Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ The 6th Gundam Pilot? ❯ Time to Go! ( Chapter 10 )

Series: Gundam Wing

Pairings: 1x2, 3x4, and 5xOC

Rating: R (Language, sexual situations, fluffiness and anything else I see fit to add)

Disclaimers: I don't own Gundam Wing or any of the characters. I'm not making any money from this. Besides the only thing I actually own is a cat… and you can't have him!

Review Thankies:

Lady Whitewolf - First off I feel this is necessary *glomps you* Arigato for reviewing so many chapters! I'm very glad you like my style ^_^ I thought I'd be scaring people off! Lol if you're reading this story you can't like Relena because more bashing is probably on the way. Cute stuff is good, you'll be seeing plenty of it, and I won't comment on the Zechs thing lol By the way, your reviews totally made my Saturday!!!!!

The Black Gatomon - *coughs* I want a plushie! Lol and yesss I had to do that to Duo. And who doesn't drool over Duo? He's a hottie, I'll admit it! But you better calm yourself, you might hurt someone lol

Saymir-Shadowfox - Thankies! I'm still writing believe me! And you're welcome!

Youko Demon - I stayed up all night till 4:30AM. I couldn't get up that early if my life depended on it. My parents don't really care if I stay up as long as I go to school in the morning or now since it's summer get my daily chores done. I'm not sure what Relena uses, we really ought to ask. I'll ask at the end of the chapter, another little poll ^_^ And You're probably right… that would explain it! RELENA'S AN ALIEN! HOLY CRAP! *puts foil on her head* -So they can't read my thoughts…

Lenny Ouji - Thanks! It's almost fun to stay up to write this stuff just because I know you all will enjoy it. Or at least I hope you will!

Hannio - lol *provides more coffee* I'll jump around with you! It helps me write! WOO HOO!! I didn't want them to just be threatened or used for ransom. I hadn't read one where they got sold off so I figured it'd be kinda neat. Plus I'd visited Ebay and it all fell together. Updating as quickly as possible!

lil-hot-fudge-sundae - No burning my computer! I need it! I'll keep updating, as long as FF.net will let me! So don't get upset ^_^

Lemon - Dang… Wow… THANKIES! *huggles* I'm very glad you are enjoying it! Please keep reading!

Dragon-gurl - Very glad you enjoyed it! I'm updating quicker this time! YAY! And you get to find out who that mystery person is!

Cayra - lol Wuffie's not getting soft, he'd beat you up for saying that! Thankies for the offer, I did get my beta-reader though!

Natasha - lol MY BETA-READER! HURRAY!! Erm, yea, I mean, I'm glad you're addicted? Is that a bad thing to say? I dunno but I'm so glad you're still reading! *huggles!!*

PhoenixPyre - LoL Yea, when I actually started this story Wufei was NOT supposed to be my main pilot. He just turned out to be really cute when I got around to it and I kinda fell in love with him. ^_^ Next chapter is coming, sometime in the near future! Working hard!

Vamp Queen - Uh, actually I keep Dilandau in my closet. See I tried to let him run around the house but he kept trying to blow up the stove. You just can't leave him alone! I'm very sure he'd enjoy your company ^_^ lol Bliss is always good! Thankies for the e-mails by the way, you seem very cool! *cuddles with Wufei plushie and nibbles pocky a moment before glomping you* lol Bribes are very welcome!!!!! I'll write a couple pages of next chapter tonight for the pocky! And for the plushie… *pulls Dilandau from her closet* Here ya go!!!!!!

Author Notes: First off! Thanks for all the offers to be my beta-reader! I didn't expect so many people to be willing to do that for me! *blushes* I'm very grateful! Second I've gotta say WOW!!!! 71 REVIEWS!!! Never did I imagine that I would receive this kind of response to my fic. It really does make me want to cry. You guys are so great! I wish I could give you all lots of huggles and plushies and fun stuff like that! Maybe some pocky… I dunno I kinda like to hoard that stuff for myself lol.

If you would like to receive an e-mail alerting you when I post the next chapter, please e-mail me at scoobydoobubbles@hotmail.com ^_^

/…/ is a memory

`…' Is a thought

--…-- is a written statement

~*~*~*~

Since the first day awake Duo had been called upon only twice. He was paraded around in front of masked businessmen. Most of whom seemed familiar. It wasn't a surprise; he'd probably blown their business to pieces or something in the past. They all seemed to want to snap his neck. Only a couple actually kept their anger in check. Though their gaze had been smoldering with rage, there was also respect and perhaps fear. He'd almost grinned at that.

Talia on the other hand hadn't been so lucky. She had been brought back twice and hurled into the cell. It was difficult to console someone through a stone wall, though Duo had tried. She'd raged about Zoma being a dirty animal for quite a while. A third time soldiers again came for her. To his dismay when she was returned she had simply cried, mumbling things he was unable to hear. The next few days they dragged her out and each time they brought her back she was mute for a long time. When she did talk she refused to tell him what had happened. All he knew was that from what he could see through the small hole in the wall, each time she came back with more bruises looking like they'd given her quite a beating.

While in their cells they'd gotten down the routine, a way to keep track of time. The guards changed three times a day. From their small barred windows they could see into the hallway. One guard was the wiry blue haired man named Delnor. He enjoyed mocking the pilots from the safety of the hall. It seemed the guy was just out to push Duo's buttons. He was constantly talking about chopping off his braid and just about every body part; he was rather twisted.

The second guard was a dark man with black hair and eyes. Though they had both tried, he wouldn't speak. He hardly bothered to look at them. Of course, he didn't seem to speak at all; they couldn't even get his name.

The third was the only guard who actually seemed human. He was about Heero's height with pretty green eyes (according to Talia). His hair was a strawberry blonde color and he kept it in a loose ponytail that started at the base of his neck. Though he was the guard he would have conversations with them. Where the other two would let soldiers into the cells to spit on them, kick them or just generally disrespect them, Rishou would turn them away when he could. He had even slipped them each a bit of chocolate the night before. Not for the first time Duo found himself wishing he'd met someone under different circumstances.

Currently, Duo was leaning against the wall furthest from the door. He knew Talia was probably doing the same. It was a good defensive position. You had the most time to dodge spit or scramble away from kicks. Even though the chain was taut with them both near the wall, he knew that if his door was unlocked within a couple of seconds it would be slack. That was the only option they really had. If his door opened Tal would move herself right next to the separating wall and if hers opened he would do the same. He'd actually been dozing lightly for a while. The silent guard was on duty but there hadn't been any visitors.

His head snapped up at the sound of approaching footsteps. After a few orders his door was unlocked and crept open even as the chain connected to his ankle went slack.

Captain Bierrez stepped in followed by a squat little masked man with glasses on.

"As you can see he's in good health," The big man was waving his hand like the pilot was some kind of dog for sale. Mentally he smacked himself, `Duh, cause I am for sale. The bastard.'

"Yes, I can see that! Indeed, you've taken quite a few precautions to keep him here. Are they all really necessary?" The chubby man looked down at the boy, noticing the chain; he bent and fingered it a moment. "What exactly is this for?" Duo jerked his leg, successfully pulling the chain from the man's fingers. 'Chubby' scowled before turning back to Bierrez.

"It may be a bit overkill but I have my reasons. Think of the chain as a leash. On the other end is his friend. Unless they break the chain they are tethered to one another. Each can reach the door but neither can exit. They are forced to play a constant game of tug-o-war. From my guards' reports they often seem to fight. Amazing the problems such a small restriction can cause," The Captain explained blandly looking the pilot over. Duo smiled inwardly. The guards were idiots; he and Talia would argue just for something to do, but apparently these dopes actually thought it was because of their restraints. He nearly laughed at the thought.

"Mr. Maxwell, why don't you stand up and introduce yourself. Your manners are rather lacking."

Straight-faced, the boy stood up stiffly. He opened his mouth and the black-haired man smirked in triumph a moment before a wad of spit his face.

Duo grinned, "How's that for a greeting? Rather personal don't you think Captain?"

"Guard!"

The silent guard appeared in the door looking mildly confused. "Take our guest back upstairs. I will follow shortly." With a nod the guard led the disgusted chubby man away, closing the door behind.

"Geesh, you'd think he'd never seen saliva. I can't imagine that. Guy probably drools over his food before eating." Duo rambled trying to keep his attention on something other than the fact that the Captain looked ready to explode. `So maybe that wasn't a smart move, but this guy really pisses me off!' Another case of acting before he thought.

"You don't get it do you?" The large man growled out, closing in.

"Get what?" Violet eyes searched for escape finding none. `Nowhere to go.'

"How things work." Roughly he grabbed Duo's arms and picked him up. He grunted only slightly as he was kicked repeatedly. As if he weighed nothing the boy was carried to the separating wall and hefted upwards. He felt something cold touch his hand and his eyes widened. `No, he wouldn't.'

He was slowly lowered and released, except he wasn't touching the ground. His feet dangled a little over a foot from the floor. His arms were pulled back in an awkward, pinching position. `At least I know what the hook is for.'

Zoma smirked at the hanging boy, "How's an hour sound? Even if your body weight doesn't pull your shoulders out of socket you won't be able to use your arms for quite a while. To bad we can't do anything about your mouth." Turning on his heel he exited as the silent guard poked his head in to view the scene. He didn't smile or frown, just looked, before closing and locking the door.

It didn't take long for Duo to feel the strain. Chin-ups were one thing, this was another. If he relaxed, his body weight really would cause his shoulders to become dislocated and he somehow doubted anyone here would help fix them. So intent on keeping himself up, he didn't hear the guard change or Talia's voice as she tried to find out what happened. An eternity seemed to pass before his cell door opened. A large man entered and took him down. Mumbling a thanks Duo curled up against the wall.

"Duo? Duo? Are you OK?"

The worried voice brought him around for a moment. "Huh? Uh, yeah. I feel like my arms might fall off, and feel like shit in general but I'm all right. I think I'm gonna take a nap now. Hold my calls will you?"

He thought he heard a chuckle before drifting off.

~*~*~*~

"Rishou?" Talia stood on the tips of her toes to look out into the hall.

"Yes?" She jumped back from the door when the voice came from right beside it. After recovering from the slight shock she looked out again. "Don't do that! I nearly had a heart attack! If you're gonna talk to me at least let me see your pretty eyes."

She heard him laugh quietly and he moved into view.

"For someone behind bars that should hate every soldier in this place, you sure do compliment my eyes a lot."

"Just because I'm behind bars doesn't mean I'm a liar. Besides, I thought perhaps if I got on your good side you'd let me out."

The smile on his face disappeared and he sighed, "I can't. If that's the only reason for the compliments you may as well give up."

She smiled, "You take me too seriously! Even if it would be nice of you to let me out, I'm only playing. I'm not that stupid, I know I'm screwed in here. But what I said was true, I like your eyes."

Rishou smiled again, relaxing slightly, "What did you want? I know you didn't just call me over to offer me flattery."

The girl grinned, "Ah, you think you're so smart. But you're right. I wanted to talk. What happened to Maxwell?"

"He apparently upset the captain and received punishment accordingly."

She fought the urge to growl in irritation. He was a nice guy but he never forgot his duty. It was always like that, never an extra detail.

"Ok, well, how about some questions?"

"Feel free to ask, I'll answer you what I can."

"What's your full name?"

"Rishou."

"No, I mean all of it. Like mine is Talia Bellona Roan."

"Rishou, That's it. I was never given any other name."

"You parents didn't give you a family name?"

"I was an orphan of the war myself. I think that's why I feel comfortable with you both."

"If only we'd met…."

It was the guard's turn to grin this time, "Under different circumstances. Yes, I know. Both of you have made the statement before." A second later he disappeared and to her dismay Talia heard footsteps. She backed up and slid down the wall. Thankfully wherever Dou had fallen asleep it was near the wall for she had plenty of slack.

"Hey Rishi. How's it goin' man?" The voice was rough and seemed to slur slightly.

"Same as always. You boys seem a bit inebriated, are you sure you should all be down here?" The girl frowned at the caution and hint of worry in the green-eyed guard's voice.

"Oh yeah! We all talked and decided we needed some fun tonight."

"What kind of fun would bring you down here?" Tal felt her stomach turn over at the words.

A new voice chimed in, higher pitched than the other, "We heard that pilot 02 to got hung up for an hour. Captain Bierrez must have been awfully pissed to do that."

`Hung up? What's he talking about?'

A third voice added to the conversation, "I know my arms would give out after a half hour. Chained and hung behind his back, must've wore him out, keeping himself up all that time. Gundam pilot or not that's pushing the limit." The girl bit back a groan, that was it. Why he'd been silent. She wanted to scream with fury. How dare they do that to Duo! Breathing hard with the effort of staying calm she listened.

"So we figured with him all worn out we'd have some fun. I always wanted to give that braid a yank."

"He's awfully pretty for a boy Rish, you can join us."

`Cowards! Bastards! I'll kill them!' She futilely jerked her hands, almost missing Rishou's voice as he answered.

"No." It was followed by footsteps.

"Well, that's alright then. More for us."

"No, I've been given direct orders that no one harm Maxwell or even enter his cell without his request."

She stopped trying to cut her hands off at the wrists and grew still. `Thank the gods! Thank you Rishou! Duo will be alright.'

"Come on Rishi! Please! We're good buddies," The rough voice pleaded.

"No. I'll be the one punished for your stupidity." Talia wanted to dance for joy. However, her happiness was cut short by the next words.

"What about the girl then? The Cap'n said we could do what we want with her right? S'pose she'll do." Her breath caught, `NO!' Being beaten on almost a daily basis she could handle. She could even handle the things Zoma told her. But this! Rape?!

Her mind screamed `RUN!' Her wrists had started to bleed from her struggle against the chains. `Rishou… please…' Her mind pleaded with him.

"Why don't you boys go back upstairs." `Yes! Please… upstairs… away.'

"Open the door Rishou, or have you gone soft? Feeling sorry for the girl?" The high-pitched voice mocked.

There was a long pause and Talia heard halting steps. He was trying to think of a reason. The key slid into the lock. "Don't kill her, Bierrez will have your head."

Her heart filled with hoped and then dropped into her stomach. `No Hope.'

The door scraped across the floor as it opened. Her chin dropped to her chest. `At least it's not Duo.'

Synthetic light spilled into the cell and across her only to be blocked again.

"Not bad. She won't give us any trouble, will ya girlie?" The rough voiced man laughed, joined by two others.

The high-pitched voice paused, "Sure you don't wanna join Rish? You look stressed out."

Talia lifted her head just slightly, able to see one very large man blocking the doorway. Behind him she could barely see Rishou's strawberry blonde hair as he shook his head. He glanced at her and she dropped her head back down. No one was going to save her, there was no escape this time.

~*~*~*~

"This is something I would expect from Maxwell but not from you. I still don't understand why we're going. This had better not turn out to be another of your kamikaze missions." Heero rolled his eyes as Wufei continued to complain about their personal mission. They'd reached South America the day before. For their own safety they were taking only their Gundams. They were nearing the coordinates given them by the mystery writer. "I didn't ask you to come Wufei. That was your decision."

"Yes, but…" His mouth snapped shut as he caught sight of something white and shiny among the treetops. "I truly hope that wasn't what I believe it was."

"I believe… that was Tallgeese."[1] Heero stated in an almost bored tone.

~*~*~*~

He leaned against the tree trunk patiently in a black T-shirt and jeans. Now was the real test, they'd seen the Tallgeese, he was sure. Did Heero trust him enough to actually meet after seeing it? There had been no doubt in his mind that Heero at least would come. However, seeing Wufei's Gundam had been a bit of surprise. He had expected a pair, the Winner heir perhaps or even Barton to accompany the Perfect Soldier. But not the Chinese boy, he had always seemed like a loner. Always too independent to work with the others unless it was absolutely necessary. In any case it didn't matter as long as they landed long enough to speak with him.

Within a few minutes both Gundams gracefully touched down in clearing before him. The cockpit of Wing Zero opened and Heero jumped down. With a small smile Milliardo straightened, "Good you see you again Heero. I thought you'd come."

"I had a good idea who had sent the message. Why do you want to help us?"

"I would assume Talia told you about her night out?" Heero nodded briskly and he continued, "Well, all things considered she treated me as a friend. I simply wanted to return the favor. I think perhaps I have a soft spot for her." He shrugged as if it was nothing important and was surprised to see Heero smirk.

The boy threw a thumb in Wufei's direction, "Don't let him hear you say that." The older man raised an eyebrow, looking up at the still closed cockpit.

"So what do you plan to do?"

"I was able to purchase the girl. For whatever reason the Captain doesn't believe she's worth as much as your friend Duo. From what I have gathered he seems to have a personal grudge against her."

"Does she know you bought her?"

"I believe she knows that someone has. Unless she was able to guess, then, no she doesn't. Even Zoma Bierrez doesn't know who I am. Simply "The Count" with plenty of money to go around."

"I see. What about Duo? How are we going to get him out?"

The blonde motioned to the suits standing behind them. "With those. After I get Talia out of there we'll get Duo. I know for a fact that Zoma has been using their friendship to his advantage. If we left them both there we'd end up in a battle with them. With one of them gone however, he loses his advantage. I'd really prefer not to see friends pitted against one another, again."

"Point taken. When are you going to get her?"

"Right now, if you don't mind." Heero shook his head slightly and Milliardo pulled a mask from his back pocket, sliding it over his face. He nodded and turned, heading for the complex.

~*~*~*~

"Pull her up on her knees."

Talia grimaced as two pairs of hands grabbed her upper arms and hauled her to her knees. She had refused to acknowledge their presence but apparently that course of action wasn't working. She pulled back at hearing the sound of a zipper, but the two men held her up. The rough voiced man jerked her head up, holding her by the hair. "Listen little girl, you had better cooperate or I'll break your arms," He growled out.

She shuddered at the sight of him in nothing but boxers. A bulge in them right in front of her face. `NO! This will not happen!'

With a sudden burst of energy she jerked her head from his grasp, leaned in and bit his thigh before rolling back and sitting up once more on her knees. A booted foot struck her on the side of the head and she hit the floor.

"Fucking bitch!" The rough voiced man was swearing and holding his thigh. "Knock some fucking sense into her!"

She spit trying to get the taste from her mouth even as she squirmed away from the two approaching men. To her great surprise and relief the cell door chose that moment to open. "Back off! And Keiv pull your pants up. The girl's new owner is here." Rishou threw her a smile and she managed a small one of her one in response.

The three soldiers stepped from the cell grumbling their displeasure. "Talia, can you stand up? I was instructed to have you showered and your owner has provided a new set of clothes."

She nodded slightly, managing to stand with a little help from the guard. Even if she was just getting showered so her `owner' could kill her at least she'd die clean. "What about Maxwell?" She asked quietly.

"I haven't had any word. Bierrez has set his price extremely steep. I think you'd better just worry about yourself though." He tugged her arm gently and led her to the showers.

Talia grimaced as she rubbed her raw wrists. They had unlocked her hands and allowed her to shower properly after Rishou reassured them she wouldn't try anything. `Yea, I'm going to claw through a stone wall or run through a barrier of trigger happy soldiers right outside.' She sighed, finally feeling clean; though her wrists throbbed painfully, they weren't bleeding. Wiping the small mirror clear of steam she examined her bruised face. They'd managed to only mark her cheekbone on the right side. It was amazing all the places you could hit a person without causing any discoloration. The rest of her body was much different. Purple, black and blue blotches covered her. Her arms had bruises shaped like fingers from being hauled about like a rag doll. The rest were mostly indistinguishable [2], but all very apparent on her pale skin.

She grabbed the provided clothes from the single chair in the room. They came complete with undergarments to her surprise. Plain black pants that were only a little loose, and a T-shirt that fit snugly. She wondered absently how her 'owner' had known her size. `Not that it really matters since he's clothing me just to kill me!' Depressing thought. Not really the being dead part but there would probably be torture and that would suck. `Not to mention if I die now I never see Wufei again.' "Damnit!" She yelled pulling on her boots. It brought the herd of guards charging through the doorway. "Eh, heh, stubbed my toe?" She offered weakly.

"Hurry up! You're keeping your owner waiting and he seems impatient."

"Alright already. Let's go." Two guards promptly chained her wrists and hauled her out the door.

She barely managed to register the two figures standing in the hall before one roughly grabbed her chin and yanked it his direction.

"I thought we agreed she'd be in GOOD condition Captain."

"Ah, but she is Count. Nothing broken."

Her arm was gripped roughly and the sleeve shoved up to reveal the finger-shaped bruises. "And this? I did not want her pawed on by your men." The Count tossed her arm away.

"Those are merely marks from the guards. She gave us a bit of trouble and they had no choice but to use force."

The masked Count "hmmphed" but nodded. "Fine. Let's get going. I haven't got all day to waste."

She allowed herself to be led up at least three flights of stairs and into a waiting truck. She was then chained, and the door slid down and closed with a click. After a few moments the thing rattled to life and began to move. She closed her eyes, `It doesn't matter anymore. They can save Duo now. I suppose I should be glad that Zoma told me. At least I know what happened to my father, though he didn't need to be so damn happy about it.' Her thoughts continued to drift even as exhaustion began to take over and sleep snuck up on her.

She snapped to attention when the vehicle stopped and the engine halted. `How long have I been out?' The door slid up and open, the sun shining in. She squinted against the invasion of light as she tried to see who was climbing into the back of the truck with her.

"You look even more pale than last time." Came a voice from the silhouetted but definitely male figure moving towards her.

An involuntary whimper escaped her as she tried to move away. The man stopped moving forward and knelt down a few feet from her. "Talia, I'm not going to hurt you." She moved into the corner, he sounded sincere and almost familiar but after everything in the past week she wasn't about to trust anything she couldn't see. Seeing her reaction the man ran his fingers through his hair, blocking the sun from her vision momentarily. At that point the girl shot straight up. "Zechs?"

He cleared his throat and stood, "I thought I had explained that?"

"Milliardo…" She grinned sheepishly as he moved forward and she could finally see his face.

"Now that you seem a bit happier how about we get those chains off?" Within a few minutes the girl was free of all her restraints. The tall blonde was just standing up as a pair of arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him back down. He realized the girl was crying and pulled her against him, wrapping his own arms around her.

"You're alright." He murmured.

"Thank you. For this." She managed, choking a bit on the words.

"What are friends for?"

She chuckled and looked up with a small smile. It vanished quickly and she stopped crying. "What about my 'owner'?" The word came out more coldly than she'd really intended. She figured the guy was probably knocked out cold since she'd heard no gunshots.

"Ah, yes, well that would be me."

"WHAT?!" She yelped, easily freeing herself from his embrace.

"I don't intend to actually try and `own' you. It was just the easiest way to get your out safely. Your friends seemed to agree."

"Damn right you don't own… wait, friends? You mean they… They actually agreed to this? And worked with you?" Her mouth dropped open in astonishment and Milliardo gently closed it.

"Something like that. They're waiting for us actually. But we've got to walk the rest of the way."

"Will wonders never cease?" She smiled, hopping off the back of the truck after him.

An hour later they were still walking. She was slowly falling behind as exhaustion kicked in once again.

"You're not keeping up." She looked up in mild surprise to see Milliardo hovering over her with a concerned look.

"Sorry, just tired I guess. I'll keep up. Let's keep going."

He turned around but didn't start walking and she looked at his back quizzically. "Hop on. I can carry you the rest of the way. It's not far." She smiled and pushed the long blonde hair over his shoulders so she wouldn't pull it. With a small leap she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Part of her tried to ignore his hands on her thighs as he started walking while another part enjoyed it immensely. She slouched a bit and laid her head on his shoulder, idly playing with his soft blonde hair. It didn't take long before she fell into a dreamless sleep, feeling safe for the first time in over two weeks.

~*~*~*~

[1] -Tallgeese III to be exact but I'm lazy and figured you all would understand if I just simply called it Tallgeese instead of Tallgeese III every time ^_^

[2] - WOW! That's one heck of a scrabble word there isn't it?! Would it even fit on a scrabble board? Hmmmm I wonder…

So I promised Youko Demon I'd make a little poll! Just for fun to see your answers. First off, Is Relena an Alien?! ^_^ Second, if she's not an Alien what kind of detergent does she use? Lol If she is an alien, how's she keep those gloves so white?! Come on you wonderful people, how about it?

Also, I wanted to PLEAD for reviews!! I don't care if I only get one or two a chapter, but they would be very much appreciated. And you'll be thanked/have questions answered in when I post up the next chapter. I just want to know if anyone is enjoying this story or if I should just keep it to myself. Or you can just flame the hell out of me, or praise me, that would be nice *grins* Also, any ideas for future chapters are welcome!