Part 1
ORB - 2 weeks after the destruction of the Requiem.
Athrun Zala. Normally a calm and collected person, with a mask that screams calm and composure. Yet, we do not know what is actually underneath that mask.
Athrun Zala, sat on the beach reflecting on what has happened in the past war. He didn't know what to do with himself.
It's been a few weeks since the war ended, and boy were they busy weeks!
It all started with the Archangel and Eternal heading to the PLANTS for peace talks. It seems that everyone finally got their heads straight and agreed to a cease - fire.
When everything finally settled down, Athrun was lost. The war is over, that's what's important. But... What now?
Normally he wouldn't question it but the war opened his eyes in ways he never would've thought.
Now that the war is over, he could go back to Cagalli's side and continue to be her bodyguard, continue being Alex Dino, continue living a lie.
Chairman Durandal's words filled his mind,"A name is an indicator of somethings existence. But what would it mean if the name itself is a fake?
If something goes by a false name. Would it in fact mean it doesn't exist? "
Although he didn't like the chairman, he can't help but feel that he's right.
Things shouldn't be this complicated, but it is. If everyone was fighting for peace, then why is there so much death? So much pain and suffering. The scars of war will never go away...
Athrun chose to re - join ZAFT at the time because he thought it was the right thing to do. Use his power in times of need. Only to be deceived by Chairman Durandal.
It's a miracle that he's still alive, after what happened with Shinn and Rey. Perhaps he's taking his existence for granted.
Then there's Meyrin. Whom he had dragged into his mess. She helped him a great deal, and for that he is extremely grateful.
Athrun sighed and tried to shake all these thoughts away. Hey! The war is over, we should be happy. Yet it's hard for Athrun to even force a smile...
Kira Yamato watched Athrun from can't help but feel sad for him,this war has left a bigger impact on him then probably anyone else he knew. First was the Junius 7 incident where the terrorists mention his father Patrick Zala. Then he re-inlisted into ZAFT to use his power in the war for good,only to be deceived by the chairman's words. He was upset when he heard that Cagalli was getting married to Yuna. Eventhough its for her country, it still is selfish to do that especially after Athrun proposed to her.
He just needs some time to recollect his thoughts.
While on the topic of post - war, he cant help but think about Lacus. A smile slowly crept onto his face and it kept getting bigger!
Kira is looking forward to be able to go back to his normal life with Lacus like before, and spend more time with her.
Taking a deep breath, he started walking towards Athrun.
Lacus was in the orphanage with Mwu, Murrue, Andrew and Reverend Malchio. Of course there are the kids running around. As Lacus is setting up the table, she started thinking about their current life now, she just wants to get away from the war and enjoy the peace. The last time when they were all getting ready for dinner after the war was in this house too. She smiled at the thought...Hopefully Cagalli can make it. She continued to set the table for dinner.
Andrew walked into the kitchen with his bags of coffee. Everyone looked at him and ended up laughing. Andrew and his coffee.
"This is going to be my best brew yet!" Andrew boasted with a big smile on his face.
"Thats what you always say". Said Mwu with a smile on his face.
"Sometimes his latest and greatest aren't as good as his previous attempts" added Murrue with a chuckle who is used to sampling Andrews coffee.
Once everything was set up, Lacus went outside to call the boys. As she stepped out of the house into the cold air of the night, she noticed that Kira and Athrun are deep in conversation, she decided to leave them alone. They will come in when they are done.
"Let's forget about the war Athrun, we can move on with our lives".
Athrun thought long and hard about what Kira just said. Can I move on? Thought Athrun, it's just so hard.
Kira looked at him with an understanding look, and nodded.
And here Athrun thought Kira was the weaker one, he sure matured in these past 2 years.
Yes, it's time we move on..Thought Athrun. Kira reached out his hand to Athrun. "Let's go". Athrun grabbed it and gave Kira a thankful smile.
At dinner,things were as lively as usual. With all the kids running about and making noise, and of course Andrew boasting his new recipe or blend of coffee saying that its the best he's made so far. Even explaining in great detail about how he brewed it.
Everyone seems so happy, enjoying the peace that they deserved, once again Athrun can't help but ask himself why does war even exist,we all deserve peace. Peace...he would have never been able to realize how foolish he was in the first war if it wasn't for a certain blonde haired girl.
Cagalli.
He frowned at the thought of how he saw Cagalli without the ring he gave to her... She didn't even come for tonight's dinner. She must be really busy. Well he should know since he was her bodyguard before. He knows how much work and pressure weighs on her shoulder.
Everyone continued chatting away about their lives. But when a group of ex soldiers are gonna be talking alot, the dreaded topic of war is highly likely to pop up. After the war, the PLANTS and Earth Forces are scrambling to get things sorted out without looking stupid. Clearly each side is to blame for their fair share of mistakes. The world is also recovering from the fall of Junius 7.
Questions were asked towards Murrue Ramius captain of the Archangel.
The archangel will remain with ORB and be amongst its Space Fleet. Everyone is still deciding if they should join back into the military. But right now, everyone just needs a break.
Silence fills the room. Only to be broken by Andrew Waltfeld. "We'd just have to wait and see. ZAFT and the Earth Forces need to get their act together first though"
"The peace talks have been going well but not everyone is just willing to forgive and forget" added Murrue
"Loved ones were lost, damage was dealt and many are left homeless."
Just when Lacus is about to say something, there is a knock on the door.
