Fandom: Gundam Seed
Genre: Romance/General
Rating: PG-13
Type: Multi-part, chapter 12
Pairings: Nicol/Melody (OC), Athrun/Cagalli, Kira/Lacus
Disclaimer: No, I do not own Gundam Seed.
Author's Notes: As usual, this was my latest written version. I had managed to salvage certain parts from the original version and fits them in -- the rest were in the trash can.
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Chapter 12
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Timeline: C.E. 71, 26 May - 13 June
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On the 29 of May, at a meeting of the Earth Alliance leadership - Director Muruta Azrael of the Defense Industry Association proposes an attack on the Orb Union. However, the said Muruta Azrael was the rumoured leader of the anti - Coordinators organization 'Blue Cosmos'. Yet, none of the others knew of the fact saved for the Kingdom of ORB Union. The only reason that Lord Uzumi Nala Attha knew of the former's identity had something to do with ORB's spies within the Alantic Federation.
However, the Earth Alliance was reluctant to do so - initally. Thus, they ended up urging all Neutral Countries of the Earth to join forces with the Earth Alliance to fight against the ZAFT. Yet, ORB remained on its neutral political ground and refuses to side with the Earth Alliance and the Alantic Federation. That was when the Earth Alliance Forces, finally allow Muruta Azrael to handle the situation in his preferred manner - waging a war against the ORB Union.
On the 13 of June, the Atlantic Federation finally dispatches its 4th Naval Fleet to demand that the Orb Union dismiss Representative Athha, dissolve its legislature, and disarm itself. Orb was then given 48 hours to make its reply to the Alantic Federation. Should ORB still chose to remained their grounds - war would be declared on behalf of the organisation against the Kingdom.
The situation was depressing; and the Parliament Ministries were busy with their own respective duties. Lord Uzumi stood his ground and refuses to give in to the Alantic Federation's conditions - ORB started preparing themselves for war. An dismissal warning was dispatch to ORB's Civilians - and that all Civilians should try and head off for shelter.
On the same day, Melody send a coded message to Michelle - informing the latter of the current situation. As usual, there had been no reply nor response from the elder girl - since the former had no desire to response at this moment in time.
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Timeline: 14 June - 15 June, C.E.71
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The next forty eight hours was engulfed in chaos - the ORB Ministries were busy with communication and debating with the Alantic Federation. Melody and her cohort were placed on Level 2 Battle Station - preparing for the worst to occur.
At the same time, the Archangel crew members were gathered around - the Captain made it clear that those whom wish to leave may do so - immediately. For the Archangel was going to be hanging around and join in the battle of the ORB - against the Alantic Federation. In the end, Kuzzey and ten other crewmembers decided to leave the Archangel.
However, Kuzzey was tempted to stay after realizing that neither of his friends were leaving with him. Yet, Sai told Kuzzey not to stay abroad on their behalf - for Kuzzey was not someone whom could survive during in times of war; on the frontline. And that it was only a matter of differences in opinion - thus, would not caused the former to seem like a coward for leaving the frontlines at the very last moment.
In the meantime, Kira whom was passing by the corridor overheard the conversation.
On the other hand, Cagalli was busy scanning the area for Kira. The moment the said person had been spotted by the former - Kira was seen being tackled down by the blonde in distress. The blonde was depressed with the fact that ORB was preparing for battle - against the Alantic Federation. Kira soothe the distress girl with soothing words - calming the said Princess of ORB down.
However, he emphasised on the fact that he thought - ORB had made the correct decision of going into battle. Sensing Kira's determination, Cagalli decided to place faith in ORB's beliefs and faith in what her father and everyone else had been doing.
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In the meantime, Athrun Zala whom had just descends onto Earth met up with Reverend Malchio at the Marshall Island - situated some distance away from the ORB Kingdom. Turns out, the Marshall Island was also where he had fought Kira beforehand - since there was still the remains of his self-destructed 'Aegis' lying around.
The orphaned kids had ended up using such remains as a playground field, for he was immediately attacked and ambushed by a couple of kids when he descends from the 'Justice'. One of the kid, ended up kicking him in the leg - but since it was done by a mere child; Athrun did not bother with defending. After all, a child's strength could not hurt him seriously.
That had all stopped when Reverend Malchio appeared - and Athrun bowed in respect to the elder. Reverend Malchio then invited the former to where he was residing - with the rest of the orphans. He apologized on behalf of the boy whom kicked Athrun in the leg and explained that the boy's parents had been killed during the ZAFT invasion of Carpentaria.
Athrun said nothing, but nodded in silent acknowledgement. Now that certainly explained why the boy kick him at first glance - since he was spotting on the infamous ZAFT red piloting suit.
Just then, the news came on screen. The reporter was saying that the war in ORB seems inevitable - and Athrun decided to take a look into the situation.
Twenty four hours, after the news came on - it was time for the ORB Union to declare their answers to the Alantic Federation.
At the same time, abroad the Archangel - Dearka was set free by Mirialla with his piloting suit thrown in his face.
Hurrying after the girl, he asked of the whereabouts of the 'Buster' - all Miriallia responded was that the 'Buster' was being retrieved and taken back by the ORB's Morgenroete factory; claiming that it was theirs to begin with.
After which, Dearka was left alone to leave the ship - yet, he had absolutely no idea where to go and what to do.
It was then that he heard a familiar voice coming around the corner, he waited in silent anticipation - and sure enough; Melody soon arrived with a cohort of ORB Military Soldiers. Sighting Dearka, Melody signaled for the crew to wait for her - while she headed over to Dearka Elthman and speak briefly.
"I suppose, you have no idea what to do - at this point of time?" Melody arched an eyebrow graciously, as she waited for some sort of response from the blond pilot.
"Well...you can say that again..." Dearka responded, just as dryly.
Melody thought for a second, before signaling for one of the Archangel crew - the guy with Blue EA uniform whom was passing by.
"Hey! Kira, wait up! Can you get me a set of your Civilians' clothing? You jolly well can't expect - the guy down here to walk around the ORB island in ZAFT piloting suit - can you?"
Kira Yamato blinked at the voice of Melody Haw, turning around - he found the said female to be standing near a blond - sighting the ZAFT piloting suit in the guy's hand; he assume it was the pilot of the 'Buster', since he was told that there was a Prisoner of War on board before.
"Oh... I assume the blond guy down here was the pilot of the 'Buster'? Seeing that I've seen the 'Duel' in action back in Alaska - so that particular pilot could not have been up here... and the pilot of 'Blitz' could jolly well - have been under the disguise of a certain ORB soldier around.
And, 'Yes' - Melody, do not give me that look; I know what you have done. However, desperate situations called for desperate measures - so, I am going to leave it at that.
Well, seeing that I knew the pilot of 'Aegis' personally - I'll say this was defintely not Athrun zala - thus, in conclusion; this guy could only be Dearka Elthman - am I right in assuming that?" Kira commented, raising an eyebrow at Melody Haw - whom was spotting on a look of annoyance.
"Well... Thanks for your input but that was totally unnecessary! All you need to do was to get me a set of your civilian clothing - you had no need to start deducing the latter's identity. However, you were right - he was the one and only infamous Dearka Elthman.
I wonder, how much you had heard from Michelle or Nicol - for that matter... Considering the fact that Michelle had been on the PLANTs - while you were hiding over at the Clyne Mansion sometime ago." Melody retorted.
Dearka looked between the two as they continue to batter - but was jolted back into senses when Melody introduced the other guy as Kira Yamato - the infamous pilot of the 'Strike' and now the 'Freedom'.
"Oh... by the way, 'Freedom' was the Mobile Suit - given to Kira by the PLANTs - pop idol, Lacus Clyne. Yeah, I presume that Athrun would be send down to fight this guy - here! For a second time, no less.
But knowing these two - instead of fighting one another; they might just ended up wasting energies by playing 'hide and seek' in battle. Since, that had always been the routine until the Marshall Island incident! In case you are wondering, Athrun and this guy - here; Kira used to be childhood friends!" Melody added as an afterthought.
Kira mocked - glared, and stated dryly. "You broke my facade!"
"Just as you did mine..." Melody retorted, just as dryly.
"Excuse me for interrupting - but are you sure you are Melody and not Michelle in disguise? Since when are you so bold and daring in your speech and actions before?" Dearka Elthman interjected before Kira and Melody could start bantering again.
Silence reigned after Dearka's interjection; before Melody gave up and responded dryly. "I think you're right - I am losing my touch. Yes, I'm still Melody Haw - but I guess its' the stress around that forces me to lose my usual behavior. "
Melody paused for a moment before continuing, "Right - as I was saying before. The dismissal evacuation warning had been distributed to the public - you had two options. Option one, head off to the port and joined the rest of the Coordinators' Civilians as they were been send up to the PLANTs using the Civilian's shuttle.
Option Two, join Nicol and myself in aiding the ORB's Military for the time-being. Alternatively, you can choose to roam around the island - which I would discourage for it would do no good to the situation, right now."
Dearka looked rather perplexed with the options, but responded that he would think it over. Melody nodded in reply before heading off to join the rest of the guards - leaving Dearka with Kira to sort out the clothings issue.
Kira Yamato then brought the said blond pilot to the changing room and handed the former one of his set of clothings that was on board the Archangel - and said.
"You better changed into that - before someone thought you are a spy from the ZAFT. Although, I highly doubt that would happened - seeing that the ORB Military had even overlooked the fact that Nicol Amalfi; an ex-ZAFT elite pilot was roaming around the place even though he was supposed to be 'dead' in a way."
Dearka said nothing throughout the session, but instead followed the pilot of 'Freedom' around the place - until they reached the exit of the Archangel. Afterwhich, the former bade him a quick farewell and headed off to do whatever the former was supposed to be doing before Melody asked the former to 'take care' of his needs.
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to be continued
Date completed: 08/04/07
Date revised: 03/06/07