RP LOG - Finding the Dragon
Who: MOMO, Treize, Wufei, Zechs
When: The day of Wufei's arrival
Where: School, lagoon beach, first aid building, cafe, hangar
Rating: PG
Warnings: GW references and spoilers (that should really be known by now), Xenosaga references
Notes: None
Summary: Zechs goes to ask Treize for a favor, giving him a welcome distraction from grading classwork, but the pleasant break takes a turn for the odd when they find the fifth Gundam pilot in the sands of the lagoon's beach.
Zechs walked confidently through the halls of the school. His aviator sunglasses sat upon his head, the sleeves to his white dress shirt rolled up around his elbows. He was a man on a mission. Well, if you could call hunting down your best friend a mission...
Said best friend was in his office grading some exams for the quarterly reports. School had started up again, only taking a brief respite during the storm. So, Treize was quietly making sure his students were up to date on what needed to be done.
The pale haired man knocked on the door frame when he reached Treize's office.
"Come in," Treize called.
"That can be dangerous, Treize," Zechs said as he walked into the office, a grin on his face.
"In a school?" Treize asked teasingly.
"Perhaps. You never know what angry student could try to hurt you for a bad grade."
"And here I haven't given out any real grades, yet, this year." He nodded to the stack of papers. "However, I am working on my first set." He leaned back in his chair, glad for the distraction. "What can I do for you, old friend?" he asked.
"Can't I just come visit an old friend without ulterior motives?" he asked sitting down in a chair. He crossed one leg over the other.
Treize laughed. "Everything is a motive... even just seeking small talk."
Zechs laughed at that, his icy eyes sparkling. He unconciously ran a hand through his much shorter hair.
"So, other than losing your hair in a sparring match," Treize said, having heard the rumors, "what's new with you?"
"Lucrezia and I are getting married." Zechs then sneered at Treize, teasing his friend.
"Congratulations," Treize said sincerely, dropping the comment about the hair and how Zechs looked like he was sixteen again.
"April 25th."
"That will be a lovely way to bring in the spring," Treize remarked.
"It would." Zechs smiled fondly at the thought. "Treize..."
"Yes?"
"Would you be my best man?"
"I'd be honored."
"I'd have no one else." Zechs said, "You're the closest thing I have to a brother."
Treize nodded and smiled slightly.
He smiled back.
"What kind of ceremony will you be having?" he asked.
"Not too sure actually. We haven't started the planning yet."
Treize nodded. "Understandable."
"It'll probably something simple. No need for extravagence."
"Certainly not here," Treize said. "Perhaps back home... with certain influences and social circles." He chuckled. "Unless you ran away and eloped. What a scandal that would have caused."
Zechs groaned and slumped down in his chair. "Screw the scandal. If I want to elope with Lucrezia, I damn well will."
At that, the former world sovereign laughed.
"I'm nobody important... Just a former soldier."
"Perhaps... but there's been enough news coverage."
"I hate the reporters."
"Most people do when it's their lives being intruded upon... unless they just enjoy the attention," Treize said. "However, normal people prefer to have at least some privacy in their lives."
"I like a lot of privacy... always have."
"There's nothing wrong with it."
"I know, Treize."
He nodded.
Zechs smiled softly at his long time friend.
Treize smirked slightly. "Do you want to grade my papers for me?" he asked in a teasing tone.
"No. I have plenty of my own papers to grade."
Treize smiled. "Too bad."
"Why have you gotten into the habit of trying to pawn your work off on me?"
Treize shook his head. "I ask once, and it's a habit?"
"You did when we were younger."
"Not so much," Treize said. "It wasn't long after you came that I went into the Academy."
Zechs chuckled a bit.
"I just didn't enjoy being a student all that much."
"Obviously."
"However, being a teacher..." Treize chuckled. "How are your classes going?"
"My classes are going very well." He smiled. "I'm enjoying them."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"You?"
"The same," Treize said. "I've given the first major grade of the year."
He nodded and shifted how he was sitting.
"I just need to finishing actually doing the grading."
"Am I keeping you from that?"
"In a way, but it was a welcome distraction," Treize said. "All the responses are starting to look the same."
"Then you need a break."
Treize nodded.
Zechs smiled.
"Any recommendations?"
"Tea?"
"That sounds wonderful."
"Shall we go?"
"Yes." Treize put the papers away for the time being, locking his desk drawer, and then stood, picking up his jacket.
Zechs stood up, smiling at Treize. He took his sunglasses off the top of his head and slipped them on his face.
Treize put his jacket on and stepped out with his friend, locking his office behind him, and walked with him out of the building.
"I have a sneaking suspicion that Maxwell is up to something."
"What makes you say that?"
"Just a gut feeling."
"It wouldn't have anything to do with the upcoming holiday?" Treize asked.
"Hn."
He chuckled at Zechs.
"What?"
"Nervous?"
"A bit."
"I wouldn't be," Treize said. "Most of his pranks are more annoying than harmful."
"I hate Halloween."
Treize just shook his head.
"What?"
"I didn't say anything."
"Would you like to go on a walk before we go for some tea?" Zechs asked.
"That sounds relaxing," Treize said as they stood on the front steps of the school. "The weather seems to be settling nicely."
"It has been, it's fairly warm for autumn," Zechs said.
"Yes... it is." He stepped off from the steps. "Where would you like to go?"
"How about along the beach?" he suggested.
Treize nodded. "That sounds like an excellent idea."
Zechs smiled at Treize and then started towards the beach.
Wufei was laying on the beach, unconcious and bloody, still in his Preventer uniform.
Treize walked with him, enjoying the clear weather that was a pleasant respite after the storm. However, as they got closer, he noticed a dark form laying in the sand. "Is that a person?" he asked Zechs with a troubled tone.
The pale haired man frowned as he lowered his sunglasses. "Shit, it is!"
Treize looked at his friend for a moment and then, with a nod, quickened his pace forward. "Foruitous for them that we decided to take a walk," he said as they came forward. He froze once they were closer and he could make out who exactly it was laying face down in the sand. He frowned. "I think you should try to wake him," he told Zechs, backing off slightly.
Zechs nodded and then walked over to the prone form of Wufei. He turned the young Preventer over, and his eyes widened behind his sunglasses. "Shit..." Without another word, he picked up Wufei. "Clinic. Now. He has gunshot wounds."
Wufei groaned, grimacing at the pain the movement caused.
Treize nodded, seeing now the blood on the sand. While Wufei's groan was cause for concern, it was also a good sign as it meant the young former pilot was alive. He started for the clinic.
Zechs walked quickly with Treize, taking care of the man in his arms. This wasn't good... Not good at all.
Wufei's eyes cracked open, trying to make sense of the blurs moving around him.
Treize opened the newly repaired door of the first aid building, holding it so Zechs could enter after him.
Zechs walked into the first aid station. "Hello?" He called, "We have a serious injury."
Still disoriented, Wufei frowned. Where did he know that voice from?
"Hello?" MOMO came out, having picked up the approach of the three on her sensors. "Over here." She quickly made room on a bed.
He crossed the room and laid Wufei down on the bed. Zechs stepped back, his shirt now covered in the Chinaman's blood.
The first thing MOMO worried about was the bleeding. "What happened?" she asked Zechs and Treize.
"It looks like he's been shot several times," Treize said. "A projectile weapon. You might have to check for any left in the wounds."
MOMO nodded. "Okay."
Wufei's eyes shot open wide, and he tried to sit up, yelping in pain from the attempt. "Khushrenada!"
"Lay down!" Zechs snapped at Wufei, "You're injured."
Treize frowned, carefully holding his ground.
The younger pilot growled, glaring at Treize despite the pain.
MOMO tried to hold Wufei down. "Careful!" she said.
Zechs moved between his long time friend and the injured pilot. "MOMO, get a sedative. I don't think he'll listen. I can hold him down."
"Don't you dare," Wufei said.
"You need to stay calm or you'll just make things worse," MOMO insisted.
"You have no choice, Chang," Zechs growled in a response.
"You're not sedating me around him," Wufei insisted, tension not leaving his body even as he laid back down.
Treize simply clasped his hands behind his back.
"Why not? I can assure you that Treize won't do a thing."
If possible, his glare became more intense. "He's done enough already."
Zechs growled, hands curling into fists. "It's been five years since you've seen him. You should have come to terms with things."
"Enough!" MOMO shouted, her tiny voice surprisingly loud all of a sudden. "Keep it up and I'll put you both to sleep!" Small sparkles of light began to float around MOMO's hands as she threatened to use her Sheep Beam to knock them both out if they didn't calm down.
The older soldier fell silent and stepped back. "Perhaps we should leave, Treize."
"That might be for the best," the former World Sovereign agreed quietly.
Wufei abruptly looked away, flinching when he tried to clench his fists.
Zechs sighed a bit and then put his hand on Treize's shoulder. "After I change, we can get that cup of tea."
"How are you alive?"
Treize nodded at Zechs, then looked at Wufei when he heard the young man's question. "I'm not sure," he said simply.
Wufei sighed, irritated, angry, and confused at the same time.
"That's something you'll have to ask the Time Guardian who's here," Treize explained further. "She is the daughter of Death, after all." He nodded to MOMO and started for the door.
"Have a good day, MOMO, and, if Chang gives you any trouble, put him to sleep or call for Winner." Zechs nodded to the Realian and then stepped out next to Treize.
"Not sure which is more frightening," Wufei muttered.
MOMO nodded, giving the two of them a quick smile as they left. She turned to Wufei. "How do you mean?" she asked. "Being put to sleep, speaking to the daughter of Death, or speaking with Quatre?"
Wufei looked at her sharply. "The daughter of death? Tell me Maxwell hasn't spawned."
"Maxwell?" MOMO shook her head. "If you mean Duo, no... he and Hilde don't have any children... but Pluto's a lot older than him, anyway." She giggled a bit. "Now... sit back, I have to make sure any bullets are out."
He nodded. Whoever she was, the girl was clearly a medic despite her young appearance.
MOMO healed the wounds that could be. "I have to take two out... the one in your shoulder and one in your leg," she explained. "I'd recommend you letting me put you to sleep for it... but it's up to you."
"I'd prefer not to be unconcious again," Wufei said.
"Okay... but it's going to hurt," she said, moving over to his side so she could look at his shoulder closer.
"I'm a soldier. Pain is nothing new," he said, bracing himself.
MOMO raised an eyebrow at him and then nodded. She used her ether to numb some of the pain in addition to the healing she'd already done, Wufei being surrounded twice now by glowing blue light, and then took the tools needed to start removing the first bullet.
"What are you?" he asked, eyes narrowing.
"I'm a Realian," she explained as she worked. "I'm the prototype for the 100 series observational unit."
"An android?"
"I'm organic," MOMO said, her face darkening slightly. She clearly didn't like talking about herself in such a way.
Wufei nodded, noting the expression.
Once she had the bullet out of his shoulder, she healed that as well with her ether and then moved to his leg. "Keep in mind that these will be sore for the next few days. You'll need rest to recover from any blood loss, too."
He looked at the healed wounds in wonder. "Amazing."
"It's called ether. Quite a few people from my world can use it," she explained, working on his leg wound carefully.
"It looks quite useful," Wufei said, voice purposefully blank. Seeing Treize again had brought unpleasant memories to his mind. "If we'd had it, she..."
"It is..." MOMO said. She looked at him after she finished with his leg. "Just, you need rest... don't push it. This isn't an instant cure for everything."
"I can go then?" he asked.
"Yes... but, please... get some rest. If you end up back here, I won't hesitate to make you sleep."
"Understood." Wufei slid off the bed, catching himself as he wobbled a bit.
MOMO watched him carefully. "You'll probably feel weak and dizzy for a couple of days, too," she said. "Don't push it." She had a feeling she was talking to someone like Jr.
Nodding, he left the hut, walking slowly and carefully. It wouldn't do to collapse again. He wouldn't get his answers that way.
Treize sipped from his cup, sitting at the table he and Zechs had chosen in the cafe. He took a deep breath.
Zechs shook his head a bit. "That was a most unexpected development."
"I'm sure Lady Une is quite frustrated now that all five of the pilots are here along with you, Noin, your sister, and my daughter," he said thoughtfully, gazing into the warm drink.
"I'm sure she is. I would not wish to be one of her agents right now."
"Most definitely not," Treize said.
Zechs picked up his cup of tea and took a sip.
Wufei recalled mention of getting tea. It hadn't sounded like either were planning on returning to whatever homes they had in the place. Perhaps a cafe of some sort?
Sitting quietly, Treize sipped his tea again. The cafe wasn't far from the first aid station.
He ran a hand through his short hair, sighing.
"This should be interesting," the OZ general stated. "After all, I know he doesn't like me very much..."
"I know, Treize." Zechs shook his head a bit. "I know very well."
Treize frowned.
He looked down into the cup of tea.
Finding the cafe, Wufei entered quietly.
Treize had his back to the door, and didn't see Wufei enter. "How do you think the others will take it?" he asked.
Zechs wasn't looking up as Wufei entered. "I'm not sure. Relief? Worry? Panic?"
"All three?" Treize suggested.
"Winner most likely will."
He jerked and turned, one hand going for the gun at his side. Zechs relaxed. "Chang."
Wufei glanced at the gun wearily. "There will be no need for that."
Treize looked up at the other pilot. "There are some here who like to sneak up on others who that would be necessary for," he said softly. "I see Miss Mizrahi did her job well."
The Chinese man nodded. "She's very talented."
"You should sit down, Chang. You look ready to collapse," Zechs replied as he relaxed.
Treize gestured to one of the open chairs for the Chinese pilot to join them.
Wufei gingerly made his way across the room, taking the chair.
He picked up his cup and took a sip.
"Would you like some tea?" Treize offered, motioning to the pot they had. "We can get another cup."
"That would be appreciated," Wufei said formally, nodding. He'd calmed since his innitial outburst, and was forcibly keeping it that way.
Treize nodded and got up, going to get it himself. Knowing that Wufei and Zechs worked together currently in their world, he felt that would be an easier way to bring Wufei into things.
The former OZ soldier was oddly quiet as he sat across from Treize, and caddycorner to Wufei. As Treize got up, he glanced at his long time friend before looking towards Wufei.
Wufei looked back, face expressionless.
"It's alright here, Chang."
"You pulled a gun on me when I spoke, and you say it's alright here?" Wufei asked, skeptical.
"Well, most of the time," Zechs said with a shrug.
Treize returned then with the additional cup. He set it on the table and sat back down.
Wufei nodded to him. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Treize said.
He looked at Treize and raised an eyebrow, wondering what his friend was thinking.
Treize looked back at Zechs.
The blonde didn't say anything as he sipped his tea.
He looked over at Wufei again. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions," he said.
"The first of which, unfortunately, being where to start." Wufei took a sip of his tea before looking up at them.
"Start with the first that comes to mind," Treize suggested.
"Is my Nataku here?" Wufei asked, deciding to go with direct. "Maxwell said the gundams were when he returned. Is she?"
"She might be. I have not been in the hangar in a week or so."
"It wouldn't surprise me if some version of your Gundam is here, though," Treize said, remembering that 05 and 02 had both gone through two incarnations.
"Are you the only dead one here?"
"No," Treize said, shaking his head slightly. "Apparently, more and more are arriving lately."
"Any others from our world?" Wufei asked quietly, afraid to let himself hope.
"As far as those who are deceased?" Treize asked. "One other."
Wufei looked up sharply. "Who?"
"Zayeed Winner," Treize said. "Quatre's father."
He sighed, trying not to feel too bitter about it.
"There are a few others...."
"But not from our world?"
"No," Zechs answered.
Treize shook his head. "I'm sorry... if you were expecting someone in particular..." After all, he knew about Wufei's colony self-destructing to prevent Operation Meteor.
"A faint wish, nothing else," he said, drinking more of his tea.
Treize nodded, gazing back into his own cup again.
"What else would you like to know?" the blonde asked casually.
"How have the others been fairing?" Wufei asked, taking the topic change for what it was.
"They have been well." He wondered exactly how much he should tell Wufei....
Wufei eyed him. "Define 'well'."
"Pick a pilot and we'll start there."
"Yuy, to go numerically," Wufei said, leaning an arm on the table.
"Yuy is doing well. He and my sister are together." Though that was said with some ice in his voice.
Treize smiled slightly in amusement at his friend's tone.
Zechs kicked Treize's leg under the table
The former world leader actually jumped, flinching at the painful contact against his shin. He stared at Zechs.
Wufei snorted in amusement.
He stuck his tongue out at Treize before taking a calm sip of his tea.
Treize sighed, taking a sip of his own tea.
"Should I bother to ask about Maxwell or just assume that he's creating chaos in usual form?"
"He has two main accomplises, too," Zechs warned.
Wufei groaned. "Of course."
"What's their current favorite prank, Treize?"
"Something called... 'Silly String'...?" Treize said.
Wufei's head made abrupt contact with the table.
Again, Treize jumped slightly. "Mr. Chang?"
"Kill me now. Please."
Zechs jumped at this. "Uh... I think not, Chang."
"It would be a mercy killing."
"No."
Treize sighed.
A single black eye glared at them. "You've reached a new level of cruelty."
"You'll build an immunity, or find yourself a girlfriend."
Treize quirked an eyebrow at Zechs, wondering just what kind of relationship he had with Wufei.
Wufei's head jerked up. "A what?"
Zechs calmly sipped his tea. "So, Barton's next on your list, correct?"
The other Preventer regarded him with narrowed eyes. "I do not need a girlfriend, Marquise. And yes, Barton is next."
Treize discreetly sipped his tea.
It was obvious the former OZ soldier had loosened up a bit... It happened when you where getting laid frequently. "He's married."
Wufei blinked, before smiling. "About time."
Zechs glanced at Treize. "What, a year this December... I think? You performed the ceremony. I have my own to plan."
"I think it's been about that long," Treize said. "If I remember correctly."
"Your own? Then this is where Noin ended up as well?" Wufei asked.
He nodded. "Yes, she did."
"Congratulations."
"Thank you, Chang." Zechs said with a nod, "Actually, every one from our world who has gone missing, with the exception of Treize, is here."
"How many worlds are represented?" he asked, drinking more of his tea.
"Quite a few."
Treize nodded. "I'm not sure of the exact number, but I'm sure of the recent arrivals are also from worlds that weren't previously represented."
"So there have been others recently?" Wufei asked.
"Quite a few, actually. It was quiet for a while, but there was a sudden wave of new arrivals." The former general sipped his tea.
"It seems to happen quite often around here. People will leave in trickles, but a lot of new people will arrive."
Wufei looked at Zechs. "Was anyone else able to leave and return?"
"Not that I'm aware of... at least, no one that's worth attempting to talk about it with." Treize frowned. The only ones that had real success without any reprocussions were Xellos and Zelas.
"I've been researching it... But nothing."
Wufei didn't have anything to say to that. "And Winner?"
"What about Winner?" Zechs asked.
"He's the next in the order," Wufei said.
"Married," he replied before taking a sip of his tea.
Treize nodded.
"That part, I understood," Wufei said. "Maxwell mentioned their engagement, if you recall."
Zechs thought back for a moment. "It's been a long year for me."
Treize smiled. "It was a long time ago that Xellos had sent Maxwell home..."
"It stuck out in my memory."
"Winner's doing well. Teaching... Him and Barton have a hoarde of pets."
Wufei chuckled. "No lions, I hope."
"No... A wolf though."
"Do I want to know where they found a wolf young enough to tame?"
"Ask Barton."
"Actually," Treize said, "they have two now. I saw a new wolf cub in the village the other day with Winner."
"Another one?"
Treize nodded.
Wufei blinked, opening his mouth to ask a question, but thought better of it and shook his head.
"Anyone else?" Treize asked then, now that they were finished with the other pilots.
"I can't imagine anything being terribly wrong with Noin if her wedding is being planned," Wufei said. Considering who he was talking with, he didn't want to ask about Mariemeia.
Treize chuckled. "No... if anything, it's been good she's here," he said, giving Zechs an amused look.
"What?" Zechs asked, looking at Treize.
"I'm just saying it was a good thing."
"Right."
Wufei snorted into his cup.
Treize smiled.
Zechs just shook his head.
"Did you have anything you wanted to ask about home?" Treize asked Zechs. "Or do you want to wait?" He glanced at Wufei, trying to gauge if the young Preventer was tiring.
Wufei was somewhat tired, but trying not to show it as he finished off his tea.
"Chang... Why don't you get some rest. We can ask about home later."
"I'd rather not go back to the medic," Wufei said, blinking to keep his vision clear. "Mizahi you called her? She seemed quite intent to put me under if she saw me again."
"Miss MOMO Mizrahi." Zechs said, "You're welcome to crash at my place if you'd like."
"You also may want to check the housing board," Treize suggested. "Sometimes, new arrivals already have a hut assigned."
"Perhaps that would be simpler," Wufei said, nodding to the second suggestion.
"It is worth a look," he said. "If not, then I'm sure someone would be willing to help you with a place to stay." Treize nodded.
"I may check the hangar first."
"Would you like one of us to come with you?"
His first instinct was to refuse. But with the way his head didn't feel quite attached... "That may be best."
Treize glanced at Zechs, figuring he would be the better company considering their histories as a group.
"I'll go with you, Chang. Treize, why don't you go check on Mariemeia," he suggested.
Wufei nodded slowly.
Treize nodded. "Yes."
Zechs stood up. "Come on then, Chang."
Carefully pushing himself to his feet, Wufei waited for Zechs to start walking.
Treize stood as well, giving them a small smile. He started to gather up their dishes.
"I'll come by later," Zechs said with a nod to Treize. "Chang, go first."
"Might I remind you that outside of leaving the cafe, I don't know where we're going?"
Treize nodded at Zechs and then took the dishes into the back so no one in the cafe had to worry about it.
"I'd prefer to assess your physical condition first."
"I'm fine," Wufei said stubbornly.
Zechs raised an eyebrow. "Chang. Walk."
Muttering, Wufei started to walk merely to avoid the headache arguing would cause him at the moment. Instead, he focused his energy to keeping in a straight line.
"Have a pleasant afternoon, Treize." The pale haired man nodded to his friend and then headed after the irrate Chinaman.
"You, too," Treize said as they left.
Wufei glanced over his shoulder at him. "So where is this hangar?"
"See the large steel building..."
"That's it then? More visible than what I'm used to."
"Better than having it underground."
"Maybe when you're the major power in the area."
"We are the major power." He chuckled.
Wufei shook his head, barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes. There were more important things to be concerned with inside the hanger.
Zechs shook his head and headed towards the hangar.
Wufei flung the door open with a sharp intake of breath.
Inside where Wing Zero, Deathscythe Hell, Heavyarms, Sandrock, Epyon, Tallgeese II, a white Taurus, a space model Leo, a few other standing mechs with one resembling a female Gundam, two animalistic ones and of course... Nataku...
"Nataku," Wufei whispered, stepping forward. The Gundam that stood before him was the original Nataku, the one he'd once named Shenlong in contempt for it.
Zechs remained silent, letting Wufei have his moment.
Wufei walked right up to Nataku's feet, clearly intent on calling down the zipline to take him up.
"Chang."
He glanced back at him distractedly.
"You're too injured."
"I've flown in worse condition," Wufei said, finding the pressure pad by memory.
"Alright." Zechs sat down in a chair.
Concentrating, Wufei grasped hold of the descending line, gripping it as tightly as he could when it started to pull him up.
He watched Wufei carefuly. He did not want to call for one of the Doctors to come patch the former 5th pilot up.
Wufei just managed to hit the sensor that allowed for the cockpit to open. Sitting down on it, he fought to clear his head again.
With a sigh, he leaned back, closing his eyes. If there was a yell, he'd know what to do.
Once he was able to see straight again, he pulled himself into the cockpit, closing the hatch. Curling up in the seat, he reached out to the controls, starting Nataku's start-up sequence. As the vibrations could be felt, he sighed in contentment. "Nataku."
When: The day of Wufei's arrival
Where: School, lagoon beach, first aid building, cafe, hangar
Rating: PG
Warnings: GW references and spoilers (that should really be known by now), Xenosaga references
Notes: None
Summary: Zechs goes to ask Treize for a favor, giving him a welcome distraction from grading classwork, but the pleasant break takes a turn for the odd when they find the fifth Gundam pilot in the sands of the lagoon's beach.
Zechs walked confidently through the halls of the school. His aviator sunglasses sat upon his head, the sleeves to his white dress shirt rolled up around his elbows. He was a man on a mission. Well, if you could call hunting down your best friend a mission...
Said best friend was in his office grading some exams for the quarterly reports. School had started up again, only taking a brief respite during the storm. So, Treize was quietly making sure his students were up to date on what needed to be done.
The pale haired man knocked on the door frame when he reached Treize's office.
"Come in," Treize called.
"That can be dangerous, Treize," Zechs said as he walked into the office, a grin on his face.
"In a school?" Treize asked teasingly.
"Perhaps. You never know what angry student could try to hurt you for a bad grade."
"And here I haven't given out any real grades, yet, this year." He nodded to the stack of papers. "However, I am working on my first set." He leaned back in his chair, glad for the distraction. "What can I do for you, old friend?" he asked.
"Can't I just come visit an old friend without ulterior motives?" he asked sitting down in a chair. He crossed one leg over the other.
Treize laughed. "Everything is a motive... even just seeking small talk."
Zechs laughed at that, his icy eyes sparkling. He unconciously ran a hand through his much shorter hair.
"So, other than losing your hair in a sparring match," Treize said, having heard the rumors, "what's new with you?"
"Lucrezia and I are getting married." Zechs then sneered at Treize, teasing his friend.
"Congratulations," Treize said sincerely, dropping the comment about the hair and how Zechs looked like he was sixteen again.
"April 25th."
"That will be a lovely way to bring in the spring," Treize remarked.
"It would." Zechs smiled fondly at the thought. "Treize..."
"Yes?"
"Would you be my best man?"
"I'd be honored."
"I'd have no one else." Zechs said, "You're the closest thing I have to a brother."
Treize nodded and smiled slightly.
He smiled back.
"What kind of ceremony will you be having?" he asked.
"Not too sure actually. We haven't started the planning yet."
Treize nodded. "Understandable."
"It'll probably something simple. No need for extravagence."
"Certainly not here," Treize said. "Perhaps back home... with certain influences and social circles." He chuckled. "Unless you ran away and eloped. What a scandal that would have caused."
Zechs groaned and slumped down in his chair. "Screw the scandal. If I want to elope with Lucrezia, I damn well will."
At that, the former world sovereign laughed.
"I'm nobody important... Just a former soldier."
"Perhaps... but there's been enough news coverage."
"I hate the reporters."
"Most people do when it's their lives being intruded upon... unless they just enjoy the attention," Treize said. "However, normal people prefer to have at least some privacy in their lives."
"I like a lot of privacy... always have."
"There's nothing wrong with it."
"I know, Treize."
He nodded.
Zechs smiled softly at his long time friend.
Treize smirked slightly. "Do you want to grade my papers for me?" he asked in a teasing tone.
"No. I have plenty of my own papers to grade."
Treize smiled. "Too bad."
"Why have you gotten into the habit of trying to pawn your work off on me?"
Treize shook his head. "I ask once, and it's a habit?"
"You did when we were younger."
"Not so much," Treize said. "It wasn't long after you came that I went into the Academy."
Zechs chuckled a bit.
"I just didn't enjoy being a student all that much."
"Obviously."
"However, being a teacher..." Treize chuckled. "How are your classes going?"
"My classes are going very well." He smiled. "I'm enjoying them."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"You?"
"The same," Treize said. "I've given the first major grade of the year."
He nodded and shifted how he was sitting.
"I just need to finishing actually doing the grading."
"Am I keeping you from that?"
"In a way, but it was a welcome distraction," Treize said. "All the responses are starting to look the same."
"Then you need a break."
Treize nodded.
Zechs smiled.
"Any recommendations?"
"Tea?"
"That sounds wonderful."
"Shall we go?"
"Yes." Treize put the papers away for the time being, locking his desk drawer, and then stood, picking up his jacket.
Zechs stood up, smiling at Treize. He took his sunglasses off the top of his head and slipped them on his face.
Treize put his jacket on and stepped out with his friend, locking his office behind him, and walked with him out of the building.
"I have a sneaking suspicion that Maxwell is up to something."
"What makes you say that?"
"Just a gut feeling."
"It wouldn't have anything to do with the upcoming holiday?" Treize asked.
"Hn."
He chuckled at Zechs.
"What?"
"Nervous?"
"A bit."
"I wouldn't be," Treize said. "Most of his pranks are more annoying than harmful."
"I hate Halloween."
Treize just shook his head.
"What?"
"I didn't say anything."
"Would you like to go on a walk before we go for some tea?" Zechs asked.
"That sounds relaxing," Treize said as they stood on the front steps of the school. "The weather seems to be settling nicely."
"It has been, it's fairly warm for autumn," Zechs said.
"Yes... it is." He stepped off from the steps. "Where would you like to go?"
"How about along the beach?" he suggested.
Treize nodded. "That sounds like an excellent idea."
Zechs smiled at Treize and then started towards the beach.
Wufei was laying on the beach, unconcious and bloody, still in his Preventer uniform.
Treize walked with him, enjoying the clear weather that was a pleasant respite after the storm. However, as they got closer, he noticed a dark form laying in the sand. "Is that a person?" he asked Zechs with a troubled tone.
The pale haired man frowned as he lowered his sunglasses. "Shit, it is!"
Treize looked at his friend for a moment and then, with a nod, quickened his pace forward. "Foruitous for them that we decided to take a walk," he said as they came forward. He froze once they were closer and he could make out who exactly it was laying face down in the sand. He frowned. "I think you should try to wake him," he told Zechs, backing off slightly.
Zechs nodded and then walked over to the prone form of Wufei. He turned the young Preventer over, and his eyes widened behind his sunglasses. "Shit..." Without another word, he picked up Wufei. "Clinic. Now. He has gunshot wounds."
Wufei groaned, grimacing at the pain the movement caused.
Treize nodded, seeing now the blood on the sand. While Wufei's groan was cause for concern, it was also a good sign as it meant the young former pilot was alive. He started for the clinic.
Zechs walked quickly with Treize, taking care of the man in his arms. This wasn't good... Not good at all.
Wufei's eyes cracked open, trying to make sense of the blurs moving around him.
Treize opened the newly repaired door of the first aid building, holding it so Zechs could enter after him.
Zechs walked into the first aid station. "Hello?" He called, "We have a serious injury."
Still disoriented, Wufei frowned. Where did he know that voice from?
"Hello?" MOMO came out, having picked up the approach of the three on her sensors. "Over here." She quickly made room on a bed.
He crossed the room and laid Wufei down on the bed. Zechs stepped back, his shirt now covered in the Chinaman's blood.
The first thing MOMO worried about was the bleeding. "What happened?" she asked Zechs and Treize.
"It looks like he's been shot several times," Treize said. "A projectile weapon. You might have to check for any left in the wounds."
MOMO nodded. "Okay."
Wufei's eyes shot open wide, and he tried to sit up, yelping in pain from the attempt. "Khushrenada!"
"Lay down!" Zechs snapped at Wufei, "You're injured."
Treize frowned, carefully holding his ground.
The younger pilot growled, glaring at Treize despite the pain.
MOMO tried to hold Wufei down. "Careful!" she said.
Zechs moved between his long time friend and the injured pilot. "MOMO, get a sedative. I don't think he'll listen. I can hold him down."
"Don't you dare," Wufei said.
"You need to stay calm or you'll just make things worse," MOMO insisted.
"You have no choice, Chang," Zechs growled in a response.
"You're not sedating me around him," Wufei insisted, tension not leaving his body even as he laid back down.
Treize simply clasped his hands behind his back.
"Why not? I can assure you that Treize won't do a thing."
If possible, his glare became more intense. "He's done enough already."
Zechs growled, hands curling into fists. "It's been five years since you've seen him. You should have come to terms with things."
"Enough!" MOMO shouted, her tiny voice surprisingly loud all of a sudden. "Keep it up and I'll put you both to sleep!" Small sparkles of light began to float around MOMO's hands as she threatened to use her Sheep Beam to knock them both out if they didn't calm down.
The older soldier fell silent and stepped back. "Perhaps we should leave, Treize."
"That might be for the best," the former World Sovereign agreed quietly.
Wufei abruptly looked away, flinching when he tried to clench his fists.
Zechs sighed a bit and then put his hand on Treize's shoulder. "After I change, we can get that cup of tea."
"How are you alive?"
Treize nodded at Zechs, then looked at Wufei when he heard the young man's question. "I'm not sure," he said simply.
Wufei sighed, irritated, angry, and confused at the same time.
"That's something you'll have to ask the Time Guardian who's here," Treize explained further. "She is the daughter of Death, after all." He nodded to MOMO and started for the door.
"Have a good day, MOMO, and, if Chang gives you any trouble, put him to sleep or call for Winner." Zechs nodded to the Realian and then stepped out next to Treize.
"Not sure which is more frightening," Wufei muttered.
MOMO nodded, giving the two of them a quick smile as they left. She turned to Wufei. "How do you mean?" she asked. "Being put to sleep, speaking to the daughter of Death, or speaking with Quatre?"
Wufei looked at her sharply. "The daughter of death? Tell me Maxwell hasn't spawned."
"Maxwell?" MOMO shook her head. "If you mean Duo, no... he and Hilde don't have any children... but Pluto's a lot older than him, anyway." She giggled a bit. "Now... sit back, I have to make sure any bullets are out."
He nodded. Whoever she was, the girl was clearly a medic despite her young appearance.
MOMO healed the wounds that could be. "I have to take two out... the one in your shoulder and one in your leg," she explained. "I'd recommend you letting me put you to sleep for it... but it's up to you."
"I'd prefer not to be unconcious again," Wufei said.
"Okay... but it's going to hurt," she said, moving over to his side so she could look at his shoulder closer.
"I'm a soldier. Pain is nothing new," he said, bracing himself.
MOMO raised an eyebrow at him and then nodded. She used her ether to numb some of the pain in addition to the healing she'd already done, Wufei being surrounded twice now by glowing blue light, and then took the tools needed to start removing the first bullet.
"What are you?" he asked, eyes narrowing.
"I'm a Realian," she explained as she worked. "I'm the prototype for the 100 series observational unit."
"An android?"
"I'm organic," MOMO said, her face darkening slightly. She clearly didn't like talking about herself in such a way.
Wufei nodded, noting the expression.
Once she had the bullet out of his shoulder, she healed that as well with her ether and then moved to his leg. "Keep in mind that these will be sore for the next few days. You'll need rest to recover from any blood loss, too."
He looked at the healed wounds in wonder. "Amazing."
"It's called ether. Quite a few people from my world can use it," she explained, working on his leg wound carefully.
"It looks quite useful," Wufei said, voice purposefully blank. Seeing Treize again had brought unpleasant memories to his mind. "If we'd had it, she..."
"It is..." MOMO said. She looked at him after she finished with his leg. "Just, you need rest... don't push it. This isn't an instant cure for everything."
"I can go then?" he asked.
"Yes... but, please... get some rest. If you end up back here, I won't hesitate to make you sleep."
"Understood." Wufei slid off the bed, catching himself as he wobbled a bit.
MOMO watched him carefully. "You'll probably feel weak and dizzy for a couple of days, too," she said. "Don't push it." She had a feeling she was talking to someone like Jr.
Nodding, he left the hut, walking slowly and carefully. It wouldn't do to collapse again. He wouldn't get his answers that way.
Treize sipped from his cup, sitting at the table he and Zechs had chosen in the cafe. He took a deep breath.
Zechs shook his head a bit. "That was a most unexpected development."
"I'm sure Lady Une is quite frustrated now that all five of the pilots are here along with you, Noin, your sister, and my daughter," he said thoughtfully, gazing into the warm drink.
"I'm sure she is. I would not wish to be one of her agents right now."
"Most definitely not," Treize said.
Zechs picked up his cup of tea and took a sip.
Wufei recalled mention of getting tea. It hadn't sounded like either were planning on returning to whatever homes they had in the place. Perhaps a cafe of some sort?
Sitting quietly, Treize sipped his tea again. The cafe wasn't far from the first aid station.
He ran a hand through his short hair, sighing.
"This should be interesting," the OZ general stated. "After all, I know he doesn't like me very much..."
"I know, Treize." Zechs shook his head a bit. "I know very well."
Treize frowned.
He looked down into the cup of tea.
Finding the cafe, Wufei entered quietly.
Treize had his back to the door, and didn't see Wufei enter. "How do you think the others will take it?" he asked.
Zechs wasn't looking up as Wufei entered. "I'm not sure. Relief? Worry? Panic?"
"All three?" Treize suggested.
"Winner most likely will."
He jerked and turned, one hand going for the gun at his side. Zechs relaxed. "Chang."
Wufei glanced at the gun wearily. "There will be no need for that."
Treize looked up at the other pilot. "There are some here who like to sneak up on others who that would be necessary for," he said softly. "I see Miss Mizrahi did her job well."
The Chinese man nodded. "She's very talented."
"You should sit down, Chang. You look ready to collapse," Zechs replied as he relaxed.
Treize gestured to one of the open chairs for the Chinese pilot to join them.
Wufei gingerly made his way across the room, taking the chair.
He picked up his cup and took a sip.
"Would you like some tea?" Treize offered, motioning to the pot they had. "We can get another cup."
"That would be appreciated," Wufei said formally, nodding. He'd calmed since his innitial outburst, and was forcibly keeping it that way.
Treize nodded and got up, going to get it himself. Knowing that Wufei and Zechs worked together currently in their world, he felt that would be an easier way to bring Wufei into things.
The former OZ soldier was oddly quiet as he sat across from Treize, and caddycorner to Wufei. As Treize got up, he glanced at his long time friend before looking towards Wufei.
Wufei looked back, face expressionless.
"It's alright here, Chang."
"You pulled a gun on me when I spoke, and you say it's alright here?" Wufei asked, skeptical.
"Well, most of the time," Zechs said with a shrug.
Treize returned then with the additional cup. He set it on the table and sat back down.
Wufei nodded to him. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Treize said.
He looked at Treize and raised an eyebrow, wondering what his friend was thinking.
Treize looked back at Zechs.
The blonde didn't say anything as he sipped his tea.
He looked over at Wufei again. "I'm sure you have a lot of questions," he said.
"The first of which, unfortunately, being where to start." Wufei took a sip of his tea before looking up at them.
"Start with the first that comes to mind," Treize suggested.
"Is my Nataku here?" Wufei asked, deciding to go with direct. "Maxwell said the gundams were when he returned. Is she?"
"She might be. I have not been in the hangar in a week or so."
"It wouldn't surprise me if some version of your Gundam is here, though," Treize said, remembering that 05 and 02 had both gone through two incarnations.
"Are you the only dead one here?"
"No," Treize said, shaking his head slightly. "Apparently, more and more are arriving lately."
"Any others from our world?" Wufei asked quietly, afraid to let himself hope.
"As far as those who are deceased?" Treize asked. "One other."
Wufei looked up sharply. "Who?"
"Zayeed Winner," Treize said. "Quatre's father."
He sighed, trying not to feel too bitter about it.
"There are a few others...."
"But not from our world?"
"No," Zechs answered.
Treize shook his head. "I'm sorry... if you were expecting someone in particular..." After all, he knew about Wufei's colony self-destructing to prevent Operation Meteor.
"A faint wish, nothing else," he said, drinking more of his tea.
Treize nodded, gazing back into his own cup again.
"What else would you like to know?" the blonde asked casually.
"How have the others been fairing?" Wufei asked, taking the topic change for what it was.
"They have been well." He wondered exactly how much he should tell Wufei....
Wufei eyed him. "Define 'well'."
"Pick a pilot and we'll start there."
"Yuy, to go numerically," Wufei said, leaning an arm on the table.
"Yuy is doing well. He and my sister are together." Though that was said with some ice in his voice.
Treize smiled slightly in amusement at his friend's tone.
Zechs kicked Treize's leg under the table
The former world leader actually jumped, flinching at the painful contact against his shin. He stared at Zechs.
Wufei snorted in amusement.
He stuck his tongue out at Treize before taking a calm sip of his tea.
Treize sighed, taking a sip of his own tea.
"Should I bother to ask about Maxwell or just assume that he's creating chaos in usual form?"
"He has two main accomplises, too," Zechs warned.
Wufei groaned. "Of course."
"What's their current favorite prank, Treize?"
"Something called... 'Silly String'...?" Treize said.
Wufei's head made abrupt contact with the table.
Again, Treize jumped slightly. "Mr. Chang?"
"Kill me now. Please."
Zechs jumped at this. "Uh... I think not, Chang."
"It would be a mercy killing."
"No."
Treize sighed.
A single black eye glared at them. "You've reached a new level of cruelty."
"You'll build an immunity, or find yourself a girlfriend."
Treize quirked an eyebrow at Zechs, wondering just what kind of relationship he had with Wufei.
Wufei's head jerked up. "A what?"
Zechs calmly sipped his tea. "So, Barton's next on your list, correct?"
The other Preventer regarded him with narrowed eyes. "I do not need a girlfriend, Marquise. And yes, Barton is next."
Treize discreetly sipped his tea.
It was obvious the former OZ soldier had loosened up a bit... It happened when you where getting laid frequently. "He's married."
Wufei blinked, before smiling. "About time."
Zechs glanced at Treize. "What, a year this December... I think? You performed the ceremony. I have my own to plan."
"I think it's been about that long," Treize said. "If I remember correctly."
"Your own? Then this is where Noin ended up as well?" Wufei asked.
He nodded. "Yes, she did."
"Congratulations."
"Thank you, Chang." Zechs said with a nod, "Actually, every one from our world who has gone missing, with the exception of Treize, is here."
"How many worlds are represented?" he asked, drinking more of his tea.
"Quite a few."
Treize nodded. "I'm not sure of the exact number, but I'm sure of the recent arrivals are also from worlds that weren't previously represented."
"So there have been others recently?" Wufei asked.
"Quite a few, actually. It was quiet for a while, but there was a sudden wave of new arrivals." The former general sipped his tea.
"It seems to happen quite often around here. People will leave in trickles, but a lot of new people will arrive."
Wufei looked at Zechs. "Was anyone else able to leave and return?"
"Not that I'm aware of... at least, no one that's worth attempting to talk about it with." Treize frowned. The only ones that had real success without any reprocussions were Xellos and Zelas.
"I've been researching it... But nothing."
Wufei didn't have anything to say to that. "And Winner?"
"What about Winner?" Zechs asked.
"He's the next in the order," Wufei said.
"Married," he replied before taking a sip of his tea.
Treize nodded.
"That part, I understood," Wufei said. "Maxwell mentioned their engagement, if you recall."
Zechs thought back for a moment. "It's been a long year for me."
Treize smiled. "It was a long time ago that Xellos had sent Maxwell home..."
"It stuck out in my memory."
"Winner's doing well. Teaching... Him and Barton have a hoarde of pets."
Wufei chuckled. "No lions, I hope."
"No... A wolf though."
"Do I want to know where they found a wolf young enough to tame?"
"Ask Barton."
"Actually," Treize said, "they have two now. I saw a new wolf cub in the village the other day with Winner."
"Another one?"
Treize nodded.
Wufei blinked, opening his mouth to ask a question, but thought better of it and shook his head.
"Anyone else?" Treize asked then, now that they were finished with the other pilots.
"I can't imagine anything being terribly wrong with Noin if her wedding is being planned," Wufei said. Considering who he was talking with, he didn't want to ask about Mariemeia.
Treize chuckled. "No... if anything, it's been good she's here," he said, giving Zechs an amused look.
"What?" Zechs asked, looking at Treize.
"I'm just saying it was a good thing."
"Right."
Wufei snorted into his cup.
Treize smiled.
Zechs just shook his head.
"Did you have anything you wanted to ask about home?" Treize asked Zechs. "Or do you want to wait?" He glanced at Wufei, trying to gauge if the young Preventer was tiring.
Wufei was somewhat tired, but trying not to show it as he finished off his tea.
"Chang... Why don't you get some rest. We can ask about home later."
"I'd rather not go back to the medic," Wufei said, blinking to keep his vision clear. "Mizahi you called her? She seemed quite intent to put me under if she saw me again."
"Miss MOMO Mizrahi." Zechs said, "You're welcome to crash at my place if you'd like."
"You also may want to check the housing board," Treize suggested. "Sometimes, new arrivals already have a hut assigned."
"Perhaps that would be simpler," Wufei said, nodding to the second suggestion.
"It is worth a look," he said. "If not, then I'm sure someone would be willing to help you with a place to stay." Treize nodded.
"I may check the hangar first."
"Would you like one of us to come with you?"
His first instinct was to refuse. But with the way his head didn't feel quite attached... "That may be best."
Treize glanced at Zechs, figuring he would be the better company considering their histories as a group.
"I'll go with you, Chang. Treize, why don't you go check on Mariemeia," he suggested.
Wufei nodded slowly.
Treize nodded. "Yes."
Zechs stood up. "Come on then, Chang."
Carefully pushing himself to his feet, Wufei waited for Zechs to start walking.
Treize stood as well, giving them a small smile. He started to gather up their dishes.
"I'll come by later," Zechs said with a nod to Treize. "Chang, go first."
"Might I remind you that outside of leaving the cafe, I don't know where we're going?"
Treize nodded at Zechs and then took the dishes into the back so no one in the cafe had to worry about it.
"I'd prefer to assess your physical condition first."
"I'm fine," Wufei said stubbornly.
Zechs raised an eyebrow. "Chang. Walk."
Muttering, Wufei started to walk merely to avoid the headache arguing would cause him at the moment. Instead, he focused his energy to keeping in a straight line.
"Have a pleasant afternoon, Treize." The pale haired man nodded to his friend and then headed after the irrate Chinaman.
"You, too," Treize said as they left.
Wufei glanced over his shoulder at him. "So where is this hangar?"
"See the large steel building..."
"That's it then? More visible than what I'm used to."
"Better than having it underground."
"Maybe when you're the major power in the area."
"We are the major power." He chuckled.
Wufei shook his head, barely resisting the urge to roll his eyes. There were more important things to be concerned with inside the hanger.
Zechs shook his head and headed towards the hangar.
Wufei flung the door open with a sharp intake of breath.
Inside where Wing Zero, Deathscythe Hell, Heavyarms, Sandrock, Epyon, Tallgeese II, a white Taurus, a space model Leo, a few other standing mechs with one resembling a female Gundam, two animalistic ones and of course... Nataku...
"Nataku," Wufei whispered, stepping forward. The Gundam that stood before him was the original Nataku, the one he'd once named Shenlong in contempt for it.
Zechs remained silent, letting Wufei have his moment.
Wufei walked right up to Nataku's feet, clearly intent on calling down the zipline to take him up.
"Chang."
He glanced back at him distractedly.
"You're too injured."
"I've flown in worse condition," Wufei said, finding the pressure pad by memory.
"Alright." Zechs sat down in a chair.
Concentrating, Wufei grasped hold of the descending line, gripping it as tightly as he could when it started to pull him up.
He watched Wufei carefuly. He did not want to call for one of the Doctors to come patch the former 5th pilot up.
Wufei just managed to hit the sensor that allowed for the cockpit to open. Sitting down on it, he fought to clear his head again.
With a sigh, he leaned back, closing his eyes. If there was a yell, he'd know what to do.
Once he was able to see straight again, he pulled himself into the cockpit, closing the hatch. Curling up in the seat, he reached out to the controls, starting Nataku's start-up sequence. As the vibrations could be felt, he sighed in contentment. "Nataku."