A/n

Know it's been some time since I wrote for this story and I wouldn't doubt that some are 'not happy' with me for taking as long as I have for this chapter. I apologize for the delay in this, had a case of writer's block on sections of this chapter, it happens unfortunately. Anyways, like before, I don't own nothing from the Gundam universe, just my musings and characters. Enjoy the chapter.

Phase 14: Sacrifice

March 13th, 71 C.E.

-Tyler's pov-

East Side of Northern Housing District, Shira, the Republic

My mood was low as it had been the two days that had passed since the Archangel departed to, I would assume Alaska as that had been their original destination. I'd reported the completion of the mission my team and I had been assigned, but that's about all I did. The mobile suit data would be unreadable and unusable by the time it got to Earth Alliance HQ. The worries I had about some of those on the Archangel hadn't left me, haunted me more than left me alone, especially for Kira and Lacus. With little to nothing to do, I'd been hanging around my house, moping honestly and I couldn't seem to get out of doing so.

As is normal routine procedure with the Federation military, my teammates and myself were being given R&R time now that the mission was done, a way of those at high command saying thanks for a job well done. We hadn't gotten much of that after Heliopolis, but circumstances had been rather precarious back at that time. Nonetheless, with the time I now had, it was only dragging my current mood down since the Archangel left since it only fed my stress and nightmares. Despite this, was given a surprise in the form of my mother coming to visit me, which was unexpected as she still has work, a government to keep running, a country to managed overall. And still, she takes time to come and see me… she hasn't changed much from when I was younger.

I just sat across from her not saying anything, for I couldn't really think of what I could say for my current behavior. It felt like a long period of time before my mother spoke, "You seem in rather a low mood for the last few days, any particular reason why Tyler?" She asked.

As blunt as ever, I exhaled before I gave my mom a short summary of what had happened since Heliopolis, for the events that led up to what occurred three nights ago played a part. My mom listened to my tale, didn't interrupt me as I went over the chain of events. Once I finished, I was silent, waiting for her thoughts, "Seems you like usual, have gotten yourself into a precarious position once again for the sake of helping others. You are so much like your father in such things," my mother said while putting a hand to her temple.

I smiled with an expression that was a mix of nervousness and foolishly waving off the compliment, "Always strive to be the same kind of man that dad was," I replied.

My mother pinned me with a serious gaze and I out of habit, snapped to attention, "And do your regret any of your actions in these events Tyler?" She asked flatly.

I brought up my head and looked my mother straight in the eyes, "Absolutely not, I regret nothing of what I did in any of these events," I returned firmly.

She nodded at my response, "Then all you can do is move forward," was her remark.

Mulling over what my mother said, I knew she had a very good point and I couldn't deny it without outright lying. She was correct, all that could be done was move forward from here, but the question is how do I do that.

After the visit from my mother, which had work as a kind of pep talk for me, I had gotten down to seeing what I could do in the current circumstances. I did this by trying to find out what the Archangel was doing, and through that, hopefully know the condition 'my friends' were in. In around a week, things took a turn that I'd known could happen, but have been hoping wouldn't come to pass. By the information I'd seen from the Information Network, the Archangel was on the way to the Orb Union. The problem, is that a certain ZAFT Commander is still dead set on hunting down the Alliance vessel like he had at Heliopolis with the intent to sink the ship and all onboard. This time however, Le Creuset wasn't lead the force technically, but there was a force from Carpentaria and don't doubt he had influence in this development. Things further became complicated with the fact that, said ZAFT force with its current course and speed, would intercept the Archangel before they reach the Orb Union.

Now I had an internal and moral issue among the problems I was beset with. There was a best friend of mine on both sides of this developing conflict and they would be put in the position to fight one another. Those who are in command on both sides would attack the other and defend themselves. That requires their pilots to do what they could to take each other down and that ends horrid from my view. So, the question I'm tearing myself up about, which do I help… Kira or Athrun? Siding with either of them, I would automatically labeled an enemy to the other side. Where I would normally not side with the Earth Forces due my past experience with them, the Archangel isn't the same to me. Then I can't agree with the views with Le Creuset as he's a warmonger and I don't like those at all.

So, I can't see a way for me to do anything to change thing in this where I don't lose in some way! …But, if I do nothing, I couldn't live with myself if one or both died and I'd stayed on the sidelines and done nothing. So, even if I'm still stuck in a lose lose situation, I have to try to do something about this! This probably will bite me in the rear later… possibly to a horrible extent, yet that won't deter me. With my decision made, I rushed to my car and headed out towards the train station in the north. From there, I went to Teswa R&D to get the Shadow, so that I could head out. However, thinking as I traveled towards the development complex, the ZAFT force would easily outnumber what the Archangel has along with myself being there. So, better to prepare and equip what I can to help in the battle that was ahead. That being said, I made sure that I requested equipping the 'Kale' Artillery pack, which Carlos was fine with.

Once that was done, I flew out from Teswa and out towards the Orb Union and hopefully the Archangel. Along the way, I came across a fleet of five Federation ships going in the same direction, which made me wonder what was going on. The next thing I knew, there were three Federation fighters coming up from behind me. To my surprise, the fighters were flown by my teammates, who had followed me. Apparently, Lisa had figured out what I'd intended to do and the others had come with her when she had come after me. Not that I would complain as I was about to do something that can be seen as pretty stupid, better to have help to minimize risks that will be there. We came land on the lead ship which was a 'Lapis' carrier class of ship of the Federation Military's Naval Forces.

The 'Lapis' carrier, has a length of 275 meters from stem to stern and was shaped as a long rectangle with rounded corners. The forward half was for launching fighters or mobile suits with a main runway and two separate catapults on either side of the runway. The back half had helipads for rescue operations to be sent out and behind those was the command bridge tower. The ship doesn't have as many armaments as a Sea Cutter possesses, but with the ship being able to hold ten to fourteen fighters or suits if they squeeze in, the armaments aren't necessarily needed. The 'Lapis-class' is pretty much the leading ships of the ocean fleet of the Federation's earthbound naval forces.

Once the four of us landed on the ship, we went to the captain and found out the fleet was heading towards the Orb Union, due to information that a ZAFT force had been heading that way from Carpentaria. Although I already knew that, to have conformation of it didn't sit well with me at all. ZAFT's action was taking a large risk making this move as the Orb Union is a member nation of the Human Federation, that's a fact and one by this point that ZAFT can't really deny any longer. And with the Ordea non-aggression treaty that ZAFT has with the Federation, technically this action could be seen as an act of aggression against the Human Federation itself, which could be taken as an act of war in the extreme stance. ZAFT is already fighting against the Earth Alliance, even a child can see it is a dumb idea to take on another who can actually take you on and win.

So, I was left to pondering two things, do these orders come from those leading the ZAFT military, or is Le Creuset doing this without others knowing and hoping that he doesn't get caught. Second, let's say ZAFT does what they want, the point is their actions will be seen and it is a violation of a major standing treaty. There's no way Le Creuset will convince any in the Federation that this was justified and the PLANTs Supreme Counsel won't be able to cover him like they did for Heliopolis. The weird thing… Creuset should already know all of this, he has proven that tactically speaking, isn't an idiot. So, why make and take such a serious gamble, all for an obsession?

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

The Archangel, close to the Marshall Islands of the Orb Union

The mood onboard the ship for the last week had been the lowest it had been since the outset from Heliopolis. The majority of the crew's morale had been dragged down by recent events, not only from Tyler McGregor's actions and absence, but the tension that came from other things. Kira and the volunteers from Heliopolis stood together. That didn't change no matter what was said to them about Tyler, they didn't believe Tyler had done anything wrong at all. Most didn't challenge any of them, less after the first day. Although, Natarle was one that kept up her voice that Tyler was a traitor yet, after the second day of this, Murrue put her foot down and made it stop.

Even with the insults against Tyler stopping, it didn't change the gloomy feel and mood that was over the ship. The team of mechanics seemed to agree more with Kira and those from Heliopolis when it came to Tyler, though they didn't voice it. The officers tended to side with Natarle, but kept the silence about it. Mu and Krystal attempted to smooth things over between all aboard, yet there wasn't much progress.

Murrue and the other commanding officers came to the consensus that stopping in the Orb Union to obtain supplies before going on to Alaska. Most of the officers, just hoped for uneventful travel to JOSH-A after everything that had happened up till now. However, with how ZAFT had been going after up to this point, the likelihood of having a peaceful journey ahead was very low.

Less than a day out from the mainland of Orb however, that hope of quiet peace was taken away. It was done by a ZAFT force closing in on the Alliance vessel from the south which would infer that they were from Carpentaria in the Oceanic Union which ZAFT controlled. Between the ZAFT mobile suits, and the view of the other four prototype Alliance machines produced at Morgenroete, things were looking grim. The odds definitely weren't in the defenders of the Archangel's favor, with those being at least 3 to 1. Especially as they were now one mobile suit and pilot down from previous encounters with ZAFT.

Of course, battle stations were sounded and everyone were at their stations for what was coming. Krystal stayed on the bridge and was at on a console, while Mu, Kira and Lacus went to the hanger, making the odds worse than assumed before. The three launched out to face the ZAFT forces coming towards them, wondering how they could get through this battle okay.

-Line Break-

-Tyler's pov-

Western Pacific Ocean, southern tropic longitude

As my stress level were on the rise, which it would probably be more accurate to say those levels were skyrocketing, so did my imagination. My mind was being supplied with images that I didn't like at all and wouldn't see if I could do anything about it! It had come to the point that I just wasn't willing to wait any longer and I'd launched from the carrier, going ahead of the interception fleet that had been sent out from the Republic. The breaking point had come when the Information Network had confirmed the size of ZAFT force that were pursuing the Archangel and their approximate location.

Ten minutes later, I had gotten close enough to have the sight of explosions and fighting ahead, meaning the battle had started already. A short period after that came into my view, I came into firing range of the battle and that came with the view of the participants involved in this shindig that shouldn't be happening. On the ZAFT side of this, there were three WASP type GINNs that were equipped for underwater operations, an assault type GINN, and two regular GINNs. There were two GINNs that I haven't seen before, probably new variations of the GINN model, clearly for areal recon. And then, there were of course, the machines from the Alliance's GAT series were present… all four of them in fact. The mobile suit force infers that there are at least three subs or more to carry that many mobile suits.

Looking at the other side of this conflict, there was of course the Archangel flying above the ocean. Archangel had proven to me that it's not a bad warship, but it's certainly not meant for serious solo assault. So, one against three or more opposing vessels, the white ship is at a serious disadvantage. Spotted one skygrasper with the Strike's 'Launcher configuration' equipment, the Strike with the Aile equipment and the Asuka out and defending the Archangel against ZAFT. Curious that the Archangel's full fighting strength isn't being sent out right now… wonder why that is, since this situation was already bad without crippling yourself further.

Well… a fine mess if ever I seen one, not the worst battlefield setup I've had to see, certainly not the neatest either. This won't be pretty, but the fields of war rarely are to begin with anyways. So why is it, that people like me are the one which end out cleaning up stuff like this?! I hate operations of this kind, extremely stupid and possibly suicidal and I avoid those the best I can, but it's far too late for that now!

I focused on the task at hand and felt myself enter SEED mode, which would make this fight a great deal more manageable. Being able to predict where you opponents are going to be almost all of the time, would help cancel out the unfair numbers. I threw the throttle forward and put the petal down, zooming forward, beam rifle in my suit's right hand, shield on the left with railgun and beam saber ready to use. The LAS cannon's barrel was connected in its full length and the acceleration coils were warming up. The Shadow's mirage colloid was active as it was just after launching from the carrier, so none had noticed me approaching the skirmish.

I brought out the hidden scope the Shadow has both inside the cockpit and the right side of my machine's head. Then I began scanning for my first target and my crosshairs came to stop on one of the three WASP type GINNs with aquatic equipment. Raising my beam rifle, I aimed at the GINN and fired, nailing the GINN and it shortly exploded. The second suit of the same type definitely took note of its fellow being shot and destroyed, for it was looking around for the source of the shot. At the same time, the GINN was moving off of its original course, but without thinking, I adjusted my aim and fired again, destroying the second GINN.

My gaze flicked over in the direction that the ZAFT mobile suits had been flying in from, since that would be where their ships would likely be. And as it happens, it was at that point that the Shadow intercepted communications and through that, I was able to locate where each of the three ZAFT submarines were. Bringing out the LAS cannon to firing position, since the accelerator coils were running at the level they needed to be. I aimed at the ship that was the farthest to the right and was about to fire, but didn't just yet due to seeing a GINN close to where I was aiming. One of the two normal GINNs was just about to pass in front of the ship I was shooting for.

So, I waited for moment before pulling the trigger, and the projectile went through the GINN, entering the water and punched a hole in the submarine, as was evident from the uprising of water from the underwater explosion. I believe that would be call, 'two for the price of one' in this instance, doesn't feel nice to do that, but that's how battlefields are. The shell from the LAS cannon ejected from the back of the weapon and fell to the water and I had the cannon swing back to the backpack, while I looked for my next opponent.

Upon turning, I got a view of the Strike fending off the Buster and the Blitz at the same time and admittedly, Lacus was doing pretty good when you consider she's taking on two opponents at once. Sakura had taught her little sister well if she can hold her own against not one, but two trained ZAFT pilots. I flew forward, pointing my shield and its railgun at the Blitz and let loose a few rounds. The Blitz moved out of the way of the first shot, while dodging Lacus, but the second volley struck the suit in the back of the torso section of the machine.

I deactivated my mirage colloid and switched the Shadow's phase shift armor on as I kept closing the distance. The Blitz recovered in time to spot me a couple of seconds before I reached him, my beam saber in my shield ignited. I slashed downward and slammed down on the Blitz who was using their shield to block. Nicol, who was piloting the Blitz, was pushed down by the force I struck him with and seeing no reason to be nice in this circumstance, I pushed my advantage. I used my suit's thrusters to surge forward slowly and force the Blitz away from the Strike, it's to help Lacus. Once I made the distance I saw as enough, I forced the Blitz backward when I backed up and then quickly rammed into it.

However, before I could make sure the Blitz kept going away from the battle, I had to dodge incoming fire. Upon glancing over where the shots were coming from, I saw that the Buster was the one shooting at me… and had gotten its high-energy beam rifle back and could use its combination ability, which I had taken out previously. Its weapons were in the long-range sniper rifle configuration currently and the beams were zipping past me. Yet, Lacus drew back the Buster's attention to her and so the other suit was forced to cease firing at me. I faced-off the Blitz again, noting the mobile suit was pointing its left arm at me, which had the penetrating spear like projectile on it named the Gleipnir.

In response, I brought out the Titus positron rifle to counter what I expected would come my way and I wasn't disappointed. My suit's twin sent its Gleipnir rocketing at me while I settled my positron rifle in an off line so that I didn't hit the Blitz. After what Athrun had said about Nicol Amalfi and the good he had been for my friend, I have even less desire to kill him, and I don't think I could face Athrun if I did. I pulled the trigger of my positron rifle and a second later, a crimson beam shot out and engulfed the incoming projectile. The Gleipnir vanished, losing out to my positron rifle. My opponent moved out of the way so that the affects from the positron beam that didn't strike him.

Then I noticed that the Asuka and the Duel fighting, Kira was wining for the moment, so I trusted that Kira would be fine for a bit longer. I stored the Titus, and just as I had, an alarm in my cockpit started going off due to the approach of the other standard GINN and the assault GINN. I dodged the standard GINN, but saw that I couldn't evade the assault type's coming attack as I was now. So, I toggled a control, which triggered a muffled boom followed by a jerk as the Kale Artillery disconnected from my suit and dropped below. Then I shot downward and to the side to dodge the assault's attack, coming to end out behind the ZAFT suit. I ignited my beam saber and made a horizontal sweep and separated the GINN's legs from the rest of it. Then I punched the GINN forward while I pointed my shield down and unloaded a round from the railgun into the flight system the GINN had been standing on and using that's known as a Guul. With a hole from my railgun, the flight winged system dropped a little before it disappeared in two explosions.

The Blitz moved forward and caught what was left of the assault type GINN by the hand as it fell towards the sea below. While they did, I switched over to using the mirage colloid, vanishing from sight before the ZAFT suits recovered. The suits needed to draw back from me or risk taking major damage to themselves. However, as I scanned the field, something in my outer field of vision drew my attention. A red line to my left, gained my notice and glancing that way, I saw the Aegis diving at the Archangel. The 'red line' was a multi-phased beam from the Aegis and said beam did hit the Archangel on its port side. By the explosion, one of the 'Valiant' railguns the Alliance vessel had was disabled and the smoke coming from the same side didn't bode well for continuing flight for the ship.

There was a flash to my right and when I turned, saw that Lacus had scored a good clean hit on the Buster, and the enemy suit fell, crashing on one of the islands below. Kira finished his dance with the Duel and sent the machine on its way back to the ship it came from. Yet, the Aegis went over to the Asuka and began a match with it and this fight worried me. After tapping into the communication between the two, which when I listened for a period of time, my worry increased.

"Kira, stop being stubborn!" said the voice of Athrun.

"Stubborn? You're the one being stubborn, just leave the Archangel alone!" replied Kira

What an issue there is here and I'm the one who knows the full picture, where my two friends only have a portion. Athrun knew things about the Alliance ship that Kira did not, and I had been the one that had told him those things. So, I made an effort in knocking the distance off between me and my two best friends, who were close to being at each other's throats. The argument, by what I was gleaming, Athrun was attempting to get Kira to understand that the Earth Forces were using him. Meanwhile, Kira was saying that Athrun wasn't even taking the chance to listen and see that not all people are untrustworthy.

"Come on Kira, stop this, it doesn't have to happen this way!" snapped Athrun in frustration.

Athrun came down, a beam saber ready, aiming for the Asuka, but Kira moved out of the way and managed to dance out of the range of the Aegis sabers. The two kept attacking one another, neither landing a good hit for they blocked each other. Problem with this is, as the fight continued, the argument grew more heated for in my view, little valid reason as I kept getting closer to where they both were. Athrun was clearly becoming fed up with Kira not listening to 'common sense and reason'. Kira was irritated that Athrun was suspecting everyone on the Archangel of being evil and needs to be stopped. Both had valid points in this argument, those from the Earth Forces were taking advantage of Kira, but not in the way they usually do with Coordinators. Kira had a point in that, Athrun was going more towards his father's way of seeing things and suspecting all from the Earth Alliance. Things took a bad turn and in more ways than one… just hope I can get between them before one does something they regret.

"KIRA!" Shouted Athrun.

"I WON'T LET YOU HURT THEM!" Shot back Kira.

I'd cut down more than half the distance that had originally separated me and my two friends by this time. But then, I saw that the second of the two skygraspers was slightly ahead of me and shot at the Aegis, trying to help the Asuka. In response to being shot at, the mobile suit threw its shield like a Frisbee in the direction of the aircraft. I put the 'petals' to the floor and rocketed to get myself between the skygrasper and the flying projectile coming at it. I was aware that I couldn't divert the spinning shield from its path by deflecting to a different one, the remaining option was to take it and stop it dead. To do that, I raised the Shadow's shield and shortly felt the impact from the Aegis's shield with the kinetic force it had. The projectile penetrated the Shadow's shield, specifically puncturing into the firing chamber of the railgun in my shield.

An alarm instantly started going off, warning me that the railgun was overloading and that the weapon would explode very soon. So, I detached Shadow's shield and it became visible a second after coming from my suit. It fell towards the water below, but just before the shield struck the water, it was blasted apart as the railgun exploded. At this point, I switched from mirage colloid to use phase shift armor and glanced over at the skygrasper that was now turning back to the Archangel. Over the radio, Tolle thanked me for saving him, before he headed back to the Archangel since he needed resupply. Rather surprised that Tolle was in one of the skygraspers in the first place more than anything.

Yet, I turned back to the fight between the Asuka and the Aegis, which was still going strong and that was the last thing I wanted to be happening! However, now all I had to work with to stop the two, was my beam rifle, a beam saber and the Igelstellungs in the Shadow's head. Those aren't the tools that are best suited for the task that I was doing, but that's what I got.

"How dare you… you could've killed Tolle ATHRUN!" bellowed Kira.

Both mobile suits clashed together, pressing forward against one another, neither giving or gaining on the other. But then, Kira made an upward slash with his beam saber and sliced off the left arm of the Aegis. I'd almost reached where they were, yet my fear of what could possibly happen wouldn't leave me.

"That's not… you've also gotten close to… Why won't you listen! If it's what it takes, then I'm gonna… KILL YOU!" Challenged Athrun.

The Aegis shot forward and cut off the left arm, shield included with it of the Asuka and then after twisting around behind Kira and Athrun got a hit on the Asuka's flight system backpack. However, Kira got Athrun back by taking the top of the Aegis's head, which would cut the number of cameras Athrun has to use down.

But by that time, I was finally in range of the two mobile suits and rushed forward towards them to stop my two best friends from killing each other before it was too late. Their argument has gone pass the point I had been worried of … it wouldn't end well for any of us if there was no intersession! Upon reaching the two, the Aegis leapt backward while I went for the Asuka to get between the two and put an end to this. Yet, I noticed the Aegis quickly rocketed forward at the Asuka. However, I managed to push the Asuka out of the path of attack and then felt a heavy impact as the Aegis hit my mobile suit. That was quickly followed by three nearly simultaneous hits coming, two from below on either side and one above on my left.

The impacts shook me around and once I'd brought my head up, saw that the Aegis was right in front of me in its mobile armor attack mode configuration. As I got a bit of a longer look, realized the mobile suit was fully and firmly latched onto my suit. My eyes widened as the mobile suit's multi-phased cannon charged up, but it never fired. The Aegis's phase shift began dissipating as I watched, meaning the Aegis didn't have the power to use the cannon. I tried moving controls, in the effort to get the Aegis off me, but nothing I did was able to detach the other mobile suit, no matter how much my mobile suit struggled. Then the sight of something red exiting from the cockpit of the Aegis grabbed my attention, and I saw that it was Athrun getting away from the Aegis. A second later, dawning understanding hit me, and I realized that the Aegis had been set to self-destruct and with me in its grasp!

The next second, multiple alarms began going off loudly, blaring warnings of imminent danger as I comprehended what was soon to happen, but I knew it was too late for me to get out. With the Aegis where it was, I couldn't get out with the time I likely had left and even if I could, then I wouldn't make the distance to not be within the influence of the coming explosion. I stopped struggling as I came to accept what was about to happen to me, since I was stuck. It was odd, the feeling of acceptance that washed over me as time seemed to slow down, my end closing in on me. The thought that I'd at least managed to stop my two best friends from killing one another comforted me a margin, I couldn't have lived with myself if that had happened and I did nothing. I felt a small smile come to my face, "Sorry mom, I couldn't sit by and let them try and kill each other," I said to myself. "Be seeing you soon, dad… Lana," I'd barely uttered this when a blinding light quickly filled my whole vision as the explosion occurred.

-Line Break-

-Neutral pov-

For Athrun, as the battle between himself and the mobile suit called the 'Asuka', it became clear that this battle, normal tactics wouldn't work. Kira was winning slowly but surely and Athrun couldn't really dispute that. Athrun knew he couldn't win this as things were going thus far, to win this fight, it would require a more direct method. Athrun managed to get a hit on the opposing mobile suit and take off the right arm with the shield, along with damaging the flight backpack even with an arm missing. However, a split second later Kira countered by swing a beam saber upward and cut off the upper antenna of the Aegis's head, limiting visibility with less cameras. Athrun manipulated the controls and leapt backward and away from Kira. Then Athrun used the Aegis's thrusters to rush forward, with the intent of latching onto the Asuka.

There was some motion ahead, but Athrun adjusted his course and crashed into the Asuka and clung to it with the Aegis's three remaining limbs. He attempted to fire the multi-phased beam cannon, but an alarm went off, denoting that there wasn't enough power to do so. With that option not working, Athrun brought out the timer and keypad that was connected to the explosive charge in this mobile suit to destroy it. He input the code and set the timer for two minutes and began the detonator's countdown, before he unbuckled the seat restraints. Athrun opened the cockpit of the Aegis and quickly got out of the mobile suit, using the thrusters on the backpack of his pilot suit to get to the ground safely.

The second his feet touched the ground, Athrun began sprinting away from the mobile suit that had been his for close to two months. After a little over a minute of making distance from the 'bomb' his suit was now, Athrun turned to look at the scene about to happen. Yet, what Athrun saw wasn't what he had expected at all in his wildest imagination. His friend, Kira Yamato's suit the Asuka wasn't in the hold of the Aegis as it should have been, instead, the Blitz's twin the Shadow was what the Aegis was latched on to. The Shadow was struggling and clearly trying to get the Aegis off of it. At seeing this, Athrun felt terror and dread at the picture of the Shadow where it was, and he began sprinting back towards the two mobile suits.

What would the Shadow even be doing here?! Tyler had stayed behind back in the Republic, so the Shadow shouldn't be here at all! Athrun only got a short distance back in the direction of the two mobile suits when the explosive charge went off. A blinding light surrounded both mobile suits and Athrun was forced to come to a halt as the concussive force from the explosion shot out from the epicenter. Athrun put a hand in front of his eyes to prevent them from being stunned and felt his body sliding back from the two mobile suits.

"TYLER!" yelled Athrun with all his might, before he was taken off his feet and sent flying from the blast.

Athrun bounced along the ground a few times before he managed to grab ahold of something and keep himself from flying farther back. The effects of the mobile suit explosion lasted near a minute and it was accompanied with crashes and bangs of objects hitting the ground and other parts of the environment. Yet, as the light died down and the sounds of objects crashing to the ground came to a stop, Athrun brought his head up and froze at the sight he had. Debris was spread everywhere, which was made up of pieces of the Aegis as well as the Shadow. But, both mobile suits were destroyed and the possibilities of any surviving such a blast was slim to none.

An empty feeling filled Athrun as he just stared at the field littered with scraps of metal. The sounds of people approaching didn't even register with Athrun, until a person grabbed his shoulder and turned him around. What the person said wasn't even heard by Athrun, he was in too much shock, though he understood he was being identified as a ZAFT soldier. He managed to take in that the group of people were in Orb Union military uniforms, but other than that, Athrun was in shock to the point that his surroundings didn't reach him. A blonde-haired girl around his own age came to the front, "You there, what happened here?" She demanded.

Athrun understood the question, but he couldn't respond. Images of the Shadow being destroy along with memories of Tyler were going through his head. As that was occurring, Athrun's eyes rolled upward and he fell to the ground, having been embraced by unconsciousness, and thrown into nightmares that now haunted him.

-Line Break-

Kira kept his sight on the Aegis backing off, readings said that not only had the Asuka lost an arm from being cut off. The flight system that gave the mobile suit a fair advantage in a fight, had taken damage, which made it lose some of its punch. However, in exchange, Kira had cut off one of the Aegis's arms and sliced the antenna of the head off. Still, the argument with Athrun was irking Kira the most in this. Athrun wasn't listening at all, he was just pinning blame on others. He kept say that those on the Archangel were using him and didn't care what happened to Kira himself. He was wrong, the crew of the ship wouldn't do that to him or anyone else.

Athrun suddenly shot forward and Kira prepared himself to deflect the Aegis's charge at him. Yet, something hit the Asuka from the side and Kira was thrown off balance and so, it took a moment to regain his bearings and right the suit. Landing the Asuka on the ground and sliding a bit before stopping, Kira looked up but, he was quickly met with a wall of white light. The light was accompanied with a forceful wind that pushed the Asuka back a bit. Objects flew past Kira, bringing up the Asuka's remaining hand to try to improve clarity of the cameras' display. He managed to dodge the incoming objects which was made up of rocks and metal, but some did still strike the mobile suit.

When whatever was happening died down, Kira looked around to take stock of what could have happened to cause the light and flying things. Some of the stuff had struck the Asuka, yet the phase shift armor had prevented notable damage. However, a sight on the left caused Kira to freeze… on his left, on the ground was unmistakably, was the head that had belonged to Tyler's mobile suit, the 'Shadow'. Yet, half of the 'face', appeared to be melted revealing internal circuitry and components. The left eye was damaged badly among other differences from what it should have been stood out for some reason, all clear signs of serious damage.

It felt surreal as Kira stared at the piece of his friend's machine, left his mind with a storm of thoughts. How could the Shadow have been here?! Tyler had stayed back in the Republic of East Asia, hadn't he? And if he was here, then he had to be hurt if parts of his suit had come off!

Kira moved the Asuka to the place he had been before being pushed and the sight didn't help push away the growing fears. Debris was spread far and wide, a portion was obviously from the Aegis… and others were from the Shadow. Kira was stunned by the destruction that was in front of him… and the realization that his friend Tyler was gone and wouldn't be coming back, began sinking in.

Pain, the likes of which, Kira hadn't felt before started to fill him. Memories of Tyler and all the times that he had been there for Kira and Athrun flashed through his mind. Tyler had always gone out of his way to help those he considered friends and… had even made the ultimate sacrifice for Kira himself. Kira's voice was failing him as time kept moving forward and the pain continued to grow.

Kira vaguely heard the orders coming over the radio for him to come back to the Archangel, but he did as he was told. The pain, still remained and brought a numb feeling to Kira as he flew back towards the Archangel. The trip back to the Archangel, gave Kira the time to understand fully that Tyler had taken the attack that was meant for himself. Athrun had tried to use the Aegis to kill him, and if not for Tyler, then Kira would very likely be the one gone instead.

The silence hung over Kira as he came into the hanger, he did see that the Strike was back in its dock and that was at least one good thing. It didn't help the pain go away, but it did take off the edge a little bit. If both Lacus and Tyler had been… Kira didn't think he could handle losing both of them, it was heart wrenching to lose Tyler. Upon exiting his mobile suit, Kira came down via the zip line, helmet still in place and connected to his pilot suit, which hid the tears that were being held back somewhat.

Lacus came over to him and held his hand, and only then did Kira realize that he was trembling. Kira's female friend took off his helmet and her expression of worry deepened at the pain she could clearly see in her friend's face. "Kira… what's wrong? What happened?" She uttered, fear beginning to run through her at the answer that could come.

Kira met her gaze, but when he opened his mouth, nothing came out of it. He shook his head a little, and then tried again, "He… he saved me," Kira muttered in a strained and quiet voice.

Lacus didn't understand what Kira was talking about, but it was obviously hurting him… whatever had occurred. "Who saved you Kira?" She asked, not understanding.

"He came out of nowhere… and then he pushed me out of the way," Kira continued as if he hadn't heard Lacus at all. Yet, the tone of his voice showed more pain as he kept going, "He took the attack that was meant for me…"

Kira trailed off, an eerie quiet had fallen over the hanger, those there listening to Kira as he was talking very differently than he normally did. Mu had gotten closer to where Kira and Lacus were, but said nothing, just watched the two. Lacus gripped Kira's shoulder, "Who are you talking about Kira?" She insisted.

However, once more, Kira didn't seem to hear her, "It's… it's my fault," Kira said, his voice breaking as he spoke. Many in the hanger were looking at Kira, seriously worried about him. Lacus still held Kira's shoulder, shaking him a little, trying to get him to tell her what he was speaking of. Kira then, in the loudest he had spoken since returning, "It's all my fault that Tyler," but Kira's voice caught in his throat.

Lacus froze at hearing Tyler's name, fear and panic swelling up in her at what was being implied. Yet, Mu then spoke up, "Tyler? But isn't he back in the Republic?"

That line brought out a reaction in Kira, he was shaking, and his head had fallen so none could see his face, but pain was evident. Lacus felt feelings of shock coming on, but managed to speak, "Kira, Tyler is fine, he isn't here so," she began in an even voice that wavered slightly.

Kira's head snapped back up, tears were freely flowing from the corners of his eyes, a twisted, pained expression marring his face, "No! He was here, and because of me, he's gone and won't be coming back!" Lacus gained a look of horrified shock on her face, but Kira kept going, "Tyler is dead, he sacrificed himself to save me!" He bellowed, then Kira sunk to his knees, quiet sobs starting to rack him after shouting.

As what Kira had yelled started to sink in to those in the hanger, a feeling of horror and pain filled the whole room. Lacus felt tears begin to stream from her eyes, "No… that can't be," she uttered, before she dropped to the floor next to Kira and broke down crying. To her, Kira's reactions were more than enough to say what he said wasn't a lie at all, but truly, Tyler McGregor, their friend had been killed and was gone forever.

Most of the mechanics were muttering in disbelief, including Chief Murdoch, "McGregor was defeated? I didn't think any of us would see the day that would happen," he whispered somberly.

Mu punched a fist into the nearest scaffolding, "Damn it! Why does it always have to be the young who could help change things for the better that die on the battlefield?!" He shouted in anger.

It took some time for those in the hanger to digest the information and for them to calm down. Lacus had somehow moved into an embrace with Kira and he had held her as they had both shed tears for their fallen friend. It was around then that Kira noticed that the Buster was standing in a mobile suit dock, damaged but still there. "What is the Buster doing here?" Asked Kira.

Chief Murdoch glanced over at Kira, "Oh that, the Lieutenant here, scored a hit on the suit, exchanged the 'Agni' cannon for the hit, but still. Just after the Archangel crashed down, the Buster did was disabled. The ZAFT pilot then popped out of the cockpit and surrendered, he was placed in the brig as far as I've heard," he replied.

-Line Break-

Olofat, Orb Union

Athrun Zala woke up in a bed, a quick glance around the room told him that he was in a hospital somewhere. Yet, his gaze locked onto a blonde girl, who was sitting in a chair next to the bed. She was the same one that had been with the group that had found him after the explosion of the Aegis… and the Shadow. Memories of that event flooded in his mind and a fresh wave of guilt and pain came over him.

"Finally awake then are you? Perhaps now you can tell me what happened out on the battlefield that wasn't supposed to be there in the first place," she said evenly.

"Where am I?" Asked Athrun.

The blonde appeared somewhat irritated at her inquiry not being answered, "You're in a hospital in the Orb Union on the mainland." She returned.

Athrun exhaled, "I see," he muttered.

The blonde girl pinned him with a stare, "Who are you and what happened out there," she demanded in a slightly louder voice.

"My name is Athrun Zala, I'm a pilot in the ZAFT military," he said.

"I'm Cagalli Yula Athha," she introduced herself.

Athrun was a tad stunned that the girl next to the bed he was in, happened to be the so called 'Princess of Orb' as her father, Uzumi Nara Athha was seen to be the leader of the Orb Union. As Cagalli kept gazing at him, Athrun decided it would be in his best interest to do as she had asked and tell her what had happened on the battlefield. So, he began by giving a 'short' summary of the battle that had occurred. He kept his voice flat and even as he spoke, yet Athrun noted that Cagalli had some type of interest in the Archangel and those involved with the ship.

However, when he got to the point in the battle when Athrun himself had been fighting Kira, his voice stopped and caught in his throat. He forced himself to keep going, but felt the tears start streaming from his eyes as he spoke of the Shadow being destroyed… because of his own actions. Athrun felt the weight of guilt, that it was his fault that his friend Tyler was dead now, the pain coursing through him made sure he didn't forget that fact.

It was being shaken, that got Athrun out of blaming himself and focus back on Cagalli, "What happened to Kira Yamato?!" She demanded.

Athrun was taken aback by the question, for until now, he hadn't thought about Kira, "I don't know what happened to him. I would guess that he returned to the Earth Alliance vessel, the Archangel. Still completely blind to the fact that he's being used and that the Earth Alliance is going to do horrible things to him sometime in the near future," muttered Athrun angrily.

-Line Break-

The Archangel

The news of Tyler's actions and ultimate fate, spread like wildfire throughout the Archangel. The Heliopolis volunteers took the news by far the hardest of those among those on the ship. Miriallia broke down crying when she heard Tyler had been killed and was inconsolable. Tolle was quiet, which was different for him as he was talkative most of the time he was awake and not on duty with Natarle. Sai and Kuzzey said nothing, but it was clear that they felt the loss of their friend like the others did. Even the officers of the vessel were melancholy at the news of one who had traveled on board the ship. Natarle Badgiruel was no exception to this, she too showed signs of regret, perhaps of her accusation of Tyler McGregor. For him to be on the battlefield and fighting against ZAFT and protecting the Archangel like he had before, showed that he didn't wish ill on the ship and hadn't betrayed them as she claimed.

It took around three days for the repairs to be done well enough to get the Archangel in the air for a length of time to get it to the water. From there they headed to the closest port where more serious work to get the ship back in working order could be done. The arrival of the Archangel in the Orb Union was a quiet and solemn affair. Orb's government had permitted the Archangel to dock so that the ship could be resupplied and get repairs done that came from the most recent combat they had seen.

While in Orb, Kira took the time to contact his parents, for he was worried about what Tyler had said about what would likely happen to Lacus were she to go to Alaska. Kira had taken the time that it had taken to come from the battlefield, to do his best to convince Lacus to leave the Archangel. Many of their friends also had been telling Lacus that she should leave the Archangel while it was in Orb. Lacus finally agreed with their pleas, and when Kira's parents came by to see Kira, she left when they did. The farewells where sad ones, but they had all come to know that it would happened sometime before JOSH-A after finding out her true identity.

The Asuka was also taken off the Archangel while it was in the Orb Union as it needed serious repairs and the mechanics were unable to fix what was needed. So Morgenroete agreed to take the Asuka and do the repairs, the suit would be ready when they passed by Orb again.

Gloom hung over the Alliance vessel as it left the last neutral port on the journey to Alaska heavily. The number aboard that were starting to question the value of the Archangel's mission was growing. Even with the officers, Natarle chief among them, saying their mission was critical to the Earth Alliance. The continual silence from those who they were working for didn't sway the ill thoughts that were coming to them and what answers could await them at Earth Alliance Headquarters in JOSH-A, Alaska.

Phase end

A/n

This readers, is of course what's known as a cliffhanger… and I'm aware that many either dislike with a passion or find fascinating. To each their own I say! I leave off where I do for a good reason, it fits wonderful to transition into where the next starts and it leaves you to wonder. I'll attempt to write the next chapter in a shorter period of time than this took me, I promise. School is taking up lots of time and work takes up what's left most of the time I have left, tis life. As Always, please some of you take the time, write a review and tell me what you thought, good or bad. Thank you for reading and peace out until next time!

Mechanical Specs

Lapis-class

Technical Specs

Classification: Sea Carrier

Overall Length: 275m

MS Capacity: 12

MS Catapult: 2

General Data

Manufacturer: Human Federation

Operator: Human Federation

Crew Compliment: 200

Machines carried: Delta Flier

Standard Armaments

16 x Missile Launchers

Normally loaded with anti-ship missiles

6 x 50mm Multi-Barreled CIWS

Capabilities

The back half had helipads for rescue operations to be sent out and behind those was the command bridge tower.