At the moment, I'm attempting to complete all my requests but this is just the first one—a writing challenge! irishdragon and skywolf666, sorry for the super-long waits . . . And, pure thanks go to MapleRose for a lot of help on certain things . . .

As said, this is a writing challenge I received from a friend of mine. An "extended songfic" as I call it—Basically it's a multi-chaptered songfic where each verse/stanza is the core part of each chapter—so, that, by the end, you've gone through the entire song . . . get it? (It'll probably make more sense later on after you see.) Well, this is my first real attempt at a songfic of any type . . . so, I'm not quite sure how this turned out. But, I was able to choose my song and subject, though! This first try centers around Gundam SEED's Mu LaFlaga—and, though the song may not fit with him perfectly,I think I did an okay job with the choice. . . . If not, tell me 'kay? So I can learn from my mistakes.

(And, just so you know, this first chapter was by far the hardest for me to write for some reason . . .--and in this first chapter I made Mu slightly more arrogant/cocky than need-be, so sorry if he's out of character.)

A thing I like most about this is that even though all the short chapters are different story wise, there's this connecting thread between all of them—besides the song, and its subject . . . Even so, let's just say this isnt my best at the moment. (Sorry for all the pre-writing)

Anyway, the song is Find Yourself—as sung by Brad Paisley.

Part I -- (Phase 5)

After landing in the Archangel's Hangar, the Ace Pilot grinned. It had all been a success. He'd managed to single-handedly get that ship of LeCreuset's out of the way and still was able to return in time to help get that foolish kid back aboard safely.

There had been that one moment though. . . . when that coldness clenched him. When the boy's machine disappeared beyond that explosion . . . Mu momentarily froze at his controls. . . .

He vigorously shook that thought from his mind as Mu yanked off that signature helmet of his. Unbuckling himself, he wiped some faint sweat from his face. Remembering the boy's ordeal once more, Mu lazily pushed himself from the Zero's hatch and up towards the Strike instead.

Chuckling to himself, Mu recalled about how he was only supposed to escort the original pilots of those G-Weapons—not fight alongside one—nor alongside a kid who still needed rescuing.

As Mu came closer, however, that grin of his faltered. He couldn't see that kid anywhere, and Murdoch was yelling at the Strike's cockpit door.

"What seems to be the problem?" Mu asked casually, though bordering on lazy with his tone.

"He wont come outta there," Murdoch grumbled. Mu grinned. He had just learned the mechanic's name a few hours earlier.

"Ah, let me try. . . ."

He shouted, hoping his scolds would reach the inside of the machine. "Hey!"

Eyes flashing, he fumbled with the outside controls. "Come on! Get outta there!" He had a quick laugh, though, wondering as what was happening inside. The doors opened and Mu swung to face them. "Kira Ya—!"

Mu froze at the door, condescending grin wiped straight off his face.

He could see the boy inside, Kira, sitting there, body racking with every gasp for air. His hands were clenched tight around the lever controls, his feet engrained hard into the Strike's floor. Through the visor, Mu could easily tell how pale he was, and the blank fear still shivered in those eyes.

When you find yourself

In some far off place

The Lieutenant's eyes narrowed. He'd seen many soldiers come back after first battles in similar states, but then, he'd also seen those same soldiers not come back at all. . . . For a moment, his mind touched upon the dark possibility, and his face became grim.

Mu readjusted his features into a weak smile before pushing himself into the Strike's cockpit as well. Getting closer, Mu reached out to gently grip Kira's shoulder.

"Come on now, it's all over," he muttered, suddenly quiet and reserved. "Let's get you out of there, hm?" Stretching over, he unbuckled Kira from the seat, like one would do a young child.

But Kira was a child.

And it causes you

To rethink some things

Putting on a playful grin, Mu quickly got to work in slowly easing Kira's tight fingers from the controls. In the man's grip, the boy's hands still shook. Mu's voice became quiet and coaxing as he played with the boy's gloved fingers.

"Listen . . . you're still in one piece, and so am I—and the ship's okay."

Mu looked up into Kira's face and put on a reassuring smile as he slid his hand from the boy's.

"You did a great job."

You start to sense . . .

Looking into those young violet eyes, Mu was able to see Kira's slow dawn of understanding at the words.

The boy breathed heavily, eyes searching the elder soldier's face, finding only a faint form of admiration dancing there.

That, slowly,

You're becoming someone else. . . .

". . . Thanks . . . Lieutenant . . ."

"No problem, Kid."

At that, Mu truly smiled.

And then you find yourself.