Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY

The New Coordinate

Story:
AU of GSD. Xander Darklighter, a ZAFT ace pilot was thrown into a string of events that will test his skills, resolve, courage and determination. Which side will he choose to fight with? How will he deal with the events unfolding before him?

Notes:
ChibiRulz: LOL. You didn't see Shinn-Yvonne pairing? GSD ending sucked (totally) and I feel obligated to make it better for this one. Finally, there will be a sequel for this story.

NukeDawg: I'll be looking forward to it.

Blader Takao (Shinigami Keitaro): Glad you enjoy the story. Hope you'll be there for the sequel.

GodNo127: Do you mean an amazing end to an amazing story:P

The sequel's working title is Gundam SEED FUTURE. I might change it if I get a better name for it.

I don't own GSD, their characters or anything else aside from Xander Darklighter, Claire Whitestar, Yvonne Norman and Crystal Blue.

Epilogue: The New Coordinate

It has been seven months since the destruction of Messiah. Both Earth and PLANT were thrown into disarray because there were no leader to replace Copeland and Gilbert Dullindal. However, both sides made a temporary council to hold things together until a new leader is selected and promised to sign a peace treaty when everything is in order once again. The war and Destiny Plan had really give a thought on the future of humanity and what they will hold. It will take a long time to recover but they will strive towards the future but never forget those who perished during the war.

Orb

With her maid Mary Ann, Christina was looking at Lunamaria in full wedding gown. She then turned to Lacus and both nodded.

"You're so beautiful, Lunamaria." Lacus commented.

"I couldn't agree more. My son will surely like it." Christina added.

Lunamaria blushed. "Oh, stop that. It is all thanks to you, Aunt Christina."

"I think you can stop calling me that."

Lunamaria smiled at her. "Thank you...mother."

"Come, I'll fix your hair." Lacus said as Lunamaria sat down. Lacus gently stroked her hair. "You've grown your hair all this while. It's pretty."

"Umm...that's because Xan prefers long hair..."

"Maria, today is your big day. But you doesn't sound happy." Christina remarked.

Lunamaria shook. "I'm happy for this day. It's just that I'm..."

"Nervous?" Lacus finished her sentence. A while later, Yvonne, Murrue and Meyrin entered.

"Do I hear someone is nervous?" Murrue asked.

Xander got out of the room wearing a full set of white tuxedo. He jerked his head then tried to fixed the pants. Kira and Athrun looked at him closely and nodded in approval.

"Ugh. How in the world you and Mwu can bear in this kind of suit, Kira?" he moaned.

"It's not comfortable?" Athrun asked.

"I don't really like tight suits and this one is no exception. Wish the pants is a little loose. Things are a little tight down the crotch."

"Bear with it, Xander. If Sir Mwu and I can bear it, I'm sure you can too." Kira said.

"Yeah, yeah."

Then, Mwu opened the door. "Hurry up, Mr. Bridegroom sir. It gonna start soon."

Xander took a small band and tied up his hair. "Gimme a minute, Mwu."

The chapel was already full by the time Xander made his way in. Most of those who were invited were his friends like Cagalli, Miriallia, Erica, Andrew, Dearka, Yzak, (and his Voltaire crew), Shinn, Lowe and the crew of Archangel and Minerva. The orphans from the orphanage were also there. Jess too, came over to snap pictures upon Xander's request. Moments later, Christina, Lacus, Murrue, Mary Ann and Meyrin entered and took their seat.

Followed by his best man, Athrun, Xander made his way towards Father Malchio who was waiting in front.

"Father, let's finish this ASAP." he whispered. The priest smiled.

Moments later, the wedding music was played and Xander turned to see Lunamaria in her white wedding gown. She looked stunning in that gown with her now long hair was done neatly by Lacus. Following her was Yvonne in a similar but less frill outfit. Yvonne glanced at Shinn who was staring at her and winked. He blushed.

Lunamaria finally stood beside Xander in front of the smiling Malchio.

"You're beautiful. I'm beyond words to describe it..." Xander remarked.

Blushing, Lunamaria said, "You're not bad yourself, you know..."

"Let's begin." he said and both of them nodded.

"We are here to witness the union of a man and a woman. Almost a year ago, they barely knew each other but because of the last war, they knew each other and through many hardships, they survived and here they are before us. This proves that war not only brings tragedies, but it also brings happiness. And this couple is a prove to that."

Xander grinned. "Nicely thought, Father." he said silently.

Malchio turned to Xander. "Xander Darklighter. Will you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"There is nothing to be said other than I do." he replied.

Malchio turned to Lunamaria. "Lunamaria Hawke. Will you take this man as your lawfully wedded husband?"

Tears ran down her cheeks as Lunamaria said, "I do."

Malchio nods to Xander and the groom took the bride's hand and slipped a wedding ring into her ring finger. Lunamaria looked at in surprise. It was Claire's engagement ring.

"Xan..."

Xander nods and smiled. "It's alright, Maria. I'm sure Claire wants you to wear it."

Malchio patted Xander on the shoulder. "You may now kiss the bride."

Xander then leaned in at Lunamaria and the two kissed. The audience then clapped in approval.

The crowd were cheering as the newly weds got out of the chapel. Lunamaria then threw the flower bouquet at a group of unmarried females and it fell unintentionally in Cagalli's hands. Xander and Lunamaria looked at each other. The other's blinked. Xander then turned to Athrun.

"I guess we know who's next in line..."

Athrun coughed to hide his embarrassment while Cagalli smiled with her face turned beet red. The others laughed.

Outside the chapel, the guests were having a feast prepared by Christina. It was such a warm and cheerful sight to see everyone from different sides of war get together and have fun. Athrun, Kira, Shinn, Lowe, Dearka and Yzak in one group. Erica, Aves and Murdoch were having a talk which attracted many. They were probably talking about mobile suits. Lacus, Cagalli, Miriallia, Meyrin, Yvonne and Shiho Hahnenfuss (Yzak's Voltaire crew member) were busy embarassing the Chief Representative to no end. And Andrew was sitting alone at the end of the table, drinking his own mixture of coffee while Jess was busy taking photos.

"Take care good care of my son now, Maria. He's yours from now on." Christina said to Lunamaria, holding her hands. "If he ever being mean to you, just say a word and I'll straighten him up." she added.

Lunamaria grinned. "I will, mother."

"Mom, don't you start influencing her now..." Xander said.

"Son, I was just giving her advice." Christina retorted.

Xander was about to reply when a boy tugged him from behind. He turned around to see Taylor, the son of the late Talia Gladys. He then kneeled down.

"Yeah?"

Taylor opened his palm as if he was expecting something. Xander raised his brow.

"Something you want, Taylor?"

"The newly weds should spare little kids some money." he replied, smiling.

"Oh, really. Who said that?"

"Uncle Mwu."

Xander glared at Mwu who was waving at him beside his wife, Murrue. He grudgingly pulled out his wallet and took out a few notes and handed them to Taylor.

"Here you go. Just don't tell this to anyone, okay?"

The eight year old boy happily nods. "Sure! It's a secret!"

He then turned around and ran towards Mwu and Murrue. Xander winced when Mwu winked at him.

(You are soooo gonna get it, Mwu.)

Lunamaria, Christina and Mary Ann laughed after watching the scene.

Xander approached his former mentor. "Andrew."

The former Desert Tiger turned to him. "Coffee?"

"Sure thing."

Andrew poured some coffee into an empty cup and handed it to Xander.

"Thanks, teach. It's been a long time since I drink this coffee."

"I remember when you first taste it. You spitted the moment you sip it."

"Yeah. Claire then kicked the hell out of me but Aisha was forgiving about it."

"Yeah. I wish she is here to see you now. I'm sure she'll be proud of you."

"I hope so..."

After spending some time with Andrew, Xander joined Athrun, Kira, Shinn, Dearka and Yzak.

"Hey, look. It's the man of the day." Dearka said.

"Congratulations, Darklighter." Yzak said, reluctantly.

Xander grinned. "Thanks, Jule. I'll be sure to give you a present when you and Hahnenfuss ever get hitched."

Yzak turned red and turned away from him. "Me and Shiho...I mean, Hahnenfuss have nothing between us..."

"Riiight..." Athrun snickered.

"Athrun, you're the next one, remember?" Dearka reminded his friend and the others laughed.

"Just...shut it, you guys..." Athrun replied as he glanced at Cagalli.

"Say Xander, you're gonna join Morgenroete, right?" Lowe asked to change the subject.

"Hah. Erica told you, huh? I might. I don't think I'm qualified for any non-military job anyway."

"Great! Maybe you and I can work together to make a powerful mobile suit."

"You're so into that, aren't you?" Kira chipped in.

"Hey, hey. I don't think I can do any other stuff other than mobile suit engineering." Lowe shot back, defending himself.

Xander noticed Dearka was looking at Miriallia for some time and decided to tease him.

"Hm? Want another shot at her?"

Dearka scratched his head in embarassment. "Ah, guess so. I was dumped because of my commitments with ZAFT. Now I'm planning to quit and I'll try to woo her again."

"Well, good luck, my friend."

"So, where are you going for honeymoon?" Kira asked Xander.

"Umm...eh, I haven't think about that. Yet."

"You haven't?" Shinn asked again.

"I'll be sure to ask Maria about it, kid."

"I'm not a kid." Shinn said, sulkily.

"Sure, sure." Xander then put his hand on his shoulder. Then, he glanced at Yvonne. "Bet you're pretty mature now since you're dating a woman four years older than you."

Shinn blushed and nods. "Yvonne taught me a lot since the war ended. Now I think I'm able to make a proper judgment and assessment."

"Good for you. But please get her off my back ASAP. I don't want her to keep hunting me down for a mobile suit duel."

Xander could feel a sharp, cold presence behind him. "I heard that, Darklighter." Yvonne said in a monotonic voice.

"Erh...Yvonne..."

Everyone in the group laughed as Yvonne berated Xander and pushed him for a duel.

Mwu and Murrue were looking at the vast ocean with Taylor playing with the children from the orphanage.

"I can't believe it." Mwu said.

Puzzled, Murrue asked. "Believe what?"

"Three weddings in seven months."

Murrue chuckled. "I think there will be more for us to attend..."

"Guess so. Hey, are you serious about taking Taylor as our son?"

"Do you see how the boy get along so well with us and everyone else? And I still think Captain Gladys as my friend though we're not close."

"But he keep calling us 'Uncle' and 'Aunt'. It will be hard for him to call us his parents."

"We can deal with that. By the way, I have good news for you."

"Yeah? Anything that will make me go berserk?"

"I'm pregnant." she whispered.

Mwu blinked his eyes for a few moments. "What?"

"I'm pregnant. Two months."

Mwu held her by the shoulders. "Please tell me you're joking. You're JOKING, right?"

"No, I'm not."

Mwu shivered for a moment before he screamed in delight. "YA-HOOO! I'm gonna be a father!"

Kira and Lacus looked at Mwu's reaction and smiled.

"He sure looks happy." Kira stated.

Lacus held his hand and leaned at his shoulder. "Kira, when will we have our overdue honeymoon?"

"Eh, that's...I..."

"Don't tell me you haven't give it a thought."

"That's not it...but..."

"I don't want to hear anymore excuses. I'll decide where will we go."

Kira sighed in resignation. "Alright, alright..."

Cagalli was sitting alone with the flower bouquet still in her hands until Athrun sat beside her.

"You're planning on keeping that?"

"I can't?"

"That's...not what I mean..."

Cagalli chuckled. Athrun raised eyebrows. "What's so funny?"

"It's been a while since the last time we talked like this."

"Ah, it's okay. I understand your job after all. But you should really start taking a vacation. You look tired."

Cagalli smiled and then touched his hand. "I will. Starting tomorrow. Let's go to some place nice together."

"Eh? But..."

"It's alright. Kisaka will manage things while I'm gone."

Athrun was lost for words but when he looked at the ring attached to her, he smiled.

"I guess it's okay then..."

Miriallia was talking to Jess when Dearka approached his ex. Jess turned to him and extended his right hand. "Jess Rabble. Freelance photographer."

Dearka nods and returned the gesture. "I've heard of you. Your battle against Testament Gundam is well known among the ZAFT recruits."

"Ah, that's nothing compared to what you did at Jachin Due. Besides, I've got some help."

"So am I."

Then, there's a moment of tension as Miriallia stared at Dearka for a while. Jess decided to withdraw from being a possible victim.

"If there's anything, I'll be with Lowe."

Jess hurriedly left, leaving both of the alone. Dearka glanced at Jess.

"Friendly guy, I might say."

"What do you want, Elthmann?"

"Now, now. I'm just being polite here. The least you can do is stop sulking."

"Hmph. Fine then."

Dearka sighed. "Please listen to what I'm gonna say."

No response from Miriallia but Dearka decided to continue.

"I know I'm being a jerk and spend my time as a soldier more than I am with you. But now I'm officially no longer a soldier and I would like to have another chance with you. If you want it, anyway..."

Miriallia crossed her arms and took a closer look at him. "Are you sure about leaving ZAFT? What will your father say?"

"Don't worry. I'll handle him."

After some consideration, Miriallia nods. "Alright. I suppose I can give you another chance. But you have to impress me from scratch again. Are you up for it?"

Dearka did a military salute. "Yes ma'am! I'll try my best!"

Yzak was leaving the area when Shiho called him.

"Commander, are you leaving?"

Without looking, Yzak replied, "There's no point for me to be here any longer. Tell the others that they'll be having a week off from duty from today."

"Umm...sir, they already know about it."

Yzak grinned. "Hm. I know that."

"Can I accompany you back to PLANT? If you don't mind..."

"Just do as you wish...Shiho."

With that, Yzak left followed by her.

Shinn and Yvonne were discussing about their future plans now that everything was finally settled.

"What will you do now, boy?" Yvonne asked, teasing her younger boyfriend.

"I'm not sure. Maybe I should go on a journey. To boarden my horizon."

Yvonne wrapped her arms around his waist, smiling. "Good idea. I'll guide you along, Shinn."

"Eh? I thought you're going back to Earth Alliance..."

Yvonne shook before Shinn could finish. "I think my military days are over. I have to think of my future, our future. I'm not getting any younger, you know."

Shinn smirked. "Can you tell me why I'm stuck with an old woman like you?"

Yvonne pulled him closer. "In my past life, I was an old witch, you know."

"Ah, that's how you...seduce me?"

Yvonne laughed and kissed him. "Maybe, who knows?"

Shinn wrapped her arms around her, kissing her back. "I'm glad then..."

Xander and Lunamaria were about to leave the area when the bride noticed that they were approaching a cliff that was overwatching the sea.

"Xan, I think we went the wrong way..."

Xander shook. "No. We're on our way outta here. We're not going by road, of course."

"You don't mean..."

Xander whistled loudly before she could finish. Moments later, a silver white mobile suit came in from the sky and positioned itself slowly near the cliff. The mobile suit was the rebuilt Atonement Gundam in new Phase Shift color. The cockpit hatch opened automatically as they approached it. Lunamaria turned to her husband.

"You sure know how to make a grand exit."

Xander picked her up and carried her in his arms. "That's why you love me, right?"

"Correction. That's one of the reasons."

Xander smiled as the couple went inside the unit. "Alright, buddy. We're leaving."

With that, Atonement Gundam turned around and left the surprised crowd in awe. Christina managed a smile. "Take care, my son. Your father is surely proud of you now..."

Xander was approaching Orb territorial borders when he detected a few mobile suits following him. He smiled when he recognized all of them. They were Strike Freedom, Infinite Justice, Akatsuki, the newly rebuilt Destiny, Astray Red and Out Frame, and the Duel and Buster Gundams.

"Guys, I don't need escorts." Xander said.

"This is Lacus' idea, Xander. Don't blame us." Kira replied.

"It's not like we have a choice anyway." Athrun added.

"Kid, I am in such a good mood right now that I just can't turn the princess' request." Mwu said.

"Yvonne gonna strangle me if I don't join in." Shinn stated. Everyone laughed.

"Xander, I'm here for the fun of it." Lowe said as he pulled his katana.

"Xan my man. I'm here for the pictures." Jess voiced out as he pulled out his gun camera.

"Dearka, damn you for dragging me into this!" Yzak yelled.

"Hey, hey. Our friend just got married here. This is the least we can do for him." Dearka replied.

"Yeah, whatever!"

Xander scratched his head as Lunamaria kissed him on the cheek. "It's alright, Xan." Xander smiled back at her. "Fine, fine. Do what you guys want."

With that, Strike Freedom and Akatsuki unleashed their DRAGOON laser beams to form a laser light like show in the sky. Destiny and Buster fired a few rounds from their rifles as the red and green complement nicely. The Infinite Justice did some quick maneuvers around the laser beams without being hit. The Astray Red Frame then did numerous quick slashes at the beam shots as if the lasers were 'cut' from their path. Duel fired a few missle shots towards the lasers to create the explosions while the Our Frame took the picture of the beautiful sight from various angles.

Xander watched the sight in awe as a light washed over him. When he opened his eyes, he could see Claire and Rina standing in front of him.

"Claire, Rina..."

"Xan, we're here to say goodbye."

Rina nods. "Xander, it's been fun being with you all this time."

"Xan, you have done enough to atone yourself. It's time for you to live happily from now on..."

Rina waved at him as she and Claire faded away. "Goodbye, Xander! We'll be waiting for you there!"

"Remember, Xan. You have been...forgiven..."

They finally vanished. Xander smiled. "Goodbye Claire. Goodbye Rina..."

Suddenly, a voice broke his thoughts. "Xan?"

Xander turned to his wife, smiling. "Maria, I'm done with redemption."

"Eh?"

"From now, this is known as Forgiven Gundam! Hold on tight!"

He then pushed Forgiven Gundam further, finally leaving Orb as it reached for the clear sky. Both of them screamed in ecstasy.

"WOOO-HOOO!"

Xander suddenly remembered something and turned to Lunamaria.

"Saay, where do you wanna go for honeymoon?"

Mobile Suit Gundam SEED DESTINY
The New Coordinate
-END-

I can pull the moebius ring towards me
So many meetings are repeated
Beyond the time
More than hope, more than ideals, more than aspirations
I was only able to believe in you
Fleetingly, violently, without falsehood
I won't avert my gaze

You can change your destiny
Beyond the time
You can can change your future
Beyond the darkness
We can share the happiness
That we've been looking for
That day when we fell in love

Beyond the Time (transliterated) by TM Network

Credits and such

It's been two months plus since this story was published. I was never a SEED fan (and probably never will) but the Cosmic Era setting have so much promises to be a success no thanx to that Mr. Flashback Fukuda guy.

At first, I just wanna write an AU story WITHOUT any OC but I feared that I might screw up the plot, characters' personalities, characterization, etc. That's where Xander Darklighter came in. As some of you Star Wars nut might know, I got the name Darklighter from one of its novels from the New Jedi Order series. Xander was just some random name I took from Alexander. From there, Xander and Darklighter just clicked together to be a nice name for a hero. Xander Darklighter-XD. Get it? XD

I never thought anyone would bother to read a fanfic with an OC as the hero. Besides, everyone will always thinks that either Kira, Athrun or to a certain extent, Shinn to be the main man in every fanfics. Seriously, I'm expecting the review/comment count to be just around 30. But Solid Shark and NukeDawg proved my theory wrong with their own rendition of SEED/DESTINY.

I wanna thank RVD, ChibiRulz YanLan, Blader Takao (Shinigami Keitaro), GodNo127 and NukeDawg for the constant reviews/comments. I always appreciate them. A LOT. Your comments/reviews here will be replied in the sequel's first chapter. As for other reviewers, thanx for taking a look at this story and do forgive me if it's just not your cup of tea.

Be on the lookout for the sequel soon and thank you once again. WOOO-HOOO!

White Shadow-Zero
November 18, 2005