Thanks to those who reviewed. I decided that this chapter might be a little slower since I'm busy and I might not be able to get in as much as I'd like to right now. I hope you like it. Please read and review.
Twisted-Chapter 4
The battle wore on and Auel fought tirelessly until the enemy began to retreat. Auel pulled back with the rest, seeing the Impulse slice through three suits at once with his sword before he too withdrew. He felt his body shaking slightly, from exhaustion or exhilaration he didn't know. LONE wasn't that powerful but they had the element of surprise, making casualties on both sides larger than necessary. All through the battle Auel didn't remember seeing their ship, or any vessel from where their launched their suits, which was odd considering how many they sent. Auel exited the cockpit, ignoring anyone who said something to him. He stripped off the suit, back into his blue off duty Zaft shirt and black pants, hurrying down the hall until he came to Stings room. Sting was awake, a bored look plastered to his face. As Auel entered, he turned his head slightly, smiling as he saw his friend.
Auel pulled up a stool beside his friend and immediately told him what he did. Sting looked at him like he was some kind of bragging kid but didn't say it. Auel went quiet in thought after telling Sting that no mother ship was sighted. Sting frowned but otherwise remained silent until the door slid open, Shinn standing there in full uniform.
"Auel Neider? You presence is required in the captains office." Shinn informed. Auel stared at him, not sure whether he wanted to go but Sting poked him, giving him a look that said he would be fine. Auel nodded and rose, walking over to Shinn who now was walking away from him. Auel left with a quick glance back at his lover who remains stuck in bed until his injuries were healed.
As he entered the office he felt the atmosphere change. Captain Gladys sat at her chair, now rising to her feet as Shinn saluted to her. She nodded and dismissed him. Once Auel and the captain were alone she smiled at him and bid him to sit in the chair opposite her desk. He sat, not saying a word, Captain Gladys seating herself with a sigh. "I would like to thank you in person for helping us out. You fought well and I know you are well trained."
"Yes. I'm also an Extended' so I'm better than a Natural, to an extent."
"Yes that too is true." She tapped the desk lightly, almost as if she didn't realize she was doing it. Her fingers stopped and her facial expression softened slightly. "I have an offer for you."
"…" He looked up, slightly startled.
"Would you join ZAFT and pilot the Abyss and fight for us?"
Auel stared silently, thinking it over briefly before smiling. "Gladly."
She smiled. "Good." She got up, moving over to a cabinet, opening the door and pulling out some sheets. "Please fill these out. And these are for your friend if he so wishes to join." Auel nodded, taking the sheets and leaving the room, saluting. He hurried back to Sting, putting the forms on the table beside the bed.
"You joined ZAFT?"
"Yes."
"I will too." Auel looked up, smiling at Sting.
"Anxious to battle again I suppose?"
"Yeah." He grinned devilishly, reaching to fill out the sheets with the pen Auel just got. "Might as well. That's really all we're good at, unless you trying to dance like Stellar counts."
"Hey!" Auel snapped, but shrugged it off lazily, pen scratching at the papers. Auel didn't feel like arguing as he use to. The anger he use to always feel was now just a speck with in him and he felt that he'd rather battle in a suit than with his tongue. He knew that the battle field was where he belonged; it was like a home when he wasn't by Stings' side. They belonged together. He felt this strange feeling inside his chest. A tight squeezing when the thought of Sting leaving him filled his head, his heart aching steadily in his chest. He didn't like the feeling and wished that it would just disappear like the way Stellar and Neo did. He didn't want to see them again or feel that squeezing inside him. It frustrated him beyond understanding and he felt like hurting someone but lately that feeling had been fueled with all the dangers he's faced and what Sting had been put through.
Sting waved the papers in front of his face bringing him out of his revere. "God you're a spacey. What the hell is wrong?"
"Nothing." Auel snapped back, filling out the last question on the form.
"Whatever then…" Sting sighed, pushing the papers back into Auels open hand. When he returned to her office he gave the sheets to her. She told him where his new room was and that once Sting was better he would share. Auel went to the room, entering into the new space that was now his. On the bed was a ZAFT uniform, nicely folded. As he was already wearing the off duty shirt he pulled off his pants and pulled on the blue shorts.
He yawned, realizing the time and that the sun was practically set. He slumped onto the mattress, yanking the sheets away from him and to the end of the bed. He never liked sleeping with them since he didn't when he was with the Earth Alliance Forces. Honestly, he liked his pod better. It was more comfortable and softer, with a light glowing that put him to sleep, although he now knew that it erased his memory. He suddenly sat up, realizing he'd need to take the drug so his body wouldn't have any problems, finally noticing the knocking on the door. "Y...Yes?"
"Mr. Neider we have your medication for you."
"Come in then." He almost snapped. If it was going to be brought to him they might as well not ask for entry. He'd have to let them in, he needed to. A woman entered, holding a tray that held some of the liquid medication that was to be put in the needle and injected into his blood line. She placed it down and backed up, waiting for him to do it as she seemed nervous and unsure of him and the drug. Auel grinned at her and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. He took the needle and drug, making sure that a fair amount of the liquid was put into the needle before he injected it into himself. He waited till the needle was empty before he took the point out of his skin, replacing it back on the tray and laying back down. The woman hastily grabbed the tray and left, not another word spoken. He laughed lightly at her foolishness. He was ZAFT now and she'd have to get use to an Extended' living and working here, taking drug to keep him alive and healthy.
He figured Sting could do it to himself too, since he was also healing fast. Somehow ZAFT had managed to alter their medications for them, since the usual stuff wouldn't really do much in their systems because they were different and their bodies needed a stronger drug mixed in. Auel was beginning to get use to life again since he was back in the action, with ZAFT and he would never be satisfied until the Earth Forces were defeated. He knew Sting was the same. They both shared these feelings of hatred together. But Sting wasn't all too happy being stuck in that bed and would jump at the chance to get out of it.
Auel slept on his stomach like he usually did, hands resting just above his head, legs slightly spread, body completely relaxed. It took him longer than usual to fall into slumber but when he did he slept in an easy, simple dream of Sting fighting by his side in a final battle.
Athrun awoke to a softly snoring Kira, snuggled close against his side, Kiras' hand resting at his crutch. Athrun blushed lightly, pushing the hand to his hip. Kira murmured something against his neck throwing a leg across his. Athrun chuckled as Kira slept, watching his soft features, scrunching up the suddenly relaxing into a gentle grin, tongue flickering across his pink lips.
Athrun slipped out from under Kira, almost knocking him off the bed. Kira only murmured something again before cuddling with the pillow, nipping at the edge. Athrun smiled at him before he grabbed his new uniform, pushing out the wrinkles then going to have a shower.
When he was leaving the shower room he found Kira also in the room, rinsing down. Kira smiled over the door that hid most of his body before he turned back, scrubbing at his soapy hair. In the hall Athrun met Murrue Ramius. She greeted him with a sad smile.
"I'm sorry about what you went through, and about Cagalli. I heard that you knew what happened to her."
"Yes. Someone the Minerva picked, actually from two people they picked up, had killed her with out knowing it was her since she was attacking them and trying to kill them."
"Cagalli would never..."
"I know! She was being controlled they said. When the Earth Alliance searched her they found a tracer in her and chemicals in her body that altered her. She did none of it on her own. I'm sad she's gone but she wouldn't want us moping around like this. She'd want us to return ORB to its original glory as a Nation and do our best to stop the EA and ZAFT."
"Yes." Murrue nodded, smiling warmly at Athrun who gave her a reassuring smile back. He went to the Cafeteria where he had breakfast, joined by Kira and Miriallia. They talked about random things, avoiding the subject in which he had just talked to Murrue about. Lacus eventually joined them, kissing both Kira and Athrun on the foreheads before grabbing some breakfast for herself. She seated herself beside Miriallia opposite Kira and Athrun, smiling at the two, a knowing look upon her face. Athrun saw Kira blush and immediately knew that Lacus knew what Kira and he did. Athrun felt his cheeks heat up with blushed but allowed his hair to fall forward to conceal the blush. The girls giggled and Kira took Athruns hand, guiding him to another table, making the girls burst out laughing.
"Kira!"
"Yes?" He said innocently as he seated himself down once he managed to get Athrun to sit.
"You're only proving them right."
"That we're a couple?"
"Yes…Huh? What?"
"We aren't…?"
"No…We are. It just kind of caught me by surprise hearing it like that."
"Oh…" Kira laughed, hugging Athrun. "You're so cute when you blush!"
Athrun smiled, thinking Kira looked even better with blush, especially last night. Athruns face grew hotter then and he immediately looked away, drinking the rest of his juice to hide his embarrassment. Kira was still laughing, therefore choked when he tried to take a bight of his egg sandwich. Athrun waited for Kira to dislodge the piece which took about 5 seconds, coughing. Athrun patted Kiras' back and took their empty plates to be cleaned. When he returned Kira was already getting up to leave. They linked arms and left. In the hall they saw Birdie swoop down towards them, landing on Athruns' outstretched hand.
Athrun sighed, looking out the small window to their right, seeing the clear blue water in which the ship was under. "Athrun?" Kira spoke practically into the blue haired boys' ear.
"Hmm? Sorry. Just thinking."
"Couldn't tell. You might want to stop. You'll hurt yourself."
Athruns' head shot around to glare at Kira but Kira was already gone, running down the hall.
"Hey!" Athrun shot after him, Birdie taking flight and following, chirping happily.
Auel awoke to the rapping on his door. "What? Who is it?" He said groggily.
"Auel, open the door." Auel got up slowly, sliding over to the door and opening it so sting could enter. He practically collapsed into his arms.
"What're you doing up!" Auel exclaimed as he helped Sting to the empty bed.
"I couldn't sleep so I came here."
"Damn it, you're retarded." He scowled as sting settled back into the soft pillow.
"No more than you." He ran his fingers across Auels' knee. "These beds are no where as near comfortable as our pods." He commented as he turned his gaze from the ceiling to Auel who glared at him, now more awake. Sting smiled warmly, a fake smile to cover the discomfort he was in. He shifted slightly with a grunt before he gave Auels' knee another gentle squeeze. "I just wanted to be here instead of there. Go back to your bed." Before Auel could argue Sting had already closed his eyes and his breathing became calm. He was asleep.
"You bastard. You fell asleep on me! I though you said you couldn't sleep!" Auel growled but got back into bed and slept as well. He awoke in the morning to more knocking. He cursed, muttering, "Why must everyone bother me?"
"Auel? Is Sting in there with you?"
"Yes, he is fine. Please let us sleep."
"He is supposed to be..."
"I know." Auel cut in, frustrated. "But he came here since he's not comfortable there. I'll bring him back when he's awake. Can I go back to sleep?" He said, glancing at the clock which read 4:23AM.
"Yes. Sorry to disturb you." A grunt came from behind the door but then he heard footsteps fading away and he relaxed back into his bed. When he woke up on his own, Sting was already awake, sitting up, looking much better than when he first came to his room. Auel got dressed into his uniform and brought Sting back to where he needed to be.
Auel then left to meet some more of the Minerva crew. He walked down the hall, staring down at his green uniform. Although he wasn't really permitted to pilot a Gundam he was good enough to be an elite but wasn't given that uniform since it wouldn't be fair to anyone else. He didn't care anyway. As long as he could pilot his Gundam, nothing else mattered to him. He just wanted to battle again and maybe after he got his revenge he would leave ZAFT with Sting and they could live in the woods in a medium sized cottage and do what they wanted there. They could fight, play, go dirt biking, have mobile suit combat in stimulations and still enjoy themselves outside the actual battle field. He didn't want to be under anyone's orders for long, he didn't want to be anyone's puppet or play thing.
He found a lounge where Shinn, Rey and some others were sitting, some playing cards in the corner, while others conversed in a deep chat, or like Shinn, dazing off into space. Rey glanced up and gave a short wave to Auel who nodded and walked over.
"I see you decided to join?"
"Yes, for now." Shinn looked up as Auel spoke, raising an eye brow.
"Are you really okay with fighting against your old allies? I mean, you saw people you care about die."
"I didn't really see anyone I care about die, merely acquaintances that controlled me or deceived me in some way. The only person I care about is on this ship."
"…" Shinns mouth gapped open slightly at a loss for words, Auel grinning.
"Don't look so shocked. How would you act knowing you were practically brainwashed?"
"But I'm not being brainwashed now am I!"
"That's not what I said."
"I would kill them." Shinn grunted through clenched teeth. Auel smiled.
"Now, isn't that what I'm doing?"
Shinn crossed his arms across his chest, turning his head away, face slightly red. Auel shrugged to Rey who smiled weakly. Rey moved aside allowing Auel to sit beside him. They talked mainly about ZAFT and the Minerva, who was involved and what went on around there. Shinn ignored them, or acted like he did but would occasionally say something in retort to their talk or would answer when they asked him something.
After abut an hour Auel was informed by one of the men that had worked on repairing the Abyss that it was completely repaired and that he would be able to use it next battle. Auel thanked the guy before he left. Shinn muttered something that no one heard and they didn't bother to ask him to repeat himself louder.
Auel figured that Shinn was better at fighting in a Gundam than with his fists considering he also liked to use his tongue a lot in his fights. He was short tempered which wasn't really surprising and very full of himself. Although he was a hot headed prick, Auel admired his determination to do something and that he never backed down. He was a stubborn person but then again many people were.
Rey Za Burrell was quiet and mysterious. He hid a lot of his emotions behind a neutral gaze but was very straight foreword and opinionated. He didn't talk a lot but he would speak enough that it was satisfactory. He was good in a ZAKU but a Gundam would be better for him, it would extend his skills as a pilot and he would get farther with one. That was Auels opinion anyway.
A girl named Lunamaria and her sister Meyrin also joined them, Lunamaria sitting with Shinn and Meyrin taking a seat beside Rey. Lunamaria seemed to be the tougher girl of the sisters, but also a party type, yet had a streak of stubbornness to her too. Whereas her sister was the fashion type, worrying about her hair and the way an outfit looked on her. They both also seemed opinionated, Lunamaria being the louder one and more vocal about it. Auel thought they were nice people, people he could trust although he wouldn't say it aloud.
Just as they were getting comfortable the alarms rang through out the ship and they all jumped. They hurried in the hall, down to the hangers, changing into their suits. Auel climber into the Abyss, a sly grin on his face. It felt good to be back. Right after he launched they were informed that the mother ship of LONE had appeared. The Minerva was attacked from bellow, it rising out of the water in a sudden attack. Minerva defended with deflector shots but received a good amount of damage. Auel felt a surge of anger flow through him as the ship came fully out. It attacked upon surfacing which was usually never done since it was hard and yet this ship managed it. What surprised Auel was how fast it sped away from the Minerva, making a large distance between the ships. Also there was a large pole sticking out of the top-centre that resembled the length of a screw. As he neared it a light went up the swirl of it, lasers shooting out in the spiral form making it near impossible to get close with out being hit as it began to rotate.
Auel cursed then watched as the Impulse attempted to move in but the rotation of it switched directions, causing Shinn to pull back, his gun skimming the lasers, and exploding. He pulled out of the lasers reach, moving back to the Minerva, getting the swords. Auel dove into the water, aiming missiles up at the under side of the ship as it still was on the water. It lifted just in time, avoiding the missiles as they exploded at random.
The ship launched their mobile suits, some going under to fight Auel, the rest fighting in air with the Impulse and other Mobile suits. And while they did that, Rey and Lunamaria protected the Minerva along with the ships own blasters and lasers.
Athrun, along with Kira and the others, heard the Archangels' alarms system go off. They raced to the main bridge where they met with Murrue. She told them of the battle that was commencing above and of the new ship. Kira and Athrun looked at each other, already deciding that they would fight. Kira would take the Freedom where as Athrun would fight in a normal Mobile Suit, much to his dislike. He could be more effective if he had his own Gundam. They changed, and then piloted their suits as the Archangel began to surface, alerting the two opposing sides of its presence. Kira launched, quickly followed by Athrun (using the only other suit they had until the Archangel could get to the base Lacus had funded, a few days travel away, that would belong to ORB once it separated from the EA). Athrun immediately shot down the blue and yellow suit that came at him from the unknown large ship. The next came at him, quicker, shouting through the vocal system, "Coordinators will die! The Extended' will also perish!" before Athrun cut his arms and legs off. He self detonated as he was now useless against the Archangel and Minerva. Athrun frowned but followed Kiras' lead and disposing of both sides weaponry, which wasn't really appreciated. Suddenly Athrun was contacted by the Impulse.
"Athrun? It's you isn't it?"
"Yes, Shinn."
"Why are you with the Archangel? Come back to us! It was all a mistake. You were framed."
"I know that but my answer is no. I fight for a better future. I fight to return ORB back to the country it originally was. ZAFT is not doing the right thing. You're keeping this a war. Besides, who's this new ship belong to?"
"LONE- Love Of Natural Existence. I'm sure I don't have to elaborate." Shinn grunted as the lasers activated again as he got too close to the ship.
"What the…" Athrun muttered as he narrowly avoided the lasers, but the mobile suit beside him didn't. It exploded quickly, broken pieced falling to the water. He saw the Abyss Gundam shoot out of the water, cutting down two LONE suits before diving back under again. Athrun frowned slightly, but continued to fight against the Impulse as Shinn attempted to reason with him.
"The Archangel only creates confusion. It shouldn't be here!"
"We're fighting to stop this battle. End it Shinn! You have the power to."
"We were attacked first. Try telling LONE to back off! I doubt you'll find it so easy." Shinn yelled, angrily as Athrun dodges an easy swing at the cockpit. Shinn didn't want to kill him but he would half to since Athrun had no intention of returning. Suddenly the Freedom came between them, a beam skimming Shinns' suit.
"Athrun…"
"I'm alright Kira." Athrun responded as he dodged a laser that swung past him. Athrun needed a better suit. If he had one, maybe he could destroy that spiral laser. He frowned slightly, and then contacted Kira. As his eyes were fixed upon the laser, he said to Kira, "Help me. I can't do this alone."
TBC
Good? I hope you liked it. Please review. I hope to update within two weeks. I've been busy with family so it might be a little while since my next update but I'll try real hard to finish the next chapter. Well see you next chapter then!