Disclaimer: Kidou Senshi (Mobile Suit) Gundam SEED and its characters are copyright 2000-2004 Sotsu Agency, Sunrise, and MBS. English language adaptation produced under license by Bandai Entertainment.
In other words, I don't own the original intellectual property.
A/N
Wow! Five reviews in 24 hrs. Thank you all for your kind words. I'm honored. Well, true to my word here is the second part.
End A/N
Chapter 5
Kira had two weeks of training before the Archangel and Kusanagi reached orbit. He fully intended to use that time to learn to control his newfound ability. He soundly defeated Cagalli in two sparring matches, prompting her to call in reinforcements for the next practice sortie. There were countless other matches where he fought only the drones.
Yzak would pilot his Duel. Being the only suit serviceable, it was the only X-series to receive repairs. Cagalli, of course, was to pilot her Strike Rouge. Athrun, Dearka, and Asuka would take out M1s after rewriting their OS's to suit their Coordinator needs. To be someone on Ezaria Joule's personal staff, Asuka was turning out to be a well-rounded soldier.
"Kira, I insist on going with you this time."
"Are you sure about this, Lacus?"
"I am positive. Chief Murdock has already agreed to attach a temporary seat behind you in the Zero's cockpit." She didn't have to tell Kira that she was worried.
"Okay," he kissed her on the forehead. "Just let me know if the G-forces start to make you uncomfortable."
"I'm tough. I can take it." She tried her hardest to make a mean face, bending her arm and patting her small bicep. As cute as she was, the scene was quite comical. Kira got a hearty laugh out of it, but that was her intention.
"Of course you are. You had better get into a flight suit first."
"Yes sir," she saluted. Beaming with a smile of success, she hurried off to change.
By the time Lacus returned, everyone was out but Kira. He was waiting for her in the Zero.
"Kira Yamato, Moebius Zero. Ready"
Miriallia came over the com, "Roger that. All clear, Kira."
"Make sure all weapons are switched to laser targeting only. We don't want any friendly fire mishaps," Murrue ordered.
"Roger," they all complied.
Kira turned back to check on his passenger. "Hang on tight, okay?" She nodded. "Alright, who wants some?"
The mock battle raged for nearly half an hour. Yzak managed to score several hits to a couple of the gun barrels, but he was the lucky one. No one scored hits to the mobile armor's core. The Zero was fast, Kira a capable pilot. And now he had a new edge.
With heart pounding and labored breathing, he sensed angles of attack as his foes thought of them. Though, Kira scored very few hits of his own, he was clearly winning this match.
"Kira?" Lacus reached out to touch his shoulder. He was straining to stay ahead of his attackers.
"I feel them. It's like their coming into me."
As she touched him, she sensed it too. "Oh my." You are very special to me, Kira Yamato. Please do not overdo it.
"Don't worry. I won't." He responded to her unspoken comment. "You're uncomfortable. Let's get back." It was time anyway. The Zero was running low on energy.
They were greeted in the hangar by Murrue and Andy.
"That was some fancy flying, youngster." Andy clapped Kira on the shoulder.
Murrue asked, "You don't feel tired? No more headaches?"
Kira answered, "No headaches, but I am a little tired. Not like before, though."
"Did you enjoy your ride, little lady?" Andy asked as Kira helped her out of the cockpit.
Lacus answered, "Yes sir. It was quite exhilarating. But I am feeling a little dizzy. I don't see how you pilots can do that so often."
"Necessity." Athrun and the other pilots joined them. "We do it out of necessity. You're improving, Kira. Soon you'll surpass all of us." He liked to think he was equals with his best friend, and in most cases he was.
"No, that was my last time. All I wanted was to control my headaches, not become a better pilot. I hope my fighting days are over." Kira sighed.
"That's what we all hope for," Yzak said, much to everyone's amazement. "What? You think I enjoy killing?"
Murrue turned to the stowaway, still in her bandages. "I don't remember you. What are you doing on my ship?"
"Mr. Waltfeld gave me permission to stay. I snuck aboard to deliver a message to Yzak. Will it be alright if I accompany you and your crew as far as the Kaguya spaceport?"
"It's alright Murrue. She's from Councilwoman Joule's personal staff and a friend of Yzak's. And I've ordered security to be beefed up," Andy explained.
"How were you injured?" Murrue asked.
"I did it myself." Asuka removed her bandages to reveal a fresh, purple scar. "Now we match," she smiled at Yzak.
Murrue yelled, "Are you crazy?" The others just gasped at the sight of her self-inflicted injury. Sure enough, it was a perfect match to Yzak's.
"No, just stupid," Yzak answered for her. "She thinks she can be my decoy now." He rolled his eyes.
"From a distance, maybe," Andy said.
"That is all that is necessary. Anything to complete the mission. What's done is done, and further discussion of this matter is pointless," Asuka dismissed herself politely.
"Yzak, I think your girl is a little whacked," Dearka whispered.
"Wrong on both accounts. She's not my girl, and she's insane," Yzak replied.
"In an odd way, she kind of reminds me of you. Reckless and impulsive," Athrun's comment didn't earn him any points with Yzak.
"No, she thinks too far ahead." All were a bit surprised to hear Kira chime in.
"What do you mean?" Yzak demanded.
"Let's just say, everything she does is well thought out," Kira answered.
"And just how do you know that?" Yzak was now irate.
"It's not important. But you should look after that one. She would walk through the fires of hell for you." Kira left, escorted by Lacus, Athrun and Cagalli.
The others soon followed, leaving Yzak alone with his thoughts.
Two
Cagalli asked, "You sure you're not tired? The first couple of times you were almost asleep before you got back to your room."
"I'll be fine long enough to answer some questions." Kira lay at the head of the bed with Lacus leaning back against him; his arms around her waist her arms around his. Athrun and Cagalli were sitting in chairs across the room. "I think Lacus is more tired than I am." He kissed her on the top of her head.
Athrun asked, "What was it like?"
"It was terribly painful at first. The core of the armor works just like a fighter, but the gun barrels are controlled through a psy-comu system."
"Psy-comu?"
"It's controlled by the mind. I'm not sure how it works, but it gave me a splitting headache until I got used to it. Mu had said the same thing, I believe."
Cagalli inquired, "So, there's no physical input at all?"
"None whatsoever," Kira answered.
"How were you able to do so well against the five of us in that thing?" Athrun was a bit puzzled by that, but then so was everyone else.
"I could see the attacks before they happened. You and Yzak are incredible strategists. Even though I knew what you were going to do, I still couldn't avoid your shots very well."
"Kira, are you sure you're alright?" Cagalli was worried. He seemed different since Jachine Diue.
"Don't worry. I'm the same old Kira underneath. If I seem more decisive and confident, it must be due to Lacus's care." Kira sighed. "Besides, for the first time since I met you, sis, I don't have the weight of a war hanging on my shoulders."
"How did you . . ."
"Know you were thinking that? Because you were worrying about it out there. I believe it's a side effect of the psy-comu. I'm not a mind reader. Except maybe with Lacus."
Lacus spoke up, "It's true. I touched his shoulder out there and we both could feel you guys."
"Just how much did you two get to see?" Athrun was a little uncomfortable with the thought of having his innermost thoughts examined.
"Only what you were feeling at the time. Images, impressions. Nothing to get worried about. Like I said, it's just a side effect of the psy-comu."
Lacus requested, "May we please rest now?" She followed that with a yawn.
"Sure. We'll see you two soon, okay?" Athrun took his girlfriend by the waist and left.
"You fibbed a bit, Mr. Yamato." Lacus leaned a little to the side so she could look up at her favorite pilot. "Did you see how nervous he got all the sudden?"
"Yeah. He doesn't need to know. I'm not mad about it. I know he loves her." Kira gave his companion a kiss. "Besides, he was right the other day. She is more than capable of taking care of herself. I pity him if he ever did anything to hurt her."
"Hmm. I thought you would be upset about him feeling up your sister."
"Well, she did ask him to do it."
"What would happen if I were to ask you to 'feel me up'?"
"Only one way to find out."
Lacus pulled the sheet up over them. "I love you, Kira Yamato."
Three
"Come in."
Her voice was muffled. No surprise. She was lying in bed, covering her head with a pillow.
"Here. A peace offering." He tossed her a water bottle.
"Thank you, Yzak. If I didn't know better, I would say that was an apology." Asuka again gave him that infuriatingly polite smile.
"It's a good thing you know better." He was gruff. Typical. Opening his own water bottle, they drank together. He sat in a chair beside her bed.
"Yzak?" She was startled by his sudden interest in her scar.
He ran his left thumb down it gingerly, stopping with his palm on her cheek. "Don't get the wrong idea. I'm just admiring your handiwork." His examination complete, he admitted "It is a perfect match."
"Thank you. I'm happy that I didn't disappoint you." She covered his left hand with her right, keeping it on her cheek.
"Since you seem to know so much about it, tell me how my mother is doing."
"She is not well. Mostly worry, but she was also briefly detained after Jachine Diue. It isn't safe in the PLANTs, so she sent me to keep you away. You are her last hope. Now that she and most of the other members are leaning toward the moderate faction, the radicals may try something drastic. If something should happen to her, she would like you to carry out her wishes in the Council."
"It's hard to do that while I'm on the run."
"It would be even harder if you were dead."
They drank a while in silence. Still with his hand upon her cheek. He was compelled to leave it there for some inane reason. It could have had something to do with the fact that her hand was still covering his.
"How long have you served with mother?"
"I enlisted shortly after you. She saw my name in the recruitment lists. Your mother took me under her wing as soon as I was out of basic training, so I guess that was about ten or eleven months ago."
"You know her well?"
"Yes. She still carries around that picture of you when you were little. The one with the . . ."
Yzak interrupted her before she could reveal anything embarrassing, "She doesn't show that to anybody."
"I'm not just anybody."
With that he took his hand away. "I'm not going to ask."
"I didn't expect you to." Asuka sat upright. "So much like your mother," she shook her head. "I'm quite fond of her, that's why I insisted I be given this assignment." Her features hardened, but without losing that polite smile. "I will not fail."
"No, I don't expect you will." Yzak got up to leave. "This discussion never happened."
Four
"Wow, you look beat." Miriallia handed Dearka a bottle of water. They were alone in the galley.
"Thanks. Your pal Kira just whipped us all in that puny mobile armor."
"I saw from the bridge," she giggled. "He's always been like that, though."
"How so?"
"Back in Heliopolis, he was trapped in the Morgenroete factory and the captain made him get in the Strike's cockpit with her. We were cut off from the shelters too. When the Strike and a GINN were battling near by, Kira took over and saved us. He's been saving us ever since, and against impossible odds."
"Yeah. I always wondered why that guy could give the four of us such a hard time. Now I'm glad he did," Dearka patted his companion's hand.
"But you know, he couldn't save everybody. It really tore him up in side. Especially when your friend . . ." she trailed off.
"What?"
Miriallia shook her head. "Never mind. It's not important."
"Please tell me. Who did what?"
She bowed her head at the memory. "Yzak shot down a shuttle full of Heliopolis refugees during reentry," she whispered.
"I didn't know. I'm sure he didn't either."
"I believe you. But it still was hard on all of us," she began to sob. "And there was this little girl that helped us make origami flowers . . . we spread them over Junius 7 . . ."
"I'm sorry."
Mir reached for his hand. "It's not your fault, and it's not his fault either. Just like it's not Athrun's fault that Tolle's gone, or Kira's fault that your friend is gone. It was a war, and none of it can be taken back now. We all did what we thought we had to."
"You're right," he gave her a weak smile. And I was so callous about the fall of Heliopolis.
"So, what do you plan to do now that it's over?"
"Well, I can't exactly go back to the PLANTs yet. Yzak will try to clear things for me when he goes, but until then I'm probably going to be a fugitive. And I feel I should help him out while he's still here. Guess I'll be going to Libya also. What about you?"
"I'd like to see my parents. They have a home in Onogoro, but I don't know if it's still there. I just hope they're alright."
"I'm sure they're fine. Everybody was evacuated, right?"
"Yeah." She finished her water. "You know, this is about the most we've ever talked."
"I guess I'm not quite as scared of you as I used to be," he said with a wink.
"Ha! Well you better remember this, Dearka Elsman. I'll be very angry with you if you're not careful out there."
"I'll remember that."
"Only one more day."
"Yeah." He was going to miss her.
Chapter 6
"It's time we made preparations for our descent," Murrue said.
"Yes. We will descend first. See you on the ground Capt. Ramius." Col. Kisaka signed off. Athrun and Cagalli had gone over to the Kusanagi to get ready for the upcoming event. Cagalli was expected to make some remarks after landing, about the war and how precious peace is. Luckily, or unluckily as Cagalli thought it, she had one of her best dresses on the Kusanagi for just such an event. And of course her new bodyguard needed to look sharp as well.
"Test the gel," Murrue ordered. An officer complied. All systems were go.
"Have you given any thought as to what you might do now?" Andy was sitting by Murrue, waiting for the inevitable shudders of reentry.
"I have no home or family, and I'm now a traitor to the Atlantic Federation. I guess I'll have to make my home in Orb," she sighed. "After stealing the Eternal, I suppose you're in the same predicament. Care to join me?"
"That sounds like an idea. Of course we'll need aliases."
"I'm sure Lady Cagalli can help us out with identification."
"It'll be fun. Two captains, living life on the run," Andy laughed.
The Kusanagi had begun its descent.
"It's our turn." Murrue gave the order to make for Kaguya spaceport.
Soon it would be time to say goodbye. Such as it is, this ship had been her only home for months. The crew had become her family. And so many friends may now go their separate ways. She wasn't sad at the thought. Combat units often disband at the end of a war. She saw it as her mission to lead her crew to this day; the day they could all go out and live the rest of their lives.
On the ground, the time came. Murrue and Andy would stay behind for a few hours, seeing everyone off, thanking each crew member in turn for their service. The last one out got to turn out the lights for the final time. Then the ship would belong to Morgenroete once again.
Murrue called Kira, Sai, and Miriallia over to say farewell in private. "You children take care of yourselves."
Sai responded, "We will. You too."
Miriallia gave her captain a hug, "Thanks for everything. You looked out for us like an older sister."
It was Kira's turn. "I know we didn't get started off on the right foot, but I agree. Lacus and I will be back soon, and then it'll be our turn to watch out for you. Hang in there until we get back."
"Thank you," Murrue gave them all a firm handshake.
"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you the news. Lacus and I are engaged."
"My, that is news." Murrue congratulated him with a hug. "It seems Mu was right about you two, so long ago. You and Lacus always did look like a perfect match. I'll look forward your invitation."
As they left, Murrue gave them a parting salute. Her last one as an officer. She saved it just for them.
After making some passionate remarks for the press, Lady Cagalli, her body guard, and Col. Kisaka took to their limousine in the motorcade. Kira, Lacus, Dearka, Miriallia, Yzak, and Asuka were waiting in a separate car. Sai's family was in Kaguya, so he did not go with them.
The trip was long, but uneventful. Lacus slept on Kira's lap, for a change. Miriallia pointed out the landmarks to Dearka, at least those remaining after the Atlantic Federation's invasion. Yzak glared at no one in particular. Asuka smiled politely.
Pulling up to the Athha Palace in Onogoro, they could see it was a grand estate. It was so far away from the military facilities that it was relatively untouched by the battle.
Still, Cagalli was not happy with what she found in the foyer.
"Oh my God! There's a freaking tree in my house!" She was red with fury. "Those Atlantic Federation bastards smashed a tree through my house!"
Yzak tried to sooth the beast with his characteristic charm. "At least you've got plenty of house left."
Two
Col. Kisaka agreed with Asuka's plan. "You will be well cared for there while we begin reconstruction."
At the moment, the group was touring the abandoned command center in Onogoro. This was where Cagalli led the Orb forces in the defense against the Atlantic Federation. Partially charred papers were scattered about, computers smashed. Luckily, no one was hurt here. The Atlantic Federation took what they could of value before clearing out of Orb just days earlier.
Miriallia was still with them, hoping to remain with her friends as long as possible. Kisaka would help her track down her parents after Lady Cagalli and company had made their flight.
"I'm counting on you to take care of things while I'm gone, Kisaka." Cagalli gave her former bodyguard a hug.
"Take good care of her," Kisaka told Athrun.
"I will," he responded with a handshake.
Kisaka asked, "Who all will be going?"
"We have to go," Yzak spoke up for himself and Asuka.
"And somebody's got to make sure you two don't kill each other," Dearka rolled his eyes at Yzak.
"I'm going to help Cagalli," Kira put in.
"And where Kira goes, I go," said Lacus. They had all tried to talk her out of it, except for Kira. Kira knew it wouldn't work, so he didn't bother. She desperately wanted to be by his side despite the potential risks, and he could sense that. We will face the danger together, she had said.
"Very well," Kisaka said. "There is a private plane that you may take just outside the compound. You'll find some equipment on board that may be useful."
"Thanks, Kisaka." Cagalli turned to Mriallia and Dearka. "Okay, we'll wait outside for you two to say your goodbyes."
Kisaka went out the way they came in. Cagalli and the others went the opposite direction, making for the hidden hangar facility.
"I guess this is it," Mir gave her friend a hug. "Goodbye Dearka."
"Yeah. You take care of yourself. Stick close to Kisaka until things settle down."
"Stay out of trouble."
They separated just in time to see they were not alone. Someone in an Orb uniform. He apparently came in through the door Kisaka went out.
The man asked, "Which way did Representative Athha go? I have an important message for her."
"Why didn't you just give it to Kisaka?" Dearka asked.
"He is, shall we say, busy at the moment." As explosions and gunfire rang out from Kisaka's direction, the figure drew a gun. "I'll not ask again." He pointed the gun at Miriallia.
"Dearka!" she screamed.
Coordinator reflexes saved her life, but only barely. Dearka deflected the bullet with the bones in his left forearm as he threw his knife with his right. The bullet grazed Miriallia's shoulder. Dearka's left forearm was broken.
Their attacker had a knife lodged in his forehead.
"You okay, Mir?"
"No," she cried. "You're hurt."
"Looks like you only got a scratch," he said.
She was so concerned with his arm that she didn't notice her own injury.
"You'll be fine, but it looks like you're not getting out that way." He removed the knife from their fallen attacker, cleaned the blade, and hid it again. The sight caused Mir to vomit. "Let's hurry."
Running down the hallway, they met their friends coming back.
Cagalli asked, "What happened?"
"We've got to get out of here now. That way's been cut off," Dearka told them.
"And Kisaka?" asked Athrun.
"I don't know, but somebody's still alive to be fighting back."
"Kisaka's fine. We need to move now," Kira's voice had a stern urgency to it. No one questioned his order.
It was a short run to the waiting jet. Kira and Cagalli started it up. Kira would pilot, Cagalli copilot. Lacus and Asuka did what they could for Dearka's arm. It was a clean break so it would be fine in time. That was good, since they wouldn't be near any hospitals on their journey.
Miriallia was forced to come with them. Otherwise, she would have been stranded amidst the fighting.
Once in the air, Asuka yelled out "Hey Mir, give us a hand!"
"Sure."
"I need you to put pressure on this," Lacus requested.
They were desperately trying to stop the bleeding. He was lying on the floor, trying to stay awake.
"Dearka, please be okay." Miriallia's eyes were watering, and she was getting queasy again.
Dearka didn't cry out. All he did was grit his teeth at the pain.
Kira let them know it would be at least two hours before they made it to Tassel.
Three
"Did you give the signal?" asked Cagalli.
"Yes," Kira answered. "The someone will be waiting for us on the outskirts of town."
"Good. I'd hate for them to shoot down their own Goddess of Victory."
"You like that nickname, don't you?"
"Well, it's a lot better than princess. God, I hate being called a princess."
"You also hate wearing dresses." Kira shook his head. "And it's a shame too. I bet Athrun would like to see you in one from time to time."
"Athrun is just fine with his tomboy girlfriend." Athrun's comment earned him yet another punch in the arm. He was amassing quite a collection.
"Damn, your girl is violent." Dearka had his arm in a splint. He needed to be upright and secured to a seat for landing. Otherwise, he would risk further injury.
"Please stop picking on Cagalli," Lacus requested.
"Fine, then. Let's talk about our friends in the back," Dearka suggested. Yzak and his bodyguard were in the back, out of sight and out of earshot.
"They seem to be getting along better." Lacus and Kira were about the only ones who noticed the slight change in the former Duel pilot.
"Really? He still seems like a jerk to me," Cagalli put her two cents in.
"I believe there is a good person underneath." Lacus had faith in him. She could see the good in almost anyone. But then, she always treated friend and foe with equal respect and kindness.
"It must be deep down, because it doesn't come out very often." Athrun shook his head. They had argued often, from the academy on through the service.
"Yeah, but he's a loyal friend," Dearka admitted.
"We're coming up on the landing sight," Kira announced. "Looks like a welcoming party."
Cagalli pointed out the cockpit window. "Hey it's the Chief! He came in person!"
They were given a warm welcome. Dearka and Miriallia were taken to receive medical attention. They would be rejoining the group later that evening.
"You guys have done a lot of work rebuilding. I'm impressed you got so much done while I was away," Cagalli hugged the Chief.
"We have been very busy. The fighting began to subside after the death of the Desert Tiger, so there was more time to devote to our homes."
Kira scratched the back of his head. "Actually . . . Mr. Waltfeld is still alive." Seeing the scowls he was getting, he hastily added "But he was instrumental in helping us stop the war."
"Let us speak of him no longer," the Chief dismissed the thought. Turning back to Cagalli, he asked "Who are these others that you have brought with you?"
"They are all friends. This is my bodyguard, Athrun," she took him by the arm. "I believe you met my little brother Kira when the Archangel was here. The one he's holding hands with is his fiancée, Lacus. The others are all trusted friends."
"If they are friends of yours, then they are most welcome here. Please, let us hide your craft and get out of the sun."
Four
The guests were given accommodations as could be afforded by the villagers: four small apartments. Room arrangements allowed for Kira and Lacus to be together, as well as Athrun and Cagalli. Dearka and Yzak would share a room. So would Asuka and Miriallia.
Dearka and Miriallia were returned to the group soon after the others finished settling in. All were given fresh clothing to help them blend in to the town. Some wore jeans, others the olive khakis that Cagalli seemed to be so fond of. Cagalli insisted that Athrun wear a red t-shirt to match her own, and similarly Lacus convinced Kira to wear matching purple shirts and blue jeans. The rest of the group wasn't nearly as picky.
"We'll catch up with you sometime before morning. Don't wait up," Yzak gave a quick wave goodbye to his best friend.
"Hey man, where you going?" Dearka was instantly suspicious. "You got a date with your bodyguard?"
"No!" Had there been something heavy to throw, he would have done so. The only thing within immediate reach was a lamp by the door, which was firmly attached to an end table. "It is not a date. We're actually hoping to meet a contact out of Gibraltar."
"Okay, then. Have fun on your date."
"Grrr!" Yzak slammed the door on his way out, much to the amusement of his friend.
Dearka wondered aloud, "I wonder what Zala's up to." Dearka was a bit surprised to find everyone else in the Zala-Athha room.
"We'll go get some supplies and food." Cagalli kissed her man on the cheek in farewell.
"I will enjoy cooking for you." Lacus gave a similar goodbye to her man. "See you soon."
Athrun asked, "You sure you'll be alright alone?" He felt like he was neglecting his bodyguard duties by letting them go alone.
"Yeah. I know this town and its people. We'll be fine." With that, the two girls left.
"So what now?" asked Kira.
"Guess we can always sit around and play poker." Dearka slumped in a chair.
"Good idea. I need to improve so Lacus doesn't beat me all the time."
Chapter 7
"How are you and Athrun doing?"
"Quite well. He's such a gentleman, even when I'm hard on him."
The girls were enjoying a bit of pleasure shopping first. They would get groceries after this one stop.
"Here try this." Cagalli handed Lacus a purple baseball cap and white scrunchy.
"Okay," Lacus was dubious, but played along. Placing the cap on her head, Cagalli helped to get her hair through the back of the cap and tie it off with the scrunchy. Seeing herself in the mirror brought out a her pout face.
Cagalli laughed so hard she snorted.
"That's enough, I'm taking this off."
"No, don't. It's just that you look so adorable," Cagalli apologized. "It's no wonder Kira fell for you so quickly."
"It was quick?" Lacus was puzzled. Is he using me as a rebound? No, Kira's not like that.
"Well, yeah. Don't you think?"
"I thought it was just right. I have been drawn to him for some time," Lacus sighed. "But I really fell for him at Mendel Colony."
"You know, I think that's when he probably started to fall for you too." Cagalli shook her head, "It's just too bad that Fllay girl got in the way."
"At least she redeemed herself in the end." Lacus was a bit sad about it, but she would endure. A part of him still loved Fllay. She would just have to share, hoping that she got the greater part.
"How so?"
"Never mind. Ask Kira about it sometime." Lacus checked out her newfound accessories and a few oddities for Kira. "Let's get on to the food, shall we?"
Grocery shopping was uneventful. The girls talked about all sorts of things, like how their knights in shining armor were treating them or their plans to settle down. Both were imagining the fairytale endings they so desperately wanted for themselves.
On the way back however, there was a bit of a problem.
Two
"Let's stop at this restaurant," Asuka suggested.
"What? Are you tired?" Yzak was losing patience. But that was normal when he was being kept in the dark about something.
"Yes. And I am hungry. And we have some time to kill before meeting Mr. Albert." Actually, that was just a name she made up for the sake of eavesdroppers.
"Fine."
The restaurant was little more than a bar, but at least it was well kept. It was hard to believe that this whole town was burned to the ground just a few short months ago. Some places, such as this restaurant, showed little signs of such battle scars.
"What would you like?" The waiter was kind and eager to be of service. Customers were apparently rare. Tourists even more so.
"Whatever seems popular." Asuka was polite, as always. As the waiter scurried away to bring drinks and send their order to the kitchen, she asked "Tell me how you've been."
"I don't even know you and you're already trying to catch up on old times." Yzak shook his head, but not quite in disgust. Is this girl growing on me?
The waiter brought them their drinks. Both ordered beer to start and water for their meal.
"It is true that you do not remember me, but I remember you well." Asuka took a long pull from the bottle. "A number of years have passed since we actually saw each other in person, but your mother went on and on about her son the war hero."
"That must be another hint," Yzak sighed. I'm never going to figure out who the hell she is.
"There's no need to hurry, Yzak. You will have plenty of time." She took another long pull. "At least, I hope we have the time."
"That serious, huh?" It was now his turn to take a long drink. Not to be outdone by a woman, he took down over half the bottle on his first swig. "I kind of figured from mother's message."
"I wouldn't have come if it wasn't."
Dinner was accompanied by soft music and pleasant conversation. Not once did either let their guards down, either against their surroundings or each other. But they did share a number of war stories. Asuka let Yzak in on all the embarrassing stories and pictures his mother had shown her. Yzak was quite displeased to find out that many of those photos had made their way into her possession.
Asuka was thrilled with the harrowing stories of the adventures of the le Creuset Team. Though the name of le Creuset was quickly becoming synonymous with traitor, there was no denying his early contributions to the war effort. He had earned his status as a war hero despite his betrayal in leaking information to Murata Azriel, leader of Blue Cosmos.
As the busboy came to clear the dishes from the table, Yzak had just finished a touching tale of how he came to fight with the Triple Ships Alliance at Jachine Diue.
"Amazing. So, you were personally involved in keeping the nukes from hitting the PLANTs?"
"Yes, though I must admit I was a relatively minor player." Starting on his after dinner drink, he told her "I only took out a few of the missiles. My most important contributions were in destroying two of the three escorts and saving some of our comrades." He was being unusually modest.
"Ah, yes. Those prototype Earth Forces suits that were giving us so much trouble. You took out two of them?"
"Yes."
"How did you do it?"
Yzak was blunt. "They made me very angry."
Asuka checked her watch. "It's time we were on our way."
Three
"Those look heavy. Would you like me to lend a hand?" The large man gave the girls a toothy grin.
"No thank you. We will be just fine," Lacus tried to politely dismiss him.
"Oh, that's not very nice. We only want to help." The man had come with four friends, who the girls were just now noticing. The walking grin had managed to stop them in front of the entrance to a blind alley, which the girls were also just now noticing.
"She said buzz off," Cagalli lowered her bags to the sidewalk. Relaxing her muscles, she was getting ready for a fight. Athrun, where are you when I need you?
The first man said, "Come on, Pinky. What do you say to you and me having some fun?"
It took all her self control to keep from crying. Feeling sick in the pit of her stomach, Lacus knew exactly what the five men were after. Kira!
A second one, "Yeah, let's all have some fun." The five assailants were closing in, leaving no place to go but the alley.
Help me, Kira!
In a flash, Cagalli whirled around with her knife drawn. "No way you're touching me without a fight!"
She managed to land a few nicks and scratches, but being outnumbered she was quickly subdued. Lacus soon followed, as she was frozen like a deer in headlights. The weight of their evil was suffocating her, crushing her.
Kira, where are you?
Pinning their arms behind them, there was no escape. In retaliation for her attack, the second smashed Cagalli's head against the wall until she was unconscious.
Lacus couldn't see what they had done to Cagalli. All she heard was their evil laughter and a body slump to the ground. Both of them were about to be violated, then brutally murdered.
The first grabbed Lacus by the shirt, slamming her back against the wall. "Oh, yeah. You and me are going to have lots of fun, Pinky."
Her beautiful violet shirt that matched Kira's eyes was beginning to rip at the shoulder.
KIRA!
Four
"Athrun!"
No sooner had the name left his mouth than he was out the door. He moved so fast that the others didn't even see him get up out of the chair.
"Wait Kira! What is it?"
Kira didn't hear the question. All he heard were screams in his mind. God, I hope I'm not too late.
He had been given two knives by Yzak. Flicking out the blades on both, he palmed them so their gleam would not be seen as he dashed through the streets. She was only a couple of blocks away, but every second mattered. She was frightened. Terrified.
And he was terrified that he would be late.
Rounding the corner, he let out a ferocious cry. "Raaaaah!"
He was so fast, no one saw him coming. The first to fall was the man pressing Lacus against the wall. Kira cut at the hand that held her. The second was someone about to take advantage of the unconscious Cagalli. The others turned to run, but they were also sliced to bloody pulps.
They all died before they even had a chance to scream.
Covered in the blood of others, Kira dropped the knives and sank to his knees. Cagalli was still unconscious, but fine. Lacus had nearly lost her shirt, but she was unharmed.
Kira vomited at the sight of what he had just done.
Acting on instinct, he sliced his way through the melee. His first victim's severed hand was still clinging to Lacus's torn shirt, weighing it down just enough to reveal her bra. Her eyes were wide with horror, tears streaming down her face.
This was the scene Athrun came upon as he rounded the corner. "My God."
Chapter 8
"My God, Kira. What happened?" Athrun's questions fell on deaf ears.
With grim determination Kira finished the job of ripping off Lacus's shirt, offering his own as a replacement. She couldn't walk home with a man's severed hand hanging from her tattered clothing.
"We must get out of here, Athrun. This is no time for questions." The situation over, Lacus regained her composure quickly. Though it was soaked with blood, she gladdy accepted Kira's shirt.
Athrun carried Cagalli while Kira and Lacus carried the bags. Being late in the day, few were on the streets. It was easy to make it back to their apartment complex without notice or further incident.
Kira immediately went to his room, saying he didn't want dinner tonight. Lacus soon followed after getting her things and a few snacks for herself and Kira.
Athrun took Cagalli to their room, where Dearka and Miriallia were waiting for them. Cagalli didn't have a concussion, luckily, and awoke soon after their return. Athrun treated the cut on her forehead, as well as the scrape on her right cheek from when she slid down the wall to the street.
It would be up to Dearka and Miriallia to cook whatever they could on their own, and somewhere else.
"Athrun?" Cagalli was crying, shaking with the memory of what almost happened to her.
"It's okay, sweetie. I'm here." He was sitting by her side on the bed when she came to.
"What happened? Did they . . ." She was confused and hurt. She felt dirty. Soiled. Used.
"No. Kira got there in time." Athrun wiped the tears from her face. "Nothing happened to you or Lacus."
Sitting up, Cagalli began to weep with her face buried in his chest. "I swear to God, if you so much as go further than ten feet from me again, you are fired."
Wrapping his arms around her, he responded "You have my word. No more than ten feet."
After crying a few moments, she looked up to ask "Where is Lacus?"
"She followed Kira to their room shortly after we arrived." Athrun avoided her gaze.
Cagalli noticed. "What's wrong?"
"Something's . . . I think something's wrong with Kira." Athrun shook his head. "He hacked those guys to pieces."
"That doesn't sound like Kira at all." Cagalli returned her face to Athrun's chest. "Even if they did deserve it."
"Yeah. But I never thought I'd see Kira do something like that." Even a battle hardened soldier such as himself would shudder at that sight.
Two
Lacus's first order of business was to shower. Perhaps she thought that enough sweet soap could help her wash away the memory of what about happened to her. And then there was Kira. He was extremely distraught at what he had just done, but was it his fault?
"Kira?" Forgetting her modesty, she came out in only her bath towel.
"I'm here." He was curled up on the floor at the foot of the bed. "Is it my turn?"
"Yes. I'll be right here when you get out." She kissed his cheek as he got up.
Kira scrubbed hard to remove the blood. As hard as he tried, he couldn't wash it all away.
I'm a monster, he thought.
"No, Kira."
Monster.
"No, Kira."
He looked up to see Lacus, now in pajamas. Not her usual t-shirt and panties, but full pajamas. Like she wanted to cover all of her skin from prying eyes.
"Kira, you're not a monster." She cut off the water and helped him out of the shower. "Now, look at this," she sighed.
Lacus began treating his self inflicted wounds. In trying to wash away the blood, he only added to it by scratching himself. His forearms and chest had deep scrapes.
"This will sting."
As she dabbed rubbing alcohol to disinfect and healing salve to reduce potential scaring, Kira didn't notice the pain. He was totally numb.
"Kira?"
"Hmm?" He forgot she was even there.
"You might want to put something on now." Lacus blushed that perfect shade of pink.
"Yeah. Sorry." Like a zombie, he began putting his clothes back on.
"No, Kira. Your pajamas."
"Right." He tried it again, this time getting it right.
"Kira, you are not a monster. You were only reacting to my pain and fear. If anyone is to be blamed, it should be me." She buried her face in his chest in apology.
Her hug brought him back to the present. "No. There is no one to blame but them."
"Come to bed," she requested.
"No, I think you should sleep alone tonight."
"I won't sleep well without you, and you may not sleep at all." Lacus began to cry.
"I'll be right here, sleeping against the side of the bed." Kira kissed her forehead.
At first she shuddered, uncomfortable being touched by a man so soon after attempted rape. After a second she relaxed the way he had always relaxed at her touch. Now she understood why Kira didn't want to stay by her side. He knew that at least subconsciously she would be uncomfortable.
Lacus gave her man a hug. "As long as you promise to get some sleep."
"I will." Kira tucked her in before taking his position. He sat in the floor, leaning against the foot of the bed.
Kira kept his promise. He slept well.
Fllay?
He was floating in the stars again. The night sky was a soft blue, with hints of violet in patches. It was all so surreal, but she was here. With him. Again.
"Yes, Kira. I'm here." She greeted him with a smile.
I miss you, Fllay.
"I'm always here with you, whenever you want to talk. Watching over you, protecting you, and cheering you on."
Did you give me this gift?
She shook her head. "You had it all along, Kira. I'm just glad I could help you discover it. It gave me the chance to say what I've wanted to for so very long."
What is it?
"It's an awareness of time and space that few will ever know. It will help you to understand the essence of those you love, and those you hate."
I always loved you, Fllay.
"But now you love another."
Are you angry with me?
"No, Kira. I'm happy for you. Lacus has the gift too. You two will be happy together, and I will watch over you."
Thanks Fllay.
"We will see each other again one day. You, me, and Lacus too. There will be so much to discuss."
The ethereal figure embraced him, giving him a kiss. She disappeared in a shower of light as their tongues touched.
"I love you, Kira Yamato." Her voice echoed, even in her absence.
Speaking with Fllay wasn't the reason Kira slept so well; at least, it was not the only reason. Kira awoke at daylight to find Lacus curled up next to him in the floor. Perhaps neither would ever be able to sleep well away from the other again.
Lacus looked up at him to say "I love you, Kira Yamato."
Three
"Thank you for a lovely evening." It was five in the morning. Both were very tired.
Yzak just sighed.
"Sorry there was no contact." Asuka hugged Yzak's arm in silent thanks for putting up with her for the evening. "I'll make it up to you some other time."
"If anyone asks, we were out on business. This was not a date. Got it?"
"Affirmative."
Yzak was at least gentleman enough to see Asuka to her door.
Opening the door, they found Dearka sleeping in the floor and Miriallia in the bed. Yzak poked Dearka with his foot.
"Hey, wake up man. Time to go," he whispered to his friend.
A bleary eyed Dearka rose to his feet, gingerly cradling his arm cast.
Once back in their room, Dearka asked "What were you guys doing out all night?"
Yzak retorted, "I could ask you what you were doing in Miriallia's room all night."
"We weren't doing anything," Dearka slumped into a chair.
"And neither were we, so let's just drop it." Yzak made some coffee for himself. Passing Dearka a cup, he asked "Anything else interesting happened while I was away?"
"Cagalli and Lacus were attacked."
"Really." Yzak lifted an eyebrow.
"Athrun and Kira arrived in time to kill their assailants, and they were all pretty shaken up about it. Miriallia didn't want to be alone, so that's why I was with her. Any news from Gibraltar?"
"None." Yzak put down the mug. "Have fun in your chair. The bed is mine."
He slept peacefully in his clothes until noon.
Four
"I cannot apologize enough for what happened, Cagalli." The chief bowed slightly. He had come to see her as soon as he heard what had transpired the night before. Word travels fast in Tassel.
"It's okay, but I think we had better move on to the next town." Cagalli hugged the village chieftan. "We should get out of here for a few days until things settle back down."
"We don't want any more trouble," Athrun commented. "If we could just borrow a few jeeps and a day's worth of supplies, we'll be on our way."
The chief nodded. "It shall be done. You may leave the vehicles in the nearby caves at whichever town you stop at. Members of the Desert Dawn will retrieve them eventually."
"Thank you for everything," Cagalli said. "Tell Kisaka we're fine if he tries to contact you."
"I will send word to you, if he wishes it." He parted, "May the blessings of Halmeah guide your journey."
Now it came time to pack their meager belongings. It was not hard or time consuming, as they were forced to travel light out of Orb to begin with. Each had a duffel bag with clothing and their preferred hygiene products. That was about it.
Lacus had Kira help her with her bag.
"What's this?" Kira pulled something out. The oblong bottle was in the way and needed to be moved around for more efficient use of space.
"That is something I bought for you. Too bad we won't have the chance to use it here." Lacus enjoyed seeing him turn bright red at the mere thought of it.
"Um, okay." He quickly put it back.
"There is nothing to be ashamed of. You will enjoy it as much as I." She gave her man a kiss on the cheek.
Cagalli knocked on the door. "Hey, what's taking you guys so long?"
"We just finished," Kira announced.
Their jeeps and supplies were waiting for them outside.
Yzak seemed to be the only one to remember, so he would have to be the one to ask Cagalli. "What about your jet?"
"It'll be fine here," she answered. "We can always come back for it later."
End Part Two
A/N
Again, thanks for reading and reviewing.
End A/N