Is this where I belong?
Chapter 11: Breakaway Limit Zone
Hi, how's everyone doing? Sorry for the long update. This is the 11th chapter of my story it'll mostly be in Kira's POV. Please excuse any spelling or grammar mistakes.
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed or Gundam 00 and never will. They belong to Sunrise.
Italics-thoughts, flashbacks, dream sequences.
Bold-yelling, when somebody raises their voice, and for emphasis.
Kira's POV. Early morning.
The sun's rays poured in through the partially closed blinds. Tired violet eyes opened, quickly closing from the sun's light. Even though the light wasn't that bright her eyes weren't properly adjusted to it yet. So the ray's slightly seared her retinas. Opening once more, her eyes were more adjusted to the morning light. Unfortunately for her, Kira's mind and body weren't exactly cooperating. Her mind was wide awake, but her body felt like it was still asleep.
Sighing, Kira slowly sat up. Rubbing the last traces of sleep from her eyes. Though the dark rings from her eyes indicated she didn't sleep that well. Which would be the truth. First she stayed up late reading over files and information Ian sent her on possibly adding some equipment to the Freedom. Reading them thoroughly before she finally went to sleep. But through the night kept she jerked awake from nightmares that made it more difficult to fall back asleep. That ended up happening at least five times. Waking up breathless and in a cold sweat. Just like her previous nightmares, they were all about everyone back home. Making her have a feeling that something was wrong. She swore in one of her dreams Cagalli was looking miserable and her eyes red from crying.
Though that's when Kira realized something important...
"I was working in the living room....So how did I get back to my room?" Cursing silently in her inability to realize this until now. And the only person that could have done that was...
"Setsuna..." Though that was when she had a bad feeling, though looking down, Kira's worries were appeased. "At least he didn't change my clothes..." Which would definitely be awkward. Swinging her legs over the side of the bed she stood up. Stretching her aching muscles she yawned loudly. Maybe after some coffee she would be more wide awake. A beeping sound caught her attention alerting her of the mission's plan.
"Mobile Suit Performance Test?" Walking over to the terminal, she skimmed the objectives. Eyes widening when she read her name. "Allelujah and I have to spy on the unveiling of a new unit for the HRL?" Reading more carefully, Kira saw that Sumeragi-san was planning for her to hack into the HRL's systems to retrieve more information for Celestial Being's use. Sighing she turned it off, setting it down on a bedside table.
After she was done getting ready she left her room, closing the door behind her. Kira's eyes slid over to Setsuna's door. "I should thank him for what he did." Lightly stepping forward she brought her hand up to knock on the door.
JNN Headquarters:
Pushing the glass doors of the lobby open. Kira saw even the lobby was busy. Pressing the button to go up, Kira waited impatiently for it to come. Hoping to forget what happened this morning.
Flashback
As soon as Setsuna opened the door. Kira regretted it. Because of the fact he was only wearing a undershirt and the same pants from before. The heat rising in her face was a warning that Kira was blushing.
Inwardly shaking her head, Kira couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with her. Setsuna was a comrade and she could even say a friend. She shouldn't be thinking this, but yet she was.
Realizing that she just stood there staring, Kira's face became even redder. "Just say what you came here to say! It's not that hard!" Kira thought to herself. Though Setsuna looking blankly at her with a hint of curiosity and dare she say confusion, wasn't helping! Was she the only one who gets embarrassed? Stealing her last bit of dignity she managed to at least get out her intended reason for this whole situation.
"T-t-thank you." With that said, Kira turned and quickly walked away, hoping this wouldn't happen again. Though she swore even in her embarrassment she heard Setsuna say clearly.
"You're welcome..."
End Flashback
Sighing to herself, Kira glared crossly at the elevator's ceiling. Thankfully no one around to see the brunette pouting about her strange behavior before. She never acted that way around a guy before so it was all new to her. Kira was always preoccupied with something else to worry about guy's. Even though her best friend was one, she never really cared or noticed. A beep interrupted her thoughts, as the door's slid open to the news room. Many people were bustling around and talking. Too busy with their work to notice the new intern walk in.
Kira tried to relax as she looked for Kinue, hoping she wouldn't notice anything wrong. But since she was a reporter and was good at finding details. Kira knew she couldn't hide anything for long. Especially since she was awful at lying and just didn't have it in her heart to be dishonest.
Thankfully Kinue's attention was purely focused on getting all her materials in order. Looking at the files, Kira frowned. All of them were about Celestial Being. Distracting her Kinue spoke.
"Oh, thank god you're here Kira. Could you help put these in order?" Nodding Kira took the files that Kinue gave her to organize. Leafing through them occasionally as she went through them. Her eyes darkening as she continued on. Kira felt guilty as she skimmed page after page. Here Kinue-san was working to discover the secrets of Celestial Being. When a person she would least expect working for the organization was working right beside her.
A determined look briefly sparked in her eyes. "Hopefully I can be more honest in the future." Unfortunately, Kinue seemed to Kira's expression.
"Is everything all right?" Caught off guard, Kira almost dropped the file she was currently holding. Straightening up, Kira nodded. Maybe Kinue-san wouldn't ask any questions. Though who was she kidding? Kinue was a reporter, she would bound to be curious.
"I noticed you didn't look so happy when you came in. Did something happen?"
Hearing that Kira wondered how to respond. Technically she wouldn't be giving anything away. But she was still unsure on how much she could tell Kinue. Though the look in Kinue's eyes told her she wouldn't stop asking until she got a straight answer.
"Well.. It's about a friend of mine..." Trailing off when she saw the knowing look on the older women's face.
"Does your friend happen to be a guy?" Blushing Kira nodded wondering where this was going. "Oh, so then it's about you rel-" Shaking her head, Kira blurted out.
"No! It's not like that!" Kinue couldn't help but laugh at how flustered Kira looked right now. When her laughter subsided, Kira also appeared to be less embarrassed. Though her cheeks were still a bit pink. Though that was nothing from her previous appearance.
"Are you going somewhere?" Looking up Kinue nodded. "I have to go to our branch in the HRL today. While also escorting Saji and Louise to their trip at the Pillar of Heaven. I should've told you this beforehand but it was completely last minute." Strangely Kira noticed Kinue say Louise's name almost reluctantly.
"When will you be leaving?" Kira asked.
"In a couple of hours. I have to meet Saji and Louise at the airport." Once again Kira caught the reluctance in her words. As if Kinue didn't want to even put Saji and Louise's names in the same sentence.
"Umm... Kinue-san? Do you disapprove of Louise?" Kira asked, having a hunch that was the reason. But wary, considering this was technically none of her business.
"I seriously don't know what Saji sees in her." Sighing as she closed her eyes. "She doesn't seem at all right for him."
"But you should give her a chance. Especially if she makes your brother happy." Kira's own words causing her to feel a pang in her heart. As she felt her eyes get watery. Quickly wiping her eyes, pretending she wasn't about to cry.
"Maybe..." Looking up at the clock, Kinue's eyes widened. "If I don't leave right now I'll be late!" Grabbing all her stuff Kinue gave a quick goodbye as she hurried out the door. Not noticing Kira look sadly after her.
"At least you're with your family right now..." Remembering her dream from before. "Cagalli..."
Unknowing someone familiar far away was crying over her missing sister...
2 days later. Pillar of Heaven.
Kira looked around the lobby. Seeing no sign of Allelujah she stayed put. Slightly excited about riding the train up to space. It was definitely different than what she was used to.
But as she scanned the area, she felt her blood run cold and her excitement die down. Here and there were several HRL soldiers. Their eyes cold as they watched the passengers walk around. Coming to a stop she took a small step back. Feeling paranoid as she looked from a central view of the scene. Did the HRL have any idea of what is going to happen? Or was this all because several high ranking officials were here to see the new mobile suit? Grimacing at those thoughts she became more alert.
She better not let her guard down, who knows what those soldiers are watching out for.
"Kira?" Turning she came face to face with Allelujah. Smiling she greeted him waving as he walked over. "How have you been?"
"Fine, thanks." Though when he looked at Kira's face. She didn't seem fine. In fact, she seemed sad and tired. If he wasn't really looking he wouldn't have noticed. Kira did a good job of hiding it. Frowning he decided that he would ask her when they were alone. Hopefully he wouldn't have to prod her for answers.
On the train:
"Kira, are you okay?"
Looking surprised she turned to him, "I'm fine. Why are you asking?" Though she didn't look so truthful when she spoke those words.
"Is there something bothering you?" Allelujah wasn't going let it go. Obviously something was wrong or she wouldn't look that way. Normally he would have left any other person alone when they kept denying it. But, call it a hunch. Kira didn't seem like the type of person to tell when she was upset unless under certain circumstances when she had to say something.
Especially before, when she told him about being a "Coordinator" though he was still not sure what that was from her explanation. He had to ask straight out to get the truth.
Staring at her, he could see her resolve on not saying anything was breaking. He would wait until she was comfortable. Though an untimely arrival interrupted that plan.
Opening their cabin door was a uniformed stewardess, not knowing she came in at a bad time. "How was your meals?" Turning towards her, Kira was the one to answer. Relief plain on her face at the interruption.
"Yes, they were good." Smiling the older women asked if they wanted any drinks Allelujah answered this time.
"No, thank you for either of us." Not taking his eyes off the girl across from him. Flashing a knowing look between the two the women smiled. Leaving silently to leave the two alone. As Kira looked nervously down at her lap, her hands folded together. Biting her lip she wondered what could she say.
Now that she was left alone with Allelujah she was left tongue-tied. She didn't want to place her burdens on someone else. But it was obvious that he wouldn't just drop it. Probably her silence was making him even more determined. Clearing her throat she finally spoke.
"I...I have been having some bad dreams lately." Still refusing to meet Allelujah's eyes. While he looked at her concerned. What kind of dreams could she have been having that would make such a impact on her? "Though I've had my share if bad dreams." Allelujah thought to himself.
"What kind of dreams?" Allelujah asked, wanting to know.
Finally meeting his eyes she answered. "There about some friends of mine. I've been having them for quite awhile."
"Were you close to them?"
At those words Kira's eyes darkened. Clenching her hands on her lap, she bit her lip. Nodding she answered.
"Yes, but I have no idea how their doing-" Stopping looking up surprised as the train pulled in. Indicating that they arrived. Looking apologetically at Allelujah, Kira gave him a sad smile. Not bothering to hide his disappointment he just watched her, knowing the plan. She was supposed to leave first before him. Standing up she picked up her bag.
But before she left she stopped and looked back. Catching his attention with her soft words.
"Maybe we can finish this conversation later..." This time her smile didn't seem forced but real which he noticed and stayed with him long after she left.
HRL Low Orbital Station Gravity Block:
Walking around Kira looked for a suitable place to work. Catching sight of a cyber cafe she took a seat at one of the tables outside. The service linked with the main network's connection. If Kira was careful about it she could hack into one of the databases and work from there without being noticed. Working quickly she located the files on the new model.
"Hmm...so it's name is MSJ-0611-SP Tieren Tau-II." Kira thought as she copied the information as she went along. Done in a few minutes. Kira yawned, covering her mouth with one hand she used the other to remove the flash drive. Perhaps in the future she would be better rested. Putting the drive in her pocket she stood up. Looking at a nearby clock she confirmed it was about time the time the new MS would be tested.
"It's up to Allelujah now."
Outside the elevator. Soma and Sergei on the test run.
As they moved farther from the elevator Sergei gave directions. Staying in place, he would watch how well the Lieutenant piloted her machine.
"Lieutenant, I want you to show me your suit's maneuverability. Go through the designated course at maximum acceleration."
With her same emotionless voice Soma responded to her superior. "Yes, Colonel." Focusing on the designated path she activated the suit's thrusters at it's max. "Starting."
Impressed as he read the calculation the Lieutenant's suit was off by.
"It differed from the course by only 0.25% at maximum acceleration. So this is the power of an enhanced soldier..." Remembering when he talked to one of the doctors that worked on the project.
Flashback
The two men watched Soma running on a treadmill from a viewing window. Keeping her eyes straight ahead she ran with a perfect stride and posture. Not appearing at all tired, which was amazing because technically she was keeping the same pace for quite awhile.
Sergei listened to the other man's words attentively as he explained about her.
"Thanks to the nanos in Enhanced Soldier No. 1's body keep her body in perfect condition." Talking about her if she was just a piece of equipment. The man surprised as the Colonel turned away from the sight.
"Are you not pleased with her?" Not replying he had only one thought.
"She's still just a young girl..." Though he didn't voice that particular thought out loud.
End Flashback
Bringing him to the present was his subordinates voice. "Wh-What is this feeling?"
Becoming concerned Sergei asked. "What's wrong, Lieutenant?" The answer back caused him to worry her usual stoic voice was much different.
"Colonel, there is something inside my head...!" Her voice breaking off because of the pain. Watching as Soma went of course heading back to the elevator unexpectedly.
With Allelujah:
"What is this pain? Grasping his head as a headache came from no where. Shutting his eyes tightly as he fell to his knees. He couldn't stand the pain going through his head, it was the only thing he could feel. Allelujah didn't notice the onlookers beginning to stop to look at the scene he was causing. Gasping as he was pulled back in his mind. Hallelujah was in control...
"Who the hell is doing this? Don't you dare enter my mind without my permission!" Standing tall as he threatened the unknown assailant that dared to enter his mind. There was no way he was going to take this shit!
"Bastard, I'm going to kill you!" Not realizing the intruder to his mind, Soma, was not going to respond in a good way...
Firing off shots continually at the elevator, Soma screamed loudly.
"NO! Please Stop!" As the pain in her head got even worse from the malevolent thoughts and threats of Hallelujah. Sergei rushed forward, commanding Soma to stop. But his words fell on deaf ears. Without stopping or acknowledging the command Soma continued firing at the elevator. The continued shots began to sever one of the gravity blocks away from the connecting lines. Unable to take more of the assault the tethers snapped.
Breaking away from the ring it slowly drifted away from the structure. Leaving the people inside trapped.
Watching horrified at what occurred Sergei asked in shock. "What have you done?" Getting no response from Soma as she sat limply in her MS. Not being able to take any more she blacked out.
Seeing no choice Sergei called for a rescue team. They had to retrieve the gravity block and the people inside!
With Hallelujah/Allelujah.
"Is that one of the gravity blocks?" Many people gathered around the windows. Forgetting the strange scene before in favor of this tragedy.
Chuckling Hallelujah knew who did it. "An accident? My deepest condolences." Knowing that the people trapped inside were goners if no one acted fast enough. Though why should he care? They were of no importance to him. But his lighter side seemed to disagree.
"Hallelujah!"
"Don't interfere." But Allelujah wasn't giving up.
"Hallelujah!"
"Hmm.. you aren't concerned about that-"
"Hallelujah!"
"Fine then." Relinquishing control back to Allelujah. He never let him have any fun. Was the thought he had as he retreated to the recesses of their shared mind.
With Kira:
"What's going on?!" Kira thought as she floated in the air. What on earth happened to the gravity? First there were several bangs against the block. At first, Kira dismissed it as space debris making contact with the ring. But that obviously wasn't the case, whatever happened was more serious. A nearby conversation answered Kira's questions.
"We've separated from the ring!" Stunned she turned towards the speaker. Who was none other than Saji!
"Their here too?" Cursing to herself Kira scowled. It would be difficult to try anything right now. Even if it meant saving everybody. There were people here that could find her actions suspicious.
"But I just can't do nothing!" Just as she came to this realization a voice echoed through the air.
"Can you hear me? Everyone, gather in the central block!" Kira's eyes widened as she looked at the ceiling. She recognized voice!
"Allelujah!"
"I repeat. If you don't want to die, gather in the center! There's no time. Hurry up!"
Gathering her wits, Kira yelled out. "You heard him! Everyone gather to the center!"
Shocked many turned to the young girl. It was easy to see the disbelief in their eyes. How could someone so young be in such a calm state? But thanks to Kira's outburst. Both Saji and Louise now noticed the familiar face.
"Saji, what's she doing here?" Though those were words didn't even register in Saji's mind.
How could Kira be here? And how was she so calm? She didn't look at all afraid. In fact, her eyes were strong and determined. Kira was the same age as both him and Louise. So how did it seem like she was far older? But her voice broke him out of his haze.
"Everyone gather in the center block! We don't have that much time!" With that said everyone began to exit in droves. Nobody wanted to die. Though Saji noticed Kira hang back. Looking to see if everybody was evacuating.
Kira's POV.
Kira carefully watched everyone leave. Just about everyone had evacuated the block. Though when Kira looked back she saw that one person made no move to leave. A girl younger than herself was hunched over on the ground. Even from the distance, she could see the girl's body shaking. Worried Kira rushed over, gently placing her hands around the girl's shoulders. Though at the touch she stiffened and looked terrified at Kira.
"You'll be okay-"
"I don't want to die!" Stopping Kira looked studied the girl's face. The fear was prominent on her face. Eyes softening, Kira gently pulled the girl to her feet. As she ushered her to the exit, Kira said comforting words to her. The kind words seemed to get through to her and she seemed to calm down. But she still kept a tight hold on Kira's arm.
Later on the Ptolemaios:
"He deserves this punishment." Blinking, Kira looked at Tieria. What did he mean by that?
"Allelujah was just trying to help people." Not taking her eyes off his unmoving form. Both stood outside the room where Allelujah would be confined. Earlier, Kira tried to argue on his behalf. But Allelujah just stopped her and accepted the punishment. Tieria made it clear he believed that this punishment was necessary.
But was the consequences of Allelujah's actions necessary? It's true that he went against the original plan. But, he saved many lives. Including her own and for that she was grateful. But judging from Tieria's harsh gaze he didn't agree with Kira's reasoning.
"Those who cannot follow and endanger the missions and goals of Celestial Being are not worthy of being Gundam meisters." Tieria said.
Kira's eyes narrowed. "And what gives you the right to judge him?" Kira was quickly losing her patience. What gave him the right to pass judgment on anyone? And his next words made Kira more angry towards cold man.
"This does apply to you as well. Don't think just the future performance in your Gundam will be all that is tested." Leaving it at that, Tieria walked away. Leaving Kira standing alone, stunned by his harsh words.
End Chapter 11.
Note: Yay! Finally got this chapter done please excuse any mistakes I've made. But unfortunately you'll have to wait awhile for the next chapter. I have to write and draw a comic for a project that I was assigned. So I'll be focusing on that in my free time.
Also when I was typing this chapter near the end, I noticed that the girl I written about sounded a lot like Stella form GSD... Don't know why I did that. But as soon as I finished writing it I noticed that part. So anyway, Kira will be involved more in the action as the chapters go along. Though it may be awhile before she finally gets to pilot the Freedom. But it will happen so wait for that. Thank you for reading this chapter!
Remember to review and give me some feedback!