Sorry this took so long but my writing has gotten to the point where I write what is in my head at the time so I kinda flick between stories. Anyway this chapter is done so here it is as a sot of Christmas present. My actual present will be uploaded on Christmas day. Enjoy.

Special thanks to PhantomX05 My beta for this story.

I do not own Gundam SEED

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

'Unknown voice'

Gamow

"With the situation as it is we will eventually catch the legged ship. However we'll only have 10 minutes before the rendezvous with the 8th fleet when we do." Explained Nichol, analysing the ships tactical map.

"You mean we have a full 10 minutes." Interjected Dearka sounding decidedly amused.

"I suggest the cowards keep their mouths shut." Yzak mocked from the other side of the map table.

"Is there only 10 minutes or a full 10 minutes; it all depends on how you look at it." Continued the silver haired teen, looking over the TAC map himself.

"I agree. After all the success of a surprise attack isn't determined by the time spent." Said Dearka.

Nichol wasn't convinced. "What about the black machine, the Defender. It was able to keep two of us tied up without much difficulty. Add in the Strike and the ship and we're effectively outnumbered.

The two other redcoats went quiet at that. Nichol was correct the pilot of the Defender was in another league to them. An effective surprise attack would be difficult with him present.

"I have something that might help you there." Interrupted Captain Zelman.

"Some of our scientists analysed the footage of the Defender firing its chest weapon and the damage it inflicted on the Claymore. Given the estimated recoil they're surprised that the Defender was still intact after firing that weapon, let alone mobile."

Dearka was the first to figure out what that meant. "So they're saying that the black machine is probably down for repairs because it fired its main gun. That's one strange Mobile Suit."

"It does mean that we can pull this off. We'll sink the legged ship before the commander gets back. Said Yzak eagerly.

Nichol couldn't help but frown. Something told him that this would not go to plan.

Matthias was sleeping peacefully. Something that rarely happened before he'd come aboard the Archangel, or more specifically met Riyu. However this peace was rudely shattered when someone jumped on him. Suddenly forced awake his eyes flickered open to reveal a particularly interesting sight. Kneeling on him was a widely grinning Riyu wearing only an oversized T-shirt and panties.

"That's a view I could get used to waking up to." He muttered drowsily causing the brunette perched on him to blush.

"So what's up?" He asked after a moment despite being more than a little distracted by the close contact.

Riyu leaned forward in a slightly seductive manner to whisper in his ear. "Phase two passed. Also Flay has been recruited to our team." Giving him a peck on the lips after she finished.

However before she could pull away, Matthias wrapped his arms around her. Drawing the brunette for a much deeper and more passionate kiss. The couple quickly became lost in the moment moaning into each other as their tongues duelled for supremacy.

Completely consumed by the haze of passion and hormones the teen's hands began to roam. Riyu's hands began running over her boyfriend's well-toned chest, through the thin to he wore. At the same time Matthias's hands slid under her T-shirt to caress the bare skin of her back.

The pair didn't even notice each other's errant appendages until Matthias's hand shifted down to grasp Riyu's panty clad ass, causing the young woman to squeal in surprise. Finally breaking the intense lip lock and bringing both teens back to reality.

They just stayed like that for several moments breathing heavily from the passionate encounter.

Matthias was the first to get his breath back enough to speak. "Sorry I got a bit carried away there."

Riyu leant back in his arms smirking and looking straight in his eyes. "Please do as you wish." She purred sensuously.

The young man beneath her widened his eyes slightly but kept composed.

"Tempting, very tempting but not now, we have work to do. Plus I have something to show you." He said finally letting Riyu to get off before getting up himself.

"Ok then, what are we waiting for?" Said the brunette.

Matthias raised an eyebrow at her." Well I'd like to get dressed and I would prefer it if you kept your current look for my personal viewing only." He said heading for their rooms shower.

Riyu looked down at her clothes and rapidly went red once again. He was right. She would rather this look was for his personal viewing as well.

20 minutes later the couple were inside the 'Toy box' where Matthias had pulled out a small sealed container. This had another keypad on it and even a DNA scanner on it.

Riyu was intrigued to say the least.

Her curiosity only increased when he pulled what looked like a black jewellery box out of it.

He smiled sadly as he held it before handing it to Riyu almost reverently.

The brunette looked at him confused.

"Open it." Said Matthias. "It's for you."

Slowly she complied carefully opening the box.

As soon as she saw the contents her eyes widened and mouth fell open in shock.

In the box was a pendant. It was incredibly ornate. The pendant centered on a large oval sapphire about the size of a person's thumbnail. Its colour was an almost perfect match to the eyes of the young man in front of her. Around it was two rings of gems, one of amethysts and rubies and the other of emeralds and black diamonds all set in what she assumed was 24 carat gold. The chain was either white gold or platinum.

It must have been worth an absolute fortune and yet Matthias was willing to just give it to her.

No it was more than that to him she realised, thinking about the sad smile he'd worn after taking it out.

Then it hit her. The pendant must have belonged to his mother.

The significance of that fact was not lost on the brunette.

"Is… this… a proposal?" She asked hardly believing what she was saying.

That comment caught Matthias a little off guard, stunning him for a moment.

"We're a little young for that." He said smiling, once he'd found his tongue.

"Though it is meant to be given with… err… that sort of… erm… intent." His face got redder and redder as he continued the sentence.

Riyu couldn't help but find it quite cute.

"So it's like a promise ring then." She said softly drawing the pendant out by its chain as she spoke, her eyes not leaving the central sapphire.

"Pretty much." Matthias breathed, thankful she understood.

Riyu finally broke eye contact with the pendant to look him straight in the eye.

"Are you sure you want to give me these. I mean they have a lot of meaning to you."

She said moving to place the pendant back in the box. Matthias immediately stayed her hand.

"That's exactly why I'm giving it to you, besides it's a family tradition."

He explained holding the pendant up in front of her.

"So do you accept?"

Riyu froze for a moment before clasping his hands and guiding them over her head putting the pendant on in the process.

Matthias dropped his hands. "I'll take that as a yes then." He said as his girlfriend fiddled lightly with her new piece of jewelery.

"Now that is done we have work to do." He finished.

However before he could turn to leave, Riyu stepped forward and kissed him.

"I love you." She whispered, catching him off guard like only she could.

"I-I…I…" He let out a sigh. "I know."

Riyu rolled her eyes. Designing and building Mobile suits, easy. Piloting a MS into battle, no problem. Telling a girl he loved her. That's hard for him.

Oh well she would wait.

"Come on lets go." She said heading off to get ready to help the mechanics. Matthias however held back looking at the floor. Realising he hadn't followed her Riyu stopped and looked back. Matthias looked up and looked her in the eyes. "Aishiteru." He said quietly.

Riyu giggled, this was so him. He could say I love you directly so he cheated. Saying it in another language. "That will do for now." She said grinning "Come on I thought you said we had work to do."

Matthias grinned and ran after her.

Meanwhile Kira and Lacus entered the canteen intent on getting breakfast. Following their confessions of liking each other last night the pair had decided to keep it between themselves. At least until they figured out where they were going with it or at least discussed it with Matthias and Riyu seeing as the older teens were already in a relationship.

Having acquired their trays of food the two teens were pleasantly surprised to see George Allstar sitting and chatting with Flay, Miriallia and Tolle. The two coordinators approached hesitantly until Mr Allstar spotted them.

"Hello there, I've been meaning to speak to you two." He said in an almost fatherly manner.

Flay also nodded for them to join.

Accepting the invitation they sat down. Though they failed to notice Flay's knowing smile at how close to each other they were sitting. "So what do you want to talk about?" Asked Kira before starting to eat.

"I wanted to apologise for what I said in the hangar. Young man."

The violet eyed brunette suddenly found the situation more than a little awkward.

"Don't worry about it. Matthias did straighten you out afterwards. Not to mention Riyu gave you the mother of all verbal smack downs for it as well." He said smiling slightly. Mr Allstar chuckled at that.

"That's definitely true… Umm its Kira isn't it." He said.

Kira just nodded in reply and the politician smiled.

"Just out of curiosity. There are 3 coordinators on board by my count. Is that correct?" Mr Allstar asked politely.

That caused Kira and Lacus to share a worried look that probably would have been noticed had Tolle not interjected.

"What do you mean 3 Matthias and Kira are the only coordinators on board right now."

Now Mr Allstar looked confused.

"What about Matthias's girlfriend?" He asked.

Kira and Lacus relaxed at that. While their friends shook their heads in reply.

"Really! From her speed I would have sworn…" He trailed off only for Mir to take over.

"Professor Kato did say that there were people that showed that there isn't much difference between naturals and coordinators. We think Riyu is one of those people."

Mr Allstar raised an eyebrow at that. Then Tolle chipped in. "She's dangerous as well. Seeing as she's good enough to hold her own against Matthias in an unarmed fight."

Now that little comment made the politician pale noticeably.

"She suddenly seems a lot scarier than I thought she was." He muttered half to himself.

"Riyu is actually quite a friendly and approachable person." Piped up Lacus. "Well as long as you don't anger her." She added.

Mr Allstar just humphed at that.

"I think that's why daddy's worried. Riyu didn't exactly hide how angry she was at him."

Lacus nodded in understanding.

"I don't think you should worry Mr Allstar. Riyu knows more about Matthias's powers than anyone, save Matthias himself. She is quite an understanding person as well, so she should hear you out if you want to apologies." She explained with a smile of assurance.

The colour returned to Mr Allstar's cheeks as he visibly relaxed.

"Thank you, your assurance is much appreciated miss…" He paused waiting for her name.

Lacus was busy smiling her thanks at Kira as he collected his and her, now empty, food trays. So it took a moment for the words to get through and have her attention snap back to the front, her cheeks slightly red from embarrassment.

"Lacus, Lacus Kasne." She said using her political training to prevent herself from stuttering.

The vice foreign minister raised an eyebrow at her name but didn't comment.

"Thank you Miss Kasne. I'll be sure to talk to Miss Takama later. I understand she's working in the hangar right now."

After a collective nod from the teens Mr Allstar sat back letting them chat amongst themselves and him to think.

'Miss Clyne is on this ship, I'll have to ask Matthias later. I must admit that she and that Kira boy look cute together. I can see why Flay is helping Matthias and Riyu play match maker. Perhaps I'll ask to see if I can help as well." He had just finished that thought when.

"Enemy heat signature detected all hands to level 1 battle stations." Blared out over the intercom. Kira, Mir and Tolle were moving almost instantly. However Kira was stopped and looked back when Lacus grabbed his hand. Her face said it all. 'Please be careful' was what it said. Kira smiled in assurance and nodded then headed for the hangar. The Allstars' having witnessed the whole scene couldn't help but smile. 'Perhaps my help isn't needed.' Thought George.

Archangel hangar a few minutes earlier.

"Ok the main power router is fixed just need to wire it all up and we're pretty much done here." Shouted Murdoch from the Defenders shoulder as Riyu crawled out form the chest cavity. She'd kept the pendant hidden under her coveralls to avoid questions.

"How's the TBE coming on Matthias?" Added the chief mechanic a moment later.

"Nearly done. The damage was more awkward than serious. Though I doubt I'll be using it again for some time." Replied the blond as he worked on said weapon while floating upside down.

Murdoch chuckled. "That's definitely true, but you did say you'd rather have it just in case."

Matthias, having put the wrench he'd been using in his mouth in order to swing himself around the TBE, only grunted in reply.

'Enemies approaching' Once again that disembodied female voice entered his head.

Moments later when the battle alert sounded he was already out the door to the bridge.

"Where's he off to" Asked Murdoch as the blond shot off.

Riyu grinned. "Gottfrieds" she replied. Nothing else really needed saying after that.

Archangel Bridge.

Scarcely a minute after leaving the hangar, Matthias rushed out of the door for the Bridge, his rapid reactions allowing him to catch onto the back of Kuzzey's seat at communications.

"Matthias?" Said the captain noticing his arrival. "Is the Defender ready?" She asked.

The blonde shook his head, pulling himself up against the communications seat to allow Miriallia and Tolle through to their positions.

As soon as they were ready all attention on the bridge shifted towards getting the Strike and the Mobius Zero launched.

Matthias watched the Gundam and Mobile armour boost off, severely wishing he could join them out there in protecting the ship. Then he looked at one of the unoccupied stations.

'Well I guess I'll just have to make do.'

The blue eyed coordinator was about to speak when the entire ship shook from a glancing hit.

"Heh, using their mobile suits to hide the firing position. That's pretty cute," Commented Mu over the radio.

Matthias smiled slightly at the older blonds sarcasm, before becoming serious again.

"Captain, permission to have manual control of the Gottfrieds." He said once everyone had calmed down slightly.

Now everyone on the Bridge was looking at him in surprise.

Natarle then looked over at Captain Ramius. "Well Captain?" She asked in her usual stern tone.

Marrue appeared to think it over for a moment, and then nodded. "Permission granted."

Matthias quickly acknowledged her decision dropping himself into one of the unoccupied stations in the CIC center as Natarle, somewhat begrudgingly, transferred control of the Gottfrieds to him.

"Ok girl show me what you got." He muttered already lining up the first shot.

'With pleasure'

'Ok' He thought. 'This is really getting interesting.' With that he fired.

Yzak was not having a good time. Though for once he was keeping his temper under control. However that was only because of the reason why he was not having a good time or at least the main one.

Not only had the Strikes pilot improved considerably, it seemed in the absence of a functional mobile suit the Defenders pilot, with his disturbing level of accuracy, had been put in charge of the Legged Ships main guns. And had of course picked him and the Duel to be the first in the crosshairs.

He'd managed to dodge the shot but the knowledge that the 2 dual 32cm high energy beam cannons on their target, were now controlled by someone who's accuracy occasionally bordered on paranormal was both distracting and infuriating. He was also pretty sure that for once both Dearka and Nichol shared similar sentiments.

Kira on the other hand was having a much easier time of it. Between his improved skills and his opponent being distracted by the very real possibility of getting a set of ship grade beams up the ass. He was coping quite comfortably.

He had to admit it was quite comforting having accurate ship grade fire support on his side he mused. Kicking the Duel away to sort of prove the point. The ZAFT Gundams pilot realised what was about to happen and dodged. Almost not fast enough. The twin pairs of heavy beams blacken the Duels armour.

Not giving the ZAFT pilot a moment to recover form their evasion and near miss. Kira charged back in beam saber ablaze.

Yzak swore but managed to bring his own saber to bear just in time. Just what were the other two doing?

Nichol grit his teeth. This was getting ridiculous. How could someone be so unpredictable when they only had 3 targets? He hadn't even used the mirage colloid yet for of reducing the number of targets.

"Nichol vanish already and hit them!" Yelled Dearka said over the radio. Detonating a wave of missiles as he did.

"That will mean the main cannons will target you almost – ghu." Nichols reasoning was cut off when he had to pull a 5G double evasion to avoid being skewered by the 2 Gottfrieds that had been ripple fired at him.

"Just do it!" Dearka snapped back. "We're only going to get hit like this."

Nichol didn't reply but activated the Blitz's mirage colloid.

On board the Archangel Matthias grinned the glow of his eyes growing a bit brighter. "This is where the fun begins. " He muttered to himself.

Meanwhile with the Strike and Duel things had turned around somewhat. Yzak, having realised that the Archangel and its cannons was now fully engaged with his comrades and so was finally able to stop watching his back and cut loose. Even with the Strike now the one on the defensive his mood didn't improve.

The EA pilot had progressed to a point where, while he was still the better pilot it wasn't by much. The Strikes pilot was improving at a stupendous rate and, as was becoming increasingly clear, learned from any mistake he made almost instantly. Essentially improving before his very eyes.

That fact was reinforced when a moment later, with their sabres clashing once again. Yzak found himself kicked away and suddenly back on the defensive as the Strike redrew it's rifle.

As he dodged a single thought filtered through the back of the silver haired pilot's mind. 'Is that pilot really a natural? Only to be eradicated by his usual hotheadedness a moment later.

Dodging another shot Yzak cursed as the Strike body checked him with its shield.

'This is now definitely beyond what can be considered sane.' Thought Nichol.

Even with the Mirage Colloid active the legged ships massive beam cannons had nearly hit him not once but twice, Sure Dearka had been close enough to the beam for it to have been aimed at the buster and it happening once could be written off as some really good luck on the shooters end, but twice?

The green haired coordinator couldn't help but think that the impressively skilled pilot that now had control over those massive beam cannons somehow knew where he was despite the cloak.

His mood was further soured by the fact that when he did get off a shot, while cloaked, he nearly got perforated by a wave of anti-air shrapnel warheads. To cap it all off the Legged ship's CIWS began to put up a barrage preventing him from getting close while cloaked due to the loss of phase shift armour it entailed.

The whole situation frustrated him and it seemed Dearka felt the same as well. Launching a volley of missiles at the ship.

That when he saw an opening. In order to intercept the missiles the CIWS turrets stopped their barrage. Not letting a chance go to waste he dived the cloaked Blitz in.

Matthias his head to clear the ringing. One of the Busters missiles had detonated close enough to jolt the whole ship, in tern jerking him into his console. The impact wasn't really enough to do more than bruise. However it broke his concentration, casing him to loose the Blitz.

Immediately he reached out again, scanning the surrounding space. Finding the Blitz pilots mental signature he sighed. The Blitz was exactly where no one on this ship wanted it to be.

Kira lightly bit his lip. Deflecting the Duels saber with his shield. Following it up with a simple thrust with his own. The enemy pilot knocked it away angrily leaving an opening that Kira exploited by way of a knee to the cockpit, Knocking the navy and grey unit away.

That's when Miriallia's panicked voice burst from the radio. "Kira! The Blitz is beside the bridge! Get back here!"

The young coordinators eyes shot wide. "The Archangel! Lacus." In that moment his desire to protect reached a critical point. Within his mind a violet seed fell in slow motion, bounced once and burst in a shower of rainbow coloured particles.

"The Archangel." He said his voice completely monotone.

"I wont let you destroy it." Raising his head once more to reveal vacant, almost pupil less violet irises.

The Duel charged in intent on finishing it with a single final blow. To Kira though the ZAFT unit seemed to be in slow motion and he easily ducked the blow slamming his own saber home to burn a gash in the Duels torso. Twisting away from the stunned machine he redlined the thrusters towards the Blitz.

Nichol barely had a chance to register what happened. Only gut instinct and a fate blessed evasion prevented the Strike from neatly bifurcating him and the Blitz. However he was unable to counter when the blue and white unit leaped after him, driving its knee into the Blitz's chest.

Before the Strike could move in for the kill, the grey and blue figure of the Duel rose up from behind like an avenging angel.

Inside the Strike Kira reacted. Snatching one of its 'Armour Schneider' assault knives. The Strike pivoted; driving its arm out, smashing the small blade into the gash the beam sabre had burned previously.

The move happened to fast for Yzak to see it before the Duels console exploded in his face, shattering his helmets visor and slicing a deep slash across his face.

"Yzak!" Yelled Nichol hearing the silver haired pilots cry of pain as the Blitz recovered to catch the wounded Duel.

"Yzak." Nichol called again only to hear Yzak's pained mumble of, "It burns, it burns," In reply.

"Dearka." Said the youngest ZAFT pilot. "Yzak's injured. We need to withdraw."

The Busters pilot grunted but complied providing coving fire as they retreated. Valiant rounds and missiles buzzing around them.

On the Archangel's Bridge silence reigned, as Kira settled the Strike on the ships front deck. No one could believe what they'd just witnessed. It was Mu, having launched but found himself unable to really participate due to circumstances, which finally broke the silence.

"Kid you were amazing… No you were more than that you were incredible."

"Not Really" Kira muttered modestly in reply.

Moments later Natarle's usual military tone snapped out. "IFF response confirmed, the 8th fleet is here."

Back in the CIC Matthias smile rubbing his head as a light glow healed the forming bruise. 'Now thing are really getting interesting.'

'Finally friends'

He glanced at the console for a moment.

'Yes very interesting indeed.'

Well there it is. As for what I'll update next well Code Geass: The Truth looks favourite at the moment, followed by the Rebellion then a possible new story, then this and Shadows bringing up the rear. (I haven't been in the dark state of mind I need for writing it for a while. It will be updated eventually though.)

Please be sure to leave a review.