Gundam Seed Remaster Two-Shot

Summary: After the events of the First Bloody Valentine War, Athrun Zala contemplates on his decision to stay with Cagalli as she heads back to her home-country of Orb for her duty as the new Chief Representative.

~ Athrun's Decision ~

Marshall Islands, Reverend Malchio's Orphanage

Athrun watched her pace around the tiny room like a madman, gritting her teeth in obvious annoyance as she argued with the person on the other line. She fidgeted with her loose blouse and ran a hand through her hair a couple of times, pulling and gripping. Lacus watched her friend too, holding on to Kira in worry.

She's been like that for the past hour, her face contorting now and again, matching her temper and her emotions even though she barely spoke. In fact, she barely said anything coherent because it seemed like half the time, she was shouting at the poor person on the other line who was unfortunate enough to have been the victim of her bouts of anger.

It wasn't until a good fifteen minutes later did the young woman finally end the call with a long sigh and a soft-spoken, "Alright."

She fell on the rug between the two occupied couches, exhausted.

Athrun looked at Kira, who was already looking at him. Neither wanted to start asking the questions since they didn't know exactly where to begin.

"Is everything alright, Cagalli?" Lacus asked, concerned. The two friends were grateful for her presence.

Cagalli sat up after a while and responded. "It was Kisaka. Apparently Orb is in a serious power-struggle with the Five Families who are still not in agreement with the signage of the Junius Treaty."

Everyone looked at her in surprise.

"But Cagalli, Orb knows full well that signing the treaty means that the country will be restored in its state before the war," Kira was shocked that Orb would even think otherwise!

Cagalli sighed. "The signing of the treaty isn't the problem, Kira," she said looking at him. "It's about who will be signing it."

All pairs of eyes looked at her.

"You mean, they're asking you to do that, Cagalli-san?" Lacus' shocked response made Cagalli laugh.

"Of course." She laughed condescendingly. "I mean, I am the ruler of Orb now since the death of my father. But, I didn't really think much about that since we've all been occupied with the war."

Athrun was deep in thought for a moment. It was true that Cagalli was now the ruler of Orb since her father, Chief Representative Uzumi Nara Attha had been killed along with Orb's ministers after they had detonated the Morgenroete facility and the Kaguya mass driver, thwarting the plans of the leader of the Blue Cosmos terrorist group, Muruta Azrael. However, he never really gave it much thought then on how Cagalli would now end up in this political mess between the nations concerning the need for peace and justification from all sides in a big game of tug of war.

A war in which she would be playing a significant role in. He frowned. He disliked what her duties would entail.

"And I didn't really mean to get you all wound up about all this because of me," Cagalli continued, breaking off Athrun in mid-thought. "I knew this would come anyway, I just didn't think it would come sooner than wanted."

Athrun glanced at Kira who looked more worried than usual. He was certain his twin brother instincts were kicking in as he watched his sister fall prey to her country's sudden expectation of her return and to take over the political duties so that they could all get back with running their lives as normal as possible. She would end up with the total opposite. People would hate on her and her beliefs after much devastation it caused and she would be the target of much criticism.

Both shifted in their seats uncomfortably, obviously disturbed by the sudden events.

Kira noticed Athrun's perusal and they shared a look of understanding. Athrun himself didn't want her to be a part of the political game of nations which tended to be as bloody and as violent as war itself. He had to do something. After all, he had given her his word that he would always protect her.

The room was bathed in darkness when Athrun half-stumbled, half-walked in, steadying himself with whatever unknown thing stood between him and the floor. Good thing a small wooden table was his for the steadying.

He wasn't entirely sure how he ended up from his shared room with Kira to wherever he was then but he was glad that he didn't make enough noise to disturb the peaceful home. He dusted his pants and squinted in the darkness until his eyes landed on the thick tresses of white and gold under the spilled moonlight, belonging to a golden-haired young woman.

Cagalli.

He walked over to her, surprised that she didn't feel his presence at all until he bumped his foot on a leg of a chair.

"Damn it," he whispered through gritted teeth as he felt the agonising pain in his little toe. Cagalli turned around in surprise and caught hold of Athrun's arm as he tried to balance himself.

"Thank you," he said, propping himself beside her.

"What are you doing up so late, Athrun?" she asked, looking over him curiously.

"I can ask the same for you too, Cagalli," Their eyes met for a brief moment before she broke it and looked back through the window.

"I was just thinking over the happenings during my time in North Africa with the resistance against ZAFT. And how much I detested the name, 'Goddess of Victory.'"

"Goddess of Victory?"

Cagalli smiled at his curious reaction. "Queer, huh? I found it really annoying how they continually called me that. I didn't even do much except cause them more trouble."

Athrun liked her laugh. It reminded him of him and Kira when they were young and fooling around like a couple of street kids.

"You've been through a lot for someone of regal ancestry, Cagalli. That should give you an advantage with handling the military decisions with Orb in the coming future."

Cagalli lowered her head in dismay. She wanted to tell him that she would show those top guns who was in charge, but in reality, she was thoroughly and outright frightened. She knew that her facade of bravery now in front of Athrun would only render her a fool in front of him when he truly sees how she could crumble with decisions concerning the future of Orb. She knew her ideals and beliefs would be her drive, but the sentiments of her people would also be a contributing factor for her reluctance.

She knew that they would be her biggest enemy in the field of politics and faltering at the last minute and letting her country down, frightened her more than ever.

Athrun saw her clench her fists together. She was battling with herself. He knew her decisions would impact the lives of her people for the good or for the bad depending on how careful and thorough she is with dealing with matters and new policies.

"Cagalli," he carefully reached out and took her hand in his. She looked up at him, her pink-tinged cheeks matching his own. No, he had to be her needed support now. She saved his life then, now, it was his turn to do the same.

And he wanted to make sure that she would feel it not out of obligation but because he truly and utterly cared for her.

"You're not alone in this," Emerald met Bronze in a heart-fluttering moment of need of comfort and assurance.

"You were the goddess of victory in battle, the daughter of the lion of Orb and now, the Chief Representative. You've fought through battles that not only tested you physically but also your emotional endurance. You stood firm to what you believed in and you fought to protect those who you care for the most." Athrun lifted her chin so that he could directly look at her golden eyes.

"I want you to know that I share this same dream with you now," he said, smiling at her. Cagalli's eyes widened in surprise. Athrun laughed softly. "You've taught me how being alive is our greatest battle and how sometimes, we can't avoid fighting others because we need to fight in order to protect those we love."

He squeezed her hands in assurance. "I'm going to do exactly that, Cagalli." Cagalli gave him a curious look.

"I'm going to fight to protect you," he said, turning around and looking through the clear windows. Cagalli saw the sincerity in his emerald eyes and her heart warmed.

"I can protect myself, thank you very much, Athrun Zala," she said with a mocking smile. He turned to her and smiled.

"For extra protection," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "Or better yet, someone who can restrain the lioness of orb in case of an emotional emergency."

Cagalli playfully pushed him from her.

"Jerk," she said with a huff. Athrun smiled. It wasn't that hard to defeat the goddess of victory after all.

A/N: Since I just recently came across the ginormous fact that Gundam Seed has been HD remastered for the benefit of us all GS and also GSD fans (this year, folks) and after dedicating two days of my social life, family life, computer life and food life into watching every single 48 episodes, I came up with this.

I hope you all had a ball with it. It shall be continued, as it is a two-shot after all.

I'm guessing you're all hankering for a little more AsuCaga romance. And that that is why there is a next chapter to this. *insert smiley face*

Also, I shall be fanfictioning (yes, my new and will-be-used-more-than-usual word) these other AsuCaga events after the 2nd chapter is posted:

1. GS scene after Cagalli saves Athrun from self-destructing the Justice with him in it.
2. Pre-GSD: The escapades of Athrun and Cagalli while living in Orb.
3. GSD Final Plus OVA scene and the intimate hug between Athrun and Cagalli before Cagalli's departure for Orb.

With no. 2, I'm thinking of doing a collection or an anthology of various events and scenarios with our beloved two during their little time in Orb. (wink face appropriate about now) We'll see how it goes.

But for now, Read & Review and I highly recommend re-watching Gundam Seed HD Remaster. The whole season is on youtube!

Till then, all aboard!