Reverse Effects
AN: I do not take any credit for the original plot or characters from Gundam Seed. However, this fanfic and my characters are copyright to me, Lithian.
Chapter Two
Inside of Orb headquarters, Cagalli and Athrun had just turned off the news. Pacing back and forth in front of the large window that overlooked path-ways into other parts of the building Cagalli began to chew on her nails. After all these years she was still nervous, or rather, antsy.
Athrun had been resting back on a wall, arms crossed over his chest while contemplating. Realizing the distress coming from his wife he walked over toward her and rested a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You really shouldn't act this way." He said sarcastically, smiling.
Taking in a deep breath she turned to face him, her white, blue, and gold uniform dulled by the dark lighting that was coming from the three lights they had turned on. "You're right. But this could mean another war, you know.." Lord Uzumi flashed in her mind, and her eyes became soft and sad. He had died to save the lives of many; both coordinator and natural.
With a swoosh of the door, entered Kira and Lacus with almost serious expressions labeled on them. By his twin's state Kira could tell they had heard also. "Do you think the EA will actually go through it 'peacefully?'" He asked, Lacus giving a brief smile.
Cagalli smiled back but then looked at Athrun and he to her as well. They sighed and then shook their heads.
Lacus frowned sweetly, "That is what we are thinking as well. But.. haven't they learned their lesson? All of those lives.. how could they want to go through that again?" A tinge of anger stroked her words as she spoke, sadness also casting a vote. Each diverted their eyes to the ground, until Cagalli looked up - trying to keep composed.
"Orb is a neutral nation, and it will stay that way unless we see fit otherwise." Her voice was filled with determination and pride.
Brendy & Zechuri..
Closing their books after working for an hour and a half, Brendy stretched while Zech yawned. Looking at the digital wall clock he sighed and dipped his head forward, then looked back up to Brendy. "It's seriously late. Think I could crash here for the night?" His voice was sort of rough, and very silent, like always.
When she gave a blink and then blushed a bit, he grinned. "Don't flatter yourself, I'm not askin' for that."
Brendy's eyes widened a bit more, "Wh-what?" They both knew what he was talking about so she looked away and got up, ushering for him to follow. She knew that Lacus and Kira wouldn't mind. Heck, he could sleep in her room if he wanted and they wouldn't get mad.
Flipping a switch in the upstairs hallway, not only did the lights come on but the linen closet opened. Grabbing a pillow and blanket she handed them to Zechuri and then opened the door to her room. Questioning his morals silently she stepped in and turned on the TV. "You can sleep over there." She said, pointing to a small futon near the bathroom.
Cracking his knuckles he stretched and took off the jacket he had been wearing and threw it on the ground.
Out of the corner of her eye she could see Zechuri's perfectly muscled arms. His sleeveless shirt was tight enough so you could see the slight indentations of his back and chest muscles, but loose enough so he could move comfortably. Brendy blushed and grabbed what she planned to wear to bed and then slipped into the bathroom. Zechuri watched her and then lay on the futon, not really bothering to put the blanket over him.
He watched the TV and realized it was the news. Jeese doesn't she ever get enough of this crap? He thought. Switching the channel to a random rock music channel he closed his eyes, bangs covering most of his right one like usual.
Emerging from the bathroom, Brendy paused before she would be in his line of vision, "Close your eyes." Just because he was here did not mean she was going to sacrifice her comfort of panties and a tank top.
"They are closed." He said, in all truth.
Trusting him she got in her bed then turned off the lights, allowing her hair down before she lay back in the bed. Right as she was about to turn over in bed to go to sleep, she heard Zechuri stirring. Laying on her back she looked at him through the semi-darkness, to notice that he was sitting up.
"Do you think I'm your friend." He asked, or rather, stated. With his voice you really couldn't tell.
She blinked her lavender eyes, "Well, yeah. We have known each other since we were in junior high.." Her brow furrowed a bit, about to ask why. But he said 'oh' and then laid back down.
Confused now she was the one sitting up, staring at him while the music played in the background. Once again the 'why?' was about to be asked but he caught her. "I can't tell you why I asked, so don't ask me to answer." And with that he sighed and rolled over, remembering what his duties were truly in this city and to remember what he was.
ZAFT Supreme Council, PLANTs...
The chairman talk over the new mobile suits and who will pilot them, and what ship will carry them. It is decided that Kesler Mannin will pilot the HCX-13 Saturn, Sirka Cavess will pilot the HCX-20 Velocity, Hazzy Seda will pilot the HCX-45 Prisma, and Riley Sminns will pilot the HCX-12 Espionage. They will be assigned to the Lunar Nas that is commanded by captain Janie Walder.
Sextilis...
The next day, Kesler and Sirka were back on duty. Saluting as they entered the large building, both boys sighed and looked around. The place was like a hive, people buzzing around like insects. Then suddenly Kesler's work phone rang on his belt and he picked it up, rather startled. "Yes, sir." He said and then hung up. Glancing to his friend he narrowed his eyes, "My father wishes to see us."
Sirka blinked but knew to just follow Kesler. When they finally reached chairman Mannin's office, two soldiers stepped aside and saluted both boys - allowing them entrance. The door swished open and Kesler stepped in first, Sirka following. His father was sitting calmly behind the desk, yet his expression was serious and cold. Straightening up the two elites saluted and said 'hello chairman Mannin' in unison. Little did he acknowledge them. Two others were to gather here.
Moments later the door opened behind the boys and in came Hazzy Seda and Riley Sminns. Hazzy and Riley were the only two female elites in ZAFT. Both saluted and came to stand next to Sirka and Kesler. Before they could give a proper greeting to chairman Mannin, the father of Kesler stood up, hands behind his back as he strode toward a window that was hidden behind a metal guard.
With the press of a single button, the metal guard slid away and opened to a large hanger with four mobile suits being worked on. Each was magnificent in stature, and gained a gasp of awe and surprise from them. "These are the new H series mobile suits. You are to not ask why they were made, since you will find out soon enough."
Holding four envelopes he handed them each their own named manila folders. "Kesler Mannin, you are piloting the HCX-13 Saturn. Sirka Cavess you are to pilot the HCX-20 Velocity, Hazzy Seda you are piloting the HCX-45 Prisma, and Riley Sminns you are piloting the HCX-12 Espionage." He turned back around to face them.
After absorbing all this new information they saluted him and all four said 'yes, sir!' in unison. "You will all be assigned to the Lunar Nas. Your orders are in those folders. Dismissed."
With one more salute they turned on their heels formerly and exited the dark office. Relaxing as they walked down the halls Kesler turned and looked at Riley, "I guess since you're wearing that uniform, it means your skills have gotten better since I last saw you." He gave a grin and dodged an oncoming shoulder punch from the girl on his right.
Sirka blinked, "You know her?"
The girl sighed and nodded, "Yes, sadly."
But Sirka and Kesler had never met Hazzy before, and kind of ignored her. She didn't mind either. Extracting information from the envelope she blinked and allowed her light raspberry eyes to scan over the words for a few minutes. "Report to Hanger A, at eight o' clock in the PM." She said aloud, then stuffing that back into the manila envelope.
Sirka admired the girl's light raspberry hair, almost wanting to touch it. But he withheld himself from doing so and looked over to Kesler who was on his right side. "So are you hungry? It's almost lunchtime so there should be plenty of food in the mess hall." He said, stomach sort of rumbling in anger.
The girls nodded in a 'fine, ok, whatever' manner and Kesler just uttered a soft 'alright.'
Back to Brendy and Zechuri...
It was almost nine AM when Brendy woke up, feeling eyes pressing in on her. As dulled light flooded her vision she saw Zechuri sitting on the end of her bed. Jumping about a mile she sat up with her back against her headboard. "Why are you staring at me?" She blinked as she spoke, trying to clear her vision. When she could see more clearly, she saw that he was trying not to laugh at her reaction. It seemed that he was only like this around her; to everyone else he was serious and anti-social.
"Figured I could freak you out. Plus there isn't any school today, and your mom wants you up." He said.
Zechuri had gotten fully dressed once more and was wearing his comfortable jacket and torn jeans. With a sort of 'huff' noise Brendy stood up and grabbed a skirt she had lying on her dresser, slipped it on, then grabbed a lightweight jacket, and fixed her hair a bit. Her friend watched her through the one eye that was not covered by his blonde bangs.
Giving him a bright smile she grabbed his hand and led him from her room, back downstairs to the kitchen where Lacus, Kira, Cagalli, Athrun, Miriallia, and Dearka were all poised around the large dining table. Zechuri was taken aback by the amount of people but calmed down once he realized it had been a long time since the last war.
Feeling Brendy's grip disappear he followed her slowly as she walked up to the table to see what they were discussing. Standing near Mir, Brendy could see very defined pictures of mobile suits, mobile armors, and other such war things being loaded into a secret EA base.
"Wow..." Brendy said.
The adults jumped a bit from surprise but then smiled. Well, all except for those who were more serious than others. Zechuri eyed the pictures, Why haven't I been informed of this? He thought.
His brow furrowed and he turned to leave but remembered he would look rather suspicious doing so. Athrun saw this and narrowed his eyes, watching carefully. When Zech turned back around so he was facing everyone, he could feel someone's eyes on him. Not daring to search he kept his sharp silver gaze pinned on Brendy as she spoke to Kira and Lacus.
Mir, now a war photographer, had taken these photos herself. "And some of my other sources have said that those two mobile suits are called the Overturn and Ravager." She frowned and sighed, closing her eyes as visions of how the war had to end last time. "They're both nuclear powered."
Lacus frowned and sat in a chair, while Kira and Athrun looked to each other. "This seems way too familiar Kira."
He nodded in agreement and looked at Cagalli who was studying the pictures. "Our MI series is no longer in the test run and has been suited for both coordinators and naturals, for years now.. But the only earth ships we have are the five Nauticas, three Subsees, and seven Catalysts.." Her golden eyes flickered around the room, "And besides our latest space ship, the Cengrin, we only have the Eternal, Kusanagi, and ArchAngel."
Zechuri knew that what he was hearing was vital information, and that he should be recording every bit of it. But he couldn't. Not to Brendy and her family. Leaning against the kitchen wall he looked up at the ceiling, as if he wasn't interested in the conversation.
After a slight pause from Cagalli, Kira decided to speak up since he could see how quickly she was unraveling. "Athrun, Dearka, and I have the Liberty, Masako, and the Candied." He smiled, brown bangs playing with his eyes, "And plus, the remodeled Strike Rouge can be equipped with a nuclear power source.." He blinked, knowing that the three top models he, Athrun, and Dearka had been given were nuclear powered.
Tired of all this talk Brendy grabbed the remote for the TV as she walked into the living room, sat down on the couch, and sighed. Zechuri had followed and sat down in a chair not too far away from her. Looking at him from the corner of her eye she arched an eyebrow, "Why are you still here?"
"Because you're my ride home." He said simply in a dull tone.
"You could always just walk to the car stop and pick up a ride there." Brendy turned to face him.
Zechuri shrugged, "I don't like those cars. You never know who was in them last." He grinned but then sighed when he saw Brendy giving him that 'I know you're lying' look.
The mess hall (Sextilis)...
Kessler was the last to grab a tray and sit down, thinking about the mission and not really the food. The mouthy girl who sat in front of him waved a hand in his face, trying to get a reaction from his dazed state. Jumping back into reality he blinked and looked at her, "Yeah?"
Riley narrowed her eyes as she set down her fork. "We were just talking about tonight. Since we technically are on leave until eight o' clock I was thinking we should go out and do something." Kesler rolled his eyes and took a bite of the roast beef that was slathered in gravy. Sirka and the girls blinked at each other, then looked to the dark haired boy.
"Uh, Mannin are you alright?" Sirka asked. When his friend nodded genuinely he dropped the subject. "Well if I remember correctly, Kesler has to go see his fiancée in an hour." He grinned sarcastically when he got an evil glare from Mannin.
"You know you have to. If not your chairman Mannin will find out and he'll rip you apart." This time his voice was a tad more serious, and his green eyes did not waver from those of Kesler's.
At the mention of Kesler having a fiancée, Riley's heart dropped as did her eyes down to her plate. "Suddenly I'm not hungry anymore. I'm going home." She looked to Hazzy after she put up her tray and was about to exit the doorway.
"Do you want to come?" She was practically pleading with her eyes, and Hazzy knew it. With a gentle sigh Seda too got up, handed in her tray, and followed her friend with a wave goodbye to both of the boys.
When the door swished closed behind Riley and Hazzy, Sirka crooked an eyebrow but then shook his head, Girls.. They're just weird like that. He thought. "You know, I think that Hazzy Seda girl is cute." He stated, hoping to lift Kesler out of his grimy gutter state.
But it didn't work, because Kesler got up stiffly, handed off his tray, and stalked out of the mess hall. "Hey wai-!" But he was cut off by the swish of the door. Head drooping forward he sighed into his chest, "So I'm all alone now."
Riley & Hazzy..
After having changed into civilian clothing, both girls had departed in Riley's sleek white sports car and were speeding down the Jebby Freeway. With the auto-drive on Riley tilted her head back and sighed, eyes shimmering.
"So are you going to tell me what is wrong or are we going to sit here in silence?" Hazzy asked in her soft voice, a small smile on her face.
Turning to look at the light raspberry haired girl she closed her eyes with a sigh, "Well even though Kesler is a jerk, and has been ever since I met him.." Her voice trailed off, a small blush coming to her cheeks.
Hazzy knew what she was getting at and her smile grew. "Then why didn't you ever tell him you like him? I bet there would be some way he could get out of that relationship " Her spirits were flying high, trying to carry up Riley's as well.
With a soft laugh she nodded, "Yeah, he didn't seem to pleased about having to see his fiancée now did he?" Bangs dangling in her face Riley took over control of the car and pulled off the exit that would lead to her house out in the countryside. The clink-chink of her blinker made her smile. Hazzy was happy to see her friend cheerful again and rested back in her seat, admiring the green plush hills and large houses that seemed to stick out boldly.
Rain clouds were rolling in as they pulled up to the gate entrance of Riley's home. Sliding her identification card and then dialing the security number into the keypad she waited until there was sufficient room to drive past she sped up to the parking area for their two story home.
Grabbing their bags each got out, gently slamming the doors shut and then walking up the steps to the large oak doors. Trying the handle to see if her mother was home yet, Riley felt it was locked and punched in the key code for her home after sliding her card again. Stepping inside, an automated voice said "Welcome" and then the home was back to silence once more.
Matlic Park, Orb...
When the meeting between her parents, Athrun, Cagalli, Miriallia, and Dearka was over and each had gone - they had left out vital papers. At first she had just flipped through the files, but had gotten intrigued and wanted further input. Packing them in her book bag Brendy had told Zechuri that they were going to Matlic Park and why, she had called Thal and Alia also informing them of the same.
As they all sat under a willow tree on a plaid blanket, some drinking soda while others drank water, Brendy showed them the pictures Mir had taken. "Yep. My mom's first-rate work!" Thal said proudly.
Brendy and Alia just looked at him then back to the papers. Zech was 'off in his own world' yet was keeping an ear out to hear what they were saying. "If we do end up in a war.. which the EA and ZAFT probably will, then I think I'm going to join Orb, and train to be a mobile suit pilot." She gave a soft smile, in answer to Alia and Thal's gaping jaws.
"Mrs. Lacus would never let you! And," Thal paused to laugh sarcastically, "your father would never let you either."
Hearing Brendy say what she planned on doing, Zechuri almost jumped up from where he was sitting to shake her brain straight. No way! There is NO WAY she is going to fight in this war! He thought. Keeping his cool on the outside, he gave a short and deep sigh, staring straight ahead of him. It was past three PM now, since they had been out so long. Alia looked at her hands, slender fingers entwined with one another so her hands were clasped together.
"I-I guess if you enlist.. I will too." She said, bright auburn eyes flicking up to those of Brendy's.
This received another gasp, but now coming from Brendy and Thal. Thal put his hand on her shoulder, and had her turn toward him. "You aren't made out for war anymore than Brendy is!" He exasperated, pre-fear in his eyes.
Eyes softening, going into Lacus/Kira mood-mode, Brendy moved forward and put a reassuring hand on both their shoulders, a soft breeze bringing her deep burgundy hair floating about. "You don't have to worry Thal. Like you said, my parents would never allow it. Neither would Alia's."
Zechuri took a swig of his water, Thank God.. He thought. Thal dropped his eyes to the blanket and nodded, while Alia smiled kindly at her friend. Mouthing a 'thanks' she took Thal's hand and stood up, having caught a quick glimpse from Zech and seeing how distressed his eyes were.
Confused but not unwilling he got up and followed after Alia, "Uhm, we'll be back!" The girl yelled back to them, as she and Thal walked along the cement path.
Taking in a deep breath Thal looked at Alia as they walked, "And, why are we leaving them again?"
Auburn hair bounced on her shoulders as she smiled in his direction. "Guess you didn't get a good look at Zechuri? Well, inside he must've been really shaken up by what Brendy was saying.. So I figure they should talk." Alia gave a cute laugh and squeezed Thal's hand. The boy blinked, but shrugged it off.
When the retreating couple were out of sight, Zechuri turned to face Brendy and set his water down, right eye covered with his long bangs like usual. "So wait, now you WANT to get involved in a war!" His voice was slightly raised but he made sure to watch what he was saying at that level.
Surprised by this sudden outburst Brendy put an arm behind her, feeling like he was looming over her. "If it means that I would be saving and protecting Orb, then yes.. I do." Her eyes glimmered as they stared into his paling face. Is he.. worried? She thought.
Zechuri realized he was making her feel uncomfortable and sat back, still looking at her. Then he blushed and dropped his gaze to his legs, "Brendy.. just don't."
The girl had moved in closer to him and was sitting facing the left side of him. Carefully, she brushed back the bangs that covered his eye and brought his face up so they were looking at each other. Her eyes were soft as were his, nervous of being this close. Please, don't let her push the issue wi-, but he couldn't finish his thoughts, because before they both knew it - they were kissing.
It was like they had been waiting for this to happen for years. As the kiss broke, each had to come back down to earth, heads swimming in the darkening blue skies. When Zechuri looked back at Brendy his bangs fell back into place, and they just sat there, staring at each other.
Estate of Chairman Yetha, Sextilis..
Having finally gotten through the gate, he called for Tae (who had been wandering around the base while Kesler was working ) and the robotic canine obediently came. Pressing on the intercom button he leaned forward, "Kesler Mannin here to see Miss Mari Yetha." The large white doors opened, allowing him inside.
A butler took his blazer and then looked to Tae. "Excuse me sir but what is-"
"If I am to visit Miss Yetha then Tae also comes." The robot dog looked up at the butler and cocked his head, then looked back to his master.
Nodding the tall old man in a white suit ushered Kesler into the library where Mari was sitting, going through a small stack of books. Ah yes, I remember.. She likes to read. He thought. Tae loped forward and startled the young girl, but when her slate blue eyes locked on the handsome form of her fiancée she smiled. Standing up she walked forward, the dainty white dress she wore floating along with her. "Hello there Kesler. It's nice to see you finally.."
He couldn't deny it. She was beautiful - even for someone her age. He knew he had to make the best of it, and plus.. he wasn't a jerk ALL the time. "To you as well Mari." He gave her a fake smile that seemed to work, since she began to lead him out of the library then into the great room. She sat down on a chair and offered him the other.
"So, what are we going to do today?" She asked in a smooth and kind voice.
Tae came and sat down near a window that opened to a large courtyard and pond. Kesler saw her left hand folded neatly on her lap and then remembered what was in his pocket. "Oh, Mari, here.." He got up and walked over to her, handing her a small maroon box with a white ribbon around it.
Instantly a childish happiness filled her eyes and she opened the small box, finding the diamond ring that his father had told him to give her. Maturity swept into her eyes and she realized that this truly was serious. The sky was darkening from the rain clouds, and soon thunderclaps and streaks of lightning joined in on the fun.
Then came the thick raindrops, cascading down the windows. Her bright eyes drifted to the windows, I hope this is a sign.. She thought. Realizing that Kesler Mannin had gotten up from his seat she turned back around and did as well.
"I think I should be leaving now. I am leaving for Earth in a couple of hours." He took one of her slender hands and kissed it, in such a gentleman fashion that it made her blink and blush.
Walking to the door with Kesler and Tae, Mari bid them farewell and then looked down at the sleek ring. If he was really like that, would this arranged marriage be so horrible?
A couple hours later, back at the base...
Back in uniform, all packed, Kesler reluctantly shut down Tae's system. He was the only one who knew how to recharge Tae and since he couldn't take the canine with him, he figured he'd be better off 'sleeping' for a bit. Or well, 'til they got back.
Once he reached the base it didn't take him long to see the jeep waiting to take him to Hanger A. When he was finally checked in, Kesler was instructed to find the deck and wait there. Saluting to the soldier who had brought him he then turned and could already hear yelling and the sounds of last minute check-ups. Walking up the iron steps to where the deck was, he spotted Sirka, Hazzy, and Riley, all waiting for their orders. Sirka waved, and he waved back, setting his duffel bag down on the iron flooring.
"So, is she decent?" He asked, grinning.
"We talked, but not for long since it began to rain I knew I had to come back here." He sighed and then realized there was a large ship dead in front of them.
Gawking at it momentarily he then blinked and went back to what he had been about to say. "For being only fourteen, she's beautiful and more mature than I thought she would've been."
Riley could hear this and shrunk back a bit, Hazzy looking between the two. "Wait, I thought you said you knew her." Sirka off-handily asked.
His friend nodded, "Yeah but I hadn't seen her in a year or so. And," He paused, seeing Riley, "she had changed a lot. But she's still a child." He laughed, watching the girl from the corner of his eye, "Like I'd go through something like that."
Hazzy sighed, and looked to Riley who also became a little more relaxed. Sirka, however, was confused. One minute the guy was acting as if he might actually not mind this thing and the next he's like his old self. Frustrating. Sirka thought as his brow furrowed.
A few moments later steps were heard behind them and a man and woman's voice. Turning around they saw a woman with auburn hair and eyes, dressed in a white and maroon uniform, and a tall man with hard features and a white maroon and black uniform. Realizing that they were in the presence of higher rankings each saluted, standing up tall and proud.
"At ease." The man said. "Captain Janie Walder, I would like to introduce you to your mobile suit pilots. Elites Kesler Mannin, Sirka Cavess, Hazzy Seda, and Riley Sminns."
AN: Edited this chapter as well. REVIEWWWWWWWWWW!