Hey I'm back!!! Okay, Christmas Break gave me enough time to finish this on time, so once again enjoy. Thanks for all the reviews. And please excuse any grammatical mistake. )
Twilight was the time of the day that used to be romantic and…well…peaceful. Not anymore. Twilight meant the reign of darkness, meant fear and uncertainty of the new day to come. It also meant the death of Lacus Clyne's husband.
If solitude was a demon with claws, it certainly had December City grasped in a choking grip. There was no sound but the whispers of the rustling trees. Citizens were housebound as were the guests of the wedding. Even the birds and animals seemed to retreat back to their hideout. It seemed the whole world was holding a gigantic breath, in fear, waiting for something to happen.
When Yzak Joule had brought the news to Lacus, the execution date had been set for tomorrow, but somehow; it had been changed to twilight. Had Lacus Clyne possessed enough sense and logic in her distorted mind, she would've not poured the sleeping powders into her friend and children's drinks. Had she not been so absolutely desperate she would've not had the guts to face the guards and demanded to be brought to see the Oblivion Council (reminder: the Oblivion Council was the council set up by Laveiga and his supporters in pursuit of Cagalli and the supposed Blue Cosmo).
But now, her heels clicking lightly as she walked between to armed officers, Lacus could not care less if she was in fact insane. She needed some answers, some explanations and some mercy. God be blessed, as mild as she can be, Lacus was not a pushover, and she was not going to stop until she got want she wanted.
Upon arriving at a huge door, Lacus took a breath of much needed air. "I want to speak to the council and Senator Laveiga."
Perhaps the officers were taken back by her demanding tone, so one of them stuttered as he attempted to reply, "Please wait here, Ms. Clyne."
"Mrs. Yamato." Lacus sternly corrected him, and the man nodded.
"Mrs. Yamato! How are you, my dear friend?" A much despised voice came from inside the door. Gwen Joules walked out from the shadows of the doorway.
"Waiting for some answers, thank you… Mrs. Joules." Lacus replied rather icily, "Not from you, though, but from your father and the council."
Gwen sneered and laughed haughtily, "My father, you say? Well, I'm afraid he can't be seeing you right now. He…let's just say have other businesses to attend to."
"Other business? Like framing unwanted, despicable, and ridiculous felonies onto my husband and my sister-in-law? The ones that were not committed!!"
Gwen snorted and snarled, "You do have a sense of humour, Lacus. I am part of the council, and if you really wish to speak…not that it will make any difference…then please come in."
"I will." Lacus replied.
And so after sitting down, Gwen flipped her silky blond hair over her bony shoulder and taunted, "Go on, Lacus. What do you wish to say?"
"My husband is not a murderer, nor did ORB ever gain alliance with Blue Cosmos." Lacus pleaded furrowing brows. Her strength and confidence was starting to wear down, and she felt weaker in the legs as the minute dragged on.
"Oh there, there, Lacus," Gwen patted the younger woman on the shoulder in mock comforting way, although she would sooner laugh in her face than do anything to help her. "The evidence is unshakeable. It was his signature on the letter, and Representative Attha's, is it not? And was the chairman not killed by the princess's daggers? You can hardly call that framing. I mean so many agrees with us than they agree with you." Gwen's smile was nasty as she bent down closer to Lacus, who was by now, shaking with anguish.
"Oh come on, Lacus. You know it's over. To save him, you're going to a million dollar testimony against the rock solid sentence."
"Please, Gwen, don't take Kira away from me. I need him! Please Gwen, Ellie (Estella) and Lucius can't grow without a father! We need him, and I love Kira. You married Yzak; you know what it'd be like without him! Please, Gwen, just let me talk to Kira. Let me see him!!!"
It was Gwen's turn to remain silent. She gazed quietly at Lacus for a moment, before turning her back on her and walked off. "Go back Lacus. I won't hurt you as you are a fellow coordinator. We've got nothing else to say. Just leave and live. As for Kira…you're better off without that traitor to our kind." Stopping short, Gwen called for the officers. "Officers!"
"Gwen…" Lacus stood up alarmingly. Her heart bounded.
"Ma'am!" The same men that brought her there now stood before her. There was pity in their eyes, and Lacus only glowered upon it. She didn't need people to feel sorry for her. She just wanted Kira back.
"Take Mrs. Yamato back to her room and make sure she stay there." Gwen turned her head back to look at Lacus one more time with her dark ashen eyes before walking away again.
Lacus was panicking, but she suddenly realized the truth. They wanted Kira dead, period. She didn't know why or how or what Kira has ever done to make the Laveiga s to want to bring him six feet under, but they wanted him gotten rid of, and that was crystal clear now. It was only a matter of sooner or later that they set something up to have him executed if nothing natural turns up. The letter case was only a perfect excuse to carry out the plan, so obviously no real court investigation was done.
Having known that, Lacus bolted and pushed the men aside, yelling. "Don't walk away from me, Gwen Laveiga!! Don't you lie!! Kira's innocent!!! Just give him back to me!!!"
"Lacus…it's over. Kira Yamato has to die." Gwen's tone was cold, playing no more games.
Lacus was ranting. Her face was flushed with terror and anger, but there was deathly paleness over her complexion, "You're behind it! You and your father are behind all of it!!!"
Gwen swirled around immediately, her long hair whipping around her shoulder as she did so. There was nothing in her two coal-black orbs that wasn't minacious and hostile. For a minute it scared Lacus that Gwen looked like she wanted to plunge a dagger into her heart and kill her on the spot. Before the pink-haired songstress had the time to react, Gwen already had her hauled by her hair and dragging her towards a door at the opposite end of the room.
With a harsh sweep, Lacus was shoved into the closet sized chamber. Her high heels chipped as she stumbled, and her legs twisted painfully under her. Frightened blue eyes gazed up at Gwen's shadow-cast face. "You're just going to have to stay in here until your husband is dead."
And the door was slammed shut. Lightly a click was heard, and Lacus realized in despair that she was locked in. There was no source of light in the closet, only a stench of wet, moldy mops and buckets. Crawling on her knees, the young woman pounded on the door, "Let me out!! Gwen Laveiga you can't do this!!"
"Shut up or I'll have you raped and your kids slaughtered in a second!!!" Gwen's voice echoed from the outside and that silenced Lacus automatically. She sank against the door. Her hands still lingered on the metal doorknob. Her face leant against the cold wood, and hot tears spilled in crystal droplets down her cheeks.
What have I done? Not only did I not save Kira, but I've gotten myself locked up. Everyone won't wake up for another hour, if the Oblivion council decides to...Lord Jesus...Ellie and Lucius...what have you done, Lacus Clyne?
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Everyone knew Lacus to be a world-wide role model. Teenagers looked up to her for her musical talent and her dazzling good looks. Even among coordinators she was angelically beautiful. The adults admired her strength and ever-lasting optimism for a better, peaceful future. Friends said she was kind, caring, really sweet and the best friend ever. When it was Kira Yamato's turn to give an opinion about her- his wife- well…he blushes. Unlike Cagalli, he was never the public speaker. He stumbles on every other line. Guess coordinators have weaknesses too…or is it just because it was Lacus that he has to talk about? Anyway, Lacus didn't need Kira to speak aloud to know what he thought of her.
That Kira…he's so funny sometimes. Lacus chuckled to herself as she tried to fix the messed up stitches on the baby's sock that she was trying to nit. Uhm…something smells good. I wonder what Kira is doing downstairs. Lifting herself up from her bed, Lacus sighed at how heavy and huge her belly was. She missed the sight of her toes. But she knew that just a few more weeks though, and she wouldn't even have time to think about looking at her toes. Baby can a handful and worse if you are receiving two are the same time. Lacus recalled Murrue Ramius telling her jokingly a month ago when she and her husband Mwu La Flaga came to visit with their one year old son.
The day was especially bright and sunny that morning. Early spring was so refreshing and young. Yup, you know what they say. Good weather brings good humour. For once, Lacus felt a little rebellious. She was going to walk downstairs alone without Kira's help. I mean she was helpless, just a bit heavy and lacking coordinations…Okay, maybe it wasn't such a good idea. Finally sitting up, Lacus cringed a little at the small ache in her side. She knew it was no big deal, because the doctors told her almost all women get it.
"Kira!!! Can you help me a little??" Did she sound a little in pain?
Thudding of running footsteps echoed in the hallway and Lacus knew that he was coming very quickly, but she didn't expect him to be frantic. A rushing Kira came sprinting into the bedroom and bombarded his wife with questions of concern, "Are you okay? Are you hurt? What do you need? Are you in labour? Do you need to go to the hospital?"
"KIRA!" Lacus shouted over him and laughed, "I'm fine. Perfectly fine. I just need you to help me walk down stairs and see what smells so good. Are you cooking?" She cupped his face in her hands and kissed his nose, "Silly. You don't have to worry. The doctor said the twins are perfectly healthy."
Kira grinned at them too and returned to kiss Lacus on the lip. "Hey, I'm the father, so I couldn't help but worry." He teased in a mock serious face, and made Lacus laugh even more. She loved him so much. Kneeling in front his wife's big belly, he pressed his ears against it.
A thud
"Oh! One of them kicked me again. Oh here's another one." Lacus couldn't contain her burst of gaiety. She covered her mouth with her hand, but a string of bubbly laughter- high and girly- still erupted from her lips. Kira looked up at her with merry eyes and laughed with her. "Do you think they are sparring each other in there?"
Lacus giggled. She brushed Kira's brown bangs from his lovely violet eyes. "Well, if they are Cagalli's niece and nephew then there high chance they are."
They laughed some more, just enjoying the happiness they surrounded themselves with. Kira kissed Lacus again and she returned his gentle kisses with her loving ones. "Here see, I knitted two pairs of socks- pink and blue. Typical I know, but they were softest colour I had."
Kira fiddled with them in his hands, murmuring to no one in particular, "I hope the girl likes pink. If she's anything like Cagalli, god knows she'll scream when she sees it."
Lacus smiles, "But she's my daughter, and if she has my pink hair, she'll just have to deal with it."
Kira shook his head and chuckled, "Right. Come on, let's go downstairs. The pot is still cooking." He wrapped one arm around Lacus's waist to support her.
"Where is Mom?"
"Out grocery shopping."
"What are you cooking?" Lacus cocked her head to the side, "I didn't know you cook."
"I don't…but I don't trust any of the baby food they sell at the store, so I go some recipe from Mom and tried them out. I'm still experimenting, can't say if they are eatable, but I'm improving."
"Uhm…you'll have time Kira. Anything you do will be perfect. Trust me." Lacus pecked him on the cheek and they slowly walked out of the sunny bedroom.
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While Lacus Clyne cried herself to sleep in the little closet, cross the same building, in the main east corridor of the 13th floor, Yzak Joule (who was not there when she drugged everyone in the room), was also called upon by someone important. While his wife remained captivator of his friend, something that Yzak did not know yet, he was on his way to greet his much-hated father-in-law. A feeling in his stomach told him that whatever the old man was going to try to sell him this time won't be good, and like 99 of the time, he probably won't have a choice to defy his wish either.
Grimacing at this ugly thought, Yzak felt a stab to his manly ego. Hell, was he not the son of Ezalia Joule, a fabulous politician? And was he, Yzak Joule, not a canny man of principals? So what in the name of all the gods was he always obeying to Laveiga's every ridiculous command? Oh yeah...right, his wife was Laveiga's daughter. Got to be filial to parental figures at all times- it's basically Gentleman's Family Courtesy 101- and Yzak was taught that way.
As his thoughts lingered from Laveiga to his manly ego and then to Gwen, Yzak gulped unsettlingly as he was reminded of the beautiful Shiho Hahnenfuss waiting for him back in the hotel room. Okay...that was going to be a problem. It simply wasn't thinkable to let her leave him again after all that, and especially since she's starting to remember bits and pieces of the past. But...he's married, and that fact basically choked Yzak's fantastical dream in its cradle. No, divorce was something Yzak was considering, but from the looks of it, he'll have a better chance finding Athrun and Cagalli then ever getting the permission to annual his brooding marriage. So...what now? Elope would be the next best thing on the list. Suicide would be after that, but Yzak was in no hurry to die.
"Fuck." Yzak cursed under his breath. Okay...well, I'm screwed. Athrun's a lucky man. A dead man has no worries, and he'd be luckier if he's still alive. Now a man who's alive and has no fucking worries in one hell of a luckiest bastard. For crying out loud, why couldn't something happen on my wedding day!!!
"Mr. Joule. The Senator is waiting for you." A young female suddenly poked her face in Yzak's line of vision, and he jumped startlingly. Leaping back, he glared at her in annoyance.
W-W-W-What the crap???
Yzak's mouth fell apart so suddenly that he heard a cracking sound as if his jaw was going to break from his face. The woman looked absolutely ridiculous. A low cut tank top hugged her body so forcefully unfitting that her gigantic balloon breasts were practically falling out. The only thing that the tank top seems to cover over her chest were her nibbles, which, even so, still poked out from under the clothes stubbornly. Oh yes, if Yzak was still sane, he could almost be sure that the tank top was semi-transparent.
Face now flushing in utter embarrassment, Yzak looked down, hoping to bring his eyes to some more appropriate scene. Unfortunately for him, the only appropriate thing there was to look at was a hot-pink coloured thong, and two bare legs that were decorated by fish-net pantyhose.
Shooting his eyes back up to meet the girl's face, Yzak saw that she was awfully flushed. Her shoulders raise and fell as she tried to catch her breath. Her dirty green eyes were smocked over and thoroughly with unattained lust and pleasure. Gulping, Yzak walked quickly away from her, trying to find his escape. His screaming conscious sneered sarcastically. Right, way to top off a perfectly screwed day with a half-naked, sex-craving prostitute. You go, Yzak Joule.
"Where do you think you're going?" This time a manly voice stopped him right in his track. In his maddening attempt to run from the prostitute, Yzak had forgotten what she said to him. "I thought the bitch told you that I'm waiting for you."
The silver-haired man turned to face Laveiga, who to his utmost surprise, was properly dressed in suits and shoes. "Yes…ahem…I almost-almost forgot."
"Well, come on in then." Yzak followed the older man inside and nearly choked oh his saliva. There was a humongous blue-silk covered waterbed in the far side of the room, companied by large curtained French windows on both side. Bottles of expansive alcohol were perched in the shelves allow the side walls, behind glass cupboard-doors. The rest of the room, except for the set of comfortable sofas and a coffee table, was filled by illuminating candles.
"Ah, Yzak, have a seat." Laveiga sneered slyly and offered him a spot across from him. Yzak took it. He gulped again. Despite the candles, the room was dimly lit. Shadows lurked in each and every corner, and they were getting on the young councilman's nerves. Can't this man just turn on the lights? I mean what is he, a vampire?
"Aren't going to arrest me now, father-in-law? Like you arrested General Yamato and hotel-room arrested his friends and family. What are you waiting for? Go on." Yzak scowled at him, keeping his head high. Though his insides were quivering and shaking, the mask he ironed onto his face was stoic.
Laveiga only laughed, "Just like you're mother. Quick man, quick words." He stood up and circled around Yzak's seat with a cup of vodka in his hand. The ice cubes clicked lightly against the glass. His eyes were scrutinizing, sharp and alert, like a hawk's eyes. His moves were slow, but careful. Even the flick of his wrist was immensely controlled. He was ready to pounce, and Yzak was the prey.
Sighing, Laveiga spoke, "How are you doing lately, Yzak? I mean, how's your mother? How's everything?"
Blue eyes narrowed, "Get to the point, Senator. I don't have all day."
"I know you don't, but I do." Laveiga sat down, still scrutinizing the young man, "Vodka?"
"Thanks, but no thanks." Yzak spat.
"From what I heard, you've been doing pretty well. Earning the big bucks, living a luxurious life. Free and powerful. A pretty good relationship with the others of the council. You have a great life, Yzak, and I'd be last one to want to see you loose everything."
It was Yzak's turn to smirk, "If I fall, your daughter falls with me."
But old man was unmoved, "Maybe so, but that's not important."
"Oh?"
"You're smart, Yzak, just like I know you'd be, and so I'm not going to lie to you. I'll have more powers without you than I'd ever have with you around. I think you know that. True, you helped gain a lot, but if I continue to let you go your way, I'll lose a lot too." Laveiga smiled slyly, "You're now a rock in my path."
"You don't have to announce your glory to the world. I have eyes, and I see for myself. I'm ready for you."
To Yzak's surprise, Laveiga shook his head, "I'm not willing to let you go yet. You're young and I know how much potential you really have. Besides, you are my son-in-law, and Gwen is not willing to be divorced yet. I treasure your life as much as you do, believe it or not."
Yzak snorted.
Laveiga ignored him, "So today, I'm going to make a bargain with you. By now, I trust you have figured out about the new Blue Cosmo force. They are my force. The force that I spat blood and worked until my hair turned grey for a decade to gain, and now I'm in full control. The reason...no, I am not going to obliterate the naturals. I am a humanist. But I do believe that the two races have no way to survive along each other, and so, one race must be the dominating race, and losing one, shall be slaves."
Yzak exploded. He jolted up and clutched his fist. "You call yourself a humanist!!! You are mad!! INSANE!!! You're going to achieve NOTHING!! It's been five years!! People like living in peace!! You can shake what the princess has built."
Laveiga threw back his head and laughed haughtily. "Hahaha. Like living in peace? What has the princess built? Peace? What peace? You've seen what happened. Even the slightest trouble can total destroy the so called worthless 'peace' that those idiots have tried to build. You should really look at coordinator civilizations now. They started parades against naturals. And those worthless naturals blamed Zack Jeveit (Head of SIDO) for everything because he was coordinator. But it doesn't matter; Zack works for me-"
"You were the one that sent the assassins that killed Athrun!!!" Yzak roared in rage. The arterial veins popped up on the two side of his neck as he blew up with spurting resentment.
Laveiga only grunted, "Of course, and if that little bitch Victoriese Du'Quaine hadn't come to the wedding, the princess would be dead to. Regardless, I still have complete control over PLANTS and ZAFT, and bought almost half of the influential industries on Earth. I have many natural traitor dogs working for me. Those stubborn good shitbags at the wedding, I will easily get rid of, and that applies to anyone who dares to stand against me."
"You're nuts!! You're nuts!!! You are a screwed up, insane, absolutely crazy man!!!" Yzak yelled, on the verge of literally leaping over and choke this madman to death. In his mind, Yzak's brain cells zoomed around a kilometer per hour thinking up spontaneous ways to blow the man into million little pieces.
Laveiga was unmoved, "That's okay. I didn't think you'll agree, but, you must know. You're mother is currently staying in her mansion in Copernicus City, I hear."
Yzak's eyes widened. "What have you done with her?"
"Nothing. Nothing yet. I have an elite troop secretly watching her every move. They are waiting for the signal to kill her. And you're friends- I'll spare them too. I'd even as far as to let Lacus and her kids live. If only, you will join me."
Cold sweat beads began forming on Yzak's forehead. A crystal droplet rolled down the side of his head. He could feel the heat burning his entire being. There was no room to breathe, and he swallowed the sensation of suffocation. Somehow, he managed to find his voice. "And if I don't?"
"You die." The thin neck of the champagne cup snap between Laveiga's fingers and the vodka splattered with the glass. "If you refuse, everyone else dies with you. If you agree to my bargain, everything will go on as before. You get to everything you have: your statues, family, friends, and all of your properties, but however, there is one condition..."
Yzak was sitting now. His knuckles turned white with the deathly force he dug his fingers around the arm rest. "What condition..."
"Hand over Shiho Hahnenfuss."
Yzak could feel the blood being squeezed out of his heart, and the throbbing shock blasting from the center of his chest in a smoldering ignition and then shooting with neck-breaking up his spine and shooting into his scull. The moment of overwhelming heat felt like it was frying his brain, but then a sudden icy chill ran over him like the breath of the artic wind, and something was broken deep inside him. Any betraying thoughts were out of his head. He uttered three simple words.
"Go. To. Hell."
"I know she's still alive, but out of everyone you wish to keep, she cannot stay alive. Her existence threatens my daughter's happiness." Laveiga's eyes were menacingly dark and cold. He narrowed them, but Yzak matched his glare from eye to eye. The furious rage burning in his ice blue orbs did not lose to Laveiga's.
"You tried to kill her so your daughter can control me." Yzak shook with fury.
"Of course," Laveiga smiled.
"What if I don't agree on the bargain?"
The smile vanished from the old man's face. He reached into his suit, "Like I said." A loaded gun was pulled out. There was no time to react even for a coordinator.
"You die."
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Shiho jolted up and bumped her head against the table. She winced and rubbed it quickly to sooth the pain. "Ow…ow my head…" She looked around her, "What the heck am I doing on the ground?" I could've sworn I heard a gun shot. Was I dreaming it?
She scrambled up. Vertigo hit her fast and hard. Shiho clutched her head and swing in her feet. And then she saw what scared her. Dearka and Shinn had their cheeks smudged into their plate of food, arms falling limp beside them. "Dearka, Shinn!! Dearka!!! Shinn!!!" Shiho shook them each, but they gave no more of a respond than a loud snort.
Shiho turned quickly towards Miriallia, who was faced down on her chair, "Mir!!! Wake up, Miriallia!!"
"Ellie!!! Lucius!!!" Shiho ran to the sofa where the two children lay asleep. Shiho sat limp on the ground for a second before suddenly remembering something, "Lacus? Lacus??" Getting up, she searched through the rooms, but there was no Lacus. She stood there, wondering what she should do, and then her eyes fell on the cup of juice that Mir drank from. The twilight sunshine had sliced through the gap between two curtains, shooting its rays upon that cup of juice. It probably had been so for longer than that, because when Shiho reached for it, the cup was warm in her hands, and the juice looked foamy and gross.
Using her quick wits, Shiho gave a careful sniff and immediately understood everything. Everyone in this room had been drugged. The kind of drug placed into their cups would not have any taste or smell, but if it is heated, then it should undergo chemical reaction. Shiho stared numbly at her own cup of juice. Being a soldier for so long, she never grew the habit of drinking juice while eating, so she barely touched her, which would explain how she woke up so fast. Lacus had drugged all of them. But why?
Just when Shiho was starting to feel the brooding emotion wash over her, a knock on the door cut her off from her thoughts. She didn't even have a chance to answer the door when it was literally kicked open. Several people came bursting in.
Shiho leaped and looked for something to defend herself with but found nothing. So she stood there, numb and frozen, staring eye to eye with one of the intruders.
"Major….Hahnenfuss. You're alive." One of the young man gasped. He absently reached his fingers into his unruly blond hair and laughed nervously.
"Yeah, I guess…" It was a stupid answer, but Shiho really couldn't think of anything else to say.
"But-but-but-"A girl squeezed her way to the front and stuttered, "How?"
Shiho stood staring. She tilted her head, brows furrowing, "Who are you?"
The group exchanged looks, thinking the same thing. WTF….
-------------------
Smokes floated like mist in the deserted hallway. Heat was its only company. Somewhere in the building, a fire burned furiously. Dearka really couldn't care less, and apparently, neither could Shinn and Miriallia. They were running beneath, seeking salvation. Coats and shirts soaked with water and a damp towel to their nose were their only protection.
His mind no less clouded than the smoky corridor, Dearka still could not apprehend a thing that was going on. Minutes ago he had been slapped and kicked awake only to see ensigns and privates and majors from the Voltaire staring intently back at him. Next he knew, a bucket of cold water was dumped on him and he was shoved out the door with a Shinn and Miriallia, both equally soaked and confused, except they had to carry Lucius and Estella. One of the ensigns had said something about 'getting the hell out of here' and was dragging him by the arm and tugging him off.
Now running to wherever they are leading him, Dearka suddenly asked, "Johnston! What the hell is going?"
"No time to explain. The Joule team was originally called to strength December City's defense. We received a message that says to same you guys, so we set a bunch of places in the city, and including this building on fire to act as distraction so we can save you. There are two spare shuttles waiting for you guys. We have to hurry."
Shinn seemed to wake up now and he's a full stomach of anger to let out, "Fire!!! Fire!!! But of course!!! Nothing says pure genius like a burning the entire city into ash!! Honestly, are you or are you not, a coordinator?"
Apparently Johnston was not such a pushover, "Until you'd rather die. I asked. Once Kira Yamato is executed, all of you would be next."
"Where are Lacus, Shiho and Yzak?" Dearka cut in.
"Major Hahnenfuss went with a group to find Mrs. Yamato and the Captain." Johnston replied quickly as they wheeled around another corner. Mir's strangled cry stopped them in their tracks.
"Wait! Dearka…" Mir was on the ground with Estella crying beside her. She looked up desperately and groaned, "Sorry, I tripped. My ankle is- forget it, just give me one second. I'm okay."
Dearka did not think she was okay. He rushed to her and took her ankle in his hand gently. They were blue and burning. "God, Mir, your ankle is swollen."
"It's the shoes." Mir said quietly.
Dearka picked up Estella (who was crying louder than ever) and handed her over to one of his female teammates and then got Mir on his back. She was protesting, "Dearka, put me down! Are you nuts!! The smoke is strong. If you carry me then you won't be able to hold your towel!!! You'll suffocate."
"Forget it, Mir. Just listen to me for once. I'll be fine." Dearka ignored her protest.
"Sir, we have to get going!!" Johnston urged.
"Right."
And they were off.
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Shiho was not frantic. She was not panicking. She was not close to tears.
She was beyond all of that.
Shiho Hahnenfuss was an inch away from considering suicide by running into the wall.
No, she just couldn't find him.
Digging her finger into her soaked dark hair that now felt like glue, the desperate woman was already hyperventilating, sobbing and screaming at the time. "CAPTAIN!!!! CAPTAIN JOULES!!! ARE YOU HERE? YZAK!!! YZAK!!! WHERE ARE YOU?"
She was on the 13th floor, surrounded by imminent flames. This was one of the floors that were on fire. Chunks of burning debris fell from the ceiling. The walls were roasted into an ash brown colour. The whole level was engulfed in throttling smoke. It was sickening. This was really hell, and she was in the heart of it- absolutely alone.
Running down the last corridor of this floor, Shiho called as she ran. Her wet towel had long dried. She hadn't allowed any of the people come with her on this floor. She had sent them to look for Lacus. Fear gnawed at her. Her heartbeat quickened. Suddenly, she couldn't move. An horrible image flashed before her eyes.
…"hello?...anybody? Someone let me out!"……the familiar fire was everywhere. The heat was torturous and unbearable. Her arm had already been burnt. She was choking for air. The oxygen was feeding the flames with maximum force, yet there could not be any left for her. Only carbon dioxide would be left, and she would never live on that.
Shiho's body froze. The breath was stolen from her lips.
The laboratory was in the jaw of death. She knew it was over. No one would come. Friends. Colleagues. No one would care. No one had really cared about her except for him, but he was millions of miles away. Even if he had super powers, he would not make it. She would never see him again. Never. Ever. She would never hear him say that three words again.
Hands flew up to grab her head between them.
She was in the isolated part of the factory. It was the restricted area. He couldn't have found her even if he tried.
Her eyes stung from the smoke. She could hardly breathe. Her muscles were starting to feel rubbery. She could hardly keep herself standing. Perhaps she knew then, that she was dying.
"NO!!" Shiho screamed.
There was a window, but a burning log was blocking it. A bucket of dirty water laid beside the door. Perhaps there's a chance…
A bar of molten plastic caved outwards from its hinges, nearly smacking itself on Shiho's head until it collided with the other wall. It did however; help her get out of her trance. Shiho thanked the gods for the small width of the hallway. The pocket of her flying coat got caught on the t-shaped bronze door handle, and the cotton material was easily set flamed. Cursing Shiho quickly shrugged of her coat and run on. She didn't have time to get it now, but without the coats protect, her arms were completely bare and vulnerable. Images started to appear again, but she bid them back.
Her voice was hoarse. "Yzak!!"
Someone was running. She heard the faint clicking of heels. The young woman heard someone running, and the sound was coming towards her. A faint blurry figure seemed to advance towards her. She was relieved. "Yzak? Is that you?" She began to run, until the two of them collided. Her face fell. It wasn't Yzak. It was a girl who wore nothing but a tank top, a thong, and fish-net pantyhose. A whore. Why would anyone like her be in this building was beyond Shiho, but she didn't have to the wonder about that. Grabbing the girl, she bombarded her with questions, "Miss!! Miss!!! I need to ask you something. Have you seen Yzak Joule?"
But the girl was already half mad with fear, "Let me go!! I have to go!!! Or I'll die!!! Let me go!!"
"Miss!!! Miss!! Please, I need your help!! Have you seen Yzak Joule?"
"The fucking moron told me to watch him, but he locked the door and never came back!!!! I finally got out!! I have to go!!! Let go of me!!!"
"Miss, who? Who are you talking about? Is it Yzak?"
The whore broke free from Shiho's grasp and punched her. Shiho stumbled, and when she recovered, the woman was already gone.
Getting up from the ground, Shiho ran on.
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Lacus smelled smoke. "Hello!!! Anybody here!!!! Hello!!!"
She began pounding on the door. No one answered her. The songstress pressed her ear on the door and listened. No sound. She's completely alone.
"Someone help me!!! Someone help me!!! Someone help me!!!"
And then the door opened. She fell right out. Someone had finally come to save her!!! Lifting herself up, she grasped. "Vladimir!!!"
----------------------
Shiho stood before a fallen door. She peered in. There was no noise. It seemed hardly possible that anyone was inside. Stepping over the door, she got in. "Hello?" Flapping her hands in the air to clear the smoke, Shiho suddenly saw a figure on a bed. She knew who it was. "Yzak!!!" Instantly she was by the bed, "Yzak!!! I found you!! I thought-"
Yzak was speaking. His eyes were shut. If not for the fire, his face should've been pale. Blood was oozing out from his left shoulder, staining his shirt and the bed sheet. Shiho let out a horrified cry, "No!!!" She leant over to hear for his breathing, there was none. She checked his pulse. Yes, he was alive, but barely. If on regular time, she would've bounded his wound and performed CPR, but this was not the right time or place for such a thing. She needed him with her. She needed him to awake. "Yzak!!! Yzak!!!! Please, don't go!!! Stay with me!!! Yzak!! Come on!!! Wake up!!! It's me Shiho!!! Shiho!!!" Tears washed away the dirt caked on her face.
"Sh..o…" Weak blue eyes opened slightly. "Am….I…a…live…"
"Yes!! Yzak!! Thank God, you're alive!! You're alive!!! And you are continuing to live!!! I'm getting you out of here. Stay with me okay?"
Yzak nodded weakly. The corner of his mouth twitched into a painful smile. Shiho lifted him onto her back and carried him out. She ran, as fast as she could, with a full grown man on her back, and her own legs weakening by the second. Her vision blurred. She shook her head.
God, I can't faint. I have to save both of us. I can't…
Her vision blurred again, this time worse than before. She shook her head. It didn't work. Suddenly everything seems to go in slow motion. Her steps slowed. As her feet clamped onto the ground, it made a loud crashing echo as if she was a giant. Her limps lost their feeling. Her legs were moving on their own. Ahead, Shiho could see the door to the staircase. She began to have hope. Again Vertigo slowed her down. Debris fell one after another. Suddenly, a breath escaped from her lips and Shiho felt herself shrinking, and then, quickly, she realized she wasn't shrinking.
She was falling.
The world tilted.
Everything became one giant ball of red-ish colours.
The last thing Shiho Hahnenfuss knew was the hard ground hitting against her chin as she was washed down by the exceeding black tide.
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Clouds moved over Paris. Calmness had settled before the upcoming storm.
Boom
At the crack of thunder, Victoriese jolted awake from her sofa chair. The cup of warm coco now was cold as it spilled over her hand.
Silver eyes were widened. They were startled silver eyes, like winter moonlight.
What time was it? It was already half dark. Where were Jordan and Kira? Had she fallen asleep while waiting for them?
If they don't come soon a storm will start…
Sighing, Vic got up and wiped her hand. Wrapping herself with a thin faded blue quilt she turned on the t.v.
"Just reporting live from PLANTS, I am…" Vic tuned out as soon as the t.v was on and walked towards the window. It was probably some dumbass report interviewing a politician again about the disappearance of Cagalli and Athrun, or as some morons would like to put- 'The Romantic Getaway of Chairman Athrun Zala and Princess Cagalli Yula Attha'."
But of course! Nothing says romance like being half dead, shot or stabbed, almost murdered and shipped through space like refugees to a place that speaks French. Okay…Paris was the city of love, but hell…it's not like they really cared.
It was such a waste of time.
"…December City is on fire!! Literally!!..."
Victoriese snapped her neck around to see this. A half bitten sandwich was still jutting out from her mouth and she held a cup of cranberry juice. Kicking the refrigerator close with her bare foot, she walked back to the t.v. Silver eyes blinked in confusion. A perfect arch of thin red eye brow rose subconsciously.
"…earlier in the afternoon of today, report came from December City- a colony bombarded by journalists and t.v reporter like hungry ants towards fallen sweets- that it was now literally on fire!!!...The cause was not entirely known and our broadcast team is already on their way to determine the origin, and we will be expecting updated accounts very soon! Now..."
"Oh Mon Dieu, c'est terrible…."French slipped from the young woman's tongue as she watched with horror. She sincerely hoped that Kira and Jordan's delay was NOT due to the unexpected fire.
"…Oh, MORE breaking news!!!!! It appears that Mr. Kira Yamato has also disappeared among this disturbance. Police reports that they have no idea of his whereabouts, but they have sent elite teams out for a global search for him…"
Vic felt her heart drop down from her throat. Thanks the Gods…
"Mademoiselle," A servant came up from behind."Zee hellocoptre 'az landed in zee back o' zee garden." (Yes, Vic has a gigantic backyard.)
"Oh good, I'm on my way. Francis, go inform Mr. Zala and Miss Attha. Tell them to meet me down stairs." Vic replied with relief as she stuffed the last bit of the sandwich quickly into her mouth and washed it down with a sip of cranberry juice before shutting of the t.v and running out of the room.
Thanks for reading and please review. Next chap might come a little latein feburary because of final semester exams. Thanks for understanding! )