This chapter was another one difficult to write, sorry it took so long. Hopefully this one flows as well. Now we start getting into the story of Destiny. Thanks for all the wonderful reviews, likes, and followers who want to keep reading more! Please review and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed Destiny
Chapter 4
Pulling herself out of the darkness, Lacus could feel her senses starting to return. Vaguely she felt a smooth hand brushed some strands of hair out of her face. She tried to say something, but instead her voice came out as small mumbles.
"Lacus?"
That voice seems familiar she thought as she struggle to break out of the darkness. She felt the warm hand grasped one of her own, stroking it gently.
"Please wake up."
Lacus willed herself to obey the request and she soon found herself staring up at a ceiling. Hearing a deep sigh, Lacus turned on her side to see the last person she thought she would see watching over her.
Kira.
Kira thought he had heard Lacus stir and kept whispering to her, willing her to wake back up. He was completely shocked when she fainted earlier that he forgot the pain that was building up as he listen to Lacus's confession to Andrew. He could still feel the tension stored up inside, but completely ignored the feeling as he focused on helping Lacus.
Only a couple hours passed since she fainted, but to Kira it felt like eternity. I never felt so helpless he thought as he watched her lay so still, no movement at all. Time ticked by slowly as everyone kept coming in to check in on Lacus. Now it was the middle of the night and only Kira remained awake.
I can't even think of rest when she's in this condition. Although Miss Murrue says she'll be fine, I'm still very worried. Please Lacus….
As if his thoughts called out, she started stirring. He nearly shouted with joy when he saw her eyes open. Instead he sighed with relief as Lacus turned towards him with confusion obvious in her beautiful blue orbs.
Lacus blinked a couple of times, as she thought her mind was playing tricks on her. As her vision became clearer, Lacus knew he was real. Memories came rushing back as her previous conversation with Andrew and seeing Kira standing there left her in complete shock and denial.
She opened her mouth to allow all the apologies come spewing out; instead she said softly, "I've never fainted before." Upset at herself for failing to apologize, she silently cursed herself for not saying what was eating at her most; possible forgiveness. Emotions combated with her heart even more when Kira smiled at her.
Shouldn't he be angry at me? Hurt? Depressed? I don't deserve a smile from him. I don't deserve him.
Kira leaned in closer, keeping his smile constant. "I never seen anyone faint," He admitted studying her. "And I don't think I want to ever again. I was so scared, Lacus!"
"Why?"
Taken aback by her question, Kira shook his head in confusion, concern growing in his eyes. "What do you mean why? You just collapsed and weren't responding to anything. How could I not be scared?"
Lacus shook her head now, trying to find the right words to express her concern. "I'm wondering why you even cared?" Kira started protesting, but she stopped him by raising her hand in defense. "I lied to you Kira. There is no reason I should ever do that to you. You heard what I told Mr. Waltfeld, right?"
When he didn't answer, she continued. "You know I purposely lied to you. I cannot take that back, and I will always regret it. I just…I just wanted to protect you! I'm so sorry, Kira." Her last words left her mouth as she burst out into tears. Her emotions shook her to the core, and she couldn't hold in all the sadness and regret that had been building up the last few days.
Lacus went still as she felt his arms wrap around her and pulled her into a tight embrace. She clung to him, burying her head against chest letting the tears flow. Kira didn't shush her. Instead he rubbed her back smoothly, burying his own head in her hair. He let her cry knowing that's exactly what she needed.
She's been holding these feelings in all this time. I knew something was wrong with her lately. Sometimes I wish you weren't so kind but hard on only yourself, Lacus.
"I wish you would share your pain with me, Lacus." He whispered softly as her sobs became quieter. After a few minutes, she became silent as her breathing became stable. She was surprised that she cried so much. Lacus guessed it was all the tension she had been storing up the last two years. All the fears kept ganging up on her and now Kira broke down her final barriers as she knew he always could.
"Kira?"
"Hmm?"
She breathed in deeply and slowly let it out before speaking. "We need to talk don't we?"
She felt his arms loosen as he pulled back to peer into her eyes. He nodded slowly, "Yes, I believe we need to talk. About everything. No details left out this time." Lacus nodded and shifted her position to allow more room for him.
Kira rose from the chair he was sitting on and moved onto the bed and leaned back against the wall. Lacus instinctively sat between his legs allowing his arms to wrap around her once more drawing her back against his chest.
Once they were comfortable, Lacus began telling Kira everything she heard from Cagalli, what she deduced from Athrun's concerns and the confession she gave Andrew. Kira listen quietly, absorbing every detail, every fact, every little feeling she reluctantly released.
Lacus finished a few minutes later letting the silence settle over them. She rubbed Kira's arms in support, hoping he would understand her intentions for keeping secrets. When he didn't say anything for another minute her concern grew once more.
"Kira?"
She felt him jolt at her voice, but his arms tighten around her as if they were afraid she would vanish. Breathing slowly, Kira recollected his thoughts and focused on the girl in his arms. "I had some fear something was up. With the incidents with ZAFT and Athrun's sudden departure, it seems something was going to happen. But, that does not allow you to hide everything Lacus. You should have told me your fears."
Lacus hung her head in defeat, completely understanding his simple request. "I know Kira. I wanted to, b-but after seeing all the pain and suffering you went through before. I didn't want you to go through that again. I just can't stand seeing you in pain." Her voice went soft as forced back more tears. "It kills me to see you hurt, Kira."
"It kills me when you suffer the same way, Lacus." He heard her gasp softly and she quickly turned around, her eyes searching his. He smiled softly at her. "It's true. I don't want you to bottle up your feeling, Lacus. It makes me uneasy. I promised to you I will always protect you."
Shaking her head, Lacus grimaced at his words. "No, I don't want you protect me. I don't want you to fight."
Nearly groaning, Kira used a hand to cup her face. "Fighting is not the only way to protect you, Lacus. I want to protect you from your own pain and suffering. And that means no hiding your feelings from me. You already healed me before and I will heal your pain as well. Like you've told me so many times; we will get through, together."
Lacus's heart filled with joy. She never thought of it that way. Kira wanted to protect her the same way she was trying to protect him; from themselves. She leaned against his hand, feeling the warmth it had to offer.
"I'm sorry, Kira. I was being selfish by holding everything in."
"Yes, you were. But now we can work through this, together."
Both smiling, the teens slowly sank down onto the bed, wrapped into each other's arms. Kira kissed her tenderly before letting themselves drift off into a well-deserved sleep.
A few hours later, the sun started peaking over the ocean as Andrew Waltfeld stood outside the young couple's room shaking his head. He figured Lacus must have woken up in the middle of the night because now they were sleeping in each other's arms. He was very worried about the songstress that he couldn't get any sleep through the night.
Plus with all this crap regarding the Federation and Orb, who could ever rest?
Closing the door softly, Andrew shuffled away wondering how to address the current issue at hand. It was all fine and dandy if the kids were on good terms again, the older man thought, yet there were more pressing issues to deal with.
Walking into the kitchen he began making some coffee, a habit that he always needed to do when deep considerations plagued his mind. I should contact the Terminal soon for some details he thought. More and more ideas built upon his mental list as he poured the fresh coffee into his unique mug.
Andrew wandered out onto the terrace letting his feelings slow down as he watched the sun rise on a new day. A day, where anything could potentially happen; a peaceful convention or a declaration of war. Mulling with endless possibilities, he didn't notice someone else's presence until the brown-haired woman was standing right next to him.
"Deep in thought like usual?"
"Hmm, yeah. Would you like a cup of coffee? It's fresh." Murrue Ramius shook her head as she politely declined. Shrugging, Andrew sipped some of his own and stared back out towards the ocean.
"How is Lacus?"
"She's fine as far I know. The kids seemed to make up as well sometime last night." He grinned at Murrue. "It's amazing how easy going they both are."
"That's because their personalities match so well together." Grinning back, she winked at Andrew, "And they are absolutely in love." Both adults started laughing, knowing full well that's the reason for Kira's easy forgiveness.
Murrue leaned on the railing, feeling a cool breeze pass by her. "The air feels stiff. Something is coming."
"Agreed. Hopefully this time, the world will come to their senses before everything is completely destroyed." Andrew saw Murrue cringe, but knew his words were honest, containing the simple fear they all shared. "So I had a talk with the kid last night."
Murrue glanced at the older man surprised. "Kira? When did you find the time? He was with Lacus the whole time after she fainted." Andrew nodded turning around, leaning his back against the railing.
"Yeah, I managed to coax him out of the room for a few minutes to explain the basis of what's happening. He wasn't too happy with the lie Lacus and I upheld, but he also understood why she would hide things from him." He sighed, remembering the boy's disappointment of not catching Lacus's lie so easily.
"We had a good conversation. We'd both agreed to discuss it more today when Lacus wakes up. And also I wanted to ask you about it as well."
"Eh?" Murrue stared at him confused. "About what?"
"The kid and I discussed actually moving to the PLANTs while this blows over." She shot him a questioning look while Andrew just shrugged his shoulders, a serious expression crossing his face.
"We're Coordinators. Even though Orb is currently a neutral country, once they sign the treaty Coordinators will be driven out. The kid understands this. The songstress didn't think of this reason, with so much going through her head, but it does strengthen her case to leave soon."
He paused, recollecting his thoughts. "And I was wondering if you would like to join us?"
Murrue smiled at him, her mind allowing the constant memories of all the pain and loss she endured over the years to revive. Images of a tall blonde-haired man with an enchanting grin flashed through her head. "Maybe it will be a nice change of pace." She whispered with a sad smile.
"Maybe…"
Blinking a few times, Lacus allowed her eyes to roam over the other people present in the room. After registering their impatient glares, her blue orbs rested back on Kira who was the only one who appeared patient with her decision.
"You are willing to live in PLANTs?"
Kira nodded and smiled at her repetitive question. Ever since he told her about their plan when they woke up, Lacus kept questioning the same thing. This is the fifth time, he thought a little amused, she really doesn't believe it was my initial decision. "Yes, Lacus. Even though I don't like leaving Cagalli or my mother behind, I think it will benefit us. After all, we are Coordinators."
Lacus nearly cringed at the word. To her, the words Coordinator and Natural were just labeling tools, so every human being would always have a barrier between them. She didn't like Kira associating the word with himself, especially when the memory of his birth of the Ultimate Coordinator could haunt him again.
Sighing, Andrew was tired of the endless conversation that was occurring. He was even more agitated with Lacus' obvious reluctance now.
She wanted him to leave desperately before. Why the sudden change of heart?
Unexpectedly, Murrue approached Lacus first about her position instead of Andrew. "Lacus, I can understand why you are surprise Kira would suggest this idea. But, we all agree this would be the correct path to take right now, so why? Do you not wish to leave anymore? There can be possible fighting here in Orb."
"No," Lacus quietly replied, racking her head for a plausible explanation.
I don't know why I feel hesitate to leave now. Before, I wanted nothing more but Kira to live peacefully somewhere else while everything blows over. Now, I can sense the tension and possible repercussions that can occur.
"I'm afraid what the PLANTs next move will be."
Everyone's expressions turned into complete surprise, summing up they did not expect that answer from her. Kira's surprise expression quickly turned to solemn understanding. Lacus saw him studied her allowing him to make contact with her eyes, knowing he would be able to read her feelings.
Deeply sighing, Kira approached her holding out his hands. On instinct, she grasped his hands, intertwining their fingers. The move was so natural, so defining of their understanding of each other where words were not needed. Kira knew she needed help detaining her fears, and holding onto her small hands was one way to begin the battle against them.
He gave her a sincere smile, "Don't worry. We'll be fine, I promise."
Without warning, she launched into his arms giving him a quick hug. Surprised, Kira didn't react at first, but he copied her movements and hugged her tightly him. Hearing Lacus give a light sigh, he knew he had won his first case.
"I'll trust your decision. Mr. Waltfeld and Miss Murrue always know which paths to take. We couldn't be under better guidance." Pausing, she gave him her own smile. "And you definitely know which direction to go. I'll follow you anywhere, Kira."
Days passed as the preparations to move to PLANTs were underway. Shuttles to the colonies were reducing in number as each day passed; a sure sign that Orb was rejecting the PLANTs and following under the control of their new partner, the Alliance.
Andrew was making all the arrangements for their departure as Murrue made sure that Reverend Malchio, Caridad and the children would be well situation in their mansion during their absence. Lacus was also preparing for departure as soon as possible. In a short time, she managed to pack up essentials items for both her and Kira. She knew they would stay at her old family estate, but she wanted to be well prepared for anything.
Kira, on the other hand, was becoming very anxious. As soon as the made the decision to leave, he tried contacting his sister about their movements. Since Lacus' last visit, neither Kira nor Lacus had heard from the princess. Knowing his sister was busy running Orb, Kira was not too concern at first when he couldn't reach her. Then as the days continued to sweep past, Kira's concerns grew as he couldn't reach her one single time, or even get past the first check of security.
Andrew tried reassuring the kid, that it's just the building tension between the new allies as Orb signed the treaty one day after Lacus' visit. Yet, even the older man felt something was brewing as he had warned the Minerva to leave Orb as soon as possible on the same day.
As she packed the last of their bags, Lacus allowed her mind to wander over the attack of the Atlantic Federation made on the Minerva.
Chaos had arisen as Minerva was attack outside Orb's waters. And to add to the fears of Andrew and the others; Orb was willing to attack the ZAFT ship if it wandered back into Orb's boundaries. Luckily, the Minerva had managed to escape, though there was a new uncrossable boundary between them and nation of the leader they saved during Armory One.
Not believing Cagalli would allow such an attack on an ally ship, Kira was desperate to talk to her. He even threatened to break into Orb's council building to talk with his sister. Lacus managed to convince him not to do anything reckless, but she did have the same feelings as him.
A large sigh engulfed the room as Lacus could no longer concentrate on her task. Pushing the bag away, she slowly sank down onto the bed. Worry started gnawing at her as she hadn't seen Kira all day.
I'm sure he won't do anything reckless. It will be reassuring though if he can talk to Cagalli before we leave. I don't want him to worry about her during the time we will be away, since we will not be able to come back for awhile. I hope everything is alright with Cagalli.
Her mind began filling with worries and concerns. Soon enough, Lacus found it too exhausting to address each problem in her head. Stretching out on the bed, she found herself humming a song trying to clear her thoughts. Not long after, she drifted off into dreamless sleep.
Lacus did not know how long she had been asleep. Opening her eyes, she found the room pitched black. Knowing it was the middle of the night, she reached out looking for the familiar warmth of the person next to her.
A frown formed when she found the other side of the bed empty. Confused, Lacus sat up and turned on the bedside lamp. Light filled the room as she adjusted her sight to take in her surroundings. Disappointment washed over her as she saw Kira's side of the bed empty.
It's the middle of the night, so he should be here, she mused as she got out of bed. Another little detail caught her attention while she was brushing her fingers through her hair.
His side is still made. That means he never came to bed tonight.
Furrowing her brow, she slowly left the room thinking of possible places he would be hanging out so late. Wandering the halls, Lacus felt a cool breeze and found the door leading the patio slightly ajar. Ignoring the chill, Lacus walked right outside to see her sweetheart deep in thought.
"Kira. Aren't you tired? What are you doing outside this late at night?"
At the sound of her voice, Kira turned giving her a small smile. "Sorry. A lot has been running through mind lately. Rest is not one of them."
"But, you do need to rest." Nodding Kira glanced upwards. Lacus followed his gaze noticing the only thing visible in the sky, the PLANT colonies. He's probably worried about Athrun as well, she thought walking towards him.
Encircling one of his arms, Lacus rested her head on his shoulder giving him silent support. Kira's mind seemed to slow down as Lacus relaxed next to him. Silence engulfed them, but both teens were content with the silence.
She gives me such comfort, such support. I couldn't ask for anything more.
A sudden flash in the sky caught their attention. Smaller lights spread across the sky all near the PLANTs, missing the main colonies. The two teens stared in complete horror as the scene unfolded in front them.
In complete shock, Lacus could only gasp and whisper, "Those are..." Kira heard her as he took a sharp intake of breath.
Gripping the railing tightly, he let out a low growl, "Those are nuclear explosions."
Lacus clung onto Kira's arm as she felt her legs grow weak. It was happening again, now there was no turning back. She shivered as thought about the damage nuclear explosions could cause. Feeling her shiver, Kira placed an arm around her waist supporting her incase she collapsed.
He understood her fears. The PLANTs were just attack, insinuating a war. Anger was building up inside him. Time was up; they would have to leave, if they could still leave. A war was starting and once again the Naturals were fighting against the Coordinators.
"There is no hope this time," Kira glanced down to see a very pale Lacus, her calm demeanor dissapearing. "Hate and anger are just too strong. How long until this world is devoured?"
Lacus wrapped her arms around him, desperate to seek strength. Kira hugged her like she was his last life preserver. "Don't worry," He said calmly. "We'll figure something out. We'll make it through this."
Somehow…
The nuclear attack on the PLANTs did exactly what both Kira and Lacus feared; a declaration of war. It had been several days since the attack, but luckily Orb had not made any moves with their military yet. Everyone was thankful for this, but they all knew there wasn't much time before Orb join in the attack against ZAFT.
Because of the attack, Andrew found out that all ties with transportation to the colonies were severed. Now stuck in Orb, Andrew could only pray they had some time before the Alliance would force Orb to kick out the remaining Coordinators. Though the threat was not directly against them, Kira still found himself watching Lacus closely out of habit. Lately, she had been staying with the children, trying to keep their spirits up and they hadn't spent much time together. To both teens though, everyday became like a waiting game.
Night came on the eighth day since the attack and Kira sighed, depressed that Lacus stayed in the children's room again that night. He liked she was always so willing to be near the children, including sleeping in their rooms. But he always felt lonely when she wasn't cuddled next to him.
Even though she is only a few rooms over, she feels far from my reach.
I still want to watch over her he argued to himself as he shifted into another position. After an hour, Kira drifted off to a quiet, but restless sleep. Something kept wrenching at his heart, something felt wrong.
His instincts were right as he shot up, fully awake to the sound of shattering glass. The sound of a bullet being fired was enough for Kira to jump out of bed and raced out of his room towards Lacus'. Before he reached the room, he almost ran straight into Andrew.
Seeing the man flick off the safety of the gun he was holding, anxiety grew in Kira knowing for sure something was wrong. "Mr. Wal-"
"Go with Captain Ramius to the shelter," Andrew said urgently, cutting Kira off. "Protect Lacus and the kids."
Without hesitation Kira nodded, turning away to go find Lacus. He was stopped when Andrew grabbed his arm. With a questioning look, Kira turned back towards the older man, confused why he stopped him.
"Here."
Andrew held out his hand, and the young teen nearly cringed at the sight of the gun he was holding. Andrew noted Kira's reluctance, but shoved the gun into his hands. "Just in case," He said before taking off in the other direction.
Having no time to waste, Kira held onto the gun without registering what completely was happening. He reached the children's room and push the door open fast causing it to slam against the wall. All the children woke with a start and began yelling or crying, but Kira's eyes were focused on one person.
Lacus sat up in bed looking curiously at Kira's strange entrance. The first thing she saw was the gun in his right hand. Then her eyes quickly shifted to come in contact with his and she could see the fear clearly.
"Kira?"
"Quickly, we have to go the shelter. There are intruders in the house." Murrue appeared in the room ushering Caridad and Reverend Malchio inside the small room. Her gun was drawn as she stayed next to the door, surveying for any intruders.
With the persisting from the adults, the children quickly obey getting up and gathering together, staying as quiet as possible. Kira went straight to Lacus clasping her hand and squeezing it tightly. She looked at him, fear building in her as well.
"Kira, what's happening?"
Shaking his head, he gave her a sad expression. "I don't know."
"Kira! Lacus! We have to get going." Murrue whispered loudly.
Reluctantly letting go of his hand, Lacus walked towards the door, ready to assist the children. Murrue nodded to her once, signaling they were clear. Reverend Malchio and Caridad walked out first with the children with Lacus trailing behind. Kira followed up the rear, keeping his gun ready but his eyes never left Lacus's back.
The group slowly made their way through the dark hallways. They could hear the distant sound of gun fire in the levels below them. Pushing the children to walk a little faster, the adults became nervous about how much time they really had.
On instinct, Murrue ran in front of the group covering the adjacent hallway as they made their way to the shelter. As Kira walked passed her, he nodded to her, his expression showing a little relief of not being detected. Murrue then nodded back at him.
The instant she took her eyes off the hallway, one of the doors bust open following with a spray of bullets.
"Miss Murrue!" Kira shouted as she dodged in time avoiding the shots. Pressing herself against the wall, she quickly shot a look to him while readying her weapon.
"Go! Quickly!"
He didn't want to leave her, but he knew they had to get everyone to safety as soon as possible. Without looking back, he ushered the group forward allowing them to reach the end of the hallway where the shelter was located.
After entering the security code, the children along with Reverend Malchio and Caridad stepped into the large room; all being grateful they were safe at the moment. Lacus made sure everyone was in the shelter as she waited outside, refusing to enter without Kira.
Kira was standing a few feet in front of her, looking for Murrue. She came around the corner a few seconds later, reloading another clip. At the same time a door across the hallway flew open causing both Murrue and Kira to aim their weapons at the intruder. The brown-haired woman let out a vast sigh of relief as Andrew appeared.
Cursing softly, Andrew crossed to where they were and placed a hand on Kira's shoulder. "There's no end to them. We're going to have to wait them out." His sight wandered over the boy's shoulder and he wasn't the least bit surprise to seeing Lacus waiting for the kid. "Let's get to the shelter."
While they were talking, no one notice a pink robot hopping around heading towards its owner. "I won't accept that. I won't accept that." Confused Kira turned around to see Haro bouncing into Lacus's hand; a glint of silver to her side catching his eye. His heart completely stopped when he lunged at her, praying he would make it in time.
"Lacus!"
Kira plowed into her driving them both to the ground. Managing to turn himself, Kira landed on his back with Lacus on top of him. Barely registering the sound of rapid fire, Kira refused to move his arms, squeezing his love to him. He was scared that he didn't save her. He was scared that man's bullet had found its target.
Please say I made it in time. Please be okay Lacus. I can't go on without you…
"Kira." Her voice was so quiet, but it shook Kira out of his trance. He glanced down at her and saw she was staring at him, concern growing in her eyes. She's okay, I made it in time, thank god he thought as he searched her for any injuries and finding none. Lacus was focusing on him more than herself. "Are you alright?" He didn't answer. Instead he rose quickly, holding out a hand to her.
Lacus immediately grasped his hand, allowing Kira to pull her to her feet aas they rushed into the shelter. Murrue and Andrew followed behind allowing the door to close and completely lock down.
Exhausted, Murrue collapsed on her knees slowly lowering her weapon. Both she and Andrew were worn out, but they knew it was far from over. "They were Coordinators."
Nodding, Andrew grumbled, "Yeah. They were a special opts team. Highly skilled and trained for this situation."
"Mr. Waltfeld? They were from ZAFT, weren't they?"
Andrew turned towards Kira, knowing what was going through the kid's mind. He looks terrible, the older man thought as he studied him. Indeed, Kira was very pale and his eyes were wide with surprise and anxiety. Even though on the outside it was obvious he was scared, Andrew could see the deep dark hate rising inside the young kid.
I don't blame him. I'm pissed these guys came with the guns to kill anybody in their way. Worst of all, their target is Lacus. Something is definitely up and she's been pushed back into the middle of the chaos.
Kira squared his shoulders determined to get a straight answer from Andrew. "Are they after Lacus?"
Andrew said nothing, but just gave a quick nod. Kira grimaced as the close call they just had replayed over and over again in his head. The answer did hurt, but he didn't know what he was looking for. Condolence? Reassurance? Hate? Kira wasn't clear on what he wanted, but knowing ZAFT was after Lacus had a deep, irreversible effect on him.
They will pay.
Murrue and Andrew saw the change in Kira's eyes. Both knew something was changing and before Andrew was going to knock some sense into the kid, Lacus walked up to them.
After they reached the shelter, Lacus pushed away her fear of her attempted murder and focused on calming the upset children. It was nerve racking to know someone wanted her dead, but being the person she was, Lacus was able to push down her own feelings and focus on those who needed the most attention.
Noticing Kira was talking to Murrue and Andrew, Lacus was concern on how her beloved would react to this. After he saved her from being shot, Kira refused to let her go and she could feel his terror through his actions of almost losing her.
I have to help him. I have to make sure Kira doesn't lose it.
With her new determination, Lacus walked up to the group who were standing in a small circle on the other side of the room. "Kira." She said his name softly, but he visibly jumped at her voice. When he turned to face her, she nearly gasped out loud. His deep violet eyes always filled with love and innocence were covered with raw and hate. Am I already too late she asked herself as she slowly approached them.
She lightly touched Kira's arms, and she saw his eyes lighten a little, but not much. Seeing his grim expression Lacus knew it was bad. Knowing she wouldn't get a straight answer out of him, she turned to the other two adults.
"Mr. Waltfeld, Miss Murrue, they were after me, weren't they?"
Murrue's gaze shifted down. She heard the determination in the girl's voice about the current situation, but she could also recognize the fear beneath everything. Yet, she couldn't be honest at this moment with Lacus. Noticing this, Andrew sighed, knowing he had to be the one to answer the songstress.
Suddenly the room started shaking uncontrollably. Lacus let out a small cry as she fell forward only to be stopped by Kira. Wrapping his arms around Lacus, Kira braced himself steadily as the shaking started to slow.
Placing her hand against his chest, Lacus pushed herself away from him, but only far enough to see his face. "Kira."
"Lacus."
Her heart felt like it was cracking as she saw a glimpse of despair cross his face. She never wanted to others to protect her, yet she was happy Kira was still determined to stand by her.
Hearing a low grumble, both teens turned to see Andrew and Murrue, pressure obvious on their faces. "They were and are still after her. Damn it!" Andrew pounded on the wall with his fist as anger began building up. We are sitting ducks here, he thought as he heard recognizable low rumbles. "There using mobile suits now. They won't stop at this rate."
Kira shot the man a horrid look while Andrew just shook his head, his face unreadable. "We should move farther in. These walls won't hold forever." Within the minute the whole group made it into the next room luckily in time as the first door exploded revealing several mobile suits.
Andrew knew they were out of time and options. I'll fly that thing if I have to, he thought as glanced over at Lacus. "We've run out of options. You have the keys, right? We have to open the door."
Lacus' eyes widen in surprise as her heart began to quicken.
No, I can't let this happen. Kira cannot pilot the Freedom again. He doesn't deserve that torture again.
"Lacus?" Shaking, she peered up at him and saw questioning eyes. She could not answer him, her voice had vanished. It's too soon she thought as she tightened her grip on the hand she was still clasping. Noticing her apprehension, Kira found himself drawn to the giant door in front of them. He knew what was behind it, but he never felt so certain about piloting the machine again as he did now.
"Hand the keys to me, Lacus. I'll open the door." Complete shock crossed her face, as she clutched Haro, who was still in her other hand, tighter to her chest. Pleading with her eyes, Lacus searched his face for some signs of reconsideration. A numb feeling began growing in her chest when she saw his determination instead of reluctance.
"Would you rather we all give up the fight here?" Andrew asked impatiently, knowing they were out of time.
"No! Of course, not. It's just..I can't." She felt everyone's gaze on her, but all she could do was stare at the floor. Warm hands clasped over shoulders causing her gaze to shift up and come in contact with deep violet orbs she longed to see happiness in.
"Lacus, it's alright," Kira's voice was calm and collected no hint of being forced or pressured. Tears stung in her eyes, as she knew she had little chance of changing his mind. "I'm alright with it. I want to do this."
"But, Kira this is…"
Nodding, Kira placed his hands around her back and pulled Lacus against him. "I know. But I want to protect you, I need to protect you. It would kill me if I couldn't." Lacus heard a deep intake of breath as she imagined all the possible outcomes of this attack running through his mind. Pressing herself closer to him, she was too afraid to answer him back.
If I say even one word, I will completely lose it. I won't beg him to stay, but I don't want to let him go.
Kira understood her hesitation, but determination to protect his love one was overdriving all of his sense. "Please, Lacus." She pulled away from him, knowing her avoidance of the gundam was at its end.
A slow sigh of defeat rush from her mouth, as she held out her pink robot allowing Kira to take the keys. She couldn't stop him; she had no way to refuse him.
Taking the two small keys from Lacus, Kira wasted no time of handing one to Andrew as the both approached the door and its security locks.
"Ready, kid?"
"Yes." Andrew nodded as he started a countdown to activating the keys. A low rumble sounded as they activated the keys, allowing the large door to slide open, showing the secret weapon waiting to be piloted again.
Kira stared at the gundam as it stared back at its previous pilot. The shiny eyes stared him down, even as he walked towards Freedom, each step more firm than the last.
Lacus couldn't take her eyes off Kira as he walked towards the Freedom. He didn't even look back, she thought sadly as she watched him until the door closed, separating them.
"Please come back," she whispered at the close door. Another large explosion shook the shelter as both Andrew and Murrue figured the shelter was at its limit.
"Hurry!" Murrue shouted pushing the children towards the remaining exit "We have no other choice, we have to go outside."
Reverend Malchio, Caridad, and the children ran up the final set of stairs with Murrue right behind them. Andrew grasped Lacus's arm as she was still watching the door, unaware of the oncoming danger.
"We have to leave, Lacus!" Seeing her not moving, Andrew started pulling her along with him as he dashed towards the stairs. "Don't worry. That kid's the best damn pilot there ever was."
"No, that's not it," she said softly as her sense began kicking in again. Letting go of her arm, both Andrew and Lacus rushed forward as they heard the door to the shelter exploding. Andrew cursed as he urged her to run faster.
That was our last line of defense. Hopefully the kid hasn't gotten that rusty.
As an answer to his prayers, both of them felt another rumbling through the walls. Instead of being from the attackers on the outside, the sound was coming from inside, deeper in the mountain. Andrew nearly grinned as they reached the top of the stairs and burst outside with the remaining group. Up above them, shown a bright flash of light as a fast object shot through the top of the mountain and down to the shore.
Lacus was drawn near the gundam as she stepped towards the edge of the area they were gathered on. His movements are still so flawless, so fluent, she thought as the Freedom wasted no time disabling all of the enemy mobile suits.
Little time passed before each mobile suit was defeated as the sun slowly rose after a long night. Lacus gasped in shock when a mobile suit self-destructed suddenly followed by every other one. Pain built up as she imagined the feelings passing through Kira at this sight.
He still doesn't want to hurt anyone, and yet he could not stop them from hurting themselves. I wonder if he will be able to face this fate once again.
Lacus gave a small sigh as she knew they had lost their chance at peace.
"Oh, Kira."
Everyone watched silently as the Freedom stood over the defeated. Kira gripped the controls tighter, knowing he already triggered worthless sacrifices.
This is happening again. People will just throw away their lives for unreasonable motives.
His thoughts passed through his mind, as he used the gundam's camera to search for his friends. Seeing the group was safely out of the shelter, Kira allowed the camera to focus on the only one staring at him intently. Kira could see the uneasiness in Lacus' eyes, and understood what she was feeling.
ZAFT will not stop until they finish their plans or their target.
"Soon, Lacus, soon," He said as anger built up towards his new enemy. "We'll finish this and go somewhere where we will not have to fight. One day we will be free of these burdens, I swear."
Wow, talk about a hard chapter to write. I couldn't seem to write the direction I wanted to, so I hope you guys still like how this chapter progressed. Next chapter should be up in a week or a little more depending on school. Thanks for reading and see you on chapter 5! Till next time!