Disclaimer: I dont own Gundam Seed
Gundam Seed Purpose
Chapter 36: What they fight for?
He knew it would be the most difficult battle of his life. For days he had pursued them, fought them and countless times the legged ship and Kira Yamato's power had surprised him. Zack Tempest knew he was taking a risk, but sometimes the only way to fulfil the mission was through risk. He aimed his beam rifle and fired again and again at the Freedom. The Gundam dodged each and every shot, firing its rail guns at the Wild Arms. Zack dodged to the left and kicked his thrusters into high gear. Much to Kira's surprise, the mercenary slammed into the Freedom.
"Don't think that just because you have a new machine it gives you an automatic victory, I'll show you the true power of a Newtype!" Zack said.
Kira was going to fire his impulse guns, then shoot the Wild arms in the head. Zack predicted his opponent's attacks and created a sufficient counter. He drew his submachine guns and flew upwards, dodging the Freedoms impulse beams. Zack fired a barrage of beam bubbles at the Freedom, forcing Kira to cover his head and chest with his shield. The Wild arms continued to fire as it flew at the Freedom, ignited its beam bayonets. Kira quickly flew backwards as the Wild Arms sliced his shield in two. Zack increased the energy pouring into his bayonets, creating longer blades to slash the Freedom with. Kira drew his beam sabre, blocking the two bayonets. He was about to fire his rail guns, but before he could the Wild Arms kicked the Freedom in the chest, drawing it backwards.
'Damn, it's as if he can predict my movements' Kira thought.
'The pilot of the Freedom is far too emotional, I can sense his feelings just before he pulls the trigger' Zack thought as he leant the Wild Arms backwards, dodging a swipe from the Freedom's sabre.
Zack fired his head Vulcan's, striking the Freedom in the head, obscuring Kira's view. The mercenary slashed the Freedom across the shoulder, but luckily Kira managed to fly upwards, dodging Zack's other bayonet.
"That guy never fought like this before" Sai said.
"It's like he can predict every time Kira pulls the trigger" Kuzzey said.
"That might be precisely what he's doing" Mu muttered, sitting on Natarle's former place in the CIC.
The other crewmembers looked at Mu curiously.
"Are any of you familiar with the Newtype theory?" He asked.
"Wait a second, I've read about that…but its just a theory made by scientists to explain certain individuals incredible reflexes and reaction times" Sai said.
"No, Admiral Halberton once told me about it" Murrue began, "Some scientists believe that some individuals, particularly those who have lived in space for long periods of time develop a sense of increased spatial awareness, to the point where they develop a type of psychic ability" Murrue explained.
"Some members of the Zero corps had been classed as Newtypes before Endymion, I've even heard that a guy in ZAFT's eleventh fleet has developed abilities similar to Newtypes" Mu added.
'Damn it, this pressure in my head, I can barely concentrate' Kira thought as he fired again and again at the charging Wild Arms. Each shot bounced off the Gundam's barrier as Zack drew his left beam sabre.
The Freedom and the Wild Arms slammed their sabres together.
"I gotta say, you're certainly worth the pay day I'm going to receive" Zack said with a smirk.
"Pay…this has all been about money?" Kira asked.
"Of course, I'm a mercenary this is what I do, I take orders only from the company and live by my own honour, not ZAFT or the EA's twisted logic"
Athrun had started his search for Lacus in the most logical place to begin. The radiance and glory that had once been the Clyne residence was gone. Windows had been smashed and flowers squashed while the hundreds of Haro's and other mechanical devices Athrun had made were gone. Athrun lowered his head and took a breath before he began searching for any clues. Then again, the military police had ripped beds apart for anything that would indicate where Lacus was. Images flashed through Athrun's head as he remembered the times he had visited Lacus during leave.
Suddenly, he heard a rustling in the bushes. He turned around, clutching the handle of his pistol tightly. There was a moment when Athrun stared at the bush, ready to draw his gun if necessary. He widened his eyes in surprise as Lacus's personal Pink Haro bounced out of the bush. Athrun tried to grab the little toy, but to his surprise it bounced away from him, flapping its tiny wings.
"Haro!" Athrun called.
The Haro turned back and jumped at Athrun, who grabbed it with a single hand. It was then that Athrun realised, that the Haro had tried to lead it somewhere. He turned around and looked at what was left of one of the flowerbeds. Then it occurred to him, he remembered when Lacus showed him these flowers, how they had been the first to witness her songs. Lacus was at a place of great personal importance to her, the theatre where she first sang in concert. Athrun immediately broke off into a run on the path leading out of the Clyne estate.
Gekido walked through the corridors of the Agamemnon class ship he had been stationed on. He was wearing his grey and red Earth forces uniform with some measure of pride as the soldiers saluted him. After returning from his duel with Miguel, Gekido had been ordered to carry out a scouting mission in ZAFT's home territory.
In other words the big stupid politicians said, "You've done well but your making us all look bad, GO HEAD AND DIE!!" Well if that's what they want I wont make it easy for them, I'll complete their pattern, which happens to be right in the heart of the search patterns for the ZAFT fleet, I'll come back and piss the politicians off by proving that any attempt to have me killed will fail.
Gekido saluted his fellow soldiers and opened the door to the launch bay. Standing on the bridge leading towards the Purpose was a middle-aged man by the name of Morgan Chevalier, wearing his blue flight suit. The man was a former Eurasian tank commander who had enough spatial awareness to pilot the Moebius Zero affectively. Gekido saluted the man as he passed him.
"Gekido…I was wondering one thing, you're not like other soldiers I've met, let me ask you what you fight for?" Morgan asked.
Gekido stayed still and silent for a moment before he answered the question.
"I fight to remind soldiers that they still have their own will…make sure the captain commences the plan we discussed with him" Gekido said.
Morgan smirked; the boy still felt he was in the position to order him around. Though he lacked respect Morgan liked the boy. He was defiant, brash and determined beyond description. These were the kind of traits that Morgan found admirable. The man saluted the pilot as he climbed into his Gundam.
"Gekido Jaeger, Purpose READY GO!!" Gekido yelled before he flew out of the ship.
The Gundam transformed into its jet form and flew towards ZAFT territory.
I will survive! I still need to meet the others on the Archangel.
Zack kicked Kira aside and switched to his jet form. He flew at the Archangel, firing the guns on his jets nose cone. The Wild Arms transformed back into its Gundam form and landed on one of the Gottfrieds. Zack ignited his beam bayonets and slashed the cannon apart, then began bombarding the Hell dart ports with beams from his Submachine gun. The Freedom fired a beam from its rifle, cutting Zack's left machine gun in half. He drew his beam sabre and slashed the Archangel's wing, dragging the blade across the metal. Corinthos missiles and linear blasts flew into the Gundam's barrier, forcing Zack off of the ship.
"Making a living off of war, that's just wrong!" Kira said across the radio as he fired at the Wild Arms.
"I don't see anything wrong!" Zack growled as his other machine gun blew up in his hands.
The Wild Arms drew its beam sabres and linked them together before Zack flew at the Freedom.
"Yes I don't agree with this war, I don't enjoy it if that's what your thinking, its just what I've been raised to do" Zack said.
"But there's a better way to live!" Kira said.
"Maybe but I've lived a happy and complete existence, what about you Kira Yamato?"
"I'm going to fight whoever I need to fight to end this war"
"I can sense your resolve, but now I want to see it…SHOW IT TO ME KIRA YAMATO!!!" Zack yelled.
Kira linked his sabres together and clashed with Zack. The Freedom detached its sabres, flipping its left one so that the blade was pointing downwards. Zack quickly bought his shield up, blocking the Freedom's slash. He pushed forward, watching the Archangel fly closer and closer towards Orb territory. His barrier was running low on energy, and he knew that if he were to complete his mission then he'd need to get rid of Kira quick.
"I don't care how greater you think this machine is" Zack began as he pushed the Freedom away.
He deactivated his barrier and poured what he had left into his sabres. With a slash, Zack took off a piece of the Freedom's waist armour. The Freedom counted with a slash that took off Zack's shield arm.
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR IDEALS!!!" Zack yelled.
Zack slashed at the Freedom, slicing off a chunk of its shoulder. With another slash, Kira took off the Wild Arms head. He flew backwards, believing that Zack was finished. But the Newtype mercenary was far from finished as he flew forward with his sabre aimed at the Freedom's cockpit.
"I HAVE PEOPLE WITH HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF ME! I WONT LET THEM DOWN!!!" Zack yelled
Kira yelled as his seed shattered. In one quick movement, Kira slashed the Gundam's arms and legs of, including its flight pack. Zack yelled as his core unit fell towards the ocean. But, Kira swooped downwards and grabbed the core of the Wild Arms.
"He's just a man doing his job, even if that job doesn't agree with me I cant just leave him here" Kira said as he flew towards the Archangel.
"DAMN IT!!" Zack yelled, smashing his fist into his blank screen. "I'm sorry Sumika, I failed you!" The young man said, dropping his head in shame.
The Archangel was welcomed into Orb territory once again.
Athrun had made it to the theatre, where he found Lacus singing on the stage. It was her most famous song, Fields of Hope, a song that made Athrun remember his countless battles with Kira as he walked down the steps between the spectator seats. He drew his pistol just as Lacus finished. Lacus opened her eyes and smiled as Haro flew into her hands.
"Hello Athrun, thank you for bringing Mr Pink to me" She said.
Athrun jumped onto the stage, pointing his pistol at Lacus.
"Lacus…what's going on?" Athrun asked.
"Have you not heard the truth from your father?" Lacus asked.
"Then is it true? That you helped a spy! Why?"
"I never helped a spy, all's I did was give Kira a new and better sword"
Athrun widened his eyes in shock.
"But that cant be, I…"
"Killed him with your own hand" Lacus finished for the shocked Athrun. "It's okay, Kira's alive and well"
"YOU'RE LYING!!" Athrun yelled, tightening the grip on his pistol. "What kind of game are you playing Lacus Clyne? THERE'S NO WAY HE COULD HAVE SURVIVED!!"
"Then why don't you go and confirm it yourself, have you not seen how much things have changed here on the Plants Athrun, ask yourself where will all this power go, what is you fathers dream? What is it that you fight for Athrun? Is it that medal you wear or your father's orders?"
Her words and questions hit him hard, what was it that he truly wished to fight for?
"If that is true then Kira may become your enemy once again…and I as well" Lacus said as she got off her place on the stage and began walking towards Athrun. "If I was your enemy would you shoot me? Athrun Zala soldier of ZAFT"
Those were the words that truly pierced him. Athrun lowered his gun, trembling from his own indecision. The doors of the theatre opened and a group of armed men ran into the hall.
"Well done Athrun Zala, it seems you truly do know your fiancé" The head of the assassins said as he walked onto the stage, followed by several other men.
On instinct, Athrun blocked their path, raising his pistol slightly.
"Do not interfere Athrun Zala, we are to take Lacus Clyne into custody or kill her if she resists"
Suddenly, ZAFT green coats popped out of their hiding places, firing at the assassins. Athrun grabbed Lacus and hid behind a piece of rubble. The head assassin climbed over the rubble and aimed his pistol at Athrun and Lacus. But a bullet flew into his head, knocking him off the rubble and onto the floor. Martin Decosta walked onto the stage as waited patiently as Lacus and Athrun revealed themselves.
"Miss Clyne, we really must be going" Martin said.
"Thank you Mr Decosta, and what of Reverend Malchio?" Lacus asked.
"His ship has already left the port"
Lacus turned to Athrun with a smile on her face.
"Go to earth, see Kira and talk with him yourself, speak with your friend" Lacus said before she walked to Martin's side.
Athrun had nothing to say, how could he say something after what had happened. Martin jumped off the stage and offered Lacus his hand to help her climb down. Suddenly a crashing sound was heard and an assassin was thrown off of one of the balconies, landing on the stage with blood pouring out of his slit throat. The ZAFT turncoats turned their rifles to the balcony and both Lacus and Athrun widened their eyes as they saw a young man, probably no older than Athrun standing on the balcony. He kept his face covered with the hood of his black coat and held the blood stained knife in his gloved hand. The man gave them a salute with his two fingers before walking back into the shadows.
The group had left, with Athrun returning to headquarters. With his arm healed he put on a flight suit and climbed into the Justice. He still didn't know what he needed to fight for; his encounter with Lacus had only left him with more doubts. Hopefully he would find what he needed to fight for on Earth.
"Athrun Zala, Justice launching!"
Chapter 37: The Ladies!
Gekido: AAAARGH! WHAT IS THIS PAIN IN MY HEAD!
Akushi: She's come, the lady's here!
John: Gekido's in danger?
Lacus: please save him!
Next time it's the debut of the "Lady" as Gekido and Akushi meet again. The man in the black hood will be seen again and the next few chapters will finally shove some romance in Gekido's way.