Written for snippet challenge #35: Phoenix

This is Zechs p.o.v.

Awake

I try to open my eyes, but nothing seems to move. I try again. My lips part slightly, not what I had in mind but something moved. My eyes open slowly and white light blinds me. It hurts, so I am most likely still alive. That's a good thing. Right? Ow, my eyes! Damn. I'd better shut them again.

I feel like I've been run over by a dozen of mobile suits, blasted gundaniam suits.

With my lips already parted, I try to make a sound, but am surprised I can barely make any. Sighing inwardly, I try to move, my leg... my arm... my finger? There. That feels like it's moving. And like it's taking all the energy out of me.

I try once again to open my eyes. Where am I? Am I on friendly ground or enemy ground? Have I been captured? Is that why my limbs won't move? It would make sense, but as I try to think back, I can not remember a fight, only a shuttle. Was the shuttle attacked perhaps? Such a cowardly thing to do. Then again, rebels just don't seem to care.

My eyes adjust to the light and I look at the pale ceiling above me. It is boring to look at and tells me very little, so I try to move my head. Where am I? Am I alone? My head won't move, just like the rest of my body. For a moment I panic. Am I paralysed? No, I can move my finger. I can not be paralysed if I can move my finger, right? Oh wait, that only went for toes…

I try to move a toe, only to find my other hand's finger moves instead. Okay, wrong signal. Come on, brain. Focus! Move my toe! Move! Damn, now my eyes are shut again.

I hear footsteps. Very well aware that I might be on enemy ground, I keep my eyes closed and my body still, listening to it. Someone touches my wrist, looks at some papers and then frowns.

"Sir?" A female voice. "Sir Peacecraft, are you awake?" She sounds hopeful. Wait... Peacecraft? Damn it, no wonder the light was so bright. My mask is not in place. Even so, how did they find out? "If you are awake, sir, please try to move something."

Peacecraft. I might be in even more danger if I am on enemy ground, but if that is so, I can not escape unless I am healed, right? And I can not be healed when they don't know I am awake.

Then why won't the damn toe move, damn it!

I hear her sigh and move away again.

"Noin..." My mouth says softly and the footsteps stop abruptly, only to return her to me moments later.

"What did you say, sir? Please, try to say it again."

I frown, though it doesn't feel like my body obeys. Instead, the damned toe decides to move.

Where is Lucretzia "Noin..."

-princess