Chapter 1
Several Months Later
Several months passed since their high school graduation, everyone was now well into their first year of post-secondary. For those few several months, it was a new experience for the young Lacus Clyne. Her long time friends Amanda and Emily moved to the PLANTS to study there, and most importantly, Cagalli accepted a full sports scholarship to a school outside of Orb. Leaving Lacus alone.
It was tough on her, not having anyone to talk to, no friends to hang out with, no friends to go out to events with. Just herself and herself alone. Since that incident, her father, Sigel Clyne, had made her volunteer at a summer camp to keep her busy and to keep her mind away from the topic that clouded her very being for her whole summer vacation, Kira. He knew that even though his strategy may have been proven ineffective at times, like the odd time he would watch Lacus crying in the middle of the night because she remembered that day. He knew that if his daughter were to somewhat recover on time for school, she had in some way moved past those events that took place on that day.
Real POV
Slowly and carefully with books in hand and a bag slung over her shoulder, Lacus walked out of the main building of Orb University and onto the campus grounds the school was founded on. They were already deep into their summer semester and the only thing on Lacus' mind was finals which were coming in a few days time.
"I have to go over so many things" muttered Lacus as she sped walked down a worn cobble path to the dormitories.
Her success from high school carried into postsecondary and already she was one of the top students at the school she went to. Studying, Political Sciences and Business Administration, her hands were always full with work and studying. She had even less time to hang out with her newly acquired friends because she was focused on her education and her ambitions. Luckily for her, since she was one of the top students, she was granted her own dorm in the shared dormitories of which she lived in.
So roommate distractions were the last of her concerns because she didn't have someone to room with. Not to mention like she did in high school, she had just submitted her application to run for student body council. Yes, the life of Lacus Clyne was crazier than ever, and she liked it that way.
Speeding into the dorms, she quickly made her way to her room "I need to go shopping for food" she exclaimed, throwing her bag onto the floor after she closed her dorm door behind her. Stripping off her clothes she tossed them into a hamper she had brought from home "I will do laundry at home". She clothed herself in more casual attire before making her way to her bag once again.
"I will need you later," she said to herself pulling out her books and laptop she used to take notes with, she placed it on her desk she had beside her bed and raced out of the dorms and off campus.
"I can only give myself an hour and 30 minutes" she muttered to herself, giving notice of the limit she put upon herself as her eyes stayed fixated on her watch. She jumped into her car and drove to the nearest mall, luckily for her the university was beautifully placed surrounded by buildings that could be of use to the normal university student. So she never had to travel far.
With her shopping bag in hand, Lacus began to scavenge the mall for the things she wanted. Slowly walking in front of each shop entrance she glanced inside taking a peek at what each store had to offer. Her sightseeing came to an abrupt stop when she bumped into two figures in front of her "Sorry" she replied quickly, blushing a bright red.
"Hi, Lacus! Long time no see" Cagalli said giving her a hug
"Cagalli?" she asked in shock, she turned and saw standing beside the blonde girl was Athrun. To which he just waved.
"Hey," he said.
"Oh my gosh, Athrun what school do you go to?" Lacus asked, still amazed to see her longtime friend after so many years.
The navy blue haired boy chuckled "We go to the same university Lacus, I go to the school of Architectural Advancements"
Lacus' eyes widened "I didn't know! What do you major in?"
"Applied OS research and development, the second tier of OS R&D."
"Second tier?" Lacus was confused by what that actually meant.
Athrun nodded "The first tier is at PLANTS University, something I do not qualify for" he quickly covered his mouth soon afterward "Sorry" he replied "Didn't mean to say that"
Lacus flashed a faint smile "It's okay, I managed to get over the hump" although her answer was quiet, she knew continuing to tell herself that it was indeed over as a resolve she had to force herself to recognize and understand.
However, though, Cagalli wasn't buying it. She read through Lacus' pathetic shield like a hot knife cutting through butter "Huh" she responded, not entirely convinced by her friends' statement.
A fragile blushed waltzed onto Lacus' pale cheeks "Cagalli stop"
"Fine"
Clearing her throat "But anyway, how's Kira?" Lacus asked curiously.
Athrun glanced over at Cagalli, with an unsure look on his face "Should we tell her?" he mouthed
The blonde shook her head, before answering her friend's question "He's doing just fine"
This sudden, suspicious moment caused Lacus to raise an eyebrow "Why did you guys do that?"
"Oh, nothing," Athrun replied scratching the back of his head.
"Liar"
Cagalli sighed "Well if you're wondering if he is the top student at PLANTS University, the same major as Athrun here but as you know a lot smarter than this one is" she added jabbing the boy in the side.
"Ouch, that burn" Lacus replied giggling at the lighthearted humor
"He's a prodigy student, he holds the title of "Prince of Terror" and holds a spot on the uPLANTS Student Council" Athrun added
"Wow," Lacus said, amazed by what Kira was able to accomplish within his first year of University.
"Don't be amazed" Athrun said coldly
"After he left for the PLANTS he became cold, ruthless, and unforgiving" Cagalli added "There is a reason why they call him the 'Prince of Terror' you know"
The navy blue haired boy nodded agreement "He completely wrecked our team's mobile suit model in a tournament, forcing us to rebuild everything."
"I don't believe you" Lacus replied stubbornly, refusing to accept that the Kira she knew a few months ago, was now this harsher version, no longer the person everyone knew he once was.
The girl grunted "Oh please, you should believe me. He is a pain in the ass now"
"Almost like a harsh king, asserting his power and authority to those below him," Athrun thought for a second "He's like a military Commander, cold blooded to the core"
"How could the Kira we know, but that kind of person? I think you guys are exaggerating"
"Don't believe me? Then come see for yourself" Cagalli cried out "He isn't your cutie Lacus, he's far from it now"
Athrun placed his hand on Cagalli's shoulder and little shook her "Calm down now"
She looked up at him, glaring "Oh you don't even know, I am tired of his crap" she pointed to Lacus "I don't care whether you care for him or not, you're going to fix him!"
"No!" Lacus yelled back "I cannot see him.. Not after what I did"
"Lacus!" Cagalli yelled glaring at her "It's because of you! Stop being a baby and confront the problem"
'It's because of you!' these few words, shook deep within her. Rattling in her head, through her body, and her finger tips. Piercing like a spear ripping through the pray of which it impaled.
Her face buried deep in her pillow, her room darkened, darker than the outer reaches of space, was where the motionless Lacus laid. Bleak, stiff, powerless. Lost in a train of thought, memories of once was, and what she wished was still real. Suppressed, were the feelings she held inside. Scared of confronting them, scared of acknowledging them, scared of letting them become her reality.
A soft moan escaped from her dry lips as she slowly began to rub her face into the groove of her pillow "It hurts, Kira" she whispered "It hurts so much"
Opening her eyes ever so slightly, they witnessed a faint sparkle, there propped up on her desk was the necklace he had sent to her through Cagalli on graduation day "I miss you so much" she cried as hot tears began rolling down her cheeks once again.
The Next Morning
An emotionally exhausted Lacus Clyne propped herself up on her bed. Her hair disheveled, her nightgown sliding off at the shoulders, and the bags underneath her eyes darkened and visible. This was the first time in months, where she didn't get enough sleep. Feeling the wave of exhaustion engulf her, she fell back down onto her bed and closed her eyes "I miss your hugs" she thought to herself.
"What are you doing, Lacus Clyne! You have to study!" she screamed at herself, trying to pull her mind away from the boy she indulged in for years.
Forcing herself back onto her bottom, the pink haired girl pushed herself off her bed and stumbled towards her desk. Luckily for her, she had already put her books on her desk yesterday so she didn't have to go through the trouble of getting them out. Carefully she pulled the cover back and pulled open her laptop and there she began her daily routine of study.
But there was only one problem. Kira. His voice, his name, and what his sister said to her, echoed through her body. Every word she read in the textbook and on her laptop echoed moments she and Kira had or the events of that day. It drove her crazy. Throwing her head into her outstretched hands, she let out a long drawn out sigh "I cannot believe this is happening to me.."
She lifted her head and stared at the necklace that sat in its box, the ceiling light causing the necklace to shine very so slightly "Look what have you done to me Kira.." she moved her hand over and gently ran her fingertips over the sparkling silver plated chain, reached for the lid and closed the box.
"I cannot be doing this right now" she muttered to herself, Lacus slapped her face a few times and gave her head a light shake "Okay!" she cried out taking a sip from a stray water bottle she had on her desk "I have to study" she said re-committing herself to the task that was presented to her, making sure her marks dropped because of the upcoming finals.
A few Hours Later
Many hours came and went, the sun peeking through her window was a vibrant orange-yellow signaling that the end of the day was just a few hours away. Letting out a tired yawn escape her lips, Lacus threw her arms in the air and gave her body a relaxing stretch, "I am done" she said covering her mouth as she yawned. She turned her head to the right and stared out the window to her dorm "I've been in here too long"
She pushed herself off the chair she rested on for the past few hours, and slowly walked over to the window, only to have her body lean against the frame. Her eyes looking out the window with great curiosity.
"There are a lot of people out at this time" she mumbled noting the different students walking around the campus grounds. The pink haired girl turned her head back towards her desk and glanced at the clock, it read '6:30pm'.
"It's time to get some food"
Crawling to her dresser, she pulled open the drawer and sighed "Not much in terms of clothing" she whispered to herself, only seeing three white blouses and a pair of blue jeans "I change to frequently" she mumbled glancing at the hamper full of clothing to her right.
"Well this will have to do, I'll do laundry at home tomorrow" she added pulling one of each out of each piece of clothing out of her dresser.
She spent a good 15 minutes getting herself situated, but when she did and was happy with her own appearance, she grabbed her keys and her wallet before venturing out of her room and into the hallway "It's already 6:45, I wonder if they will still be open" she asked herself as she walked down the long hallway.
Pushing open the doors at the end of the hall, she slowly made her way down the stairs until she reached the main floor of her dormitory. Immediately, she saw the dining hall, packed with people. She couldn't help but smile "Yay, I didn't miss out this time," she said as she began her walk inside and to the long queue of students who patiently waited for food.
Slowly the pink haired girl crawled up the ever so long line to the food, her face buried in her phone. She did what she could to pass the time, but it seemed as if it was taking forever and that there was no end to the never ending line.
"The line is taking awhile, huh?" said a voice behind her
Turning to see where the voice came from, she smiled "Hi Athrun"
"Hey," the boy replied, returning the kind gesture "How was studying?"
"How did you know I was studying?"
Athrun shrugged "I kind of figure because this is exam week"
The girl nodded in affirmation "Then you are correct, kind sir. How about you?" Lacus asked as she grabbed two trays and passed one to Athrun.
"Haven't exactly started yet" he replied taking the tray in his hands "Thank you by the way"
Slowly moving up in the line they eventually approached the food section of the dining hall and began to pile on the food onto their trays.
"Why's that?" Lacus asked placing a bottle of orange juice on her tray
"Hi, can I have the pasta please?" Athrun asked the worker behind the table, who began filling a plate with pasta before passing to him "Thank you".
He turned his attention to Lacus "Well, it's because I have a tournament coming up in a few days that I have to get my team ready for." Athrun reached for a can of Pepsi and placed it on his tray as he followed Lacus down the line.
"Tournament for what?"
"As you may or may not know, we have a Gundam Team"
The pink haired girl nodded "Oh yes" she replied grabbing a pre-made sandwich off the plate on the counter.
"Is that all you're getting?" Athrun asked, looking at the lone orange juice bottle, pre-made sandwich, three little bits of brownie and shepherd's pie on the side.
The girl nodded "Yeah, I don't eat much dining hall food, I eat more at home than I do here" exiting the line she signaled with her head "Follow me" she asked of him as Lacus began walking to one of the many tables that littered the hall.
When they finally found a free table, Lacus casually placed her tray down and sat down on the bench. Athrun did the same but sat across from her "Time to dig in" he said stabbing his pasta with a plastic fork
"And you nag me for not grabbing enough food" Lacus responded jokingly to a plate of pasta and a bottle of Pepsi.
"Hey now, I have a tournament and exams to prepare for. Got to be time efficient"
Nodding Lacus took a bite out of her sandwich "Say, why are you putting so much time into preparing for the tournament?"
The navy blue haired boy waited until he finished swallowing before he spoke "That's because all of the top schools compete there" he replied wiping his face with a napkin.
"Have we won a tournament before?" Lacus asked taking a sip of her orange juice
"We won last year, but this year we haven't won anything"
The pink haired girl frowned "Why's that?"
Athrun gave Lacus a long hard stare, while he took a few gulps from his Pepsi "Ah.." he said marveling at the tastiness this drink provided him "Well miss, your ex is a beast and destroyed us every time. That's why"
"Kira?"
The boy nodded "He's the captain of the top team, who also so happens to be President of the Study body there"
"You mentioned something yesterday about his destroying your Gundam every time?"
Athrun nodded again "Okay so this is how a tournament goes typically. We design and build Gundams that basically fight it out, but there are a lot of other components that are checked at the same time, like OS coding, design, and a lot of other factors that determine your scores. So you can score really high on all those departments, but lose in the Battledome and you'll still get second in our case."
He took a sip from his Pepsi before continuing "The only reason why we haven't 'won' a tournament yet is because of Kira, handles everything and runs his team like the military. Finely tuned, organized and uniformed. He is demanding and if he doesn't get what he wants, he is a force to be reckoned with; that's why he is called the 'Prince of Terror'."
"That's not the Kira I know," Lacus said stubbornly, as she finished the remaining bits of her sandwich.
"He's changed now, trust me Lacus" Athrun leaned back and gave his legs a stretch "If anything I just think he's hiding his broken self from the world," he said quietly.
"You think so?"
Athrun nodded "A few weeks ago, Cagalli dragged me up to the PLANTS so that she could have a backup when she went to scold him. She scolded him and we saw.. I guess how broken he really was" he whispered.
Lacus leaned in and looked at him "What do you mean?"
The boy brought his gazes onto her and gave a sympathetic frown, he reached forward and gently held the necklace Lacus had around her neck "Didn't think I'd notice this, now did you?" he asked gazing at the necklace "I know Kira gave this to you, Cagalli told me of it and showed me a picture too" Athrun slowly let go of it and sat up "You still love him don't you"
"N-No, I just wanted to wear it because it looked pretty," Lacus replied mumbling into her chest. Now regretting wearing the necklace Kira had bought her.
"You know. I think you're the only one that can change him back. He literally cut ties with his mom and it's really killing her" he whispered.
"But I can't see him after what I did to him.."
Athrun placed his hand on Lacus' clenched fist she had on the table "We all still know that you love him and I can guarantee you that he still loves you too, he's just hiding it. I think the best thing for you two to do is to find a mutual ending for each other whatever that may be"
Lacus lightly shook her head "But I don't want it to end"
"I know, but we don't want to see you suffer at the expense of him" he replied removing his hand from hers, he reached for his bottle and took a sip from it "You just have to be physically ready"
The pink haired girl pulled her hands to her face and wiped the tears away "You suck for making a girl cry you know" she responded jokingly.
"Why thank you," he said smiling, "So how about it?"
Lacus nodded "I'll give it a try, I'll try my hardest"
Athrun poked the top of Lacus' head "Now that's the spirit, exams are this week and the week after is our summer vacation before we start up classes in September. We'll leave then?"
Lacus nodded "Okay, but how are we going to get there?"
"I'll pick you up and I'll probably tell Cagalli and we'll go together"
"How do I know when you'll be ready?" the girl asked
Athrun reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, he turned it on and flipped to the contacts screen "Throw your number in there and I'll call you when we leave"
"Okay" was her only response as Lacus began to plug her number into Athrun's phone.
I can't give up on you Kira, I just can't.
I've heard your cries, your cries for help, please let me be the one to shoulder your burden
I can't do it alone Kira, you have to let me.
Please don't let go, I will keep fighting.
After all, mother said to never give up on your dreams.
And my dream is to be with you.
-End-