Title : An Endless Tale
Author : isumi'kivic'
Pairings : Mainly AthrunKira, A bit of MwuMurrue and DearkaYzak. Might contain other pairings in next chapters.
Warning : This fic contains shounen-ai, or yaoi, or boys love, or malexmale. You've been warned. The characters might be OOC, too.
Timeline : After the second war in Gundam Seed Destiny.
Disclaimer : Truthfully, Gundam Seed series belongs to Sunrise, Bandai and Sotsu Agency. This fic's title is also borrowed from Digimon Frontier's second ending song sung by Wada Kouji. I don't own anything, nor do I make money from this. I only borrowed them for fun.
A/N :Yaaah! Sorry for the long update... is anybody there reading this? -shrugs- Anyway.. so! It was Christmas holiday and my host family doesn't have internet connection, so I had o wait for school to start to post this. But two days before the holiday is over, my USB suddenly went DEAD!! IT WAS DISASTER!! I lost all my fic projects, 'cause I saved them all in my USB so that my innocent host sister didn't accidentaly read them in her laptop, which I usually borrowfor typing my fics. So...yeah, I had to start this all over again.. Akh! Sorry for this rambling! I'll shut up now..
Please read this chapter thoroughly, and then tell me what do you think! Read and Review, please!!
Chapter Three : An Endless Tale
Decisions, determinations and Hidden Goodbyes
Lacus yawned delicately. The sun rays shone through the curtain in her room in Athha mansion. Haro bounced happily around her, and she could hear Torii's chirp somewhere in downstairs. She smiled a bit, wondering if the ultimate coordinator who owned it has woken up or not.
She got out of the bed and walked to the window to pull away the curtain. She caught Haro and sat back down on the bed, smiling when she remembered that today was Christmas. The first Christmas after the war, and she was able to spend it together with people she loved as her family. And most of all...
She was able to spend it with Kira.
Lacus smiled softly. The thought of the ultimate coordinator always brought a smile upon her face no matter what. She had to admit that she still loved the brown-haired coordinator. Even though she knew who Kira actually loved all along..
Lacus knew she still couldn't move on completely.
It was unbelievable, she thought, when she realized the sparks on in Kira's gleaming amethyst eyes every time Athrun's name was mentioned. At first, she tried to ignore them, trying to tell herself that it was only her imagination. After all, she had taken care of Kira, and they had their own strong bond. Everybody said they were such perfect couple. Almost everybody said that they were meant to be.
Sadly, Lacus grimaced, he and I were never meant to be.
She realized that she couldn't deny those sparks anymore when she looked at the expression the ultimate coordinator had had when he stayed up all night, never once looked away from the unconscious azure-haired boy. Yes, it was after Athrun–despite his bad injuries– launched on Infinite Justice to help Kira and fought with Shinn, and ended up fell unconscious after the battle. She could never forget how Kira got very panic after removing Athrun's helmet and found the blood trickled down Athrun's face.
And she would never forget how she finally realized that the sparks she saw before were not only her imagination.
She knew, sooner or later, she had to let Kira go and move on. And it was really hard when she finally dared to talk to the ultimate coordinator about it. Even though it was kind of funny, she chuckled a bit, when she saw Kira's reaction. And, yes, of course, it was bittersweet to see Athrun's blushing face when Kira admitted his feelings for the emerald-eyed coordinator. She didn't know what happened next, because she quickly looked away and left her place on the porch to join Cagalli in the house.
She had cried. So hard. She loved Kira very much, and she had taken care of him for such a long time. Didn't she deserve any place in Kira's heart? And then, as Cagalli listened to her cries, she saw it. The understanding tears in Cagalli's eyes. And realization had hit her hard.
Cagalli had known. Far before she realized the sparks in Kira's eyes, Cagalli had known all along about Athrun's feelings for Kira. It wasn't Meyrin she let Athrun slipped away from her hands for. It was always for Kira. Lacus could see it clearly in those golden eyes, and she could only imagined how hard it must had been for the ORB Head representative.
A knock on the door snapped her back to the reality. She looked up, and answered, "Yes?"
"Lacus?" a voice Lacus still loved so much came. "Are you awake?"
"Yes, Kira."
"Come on, then. Everyone is already downstairs. We're waiting for you. Cagalli can't wait to open the presents." a small chuckle followed. "Are you coming?"
"Yes. Just a moment." Lacus answered, reaching for a comb and started to comb her long hair. She didn't bother at all to change her pajamas. The boys were probably still in their sleeping robes for all she knew.
"Alright. Take your time, Lacus."
She sighed. How she still loved the way Kira called her name. It still sounded...special. Just like the way it sounded before she realized who Kira actually loved. She still remembered how hard it was to give Athrun her sincere smiles after she discovered Kira's feelings. But like Cagalli, she had to move on. Athrun was her best friend! She could never get angry to her friends for long. Being a kind-hearted girl as she was, Lacus found herself eventually started to support Athrun and Kira's relationship. The boys were the two most important boys in her world.
But still, she wasn't able to get over Kira completely.
Glancing out of the window, Lacus smiled. She knew she would always held a special place in Kira's heart. There was no doubt about it. She was never jealous of Athrun anymore, and she knew that she wouldn't need to be. She was important. Not only for Kira, but also for Athrun. And Cagalli. And everyone else. She was quite content with that.
She had her own bond with Kira. It's a different bond from what Kira and Athrun had. She understood how strong the bond between the two males, and she didn't have the slightest intention to break it. No, she wouldn't have. And if anyone had that intention, she wouldn't be worried about it. After all, the bond they had had been tested so many times in the two wars they had fought together.
Theirs was indestructible, Cagalli once said. Lacus chuckled. Calmly, she put her comb back on the dressing table and caught Haro. She smiled.
Even though she knew theirs was indestructible, she still wanted to make sure that she would be there whenever one of the two most important males in her world needed her.
"Come on, Haro." she stroked Haro lightly and chuckled. "Let us take care of them so they wouldn't ruin everything with the foolishness of boys."
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Cagalli sighed as she took a sip from her warm coffee mug. "Aah... how nice... how long was it since the last time I was able to relax like this?" she smiled contentedly. Across the couch she was sitting on, Athrun stood, holding his own coffee mug, smiling down gently at her.
"Yes, you deserve it, Cagalli."
"I know I do," Cagalli laughed. "Where's Kira, anyway? And Lacus and Shinn? Can't we just open the presents now?"
Athrun raise one of his eyebrows in amusement. "You're acting like a six-year-old girl, Cagalli,"
"Hey, you're never too old for Christmas presents!" Cagalli grinned. She looked past Athrun's shoulder, at Shinn who was walking sleepily downstairs. "Morning, Shinn!" she greeted. "And will you please walk a little bit faster? The presents are waiting!"
Shinn yawned. "Why do we have to wake so early when we finally have a day off?" he grunted half-heartedly as his eyes caught the sight of Head Representative and the General. Athrun cast him a gentle smile. He quickly smiled back, trying to get his heart speed back to normal.
"Good morning, Cagalli-san, Athrun," he nodded at them. "Where's Kira-san and Lacus-san?"
"Kira's trying to wake her up." Athrun answered as he sat down on the couch near the Christmas tree. He looked at Cagalli and smiled, "Thank's for the party last night, Cagalli."
Cagalli grinned. "See? Party isn't always that bad," she rolled her eyes.
Athrun sighed quietly and threw his glance away to the window. He smiled a bit when he remembered Kira's happy face last night. The amethyst-eyed coordinator had woke him up, saying that it was snowing. They finally stayed up, watching the snow fell quietly to the ground, and ended up...
Athrun blushed and shook his head, trying to shove away those thoughts from his head. It wasn't the time to think about that. There were many more important things that he had to think of. The things that.. he didn't want to think about. That he didn't even want to admit that it really did happen last night..
"Athrun!"
Cagalli and Shinn's voices snapped him back to reality. He quickly turned to them. "Yes?"
"Are you okay?" Shinn stared at him in amusement. "You were spacing out,"
Cagalli grinned. "You were thinking about Kira, weren't you?" she teased. Athrun blushed, but smiled and shook his head. "No. I didn't," he laughed quietly, and then threw his glance outside once again.
Cagalli and Shinn exchanged confused glances.
"Athrun.." Cagalli started. "Is there anything wrong?"
"No..." Athrun answered absentmindedly. "Nothing's wrong," he stiffened a bit hen he felt Cagalli's sharp eyes on him. He inhaled and turned, and smiled reassuringly. "Really, Cagalli, there isn't anything wrong,"
Cagalli looked at him, irritated. "Athrun Zala, I've known you for a long time now. Don't you dare think you can hide anything from me." she said firmly. "What's wrong?"
Athrun hesitated. He closed his eyes and opened them again to meet two pairs of eyes locked at him questioningly. He shook his head. "Nothing, Cagalli. Really,"
Cagalli huffed. "There is something wrong," she stated. "Tell us."
Looking at the hesitating azure-haired boy across her, Cagalli couldn't help but remembered at the times when she discovered Athrun's deepest secret he had kept from everyone. She could see it clearly. It was in his gaze, his voice, his eyes, in each of his body gesture. She couldn't believe it at first, but in the end, she had to admit: it wasn't her imagination. Athrun did love Kira.
It hurt her very much to realize that it was never her at the first place. It was Kira that Athrun loved, from the very beginning. Athrun just didn't realized it. And it made her angry, too, that Athrun denied his own feelings toward his best friend–now boyfriend, Cagalli reminded herself. She knew that Athrun was afraid of Kira's rejection, and he also didn't want to hurt Lacus. But it was just silly! After all, Kira himself loved Athrun!
She let Athrun go, she even forced him to admit his own feelings. And it was bittersweet when she saw the two boys embraced each other after Kira's confession. People might think that she let Athrun go for Meyrin. But no, it was never her. She let him go for her beloved twin brother she also loved very much. Yes, she wanted them to be happy.
And when Lacus came to her, crying her heart out, all she did was hugged her gently, trying to comfort her in any way she could think of. She knew Lacus had understood, just like her, that they had to move on. And she, too, had cried again a little. She wasn't sure what kind of tears she had shed that time. Sad tears, because she had lost the one she loved very much? Or happy tears, because her two most beloved males in her world had finally found their happiness together?
She never knew.
"Athrun," she started again. "Tell us."
It sounds like an order, Athrun grimaced. Cagalli could be very persuasive if she wanted to be. He sighed, and looked at his two best friends.
"Nothing.. really. It's just..." he trailed off, but then continued, "I'm just... thinking about last night. I think I'm.. kind of afraid.. that this is going to be the beginning of... another war.."
Silence followed his words. Athrun sighed. He didn't lie. He was afraid, really, that all that had happened would be the beginning of another war. But that wasn't the only thing that he was thinking about. Or more exactly.. it wasn't his main concern.
"Don't worry," Shinn's voice was the first one to break the silence. "Even though it's going to be the beginning of another war.. It wouldn't be like the last one. PLANT has a perfect chairwoman this time, and.." he glanced at Cagalli, half teasing her, "ORB also has a clever Head Representative,"
Cagalli grinned. "And don't forget that we have the three legendary pilots in our side," she winked. Shinn laughed softly. Athrun couldn't help but smile.
At least, he still had this time.
"Good morning! Haro, Haro!! Good morning!" the cheerful voice of Haro made them turned. The pink Haro bounced along Kira and Lacus as they went downstairs. Lacus' smile greeted them before the real greetings came from the ex-singer mouth. "Good morning, everybody,"
"Took you long enough," Cagalli grinned. "Good morning!"
"Good morning, Lacus-san, Kira-san," Shinn mumbled back. Kira smiled. "Good morning."
"Good morning, Lacus," Athrun smiled gently at her as she sat beside Cagalli, and Kira made his way to sit beside his boyfriend. He gave Athrun a quick kiss on his cheek. "Morning."
"Well, let's open the presents now!!" Cagalli announced before Athrun could say anything. Kira chuckled, pulling Athrun with him to reach their presents under the huge Christmas tree.
When they finally finished opening the presents, Cagalli stood and cheerfully made her way to the kitchen, announcing, "I'll have Mana bring our breakfast now!"
Athrun smiled. The red Haro he had given to Shinn for his Christmas present was bouncing around the pink Haro, and Lacus was sitting with the new purple Haro Athrun had given her, along with a flower-shaped hairpin, on her lap. He glanced at Kira, who stood and said, "Shinn. Can I talk to you.. privately?"
Shinn stiffened. He bit his lips, his eyes staring down at the novel he was holding. It was his presents from Kira. A novel that had Kira's handwriting on the first page: "I know. I'm sorry."
"Shinn." Kira called again. Shinn inhaled deeply, and then nodded heavily.
Athrun raised his eyebrows and looked at Kira questioningly, but Kira only smiled and shook his head, giving him the sign that it was nothing serious for him to worry about. He then left to the backyard with Shinn.
Lacus started to hum a song. Athrun smiled, and immediately relaxed. It never ceased to amaze him how Lacus' soft voice could give anybody who heard it such peace and calmness. Her talent as a singer was just incredible.
When finally the hum stoped, Athrun opened his eyes, and stared at Lacus. Lacus looked back at him, smiling.
"There's something bothering you, isn't there, Athrun?"
Athrun smiled. "Not much. Lacus, would you do me a favor?"
"Anything," she smiled, a sincere smile that Athrun loved very much.
"If.. Well, when I leave Kira, can you.. take care of him? Just like when.. you know.. when.. he wasn't my.. boyfriend.." he hesitated, but his eyes looked at the PLANT Chairwoman's eyes deeply.
It was a request that he believed only Lacus could do perfectly.
"Of course," Lacus smiled, but it was a confused smile. "But... are you leaving somewhere, Athrun? Without Kira?"
"I.. Ah... yes. I... want to visit Athreith and Ryoka's parents. They live in Aquarius, and I can't take Kira with me. He's busy here," Athrun lied.
Lacus looked at his emerald eyes for a moment, and it made Athrun scared that she'd know that he was lying. But after a few seconds, Lacus smiled gently.
"Yes, Athrun. You know I'll always do that,"
"Thank you, Lacus. For everything,"
Athrun smiled bitterly. He knew that he would make Lacus disappointed. He knew he was going to make Shinn angry.. and he would make Cagalli sad. But on top of that.. he knew he would hurt Kira.
He couldn't help but wondered, whether they would be able to forgive him this time.
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Shinn kept his stare at the tree in front of him. He could feel Kira's stare from behind. He couldn't turn, he could never look at the gleaming amethyst of the ultimate coordinator. He knes he would see the disappointment of betrayal there. He just... couldn't.
"Shinn..." Kira started, but Shinn cut him. "You know."
Kira sighed.
"Yes."
"And?"
"I'm.." Kira took a step closer. "I'm really sorry, Shinn,"
Almost didn't believe what he just herad, Shinn spun quickly, facing the older teen and looked at his eyes. "Sorry? What for?!"
"For everything. For.." Kira trailed off. "Just... sorry,"
Shinn was taken aback. He saw no disappointment in Kira's eyes. Nothing. Just pure guilt. But why? Suddenly he was ashamed. He avoided those amethyst orbs again and muttered, "There's nothing to be sorry about."
Kira didn't answer, but Shinn could tell that he was still looking at him. Silence fell between them.
"...how... did you know?" I thought I've kept it hidden well. How did he find out? And why isn't he angry with me?
"The sparks. It was there, in your eyes,"
Shinn looked up in amusement. "Huh?"
Kira couldn't help but chuckled. "The sparks, Shinn. You have that loving sparks in your eyes every time Athrun's name is mentioned. Just like me. Lacus told me... no, she taught me about that," Kira said, laughing softly at Shinn's confused face. "You have the same exact reaction as I had when Lacus told me about this sparks thing."
Shinn raised on of his eyebrows. "What are these sparks thing about?"
Kira was looking at him like an older brother looking at his younger brother now. "Every time it comes to Athrun, your eyes would shine more... and I could see the gleaming sparks in them, Shinn. I know because I have them, too." he smiled gently. "You love Athrun. Very much. Don't you?"
It was a statement, not a question. All Shinn could do was nodded. Kira sighed.
"That's why... I'm sorry, Shinn."
Shinn's eyebrows quirked. "Huh? Why? What for? Really, Kira-san, there's nothing to be sorry about. It's not your fault. You should be mad at me and tell me to stay away from him." Shinn chuckled.
Kira sighed again. How long was it since the first time he noticed those sparks in Shinn's eyes? Four months? Four months of observing the younger coordinator's feeling before he was finally sure of it. And he felt guilty. He didn't know why, but he just felt that way. It felt like he, once again, took something away from Shinn. Not that Athrun was Shinn's... but still, he felt that way. And he just thought that maybe he had to apologize to Shinn.
He had taken away Shinn's family. Yes, accidentally, and he didn't even notice. Well, Athrun played a part in that one, too... but he still felt responsible. He was glad that Shinn didn't blame them, although he knew it wasn't Cagalli's, who Shinn at first blamed for, either. And he was truly happy that Shinn had come to forgive not only them, but also himself.
But now... why did he feel like this? He felt so guilty being Athrun's lover. Because he knew that even though Shinn acted normally in front of them, it must be hard for him to see someone he loved was together with another person?
"Listen, Kira-san," Shinn's voice somehow sounded more mature. "Its not your fault. It's not Athrun's either. It's actually mine. I'm the one that... fall for him. It's my fault that I can't stop myself to love him, although I know that he had caught someone else," he eyed Kira meaningfully. "It's my own fault. I should have known... I mean... it was so obvious he loves you. I mean... when we were in the second war, all he talked was about you and your silly life principles. And.. When I..." Shinn trailed off. He hesitated, and glanced at Kira.
"...when I... killed you..." he gulped. "After the battle... he was... he was a mess. He looked so... I don't know... broken. He was sad, he was disappointed at himself, he was confused, he was mad. Mad at everything. He did slap me after the battle." Shinn shrugged. "He thought he really lost you."
Kira looked at him, amused. "He did?"
"Yeah." Shinn smiled. "Really, Kira, stop apologizing for something that isn't your fault. He chose you. Over everything else. It's neither of you two's fault.And... just so you know," Shinn looked at Kira, and beamed. "You know, I'm really glad that I have at least a place in his heart as one of his trustworthy best friends. I really am glad. And I'm quite content with that,"
Kira stared at the red orbs in front of him. He found honesty and sincerity there, so he smiled.
"Thank you, Shinn,"
"Now, can we go inside and have breakfast? I'm really hungry..." Shinn laughed and walked past Kira.
Kira smiled, and nodded. "Oh, and one more, Shinn,"
Shinn stopped, turned at Kira. He was taken aback at the seriousness in those amethyst orbs.
"Loving someone, even though the person already has someone..." Kira's eyes gleamed meaningfully. "...is not a mistake. In fact, it's not a mistake at all to fall in love with someone."
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They passed the lazy afternoon staying inside the mansion, chatted and talked a lot. It was around three in the afternoon when Cagalli suddenly leapt up from the coush she was sitting on and exclaimed, "It's snowing!"
All of them immediately went out to the porch, watching in fascination as the snow fell lightly and soundlessly to the ground.
"White Christmas," Lacus whispered, and smiled softly. How romantic, she thought, taking a quick glance towards Kira, who was standing side by side with Athrun, their hands entwined.
They stayed there for quite a long time, until Shinn caught a glimpse of a small, black car moved through the Athha Mansion's huge gate. Raising one of his eyebrows in curiosity, he nudged Cagalli gently. "Did you invite somebody?"
"No. Why?"
"Somebody's here,"
Athrun and Kira exchanged curious glance. The five of them now had their eyes on the black car. The car parked itself just a few steps from the porch where they were standing, but they still couldn't see who was the driver.
And a few seconds later, Ryoka and Athreith came out of the car.
Immediately, Cagalli waved in excitement. "Athreith! Ryoka!" she yelled as the two younger girls made their ways towards them. Lacus sent them a happy smile.
"Hello!" Ryoka greeted cheerfully. "Enjoying your White Christmas, Representative Athha? You, too, Chairwoman Clyne?"
Cagalli rolled her eyes. "Stop the formality, will you? We're having a day off here," she chuckled. "In this mansion, there is no Representative, Chairwoman, Generals, or Lieutenant General. There are only Cagalli, Lacus, Athrun, Kira, and Shinn."
Athreith smiled. "Yes, Cagalli-san,"
Cagalli smiled. "Good. Now, let's go inside so we wouldn't freeze to death,"
Lacus chuckled. "Agree,"
They all start to turn, but Ryoka's next words startled them, "Actually… we came here because we want to talk to Athrun-san…" she glanced up at the azure-haired boy. Athrun shot her a silencing look, but she ignored it and continued, "Privately."
Athrun anxiously glanced to Athreith, asking for help. Unexpectantly, the girl also ignored him. Instead, she said, "Yes. We need to confirm something with him,"
Lacus, Cagalli and Shinn exchanged confused glance. But Kira cleared his throat, and said firmly, "Alright. We'll be inside," he nodded to Lacus and Cagalli, understanding their confused and worried looks. "Come on,"
The four of them went back inside.
Once they were gone, Athrun looked at Ryoka sternly. "I thought we've done already with this matter?"
Ryoka pouted. "I didn't say I agree with your decision," her cheerful expression turned into a sorrowful one. Athrun sighed, and stared at Athreith. His new-discovered cousin looked troubled.
"Athrun-san.." her aquamarine eyes met his emerald ones. "We—Ryoka and I—had a long discussion about this last night. We.." she bit her lips. "…we don't want you to go,"
Athrun took a deep breath. "Athreith.. you know I have no choice," he said softly. "I can't refuse… not when my friends' lives are in danger."
"But.. maybe there is another way!" Ryoka's voice was sad. "Maybe… maybe if we tell Cagalli-san and the others about this.. they would be able to do something! No, I'm sure if we tell Kira-san about this, he would do something!"
Athrun smiled sadly. "Do you really think I can tell them this without putting their lives at stake?"
"But, Athrun-san…" Athreith argued, "There is a possibility that if you go, OMNI would declare a war against us. That means we'll fight as enemies!"
"True," Athrun nodded. "But, you don't think OMNI will have any chance to win against ORB and ZAFT together? No. They will lose,"
"You still can't go!" Ryoka begged. "Please, Athrun-san! You would hurt Kira-san if you go… and imagine how sad Cagalli-san and Lacus-san would be… how angry Shinn-san would be.."
"I know." Said Athrun softly. And I wonder whether they will forgive me this time, he added silently.
"Athrun-san.." Athreith whispered. "Please?"
Athrun shook his head. He put his hands on each of the girls' shoulder. "I don't have any choice. Not only they are important for me, Cagalli and Lacus are far too important for the world." Athrun stopped for a second, and continued, "And Shinn. He is not only a brother for me, he is a crucial point for ORB. He is much too important for ORB."
Athreith and Ryoka stared at him.
"And Kira.." Athurn closed his eyes. "He's my most important person in the world. Both of you know that I wouldn't be able to live if Kira…" he trailed off. The memories of the two previous wars where he thought he had lost Kira surged through him. He took a deep breath and steadied himself.
Ryoka shook her head. "How ridiculous," she grunted in defeat. "You held them as your most important people, but you are going to leave them. Athrun-san, do you realize that if you go to OMNI and then OMNI declare a war against us, they could still be killed in the war?"
Athrun's forced a bitter smile. "Yes. I know. That's why, Athreith, Ryoka, I'll ask you to do me a favor. A very big, huge favor that requires your responsibility."
Athreith and Ryoka stared at the deep emerald orbs. In that instance, they knew. Athrun's request was a genuine, sincere request came from the very bottom of his heart.
"Anything," Athreith finally managed to answer. Athrun smiled.
"Athreith, Ryoka, I am putting the safety of the world's most important people in your hands. Will you keep them safe with the best effort that you have?"
That was his only concern. But he wouldn't need to be worried about it anymore. If it's Athreith and Ryoka, he believed. He believed that they would do their best. He believed that the world's most important people—no, his most important people—would be safe.
And not even the stubborn Ryoka would be able to refuse that request.
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The striking amethyst eyes bore deep into his emerald ones.
Athrun shifted uncomfortably. He had never been so uncomfortable in his own room, sitting on the edge of his own bed. But now, under the intense, questioning gaze of the owner of those amazing amethyst orbs, he felt really uncomfortable.
As soon as the dinner ends, after Athreith and Ryoka left, and Shinn went up to his bedroom to take a little nap, and Lacus and Cagalli went to do something with Mana in the kitchen, Kira had pulled him quickly—and forcefully—to their bedroom. Athrun had had a very bad feelings about this, but he didn't expect it would be this bad…
"Athrun."
Oh, great. Now, it's his mighty icy tone, Athrun thought. He lowered his gaze, fidgeted with the bed sheet.
Kira sighed. He slowly moved from his standing place in front of the window, crossed the room and slowly sat down beside his best friend on the edge of their bed.
"Athrun," he started again, concerns evident in his eyes. "Tell me what is wrong,"
"Nothing, Kira," Athrun murmured. "Really," he lifted his head and tried to smile reassuringly. But Kira knew better. He looked straightly into the emerald orbs before him, seeking any secret that Athrun was keeping from him.
"There is something wrong," he stated firmly. "And whatever it is, it has something to do with something Athereith and Ryoka wanted to talk about with you,"
Athrun winced from the cold tones in Kira's voice. He avoided the amethyst eyes' intense gaze.
"There is nothing wrong, Kira. Trust me,"
Kira made a small impatient growling sound. "Athrun," It was a warning. "Tell me."
"Kira, there is nothing I need to tell you. There is nothing wrong, real-.." before Athrun could finished his sentence, Kira had forcefully pushed him on to the bed, flat on his back. Athrun gasped, his eyes immediately locked with Kira's. And he stunned.
Kira's eyes gleaming with such intense emotions mixed. Athrun could see them clearly.
"Look at me and answer my question! Don't say 'nothing'! I know there is something wrong, Athrun! You've been acting so weird since the attack last night! I'm scared, Athrun! I am! You're keeping something from me, and the last time you did, I almost lost you! It scared me, don't you see?!"
Unable to restrain his own emotions, Athrun pulled Kira down and crushed their lips in a desperate kiss. He poured all his feelings into the kiss, his confusion, his fears, his regrets, his hesitations, his love…and Kira was kissing him back with an equal force.
The kiss left them out of breath. Both of them were gasping for air when they finally pulled back. Kira laid down beside Athrun and embraced him, tucking Athrun's head under his chin. Athrun nuzzled his neck, the familiar feelings that came through him every time Kra embraced him flooded through every single fiber of his being.
In Kira's embrace, he found his place. A place where he truly belonged, a place where he could feel safe and secure, where he could find warmth and love..
"Kira," he looked up to find Kira was staring down at him. Their eyes locked once again, and Athrun had to restrain himself from telling Kira the truth: that he was going to leave.
"Athrun?"
"I love you," he said seriously. "I love you, I love you, Kira. I really do. I love you so much. You know that, don't you?"
There was a glint of mixed relief and happiness in Kira's amethyst eyes.
"Yes," he whispered. "I know. I love you, too."
With those words, Kira once again closed the distance between them with a kiss. But this time, the kiss was soft, reassuring, like a spell. Athrun closed his eyes, and let Kira take control of everything, relishing each second of the incredible feeling. Kira was here, with him. He was safe, and he was with Kira. They had each other. Kira wouldn't go anywhere. He promised he would stay. Kira was here. Nothing could go wrong.
But the sound of a cell phone ringing broke the spell.
Kira broke their kiss, sighed, and sat up. He flashed an apologetic smile to Athrun, before reaching to the bedside table for his cellphone and answered it.
"Kira Yamato speaking. Mwu-san?"
As Kira's expression turned bewildered, Athrun slowly sat up. He took a deep breath.
His peaceful moment had definitely ended.
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Murrue had no idea of what was going to happen when she answered the emergency call from Anthony. The Colonel of ORB sounded very ancious and panic, and Murrue found it amusing to hear the usually calm and confidence Anthony turned into a panicking and anxious Anthony.
But the report Anthony told her had cleared every single relaxing thought from her brain.
"…currently some of our mobile armors and GINNs are fighting OMNI. They attack the sea border. Lieutenant General Elthman had launched to the front line using a GINN, but our defense is not enough. OMNI is using mobile armors and three new types of mobile suits that our computer doesn't recognize. Apparently, they are going to attack Onogoro Island, and started with attacking the sea border…"
Murrue was speechless. Her brain stopped working. She couldn't grasp what Anthony was talking about.
"..General La Fllaga?" Anthony's anxious voice calling her new last name startled her. "Are you alright, ma'am?"
Her brain suddenly started working again. Murrue felt a wave of panic swept through her body. Taking a deep breath, she straightened herself. "Any word from the Head Representative?"
"Not yet, ma'am. I've been trying to get a hold of her, but it seemed that her phone was busy. I will try again,"
"Please do so, Colonel. I will be there shortly,"
As soon as she cut off the vidphone connection, she ran outside and yelled to Mwu—who was outside with their twins—, to call General Yamato. Mwu had shot her a confused look, but all she could say was, "OMNI attack the sea border!" Mwu's eye widened in horror and disbelief, but she couldn't spare a single second of her attention. She quickly changed into her ORB military uniform and grabbed her car keys.
The next half an hour was a blur to her. She didn't even remember driving all the way from her house to Morgenroete. The next thing she knew was driving into the complex of Morgenroete, with Mwu beside her, finishing his report to Kira.
"He would come as soon as he can. With the Zala boy and the Lieutenant General, of course," Mwu said after cutting off the phone connection. He groaned in exasperation. "Those dumb OMNI people! What are they thinking? It's a holiday!"
"Apparently they don't care," Murrue said calmly. Mwu huffed in annoyance. "Everybody deserves a day off, you know,"
Murrue smiled a little at her husband's disappointment, but then frowned. "I can't help but wonder.. what is it that they want from us? They don't even try to compromise or something like that.."
She parked her car. When she and her husband got out of the car, she saw Anthony and two other ORB soldiers came to them. The three of them saluted, and Mwu and Murrue saluted back.
"How is the situation?" she asked as they hurried to the main control room to see the battle.
"OMNI's three new mobile suits are very amazing. Their movements are fast, faster than our GINNs. I just received a message from Andorew Waldfeld. He said he would ask the Chairwoman Clyne's permission to send the ZAFT soldiers to help." Anthony answered. They went inside the main control room. Murrue and Mwu looked up at the monitor showing the battle at the sea border.
OMNI was pressing, Mwu noticed immediately. He glanced at his wife, and found that, apparently, Murrue also thought the same. Mwu looked back at the monitor, and saw a black and red mobile suit fought with a GINN he recognized as Dearka's unit. He smiled a little at the sight of the OMNI mobile suit has the upper hand of Dearka's GINN. Dearka would appreciate any kind of help he could get now, Mwu mused.
He quickly turned around and muttered to his wife, "I'll go with Strike,"
Murrue flashed him a worried look, and he gave her a reassuring smile. He knew his wife wouldn't be able to stop him. He dashed out of the room, ignoring the surprised look from Anthony.
"General La Fllaga.." he looked at Murrue. "Is Lieutenant General La Fllaga going to take Strike to the front line?"
"Yes," Murrue answered, her eyes intent on the monitor.
"General Yamato and General Zala are here," another soldier said. Murrue sighed in relief. She turned around when she heard the footsteps came into the room.
The sight of Kira and Athrun made her smile. She can feel the atmosphere in that room changed immediately from tense and panic into relief. She knew that the presence of them would give all their subordinates more courage and confidence. It was something she really admired from them.
Still, Murrue couldn't help but feel bad for them. Not just Athrun and Kira, but also Lacus and Cagalli. They were still so young, Murrue grimaced, yet they had to carry so many problems on their shoulders. In her eyes, Kira, Athrun, Cagalli and Lacus, despite their important roles for the world, are still kids. They matured too fast in the presence of the war that they fought.
For Murrue, even though they all had had so many experiences of life, they still need the supports from adults.
"General Yamato," she saluted. "General Zala. Lieutenant General Asuka,"
The three boys saluted back. Kira smiled at her. "Call me Kira, please, Murrue-san."
Murrue smiled. "Of course. Kira-kun."
"How is the situation?" Athrun asked, emerald eyes already gazing at the monitor as well as his other two friends.
"Lieutenant General Elthman and La Fllaga have launched to the front line, using GINN and Strike. OMNI is pressing. Apparently, they are going to attack Onogoro Island, and decided to start with the sea border. There is no word about what they want, or what they are after." Murrue explained briefly.
Kira's eyes tightened.
"We found the OMNI's vessel ship!" from the corner, a soldier announced. "I'm transferring it to the main monitor.
Murrue, Kira, Athrun and Shinn looked at the monitor intently. But the next thing they saw left Murrue and Kira stunned, mouth agape.
"Dominion?!"
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The Head Representative office looked calm, unlike the atmosphere inside the office.
Cagalli sat on her seat in front of his desk, her hand fisted on the desk. Lacus was standing next to her, talking in the vidphone with Andy. Stachia and Luna stood next to each other, exchanging weary glances.
"Yes, Andy-san. Tell Commander Jule that he may do anything necessary to help ORB. Yes, you may. Please do so. Thank you," Lacus ended her conversation with Andy with a sigh. She glanced at Cagalli's stressed expression.
"Cagalli-san.."
Silence fell for some moment. Lacus inhaled deeply. Cagalli slowly looked at her, her golden eyes troubled.
"Kira, Athrun and Shinn are going to the front line," Lacus said softly. "I have asked Yzak-san to do anything necessary to help. Andy-san will fly back to PLANT immediately to set Eternal ready, in case we need it," she turned her gaze to the window sadly.
Stachia gave a relieved sigh. "There is nothing to worry about, then," she said.
Cagalli immediately rose to her feet, glaring at Stachia. "Nothing to worry about?! What do you mean, Stachia? This will be a beginning of another war! I know it will!" Cagalli shook her head and and gritted her teeth.
Lacus slowly approached her and touched her shoulders gently. "Cagalli-san.." she whispered.
"After everything we have done, Lacus! After everything we have sacrificed.. everybody have sacrificed! Doesn't it enough? Why.. why should it come to this…?"
Lacus embraced her softly. "Cagalli-san," she said. "It's not the time for us to give up. It's time to be stronger than ever. For everybody. For PLANT, for ORB. For Kira and the others,"
"I know," Cagalli sighed. "But then again…why?"
Lacus shook her head. "I don't know, either,"
Cagalli closed her eyes, took a deep breath and straightened herself. "Thank you, Lacus," she smiled bitterly. "I'm sorry,"
Luna moved nearer. "I'm sure everything will be alright, Representative Athha," the former pilot of Impulse Gundam smiled reassuringly. "After all, PLANT and ORB stand together now. It's not our fault that OMNI started this. I think OMNI will be smart enough to realize that they would not win against us,"
A sudden knock on the door startled them. All of them turned as Cagalli said, "Come in,"
The door opened, revealing Anthony Myrth. Cagalli raised her eyebrows. "Colonel Myrth?"
"Yes, Representative Athha," he saluted and walked in. Behind him, the two familiar figures of two teenage girls followed him. Cagalli's and Lacus' eyes widened in surprise. This is the first time they saw Athreith and Ryoka dressed in ORB military uniform.
"I am here to ask for your authorization, Representative Athha," Anthony said, looking straight into Cagalli's eyes. Cagalli was taken aback to see the firmness in Anthony's black, deep eyes. It was a look that Cagalli rarely accept from someone.
"My authorization? For what?"
Anthony took a deep breath. "The batlle at the sea border, or should I say, the front line, is very intense right now, even though General Yamato and General Zala had launched with Strike Freedom and Infinite Justice. However, we have an unexpected situation."
Lacus looked at him. "What is it?"
" There is another unit of mobile armors from OMNI, coming straight towards Onogoro Island from the opposite side of the front line. Apparently, they used their attack to the front line as a pawn, and we realized it a little bit too late. They will be here by twenty minutes," there was urgency in Anthony's voice. "We only have two mobile armors left, and we have no mobile suit left. We don't have any choice, Representative Athha. We will have to launch our last mobile suit in order to protect Onogoro Island,"
"Our last mobile suit.. you mean the new one?" Cagalli startled. Lacus immediately looked at her with a questioning look.
"A new mobile suit? Cagalli-san, what is this?"
Cagalli turned to her friend. "You know that Athrun, with Kira and Shinn's help, is doing a research about mirage colloid, right?"
Lacus nodded. "What about it?"
"They built a new mobile suit to try the new mirage colloid. Athrun did swear that he didn't build it as a weapon; it merely exists as a research sample. He said they couldn't use an ordinary GINN because the new mirage colloid was too strong for it. I believe him. If he did intend to do something else with it, Kira wouldn't help him, I'm certain of that."
Lacus nodded. "And.. this is the last mobile suit that ORB have,"
"Yes," Anthony answered firmly. "Representative Athha, we don't have any choice. It's the only thing we can do to protect Onogoro Island,"
Cagalli hesitated. "But.. Colonel.. you do know that the mobile suit is not safe. General Zala made it clear to you before, didn't he? The project isn't tested, yet. It would be very dangerous. We don't know what will happen when the new mirage colloid is activated.."
"Indeed, Representative Athha. But we have no choice," Anthony handed her the papers in his hand. "I need your authorization to launch it," he glanced at his wristwatch. "We have no choice.. and no time."
Cagalli looked up at Lacus, asking for her opinion. Lacus sighed.
"If it's the only thing we can do to keep Onogoro Island safe.." she muttered softly. Cagalli smiled bitterly.
"And we can't afford to put the PLANT's Chairwoman's life at stake," Cagalli chuckled as she reached for the paper to sign them. But suddenly, she stopped and frowned in hesitation.
"Lacus.. is this the right decision to make?"
"I don't know, either," Lacus shook her head. "But Anthony is right.. we don't have any choice,"
Cagalli sighed, and signed the papers. She handed them back to Anthony. Suddenly, her eyes shone in confusion. "Wait a second, Colonel Myrth. Who are going to pilot it?"
Lacus raised one of her eyebrows in surprise. "Cagalli-san? What do you mean by 'are'?"
"That means there will be two people piloting it," Athreith's voice startled them all. "Or, more specifically, two girls."
Lacus' and Cagalli's eye widened immediately.
"Both of you..?" Cagalli said in disbelief.
Ryoka grinned. "Yes, Representative Athha. After all, we are the one who are going to test Twilight Gundam in the first place. So, no need to worry about it!"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kire gritted his teeth. He flew the Strike Freedom to the side, avoiding his opponent's beam. The black and red mobile suit that fought against him was really fast, Kira realized. He stole a quick glance at his surroundings.
Not far from him, Athrun was fighting a white and yellow mobile suit. There was another white and silver mobile suit, which Shinn and Dearka were fighting against, while Mwu was taking care of the enormous mobile armors.
Kira was startled when another attack was directed at him. He quickly dodged it, and returned the attack. The black and red mobile suit easily eluded his attack, and sent him another shot. Kira threw himself out of his opponent's laser beam, cursing himself for not concentrating to the battle.
The others will be alright, Kira told himself. They can take care of their selves. They're strong, really strong.
Kira's eyes once again darted towards Athrun.
But… what is this feeling..? Kira asked himself anxiously. Why do I have a feeling that something bad will happen?
Something bad…
"KIRA!!"
Athrun's voice startled him. He looked up to see that his opponent had locked him. Gritting his teeth, Kira raised Freedom's armor and received the shot, sending him a long distance back. He cursed under his breath, quickly restoring his balance.
"Kira!" Athrun's concerned voice came. "Are you okay? What are you doing? Concentrate!"
"I'm okay," answered the ultimate coordinator. "Sorry,"
Athrun drew a long breath in relief. He glanced around, telling himself that everyone was okay, and the focused his mind on his opponent: the white and yellow mobile suit.
He dodged another attack, and quickly took aim for the mobile suit's arms and legs. His object was to immobilize the mobile suit. Once he locked the mobile suit's position, he prepared to shoot…
"Stop it, Athrun Zala."
Athrun froze when he heard the girlish, icy voice in his head. All of a sudden, an excruciating pain pierced through his head. Athrun let out a mixed of surprise and pain yelp and closed his eyes tightly, trying to ease the pain, but it was no use.
"It is time to go. Surrender yourself, or I can now easily kill your precious ones."
"No," Athrun begged, now knowing who it was that trying to invade his mind. "Please, no. I give you my words. Just.. just leave them alone, please…"
"ATHRUN!"
Kira's voice broke his trance. Athrun gasped in shock, the excruciating pain abruptly disappeared. He managed to move Justice in the last second before his opponent's blade stabbed through his cockpit. The blade stabbed through the air, and Athrun quickly backed away from his opponent. His head once again throbbed, and he let out a small, painful groan.
The monitor in front of him blinked, and Kira's horrified expression appeared.
"Athrun! What happened? Are you all right?"
"What-…" Athrun began, but he couldn't finish as the mobile suit shot another laser beam towards him. He gritted his teeth and avoided it. "Damn.." he muttered. "This isn't good…" his eyebrows furrowed when he felt the agonizing pain once again.
"Athrun?" Kira's voice suddenly sounded so far, like he was in another dimension. "Athrun, are you alright?"
"Tell him you're all right, and then disconnect the link." the icy voice instructed.
Athrun took a deep breath. "I'm.. I'm all right, Kira. I'm alright," his voice was shaky. "Don't worry, it's all under control."
"Ath-…" Kira began, but the monitor blinked again and went off. Kira's eyes narrowed in confusion. Athrun had disconnected the link. "Athrun?!"
Athrun exhaled shakily as he felt the pain eased bit by bit. The voice in his head laughed softly, a childish laugh.
"Yes, that's right. Now, come to the Miracle Gundam. Illie will show you the way,"
Athrun blinked. "Miracle…" he turned to his opponent. The white and yellow mobile suit was approaching him now, without any sign of attacking.
The monitor buzzed. And the next second, a girl's face that Athrun had never seen before appeared. She looked at Athrun in curiosity as she stated, "Athrun Zala?"
"Yes," Athrun mentally note that this was the pilot of that mobile suit named Miracle Gundam.
The girl raised one of her eyebrows. "Wow. You actually are Athrun Zala. At first, I thought Az was just joking," she shrugged. "Follow me,"
Miracle Gundam flew across the battlefield, passing all the fighters. Athrun lowered his head as his heart once again hesitated. Ryoka's words kept reverberating in his mind.
"Please, Athrun-san! You would hurt Kira-san if you go… and imagine how sad Cagalli-san and Lacus-san would be… how angry Shinn-san would be.."
Athrun closed his eyes, silently trying to determine himself. He opened his eyes slowly, and took a long, last glance towards his surroundings.
The ORB soldiers fought around him. He could see Strike fighting with many OMNI mobile armors. He could see both GINN that Dearka and Shinn were using. Mwu's happy face, Dearka's evil grin, and Shinn's serious expression flashed through his mind.
Finally, he turned his gaze towards Strike Freedom and saw Freedom fought with a black and gray mobile suit.
And Kira's smile flashed before his eyes.
"Kira.." he murmured softly. "I'm sorry."
Kira's laugh flashed.
"Please understand.."
Kira's warm amethyst gaze blazed in his mind.
"…and please don't forget.." he closed his eyes. The second he closed his eyes; another excruciating pain pierced his head, making his eyebrows furrowed in pain.
"Illie will not wait for you." The icy voice warned. "Or, have you changed your mind?"
"No." Athrun quickly answered. The pain slowly eased. "I understand."
He turned Infinite Justice and flew across the battlefield, following Miracle Gundam. When he passed Strike Freedom, he glanced at the mobile suit sadly.
Please don't forget.. that I love you..
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Murrue and Anthony gazed at the monitor in disbelief.
The monitor showed a grayish blue mobile suit fighting with enormous mobile armors and two mobile suits in such astonishing speed. Anthony shook is head. He couldn't believe that they just launched the mobile suit about five minutes ago, and now…
The OMNI soldiers that were approaching Onogoro Island were all destroyed.
The grayish blue mobile suit soared proudly after finishing its last opponent. The main control room was suddenly was filled with applauses and amazed murmurs. Murrue exhaled in relief, and sank on to the chair. Anthony could only smile. He mentally noted to congratulate Athrun and Kira later.
"Twilight Gundam is surely a success," he muttered.
All of a sudden, another monitor blinked. Everybody in the room quickly threw their attention to the second largest monitor in the room that was showing the situation of the fight in the sea border. Murrue slowly rose to her feet, her eyes widened in disbelief. Once again, the room was filled with murmurs. Only this time, it was incredulity murmurs.
"Isn't that Infinite Justice?"
"What is he doing? He's following the enemy back to OMNI's vessel ship!"
Anthony's eyes narrowed as he exchanged glance with Murrue.
Something had happened.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kira dodged another laser beam from his opponent. His attention was divided. He couldn't concentrate. What did Athrun do? Why did he disconnect the link?
As Infinite Justice flew passed him, Kira turned in shock. "Athrun?!"
He was confused. What happened? He was sure that he saw Athrun was in pain when he suddenly disconnected the link. Why did he disconnect the link? What happened? Was he really all right? Kira's mind doubted it. There must be something wrong. No, he was right. There was something wrong with Athrun!
He once again tried to open the link, but it didn't work. Kira slammed the keyboard in frustration. "Athrun!" he shouted desperately. "Where are you going?! Athrun!!"
There was an unbearable fear gnawing at his heart. He was afraid. He was scared. There was something wrong with Athrun, he knew that, and it made him scared. The fear grew stronger and stronger. Kira groaned in frustration, and turned Strike Freedom to fly after Infinite Justice. "Athrun!"
Suddenly, the black and gray mobile suit flew passed him and blocked his way with a well-aimed beam. Kira halted abruptly in time to elude the attack. But the black and gray mobile suit didn't let him move to catch Justice. It kept attacking Freedom, making Kira's frustration got worse.
"Shinn! Dearka!" he finally shouted. "One of you, go after Athrun! Something isn't right with him!"
"We would have if we're able to!" Dearka shouted back. Kira gritted his teeth as he saw the two GINN Dearka and Shinn were using were attacked by a white and silver mobile suits and two mobile armors. From the corner of his eye, Kira could see Mwu was having the same trouble.
Kira furiously dodge another attack in panic. The fear was now really unbearable.
"Let me go!" he screamed furiously as he kept dodging his opponent's attacks. "Go away! Athrun!!"
When he made a turn, Kira saw a glimpse of Infinite Justice flying before it disappeared behind the enormously soaring mobile armors. Kira gritted his teeth.
"Athrun.."
An explosion from the opposite direction startled him. Kira looked up to see colorful fireworks exploded in the air.
"Retreat call?" he said in confusion. "They're.. backing away..?"
In an instant, all OMNI's mobile suits and mobile armors quickly flew away from the battlefield, leaving the ORB soldiers in confusion. Shinn and Dearka could only watch in uncertainty, and Mwu stopped Strike abruptly in bewilderment.
Kira stunned, watching the OMNI soldiers fled from the battlefield, back to their vessel ship. He breathed out shakily, and lowered his head.
"Athrun..?"
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tbc???
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A/N : Aaaakkh!!! This is like the worst chapter EVER!!! I can't believe it! It's so bad!! Why? Whyyy??? Oh, well..-shrugs- I know it's really bad, I'm really sorry, I admit my English is becoming worse and worse everyday, and I don't know why!
Thank you for everybody who has read until this point, really! Thank you very much! And please, I ask you with all my heart, please, please, review and tell me what you think! Constructive Criticisms are welcome! Flame me if you want, I wouldn't care.
Next Chapter: A Beginning and An End. Stay tune, please!
And review!!! 0
(Hugs; isumi'kivic' and Ilde)