Gundam SEED: Betrayal

by DreamersLTD

If you can dream, then anything is possible. – DreamersLTD Motto

Disclaimer: Original Story Base/Idea by Elda Aranel. Used with permission. I don't own Amaya, her friends, Van Dell or Crystal Yula Zala. Elda Aranel does. Nor do I own Gundam SEED or Gundam SEED Destiny. I own Akira and his friends, as well as this account.

MAJOR NOTE: This is a Lacus and Kira gone wrong story. Lacus goes through a bit of a change and leads to Kira and her splitting up. Definitely NOT for HARDCORE KxL FANS. I DO NOT, AND WILL NOT accept flames or insults of ANY kind. If you do not like the story, then please be civilized and just hit the Back button on your browser and think nothing more of this story. If you somewhat liked, plainly enjoyed, or found some interest in the story, but have an idea or didn't like a certain part, post it and the writer will see if they want to work with it. Constructive criticism is what allows the writer to better connect with their story, as they see it from the perspective of the reader(s). And we'll state it here. This story incorporates some sci-fi elements. That is all.


Awakening

(Previously…)

"You are no better than a whore! Once you milked as much as you could from one man, then what's to stop you from doing it again!! You took advantage of daddy and pretended to help him mend his wounds! But in reality, YOU WERE DOING THE EXACT SAME THING THAT – THAT FLAY-BITCH DID TO HIM!! YOU'RE NO BETTER THAN SHE!!" With that said, she bolted down the hall, and down the stairwell, crying uncontrollably.

"Amaya! Wait!" Akira shouted. He turned to the four representatives and said, "If you want to live a better life, then just completely forget what had transpired here. You're all better off that way, though almost every word said was true." He gave a dark glare to the sobbing Lacus and the offended Van Dell, then to all the guards within the hallway. "Have a good night, Representatives." And he walked straight down the hall to chase after his twin.

'Though he may look young, he certainly managed to lace every word with poison and barbs. And Amaya too, to a lesser extent,' thought Ezalia as she shook off the bad aura that was left.

Hell had broken loose that night. Amaya was missing. Kira was worried sick over her. Cagalli forced herself back to work, against everyone's wishes, to take her brother's place in the meetings. She didn't want to think what this would do to Kira if something happened to Amaya.


(Chapter 2)

"Amaya! Amaya!! Please, answer me if you can hear me!" wailed Kira. He was at a loss. He didn't want to lose his only daughter. "Damn! Why isn't she answering her cell phone?" he muttered. As he continued to search for her, his worry only increased.

Akira on the other hand, instinctively 'felt' the direction where his twin sister was headed. It was straight towards the research facility. 'Why would she be heading there?' he wondered. With a sigh, he jogged towards the facility.

A few hours later, after searching for his missing daughter, and no sign of her, Kira was on the verge of losing his sanity. Finally, he fell to his knees and let out an anguished cry. "WWWHHHYYY!!" After several minutes of silence, his cell phone rang. Gathering his wits, he answered the phone, hoping to god that it was his beloved daughter. "Hello?"

"Is this General Yamato?" the voice on the line said.

"Yes, this is he. Do you know the whereabouts of my daughter?" Kira asked.

"Unfortunately, we have some good news and some bad news, both relating to your daughter, and your son."

"WHAT!? Tell me!"

"I… think it would be best if you came to the research facility right away. Your son and daughter are under quarantine."

Kira only dropped his cell phone and ran to his car and sped off towards the facility.


"Where's my children!?" he asked as soon as he arrived at the facility.

"General Yamato?" questioned the receptionist.

"Yes! Now where's my children!?"

"This way, they are currently in stasis pods in the level black area. I'll lead you there."

Kira almost stopped dead in his tracks. The level black area was where ORB conducted their experiments on foreign and alien technology that was discovered within the asteroid belt.

After several security checkpoints and scans, Kira arrived in a room overlooking two stasis pods… that contained his children. Kira noticed that they seemed to have labored breathing and eyes closed shut.

Several minutes passed before he spoke again. "What… what exactly happened to them?"

Another person stepped into the room. "I'll answer that question. Ms. Karee, (the secretary) please head back to the front desk. I'll take over from here."

Kira, without turning said, "Chief Simmons. Please tell me what happened. Why are my children in pain?"

She sighed. "Amaya somehow managed to bypass all the security checkpoints and enter the Zuphiroude Crystal holding facility. She somehow conversed with a sentient crystal and ended up bonding with it. According to the security cameras, she wanted to die, because she was the reason that you and you-know-who separated. She essentially spilled her heart out to the crystal, and it offered her something in exchange for bonding with it; the ability to live a life where she has endurance before 'freezing up', as well as the ability to become stronger to prove that she wasn't like her mother. What she didn't know was that one of the negative aspects of the crystal was that it amplifies the resulting pain if she went overboard. And your son, attempted to sway her out of the bonding, but she refused. Desperate, Akira went into contract with another crystal and bonded, so that he could enter Amaya's mind and try to persuade her to stop. What they both didn't know was that the bonding was permanent and dramatically altered them. The reason we stuck them in the pods was to slow their systems enough for the conversion to be quick, a lot less painful, and over with."

"... So, what will I expect when they wake up?"

"Expect Amaya to have greater endurance and resistance to stress before succumbing to her heart problem, which, if it hits, will cause her more pain than before. As for Akira, expect that his violent half will be deadlier if riled up enough. And as for their emotions and their personalities, we honestly don't know."

"Which crystals have they bonded with?"

"Amaya bonded with Zuphiroude Crystal type Alpha and Akira bonded with Zuphiroude Crystal type Beta."

"... Make me like them."

"Wha? What do you mean? You can't possibly..."

"I mean it. I will not let them suffer alone. If one family member undergoes it, then so will the rest of the family. I too will suffer with them."

"Though I understand your intentions, don't you think that it would be quite risky for you to bond with a Zuphiroude Crystal?"

"Not when my only children are suffering from the bonding effects alone! I will bond with one of the Crystal samples, even if I have to force a bonding myself! I am their father, and I love them very much! I will not let them feel like their not part of the family!"

"Kira, you're not thinking very straight. If you truly love them, then wouldn't you accept them the way they are now?"

"If I truly love them, then I will suffer the same as them."

"... What about your sister? Isn't she not family?"

"She is, but she's happy and loved. She already has a family that she loves and cares for. Her children have had a parent figure their whole lives. Mine, mine I neglected somewhat and I'm determined to make up for it. Never again will they feel like they're distanced from their father."

"Kira, you were emotionally unstable! You needed time to heal! They understood! They'll understand!"

"It doesn't change the fact that I was unable to be there for them when I was supposed to! I'm still going ahead with the bonding."

"... Then, if I can't change your mind, then we'll begin shortly. Choose a Crystal specimen that you want to bond with."


The day after, due to the events, the PLANT representatives were forced to extend their stay indefinitely. Why? Because Lady Cagalli, who had recently given birth to Crystal Yula Zala, couldn't always attend a planned meeting. She was tired, weak, and as a result of the stress, was also suffering post-partum blues (a momentary moody state that affects some mothers that have just given birth, usually brought on by initial stress of caring for the newborn, as well as other things).

Athrun also couldn't take Kira's or Cagalli's place as the representative for Orb, as he took over Kira's job as one of Orb's Military Generals. And since Kira took larger-than-average workloads, Athrun couldn't spare anymore time. All the extra time he had was devoted to caring for his wife and children. Thankfully for both Athrun and Cagalli, their children were able to help with household chores, such as cleaning, cooking, and gardening, all while assisting their mother with taking care of their newborn sister.

Kisaka was also a no go, he was currently overseeing the repairs and upgrades to all current and recently constructed Heliopolis colonies.


"I really hate this. We end up having to cancel or reschedule our planned meetings with other representatives just because Mr. Yamato goes AWOL. Why can't they send another representative to work with us? It's not like the treaty and conditions are serious," muttered Robert Van Dell before taking a sip of coffee.

Ezalia sighed. "We have no choice. Kira, I mean, Mr. Yamato, is the sole representative assigned to deal with the treaty specifics other than Lady Athha, and she had just recently given birth. She has not had time to properly recover and deal with us. No one else has permission or was given the exact details of the terms and conditions of the treaty's renewal. Not even Lord Zala. So until Mr. Yamato comes back, we can't really do anything about it. If we tried to avoid or alter this renewal without one of those two people present, we'll be under the gun of several Orb-allied nations as well as Orb itself."

"Damn... Why didn't they assign another person or two to the treaty renewal!" muttered Van Dell.

"I'm also curious as to why they didn't add another representative or two," added Daniel Stowe.

Ezalia sighed. These younger PLANT Representatives (with the exception of Chairwoman Clyne) were oblivious (remember, Ezalia has seniority over the others; she's the oldest). "The reason they didn't assign the treaty to any other is because that's the only thing regulating the peace so far. If a single critical detail is missed, then one side may exploit it and restart the war. The fewer the representatives assigned, the easier it is to ensure that all changes are the same across the table. They don't want to worry about 10+ different versions of the treaty."

Van Dell sighed. "Well, I guess then we really don't have any choice." He turned to leave. "Sweetheart, let's go out. I'll treat you." He put his arm around his wife, Lacus, gave her a quick kiss, then gently ushered her out. "I'll be back this evening," he called back.

Daniel watched them go, then turned back to Ezalia. "He gets annoyed rather quickly. I wonder what's the big fuss about renewing the treaty? It's just a simple matter of agreeing to some new conditions."

"I honestly don't know. I just hope that his attitude is just because of the delay." Ezalia looked at the closed door to hotel suite. She had a bad feeling about Robert Van Dell.


It was a week later when Amaya and Akira recovered enough to leave the pods. Erica Simmons entered the codes that unlocked the pods as the twins' vitals showed that they were quickly regaining consciousness. "How are you both feeling?" she asked as the doors opened up.

Both twins opened their eyes, took a moment to grasp their surroundings, then slowly made their way out of the pods. "… Well. How are you both feeling?"

"Just fine… What happened?" said Amaya.

"Don't you remember?"

"N-no…"

"You got angry with your mo- I mean, the woman who birthed you."

"… And what happened next?"

"You ran here and made a deal with the Alpha Zuphiroude Crystal specimen."

"I did!? Why?"

"You seriously don't remember?"

"I don't..." Amaya trailed off. Suddenly the events of that night one week ago hit her hard. Her eyes got wide. "I-I wanted to die... But the promise..."

Erica just sighed. "Was very tempting. Here's what you didn't know. When you opened yourself to the crystal, you also took in a living entity. As a result, you will have two minds. One not entirely your own, until you learn to master and accept it."

"Wha-!?" Amaya began to worry a bit. "She's right. We are now your other half. We bestowed upon you our power, and in return you bestowed upon us a symbiotic body which will allow us freedom, the ability to go places," whispered a voice eerily like her own. Amaya let out a cry and fell to her knees. "I hear them..." she shuddered.

Erica wasn't too surprised. "It will be alright, as long as you don't let it take control of you. They can't take control of your body as long as you remain strong to your beliefs. But as their fate is tied to yours, they will do whatever they can to protect you. You accepted them, and in return, they accept you, as long as they find you truly worthy of commanding them. Sort of like a German Shepard. They basically choose their masters."

Akira, who had been quiet this whole time, finally spoke up. "Did... Did you report this to our father...?" Worry laced his voice.

That caused Amaya to stop shuddering and look up. "Daddy would be ashamed of us...!" Tears were threatening to fall.

"Yes... I did report it to your father."

"What did he say?" added Akira.

"Is... is that why... he's not here?" whimpered Amaya as she held back tears.

"Your father was very concerned. He said that you two were the world to him, and if he lost you two, especially you, Amaya, then he would have nearly been committing suicide. He loved you so much that he's still here right now," said Erica.

"What!? Where is he!? I want to tell him I'm sorry!" Amaya impulsively blurted out as she looked around.

Erica then looked away and down.

"He didn't... do anything rash... did he?" questioned Akira upon noticing Erica's movement.

"No... he couldn't have..." added Amaya as she unconsciously pulled her hand to cover her mouth.

Erica steeled herself and looked directly at the children. "To ensure that you never felt separate, different, distanced, or isolated from him, he purposely chose to bond with Zuphiroude Crystal type Omega. The strongest, but most dangerous crystal matrix. He did so with the words, 'The Yamato family will always be the same.'"

"Father... shouldn't have done it... If I can hear the voice telling me things, and the crystal is only one of the lesser matrixes, how would he manage the most dangerous one of all?" questioned Akira. He had to shake his head a moment to clear his mind of the voice.

"He's the Ultimate Coordinator. All we can do is hope that that status remains true," stated Erica.

Amaya was softly crying. "It's all my fault... if I didn't come here... if I didn't get angry with her... then this wouldn't have happened! I should've never been born!!" she wailed.

SLAP!! the sound echoed through the room.

"Don't you dare say such things like that. You don't know how much he cared for you before you were left in the care of the Lady. You don't know how much he worried. He loves you, loves you both, very much. That's why he chose to join you. To make up for all that he's failed to do. Don't make that sacrifice of his become cheap."

Akira was surprised. Amaya even more so. "Where... is he... then?" she softly stated as she stopped crying and nursed her reddening cheek.

"In that pod right between you and your brother's former pod." Erica pointed to the center one. "Estimates show that he will be in there for another week. In the meantime, I suggest that you get familiar with your other halves. You'll need to if you want to remain sane."

"What can we do though? It's not like we can exactly know what abilities we have," asked Akira.

"First, I'll run several tests on the both of you, so that you both will know what changes you have undergone. Then, train some on your Gundam simulations. See what abilities you may have. Next, as you both are twins, you should already know that you both have something akin to a telepathic link to each other right?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with the bonding?" questioned Akira.

"The crystals most likely have enhanced that pathway. You both will most likely be able to actively communicate by thought alone. Give it a try sometime. Afterwards, learn how to open and close your minds at will to each other, so that personal thoughts won't leak out to the other."

"Understood." The twins nodded, then turned to the capsule containing their father. "Father, stay strong for us. We'll master our abilities... so that you won't have to worry so much about our state of being." The twins then followed Erica Simmons out.


True to what Erica said, the twins quickly learned how to talk to each other telepathically, as well as getting along with their other, mental halves.

"See? We're not so bad to have. You can communicate with your sister by thoughts alone, and at the same time, hold a physical conversation with someone else," stated Beta as he thought (mentally talked) to Akira.

'Yeah, but the sacrifice I paid was to have an extremely violent berserker mode if pushed to far. I have to really keep my emotions in check,' Akira thought back.

"That's not a major problem as long as you remain calm. And besides, we promised not to let you cause any harm to those close to you, as well as yourself. We're on your side."

'I guess so... but if you plan on becoming a part of me, stop using "we". Use "I" instead. Otherwise, I'll never be able to properly accept you.'

"Very well. W-I, will remember that. I look forward to our becoming one."

Akira had to smile just a bit. 'The way you say that seems so wrong.' His other half remained silent.

"Akira!! Mrs. Erica is calling us to her lab!" Amaya sent telepathically.

"Thanks for the update. I'll be on my way there," Akira thought back.

Upon entering the lab, Erica turned to them. "I have the results of your tests. And the results were interesting to say the least."

"Well, what was the result?" questioned Amaya.

"Wait, before you tell us, do we really want to know?" questioned Akira.

"The results are good if that's what you wanted to know."

"Then please tell us."

"Well, to start things off, you both have the ability to heal very fast."

"How fast... exactly?" questioned Amaya.

"Here. Let me slit your wrist." Erica pulled out a scalpel.

"Ugh... I'm not so sure..." said Amaya as she pulled back a bit.

"Here. Use me instead. If I know how fast I heal, then I'll worry a bit less about mountain climbing with Jaden and Chase. Those two are crazy." Akira held out his arm and winced.

Erica sliced his wrist, letting the blood flow. But it only lasted a couple seconds. A thin, faint, glowing mesh began to form over the wound, then the skin began to quickly regenerate and close over. As the two sections met, the light faded, leaving nothing. Not even a scar.

"Amazing..." whispered Amaya.

"It is. And it's a powerful thing going in your favor. But based on research, we've determined that the rate of healing is dependent on your overall health and mentality, as well as how many injuries you've sustained, and how bad is the injury. If you suffer too much, even the fast healing ability you have won't save you. So be careful."

"We will," chorused the twins.


"Why did you decide to bond with me? Do you think that you can master me?" said a deep, dark voice.

"Yes, and I will master you," responded another as he gained form from the darkness surrounding him.

"Very well. Let's see if you can defeat me. You're a warrior at heart. Now let's see if you can defeat your enemies!"

Out of the hazy blackness, Flay stepped out. "Kira... remember all the times we spent together?" Vivid, crystal clear images and scenes from the warrior's time spent with with the girl flashed before him. The first time he laid eyes on her... the first time they kissed... the first time they slept together...

"Stop this! I've already conquered this!" roared the man.

"But Kira, why do you still dream of me? Why do you still think of me?" Flay slowly walked towards the man her clothes began to fade. The memories continued to flash past.

"Stop! Don't come any closer! Y-your dead! Rau killed you!" he took an occasional step back.

"But Kira. I apologized. I'm sorry for what I did to you! Please! Rest, and stay with me here. I promise that I won't ever leave you again, nor lead you astray." Flay was now face to face with the man. She pressed her naked body against the man, wrapped her arms around him, and kissed him. After a moment, she pulled back for air, then rested her forehead against his. "Please, Kira. Give me one more chance."

The man was breathing heavily. Part of him wanted to say yes, but the other half screamed no. Flay's nude body pressed against him wasn't helping. "I'm sorry. But I have to live on. I can't, won't, be able to join you until I finally lay down my sword and shield once and for all. If you truly love me, then you would let me go once more, this time, of your own free will and feelings." The man looked into Flay's tear filled eyes. "Give me a little more time. I loved you once. Maybe I'll relearn to love you once more someday. Rest now, and free me."

Flay began to cry. But not tears of anger or hatred. "Kira..." she kissed him again, and this time, had a response. After separating, she said, "I'll let you go, but this time, with my love and feelings for you, whether or not you reciprocate them. Let my feelings help guide your way back." She began to fade, but not without her giving the man a tight hug while crying freely on his chest. As her upper body began to disappear, she released him. "Farewell..." she stated, a smile of peace resting on her face.

Afterwards, the man began to cry. "Damn you! Damn you for tearing open my past! Come out already and fight me!!"

"Not just yet. You may have defeated the first challenge, but this is just the beginning!"

Another person stepped out of the murkiness. "Hello again, Kira Yamato. Did you miss me?"

The man took a step back. "No way... Y-you're supposed to be dead!"


The situation regarding the treaty remained somewhat chaotic. Lady Cagalli had to cut short one meeting with the PLANT Representatives, as she nearly fainted from exhaustion. Lucky for her, Akira and Amaya were there to assist, as they voluntarily took over some of their father's work while having time to study for school.

"Please forgive the Lady, she's not feeling well," stated Akira as Amaya gently led Cagalli out of the small meeting room. As they left, Akira gathered and organized all of Cagalli's papers and put them back into her briefcase, closing and locking it in the process. Before he left, he turned to the Representatives. "Sorry the meeting was interrupted." He looked at his watch. "It's nearly lunchtime. Would you like us to treat you to lunch? My sister and I can discuss portions of the treaty with you."

Robert (Van Dell) snorted derisively. "Hmph. No thank you. We'll just wait for the Lady or Mr. Yamato to get back to us. And besides, we do not trust such sensitive matters with children. Now if you'll excuse me, we'll be heading out for lunch." Robert headed for the door.

Akira remained impassive. "Very well, then. I understand. Have a good afternoon." He bowed and stepped back from the doorway as Robert began to pass. Though he was bent, Akira kept watching him as he strode out. As he straightened, another person stopped just in front of him.

"I... Please forgive my husband... he's just upset that we had to postpone several key meetings over the past couple of days..." Lacus was unsure how to talk to Akira, and his impassive gaze didn't make it any easier. "I hope that Cag- No, Lady Athha quickly recovers..."

"Thank you for your concern, Chairwoman Clyne. I'll be sure to pass it on." Akira bowed again and straightened.

Lacus had never felt so awkward around anyone before. But her son's impassive and unreadable face made her jittery. 'Almost as if he was a shark...' she thought. "Uhh... Thank you for the lunch invitation. I'm sorry that we couldn't accept." She wanted to get away. "Have a good afternoon, Akira." She quickly left the room, and once out of sight, shook off the awkward sensation she had.

Ezalia and Daniel, the only two representatives remaining, also felt the awkward tension until Lacus left. Daniel then approached. "Have a good day Mr. Akira." He extended his hand out.

"You to Mr. Stowe." Akira smiled as he shook hands with Daniel for a moment, before letting him go.

"Hey Akira. Is your lunch invitation open? I'd like to do more catching up with you and your sister if at all possible. Is that okay?" asked Ezalia.

Akira genuinely smiled. "Sure. The restaurant is only a short walk from here. Is that fine with you, Mrs. Jule?"

"Yes, that is fine. But please, call me Ezalia. Mrs. Jule makes me feel old," responded Ezalia.

"Very well then, Ezalia. Let me just drop this case off and we'll be on our way."

"Alright. I'll just wait out in the lobby." Ezalia went ahead and took the elevator down.

Akira stood there a moment, thinking. 'Why would she be nervous? We're just twins that she happened to give birth to. She shouldn't think of us as anything more than a mistake she made,' Akira thought.

"Maybe because she was never there when you and your sister were growing up. Why else?" questioned his other half.

'Ah well. I have to drop this case off and meet with Ezalia. Please try to remain observant.'

"Very well."

Akira then went to his aunt's office, dropped off the briefcase, and contacted Amaya. "Amaya. I know you were listening to the conversation I had with the representatives."

He heard his sister's soft, melodious thought. "Yeah, I did. I'll meet with you and Ezalia at the Maluhia."

"Alright. See you there." Akira made his way to the lobby, where Ezalia was waiting. "Sorry to keep you, shall we?" he stated.

"It's fine. But what about your sister? Isn't she coming?"

"Yes, I already notified her. She'll meet us there."


After leaving Cagalli in the care of Athrun, Amaya made her way towards the restaurant. 'That bastard, I really want to kill him.' she viciously thought.

"Hey now. I thought that you preferred peace?" her other half stated.

'Well, I do, but that man, something about him makes my blood boil! I hate him!' Amaya responded.

"Is it because he seduced your birth-mother away from your fath-?"

"Shut up!" she verbally exclaimed as she punched a nearby sign-post, badly denting it. The momentary pain calmed her. After examining the quickly healing bruise, she continued. 'That woman was never seduced! She willingly went! She cheated on daddy, and she too deserves no pity or remorse from anyone! Much less me!' she angrily thought.

"Sorry. I won't bring it up again."

Amaya calmed down. 'No, it's ok. You just wanted to know me more.' She sighed. I better make my way to the Maluhia, or else, Akira won't be happy.'

"Good idea. Let's go meet your brother and Ezalia."


The man laughed manically. "Well too bad! Though I may be physically dead, to you, I shall never be! I'm a part of you! A part that represents your hatred for mankind! Hatred for what they did to you!"

"Shut up!!" The young man attempted to cover his ears, but the other's voice continued to maliciously taunt him.

"Give it up, Kira Yamato! You know the truth as well as I! Humanity never welcomed you with open arms! They never treated you equally! Hell, even your own sister was initially reluctant to believe that you were siblings!!"

"That's not true! Shut up!"

"Ha ha ha ha! You know it is! She didn't know how to handle that information!"

"That's just because she was recently told by Lord Uzumi at the time! Now shut the hell up and leave me alone!"

"Give it up, Kira Yamato! You know as well as I that no one, not even your friends or family, will ever accept you as you are! They took advantage of you! You, who is supposed to be the Ultimate Coordinator! Your kindness and naivety led to you losing that little red-headed bitch, as well as believing that the pink siren would be the one that you would live happily ever after with!"

That caused the young man to angrily charge the other, with a beam saber appearing out of nowhere and into his hands. "Don't even dare to call Flay a bitch! She didn't know better! She was blinded by hatred! And don't you dare bring up that traitor Lacus!"

"Traitor... I love that word. Everyone is a traitor! Mankind is one massive traitor that deserves to die! Give in to your feelings, Kira Yamato! Dispel any remaining sympathy you have! Tear apart all those that wronged you! Especially the one that seduced you into thinking that you'd live happily ever after!!" The other, older man parried the younger one's beam saber with a larger beam saber that was attached to a forearm buckler.

"You're wrong! People-! Not all people are like that at!" the young man began the sword duel in earnest, slashing at the other person at different angles. "People can learn to forgive!" He summoned another beam saber to help try and defeat the one before him.

"Quit trying to delude yourself, Yamato! If people learned of your existence, they would want to become just as you are! They would want to become like you! Knowledge of your very existence will start wars anew!!" The older man easily parried each and every attack the younger one made at him.

"That's garbage! People accept who they are!" The young man brought his beam sabers down hard.

"If they did, then why do Naturals fear Coordinators to this day!? Why do many of them wish that they too, were made into Coordinators!? You're something that shouldn't have been allowed to exist! Just like humanity!" The older man continued as he easily held the blades back.

"Just shut up! You're dead! DEAD!! Disappear already!!" The young man attempted to slice the older man in two, but was blocked and kicked back.

"And that's the reason why... your existence cannot be allowed! Mankind's existence can't be allowed!!" The older man charged the younger one. "Your skills are not meant for this world! You're not meant for this world!"

"I'm not... even if that's true... I'm not defined by my abilities alone! Neither is humanity!" The young man managed to block the attack by putting his beam sabers into an X, before kicking the other one back.

"And who's going to believe that line!? Justice and faith! Ignorance and escapism! They'll never listen! They'll never learn!!" The older man once again went on the attack. "You and your kindness are nothing more than an illusion! You don't love anyone! Your just as selfish as the next person!"

"You lie! Flay, Akira, Amaya, Cagalli...! I love them! I love them with all my heart! I just want to make the world a safer place, where everyone can live in peace! That's why... that's why I have to get rid of evil people like you!!" The young man managed to fight his way back up, and once again resumed the offensive.

"Will they understand that? Of course they won't! Nobody will! There is no one who will ever understand your idea of love!" The older man blocked one beam saber, before jumping over the second and pushed off the first to land a couple of feet away. "You can't even express your emotions right!"

"Grr!! You don't understand anything else! You wouldn't know, you never experienced love!" Kira combined his beam sabers and charged the offender, spinning the blades as he came.

The other laughed manically as he skillfully blocked or evaded each attempted slash before returning with some of his own. "Of course! After all, people can only understand what they've experienced! You say you love them, yet, you left your children in the care of your sister and your brother-in-law! You decided to conveniently leave to do some 'soul searching' instead of staying with your family to heal!" The older man nearly sliced off the younger man's head. "In reality, the reason you went to the OPA was so that you could find a way to DIE!!"

"Shut the hell up!! That's not true! You are a liar! A liar and a nightmare that won't go away!" Their sabers clashed once more, this time, with so much force that small lightning bolts were ejected from the area of contact.

"Am I!? If I was, then why did I never disappear from your mind!? You are the liar and nightmare! You secretly knew that peace and love were all an illusion! You secretly knew that everything I've told you was right! That's why you kept me in mind!" The older man sprung back. "It's time to end this, once and for all! Are you ready!? KIIIRAAA YAAAMAAATO!!" He charged the younger man.

"RAAAUUU LE CREEEUUUSET!!" The young man also charged. "IT'S... OVER!!" At the last minute, the young man managed to split his beam saber back into two.

"GAAAHHH!!" The older man, Rau Le Creuset, found his heart pierced with one beam saber, while the other had just barely parried his own beam saber. All he sliced was a small bit of hair. "Heh... Ha ha ha!! You may have... won this round... but I'll be back!!" He began to disappear.

"Stay what you were supposed to be. Only a bad memory."

The 'dying' Rau looked up. "Heh. I'll never be... just a memory..." Soon, he completely faded away, leaving the young man alone once more.

The young man fell to his knees, and not only of exhaustion. "Damn you! Damn you!!"

"Impressive. You actually managed to hold off what I thought was your worst enemy. I guess I was wrong. Now prepare for the final challenge!" From the murkiness came...


Maluhia was one of the finer restaurants available to those who could afford the higher than average cost. Not many civilians in standard, everyday attire could be seen there. The Yamatos were known there, as it was the place where they usually ate after Kira finished his work. As soon as Akira walked in, the hostess immediately greeted them. "Welcome back, Akira. Your sister is arrived five minutes ago, and she's waiting for you and your guest at the usual table. Enjoy!"

"Thanks, Erin."

"No prob! Tell your father hi for me!"

Akira had to chuckle a bit. No one knew the current situation except for Cagalli, Athrun, Kisaka, and Erica. "I will." He turned to the elder woman standing near him. "Shall we?"

Ezalia smiled at the kindness. "Very well. Please lead the way." She followed Akira to a table on the second floor that overlooked the Orb coastline. The entire wall facing the coastline was glass, with panels that could be slid open. And since the day was lightly breezy and a modest temperature, they were.

Amaya saw them and waved. "How have you been, Mrs. Ezalia?"

"I'm doing fine thank you. And please, just call me Ezalia. I don't need to be reminded of my age," Ezalia responded as she gave a relaxed smile and sat across from Amaya.

Akira took a seat between the two. Not two minutes after he sat did a waiter come by. "Good afternoon, you three. My name is Ross, and I'll be your server for today. Now, is there anything I can start you off with? A drink maybe?"

Amaya went first. "I'll take a glass of red wine and water, please."

"Ok, and you miss?" The waiter turned to Ezalia.

"I'll take one apple martini please."

"Ok, and you sir?"

"Just a virgin Pina Colada/Strawberry Smoothie mix, please."

"Alright then, I'll go and get that for you!" The waiter turned and left.

Ezalia had to ask. "Amaya, you're allowed to drink red wine?"

"Yes, but just one glass per meal at the most. It's for my heart."

"Ah, I see." She paused a moment to read the menu. The others did the same. As soon as they were finished browsing the menu, Ezalia continued. "So... what happened to your father? I thought he went AWOL when you disappeared."

The twins were silent for a moment. Then Amaya responded. "He... he's currently in the hospital."

"Oh my. What happened?" Ezalia was concerned. She thought of Kira somewhat like a son, even though he was the same one that gave her son, Yzak, his scar (which Yzak later removed).

"Since he went searching for me blindly, he wasn't watching where he was going. He tripped and fell off an incline at a construction site. He broke his arm and leg." Amaya skillfully lied.

The waiter interrupted. "Sorry for interrupting, but here are your drinks, and some starter salads." He gave Amaya and Ezalia each a bowl of salad, and to Akira went a bowl of clam chowder, his preferred starter. "Now, are you all ready to order?"

"Yes, sir."

"Alright then, what would you like, Miss?"

"I'll take the Cedar Plank Salmon Fillet-Topped with Garlic Herb Butter, please," stated Amaya.

"Okay, and you Miss?" The waiter turned to Ezalia.

"I'll take you Costa Rican Mahi Mahi with Crawfish Etouffee, please."

"Alright, and you Sir?" The waiter turned to Akira.

"I'll take the same thing as my sister, please."

"The Cedar Plank Salmon?"

"Yes sir."

The waiter finished writing the order. "Ok then, I'll get those ordered right away!" He walked off.

Ezalia let a moment of silence pass. "I'm so sorry about your father. Is there any way I can drop by to talk to him?"

"Sorry but no. He's being treated at Morgenroete with an experimental procedure, and won't be out for a couple more days."

"I see. Well, I'll drop some flowers off with one of you. Will you take it to him for me?"

"Sure. Just drop off the flowers at our home. Here's the address." Amaya wrote down the address of the mansion they lived in on a napkin and handed it to Ezalia.

"Thank you. I will be sure to drop them off there."

"Sorry for the wait. Here's your orders. Please enjoy!" The rest of the lunch went by on a better note. Akira and Amaya told of their experiences while growing up. Ezalia told of her experiences in the First War and of her son's experiences. Soon, two hours had passed, and after fighting over who would pay for the bill (the twins won), they parted ways.


"Myself!? What the hell are you planning exactly!?" shouted the young man as his doppelgänger stepped out and smiled.

"To see if you can defeat the ultimate enemy! Yourself!" stated the Doppelgänger as he charged Kira, a beam saber in each hand.

"Damn it!" The young man began his own attack in earnest. "Go! To! Hell!!" He managed to slice a thin welt into the arm of the Doppelgänger, but at that same moment, he felt a razor-thin slice. He jumped back momentarily to examine his arm... and had the exact same welt as the one he inflicted. "What the hell!?"

"Heh. I am you. As you are me. We're one and the same. What happens to me, also happens to you," stated the Doppelgänger as he laughed, a murderous expression on his face.

"Rrraaahhh!!" the young man and the Doppelgänger's blades violently sparked as they collided with each other. In moments, the two combatants were aggressively attacking each other with movements faster than the eye could see.

The young man dodged both beam sabers and managed to slice another small welt onto the Doppelgänger's leg. At that same moment, he hissed and fell to one knee as the same welt appeared on his leg also.

"Ha ha ha. How does it feel?" smirked the Doppelgänger.

"Just... just shut up!" the young man got up and charged.

"You just don't seem to learn your lesson, do you!?" The Doppelgänger countered the incoming strikes. "Very well then, let me teach you!" (By now, the Doppelgänger was smiling and laughing as manically as Alucard from Hellsing does when he's about to go berserk.) The fighting again took a vicious turn.


It was now evening in Orb. Rustling sounds were heard as two people untangled themselves from each other and the sheets that barely hid them. "Lacus, sweetheart, god I love you," stated Robert as he relaxed from the aftermath of lovemaking.

Lacus, whose head and right hand was just resting on her husband's chest, replied. "And I love you. You gave me two beautiful children."

"I did, didn't I." Robert smiled. "I'm sorry about asking you to come with me. I thought that this treaty renewal would've been quick, so that we could go back to the PLANTs and you could focus on some of the more important tasks that were assigned to you as the Chairwoman."

"It's okay. I needed time off anyway. And besides, I would've been called here sooner or later anyway for the final signing of the renewal." Lacus paused a moment. "You know, I'm wondering how Lena and Evan are doing."

Robert hugged his wife closer. "Don't worry. Lena just turned 16, and Evan isn't too young to not be able to take care of himself."

"But still..."

"If you're so worried, why don't you give them a call?" Robert glanced at the clock. 6:45. "It's not time for their night's rest, yet. I'll go ahead and take a quick shower."

"If I call them, then you're staying here with me. They miss you as much as they do me." Lacus sternly stated.

Robert paused a moment. His wife was truly a unique individual. He loved her docile persona that hid a very intelligent individual. He smiled. "Very well, then. But you'll have to join me in the shower afterwards, okay?"

Lacus just playfully slapped him. "You horny man."

"What? I can't help that I'm strongly addicted to you. That man never deserved you." Robert then pulled Lacus close, and kissed her before she could respond.

After a moment, Lacus broke it off while deciding at the same time to just drop the touchy subject. "Na ah. No more for you until you check in with the children."

"As you wish, my Princess."

After dressing in robes, they activated the videophone option of the wall TV. "Please dial the PLANTs, Van Dell Residence (she lived in Robert's mansion, as it was closer to the Supreme Council building; and besides, many of the Clyne servants followed Akira and Amaya to Orb, leaving the Clyne residence mostly abandoned (they also strongly disagreed with Lacus' affair))."

"Okay, please hold one moment as the communication is established. In the meantime, how would you like to charge this call?" asked the feminine computerized communications system.

"Charge it to Grand Suite Room 04, please," responded Robert.

"Very well." A pause. "Communication established. Have a nice evening." The screen blanked.

"Van Dell Residence, who's calling?" questioned a young woman's voice.

"Karin, it's me. Robert Van Dell."

"And Lacus Clyne as well."

"Ah! Mr. Van Dell! Chairwoman Clyne!" The screen switched from voice only to real-time video. The maid that answered the phone bowed. "Good evening to you both!"

"Good evening to you to, Karin. Could you please put the children on?"

"Yes, sir. I'll be back one moment. Please hold, okay?"

"Sure." The screen displayed a calm screensaver for about five minutes. It then switched back to real-time. Two teens were seen sitting before the screen. One had long, pink hair (darker than Lacus') w/ a natural streak of very dark brown (nearly black) hair, and innocent, but perceptive purple eyes, while the other had black hair and a natural red streak, and piercing blue eyes.

"Mother! Father! You're okay! We wondered what happened to you two when you both never came back home!" exclaimed the pink-head.

"Yeah! And we also wondered why you both haven't contacted us in person! All we got was a note stating that things were delayed down there! What happened!?" added the black-head.

"Well, first off, It's good to see that both of you are doing fine, Lena (the pink-head bowed and smiled), and Michael (the black-head just smirked). And second, a situation involving the delegate assigned to work with us has delayed us from finishing our work here," responded Lacus.

"Stupid Orb representative. Why didn't they assign more to work with you? You're the Chairwoman of the PLANTs. You should be a higher priority than whatever the representative had to deal with," Michael rudely stated.

"Michael! Be nice. Orb has been very busy with negotiations. They are still in the process of recovering from the last war, and are a bit understaffed." Lacus turned to her husband. "He's just like you. Impatient."

Robert just smiled and turned back to the screen. "How are things going over on your end? Is school working you both hard?"

"Yes. I have three 5-page reports due tomorrow," stated Lena as she sighed and unconsciously played with a braid of hair. "It's no fair. You two get an unexpected vacation while Michael and I are stuck here studying our butts off."

"Don't pout now. When your school ends for summer, I promise to take you both somewhere."

"You will, daddy?"

"Yes."

"How about Orb!? I heard that they have some very beautiful beaches!" exclaimed Lena.

"Uhh..." Robert looked at Lacus, and vice versa.

"Well... I guess so. But only if your grades are great by the time school's out," finished Lacus.

Both children cheered. "Thank you both!"

"Your welcome. Now finish your homework and get some rest. We'll contact you again soon."

"Goodnight!" chorused the teens.

"Goodnight." The screen blanked a moment, then the words 'Call Completed. Have a nice evening,' were displayed before the screen shut off.

Robert turned to his wife. "Well now. About that shower..."

Lacus just shook her head. "Oh dear... Wah! Put me down!" She laughed as she was carried into the bathroom.


"Ha ha ha! You never learned! Now here you are, bleeding and bruised as badly as I! Yet, I have the will to overcome all! Do you!?" the Doppelgänger taunted the badly injured young man that was on one knee before him. The young man's breathing was labored. "I guess not! Now witness your final memories before you perish!!" Vivid flashbacks of the young man's entire life flashed in and around the combatants. Memories and nightmares both took a clear toll on the man's psyche. He began to shake his head, trying to get the memories to stop.

"RRRAAAHHH! STOP IIITTT!"

"Ha ha ha... HA HA HA HA HA!!" The Doppelgänger began to move towards the young man. "Don't worry. Once I put you out of your misery, I'll be sure to take revenge for all the wrongs done to you." He stopped, then raised both beam sabers. "GOODNIGHT!! KIRA YAMATO!!"

"NOT YET!" the young man caught the blades with his bare hands, burning the flesh, yet, not slicing right through.

"WHAAAT!? HOW!?" the Doppelgänger's hands began to suffer the burns also. "Damn you!!" The Doppelgänger pulled the sabers away. "DAAAMMMNNN YOOOUUU!!"

"IT'S OVER... FOR YOU!!" the young man took his beam saber... and stabbed himself in the heart.

"AAACK!!" the Doppelgänger stopped, and looked down. His own chest had a hole. "How..."

"Easy... We are... one and... the same. I'm not... afraid to take... you down with... me."

"Enough." The Doppelgänger dropped his beam sabers. "You do have what it takes to master me. Very well. I shall free you from this prison... and back to your realm. I am yours... to command." With a wave of his hand, all the injuries sustained, all the memories forced open, and all of the dark fog vanished. All that was left was pure white nothingness. "But do not forget... your strength. I'll see you soon, Kira Yamato." The Doppelgänger faded.

The young man stood up, looking around him. Once again, he was Kira Yamato. The Ultimate Coordinator. He turned, and walked away... the light engulfing him.

"I am... Kira Yamato."


"He's quickly regaining consciousness! Quick open the pod!"

He heard voices. Voices that he knew well. "Ugh... Where... am I?" He slowly and carefully took a step out of the pod.

"Father!!" "DADDY!!" Two teens ran up to him and nearly tackled him to the ground. "I'm so sorry!! Forgive me!!" Amaya cried into the chest of her father. Akira also ran up and hugged them both.

Everything quickly rushed back to Kira. These were his children. The ones that he was willing to sacrifice everything for. "It's okay, Amaya. I never blamed you." He returned his children's hugs, and cried also.

"B-but daddy! I-I caused you to suffer unnecessarily!!"

"Hush. I chose to follow. I will never let you feel isolated or different from me."

The Yamato family was once again reunited, this time, with tears of happiness and apology. Back in the pod control room, Erica just smiled and cried a bit at the happy family reunion.


So... How was it, readers of unorthodox stories? And remember. No flames. It's not needed. Constructive criticism is. If you plainly didn't like this story, why have you read this chapter instead of something more interesting? Be civilized and simply hit the back button on your browser and think nothing more of this story. And to those that liked the idea, but hated this chapter, we're sorry. Hopefully the next chapter will be better.