Is this where I belong?

Chapter 9: A Changing Tides.

How's everybody? This is chapter 9 of this fic. Several key parts of this chapter differ from the episode so look out for those parts! And I apologize in advance for any spelling and grammer mistakes. Now here's the chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed or Gundam 00 and never will. They belong to Sunrise.

Italic-thought, dreams, and flashbacks.

Bold-yelling, when someone raises their voice, or for emphasis.


Over the ocean with Exia and the Flag:

"It's finally time we meet." Graham declared as the Exia and his flag's swords met. The tension was pratically consuming the two pilots, as their weapons clashed. Graham had to admit the Gundam was impressive. Though noticing it pushing forward to surprise him, he quickly pushed forward as well.

That's when he felt that same feeling. The feeling his senses were heightened and more alert... Almost as if he could tell what the pilot was attempting to do before he did so. Quickly maneuvering out of the way as the Gundam charged forward with its blade.

Smirking he never felt more alive. Nothing was better than fighting a worthy opponent. This would be fun!

Though that thought wasn't shared with Setsuna. Grinding his teeth together he tried once more to land a hit. But either the Flag dodged or counterattacked him at every turn. Graham's flag bringing out a beam rifle firing shots at the Exia. As the distance between them grew Setsuna sped forward, unsheathing the Exia's beam saber.

"A beam saber?!"

That action caught Graham off guard. He wasn't expecting the Gundam to possess such a thing. That split moment of surprise allowed Setsuna to slice the Flag's beam rifle in half. Moving away from the blade, the Flag came from the Exia's blindspot. Reached out it latched on to the Gundam's shoulder. Pulling the part as it tried to separate it from the frame.

"Well if I can't defeat you then I'll just take a part of you with me!" Graham's facial features getting more serious. The admiration fading slightly as he realized that he needed to get something... anything from this battle.

Though Setsuna wouldn't have it, yelling out.

"Do not touch me!" Jerking away the Exia unattached its beam rifle, firing shots as the attacking Flag. Seeing as this wouldn't go anywhere Graham decided to retreat. Smiling to himself, happy as he knew that wouldn't be the last time he would fight the Gundams.

The Exia stood midair as it watched the enemy mobile suit retreat. Wondering who on Earth that pilot was.

"Who are you?"

JNN News Headquarters:

Kinue was currently in her office, going over the information her associate dug up for her.

"Aeolia Schenberg..." Kinue muttered as she scrolled down the page. Her eyes firmly fixed on the page. Aeolia Schenberg was shaking hands with an important official.

"He was an advocate for special particles and the orbital elevators..." She muttered as she took a sip of coffee. Setting the cup down next to her computer. Though she felt a nagging at the back of her head...

"Damn! I was supposed to meet with that intern!" Quickly standing on her feet she left her office. Frustration clear on her face as she hurried to the lobby, where the girl was supposed to be waiting. Taking the elevator she waited impatiently for it to reach the bottom floor. As she arrived she caught her breath, as she scanned around for the intern. Though it wasn't that hard, because there was only one other person there.

She was standing near the entrance with a calm professional air, unlike Kinue herself at the present moment. That's when she noticed how young Miss Yamato looked. Kinue couldn't help but notice she looked around the same age as Saji. Frowning slightly she couldn't help but wonder why she would be so set at finding a career at her age. When she should've been having fun and continuing her education.

Shaking her head she cast those thought aside. It was none of her business about Miss Yamato's reasons. She too had to work young to support Saji and herself. Unexpectedly Kinue found herself wanting to have a bond with the younger girl, when Kinue hadn't even said a single word to her.

Smiling as she waved her hand to get Kira's attention. Kira looking up quickly as she walked over. Giving a friendly smile to Kinue.

"Maybe it wouldn't be so bad for me to work with her..." Kinue thought to herself as she and Kira walked side by side to the elevators waiting doors

In the Union's Air Carrier:

Graham retreated back to the Union's carrier after the fight with the Gundam. Currently sitting with only Billy alone.

"You're performance was quite impressive. Especially going into battle with little information." Billy complimented. Graham though only acknowledged the compliment with a nod. His mind in other places.

Seeing how his friend's mind was currently not in the present time, Billy decided to leave him alone for the time being. Though now at this time, Graham's curosity towards the Gundam was slightly satiated his mind was now free to think of other things. First was that girl at the demonstration...

Every since seeing her he felt different. Like how his senses were more sharp and focused in fighting. Never in his years in the military did he ever feel that way. No matter how he honed his skills and practiced. Now out of nowhere it took just that girl to bring about this change. He would be lying if he said he didn't like or appreciate this new feeling, but he wanted to know more...

"We've lost sight of the Gundam." Both Graham and Billy looking up at the ceiling where the announcement centered. Sighing to himself Graham said.

"Well it seems like I've been dumped." Shrugging his shoulders at the news. But now this gave him some time to attend to other things. Standing up as he prepared to leave the room, before walking out he stopped at the doorway. Turning back to Billy, he decided to ask him to do a favor, trying to sound as if it wasn't that much of an importance.

"Billy? Would it possible for you find the information of the photographers at the AEU's demonstration?" Remembering that girl had a camera in her possession. Failing to hide the growing excitement in his voice.

Surprised Billy looked at his friend, "Why would you want to know that?"

"Just curious..." Graham knew Billy wouldn't understand his fascination with the stranger. Hoping he would leave the subject alone and keep his questions to himself.

"Well I'm sure that would be easy to find..." Looking at Graham wary of why he would want to know.

"Thank you!" Graham said cheerfully, trying to make it seem he didn't notice Billy's strange look that he pointly directed at him. Quickly leaving the room before more questions would be asked. With the elated feeling he may be able to find that girl again and get some answers...

AEU Intelligence Agency Headquarters Director's Office:

Two men stood alone in the office. Their discussion's subject very similar to the one Kinue spoke of. It seemed like quite a few people had the same assumptions about the man in Celestial Being's message. The director presumably was facing the window behind his desk. His assistant giving him some information on Aeolia Schenberg.

"What about the whereabouts of his assets?"

"Well the records of the time leave no indication..." His assistant answered quickly.

The Director's expression was not shown to the other man, but it was easy to see he was troubled by the very possible of Aeolia Schenberg's involvement, if he was involved that meant Celestial Being had both the funds and capability to achieve all this.

Finally responding he said, "He probably prepared for all of this. Security after all in the 21st century was nonexistent, after all."

"Yes." His assistant agreed.

"Aren't they cautious... Celestial Being?" The Director asked, looking at the other man with a knowing glance. Afterwards taking a seat as his desk.

"Director, do you believe they will continue with their armed interventions?"

"I would if I were them. Prepare the data for a report to Parliament." He said while folding his hands.

"And make up an excuse too."

Human Reform League's Orbital Elevator:

"Passengers departing on the Pillar of Heaven Travel Bureau Train E273, please board at gate A12." The announcer's voice said.

Three out four of the Gundam meisters were at the elevator. The chrome metal of the structure clean and polished. Lockon, Allelujah, and Tieria were waiting for Setsuna at a standing table. Their drinks untouched in front of them. The glass doors opening to let a person in. That person of course was the one they were waiting for.

Looking up Lockon caught sight of Setsuna.

"Yo, you're late!" As Allelujah and Tieria looked at the fourth meister as well. Setsuna continued walking towards their table, stopping and standing at the side opposite of Lockon.

"We thought you died." Tieria said bluntly, barely acknowledging Setsuna's presence.

"Did something happen?" Allelujah's concerned voice was a great contrast to Tieria's.

"I was filling a report on Veda." Setsuna answered simply, closing his eyes unconcerned.

"I'll look over it later." Tieria put in. Setsuna making a sound as a response.

Trying to lighten up the mood Lockon decided to change the subject. Since the atmosphere wasn't exactly pleasant.

"Well at least all of us made it out safely. By the way have any of you heard from Kira? It seems like a long while since any of us seen or heard from her."

"She's been busy with her cover working with the media." Setsuna said not saying anything more.

"Then I guess she's doing okay, though she should report in soon. So...Then Tieria we'll leave space to you." Lockon now getting serious as he gave the meister's objectives.

"The three of us will head out for the next mission."

Tieria taking out his passport said directly to someone, "I'll obey orders. Although I'm anxious..." Pointly looking at Setsuna as he was saying this.

Both Lockon and Allelujah chuckled slightly. That was the time the waiter came up to their table. Placing a cup of milk in front of Setsuna.

"Thank you for waiting. Please enjoy your drinks" He said, nodding his head as he went off to attend to other customers. Setsuna looked down at the drink in front of him.

"Milk?" He asked as he automatically looked up at Lockon.

"It's on me." Lockon said as he raised his hand, smiling at Setsuna.

After this conversation the train was preparing to leave, Tieria getting his things ready as other passengers were doing. That's when Allelujah had to ask.

"Is it really possible to return a suit to space with the orbital elevator?"

"It's nothing to worry about. As planned we'll hide it with the materials they're using to develop the colony." Lockon assured him.

The remaining three watching Tieria leave. Pausing slightly he looked back at them before continuing on his way.

"As long as that weight he is carrying is the same as everyone else, the following security checks will be nothing. Especially here." He added.

"A true weak spot." Allelujah said, looking down at his coffee. Even though he didn't say anything about this, Allelujah wasn't that concerned about the elevator's security. Truthfully he was a bit disappointed in not seeing Kira. It felt like a long time since he last seen her on the Ptolemaios. It was also awhile since she contacted any of them...

Though he wouldn't tell the others about his worries and decided to voice his other concern. "If we truly have a weakness, it's that, without the Gundams, the operational time for the Ptolemaios would be extremely limited. Our four solar furnac-" The words dying on his lips as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

Looking up to see the owner of the hand was Setsuna.

"Don't discuss confidental information here." Setsuna's eyes as serious as ever.

"Sorry." Allelujah apologized, removing Setsuna's hand from his shoulder.

A sound indicated that the train was leaving. Lockon looking up at the schedule board.

"Tieria's train is departing."

"Pillar of Heaven Travel Bureau Train E227 is departing as scheduled at 5:32 GMT." The announcer's voice sounded.

The monitor showing the train beginning to depart. Lockon and Allelujah turned towards the monitor, watching the departure's progress, while Setsuna looked out from the corner of his eye.

Thinking to himself, "A linear rail into space..."

On the train with Tieria:

Tieria was sitting in a compartment all by himself. Which was something he personally requested. Tieria's hand supported his head as he looked out the window. His eyes watched the train's progress through the levels. While having only one thought.

"Finally I can return. I hate being on the ground."

Back with Lockon, Allelujah, and Setsuna:

Since Tieria was now heading out to space, that meant the other three had to head out for the next mission. Exiting out of the glass doors of the structure to the bright clear day outside.

Lockon yawning and stretching as they walked, "Should we go back now?" He asked mid yawn. Allelujah turned towards him and responded.

"I would like to take a day off at least."

"We have to hammer the iron while it's still red-hot. We won't be taken seriously if we stop now." Not noticing as they walked away, that just behind them were a group of soldiers from the HRL waiting. Saluting a man with a briefcase as he walked out the glass doors.

"We've been expecting you, Lieutenant Colonel." One soldier spoke as they acknowledged their superior's arrival. The Lieutenant Colonel saluting back as the soldier asked him how was space. As he brought his hand down he easily responded.

"I prefer it down here. Especially the gravity." His voice deep and showed his age. Another interesting trait was the scar that went through his left eye.

"That's good to hear. The commander is waiting. Please..." The same soldier responded and asked as he moved to take his superior's luggage. But before he could the Lieutenant Colonel put a hand up signaling that it was okay. There was something else he needed to attend to first.

"Before that, I'd like to drop by Ceylon."

The same soldier straightened up and seemed to disagree. "But if you do that..."

"I'm a man that doesn't believe anything unless I see it with my own eyes. The commander will understand." He countered back not taking no for an answer.

Saluting once again, "Yes, sir! We will accompany you."

Union MSWAD Headquarters:

It was dark out, the lights from a huge building lit up the dark sky. This was the Union's MSWAD Headquarters and inside was three people discussing. Two in particular were familiar, the third sitting in the desk wasn't.

Both Graham and Billy stood in their superior's office, the man was writing furiously as he talked.

"You were supposed to inspect the AEU's new model, but it has turned into quite a mess." He finally spoke up, his eyes still on the paper he was writing on. Frustration taking shape on his face.

That's when Graham came in. "I never imagined such a suit existed."

"I as well think it's worth researching." Billy added on.

"It seems like the higher-ups agree." The man said while putting his pen in an inkwell, as he talked.

Reaching for to open a drawer, Graham and Billy's eyes followed his movement. Taking out two folders he lightly set them on the desk in front of the two. Folding his hands in front his face he explained.

"The two of you that witnessed the Gundams have been reassigned." Both Graham and Billy picked up the folders and looked at the contents.

"The Anti-Gundam Investigation Unit...?" Graham asked, reading the name of the unit they were now assigned to. Looking up as he closed the file.

"It's a newly established unit. Headquarters will probably give it an official name later." He explained. That's when Billy noticed a familiar name on the rooster.

"Professor Lief Eifmen... The chief engineer will be in charge?" His brow furrowing at that piece of information.

Looking deathly serious the officer confirmed it. "That's how much the importance the higher-ups place on this. I expect fast results."

Closing the folders, both men tucked them under their arms and saluted. "Yes, sir!"

"First Lieutenant Graham Acre and Engineering Advisor Billy Katagiri have acknowledged their reassignment to the Anti-Gundam Investigation Unit."

Shortly leaving the office, they walked side by side. The atmosphere from the situation before made it difficult to talk casually.

"I'm surprised." Graham said, surprised that the higher-ups already created a unit for investigating the Gundams.

"Didn't you know anything about it?" Billy asked.

"No I don't have that much power. Although I do feel a sense of fate." But for two entirely different things. One thing still needed to answered.

Graham was still curious about that girl and needed to know if Billy found anything yet.

"Did you find the information on the media's photographers at the demonstration?" Getting straight to the point.

Billy looked startled at his friend, though he did answer. "Ah, yes I did find all the media's photographers in attendence." Producing a flash drive from his pocket. Holding it out to Graham. Taking it Graham thanked Billy, now knowing that the two things that held his interest would be properly attended to.

Union's Special Economic Zone: Tokyo

Though it was a bright clear day, not everybody was outside to enjoy it. Because at this time many students were in their classes. Listening to their teachers give lectures, looking longingly out the windows.

Saji was trying to pay attention to his teacher. But his voice droning on and on about a normally uninteresting subject was taking its toll on Saji. This was the only class he didn't share with Louise. So it was quieter than it normally be. Though just in time the bell rang signaling the end of the class. Unfortunately not in time for the teacher to forget to assign a report due soon. Leaving the room slowly Saji went to the cafe near the school, where he was supposed to meet Louise.

Bit of timeskip, Saji and Louise are sitting at a table:

"Another report then." Sighing Saji held his head up with his hand. Suddenly tired after the long day. Louise as usual was cheerful as ever. Though when he complained about learning history in a engineering school, Louise decided to impersonate one of their teacher's explanation on the importance of the subject. Too caught up with Louise's antics to notice his sister and another girl come up to their table.

Jerking up Saji said. "Nee-san?"

"Hi Saji I see you're with a friend..." Though the way his sister looked at Louise wasn't so friendly. That's when Saji decided looked at the girl standing next to his sister. Something was familiar about her, as if he met her before. Dismissing it Saji decided that wasn't possible, because he would have remembered someone like her.

She was very attractive and judging from the way Louise was glaring at her she had the same exact thoughts.

"By the way, this is Kira Yamato. She's a new intern at JNN News." Kinue said introducing Kira to them. "This is my brother Saji and his friend..." Not knowing her name Kinue trailed off, not taking that Louise decided to introduce herself.

"I'm Louise Halevy!" More so to Kira than Kinue. Kira looked caught off guard by the rude introduction. Stammering out a hello, then offering to shake hands with Louise. Though Louise just took one look at Kira's hand, stood up and left the table in a huff. Surprised Kira withdrew her hand looking guilty at Louise's retreating back.

"Did I do something wrong?" Her voice showing that she was somewhat hurt by the other girl's coldness. Saji felt bad for Kira, she didn't do anything wrong and was even being friendly. Finding himself wanting to reassure the girl that she wasn't at fault.

"I don't think it was your fault. I'm also sorry for Louise's behavior." Hoping that Kira would accept his apology. He didn't have to worry though, because Kira smiled and said it was alright. Feeling like smiling himself he gave her a apologetic smile. Explaining to both Kinue and Kira that he needed to talk to Louise. Giving them both a friendly wave goodbye as he tried to go after Louise.

Union MSWAD Headquarter:

Both Graham and Billy were in a hanger, Billy going over the battle data they recieved from Graham's fight with the Gundam. Both slightly changed from their original attire. Billy was now wearing a lab coat, while Graham was dressed in a Union's pilot suit. They were standing on a platform that went up next to Graham's flag.

"Judging from the suit fuselage, the Gundam's output is 6 times greater than a Flag's. I wonder what kind of motor it uses..." Billy concluded and wondered as he looked over the data.

Graham stood behind Billy, leaning against the railing. "The power output is impressive, but the maneuverability is even more so." As he spoke this his hands played with the flash drive his friend gave him, musing more to himself than Billy.

"I confirmed it with the battle data. As expected, the explanation behind its maneuverability lies with..." Looking over at Graham, particularly at the flash drive in his hands.

"Those special particles, besides the stealth features, are also used to control the suit." Graham said his fist closing around it. A voice chose this time to cut in to the conversation.

"They're likely to be applied as weapons too." The speaker was an older man. Supporting him was a cane he held in his right hand.

"Professor Lief Eifman!" Billy exclaimed as he ran forward.

"A dreadful man... Using technology several decaded ahead of us. Aeolia Schenberg." He said, gesturing for the other two to follow him. All three stopping in front of another Flag unit. That's when he made his request.

"If possible, I would like for you to capture those "Gundam" units."

Graham shared the same idea. "I agree. For that I would like this suit tuned."

Turning his head towards Graham the professor asked, "BUt what about the burden on the pilot?"

"You can disregard that. I would like to have it done within a week."

Smiling the professor responded. "You're an unreasonable man."

Though Graham easily responded. "If I'm not this forceful, the Gundams won't take me seriously." Adding on Billy said.

"He's quite serious on the matter." That's when Graham's phone rang. Quickly picking it up he answered, straightening up when the other person on the line informed him of the news.

"What? The Gundams reappeared?" Not knowing that several other important people recieved the startling news as well.

South Africa Region Mineral Mining Site:

Under the dark of night several mobile suits were still working. That was what happened before the Gundam appeared. Not knowing that it would appear, they weren't ready for it. Up above on a small cliff looking downhill at the mining site was the Dynames.

Multiple beam shots were aimed and fired at the stationary Gundam. Barely causing any damage to its armor. It's beam rifle though was already in action, firing beam shots and disabling the suits one by one. Inside Dynames Lockon wasn't too happy.

"I really don't like doing this. I'm feeling like I'm bullying the weak." Looking at the monitor, gauging the total units left.

"Just hurry up and disarm yourselves!" As he locked on another target. "Or I'll really take you out." Finally one unit dropped it's gun and retreated. With that action, one by one, the others began to retreat as well. Seeing that Lockon felt relieved.

"They ran! They ran!" Haro said.

"Smart move." Lockon said to himself, Haro turning towards him repeating it was good.

Union's Headquarters, with Graham, Billy, and the professor:

After hearing the news that a Gundam was just in Talivia. The professor though said to not bother.

"Why? I can make it there if I leave now." Graham asked.

"I hate narcotics from the bottom of my heart. If they intend to burn those down, I'll support the Gundams." He said.

Looking both confused and slightly angry Graham asked, "Narcotics?"

"They intend to sever the sources of war!" Professor Liefman responded, his face deathly serious and supportive of his words.

South America Talivian Airspace:

Near the location of Lockon and the Dynames, Allelujah and the Kyrios were flying over the landscape fulfilling their own objectives.

"30 minutes have passed since I've entered the holding pattern. Warning, complete."

Inside the cockpit, Allelujah unlike Lockon was wearing his helmet. Both hands on the controls as he declared he was starting the operation. From the bottom of the Kyrios a section opened, revealing a large amount of bombs. With the container door open they slowly fell down to earth. As soon as they made contact with the ground they dentonated. Leaving a huge blaze of flames in their wake.

Kyrios flew over the smoke and flames. From a distance the flames were still very easy to see, people from a nearby village watching the scene. Faces alighted with terror and surprise. Kyrios flew away from the place, Allelujah saying:

"97 on target. Mission complete." Continuing he said, "If its something like this, I'll do it anytime." Finally completely leaving the area. Setsuna and the Exia still had to finish their part.

Ceylon Island, 7th Garrison:

"A Gundam appeared here on Ceylon Island?" The Lieutenant Colonel asked.

"Yes it appeared at the 7th Garrison."

The man's face looked troubled before he had a thought. "Do you have any useable Tieren? I'll head out." The soldier at his side though didn't exactly agree.

"The Lieutenant Colonel himeself?"

Turning towards the Colonel responded. "I told you before I'm a man that believes in what he sees with his own eyes."

With the Exia:

With it's GN blade at the ready, the Exia cut cleanly in half another unit. It fell to the ground with a metallic clang, but not to soon after that it exploded with a bang. The remaining units were panicking. That was the third one taken down!

It's solar furnace beginning to light up, the Exia charged forward. The remaining units hoping to hit the Gundam fired some more beam shots. But it was no use. Either the Exia evaded or blocked the beam shots. Coming in fast it quickly slashed through one of the units. Not losing its stride it used its momentum to finish off the last unit. Setsuna considered the operation over. But it wasn't over yet...

That's when the Exia's sensors went off. Warning Setsuna of an approaching mobile suit. Several rounds of small explosions went off dangerously close to Setsuna. Moving quickly out of the way, the Tieren continued forward. Quickly turning to attack once more.

The Colonel's unit then identified the Gundam. Locking on to the enemy mobile suit.

"So that's a Gundam..." The legs of the Tieren prepared to touch down. Landing right in front of the Exia. It's thrusters folding in and locking on its back. The Exia getting its blade ready for a battle. Surprising Setsuna, it dropped its gun.

"It dropped its gun? Is it testing me?" While the Colonel also had something to say.

"Now show me your dedication to ending war!" The thrusters on its back came to life. Launching the Tieren forward, too bad that it didn't surprise the Exia. Readily slicing off one of the Tieren's arms. Though instead of being off balance, the Colonel's unit grabbed the Exia's head. Latching on firmly, lifting the Gundam up in the air.

Because of that action, Setsuna had to fight blind. Gritting his teeth he moved the controls. Causing the Exia to use it's GN blade to slowly slice off the Tieren's remaining arm.

"You're head is mine!" The man's eyes narrowing in determination. Unfortunately Setsuna was not about to let that happen. Revealing one of the Exia's hidden beam sabers he sliced off the Tieren's arm. Causing it be unbalanced as it fell backward. Yelling out Setsuna charged forward, slicing less than half of the Tieren's body. Multiple small explosions going off on the enemy mobile suit.

The Exia straightened up, reaching up it yanked off the Tieren's arm off it's head. Throwing the useless part to the side. Setsuna only had one thing to say.

"Don't touch me." As he looked down at the destroyed mobile suit.

Up in space:

Close to the solar panels was a strange object. Up close it looked like a capsule, opening up the Virtue was slowly revealed. Leaving the capsule the Virtue went away from the elevator. Tieria was planning to head to the rendezvous point with the Ptolemaios. Catching sight of the flagship, Virtue prepared to dock. After linking systems the Gundam successfully docked in it's container. Locking the Virtue securely as the Virtue and the Ptolemaios energies were transferred.

Inside the cockpit, Tieria made no movement to leave his Gundam. His eyes closed he seemed quite peaceful. Though sharing a strange thought.

"Space is the best after all..." A voice interrupting his peace.

"Good work." Looking at the monitor, Tieria saw Sumeragi.

"What about the mission?"

Responding quickly she said, "They completed it safely. Come join us, we'll have a toast."

Looking at her for a short while he declined. Though Sumeragi seemed disappointed by his answer.

"You meanie..."

Setsuna's apartment complex:

Outside the high-rise apartments, the sun was beginning to set. Kira just arrived back home. After meeting Saji and Louise with Kinue, both girls talked for awhile sitting at a table. Before heading back to JNN headquarters. But Kinue allowed Kira to leave early seeing as it looked like Kira learned enough for one day.

First Kinue showed her most of the rooms, followed by what most people's responsibilities and daily activites were. Kira had to admit it all seemed pretty interesting. It seemed to always look hectic and busy. She was scheduled to come in every once and awhile on her own time. So her schedule was flexible, which would help when she would be active on operations.

After she left, Kira mostly wandered around the city until it got late. She didn't expect to come in so late, now in front of Setsuna's apartment she got out one of the keys. Not noticing at first another person was just coming in.

"Kira?" Looking for the source of the voice Kira saw the speaker was Saji. Surprised she just stared at him, he also seemed surprised. His hand holding his key still in mid-motion of opening his door. Luckily Saji found his voice first.

"Well it seems we're neighbors." Trying to redeem his former behavior with a nervous smile. Kira smiled slightly, responding back.

"I guess so, though I'm just staying with a friend." Not wanting to say too much. Though a movement from out of the corner of her eye distracted her. Looking back she realized it was Setsuna. He didn't say a word, just stared at Kira and Saji.

"Setsuna...?" Nodding in acknowledgment he walked closer until he was standing in front of the two. Saji looked back and forth between the two. Was this the person Kira lived with? It seemed like they both knew each other.

In a quick motion Setsuna took out his own keys opening the door. That's when Saji introduced himself, asking the other guy his name as well. Looking at Saji, Setsuna gave his full name in a simple introduction.

"Setsuna F. Seiei." Stunning Saji as he lightly grabbed Kira's hand pulling her into the apartment. Kira looking just as surprised as Saji was. Looking over her shoulder she told him.

"I guess I'll see you some other time." She said smiling, as both were now in the apartment the door closing behind them. One thought going through Saji's mind.

"What an unfriendly guy..." Not giving it another thought he finally opened his apartment door, almost running into his sister. Quickly telling him work called her in because they were busy. Finished putting on her shoes. Saying goodbye to Saji as she left the apartment leaving him alone.

Opening the door to the living room, he was just about to get ready to relax. Until his cell phone rang, it was Louise.

"Saji turn on the news!"

"What?" Saji asked.

"Just do it!" Doing as she said he turned on the tv. The reporter explaining that a terrorist group in Ireland will cease all terrorist actions. Sitting down on the couch Saji put down the remote. His eyes stayed on the screen. Now another reporter explaining that a civil conflict in Northern Ireland was over.

Saji's eyes widened, as the reporter continued on explaining that through the actions of Celestial Being that this came to be.

"This is..." Saji said.

"It's amazing isn't it!" Clearly Louise was calm now and no longer angry.

Saji unexpecting of the activity going on in the next apartment. Unaware that two people involved with Celestial Being lived right next to him...


End Chapter 9: The Changing Tides.

Next Chapter: in several days.

Note: Yay! I finally got out chapter 9! Sorry but I kinda rushed out the end because it was taking me a really long time to finish typing it all out. Forgive me for any mistakes I made. Hope you enjoyed this chapter and the several plot twists. It will be defintely be very interesting here on out. So please keep on reading my story. And remember...

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