soon as General Bazel arrived in with a larger task force than before in a helicopter and immediately assembled his men around Lena, Octavio, and Lloyd. Lloyd frowned slightly saying "Damn. Party's over." as he tried to back away from Octavio before Bazel shouted at him "Don't move Lloyd. These men also have their weapons pointed at you." Lloyd looked him in shock "What?! What are you on about?" "I gave you specific and simple instructions to execute these two fugitives the moment you saw them. However, on way here, I saw video feed of you throwing your weapon away and challenging him to a duel to indulge your stupidity. I have no use for an MI6 agent who rather "have fun" than fulfill his obligation to our great nation of Neo England." said General Bazel without realizing how much deeper he just dug his own grave.
Both Lloyd and Octavio looked at him the same look of distain but Octavio broke the silence "You can't be serious! First you were going to kill Lena for being my friend and now your plan to kill one of your top men because he wouldn't follow you orders to the letter? Honestly, I'm not even mad at this guy, I mean yeah he was trying to kill me but he was only doing his job. But you?! You are the worst kind of person and you just sealed your fate." The general scoffed at Octavio "You think you are in the position to make idol threats? Don't be absurd. Men, take aim!" The MI6 forces raised their weapons at the three individuals, each fixated on a target with steady aim ready to kill but at that moment, a booming voice came from above all of them: "That's quite enough Julius!" Everyone looked up to see where it was coming from and everyone, with the exception of Octavio who was grinning and said "Well it's about time." , was shocked to the flagship of the Neo Mexican army: the Conquistador, looming well over them but still taking up a good chunk of the sky. However, there was a small shuttle that came from the underbelly of the massive warship that mad it's way to the group on the rooftop, but what shocked everyone with the exception of Octavio was who came out of it once it landed. The small ramp lowered and out came a ramp with a man holding an umbrella escorting an elegantly dressed elderly woman: it was General Jose Arzana and her majesty herself, the Queen of Neo England.
All of the MI6 agents went to attention the moment they realized it was her, leaving General Bazel gritting his teeth "Arzana! First you send your assassin of a son to take our fighter and then you personally take our queen?! How dare you have the gall to hold her majesty hostage!" however General Arzana stood there almost insulted letting him know "Get over yourself Bazel. I'm just calling a favor." Bazel was dumbfounded at this statement asking him "Favor?! What favor?!" to which the queen answered him "In all actuality, he did me a favor by showing me the type of treason you were committing under the guise of the name of your country." Bazel stood there speechless as the queen continued "I understood that never understood what I saw in Ms. Oxton but that gives you no right to kill her and put the blame on one of our good allies to satisfy your own madness! All nations agreed to the Gundam Fight Tournament which means we all were on the same terms of fairness and good sportsmanship, but to have one of my most trusted advisors attempt and atrocity like this against a knight of Neo England is absolutely unforgivable!" Bazel looked on barely able to get any words out "Y-your majesty! Whatever do you mean?!" General Arzana spoke, still holding the umbrellas over her majesty "Don't play dumb Bazel. It's embarrassing. We heard the entire thing, from up in the loft to even here on this rooftop."
(Flashback to the apartment where Octavio and Manuel were staying at) "I gave my sons specific instructions in case they even heard the name Julius Bazel to contact me. My son Manuel heard the conversation you had in Big Ben and saved it so I could let the queen know."(Back to the present time) Inside of Bandito, Manuel was manually operating the mobile fighters basic functions so he could provide whatever support he could to his brother, like the bright distraction earlier to recording every damning piece of evidence thinking to himself 'That's dear old dad for you. He always thinks of everything.' Her majesty was now scowling at the disgraced Julius Bazel "It's embarrassing the amount of shame you have brought on our nation today Julius! So much that I cannot look the other way. From this point on, you will resign your position as my lead military advisor and be dishonorably discharged from the Neo Englad military!" Bazel's heart almost stopped as he said "No. No! All of my years of service and this is the treatment I receive?! All because of you cursed Arzana's?!" Bazel turned around to look at Octavio with and absolutely livid look on his face "You! This is your entire fault! If you hadn't escaped earlier, we wouldn't be here. Well, as my last act the Neo England military advisor, I'll kill you were you stand!" as he pulled out his pistol and aimed right at Octavio, shocking everyone there from Manuel inside Bandito Gundam, to General Arzana who lunged at Bazel even though he was just too far away to reach him in time, to Lena whose soul screamed for her friend as she screamed "No! Octavio!" with Octavio stood there, unwavering and unafraid. As everyone felt helpless as Bazel pulled the trigger, a lightning bolt flashed and as if an act of God, there stood a man in a cloak kicking Bazel's hand and knocking his pistol into the air and almost within the same instant this stranger took down Julius Bazel by bicycle kicking his head into the wet rooftop so hard that it made a small crater knocking out the disgrace general.
Everyone stood there in shock for what felt like an eternity trying to understand exactly what happened, however Manuel in the cockpit broke out his trance first realizing 'Wait…it's him! The man from Sicily!' The next to react was the queen as she ordered the MI6 agents "Well don't just stand there! Apprehend General Bazel!" They all said in unison "Yes your majesty!" moving in on Bazel while he was unconscious as the stranger nonchalantly removed his foot from the back of Bazel's head and backed away from the crater he made. Manuel spoke through the speaker of Bandito Gundam "Dad! Oc! It's him! The guy who saved my life back in Sicily!" General Arzana heard this saying "So this is the man? Well then I guess we should thank him shouldn't we-" he couldn't finish his sentence as his eyes opened wide when he saw the Sierra Madre symbol on the back of this man's cloak. 'Now there's a symbol I haven't seen in ages.' Jose thought to himself. Octavio looked at this stranger taking in his appearance, impressed at his speed and timing, and finally got out the words "I had a feeling someone was watching over me. So you're the one who saved my baby brother back in Sicily?" the stranger nodded with his eyes fixed on Octavio through his mask "And I'm guessing you're the one who caught that mad doctor back in Sweden?" the stranger nodded again. Octavio smiled and finally told him "Thank you for all of your help." to which the stranger nodded one last time before a lightning bolt flashed again and he disappeared in that instant.
As the MI6 carried the beaten Julius Bazel away per the queen's orders, Lloyd Cunningham walked over to Octavio and asked "Oi mate! Sorry about all this. It was a pretty crazy scheme and I should've spoken up about it to old Bazel's face. Guess I got a little ahead myself when I heard I might get a chance to take down a world level criminal." Octavio shrugs it off and gives a friendly smile "Hey don't dwell on it friend. Like I said, you were just doing your job so I can't resent you for that. We cool?" he said as he extended his out for a handshake. Cunningham thought his extremely laid back demeanor bizarre but laughed at his cheekiness and gave him a firm handshake before heading off to personally oversee the transport of Julius Bazel. After all of MI6 cleared the rooftop, her majesty walked up to Octavio to speak "Excuse me young man and you as well Lena. I do apologize for all the trouble that madman put you two through these past few hours. On behalf of nation of Neo England, I ask that you please this matter and understand that the nation of Neo England had no involvement in the former General's madness." Octavio heard this coming from the queen and after a moment got down on one knee and bowed his head with a humble pride "I assure you your majesty, there is no ill will between us. I only apologize that Lena had to get involved because of me. Please forgive me for putting your nation's champion…and my new friend in harm's way with my simply being here."
Both the queen and Lena were amazed at the class and selflessness at this man who is technically considered a world level criminal. After gaining her composure, the queen smiled and said "My, you are your father's son. Please, you don't have kneel. I'd like to think we're all friends here." Octavio looked up at her majesty as he stood back to his feet "You're too kind your majesty. It's honor to meet you. My father actually told a lot about you from back in the day." She laughed quaintly saying "Good things I'm sure. Your father also told me a lot about you and your brother as well. I can't remember a single time we spoke when he didn't pull out his wallet with your baby pictures. And now you've turned into quite the handsome young man. Lena, please don't be too aggressive with him." the queen said with sly wink to Lena who was now as red as a tomato, trying to get words out but to no avail. "Well, I believe it's time for me to be going. Leading a nation does require a bit of effort. Octavio, it was a pleasure to finally make you and your brothers acquaintance, I met with when your father came into the country. I pray for your safety and may fortune smile upon you. Maybe this year Neo England will give Neo Mexico a run for their money with Lena as our fighter." she said as General Arzana escorted her back to her ship, leaving Lena and Octavio on the rooftop alone. Almost as if on purpose, but the queen wouldn't do something like that…would she?
The rain started to die as Octavio waved his brother on to place Bandito Gundam back in its carrier, which he did while thinking to himself 'Come on! How lucky can you be Oc?! I mean, you were basically banking on some almost divine intervention to keep you alive. On top of that, you spent the night with the lovely gundam fighter. Man, I really need to meet a nice girl. I mean come on! They're practically falling in his lap.' After Bandito Gundam became fully submerged, Octavio looked on at the bay and took in its relative serenity during the light rain. Lena approached him nervously from behind, unable to look him in the eye "Um, love? I'm-I'm sorry for all of this. I just…I just wouldn't feel right fighting you now, you know? I mean, I know you had your hopes up to fight Neo England's fighter, but I..." she was stopped by Octavio placing his hand on her head. She looked up to see his handsome face smiling back her saying "But you just wouldn't be fully committed after today. I understand. I feel the exact same way. I am still kind of bummed about not fighting you, but maybe we can make up for it next time we. Sound good?" She was in awe at his understanding and the fact that as he said that, the rain stopped and the sun started to shine brightly, as if by his sunny disposition. She smiled as her heart felt at ease just because he was there and told "You got it love." Maybe an hour after they said they're goodbyes, Lena was up in her loft with repair teams brought in to fix any damage. She stood at the window and saw Octavio's carrier flying off to its next destination when a member of the repair team asked her "Excuse Ms. Oxton. We found this on the ground and wanted to return it you." The man handed her Octavio's jacket that he left in all the commotion, thanking the man for bringing it to her.
She looked back out the window to see the last moments of Octavio's carrier being in sight, slightly disheartened, as she hugged his jacket thinking 'Octavio Arzana. I'll give this back to you the next chance we meet. And next time, I'll be a stronger person worthy of being considered my nation's champion.' smiling at just the thought of his name. However, on the rooftop of Big Ben, the mysterious stranger was also watching Octavio's carrier leave as he thought to himself 'Haha. You certainly have no fear do you Octavio? Any other man would've at least flinched, but you…you didn't move even a single hair. I now know that when we battle, it will be hard fought and you will only get stronger. Be safe Octavio Arzana.'