To my readers: sorry X ∞ (infinity) for the delay. I had project in
virtually every subject.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kazu pulled his finger muscle...
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Gundam Seed: Endless Conflict
Fallen Angel
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A white streak of light swooped down at the rifle and forced Kazu press on the button next to the trigger to move the rifle away. The light decelerated to reveal a white/gray plane as it swiftly corners. It provided enough distraction for Ariel's 'Deathstrike' PS missiles to blow out Revo's shield. "Errgg..." Cockpit monitor fizzled due to the impact. The plane pressured on the buster rifle by firing its missiles at it.
"....IFF (Identify Friendly Foe) response?" asked Waltfeld.
"Unknown, sir. We've no database on that plane." replied Milly.
The missiles were easily avoided by Revo. Kazu saw an opening and locked on the plane. Suddenly, a green saber appeared out of nowhere and attempted to slash Revo's head off. Fortunately, REVRO prevented that from happening as Kazu drew its own saber to parry it. Electricity sizzled as the two sabers met. Kazu's frowned at the floating, mobile saber which has no MS host. Not even the radar showed any result. REVRO switched the monitor to neutron energy x-ray mode. An outline of an MS appeared behind the saber.
############################################
"Capt!" called Worelt as 3 GuAIZs approached Judg and Intrepid.
"Go help Kazu. Hurry."
"Yes, sir. And Capt. Ardvil wanted to let you know that reinforcements have arrived. The new units have engaged the enemies." replied Louis as the GuAIZs left Judg.
"New units? 'drzzzzr' Grr...'" Shute growled when Intrepid's 'Gerbera Straight' managed to scrape Judg's torso. Shute desperately tried to gain some distance away from Intrepid, overwhelmed by its close combat capabilities. "Try this!" Judg burst toward Intre, ramming its shield against it, knocking it back for a chance to fire projectiles at it. Shute armed the backpack's 4 beam cannons as well as the 'Lupus'. Intrepid dodged and slashed the beams before eventually getting hit. Shute was gaining the upper hand and was about to destroy Lowe's prized katana when the white/gray plane fired its vulcan cannons on the backpack. Shute retreated towards Belurius to draw the enemy to the new units.
###########################################
Kazu armed one of the 'Balaena' cannons at the figure. Before he could fire it, a swift swipe coming from the invisible MS's back cut off the barrel in half.
"Snap out of it, kid...Have control." muttered the pilot of the suit. The monitor around him is of the same dark shade as Revo under REVRO's activity.
Kazu engaged the TRAGOON funnels. The man inside the feather insignia printed, slightly-cracked, purple helmet sighed as he pressed a button on his MS console. The invisible MS phase-shifts into a pure white/light blue/red MS with 6 oversized, extended, beautiful angel-like wings on its back. He broke off the saber stalemate and retreated back a little as the angel-wings covered the MS's whole body and shielded it from the funnels' barrage. The white/gray plane went back to support the unknown MS. It fired the beam cannon under its left wing. Revo uses 'Xiphias' to counter the beam. The pilot then entered several coordinates. The plane switched its target to Belurius. Kazu's REVRO showed him a scene of red a Nazca- class exploding. (SEED) Revo turns around and speeds towards the Belurius.
'"...pity..."' thought the pilot as he established radio communication. Speaking in a different voice, he said, "To CAF battlecarrier Ariel and cruiser Zechiel. Call back your units and allies, and retreat. This battle is lost."
Waltfeld replied, "Just who do you think you are? And how do you know us?"
"Take this dead man's advice if you wish to live." the pilot replied before speeding off, chasing Revo.
"There's something familiar about that voice. I think we should follow his advice." suggested Murrue.
"I need to check out something for the Chairman. We can't leave yet. Lt.Arygle, steer the ship towards the Nazca-class that has been in the battle zone since the start."
############################################
"Capta..." started Louis but was cut short as Revo sped past them, ignoring them. "What's with him?"
"Heads up!" said Tochji when he noticed the white MS approaching them. They locked on their rifles but realized that their target is gone. The MS has activated its Mirage Colloid. "What the..." said Worelt. At the next moment, their main monitor went blank. As the MS whizzed past them, it has swiftly beheaded the 3 GuAIZs using the beam sabers of its wings, like it used to slash Revo's 'Balaena' barrel.
'"I'm...not dead?"' thought Worelt, confused at the mercy of the unknown MS.
#########################################
Shute turns around and zoomed on the plane approaching Belurius. "!!...Unmanned." Judg disengaged its backpack for it to engage the plane but suddenly, it disappeared. '"Mirage Colloid? Damn."' Several beam shots fired out of nowhere on the new ZAFT units. The units have the standard gray/green colors. Unlike GuAIZs' monoscopic eye, they have the binoscopic version. They have improved maneuverability, which enables them to avoid the shots from the plane. The units were also armed with a MNS-LO32 homing beam rifle and a MNS-LO64 rapid fire shell gun, which can be stored at the back (outer sides of wings) or used individually or together. The anchor beam hooks on their shields are still the same as the GuAIZs'. The beam claws stored in shields have been replaced by a beam trident, stored on back (in between wings). The units fare slightly better than CAF's ENFORCERs, considering if the pilots' abilities are at the same level.
Suddenly, an off-guard unit was hit by a beam shot. The beam penetrated through the MS and hits onto Belurius's side. Some of the engine room crew was engulfed in the explosion. "Captain! Engine room 3 has been breached and damaged." informed a bridge crew.
"Never mind. Hold our front position," said Ardvil, "but this is taking too long."
"Colonel Geory's has ordered every unit to go for the main Agememnon Class and the new type ships." said the same crew member.
Meanwhile in Shute's room, Flona was watching the battle outside through the monitor in the room. "......."
#######################################
Revo caught up with the plane and unloads all on it. When it looks like the plane was a goner, it switched from Mirage Colloid to its original colors, that is, Phase-Shift. The armor protected it from major damage but its right front-swept wing is blown off. The AI system of the plane sends a message to the unknown MS. {FAVE-MRX77 Murekaze to GAT-X79X Axiom. Damage to wing. Retreating from battle zone.}
Murekaze squeezes its exhaust and blasted out into the dark space until only a faint light from its jet can be seen. Axiom was about to follow it but the pilot realized that Ariel was spear-heading into the heart of the battle. '"I told you to retreat."'
Now with Murekaze out of the way, Kazu turns its attention back to the Ariel. From long range, Revo armed its buster rifle and locks on to the battlecarrier. The pilot of Axiom noticed it and burst toward Ariel. It positioned itself in front of the ship, Phase-Shifts, and reaches back to draw its own rifle stored inside the middle wings. Kazu briefly warns his allies before rashly shooting. Most of ZAFT units had barely avoided the devastating path of the blue-red neutron blast that is the size of Revolution itself in diameter. Waltfeld ordered to counter using the positron blaster gun but realized it's too late. All of Ariel's bridge members stared on in shock, especially Lacus. Axiom pilot frowned before countering the shot with his own triple barreled buster rifle. Everyone on the battlefield was captivated at the fearsome contest of colors and electric charges. Kazu expends Revo's reactor energy to pump the rifle with more energy. Revo's beam began to push the other back. Axiom's pilot did the same thing Kazu did, which caused his rifle to discharge even more power than Kazu's twin-barrel rifle. Shute realized what was about to happen and sped toward the 2nd Armada flagship. He hesitated a while before proceeding to destroy the Agememnon bridge, catching its crew off- guard. Lowe was too late. He slammed his fist onto the side panel in irritation.
"Damn it! I told you to retreat. Your Armada is losing!" said Axiom's pilot angrily.
Ariel's bridge was snapped back to reality. Milly confirmed what the pilot had said. Waltfeld clenched his fist so tightly that it turned white and said, "...send out the retreat flare."
Murrue is still in trance at the voice. '"Mu.....?"'
"Colonel Ramius!" shouted Waltfeld. Murrue snaps back to reality and orders the retreat signal. Revo's and Axiom's monitor displays a signal that their rifles are at the critical condition of overheating. Each REVRO system predicted that the other will stop the shot at the same time. Ariel's retreat missiles exploded into red, blue, and green colors just after both neutron shot dispersed, leaving crackles of electricity in their paths. Kazu loses consciousness just as REVRO system disengages. He is sweating and breathing heavily. Axiom's pilot magnified on the stationary REVRO as CAF forces retreats. He was interrupted by a woman's voice calling him. He switches off his comm with a sigh. "..." And then sped off out of the area.
Shute observed the battle zone, panting. ZAFT had won the battle. Noticing Revo, he approached it. He called on Kazu several times but was not responded. Judg grabbed Revo's arm and dragged the MS toward Belurius.
####################################
"I'm sorry Lacus." said Waltfeld.
"...It's okay. I'm fine." She replied with a slight but unnoticeable tremble of sadness in her voice. She bowed her head so as to hide the tears welling up in her eyes.
"Excuse me for a while." said Murrue, getting up from her seat and exiting the bridge. She floats towards the ladies and watches her reflection on the mirror. The scene, where the unknown MS positioning itself in front of Ariel's bridge and when the voice that sounded like Mu's coming over the comm, plays through her mind. '"Are you still alive......No, I must be just imagining things. I saw Strike being destroyed in front of my very eyes."' She turns on the water tap and splashes her face to alert herself. "Get a hold on yourself. Mu sacrificed for you. You must stay alive." she said to her reflection and forced a smile.
#######################################
"Same thing, doc?" asked Shute. The doctor nodded.
"This is not my specialty. You should try to get a psychologist," advised the doctor before leaving the room, "anyway, give him enough rest."
"I don't know whether you are lucky or fortunate." Shute said to the unconscious Kazu, sighing. (He is being sarcastic!) "I will go get your girl, ok?"
Shute opened the door to Kazu's room carrying a set of ZAFT female uniform. Flona looks at him questioningly. "I guess you're really needed now. Here, wear this. You would not want to get shot in this ship. I wait outside."
After a few minutes, the sliding door slid open. "That was quick." remarked Shute before leading her to Kazu. Upon entering the room, Shute started, "It's kind of awkward but I think Kazu would appreciate your help. He ended up like this again after fighting in Revolution."
Flona sat by his bedside and lifted his eyelids. Seeing her get to work, Shute decided to leave. As he was exiting the room, he said, "Let me know what's up with him after you're done."
'"Even the developer of the system can't handle the extreme toll it has inflicted."' thought Flona.
Kazu found himself at a beach. Everything is silent except for the splashing of waves, and the sky is eerily overcast. He looks around only to find a familiar-looking female standing on the water line. Kazu watches on as she started walking slowly into the water. As he observed longer, he realized that she is about to do something foolish. He dashed towards her. When he tries to grab her, his hands pass right through her body. He looks down at his hands in confusion. Upon looking up again, he found nothing is around, nothing at all. No beach, just the same darkness.
Flona yelped when Kazu suddenly sits up and embraces her. She started to turn red when she feels his well-built chest and his hot breath on her hair. "Sorry...I..." Kazu lets go of her abruptly and studies his surroundings. "What happened?" he asked.
"...You passed out again."
"...Oh....What about the battle? Who won?"
"ZAFT. Here, don't think so much. Take a rest. You are pushing your mentality past the limit." advised Flona as she gently pushes him back down on the bed and covers him with the blanket.
"...You look good." commented Kazu. She had received a lot of praises about her looks but this time, she can't help but to blush. Kazu grinned slightly and started, "So, doc, what's wrong with me?"
"I don't know if you realize this but the system inside Revolution took control of you as apparently, you can't control it yet."
"How do you know about Revo?"
'"???"' "I was on the AI developer team of the MS."
'"She works for CAF...Might be helpful."' "So, what should I do now?"
"My safest solution would be to advise you not to pilot Revolution again, but I don't think it would be possible." she said, noticing the lifted eyebrow of Kazu (DUH) "Or, I could, with permission, try to reprogram the system."
'"I should be able to trust her."' "It's fine with me but I'll have to consult the General."
"Good. Now take a rest, okay?"
"Are you leaving? Stay with me."
"I......all right."
"Flona."
She turns her head back only to find Kazu staring into her eyes. He took her hands and kissed them, still not breaking eye contact. "Thank you."
Although she was expecting something else, she is content for the moment. As they stared at each other in silence, Kazu started to move closer to her. When they were inches away from each other, suddenly, the ship jerked. Though unintentional, Kazu brushed his lips against hers. However, as Flona blushed, Kazu did not feel the kiss. Instead, trying to getting up, he said, "We must have docked."
Flona held him down and said, "You need to rest. If they need you, they will call, right?" Kazu can't resist her smile and complies. He lies back down on the bed and closes his eyes, hoping that none of the bad dreams strike him again.
#########################################
"What are you doing?" asked a voice.
Lowe looks up of Intrepid's cockpit hatch to see Cagalli looking down at him.
"Oh, I was just doing this, something."
"What?"
Lowe looks back down at the monitor before saying, "I'm integrating Intre's OS with 8's CPU chip to aid me in combat. Judgment almost had me back then. This way, I would have better chance in winning and a little payback..." Cagalli flinched when he said that. Realizing what he had blurted out, he apologizes.
"Its okay." she said before jumping off the hatch opening. Lowe follows her onto the suspension bridge in front of the MS. Before he could say anything, Cagalli asked, "Can I borrow your shoulder?"
Not understanding the real meaning to the question, he answered, "Uh, yeah, I guess."
Cagalli, who had her back towards him, turns around and started to cry on his chest. Lowe was stunned. He hesitates in trying to comfort her but hugs her protectively nevertheless.
"Don't cry. I will get him back for you as long as it's within my abilities."
"...Thank you..."
####################################
"So, Revolution has such a system and it's the cause of Kazu's relapses?" asked Shute.
"...Yes." replied Flona, even more confused at the strange names.
"If you contributed in its development, what do you suggest he should do?"
"He should take a break, or a vacation, to recover from the influence of REVRO, and let his mind and brain cells to adjust and come up with some sort of resistance."
"......I will talk to the General." said Shute, walking toward the exit.
"If you don't mind..."
"Yes?"
"Could you introduce yourselves?"
"Oh that. He's Kazu and I'm Shute. We are the grandsons of William Hibiki, the current ZAFT leader. I'm sure you have seen him."
'"????"' "Do the names Athrun Zala or Kira Hibiki seem any familiar to you?"
'"Athrun...Kira...?"' thought Shute as a scene of him handing Kazu a robotic bird, that is similar to the symbol of CAF, flashed briefly. Flona noticed him being distracted.
"Uh, no." he said, to answer Flona's question, before leaving the room.
###################################
'Beep, Beep.'
"What's that?" asked Murrue, approaching Chandra.
"Unknown, but there's no radar interference. Wait. MS registration recognized. Resistance and Countenance." he replied.
Dearka's face appears on the monitor. "...Uh, hi, guys. How are you, colonel Ramius?" he asked, apparently looking for Milly.
"We are just fine, but where are the other two units?"
"They're still not done. Will catch up later."
"Oh, okay," said Murrue, "Open the launch bay."
####################################
In the canteen,
'urh' Lacus closes her mouth, attempting to hold her incoming discharge from the mouth.
Cagalli, who is seated next to her, started to rub her back while Milly offers her a glass of water. "What happened? Are you okay? You look pale." asked Cagalli. Lacus slowly drinks the glass of water before saying, "Thanks, I'm just not feeling well."
"Here, just take a rest, okay? You have been through much." said Cagalli, helping Lacus up. They turned to leave for Lacus's room.
"I'll get you some medicine." said Milly before she notices Lacus's plate of food. '"Strange, she hardly ate a couple of spoonful."'
Helping her down to the bed, Cagalli says, "Tell me, Lacus. What's wrong with you? You hardly ate anything since the past couple weeks, since the Institute's attack."
"I don't know. I just don't have the appetite. What ever I ate will always try to come back out."
"Here's some nausea reliever." Milly said, entering the room, holding a few tubes of pills.
"Thank you, Milly." said Lacus, swallowing several of the tiny pills.
"Get some rest. Call us if you need us, okay?" said Cagalli.
"Thank you, both of you."
Cagalli and Milly exited the room, which locks behind them. Walking back towards the canteen, Cagalli started, "I think Lacus's in a big trouble."
"Why so?" asked Milly. Cagalli then gestured to her. Milly's eyes grew wide before saying, "No way!"
"From the way Kira changed since his second visit to Mendel, it can be just possible. Just like I and...never mind."
"You might be right, but what about you and who-ever-you're-gonna-say?" asked Milly, arching her eyebrow slightly at her.
"It's okay! Forget what I was gonna say. What about you and Dearka, huh?" asked Cagalli back.
"What, wha about him and me? We are just friends. Nothing more. We are not in any relationship." replied Milly hastily.
"Yeah, right. You are blushing." teased Cagalli, trying to keep herself preoccupied so as not to remember about Athrun.
"Okay you win. I like him but he can be such a bumble head at times. I don't know if 'like' as in friends or something more." whispered Milly so that no one else could hear them. Both of them continued their conversation over the next minutes.
###################################
Back in her room, Lacus was curled up in her blanket, crossing an arm over her stomach while the other holding the ring she gave Kira before the last battle. He had given it back to her for safekeeping so that he could have the honor of wearing it at the right moment. As she continues to observe the plain silver ring, tear drops escape her eyes and roll down her cheeks horizontally onto the pillow.
(Flashback)
"A gundam?"
"It's ZGMF-X10A Freedom. Incorporating all of the Alliance technology, it is the most advanced mobile suit, constructed under Chairman Zala's orders."
"...Why are you giving this to me?"
"You have the desire to protect. Power to protect, destroy and create. I'm giving this as your sword to aid you in those goals."
"Thank you..."
"Take care, Kira." Lacus kisses him on the cheek.
"You too. You are a strong person." He said before Lacus drifted away, smiling at him.
(End of Flashback)
'"How ironic. I guess it's my turn to get it done...my way. I will get you back, Kira, no matter what, from that psychotic Willy-Alms guy."
###################################
"Are you sure that's the best?" asked Waltfeld.
"Cagalli is the heir to Orb. She needs to be in charge of the country." replied Kisaka.
"I have no objections. It's safer for her also." said Murrue.
"What about Lacus?" asked Yzak.
"Cagalli said that Lacus is not feeling well." said Murrue.
"Send her back too?"
"sigh the people are starting to get agitated...the world is practically in shambles...riots are starting everywhere...Lacus might be the only one who can calm all this down." said Waltfeld.
"I agree. All this time since the War, and the times of insurgency, she is looked upon by all as the angel of peace. All her speeches, persuasion, and songs almost never fail to calm hearts." said Murrue, looking out into space.
####################################
"Are the bases fully operational?" asked William.
"No problems, sir." replied Geory.
"Any sign of enemy activity?"
"According to our scout, a few CAF ships are patrolling right out of our radar coverage, but they are nothing we can't handle."
"I heard CAF's Cacodaemones class ships were involved in the battle. It is true?"
"No mistake, sir."
"They're going to be one hell of a threat to us. I can't afford them to foil our plans. Sortie the Belurius and its crew, will you? I want to get rid of them."
"With pleasure. But, is it the latter or the CAF units you want to get rid of?"
"I still need those two's capabilities."
"Understood. By the way, sir, Zala requested a conference with you."
"Send for him then. It would like to know what he has to say."
##################################
"They're coming back?" asked Rondo before taking a sip of his coffee.
"Yes," replied Gai.
"Why did they bother to tagging along in the first place?"
"No idea."
"You okay? You look down."
"I'm fine. Just tired......."
#################################
"A break?"
"Kazu's been through a lot with Revo and the system it's installed with. I think he deserves it."
'"My, my, what coincidence."' "I have no problem with that, Shute. Especially not with my...grandsons."
"He has your permission then?"
"Absolutely, but you, on the other hand, will be assigned another important mission."
"Yes, sir."
"Belurius will now go after CAF's Cacodaemones class. It is to distract them from our main objective, which is to maneuver our mobile satellite colonies at L10 to your present location. I have briefed Ardvil about this. He shall do so again to all of the members of this mission at 1800 hours."
"Understood. And, where will Kazu be going?"
"Earth. The...natural wonders there will help him recover," said William with a fake smile.
"If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave-"
"Call Kazu, will you? I would like to speak with him."
"Absolutely"
#################################
"So, what do the two of you think?" asked Waltfeld.
"No way! How can I go back while Athrun is still over there?"
"Calm down, Cagalli. I just want to know what you think of this."
"I have no objections."
"What? Lacus?"
"We are no real use here either. Might as well help out in other areas where we are really useful."
"But...I"
"A number of papers came from Orb counsel committee, requesting that you go back to take charge of the country again." informed Erika.
"I...guess you are right," said Cagalli with a sigh, "but be sure to get Athrun and Kira back, promise?"
"We promise" said Murrue.
##########################
"Well, Kazu, on At...Shute's request, you have my permission to take a rest on Earth."
"Thank you, grandpa."
"You can leave at anytime, but one thing, though, I need you to do me favor while on your holiday there, will you do it?"
"Certainly if it's for our cause."
'"Poor child. You really don't have to say that. Heh!"' thought Ardvil before saying, "An operative will find and brief you when the time is right. He will hand you all the equipment you will need."
"Understood" said Kazu as he salutes before William cuts the transmission.
###########################
Exactly at 1900 hours, Belurius, accompanied by another Nazca class, left Yakin Heatch launch gates. Before commencing their mission, however, they are to escort Kazu's shuttle up to L5's radar coverage. So as not to appear suspicious, Kazu and Flona need to take a PLANT shuttle bound for Earth.
"Don't you want to go back to your family?" asked Kazu when they are both on board the PLANT shuttle.
"I want to see you recover first."
"Thanks. You don't mind wearing all this disguises, do you?"
She shook her head and smiled. At the next moment, Kazu seemed to ignore her as he was lying back on the reclining chair and appears to be sleeping. Pretending to stare out into space, she was actually watching Kazu on the glass reflection, her mind filled with so many questions. Deciding it's too risky to ask him then with all of the other passengers, she drops the subject and continues to observe him.
#############################
"Now we need to figure out where those units are" said Shute.
"Don't worry about that; we have an espionage agent amidst them" answered Ardvil.
"Huh? That's unexpected."
"Anyway," started Ardvil, "they are currently docked on the moon base. According to the plans, they will join up with the 31st mobile division of L5 defense force and strike our colony cluster at L10. We need to stop them at all costs. The best thing to do is to set up ambushes on this point here and there." Ardvil points at two coordinates on the battle map.
"If I may point out," said Worelt, "do we have enough firepower to take them on?"
"...I assume that the General knows what he is doing for he promised us reinforcements."
"Don't worry so much. Our GedAons prove to be powerful enough against CAF's ENFORCERS" said Shute.
#################################
Over the next couple days...
"Ha, ha, no, ah!" yelped Flona as Kazu pinned her down against the warm sand of a summer beach.
They had spent quite some time together on the Caribbean. Flona's expertise contributed to his rapid mental recovery. She could tell that Kazu is starting to have feelings for her, while she herself has fallen for him. The past two days were the happiest days of her life since the death of her mother 3 years ago. Whenever she wants to ask him the questions which has been troubling her, she would put it off for fear that it would take him away from her. She had always known that love is the most selfish thing in the world. Especially when staring into those violet eyes, she wouldn't care for anything else.
'"But, I can't stay like this forever. I need to know the truth. If he would stay with me after that, I would be honored, but what if he decided to leave? ...it's okay if that's what he wants"' she thought, partly entranced at the person shadowing her from the sun.
"........." Both looks at each other, not saying anything.
Kazu started to move down to her, but was interrupted when she tried to push him away. He gets off her with a puzzled look. She took his hands and took a deep breath.
"...Kazu, I want to make a few things straight with you," she said, "so please answer me truthfully and stay calm, even though some things might be...strange...okay?"
He nodded, noticing her serious manner.
"How did you ever betray CAF?"
"Betray? I had been with General William Hibiki, my grandfather, since I was orphaned by the war."
"Kazu, you have been brainwashed, most probably by the person who claims to be your grandfather. Your real name is Kira Y. Hibiki, one of the founders of CAF and High Senate. About a few weeks ago, you were missing and by the next couple days, you reappeared, but on ZAFT extremists' side."
"I, I don't understand..."
"All of CAF's new class ships and the Gundam-type MSs are your project. The military complex you broke into is your Institute. Shute is actually Athrun Zala, your best friend. You are known worldwide due to you being the author of the Constitution. And...Lacus Clyne, is...your, your girlfriend. (inhale) Do any of those ring a bell?"
"...What are you talking ab-" Kazu was about to finish him sentence when two men dressed in tropical clothes with black sunglasses interrupted their conversation.
"erhm, Kazu Hibiki. I have orders from the General. May I speak to you in private, please?" the taller one said.
"Kira! You haven't answered my question yet." Flona cuts in.
"I...will think about it, I guess" replied the confused Kazu as he gets up and started to walk towards the man. Flona ran after him but was held off by the other one. "Please do not disturb them. I have orders to escort you out of this area and anywhere you want to go."
"I don't want to go anywhere! Let go" Flona complained as she struggled against the man's grip.
Seeing Kazu walking away, and herself being dragged away from him, she shouted in one last attempt, "Check with REVRO if you still don't believe me!"
"You guys will take care of her, right?" asked Kazu, as she and the man walked towards a chopper.
"Definitely, don't worry" replied the man, grinning at the other side of his face.
"Whose orders it is for her to be escorted?"
"Personally from Colonel Geory. The General has no knowledge of her yet. Now, please get on the heli."
"Where are we going?" asked Kazu as the jet-helicopter lifted off the ground.
"You will know soon. Here," said the man, handing him a board monitor, "and check the suitcase on the back seat, if you would."
Kazu pulled the mentioned suitcase hidden underneath a piece of fabric from the back seat before reading his mission briefing. What he read made his eyes go wide. He opened the suitcase to confirm the validity of the briefing. Inside, he found an unassembled sniper rifle parts, a few silver cased bullets, and one pistol.
"Are you sure this is General's orders?" asked Kazu.
"It is absolutely right if it says: take out Lacus Clyne."
"...But the security will be tight."
"Our agents will aid you. At 0900 tomorrow, you will take vantage at the rooftop across the podium where the target will be speaking. If all goes well, this should end very quickly. An exit vehicle will be waiting for you at the back alley." informed the agent at the same time as the monitor showed him a map of the area and the desired events in order.
"On the other hand, should the target be evacuated, we will be ready with an ambush, where you can finish off the mission. That's all, clear?"
Kazu was speechless. He stared at the picture of Lacus and his heart seemed to ache.
"Are you clear?" asked the agent again.
"Yes" answered Kazu reluctantly.
After what seemed to be a long time...
"Houston, Texas. We are here," said the agent as he landed the heli on a towering building rooftop, "have a good rest and be ready for tomorrow."
Kazu got off the chopper, carrying with him the rifle suitcase. He watched as the chopper left before entering the fire exit and descending the stairs into the hotel main lobby.
#################################
(Whack) (Crack) (Sock) (Wham) Flona was shocked to see the man, that was about to rape her, being beaten into a bloody pulp and thrown across the floor and stayed there unconscious. She scrambled to get herself covered up when she noticed her male might-be-benefactor was looking at her.
"Calm down, young lady. I'm blind." said the blond haired man wearing dark glasses.
"hic yeah right" replied Flona, not believing that a blind man could fight so well and know that she tried to cover herself up.
"Jujitsu and ninjutsu skills allow me to visualize my surroundings without using my eyes," said the man, taking off his glasses, "see?"
Flona was dumbstruck. He was indeed blind. "Thank you. Howhicdo you know I was...that" she said, implying to the fact that she was almost defiled.
"You're welcome, but my purpose here is for Kira. Where is he?"
"...he went away with one of this...bastard's comrade."
"I was too late," he said, turning to leave, but stopped and said, "get dressed. You can come with me if you want."
Flona hesitated at first but her instincts tell her that he can be trusted. She wore Kira's oversized t-shirt and short pants because her previous clothes had been ripped, and she had no time to get spare ones in her bag since the blond man had already left the cabin.
####################################
Kazu sat through the night, sleepless, thinking about the 'favor' that he promised William, and all the things that Flona had told her. He stared at the picture of his target on the board, and went through the briefing again. By the time he knew it, it was three hours to the appointed time. He dunked himself in the cold water of the tub to alert his senses. His mind is filled with so many things. As he held his breath under water, a brief scene of Lacus bathing and throwing a bucket at him for peeking flashed in his mind.
"Fuah! (gasping) what was that?" he asked himself while shaking his head to rid himself of the distraction. '"Stop thinking about this. Get it done just like any other missions."'
He drained the tub, wore his combat gear underneath his civilian clothes, grabbed the case, and left the hotel room. So as not to be recognized he will have to be at the vantage point way ahead of time. After checking out in his disguise, he took a back alleyway and walked several blocks. On the way, an agent, who had been waiting for him, handed him a radio and directed him to his gateway vehicle. He climbed the stairs, expressionless, although his brain cells are debating against one another. He knelt down behind his cover and surveyed the park area with his binoculars. The tight security is already in place, and he noticed several ZAFT undercover agents. Turning around, he opened the case and started to assemble the rifle. It was no challenge for him but he wondered how he learned to do such stuff when he didn't remember any at all. Dismissing it out of his thoughts, he leaned back against the wall, firmly holding the rifle in between his legs. Placing the barrel of the rifle on his forehead, he closed his eyes and sighed. Now he felt the result of a sleepless night. Almost drifting off to dreamland, he was snapped back to reality by a loud cheering. He stuck his head out to observe what was happening. His target, in all her grace and beauty, was walking across the park to the center stage with a podium, constantly waving and smiling to her admirers and fans. Somehow, when he noticed a male whistling so flirtatiously, he had the urge to use the bullet to blow his head instead.
"(crackle) All personnel, get to your positions at once without being suspicious. Sniper, fire at will" transmitted an agent who seemed to be the leader of the operation.
Kazu reluctantly loaded up the silver bullet and armed the rifle. (kacha) He positioned himself against the wall and brought the rifle against his shoulder. He fixed the crosshairs of the scope on Lacus' pink-haired head. He was following her up to the stage and readying his finger in the trigger when his heart screamed no.
Lacus, who was putting on a fake face mask and smiling, felt something as she suddenly looks at the building rooftop where Kazu is positioned. Kazu froze when he sees her face staring directly at him through the scope. Lacus' bodyguards noticed her tense posture and followed her line of sight. Upon realizing a sniper, one of them alerted all of the security members. "Sniper! On the roof! Protect Ms. Clyne at all costs!" he shouted.
"Shoot! Arsehead! Shoot!" shouted the team leader to Kazu over the radio, which snapped him out of his trance. (Pzzct) A lone bullet sped off out of the silenced barrel towards Lacus. A bodyguard took the bullet for her on the throat. Lacus was brought back to reality when she felt his blood spraying on her face. Other agents soon dragged her to safety, shielding her with their bodies.
Kazu, on the other hand, loaded up another bullet and fired another shot which missed (to my despair) and struck an innocent audience amongst the panic.
"Abort! Sniper, agents on you! Get out of there!" informed the team leader, "proceed to plan B!"
Kazu grabbed the case and dashed across the wet rooftop with splashing sound each time his boots touched the pools of water. He realized that it has somehow begun to rain. As he ran down the stairs, he disassembled the rifle and placed them back in the case, taking out the reserve pistol in it. Hearing a number of footsteps around the corner, he waited behind the edge of the wall. Upon seeing the shadow of his enemy, he jumped out behind the corner, killing all 4 agents with 4 bullets; each on the head. Seeing a clear coast, he ran towards his gateway vehicle, jumped through an open window, started the engines, and sped off to his plan B position, with a few bullets punching holes through his back glass windows.
'"How could I have messed it up. Damn it, she's too darned cute."'
Lacus on the other hand, '"How could Kira do this? I thought-"' (Bang) "Ahh!" she screamed when the car she's in swerved into tree after a bomb exploded that threw the car off course. Luckily, for she had her seat beat on, she only knocked her head against the window divisor. However, both the agents on the front seat, driver and navigator, were mortally wounded; part due to bomb shrapnel and part due to impact. The other two to her sides motioned for her to get out of the car before it explodes. Unfortunately, as the on the right side exited the car, he had his head blown into oblivion. The other one advised her to run into the woods for safely. When she hesitated, he trained his gun on her and ordered her to get to safety. She hated to leave people behind in trouble, but was convinced by the determination of her bodyguard's eyes. Seeing her run off, he joins his comrades in the other cars, who were engaged in the firefight.
That, however, didn't go unnoticed by Kazu, who was hiding behind a tree, away from the commotion. He went after her, drenched from the tip of his spiky hair, down to his socks. Lacus ran direction-blind across the woods. She rejoiced upon seeing a light source in front of her but that feeling soon went down the gutter as she realized that it is a dead end; a cliff with a waterfall. She turned around in an attempt to find another way, but was stopped in her tracks when a person, whom she would do anything for, pointed his gun onto her. A lighting bolt separates the sky between them as they stared at each other, words-less. Lacus noticed a very familiar looking pair of eyes, that is, from the old Kira she knew; so confused and full of burden. They stayed motionless, except for the steam due to their breathing, until the thunder follows the earlier lighting. Lacus smiles sweetly at him and started to step forward. Due to the rain, Kazu didn't notice the tears, which were falling freely down her cheeks. As she moved closer to him, he tried to pull the trigger and get things over with, but no matter what, his muscles and nerves wouldn't respond.
The only noises were the rain, the waterfall and the thunders. When they were close enough, Lacus held his right hand and the gun, and guided them to her heart. She said, "You came to kill me, right? Now is your chance." She knew she is playing with her life, but since Kira took her that night, she decided that her every being is Kira's to do as he wills. If he would kill her, she would know that he no longer had any feelings toward her and being alive would mean nothing to her. Again, there was the same uncomfortable 'silence'. When Kazu was blinded by another bolt behind Lacus, he felt her hands move away. By the time his pupils refocused, to his utmost surprise, found that Lacus was leaning against him, resting her head against his chest, and hugging him tightly with her hands clutching the back of his soaked upper gear. He was practically and virtually petrified, and combined by her sweet-smelling hair, he felt himself weaken, both physically and emotionally as he let his right hand drop and the gun clatter onto the rocky surface. He was still wide-eyed when Lacus said, "I missed you so much."
Everything was starting to take its toll on Kazu. He almost collapsed but, when a gunshot was heard, he felt a sharp pain on his back. His senses told him that he was shot at from the back. Fortunately, due to his bullet- resistant gear, he only felt the impact of the shot without any real wound, and without it, the bullet would have gone through his chest and struck Lacus. (SEED) Kazu grabbed Lacus and hugged her close to him as he jumped over the cliff into the river underneath.
"I trust you, Kira" was all she said, feeling very protected by him.
###################################
Next episode on Gundam Seed: Endless Conflict
Unexpected Betrayal
Kira tries to correct all the mistakes that he had done, but that comes with a price. Milly realized her love for Tolle had been preventing her from moving on. Will she open up more so that someone could enter her life?
##################################
A/N: I'll understand if the Kira/Kazu stuff is confusing, but it shall be resolved soon. I have decided to take polls; which character you want me to kill first? Kira, or Athrun, or one of the Belurius' pilots? Please tell me who you would like to die first.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kazu pulled his finger muscle...
##########################################
Gundam Seed: Endless Conflict
Fallen Angel
##########################################
A white streak of light swooped down at the rifle and forced Kazu press on the button next to the trigger to move the rifle away. The light decelerated to reveal a white/gray plane as it swiftly corners. It provided enough distraction for Ariel's 'Deathstrike' PS missiles to blow out Revo's shield. "Errgg..." Cockpit monitor fizzled due to the impact. The plane pressured on the buster rifle by firing its missiles at it.
"....IFF (Identify Friendly Foe) response?" asked Waltfeld.
"Unknown, sir. We've no database on that plane." replied Milly.
The missiles were easily avoided by Revo. Kazu saw an opening and locked on the plane. Suddenly, a green saber appeared out of nowhere and attempted to slash Revo's head off. Fortunately, REVRO prevented that from happening as Kazu drew its own saber to parry it. Electricity sizzled as the two sabers met. Kazu's frowned at the floating, mobile saber which has no MS host. Not even the radar showed any result. REVRO switched the monitor to neutron energy x-ray mode. An outline of an MS appeared behind the saber.
############################################
"Capt!" called Worelt as 3 GuAIZs approached Judg and Intrepid.
"Go help Kazu. Hurry."
"Yes, sir. And Capt. Ardvil wanted to let you know that reinforcements have arrived. The new units have engaged the enemies." replied Louis as the GuAIZs left Judg.
"New units? 'drzzzzr' Grr...'" Shute growled when Intrepid's 'Gerbera Straight' managed to scrape Judg's torso. Shute desperately tried to gain some distance away from Intrepid, overwhelmed by its close combat capabilities. "Try this!" Judg burst toward Intre, ramming its shield against it, knocking it back for a chance to fire projectiles at it. Shute armed the backpack's 4 beam cannons as well as the 'Lupus'. Intrepid dodged and slashed the beams before eventually getting hit. Shute was gaining the upper hand and was about to destroy Lowe's prized katana when the white/gray plane fired its vulcan cannons on the backpack. Shute retreated towards Belurius to draw the enemy to the new units.
###########################################
Kazu armed one of the 'Balaena' cannons at the figure. Before he could fire it, a swift swipe coming from the invisible MS's back cut off the barrel in half.
"Snap out of it, kid...Have control." muttered the pilot of the suit. The monitor around him is of the same dark shade as Revo under REVRO's activity.
Kazu engaged the TRAGOON funnels. The man inside the feather insignia printed, slightly-cracked, purple helmet sighed as he pressed a button on his MS console. The invisible MS phase-shifts into a pure white/light blue/red MS with 6 oversized, extended, beautiful angel-like wings on its back. He broke off the saber stalemate and retreated back a little as the angel-wings covered the MS's whole body and shielded it from the funnels' barrage. The white/gray plane went back to support the unknown MS. It fired the beam cannon under its left wing. Revo uses 'Xiphias' to counter the beam. The pilot then entered several coordinates. The plane switched its target to Belurius. Kazu's REVRO showed him a scene of red a Nazca- class exploding. (SEED) Revo turns around and speeds towards the Belurius.
'"...pity..."' thought the pilot as he established radio communication. Speaking in a different voice, he said, "To CAF battlecarrier Ariel and cruiser Zechiel. Call back your units and allies, and retreat. This battle is lost."
Waltfeld replied, "Just who do you think you are? And how do you know us?"
"Take this dead man's advice if you wish to live." the pilot replied before speeding off, chasing Revo.
"There's something familiar about that voice. I think we should follow his advice." suggested Murrue.
"I need to check out something for the Chairman. We can't leave yet. Lt.Arygle, steer the ship towards the Nazca-class that has been in the battle zone since the start."
############################################
"Capta..." started Louis but was cut short as Revo sped past them, ignoring them. "What's with him?"
"Heads up!" said Tochji when he noticed the white MS approaching them. They locked on their rifles but realized that their target is gone. The MS has activated its Mirage Colloid. "What the..." said Worelt. At the next moment, their main monitor went blank. As the MS whizzed past them, it has swiftly beheaded the 3 GuAIZs using the beam sabers of its wings, like it used to slash Revo's 'Balaena' barrel.
'"I'm...not dead?"' thought Worelt, confused at the mercy of the unknown MS.
#########################################
Shute turns around and zoomed on the plane approaching Belurius. "!!...Unmanned." Judg disengaged its backpack for it to engage the plane but suddenly, it disappeared. '"Mirage Colloid? Damn."' Several beam shots fired out of nowhere on the new ZAFT units. The units have the standard gray/green colors. Unlike GuAIZs' monoscopic eye, they have the binoscopic version. They have improved maneuverability, which enables them to avoid the shots from the plane. The units were also armed with a MNS-LO32 homing beam rifle and a MNS-LO64 rapid fire shell gun, which can be stored at the back (outer sides of wings) or used individually or together. The anchor beam hooks on their shields are still the same as the GuAIZs'. The beam claws stored in shields have been replaced by a beam trident, stored on back (in between wings). The units fare slightly better than CAF's ENFORCERs, considering if the pilots' abilities are at the same level.
Suddenly, an off-guard unit was hit by a beam shot. The beam penetrated through the MS and hits onto Belurius's side. Some of the engine room crew was engulfed in the explosion. "Captain! Engine room 3 has been breached and damaged." informed a bridge crew.
"Never mind. Hold our front position," said Ardvil, "but this is taking too long."
"Colonel Geory's has ordered every unit to go for the main Agememnon Class and the new type ships." said the same crew member.
Meanwhile in Shute's room, Flona was watching the battle outside through the monitor in the room. "......."
#######################################
Revo caught up with the plane and unloads all on it. When it looks like the plane was a goner, it switched from Mirage Colloid to its original colors, that is, Phase-Shift. The armor protected it from major damage but its right front-swept wing is blown off. The AI system of the plane sends a message to the unknown MS. {FAVE-MRX77 Murekaze to GAT-X79X Axiom. Damage to wing. Retreating from battle zone.}
Murekaze squeezes its exhaust and blasted out into the dark space until only a faint light from its jet can be seen. Axiom was about to follow it but the pilot realized that Ariel was spear-heading into the heart of the battle. '"I told you to retreat."'
Now with Murekaze out of the way, Kazu turns its attention back to the Ariel. From long range, Revo armed its buster rifle and locks on to the battlecarrier. The pilot of Axiom noticed it and burst toward Ariel. It positioned itself in front of the ship, Phase-Shifts, and reaches back to draw its own rifle stored inside the middle wings. Kazu briefly warns his allies before rashly shooting. Most of ZAFT units had barely avoided the devastating path of the blue-red neutron blast that is the size of Revolution itself in diameter. Waltfeld ordered to counter using the positron blaster gun but realized it's too late. All of Ariel's bridge members stared on in shock, especially Lacus. Axiom pilot frowned before countering the shot with his own triple barreled buster rifle. Everyone on the battlefield was captivated at the fearsome contest of colors and electric charges. Kazu expends Revo's reactor energy to pump the rifle with more energy. Revo's beam began to push the other back. Axiom's pilot did the same thing Kazu did, which caused his rifle to discharge even more power than Kazu's twin-barrel rifle. Shute realized what was about to happen and sped toward the 2nd Armada flagship. He hesitated a while before proceeding to destroy the Agememnon bridge, catching its crew off- guard. Lowe was too late. He slammed his fist onto the side panel in irritation.
"Damn it! I told you to retreat. Your Armada is losing!" said Axiom's pilot angrily.
Ariel's bridge was snapped back to reality. Milly confirmed what the pilot had said. Waltfeld clenched his fist so tightly that it turned white and said, "...send out the retreat flare."
Murrue is still in trance at the voice. '"Mu.....?"'
"Colonel Ramius!" shouted Waltfeld. Murrue snaps back to reality and orders the retreat signal. Revo's and Axiom's monitor displays a signal that their rifles are at the critical condition of overheating. Each REVRO system predicted that the other will stop the shot at the same time. Ariel's retreat missiles exploded into red, blue, and green colors just after both neutron shot dispersed, leaving crackles of electricity in their paths. Kazu loses consciousness just as REVRO system disengages. He is sweating and breathing heavily. Axiom's pilot magnified on the stationary REVRO as CAF forces retreats. He was interrupted by a woman's voice calling him. He switches off his comm with a sigh. "..." And then sped off out of the area.
Shute observed the battle zone, panting. ZAFT had won the battle. Noticing Revo, he approached it. He called on Kazu several times but was not responded. Judg grabbed Revo's arm and dragged the MS toward Belurius.
####################################
"I'm sorry Lacus." said Waltfeld.
"...It's okay. I'm fine." She replied with a slight but unnoticeable tremble of sadness in her voice. She bowed her head so as to hide the tears welling up in her eyes.
"Excuse me for a while." said Murrue, getting up from her seat and exiting the bridge. She floats towards the ladies and watches her reflection on the mirror. The scene, where the unknown MS positioning itself in front of Ariel's bridge and when the voice that sounded like Mu's coming over the comm, plays through her mind. '"Are you still alive......No, I must be just imagining things. I saw Strike being destroyed in front of my very eyes."' She turns on the water tap and splashes her face to alert herself. "Get a hold on yourself. Mu sacrificed for you. You must stay alive." she said to her reflection and forced a smile.
#######################################
"Same thing, doc?" asked Shute. The doctor nodded.
"This is not my specialty. You should try to get a psychologist," advised the doctor before leaving the room, "anyway, give him enough rest."
"I don't know whether you are lucky or fortunate." Shute said to the unconscious Kazu, sighing. (He is being sarcastic!) "I will go get your girl, ok?"
Shute opened the door to Kazu's room carrying a set of ZAFT female uniform. Flona looks at him questioningly. "I guess you're really needed now. Here, wear this. You would not want to get shot in this ship. I wait outside."
After a few minutes, the sliding door slid open. "That was quick." remarked Shute before leading her to Kazu. Upon entering the room, Shute started, "It's kind of awkward but I think Kazu would appreciate your help. He ended up like this again after fighting in Revolution."
Flona sat by his bedside and lifted his eyelids. Seeing her get to work, Shute decided to leave. As he was exiting the room, he said, "Let me know what's up with him after you're done."
'"Even the developer of the system can't handle the extreme toll it has inflicted."' thought Flona.
Kazu found himself at a beach. Everything is silent except for the splashing of waves, and the sky is eerily overcast. He looks around only to find a familiar-looking female standing on the water line. Kazu watches on as she started walking slowly into the water. As he observed longer, he realized that she is about to do something foolish. He dashed towards her. When he tries to grab her, his hands pass right through her body. He looks down at his hands in confusion. Upon looking up again, he found nothing is around, nothing at all. No beach, just the same darkness.
Flona yelped when Kazu suddenly sits up and embraces her. She started to turn red when she feels his well-built chest and his hot breath on her hair. "Sorry...I..." Kazu lets go of her abruptly and studies his surroundings. "What happened?" he asked.
"...You passed out again."
"...Oh....What about the battle? Who won?"
"ZAFT. Here, don't think so much. Take a rest. You are pushing your mentality past the limit." advised Flona as she gently pushes him back down on the bed and covers him with the blanket.
"...You look good." commented Kazu. She had received a lot of praises about her looks but this time, she can't help but to blush. Kazu grinned slightly and started, "So, doc, what's wrong with me?"
"I don't know if you realize this but the system inside Revolution took control of you as apparently, you can't control it yet."
"How do you know about Revo?"
'"???"' "I was on the AI developer team of the MS."
'"She works for CAF...Might be helpful."' "So, what should I do now?"
"My safest solution would be to advise you not to pilot Revolution again, but I don't think it would be possible." she said, noticing the lifted eyebrow of Kazu (DUH) "Or, I could, with permission, try to reprogram the system."
'"I should be able to trust her."' "It's fine with me but I'll have to consult the General."
"Good. Now take a rest, okay?"
"Are you leaving? Stay with me."
"I......all right."
"Flona."
She turns her head back only to find Kazu staring into her eyes. He took her hands and kissed them, still not breaking eye contact. "Thank you."
Although she was expecting something else, she is content for the moment. As they stared at each other in silence, Kazu started to move closer to her. When they were inches away from each other, suddenly, the ship jerked. Though unintentional, Kazu brushed his lips against hers. However, as Flona blushed, Kazu did not feel the kiss. Instead, trying to getting up, he said, "We must have docked."
Flona held him down and said, "You need to rest. If they need you, they will call, right?" Kazu can't resist her smile and complies. He lies back down on the bed and closes his eyes, hoping that none of the bad dreams strike him again.
#########################################
"What are you doing?" asked a voice.
Lowe looks up of Intrepid's cockpit hatch to see Cagalli looking down at him.
"Oh, I was just doing this, something."
"What?"
Lowe looks back down at the monitor before saying, "I'm integrating Intre's OS with 8's CPU chip to aid me in combat. Judgment almost had me back then. This way, I would have better chance in winning and a little payback..." Cagalli flinched when he said that. Realizing what he had blurted out, he apologizes.
"Its okay." she said before jumping off the hatch opening. Lowe follows her onto the suspension bridge in front of the MS. Before he could say anything, Cagalli asked, "Can I borrow your shoulder?"
Not understanding the real meaning to the question, he answered, "Uh, yeah, I guess."
Cagalli, who had her back towards him, turns around and started to cry on his chest. Lowe was stunned. He hesitates in trying to comfort her but hugs her protectively nevertheless.
"Don't cry. I will get him back for you as long as it's within my abilities."
"...Thank you..."
####################################
"So, Revolution has such a system and it's the cause of Kazu's relapses?" asked Shute.
"...Yes." replied Flona, even more confused at the strange names.
"If you contributed in its development, what do you suggest he should do?"
"He should take a break, or a vacation, to recover from the influence of REVRO, and let his mind and brain cells to adjust and come up with some sort of resistance."
"......I will talk to the General." said Shute, walking toward the exit.
"If you don't mind..."
"Yes?"
"Could you introduce yourselves?"
"Oh that. He's Kazu and I'm Shute. We are the grandsons of William Hibiki, the current ZAFT leader. I'm sure you have seen him."
'"????"' "Do the names Athrun Zala or Kira Hibiki seem any familiar to you?"
'"Athrun...Kira...?"' thought Shute as a scene of him handing Kazu a robotic bird, that is similar to the symbol of CAF, flashed briefly. Flona noticed him being distracted.
"Uh, no." he said, to answer Flona's question, before leaving the room.
###################################
'Beep, Beep.'
"What's that?" asked Murrue, approaching Chandra.
"Unknown, but there's no radar interference. Wait. MS registration recognized. Resistance and Countenance." he replied.
Dearka's face appears on the monitor. "...Uh, hi, guys. How are you, colonel Ramius?" he asked, apparently looking for Milly.
"We are just fine, but where are the other two units?"
"They're still not done. Will catch up later."
"Oh, okay," said Murrue, "Open the launch bay."
####################################
In the canteen,
'urh' Lacus closes her mouth, attempting to hold her incoming discharge from the mouth.
Cagalli, who is seated next to her, started to rub her back while Milly offers her a glass of water. "What happened? Are you okay? You look pale." asked Cagalli. Lacus slowly drinks the glass of water before saying, "Thanks, I'm just not feeling well."
"Here, just take a rest, okay? You have been through much." said Cagalli, helping Lacus up. They turned to leave for Lacus's room.
"I'll get you some medicine." said Milly before she notices Lacus's plate of food. '"Strange, she hardly ate a couple of spoonful."'
Helping her down to the bed, Cagalli says, "Tell me, Lacus. What's wrong with you? You hardly ate anything since the past couple weeks, since the Institute's attack."
"I don't know. I just don't have the appetite. What ever I ate will always try to come back out."
"Here's some nausea reliever." Milly said, entering the room, holding a few tubes of pills.
"Thank you, Milly." said Lacus, swallowing several of the tiny pills.
"Get some rest. Call us if you need us, okay?" said Cagalli.
"Thank you, both of you."
Cagalli and Milly exited the room, which locks behind them. Walking back towards the canteen, Cagalli started, "I think Lacus's in a big trouble."
"Why so?" asked Milly. Cagalli then gestured to her. Milly's eyes grew wide before saying, "No way!"
"From the way Kira changed since his second visit to Mendel, it can be just possible. Just like I and...never mind."
"You might be right, but what about you and who-ever-you're-gonna-say?" asked Milly, arching her eyebrow slightly at her.
"It's okay! Forget what I was gonna say. What about you and Dearka, huh?" asked Cagalli back.
"What, wha about him and me? We are just friends. Nothing more. We are not in any relationship." replied Milly hastily.
"Yeah, right. You are blushing." teased Cagalli, trying to keep herself preoccupied so as not to remember about Athrun.
"Okay you win. I like him but he can be such a bumble head at times. I don't know if 'like' as in friends or something more." whispered Milly so that no one else could hear them. Both of them continued their conversation over the next minutes.
###################################
Back in her room, Lacus was curled up in her blanket, crossing an arm over her stomach while the other holding the ring she gave Kira before the last battle. He had given it back to her for safekeeping so that he could have the honor of wearing it at the right moment. As she continues to observe the plain silver ring, tear drops escape her eyes and roll down her cheeks horizontally onto the pillow.
(Flashback)
"A gundam?"
"It's ZGMF-X10A Freedom. Incorporating all of the Alliance technology, it is the most advanced mobile suit, constructed under Chairman Zala's orders."
"...Why are you giving this to me?"
"You have the desire to protect. Power to protect, destroy and create. I'm giving this as your sword to aid you in those goals."
"Thank you..."
"Take care, Kira." Lacus kisses him on the cheek.
"You too. You are a strong person." He said before Lacus drifted away, smiling at him.
(End of Flashback)
'"How ironic. I guess it's my turn to get it done...my way. I will get you back, Kira, no matter what, from that psychotic Willy-Alms guy."
###################################
"Are you sure that's the best?" asked Waltfeld.
"Cagalli is the heir to Orb. She needs to be in charge of the country." replied Kisaka.
"I have no objections. It's safer for her also." said Murrue.
"What about Lacus?" asked Yzak.
"Cagalli said that Lacus is not feeling well." said Murrue.
"Send her back too?"
"sigh the people are starting to get agitated...the world is practically in shambles...riots are starting everywhere...Lacus might be the only one who can calm all this down." said Waltfeld.
"I agree. All this time since the War, and the times of insurgency, she is looked upon by all as the angel of peace. All her speeches, persuasion, and songs almost never fail to calm hearts." said Murrue, looking out into space.
####################################
"Are the bases fully operational?" asked William.
"No problems, sir." replied Geory.
"Any sign of enemy activity?"
"According to our scout, a few CAF ships are patrolling right out of our radar coverage, but they are nothing we can't handle."
"I heard CAF's Cacodaemones class ships were involved in the battle. It is true?"
"No mistake, sir."
"They're going to be one hell of a threat to us. I can't afford them to foil our plans. Sortie the Belurius and its crew, will you? I want to get rid of them."
"With pleasure. But, is it the latter or the CAF units you want to get rid of?"
"I still need those two's capabilities."
"Understood. By the way, sir, Zala requested a conference with you."
"Send for him then. It would like to know what he has to say."
##################################
"They're coming back?" asked Rondo before taking a sip of his coffee.
"Yes," replied Gai.
"Why did they bother to tagging along in the first place?"
"No idea."
"You okay? You look down."
"I'm fine. Just tired......."
#################################
"A break?"
"Kazu's been through a lot with Revo and the system it's installed with. I think he deserves it."
'"My, my, what coincidence."' "I have no problem with that, Shute. Especially not with my...grandsons."
"He has your permission then?"
"Absolutely, but you, on the other hand, will be assigned another important mission."
"Yes, sir."
"Belurius will now go after CAF's Cacodaemones class. It is to distract them from our main objective, which is to maneuver our mobile satellite colonies at L10 to your present location. I have briefed Ardvil about this. He shall do so again to all of the members of this mission at 1800 hours."
"Understood. And, where will Kazu be going?"
"Earth. The...natural wonders there will help him recover," said William with a fake smile.
"If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave-"
"Call Kazu, will you? I would like to speak with him."
"Absolutely"
#################################
"So, what do the two of you think?" asked Waltfeld.
"No way! How can I go back while Athrun is still over there?"
"Calm down, Cagalli. I just want to know what you think of this."
"I have no objections."
"What? Lacus?"
"We are no real use here either. Might as well help out in other areas where we are really useful."
"But...I"
"A number of papers came from Orb counsel committee, requesting that you go back to take charge of the country again." informed Erika.
"I...guess you are right," said Cagalli with a sigh, "but be sure to get Athrun and Kira back, promise?"
"We promise" said Murrue.
##########################
"Well, Kazu, on At...Shute's request, you have my permission to take a rest on Earth."
"Thank you, grandpa."
"You can leave at anytime, but one thing, though, I need you to do me favor while on your holiday there, will you do it?"
"Certainly if it's for our cause."
'"Poor child. You really don't have to say that. Heh!"' thought Ardvil before saying, "An operative will find and brief you when the time is right. He will hand you all the equipment you will need."
"Understood" said Kazu as he salutes before William cuts the transmission.
###########################
Exactly at 1900 hours, Belurius, accompanied by another Nazca class, left Yakin Heatch launch gates. Before commencing their mission, however, they are to escort Kazu's shuttle up to L5's radar coverage. So as not to appear suspicious, Kazu and Flona need to take a PLANT shuttle bound for Earth.
"Don't you want to go back to your family?" asked Kazu when they are both on board the PLANT shuttle.
"I want to see you recover first."
"Thanks. You don't mind wearing all this disguises, do you?"
She shook her head and smiled. At the next moment, Kazu seemed to ignore her as he was lying back on the reclining chair and appears to be sleeping. Pretending to stare out into space, she was actually watching Kazu on the glass reflection, her mind filled with so many questions. Deciding it's too risky to ask him then with all of the other passengers, she drops the subject and continues to observe him.
#############################
"Now we need to figure out where those units are" said Shute.
"Don't worry about that; we have an espionage agent amidst them" answered Ardvil.
"Huh? That's unexpected."
"Anyway," started Ardvil, "they are currently docked on the moon base. According to the plans, they will join up with the 31st mobile division of L5 defense force and strike our colony cluster at L10. We need to stop them at all costs. The best thing to do is to set up ambushes on this point here and there." Ardvil points at two coordinates on the battle map.
"If I may point out," said Worelt, "do we have enough firepower to take them on?"
"...I assume that the General knows what he is doing for he promised us reinforcements."
"Don't worry so much. Our GedAons prove to be powerful enough against CAF's ENFORCERS" said Shute.
#################################
Over the next couple days...
"Ha, ha, no, ah!" yelped Flona as Kazu pinned her down against the warm sand of a summer beach.
They had spent quite some time together on the Caribbean. Flona's expertise contributed to his rapid mental recovery. She could tell that Kazu is starting to have feelings for her, while she herself has fallen for him. The past two days were the happiest days of her life since the death of her mother 3 years ago. Whenever she wants to ask him the questions which has been troubling her, she would put it off for fear that it would take him away from her. She had always known that love is the most selfish thing in the world. Especially when staring into those violet eyes, she wouldn't care for anything else.
'"But, I can't stay like this forever. I need to know the truth. If he would stay with me after that, I would be honored, but what if he decided to leave? ...it's okay if that's what he wants"' she thought, partly entranced at the person shadowing her from the sun.
"........." Both looks at each other, not saying anything.
Kazu started to move down to her, but was interrupted when she tried to push him away. He gets off her with a puzzled look. She took his hands and took a deep breath.
"...Kazu, I want to make a few things straight with you," she said, "so please answer me truthfully and stay calm, even though some things might be...strange...okay?"
He nodded, noticing her serious manner.
"How did you ever betray CAF?"
"Betray? I had been with General William Hibiki, my grandfather, since I was orphaned by the war."
"Kazu, you have been brainwashed, most probably by the person who claims to be your grandfather. Your real name is Kira Y. Hibiki, one of the founders of CAF and High Senate. About a few weeks ago, you were missing and by the next couple days, you reappeared, but on ZAFT extremists' side."
"I, I don't understand..."
"All of CAF's new class ships and the Gundam-type MSs are your project. The military complex you broke into is your Institute. Shute is actually Athrun Zala, your best friend. You are known worldwide due to you being the author of the Constitution. And...Lacus Clyne, is...your, your girlfriend. (inhale) Do any of those ring a bell?"
"...What are you talking ab-" Kazu was about to finish him sentence when two men dressed in tropical clothes with black sunglasses interrupted their conversation.
"erhm, Kazu Hibiki. I have orders from the General. May I speak to you in private, please?" the taller one said.
"Kira! You haven't answered my question yet." Flona cuts in.
"I...will think about it, I guess" replied the confused Kazu as he gets up and started to walk towards the man. Flona ran after him but was held off by the other one. "Please do not disturb them. I have orders to escort you out of this area and anywhere you want to go."
"I don't want to go anywhere! Let go" Flona complained as she struggled against the man's grip.
Seeing Kazu walking away, and herself being dragged away from him, she shouted in one last attempt, "Check with REVRO if you still don't believe me!"
"You guys will take care of her, right?" asked Kazu, as she and the man walked towards a chopper.
"Definitely, don't worry" replied the man, grinning at the other side of his face.
"Whose orders it is for her to be escorted?"
"Personally from Colonel Geory. The General has no knowledge of her yet. Now, please get on the heli."
"Where are we going?" asked Kazu as the jet-helicopter lifted off the ground.
"You will know soon. Here," said the man, handing him a board monitor, "and check the suitcase on the back seat, if you would."
Kazu pulled the mentioned suitcase hidden underneath a piece of fabric from the back seat before reading his mission briefing. What he read made his eyes go wide. He opened the suitcase to confirm the validity of the briefing. Inside, he found an unassembled sniper rifle parts, a few silver cased bullets, and one pistol.
"Are you sure this is General's orders?" asked Kazu.
"It is absolutely right if it says: take out Lacus Clyne."
"...But the security will be tight."
"Our agents will aid you. At 0900 tomorrow, you will take vantage at the rooftop across the podium where the target will be speaking. If all goes well, this should end very quickly. An exit vehicle will be waiting for you at the back alley." informed the agent at the same time as the monitor showed him a map of the area and the desired events in order.
"On the other hand, should the target be evacuated, we will be ready with an ambush, where you can finish off the mission. That's all, clear?"
Kazu was speechless. He stared at the picture of Lacus and his heart seemed to ache.
"Are you clear?" asked the agent again.
"Yes" answered Kazu reluctantly.
After what seemed to be a long time...
"Houston, Texas. We are here," said the agent as he landed the heli on a towering building rooftop, "have a good rest and be ready for tomorrow."
Kazu got off the chopper, carrying with him the rifle suitcase. He watched as the chopper left before entering the fire exit and descending the stairs into the hotel main lobby.
#################################
(Whack) (Crack) (Sock) (Wham) Flona was shocked to see the man, that was about to rape her, being beaten into a bloody pulp and thrown across the floor and stayed there unconscious. She scrambled to get herself covered up when she noticed her male might-be-benefactor was looking at her.
"Calm down, young lady. I'm blind." said the blond haired man wearing dark glasses.
"hic yeah right" replied Flona, not believing that a blind man could fight so well and know that she tried to cover herself up.
"Jujitsu and ninjutsu skills allow me to visualize my surroundings without using my eyes," said the man, taking off his glasses, "see?"
Flona was dumbstruck. He was indeed blind. "Thank you. Howhicdo you know I was...that" she said, implying to the fact that she was almost defiled.
"You're welcome, but my purpose here is for Kira. Where is he?"
"...he went away with one of this...bastard's comrade."
"I was too late," he said, turning to leave, but stopped and said, "get dressed. You can come with me if you want."
Flona hesitated at first but her instincts tell her that he can be trusted. She wore Kira's oversized t-shirt and short pants because her previous clothes had been ripped, and she had no time to get spare ones in her bag since the blond man had already left the cabin.
####################################
Kazu sat through the night, sleepless, thinking about the 'favor' that he promised William, and all the things that Flona had told her. He stared at the picture of his target on the board, and went through the briefing again. By the time he knew it, it was three hours to the appointed time. He dunked himself in the cold water of the tub to alert his senses. His mind is filled with so many things. As he held his breath under water, a brief scene of Lacus bathing and throwing a bucket at him for peeking flashed in his mind.
"Fuah! (gasping) what was that?" he asked himself while shaking his head to rid himself of the distraction. '"Stop thinking about this. Get it done just like any other missions."'
He drained the tub, wore his combat gear underneath his civilian clothes, grabbed the case, and left the hotel room. So as not to be recognized he will have to be at the vantage point way ahead of time. After checking out in his disguise, he took a back alleyway and walked several blocks. On the way, an agent, who had been waiting for him, handed him a radio and directed him to his gateway vehicle. He climbed the stairs, expressionless, although his brain cells are debating against one another. He knelt down behind his cover and surveyed the park area with his binoculars. The tight security is already in place, and he noticed several ZAFT undercover agents. Turning around, he opened the case and started to assemble the rifle. It was no challenge for him but he wondered how he learned to do such stuff when he didn't remember any at all. Dismissing it out of his thoughts, he leaned back against the wall, firmly holding the rifle in between his legs. Placing the barrel of the rifle on his forehead, he closed his eyes and sighed. Now he felt the result of a sleepless night. Almost drifting off to dreamland, he was snapped back to reality by a loud cheering. He stuck his head out to observe what was happening. His target, in all her grace and beauty, was walking across the park to the center stage with a podium, constantly waving and smiling to her admirers and fans. Somehow, when he noticed a male whistling so flirtatiously, he had the urge to use the bullet to blow his head instead.
"(crackle) All personnel, get to your positions at once without being suspicious. Sniper, fire at will" transmitted an agent who seemed to be the leader of the operation.
Kazu reluctantly loaded up the silver bullet and armed the rifle. (kacha) He positioned himself against the wall and brought the rifle against his shoulder. He fixed the crosshairs of the scope on Lacus' pink-haired head. He was following her up to the stage and readying his finger in the trigger when his heart screamed no.
Lacus, who was putting on a fake face mask and smiling, felt something as she suddenly looks at the building rooftop where Kazu is positioned. Kazu froze when he sees her face staring directly at him through the scope. Lacus' bodyguards noticed her tense posture and followed her line of sight. Upon realizing a sniper, one of them alerted all of the security members. "Sniper! On the roof! Protect Ms. Clyne at all costs!" he shouted.
"Shoot! Arsehead! Shoot!" shouted the team leader to Kazu over the radio, which snapped him out of his trance. (Pzzct) A lone bullet sped off out of the silenced barrel towards Lacus. A bodyguard took the bullet for her on the throat. Lacus was brought back to reality when she felt his blood spraying on her face. Other agents soon dragged her to safety, shielding her with their bodies.
Kazu, on the other hand, loaded up another bullet and fired another shot which missed (to my despair) and struck an innocent audience amongst the panic.
"Abort! Sniper, agents on you! Get out of there!" informed the team leader, "proceed to plan B!"
Kazu grabbed the case and dashed across the wet rooftop with splashing sound each time his boots touched the pools of water. He realized that it has somehow begun to rain. As he ran down the stairs, he disassembled the rifle and placed them back in the case, taking out the reserve pistol in it. Hearing a number of footsteps around the corner, he waited behind the edge of the wall. Upon seeing the shadow of his enemy, he jumped out behind the corner, killing all 4 agents with 4 bullets; each on the head. Seeing a clear coast, he ran towards his gateway vehicle, jumped through an open window, started the engines, and sped off to his plan B position, with a few bullets punching holes through his back glass windows.
'"How could I have messed it up. Damn it, she's too darned cute."'
Lacus on the other hand, '"How could Kira do this? I thought-"' (Bang) "Ahh!" she screamed when the car she's in swerved into tree after a bomb exploded that threw the car off course. Luckily, for she had her seat beat on, she only knocked her head against the window divisor. However, both the agents on the front seat, driver and navigator, were mortally wounded; part due to bomb shrapnel and part due to impact. The other two to her sides motioned for her to get out of the car before it explodes. Unfortunately, as the on the right side exited the car, he had his head blown into oblivion. The other one advised her to run into the woods for safely. When she hesitated, he trained his gun on her and ordered her to get to safety. She hated to leave people behind in trouble, but was convinced by the determination of her bodyguard's eyes. Seeing her run off, he joins his comrades in the other cars, who were engaged in the firefight.
That, however, didn't go unnoticed by Kazu, who was hiding behind a tree, away from the commotion. He went after her, drenched from the tip of his spiky hair, down to his socks. Lacus ran direction-blind across the woods. She rejoiced upon seeing a light source in front of her but that feeling soon went down the gutter as she realized that it is a dead end; a cliff with a waterfall. She turned around in an attempt to find another way, but was stopped in her tracks when a person, whom she would do anything for, pointed his gun onto her. A lighting bolt separates the sky between them as they stared at each other, words-less. Lacus noticed a very familiar looking pair of eyes, that is, from the old Kira she knew; so confused and full of burden. They stayed motionless, except for the steam due to their breathing, until the thunder follows the earlier lighting. Lacus smiles sweetly at him and started to step forward. Due to the rain, Kazu didn't notice the tears, which were falling freely down her cheeks. As she moved closer to him, he tried to pull the trigger and get things over with, but no matter what, his muscles and nerves wouldn't respond.
The only noises were the rain, the waterfall and the thunders. When they were close enough, Lacus held his right hand and the gun, and guided them to her heart. She said, "You came to kill me, right? Now is your chance." She knew she is playing with her life, but since Kira took her that night, she decided that her every being is Kira's to do as he wills. If he would kill her, she would know that he no longer had any feelings toward her and being alive would mean nothing to her. Again, there was the same uncomfortable 'silence'. When Kazu was blinded by another bolt behind Lacus, he felt her hands move away. By the time his pupils refocused, to his utmost surprise, found that Lacus was leaning against him, resting her head against his chest, and hugging him tightly with her hands clutching the back of his soaked upper gear. He was practically and virtually petrified, and combined by her sweet-smelling hair, he felt himself weaken, both physically and emotionally as he let his right hand drop and the gun clatter onto the rocky surface. He was still wide-eyed when Lacus said, "I missed you so much."
Everything was starting to take its toll on Kazu. He almost collapsed but, when a gunshot was heard, he felt a sharp pain on his back. His senses told him that he was shot at from the back. Fortunately, due to his bullet- resistant gear, he only felt the impact of the shot without any real wound, and without it, the bullet would have gone through his chest and struck Lacus. (SEED) Kazu grabbed Lacus and hugged her close to him as he jumped over the cliff into the river underneath.
"I trust you, Kira" was all she said, feeling very protected by him.
###################################
Next episode on Gundam Seed: Endless Conflict
Unexpected Betrayal
Kira tries to correct all the mistakes that he had done, but that comes with a price. Milly realized her love for Tolle had been preventing her from moving on. Will she open up more so that someone could enter her life?
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A/N: I'll understand if the Kira/Kazu stuff is confusing, but it shall be resolved soon. I have decided to take polls; which character you want me to kill first? Kira, or Athrun, or one of the Belurius' pilots? Please tell me who you would like to die first.