Disclaimer: I do NOT own any of the animes used, nor did I take part in its creation.
Phase 02 –
The raven haired boy glared at the Television screen, as if it was to blame for the current state of affairs.
"The Orb Union has made clear their decision to reject the proposal of the Earth Alliance to join forces and they continue to stand as a neutral nation. Orb Representative, Ms. Athha continues to state that their nation will not succumb to pressure and remain true to their ideals…" the television droned. Shinn found himself again living in Orb and it was no secret that he was dissatisfied with the representative's decision. It had been during the first war, the previous ruler of Orb made the same idiotic choice and the male's fists clenched. Uzumi Nara Athha had made the very same decision before thousands perished for his foolishness, as long as him being engulfed in a sea of flames. He twirled the petite pink cell phone, its beads rattling lightly as the same words replayed in his mind. Hello! Mayu here, sorry I can't talk to you right now. Leave a message after the beep.
Ding Dong the light bell chimed in his apartment and the dark-haired male looked up. 'Who on Earth…?' He began to think as he got up from his couch reluctantly and pulled the door open, revealing a distraught coordinator. The Freedom Pilot standing on his very doorstep. "H-Hey . . . What's," the teen trailed off as Kira Yamato stepped inside smiling at him faintly. "Up?" he finished watching the brunette curiously, ruby gaze intrigued by the male.
The Ultimate Coordinator frowned as he stepped inside; looking up to give a distraught smile, feigning the appearance of normality, though he doubted Shinn bought his weak act. "Lacus went to discuss the matter with Cagalli. She has a great influence on the world, as well as her but I suppose I didn't want to talk about it to them . . ."
It looks like you have such sad dreams Kira. The brunette was frowning, hands rubbing the bridge of his nose tiredly.
"O-Oh. I see," Shinn stammered in reply, watching the other male quizzically, brows knitted together in worriment as the faint streams of sunlight illuminated Kira, it's dull orange glow made the image seem like a painting of sadistic thoughts. Of inner meaning; and it suited the older coordinator well. Kira always seemed cool, collective of situations and seemed to hold a knowledge others much older did not have and others would not be able to even begin to understand. Seeing the teen so lost and confused unnerved Shinn slightly, though at the same time he was relieved he came to see him, a sign that he had been forgiven for almost killing him a year or so before. "So . . . Did you want to talk?" he asked, quirking a slender brow.
The brunette shrugged in return, a faint movement of his shoulders before he turned then sighed. "I suppose, it doesn't really matter," he replied running slender fingers through chestnut strands.
"Yeah, I hate it too. What do you think is the right thing to do? I mean do you think Ms. Athha should do?" he asked gaze falling upon him, ruby eyes watching the other male intently. Wondering what he thought. From his sad expression, Shinn could tell- see that he was thinking about his answer. It seemed that no matter what they chose with the Earth Alliance, it always burned.
Whether it was the sacrifice of Izumi Nara Athha, or the selfish and rash decision of the Seirans. But the real question is what should we be fighting against? And how should we? Now, Kira was not so sure, unsure of whether his answer was true or mere naivety. "I suppose, they should fight. I mean with so many wars and deaths before this, to suddenly fall again. . . I think that would make Lord Izumi's sacrifice meaningless."
"But, if they do that, everyone knows the Earth Alliance will attack! Why do they have to be so stubborn and just admit that the way things are now they can't do that anymore!" he replied, fully facing him now before shaking his head, as a sign of apology for suddenly launching into an outburst.
Whatever it is we should be fighting for, we'll find it together. Naïve. That was what he was sure his words had been. Who would believe something so foolish except someone young and without experience with the real world? Yet he missed his naivety, the ultimate coordinator seemed to be looking for some light, some beacon of hope. "But I don't think. . . That giving in would help Orb in anyway. With the confidence Cagalli speaks and with the immediacy and because of the decision itself, the citizens can be relieved that they can look up to her. And that Orb will not crumble beneath pressure or fear and act rashly," he explained in return. Many were caught up in past events though Kira knew that past events and results of the Orb Union did not affect her for Cagalli was only concerned about the well-being of her country and the protection of its ideals.
"Don't play around with politics with me damn it! It's just-" Shinn averted his gaze, realizing that his anger was not directed at Kira and it would be unfair of him to do so. Kira shook his head, lying back upon the couch, chestnut strands falling from his face.
So, the only choice here is to fight.
"I wonder. . . What the Earth Alliance is thinking . . . ?" Kira stated not expecting an answer from the ruby-eyed teen who looked up suddenly surprised at his words. "I bet that's what a lot of people are thinking," he said in reply to his curious gaze and Shinn nodded dazedly, only seeming to understand his words to an extent. I bet that's what everyone is thinking. That the only option is to fight.
"Blue Cosmos doesn't even exist anymore. After the situation with Djibril they were disbanded!" Shinn exclaimed his mind jumbled and confused, who was this enemy of mankind now? Things were so much easier when he had people telling him to do, now that he had the opportunity to choose, to shape his own future, why was it that it was suddenly so difficult?
Perhaps the real problem lies within the human heart. "It's not always the fault of Blue Cosmos," Kira replied, and anyone could tell that the thought made him sad, disappointed at the true colors of the Earth Alliance.
"What does the Arch Angel plan to do?" the younger coordinator asked, taking a seat beside him. He turned his gaze upon him waiting with the feigned appearance of patience. Though the brunette shrugged, he didn't know. Who knew what to do, should they fight against Orb or with it? Wasn't that a simple question, though if it was anyone else wouldn't they choose otherwise? An uneasy silence surrounded them then, uneasiness towards the war, their lives and the decisions they would again have to make.
"As the representative of the Atlantic Federation, and a strong country united with many others within the Earth Alliance I am here to speak on our, as well as their behalf to deliver a message to the Orb Representative," the television droned the brunette flashing across the screen. Shinn squinted at her uneasily, while Kira glared at her with distaste. Are we being selfish? Perhaps Athrun's question back then had held more significance then he imagined. "We have clearly received the message from Orb and their immediate decision made to reject our proposal. As a country of Earth, we only found that a sole united treaty would bring us all closer together. And at the same time, we wanted to ensure the safety of all the citizens living on Earth. Let it be made clear that such demands were not made because of the injustice seen towards coordinators that many believe all naturals share. Orb is indeed a nation that represents the possibility of equality amongst us, amongst the two species some may even say. Or even together as humanity and as a whole." Conflict has been with us since the dawn of time. Was Durandal right? Could this stranger be trusted? Or was her falsehood much like Durandal's? Masked behind wondrous dreams and words of false righteousness?
"We hold no grudge against coordinators or towards the PLANTs any longer. We who had once believed whole-heartedly in the words of Chairman Durandal, pulled into his falsehoods still believe in his dream to strive towards the unity of humanity," a pause, not one of hesitation but a pause for those in the audience to think about what she was saying. And Shinn frowned, not sure what he should believe in and Kira did as well, wanting this new future though found the opportunity too perfect, to easy. Too suspicious.
Which side was right?
"We believe in such a dream, but how can we strive towards it without first the unity of Naturals? Combining the two who have refused each other for so long, when more than just two enemies lie with us? We have a dream. And no matter how much we do not want violence, we will fight for it." Depending on one's perspective, one's beliefs and perhaps even one's relationship with someone words twist and become different, they could sound better or worse. Have ill intentions or good.
The thought sounded good, seemed good and just watching the young female upon the screen was inspirational. Though, when had Kira ever sided with any side labeled either Natural or coordinator? The message ended shortly after, the soft rhythm of advertisements takings its place. And again an awkward silence fell upon the two though neither seemed to notice. Shinn; lost in the past, and Kira; lost in the future.
I will take revenge, for those of the past. And protect the future from the past.
I will not go back to the past. I will move forward, I won't let others repeat my mistakes. And I won't be just another mistake.
This woman, this leader of the Atlantic Federation was this her true side? It had already seemed corrupt to begin with, so perhaps she was not like Durandal and her ill-intentions really were not present. Or perhaps something even more sinister could be lurking beneath her mask. A powerful nation. A worthy adversary. They weren't Blue Cosmos, but what did they intend to do next? Force their opinion upon others? That was cruel, but was it not like the Arch Angel? Fighting both sides for the sake of peace, as well as freedom? Fighting for their way, and yelling screaming at others. Letting those other's dreams crumble beneath them while they let them live and watch helplessly. Was that an even more cruel fate? Kira frowned, running his rough hands through his hair once again sighing as he pulled his head back. What should he do now? Flay Allster would have told him to protect the Arch Angel, protect his friends. Though he felt selfish, wanting to unite the world as the leader of the Atlantic Federation had said.
He could hear Shinn fidgeting beside him and he could feel his ruby-gaze upon him. Though he ignored it; lost in his own thoughts, worries and concerns.
The Atlantic Federation Bureau was a buzz after the announcement, everyone seemed to be rushing to do something, go somewhere. Surprisingly enough despite the chaotic scene before her, Hana remained inexplicably calm. Rouge eyes blinking as she looked around, answering all questions brought before her and offering smiles when necessary. The incident with Gilbert Durandal had been rather recent, and thus his influence was likely still quite strong and apparent. Yet, at the same time she knew that her greatest enemy in trying to bring about her mission to its conclusion and success she wouldn't need to defeat the Arch Angel or Orb. She needed them on her side; no matter how stubborn they were they were a powerful force that stood for justice. Having them would give her both power, and the confidence of the public as a whole.
Unite the World. Be a powerful symbol. Rule it.
"Ms. Kujyou!" a male exclaimed as he ran up to her, breathe short and hoarse. The brunette looked up on him smiling serenely with a look of innocence.
"What is it?" she asked, looking at the male worried. Though in truth she did not care about the male himself, but of the male himself. A government needs both soldiers that will obey orders as well as superiors who are able to see the larger picture. Would Captain Natarl be proud of her decision? She wasn't sure since in the end she did not aid in the death of Inspector Azrael.
"The Orb military is taking up defensive positions and their citizens are being evacuated. What are your orders?" he asked straightening himself and saluting. A loyal and trustworthy subordinate and Hana was more than satisfied with him.
"That's terrible! I guess they really don't want to unite the world," Hana paused wondering which sort of tactic would look best for the Earth Alliance. "Maybe we haven't made ourselves clear enough. Or do they plan to attack instead of merely protecting their own nation?" she asked frowning. No one could tell if her words were sincere, not even Hana. It would be best if they attacked them, but what would be the way to best provoke this attack? She placed a slender hand beneath her chin to think, ah yes. An idea and a great idea at that. The outcome becomes clear.
Author's Note: I finally updated and I'm hope your happy x) Since, well you should be and despite my sudden slowness I'm trying to pick things up again so don't be angry with me. –nervous chuckle- Well, everyone's confused with the current state of affairs and again please rate and comment! That's what makes me really happy and makes me update sooner! Nothing inspires but the thumbs up from the audience and the acceptance from its viewers. Ah, yes and cookies.
Oh yes, and sorry for any spelling errors when it came to names.
