The shuttle's journey to Aprilius One was uneventful. However, as Athrun stepped onto the place he once called "home", he didn't know if he should feel elated. In his wait for Durandal, a most horrendous scene played out on the screen in the room: the EAF had actually attempted a nuclear strike on the PLANTs shortly after declaring war. Fortunately, ZAFT's Neutron Stampeder halted the strike (and destroyed the invasion force at the same time). The boy wasn't even listening to the newscaster now; he stood rooted to the floor while staring blankly at the screen...
"Alex!" The boy looked over his shoulder. Gilbert Durandal, Chairman of PLANT, was ready to receive him, but not before apologizing for his busy schedule.
The teen discussed the implication of the nuclear attack with Durandal. The Chairman was evidently reluctant to consider the military option, but the PLANTs were fast running out of choices. For that instant, Athrun Zala lost control of himself. He pleaded with Durandal not to declare war, and recalled his father's extremist actions during the last war. His voice was getting louder and louder as he remembered the mistakes which he had made...
"Athrun, calm down!" The older man put a hand on the teen's shoulder. He was becoming too agitated, thought Durandal. He then remembered a certain photograph. 'There shouldn't be any more animosity towards a dead man, especially if he's your father, Athrun.' Keeping his thoughts to himself for now, Durandal opened a drawer.
"This is for you." Athrun's eyes widened when he realised what it was: a photograph of his mother and himself.
"This was kept hidden in the darkest corner of a drawer in that table," explained Durandal, pointing to the office table. He then went about giving his view that others may have twisted Patrick Zala's words for their own agenda. His kind words and warm smile comforted the teen. Then...
A girl resembling Lacus appeared on the screen. In fact, Athrun thought that it WAS Lacus. He soon corrected himself; right now, the Pink Princess should be somewhere in space, along with Kira and the Freedom. As "Lacus" put forth her message of peace to the people living in PLANT, Athrun couldn't help but ask some questions.
"Chairman, this is..."
"You may laugh if you wish to. Although she looks like the real Lacus, you can tell, can't you?" Durandal was not at all angry that someone had noticed.
"A fake?"
"I think of it... as a little trick. She was a tireless advocate of peace during the first war, and subsequently vanished. The legendary Songstress - Lacus Clyne... Right now, the PLANTs need her help." The door clicked open.
"Chairman! Ah, even Athrun is here?" The girl whom they had just seen on the screen was now in front of them. Durandal congratulated "Lacus"; in his opinion, the video was a great success. To Athrun, the girl introduced herself as Meer ("But, in front of others, please call me Lacus!"). She then explained her reason for impersonating her idol.
"Lacus's influence..." Athrun thought that it was time to inform Durandal of his other "appointment".
"Chairman, I have other friends whom would like to meet you."
"Oh? Who are they?" Durandal was a little surprised that the teen didn't come alone.
"I'll like to keep that a secret, for now. Could you arrange for some secluded hangar to receive them?" Durandal looked at the boy.
"...I trust you, Athrun." The chairman already had a place in mind. The handing over of the Saviour would have to wait then.
"Meer, could you come along as well?" The girl nodded enthusically. Durandal was now wondering who Athrun's "friends" could be...
Later, at the central control room of a secret ZAFT base...
Athrun entered the communication codes for the Freedom. In space, the MS received the signal. Kira quickly answered while Lacus (who was behind the pilot seat) peered at the screen.
"Athrun, how did it go?"
"The Chairman has agreed to meet you. Here are the coordinates of the base." The transmitter relayed the necessary information to the Freedom.
"I've received them. See you in a while." The main screen went blank.
"Athrun, he is.."
"Chairman, he is Kira Yamato, my close comrade in the first war."
"Oh?" Durandal became even more interested in his other "guest". The two then made their way to an empty hangar. (Meer was waiting in the non-restricted area, playing with her Haro, Mr Red.) While waiting, the chairman noticed that Athrun was tensing up. Looks like more surprises were on their way...
Along the way, Kira had been thinking about the day where he first piloted the Freedom into battle: the descent to Earth, and his fight to save the Archangel. Today, he was flying the MS back to PLANT; he hoped that his faith in Athrun had not been misplaced...
After the MS had finished its docking procedure, Athrun and Durandal walked out to it. The teen knew that he was in for it; Durandal knew on first sight what the MS was. He looked at the boy.
"Chairman, I'll explain everything in due time." Athrun was acutely aware of Durandal's slight displeasure. The displeasure turned into shock when Kira helped a lady out of the cockpit. (Being a non-combat trip, both were not in spacesuits.) In front of the chairman, Kira Yamato gave the ZAFT salute while Lacus Clyne bowed deeply.
"How did you.." Durandal couldn't figure out how a pilot who had never been part of ZAFT could have known the greeting.
"I learnt the salute from Lacus, when I ... stole the Freedom." Kira knew that he couldn't lie.
"Please forgive us, Chairman," said Lacus Clyne. Durandal then returned his gaze to the MS.
"The Freedom and the Justice, the embodiments of ZAFT's ideals. Although the Justice was no more, somehow, I'm glad that the Freedom was not destroyed, as it should have been under the treaty." He then focused his attention on Lacus.
"Welcome back, Miss Clyne. PLANT needs your songs of truth more than ever before."
"I'm honoured, Chairman." Lacus bowed again.
"Chairman, could you arrange for..." began Athrun.
"I'll see to it," said Durandal as he left the teenagers. He too realised what the problem was.
"How did it go," asked Kira.
"So far so good, although the Chairman did have a surprise which I didn't forsee." The couple was still wondering about this "surprise" when Durandal returned, together with a pink-haired girl.
"Miss Lacus," cried Meer as she ran forward and grasped her idol's hands. Kira tried hard to keep his mouth closed, while Lacus stared at her doppelganger in wonder. Durandal explained the situation. Lacus was deep in thought. She hadn't expect anything like this...
"If you wish to return to the stage, Miss Lacus, I would be happy to give up the impersonation." For now, Meer was just happy to be able to meet Lacus face-to-face.
"Please continue... Meer. I need some time to consider." It was rare for Lacus to be hesistant, thought Kira. Durandal cleared his throat.
"Since Miss Clyne has returned to PLANT, she shall be received as my personal guest. However, as all of you may realise, some arrangements would be necessary. Meer." The lady nodded as she handed over a pink shawl to Lacus.
"I'm sorry, but you'll have to put it on. People will gossip..."
"I understand, Meer." Lacus wrapped the cloth over her face. Strangely, with only her eyes and nose exposed, she became more beautiful than ever before. Durandal apologised again before turning towards the boys.
"Kira, would you hold on while I show Athrun something? After this, you two shall be escorted to your rooms."
"I have no problems with that arrangement, Chairman." Gilbert then turned towards Athrun.
"This way, please."
At another hangar...
"Chairman, this is..." Athrun was speechless. The two were now standing before a brand-new MS.
"The ZGMF-X23S Saviour. It's a new MS, and I wish for you to pilot it."
"Chairman..."
"I've heard of your skills in the last war, Athrun. Also, the appearance of the Justice and the Freedom at Jachin Due had been an urban legend among the veterans who survived the battle. Now that both of you have returned to the fold, would you help defend the PLANTs?" Athrun's gaze was now on the floor; the memories which he had wanted to forget came back to him.
"I don't expect you to say 'yes' right now, but do consider my offer. As for Kira, he shall start with a clean slate in ZAFT, together with you, and he shall remain the pilot of the Freedom." Durandal thought of another reason to persuade the teen.
"FAITH needs you, and Kira."
"FAITH?" Athrun remembered the elite group; he was part of it two years ago. They only answered to the Chairman, which would mean that technically, the boys would be free to do whatever they wanted.
"We'll give you an answer soon, Chairman."
"I look forward to them, Athrun."
Later, at a hotel...
Kira lied on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Tori had remained behind on Orb (the orphans loved it) and Lacus was escorted to another residence. He didn't like the thought of the girl being alone; given the situation, it's the best course of action. She needed to keep out of sight, after all. At least, Meer was friendly to her, thought the boy. He closed his eyes...
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. When Kira opened it, he nearly had the shock of his life.
Yzak Joule and his blond companion stood before him. Clad in their business suits, they apparently were not too happy to see him.
"So, it's true: Kira Yamato is here on PLANT." There was a slight bitterness in Yzak's words. One of ZAFT's greatest opponents in the first war was here on Aprilius One, and his former enemies were assigned to be his escorts. Although both had made their peace with Kira and Athrun after the war, the irony of the situation was too much for the platinum blond to bear.
"At least, this time, you're not firing at us," wisecracked Dearka Elsman. Kira stood dumbly by the door; he didn't know what to do. Yzak snorted. He then headed for Athrun's room.
"Let's make sure that the other guy is ok." When he was sure that Yzak wasn't looking, Dearka gave Kira an apologetic look before rejoining his other friend.
Athrun's meeting with his former comrades turned out to be more cordial, although Yzak grumbled about "having to baby-sit when we are up to our necks with work". At first, the blue-haired teen couldn't figure out why the pair was here. Then, he remembered his comment to Durandal that he wished to visit a place...
"So, where do you want to go," huffed Yzak. If not for the chairman's order, he wouldn't even be here.
"Shall we pay Nicol and the rest a visit?" The moment the words left Athrun's mouth, he realised that he had forgotten one "little" thing. Yzak's face reddened while Dearka had a surprised look.
"Are you sure you want to bring HIM along," asked the blond. Athrun Zala sighed.
"He should be given the chance to pay his respects."
"...Fine!! Just make sure you guys stop me from punching him when I lose control!!"
In the car...
"So, where are we going, Athrun," asked Kira. Obviously, he was a complete stranger to Aprilius One. Also, the three bouquets of flowers (which Athrun had bought previously at a florist) aroused his curiosity.
The teen didn't reply. From the front passenger seat, Yzak retorted, "Just shut up and follow us!"
Eventually, Dearka stopped the sedan outside a cemetery. Kira became a little uncomfortable as the rest walked through the grounds. When they finally stopped, the brunette could no longer lift his head. His gaze continued to be on the floor while the others placed the flowers on the tombstones of Nicol Amarfi, Miguel Aiman, and Rusty Mackenzie. The trio then saluted their fallen comrades. Remembering his friend, Athrun turned around.
"Kira?" The teen didn't respond. Yzak sighed. After all, more than two years had passed, and they had moved on...
"Yamato, look at me!" Kira stared blankly at Joule.
"Although you were the one who killed Miguel and Nicol, you can consider yourself forgiven if you join ZAFT and fight for the ideals which they died for!"
"The PLANTs are going to war?" Athrun was shocked himself.
"After a nuke attack, we can't remain silent any longer, right? According to the Chairman, the PLANTs will now actively exercise their right to defend themselves," declared Dearka.
"So, what is your decision?" Yzak was determined to get an answer.
"...I'll join ZAFT. I owe them a debt which I can never repay." Athrun then remembered that he needed to visit one more person.
"If you guys don't mind, I'll like to be alone." The trio turned to leave but Athrun didn't see Kira looking back over his shoulder...
The teen placed the photograph which Gilbert Durandal had given to him in front of his mother's grave. As he looked at the tombstone, he heard footsteps behind him.
"I figured out that you were going to pay your respects to Aunt Lenore." Kira was still a little boy when he last saw Lenore Zala. More than ten years had passed since then; he could still remember the lady's smile. Perhaps, it's because that the smile was passed on to her son...
The teens saluted the tombstone. As they walked away, Kira had some questions for his friend.
"Athrun, would you rejoin ZAFT?"
"I can't say 'no' now, can I? Remember: we're friends."
"...How were Nicol and Miguel like?" Athrun was a little surprised by the question. He thought for a while.
"If circumstances had been different, Kira, I'm sure that you'll be a good friend of theirs." The brunette seemed relieved upon hearing that.
"So, when are you meeting the Chairman again?"
"Tommorrow. Care to join me?" Kira smiled thinly at the invitation. In the first war, he had fought for the EAF and Orb to protect his friends. This time, he would fight for ZAFT, to defend his fellow Coordinators, and to honour the memories of those whom he had killed...
"Athrun, remember that question you asked me back in Orb, about what we were fighting for? I think I've found my answer."
"So did I, Kira. So did I."
Afterthoughts
-Please RnR!