Hello guys. Sorry for the long update. I've been somehow drained and needed a break from fanfic. The Resident Evil 2 and Kingdom Hearts and many games didn't help. Hehe though I did write the chapter gradually. So here's the chapter. I hope you like it. :)
Neil arrived at the Orbital, and their waiting on the entrance before him was Lyle wearing a different colored coat and hat when they last met but of similar design. His younger brother blended right in and no A-Laws or Federation would ever suspect them of being Celestial Being Member.
"Lyle," he greeted lazily and two-finger saluting his twin. "Never thought you'd agree. I expected you to let me wait here for hours and go home empty handed."
Lyle raised his brows, "You wound me, Neil. I don't hate you that much." Neil boomed in laughter at his brother's words.
They walked side by side towards the security. Metal detectors and X-ray machines lined up checking people and their belongings. Four security officers guarded each security terminal and checking the identifications.
Lockon turmed to his brother and reciprocated the expression, daring him to deny this one. "Amy's seventh birthday. I had to buy the gifts alone because you left me hanging to buy your own." That shut Lyle up. Neil doesn't hate his brother for that of course, still he huffed. That was a long time ago but that doesn't mean his brother won't do it if he chose to. His twin was that prideful of his own and wanting to get away from him to stop people from comparing them both.
The checking was meticulous, their bags were opened, no pockets left unturned, and every part of them frisked. Though he kept his calm for they would find nothing off of him. "Whatever happened to that girl," Neil said breaking the silence as he was being checked upon. Lyle's response was only a quirk of an eyebrow, "that girl, who said we don't look alike. What was her name," it was on the tip of his tongue, but he can't remember the name.
Lyle, on the right metal detector, cleared his throat, "you mean Michelle."
"Yeah, that one," Lyle and him may had grew distant with each other when they lived with their aunt for a time by going to different schools, but that didn't stop Neil from asking about his brother's life. He recalled that his younger brother had fancied the girl, and met her twice when she came to visit, but didn't know if anything happened between them because both of them moved out of their aunt first when they entered college.
Lyle may not call it as such, but he knew the two were close friends, maybe even best friends.
His brother shrugged, "Michelle and I are still friends if that's what you're asking. We still meet from time to time," his brother looked away avoiding his gaze, "though we dated for a while. Didn't work and just decided to remain friends."
Neil laughed at his brother's admission. After a few minutes of checking they were eventually cleared. Putting an arm around his brother's shoulder, he patted him. "That's unfortunate. I like her, you two have good chemistry. I wouldn't mind her as my sister-in-law."
A sigh was Lyle's reply while his eyes darted left and right.
"Is she part of your group?" he asked Lyle lowly, keeping his brother close to him.
"Thankfully not," was his muttered reply before changing the topic. "Anyways, you were right. The Security Agency cracked down on the European Katharon cells. I escaped before I could be identified as a member. We made sure to cover our tracks, but we don't know how the Fed keep on finding us."
"With the European Katharon nearly wiped out, expect them to turn to the Middle East and African cells," Neil stated. Miss Sumeragi's input and Wang Liu Mei's information was spot on as usual just by observing how the Security Agency, under the A-Laws, were moving these past months. "Did you warn them."
"Yeah. All Katharon cells have evacuated bases and hid in auxiliary ones for the meantime," Neil's eyes turned left and right as Lyle said this. "We need to lie low for a while."
Going through another checkpoint, the security left no room unchecked in his and Lyle's baggage aside from the X-ray and metal detector. They also patted every part of their body. He would had call it overkill and unconstitutional five years ago, but that was long passed before the UN became a giant Planetwide tyrant.
A calculating tyrant who controlled every information, manipulated the masses into painting the Katharon in color black and read whilst covering the atrocities done by the independent A-Laws.
That was not what they wanted and strived for. That's not what they nearly died for.
"Was Operation Fallen Angel like this," his brother muttered when a couple passed by them.
"At first," he answered. Celestial Being at first was on the run, but somewhere after three years they had built base not registered in Veda or known by anyone except the organization alone. Some even unknown to Wang Liu Mei. "But not now. We've built some hideouts in all Lagrange and have someone inside A-Laws providing info if we're compromised."
"So," Lyle hummed, "Is that how you found me as a Katharon member. Because of Celestial Being's spy network."
"Partially," he smirked ignoring the dirty look Lyle gave him. "The rest is need to know basis."
He wasn't going to tell that it was him who spied on his brother when it was that time of the year and when he was granted a short leave by Kujo. The man then bugged his former car that he'd given to Lyle with a tracker and following him going from bar to bar with his workmates, and the occasional meeting with Michelle like he'd said before.
His brother would disappear from time to time in his work with an official Leave for one week every three months where he would go to France, Italy, Spain, and even UAE. The four states were one of the biggest places with anti-government sentiments aside from the Middle East states like Azadistan. Though, they are not openly resisting the unlike their Middle East allies. When there, he would to go to areas no one would normally go so he put those two together.
Couple that with the knowledge he had gathered, through hacking with the help of Feld, of Lyle's many anonymous account on the net revealed his stance on the unified government that coerces states to be member of it or be left to rot helped in figuring out his brothers being part of a rebellion through. He was against the laws passed.
Not to mention him going to questionable sites that was hard to track and talking to strangers with the guise to debate whether what the Federation was doing was either humane or not.
Also, in those sites Lyle go to, several MS were rumored to have been seen. Seeing as getting ahold of MS was hard, either his friends were rich or part of a rebellion. And as a rebellion, Katharon was the largest rebellion in the world, not enough to equal the A-Laws, but threatening enough due to being the only Anti-Federation group to have Mobile suits.
Most importantly, Neil knew some people, some former AEU comrades and Federation soldiers, who invited him many times to join Katharon to which he politely declined.
One might ask why that tedious tracking, well it's one simple answer. He's his younger brother. Adult or not, he would always watch over Lyle whether he knew or not. Not that he would ever admit that to Lyle what with him being prideful about staying away from him, both literally and metaphorically.
The two walked towards the private shuttle docking station, where only few people and guards was stationed.
Wang Liu Mei had graciously lend Celestial Being a nondescript private shuttle that would provide cover for their excuse of Businessmen going to a Colony. Considering that she came from a wealthy family that had legitimate business, the guard didn't even blink their way when they showed their permit and ID with their benefactor's logo in it. After that it was a breeze as they entered the shuttle.
"When we arrived at Ptolemy, when we get you situated, they likely asses your skills."
Once in the shuttle, they stored their small luggage in the compartment in the shuttle cockpit and started the launch sequence. After ten minutes they were granted permission by the control to launch.
"Though I think you'll need the assessment seeing as you let our training all those years ago to waste."
That got the intended reaction that he hoped for. Lyle huffed in indignation, and he imagined, rolled his eyes, "I tried to break your record, but I couldn't. Doesn't mean I gave up in beating you."
He shrugged, "we'll see about it then."
"So," his brother began, "what Gundam do I pilot?" his brother asked checking the instruments while Lockon piloted the ship. "If I'm right and basing it on the armed intervention years ago, then each Gundam pilot gets a specific role. You have the blue Gundam one as melee, the orange as high speed assault, the large one serving as the heavy assault, and you as the long-range support." Lyle gave him a smug look at that tidbit of information.
Was it bitterness he heard in his brother's voice? In any case, Lyle was right in his conclusion. Not that hard to figure out, but their specified role aside from the Gundam's superior performance was one of the reasons why they were unbeatable during their armed interventions. Each of them covered the other's weakness, though that's not to say they can't function outside their role. For example, Lockon can engage in melee but it was not his strong suit even during his stint in the military. He was always a sniper, the one who supports his comrade from far away.
"That's why we need assess you later. Regardless if you fill in a role already filled by another meister, Leesa would carefully put you in future plans," was all he said on that matter. He didn't want Lyle to think inferior of himself seeing as their was only two Gundams left, and both of them his units, since Lasse refused to pilot the Cherudim, and both sniper units too.
Along the way, Lockon told Lyle about how he was inducted into the organization, what the rules of conducts were, and his experiences as a Gundam Meister. Thankfully it filled them with sometime to talk about until the E-Sensor beeped when it detected the ship within its range.
The Ptolemy's blue and white shone in the distance as they neared it. "So, that's Celestial Being's ship," Lyle whistled. "That looks different from the one shown in Fallen Angel."
Lockon's hands tightened on the wheel but lightened eventually on the approaching orange flashes. "I assume that it has weapons in it."
"Of course," was all he said. They had to, for their goal and method had changed drastically if they have any chance of recovering Veda from Alejandros' allies and defeat A-Laws. Arming their ship was one of those things that happened out of necessity.
The sensors beeped, as he checked the radar to see six unknowns approaching the Ptolemy. Lockon swerved the shuttle to the right. "Damn it, A-Laws found us. We can't get to the front. We'll circle around and dock on the ship's stern."
The Ptolemy fired missiles releasing smoke that covered the whole span of the ship's front. More beeps came from the sensor, GN-008 Seravee, it registered on the radar came out of the ship. Large pink beams and glowing green penetrated out of the smoke exchanging with the orange particles.
Pushing the shuttle faster, Lockon maneuvered around the ship. Three separated from the smokescreen. "They're going for the ship," he bit his lip pushing the lever and the thruster gauge went higher and higher.
Their ship fired beams and missiles but the enemy MS dodged all shots.
Beside him, his brother tightened the belt and wore the helmet.
Pressing the comm button above, "Ptolemy, Lockon here," he said as they were on the rear now. The entrance opened, and he slowly pulled the lever, the counter thrusters gradually decreased the speed of the shuttle towards the lift. When they stopped, the lift raised and they were in the stern shuttle hangar. "What's the situation."
"A-Laws are attacking us and only Tiera is available. 00 is still in testing," Feldt replied.
"I'm docking. Have Haro come and prep the Dynames," turning to his brother, "I'm heading there now. You'll just have to head to the bridge without me Lyle, duty calls." Exiting the shuttle, he went to the right, but spun one last time, "Lyle, just head straight and turn right. An elevator will take you up. Straight and right again to head to the bridge."
"Damn it. How'd they find us," Neil cursed as he floated towards the hangar. "We covered our tracks well." It was just not possible. Could it be because of Veda?
When he arrived there, the Dynames' cockpit was open and as he expected Haro was already there and spun in his place upon seeing him. "Lockon. Lockon. You're late. You're late." His partner said flapping its wing ears.
Lockon laughed and patting the robot's head as he entered. "Give me a break Haro. I had to fetch a new Meister." Lockon ignored the shaking of the ship and continued adjusting the Gundam. The Rifle had too much energy again that he transferred the excess to the thrusters and the GN Bits. With the GN Drive made a year before in a rush, it can make GN Particles fast but impure than the original four solar engines. So most of the time, the Dynames' drive was used to power the Ptolemy and purified before being stored in the GN Condenser.
"Ptolemy, I'm emergency launching. Open the bottom bay."
"Roger that, Mr. Stratos," as soon as Milleina said that the bottom of the hangar flipped downwards open. Lockon wasted no time boosting upwards to where the launch deck was. There, aiming for the bridge was one GNX unit, before it could attempt anything bright condensed GN Particles swirling in beautiful formation burst forth from the launch deck. The particles glowed much lighter than any of the Gundam's GN Drive produced as it swirled and spread outwards from the launch deck in a beautful pattern. Lockon had to close his eyes for a bit before it lessened.
00 Gundam? It was the only unit available in their ship. The suit fired at Setsuna's Gundam still inside the deck.
How did…? Ian said that it was still unstable, so how did they activate the unit?
Snapping out of the reverie, he grabbed the GN Pistols. With three shots, he ravaged the two red Mobile suits out of the smoke and heading for them. Head, leg, and arm of a GNX exploded in pieces, but that was not all, 00 Gundam flew out of Ptolemy and cut the nearest enemy in half. The two backups proceeded to fire on their newest Gundam, but swirling particle GN Field deflected it.
Lockon, for his part, grabbed the GN Rifle with the right hand and still had the pistol on the other rained beams on the enemies prompting them to take cover behind their small round particle shield as they retreated with its two allies dead. The enemy was wise to protect the head but putting enough particles in the weapon, the shot penetrated the defensive energy shield and pierced the chest.
"Yo, Setsuna, A-7," was all he said. The 00 dashed towards the opposing suits blades ready. Lockon, following the youngest Meister then switched his weapon for the dual pistols. Setsuna went left while he went right. The left pistol straightened into a sword-like handle and out of it, beam saber flashed. Lockon's first beam saber was blocked by the shield, but his other swung from behind its head and severed the neck. Setsuna cut the waist of the now vulnerable unit before they kicked away from them. The explosion rattled his Gundam but scanning the status of Dynames everything was still green.
Orange beams emerge from the smoke, his teammate was quick to step in front and activate the defense field again. On the right hand, he grabbed rifle and the folded barrel under the Rifle snapped back to place forming the Sniper Rifle. Pink beams penetrated the gaseous cover the GNX was hiding from. When smoke dissipated, his shot hit its torso and head.
Up ahead, the battle raged between two GNX's and Tierra who ignored the attacks of the last standing units by firing his bazooka which decimated them completely.
"Good job, everyone," Leesa commented. "Now hurry back before more A-Laws come. And Lockon," she said appearing before almost frowning but it he could see her blush which caused him to smirk. "I know you have a brother, but you should've warned me about a twin brother. I almost thought he was you if he didn't have long hair."
"Miss Sumeragi almost kissed Mr. Lyle! Luckily she stopped before it could happen," Leesa stuttered and blushed from Mileina's statement making Lockon chuckle. His brother in the back avoided his gaze. He really didn't talk about it with Leesa? He thought he had?
"You and the Captain huh?" Oh, he could feel the smirk in Lyle's words regardless if he if did physically or not. "I'm not surprised."
"Return and we'll meet in the mess hall," his girlfriend said shaking her head a little at Neil's smirk.
"A twin brother," Tieria commented on their way back. His fellow pilot's surprised was there, only a little subdued and known to those who know him. "I didn't know you have one."
Leaning on the pilot seat, he let Haro pilot the Gundam back to the ship. "No one asked." And it was the truth. It's not like he didn't wanted talk about Lyle. Even in the crew's downtime when they would sometimes spill a little of their past, no one asked more about his or anyone else's family too deeply.
"What about his skills," Seravee's pilot stated in return.
Trust Tieria to ask the pragmatic questions. Lockon shook his head and let out a small laugh, "Relax, Tiera. I didn't recruit him for no reason. Trust me, don't underestimate him."
After that, no words was said as they returned to the ship.
"How did they find us?" Lasse, whose arms crossed and brows furrowed, asked. "We're far away from any of their bases or their sensors."
That was an apt question. They were far away from any sensors place by the Federation all over the colonies. So, how? Unless Lockon was being trailed then he could possibly happen, but he made sure they weren't. Plus, the A-Laws arrived before him so him and Lyle being followed was out of the probabilities as how they were tracked. One of them being a spy was out too because all of them in Ptolemy knew each other nearly down to a T. So, it doesn't make sense.
"It's a waste of time to figure it out," Leesa beside him interrupted. "It already happened. What we need to do now is to plan ahead now that the A-Laws found us. We need to get supplies and the Arios on Lagrange 2. After that, our counterattack begins."
At the mention of the last Gundam, his mood dampened a little. After Operation Fallen Angel and their final stand, they found the Kyrios' drive, but never the pilot and the Gundam chassis. They scoured the area five months after, when the security around their previous base loosened, they went to see if they can at least find him again but it all hands returned empty handed. Allelujah Haptism was declared MIA. Likely dead or if he was being more hopeful than he was normally, the Supersoldier was captured by the UN Forces.
If they never find the fourth Meister, then they need someone to pilot the high-speed variable form Gundam. Ian says he had someone in mind, but he'd reveal who it was only after if they have confirmation of the last pilot's status.
"With no one to pilot Arios, it would be useless," the helmsman argued. "Hell, we need a gunner. The three of us on the bridge can't exactly do it."
"True," Tierra who beside Setsuna. "But Lockon and I trained to pilot the Arios if needed."
"But, that's not the same as having its own pilot," Feldt confidently pointed out cutting anyone who was about to reply. He thought she would remain silent while they debated about Arios' fate. "Each pilot specializes on their own skills. What if we need all Gundams?"
His eyes flitted to the second youngest crew member. She had a point. It was one of their problems years ago, Leesa had said they she was confident the he was alive and captured, but he, and some of them, didn't had so much hope but kept on believing. It was unsaid, but he knew they also didn't want to replace Allelujah. Not until they knew for sure w
"Then, we'll deal with it when it comes," was his girlfriend's reply. "One step at a time. Let's do something what we can solve now."
"Which is?" Milleina, standing on Feldt's right, asked.
Arms curled around his waist, red eyes looked at him from below. "We need to evaluate Lyle. The sooner we could, the faster I could integrate him into my plans. Not only that, but so that the Gundam Meisters would know how he fights."
Lockon chuckled palming his chest in mock hurt. "You guys don't trust me? I'm deeply wounded. I assure you guys, he can pilot a Gundam fine."
The purple haired Gundam Meister gave him a deadpan gaze with raised eyebrow. The two of them held a staring contest before he shrugged. "I'm telling you, you don't need to but if we have to then fine."
Leesa laughed softly as her arms tightened, "We do trust you. But I need to see his abilities for myself-"
"To be able to include him in your plans," Lockon interrupted her. "Guess we have no choice, huh, Lyle."
"I understand," his younger brother said, quickly agreeing with a shrug. "When do we start?"
Lockon sighed, tedious, he guessed but it was only logical they evaluate his brother's skills to see where he stand, but he had seen enough it during one of his trips on Earth provided by his former colleagues in Katharon. Still, it was better than teaching his brother all the way to the basics.
All he needed was a few hours in teaching him the difference in the controls Celestial Being's Gundams than that of AEU, HRL, and Union. A good way to pass the time as they retrieve supplies and the last of their units, but he could think of something better to do in passing the time.
It was now time to test his brother's aptitude
He watched on a large monitor along with Leesa, Lasse, Setsuna, Ian, and a reluctant Saji to check on Lyle's evaluation. Tiera volunteered to fight against his younger brother. In the cockpit of Cherudim, Lyle patted the blue Haro that he had and breathed tiredly. Neil could had chosen to pilot the Cherudim, but his brother needed it more than him in future fights. He could fight using his old partner, incomplete as it may be currently. For a brief moment, he wondered what upgrades on the Dynames did Ian stated.
"Ready," his brother said giving them a thumb up.
Tiera meanwhile motioned to begin.
"The objective of this simulation is to test Lyle Dylandy's Mobile suit piloting aptitude. Treat this as you would a real battle. So," she gave them to of them long stare before speaking again. "only when one is defeated will the evaluation be over. Begin."
The image shifted to a colony city where both were positioned far away from each other as possible. The Seravee appeared in a military base while the Cherudim, was positioned in a mountain beyond the edge of the city.
Lyle opened its long-range sensor on its forehead and rifle ready to fire.
So, Lyle's scouting, huh, he crossed his arms. Smart move. Defensive tactics and long-range heavy assault was Tiera's role in the formation. He would also be the vanguard of their attack with his Gundam's defensive ability. Allelujah for swift interception, Setsuna for melee and lastly him for long range interceptions and attack.
She hummed in thought, he hoped that Lyle doesn't open fire yet. With Seravee's defensive ability, only a Trans-Am attack could penetrate its field.
"It's a sniper unit right," Saji asked from the bench on the wall. "Why doesn't he just fire if it's in range."
"Lyle's cautious," Setsuna commented. "He doesn't want to reveal his position unless an opportunity presents itself which came when the Seravee turned its back on Lyle."
"Plus," Ian grunted, "he's gauging Tiera's skills and his unit. You gotta be crazy to expose himself before finding anything about the enemy or planning anything. Look carefully, he's planning something."
The Cherudim released all of its shield bits, to where he had no idea but as for what now that he maybe knew. After a few minutes, the Cherudim open fired at the bigger Gundam's backside but Tiera was fast and the GN Field dispersed the penetrating beam and quickly headed to where Lyle was positioned.
Seravee opened fire with its shoulder and knee cannons but the shield bits intercepted it and before scurrying off somewhere. Slowly, Lyle rose and pulled the Gundam back into the forest causing the subsequent shots of Tiera to blast the trees into ashes.
The large white Gundam floated above the forest. A shot below him made Tiera dodge right, but another beam came from behind him. Seravee swiftly dodge causing the shot to miss him by a long mile. All around shots were fired towards the white Gundam.
Glancing on his left, Lockon could just see the gears moving endlessly in Leesa's mind as she focused on the fight. Lyle's performance was different from what his sources told him in Katharon, though that could be because of Cherudim's abilities, but he could see how his brother fights now. So, he may had been wrong about saying the test was not needed. He thought he had seen everything from the files sent to him by his friends.
The beam onslaught continued longer than he expected as Tiera bore the strikes with his GN Field. As sudden the attack was, it stopped.
"Why didn't your friend just attack the forest," Saji asked to no one in particular breaking the silence of the room.
From his peripherals, Lasse shook his head, "He could, but in the middle of all the fire he'll lose the Cherudim. It's better to simply wait for the enemy and pinpoint their position when they attack, and with the stronger defense on Tiera's side he could bear all the Cherudim's attacks and quickly retaliate."
"I see," Saji paused but then looked away a second later.
As sudden as the attack was, it ended too fast. Seravee dropped its field most likely scanning for Lyle but doubted it with the thick forestry below. A swift green object from the forest flew towards the white Gundam, more followed all around below but Tiera evaded is as they fired. Tiera fired back but the small Shield bits were agile and dodged the returning beam fire.
Directly below Tiera, the Cherudim burst forth out of its hiding place GN Rifle in submachinegun form and Pistol in sword configuration in its hands. The large Gundam cut a GN Bit as it passed then moved to meet the unit with its defensive field ability, but the remote units didn't let up in its strike and so did the successor of Dynames fired in conjunction.
As they approached each other the GN Field dispersed and with the great skill Tiera swiftly combined the two bazookas and draw a beam saber on the left hand and meeting Lyle's own.
Beams from all direction fired all over towards Seravee but its knee cannon unfolded causing the other to kick Seravee away and raining it with its fast firing weapon. Numerous the attack was, the field was strong to deflect every shot whilst the Seravee prepared for a shot.
Lyle rolled left in time as the field was released and a huge beam came from all weapons of Seravee in retaliation. The forest below was then set ablaze by the massive attack and the Cherudim with the Sniper Rifle equipped now shot back. With a small movement, the beam just passed by the Seravee's head. Tiera returned the favor with its knee bazooka, several GN Shield bits formed a bigger cover Lyle, a second later it blew up unable to take the power of Seravee.
The few GN bits left scattered and open fired along with the Cherudim as it approached once more.
Again, both their blades met, but from the shoulder and knee cannons came the arms swiftly grasping Lyle's unit on the wrist and knees as it the bigger Gundam then activated its GN Field rendering the assist of the Bits futile.
Tiera let go of the bazooka and drew another saber cutting his brother's unit in half ending the simulation training.
"So," he smirked at Leesa, "What do you think."
His girlfriend was silent for a second before she replied with a wry smile on her face, "Are you sure talent doesn't run easily in your family. I can see he had experience piloting but to pilot a Gundam that well in a short time speaks of his skills."
Neil howled in laughter, "Maybe."
Lyle wasn't an Ace pilot, but he knew that his brother was capable of piloting an MS well enough.
"Though," she continued, "There is a clear difference on how both of you used the Cherudim. He is skilled enough, but I'll recommend him going through more simulations with you three to get him used to piloting the Cherudim."
"Like Miss Sumeragi said," Ian stated, his expression one full of thought, "You two have different ways of piloting that Gundam. I know what kind of improvements I'll do when I have the time."
The door hissed open, Lyle's frustrated sigh was audible. "Those Gundams are hard to pilot. I kept messing up the piloting."
The blue Haro bounced around, "Lyle lost. Lyle lost."
"I know partner," he grabbed round robot. "We'll get them next time."
Tiera gave his brother a neutral look then an inquisitive stare to Leesa. "Lyle Dylandy has the basic grasp of the Cherudim but he is still not capable of using the unit to its fullest."
Lyle for his part shrugged, "Gimme a break. I just learned how to pilot it a few hours ago. It's not like I know how to pilot Mobile suits. Anyway, how'd I do?"
"Better than I expected," their tactical forecaster replied. "Still, I expect you and Tiera to train until we get to our destination. We need you able to pilot the Cherudim by that time."
It was somehow a tall order, but it wasn't unreasonable because now that the A-Laws, and in turn, the Federation, knew about their existence. They would be hunting them down since Celestial Being is the only threat against them.
Neil appreciated the silence and peace of the stars. He seldomly wished that the world could be like that. No blood would be shed, not one killed, if everyone's life is like the space.
Leesa hummed in content with her arms draped around his chest. "hmm," his girlfriend's voice broke the silence as her arm slowly flitted up and down his torso, "how exactly did you know that your brother can pilot a Mobile suit."
He closed his eyes pulling her warm body closer to his. "I got friend's who recognized Lyle thinking he was me. When they found out it was my brother, they contacted me and informed me about him being part of their organization. They even convinced me to join their organization, but I refused."
"No wonder he seemed capable," she commented, a coy smile forming on her lips. "From the looks of it, you two haven't seen each other for a long time and aren't very close."
He shook his head as he chuckled, "I haven't told you about what fully happened between us, did I?" at her nod he continued, "We used to be close, but people always compared the two of us. I kept reassuring him he didn't need to, but he needed to prove to people he could."
"Most likely to prove them wrong, and differentiate from me" he paused. He knew he was over it. His heart and soul had already recovered from the pain still, "when our family died, we lived with our aunt until we hit college. Slowly, he became a little withdrawn."
He would've laughed had it not been ironic. Lyle at that time was withdrawn, but he was far true and friendly than Neil ever was. His smile, laughter, and happiness, all hollower than a bullet. "By then, whatever closeness we have was gone. It doesn't help that even until then, we were still coping no matter how long it happened." His twin may had not said it but Neil could see that his brother wanted to get away from what anything related to their family.
While he on the other hand, wanted to stay to where he was. To always remember their family. He silently scoffed at how that turned out.
"Lyle wanted to go to a different school than me. So, we did. we entered different universities. We only met during that time on the memorial site or in their graves."
Neil didn't know how long he was talking, but he talked more about his life in detail including the ones he kept from Leesa. He laughed, became saddened and happy as he talked more and more of his previous life.
It seemed so long ago that he was frolicking with his college friends, surviving with his comrades from the academy. It's as if it was a different Neil Dylandy.
By the end of his tale, for a minute he was silent, then, "I'm sorry."
Neil could just imagine his redhead lover's brows rising in question as she said this, "Why."
He smiled, but it neared to a smirk, while his hands grasp hers gently "I figured you wouldn't want to waste your time hearing all the plights I had."
"I want to," she replied positioning her head just above his heart. Her slow breaths tickled his skin. He couldn't resist the temptation of caressing her crimson hair. "I want to know all of you."
This time his lips turned to a full smirk, "I would say that you already do."
Leesa blushed but met his gaze, "Bastard," she responded lightly hitting his chest.
When the they arrived at their destination Lyle was amazed at how organized were. Their resource satellite was well hidden amidst the numerous asteroids. They had some modified old Mobile suits such as the Flags, Enact, some equipped with GN Drives, and some which was unmodified.
The asteroid opened, and laser guide reached up to the sides of the ship. Lasse Aeon deftly slightly moved the ship.
Half of the things they had here would take much of the funds Katharon had over the years just to get a single GN Drive but Celestial Being had these things in spades. Celestial Being had all of this and yet it took them only now to act? Sighing, he had a lot to think about and being bitter wasn't gonna do a thing to make him feel better.
Though thinking about it for a minute made him realize they probably took years to recover after the UN hunted them and was only acting now.
Judging by the Mobile suits perhaps they served as security measures in case they were ever found out since they'd be no match for the newer A-Laws Mobile suits, GN Drive Powered or not.
"So," he glanced at Ian by his side just behind the Captain's seat. "How long do we stay here?"
He asked because much as he prided himself in his skills, it was still simply not enough. He still needed time to get used to the more complex controls of the Gundam and improve his hit rate. It was below Neil's, which simply wouldn't do for him. He had his pride after all, it wouldn't want to be beaten by his brother.
"A day or two," the mechanic replied. "We'll just give the 00 data to my wife, resupply, get the Arios and the needed equipment and parts then leave quickly."
Ah, they mean to hurry so they can began the operations against the A-Laws.
"Hard to believe you have a wife," the helmsman laughed. "With that kind of face, it's a wonder Milleina turned out the way she did."
The youngest of the crew gasped, "I know right, Mr. Aeon. Momma always said I took after her."
Feldt laughed but said nothing and only continued her job.
"Well you may have gotten your looks from your mother," Ian, who snorted first then said, "but you got your attitude from me Milleina."
Lasse Smirk, "Oh really. Hard to believe. Don't you think so," said the helmsman turning to him and Feldt causing the young woman to chuckle.
Lyle shrugged coolly, "Hard to say, though I'm going with maybe."
Lasse burst out laughing.
"Yo," his brother greeted as he entered the bridge along with the captain. "Settling in yet Lyle?"
He shook his head a little, his brother part of the infamous organization Celestial Being and yet here they were acting as if they weren't preparing to strike against the Earth Federation, the unified government of the planet. He wondered too if they were like this during their armed intervention five years ago. Finding small happiness they can get as they face against the world in their attempt to right the wrongs.
Should he hate Celestial Being for their actions that resulted in the birth of A-Laws? No, he couldn't fault them because they were the ones to take actions about everything wrong with the world rather than just notice it. These guys nearly paid for it with their lives.
The world was beginning to change, they need to only remove the parasites infecting the Federation.
"I'm setting in fine," he smirked. "Though I expected Celestial Being to be a little uptight and this ship to be crewed by war veterans or professional soldiers. I didn't expect the Captain and the Gundam pilots to be someone near my age."
Even Katharon was more serious than what he'd seen than all of the people of Ptolemaios. They had not much time for jokes because if found by A-Laws they would be in deep trouble. Hell, their European allies were forced to go to hiding with the cracking down of the government on them.
"We are," Lasse said amusedly. Slowly but surely the ship clamps came upon them and secured the ship. "It's just Miss Sumeragi not taking things seriously with her drinking in every operation."
Miss Sumeragi didn't even refute what Lasse said about her but merely smiled unabashed.
Neil clapped his shoulder laughing, "Someone needs to. You know how serious most of the people here are all the time. We already have Setsuna, Tiera, and Allelujah for that. No need to add more tension that it needs to be."
Allelujah? He wondered who that was. Was it one of their comrades that died years ago?
"We have two days before we move out again, I suggest you use those wisely. I doubt we'd have rest once we commence operation."
"Aye, aye Captain," Milleina saluted at the Captain. "Do you want to watch films with me Feldt? I hear the film "Avengers: Infinities War" is good. They said it's based on a really old literature from the 21st Century."
Whilst being dragged by the younger girl, Feldt replied, "I'd like that."
"We can watch it on my room. You know where to find us if you need something dad."
Ian waved at the girls and followed suit in exiting the bridge to what he stated earlier. "I'll be at the labs to calibrate the 00 Gundam with Linda and Tiera."
"What about you, Lyle," his brother said. Turning, there was a certain gleam in his eyes that made him think back to those mischievous things they'd do when they were young that ended with them being in trouble. "Or should I say Lockon Stratos? What's your plan?"
He stared at his brother ignoring the unknown stirring feeling in his chest. "Why are you giving me your codename," he bluntly stated at his easy going older twin. "Why do I need a codename for that matter."
"It's a requirement for Celestial Being Gundam Meister to have a codename. I'm passing to you mine."
Narrowing his eyes, "Why? It's just a name." That was the question wasn't it? His brother, seemingly open as he was to the others, hides secrets better than he could. Like when they were children, when Lyle got into trouble he would often switch places with him if he could causing Lyle to be mad.
He can take care of himself and doesn't always need Neil's protection thank you very much.
Wasn't that one of the reason why he went his own way when they reached college? Not to only get away from all the sneers pointed at him by being constantly being compared to Neil, but to also prove that he could be as good as his brother. And perhaps be even better than my older brother.
He's giving me his own Codename? What are you on to, Neil.
Neil crossed his arms and leaned on the wall and shook his head, "Lockon Stratos, the person who can shoot beyond the stratosphere. A codename given to me, yes, but it's much more than a simple name, for me and for us." His eyes went to the Captain and Lasse still on the helm behind. "It's much more than you think. It can represent many things like leaving one's past. For me, it is the name of the rageful person years ago. The name of the man who was deep in anger and rage that he went as far as to nearly kill himself just to kill the man who killed his family for revenge in the guise of justice."
He looked at Sumeragi then a smile came to his face which she reciprocated. "Lockon Stratos was a man for that purpose. Over the years, I came to realize that my main purpose for accepting the organization's offer is for my revenge. Being a Gundam Meister was second."
For you. For our family, he thought Neil was trying to say.
"I am not that man now,"
"Then," his lips pursed as he asked his brother this, "did you even want to make the world better. Did you believe in the words of Aeolia Schenberg." He knew Neil's guilt and anger from that day ran deep, but for him to make it his goal was too much for Lyle.
Lyle, for all his nonchalance, found Aeolia's ideals to be a breath of change no matter how idealistic it sounded. Of course, he was dubious of it, but it made him thought that perhaps there was truth to the man's words. That maybe someday, peace would result of their actions.
"Of course I do," was his reply. "I wanted to make a world where that doesn't happen by killing the one responsible for our family's death. But after I got my revenge, I felt lost."
Lasse huffed, probably rolling his eyes too if the obvious indignation was to go by, "It took everyone to get him out of his slump."
"It took everyone for me to realize that my revenge took most of my life that I got used to it."
"Yeah," the Captain took his brother's hands. "You don't want to see Neil mope around."
Neil's reaction to being called moping was to shake his head slowly, maybe perhaps out of denial, or finding it funny to be true. "Truth is, you have more reason to bear that name than I am now."
He didn't know why but felt a lump in his throat. He felt his chest constrict at Neil's words. Did his brother sacrificed his happiness, his life, and his self just for them? For him? Damn, for once he had no witty comeback or anything to say.
"If it's required for Gundam pilot to have codenames," he drawled, "you're planning on quitting on being a Gundam pilot, are you?"
A shrug and a neutral smile was all he got as an answer which annoyed him more.
"If you're okay with it," shrugged Lyle. "Anyways, if we're done here, I still have things to do."
His brother gave the Captain a quick peck before turning at him. "Prepare yourself, Lockon."
I hope you like it guys. :) I'm really sorry for the long break. Let me know your criticisms about it.
About why there were changes, like CB having MS guarding their resource Satellite. My reason is, because Sumeragi never left, she may had a hand in their getting hands in MS for base defense to stop what happened four years ago during Fallen Angel by convincing their rich backer.
Not only that, she may have also convinced the others to experiment with using GN Tau Drive (and producing said GN Tau Drives themselves to) using it on old units like Flag, Hellion and whatnot as a stopgap in case they're compromised again. If that happens again, they can somehow fight back. That doesn't mean CB is powerful enough to take on the whole A-Laws. They just have means to defend themselves unlike in the anime.
That is my reasoning at least. So it went a little AU now with this tidbit. :)
Also, I'll edit it later. :p