Sixty-Six

New Enemies

      “Don’t coddle me like some old dying frop!” I protested, “I’m fine now...” I waved my hands towards her, gesturing her away.
      She laughed at me, “You’re not my commanding officer...” she mimicked and I flinched, “What harm will it do?”
      “Tcch.” I sat back, looking away, “Shut-up.”
      “I told your ass to stop. I told your ass not to take Zero.” I continued to avoid her eyes, I’d known about the Zero system, of course. I’d just forgotten that that was the actual machine. She shook her head, standing, “There are always reasons, even if you don’t know them.” she shook her head again and started for the door.
      Neither of us said anything as she left.
      I felt bad. I knew that she knew what she was doing, and with the cacophony in the background I’d known something was up...then Heero was in front of me...only, I could see him and Deathscythe at the same time. I’d been wrong to ignore it...that uneasy feeling I’d had...then I’d seen Nikol flying at me, only, he just flew close to me. Then I’d seen Suretta, she’d been staring blankly...then I saw myself with Sam, Kat, and Nikki. Heero, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei had been behind them and we were all facing some new danger. Something that had to do with Quatre...then they’d all said my name and I’d tried to figure out what was happening...and then I’d puked.
      Puking was not an experience I relished, not that anyone did, and puking like that was the worst of it all. I had felt wrong. That was all there was too it, and my system couldn’t handle it.
      The door opened and Heero came in.
      This was another thing I didn’t want to deal with. I didn’t really have any right to take a Gundam, let alone Zero. And facing the pilots wasn’t high on my list of priorities.
      I watched as he approached the bed, wondering what he’d say...he was probably pissed.
      “Are you all right?”
      That shocked me. It was completely sincere and completely calm.
      I nodded slowly, “Yes...”
      “You shouldn’t have taken Zero.” he sat on the bed, uninvited...that was the thing with Heero...
      “I know...”
      He looked at me, “But you did it anyways. Do you realize how dangerous that could be?”
      I frowned and started to take a breath.
      “Do you realize that that machine was what made Quatre destroy those things in space?”
      I looked away.
      He was nodding, “None of us came away from that machine unscathed. I myself damn near killed Quatre and some others the first time I was in it, and we weren’t even really fighting.”
      I looked up to him, “I’m sorry.”
      He stopped talking and watched me for a second, “You should be.” he shook his head, “But I’m glad you didn’t get hurt.”
      I nodded, looking away again.
      I had always respected him to a point, but never really felt any kind of kin-ship with him. Most of the time I only tolerated him because of Nikki and Sam. But after he saved them and the relationship Nikki and Duo had came out, it’d changed. I had been on the line of being friends with him ever since.
      For some reason, his words pushed it that much closer.
      “You’re going to be hearing about this.” he informed me.
      I glanced back to him, “I already have.”
      He snorted, “Yeah, from me and Nikki. But think about it, Duo, Sam, Kat, Wufei, Quatre, Trowa...”
      I made a noise, realizing the truth of that.
      Heero had stood and was now by the door, “It’s only just beginning.” he grinned, “And no matter how much I’d love to stay and chat, there’s a line.”
      He left and I couldn’t help but feel disgusted.


      Kris looked tired and stressed.
      I sighed as I sat back in the chair, watching her.
      She seemed resigned to this now. Everyone else had come in and berated her already. Duo’d come in for an hour or so but everyone else had only spent about a half an hour with her.
      I shook my head.
      “Well?” she demanded, watching me. “Don’t just sit there and stare. Say something.”
      I watched her a bit longer, “Why? You’ve heard it all already.”
      She gave me an arch look, “Then what do you want?”
      I raised my eyebrows at her, “To make sure you’re all right and give you some stress relief.”
      Her brow furrowed, “How so?”
      I looked at her a second, then away, taking in my surroundings, “Want to spar?”
      She blinked, also looking around the room, “Spar?”
      I fought my urge to grin, “Yeah, you know...” I looked back to her, “Pretend fighting but not?”
      She rose an eyebrow.
      I shrugged, “Well?”
      She nodded slowly, standing, “Sure, why not.” a slow grin spread across her face.
      I also stood, “Let’s move the tables to...” I looked around and smiled at her, “Let’s barricade the door so everyone freaks out.”
      She looked confused, but she had an appreciative grin, she nodded, “All right.”
      We started working on it, moving the furniture as quietly as possible after locking the door.
      I grinned, studying our job, “They’ll get in pretty quickly.” I noted, double checking a chair.
      She nodded, also studying our handy work, “I know.” she looked at me, “Wufei?”
      “Mhmm?” I glanced at her.
      “Why are you doing this?”
      I stood up, and faced her, “Because I feel like it.”
      “You feel like it.”
      I nodded.
      She shook her head, watching me still.
      I took another glance around the room, noticing a figurine on the vanity. I walked over and picked it up, showing it to her, “What do you want to do with this?”
      “Oh, shit...” she grabbed it from me and put it in the closet.
      “Ready?” I asked when she’d returned.
      She also did a last check and nodded.
      We exchanged our bows and jumped at each other.


      The unmistakable sound of fighting met my ears and I jumped up, running down the hall to Kris’s room, my heart pounding.
      Wufei was in there with her...he’d seemed too calm...unnervingly calm when he’d went in...now...
      I tried to open the door.
      It was locked.
      “Wufei! What the hell are you two doing?”
      The only response was a loud thud and a grunt.
      Quatre came running from his room into the hall, “What’s going on?”
      I shrugged, trying to open the door, “It’s locked.”
      Heero and Trowa were coming out of their rooms with Nikki and Sam. Katie was next.
      “Move, I’ve got the keys...” Quatre shoved me aside. He was remarkably calm about this...
      He unlocked the door and started to open it...
      Nothing happened.
      He pushed again.
      Nothing.
      He moved and shoved his shoulder into it.
      “What the fuck...”
      He continued to slam against the door, causing it to flinch.
      “Move.” Heero commanded, then rammed his shoulder into it. The door continued to splinter.
      Nikki, Sam, and Kat were standing back and having a hurried discussion.
      “Kris!” Nikki called finally, over the noise of the fight and the slamming of the door.
      “What?” Kris’s voice carried back to us, along with a protest from Wufei...
      I looked back to Nikki, raising an eyebrow at her.
      She smiled, “Don’t worry. If she needed help she would’ve said it then.”
      Heero glared back at her and slammed again into the door.
      It finally gave.
      Heero pushed against it, trying to push his way in.
      It occurred to me that they must’ve collaborated to block it off.
      I slammed past Heero and into the gap.
      “Kris!”
      “Duo.” she returned, but the fighting continued.
      The thought from the back of my mind began working it’s way out.
      They were sparring.
      My blood didn’t stop pounding.
      They were sparring...
      I stepped out from the piled debris.
      Sparring.
      I’d only been that scared a few times in my life.
      I jumped Wufei.
      Surprised, we were on the ground before he realized what was happening.
      “Duo!” he yelled, flipping me off him as Kris stepped back.
      Then everything was a blur of fighting and rolling and words...lots of words.
      I hated being that scared for no reason...
      Suddenly Kris was across me and Nikki was across Wufei, pinning us to the ground.
      I relaxed, taking heaving breaths as Kris stared down at me, “What are you doing?” she demanded, slamming back on my shoulders.
      I gasped, “What am I doing?” I demanded, “What does it look like I’m doing?”
      Another slam, “Duo!” that was reprimanding, “Why did you jump him?”
      I shook my head, returning to reality.
      Wufei had sat up and Nikki had sat back. I tried to figure out why Heero hadn’t stopped us.
      “Nikki...” his voice was annoyed. I looked to him.
      “Shut-up, Heero. They had no reason to fight.” she returned, glaring at Wufei.
      I rolled my eyes, “No reason? No reason...”
      She turned to me, her eyes ice, “No reason. I could’ve told you they were sparring...”
      “Then why didn’t you?” I cut her off.
      “Because, Prince, you didn’t give me the chance. I told you she didn’t need help...”
      “She also thought she could take Zero.” Wufei muttered, causing everyone to turn on him.
      Kris frowned at him.
      “Sorry...” he muttered, looking away.
      I shook my head, sitting up.
      “I need to talk to him.” Kris said clearly without looking away from me.
      I flinched inwardly, not letting it show.
      Nikki nodded, standing, “Come on.” she reached down and yanked Wufei up.
      “We should set the furniture...” he started, looking away again.
      “Later.” Sam’s voice was also cold.
      I flinched inwardly again. I’d managed to piss all the girls off. I knew they’d give me a hard time, but that was to be expected...every time we fought for something they deemed “No reason” they all got mad at us.
      I didn’t much care about that, though.
      They’d get over it.


      I sighed as I looked over the computer screen.
      None of it looked useful.
      Oh well. Nikki would decide...maybe I could amuse her...
      I put my disk in and started copying random files as Wufei paced behind me.
      “What are you doing?”
      “Amusing Nikki.”
      “Kris...”
      I grinned, “Wufei, don’t worry, she’ll appreciate this...”
      “So you’re copying...”
      “The entire drive.”
      His eyes opened wide.
      I grinned at him and winked.
      “I hope you know what you’re doing...”
      “I hope you’re keeping an eye on the door.” I returned.
      He opened his eyes wider and shook his head at me in frustration...and a bit of mockery...even as he headed back to the door.
      I wondered why he cared what I copied...then why he was having me copy...then how we’d become friends...
      He still sported a black eye, complements of Duo, but other than that he looked normal. He and Duo had been avoiding each other lately, but neither seemed overly upset with the other...only Nikki, Sam, and Kitty were annoyed anymore.
      I...personally...felt bad about it.
      It was amusing, since we’d sparred, he’d started treating me differently. He’d come up behind me and whisper stupid shit in my ear, or he’d start a sparring match for no reason...out of no where...or he’d give me looks. Like that shake of his head when he was frustrated with me. It was fun.
      It was funny to see, it was a lot like Heero and Nikki used to act...or Nikki and Duo...or Sam and Duo...or me and either of them...
      “Psst...” Wufei’s voice came from near the door.
      I jumped, turning to look at him, hoping he hadn’t heard...
      He gestured to the door, “People.” he whispered, “Hide...” his sweeping gesture meant for me to come by him.
      I grabbed the disk from the machine and stood looking around...
      There were pillars and tapestries all around. This was a well-to-do base, all it’s decorations were grande.
      I crossed the room to where Wufei was, at a corner where a tapestry hung. He shoved me in front of him behind it. It was too long for the spot so that about a foot of material was on the floor.
      In a typical Duo move, he shoved me against the wall and stood protectively in front of me.
      “Tcch...I hate being treated like some invalid...”
      “Hush.” he returned, crouching and gesturing for me to do the same. There was a slight separation between the tapestry and the wall, so I watched over his shoulder.
      The door opened and two men and a woman came in. She was rolling her eyes tolerantly at their suggestive comments and joking manner. Finally, she stopped, “If anyone finds out that you two are trying to get me to fuck you instead keeping our eyes open, then we’re all in deep shit. We’re supposed to be checking the computers...”
      I exchanged a glance with Wufei, trying to place the one guy...he looked familiar.
      “...According to Mychinne, the pilots have been casing all the bases on the planet that were on 999’s record...”
      My eyes opened wide, these people weren’t too horribly bright...
      “Oh, Saj, we would have caught them if they were here. They have no way to get into this room...”
      The woman, Saj, rolled her eyes, “They have Kaze working for them...not to mention that they are probably on the same level with Kaze themselves. If you remember, Commander Wester said that Kaze...”
      The other man rolled his eyes, “Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know. I know.” they had abruptly gotten serious, “Kaze can get anywhere she decides to get...” he seemed more factual then repeating and I continued to try to place him. His voice sounded familiar...
      “I wish Nikol had just shot her...” Saj muttered.
      The guy, who looked oldest, smacked her upside the head and they turned to look over the room without protest.
      With some shock I finally placed him.
      Tran. It was Tran...one of Nikki’s many little wrapped men...one that she actually had been friends with...she hadn’t toyed with him as much...
      “So do you think that they would bother with this base?” the younger asked, “I mean...”
      Tran nodded, “Yes. Nikki would’ve...”
      “Who?” Saj demanded.
      He gave her a look, “Kaze would have narrowed the field down...” he sighed, “I wish Nikki would have just joined us...”
      Saj had stopped so close to the tapestry that I was certain Wufei could smell her. She turned to look at him, “How do you know her?”
      He looked at her, then the younger, “I was part of their...‘inner circle’...” he muttered, making air quotes, “Nikki was my friend...” he looked at them again, “I don’t know if you people realize it, but Nikki and Suretta were best friends...” he sighed again, “That had to be hard for her...when Nikki disowned her...”
      “When Nikki dis...” Saj started to repeat under her breath, “Just who do you think Kaze is, God?” she shook her head, “Commander Wester wouldn’t be hurt by Kaze...”
      Tran snorted, “How would you know? You have no idea how Suretta really works...how Nikki works...”
      “So are you saying that Wester might be having second thoughts?” the younger demanded indignantly, “That this...Nikki...could change her certainty?” he looked disgusted, “Commander Milliardo was right, Earth needs to be subject to the colonies...it’s their fault all the wars happened...” his eyes looked a bit feverish, “That my brother was killed...”
      It occurred to me that this man wasn’t all that stable.
      Tran and Saj, however, looked concurring as he finished his rant.
      “We better hurry up and finish in here.” Tran muttered after a while, “We need to report...check behind the tapestries.”
      My heart dropped.
      Saj nodded as Wufei silently drew his gun and cocked it, aiming at her head and standing. He reached his other arm around and pressed me to his back, holding me there.
      The tapestry moved and Saj gasped, instantly reaching for her gun as Tran and the child did too.
      Wufei stepped forward, gun aimed.
      “How did you...Krystal?” Tran was staring at me, transfixed.
      I smiled slightly, “Hi, Tran. How are you?”
      “How did you get in here? Is Nikki...”
      I shook my head and Wufei moved his head in a way that I’d catch, “Nikki can get where she decides to get...or send people...We’re leaving now, however...after I finish this...” I re-inserted the disk into the machine and started the copying again.
      “Call...” Saj’s voice wasn’t working right, “Call...” her mouth was moving but little sound was making it out.
      She was staring wide-eyed from the barrel of Wufei’s gun, to Wufei’s eyes, and back again.
      The young man was getting ready to cock his own weapon.
      Without hesitating, Wufei changed aim and shot the gun from his hand.
      Tran didn’t even have his weapon out anymore.
      “So how are you?” he asked, not even seeming to realize that I was copying everything down from the database.
      “I’m good.” I replied as Wufei ushered Saj near the boy and Tran joined them without even thinking about it. “Nikki and Sam are too.”
      “Can you tell them I said hi?”
      I focused on him a second, “What are you doing here, Tran?”
      “Tran?” the boy demanded.
      “A shortened version of my name.” he replied without looking at him.
      “Is that...”
      “Turren.” Tran agreed with a nod.
      “Can you hurry up there, Kris?” Wufei demanded, “It’s nice to have old friends get together, but we’re kinda in danger of dying here...”
      Tran snorted, “If I even moved wrong I’d be dead...keep that in mind, you two. We’re looking death in the eye here...”
      “Actually,” Wufei muttered, “He’s back at base.”
      Tran frowned at that as I finished my copying.
      Wufei had to have grinned, “The God of Death? You can’t tell me you never heard of him...he’ll be disappointed...”
      “Zero-two...” the young one muttered, “Who are you?”
      Wufei grinned, “Chang Wufei.” he semi-focused, “Little boy, I hope you don’t really believe that shit you said earlier. The Earth...the Colonies...neither are directly responsible for war. It’s the stupid people who think anything’s attainable for any price who’re responsible. I suggest you all go home before you get killed.”
      The boy spit to one side, “It’s the Earth’s fault...just like Commander Milliardo...”
      “Zechs?” Wufei demanded, “Where is he, then?”
      “He died...”
      Wufei shook his head, looking to Tran, “Please don’t tell me you’re all brain-washed to believe that bullshit?”
      Tran shook his head, “No. But Zechs is wrong...”
      “Tcch...” I joined Wufei, “What’s with you, Ristran? How did you get drug into this?”
      He shook his head and I knew he wouldn’t answer.
      I sighed, stepping forward and hugging him, “Take his advice. Leave before we kill you. It was nice seeing you again, I’ll tell Nikki and Sam. Let’s go.” the last was to Wufei.
      Tran nodded, “I know I’m going to get my ass chewed for this...but hurry up. We won’t call yet, and if we do...” I could only assume he’d turned to the boy and Saj, “Then some people will die mysterious deaths...”
      I turned for a last glance at him and he nodded, “Be well, Krystal Turren.”
      I smiled slightly at that as I readied to climb into the vent system after Wufei, “You too, Ristran Siff.”
      “Where to now?” I asked Wufei as we reached an...intersection.
      “We need to get out before they call the guards.” he looked around, then up to the shaft above our heads.
      “You’ve got to be kidding...”
      “Nitaku’s up there, Kris.”
      I sighed, resigned to this now, “All right.”
      He’d already started climbing.
      I sighed again, “I hate climbing.”
      “Uh...” he muttered after a while, “Who was that?”
      “Ristran Siff. One of Nikki’s many toys...only, he was a friend as well.”
      He nodded, “He didn’t seem too committed to the cause...”
      I shook my head, “He is. He just values friendship over that. We’ve got about five minutes, now. Will we make it?”
      Wufei nodded, “Yeah. We’ll hit the roof about when he’s sounding...if that’s what you mean.”
      I nodded, then realized he couldn’t see that, “I mean, yeah.”

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Kyeian