A/N: Wow! I couldn't believe how fast I update, or how fast writers in here do the same. Last time I checked, there were like 4155 plus stories in this subcategory, now, they've reproduced literally! A marvelous 4180 (and still counting) interesting plots to read. Hurray for that! Haha. Anyway, I guess I had nothing much to do and that was the reason behind this sense of urgency on my part. Turning back, as I've said, I'll try to work on your ideas and suggestions. This one is also in accordance with those words of mine. A slight warning though, it is to take note I'm a wannabe writer, there may be technical errors splashed all over and they require your unvarying and uncompromising understanding. I do hope that in even the littlest of ways, I was able to deliver this story in your liking. Hope you really did though…

utterance of the wind – a continuation of asking for redemption

Perhaps the wind may whisper my thoughts. Of blasphemous beliefs or of unreachable forebodings. These are my eagerness in showing, my frailty in its peak. But then, how could I see what lies ahead?

Their laughter echoed into the room. Everyone prepared for this event. No matter how informal, no matter how insignificant others may think it was, to those in this space, it would begin a new chapter – a new beginning of a growing camaraderie.

As the doorknob clicked, we knew who it was, or rather, who they were. In a loud roar, everyone cheered:

"Welcome aboard, Shinn!"

Then, as if on cue, everyone broke into laughter – endless sums of it as merrymaking filled the area once more, festivity in the atmosphere. In the dead of the night, here we are, in celebration of the arrival of a new ally. Wait, was he new? Or have we regarded him as an ally long ago? Even the captain of the Archangel never thought of such things before. The military life was so tense – scrutinizing even the tiniest details of discipline. Following strict codes and complying to utmost superior orders. It was their life, and they had not much choices than to abide.

"Why are they transferring me? I guess, there's nothing I can do about it then…" the blonde man then wore his hat upright and gave a certain brown-haired woman a salute. Tears were evident in her eyes as she watched him walk away.

"Ms. Murrue,"

A brown-haired man called. I took a final gulp of my drink. Being modest, I wiped off whatever residue it left on my lips. Then, as formal as the call, I faced him and greeted him.

"Kira, is there any problem?"

He still had the same look in his eyes – that of bewildering doubts yet this time more in clarity. The dark clouds that shadowed them once no longer held the entirety of his orbs but rather filled the tiny gaps that the mood left within.

"Well, it seems you're thinking of too many things today…" he started. Of course, I knew this 'kid' for we underwent the torrents of the war together. I, being the captain of the ship he's on and the one who caused him and his civilian friends an automatic entry to military life. I never really knew if he forgave me for that, but with the way he's been showing, I strongly believe he did.

Glancing at his back, I noticed a certain pink-haired girl looking in our direction. She's not staring, just, as I put it, observing. And just so she could appear as innocent to her act, she'd shift her eyes somewhere else, but then after a while, return her gaze on us – or rather, on me.

Focusing once more on the man before, I cleared my throat and tried to remain as composed as possible.

"Did Ms. Clyne send you over?"

It wasn't in obscurity but I know all too well what this boy had to say. He tried to shrug his shoulders but with regards to my prying over, he then nodded.

"Yeah. But, it wasn't only her motive, it was as much as my intent, too." He was quick in adding. He never really wanted to offend me or give even the slightest impression that he didn't care. He was always this gentle – always this kind.

"So, what do you want to know?" I asked in all sincerity though I already knew his reason, still, I wanted to know how he'd tell it to me.

"How are you?" I knew it. Straight to the point at that. I guess he never really had a good taste in starting a topic. He was the sensitive type but maybe too much of it could really give some side effects.

"I'm quite all right." No words could compare to these. The effect is quite the same as 'I'm okay' but the formality and the degree of sincerity vary. I may have appeared tired, which in fact I am but somehow, no matter how much I tried to surface such feeling, this man before me couldn't get it.

I then took my gaze off him and looked on at a very flustered and surprised black-haired man. He was being crowded by almost everyone that his face painted an "I surrender" portrait. And the sight made me laugh. This caused a worry at the Freedom pilot. I answered his inquiry by pointing at the man of the hour – Shinn Asuka. He then looked at the direction. His reaction was different. It was more of how a fellow soldier, and a young age at that, would react. A simple smile and a contented gesture was enough to express how Kira felt upon laying eyes on him.

"You met him?" I asked, both our eyes still on the black-haired coordinator.

"Just once. We never had a talk since then."

"How was your first meeting? Or should I say, introduction?" I couldn't help but ask for these two were in an all-out war against each other. Neither knew of the other and both had different beliefs. Though how ironic, in terms of objectives they somehow got along. I had Athrun Zala to attest to that.

Knowing the answer to my own question, I guess, I just wanted to know this comrade of mine a little more. And perhaps, I was, to admit, curious as to what this Shinn may appear like.

"It went well. We shook hands and made a promise to help each other maintain the peace on this universe. No matter how hard, I guess I could say I discovered a new-found strength as I held a grip on his hand." He said these as he lowered his head. I followed the gaze of his eyes – it landed on his right hand. Perhaps Kira still hold the memory fresh in his mind and the touch still new to his feel.

"He looks a lot like you." I muttered, breaking him from his supposed-like trance.

"Maybe you just see yourself in him." I added and then took a good look at Shinn.

"Yeah." He whispered and he must have thought I didn't hear him. Well, I did but this wasn't the opportune time to meddle with his affairs…yet. I knew of someone who's capable of doing that, and that someone was approaching us right now as we speak.

"Ms. Ramius," the pink-haired woman called out as soon as she reached where we were.

"Ms. Clyne." I greeted and gave her one of my distinct smiles. She did the same and it was to take note that upon her arrival, Kira placed a hand over her shoulder. He may have done this unconsciously but then, no matter how much I wanted to tease these two, I'd rather ignore it and be satisfied with whatever she's got to say. I guess I was really happy for the both of them. It showed on my face, and how!

"It's a perfect evening for acquaintance, have you met Mr. Asuka already?" Lacus fondly asked. No matter what I say or how many people I've already met in this lifetime, no one could really compare to this lady before me.

"No wonder Mwu regarded her as a princess…" I recalled to myself.

"Ms. Ramius? Is anything the matter?" Inquired a worried-looking Lacus Clyne. I shrugged my shoulders as I ordered another glass of wine. I looked at their direction, asking whether they would want one too. Kira just lifted his hand slightly. I took this as a no as a glass came on my way.

"I'm fine. And as for your question, I still haven't gotten the chance to introduce myself to Mr. Asuka. Though I'd really love to if given the chance." I replied, trying hard to remember whether I answered her question perfectly or not. She gave me another smile as Kira just looked on.

"Do you want us to introduce you to him? We could help you out." She offered, sparing me no chance to back out. I chuckled at this gesture. I knew of her influence but never really got the chance to fully have a taste of it…until now. Her eyes looked on straight at mine and this caused me to drink my glass all the way down.

"There's no need for that. The night is young, I believe I'll have my chance. And besides…" I declined, in a manner I think was most truthful and at the same time acceptable.

"…I think you two would need more time alone with each other." I continued and noticed the sudden appearance of pink tints on their cheeks. How I loved to see them blush. They really looked good together.

With shyness, Kira tried to utter something but I guess my mind was too focused on their reaction that I simply nodded my head. The two then moved away. They must have excused themselves but I could barely recall how.

Leaving the spot I sat on, I tried to wander around. Tried because somehow, everywhere I'd go, people would come up and engage in a conversation with me. I guessed this would be one tiring night. But the extent of which caught me off-guarded. I even marvel at myself on how fast I get to deliver my ideas and reply at the same time without having to repeat the same lines all over again. It was funny, but now that I think of it, I may have excelled as a public relations person if ever I didn't end up being a captain. But as fate would put it, the latter was favored highly.

Finding myself alone again, I felt the need to just breakaway from the crowd. I believe I had too much for the night that I'm starting to run out of anything more to say. Perhaps, it would be the time to call this a day. I really need to rest as my body felt unceasing pain and at the same time, eagerness to lay on a soft mattress.

I slipped from the many people and found myself standing near the buffet table. Luck was perhaps on my side for no one even went to that area. Everyone must have had their fill of food to sustain them for the night. Smiling at this, I easily found my way to another passage – a back door. It was to my advantage that I was among the early guests to arrive.

As I was about to turn the knob, the lights went out. This, surely, earned numerous gasps from the crowd. I could clearly hear some movements from those present in the room – some searching desperately for the switches, others probably just waiting by for the lights to return. And as surely, this incident earned a well-deserved shout from the owner of the estate herself – who else but the Chief Representative of Orb, Cagalli Yula Attha.

This was the perfect time for me to move, escaping the inquiries of these people and finally moving a step forward to my well-deserved rest.

Though I tried to turn the knob with as little noise as possible, the single clicking sound it made echoed throughout the room. So much for my 'secret escape'. I simply pushed the door forward and as soon as it was opened, made my way through the outer halls.

"Is that you, Luna?"

I stopped on my tracks as I heard these. I turned around and as instantly, dim lights filled the area. Such were commonly called as 'emergency lights' – dark orange illuminations.

We stared at each other for quite a long while before he bowed his head and apologized for his mistake.

"It's all right." I assured him. Now with the lights on, I was able to see his features fully. He raised his head once more and from what I can see, he appeared to be groping for the right words to say. How exactly intimidating my presence was, that, I want to know.

"Is there a problem?" I asked, hoping this initiation from me would make him loose up. I really felt uncomfortable if ever the one I'm talking to is.

"Don't worry, there are no right or wrong answers here. That, I can assure you of." I added.

"Um, there's actually nothing wrong." He replied. Good, he finally said something other than 'I'm sorry'.

I looked on my watch. It's really this late and another conversation would cause another minute gone. Time flies when one attends events like this. With much courteousness, I hastily ended this little 'incident'.

I began to motion my foot when he called out.

"Wait."

Dead on my tracks again, I tried to keep the frown away from my face. I turned around once more and gave him a smile.

"You see, ma'am, I think you know the way around here. Could you accompany me to the switchboards?" he asked and patiently waited for an answer.

"I still haven't gotten the chance to introduce myself to Mr. Asuka. Though I'd really love to if given the chance. The night is young, I believe I'll have my chance."

Chances and more chances. Such word came out from me repetitively. These statements of mine ran in my head as another thought became clearer among the others…

Maybe this was the time I have been anticipating for. Perhaps, I really don't have to leave yet. This man before me was the same one who fought my crew – the same one who destroyed the Freedom and the same one who piloted a Gundam probably as better as what our Kira Yamato did. And he, too, was the one whom Athrun placed his trust in. No matter how inevitable everything was between the two, Athrun still believed in him. And all these made me think highly of him. Now that he's here, I might as well grab the so-called opportunity. And besides, this person looked hopeless - I could tell. His eyes shout them clearly.

After a good minute, I then looked at him and nodded.

"This way then." I led.

The Attha's residence would probably be the biggest, if not one, of all mansions ever built in this island-state of Orb. No wonder, it was, after all, home of Orb's well-loved and well-revered Chief, who else but Cagalli's own father, Lord Uzumi. Even I had the honor of meeting that great of a leader. Though brief, in my heart, it was worth all our troubles.

Only our footsteps echoed through these walls. Nothing more, nothing less. This man with me walked slightly beside, but more of behind me.

"It would probably take a few more turns before we reach the switch room. May I ask why you want to go there?" I inquired, more of curiosity rather than wanting him to speak up.

"Luna's afraid of the dark. I don't want to keep the darkness there too long." He replied, with slight bluntness on his tone, but nevertheless, with deep care in between the lines. I stopped and looked at him. He, too, did the same and looked at me with inquiring eyes.

"She's really important to you, is she?" And then, I continued to proceed.

We turned once more at a corner, our destination nearing.

"She is." He muttered upon reaching our stop. We stood infront of a wooden door. Turning on its knob, we entered the room. Falling on his knees, Shinn took some pliers from the nearby desk and opened the sole switchboard on the area. He knew electronics, that, I can affirm to. Once the metal plate had been removed, the container revealed a number of switches, buttons, to be precise. Then, turning on the screws, he opened the second layer, this time revealing a couple of wires. In all this, I stood by and looked on. He seemed so concentrated in his work that I thought he may not need of any assistance. I was already going to leave when I noticed something. He wasn't having the best time in figuring this out. With all labels gone, it would surely be a Herculean task to fix everything up all by himself.

The dark-orange hue coming from the bulb wasn't helping in any way as well, since its light wasn't bright enough to clearly recognize and distinguish the many colors of the entangled wirings from one another. In my own initiative, I searched the area and found a flashlight. I took it and turned it on, with its ray focused on the 'work' he's been doing. I knelt beside him and allowed the flashlight to rest on the inclined plane nearby – with its ray still on the same spot.

Taking a tool from the same container where he got his from, I looked on at the sight. I somehow caught a glimpse of him, his eyes momentarily landing on my face – as if not sure on what was happening.

After a few thinking, I faced him with an open palm.

"You can't do anything all by yourself. Don't forget that." I told him. He still displayed a puzzled look, his eyes on my hand.

"I need a wire stripper, if you must…"

And with this, he quickly looked over the table and got one for me. He handed it over as he observed what I was doing. Using the tool, I took the coating of the wire away, revealing a thread of fiber. I then inserted this to the small loop located just beside an unnamed switch. It wasn't a hard task, probably the tracing back took most of the time and not the actual clearing process itself. I then checked on the other wires and tightened the connection each had.

"I used to be good at this…" confessed Shinn. Tightening some screws, I replied in a friendly manner.

"The little and basic things are those mostly left out. We focus too much on what's bigger that we forget its very foundations." Turning the screws for the second layer was tough, for it required accuracy and preciseness. I do not want to let my entire work end up the way it was before – all tangled up and messy. So, as carefully as possible, I turned the screws, allowing each wire to fall in their respective places.

"You're good at these - at these foundations that you say." He answered back. The change in his tone was evident. No longer was he timid or meek with words, but rather adamant and straightforward. I turned my head slightly to have a glimpse of him, unfortunately, the light all splattered on my face made it hard for me to see him clearly. Sighing, I then proceeded with what I was doing.

"If you forget the basics, what good are you then? What good are the skills you have?" Finally locking the first screw, I then went to the second one – diagonally across the previous.

"You could still recall it. You have all the time."

With the same, he replied. I could somehow sense the depth of his words. In one way, I could relate to him but the meanings hidden beneath his statements were simply too hard for someone like me to fully grasp.

"The question is, do you really want to recall it?" I almost missed the spot as my fingers slipped from the grip they held onto the driver. He was quick to his reflexes that he immediately took over my work. After confirming I was all right, he then knelt down on my spot and asked to let him finish up. I was then halfway on the third screw so I figured out I could entrust a simple task to him.

In all these, I knew of the kindness his heart possessed, the extent of which, I still have to uncover.

Sitting on the floor, my back against the cold wall, I observed him and how he does his work. Firm and stable – that's how he stroked his hand.

"I really don't know…"

"Hmm?"

"Whether I should recall or simply let go." He replied, finishing the fourth screw. He remained in that spot, the light highlighting his back. Then, after a while, he sat down, fiddling with the screwdriver on his hand. I looked up at the ceiling and paused.

"You met her already?" I asked, my gaze never leaving above. I could see him glance at me from the side of my eye.

"I apologized." He uttered.

"So how do you feel now?" Closing my eyes, I awaited his response. For a while, there was silence but then, he still answered. He must've been thinking, I suppose.

"I don't really know."

"You should be relieved. It's hard to ask for forgiveness for the things you've done but it's ultimately harder to forgive the sins committed against you."

"Tell me, why do I have to be relieved? Forgiveness is not the only answer, isn't it?" he asked again in such haste. I could tell he wanted to understand everything at once – getting information and answers from his inquiries as soon as possible, his emotions and his accounts taken into firm consideration. This man, I could sense, had some conflict within him. Different to those I've met, but likely to those I have with. A picture of my comrades flashed on my mind as I thought of the words which could explain my views as I presumed them.

"It isn't solely, but it is partly. For if you forgave and were forgiven, you could recall the past, at the same time let go of it. Nothing really could be considered as the answer to all your questions – to all our questions."

I opened my eyes and looked at him – at his back. He wasn't making any motion whatsoever but I'm sure, he pays attention to what I was saying.

"If that is true, then what would happen next?" he further asked as he took a look at me.

"You can go back…go back to the basics and the foundations. You could learn all over again." I replied, with as much honesty and sincerity.

I then stood up and leaned on the container. We're now inches apart, him, continuously gazing at the floor.

"And were you able to learn all over again?" he looked up, expectance in his eyes.

Fully finishing the covers and all that needs to be done, I then returned the tools to their respective places. And as instantly as I pressed the button, the lights went back to normal. Electricity flowing properly once more to the entire circuitry.

Glancing back at him, I replied with a smile.

"Not yet…not just yet. I'm still going back to the basics."

Carrying on from where I left, I walked towards the door and soon found myself in the outer halls once more.

The light really was something else, as its rays shone through the once-darkened corridors. And for the first time, I felt the warmness and security it provided to those within these walls.

"Excuse me!" called out the same man from the room. It appeared he really tried his hardest to catch up with me. I turned around and found him looking at me.

"We haven't introduced ourselves yet." he reminded to which I replied a nod.

He approached me and raised his right hand.

"I'm Shinn, Shinn Asuka."

I looked at it first and then took it with mine.

"Murrue, Murrue Ramius."

After a simple handshake, he thanked me. He avoided my gaze, and shifted his eyes instead somewhere else. I may have given out quite a chuckle for he turned red.

"I should thank you, too, Shinn. I haven't had the luxury to be an electrician again for quite some time. I owe you that." I blurted out. I tried to suppress my laughter but then, ended up with it anyway. He then gave me a smile as we just let our feelings show – laughing.

We bade each other goodbye as we parted ways. I have never heard Shinn laugh, and the moment he did, my heart also shared the same gesture with him. And as I looked into his eyes that one time, I could no longer see the doubts that linger there. They shone of pure joy and that alone made me realize how truly different this pilot was.

Looking at my right hand, I could now tell how Kira must have felt the moment he shook his hand. Somehow, this turned out to be quite a night for finally I have realized what made Shinn admirable even in the eyes of his enemy. His beliefs may have been altered but his spirit was not. And that, to me, was the true strength of Shinn Asuka. He may have had many misunderstandings and misconceptions about his life and the things around him but it was not too late. It was never too late.

As I thought of these, I sat down on a nearby bench, allowing the breeze to sway me in a comfortable manner. I closed my eyes and just took in its scent. It was so relaxing…so easing.

In front of where I sat, a car suddenly pulled to a halt.

"Breaking out from a party without even leaving a formal goodbye? Now, that is a pity for the organizers."

The voice was familiar as I opened my eyes. At first, I was too shocked to believe what lay before me. I never even got any word out of my mouth.

"Yo." was all he said as he raised his two fingers slightly above his brow in a somewhat salute-like manner.

Finally getting control of myself and having everything in me work in their respective processes, I looked at him and gave him my warmest smile.

"I thought you won't be coming back until Saturday." I said, eyes looking on at his.

"What? Didn't I tell you?"

With this, I gave him a mocking look. He pretended to be guilty of some sort as he scratched the back of his head, the other hand, firmly gripping the stirring wheel.

"How should I put it, I guess I really rushed everything just so I could make it in time."

"In time for what?"

He then broke into a smile as he opened the door to the seat in front.

"For me to fetch you. Now hop on. It's going to be a long drive…"

As he said this, a wind blew past – ruffling our hairs and swaying the leaves in the process. I looked at its direction as I held on to my still flowing hair.

Is this not enough of a proof? Is this not fitting of the one which people so fondly call a 'second chance'?

"The wind's cool." I said, to which he mumbled a "yes" slightly below his normal tone.

He then shifted his gaze back to me.

"Shall we get going then?" he asked. I simply nodded at this and then entered his car, resting my back against the soft cushions of its seat.

"Tired?" without even looking, he asked as soon as I found a comfortable stance.

"Now that you're here, should I be?" This answer earned an honest laugh from the blonde – from him whose name was Mwu La Flaga.

Stepping on the gas, the car sped off towards the main road.

End

Clarifications:

This story/chapter must be a little blurry to some, so here I provide with little hints:

Forgiveness - initiation

Relief - acceptance

basics/foundations - one's past, or in Shinn's case, Orb.

Learning all over again - being given the chance to do things from the very beginning; starting again on where one's life temporarily and figuratively ended…ex. Shinn's return to Orb and his eventual change of heart.

Sorry for my vagueness, I guess it's my disease…

Dedications:

To yourstrully, the previous chapter's for you

To phoenix-aerith – this one's for you

To infinite sky – this one too's for you

And to the others, I extend my thank you…