Hello! Thank you so much for reviews! Reviews help me improve my story so please continue to review! Descriptive writing's not really my forte but I'll try my best. Suggestions are always welcome! Please review! Thank you!
Dedications: Byron Lancaster, Dhevz (Thank you so much for your constant reviews)
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed
Note:
Chapter 4
A young man with spiky jet black hair entered the café, scanning the place for his friend, his ruby red eyes rested on the secluded corner of the café where the brunette sat on a leather chair.
"Sorry Kira, I couldn't find anything on her. It's as though she appeared out of thin air."
"Or she's just very good at concealing her real identity. Did you check the Plants' database too? She may have come from there and only moved to Orb later."
"Yes. Orb's, the Plants' and even the other earth colonies' databases. Don't ask how, but you name it, I've checked it. There are simply no records of her existence."
"This is not good. Athrun could be in danger. Thanks anyway Shinn for helping. I really appreciate it."
After the war, Shinn chose to remain in Orb and Athrun became his mentor. He had seen reason and had come to terms that Cagalli and Orb wasn't to blame for his family's death. He had even forgiven Kira for killing Stella. However, this was not so for Mwu, blaming him for her death. It wasn't easy for Shinn to not try to kill Mwu, but after seeing the man's guilt and remorse, he finally relented.
Mean while…
Ashley was at the Orb Mansion, running an errand for Athrun. As she entered the Mansion, she realised that the house was exactly the same. The two grand marble staircases were still plastered on the opposite ends of the vast hall. The giant French windows would light up the entire place during the day.
Suddenly, Ashley was overcome by nostalgia. She recalled the times when she would dance around the bare middle portion of the hall, which was only kept empty except for Christmas and parties where a one and a half story tall Christmas tree or ice sculpture would be placed. Her parents would embrace each other at the side, proudly watching their beautiful daughter twirl around, the giant crystal chandelier hanging above her.
The Orb Mansion was more of a palace; it had many beautiful well-maintained gardens and was divided into four sections, the North, South, East and West Wings. The North Wing was the main entrance where the hall was located. The West Wing garden in Ashley's opinion surpassed all the other gardens. This was her favourite sanctuary and much to her parents' horror, she would climb up and sit on a tree branch to watch the sunset. Not a morning person just like her mother, she would always miss the sunrise.
Absent mindedly making her way there, she looked over the swan lake. The shimmering smooth surface of the water was broken as four swans sailed around. Willow trees would line the edges of the lake, their drooping leaves touching the water. The white pavilion, sheltering the grand piano, stood firmly beside lake.
Ashley was a musical prodigy just like her father. She played the piano, the violin and the harp. Trailing her fingers along the keyboard, she gave in to the urge of playing. Before she knew it, she was immersed into her own world, hearing nothing but music.
Cagalli was walking past the West Wing when she heard the sound of the piano coming from the West Wing garden. Curious, Cagalli made her way there. The sweet melodies captivated Cagalli's heart and she moved closer to the pavilion where another blonde was playing.
The sudden sound of a twig breaking made Ashley alert and stopped playing. Snapping her head to the side, she was shocked to see Cagalli looking back at her.
"S…sorry, I…I didn't mean to play without per…permission," Ashley blushed as she stammered with her words.
"No it's alright, please keep on playing. That was beautiful. I hope you don't mind me listening," Cagalli smiled. "What's your name?"
"Ashley Hale my lady. Admiral Zala sent me here."
"Oh, I see. But please, call me Cagalli."
At Ashley's apartment…
Two young men were sneaking around. "Kira, this isn't right. Let's go back."
Ignoring him, Kira continued searching. Suddenly, an odd looking device caught his eye. Inching his way to the bedside table, Kira whispered, "Over here!"
Taking a quick scan on the device, Kira said, "I've never seen this model before."
"You better be careful Kira. You might trigger something on."
Smiling at his friend, Kira replied, "Don't worry."
Being an expert programmer, Kira was very good at handling computers and devices and after some time, he managed to get into the systems of the device. A screen was projected in midair showing:
Hello Ashley Zala
"I thought you told me you have no other living relatives."
"I don't."
"What? Then who is she?"
"I don't know. I guess there's only one way to find out."
Searching the contents of the device, both young men saw something that left them flabbergasted.
"No…It can't be!" both of them shouted at the same time.
Just then, the front door clicked open.
To be continued…
I think I've overdone describing the Orb mansion. I would have described every room but that would probably be boring. This is kind of my dream house. Hee hee. Anyway, I know this chapter is shorter than the last one but I'll try to make it up next chapter! Next chapter by the way will be on the party where Athrun and Cagalli will meet! Hopefully I can update it by next week! Please review!
