Twisted Destiny

Episode 9: Loss in Sanq

by Masamune



Wufei walked through the rain. He had left the hotel two days ago and had basically lived on the streets of San Francisco since. It had been raining for almost four straight days. Tomorrow was supposed to be thunderstorms and a wind advisory was in affect. His clothes were soaking and dirty now. He had barely slept in days. He had managed enough to eat but had still felt empty afterwards. Like a black hole the loss to Shadow consumed him. He found himself dwelling on it for hours at a time. Always concluding that he was weak. Concluding that he should not fight this battle anymore. His Gundam was hidden in the ruins of Sacramento, nearby. He hadn't gotten a mission lately however. /That's because I'm unworthy of piloting Nataku. Unworthy of fighting/ he thought.

"I know what you are thinking Chang Wufei," a stoic voice came from a nearby alley. "You feel as if you are too weak to fight, too weak." The voice was flat and contained only a small hint of scorn. "Your only weakness is your over-sense of justice and your incredible pride."

Two boys stepped out from the dark alley. One stood in the back, face half hidden by overhanging brown hair. The other was focusing on Wufei. It was obvious that he had been the one to speak. Wufei carefully eyed the boy over. He stood tall, almost 6 feet, standing over the tall boy behind him. He had a tan complexion and penetrating hazel eyes. The boy's hair was brown as well and fell down to his shoulders. The boy noticed Wufei checking him over.

"I usually gel it up but I didn't have time to today," the hazel eyes seemed to read Wufei's mind. "So you feel as if you are unworthy of fighting Shadow don't you Chang? I hardly blame you for fearing him."

"I don't fear him," Wufei sneered. "And you are to address me as Wufei, nothing else."

"You then fear losing I presume Wufei," the hazel eyes not taking his gaze off of the Chinese boy. "My name is Alex Vendetta. With me is Trowa Barton, a friend. I have come to you with an offer Wufei. Are you interested?"

As the rain fell on his shoulders Wufei stared first at Alex and then Trowa. He showed no interest what so ever. Callously he turned away and began to walk back down the road he had come from. The two boys watched him until he was out of sight.

"He didn't even want to hear our offer," Alex said in mock hurt.

Trowa shifted his position. "Right now he has only one thing on his mind," he quietly replied. "He needs to find out where he stands, how he feels. And then maybe he'll listen to our offer."

Alex motioned for them to walk back to their car.

"OZ has finally taken center stage," he quietly said. "The Alliance is all but wiped out. They only posses power in space now. And so I fear that OZ will engage in a bloody war against them."

Trowa gave him a look that asked, "Then what do you suggest?"

Reading his partner's body language Alex continued, "OZ wants bloodshed. We want peace. The Alliance wants peace but they are hanging on by a thread. However unlikely it may be that the Alliance will win this war, we must still help them. I think we'll be able to accomplish more if we split up. I intend to go around and see how much damage I can do to OZ. If your arm is Ok then maybe you'll want to join me?"

Trowa glanced at his injured left shoulder. He had partially broken his arm when Sandrock had stabbed him at New Edwards. He turned the ignition of the car and pulled down the hilly roads.

"It doesn't matter," he finally said. "Besides I have orders for a job elsewhere."



"And you're sure that this KID is a GUNDAM PILOT?" the Alliance colonel yelled into the intercom. "Yes I see him on the video screen, he looks like some little punk. Fine, fine if you insist then bring him up here to my office."

The colonel pulled an old cigar out of his desk drawer. "This may be the miracle we need," he said to himself. Minutes later a young boy with spiky hair wearing spandex came in with two Alliance soldiers behind him.

"My name is Heero Yuy," the boy soldier began. "I've been assigned by more superiors to aid you in whatever way I possibly can until either OZ is destroyed or until the time that this base falls."

The colonel stared into the icy cobalt eyes. It was obvious that this boy was a true soldier. The colonel had seen aged veterans that did not posses the aura of battle as he did.

"I am Colonel Glenn of the Alliance Terrestrial Forces," the colonel greeted. "We would be glad to have your assistance. Report to the barracks, they're at the West Side of this base and pick out a bunk for yourself. We will have your Gundam transported to the mobile suit hangar."

"I don't want anyone to touch my mobile suit," Heero replied. "I'll move it myself."

"Fine. That is all," the colonel said.



"Are things going well in the Leo unit Lt. Otto?"

"Yes Zechs. We are ready for the drop into the southern Sanq forest," the mechanic replied. "Noin reports that the Aries units are ready as well."

"Then we'll commence attack shortly," the masked soldier replied. "I want you to eliminate the Alliance survivors as best you can. But Otto please try to draw fire away from the city. I don't want any civilians hurt."

"That's unlike you Zechs. Normally you would say achieve victory at any cost." Otto sighed, "However I will attempt to draw them into the forest rather then into the city. Noin will loop around from the north and that will basically sandwich them into the forest area."

"Thank you Otto," Zechs said softly.

"But Zechs, this time don't try to win the whole battle by yourself," Otto cautiously advised. "These troops are greater in number and we believe they have some kind of ace up their sleeve. Otherwise they wouldn't be spread out the way they are."

Zechs looked at the map. It too had bothered him that the Alliance forces were set up so it would be fairly easy to corral them into the forests. It seemed to be what they wanted.

"Just stay alert Otto. Watch for anything unusual. We'll commence attack in five minutes."



"Ready Quatre?"

"Duo no baka, I've been ready for the past hour," the platinum blond smiled as he replied. "The Aries units should be coming from the north anytime now. The Alliance will lead them into this forest, that's what OZ is trying to do also."

Duo yawned, "It is so boring being out here though. I mean seriously what are we protecting? This little crummy base is going to be blown to hell the second we get orders to go elsewhere. And this kingdom has been in ruins for more then a decade."

"This area was formally ruled by the Peacecrafts," Quatre informed the braided pilot. "They were complete pacifists. The Alliance wiped them out for their beliefs." Quatre shook his head, "Peacecrafts were probably some of the best earthlings in the after colony era," he sadly said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Duo asked cautiously, hoping Quatre wasn't about to give him another speech about how decadent and disgusting the Earth was compared to space.

"It means that maybe this planet isn't all that bad," Quatre replied smiling. "And besides we are not exactly supposed to be helping Earth. We're just here to protect the colonies. As far as I'm concerned this planet is a terrible place."

Duo had noticed that his normally cheerful, optimistic friend had a very cynical and harsh view towards the Earth. He almost never spoke kindly of it. /It seems, as if the Earth is the only thing he really hates / Duo thought to himself. /I'm fine with this place though. It isn't space but I don't see how things are so bad. People in space are laid back while on Earth everyone seems to be uptight. It's a bad combination/

"So when do you think they're going to attack," Duo asked, grinning as usual.



"Now! Open fire!"

Noin released a missile and blasted her Chain Rifle as a group of Aries and she came hurtling down towards the Alliance forces. Enemy Leo units fired back and stood their ground as the Aries passed overhead. Noin doubled back and once again fired, taking down two Leos. Then suddenly a fellow Aries exploded behind her.

"The Kalmburg base is using its beam turrets to fight us!" someone said over the radio.

"It doesn't matter," Noin replied, yelling to be heard over the gunfire. "They're beginning to fall back towards the forests. We'll be in range of the turrets for only a minute more. Try to bear it."

As she ended her transmission she spotted the blue figure of the Zodiac speeding over the tree lines. Firing his Dober Blasters Zechs was destroying Leos left and right. He increased speed as he flew over the Aries troops.

"I'll distract the turrets," the Lightning Count announced over the OZ frequency. "Hurry and finish pushing the enemy into the forest. Otto and the Leo team are holding their own there but they could use air cover ASAP."

"Alright you heard the man!" Noin commanded the Aries. "Keep moving them into the forest!"

/You could easily destroy this entire base by yourself you know/

Zechs was startled for a moment. It was the voice again.

"Who are you?" he asked the disembodied voice.

/I am inside of you of course. Miliardo this is Sanq! You're home! Why simply drive the Alliance out? You must revive the Peacecraft monarchy. You are the only one left now that Relena is dead. Miliardo, destroy these pithy fools and reclaim Sanq/

Zechs looked as the turrets aimed and fired at him. With ease the Zodiac darted in and out of harm's way. Feeling as if he was a far off observer watching himself pilot Zodiac; he saw an Alliance Leo aim at him from nearby a building.

/He is an enemy. Destroy him. You can/

Firing his Dober Blasters Zechs annihilated the Leo unit, with a grin he turned and fired at the Kalmburg main base. The heavily armored front wall stood firm but quivered. Setting the Zodiac down on the ground Zechs took aim at the base again.

/Do it/

"No no no!!!"

"Who could that be?" Zechs asked aloud snapping out of a trance like state. Lowering his weapon he glanced down in horror. He had landed the Zodiac on a house! The collapsed roof and blown out glass windows littered the ground directly below him. An old woman was on her knees nearby, sobbing uncontrollably. In horror Zechs looked around and saw that he had destroyed another building when he had blown up the Alliance Leo.

/What have I done? /

/You are striving for victory casualties are inevitable/

/Shut up, go away/ Zechs spat at the voice in his head.

/I can't. But I can help you win. You know what is best. I am just showing the best possible way to your goals/

/Heartless beast. Even if innocent people are hurt? / He retorted.

/They always will be hurt. Why not by you? Are you too special to stain your hands with blood Miliardo? / The voice a mocking tone to it now.

"I told you to be quiet!" Zechs yelled, but no one except he heard.

Zechs sat in Zodiac. His mind racing, the Alliance beam turrets had stopped firing at him since he had entered the city area. All seemed to be quiet. Except for the drum roll of silent gunfire and war all was quiet. Then the radio flared to life.

"Gundam! A Gundam in the south forest! No shit, two! Help! Fucking help me!"

The radio sizzled and was quiet. Suddenly snapping back to his senses Zechs grabbed the controls of Zodiac and sped towards the forest.

A strangely green colored Aries fired at Quatre as he ran a Heat Shorter through a surprised Leo. Around him other Alliance Leos that had been hiding in the forest were firing at OZ Leos. Shooting his Vulcans Quatre took down an Aries and then boosted away as a missile hit the ground near him.

"It's a damn good thing the Alliance repainted their Leos black," Duo said to his friend. "Otherwise I wouldn't be able to tell who was who."

"Just hang in there baka and don't give up," Quatre chuckled as he cut another Leo in two.

Duo grinned as an Aries fell under his scythe. "Don't worry about me! I'm Shinigami! No way in hell I'm going to cash my chips in a shitty place like this!"

"Glad to hear th - what the hell is that thing?" Quatre asked as a shining blue mobile suit came shooting over the forests towards him. He watched as the blue suit fired and destroyed two Alliance Leos in front of it.

"A new model?" Duo asked in wonder. "No it must be a special suit of some kind." He frowned as Deathscythe landed next to Sandrock. "Don't you think it looks a lot like that Mirage from New Edwards?"

The Zodiac landed in front of the two Gundams. It glittered from the sunlight. The OZ forces had been completely overwhelmed by the surprise tactic the Alliance had thrown at them. Almost 80% of the OZ Leos and 65% of the Aries had been destroyed. Although they had ravaged the first line of Alliance forces the surprise arrivals were too many in number to handle.

Otto appeared on Zechs' video screen. "Those are Gundams 02 and 04. Both excel at close range combat. Be careful Zechs, we'll back you up."

"No Otto," Zechs shook his head. "I'll hold them off. Retreat. Pull out now, I'll rendezvous with you later. Tell Noin to do the same."

"But!"

"Now Otto!" the masked count commanded.

"Fine," Otto reluctantly agreed. "All OZ forces pull out now!" He shouted tot he remaining OZ soldiers. "Get out of the forests on the double! Commands are coming from Colonel Zechs himself. Now hurry up and let's go!"

Zodiac grasped its Beam Sabers tightly. Eyeing the Gundams, Zechs muttered to the voice in his head, "How do I win this one?"

/You cannot/

Zechs looked up to see that 04 was standing with swords ready. The Arabian Gundam took a step towards Zechs. But then he noticed 02 was missing. Without a second's loss Zechs brought his shield up and turned around barely blocking the blow from the Beam Scythe. Pushing forward Zodiac knocked the smaller Deathscythe away. Zechs lashed out with his Beam Sabers, landing a square blow on the Deathscythe.

Duo grunted as the blow shook his cockpit. Driving his Buster shield at his enemy he attempted to free himself from the grasp of Zodiac. Firing his Mounted Vulcans Deathscythe sent the Zodiac stumbling backwards. The blue machine turned and fired in retort, knocking away the Beam Scythe.

"No! Duo!" Quatre yelled as he rushed towards the Zodiac.

Attacking frantically at the Zodiac Quatre watched as each of his blows were parried by the superior Beam Sabers of Zodiac. Then a sound from behind him turned his attention away from the battle. Spotting the missiles the green Aries had launched Sandrock turned and attempted to get out of the way. With a swing of his Beam Saber Zechs knocked the blonde's Gundam to the ground. Turning his Vernier Rockets on Zechs rushed off towards the Deathscythe who was scrambling to recover his Beam Scythe. The Aries' missile hit the back of Sandrock hiding in a ball of explosion.

Turning, Duo saw the Zodiac rush at him. Without hesitation he swung at it with his Buster Shield. One of Zodiac's Beam Sabers fell to the floor, the purple light fading as it turned off. In anger Zechs kicked at the Deathscythe but it dodged out of his way.

Noin fired at the downed Sandrock as she saw Zechs lose his Beam Saber. Turning to fire she suddenly realized her mistake as one of the few Alliance Leos hit her with a Dober Gun. With a cry she looked around, noticing that the rest of the OZ forces had retreated and the Alliance military was in control of the forest.

"Zechs get out of here!" she yelled at her masked friend. Her Aries was rapidly losing power now.

The Zodiac fell as fire from the returned Leos riddled it. Looking up Zechs saw Noin in her green Aries fighting fiercely against the overwhelming Alliance forces. A black train of smoke was trailing from the back of the Aries.

/Retreat! We will die unless you do/

/I can't leave Sanq. I have to reclaim my homeland! / Zechs answered the voice frantically as he shot at an enemy Leo.

/A coward once said, "He who fights and runs away lives to fight another day." That person was a very intelligent coward. You are almost out of energy, if you stay Noin and you yourself will die. Hurry Miliardo, the war isn't lost yet/

"Damn!" Zechs grunted as he hurriedly parried an attack from the Deathscythe.

Flipping his Verniers to maximum power he streaked over the forest and away from his homeland. He had vowed years ago to return one day, he had, but now had lost the battle. His goal had eluded him once more.



Go to Episode 10!!!
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