Asukai: Yeah, I know, kinda've late for a GSD fanfic, especially one with the idea of re-writing the last part of it, from episode 35 and up, sue me (please don't, kinda broke).

Right, well this story was borne from the idea of how the series should have ended, or so I thought, now then, the main characters of this fic, are going to be the main GSD cast and probably Cagalli (she got a REALLY short-stick in this series).

As for pairings, well won't make any promises but, most likely it'll be canon ones, also there will be minor original characters to my shame (ones taken from other anime and such, but still original), as I will be supplying members of Yzak's crew, Durandal's staff, Djibril's underlings, EAF soldiers and officers, and other such characters, as GSD had WAY too few characters and villains.

Also, this is the only chapter which I'm including, the disclaimer; honestly it tires me out putting it up here chapter after chapter, so should anyone wish to see it, just check out the first chappie, okie dokey? For anyone wishing to get the full-scoop of this fic, (I will not be 'Flashbacking 'em all), re-watch the series, please, as I really don't want to go over 34 eps.

Hatti: Hey you forgot, to mention that this first chapter is a recap one for the most part and that-

Asukai: Shut up, I'm getting to that! Also, this fic will not be bashing Shinn, Luna or Rey, they are the principal characters! I repeat, if you do not like them get the **** out of this fic, because you WILL not like this fic. This fic, is centered around them.

Disclaimer: I do not own GSD, I do not own Gundam, I do not own the Smurfs (a pity, I love Papa Smurf and Grouchy Smurf), I also do not own any of the characters in any of the aforementioned series. The only things I own, is my own book-series, my ego and a couple of bars of soap, so tough love for me.

Hatti: And a happy new year! Wait, should I wait to announce that?

Asukai (mumbling): Moron, now on with the story!

Phase 35:

Eve of Chaos

"I did it, Stella! I killed him!" These were the first words spoken by young Asuka Shinn, his revenge was complete. (Insert; .com/watch?v=vZ4s20kNvHc&feature=related (Most of it until next section of chap))

He had brought justice to the man, who had tormented him for a good deal of his teenage life, first by destroying his family and then by killing Stella.

Though he didn't plan to tell anyone, a part of him had never believed he would win, that same part of him, also believed that he was destined to forever live with the Freedom and its self-righteous pilot, hounding him with the objective of killing his loved ones.

But now the nightmare was over. He could go on living, he could finally let go of his past, he could finally move on. As for how he could possibly move on, that was a question for another time, as Shinn wasn't entirely certain he knew how anymore. So much of his life had been spent, on vengeance and hatred that he wasn't entirely certain, how to live without these things anymore.

What was more, he had done something that not even the great Athrun Zala could do, though he knew he was in for quite the outburst be it pleased or displeased from the recently floundering celebrity, he was confident that he had earned at least some sort of praise.

Praise that would he knew, be given to him by everyone, the Rey, Luna, the Chairman, Captain Gladys and even Athrun.

Either way, triumph and freedom, were non-important at that one moment in time, as the tears coursed down his face, and with the end to the dividing line between heaven and earth that had been made a mere hour ago, and with the near completion of Operation: Angel Down, he had one more duty to attend to before he could call it a day, before he could truly let his victory come to an end: Reporting in…

Minerva

It was said that the Pacific ocean had no memories, and though he wasn't aware of this superstition, had he known, Athrun Zala might have wished he were there, instead of in the northern Atlantic. (Insert; .com/watch?v=x3aIvFZMG4c)

A place that had swiftly grown into the centre of all his pain, for having just witnessed his best friend's death, he was in a natural state of shock. No matter, how crisp and distant that friendship, had grown in the past months, Kira is. Was, his friend no matter what.

Just thinking of the brunette's name, brought forth memories of him, memories of the kindly cry-baby he had known as a child, of the young boy, so eager to please, so eager to be everyone's friends, of the sensitive young man, who was his confidante, who had fought alongside him, who had helped him through the last war.

Before, when Nicol and his mother had died, he had felt nothing but an-all consuming rage, now that he was older he supposed he was better at dealing with grief, for instead of anger, all he felt was a strange loss. As though he had lost his eyes, as though he were in the middle of a great desert that went on forever. He didn't know what to do. To him, it was one of the worst days of his life.

But to everyone else, it was a moment of relief, of joy as the Freedom's dark reign, over the ship, its crusade against them, its incessant habit of butchering their men, leaving them to die in ship explosions, in drowning and other such tragedies had come to an end.

Strangely all he really felt this time, was the urge to throw up, as though all the losses in his life had gathered up into his stomach, and transformed themselves into bile.

As he ignored the concerned feelings of Lunamaria Hawke, the cool satisfaction of Rey Za Burrel and the peculiar joy and relief of the crew, as he followed them to the hangar, all he could feel was a strange detachment. Almost as though the analytical side of him, his Coordinator side was taking over, leaving his emotions behind, so that they could catch up.

'Why is everyone so happy?' He wondered blearily, unable to grasp why for the longest time, only to forcefully remind himself, where he was, and who he was surrounded by.

Having regained control of his senses, and of his surroundings, he stared up as the Impulse Gundam came flying in, his heart throbbing, as he briefly thought of the irony. Here he was, a friend of the man who had just died, and he was now standing ready, to welcome his friend's killer as though he were that same friend, or so those around him thought.

As Shinn descended from the giant machine, the small crowd of pilots, mechanics and ship officers hurried forward, congratulations, praises and cheers erupting from their lips, as though the boy had done something commendable. To Athrun distaste even Lunamaria and Rey joined in, shaking his hand and congratulating him, with though admittedly calmer spirits, still adulating ones. (Insert; .com/watch?v=M2a1wH9eO_g&feature=related)

It was only when he saw the boy, when the crowd parted to let Shinn approach him that the ball of agony and grief inside of his chest exploded into a wrathful serpent of fury and rage, to match the rage that had possessed Shinn so recently.

As he advanced, he saw Shinn's lips curve upwards, into a triumphant smirk, a smirk that was not at all beautiful, as it twisted his face in the son of Patrick Zala's eyes.

'Hmphing', the young man turned away, only to be brought to a complete halt as Shinn's words, the first words he truly heard since Kira's death, sunk into his ears.

"I took revenge today," The smirking boy stated with a great deal of pride in his voice, eyes and face, "And yours too."

Unseen by both of them, Rey scowled, he knew what was coming, but Shinn's need to prove himself both better and to Athrun, had consumed to the point that advising him against saying such words would have been useless.

In turn, Lunamaria and Vince's responses were much more overt, as they ran forward to try and soothe both of the highly temperamental young men down. Both of them, well aware of the magnitude of such a task as both Athrun and Shinn, had quite the tempers when fired up, especially when they clashed with one another.

As the anger inside of him lunged forward, and inflamed him, he saw the triumph change to surprise as he grabbed the boy by the scruff of his pilot uniform. (Insert; .com/watch?v=g-xtjkI0Qbs)

"What are you doing?" Zaft's ace called out, both surprised and apparently displeased by his superior's rather negative reaction to his boast.

Though they distantly heard Lunamaria and the rest of the crew call out to both of them, both men were alike in that they were too far gone to hear their words, and to pay them any mind.

"You bastard!" Athrun hissed as his face loomed close to his subordinate's, his voice rising as he spoke furiously. "Kira wasn't even trying to kill you! He never tried to kill anyone EVER! But look at what you did! And you…!

When he had first taken off, and when he had first landed, Shinn had been hoping for at least some sort of sign of approval. It was perhaps, naïve of him, he knew but though he would never allow anyone to know of it, he did want Athrun's approval.

It was strange, he both disliked the aloof man, who kept himself apart from him and the rest of the crew, and felt jealous of his reputation of all that he had, of the natural love people gave him, this caused him to in turn, give vent to his feelings in the only way he knew how.

But at the same time, he also yearned for his approval. He wished for Athrun, to tell him he did a good job, something that had been denied him, the entire time that Zala had been on board the ship.

More than that desire for approval though, he had been hoping that between, his friendship with that Freedom bastard, and Heine, that the latter would mean at least something to Athrun, should anything happen to the former.

'He talks as though he's against ZAFT,' Shinn growled inwardly, the familiar stream of watery anger washed over him, as he decided to give Athrun a piece of his mind.

"What kind of nonsense are you babbling about?" He demanded, deciding to play Zala's game, "Please stop it already. It's ridiculous."

This seemed to incense Athrun even further, in truth he was barely holding himself together, as the urge to kill Shinn was rushing in his veins even more thickly than any friendship and brotherly love he might have held for him.

But as he held Shinn close, he could see another person, a person that gave him hope that his words, and the recent murder were finally getting through to him.

"Does your vengeance really make you so happy?" He shot back, staring at him incomprehensibly, "Are you really that proud? Why should he-"

The response he gave, shocked Athrun, for though he knew he should have expected such a response, Shinn was too proud to ever admit to being wrong, it still did. It hit him, with all the force of a sucker punch, the Impulse itself, could not have dealt a more telling blow.

"What are you suggesting I do? Cry and despair? Or pray for him?" Shinn shouted back, eyes flashing with crimson light, as his hands rested on Athrun's, now the knife that had already been inserted into the older man's breast was twisted. "Or are you saying, it would have been better, for me to die out there?"

Not knowing how to respond, Athrun snapped, though normally a lot more self-controlled than this, having always preferred to leave such high-strung reactions to the short-tempered Yzak or Shinn, his red-hot rage took over.

Rearing back his fist, and with all the strength in his body, punched the pilot of the Impulse in the face.

Crying out with pain, Shinn flew back a few steps, his face twisting into anger, as he returned Athrun's glare with interest, not that Athrun cared. The only thought pumping through his mind, was that Kira was dead while Shinn was alive.

"Why you...!" Shinn roared as he moved to return the blow, both the emotional and physical one, with his own fist, he was grabbed and restrained by Rey and Yolant, as the previously gaping, shocked crew finally acted, by restraining Athrun as well. (Refrain; .com/watch?v=g-xtjkI0Qbs)

"Stop it Athrun." Rey ordered sternly, his eyes narrowing in a fairly good imitation of Captain Gladys' rare yet formidable glare. Swallowing to calm himself, the white-garbed blonde let his anger flow out, as he stood tall and addressed his superior calmly. "Athrun, although I admit there is a problem with Shinn's attitude."

His confession, which was made out of the spirit of both equanimity and frustration with the former resident of the ORB union, earned him a glare from the aforementioned pilot, the split-second pause might have been humorous under other circumstances, but the air was so fraught with tension and electricity that nobody dared to snicker, or even feel any amusement.

Rey continued, his stoic voice like water on the high-strung drama unfolding in the hangar, "I believe that reprimand was uncalled for, as well as unjust." These were not the words that the former pilot of the Saviour wanted to hear, as his glare intensified, this time focusing on the Impulse pilot's best friend.

"To destroy the Archangel and the Freedom, was an order from our homeland, Shinn carried out that order in splendid fashion," Rey said as though speaking to a disobedient child, rather than his superior. It was then that his voice took a different tone, one of both indifference and of slight guilt. "It is not something to be praised nor reprimanded for."

"Shut up!" Athrun howled. "There's no reason he should have been killed!"

"Athrun!" This time it was Luna once again, calling out his name. "Kira and the Freedom weren't our enemies," This response yielded the same old argument from Shinn, an argument that was intercepted by Rey.

"What?" Shinn said disbelief etched into his face, but he was ignored just as his female colleague was. "What are you talking about, they were…"

Stepping forward, while raising his own voice a little, subtly bringing everyone's attention to him, and drawing the power of the argument into his own favour, Rey then interrupted both men impatiently, clearly, he was hoping for an end to the argument, an end to the division tearing the crew apart at the moment. "Our enemies. Although I don't know their intentions, if our homeland has deemed it such, then they are our enemies."

"Rey…" Athrun began, but was cut off again, this time with even more decisiveness.

"We are ZAFT after all," And those words brought back its fair share of memories, but these ones were not all of Kira, no. They were of Lacus, and the time he had pointed his gun foolishly at her, when she had attempted to reason with him, in the last war. "Who our enemy is or isn't varies, depending on who's side you're on. It also varies from person to person, it's all relative."

Rey's eyes hardened imperceptibly, as he continued, his following words though, appeared to calm the storm of Shinn's anger, as he stared at Rey. "You should know that nothing is absolute. Remember, we are ZAFT and therefore, follow the Chairman and the supreme council. They decide who our enemies are, not us."

"You are merely speaking with your emotions, to be honest, it is quite troubling," Rey added, as he put an end to the argument, turning around with a salute, he grabbed Shinn and furiously departed.

Staring at his back in surprise, Shinn didn't say anything, but Rey's grip was less than gentle, as it seemed to cut through his uniform and straight into his skin.

Just as quiet as him, the blonde was too angry to speak, his professionalism battling with his dislike for emotional outbursts. His friendship with Shinn, and acceptance of Durandal's orders to treat Athrun with respect were both stressed to the breaking point.

Turning his stare, to glance over his shoulder, Shinn stared at Athrun, though he didn't know it, and didn't intend to show it, he was hurt.

Yes, he had wanted to hold something over Athrun's head, something that would either set him above the reputed man, or equal to him. He had never before been faced with this, never before expected to find it, and it hurt him in some unfathomable way, it stabbed into him. Athrun hated him.

And though he wished to appear tough, especially given his own reputation for being a hard-ass, he didn't know how to. He was honestly, bewildered beyond thought, as well as feeling strangely guilty. As though he had done something wrong, it was strange, he didn't feel guilty about killing the Freedom pilot (he still felt rather proud and pleased with the thought) but, he felt guilty and ashamed to have caused his superior enough pain that it would cause him, to hate him for it.

Growling, the glaring FAITH member hurried away, desirous of solitude, having no more wish to be in the company of the falsely sympathetic Minerva crew, than he did of Shinn's expectant smirk.

For the rest of the voyage, for the rest of the trip, both Athrun and Shinn would avoid one another. Much to the pleasure and disappointment of the crew, who were glad to have an end to the bickering, and disappointed that no apologies and no understandings were reached.

While the former would keep to his own quarters, steadfastly refusing to speak with the others, no matter who it was, as he ventured out only for meals. His only companion in those few days, was his own feelings of loneliness and alienation.

It was funny, in ORB he had felt completely at odds with his surroundings, it was only Cagalli, who had made it bearable, yet here he was, wishing he were back in ORB, where and when he could simply dismiss Kira dying as a bad dream. Or the Archangel escaping (for he refused to believe it was destroyed, such a notion would destroy him too), from certain death with nowhere and no one to turn to.

For Shin though, the trip was filled with toasts, praises and cheers, even Captain Gladys who tended to be very picky with her praises and hand-shaking, especially with him in recent weeks, shook his hand with warm words flowing from her lips like honey, the trip was just as lonely for him, as it was for Athrun.

For the three people, who he had expected the most praise from, he was bereft of such kindly treatment from, for Rey it was simply a matter of scolding him and making it a point to act no differently than before. A reaction that Shinn, learned after a few hours of silent waiting and of careful avoidance on Rey's part to be, the former Zaku pilot's irritation with him having goaded Athrun. With Lunamaria, it had to do with her crush on Athrun (a crush that still annoyed Shinn to no end), and finally Athrun himself, who he made it a point to memorise the schedule of, in order to avoid.

Though neither knew it, this last return to a ZAFT base would be their last trip together, for a long time, a time that would span for months, and it would serve as marker for them both, a marker that would signal a new beginning for the war. A beginning that neither would be able to ever forget.

Durandal

'Gaia you are in such bad straights,' Durandal thought sorrowfully, as he stared down at the Earth that he was descending towards, wishing with all of his might, that he could heal and dash away all the damage that the earth and its people had sustained. (Insert; .com/watch?v=5OLEQPHSNRM)

Having always been a cool and detached person, Durandal probably would have shocked people with how much he loved the Earth. Especially since, he was currently in a sense at war with it, but for him, the war was against LOGOS, not Earth.

His love, stemmed from his fascination with the human mind, and with the fact that as a child, growing up in the PLANTs he had always been fascinated with Earth. This love though, was also tempered by his hatred for LOGOS and everything they stood for.

'Raw never did get it, and neither did Patrick and his cronies,' Durandal thought with an inward sneer, it wouldn't do to show his true feelings or thoughts to others, even his beloved Talia.

Yes, the nature of the war was something, he could not discuss with anyone, especially those who might not understand. The only one who might have, understood his decisions and thoughts completely, was ironically Raw.

These darkening thoughts usually brought with them a foul mood, that he always had difficulty dispelling, and would often cause him to seek refuge within himself, of course, in recent times, it has more and more frequently required the image or thought of Talia and Rey to dispel. 'The earth isn't the problem, and neither is it the people of earth, but the problem is LOGOS, luckily I am about to address that issue. What with how, the war against them and their arms-dealing ways is about to end. There will be no more, back-room politics for them…'

Next to him, Meer stared down at the military base, eager to begin singing and easing the comforts of the brave souls who needed the attention of Lacus Clyne, to ease their pain, along with the desire to see Athrun again.

'I cannot wait to see him, to feel his arms around me, I wonder if he's alright, I do hope so, the Chairman has a bad habit of pushing everyone around him to be workaholics,' She thought fondly, with a swift glance at her boss, who appeared to be in his own world, staring up at the sky with a stoic expression on his face.

Unused to the quietness, even with the previous months of working so closely with Chairman Durandal, the excitable young woman let out a giggle of joy as she pressed her face into the ship window. Though she had seen the ocean before, she still felt gripped by its beauty and colour, a colour she thought dreamily, that had a close resemblance to Athrun's hair.

Shaken from his thoughts, as Meer giggled next to him, as she gaped down at the earth, with the joy of a child, only to tilt back and forth in excitement, her obvious awe of the earth's beauty pleased Durandal, her excitement though irritated him. He knew full well, why she was so excited; she wanted to see Athrun.

And though he himself understood love and how happy it could make a person, after-all was said and done, he was a married man and a father of sorts, but her girlish stupidity sickened him.

Hers was a brainless mind, one filled with nothing but what he fed it, it was almost a pity, he decided, for a small ounce of rebellion would have made her far more gripping and fascinating in his eyes, it would also make her that much more like Lacus, who he believed had inherited a piece of her late father's brain.

Instead, Meer was a nuisance, admittedly one that he required, for propaganda purposes, but a nuisance nonetheless.

'How could people worship, a girl with barely enough intelligence to tie her shoe-laces?' Durandal wondered, not for the first time, as he contemplated the thought, as a professional he knew how, but as a person it still stunned him, how everyone could simply entrust a pop-idol with more trust and faith than the country's soldiers. (Refrain; .com/watch?v=5OLEQPHSNRM)

As his ship went in for a landing, his mood brightening as he took in the beautiful ocean and jungle, around the military base he was headed for, his mind drifting away from politics, propaganda and Meer, to the people inside of the base. The true heroes of ZAFT.

Down there, was his wife, his son, and of course the apples of his professional eyes, Athrun Zala and Shinn Asuka. Two boys, who like his son, had infinite potential, their minds, for as a psychologist he was greatly fascinated by minds, and theirs were as infinite and complex as the earth's many exotic locales themselves. How he knew this, was not only from years of studying them, but borne from the knowledge of their amazing Coordinator abilities and special 'Seeds'.

'Although, most would say that Shinn is as tempestuous as the sea, and Athrun as solid as the earth, I would have to say that, Athrun is more like the sea; calm and beautiful, but when forced to, devastating and powerful. While Shinn is unbending, inflexible and unwilling to budge, yet at the same time nurturing and warm as the sun itself.' He thought fascinated, remembering all the footage of their battles he had seen, 'And Kira Yamato, was like the wind. Flexible and gentle, yet tempestuous and shifty, one moment kindly and the next cruel and irascible.'

The thought of the now deceased pilot of the Freedom, brought forth its own pile of regrets, the chief amongst them being that, he still had not figured out why the boy had turned on ZAFT, and the other main regret was that the boy had to have died for nothing.

Pushing aside such morbid musings, he soon made his way down from his ship, Meer in front of him, and his ambitions alongside him.

Later

The only concern Durandal had later, after his initial meeting and series of arm-aching handshaking meetings, other than those that came with ruling a country in the midst of turmoil and a war. Was that Athrun, his favourite 'pet' project so far, might have taken Kira's death less than pleasantly. (Insert; .com/watch?v=XLsprUXCKIU)

Still he felt confident, if there was one thing he knew about Athrun, it was his need to be needed by those more vulnerable than him, and who was more vulnerable than Shinn, who had a pathological need, to have approval, to be loved.

These traits, along with their competitive spirits, he felt were certain to keep the two of them binded together, even more strongly than that rope from that ancient myth about the tying of a wolf.

But as competitive or needful of others as they were, he knew even more confidently that if there was anyone they both looked to for comfort, for approval it was him.

'That's the thing about young men, though they might reject their parents, they still thirst for them with the same thirst that drives a rationale mind like Patrick Zala to thirst for vengeance.' The ZAFT chairman mused, as he arrived in the hangar, eyes tracing over the Mobile Suits, and as he dismissed most of the men who had decided to follow him and Meer into the hangar.

As Meer played with her toy Haro, he in turn smirked as he triumphantly basked in the coming success he felt certain was headed his way, both in conquering two more fascinating Coordinators and the war, as surely as Shinn and Athrun were. (Insert; .com/watch?v=7bS1XUYYjqM&feature=related)

"Well then… you two, will these two be my final cards?" He wondered to no one in particular, save for perhaps his old patient and rival's ghost.

Behind him, the guard announced the arrival of Shinn and Athrun, the two boys dressed impeccably in the dark red uniforms of ZAFT.

To Athrun and Shinn, the darkened and near-lightless hangar, was intimidating as there seemed to be an almost magical quality to the darkness permeating the large room. It was as though, something in the room had no wish to reveal anything to them, no matter how idle their curiosity. So inevitably their eyes made their way to Meer, who was dressed exactly as they had last seen her, and the almost feminine looking chairman.

Upon first, seeing them, Durandal's smirk widened, this was the moment he was waiting for, a moment that caused his heart to beat fast, as he thought of the end to his war, the completion of his dreams, of the end of this dark era.

But to his dismay, he saw that after the curiosity was washed from Athrun's mistrustful gaze, that there was a coldness, an iciness towards Shinn. An iciness, that was returned with feigned indifference.

The two boys, who had started off on their first steps towards friendship, were now on the teetering line between semi-comrades and unspoken enemies.

As he approached the chairman, Athrun felt a twist in his gut as he met those inscrutable yet pleased dark orbs, while Meer smiled at him warmly and with adulation, unaware that none of the men had so much as paid her much thought, beyond noting her presence. Grimly, the young ace-pilot met the stare of the man who had signed his best friend's death warrant.

'He's also expanding the war, and gaining for himself, more and more political power, by the day, his 'emergency' power will soon match that once, possessed by my father.' Athrun reminded himself, as he remembered the speech delivered the day before, as he stared into those charismatic and warm eyes, eyes that could twist everything so that black was white, and white was black, as he stiffly felt had been done to him mere months before.

In truth, it had been the most charismatic speech, after Durandal's official declaration about the war of course, and that was now why he felt so queasy, about trusting this man, who had brought about Kira, and almost the entire Archangel crew and more importantly, Cagalli's deaths.

Shinn meanwhile, met the gaze of his greatest hero (save for his own father) with the same adulation that Meer was busy silently throwing upon Athrun. (Refrain; .com/watch?v=7bS1XUYYjqM&feature=related)

"It has been some time, chairman Durandal," Athrun said stoically, with a proper yet cold salute, his stiff response did not go unnoticed by the outwardly genial chairman who mentally arched an eyebrow while studying him.

"I was very moved by what you said, the other day," Shinn happily announced, with a warm salute as he dutifully ignored Zala.

"Oh, my thank you," Speaking humbly, Durandal reached out a hand for Shinn to shake, feeling pleased as he did so, even with Athrun's pouting, he had without a doubt solidified himself, in the even more talented pilot's mind as a near god-like figure. "I've also heard of your exploits. I'm sure that much has happened since our last, conversation."

As Shinn energetically thanked him, Durandal extended a hand towards Athrun. Glaring at him, Athrun seemed on the verge of refusing, but when the older man tilted his head to the left, with all the genialness of a loving uncle, he accepted the offered hand grudgingly.

'I hope he doesn't swing a fist, at the chairman,' Shinn thought with an inward groan, sensing the change in the air, and prayed that Athrun would remember his place. This was a moment of even more tension than their little 'spat', as Rey had dubbed it, from back on the Minerva.

To the three men's surprise (save for Durandal, who had planned for just such a potential resort, decided to allow her to tag along), and to both dark-haired men's gratitude the moment was shattered, by Meer who tackled her way into Athrun's muscled arms.

"Athrun! How have you been? I've missed you!" She demanded, with a guileless smile, that earned her an unsettled and highly uncomfortable look from Athrun, who was more than a little conscious of her anatomical 'differences' to the real Lacus, as she was now pressed rather fully into him.

Athrun swallowed as he felt overcome with guilt and tears, as he stared into that face that resembled his former fiancé so closely.

'She's probably in pain right now, what with how Kira is dead,' he brooded, as he greeted her.

Beside him, Shinn stared at him confused, for his was not the behaviour of a man in love, to someone who had always associated love with either over-protectiveness, or warmth as he had seen in his own failed relationship with Stella and in his parents, who had a certain brightness in their eyes whenever they gazed at one another. Yes, Athrun's behaviour, to his mind was something to be mulled over and perhaps talked to, with Rey about, (heaven forbid should Luna, with her gossipy and stupid infatuation over-hear them later, or so he thought).

"Well then," Durandal began, after clearing his throat a little, effectively bringing everyone's attention back to him, as he spoke smoothly. "I'm certain that you have already heard, but feeling frustrated with the situation I have started a terrible thing." He ignored Shinn's canine-loyal interruption, wishing to introduce them to their new units as soon as possible. "Although there are other things I'd like to speak to you two about, please take a look at these first." Durandal said, holding up one hand to forestall any other protests, as he spoke dramatically, "Your eyes have also been wandering over, behind me, for quite some time."

Two gasps echoed in the large room, as the lights flicked on all at once, revealing the two most powerful ZAFT Mobile Suits ever created.

Cabled, computers and equipment everywhere, and all over the two giant machines, as though pumping blood into the 'veins' of said machines in the hopes of bringing them to life.

Staring at the two dark-greyish hunks of metal and interlocking equipment, Athrun, Durandal noted, sported emotions that ran amok with some feelings favoured, by the national leader and others not so favoured. For in those green eyes, disbelief, awe, terror, shock and disquiet were all flowing freely.

For Shinn though, it was one of the most powerful moments in his life, it was as though an electro-shock zapped through him, in that moment as he gazed at the right one, having barely noticed and noted the existence of the other one, the Legend.

Strangely, he felt pulled towards the 'Destiny', somehow it seemed as though they 'clicked' together. It was as though, he had truly found his personal destiny, as though the Mobile Suit and him, had been made before the dawn of time, for one another. And in that moment, he was instantly smitten with it, and as far as he was concerned, Athrun and his grudge, Durandal and his politics, Rey and his professionalism could do whatever they wanted. He had to pilot the Destiny at the very least once, his very soul was aching for it, pleading with him to get his hands on the controls.

Deciding to introduce the two confused pilots to their new 'toys', Durandal spoke slowly, not wishing to break their trances, at the same time hoping to subtly allow the pride he felt towards his two newest investments into their hearts. (Insert; .com/watch?v=G69XVbeqvLE)

"ZGMF-X42S Destiny," Durandal introduced, motioning to the one on the right to him, the one closest to Shinn, then he motioned with a flourishing graceful hand to the one on his left, closest to Athrun. "ZGMF-X666S Legend."

After a small pause, Durandal lowered his two arms, as he spoke he turned away from Athrun, leaving Meer to infuse him with her contagiously good spirits, "They're both new units that far surpass the abilities of a conventional unit." Addressing the beaming Shinn, he continued, "I'll have you both look at the specifications later."

To Shinn's mind, it was never the technology at fault, not even an atomic or nuclear bomb was evil, it was purely the people using them. And to his trained and highly biased eyes, these two Gundams were works of the finest art ever dreamt of and conceived, though the implications of deadlier tech was weighty even for him. He was determined not to let his own dislike for war, and its effects to stop him from feeling at least one moment of peace and joy.

To Athrun, the moment was less than great, as these two Mobile Suits disturbed him a great deal. They frightened him, to his very core, though he too felt that these Gundams were special, and though he too felt that they were 'good' at what they would later be implemented to do, it was their political implication that frightened him more than they're purpose.

"These new units are most likely, going to become the celebrated leads in the upcoming battles." Proud dark eyes met stricken emerald ones, the eyes broke apart as Durandal back away a few steps, to address both boys, launching into an explanation of the two Gundams and their capabilities as he did so. Afterwards, he moved on to the business of handing them over, a decision made easier, by the star-truck gaze Shinn directed at the Gundam on the right.

"The Destiny has been specially tuned for your use," What the politician didn't tell them, was that the two Mobile Suits were so closely related in controls, and were specially crafted, so as to just in case, be modified for either or, so as to fit with both of their specialties, be they long or close-ranged combat.

"Huh? For me?"

Nodding, Durandal went on, as Shinn's relieved expression surprised and intrigued him, was the boy that attached to the Gundam? It was strange, though natural for a Coordinator, it was still peculiar for Shinn to look as though he had just seen his little sister, rise up from the grave unharmed, with the kind of relief that came from a life-time of longings.

Then the time came to deal with Athrun, who was silently observing the exchange, while the two were busy speaking about the Destiny, the previous chairman's son was busy trying to summon up the proper words to speak. The right words to tell the current chairman, what he thought of his doubtlessly highly destructive machines, while also studying his comrade.

Convinced as he was that, he would never forgive Shinn for his cruel butchering of Kira, Athrun was however more than a little disturbed by the longing in his eyes for the Destiny. He had never seen such a loving gaze caress a Mobile Suit, not even amongst the most ardent of designers and mechanics. Worse than that though, was the look in the chairman's eyes; it was that of a man who was pleased to have taught his dog a new trick.

'And if Shinn, had a tail, it would be wagging,' Athrun noted grimly, and try as he might to look down upon Shinn for it, he couldn't. Staring at his feet, all he felt was sorry, if Shinn loved a machine that much it could only end badly, to him it appeared as though the boy's path, once so full of potential and light was headed down a dark path. 'And there is no avoiding it, for Shinn is too stubborn to listen to anyone except, Rey and the chairman.'

"And your unit will be the Legend," Durandal announced to him, surprising no one, as they all were now expecting such a decision after the Destiny had been given to the practically drooling orbian. "What do you think of the DRAGOON system, Athrun? I believe that you can utilize it to its, utmost potential."

But the surge of joy, didn't come as the leader of ZAFT was probably hoping, instead the feelings of suspicion, nausea and anxiety returned with their own 'Legend' and 'Destiny' Gundams, their own reinforcements. So great was his consternation, that everyone there stared at him in growing uneasiness. (Insert; .com/watch?v=xBA6qVq6z2o&feature=related (Starting at 1:32 if you want))

"Is something wrong, Athrun?" Durandal asked, genuinely curious and worried, as he tilted his head again, in a gesture of inquisitiveness.

Narrowing his eyes, Athrun asked his first question regarding the machines, the question that had haunted him, since he had learnt of the now highly unpopular group's direct inclusion in the war. "Are these units for the war against LOGOS?"

The question was spoken hesitantly, as Meer and Shinn stiffened with nervousness, but Athrun didn't notice as his soft voice grew stronger and more confident, "You said that we will fight against LOGOS to eliminate warfare."

Initially thrown off by the glaring eyes, Durandal quickly warmed to his topic, this was something he could speak winningly about, in a debate, as double-dealing arms-dealers was something that no-one could fault him for finding fault in.

But though warming up to his topic, he decided to still interject some philosophy and irony into the conversation, as was his wont. "Yes, although to fight in order to end the fighting is a hypocritical and problematic idea. It can't be helped though, as they won't listen to reason, now will they? In that case, we have no other choice but to fight."

"But why them?" Athrun blurted out with quiet heat, as Shinn and Meer once again appeared to be the ever-increasingly frustrated and curious bystanders, in this on-going highly private psychological battle for supremacy. "Technically, their just doing their jobs, and are on neither side, if you truly want to put them in their places, why not give way to diplomacy or try to quietly snuff out and confiscate their factories from them? Why go on international television, and declare all-out war on them, out of the blue? The only thing that this will do, is fan the flames of hatred in people's hearts."

But as always, the chairman saw straight through him, it was this trait that had at first endeared the man to him, yet was now causing him to start feeling nauseous by just being in his presence. It was as though, he couldn't so much as keep his thoughts private, from the all-seeing eyes of the man. (Insert; .com/watch?v=KB-RP992Zsw&feature=related)

"That isn't what you wish to speak about, what you are really hoping to ask me, is why I gave the order for the Archangel and the Freedom to be destroyed. Why did this turn out, the way it did? Why won't the world go down the path, we want it to?" Having possessed a faraway look in his eyes, for a few brief moments, Durandal's gaze regained its focus as he smiled understandingly, at Athrun. "It must be a very frustrating feeling." The smooth cockiness returned, "But to be blunt that's how the world currently works. Nobody knows how to truly harness their power, nobody know what to do with themselves, for everyone is tossed and whipped around, by the times."

"Chairman-!" Athrun spoke up, interrupting him only to for his main listener to speak over him.

"The Archangel, no, allow me to speak more specifically about your friend Kira. I feel sorry for him," Durandal admitted sincerily, as he walked over to stand next to the Legend, his eyes on it as he considered the now deceased pilot's fate. "With the amount of potential and power he possessed, he was born to be a soldier. In a Mobile Suit, he was almost unsurpassable, but no one, not even he himself, knew this."

As he spoke, Durandal heard a grunt from Shinn, the politician smiled as he knew that the boy would channel, his frustrations at hearing such a thing into bettering his own skills.

What the man didn't know was that, to some degree he had already lost the pilot's desire to listen, as the subject was now going down a path that both him and the other pilot present, both wished to now leave the subject alone.

"And because, he didn't know this, he didn't grow up as he should have, he grew up instead, haunted by what he could do, with his soul as well as his life, being continuously, tossed around by the times." Durandal continued unaware of his audience's growing dissatisfaction, as he patted the shivering and obviously nervous Meer on the shoulder. "The fact that he didn't grow up the way he should have, would cause him to turn on Lacus, and to kidnap the Chief of state, of ORB, and bringing about more death in every battle he gallivanted across, than what he probably ever wanted to."

Having heard enough, especially at the sight of Meer's disturbed and terrified face, Athrun's loyalties to Kira, to Lacus and also to the distressed Meer caused him to leap forward metaphorically as well as verbally, yet again. "But, Kira was…!"

"Attacking ZAFT forces repeatedly, with ever increasing destructiveness, how could I, as supreme commander of ZAFT's forces allow such a chaotic factor to run around, without thinking of the dangers posed to our citizens and soldiers' lives?" These recent words, seemed to have finally subdued Athrun and gained him back the approval of Shinn, he had just noticed he was now starting to lose, once he had turned to face the boys again. "He was truly unfortunate, because if he had known his destiny before his untimely death, and recent destructiveness, he would never have had to perish."

The chairman might have continued his philosophy lesson, as well as his plan to perhaps include them in his recent plans, but he was interrupted by the arrival of the admiral in charge of the military installation.

"Chairman! I know that you said you weren't to be interrupted, but about the EAF lunar base, and the upcoming campaign against it, I believed you might like to know that, everyone is ready for the meeting." The man announced respectfully, with a hint of an apology in his deep baritone, the addressed man smiled and with a glance at the pocket-watch he drew from his pocket he sighed.

"It would appear that I am out of time, but I hope to see you two later, and perhaps get your personal impressions of the Gundams later, perhaps you two might want to stop by my office here, for tea," Durandal said as he nodded to Meer, and led the way out, leaving the two pilots to do as they pleased with their new gifts.

Minutes Later/Shinn (I know, kinda've pointless)

With Durandal's departure, and with Meer leaving with him, that left the two soldiers in a rough and highly awkward silence, they were both growing accustomed to, ever since the week before, but it didn't mean that they were any less used to it. (Refrain; .com/watch?v=KB-RP992Zsw&feature=related)

Having become a great lover of silence, especially when around loudmouths like Yolant or Luna, Shinn still felt stifled. It felt to him, as though if he were to so much as twitch in the wrong direction, he might worsen the metaphorical ice gathering.

What bothered the super-ace even more, was the high regard the chairman held that bastard Yamato in. Did he really, think him so great? Sure, he had been an amazing opponent, but he was a stupid one, seeing as he always made the same moves and mistakes.

Quieting his clamouring thoughts, which were now drifting to the highly uncomfortable chairman's talks of 'destiny', he was unsure if he should inquire about the staring contest Athrun had gotten into with their leader, over the long-winded discussion.

But habits were habits, and seeking advice from Athrun, came almost as naturally as seeking Rey's solemn, wise advice. Just when he was, in the act of asking though, he managed to overhear the disquiet aquamarine haired man's mumbled thoughts.

"What is the chairman, up to this time?" Athrun mumbled to himself, as he contemplated the current situation, having gone too long without checking up on the political situation, his new-found distrust of the chairman's words, actions and the words and actions of ZAFT, he felt rather sick.

Things were moving, like when his father was in power, far too fast, too soon for his taste, they had just finished routing the EAF from Eurasia, and now they were stepping into a war with LOGOS, who officially were on neither side, right when it would have been ideal to begin peace talks with the earth, with ZAFT holding the superior bargaining position. Yet here was Durandal extending the war, extending it, and garnering for himself, even more power, and creating bigger weapons of mass-destruction. Frankly speaking, something (or someone) smelled, and it was neither him nor Shinn.

What Athrun didn't notice was that his words, had a negative effect on Shinn, who was standing next to him, his words triggered in the young pilot the exasperation he felt, the feelings of frustration with Athrun's seeming anti-ZAFT thoughts in recent weeks.

"Don't you trust anyone?" Shinn snapped heatedly, starting the conversation as he always did, whenever it was him starting one; with anger.

He succeeded in gaining his superior's attention, but it was the same weakly spoken reaction he had gotten before Yamato's death.

"Shinn…!" Athrun started only to pause, green irritation met with red fury, and as usual when it came to a battle of wills, the latter won.

"You would just rather, have everyone leading happy lives, with those damned merchants of death continuing to live happily along with the EAF as though they had done nothing wrong! You saw those death camps, didn't those people's suffering mean anything to you?" Shinn continued after the pregnant pause had elapsed, his voice rising and echoing in the empty hangar.

Gathering together his own will, the highly versatile former pilot of the Saviour Gundam retorted, pain in his voice. "Shinn, don't accuse me of not caring, you know that's unfair. I do care, but at the beginning of the war, the chairman said he would continue the war, but would stop when he could. I believe he now could, and what's more is that his authority is now equal to the rest of the Supreme Council. Week by week, day by day, he's gaining more power and popularity, as time elapses, the Supreme Council grows more dependent on him, and less willing to think for themselves, just as the people of ZAFT are doing. Doesn't any of this seem off to you?"

To a man who believed in loyalty to the bitter-end, and not the kind of loyalty where one could see the flaws, in either a system or a person, a man who had grown to love the chairman and his ideals as much as his own defunct family. Words like Athrun's were intolerable, and went against everything he believed in, they were both more painful and more insulting than a blast from the Freedom Gundam.

"And bitching about it, without any proof of corruption is really going to help," Shinn shot back, as he stomped out of the hangar, putting an end to the discussion, just as Athrun was yelling out his name. "I don't want to hear, about how putting a stop to corruption and oppression is wrong."

The moment he stepped, out of the hangar though, Shinn decided at once to cool his head with a small training simulation. Yes, a good four hours studying the Destiny, and getting used to it would do him some good.

It was then, as the wind blew against his flushed cheeks that he remembered one very particular detail, a detail in his rage that he had, forgotten all about; the blueprints were in the hangar, where Athrun was.

'The chairman probably, has a spare, I'll just ask his secretary or whoever else is there, to go and get them, for me.' Shinn decided with a groan, he didn't mind losing his temper, but when it led to him making such a stupid mistake as walking out and leaving behind the very thing, he planned to study, it really made him feel stupid.

Behind him in the hangar, Athrun started at his clenched fist, and then at the Legend, and in turn, its majestic brother. Shinn's words echoing in his head, as he contemplated his next move.

"And bitching about it, without any proof of corruption is really going to help!" the words seemed to still be echoing inside of the hangar, and much as they were delivered in the spirit of meanness and irritation, they were much like the person who had spoken them, they were not idle ones.

'Shinn's right, bitching about being helpless is a coward's excuse, but what can I do? As much as I hate to admit it, there's no one I can turn to, save for ZAFT and maybe the Archangel, who sustained more damage than not and who might have sunk into the ocean.' Athrun thought, as he went over things in his mind, recapping the battle, and the Archangel which had sunk into the ocean, then there were the explosions, and then it never surfaced, its heat source went out, 'But what if, they flicked off everything but life-support, and then allowed themselves to sink further into the water? The sub-zero temperature of the North Atlantic Ocean would have covered the heat trail, especially with the engines turned off and them sinking as swiftly as a several ton ship would, and the Minerva didn't get the chance to properly check the area, they were rushed back. Ramius is too clever to stay in one place, while our 'reinforcements' scanned the area.'

Though it still felt like the desire was stronger than reality, it was all Athrun had to go on, as he considered, what he could do with the situation. Once again, he remembered the pledge he had made, the pledge the leader of ZAFT himself, bore witness to, a pledge to one's own person and ideals.

'I think it's time, to see what kind of pledge the chairman has made, it doesn't need to be military plans, but if I could get a hold of something that proves the chairman's innocence or guilt I'll be able to rest easy.' Athrun decided, determined to go through with his reckless plan, a plan that though treasonous from a certain perspective, was a long time in coming, as he rather disliked someone holding all the cards over his head.

Athrun

Just as Shinn was deciding to return to the ship, Athrun was busy making his way to the chairman's office, having narrowly avoided a collection of female officers intent on tearing him or his clothing apart, either that or comforting him over his recent losses, he still couldn't tell which. He felt he had delayed himself, he was just glad that he had left, some of his more tolerable 'fans' back on the ship, under the highly severe eye of captain Gladys.

'If I get back, to the Archangel, I won't have to hide in bathroom stalls anymore,' he thought with a mixture of amusement and irritation, as he also contemplated one of the first things he would do; question Cagalli about her near-married to that idiot Yuna Roma.

But, he sincerily hoped it didn't come to him, having to flee from ZAFT, he also prayed that the chairman was as picky and paranoid about control and security as his personality led one to believe. Athrun was counting, on the cameras and security being hooked-up to the great man's personal computer, in his experience men who desired control rarely ever trusted others with supervising security when in their presence.

Which was also why he had vetoed the idea, of breaking into ZAFT's leader's office via the window, such an act would have guaranteed him instant enmity from whoever might be in the room, when he could just either negotiate/trick them or knock them out when they weren't looking.

As he passed by fewer and fewer officers, he came to the conclusion that the now unusually, relaxed base was a little too trusting of him.

Of course, at this thought, it was almost as though he had tempted fate, tempted it to be sarcastic with him, something which in his lifetime had never been a wise idea.

With a small glance in every direction, without giving the impression that he was feeling rather nervous, or that he was up to something he shouldn't be, Athrun pressed his hand against the doorknob, just as it twisted and pulled inwards, from the inside.

From inside of the room, came the last person Athrun had wished to see, the last person he had expected, and the one person who was the most likely after Rey to turn him in.

It was Shinn. (Insert: .com/watch?v=st_xeHZVJjQ&feature=related (Up to : 37 secs in the song))

Hatti: That's the best you could do? Man, you suck.

Asukai: Shut up, like to see you do better, at least I had the balls to do it. Now then, as pathetic as this 'prologue' is (least in my opinion), it should get better with the second chapter, as I won't be rushing to get to the inciting force of the story, nor recapping, nor dealing with constraints like the ones offered to me by the damned GSD 'creative' staff *cough* Morosawa & Fukuda *cough* Damned, lungs giving out on me.

Hatti: *That*'s your excuse?

Asukai: You got a better one?

Hatti: No, not really, but meh. Also, this story will include in the future more music, because of Asukai's apparent obsession, so if there is a song you like (non-sexual in nature, so no Britney Spears, damned prude). And/or a minor anime character/someone resembling one, you would like to see play a minor role in this fic, please PM the mor-I mean the fanfic author, with the details.

Also, for the purpose of this fic, Kira did not survive death by stabbing (giant sword), death by heat (being melted to death), death by radiation poisoning, death by giant nuclear explosion (nuclear reactor), death by water pressure, death by freezing (kinda've important neh?), death by drowning (dur), death by bleeding (giant sword in gut and head kinda've do that to ya), death by the black plague, death by smurfing, death by normal explosion and finally death by story death.

Asukai: You mention that *now*?

Hatti: You didn't give me time earlier, anyways, till next time and do remember, to read and review, flamers will be shot… out of a cannon and into the bloody sun (hehehehe, I thought of that one).

Asukai: 'Till next time… *waves, and runs off to fetch the cannon*