Rating: T / PG-13
Summary: AU after episode 34 of GSD. What if Kira wasn't found on that fateful day by Cagalli? How will Athrun, Cagalli, Lacus and the others react to his death? But...is he really dead? Gilbert Dullindal's chess game is ever changing as a new fate awaits the Ultimate Coordinator.
Main Characters: mainly focused on Kira and Athrun, but also Dullindal, Cagalli, Lacus...
Pairing(s): none yet.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed/Destiny.
Summary of the previous chapters:
Kira met with Shinn and Luna at his shooting training. He surprisingly did quite well. Luna and Shinn made him visit the Minerva and presented him to their friends. He, Shinn and Luna seems to get along rather well, and it was with that happy thoughts mixed with question about his new friends behaviour, that Kira fell asleep.
Warning: This chapter is still unbetaed, I'm sorry if there are mistakes!
Gundam Seed: Another Path, Another Destiny
Phase 10 : Interlude : Thoughts.
Shinn Asuka was angry. He had just woken up from what he decided to call his « nightly torture », and was now sitting silently on his bed in the dark, careful not to wake up his friend. His hand wiped up droplets of sweat on his forehead and he sighed. He really had enough of those nightmares.
Every night he destroyed the Freedom to avenge Stellar : until then no problem, he actually felt good about that part. But then his dream would take another dive, and the Freedom would turn into a GOUF, screams of the blue haired boy and red haired girl could be heard as he put his blade mercilessly through their mobile suit with his own laugh in the background. And then the scene would change completely, but the screams wouldn't stop, just its voice changed. He would be on the Minerva watching a broken Luna hold her head between her hands crying helplessly. He would tentatively touch her shaking shoulder but freeze when she looked up at him with unforgiving, tearful and hateful red eyes.
"Why? WHY, Shinn? Where is Athrun? More importantly WHERE IS MEYRIN, WHERE IS MY ONLY SISTER?"
She would slap him hard in the face before going on with a deadly voice: "Why did you kill them?"
He would look down wordlessly.
"I hate you, Shinn."
Shinn repressed a shudder at that memory, it was only a dream, he didn't intentionally kill them, Luna didn't hate him... or did she?
He shook his head slightly. Okay then maybe angry wasn't a good choice of words for his current state: no, after he had calmed down from his nightmare, Shinn Asuka was rather depressed than angry.
He sighed once again and laid on his back, after all he should at least try to get some sleep. Thinking about the recent events didn't help. He thought that everything would be better once he destroyed the Freedom, but it would seem that his life became even worse: Athrun punching him when he finally thought he wasn't that bad, Athrun and Meyrin betraying them, him killing them. Was that Mobile Suit his personal curse? A chuckle almost escaped his mouth at that silly thought.
He rolled on his side and glanced at his sister mobile phone. He wasn't that traumatized by her death anymore, he had learned to deal with that, but it always comforted him to keep it with him. Shinn thought back at the time he had visited the Memorial in Orb (how he hated that country! No, don't ask why!). It was so strange and almost unnerving to see that place so clean, so peaceful. It was the proof of those Orb couldn't protect, and he didn't know if he should feel sad or angry anymore. Being angry and blaming them was so much easier than trying to forgive and forget.
Talking about that time, he did meet someone on that day, not that he remembered his face, he was far too away, and he honestly didn't care. That guy was certainly just another random person who had lost dear people; people that country couldn't protect. That's why he couldn't help but say what he thought aloud :
"No matter how pretty a flower blooms, people won't hesitate to blow it again."
That was the sad truth of our world, but maybe it would seem too bitter for a stranger. Strangely, Kira reminded him a little of that guy, but it was impossible anyway, why would he be in Orb, he was the Chairman's nephew!
That was mostly why he had felt at first uneasy towards him. He had thought he would be arrogant and impose his authority, but it wasn't the case at all. Kira seemed to be a quiet and nice person, even if a little odd on some levels. He indeed had very good skills: his shooting skill aside, they had made some mobile suits battle simulations, and Kira had easily scored the highest, which made Shinn slightly jealous.
But at the same time, he seemed so kind that the thought of him in a deadly battle seemed ridiculous. And he honestly was ignorant on some things he should know. But after all, Shinn had only known him for a few days, so he couldn't really judge him. He was just happy he got along with his new comrade.
The raven haired boy closed his eyes slowly, sleep finally claiming him after all those thoughts.
The war hadn't ended, they would still have to fight, but hopefully Shinn would never have to kill a friend again.
The sky was a pretty mix of orange and red, a sign of another cloudless night. Luna just loved watching the sunset on the bridge. It granted her a feeling of peacefullness and comfort. The Earth really was a beautifull mystery. No matter how many time she would stand here, she would never grow tired. The artificial sunset on PLANT was different, the one on Earth had something more, a more intimate sight. No one was controlling it, it was natural. How strange of her, a Coordinator, to think like that. Of course she didn't have anything against the Naturals, she didn't join ZAFT to fight them, she had joined to protect her homeland.
Luna sighed and leaned on the crowd barrier, her gaze distant.
So many things had happened since she joined, since they joined. Maybe she should have stood up against her sister's decision, maybe then she would be safely up there on the PLANTS, while she would protect her, and maybe she would not... Luna shook her head violently, she couldn't think about that, it hurt too much, she could already feel her eyes prickling.
How she hated who she was right now. If they weren't issued from a traditionnally military linked family, the idea of getting enrolled might have never crossed their mind.
But then, that's how things were, and she couldn't go back in the past, no matter how many time she wished she could. She couldn't say she regretted her choice either; but she regretted Meyrin's choice.
Oh Meyrin! Why did you have to follow your sister's footsteps? Why couldn't you let yourself be protected? Did you really betray us? Did you really protect him even if it meant leaving me?
Luna suppressed a sob and closed her eyes painfully. She didn't know what to believe and she would never know the truth. Meyrin won't be able to tell her anything anymore. She won't have petty fights with her anymore. It was too late. Luna bit her lower lip to keep herself from yelling. She knew she had to cope with it, but it was so hard.
A part of her heart was happy she could seek comfort from Shinn, while another yelled it was his damn fault. That he was the one who killed her, and him too. But she couldn't bring herself to hate the raven haired boy. It was completely paradoxical, and she knew it. Maybe it was because he was her only real friend left, because if she turned her back on him, she would completely shatter.
No, she could never hate him.
So who was at fault?
She had to blame someone, and the most logical choice then was Athrun. But he was dead, also killed by... She couldn't deny she had had a crush on him, he was so sweet and caring, but at the same time he fought extremely well. What she didn't know was that her sister also had a crush on him. Or rather love. Could she still qualify her feelings as a crush, when she sacrified herself for him?
She didn't know the exact events, but from what she had heard she followed him willingly. Luna sighed loudly and rested her head in her hands. No matter how many time she thought about that case again, just like Shinn, she didn't hate Athrun. Maybe it was because he was already dead, or because Meyrin loved him.
So in the end, with no one to blame, it was not surprising she felt guilty, that she had failed her little sister.
Luna just kept watching the sun setting for awhile, wishing she could stop thinking.
But memories couldn't be kept away that easily.
She had decided to stop crying, she had to be strong for her sake and her friends too. She wouldn't show any weakness. She breathed deeply the fresh air when she heard footsteps behind her.
"Lunamaria?"
She turned around and was surprised to see Kira's worried face.
"Are you... alright?" he said as he walked forward.
She closed her eyes briefly before nodding and trying to put some conviction in her voice.
"Yeah, don't worry, Kira."
But his worried look wouldn't go away as she obviously failed to look better. He came next to her, and leaned slightly on the barrier, watching the sun, before turning his violet gaze at her.
"I know we just met a week ago, but... if you want to talk to someone...I'm here."
"Thanks, Kira" she smiled sincerely at him, grateful for his words. "Don't worry... It's just..."
She hesitated for a few seconds, not knowing what to say. But she felt she could trust him as a friend, and talk to him. "It's just ..." she closed her eyes, "my sister passed away not so long ago..."
"Oh...I...I'm sorry..." his voice sounded obviously shocked and ill at ease. She opened her eyes,and saw him with a guilty look.
"Don't be, Kira. You didn't know... and I'm alright."
A silence ensued but not an uncomfortable one. Both were lost in their own thoughts. Luna turned her head slightly and stared at her new friend. He seemed deeply in thoughts, though she doubted it was her fault. Kira seemed to have so many secrets, but even then she wasn't angry at him. Everyone had something they would prefer to keep quiet, and she wouldn't pressure him. Besides Kira was really nice and sweet, there were no reasons for her to go against him.
As she looked at his features more closely, she was once again disturbed by a feeling of déjà vu. Being a Red ZAFT soldier, it shouldn't quite surprise her, but a part of her knew she hadn't seen him in a military base. She just couldn't pinpoint where. Of course there was that silly thought when she had first met him, but it was impossible. Even if they did look alike, there was no way he was the same person she had once spied on.
It was at times like this she regretted promising to forget and not to ask question. She should have kept a record or something.
But anyway what she had heard that day, disturbed her more than anything. That Lacus Clyne issue... Luna hadn't thought about it again since now. And even now she preferred to forget about it.
Where was the truth?
It was a way too recurrent and painful question she had no answer to.
Instead she turned her attention back to the brown haired boy. She finally got another idea at why he seemed familiar. Maybe it wasn't him that was familiar but his name.
Kira...
Honestly, how many time had she heard Athrun utter that name? No she didn't remember each time he said it, but she would have to be deaf to not hear and remember it when he screamed "Kira" when the Freedom got destroyed. That Kira seemed to have been a very good friend of Athrun... maybe that's why he had punched Shinn... She had been completely taken aback at that time, she would never have guessed Athrun could show such anger. And finally it culminated into his leaving. His Kira must have been the main reason.
Luna thought about all of that again, and realised that the man that was with Athrun when she spied on him, was certainly that Kira.
She began to feel a headache forming in the back of her mind, mixing this Kira and that Kira. This Kira, ZAFT soldier, who gave her the exact same advices as Athrun, and that Kira, Athrun's, the pilot of the Freedom.
And thinking of Athrun made her think about Meyrin again. This was a never ending circle.
She finally shook her head to clear her thoughts, and decided that all of that was too far fetched. She should stop thinking, and let go, or else she would lose her sanity.
"Luna?"
Oh. She had almost forgotten he was here. He must have seen her shake her head, and wondered what was wrong.
"Hm? Oh, nothing," she assured with a smile. "I'm beginning to feel a little tired."
Kira nodded, his violet eyes glinting with the last sun rays.
"Anyway we should go, it's almost night." She added.
Kira suddenly straightened with a slight panicked look as he checked his watch.
"What's wrong, Kira?"
He laughed nervously as he slapped his forehead and said quickly:
"I had almost forgotten I've got dinner with my... with the Chairman tonight!"
Luna stared incredulously at him and then laughed. What kind of person could forget an appointment with the Chairman? Kira shot her a faked glare and said:
"That's not funny!"
"If you say so..." she brushed her hair slightly. "Well it's late, let's go."
Kira nodded and began to went out.
"Oh and Kira...thanks."
To be continued...
Author Notes: Hello, yeah I've finally updated! I'm so sorry for the long wait, as I've said before I haven't got that much freetime this year...
Anyway I hope you didn't find that chapter too boring, it's more like an interlude than a real chapter... I wanted to put Kira's meeting with the Chairman here too, but I thought I made you all wait long enough.
I know there are still no battles in this chapter, but I can't just throw Kira immediately on the battlefield. I guess there should be two chapters before a battle.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Thanks to keep reading!
Thanks for the review to : Black Magician Girl3, Ultimate Coordinator Berserker, r, Maryam Khanoom, Elda Aranel, Besjer, Green.on.Black, risingsundynasty, Kagami Kyoji, Disturbed Insomniac, demonz8000, stellar, TheDisruptiveOne, hao, arian, Anemosys, GG7989, X19A Infinite Justice, Hiyami, Warp Ligia Obscura, blueflamesofsadness, RuByMoOn17, SerenityKaraTinaWolf, M.L.Light, D-HeroDevilGuy, Lady Hikari-Yami, Dae, Dark, Salvation Gundam, link2143, Gozilla.
Next Chapter: Kira meets with Dullindal: a prelude to future battles. Meer will make an appearance.
Comments are always welcomed!