Disclaimer: See chapter 1

Song of the Storm Wolf: Howl of Destiny

by Storm Wolf77415, Wing Commander White Wolf, and Centurious the Azure

Path Across the Ocean Part 2

(Indian Ocean, Battle Zone)

The rivalry between Sebastian Connor and Neo Roanoke would be forever remembered as one of the great milestones of the Cosmic Era. Their battle at Break the World was just the beginning of the grand show the two ace pilots would put on. Right now the MBF-X05A Maelstrom Gundam and GAT-X505 Tallgeese III were locked in mortal combat, their respective blades straining against each other. The two broke their lock. Sebastian drawing the Lobo while Neo primed Tallgeese's mega cannon, firing at a reduced level. A few rounds managed to carve out a couple of gouges in Tallgeese III's left shoulder and right leg, the edges still glowing.

But the Storm Wolf hadn't gotten off unscathed either, even though the beam was a fraction of its total strength, the intensity of the beam could still cause immense damage, leaving the upper part of Maelstrom's right shoulder badly singed. He opened fire with the wrist CIWS, the small emerald darts peppered the Earth Alliance machine, leaving numerous burn marks across the mobile suit's torso.

The heat rod, already starting to glow brilliant red, whipped out. Sebastian knocked it away with his shield, before firing another barrage from the wrist CIWS, adding a few more burn marks to Tallgeese III along the lower part of the torso down near the right side of its waist. The heat rod flew again, managing to dig a chunk out of Maelstrom's left hip. Neo sneered, whipping the superheated whip across Maelstrom's torso again, the intense heat leaving a colossal, scorch mark. The two ignored their steel blades, instead drawing beam sabers for round two, emerald green and angry red flashing in glowing arcs as they intersected.

"You owe me an explanation, pal!" Sebastian demanded as he carved a gash through Tallgeese's shoulder. He jerked Maelstrom back, the glowing tip of the black mobile suit's own blade passing inches from the cockpit hatch. The sabers slamming into each other once again. "Where did you learn Ryujin no Torai? How do you know Un-No sensei?"

The Black Comet just sighed. "Ah yes. That was a very long time ago. I suppose that connects us on a deep level." He swung his saber again, taking a chunk out of Maelstrom's shield. "But I think you need to worry about more pressing things at the moment, General!" He swung the saber upwards, taking a small piece of the V-fin antenna off. "Like staying alive against me!"

Neo parried Sebastian's blade, going in for a rapid thrust. He scored a clean hit, the blade melting a long gash along the length of Maelstrom's right side under the arm. The Wolf of the Storm wasn't deterred, swinging his own gleaming weapon, only to be met by Tallgeese's shield, the blade slid down the front, the intense heat leaving the surface melted and charred. Neo seemed to take offense to that. He made his displeasure known by bashing the shield into Maelstrom's torso, before priming the mega cannon to fire again. "You won't escape it this time, General!"

Sebastian just barely avoided getting hit by the giant green beam. He raised the Lobo beam rifle, squeezing off a few rounds. Neo simply whipped out his Gerbera in a picture-perfect battojutsu strike, slicing the beam in twain, little green flecks dancing about. "If you're expecting me to be impressed by that little maneuver, you'll have to try harder." The Storm Wolf said as Maelstrom drew his own weapon, the mega cannon flaring up again before launching. Maelstrom stood its ground, looking at the oncoming green death. "Because I'm more than capable of doing it too!" Maelstrom swung, the beam dispelling in a giant flash of color.

The Black Comet just began laughing. "Yes! Yes! This is the fight I've always wanted! You are indeed skilled, General Connor. For too long I've been held down by weak ideals spouted by weak people. You and I are different, we live by our own strength, our own ideals!" Maelstrom and Tallgeese III locked blades once again. Thanks to the Trans-Phase Shift Armor on the blade, Sebastian was able to bury the tip of his Gerbera in Tallgeese's torso, carving across horizontally, leaving a jagged gouge in the Earth Alliance mobile suit, sparks dancing about.

"You really want to have a discussion about higher purposes when we're trying to kill each other? First Rau and now you! Are all the masked guys trying to moonlight as wannabe philosophers?" Sebastian wanted to facepalm, but he was too busy blocking Tallgeese III's metal blade before he swung upwards. Only for Tallgeese's blade to take a long chunk out of the Maelstrom's Phase Shift. Before locking up with Neo once again. The edges of the two katanas grinding against each other.

"Don't you dare mock my beliefs!" Neo snarled, the Gerbera swung upwards, cutting a devastating scar across Maelstrom's torso, showing that like Willet, the Black Comet had added Trans-Phase to his blade. Sebastian blocked the second strike with the beam saber before pulling out the Kaze Kiba. "I have built my whole life on being strong. For one who's considered the most skilled pilot in all of the Cosmic Era, I would think you of all people respect that! People acknowledge that title and what it stands for!"

The Storm Wolf said nothing, knocking his rival's blade away. He spun Maelstrom about for extra speed and power. The Kaze Kiba slashed through the Tallgeese III's shield. The heat rod lanced out, wrapping around the blade, trying to wrench it out of the white and green Gundam's hand. "Oh no, you don't! I'm not losing another blade!" Sebastian snarled. Maelstrom's arm jerked back, firing the wrist CIWS again, concentrating on the head.

Neo broke off, not wanting to lose his mobile suit's primary sensor. The two blades locked up again. "Now that's more like it, General!" He sneered. "Let's commence our duel in earnest now!"

(ONS Blood Fang, Earth Orbit, The Same Time)

Captain David Russo, Anthony's father, had a very uneasy feeling in his gut. He had good reason to be, given he knew his sons, both blood and adopted, as well as his adopted daughter, were currently engaged with the Earth Alliance down below. "How soon until we reach the drop zone?" He looked to his sensor officer.

"We'll reach optimal distance in less than twenty-five minutes, captain." David just nodded, walking about the length of his ship's bridge. He'd give the occasional glance over his subordinate's shoulder. The father of the Arctic White Wolf was just worried about his son. He sat back down in the command seat, taking a long drag of coffee from the white mug bearing the White Wolf emblem.

The doors slid open. "Still worried about your children, David?" A smooth baritone voice, colored with a refined English accent spoke. A man in his mid-thirties came up alongside the elder Russo, wearing the silver and gray uniform of the Orb Union. His black hair was neatly combed. Gray eyes held an intense expression. His tanned skin had a leathery appearance to it. "You really shouldn't be. After all, this is the Twin Wolves we're talking about. Not to mention Rachel is far from helpless."

"It wouldn't bother me so much if they weren't facing the cream of the Earth Alliance crop. The idea Rachel and the boys are going up against the Crimson Fox is enough to make me nervous. That Roanoke guy clearly has it out for Sebastian. And what I've heard about the Third Covert Tactical Assault Team scares the living shit out of me. You should know all about the Frighteners, given they're your former countrymen."

The man David addressed was Major Jason Tessen, the executive officer of the special operations unit known as Tenchu. The Orb Union's answer to the Frighteners. A British national who had emigrated to the island nation several years ago, offering his experience to the Orb Defense Forces. "I'll admit that the reputation of Colonel Willet and her people is quite well known to me, but that doesn't change anything. It just means both sides are equally skilled and experienced. It's just a matter of who desires victory most, and I'll always put my money on General Connor and his people."

David still wasn't all convinced. "It always seems like the weight of the world falls on Sebastian and Anthony's shoulders. I would do anything as a father to take that burden away from them."

Jason was a consummate professional, always in control. But the reassuring squeeze he gave David's shoulder was a reminder that even the most hardened covert operative still had a human side. "I suppose I would be lying if I said I wasn't worried about Yukimasa and Kuroto. I was still a bit surprised to hear from the Colonel, asking for assistance. Then again I could never say no to him. Lord Yukimura may have given me the job to be Tenchu's XO, but my main loyalty was always to his son. Don't worry, Captain Russo. We'll look out for all of them, and if any harm should come, then we will be live up to our name and deliver a divine punishment on both the Atlantic Federation and Earth Alliance."

"Thank you, Major Tessen. You should get to the hangar, we'll be approaching Earth interface in a few minutes. Please…keep them safe." Jason just gave a slight nod and left the bridge.

The white Nazca-class destroyer's linear catapult extended, five specks of light quickly departing for the planet's surface. Its mission complete, the Blood Fang wheeled about, returning to Ame-No-Mihashara. All the while its Captain prayed for the safety of the brave fighters down below.

(Indian Ocean, Battle Zone)

Kuro knew he was a more than capable pilot. However, Pasternak was fast proving to be just as skilled. The Takemikazuchi Kaitou and the Eurasian's borrowed Raptor were still locked in close quarters combat with each other. Both machines bore several scorch marks, burns, and gouges from beam rifle and saber. Not to mention several dents courtesy of the melee halberd that were currently banging and slamming into each other. "Wow, this guy is tough!" Kuro said, batting away the dark-hued blade, wincing as the ES-05 took a chunk out of the Kaitou's shoulder. He paid Pasternak back by managing to catch the Raptor just underneath the left arm.

Watching as Pasternak's Raptor continued its relentless assault, Kuro noticed Pasternak's movements. "He's not a Natural. It's almost like he's…like he's an Extended!" Kuro remembered the stories he heard from the first war about how Raviel Sierra led the Biological CPUs against the trio of Storm Wolf, Freedom, and Justice, and managed to hold their own against the Supreme Ace, White Knight, and Red Knight.

Pasternak just let out a light laugh as he fired his beam rifle, getting the Kaitou in the shoulder, melting through the large pauldrons covering the servo and other mechanisms. "Indeed, Captain. Although I'm a much different beast than Sierra and his ilk, or even the current crop. We were given a very extensive battery of biochemical and cybernetic enhancements. All aimed at making us superior soldiers!"

Pasternak's ES-05 came up for a backhanded slash aimed at Kuro's right leg, but he was quick to evade his attacker. The black Takemikazuchi and its equally dark Type-74 whipped about, taking a chunk out of the very tip of Raptor's left shoulder armor. The two mobile suits put their blades away, and the beam rifles came out, exchanging fire once again. One of Pasternak's emerald lances found its mark, managing to slice away a part of the Kaitou's back-mounted vernier engines. "Oh crap!" The young Sahaku yelled, struggling to keep his machine in the air. Pasternak smelled blood in the water, swapping out the blade of steel for one of energy.

But Kuro wasn't about to end there. Continuing to fire his beam rifle, he managed to get lucky, one of the rounds melting off the starboard head antenna. Although Pasternak paid him back by hacking off the Kaitou's central antenna with a well-timed swing from his beam saber. It was starting to make Kuro angry as the Eurasian took another couple swings, leaving a matching pair of gouges in the Kaitou's shoulder armor. "You know what it's going to take to replace that?" He raged, managing a jagged slice across the knee of Pasternak's Raptor. "I need to make a decisive move and end this fight now. This guy is proving to be a hardier foe than I anticipated."

Pasternak was starting to feel the same way. The duel had been exciting, to say the least, but a minor detail in the bigger scheme of the war. "Forgive me for ending this, Captain. but I'm a busy man and I have to get on with other things." The melee halberds were drawn once again. Kuro let out a wordless cry, ready for a powerful horizontal slice. The Eurasian raised his own weapon in order to block. But then Kuro pulled a fast one.

He let the weapon slip out of his hands. Both beam sabers popped of the arm compartments. The two flaming columns caught the ES-05 between it. The Kaitou shoved the Raptor back, and in a single smooth movement, cleaved off the tip of the melee halberd. Pasternak went for his beam rifle. But Kuro was ready, swinging downward, catching the weapon just before the scope. He cursed in Romanian, tossing the remains of the rifle away. Only to find one of Kuro's beam sabers pointing at him.

Pasternak let out a resigned sigh. "Well fought, Captain Sahaku. You managed to disarm me. I'll give this round to you, but know I'll come back the next time. La revedere!" The battered Raptor turned and departed. Kuro exhaled, relieved to finally be free. He saw one of Dawn Squadron's Takemikazuchis come up, bearing his Type-74.

"I think you dropped this, Captain." Shimako said. He took the offered weapon, sheathing it back on the mount pylon on the back.

"Thank you, Ensign Kai. Now let's see about dealing with the rest of those Windams!" He descended toward the girls and Kazuma were still battling atop the carrier's massive deck. The regular Earth Alliance soldiers had been putting up a fairly decent fight, but it would be a breath of fresh air after facing Pasternak.

(Indian Ocean, Skies)

The battle between Freedom and Reaver was proving as intense as the last time. Kira Yamato and Karen Willet opened their second duel in an explosive manner by firing their Baelana plasma cannons. The twin pairs of orange and blue beams slammed into each other, the explosion ripped across the sky. the two identical mobile suits flew through the flames and smoke, Gerberas at the ready. "Good to see you again, Major Yamato!" Karen said in an almost conversational manner as she finally locked blades with her rival. "I trust you've been keeping up since our last fight?"

"You better believe it! I even brought some friends with me this time around!" Kira said, whipping his faithful blade around, only for Willet to block it away with her shield. Reaver's rail cannons came up, spitting out two rounds. Kira quickly banked to the side, letting the shells careen off into the horizon, raising his sword to block Willet's next strike.

"I can see that, and I know who they are. Cagalli Yula Attha, your twin sister, Athrun Zala the man who is all but your brother, and Yukimasa Ikari Sahaku, you keep some very interesting company, Major." Willet slashed upwards, only for it to slide off the edge of Kira's blade. "But I brought my mates as well, and they're all spoiling for a fight!" Willet said, swinging her blue and black longsword around. The edge managed to sink into Freedom's shoulder, leaving a deep gash. "As you can see, I upgraded my own blade after Break the World."

Kira grunted, bringing out his Lupus and opening fire. But reflexes honed by many years of training served the Silver Shadow well. She managed to avoid getting skewered, but still took a hit in the left hip area. Willet was genuinely enjoying herself in this brawl, not even caring as a plasma burst from the Freedom melted a long gash along Reaver's shoulder as she parried the curved blade before her. Freedom launched a blast from its own railguns. the 110mm depleted uranium shells hitting Reaver square on, but the black and silver Phase Shift Armor held strong.

The Damascene katana batted the longsword aside, and claimed its first blow on Reaver. The shining blade slashed across the dark Gundam's right forearm, and then hitting Reaver again with the plasma cannons, scoring hits on the left hip, melting off the very tip of Reaver's right shoulder armor. But the English operative was unfazed. She produced a beam saber, leaving a series of burns and gouges across Freedom's superstructure, leaving a nasty slash mark on the right side of Freedom's cockpit.

Kira raised his shield, Reaver's beam saber bounced off, followed by a powerful surge from the plasma cannons, when the light dissipated, there was barely any hint of burn marks. "I guess it was worth adding the anti-beam coating on top of the laminated armor." It had been the White Wolf's idea to give the Freedom and Justice's shields an extra layer of protection, but it wasn't infallible. The Gerbera swung about, Reaver's shield came up to block. Kira managing to bury itself in the top, leaving a jagged, diagonal notch.

"Oh, you'll pay for that!" Willet hissed. She took out one of the beam sabers, a quick slash upward resulted in the right corner of Freedom's shield getting hacked off. Freedom swung upwards, trying to get some altitude, but Reaver was right behind, firing its CIWS. The 76mm shells ineffectual, but still enough to keep the White Knight on his toes. Kira whipped out the beam rifle, squeezing off a few rounds, only for Willet to deflect it with her beam shield.

Kira then turned Freedom rapidly in the air, ascending as high as possible. He took a deep breath, remembering one of the lessons Sebastian had taught him during in the intervening months. In a moment, a violet seed fell in his eyes. Freedom's engines kicked on to full power, rushing straight down toward his dark counterpart. The giant, metallic hand going to the handle of his sword.

"Here goes everything!" The White Knight was making use of the training in Iaijutsu instilled in him by the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due. Kira really had no desire to kill. But he couldn't hold back against the likes of Colonel Karen Willet. There was no other recourse but to go all out. He was aimed right at the Silver Shadow, and she was in no position to evade it. Freedom was a white, black, and blue bullet. The razor-sharp edge of its Gerbera aimed for a devastating blow. He was looking to end it right then and there. From where he was looking, this would ensure the end of his battle. But things rarely work out the way one hopes.

At nearly the last minute. All of Willet's training and instincts kicked in, twisted her machine to the left. This quick action just barely saved her life. Kira's blade still found its mark, leaving the largest gash on Reaver yet, the Phase-Shift on the black and blue blade ripping through the titanium hull like wet paper. The edges were straight and clean. Almost as the edge of both pilot's swords.

"Damn it!" Willet said, realization sinking in on how close she was to death. She fired the Xiphas, going for one of her beam sabers, striking against the Freedom, carving out chunks from the legs and along the torso. "His SEED mode has activated!" She couldn't help but smirk. The challenge had just been upped and she was loving every minute of it!

The White Knight went for his own glowing weapon, leaving several glancing blows on his rival's machine. Lacerta and ES04 both intersected. They were once again at a stalemate. "She's just as strong as last time!" He looked to where his sister and brother were currently duking it out with the rest of the Frighteners. "And her people are just like her!"

(Indian Ocean, Skies, Freedom Squadron vs Frighteners)

Indeed Athrun, Cagalli, and Yukimasa had gotten a taste of the Third Covert Tactical Assault Team's skill and power. Even with Gundams all of the Frighteners were more than holding their own against the trio. Athrun fired a barrage from the Fortis beam cannons at Walter, before taking one of the Bassel beam boomerangs in hand, hurling at the big Englishman. But the Third CTAT's executive officer was unfazed, he dodged the beams easily enough. The Bassel required a bit more work, but the dark steel of the ES05 managed to deflect it back easy enough.

"You're going to have to do better than that, Red Knight! Our Raptors aren't exactly what you call factory standard!" He said, as a pair of Baelana plasma cannons much like Freedom and Reaver's folded out over the silver-hued shoulders. One of the Raptor's main features was what was called "The Mount Pylon", derived from the Striker Pack system it allowed certain pieces of equipment to be mounted onto it. Like one of the central weapons of the Reaver, letting loose those oh so familiar red and blue colored streams of destructive energy.

Athrun goggled but only for a second. A green seed falling in his mind. However, even the activation of the mighty SEED mode didn't allow Justice to get away unscathed. One of the plasma beams managed to melt off the right wingtip of the Fatum pack. He ignited his double beam saber, readying for a massive double slice, managing to score a nasty blow to the starboard side of Walter's Raptor, before the Fortis plugged him in the left hip and knee. Walter just chortled, he had taken worse blows so this was normal for him. "Ha! Now, this is a real fight!" Justice and the Raptor had beam sabers out, sparks flying with each swing of the blade.

Cagalli and Yukimasa were teaming up against the rest of the Frighteners. Ioan, Irene, Malcolm, and Eva using years of finely honed teamwork to fight the Golden Gundam and the samurai themed mobile suit. Yukimasa's black and red-hued Gerbera bounced off the dual Armor Schneider combat knives Eva's Raptor was currently wielding. "Damn this chick is fast!" The Sahaku heir rasped, opening fire with Bushido's shoulder mounted beam cannons. But the German expatriate was faster. The Raptor managing to close the distance, Yukimasa barely had time to raise his weapon, only for his alarm to start blaring. "Crap!" He yelled as a large emerald beam lanced through, getting him in the side.

Ioan smirked as he lowered his sniper rifle. "Need to pay attention to your surroundings better, mate. Just because the boss likes to battle one on one, doesn't mean we won't gang up on you." He then saw the Akatsuki bring its twin Type=3F Kai high energy beam cannons up, staring right down its barrels. "Oh bugger!" He winced, cutting power to the engines and dropping like a stone in order to avoid getting skewered. "Definitely lives to her title of 'Lioness', that's for sure!"

"Ain't that the truth?" Malcolm said, firing a couple more rounds at the Bushido, only for the Akatsuki to step in between, the entire hull of the machine glowing for a second before reflecting it back at its origin point. He was just barely able to avoid being hit by his own round, only for another one to burn a nice clean line through his port shoulder armor. He cursed in Gaelic.

"Oh, that's how you want to playmate?" The Scottish man snarled. "I'll give you a little something to think about!" His fingers flew over the controls. As the communications and electronic warfare specialist of the Third CTAT, his machine had a greatly enhanced command and control package. He activated a variation of the Quantum Computer Virus Transmission system capable of temporarily scrambling the sensors of enemy mobile suits. "Hope you enjoy fighting blind!" He sneered.

Yukimasa blanched when the Raptors he was fighting suddenly just vanished from his radar screen, not to mention his monitors. "What in the hell?" He muttered. Only for the cockpit to rock about. Ioan had plugged him in the torso and shoulder, while Eva came in dual-wielding beam sabers, leaving a series of molten, slagged holes across Bushido's structure. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me!" Yukimasa groaned, watching as the damage indicators piled up. He began struggling to figure out just what he had been hit with.

Athrun, having been outside of the range of Malcolm's electronic attack, was watching as Eva and Ioan pummeled the Bushido with their relentless assault. He pushed back Walter, firing the Fortis again with additional fire from his beam rifle, managing a few clean hits. The plasma cannons fired again, Justice's shield came up, deflecting what he couldn't dodge. SEED enhanced reflexes gave him the strength to push his assault. Powering through the plasma bursts. "Take this!" He swung the double Lacerta, managing to carve a large chunk off the armor put over the Raptor's knee joints. He then hit the Walter point blank with a burst from the Fortis.

The Red Knight took the moment to contact the Bushido. The mobile suit had taken a big pounding from Eva and Ioan's attack. Malcolm had also gotten in on the action, peppering it with beam fire. "Yukimasa, are you all right?" Athrun asked quickly. Ignoring how the port wing of the Fatuum melted off due to one of the plasma rounds. He hurled the beam boomerang again, connecting with Walter's beam rifle, who promptly discarded the sparking weapon before it exploded.

It would have almost looked comical at the way the Bushido was flailing about, Gerbera in one hand, beam rifle in the other, struggling to hit what it could see. "Not really! They jacked up my sensor systems somehow. I can't see shit and I'm getting my ass kicked!" Athrun winced when the Bushido got hit from behind by Eva with a combat knife.

"One of the enemy machines is an ECM unit. It's the one doing it!" Athrun said, batting aside Walter's ES05, again firing the Fortis to slow him down. He added the Lupus, putting up an emerald wall of death. Walter swung his melee halberd about, knocking the beams aside. Besides their own specialties, all of the Third Covert Tactical Assault Team had been trained by their commanding officer to be at least a competent swordsman. But the Red Knight was no weakling either. The double Lacerta spun, giving Walter Islands another series of burns and gouges.

Athrun's words brought the engineer in Yukimasa to life. His fingers flew over the keyboard trying to find the source of the ECM attack. "I wonder." He said and soon found the problem. "Ah, you clever bastard. You put a computer virus in my systems in order to blind me. Nice job, but not good enough!" He purged the virus and the Raptors were back on his monitor. "Eat this!" He said, uncovering the shoulder and chest-mounted cannons. The former spouting out larger green beams, and the chest launching a red and blue burst equal to the plasma cannons on Freedom and Reaver, who were still clashing in the background.

The Frighteners had to act quickly to avoid Yukimasa's onslaught. Ioan barely managed to get out of the way, his Raptor's forearms and the right hip getting scorched. Eva was the fastest, but she still managed to get scored along the shoulder and hip, very close to the cockpit. The primary communications antenna on Malcolm's Raptor burned away under the heat of the high energy beam cannon. He then went for one of his Muramasa beam katanas, getting up in Eva's face. The red beam swinging upward, slashing through the Raptor's torso.

Athrun let himself feel the briefest hint of relief. The Frighteners were the most dangerous rivals he had ever encountered, but they weren't invincible. Confident that Yukimasa could handle himself, so he looked to his other partner. "Cagalli, how are you doing?" He soon got his answer. Irene, as the team's primary mechanic and engineer, her Raptor was outfitted with a special beam shotgun of her own design, the various other tools she'd need to do her job when the Frighteners were out in the field and away from Professor Eifman. And of course, a very large degree of explosives.

The Akatsuki's beam reflective armor held firm against the explosive bursts from the shotgun. But it couldn't do much when bricks of plastic explosives were being chucked at it. It managed to catch on the shoulder of the Akatsuki, exploding and taking a good chunk of the shoulder covering with it. "Cagalli!" Athrun couldn't have turned the Justice sooner, firing the Lupus. "Cagalli, are you okay?" His heart seized at the thought of his best friend's sister hurt.

He shouldn't have worried. At that moment, Cagalli's SEED factor had kicked in. The Akatsuki's cannons snapped up. "I'm fine." She rasped, the Oowashi's beam cannons lancing out to hit the large C4 charges Irene had thrown out, blowing them out of the sky. "You deal with your problems, Athrun. I can handle myself." The Red Knight simply gave a double click, letting the Lioness assert her own dominance.

Indeed, Cagalli wasn't too happy with Irene's earlier attack. Her SEED factor tempering her anger. She saw the Raptor raise its beam shotgun. "Oh no, you don't!" She snarled, beam rifle and cannons firing at once. The rounds hit home, striking Irene in the right shoulder and torso. The English engineer was rocked about. She ground her teeth, a part of her wishing she had a regular beam rifle, but she worked with what she had, going for her melee halberd.

Cagalli wasn't done as she brought out her Type-73J2 twin-beam saber, which she had since given the name "Senko", or "Flash". She kicked on her engines, spinning the flaming columns of death. Blades of energy and steel intersected once again. But Cagalli was only getting worked up. She knocked the heavy weapon down, swinging the blade leaving a series of long gash marks. Before hacking the front two feet of the melee halberd clean off. "How about that?" she snapped.

Cagalli noticed a few explosions off in the distance. Immediately her thoughts went to Kyoko and the rest of her comrades. "I wonder how Kuro, Kazuma, and Dawn Squadron are doing?" She offered a silent prayer to Haumea, hoping that everyone would make it out alive and in one piece.

(Indian Ocean, Takemikazuchi Deck)

Cagalli's prayers had been answered thus far. Kuro and Kazuma stood shoulder to shoulder, assisting the ladies of Dawn Squadron. Kyoko and the others were more than capable of defending themselves, still, the mass amount of firepower Namikaze possessed and the strength of the Takemikazuchi Kaitou's blade was a welcome presence to the lesser experienced members of the team. He had already saved Kazusa from being skewered by a beam saber.

Yui was busying herself fending off one of the Windams, who had just launched a barrage of missiles at her. She quickly hopped over them. She brought out her Type-74, managing to slash through the right-wing of the Windam's Jet Striker pack. But only to get blasted in the shoulder by the Windam's beam rifle. "AAAHHHH!" Yui screamed, her Takemikazuchi falling back, only to be caught by the Kaitou. "Thanks, Kuro!"

"Not a problem." He said, raising his own melee halberd. He charged another Windam, swinging down to catch it in the shoulder. A second swing removed the Windam's arm. Kyoko finished it off with a well-timed shot from her beam rifle. "Another one bites the dust!" Kuro quipped, landing back on the deck. "Thanks for the assist, Kyoko."

"Not a problem, Captain. Although the Earth Alliance is proving to be quite a challenge." Kyoko remarked as she had to fend off another pair of Windams. They both hurled armor penetrators at Shimako. One of them embedded in her arm, taking a chunk out of the armor. She wisely got out of the way, avoiding any further damage.

The Windams were soaring about, taking potshots with beam rounds and missile barrages, while occasionally swooping down to engage with beam sabers. Aki and Izumi teamed up with Kazuma, providing covering fire for their squadmates while Kuro, Kyoko, and the rest of Dawn Squadron engaged the Earth Forces in melee combat.

"They're certainly persistent!" Shimako said, blasting a Windam in the torso, not even acknowledging as she took a missile to the back. Kazusa paid the Windam pilot back by taking a large chunk out of his shield and leaving several rents in the mobile suit's hull courtesy of her melee halberd. It was then one of the Windams stepped forward, but this was one was different. As instead of just beam sabers, it was carrying an ES-05.

"The Earth Alliance has physical blades?" Aki noted worriedly. It was the first time any of the girls had seen the enemy carrying weapons like their own. It was enough to make Shimako and Izumi actually take a step back. Only for Asagi's red F-type to rest a hand on the latter's shoulder. Dawn Squadron's number two wasted no time in asserting control.

"Don't let such a minor thing rattle you, girls. It's exactly what the enemy wants, for you to be off-balance." The smile Asagi wore looked pleasant, but Yui knew it was anything but. "Lieutenant Takamura, would you be a dear and kick his ass for me!"

Yui's eyes narrowed. She knew all too well how the Atlantic Federation had such a weapon. It was certain that it was because of the weapon she lost back in Orb this had happened. She was all too eager for Asagi's green light. "He's mine!" She said. Rushing forward to meet her opponent, Type-74 at the ready. The Windam pilot was quick to meet her. And the two mobile suits locked up quickly.

The Windam swung upwards, only for Yui to parry it away. The yellow Takemikazuchi brought the Type-74 around, but the white and blue Earth Alliance machine was already dropping back into a defensive stance as Yui came in with a diagonal strike aimed downward. But the Windam pilot was faster, the ES05 taking a good-sized chunk out of her hull.

She swung again, only for the Windam's A52 Type E Offensive Shield to come up, the prongs at the end catching the weapon within. It also gave Yui a very nice view of the twin missiles kept inside. Yui kept her head, managing to avoid taking a missile to the face. But the nameless Windam pilot was proving to be more of a challenge than she thought. She took a moment to see Kyoko battling.

Two of the Windams rushed in at Kyoko. But the blue-haired warrior was the picture of calm. "Bring it on boys!" She said, raising her melee halberd. She swung in a wide arc, cleaving through the anti-beam shields. The two enemy machines ignited beam sabers, locking against the heavier steel blade while peppering the area with emerald fire.

Kyoko gracefully weaved in and out through their attacks, Type-74 spinning in an almost alluring manner, reflecting shots away from her. She swung upwards, hacking through her attacker's beam rifle. Then pivoting around, cleaving another Windam in twain at the waist. The blue-haired pilot let out an almost bored sounding yawn. A Windam then lunged at her, beam saber drawn. She brought her own weapon up to block. But it was unnecessary, a white blur flew in, bodychecking the Earth Alliance machine.

The C-type Takemikazuchi fired its beam rifle twice, before drawing a beam saber in its other hand, impaling the Windam clean through the cockpit. The machine slumped to the ocean, where it promptly exploded. "Are you all right, Colonel?" Shimako asked worriedly.

"I'm just fine, Lieutenant Kai, thank you for acting so quickly," Kyoko said. Her alarm started blaring madly, indicating a huge salvo of missiles had been launched, and Dawn Squadron was right in the line of fire. Izumi screamed in terror, certain death was coming for them all. It was then the Namikaze soared overhead. She couldn't help but grin watching as the ADMM launchers mounted on Gundam's shoulders opened up, launching its own barrage that destroyed most of them. The remainder of the projectiles dealt with by the CIWS.

"Where did that come from?" Mayura asked, rapidly scanning the skies and water, looking for where it could have come from. "Girls, eyes on a swivel!"

"This is Dawn-Actual, did anyone see where that missile barrage came from?" Kyoko asked, looking around herself. "Roger that, this is Seawolf-Actual." a grizzled, deep voice spoke. "We have unknown sonar contact. It was what launched the missiles. It should have just surfaced neared you, it's launching mobile suits!"

Kyoko then saw a dark shape break the surface of the water. She zoomed in, noting it was a submarine that bore more than a passing resemblance to the Seawolf. Her stomach dropped as she saw very familiar shapes taking off from the ship. It wasn't long before a dozen GAT-04 Windams were airborne, and the Atlantic Federation submarine dipped back into the waves. "Confirmed. Dawn Actual to all commanders. The Earth Alliance just got reinforcements and a dumped a fresh squadron on our front doorstep!"

"Roger that, Dawn Actual." Sebastian's voice came through on the channel. "Captain Landis, tail that submarine and try to take it out!"

(ONS Seawolf, Bridge)

The command hub of the submarine carrier was abuzz of activity. In the center of this maelstrom was Captain Martin Landis. A twenty-year veteran with the Orb Maritime Self Defense Force. His hair, streaked gray and silver, framed a pair of brilliant ice blue eyes that emanated with a commanding air. "We're already on it, Storm Wolf Actual." The older man smirked. "Don't worry, we won't let it get away."

"I'll leave that particular hunt in your hands then, Seawolf-Actual," Sebastian grunted in exertion, still engaged in battle with the Black Comet. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got my own fight to deal with." And the line went silent.

"Get on its tail and get a shooting solution. I don't want to risk them launching another load of missiles." Landis said. He ran his hand through his hair. "I guess Admiral Russo and Colonel Sahaku were right to be concerned. The Atlantic Federation is using a variation on the Seawolf's original design. Not that it matters in the end. Our wolf is the strongest."

"It's wheeling about, I have a pair of high=speed screws! We have torpedoes in the water, Captain!" The sonar officer reported.

"Prepare countermeasures!" Landis smirked. "And here's where it gets exciting!" There was nothing the aging submariner liked more than going up against one of his own. "Fire torpedo intercepts!" A pair of dark cylinders launched from the upper torpedo tubes, streaking toward the incoming torpedoes, exploding and causing the projectiles to detonate early.

Under the water, the shockwaves could be felt for miles around. Even on the EAS Kalameet, the Seawolf's counterpart and its current target could feel it. The Kalameet's captain growled in frustration. It was supposed to be an easy insertion, deliver its Windam compliment to support the First Special Operations Fleet and get out. But now they were being pursued by another submarine, one that had the same capabilities as it, maybe even better.

"Prepare another shooting solution, and have all VLS tubes launched to provide more missile support. We may not get another chance at this!"

(Archangel, Bridge)

Murrue was trying to keep things on the level topside. The two fleets had drifted closer to each other in the course of the past half hour. The Archangel had already laid into the Dynames hard, given the gaping hole in the black and gray ship's starboard side just below the bridge that was belching out smoke, but not before Mark had managed to deliver a pair of 110cm shells that smashed up the entire front of the white legged ship.

Lacus was working in the CIC, helping Flay manage the heavy amount of comm traffic between all the ships in the Task Force. "I'm getting reports that an Earth Alliance submarine carrier just launched another squadron of Windams of reinforcements. It's also launching cruise missiles. The Takemikazuchi is reporting they've shot down a half dozen already, and the Minerva almost took a hit to the bridge!" The Songstress of Hope offered a silent prayer for all fighting, but most of all for her beloved. "Sebastian, please be safe!"

"Give me a damage report, Captain Badgiurel!" She barked, not paying attention to the barrage of Sledgehammer missiles that was blasted down by the CIWS, while the Gottfrieds and Valiants fired back at the Dynames. Only for one of the Danilovs try and get a cheap shot with a missile barrage of its own, followed up by a couple of rounds from the main deck gun.

"Hull breaches on decks five, six, and seven," Natarle shouted out from the CIC. In the background. Miriallia was coordinating with her counterparts on the Minerva, Takemikazuchi, and Seawolf in trying to keep the chain of command from collapsing. "A fire has broken out on deck fire, section three. Repair teams are working to contain the flames." Natarle couldn't help but be unsettled at all the chaos unfolding. "All weapon systems are still active. What do you want me to shoot at?"

"You can start by getting rid of that Danilov on our starboard flank!" Murrue ordered. The two twin-barreled turrets swung around, now aiming directly at the hapless destroyer. "Fire!" The Archangel's primary battery lanced out, sending huge beams as thick as a tree trunk, slamming into the superstructure and hull. The naval vessel splintered in half, sinking quickly beneath the waves.

Flay wanted to cry at the mad litany of communications going through her headset, but she knew this was the absolute worst time to go to pieces. One message caught her attention. "The Minerva just took a bad hit, Admiral. A Valiant strike from the Virtue!" She called out. "It took out one of their launch catapults, and the Isolde cannon has been knocked out of commission!"

"Fire Sledgehammers and Wombats at the Virtue, try to keep them off the Minerva's back!" Natarle said, struggling to stay in her seat while the ship was rocked by another linear cannon salvo that just barely missed them. The missiles popped out, most of them managing to be destroyed by the Virtue's Igelstellungs. But a pair got through, connecting along the mobile assault ship's port side, taking a chunk out of the wing and leaving a good size hole amidships, disabling the Valiant in the process.

(Virtue, Bridge)

Corusso was knocked from his seat when the missiles connected. The fire from the explosion visible from the deck, and debris scattering everywhere. "Get damage control teams on that right now!" He loosened the collar of his uniform before finally taking his seat again. "Weapons status?"

"The port side Valiant is currently offline, but it doesn't seem to be too badly damaged, Gottfrieds and the starboard Valiant are still fully operational." The weapons control officer reported. "The Kalameet is reporting they are being engaged by the enemy submarine who just shot down two of their torpedoes. I don't think it's going to be able to provide any more cruise missile support, for the time being, Admiral Corusso."

"Pass that onto Vice Admiral Lamperouge." Corusso really wished he had something to wipe the sweat out of his face at that moment. "Get the Valiant back online! We can't afford to have it disabled at this juncture!" He looked to the Minerva. The grey and red ship had proven to be quite the formidable opponent, even with one of its main weapons out, it still had plenty of teeth. "What's going on with the Frighteners?"

"Colonel Willet and her team are fighting against the Freedom, Justice, and a couple of the other enemy Gundams. It looks like they're giving them a hard fight, sir!" Corusso said nothing. He had spent enough time with Karen Willet during the voyage to get an idea of her character and skill.

He got up to look out the viewport. "Yes, but this fight isn't over yet." Idly tapping his foot on the ground. "The battle is not over yet. And they're not going to give up just because we asked them to."

(Minerva, Bridge)

"The Virtue took a major hit just now, Captain! A missile barrage courtesy of the Archangel!" Abby said. The blonde technician more than a little grateful for the heat to be taken off their backs, even if it was just a temporary measure.

It was the best news Talia had heard thus far. The linear round had damaged the servos of the Isolde triple barrel cannon offline, rendering it unable to turn. "Send my thanks to Admiral Ramius." Talia had gained an understanding with both Murrue and Natarle, finding both to be kindred spirits. "Arthur, what's the status on the Isolde?" she asked.

"Repair crews are working frantically to get it back up and running ma'am. The servos got jammed and it's taking time to clear the problem out." Trine sounded a step away from going nuts. Poor guy just couldn't get a break at times. "One of the escort destroyers is making its way toward the Takemikazuchi. It took a couple of hits from the Dynames earlier, and it's having trouble steering."

"Prep the Tristans and lock onto that destroyer. We can't have them get the carrier." Talia said. "Besides, it's best to pay it forward." The other part of the Minerva's main battery swiveled to face at a forty-degree angle. The second Danilov class frigate right in its sights. "Fire!" Talia gave the order and the beams lanced out, only for the destroyer to pop out a couple of dozen missiles, aimed not at the Orb carrier but the ZAFT ship.

The beams found their mark, finishing the Atlantic Federation ship off relatively quickly. However, the missiles were still coming right at them. The CIWS turrets madly whipped about, shooting down as many missiles possible. But a few got through. "Brace for impact!" Talia yelled. She knew her ship was durable, and it could take a lot of hits. But the people inside weren't made of titanium. They could be hurt a lot more.

Cue a two massive orange and blue beams cutting through the offending projectiles. Talia couldn't help but smile at the sight of the MBF-01 Phoenix Gundam soaring by. Lunamaria's face came up on the monitor. "I guess it was a good thing I was in the neighborhood, huh Captain?" she grinned.

"Very good of you to stop by, Lieutenant Hawke. If you could provide us with some extra support for right now?" Luna just gave a salute, and the Phoenix settled onto the Minerva's deck. A couple Jet Striker pack equipped Windams approached the Minerva. The Phoenix's shoulder mounted Type 53K high energy beam cannons sang, hurling orange-blue death toward them. But the formation quickly scattered, launching missiles.

Lunamaria wasted no time firing the cannons again, this time also including fire from the beam rifle. The missiles were destroyed. The Minerva threw out a barrage of Dispar interception missiles. The Windams had no choice but to break off. Luna couldn't help but be relieved. Although she knew it wouldn't keep any nearby Alliance machines away forever. She checked her targeting sensors, keeping an eye on the skies.

(Indian Ocean, Skies)

Shinn and Ezra's fight was turning out to be as ferocious as either Sebastian and Neo or Kira and Karen. Shinn's natural aggression was being met with equal force by the young Atlantic Federation pilot. If the way the Impulse's right arm, still bearing the anti-beam shield, tumbled to the water below was any indication. The black and red Windam fired its beam rifle along with a few missiles at the Impulse.

"Damn it!" The young pilot cursed, ignoring the warning indicator that he was now missing a limb. The white and blue Gundam's chest-mounted 20mm CIWS managed to shoot them down, but this was just a feint while Ezra's Windam flanked the Impulse. He tried firing his beam rifle, but Ezra had his shield ready to deflect, firing off the missiles mounted inside.

A pair of quick shots destroyed them. He zeroed in on the offending machine before him. He managed to score a few hits, taking off the tip of the Jet Striker's right-wing, and taking a huge chunk out of the torso.

Before Shinn had a chance to react, Ezra came in, beam saber slashing downwards, cleaving off the lower two left wings of the Force pack.

"You're not looking too good there, pal." Ezra couldn't help but admire his handiwork. The Impulse was struggling to keep in the air, and from his own estimation, it should almost be out of power. He continued carving gouges out of the Impulse's torso while squeezing a few rounds that left scorch marks along the left shoulder and hip. "I figured a Gundam would be a more pressing opponent. But you won't last much longer at this rate!"

Ezra threw a Stiletto, which embedded itself in the knee joint of the Impulse's right leg. The explosion packed a bigger punch than Shinn expected, as the entire lower leg disintegrated in the explosion, also taking the beam rifle with it. "You're done!" Ezra said, moving in for the kill.

The battery level was nearly at zero, and Shinn would be wide open, but he wasn't about to go out like this. "No way am I dying here!" With that, a red seed fell in his mind. He hit a button and the Impulse came apart at the seams, Ezra's beam saber sailing through where the cockpit once was. The Core Splendor did a flyby, blasting the Earth Alliance machine with its twin nose-mounted 20mm machine guns. "This is Asuka, I need fresh Chest and Leg Flyers, along with the Sword pack!"

The Minerva wasted no time, the three Silhouette flyers bearing the fresh components launched off the center catapult under cover from the CIWS and Lunamaria's Phoenix. The Core Flyer broke off and made to dock. But Ezra was in fast pursuit. "I can't let them combine!" He pumped out every bit of power from the Jet Striker as possible, locking onto the Core Splendor." But he was forced back by a long-distance assist courtesy of Lunamaria.

The Impulse reassembled itself, its Variable Phase Shift changing so the torso and shoulders were now a deep blood red while the feet had black trim. Shinn drew both Excalibur anti-ship swords, combining them as one, before giving an intimidating spin. "Let's see how you do now!" The two mobile suits rushed each other, blazing energy weapons colliding.

Not too far away, the rest of the Minerva's mobile suits clashed against the personal forces of the Crimson Fox. Heine was giving the Savior a major work out against Nena's Vajra. The two were madly firing their beam rifles as they tried to get an advantage. The M106 Amfortas plasma cannons lanced out. Only for Nena to fire back with her main weapon, a long-barreled beam rifle, canceling each other out.

Rey was squaring off against Takachi, Beam saber and beam axe flashing back and forth. It was clear the black and red Windam's Jet Striker pack had the advantage over the white ZAKU Phantom's Guul. The young blonde redcoat fired a pair of missiles from his platform, only for them to be shot down by the older pilot. They went for their respective melee weapons, beam saber and beam tomahawk colliding with each other.

Stellar, Juliana and the greencoat pilots were fending off Asher, Taylor, and Alyssa since reinforced by Windams from the Kalameet. The violet haired beauty just seemed to make it look so easy as she nearly parried away Taylor's beam saber. A regular Windam came in behind, firing a barrage of missiles. Only for the Gaia in quadruped mode, running on the air to come in, the VPS protecting both of them.

The redcoat leapt off her Guul, Her ZAKU Phantom spinning in midair over the Gaia, her beam rifle aimed squarely at the Earth Alliance grunt. She squeezed off three rounds, the pilot barely avoiding getting skewered, but only for the Gaia, still in quadruped mode to run in, bisecting it in half. Juliana landed back on the platform. "All too easy." She smirked at Stellar. "Thanks for the assist."

"No problem." The blonde said a new bond of trust existed between her and Juliana now that she had saved the former's life. She turned her attention to Alyssa, shifting the Gaia to mobile suit mode, beam saber in hand. "You won't hurt my mama and papa. I'll stop you right here and now!" Stellar was going to fight to protect Kira and Flay, no matter what.

(Indian Ocean, Skies, Strike Alpha vs Rapier)

Mu and Murasame Squad Five's battle against Jean-Pierre and the Blue Knights was proving to be more challenging than they initially thought. Mu had gained a new respect for his cousin's people. He had to since they had managed to fight Freedom and Justice to a standstill!

The 127th had intensified their training with the ES05 since Orb. As such, their technique was even more polished than ever. Squad Five, consisting of eight Murasames and led by the Strike Alpha was learning just how much. Mu was struggling to gain ground against the lead Blue Knight. Both mobile suits already had several dents and gouges from their battle. The melee halberds were locked against each other, as they had already done a couple times by now.

The Hawk of Endymion wound up his Type-74, banging it against Rapier's Earth Alliance counterpart while trying to aim for Rapier's hip. But Jean-Pierre batted it away, letting loose a barrage from the Fortis beam cannons. The Strike Alpha took a couple hits on the torso and right hip. Mu fired a pair of slugs from his shoulder mounted rail cannons, but the Rapier was faster, evading them entirely.

But Mu wasn't discouraged by this in the slightest. "You've proven your worth, Jean-Pierre." He grunted, firing another barrage from the rail cannons and beam rifle. "Perhaps you're better suited to carry on the family legacy than I ever could!" The two mobile suits locked their melee halberds once again.

"Indeed I am! You're a stain on the La Flaga family name that has to be silenced for good!" It was then a pair of compartments opened on the Fatum, revealing a pair of dark metal barrels, firing a pair of intense plasma beams. Mu violently jerked to left, but the right-wing was still badly scorched. "Plasma cannons, based off Baelanas carried by the Freedom, Reaver, and Patriot. A little upgrade courtesy of Professor Eifman himself. Said I needed some extra ranged firepower."

Melee halberds were swapped out for beam sabers. Mu taking a page from Athrun's playbook and joining them together in double-bladed mode. The two La Flagas were both determined to be the victor, but with skill and mobile suits of equal caliber. It would prove to be difficult. the Hawk spun his weapon, slashing in a diagonal arc downwards, hoping to take out one of the Fatum's plasma cannons, but Rapier's shield came up, which caused it to bounce off, leaving a long streak of molten slag along the wing, marring the otherwise flawless royal blue and dark gray trim.

Jean-Pierre was getting more and more frustrated. He knew that Mu was highly skilled, he wouldn't have made it into the Zero Corps otherwise, but would it be so hard if he just rolled over and died already? He paid little mind as his saber cut through the Strike Alpha's torso, coming close to the cockpit, but he had to disengage fast in order to avoid getting blasted at point-blank range by the next generation Strike's railguns.

The only thing that could have made it worse is if the Strike Alpha had remote weapons like the Providence's DRAGOON system. But regardless, The Hawk of Endymion was still a formidable opponent. The end of one side of his double beam saber came within inches of Rapier's head. JP slammed his shield into the Strike, forcing it back. He fired the plasma cannons again, the Strike Alpha's shield taking the brunt of it before they started blasting each other with the beam rifles again.

"I know you have every reason to hate me, JP. But I've made my choice, and cast my lot." Mu said, scoring a hit on the Rapier's shoulder before going for his melee halberd again. He brought it up for a wide slash only for Rapier's parrying blades to come out, catching the Type-74 between them. "As long as those Blue Cosmos nut jobs are running the show, I want nothing to do with our homeland!"

"I have no love for their ilk either." At that moment, both Mu and Jean-Pierre could agree that the fanatics in power were nothing but a blight on the nation. "But I don't pay them any mind. I serve the people of the Atlantic Federation first and foremost. That is what matters to me above all else."

For some reason, his cousin's words gave Mu a sense of hope as he parried another blow from Rapier's ES05. Even though they had ended up on opposite sides, and JP was quite enraged by his choice to turn his back on his country. Perhaps there was a chance when this was all over they could at least find a middle ground and part on amicable terms. Of course, that would have to wait until JP had decided not to use him for target practice anymore as he weaved through more plasma beams and emerald lances from the Fortis.

With beam rifle in one hand and melee halberd in the other, the GAT-X105N Strike Alpha went for a full offense against the Rapier, the blue and gray Duel/Justice hybrid wasn't a paper tiger either. It held its own steel blade in both hands, the Fortis. The sun reflecting off it, the GAT-X509 Rapier Gundam truly resembled a mechanical Blue Knight. The two mobile suits met in a clash of steel and fire that would echo across time and space.

(Indian Ocean, Skies, Team Five vs Blue Knights)

As the two cousins battled, the Blue Knights were demonstrating their effectiveness against Squad Five, and the Blue Knights were winning. Demonstrating the same competence they had used against the legendary Freedom Gundam and Justice Gundam. They were slowly gaining ground against the Orb Pilots. Using their superior numbers and sword training to their advantage.

Two of the Duel Stilettos engaged a Murasame in close quarters while another provided covering fire. The Orb mobile suit had its beam saber out, trying to fend off the first Stiletto, swinging wide, only for the second to slip in, protecting it with its shield. He switched to mobile armor mode, hoping to make some distance, but the Blue Knights weren't about to let him get away, the third Earth Alliance machine firing its beam rifle.

The Murasame was pelted with fire, and the first Knight flew by, slicing the Murasame down the middle, destroying it. Two more Murasames rushed in to avenge their fallen comrade, Type-72 beam cannons firing. The Orb machines switched to mobile suit mode, going for melee combat. Only to be met by three more Duel Stilettos, as a second was cut down by a melee halberd.

"Damn it!" The surviving Murasame pilot yelled, firing his beam rifle. "These guys are just too good!" He brought out a beam saber, it managed to get the lead Duel Stiletto across the torso. He just barely avoided getting chopped in half by an ES05. He swung again, managing to make some space.

Another member of Squad Five dove in, firing its beam cannon. It changed in mid-air, beam saber swinging downward, managing to cut through one of the Duel Stiletto's beam rifle. Yet another of the Blue Knights came in with its own flaming blade and was deflected. The two Orb pilots worked together in fending off their Earth Alliance counterparts.

But the Blue Knights still had the edge and were intent on showing their dominance. Three of them began firing their beam rifles, trying to herd the Orb mobile suits so their comrades could engage them at melee range. The remaining six members of Squad Five regrouped into a circular formation, ensuring each others backs were covered. They would hold the line regardless of what happened.

(Indian Ocean, Dawn Squadron vs Earth Alliance Regulars)

The Windams off the Kalameet had turned into an absolute game-changer. They had set their sights on the Takemikazuchi since it was such a large target. So Kuro and Dawn Squadron found themselves surrounded by even more Windams. A few Murasames hung about, providing air support. Although the Earth Alliance mobile suits were just more numerous. A pair of Jet Striker equipped Windams locked up against their Orb counterparts. While others hung back, providing cover fire with beam rifles and missile salvos.

The Takemikazuchi's CIWS spun about, trying to take down the missiles, but several still found their mark, tearing holes into the trimaran's deck and hull. A couple of Windams made it onto the deck, one of their beam rifles aiming right at the island. Only for Izumi to come to their defense, swinging her melee halberd and driving the Windam back. "Oh no, you don't!" She hissed, putting herself between the island structure and the enemy mobile suit.

Dawn Squadron was bolstering the Orb regular forces the best they could. Shimako was dual wielding beam sabers as she emulated Kyoko, weaving through them, blocking and parrying the Earth Alliance mobile suits, even if it wasn't as graceful as her commander. She parried one beam saber, neatly evading a second.

Asagi, Juri, and Mayura were using teamwork forged by years of working together, but the Windams, or the pilots manning them, weren't like the Strike Daggers they engaged so long ago. A pair of them came in at once, beam sabers drawn, while another popped up, firing its beam rifle. Asagi barely avoided getting hit, beam saber out to defend herself. Mayura came to her friend's defense, firing a few rounds to drive him away. While Juri managed to avoid being slashed by a beam saber, she raised her beam rifle, blowing the Windam's head off.

Yui was still fighting the Windam armed with an ES05. Whoever was in the Windam wasn't the normal grunt. She was starting to get more frustrated by the minute. She swung upwards only for it to be blocked by the shield again. She fired her beam rifle at point-blank range, blowing a chunk out of its chest, even as it left a huge torso in Yui's own machine, but the young pilot her held her ground.

"Are you okay, Yui?" Kazusa asked, even as she swung her melee halberd at an opposing Windam, leaving the latest in a series of rents and gouges in the Earth Alliance mobile suit, only for another Windam to get the white Takemikazuchi in the leg. But Izumi was there to back her up, firing a couple rounds that caught the Windam in the right arm and left leg before it exploded in mid-air.

"I'm fine." She said, knocking back the enemy Windam's blade. It flung a Stiletto at her, but Yui quickly dodged it, letting it fall into the waters below. The two locked blades again, taking it across the left shoulder. "But I'm really starting to get tired of dealing with this guy!" She decided it was time to wrap this up. The Windam raised its halberd high over its head for a powerful strike. Yui watched intently. the blade came down, and she stepped to the right.

The Earth Alliance mobile suit overextended, leaving him wide open. Yui spun as fast as she could, the blade severing the Windam's arms. It stumbled back, and without hesitation, she plunged the blade through the Windam's torso. It sparked before exploding. She breathed a sigh of relief. That had been one of the most difficult opponents she ever faced, but it wouldn't the last.

The remaining Orb regulars had taken heavy losses, but they were holding their own, not willing to give up in the face of defeat. A Murasame dipped around in mobile armor mode, trying to flank a squadron of Windams. Only for another to suddenly appear above it. the Orb machine switched to mobile suit mode, firing its beam rifle, clipping the wing of the Jet Striker pack. The Windam struggled to stay in the air, but not before another Murasame came in from behind, stabbing the Windam in the back, causing it to explode. The two Murasames took a moment to celebrate, only for another Windam to hurl a Stiletto at the first, blowing off the right arm before finishing it off with a beam rifle shot.

The other Murasame ignited a beam saber, locking blades with his comrade's killer. He managed to carve a large melted gouge out of the Windam's torso. But the Earth Alliance pilot wasn't so easily dissuaded. The flaming blade burning through the Orb mobile suit's right hip and wing. Another Windam was fast approaching. Only for a beam shot from the ground to impale it through the chest. Another pair of Murasames joined the fight. The three nameless Orb grunts facing over triple the number of their Earth Alliance counterparts.

The Murasames made the first move, they shifted to mobile armor mode. They began with a series of rounds from the beam cannons, and a barrage of missiles, managing to take down two of them. The center Murasame shifted to mobile suit mode, throwing out a rapid barrage, pelting the Windam with fire, but another was quick to come to its defense, with a barrage of missiles.

Sustained CIWS fire and very sharp reflexes saved the pilot from a certain end. He spun around, plugging a Windam, only for his wingman to be taken out by another. It just seemed endless.

Only for a dark blur to suddenly cut through the enemy formation. A single swing of a beam saber and the nearest Windam was destroyed. It then wheeled about, a pair of emerald lances hitting a second and a third. The MBF-M47S Takemikazuchi Kaitou stood, beam saber in one hand, rifle in the other. "Time for the Phantom Thief to steal what's most valuable to you," Kuro said. Activating the Colloid Virus spreader, every Earth Alliance machine in the immediate vicinity found their sensors blinded. All of them looking about frantically. "Let's go Kazuma!" He barked to his fellow noble.

The Namikaze opened fire with another barrage from his missiles, scattering enemy formation. The Sasaki heir brought up the dual-beam revolvers, the beams ripping into the wings of the Striker Pack, detonating the missiles. Kuro then finished it off by hitting the Windam with a well-timed swing of his Type-74, destroying it.

Kazuma brought up the beam shield gatling, gutting another Windam with beam fire. A second Windam came up him with a beam saber drawn. Namikaze's shoulder mounted gatling cannons flipped out, driving it away. But the Earth Alliance pilot was savvier than others. It managed to swing through the barrel of the shield gatling. Kazuma's eyes widened as he found himself looking right down the barrel of the Windam's beam rifle.

"Hang on, Kaz!" Kuro's melee halberd whipped around, digging a huge hole in the Earth Forces machine's side.

Kazuma finished it off with the anti-ship swords. "Thanks, man," Kazuma said, but there were still Windams aplenty hovering about. "They're actually making us work for this."

Kuro smirked. But before he could say anything they spotted an explosion in the distance. "What in the hell was that?"

(Indian Ocean, Skies, Anthony vs Morris, White Wolves vs Phantom Pain)

Anthony had long known he was regarded as one of the finest marksman currently alive, even if he never bandied it about all that much. He also knew that it was ridiculous to think that the Earth Alliance wouldn't have a couple good eyes as well. However, Daniel Morris and the Headhunters were giving him a very eye-opening experience.

It was usually considered a bad thing for snipers to duel in a wide-open space. Although both the Arctic White Wolf and his counterpart weren't alone by any means. He watched as Rachel swooped in, blasting Gavin with her sniper rifle. Loretta went after Michael, Frost Prowler's wired beam cannons spouting fire, putting the other two Headhunters on the back foot, while a pair of all-white Murasames flew in, their dorsal beam cannons firing.

Sharon was hanging back and providing cover fire for Yuuya and Leon as the trio engaged the other White Wolves. One of them screamed by her in mobile armor mode, flipping on its end, beam cannon firing a salvo of beams with missiles. She managed to shoot a few of the missiles down, before evading the beams. She locked onto one of the Murasames only for another to come in the other way, forcing Sharon to withdraw.

Yuuya was engaging another of the White Wolves in melee combat, eschewing the melee halberd for beam sabers, since they were easier to swing. He went upward, but the white Murasame knocked it away. The Orb machine ascended before coming down. Yuuya was prepared, meeting with his own saber. He managed to parry it away, scoring a couple hits on the Murasame. His opponent was quick to give back, leaving a couple of nasty gouges along the shoulder and upper leg.

He then caught sight of Anthony, still engaged in his duel with Morris. Both men had already taken a few hits on each other if the scorch marks and molten gouges were any indication. Yuuya wisely decided to let the commanders duke it out amongst themselves while he kept to those on his level.

Speaking of the Arctic White Wolf, he was currently quite annoyed. He snapped up his rifle, looking for Morris. He managed to find him on the deck of one of the carriers. "Got you!" He opened fire, only for one of the other Headhunters to drop in, firing off an anti-beam depth charge, which dissipated the rounds. Morris took that moment to fire three rounds back in quick succession.

It was only thanks to senses honed by years of training and enhanced genes he managed to avoid the first two. The third emerald beam connected with the Blizzard Frame's right shoulder. Anthony grunted, glad for the laminated armor he had his machine plated with, as he didn't want to contend with a shield. He didn't have time to rest on his laurels and Morris sent another round downrange. But this time he was ready. He fired his own rifle, the beams colliding in mid-air.

"Where is he?" Morris was on the forward deck of the Seraphim, looking for his target. Only to find himself looking down the barrel of the Blizzard Frame's Yuki Ookami beam sniper rifle. "Oh, shit!" was all he had time to say before his optics filled with nothing but green. His Raptor took a couple hits in the shoulder, torso, and leg. Rachel's Murasame descended in mobile armor mode, firing more rounds.

"You won't get anywhere near him!" The Iron Dove snarled, igniting a beam saber the minute she switched to mobile suit mode. She was fully intent on ending this threat here and now. Only for another black Raptor to rush in, its own blade of flame ignited. The two locking up.

"Don't worry, Commander Morris, I got this one!" Leon said, struggling to hold Rachel back. He wasn't above sucking up to the boss to get one over on Yuuya. Rachel didn't like this very much, beam saber slashing upwards through the torso, A molten gash through the pointed tip. Leon couldn't help but wince. He could have been dead if that had been just a couple feet closer.

"I'll be sure to put in a commendation for you, Lieutenant." Morris then hit the thrusters, taking another position, now on the Dynames. Morriswas scanning amongst the various places Anthony could hide. But he was so focused on the ships of Task Force Angel, he should have looked up. The Blizzard Frame was high in the sky, rifle primed. The Arctic White Wolf knew exactly where his target was.

"Locked on and sniping target!" Anthony squeezed the trigger. His aim was true as ever, his shot connecting with the Raptor's head destroying it. He gave himself a little satisfaction in having taken out his primary camera and targeting sensor. Gavin and Michael both descended on the Blizzard Frame. He was ready to go for his primary melee weapon, a naginata Sebastian forged for him, only for the Frost Prowler to fly upwards, wired beam gun barrels ready.

"You mess with my man, you mess with me!" Loretta said. The Prowler's remote weapons whipping around madly, spitting emerald death. Both of the other Headhunters took nasty hits. Michael getting it in the shoulder, leg, and hip. Gavin having the upper part of his Raptor's left shoulder armor melt off. If she could flip her hair, Loretta would do it. "Point made." Was all she said.

The Sniper Knight couldn't help but smirk at his wife. He had spent the last two years teaching her the finer points of his craft, and she had been a very fast learner. Although she was showing just how skilled she was with the remote weapons, inspired by her former machine from way back in the day.

The three Archangels had since moved in close to the joint ZAFT/Orb task force while the two carriers and surviving destroyer hung a half-mile back to provide cover and support for the mobile suits which needed refueling.

Anthony soon found himself face to face with the Chaos. The remote beam pods whipping about, lancing out at the Blizzard Frame. "You don't seem to do so well in close quarters, do you?" Sting sneered. He then got an idea. "Auel, head underwater. I have a plan. Wait for my signal and then come up and nail this guy with everything you got!"

Auel just clicked twice, and the Abyss plunged beneath the waves. Sting put his attention back on Anthony. He had lost sight of the Blizzard Frame when his alarm went off. "Crap, he's behind me!" He moved to fire, only for the Yuki Ookami to strike true, destroying one of his beam pods, and blow off Chaos's left leg. "Damn it! Auel, now!"

It seemed Rosamia took offense to this, focusing her rage on Anthony and Loretta. "You need to die now!" Rosamia raged, madly firing her beam rifle at the white Astray Frame. Only for the White Wolf's beloved Snow Fox to fire her kinetic penetrator darts, driving the Gaia knockoff away. It was then the Abyss suddenly erupted from the water, plasma cannons firing up. "Anthony look out!" Loretta cried, rushing to put herself in front of the Blizzard Frame. The Frost Prowler took hits to the right leg and left hip, and the lower-left beam pod was destroyed.

"Loretta!" Anthony's rage broke, a white seed falling in his mind. His eyes becoming white, rimmed with red. He snapped his rifle up, blasting the Abyss at close range, before pulling out the naginata. Anthony intended to turn Auel into sashimi. The blue-haired Extended pulled out its MX-RQB516 beam lance. The two weapons banged against each other.

"How is it doing that?" Auel didn't understand how the beam on his lance didn't cut through the metal blade. Anthony spun his weapon, slamming the metal-reinforced butt into the Abyss's chest, before whipping around to slash upwards, digging a massive jagged scar across the front. "Oh crap!" He screamed, not realizing that Sebastian had added Phase-Shift to it. The Abyss's plasma cannons flipped out, but the White Wolf's fangs were sharp. The forward third of the barrel was hacked off.

Auel wisely decided to get out while he could, regrouping with Rosamia and Sting. Frost Prowler was caught by Rachel's Murasame. "Loretta, are you okay?" The Iron Dove called out. However, she got no response. "Anthony, Loretta's been hurt, I'm taking her back to the Seawolf now."

"Confirmed." Anthony's rage and stress were growing evermore. Someone had dared harm his beloved, the First Special Operations Fleet had hemmed in Task Force Angel to an extent he did not like. He found himself looking back to the metal box on his armrest. His hand twitching, he turned the key from "Locked" to "Armed." A single blue light blinking on. "I suppose this tempest may need to kick up after all! This is White Wolf Actual to Seawolf-Actual. Captain Landis, I am authorizing the launch of the Tempest."

"Are you sure of that, Admiral?" Martin's voice came through. "We're all in pretty tight quarters right now. Suppose they don't all get out in time?"

"Then tell everyone to get the fuck out of the way!" Anthony's voice was bestial sounding, firing at Morris yet again, delighting in blowing the Raptor's head off. This seemed to be enough for Phantom Pain's executive officer to decide it was wiser to fight another day, but it wouldn't matter. The damage had already been done, and now the ocean would burn.

(Seawolf, Bridge)

Landis wasn't sure how to feel about the order the Arctic White Wolf had given. Tempest was a nasty beast. A submarine-launched ballistic missile, but it didn't carry a nuclear warhead on the tip. Rather it was equipped with an experimental "burst" warhead, containing numerous smaller warheads that would scatter over the targets, producing a large degree of conventional explosions over a large area. Anthony had described in the briefing as "molten steel hailing down on the enemy's head."

The Seawolf's master couldn't help but feel quite ill at this prospect. Still, he would do his duty as any good sailor would. "Break off the pursuit of the enemy submarine and head to launch depth. Send out Code Omega Signal to General Connor, Admiral Ramius, and all other allied forces. Tell them to get the hell out of the way now before they caught in what's to come!"

The communications officer gave a shaky nod before going about sending the code signal that indicated a general withdrawal for all allied forces. Hopefully, everyone would make it out before the entire area was covered in fire. Landis sighed, collapsing into his chair. "God forgive me for what's to come!"

"Captain, it's General Connor. He wants to speak with you!" The poor communications officer looked absolutely terrified, almost near tears. No one wanted to incur the boss's wrath.

The flesh tightened around Landis's eyes. He knew what was coming, and it would be an even bigger storm than the missile! "Put him through. I'll take full responsibility for it."

(Indian Ocean, Sebastian vs Neo)

Maelstrom and Tallgeese III careened through the skies in rapid melee combat. Sebastian had switched over to the Raikiri, his primary blade. He swung the blade, only for it to bounce off the black mobile suit's shield. The Tallgeese's Gerbera swung in a wide horizontal arc, tearing another gash out of the Gundam's hip before both blades locked up again.

"Once this is all over I will stand as the greatest pilot and swordsmen in all the Earth Sphere. I will prove it today!" Neo declared. The mega cannon came up, the barrel pulling back to fire at full power, unleashing the tree trunk sized beam. The two opposing mobile suits were about equal in speed, but Maelstrom was a few degrees more agile, spiraling in and around the beam while sending out more CIWS fire, the heat from the cannon leaving noticeable burn marks along the white and green Gundam's back.

"Definitely need to talk to Erica about adding some extra ranged firepower to this thing when we get back home!" Sebastian muttered to himself, the Lobo beam rifle managing to score a few hits on the Tallgeese III's shield, before evading the heat rod again. "At least add a second beam rifle or something. Because that giant cannon of his is a real pain in the ass!" Even if Maelstrom was more agile than Tallgeese III. It didn't mean Sebastian could evade forever.

He took a moment to look down at the battlefront. Two of the Earth Alliance destroyers had been destroyed, but the remaining Danilov and the carriers were hanging back as the three Archangels brought their considerable firepower to bear, pushing in toward Task Force Angel. The Archangel and Minerva were both providing a two-ship screen for the Takemikazuchi trying to give the massive carrier a chance to get some elbow room. Yet all three ships had taken significant damage if the way smoke was rolling out of all three was any indication.

"This is not going well for us at all!" Sebastian concluded. Their best chance was to break off and withdraw. They would be somewhat late getting to the Mediterranean Sea, but if they didn't do something really quick, all of their lives would be forfeit. He was about to contact either Anthony, Murrue, or Talia to get some kind of status report, but then a message rang out across the main communication channel shared for the entire battle group.

"This is the Seawolf, transmitting Code Omega Signal K50-17! I repeat transmitting Code Omega Signal K50-17! All ZAFT and Orb Union ships are to vacate the battle zone outside of a two-mile radius immediately!" He recognized the voice of the Seawolf's communications officer. His tone was frantic, clearly wanting to get the message out to all concerned parties. He saw the three colored flares that indicated all units return to their ships. "I repeat once again, Omega Signal has been transmitted. Tempest is about to launch!"

The Supreme Ace's eyes widened in disbelief. What in the hell was Tempest? It wasn't anything he remembered being briefed on! He knocked away Tallgeese once again. Neo Roanoke was now the least of his problems. He knocked aside the Tallgeese's Gerbera and broke off. "You win this round, Roanoke. Don't think it's over!"

"Come back here!" The Black Comet was incensed that the Wolf had cut the duel off early. He wasn't going to let it end this way. He was making to pursue, only to be stopped by a barrage of beam fire coming from above. He saw what appeared to be five fiery trails beginning to descend from the atmosphere. The trails dissipated, revealing a quintet of mobile suits flying through the atmosphere.

Neo zoomed in, even though the mask covered the upper part of his face. The way his jaw was set indicated his surprise at the new arrivals. The mobile suits bore a slight resemblance to the Raptor, given the rounded angles and spikes on the shoulders. Although it was clearly a different model. It then clicked on him. "The GAT-05 Black Widow? But I thought it hadn't gotten off the drawing board!" Not wanting to contend with these unknowns just yet. He headed for the Dynames.

Satisfied that he wasn't being pursued. Sebastian immediately contacted the Seawolf, intent on getting answers. "This is Storm Wolf Actual. What in the hell is going on here? I want to speak to Seawolf-Actual right now!"

"Y-yes General Connor, standby!" Sebastian noted that the message had been relayed to all the other mobile suit squadrons. Already they were beginning their respective RTBs. The comm officer soon returned. "I have Seawolf-Actual ready for you sir."

"Captain Landis, you better have a damn good explanation for what this is?" Sebastian snapped, already streaking back toward the Archangel. "What is Tempest, and why I am only now finding about this?" As Landis explained what the missile could do, would do. It made his temper flare even more. "Who the fuck gave authorization to use such a weapon when our ships are in such close proximity?"

"It was Admiral Russo's command, sir." Landis's voice didn't hide his own disgust at the White Wolf's course of action. "I said the exact same thing, but I didn't want to question him too much. You know him best, sir. I hope you can get through to him before he gets every one of us killed!"

"Oh don't worry about that, Captain Landis. I am ordering you to NOT launch this Tempest. Prepare a spread of cruise missiles and prepare to cover our escape."

"That could prove difficult sir." If Sebastian could see Landis at that moment. The older man would probably be wishing to vanish into the floor. "You see, he had a special control box installed in Blizzard Frame. He could launch it himself if he wanted to!" The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due and the Arctic White Wolf had been like brothers, near inseparable. However, all Sebastian Connor wanted to do at that moment was smash Anthony Russo repeatedly over the head.

Before he could vent his rage. A new voice cut in. "Storm Wolf Actual, this is Tenchu Two, do you require assistance?" Jason Tessen's smooth voice was a welcome balm to Sebastian at that moment. Helping him get himself back under control. He had only met Tenchu's executive officer, but had come to admire the man's calm, professional nature. He was like Anthony on a lot of levels. And now that his brother had clearly gone off the deep end, he needed to rely on someone.

"As a matter of fact, Captain Tessen, your timing could not be any better! It pains me to say this, but the Earth Alliance has won this round. So we're going to withdraw and take an alternate course toward Africa." Sebastian then called up Kira and Athrun. "This is Storm Wolf Actual to White Knight and Red Knight. Meet up with me first chance we get. We have work to do!"

"What's going on?" Kira asked.

"To stop Anthony from killing us all!" Sebastian put the throttle to the floor as he raced toward the Blizzard Frame was. "Captain Landis, do you have a way to stop this thing?"

"I'm not sure, General," Landis said. "But as long everyone remains within a two-mile radius of the Seawolf, they will be safe." This made Sebastian stop in his tracks. "The Tempest's blast pattern works like an umbrella, as long as you remain close to the ship, no one will be hurt."

"Then why did your communications officer just tell everyone to evacuate outside a two-mile radius?" Sebastian asked.

It was then it connected for Landis of the gross error that had been made. "Oh no!" The old sailor groaned. "In all the confusion, we must have gotten it mixed up!"

(Indian Ocean, Kira vs Karen, Freedom Squad vs Frighteners)

The titanic duel between Freedom and Reaver was reaching a fever pitch. The Trans Phase-Shift Armor equipped Gerberas managing to achieve the same damage that a beam saber could. Kira had just managed a heavy blow across the black and silver Gundam's torso, a long jagged rent from the right shoulder all the way down to its waist. Willet had responded by bringing her trusted blade around, taking a nice big chunk of Freedom's shield.

"I must say, Major. You haven't disappointed me at all today!" Willet said as she threw Reaver into an ascending spin before twirling in the air, sending a pair of railgun shells at her rival. "I have strove to find a worthy challenge for so long. If this had been a couple years ago I might have challenged General Connor." She threw out a wide swing, only for Kira to parry it away "But you've exceeded him in so many ways! I guess it pays to be the Ultimate Coordinator after all."

"You're wrong about that! I've never let my genes define who I am!" Kira shot back, locking blades with her. The Damascene longsword snapping upward, getting Freedom across the left wrist before the katana slashed a hunk of Reaver's starboard shoulder armor. "Besides which, Sebastian is a better soldier than I ever could be. He's a far skilled swordsman, not to mention he's just more comfortable on the battlefield. I only ever fought to protect what mattered to me, and I still do!"

Having made this declaration, Kira let loose his signature technique, unleashing the full might of Freedom's firepower against his counterpart. Willet scrambled to avoid the beams, railgun shells, and plasma bursts, but even with her well-trained reflexes, she still took beam hits to the right-wing and shoulder. A 110mm shell slammed into the left leg, and a plasma burst burned through the middle two right wings, leaving molten stumps. Reaver's engines boosted to life, and she swung her faithful longsword up aiming for the Freedom's chest area, only for the katana to catch it, knocking it aside.

"Even if the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due is a superior soldier to you. One thing that you can't deny is your iron resolve." Willet didn't care as Reaver's starboard rail cannon was destroyed by a shot from the Lupus. "And that's something to respect as well!" The two blades flashed once again. Reaver mimicked Freedom, firing plasma cannons and rail guns. The plasma beams melted off three of Freedom's lower left wings.

Kira swapped out the Gerbera for a beam saber, taking a large chunk off the right side of Reaver's shield. Willet responded by destroying both of Freedom's railguns. The two blades intersected again. Even with the SEED, the Silver Shadow had managed to match even with the White Knight's every move. Both of them were starting to get worn out and it was showing, not to mention both mobile suits would be spending quite a bit of time in the repair bay when it was all over.

The White Knight's comrades were also showing the signs of the very heavy beating the Third Covert Tactical Assault Team had delivered to them thus far. Athrun could only curse as Walter's melee halberd hacked off the top quarter of the Fatum's wing, the subflight unit had several deep rents and gouges in it from earlier, one nasty one rendering the starboard Fortis beam cannon offline. He hurled one of the beam boomerangs, before advancing in with the Lacerta drawn. "Take this!" He screamed cleaving off the tips of the Raptor's plasma cannons.

He followed that up with a powerful downward slash that left Walter holding the smoking hunk of what used to be his primary melee weapon. "Bloody hell!" Walter exclaimed. He was enjoying the challenge, but this was getting a little too close for comfort. He tried to put some distance between him and Justice, but Athrun wasn't letting him go so easily. He raised the Lupus, opening fire on the Raptor, squeezing out rounds as fast as possible, blowing off one of back mounted thruster packs, and obliterating the head.

As far as Cagalli was concerned, she had enough of dealing with the Frighteners. The mirror beam coating had ensured that most of their ranged weaponry wouldn't do too much damage. But Eva's hit and fade strikes with her combat knives and beam sabers had left the Akatsuki's once flawless gilded surface a scratched, melted mess, and Ioan had managed to blow off one of the Oowashi's beam cannons. She had gotten a small degree of satisfaction by smashing up Malcolm's electronic warfare package, ensuring he couldn't use the Colloid Virus again, and the right arm of Eva's Raptor was now at the bottom of the Indian Ocean.

The Bushido also had its run through the meat grinder. The shoulder pauldrons were slagged, molten messes. The right beam cannon had been knocked out of commission. And the horns on the samurai kabuto covering the head had been sheered off, the right being just a little bit taller. The black and red Gerbera was pressed up against Irene's ES05. All five of the Frighteners' Raptors bore varying degrees of damage to them, jagged rents in the structure from beam rifles, and scorch marks from beam fire. A couple were even missing arms and heads.

Willet was proud of her squadron on so many levels. They had taken on the reigning world champions and gone the distance. She had especially relished the battle with Freedom. Not even caring as she lost the port plasma cannon. She was about to line up for her next assault when the Orb mobile suits suddenly stopped fighting and proceeded to take off in the other direction as fast as possible. "What the?" She asked no one in particular, not sure what to make of it.

She then noticed the Strike Alpha and remains of Murasame Squad Five break off from their engagement with the Blue Knights. The Minerva's mobile suits had quit fighting the Crimson Fox squadron. The White Wolves were trying to untangle themselves from their messy engagement with Phantom Pain. It was clear the Archangel, Minerva, and Takemikazuchi were turning away at flank speed. Her eyebrows knitted together. "Something isn't right here. Frighteners, form up! This is Frightener-Actual to Crimson Fox Actual. The ZAFT and Orb forces just tore out of here, is something going on?"

(Dynames, Bridge)

The atmosphere on the bridge of the First Special Operations Fleet's flagship was a mixture of confusion and nervous tension. Mark had watched as the mobile suits of Task Force Angel had suddenly broken off. His first thought was they were regrouping for a counterattack. But the speed they moved was too much for that.

"We're not sure either, Frightener-Actual. The ZAFT and Orb forces are bugging out fast. I haven't seen them leg it like that since Jachin Due…Since Jachin Due!" Mark went bone white at the realization. "Put me through to all ships! This is Crimson Fox Actual, all Earth Alliance ships break off right now!" Rhythm looked at her father. "Remember when GENESIS fired?"

"Oh my God!" Rhythm cried out in horror. The events of that day were forever burned in the young woman's mind. The massive wave of gamma radiation death that burned through the heart of the Earth Alliance formation, killing thousands. "Are you saying they're going to launch some kind of WMD?"

"Why else would they scoot like that?" Nathan remarked, remembering the events of September 26th, C.E. 71 himself. "But what exactly are we dealing with? What kind of weapons does ZAFT have?"

"I really don't want to know the answer to that question, Nathan!" Rhythm snapped, fingers dancing across the keyboard of her control console. "I'm issuing return orders for all our forces, Admiral. We can't afford to lose so many of our most elite pilots here!"

The Crimson Fox said nothing, his brown eyes just blazing in silent contemplation at this turn of events. He knew that the Storm Wolf of Jachin Due and Arctic White Wolf were honorable opponents, but they weren't weaklings either. In a time of war, all bets were off. Mark's hands clenched into nervous fists. Due to how all the ships had gotten into what amounted to a slugging match up close, it would take time for them to reassume any kind of formation.

(Indian Ocean, Skies, Minerva Squad vs Crimson Foxes)

Shinn and the others had stopped in their tracks when Omega Signal was transmitted. He had managed to cleave off the bottom of Ezra's shield with the Excaliburs when the Seawolf's frantic message went out. "Rey what's that all about?" He asked, watching as Rey shot down some of Takachi's missiles.

"I don't know!" The blond redcoat responded. He tossed one of his beam tomahawks at the Windam, embedding it in the wing of Takachi's Jet Striker pack. "But it won't do us any good to remain here!" Juliana and Stellar had already ditched their opponents. The greencoat ZAKUs were trying to provide cover, but it was costing them. One of the ZAKU Warriors had its Guul blasted beneath it.

The ZAKU, equipped with a Gunner Wizard pack plummeted fast, using its engines to try and slow its descent. It took aim at Alyssa's Windam with the massive beam cannon. Only for Takachi to spear it out of the sky with a round from its beam rifle. A second one tried engaging Asher. But Tayor was quick to respond, tossing a Stiletto, before hacking the machine in half with her beam saber.

"It's probably a good idea for us to get out of here!" Shinn said. As much as he didn't want to leave. The battle had gone sideways for Task Force Angel. He hurled his beam boomerang at Ezra, connecting with the right arm. Shinn could take a small degree of satisfaction at causing a small bit of damage to the enemy. It would have to be enough for now.

"A wise decision, Lieutenant Asuka," Heine said, the Savior roaring by in mobile armor mode, a smoking stump where its port beam cannons should be. "The Earth Alliance has won this day, even if we don't like it. Our current objective is to survive. We'll get another chance. This is Orange Blaze Actual, Omega Signal has been transmitted. All mobile suits return to base right now!"

"Roger that!" Shinn said, everyone settling into formation. He took in the sight of his comrade's machines. Rey's Phantom had been hit hard, the left shield was melted and blackened from repeated beam fire. Not to mention large chunks had been cut out. He had lost the other one entirely, Juliana's ZAKU was missing its left arm, and the right side of the head was a slagged mess.

Both of the Minerva's other Gundams were also bearing their amount of scars from the battle. The Savior had lost one of its plasma cannons, and part of the left-wing was missing. The Gaia had lost both of its stabilizing wings, plus the usual number of rents and gouges from beam sabers and rifle rounds. But the bottom line, everyone was still alive.

They returned to the Minerva to find Phoenix still standing guard over the ship. Everyone was quite relieved about that. "Hey, guys!" Lunamaria called out. "Long time no see!" Even though she was now assigned to the Archangel. She was still happy to see Shinn, Rey, and Juliana

"It's good to see you too, Luna." Juliana smiled. She had hit it off with the Hawke sisters when they were at the academy. She noted the red mobile suit had some light damage, mostly scorch marks on the torso and shoulders, but seemed more or less intact. "Thanks for holding down the fort for us."

"I was in the area." The elder Hawke sister replied. It was then Maelstrom roared by them, "That was General Connor! Where is he going so fast?" Everything came to a halt as a massive dark grey shape broke the surface of the water, doors opened on the bow. A massive object rocketed into the sky. It was the familiar sight of a submarine-launched ballistic missile. "Where did that come from?"

"I think that came from the Seawolf!" Rey stated, watching as it climbed higher and higher. "But where is it going?"

(Archangel, Bridge)

"Thank you for the information, Captain Landis. I'm not sure how much good it will do, but we'll try and get into the safe zone you mentioned." Murrue put the handset down. She kept her composure even as she continued watching the missile fly straight up. She was terrified as everyone else, but as captain of her vessel. She would keep her dignity to the very end, ensuring that her crew would follow onto her example. "Time, Mr. Argyle?" She asked.

"It's reached the apex of its trajectory. it will be three minutes before it hits the detonation point, Admiral." Sai struggled to keep his voice cracking. He pulled off his glasses, trying to wipe the tears out of his eyes without anyone seeing it.

Flay could only reflect in silent contemplation that if this had been three years ago. She'd be in the throes of a full-blown panic attack, but for some reason, she felt amazingly calm. Her thoughts went to the two most important people in her life. "Kira, Stellar, please be okay." She whispered, offering a silent prayer to her fiancé and daughter.

Meyrin was terrified, and rightfully so, wondering if this was going to be the end of her short military career. She thought of Lunamaria and where she was at that moment. A part of her just wanting to see her older sister. Natarle broke the silence. "It will be all right, Private. We're not going to die here. None of us are."

"How can you be so sure, Captain Badgiruel?" The younger Hawke sister.

Natarle just smirked. "I just do, Private. We're not going to die here, not today."

(Minerva, Bridge)

Talia prided herself on being a good multitasker. One eye was glued to the central monitor, and the other was taking note of the data being sent by the Seawolf about Tempest's blast pattern. A part of her felt rather stupid at how they had all run, assuming this would be like a normal missile, now they were paying the price. "How fast can we get back into the safe zone range?"

"Not fast enough, I'm afraid." Arthur said. His usual panicky demeanor completely absent. He seemed like a totally different person. As if he had resigned himself to their imminent demise. "Captain…"

"You don't have to say it. I'll say it for you. If we don't make it. I just want to say that it was an honor serving with you, Arthur." She said. Talia would follow Murrue's example, and meet her end with as much dignity as she could muster.

"The missile has started downward. It will hit in two minutes, thirty-seven seconds." Abby reported. The Minerva's entire bridge crew could only watch and wait for the end to come.

It was also around this time that Shinn and the others were beginning to land. Although the Impulse's pilot found himself hanging back. Apart of him wanted to see it with his own eyes. The Gundam settled down on the forward deck. "Hope you don't mind me staying out here, Captain. I just want a front-row seat."

(Indian Ocean, Skies)

Anthony's blood was still pumping, fueled by his rage at what happened to Loretta. He had managed to thrash the Abyss enough that Auel retreated. When the three Extended came at him, he managed to destroy one of the Chaos's remote weapon pods, before hacking off the stolen Gundam's head. The Terra had lost an arm thanks to him, and were now retreating.

But that wouldn't be enough in his eyes. It was clear how dangerous this Earth Alliance formation really was. They would all be blown away by the Tempest. "White Wolf Actual to Seawolf-Actual, have preparations for launch been made?"

"Yes sir, but I must voice my strong objections to this, Anthony." Landis was trying to make a case for keeping the White Wolf from doing something he'd regret down the line. "The Tempest may not be a nuke, but it's still devastating enough. This trajectory will drop it straight on our heads! The others are still not out of the blast zone yet! It would kill all of us!"

"They have to be stopped!" Anthony snapped. If anyone could see him in that moment. It would be like they were looking at a completely different person. His finger flipped the switch cover on the box, revealing the innocuous-looking white button. "No matter the cost!" He punched it hard. The missile vaulted into the air, screaming upward on a pillar of fire. "Suck on that!"

He turned his attention downward, watching as the Earth Forces began scattering in all directions. "That's right, get caught in the winds and be blown to ash!" Anthony continued watching as the missile kept going higher until reached the apex, nearly twelve miles up.

"Storm Wolf Actual to White Wolf Actual, respond now!" Sebastian's voice blared in his ears. "Anthony, you idiot! What in the fucking hell have you done?!"

"I'm about to carve the heart out of the Earth Forces, General Connor!" He was a bit put out at how indignant Sebastian sounded in this time of victory. "The Tempest missile will annihilate everything that's not within the protective radius of the Seawolf. They won't know what hit them!"

"And neither will our own people! They're evacuating too…right into the kill zone!" Anthony let these words register in his head for just a few seconds. He then looked at the screen, and how the allied units were indeed not heading toward the submarine carrier, but away from it, the Archangel and Minerva were already outside the two-mile range, and the Takemikazuchi was just about so.

"No, no!" Anthony said, watching as the missile started coming back down, ready to deliver its deadly payload on the very people it was meant to protect. "Martin, pull the plug now!"

"But how can we do that, Admiral? I thought you told us Tempest doesn't work the same way a normal missile does."

"Just kill the laser designator! Once Tempest isn't receiving a signal from the Seawolf's transponder, it will auto-destruct on its own!" He caught visual of the missile, rapidly plummeting toward its unexpected target. "Do it now!" He screamed, realizing he was about to condemn all of his comrades to a brutal death.

(Indian Ocean, Skies, Multiple Locations)

Ezra could only look on with morbid fascination at his impending doom. The Vajra Gundam came up alongside his Windam. Nena's face appeared on the monitor. "I never actually thought I'd go out like this." He remarked, and in a gesture that would have been kind of comical in other circumstances. His Windam's hand came up to hold the Gundam's.

On the Takemikazuchi, Kuro, Kazuma and Dawn Squadron were watching the weapon sail higher and higher. Izumi had started crying as Kazusa and Aki held onto her for support.

Kyoko had a comforting arm around Yui's shoulder. The younger girl just smiled. For all the teasing her cousin did, Kyoko was good as a sister to Yui. Even in what seemed to be their final moments, she was still trying to keep Yui's attitude positive.

The world came to a near halt for everyone present on the ships, in the mobile suits in the sky. But none more so than Rear Admiral Anthony Russo…before the missile exploded not more than two miles over the ocean, the debris littering the ocean. The White Wolf visible sagged in his chair, wondering if he was about to have a heart attack. Instantly he turned to the main Task Force channel. "This is White Wolf Actual to all units, all units report in!"

"We're fine, White Wolf Actual. We're all just fine." Anthony could hear the hostility in Sebastian's voice as he spoke. "I suggest you get your ass over to the Archangel right now, Rear Admiral Russo. We're going to have a little discussion, and you are going to explain just what you've done!" The sniper's heart seized at how cold his brother, the swordsman, sounded. With little choice, the Gundam Astray Blizzard Frame made its way back to the flagship.

"White Wolf Actual this is White Wolf Two." A part of him ached to hear Rachel's voice. "I thought I'd let you know. Loretta has been moved to Sickbay. I'm not sure what her condition is yet. But The doctors are working on stabilizing her right now."

"That's wonderful, Captain Dupree." Anthony struggled to keep his composure, even as the white ship came into view, the hatch opening to admit him. "Absolutely wonderful. Keep me informed." He turned the radio off. "I wonder if I'll get my choice of execution? Firing Squad, Thrown off the side, or just launched out of a missile tube?"

(Archangel, Hangar)

The Arctic White Wolf's heart was heavy as his machine settled into the docking slip. His outburst of emotion and a gross miscommunication had nearly caused the utter destruction of the entire task force. And now he had to pay the price. He opened the hatch and slowly emerged, where Sebastian, Kira, Athrun, Cagalli, and Yukimasa were all standing. The five pilots wore equally furious scowls. "Pup listen." was as about as far as he got before Sebastian whipped out to slug him in the face.

"You don't get to call me that right now!" He thundered, as Anthony stumbled to the face, the skin around his eye darkening. Sebastian grabbed him by the collar. "What in the hell were you thinking with this stunt? Launching a missile without authorization from me! Having a special control so you alone could launch it? How could you possibly think this was a good idea!"

"Hey, I ordered the killswitch flipped!" Anthony snapped back. "The missile detonated and no one was hurt!"

"Small comfort coming from a traitor!" The Storm Wolf's words made the sniper recoil. "You kept this from me, Anthony! Need I remind you that I'm still the ranking officer here! I'm the one in charge of this task force and everyone in it! You should have told me about it from the beginning so I could have prepared some kind of plan!"

Anthony was at a loss for words because he knew the younger Wolf was absolutely right. "I never got around to it. And besides, Loretta was hurt!" He trailed off.

Only for Sebastian to hold his hand up. "Really? You decided to punt a weapon of mass destruction in the air because of that? You know what? I don't give a shit! I don't even want to look at you right now, so do me a favor and get lost!" He stomped off, out of the hangar. Athrun said nothing. The angry glare was message enough, before following the Storm Wolf back to the locker room.

"I thought I knew what kind of man you were, but I was wrong. You're not a man at all!" Cagalli said through her tears. "You're no better than Athrun's father!" She kicked him in the shin before running out of the room.

"Dick move, Russo. Dick move!" Yukimasa said, before flipping him off, and heading over to Bushido to start repairs.

But it was Kira's words who cut the deepest. "I thought you would be the last person to rely on weapons like that." The White Knight of Freedom didn't sound angry, just disappointed. The Arctic White Wolf just hung his head in shame, realizing he had fully lost the trust of his comrades.

"Then I'll just take my leave of you then, Major Yamato. If anyone needs me, I'll be on the Seawolf." With no further words, He boarded the Blizzard Frame and departed for the subcarrier.

(Seawolf, Hangar)

Everyone gave Anthony a wide berth as he rushed through the hangar and through the corridors. Only a few saluting him as he passed by. News traveled fast on the submarine, and everyone knew what he had done. It was only due to his rank that none dared raise a hand against him.

His first stop was sickbay. Where Rachel was standing outside, her face tearstained, and just as angry as Sebastian and been. She slapped him across the face hard. "Asshole!" She hissed before walking off. Anthony sighed as he entered, laying eyes on his wife for the first time since the battle started.

Loretta was out of her flightsuit and on the bed, bandages wrapped around her head, and arms. Her breathing was shallow, but steady. It tore his heart out to see the usually so lively and upbeat woman in such obvious pain, and that he had nearly killed all of their friends just because of her. "How is she, Doc?" He asked.

"She'll be fine, Admiral." The doctor replied. He wasn't pleased with him either, but knew the main concern was taking care of Loretta. Besides, the poor man was going to face more than enough criticism from the rest of the Task Force later on. "If the enemy had been just a little bit more to the left. She wouldn't have survived. Still, she got some heavy contusions, and a rather nasty concussion. I'd like to keep her for a few days."

"Take as much time as you need. I'll be in my quarters." He trudged through the steel corridors before arriving at the quarters set aside for him when he was on board. It would be his home for the foreseeable future since it was evident he wasn't welcome on the Archangel for now. As he stood in his private shower, it all finally sunk in of just how idiotic he had been. All because he had thought with the brain dangling between his legs and not the one in his head.

Now dried off, the disgraced White Wolf could only hold the framed picture of him and Sebastian, both resplendent in their white ZAFT commander uniforms, Both of them looked so proud and carefree. Only for the image to be replaced by the harsh words of his brother, still echoing in his mind. Anthony tossed the picture on the floor, before he finally fell asleep, hoping it would help him find some sense of peace.

(One Hour Later, Archangel, Officer's Quarters)

Everyone was still on high alert, keeping an eye out for the First Special Operations Fleet, or any other Earth Alliance forces in the vicinity. But with the brief period of calm, the pilots and crew of Task Force Angel were taking the opportunity to get some much-needed sleep and decompress from the events of the day.

Kira was especially grateful for it. He collapsed onto his bed, wearing just his uniform t-shirt and pants. The White Knight's head was racing at the events of the last couple of hours. He couldn't help but be disappointed at Anthony's poor decision to deploy Tempest. But at the same time, he hoped that the Wolves would mend fences. He didn't like seeing the two of them at odds. It would be like him and Athrun all over again.

This switched his mind over to his second battle with Karen Willet. It had been even more intense than the first one during Break the World. Plus the rest of the Frighteners had been thrown into the mix this time. The Third Covert Tactical Assault Team had proven to be as dangerous as his battle with Rau at Jachin and every battle with the first generation Extended combined. Albeit unlike with the Biological CPUs. The Frighteners had demonstrated near-perfect teamwork, while their leader dueled Freedom.

It had taken all of Athrun, Cagalli, and Yukimasa's combined skill to hold them at bay, and even then the battle had been even, far too even for any of their tastes. The door slid open, and there was Flay and Stellar in the doorway. "Oh Kira!" the redhead cried, running to his arms, giving him a deep kiss on the lips. "I was so worried about you!"

"Daddy!" The blonde Extended was quick to embrace Kira as well, tears flowing in her eyes. She had thought the world was going to end when Tempest launched. Once the immediate danger was over she had rushed to the Archangel to check on them. He smiled warmly, giving her a light pat on the cheek. This served to put Stellar at ease a little, as she relished the love of her mother and father.

He gently stroked their hair, Flay's rich red locks a perfect compliment to Stellar's sunny yellow. "I'm okay, girls." He said in his most reassuring tone, wanting to soothe them as quickly as possible. "The battle was touch and go at times, even more so when the missile got launched. But it all worked out. So please, don't worry about me."

"Oh, we'll see about that." Flay leaned in, resting her head against his chest. "We're having dinner as a family tonight, and attendance is mandatory." She looked at him with adoring eyes. "This battle has reminded me of how precious every moment is with the people I love, Kira. I want to savor every single one of them that I can with the two of you."

"I can live with that," Kira said, giving her a kiss. Even as much as the White Knight hated going into battle. Despite all the horrific things he had endured in this war and the last, there were still things worth fighting for. Flay Allster and Stellar Loussier were numbers one and two at the top of Kira Yamato's list. He would protect his fiancé and daughter from all dangers, even if it meant killing to do it.

(Sahaku Manor, Orb Union, February 1st, C.E. 74)

Yukimura was in his study, the sounds of Beethoven playing on his computer. An expensive bottle of whiskey sat on the desk with a pair of shot glasses. "So it appears that the Earth Alliance delivered a rather severe blow to our people in the Indian Ocean. Quite a few Murasames were destroyed in the battle, their blood is on their hands. I guess it just proves that ZAFT isn't as reliable a partner as everyone thought."

Unato Ema Seiran just chortled from his place across the table, taking a shot of the liquor provided. Few realized that he had been smuggled back into the country thanks to some of Yukimura's contacts. "It's just a given after all. Kumiko and the others don't see the benefits of staying with our own kind. They think the Coordinators are going to be their saving grace when really all they're doing is dragging our country down. It just shows Uzumi made a mistake casting me out and replacing me with Connor." His face narrowed. "He'll pay for killing my boy!"

"Calm yourself, Unato." Yukimura's voice was sharp, a reminder of who was really in charge. "Remember, Yuna couldn't keep his more violent impulses in check and decided to use Cagalli as his personal punching bag. Of course, Uzumi would be enraged at learning that. The man was a pacifistic fool, but he loved his daughter regardless. And there is no faster way to anger a man than threaten their children."

Unato just huffed, even he couldn't deny Yukimura's logic. So he just settled for knocking back the rest of his drink. "So tell me, have you managed to rally all of our supporters yet?"

The dark smirk Yukimura wore would have sent all his children running for their mobile suits. "Oh yes, everyone in the parliament who was opposed to the alliance with PLANTs are in. I even reached out to the True Orb party. they especially want to see ZAFT thrown out." Unato winced at the mention of that particular group. The True Orb party were a band of ultranationalists who wanted no outside influences, and weren't afraid to show their displeasure for something they didn't like with armed force.

"Can you really trust the likes of them? They're all loose cannons who don't respond well to any kind of authority that isn't their own." Unato asked nervously, pouring another shot. "I don't need to remind you the last time they stirred up trouble. It almost became a full-blown riot!"

"I remember all too well, don't worry your bald head a single bit, Unato. I have it all under control." Yukimura spoke in a disarming tone as he got up from his desk to look out the window. "The True Orbists are violent and only answer to themselves, but they are just pawns in a much larger game. And even pawns have their uses." As he turned to face Unato, the dark smirk even darker now. "Including being sacrificed for the greater good."

The Seiran patriarch's lips formed into its own twisted smile. He certainly wouldn't shed any tears if a group of violent radicals were sadly wiped out. It would mean his own return to power would be that much more secure. He lifted his glass up. "A toast to the new Orb, where we make our own future."

"I will drink to that. To our own future indeed." Yukimura said, finishing the last of his whiskey, before sitting back down. The ball was beginning to roll, and no one could stop it.

(EAS Archangel, Indian Ocean, February 2nd, C.E. 74)

Despite the losses sustained, Task Force Angel continued on its way through the Indian Ocean. There had been no signs of the First Special Operations Fleet since, and the atmosphere had calmed down considerably. Although Sebastian and Anthony were still not on speaking terms. The Storm Wolf of Jachin Due had taken to working out in the small gym he had set up in one of the ship's cargo bays to work off the stress.

A flurry of punches and kicks whipped out in quick succession as Sebastian mercilessly assaulted the free-standing punching bag. While he was known best for his swordsmanship, Sebastian was also well trained in the Korean martial art of Taekwondo, holding a fourth-degree black belt in the discipline. He spun, going for a hook kick, before throwing out a couple more punches and finishing with a double legged roundhouse kick.

His rhythm was broken by the sound of light clapping. Sebastian looked over his shoulder to see his beloved standing there, a bottle of water in hand. "I sorry for interrupting your workout dear, but I wanted to check in on you." It was clear in her eyes what she really wanted to say. That she was worried about him since his falling out with Anthony, but also didn't want to agitate him any more than he already was.

Sebastian just took his gloves off, picking up his towel to wipe the sweat off his face. "Thank you, Angel." He dropped a light kiss on her cheek before taking the bottle. The water was cool and refreshing as it went down his throat. He put the cap back on, and finally saw his wife's distress. He sighed. "Don't tell me, let me guess. You want to know if I spoke to Anthony since I chewed his ass out two days ago. The answer is no." The Storm Wolf couldn't bring himself to look his wife in the eye. "And odds are, it will remain that way for a while. I just don't know how to feel right now. Please don't push the issue."

It truly hurt him to see how sad Lacus's face came with those words. "Just remember that he is still your brother, Sebastian. He's done so much for you. Don't let this be how it ends." She gave him a kiss on the cheek before leaving him alone. Trying to banish the melancholy frown his wife had given him, Sebastian let out a weary sigh before resuming his workout.

Author's Notes: The Battle of the Indian Ocean concludes, and now a gulf exists between the Wolves of Lightning and Snow. All the while, Yukimura begins stirring up dissent at home.

I apologize for the late wait on this one, folks. It was three months of work for both Chapter Sixteen and Seventeen. The holidays and work certainly didn't help matters much. I'll also go on record and say it was hard to write Sebastian and Anthony's falling out. The two of them are based on White Wolf and myself. We share the same close bond our characters do, and having to put them at odds hurts just a little bit. But you do what you must for the story and it won't last long. You can be sure of that one.