Shattered Peace of Mind
Chapter 1
Cagalli sighed as she stared at the now empty boardroom in front of her. Not even ten minutes ago, it was filled with government officials and media teams as the final legislation went through. Although the chaos of messy papers and strewn about chairs could've spoken to the sheer volume of work accomplished. The world was now the closest it was to peace as ever in its long history.
She picked up the hefty document in front of her and cradled it. She hoped that somewhere her father could see all that had been accomplished. It had taken over five years, but the world was finally on the same page. There hadn't been one incident, no troublesome groups or anything of the sorts. Slivers of memories passed before her eyes and she recalled the long chain of events to arrive here. It was like closing the book of what felt like a whole life of events, which felt odd considering she was only in her mid-twenties. She couldn't quite label the unusual feeling but the world was entering into the next era, albeit a peaceful one at that.
"You have quite a way with words Cagalli" came a male's voice, interrupting her thoughts. The blonde was truly gifted in getting her opinion across. You'd never see a group of politicians agree so quickly without the perseverance and elegance of the ORBS lioness.
Her eyebrow twitched in annoyance. "As informal as ever Nico" she stated, as she watched him stride through the adjoining kitchenette sipping from a large mug. Nico was her right-hand assistant, by far the best she'd ever had over the years. Just slightly younger than herself but also a savant in his own regards.
"Sorry Miss Attha, its been such a day. It's hard not to be cheeky" a big grin plastered across his face. His pure white hair with near clear eyes gave him an angelic appearance. "Also, Mr. Zala is running a bit behind, he said you shouldn't wait up for him" he added nonchalantly.
Cagalli nodded, Nico's overflowing charisma melting away at her usual sternness as she pushed herself up onto her feet. "Take the rest of the day for yourself, you've earned it". She half expected him to protest as he was quite a workaholic himself, but he simply nodded with that wide ass grin of his as she made her way towards the door.
Today was a success for everyone.
Throwing her suit jacket over the chair, she placed her briefcase on the table. She couldn't remember the last time she was home. The small cozy apartment was a breath of fresh air opposed the sterile feeling of the ORB mansion that she conducted numerous meetings at. Usually working too late and too early to make the commute home. Although that would likely decrease as the final proceedings would only calm down from here, becoming a much more manageable workload.
She made her way into the kitchen, filling a small kettle with water and setting it on the stove. As well as the day had gone, something was unsettled within her. She glanced out the window that overlooked the bay. Soothing clear blue skies and waters swirled hypnotically but did little to ease her. She blinked and the scene changed to a burning landscape, torrents of water cascading upwards towards the ash-filled sky. She blinked again and the bay had returned to the serene setting.
A hallucination.
She shook her head in annoyance, they'd been happening more frequently although the last one was almost two weeks ago. The kettles low pitched whistle was slowly becoming louder in the background. She grabbed a mug and threw an oversized tea bag in it, filling it up nearly to the brim. She held it in her hands, absorbing the warmth.
She looked out the window again. Burnt reds and rich oranges swirled as bellows of smoke rose. Her eyes widened as a missile soared through the sky and crashed in the water, a loud explosion following. Her eyes widened from the shock, dropping the mug in her hands. She glanced down at the mess briefly before looking back out the window. Everything returning back to its peaceful setting.
She cursed. Another hallucination. Although this one was different. sounding so real it was paralyzing. She stared out the window almost daring it to change, dark clouds lingering in the distance.
"Are you okay?" She froze before she turned to the well-known figure. His presence unnoticed from the distraction. She merely glanced away like a guilty child that was caught red-handed.
"I'm... fine Athrun" She crouched and began collecting the shards of the shattered mug. She knew he would see right through the facade.
"Was it another..." his words trailed but she knew what he meant. This wasn't the first time such things had plagued her. He was now kneeling beside her, paper towels in hand. Although he knew the answer right away from her reaction. Cagalli felt the tension fade away with his presence. She threw the pieces into a small box and washed her hands. "Welcome home" he said, closing the distance between the two.
"That's what I should be saying" her cheeks burned in embarrassment. She figured he wouldn't be home until much later but was happy he was here now. He chuckled as brushed a strand of her hair back from her face, leaning in and giving a quick peck on the cheek.
"I missed you. Sorry, I'm late" he said sincerely, pulling her close. She could've melted away in his arms. His scent and soothing words calming her from the unsettling illusions.
"You're hardly late" she tsked playfully, seemingly returning to her normal self. She hadn't been home too long herself.
"Late enough" he mused, challenging her to disagree. She sighed as she glanced over his shoulder and the two brown paper bags now on the table beside her briefcase.
"You brought home dinner?" He nodded and left to go grab utensils. Few words were needed between the two. She smiled at his thoughtfulness.
As they sat down, Cagalli caught Athrun's eyes lingering perhaps a millisecond too long. Emerald eyes that were as infinite as the sea that constantly took in everything around them. There was nothing she could hide from him. He was no doubt worried about what he had come home to, but he'd wait patiently for her to open up, rather than press her for the details. Although deep down she was worried too. It was unlucky to get one hallucination a month, let alone 2 in one day was unheard of for her. The pit of uneasiness returned, churning once again. Maybe it was because she was working too much. Hopefully, it would subside shortly with the decreased workload.
While they ate they made quick banter back and forth as they caught up from with few days apart. Outside, dark clouds rolled in, blotting over the clear sky's. Almost like an eerie foreboding. A flash of lightning split the sky. Cagalli glanced out the window intently recalling the vivid memories that were long in the past now.
"Don't tell me you want to go out in that" he teased. Cagalli always had a perplexing fascination with rain, everytime she could, you bet she'd be standing in the middle of it soaking wet. Even their first encounter she had foolishly done so. She flashed a mischievous smile confirming his thoughts and smiled in return. Maybe after dinner.
The silent storm continued to flash violently in the background as they finished their meal, enjoying each other's presence. The soft patter of rain against the tall building. Once finished, Cagalli collected their plates while Athrun packed away the remainder of the food. She was halfway to the sink when a loud crash of thunder rumbled overhead.
The sudden noise stopped the blonde in her tracks, catching her off guard. The next roar was even louder, then the last, almost like an explosion, sending her crashing to the floor as her legs seemingly gave out underneath her. She looked up to find herself in a burnt crater, no longer inside the cozy apartment. The potent smell of singed flesh made her wrinkle her nose in disgust with the all too familiar smell. She felt the cold wet ground, her eye widened in confusion as she gathered her senses. Rain poured endlessly overhead, drenching her in seconds.
"Athrun?" Surely this was just a hallucination too. She ran her hand over the ground again as if to prove herself wrong. In the not too far distance, mobile suits could be heard exchanging blows. But how did this feel so real? She blinked several times hoping that reality would jump back to her like it always did before.
Except it didn't. Her stomach dropped as her blood ran icy cold, fear permeating to her core. Warm tears filled her eyes as the overwhelming feelings took over.
Just what the hell was happening to her.
Just a quick oneshot that was lingering around in my head. Might do a second chapter and see how that goes. Still debating. Recently rewatch Gundam Seed and found myself wanting to write again. Hope you all enjoy!
- Tas