Chapter Text
“Regular speech”
‘Thought’
“Soma/Hallelujah speech”
Medical Bay of the Ptolemy
Lyle watched from inside the medical bay, not even changed out of his pilot suit, as Anew was on the remaining medical bed in medical scrubs, scanner active. She was mostly unharmed, but there was some scarring from the console explosion. He had brought her back to the ship in a rush, not seeing her responding to anything he did. After getting her onto the medical bed and activating the medical scanner, he stood the room, watching Anew with an empty look, sorrow apparent on his face. Lyle was lost and trying to hold back the flood of emotions inside him. ‘Please wake up. Please wake up!’
The rest of the pilots caught up and watched him from outside the glass, not knowing if they should talk to him or not. Feldt and Allelujah looked at the Irishman and Anew with worry, wanting to help but not knowing what to say. Tieria frowned, not having seen Lyle act like this before. Setsuna was looking away, guilt flowing through him. ‘I did this. I know I saved his life, but…’ The worst part is that Setsuna could sympathize with how he was feeling. If this had been Feldt, he would probably be the same.
He made his way inside the medical bay, the rest of the pilots looking at him worried and cautious. Tieria spoke out cautiously, “Setsuna, be careful.”
Setsuna nodded at that and entered the medical bay, slowly approaching Lyle. It didn’t seem that Lyle noticed him, his eyes only looking at Anew. The Krugis man spoke hesitatingly, “Lyle, I’m sorry I-”
Lyle turned around, red hot anger in his eyes, “You be quiet!” He clenched his fist, “She is like this because of you! She wouldn’t be hurt if you didn’t shoot her!” In the back of his mind, he knew Setsuna had saved his life. But his anger refused to accept that. ‘She’s hurt because of him!’ Setsuna tried to reply, but Lyle cut him off, “You’re lucky I’m not beating you black and blue right now! Get out!”
Allelujah spoke up, “Hey that’s not-“ He was interrupted by Setsuna raising his hand, silencing him. Setsuna realized he was going to get nowhere with Lyle and retreated from the medical bay, leaving Lyle to wallow in sorrow. As he reached the door to the hallway, he saw Feldt looking at him, silently asking if he’s ok. He grimaced, telling her what she needed to know. Feldt and Setsuna left the area, headed to their room.
Lyle’s anger towards Setsuna shifted to sorrow as the floodgate he opened yelling at Setsuna refused to close. Tears began to fall more and more steadily, till he began sobbing, resting his face against the pod surrounding Anew. ‘Why is everything so messed up!? Why did it have to be like this!? I really should kill him for that.’ Tieria and Allelujah looked at each other, understanding this probably a good time to give Lyle some privacy.
As they moved away from the medical bay, they saw Sumeragi headed to the medical bay. Allelujah looked at her and shook his head saying, “Give Lyle a minute.”
Sumeragi understood exactly what Lyle was going through, sympathy rising in her chest, “Is she alive at least?”
Tieria nodded, “She’s getting scanned, but she was breathing.”
The tactical forecaster let out a breath, “At least that’s one piece of good news.” In an exhausted tone, she looked at the two pilots, “Both of you get some rest. You need it.” She watched the two of them head to their quarters, a grimace on her face. ‘Our spy problem is over, but why did it have to end like that?’
Feldt and Setsuna’s Room
Setsuna and Feldt rested on their bed, all the emotion of the day weighing down on them. The had both removed their uniform top, both of them wearing tank tops. His black and hers green. His head was in her lap as she sat on the bed, the Krugis man looking at his girlfriend blankly. She ran her fingers through his hair, worried about what was going on through her boyfriend’s head, his thoughts were a mystery to her and his eyes gave away nothing.
One thing she noticed in the dark was his eyes had a dull golden glow. ‘Why are his eyes glowing?’ She remembered seeing his eyes looked the same in that strange place the 00 Raiser brought them. ‘Is it something similar to what the innovators do? I know he’s human, so is he changing?’
She shoved that thought to the side. Right now, Setsuna needed her. She could ask him later. After fifteen minutes of dead silence besides breathing, her uneasiness grew. ‘He must feel guilty about Anew.’ In a quiet voice, she spoke comfortingly, “It’s alright Setsuna. Anew is alive and you didn’t kill her. I’m certain Lyle will forgive you.” She got no response back from him, worrying her more as his faced frowned slightly. Her voice picked up a bit, “Please Setsuna, tell me what’s going on in your head.”
While Feldt was worrying about him, Setsuna was deep in thought. Watching Lyle anguish over Anew gave him a realization. ‘If Feldt was in a coma, I would definitely not be ok. She’s gotten so far into my heart that losing her would hurt so much. Is this what love is? It hurts in equal part as it makes you happy?’ Yet he wouldn’t take it back for anything. Ever since Feldt entered his life, he had been happier and more open. He wanted a brighter future for himself and her. One where they didn’t need to fight and could live in peace. He wanted to smack himself for taking so long to realize this.
In a quiet and determined voice, he suddenly spoke up after his silence, “I love you.” She looked at him in shock, not expecting that.
She took in the words, blushing and beginning to tear up as she replied, “Setsuna…”
He spoke softly, rising up and sitting on the bed to look in her sea green eyes and intertwining one of their hands, “I’m sorry it took so long. For so many years I fought day to day, not planning for the future. All I could see was fighting till I couldn’t anymore, be it old age or death on the battlefield. But since we have gotten closer, I want a future with you.” She began to tear up, his words hitting her right in the heart. He rested his forehead against hers, tearing up, “I want a peaceful future with you. I want to have a family with you. After we beat the innovators, I want to live with you. No matter what happens after this, you are my home.” He looked into her eyes and saw adoration and love reflected in them.
She began sobbing happily as the words got to her. ‘I didn’t know it would feel this good.’ She loved Setsuna so much and to hear him return the depths of her feelings was such a relief and happiness. She pulled him close, crying into his shoulder, her frame shaking as he wrapped his arms around her. After a minute, her tears stopped flowing and she looked up at him happiness in her eyes.
She pulled him into a passionate kiss, straddling him as he fell on his back onto the bed. Their kissing intensified, both of them beginning to heat up. His hands traced up her sides, going underneath her tank top. She noticed this and did the same for him, her hands going underneath his. They looked each other in the eyes, knowing where this was going. She gave him a smile and nodded, both of them kissing again with increased fervor. They would both be sore the next day, but they needed this.
And unbeknownst to Setsuna and Feldt, a tiny bridge formed between their minds as the night progressed, connecting the couple in a way that neither of them expected.
Medical Bay of the Ptolemy
A coma. A coma. Lyle held Anew’s hand as he saw the results from the medical scan. On one hand, he was happy she was alive and out of danger. On the other there was still the fact that she was stuck in a coma. ‘Why was she stuck in a coma? Why did she deserve this? I just wanted to hear her voice again. See her smile.’
He just felt drained after all that had happened. Not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. All of his anger and frustration at Setsuna really had done a number on him especially. It took all his self-control to not beat Setsuna for doing what he did to Anew. ‘Would Anew have wanted me to do it?’ His eyelids began to droop as he rested on a chair in the medical bay. ‘Maybe I just need some sleep.’ He closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep, only to find himself in a familiar yet strange place.
Lyle blinked several times groggily, looking around to see everyone looking down at the ground the briefing room. They all had looks of grief and anger, but one person’s face he couldn’t see was Feldt, who was directly in front of him. Curious, he spoke up, “Hey, what’s going on? What’s with the long faces?”
Tiera turned to face him, anger apparent on his face, “How dare you show up here! After what you did, you shouldn’t even be on the ship!”
Lyle put his hands up in confusion, “I don’t know what you are talking about! What did I do?!”
Allelujah responded, same anger in his voice, “How could you just forget what you did?! You didn’t have to kill him, but you did!” The rest of the room began to fade away, leaving only him and Feldt in a blank void.
‘Who did I kill? What is happening?’ Feldt then turned to face him, face read from crying and eyes showing immense grief and anger, “You killed Setsuna! You killed the man I love because of what he did to Anew!” She approached him, poking him hard in the chest, “He did it to save your life! If he hadn’t, Anew would have killed you! I thought you were one of us, that you were a good person, but you’re a monster.” Her voice trailed off in intensity, Feldt looking away from him, “Just leave. None of us need someone who can’t resist the need for vengeance.”
Lyle’s mind was rushing. What did they mean that he killed Setsuna? He hadn’t…had he? A tear fell down his face. ‘I never wanted to… I just felt so…’ He heard a disappointed sigh from behind him. A familiar sigh.
He turned around to see a man with two who looked just like him smiling at him. Lyle spoke confused, “Neil? I thought you died.”
Neil nodded, “I did. In pursuit of vengeance. Like what you killed Setsuna for.”
Frustration rose in Lyle, “But I didn’t! I wanted to, but I didn’t!”
Neil chuckled at that, “Then you are better than me.” His tone became more wistful, “You don’t know the cost of it until you see the consequences on other people. Like with Feldt and the rest of the crew. Or when it costs you your own life.” Neil approached him, putting a hand on Lyle’s shoulder, “Don’t be me. Be better than me.” Lyle shook his head. ‘It’s a bit rich to hear that coming from you.’
Lyle saw Neil beginning to fade away, and began to panic, “Don’t go!”
Neil chuckled and smiled, “You know I’m not real, right? I’m just a part of nightmare or maybe a dream?” He fully disappeared and Lyle felt the world around him falling apart as he fell into an empty void.
Lyle woke up, shooting straight up in the chair he was in, blinking at the bright lights of the ship being back on. He immediately felt the soreness in his back, remembering how not fun chairs are to fall asleep on. He immediately swore under his breath, realizing how caught up in his emotions he was before. Getting some rest had gotten rid of part of his anger at Setsuna. ‘Anew wouldn’t have wanted me to hurt or kill Setsuna. And he did save her life. I would rather have her alive and in a coma as opposed to her being dead.’ He needed to apologize to Setsuna. He looked at Anew breathing steadily. ‘I’m not my brother.’
Allelujah’s Room
Allelujah opened up his door, entering his room. He was definitely feeling post battle exhaustion. As he pulled off his jacket, he heard a knock at his door. Curious, he opened the door, seeing Soma standing there with a box in her arms containing her stuff. He looked at her confused, “Soma, why are you moving your stuff back in? I thought you wanted to stay somewhere else.”
He was caught by surprise when he felt a surge of love and happiness flow into his mind. ‘Marie?’ He looked at her with widened eyes, speaking breathlessly, “Marie? Is that you?”
She beamed at him, “Yes. Yes, it is!” She put the box to the side then rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Allelujah. He pulled her close, resting his face next to her head. The two stood there for a minute, just basking in each other’s presence, happy tears coming from both of them. It had been a long four months, but they were finally back together. The last four months, despite them being so close, there was a barrier between the two of them that neither could overcome. The two pulled back slightly from each other, before closing back in with a kiss. The love and devotion flowed in through their bond as well as the kiss, filling both of them with euphoria. Both of them felt complete.
The kiss broke after a minute and Allelujah spoke first, “What happened?”
Marie replied, smile on her face, “Soma realized her focus on vengeance was going to cost her life, like she almost did at the battle where we captured the innovator.” Both of them frowned for a split second at that battle in hindsight, but neither of them noticed it on the other.
Allelujah nodded, “I assume you are still going to have to take over when she pilots?”
“Yes. She still is more comfortable with battle than I ever will be.”
Allelujah chuckled at that, “I suppose that’s one benefit of our condition.”
Marie nodded at that, completely agreeing, “I’m just happy Soma is doing much better. I never wanted her to be unhappy. Though I would rather be in control most of the time.”
Allelujah smiled, “Well apparently Hallelujah is happy about her surviving too. I personally think he has a crush on her.” He felt Hallelujah growl at him, which caused Allelujah to smirk. Marie felt Soma blush slightly and deny it. ‘I didn’t expect that reaction.’
Marie looked at the box near her, removing herself from Allelujah’s hold, “It’s been lonely without you. Maybe now I might be able to sleep better.” Allelujah was relieved he wasn’t the only one. Whenever he slept, it always felt like there was an empty weight on his bed.
He smirked, “I wouldn’t complain.”
“Do you want to help me move the rest of my stuff?”
He shook his head, “I’m a bit beat. Let’s just rest and I will help when I wake up again.”
Marie smiled at him, blushing as she quirked one of her eyebrows, “Do you want to…”
He blushed, “Maybe later. Honestly I just want to sleep.” She nodded at that, putting the box down in the room and he changed into casual wear, getting out of his sweaty pilot suit. The two laid down in bed, pulling each other close. Allelujah could hear her breath become steady. ‘I love you so much.’ Darkness overtook him as he fell into a restful sleep, holding Marie close.
Bridge of the Ptolemy
After restoring full ships systems, the crew was called up on the bridge, though Ian stayed in the hanger, needing to repair the Cheridum, having just finished repairs on the Gun Archer. Sumeragi looked at the crew, “We discovered a message that was sent to us when our systems were down. It was a set of coordinates in Lagrange 5. It seems like some sort of meeting place.”
Tieria spoke curiously, “So a mysterious set of coordinates were sent to us? How do we know this isn’t a trap?”
Sumeragi pursed her lips, “That bothered me too. I’m not comfortable with this. Too many unknowns.”
Setsuna spoke up, voice resolute, “We should go. This is probably important.”
Sumeragi looked at him, “How can you be sure?”
The raven-haired man looked down at his hands, then looked back at her, “I can’t tell you why, I just feel like it is. Feldt and I can go in the 00 Raiser if you don’t want to risk the ship.”
Sumeragi was about to respond when Ian interrupted her, “Setsuna is right. Besides, Linda and the others are at Lagrange 5 and if my timetables are right, they should be done with the gear they were working on. It will also give me more time to work on the gundams.”
The tactical forecaster thought for a second, looking over the room. She could see the crew was tired and needed a rest. They also had no leads to where the innovator’s main base was. Maybe this person knew where they were. She sighed, speaking up, “Setsuna, you and Feldt will head there with the 00 Raiser. Find out who is at this location and what they want. The ship will head to the R&D base and try to draw the enemy away from you. Meet us there after you have met with this contact. The rest of you are dismissed.”
Hallways of the Ptolemy
Feldt and Setsuna made their separate ways to the hangers, Feldt kissing him on the lips before heading off to hanger 3. It felt so nice to be fully open with her and to be able to show his affection so publicly. It was like the sun had come out after a rainy day. ‘She is my path forward.’
As he reached a T-junction, he saw Lyle standing there with a hand on his hip, looking like he was waiting for him. Lyle looked over Setsuna and noticed a hickey on his neck, causing the Irishman to scowl for a second before his face went back to normal. Setsuna spoke first, voice sounding apologetic, “Lyle I-“
“I’m sorry for yelling at you.” Setsuna looked at him confused as Lyle continued in a low voice, “I was so caught up in you hurting her, that I forgot you saved my life and hers.”
Setsuna nodded, his voice soft, “It’s alright. I would have been the same with Feldt.”
Lyle smirked slightly at that, “It seems we both understand how much we love the women in our lives.” He then gave Setsuna a serious look, “Don’t take her for granted. Hold her for as long as you can. And stay safe Setsuna. We need you.”
“I will.” The two men went in the opposite directions, nodding to each other in respect.
With the 00 Raiser
After linking up with the 0 Raiser, the 00 Raiser began its journey to the mysterious set of coordinates. The two pilots watched the Ptolemy fly off in another direction, eventually disappearing from view. After calculating it, Feldt informed Setsuna it would take a couple days, telling him that she would take over piloting duties so he could rest. He let go of his controls, happy to let her take control. In a teasing voice, she asked, “When you confessed to me, it sounded like a proposal. Were you asking?”
Setsuna blushed slightly, “While I would love to, now is not the best time. After all of this is over, I plan on it at some point.”
Feldt looked down, cheeks flushing, “Oh.” She felt warmth rush through her, knowing how serious her boyfriend was about their relationship. ‘I wouldn’t mind if we did it before.’ She shook her head at that thought. Now is not the time for that. She then asked him curiously, “When the lights were off, I saw that your eyes were glowing, like Anew’s did. What is that about?”
He took a breath and began explaining, “I think I have come to an understanding to what this gundam does and what that strange place is. Humans can connect their thoughts through the quantum realm, letting them understand and see each other’s thoughts. The 00 Raiser is a catalyst, allowing for that connection to be made.”
Feldt responded, deep in thought, “So do your eyes glow when connecting to this quantum realm?” He nodded at that, causing her to realize something, “So when Anew’s eyes were glowing…”
“She was connected with Revive. It seems all innovators have this ability to some degree.”
She tilted her head slightly, “So does that mean you are an innovator? You possess the same ability?”
He pursed his lips, “I suppose that I am, but not the same as them. I’m still human. I’m beginning to suspect this was part of Aeolia’s plan.”
“What do you mean?” ‘I know we were told by Tieria about this plan, but now it seems there are a lot of details missing or lied about.’
Setsuna collected his thoughts, then said evenly, “The first part of the plan was to unite humanity, which we did. The second part, done through the 00, was to bring about innovation. To help connect humanity and help their understanding of each other. That seems to be the true purpose of it. It helps in combat, but it’s there to unite people, not rule over them.” The raven-haired pilot began to sound less sure, “Beyond that I’m not sure. It probably has something to do with the future.” Some insecurity began to bubble up in Setsuna, “I don’t know if that changes any-“
“Setsuna, after last night, you know my answer.” Feldt’s tone was gentle, knowing Setsuna might be insecure about this, “I am with you, human or not. And besides, based on what you said, you are just a human with special abilities.” She gave him a teasing smile, “And I like the fact my boyfriend can know how I feel. Makes it easier.”
Setsuna gave her a warm smile, sensing happiness and love from her in the back of his mind. ‘That’s new. I never had that happen before when I’m not in trans-am. Maybe she’s changing too?’
Abandoned Colony
Wang Liu Mei and Hong Long took a short rest in grey, barren room looking out into space, which contrasted with their suits red and purple coloring. They had been hounded by Nena for the past couple of days, barely managing to get to the colony at Lagrange 5. It had been a game of cat and mouse throughout the station, and it was taking its toll on the two of them. They were both physically and mentally tired.
Hong Long spoke, trying to keep his tone even, “No one has shown up at the designated point yet. Do you think Celestial Being got the message?”
Wang Liu Mei replied in a strained voice, an injury from the ship blowing up making it hurt to speak a little, “Right now, I can’t say for certain. But if they don’t appear soon, the world will belong to the innovators. Or rather, Ribbons Almark.” ‘Even if I die, I will not allow that.’
Hong Long asked in curiosity, “How long has Nena been working with the innovators?”
The Chinese woman exploded in anger and frustration, the mindless question sending her over the edge, “Think for yourself! It’s because of your flaws that I was forced to become the head of the Wang family!” Hong Long looked on in shock as his sister continued, “Becoming the head of this family led my life to be twisted like this. That’s the real reason I want to see the world reformed. Even if I have to give up my status, reputation and wealth for it.” Her tone became a bit manic, “Yes, I’ll start my life again and obtain a future that’s just mine. You’re staying with me to end. That’s the responsibility you have to bear.” Hong Long looked at her in disbelief. ‘You wanted to make a future for yourself, yet you worked with the innovators?’
They both heard Nena’s voice come through the door they just came through, flippant tone apparent, “Why do you have to be so melodramatic?” The gunmetal grey door slid open and Nena stood there, purple haro at her side and gun aimed at them. She continued, “You’re pathetic! You’re little speech just shows how stupid you are.”
Hong Long spoke out angrily, “Nena Trinity!”
Nena’s voice sounded like venom, “I despise you. Goodbye, my mistress!” Nena sneered as she pulled the trigger, aiming at Wang Liu Mei. Hong Long immediately moved, putting his body in between Nena and his sister. He felt a shot impact his back and looked at Wang Liu Mei, grunting in pain.
The Chinese woman called out desperately, “Hong Long!” He began moving them closer to another exit door, making sure Wang Liu Mei was protected.
Nena yelled in frustration, “Get out of the way!” ‘You are not stopping me! She is not getting away for all the suffering she caused me!’
Hong Long felt several more shots hit his back as the floated towards the door. Wang Liu Mei looked up desperately, “Brother.”
They reached the door and he opened it, shoving her into a hallway. He spoke with shallow breath, “Live on.”
She reached out to him futilely, “Brother no!” But the door closed in front of her. Hong Long turned to face Nena trinity, preparing to charge her with his last breath. He knew he was dead. Anytime he could delay her would help his sister escape.
Nena looked at him with mounting frustration and anger, “You’re in my way!” She aimed her gun and hit him squarely in the center of his visor, hitting him right in the forehead. Hong Long’s body floated back from the impact, hitting the door Wang Liu Mei just went through and began free floating in the room.
Nena bounced off the door, commenting flippantly, “Going out in style.”
The purple haro floated around her, asking excitedly, “Going after her!? Going after her!?”
Nena shook her head, “We don’t have to.” She turned to face behind her, “Isn’t that right?”
Regene stood there in an old Celestial Being pilot suit, smirking, “That’s correct.” ‘With this, the plan is accelerating. Not Aelolia or Ribbons plan, but my plan.’ He looked out the window and saw the telltale signs of true GN particles. ‘He’s here.’
Outside the Colony
The 00 Raiser passed through the support beams of the colony, stopping after it passed them. Setsuna looked around and saw no entrance for the gundam, so he opened communications with the 0 Raiser, “It looks like we can’t reach the designated point in the 00. I’m heading in on foot. Control is back with you.”
Feldt replied with slight worry in her tone, “Roger. Please be safe.”
“I will.” He exited the gundam, quickly spotting an entrance for him to use. Setsuna entered a hanger, seeing a small craft parked in the unpainted hanger. It was strange to see a space colony look so unfinished. Usually, they were lived in and had a sense of life, but it just felt barren and lifeless. ‘I wonder what caused this to be unfinished.’ He pulled out his terminal, seeing his meeting location was right ahead of him.
Advancing cautiously, he pulled out his gun, prepared for anything. He knew there was an atmosphere in the colony, but he still didn’t want to get shot. The door in front of him opened and he spotted a purple suit with blue neon lights on it around the corner. He approached the person stealthily, not wanting to draw their attention.
As he got right behind them, he aimed his gun and heard a gasp in surprise as Wang Liu Mei turned to face him. ‘What’s she doing her?’ She quickly recovered her wits, “Setsuna F. Seiei, you made it.”
He looked at her worried, seeing she was holding her right side, “What’s going on Wang Liu Mei? Are you injured? And you were the one that contacted us?”
She replied in a pained and tired voice, “It’s nothing really. And yes. You should take this.” She put out her hand, holding the slip of paper with Veda’s coordinates on it.
Setsuna looked at her confused, “What is it?”
“The location of Veda itself is written on it.”
Setsuna spoke incredulously, “It shows the location of Veda?” ‘With this we can finally beat the innovators!’
Wang Liu Mei replied, sounding a little more desperate, “If the innovators know about this, they will move it to another location. You have to recover Veda as soon as you possibly can!”
Setsuna took the note out of her hand, “C’mon, we have to get you out of here.”
Wang Liu Mei shook her head, “No, I’ll be ok right here.” Setsuna looked at her confused once again. She saw that and said, “All you need to know is I cannot go with you. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be just fine.” He looked her in the eyes, knowing that she meant it, though sensing she was hiding something. ‘I’m not going to convince her to do anything. I have to get this to the ship as soon as possible.’
He nodded his head, “Alright then.” He began making his way back out the colony to the 00 Raiser. He did miss Wang Liu Mei’s last words as the door to the hanger opened, “The reason I can’t go with you guys is my goals are different from yours.”
Orbit around the Colony
Waiting for Setsuna to leave, Wang Liu Mei entered the hanger and left in the shuttlecraft parked there, heading out to another colony to wait out the battle that was to come. ‘And I don’t see any sign of Nena.’ As she made her way further and further away, seeing the sparks of battle in the background, she spoke to herself manically, “I offer up the lives of the innovators, Celestial Being and even my brother to achieve my reformation. All for the brilliant fut-“
“Don’t you know? You have no future!” Wang Liu Mei herard Nena’s smug tone from the gundam that moved in front of the shuttle.
Wang Liu Mei’s eyes widened, “Nena?! But why?!”
Nena’s tone became venomous, “I already told you. I despise you! I only obeyed you because I had to survive somehow. I just had to be a little friendly and you believed me!” The Chinese woman was shaking in anger, but was caught off guard by Nena’s next words, “But you know what? Your usefulness is over!”
Nena aimed and took a shot at the shuttle. Wang Liu Mei watched in slow motion as it approached, unable to avoid it. ‘It can’t end this way! Not like this! I had so many plans!’ The shot impacted the shuttle, blowing it up as debris began to float among space. Nena began to laugh, “She’s blown to pieces! That’s your punishment for treating me like some sort of possession! I’ll do whatever it takes to survive in this world and whatever it takes to be happy. I’ll follow the innovators till I can avenge my brothers, then I’ll be free.”
Haro turned to face her, voice sounding more robotic and monotone than usual, “Despite your words, your usefulness is over as well.”
She looked confused at the machine, “Haro?”
It continued, “Those who act selfishly must be punished.”
Nena gasped, realizing what was happening, “An innovator!”
The haro, under Ribbons control, replied to that, “The one who will pass judgement on you will be coming soon.”
“The one who will pass judgement?” She looked annoyed until Ali al Saachez flashed through her mind. Looking thoughtful, she said, “Could it be him?” ‘That’s just perfect. I can kill two birds with one stone.’
All of the sudden an energy blast came flying right by her, forcing her to dodge out of the way. She turned in the direction and saw that the Arche gundam was heading towards her, sword drawn out. She yelled out to Ali, “It’s you! It’s time I get my revenge!”
He licked his lips, happy for the opportunity for a battle, “Let’s see you try, little girl!” She opened fire on him, but Ali proceeded to dodge every blast easily. ‘Let’s have some fun with this one.’ Nena glared at the Arche, seeing how it mocked her brother Michael’s memory. ‘How dare you use a suit like his!’
The Arche flew circles around the Throne unit, toying with her. Ali spoke cheerfully, “Let’s have a little fun. I won’t use my fangs just to make it fair. Does that sound good to you?” She just let out a growl, firing at him unsuccessfully. He smirked, “I think that does!” He rushed in, slicing off one of her suits arms and then retreating back a distance away.
She yelled out in anger, “How dare you!” Ali just smirked enjoying toying with her. It wasn’t as fun as fighting the Krugis punk, but he would take it. He spoke in a insincere happy tone, “You know I was sent to kill a rat who caused problems, so this isn’t personal.”
Nena yelled out angrily, “But you let me do that!”
Ali just replied in a chipper tone, “Did I? I don’t remember that. Are you sure?” Ali began landing shots on the Throne, knocking it back. Nena’s anger was rising. First, she couldn’t hit him and now he was taunting her. ‘I refused to be toyed with!’
“Stop making fun of me!”
Ali shook his head in his cockpit, “But it’s more fun!... For me. Besides, you would already be dead if I wasn’t.” The Arche charged in once again, Nena pulling out a beam saber to try to stop him, but failed to block the attack, leading to losing a leg. Ali spoke again, “I will say I admire your handywork from five years ago. Especially the wedding. I couldn’t have done it better myself! You remind me of… well me!”
Nena replied in a blind fury, “I am not like you! I fought to make a better world for myself!” More shots missed Ali by a wide margin.
Ali smirked, knowing he was getting under her skin, “You killed innocent people who were doing nothing but living their lives! Sounds like me!” His tone became slightly more manic, “At least I don’t pretend I’m doing a good thing! I’m a monster and I’m honest enough to admit it! You are just a hypocrite!”
Her mind was racing. ‘I’m not…. I’m not…. No, I’m not a monster. I’m doing what needs to be done to survive!’ She rushed in, trying to engage him in melee. He parried her blade, pushing her away. Her anger was red hot, “How dare you judge me!” She charged him again, meeting his large blade. The two clashed, sparks flying. She failed to notice a leg blade slice off her other suit leg until it was too late, causing her to react in shock, giving Ali the opportunity to slice off the remaining arm.
The throne sat there, floating in space. Nena’s mind was a mess, desperation and despair setting in. ‘I have to avenge my brothers! I have to kill him!’ She looked up to see the Arche aiming its sword at the cockpit. Ali let out a manic laugh, “Well that was fun while it lasted! Too bad you had no chance! And I won’t judge you anymore if that makes you happy!” He brought the sword down, bisecting the throne. Nena only had a split second before her suit exploded, just leaving more debris.
Ali looked over his handwork. ‘That’s two down and two to go. And I didn’t even have to kill one of them!’
Outside the Colony
As Setsuna flew out of the colony looking at the note, he heard Feldt’s voice speak over their comms, sounding serious, “Setsuna!”
Setsuna put away the note, responding, “Feldt? What’s wrong?” He looked up to see a lithe black mobile suit with silver highlights and two large horns coming off of the head holding a physical sword to the 00 Raiser. ‘What the? That machine looks like a flag… but isn’t.’ Standing on top of the Susanowo was familiar man in the A-Laws pilot suit. Setsuna recognized that it was Graham but saw he had scarring over his right eye. ‘What happened to cause that? Was that from five years ago?’
Graham projected his voice as Setsuna got closer, “It’s been five years, young man.” Graham smirked at Setsuna recognizing him.
Setsuna spoke through gritted teeth, “It’s you again.”
“Young man, if you don’t want to lose your gundam, you’ll give me what I desire.”
Setsuna glared at the pilot, “And what is it you want?”
Graham stood straight, “I want an honorable duel!” Setsuna looked at him in surprise, not expecting that. Feldt was equally confused. ‘Honorable duel?’
Setsuna replied in confusion, “You want a what?”
Graham responded resolutely, “I, Graham Aker, stand before you and hereby challenged you to a proper duel.”
Setsuna gave him a serious looked then responded evenly, “You’re that desperate to settle things between us?”
The passion in Graham’s voice increased, “Of course! You’ve sullied my skies and stolen my brothers and mentor! Even my pride as a flag fighter was sullied because of what you did! You and your gundam!” He pointed at Setsuna, “Indeed, these feelings have surpassed love, transcended hatred. This has become destiny!”
The raven-haired pilot looked at him in disbelief, “Destiny?”
Graham smirked, “Do you laugh at my obsession? Don’t forget it was the gundams who started it all with their armed interventions.” Setsuna narrowed his eyes. ‘Here is someone else who can’t let go of the past. No matter how much time passed, he refused to move on. The only way to get to through to him is through combat.’
Setsuna replied determined, “Very well, I accept you challenge.”
Feldt called out in confusion, “Setsuna, what are you doing?”
“Hold nothing back!” Graham moved into his cockpit, preparing for combat.
Setsuna entered the cockpit of the 00, calling out to Feldt over communications, her face appearing on his display, “Feldt, give me the controls.”
Feldt responded as she complied, sounding confused, “What was he talking about? Duels? Love and hatred? Destiny? And why did you agree to this?”
Setsuna shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t know. All I know is he has been obsessed with me since I fought him five years ago. He was the guy I fought after defeating that golden mobile suit last time. And he will continue to chase me until I fight him.” ‘The reason I couldn’t join you guys right away.’
Reluctantly satisfied with that answer, she looked at the signature of the suit, she recognizing it, “Setsuna, this was the suit that was following us for a while after you rejoined us on Earth. He really has been stalking you.” She gave him a worried look, “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“No, but we don’t have any choice but to fight him. So hold on. This pilot is good; it may be rough.”
She looked at him with absolute trust in her eyes, “You can do it Setsuna. I’ll keep an eye out for anything else. You stay focused on him.” He nodded, the 00 Raiser drawing out its blades. The two suits gained some distance from each other, finally charging and clashing blades, signaling the start of their battle.