A Gundam SeeD Fanfic: My Soldier, My Savior
Written by WDCain Man and Edited and Reworked by Spiritblade
Disclaimer: Gundam SEED isn't mine but I really wish it were.
Greetings to all Gundam lovers. WDCain here. This here is a love story that isn't between my favourite SEED couple Kira/Fllay. Now true, mine isn't as original as the relationship between Fllay and Kira but it's still good. I'll be honest, when SEED first started I hated Fllay. She was so evil and manipulative, that I found it impossible not to hope that she wouldn't die in the next episode.
However my attitude towards Fllay quickly changed right after I bought the Sabre Marionette J Ultimate DVD Box Set (makes sense, right?). As I watched the series, I found myself listing how the Marionettes fell into certain cliché anime girlfriend categories. I then began a list of other anime characters that fell into the four main anime girlfriend types I came up with:
The proper ice woman (Ayeka-class)
The feisty fiery babe (Ryoko-class)
The child-like peppy kiddy (Mihoshi-type)
The uber-sweet little brat (Sasami-type)
When I realized that Fllay didn't fit into any of these models, my opinion of her changed immediately and my adoration of her skyrocketed. She is without a doubt the most original anime girl of all time. An evil girlfriend! And she LOVES him! GENIUS! I am a true Knight of Fllay and will gladly support her on any chat-rooms or reviews. I would like to see a third segment of the SEED series made just for the hope that she would return (heck, the creator did it for Andrew Bartfeld so why not our favorite red-headed goddess?).
But I digress. When I started watching SEED, I naturally assumed as did most other long-time Gundam fans that Kira would hook up with Mirallia, who I deemed as nothing but a Frau Bow clone. I didn't even CONSIDER Fllay a possible girlfriend cause she just seemed to be nothing but a stupid prep and pretty boring (boy was I wrong), heck she didn't even appear in the opening song and just vanished between episodes 2 through 4.
Feeling Mirallia to be a used model and Fllay not important, I started imagining how Kira would do hooked up with Murrue and Natarle. Both these characters fascinated me as the show progressed. Each seemed to reflect a different side of the military coin. Murrue was the protective and thoughtful gentle side while Natarle represented its cold and ruthless side. Ying and Yang, huh? So I've been on the hunt for any K/M or K/N fanfics out there. Now imagine my surprise when I couldn't find a single one. I was flabbergasted that no one, except Spiritblade (READ HIS STUFF DAMN IT! IT'S BRILLIANT!) had ever tried to do one of these.
I then knew what had to be done.
This story takes us right where Fllay's father is coming to board the Archangel but is being perused by ZAFT. Fllay has begged Kira to save him, Lacus is a prisoner on the Archangel, and Athrun and his posse are getting ready to off the old man. Now I'm going to take a few liberties here, such as upping Kira's "powers" to not only include NewType abilities but some other, more interesting abilities. If he's supposed to be the ultimate Coordinator, I figure he's got to do some other cool stuff beside his SEED mode. I hope this bothers no one and that you will all enjoy my first Gundam story.
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My Soldier, My Savior
Chapter One:
One Life Saved, One Life Lost
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"I will never forget the day my son died. Or who killed him. Even now years later, I simply cannot understand it. Athrun always talked about his friend, his brother; how gentle he was, how it was inconceivable for him to hurt anyone. But when he became the pilot of the Strike I could not connect Athrun's childhood friend to the pilot of the Alliance's Mobile Suit. I saw while walking through the hanger after a battle my most experienced soldiers, all seasoned veterans with hundreds of battles under their belt, shaking, trembling, willing to do anything – ANYTHING – so as not to fight the Strike again. I saw footage form that battle. The wings, dear god, he had wings! What manner of being can fight like that? How could someone fight like that? How could Kira Yamato kill his best friend?"
~spoken by ZAFT Prime Minister Patrick Zala four years after his son's funeral.
XXXXXXX
Whenever Kira Yamato slew an adversary, he was always reminded of sakura petals wafting softly in the moonlit night.
Blood spilt into the empty, starlit blackness of space caused him to remember that spectacle. Others in war would think it strange, but Kira knew the reason why. They only saw the Mobile Suits he was fighting against – not the people who piloted them. Anything that bore the hourglass-shaped emblem of ZAFT or the insignia of the PLANTs was an enemy was an enemy that deserved nothing less than death. It was a view shared by many who wore the uniform of the Atlantic Alliance.
It was a view shared by the Archangel's crew as they fled the ruins of Heliopolis, outfighting and outrunning a dogged ZAFT fleet that hounded its every footstep. But, even they could not see what he saw. Ever since he rode out on the Strike, Kira met many people who had different opinions on the war that they thought would never touch them.
The Archangel's mechanics and engineers worked feverishly, hoping that what they did would be enough to ensure that their protectors would be able to break their pursuers in each skirmish.
Tolles watches it as an anime cartoon, an epic space fight that he watches from a view screen and wishes he had popcorn to go along with the show.
Sai sees it as a chance to prove his manhood in front of his woman as he sat in his comfy chair on the bridge.
Kuzzey looks at a battle as one would a bloody car-wreck, blocking out the details that would make his stomach turn and pretend it didn't happen.
Mirallia is naive. She pictures the Strike as a noble knight repelling the wicked invaders, its bright sword cutting through the darkness.
The refugees he had picked up after Heliopolis was destroyed prayed that they would be able to make it to Earth safely. They felt the war should never have forced them in. Like being stuck in the rain without an umbrella, they only wanted it to end.
To those who commanded the crimson and alabaster starship – Captain Murrue Ramius and Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel – it was what they were trained for. Ever since the Bloody Valentine, and even before that, they had been preparing for the day when Earth would clash with the PLANTs.
But, for Kira, he never wanted to get involved. He never wanted to stride onto the battlefield. He knew the horror and madness of war; he was familiar with the fear and the thunderous wrath of the Crimson Rider screaming in triumph; he felt the cold breath of the Crimson Rider's beautiful, white-haired sibling against his neck, telling him that the moment he makes one mistake, he will be hers to hold for all eternity.
He knew the despair, of trying to overcome a wall that was as wide as it was high, and many were the moments when he just simply wanted to lay down and die.
He knew the guilt that came with bloodying one's hands and the shame of never being strong enough to save everyone.
The strain Kira was under was terrible, as are the choices should he let them be.
Fight and he suffers.
Do not and everyone else will.
It is a choice no one should have to make.
But Kira had no choice but to accept it. When he had seen his friends in danger back in Heliopolis, he knew that the moment he made a decision that there would be no turning back. If he had done nothing, his friends would have perished and the Strike would have been disabled and brought back to the ZAFT battleships. Armed guards would be waiting to take whoever was piloting the Strike into custody.
Armed guards – and Athrun. Oh, his brother would prevent any harm from befalling him – but what about Murrue? What would happen to her? Would she share the fate of his friends he had failed to protect?
Good God, he hoped that that would never happen.
And then, why was it that he was firing a gun at a person he considered to be his kin?
Kira closed his eyes and remembered the terrified look on Mirallia's face, her teeth clinched shut and mouth quivering, Kuzzy's eyes refusing to believe death was near, Tolles' frozen form, and Sai's mouth unfolded to scream. No, he would not have chosen differently. If regret came – and come it will – it will be when all this was over, and he would have the time to find answers and come to terms with his decisions.
The cross he bore now was a heavy one. Its weight was taxing not on the body, but on the soul. Its presence – as it was to Christ on his way to Golgotha – held a promise of both agony and punishment. Kira knew this. He would be insufferably naíve if he didn't. But, even then, it did not stop him from helping others when they needed him the most. Going against his nature had been virtually impossible – which was why he made some decisions that many others would often consider rash.
And if it goes wrong, he would be blamed for nothing less than the ridiculous reason that only a Coordinator could mess up an already precarious situation. Racial bigotry existed even in a place such as Orb, who welcomed Coordinator and Naturals alike with open arms. But there, at least, they could live with one another.
Living in Orb had proven to Naturals that Coordinators were neither superhuman nor perfect. Yes, they were enhanced in every way, but the flaws bred deep into Mankind could no more be separated from them as their blood from their veins.
Some people thought differently, choosing to believe the myths about supposed Coordinator superiority.
Fllay Allster, fiancée of Sai Argyle, one of Kira's classmates, was one such person in a long line of people who believed Coordinators to be superior to the Naturals in every way. Just hours ago, she had rained insults upon Lacus Clyne simply because she was one. Though not of the Blue Cosmos, she nevertheless shared many of the same prejudicial view as the faction's zealots.
But, it did not stop her from begging him – a Coordinator – to save her father when he came with a small escort to bring his little girl home. Kira knew that he would have to face Athrun and his coterie once more.
Kira shivered.
How was it that he had managed to outfight and outwit them time after time?
How long would his luck last?
Who would be the one that will land the killing blow?
Would it be the pilot of the Blitz? The Duel? The Buster?
Or would it be the Aegis? Would his own brother strike him down?
But those questions would not stop him. He would protect Fllay's father.
Mwu la Flaga, the cocky – yet cheerful and friendly – co-protector of the Archangel launched first in his mobile armour.
"Okay, kid," he said, "We've just got to divert those MS from those ships long enough for them to join up with the Archangel. Do what you can. Just don't take stupid risks, okay?"
"Understood."
Mirallia's face appeared on the upper corner of the control screen, "3 Alliance ships. 2 Firestorm-class Frigates identified as Law and Bernard. 1 Dauntless-class Light cruiser identified as Montgomery."
Sai's face appeared next, "There are 2 Nazca-class battleships – the same ones that have been chasing us. Scanners indicate that they have launched their full complement of Mobile Suits. Those ships will not last for long, Kira. Drive them away long enough for them to join up with us."
Kira nodded. He knew that already.
"Oh…Kira…"
He looked back up, "Yes?"
"Please save Fllay's dad, alright?"
"Understood. This is Kira Yamato. Strike launching!"
Flicking the Vernia Thrusters to full power, the elegant Strike launched from the decks of the Archangel. The white-and-crimson carrier-battleship began turning spraying an entire area of space with calculated shots to keep the ZAFT capital ships from entering the fray and in hopes of nailing one of the more agile ZAFT Ginns. Explosions blossomed everywhere and beam cannon rounds streaked in every direction.
The Strike's scanners picked up Athrun and his team swiftly approaching the beleaguered Alliance fleet. One of the blips denoting the Buster immediately came to a halt at maximum range. No doubt it was bringing its powerful ship-killer beam cannon to bear, even as the Aegis and the Duel pressed a frontal attack on both sides.
The Blitz was nowhere to be seen. It had disappeared from the scanners the moment the Buster had halted. It was obviously repositioning itself for a better attacking position – or seeking out the chink in the enemy's attack pattern.
Battlefield data flowed into the Strike's terminal. Kira's eyes widened. Of the 10 Ginns that streaked across the battlefield, 2 held potentially devastating ship-killer weapons. As if that was not bad enough, any of the G-Weapons was more than capable of taking a ship out on its own. They were all spread out, making it difficult for him to eliminate the threat in its entirety.
He needed a plan.
Quick.
But what?
Kira quickly charged into position and shot one of the Ginns bearing a beam cannon. It exploded, and Kira turned his attention on a new target.
What could he do?
Hurry!
Time was running out!
Wait…there is a way.
The Ginns Major la Flaga could handle. He had to deal with the G-Weapons – and the only way to do so was to make HIM a greater threat. And considering the way Athrun's team reacted whenever he appeared, it was safe to say that they would drop everything else to come for his head. Yes – that would work. He hoped that the ships would line up beside the Archangel in the time he could distract virtually the Athrun and his team.
He radioed la Flaga, "Major Flaga?"
"I'm busy! Goddamn you, Rue! What?"
"Can you handle the Ginns?"
"Not a problem! Goddamn! That was close! Gotcha! Why?"
"Put priority on eliminating any Ginn with anti-ship weaponry. Those are the greatest threat to the fleet. I have an idea, but I want the Ginns off my tail so that I can deal with the Aegis and the rest."
"I don't know idea you have in mind, but I'm with you. I'll take care of the Ginns. You take care of the rest. If this doesn't work – yikes! – Mister Allster is going to die."
Kira nodded. First, he would need the Archangel to use its weapons to help scatter the mobile Suits bedevilling the Montgomery and her escorts while he attracts the attentions of all 4 G-Weapons. The odds were suicidal, but it was the surest way to ensure that no one would die.
As he opened a comm-line to the Archangel to request its assistance, what he heard was not Mirallia's voice, but Fllay's furious voice. "I WILL KILL HER," Fllay snarled, emphasizing the second word, "I SWEAR IT! I'LL KILL THEIR PRINCESS IF THEY HARM MY FATHER! HURRY UP AND SAY IT!"
Kira felt his blood turn to ice at the hate and desperation he heard in Fllay's voice. The strangled gasps that he heard over the comm-link told Kira that Fllay had made an already bad situation worse. But, could he blame her? Could anyone? Fllay wanted her father – her only family member – safe. It was a prayer echoed by billions across the countless millennia.
But the Scarlet Rider and her sister, the Pale Rider, are impartial. No one escapes when the person's name enters the book of the latter. Kira wanted to ensure that the name of Fllay's father – George Allster – was kept out of the Pale Rider's ledger, even if he had to replace it.
How?
QUICKLY NOW! HOW?
There was but one way. Cut off the head of the snake.
Kira closed his eyes as he shot another Ginn down and kicked the head off another. Yes, that was the only way. Tears caused his eyes to mist, even as his soul screams at him for the choice he was about to make, demanding him that he choose differently…
"When the war is over, you will come to PLANT, won't you?"
"Please forgive me, Lord God…"
…or forever bear a scar that will be his till the day he dies.
XXXXXXX
Miles away on the blue planet, amidst the scorching deserts of the United Arab Emirates, a sect of trained guerrilla soldiers plan a new assault on the invading ZAFT occupiers. Their leader is a princess who loves her people – who loves their freedom – more than her own life. She is a noble and proud woman who never falters when facing the enemy. She stands tall as she fights, brave in every battle.
But, this time, not even courage or undying strength of will would prepare her for the pain that suddenly struck her heart with the force of a thrown lance.
Cagalli Yula Attha turned her gaze to the starry heavens from which she had left behind several months before, where she had met a young man with warm, amethyst eyes who had given her a chance to continue fighting for what she believed in.
"Cagalli? Cagalli, what's wrong?"
The Arabian boy was shocked to see tears spill onto the sandy garments of the desert princess. Her eyes are fixed upon a point in starlit heavens above, but the emotion in the girl's golden eyes was not awe or joy. It was sorrow.
"I…I don't know, Mustafa," and she sank to her knees, wrapping her arms around herself, "But…what is this feeling?"
'And why is it that his face is the first one I see?'
XXXXXXX
The expressions on the Archangel's bridge crew change from horrified shock to surprise as they stare at Fllay and Lacus. Only several minutes prior, they were holder and hostage respectively. Now, they were holding each other tightly, as though clutching a lifeline that prevented them from drowning.
Natarle Badgiruel had been shocked by the recent change of events. She had been ready to issue a threat to the ZAFT ships when Fllay broke in screaming, threatening to kill the pink-haired Coordinator princess. The fury in her eyes told the dark-haired female officer that she was more than serious about carrying out her threat. She was about to send that threat on a universal broadcast when both girls suddenly broke down and cried for no apparent reason.
"It…it hurts…" Fllay whispered in a strangled voice.
"That…that sound…no…no human can cry like this," Lacus sobbed.
Natarle could only stare, wondering what they were talking about, and wishing she could feel as they did. She glanced at Murrue. The chestnut-haired officer was staring at the raging battlefield, transfixed by something only she could see.
"Captain?"
Murrue did not answer.
Everyone on the bridge was staring at the broken girls. Sai looked unsure whether he should hold Fllay and let her cry on his shoulder, or leave her alone. Tolles, having more experience with the opposite sex, knew that he shouldn't break them apart.
Kuzzey didn't want to interfere; he dared not to.
Mirallia heard both girls whisper Kira's name, something that caused Murrue to break out of her trance.
"No…impossible…could it be…? Mirallia! What has happened to Kira?" Murrue suddenly shouted.
The bridge-bunny quickly turned her attention back on the battle and piped it through every monitor. What they saw there was awe-inspiring.
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Like an azure comet, the Strike charges straight for the Aegis, ignoring any and all other adversary. Every battle fought against it was remembered as he cut a blazing path towards its intended prey. Its pilot remembered how the Aegis's pilot would react in every given situation, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the Suit itself. With its transforming capability and high mobility, as well as powerful armaments, it was a Suit befitting the leader of the Bloodhawk Elites.
Taking him out may well cause his squad to fall back. It had to be done quickly before Athrun had a chance to retreat and rally his squad. If he did, the Strike would be completely isolated, making it an easy prey for every ZAFT Suit – as well as the capital ships – in the vicinity.
The only way to carry out this plan of his was to utilize the one thing that the Strike had in plenty – its sheer, overwhelming speed. And pray he did not pass out from the thunderous G-forces before he cut down the Aegis. He prayed that he did not miss.
One shot was all he had.
Only one.
Kira knew the pilot of the Aegis. What he was about to do had been sung in all the annals of history as betrayal.
Leaving burning ions in its path, the Strike blurred as it hit terrifying speeds. The Buster had turned its beam cannon on it as it did away with the Law, now a drifting, burning wreck in the emptiness of space, but he shot past it – and soared out of its weapon range. That it had cleared that distance within a heartbeat was more than enough to make the Buster's blonde-haired pilot give vent to a strangled gasp.
He attempted to chase, firing with the beam cannons as he did so. Kira twisted the control stick, causing the Strike to spin, faster and faster with each rotation. Twin tails of fire from the tips of the Strike's crimson wings envelope its body and ignited its ion-trail, becoming a ruby blaze.
The Buster's pilot stared transfixed, unsure of where to aim in the ever-spreading column. Even the Buster's sophisticated targeting array was useless. The Strike hid in its own fire-trail. In that instant of hesitation, Kira took aim with the Strike's beam rifle, holding it double-handed so as not to throw it off target.
He fired.
The shot blasted the Buster's head clean off, disabling the heavy support Gundam in a single stroke. Kira shot past it. The pilot was a fast adapter; he would overcome the problem in several seconds.
More than enough time.
The Duel roared in, eager to confront the Strike that had humbled it in so many battles. Unlike the Buster, the Duel's advantage was that it was perfectly balanced in all areas. The only drawback was the hot-blooded pilot that sat within its cockpit. By attacking the Buster, he had caused the Duel's pilot to go berserk and abandon his original objective to go after him.
Kira set his thrusters on maximum, expelling a burning jet stream in a massive starburst that was brighter than a supernova, blinding everyone.
Everyone but a crimson-winged angel who fights like a god.
The Duel shoots backward in reflex as the pilot back-pedals, not wanting to be made an easy target by its adversary, putting it out of striking distance where its deadly twin power blades would be useless. The Strike shoots for the Aegis, who begins to realize that it was in danger. It begins to withdraw. Kira, who had been looking for the invisible Blitz, soon found the Stealth Gundam appearing before him, firing every weapon available in its arsenal.
The Blitz pilot, he knew, was fiercely protective of Athrun. No doubt, they were friends.
Like he and Athrun were.
And friends were supposed to die for one another.
They were never supposed to end up trying to kill the other.
The Strike lashes out, in a spiral, cutting every limb from the Blitz, whose pilot could only stare in shock and horror at the swiftness at which he had been disabled. No human – Natural OR Coordinator – could have done what he had just seen in such a short moment! It was just not possible!
"Athrun!" the pilot screams, "Get away!"
Kira then sets the Vernia thrusters on overdrive, straining the Strike's physical frame to its limit. The temperatures rose so high that flames started to erupt from the shoulder guards of the Gundam. Vents open to counteract them, igniting a stream of particles, changing the bipedal Strike into something approaching the divine. Fiery feathers that cascaded from wings of fire gave it a majestic, ethereal glow.
Across the battlefield, the fighting staggers to a halt.
Every ZAFT pilot and crewmember feels something twist inside them. Rue la Crueset watches in almost silent, reverent awe. Mwu la Flaga could not help but stare at the glorious sight.
The crews of the Alliance ships whisper prayers and tremble as a true Archangel manifests before them.
The Aegis falls back as the flaming wings of the Archangel slice open in a fashion that would have made even Satan shake in fright. The mortal controlling the Aegis screams in terror as he swings his shield in a desperate attempt to ward of his assailant. Fiery wings wrap around the Strike as the shield connects, before it melts in the burning wings. The wings swing open again with holy fire.
There is not a mark on the Strike. Neither scorch marks nor scars mar its metallic frame and the dirt and blackened marks burn away in cleansing fire, leaving the Strike the shine.
Oh, how it shines…
Time and space melted away, bringing a long forgotten era of legend to the present. The battle that suddenly erupted between the two Suits became a vista of a time when Lucifer raised his arm in revolt against his Creator. It was an image of when Michael met his former brother and struck him down.
The angel raises his blazing sword against the crimson angel, disarming it in one vicious riposte. As its sword spins away with its severed limb, the crimson angel staggers, unable to withstand the fury behind his brother's assault. One fist sliced up, reflecting the light of the angel's burning wings, before slamming down with horrific force, breaking through armour, flesh and bone to rest in the crushed heart of the beast.
The dragon has fallen.
The Fallen Angel's companions reel in horror, unable to believe what has just transpired. The Swordmaster falls back to the Bearer of the Thunderbolt. They cannot stand against the angel. Not now. They have been wounded too severely to continue the fight. The Soul Reaper is screaming in anguish, unable to fly to his master's aid, unable to even flee the battlefield. The Bearer and the Swordmaster rush in and claim their brother before he too is lost to the enemy.
It trashes in their grip, even though limbless, but is held fast. They will have their vengeance. For now, they would have to flee and tend to their wounds in their hell-ship. The angel will pay dearly for what he has done this day, they vow.
The wings of fire fade away, and the miasma that held all in awe fades away. The majestic form of the Angel Knight returns to that of the Strike.
Kira Yamato looks down at the Strike's fist. It remains embedded deep in the Aegis's armoured body. The Suit, as a whole, is in good condition. Only the cockpit was damaged. Kira quickly zooms in on the wrecked area. His body started to shake.
There, wafting in the cold vacuum of space, are the sakura petals in the moonlit night.
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The bridge members of the Archangel release in unison the breath they didn't even realize that they had been holding in. Everyone had frozen when the Strike transformed into something more than just a machine. They had only returned to their senses when that winged angel of fire returned to the pristine – almost pure – sight of a weapon forged by the hands of men.
"My God…" Murrue whispered in strangled awe, unable to get any more words out of her mind than that simple phrase. One part of her brain was telling her that what had just happened couldn't have happened, the other telling the other straight off that it just did. The shock she felt back when Kira had fine-tuned a badly programmed Strike in instants was nothing compared to the shock she was feeling now.
Natarle had one hand on the chair, staring at the image of the Strike, unable to believe what had just happened. That was—
"TOTALLY WICKED!" Tolles shouted, having absorbed the whole thing as some kind of pinnacle of all action movies and was BOUNCING in his chair! Good God, that was better than any action movie he had seen in all his 16 years of life!
Kuzzey was still trying to get his jaw working. That – was impossible! Kira was just a normal guy! Sure he's a Coordinator but still! It's not like he's—
"An angel, a real angel…" Lacus mumbled dazedly. As a little girl, she sung hymns in churches about the winged followers, her lyrics churning out praises to the servants of the One Above. She always believed them to be pure love. Now she knew what one is. They are—
"In-incredible…" Fllay stammered in awe. Having her friend achieve a level untouched by mortals enlightened her soul. She would have to write this down and bring the pages to the Vatican to have it included as a new chapter in the Book.
Mirallia shivered, feeling quivers in her belly. She knew what she had witnessed.
Sai wouldn't though. He couldn't allow himself to believe what Mirallia had. Kira isn't a celestial being, he isn't! He's just his friend, his little buddy! He's—
"Calling us!" Ensign Chandra yelled. "Captain! The Coordinator is contacting us!"
"Patch him through!" Murrue ordered. Speaking to him would remind her that he's still human and not some celestial.
"Archangel! Get a med-team to the MS hanger! Bring A+ blood! I'm bringing in the Aegis!" He cut the line.
"But the Coordinator wasn't injured," Chandra recalled. "He wasn't even injured. He – ,"
"Needs a med-team!" the captain yelled over the comm-line, "You heard him, Chandra! Do it!" Her eyes narrowed. "And don't you EVER call him that again!"
"Ye-yes, ma'am."
"Sai, what about the ZAFT ships and Suits?"
"Withdrawing from the area, Captain," Sai replied.
"How is the Montgomery?"
"Badly damaged, but space-worthy."
"Bernard?"
"Down. They'll be scuttling the ship and bringing the surviving crew and injured onto ours. They're requesting permission to do so."
"Granted," Murrue sighed, "Stand down from Red Alert. Where's Mwu?"
"He's right behind the Strike, Captain."
The Mobile Armor of the Eagle of Endymion soared in behind the Strike, who had the Aegis in tow. Natarle smiled briefly. Never more was she sure that the shy, gentle boy that piloted the Strike would be the key to victory in the war against PLANT.
And the Alliance will have him, no matter the cost.
XXXXXXX
In the hangar bay of the Archangel, the Chief Engineer, Murdock, received his instructions from the captain via the comm-panel. He hadn't seen the battle, but he knew – right as rain every time – that it took a hell of a lot out of the kid. He'd heard and seen the kid do some amazing stuff, but what he was hearing completely took the biscuit.
"What the -? He's bringing back a stolen G-Weapon? Which one?"
"The Aegis."
The Aegis? Holy Mother of God…wasn't that that Crueset team leader's Suit? How the hell - ? No, now was not a good time to ask the captain questions. He would most likely get it when the Strike came in.
Murdock gave the image of Captain Murrue a glance, "We'll take care of it, captain. You don't worry. I can see him coming in now."
Murrue nodded, "See to it, Murdock. There's also a med-team coming. Don't get in their way. Kira takes full priority here. Understood?"
"Got it, boss."
The captain's image flickered off the screen. Murdock could tell that the captain was dead-worried.
"Okay, you lot," Murdock roared, "Clear the area! We've got 2 Suits coming in! Now move, you grease monkeys!"
The hangar crew quickly started moving things out of the way as the hangar doors rumbled open, giving everyone a firsthand view of the Archangel's newly acquired Mobile Suit. The Strike braced the weight of the Aegis on its shoulder as it carried it into the hangar bay in a fashion that was reminiscent of a man supporting a friend who had drunk past his limit.
Murdock whistled appreciatively. Except for the severed arm and the crushed cockpit, the Aegis was in excellent shape. The ZAFT engineers did a good job of keeping it in good condition. Just replace the limb, scrub off the bloodstains, repair the cockpit and the hardware inside, and it'll be ready to give the ZAFTies a taste of their own medicine. But what worried Murdock more was the kid's condition.
What the hell had happened out there that a med-team was needed? Damn, whatever it was, it had better not be bad. Kira was the only kid that liked hanging-out with the grease monkeys and techies of the Archangel. He could beat them in their job silly, and still make them look good. And damn, his programming was through the roof. Murdock took one look once at Kira's programming, and the kid gave him a straight migraine.
And he had done this job for over 20 years.
The med-team rushed into the hangar bay just as the Strike placed the damaged Aegis into an unused MS storage compartment. Two compartments out of five were now filled. Murdock doubted that they would get the other three. But who knows? If Lieutenant Natarle got her way and got Kira drafted, it might just happen.
The Strike's cockpit opened and its pilot stepped out. Murdock blinked. Kira was unhurt, but his expression was the one thing that caught his attention almost immediately. The exhaustion Murdock was used to seeing on the faces of pilots after an intense battle was not there. His amethyst eyes were dull and empty. Murdock could not help but shiver.
An old friend serving as a combat medic in the Alliance army told him that he had seen the same empty expression on soldiers who had lost limbs and men and women they considered closer than family.
'It is an amputation of the soul, Murdock. No amount of medicine will heal a wound like this,' his friend had told him.
Kira descended from the Strike, his grip of the dismounting cable looser than normal. His eyes were hidden, shadowed beneath his bangs, gazing at the steel floor almost 3 stories below. He clenches his teeth as he considers letting go. It was a tempting thought.
No…not yet. Athrun was not dead yet, and he deserved an explanation on how it all came to this. As his feet touch the floor, the med-team he had requested rushed up to him.
The doctor, Jackson, asked, "Where does it hurt, son?"
"It's not for me. It's for Athrun, the pilot of the Aegis," and he gestured at the Aegis's blasted cockpit, "Get him out of there immediately."
Everyone froze.
"A Coordinator? Here? He's not dead? He's still alive? You didn't kill him? Why -?"
Kira raised his head, and the doctor fell silent, "You will treat him, doctor, and make him comfortable for the time he has left. You will do this now. Do not make me remind you of the Hippocratic Oath you took when you became a doctor."
Something in his voice told everyone that making the young man angry at this point in time was a bad idea. Murdock quickly decided to step in before it got ugly, "You heard the man, doctor. Now do it."
"But…"
"Don't argue," Murdock said, tightening the hand he had put on Jackson's shoulder, "Just do it. Sal, you go with them. Take a laser cutter with you. Set it to medium power, got me?"
"Right, boss."
The technician led the doctor the 3 orderlies rush to the maintenance lift with the gurney. Kira watched them ascend to the cockpit. He would follow Athrun to the medical room. He wanted to make sure that neither the doctor nor the orderlies would kill Athrun. He had already done that.
He had already done that…
"Do you know the pilot, Kira?" Murdock asked.
Kira only remained quiet.
'Yeah…if that's any indication, Kira knows the pilot. Man…when this shit is done, I'm hitting the beer. I don't care what the captain says…Ricky can take over my shift. Jesus H. Christ…'
The technician cut the ruined cockpit open, and he took several steps back in horror.
The orderlies blanched upon looking at the ruined, yet still living, Athrun. The blood ran from her face, and she nearly fell off the maintenance lift had one of her companions not put a steadying hand on her. All of them blanched at the sight before them.
Doctor Jackson crossed himself, "Come on! We've got to get him to the medical centre! Don't just stand there, damn it!"
Hands pulled the crimson-suited pilot out of the cockpit, and each of the orderlies struggled not to throw up over their charge. The agony-filled whimpers killed any hate the doctor and the orderlies had for ZAFT. Here, before them, was a stern reminder that Death makes all men equal. They lower him gently onto the gurney, remove his helmet and poke the IV needles into his body.
"Holy Christ, Jack…look at him...he's beyond help…"
"Don't dawdle! We've got to get him to the med-lab, double time! Come on, idiot! Move!" said a doctor, as he slammed one hand onto the lift controls.
Athrun felt the lift descend. His vision is blurry, and his mind was a mess. The only clear thing that suddenly snaps into view as the maintenance lift hits the floor was a young man his age. A young man who, ten long years ago, he made a promise with. A young man who was more brother than friend. He opened his mouth to speak his name, but that was when his mind realized just how badly he was injured.
And he screamed, his hoarse cry of agony echoing in the cavernous hangar bay.
That scream cut Kira deeper than any blade, and though time would pass, would never heal. He took several steps back, and felt the strong hands of Major Mwu la Flaga. The sad look in the older man's blue eyes told Kira all that he needed to know.
The wound that was in his soul would never heal.
It would bleed forever.
XXXXXXX
Murrue Ramius had requested that Sai and Mirallia bring several cups of hot tea (or coffee) to the bridge. She had always found it a tradition to have a hot drink after a particularly arduous training exercise in the 8th Fleet. It helped to calm the nerves.
A small emergency light on Mirallia's panel started to blink, and the bridge-bunny quickly put aside her drink.
"What is it Mirallia? Is it an enemy attack?" Murrue asked.
"Scanners indicate that there is nothing within 20 thousand kilometers in any direction," came Sai's voice.
"No…it's from the hangar bay. It's Major Mwu, captain."
"Put him through."
The pale face of the Eagle of Endymion appeared on the main viewing screen, "Captain, it seems that Kira has taken the pilot of the Aegis prisoner."
Murrue's cup clattered to the floor, "What did you say?"
"We've a prisoner, Murrue. It's a kid Kira's age."
"Why didn't he inform us earlier?"
"I don't know."
Natarle, upon hearing that Kira had brought back a possibly live prisoner, snapped to attention, "Captain, the prisoner needs to be taken to the brig under armed guard. He does not need a med-team! Think of the information…"
"Look, Natarle," Mwu interrupted, "this kid is not going to live. He's not going to make it. Not…" and another anguished scream along with orders to hit the patient with another shot of painkillers, "…not with his injuries."
"Did he say anything? Rank? Name?" Natarle was not about to let up so easily. She was not about to let something potentially important slip past her fingers.
"Did you hear that scream, Natarle?" Mwu asked, "The chance of him being coherent is practically nil."
"Then get Kira to start talking, damn it! He knows more than he's letting on!"
Mwu's pained, sad eyes sharpened, "No way in Hell, Natarle. No fucking way – and if you come anywhere near him, you'd better be prepared to wake up with a black eye. You'd better not think I'm joking, because I'm not. Mwu out."
Natarle was furious. The description 'if looks could kill' was probably made for moments when the icy, dark-haired officer was angry. Sai and the others could not help but shake at the anger in her expression.
"That's it. Pardon me, captain, but it seems that I will have to go to the hangar bay myself and interrogate Kira."
Kuzzey wormed in his seat. He knew that Mwu was not joking. If the lieutenant went down there, there was no question that the blonde major would deck Natarle, woman or no.
"Uh…Lieutenant Badgiruel? There is something about the Aegis's pilot I think you might want to know."
Natarle froze in her tracks and strode towards Kuzzey, fixing her intense purple eyes on him, "Talk."
Kuzzey saw his friends glaring at him, telling him that he'd best not even say a word. But they were not the ones facing an angry Sorceress (Natarle looked like one right now!). Damn his big mouth! If he had kept quiet, this wouldn't have happened!
Kuzzey gulped.
"Talk," Natarle said again.
"The…the pilot of the Aegis is Kira's childhood friend."
The glares his friends shot him intensified, and Kuzzey shivered. He knew that they were going to let him have it once their duty shift was done. Murrue, angry with Kuzzey as she was, had turned pale. "His childhood friend?" she whispered in a strangled voice.
"What is his name?" Natarle asked.
"Ah…I…uh…I don't…"
"His name is Athrun Zala, lieutenant. He is my fiancée."
Natarle turned to see the pink-haired princess of PLANT met her gaze defiantly.
"Zala? As in Prime Minister Zala? Supreme Commander of ZAFT?"
"Yes. His son was the one piloting the Aegis," Lacus continued, as the realization of who exactly Kira had brought in finally sank in, "Kira has brought him abroad so that he may die in peace."
Natarle's lips pulled into a crafty smile, "And tell him why he had killed him. I see."
Lacus's eyes narrowed. She could see that the lieutenant was planning something. She met the eyes of the brown-haired captain, and the red-haired girl who had threatened to kill her. The singer could tell that the captain was seriously considering confining the lieutenant before she did what the captain feared she would do.
But, unfortunately, she could not simply send her to the brig without a reason. She was still a soldier, and to do so required she go through the proper channels. And that would mean talking to George Allster, Administrative Vice-Minister of the Alliance. Though not of the military, he still wielded the authority in this situation.
"Mirallia, patch up a line to the Montgomery."
"Already done."
The main view screen flickered several times before clearing to reveal the Montgomery's bridge crew and a very pale Alliance vice-minister. He had the look of one who was trying to convince himself that what he just seen was not an illusion.
"Minister Allster, are you alright?"
"I…I am, Captain Ramius. Thank you. I'm just not used to…seeing the Strike in action."
"It was…spectacular, wasn't it?"
"Indeed," and a grateful smile curved on the politician's face as he took a seat, keeping a detailed file with the name 'KIRA YAMATO' hidden from view, "I would like very much to meet the pilot to express my gratitude."
Natarle spoke, then "Sir, the pilot is a civilian Coordinator. His name is Kira Yamato."
George Allster closed his eyes, giving everyone the impression of one trying to recall something, "Fllay, this Kira is one of your friends, correct?"
"Oh yes, papa!" Fllay smiled, giddy with the relief that her father was safe, "He's Sai's good friend."
The minister's eyes soon focused on his daughter's soon-to-be fiancé, as if noticing him for the first time, "Ah, Sai! Good man! Your parents will be glad to see you again, I'm sure! I know I am."
"Thank you, sir," Sai bowed.
"Captain Ramius, I request permission to board the Archangel. There is much I must discuss with you about the Strike and the recovered Aegis. Alaska has given me full authority in this matter. I hope that you will co-operate."
Murrue nodded.
"I'll be there within the hour. Montgomery out."
The screen flickered off, which prompted Fllay to hop around whooping for joy, "My father's safe! My father's safe!"
"There, there, Fllay. Why don't you go to the hangar bay to meet him?"
"Yes, ma'am!" the red-haired girl chirped and bounced out the door. As she neared the door, it hissed open to reveal the worn face of Kira Yamato. Fllay froze, and the cold air in the bridge seemingly dropped even lower.
Kira looked horrible, and he had an expression no different from those consigned to damnation. There was an air of torment and guilt, of resignation that whatever punishment that may come from this day forward, he knew that it was just. There was grief there, making the young 16-year old look like an old man who had borne all the world's pain for decades.
This was a man that looked forward to his Judgement and the guilty verdict.
"Miss Clyne?" he spoke, his weary eyes meeting the youthful princess's, "Athrun is waiting in the med-lab. The doctor says that he does not have much time. Please…come with me to see him."
The pink-haired singer nodded and took his hand, leading him from the bridge as the two took their leave to be with a dying young man who was a brother to one, a promised betrothed to another. Kira didn't notice the comforting grip of Lacus's hand.
A tomb-like silence fell over the bridge.
Mirallia covered her face, and her body wracked with sobs. Tolles squeezed her shoulder comfortingly.
Kuzzey sank in his chair, too frightened to say a word.
Murrue lowered her head, allowing her brown bangs to cover her eyes, hiding from view the tears that would have told everyone that the reason how it all came to this was primarily her fault.
Sai took the quiet Fllay by her arm, "C'mon, Fllay. Let's go see your dad."
'You don't want to be here. Not now, Fllay,' he mentally added.
Lieutenant Badgiruel watched Fllay walk away with Sai in tow. She recalled how Kira would often look at Fllay whenever he thought no one was looking. She was the reason Kira became what he was. And now, it was slipping away. His best friend was about to die, and his first love would soon be gone.
Perfect.
XXXXXXX
Mwu sat in the mess hall, still clad in his suit. His helmet rested on the table as he rested his head on his hands. What had just happened…what he had just seen happen…was a nightmare that no one should have to endure.
He had heard that scream.
Everyone had. It was something they felt, and right down to the core of their souls.
It was a soul-piercing scream, one that bespoke of pain that no human should have had to bear.
'What is evil?'
The answer seems so simple when one divides the world into black and white. If only it were that simple. What do you call men that did evil for good reasons? Some say that there is no such thing. Doing evil in the name of good? What rubbish! Mwu knew differently. History before the Cosmic Era calendar had proved it so, time and time again.
In the Century of Fire, Shateiel Spiritblade betrayed the Empress Sinvyl Bal'tainnen on the eve of her greatest victory when he realized that she was about to destroy the entire American continent in a rain of nuclear fire. The entire Knightly Order of the Celestial Lions turned on their compatriots, giving their leader enough time to strike down a woman who had been both friend and lover. He had betrayed one childhood love to save another.
Cain of the Black Company Mercenary group had signed a pact with Randolph Shinra during the Dark Star Age, a time when much of Earth's history was missing. It was, however, known that Randolph trusted the mercenary captain to carry out his will. Cain had seen to it that the dictator's oppressive policies did not crush the people, even though he served the terrible Shinra.
And on and on.
What IS evil?
Sure, that Aegis pilot had killed many Alliance soldiers. He had killed Naturals in the name of his country. Is patriotism evil? The boy was no different from Kira, who fought to protect those he cared about.
Before Kira took control of the Strike, he never raised his hand against anyone. One look at him and Mwu could map the boy out. He had always been an excellent judge of character. Kira was a defender, pure and simple. Harm him, and he would not retaliate in fear of aggravating the fight. Harm his friends, and oh-God-help-you.
Even then, Kira had tried to avoid killing the pilots in every encounter. He had not always succeeded. But he tried.
Is valuing life evil? Are mercy and compassion the virtue of fools?
Both boys have made the right choice.
Who is the evil one here?
Mwu la Flaga snarled in anger and swept his helmet from the table. It slammed hard against the wall before rolling to a stop.
XXXXXXX
Lacus walked with Kira, noting how he trembled as they came closer to the med-lab. As they entered the ship's doctor stood up, "The ZAFT pilot is waiting in the next room."
Lacus bowed her head. "Thank you, doctor. How is he?"
Doctor Jackson lowered his head, "I will not lie to you. But be prepared for what I'm about to say. Your G-weapon's hand crushed his pelvis and abdomen BEFORE it tore through the cockpit. His intestines, spleen and digestive system have been ruptured. But all of that is nothing compared to the spinal damage. The lower section had been ground to powder. Any large spinal-shards would have impaled his organs, causing massive internal bleeding. I have pumped him full of painkillers before he screams himself to death – but that is all I am able to do. He does not have much time, Mr. Yamato. Make him comfortable in his last moments. Here…" and he handed Kira a small Bible, "use this for his last rites. I'm not a religious man, but I believe that only you have the right to do this. I've marked the page."
"How long does he have, doctor?"
"Not long. Death is expected within the hour."
"Thank you, doctor. Please, leave us for now," Lacus said.
"I understand. I will be outside if you need anything," he said, before standing up and leaving the room.
Lacus took Kira's trembling hand and led him into the room where his dying friend laid. Kira started to shake violently as he stared at the consequence of his actions. Tears started to spill from the young man's amethyst eyes, and the look in them was of one who had seen one's worst nightmare made real. Athrun's green eyes were empty, and his complexion was that of a corpse. The only fact that he was still alive was that his breathing was ragged and tortured. The Reaper stood waiting patiently to take Kira's friend into her embrace.
The boy who would be Prince gazed up to see the angelic face of his princess as well as the angel who was his brother.
Athrun spoke, his voice hoarse from the screaming, "Ki…Kira…why? Why…did you be-betray me? I…I am fighting for ALL Coordinators…including you! You are a…Coordinator! Why do you side with the Naturals? You…are not one of them! You know how…they feel about us! Don't you know anything?"
Kira kept silent.
"I fought to…protect my people, Kira. I am fighting…to end…this sick war…so we can meet each other on Lunar Avenue…as we promised back in our…childhood days! You are…fighting for people who will…only…make this war worse! I want to know, Kira…Tell me! Why did you do this? Why?"
Kira found that he could not say a word. He met his brother's accusing glare. He could only repeat what Athrun had said. As Athrun fought to protect PLANT and bring an end to the war in its favour, Kira fought to protect his friends and see them safely back in their parents' arms. How can you tell your friend that you have killed him protecting the same thing he wishes to protect?
How can you justify the fact that, by your own hands, that you have just committed murder?
Lacus placed a finger on Kira's lips, silencing any words he wanted to say. She shook her head, smiling sadly at the fallen paladin. It would be better if she did the explanation.
"Athrun, why did you attack the Alliance patrol fleet?"
"Th…they're our enemies…Lacus. They attacked your ship…didn't they? What…did you expect?"
Lacus moved closer to Athrun, gazing at Athrun with sympathy, "You're lost, Athrun. You've forgotten what it is you wanted to protect, and you've lost sight of a future that you've wanted. In war, Athrun, nothing is more important than the reason why that sword is swung, and why you choose to burden your soul with the sin of murder. Nothing is more important than that reason alone. How could you have forgotten this?"
She kissed his forehead.
"Lacus…"
She placed a finger on his lips.
"No, there is no need for you to say anything, my love. I understand. Neither you nor your brother is at fault. This, Athrun, is the tragedy of war."
"Athrun…" Kira spoke, his voice hoarse, "Athrun…I'm…I'm sorry…I have friends here, Athrun. Friends I want to protect…I will NOT fail them."
"You already have once, Kira…" Athrun said, "Don't let it happen again…please."
Kira moved forward and embraced his brother for the last time, and he felt tears stream down his face.
'When the war is over, you will come with me to PLANT, won't you?'
The image in his mind, the words spoken on that beautiful day 10 years ago, shattered. Athrun's weak hug became weaker still. Before, he was a hardened warrior, willing to do anything for the mission. But still, a tear fell from his cheek. "I love you, Kira…"
"I love you too, Athrun."
"M-my brother…please…protect those that you love. Don't fail them…like I…"
Kira felt his brother's erratic heartbeat slow, then stop. Athrun's thrilling green eyes, once full of life, grew empty as he breathed out one last time. Kira sobbed then, holding Athrun's broken body, ignoring the feel of Lacus's arms around them both.
XXXXXXX
"Name of the deceased: Athrun Zala. Age: 16. Next of Kin: Prime Minister Patrick Zala. Time of death: 2105 hours. Cause of death: massive internal injury."
Vice-Minister George Allster nodded, taking what he had just heard into consideration. There were many factors that needed to be considered before the plan was put into motion. Until that time came, he had to maintain the façade of a leader who cared for the people. After all, it was through the façade that he got elected to the higher echelons of the Alliance government. It was through that same façade that he had acquired so much political power.
And it was through it that he found it possible to manipulate people into carrying out his wishes. Everyone was a pawn in the game he was playing, including his own daughter. He turned to see his daughter and Sai Argyle sitting quietly. They had not spoken a word after the initial joyous meeting between father and daughter.
"How is Kira doing, doctor?" Sai asked, speaking for the first time in over half an hour.
"He's taking it badly. He and that Coordinator girl are still in the med-lab. I don't have the heart to chase them out of it."
"Doctor," the vice-minister interrupted, "I'm sorry, but could you give this to my aide outside? It has instructions in regard to the body of Patrick Zala's son."
The Archangel's doctor took the note from his hand, "I understand."
George Allster stood up and walked to his daughter as the doctor exited the room, "How are you feeling, precious?"
"I'm fine, papa. It's just that I'm worried about Kira."
"Don't you worry about Kira, precious. He'll come to terms with it in time."
"No, papa," Fllay said, raising her head, "Did you hear him scream? Did you?"
George Allster looked at his daughter in confusion. What was she talking about? He looked at Sai, but the young man turned away. It was clear from his body language that he heard the 'scream' that his daughter was talking about, but it was also clear that he was not talking, period.
"No, precious, I didn't."
Thought often busy in Washington, the heartland of the Alliance, it was hard for George not to worry about how his daughter was doing in Heliopolis. He had sent her there to live and study, as it was a neutral colony belonging to Orb. There, she would be safe from any danger – military or otherwise. When Heliopolis was destroyed, it took a lot of favors to allow him to commandeer a small patrol fleet to search for his daughter.
Preliminary findings had told him that his daughter was living abroad the Archangel, pursued by a dogged ZAFT fleet every step of the way. The thought of his little girl being hounded by ZAFT like an animal enraged the Alliance vice-minister. He swore that every Coordinator would pay should his daughter come to harm.
And he was surprised that it was a Coordinator who had helped reunite him with his daughter. One Coordinator who fought off the might of ZAFT – aided by the ace pilot Mwu La Flaga – and triumphed against impossible odds. He knew what he had to do, and he had not attained his current position by letting opportunity pass him by.
"Fllay, Sai…I know this may sound strange, but can the both of you tell me more about Kira Yamato?"
Sai and Fllay exchanged looks, but nodded.
XXXXXXX
Kira stepped out of the med-lab with Lacus in tow as the Archangel's doctor made the preparations for an autopsy before it was returned to PLANT for burial. At least, that was what he hoped would happen. As a highly decorated soldier and the son of ZAFT's Supreme Commander, thousands would attend his brother's funeral. No doubt, the event would be broadcasted throughout the Solar System as ZAFT's right-wing leaders capitalize on Athrun's death as a rallying call for a crusade against the Naturals who had purportedly killed him.
Athrun would turn in his coffin if he ever heard that his name was used to further an already blood war. As when they were children, Kira knew that Athrun was a private person. A small ceremony marking his passing was all that he would ever ask for.
Exactly how Kira wished to be buried.
But while the eulogy spoken to honour Athrun would be praising his deeds and his devotion to PLANT, Kira could only expect, engraved in stone, the condemnation of many for what he had done this day. He turned to see the pink-haired princess next to him. She was grieving as well, knowing as well as he what was to come.
"There he is!" a voice called out, causing both Lacus and Kira to turn. There, running towards them, were 6 men and women, each clad in flak jackets and wearing the uniforms of the Alliance's naval Military Police. All of them, including their squad commander, clutched assault rifles that were soon trained on Kira and Lacus.
"Kira Yamato, by order of the Atlantic Alliance, we hereby put you under arrest on the charges of treason and espionage. You will come with us this minute!"
Lacus's blue eyes widened even as the hand that she held Kira with tightened. She was not about to let him go just like this. He had suffered so much to keep the Archangel and its crew alive, and this betrayal was his reward? The sheer preposterousness of what she had just heard was more than enough to stoke the princess's fury.
Kira, on the other hand, couldn't care less. The weapons that were trained upon him promised him a silent eternity where his sins would be paid in full. All he needed to do was to act stupidly, and it would all be over. He just had to make sure that Lacus would not be caught in what he was about to do. As his muscles started to tense, a woman's voice barked out, "What is going on here?"
It was Lieutenant Natarle Badgiruel.
The squad commander turned and saluted, "Nothing you should concern yourself with, ma'am. We're just taking this Coordinator scum into custody."
Natarle flinched as though struck, "By whose authority?"
"The order came straight from Alaska."
The dark-haired officer's eyes narrowed into emerald slits, "Listen, Master Sergeant Lee, and listen very well. The Vice-minister Allster owes one hell of a debt to him for saving both his life and that of his daughter's. Sai Argyle is the only son of the Argyle family who has well-placed connections with the Alliance. Alaska, believe me, will not what to get caught in a scandal of this magnitude. Turn around, Sergeant, and walk away."
"But…"
Natarle collared the sergeant, furious, "Walk away, Sergeant – or you will find yourself thrown out the nearest airlock by the crew of this ship. And I will not stop them. If your superiors have a problem, they may speak to Vice-minister Allster."
The sergeant nodded, and Natarle released him.
"Now, leave."
The military police quickly left the scene.
Natarle turned to face Kira. She had expected to see gratitude on his face, but there was an expression of one who looked cheated. He was also, however, surprised that she would be the one to come to his aid. Well…who wouldn't be? She never struck anyone as the caring sort. But, here she was, giving the tormented Coordinator that had protected her and everyone else for over 2 long months comfort.
"Mr. Yamato…Kira, for what it is worth, thank you. Thank you for everything. We wouldn't have it this far without you. Thank you for protecting us and being there when we needed you."
Kira merely nodded. He was surprised. Natarle had never talked to him in such a gentle fashion before. The edge in her voice was gone, replaced by warmth and gratitude.
Natarle added, "I know that we shouldn't have put someone like you into the Strike. Murrue knows that as well. So does Major la Flaga, and everyone else. But you stepped into it all the same. Thank you for protecting us, my angel."
She leaned forward, and Lacus's eyes widened as Natarle kissed Kira on the forehead. The pink-haired princess saw a brief moment of peace wash over Kira's face.
"Thank you, Lt. Badgiruel," Kira said, feeling, just for a mere moment, he was where he belonged.
"It was good to finally let it out," Natarle smiled, "Now take the princess to her quarters. She will need her rest."
Kira nodded as Natarle walked away. The burden on his soul felt lighter for some reason. Lacus, however, watched Natarle leave. Something about that woman made Lacus's instincts stand up on end. What was she up to? She had seen the way Natarle had acted with Kira. Such a sudden change was suspicious, even if Kira – tormented and by no fault of his own – did not take notice.
XXXXXXX
Natarle entered her personal quarters, pulling out a note that Vice-minister Allster had written to her. It detailed the first part of his plan. He had instructed the MPs to arrest Kira, and to pull back after she confronted them. There was a link between Kira and her now – tentative, but strengthening. He now believed she cared.
And that would make the second part easier.
Natarle removed her cap and looked at herself in the full-length mirror. Not only was she pretty, but her lean figure gave her the grace of a tigress in human form. Basic training had only made that grace and strength more evident. Her breasts were appealing and almost as big as Murrue's. She had all that she needed to seduce a naíve Coordinator into killing for the Alliance…
XXXXXXX
To Be Continued…
XXXXXXX
Gundam SEED is a difficult topic for me. I love Gundam, I've been a fan for the last seven years of my life. When I heard that a new Gundam series was going to be brought over to America in 2003, I was ecstatic! And when it came on Cartoon Network, I sat down and watched it all.
I was rather disappointed.
I love the premise of the idea: Genetically enhanced super-humans vs natural unaltered people. One lone hero being forced to fight against his own kind to save the innocent, his greatest challenge is having to fight with a man more like his brother. It was like a techno-version of the Civil War. Brother vs brother! One fights for his county, the other fights to protect! This had the makings of a great Gundam.
Now I rather liked the first 30 episodes, finding the soap opera elements of friends dating other friends' girlfriends behind their backs to be absolutely delicious. Fllay's fall into madness was one of the most brilliant ideas ever in all of Gundam. And the final fight between Kira and Athrun in Orb where they fought to avenge their fallen friends' deaths? Whoooo-BOY! Was that BEAUTIFUL or what?
But alas, I found the last 20 episodes to be ranging from genuinely bad to rather stupid to just being simply awful. It seemed to be nothing but one looOOOoong robot-fight where the same animation was used over and over again. And the ending, grrrrrrrrrrr, the ending was just a blatant RIP-OFF of F91! New characters were introduced that had absolutely NO personalities at all (i.e. the 3 druggies, Yzak's mom, and nutcase Murata Azreal. HELL, can anyone tell me what the drug trio's names and Yzak's mom are?). Heck, the only character that developed a personality during the last 20 episodes was Rue la Crueset. At first he seemed to be nothing but a cardboard cut-out of a Char clone. But in the very last episode, he started developing a personality. It seemed he was becoming a nihilistic lunatic with a touch of Legato Bluesummers in him (who is without a doubt the greatest anime villain ever). He even had a lot of great lines in episode 50. "It's a shame you have to die Lacus, I really did like your singing." And "You must realize Lacus, that the world isn't like it is in A POP SONG!" And when he died, is it me or did he look like he was smiling?
Now if it was ME in charge of directing Gundam SEED, I would have handled things VERY differently. I would have cut out about 40% of SEED, add in 5% of Martian Successor Nadesco, 10% of M.A.S.H., and 25% of Dragonball Z. So get ready people, this is going to be a wild ride.
First off, I would run the first 30 episodes leading up to Athrun and Kira's beautiful and tragic fight pretty much the same. I would have cut out a few episodes cause they only seemed to slow it down (i.e. recaps), but what I would have added would give it a good flow. I would have done a homage to the greatest of all Gundams, G-Gundam (I have yet to seen Gundam ZETA and V Gundam), in the show. Through flashbacks, I would have shown chibi Kira and Athrun watching their favorite TV show, called G-Battle. Its plot is how the world's nations have decided to hold a martial arts tournament where warriors duke it out and the winner's nation ruling over Earth for 4 years. On the 13th tournament, a Japanese fighter, an American boxer, a Russian prisoner who knows wrestling, a French swordsman, a Chinese Shoalin warrior, and a mysterious German ninja, must unite to fight against the Japanese warrior's bad ass master as he unleashes the power of Orochi, an eight-headed dragon whose purpose is to revive the Earth. In short, it's G-Gundam without the Gundam. I can just imagine 6 year old Kira wearing the Master Asia outfit and Athrun wearing Domon's garb as they do that too cool School of the Undefeated of the East kata together. I would have shown "clips" of this program all throughout Gundam SEED, i.e. like Gekigangar III was done in Nadesco.
For the M.A.S.H. bits, I would have done several scenes showing what it would be like if a bunch of kids really were stuck on a rigged military ship. The boys would do things like spy on the girls in the shower, like that funny scene in the comic, and trade carefully taken snapshots of the Archangel's hottest ladies to each other. Imagine Natarle and Murrue's reaction when they find pictures of them topless. Heh heh. The boys will be peeling potatoes for a WHILE! Also it turns out Tolles is a real Hawkeye/Klinger combo at heart! Not only does he screw with Natarle with brilliant pranks, but is always out to make a quick buck sneaking Playboys onto the ship and selling them to lonely soldiers. Also I got this funny idea where the kids decide to raise ship-moral by setting up a bowling alley and invite everyone to join in (turns out there isn't a 7-10 split that can stand up to Mirallia). They have the Strike lie down and use its back as the bowling lanes. Put on 10 coatings of wax and it makes a great substitute. Just imagine Natarle complaining about military discipline to the captain as they walk to the hanger and find the ENTIRE crew using the million-dollar Strike as a bowling alley. Natarle would be foaming at the mouth. She reminds me a bit of Hot Lips Hulahan without the Hot Lips part.
Now for the serious part of the show. After Athrun blows up Kira in Orb, something most unexpected happens…
THE SPACE WHALES ATTACK!
Yes, an evil alien army composed of different species (picture the Covenant in HALO) attack the Earth! Immediately the Alliance and ZAFT sign a treaty to end their pointless hostilities and unite against a common enemy, whether their soldiers like it or not. The remaining G-Weapons and pilots are transferred over to the Archangel so Yzak, Dearka, and Athrun work with the Archangel's crew. Now please take into consideration that not only can our governments tell us who are enemies are, but they can also tell us who our allies are. With just two signatures on a treaty, opposing armies can become allies over night. Now try telling the soldiers that. The soldiers are in an absolute uproar over it. Mirallia is screaming how they've been hounding them for months and how they just killed Kira and Tolles and NOW they're suppose to KISS AND MAKE UP? Just imagine the tension where people are ordered to work with the people that have tried repeatedly to kill them. It's not an easy ride for them at all.
Poor Athrun is on the verge of a complete breakdown. He's been so conditioned to fight against Naturals by his father's speeches that he almost loses it when his father starts giving speeches how they're all ONE people. For YEARS he's been hearing speeches about the savageness of Naturals and all of a sudden his dad says they're in this together?! He just killed his BEST FRIEND for his country and now he say they're ONE PEOPLE?! In a fit of temporary insanity, Athrun tries to kill his father. He puts two shells in daddy's chest and puts the gun up to his head. Tears falling down his cheeks, Athrun tells his father it's all His fault that Kira's dead, that he hates him. Athrun's about to pop a cap in his fool skull when gentle Lacus stops him from finishing his old man off by telling him that's not what Kira wants. They shag. So no relationship between Athrun and Cagalli.
Cagalli, little Cagalli learns that she is the long lost bother of…Rue la Crueset! After they were born in that lab, Rue was put through accelerated aging and the scientists handed Cagalli to one of the genetic donors of the experiment for the Ultimate Coordinator, the King of Orb. Cagalli is pretty freaked out by all this, but she'll keep on trucking. She even tries to patch things up with Rue but is shocked to find out what a whack-o he is. Truthfully, I believed that Cagalli was the brother of Rue when the series started, figuring she was just a Sayla clone.
And Fllay, poor deluded Fllay. With Kira's death, she slips into a fit of insanity. She just lost her assassin and has no way to kill any more Coordinators. So the nihilistic Rue, who has decided to ally with the aliens cause he hates all life, meets Fllay. The aliens accelerate his genetics to boost his powers up, speeding up his decayness and turning him into something akin to Darth Sion in KOTOR II. The evil fiend tells her how he wants to kill all life, all Coordinator and all Naturals, and that he wants her to help him. Fllay, because she's insane, agrees to become his deadly assassin. She goes through alien gene-therapy to gain telepathic powers and psychic awareness to become Rue's deadliest assassin. Rue and Fllay ride in bio-alien robots as they lead the alien armies and lay siege on the world. Humanity is doomed for they cannot stand against the invaders! WHO SHALL SAVE THEM?!
KIRA THE ANGEL KNIGHT, that's who!
Immediately after the Strike was blown up, Kira was teleported to a different dimension by the last of a benevolent alien race that the invaders thought they destroyed centuries ago. The evil invaders must be destroyed and so these kind aliens choose the most powerful human alive to train him in lost alien martial arts, chi manipulation, and incredible piloting skills. While only ten days pass on Earth during the alien's onslaught, ten years pass in the alien dimension, though Kira doesn't age a day through alien power. During those ten years, Kira trains at a maddening pace in this strange world where gravity is twenty times greater than Earth's, where at night it drops to minus 50 and at noon it reaches 130 degrees. Hell made alive, but Kira will endure it for his friends.
Oh, by the way, did I forget to mention that Kira wears Master Asia's outfit as he trains in the sunset, which conveniently also sets in the east in this dimension?
At the end of Kira's rigorous training, the nice aliens present him with the most powerful of all Mobile Suits, a combination of the Strike and super-advance alien technology that forms a perfect connection between him and his powers, he is given…WING ZERO FROM ENDLESS WALTZ! (My favourite Gundam design, G-Gundam's Master Gundam as my second and Endless Waltz Heavyarms being number 3, that clown face is sooOOOooo bad ass). Kira tells the aliens that he won't fail, he'll save everyone. The aliens gladly teleport him and the ultimate Gundam somewhere around Saturn. Kicking it to max, Kira tears through space back to Earth at March 8.
Back on Earth, the combine EA/ZAFT Archangel fights a losing battle against the invaders, the Duel, Buster, and newly rebuilt Aegis and Blitz (piloted by Yzak, Dearka, Athrun, and Mwu) are being beaten back by the powerful alien bio-robots! When suddenly from the heavens the sky cuts in twain and black lightning strikes the land as the angelic Wing Zero appears…AND LAYS THE SMACK DOWN ON THE ALIENS!
Que a tearful reunion where Kira reunites with his friends. It turns out that Sai and Mirallia have started shagging since losing their respected loves. Athrun and Kira have a long due talk here where the Prince of all Coordinators admits that Kira was right. It's wrong to wage war unless to protect. Soon it's Kira up against Fllay. Kira calls upon her to remember their love to return her back to normal (this is inspired by Yuji Kaido's bloodthirsty attitude in Blue Gender where Marlene brings him back). And finally it's down to Kira and Rue in a man-to-man (with powers thrown in) fight!
Just imagine Master Asia fighting Darth Sion to get the gist of it.
And in the end, Kira defeats the evil Rue, destroys the aliens, and marries Fllay. And the last scene? No rip-off of F91 here, no no no no. Instead I'm using the ending of all Bond movies where Kira and Fllay have hot steamy sex in Wing Zero's cockpit.
Call this story weird if you will (and I know you will), but a lot of the greatest anime series do a 180 half way through it. I am of course referring to TriGun among others.
This is how I would have done it. Tell me, what do you think?