Believe, Realize, Reason
Chapter 1: Desperate Recovery
Legend:
"…": Speech
'…': Thoughts
Scene Changes are listed in bolded italic brackets
Summary: Basically the Seed and Seed Destiny crew enjoys life after the war and romance blooms between them but of course many trials happen between them in order to succeed. This involves high school, military, and adulthood life scenarios. A -Not ranked in importance- KiraLacus, AthrunCagalli, DearkaMiriallia, YzakOC, ShinnStellar, ShaniLunamaria, and CrotMeyrin fic.
AN: I am OpForce, a very dedicated Naruto fanfic writer who is not as dedicated as he used to be (Some introduction I gotten myself into). To those readers who actually read or who are reading myNaruto fic Downfall of the Light trilogy, I will apologize right now since Chapter 7 of my work is not complete yet. More or less, I am going to postpone it since my creativity level is rather low. So, instead of me desperately trying to get a plot while sitting endless hours in front of my damned computer screen, I figured out that I would rather make good use of my time and try out another fiction.
As the summary says, Shani and Crot are alive –because I love their character. So in this story, Yzak would not be as cool as having the honours of wiping out Forbidden and Raider but I suppose that wouldn't matter too much –unless you really loved Yzak for doing that. I will say this, Shani and Crot are very vital in my story and it will become more vivid as the story progresses. I know Rey isn't here, well, that's because I don't like him very much… he doesn't really do anything in Destiny and I have been trying real hard to understand his character. So instead of me struggling to put him somewhere, I simply made him not exist in my story as if he was never born. If you want to rant to me about it and insist that I add him, I will take your words into consideration.
At the same time, all the characters are just one year apart. I want the age difference to be around equal with another so the Destiny characters' ages would be around 16 to 17. Simply, you could just make everyone's ages into Destiny's timeline. Without further adieu, let's get on with this chapter…
(During that day when both sides declared the ceasefire)
Things have certainly not been the same ever since the war between Naturals and Coordinators ended. This went both ways. The good news would be that PLANT and Earth were finally beginning some peace negotiating treaties and protocols so such meaningless violence would not have to happen again. Was it a solid foundation though? Not really, but it was definitely better than nothing at all. What needed to be done now was for both sides to show dedication and effort to keep this treaty alive or the world would fall into another deep realm of chaos. Everyone assumed that they would do their best and hopefully such disaster would be avoided. Although that may be the good news to everything -or at least somewhat- the negative side of the war ending was no doubt immense.
As far as anyone could remember, this war used up many people's lives. Even neutral countries or colonies who may not have participated in the war suffered. How, you ask? When there were wars, everyone got affected. The World Wars were like that and these ones with advanced technology were different. To be accurate, it was due to these high tech machineries that more people ended up being killed. Not only did they lose their families, they also lost their homes, their jobs, friends, and much more.
Not only did they lose a lot, many survivors became traumatized or insane. Who could blame them after witnessing their loved ones being blown up by bombs everyday? To make things more sadistic than it already was, after making a new friend to help maintain their sanity… those new friends got gunned down by assault rifles the very next day, or perish very ungracefully in a Mobile Suit battle. Some of them may have been killed by a railgun at the cockpit; it was not as if it wasn't a likely possibility. It was extremely difficult for anyone to remain in tact after witnessing these unjustifiable actions. If committing suicide was not the ultimate sin for their soul to be damned to hell, they would've done it a long time ago.
The suffering applied to the survivors at the final battle, too, especially Kira Yamato, Athrun Zala, Cagalli Yula Attha, Lacus Clyne, Dearka Elthman, Miriallia Haww, and Yzak Jule. They have survived it but obviously not very gracefully.
For the first time in a long while, Athrun actually sat down somewhere and thought all the losses he had faced up to this point. There was Rusty, Miguel, and especially Nicol. Nothing that he did could bring them back and he valued them like brothers. Taking look at the picture when their squad became an official team not long before the attack on Heliopolis, the Justice pilot's eyes began to water, he never believed that he would miss them so much.
Rusty was his roommate and a good friend. They've gone through thick and thin during the days in the military along with Yzak, Dearka, and Nicol. Sometimes, if Rusty wasn't there to give him the encouragement that he needed to strive for better, he would not have been where he was now. Recalling more memories from the past, his heart soon pained another notch when he finally remembered the last time he saw Rusty. What made Athrun disgusted at himself was that he didn't do a thing to help him after Rusty got shot after giving off suppressing fire. What did he do after screaming his name? He headed off towards the Aegis Gundam and hijacked it leaving Miguel to deal with Strike Gundam. Of course, he never intended to leave Rusty behind like this but after the colony itself collapsed, no one inside would be left alive.
Miguel, his second mistake during the same day, not only did he allow him to attempt to take out Strike Gundam, Miguel gave it a shot twice. The first time he was lucky that Strike had no Striker-Packs on and only ended up self-detonating his GINN. However, Athrun wanted to slam his fist at anything when Miguel took on the Gundam again with proper equipment. Anyone would know that a sword versus a thermal energy weapon is a given disadvantage. Undoubtedly –although Athrun wish it never happened- his mentor was killed right in front of his eyes by his best friend. Two losses in one day; that was not how things should've went.
Cagalli had her own reasons to grieve, Athrun knew better than to bother her. Who was anyone kidding, they all needed their own space. Two major events, or three rather, became the most significant during this war. The first would be when she found Strike in complete ruins and Kira was nowhere to be found. For any normal human being to witness such circumstances, Cagalli truly believed Kira was killed. That was when she met Athrun again with some unexpected results. She didn't want to fully remember what happened since she recalled being very harsh and practically blamed Athrun for Kira's death. Pointing a gun at her lover wasn't something any girl should be proud of doing. Correction, if anyone had a conscience, they wouldn't do such a thing.
Although she didn't want to remember anymore depressing memories, her mind suddenly darted to another topic. Orb, her home and the dawn of where her tragedies continued...
Cagalli remembered what Kira and Athrun discussed during one of their battles to defend Orb from the Earth Atlantic Federation. Three new models, they said, and Cagalli finally met them face to face on the battleground during the battle around Genesis. Despite the Genesis combat was where she nearly lost her life against Forbidden Gundam, the significance of it was no match to what she faced before she was forced to launch out into space. Her father was gone; he sacrificed himself hoping that the war would end sooner. Up to this day, Cagalli believed that it should've been her that remained and allowed her father to live. She didn't deserve to live after being such a rebellious child that caused him nothing but torment in his family life. Cagalli should've died nobly to serve Orb but grieve only came as of result.
The final battle at Genesis was one of the first times that Cagalli felt enraged. After seeing her two friends Asagi, Juri being killed in front of her eyes, that was the moment she went Berserk and broke her shackles from reaching the maximum. Cagalli could not truly remember the impulse or satisfaction of breaking her Seed for it was only a short moment, everything seemed to be in a wildfire at that time. However, thinking of the war again only depressed her further.
(Meanwhile)
Cagalli looked out the window again for the third time today, all she could witness was the vast emptiness of space. Somehow, her mind thought about what she witnessed as she docked back on Archangel in her Strike Rouge Gundam –with the remains of Kira's Gundam, Freedom. There were four suits on board before hers, the nearly destroyed Buster Gundam, Duel Gundam with Strike's shield, and two of the EAF's newest models. Kagari did not even know the names of those suits until Athrun told her they were Forbidden and Raider. What the Orb Princess wondered was why those suits were here.
Also, she was still pondered about the offer Captain Ramius and Kisaka suggested earlier. It wasn't just sudden; it was overwhelming.
Instead of going back to Orb to deal with all the political matters that her father left behind, Kisaka and the high Orb counsels decided to take matters into their own hands. Of course, what Kisaka was trying to say was Cagalli and the rest of the youths should now be enjoying their life instead of worrying so much. Wars were not intended to get people at the adolescent age to get involved yet this war had dragged many people in that category to participate. Most of them ended up losing their lives due to the lack of experience.
Cagalli did not know if she wanted to simply enjoy life when so many things were left unattended –which may need her desperate attention on. Not only did she feel guilty for giving all the work to Kisaka and the rest of the most trusted members of Orb, she felt there was a sense of obligation for her to be present. That she shouldn't leave. That she shouldn't be selfish. That she was responsible for some of the tragic things to happen. That by taking initiative again would compensate her previous weakness. When guilt became an evident source of emotion in the blond princess, she would do anything to diminish it. The only way possible now was to negotiate a compromise in the most persistent and reasonable manner.
Kisaka argued that all the teens here never had a chance to be youths, and while it still wasn't too late, why not go out and cherish it? Eventually, things would be back to normal again and who knew when they would experience such freedom again? Kisaka guaranteed that this would be a great time to cherish one another, and more than likely to be one of the most memorable times that Cagalli would ever face. Initially, this plan was for any emotional healing that the youths may need but at the same time another reason could justify. Was it convincing enough to persuade the Orb princess? Kisaka would consider his words very legitimate for Cagalli was actually considering –which was very, very rare.
After some time considering her options, Cagalli decided to stay with the gang and possibly take some delight in any of the plans Kisaka or Ramius may have. Besides, what was there to lose? She would be living in an apartment with her good friends –especially Athrun-; do anything she wanted; eat anything she desired; and no one would be there to stop her. The Orb princess thought that kind of reality would only be in fantasy books or when people got high –she would believe that due to her royal status-, but it appeared it could truly happen after all. Still a little reluctant, she finally gave in. Murrue and Kisaka were happy for her decision, and that was when they told her everyone else chose the same choice; that made Cagalli's day a whole lot better.
Her mind instantly switched back to those two EAF mobile suits she saw earlier. Despite that she wanted to think of happy things, she cursed her mind for the incredible lack of flexibility. Curiosity took the better of her in a mere instant, and that was when she got up from her spot slowly and headed out of her room after locking herself in there for two hours. She needed answers and no one was going to stop her from achieving them.
Cagalli passed by the infirmary before reaching the mobile suit docks when her objective was to find Dearka or any other mobile suit pilots on board. However, her inquisitive nature just had to make her take one small glimpse of who were inside the medical chambers. Her golden eyes opened more widely when she saw two young males no older than herself were in pain and the specialists were trying to do anything they could do to help them. One had medium length wasabi green hair that covered his left eye and face, and the other one had blue eyes and orange hair combed into a comb-over. Before Cagalli took off, she winced when the doctors had no choice but to inject tranquillisers to force them to sleep. Although it was sick, they had no other options.
(At the Mobile Suit Docks)
"Athrun!" called Cagalli from a distance as she ran to him. Athrun- who was leaning on a wall with Dearka and Yzak- turned to face her. When the princess found out all the attention was on her, a sense of timidity reached her features.
"What is it?" asked the blue haired Coordinator as he took her hand to place her one foot closer than she intended, "Feeling better now?" Cagalli nodded to reply as Dearka grinned with slight relief. Yzak, on the other hand, watched Cagalli with some fascination. She wasn't bad looking, had very sincere eyes, and that voice she carried just now had a touch of toughness and affection. No wonder that Zala had feelings for her, Athrun's tastes were always so formidable, as Yzak would say.
"Athrun…" began the "older" twin –she refused to believe she was the younger one where as Kira would have seriously cared less, "Why are those Mobile Suits there?" She then pointed at Forbidden and Raider, Athrun, Yzak, and Dearka frowned at that instant.
"They more or less had no place to go after Dominion was destroyed," Athrun told her softly but definitely loud enough so Dearka and Yzak could hear as well. He wouldn't want them to believe this soon became a private conversation; that would not be too considerate. "The green one crashed landed into the Archangel's launching ramps and we forcefully took him in, while the black one was out of power. So Yzak and Dearka managed to bring him in too."
"Isn't it dangerous though?" questioned Cagalli somewhat worried.
"Hey," intervened Yzak with a scoff, "I suggested to destroy that black one but suddenly it was no longer moving. I refuse to sink that low to shoot something defenseless." Dearka and Athrun –who had known the Duel Pilot for quite a while- only stared at him with the most disbelieving eyes. The gray hair Coordinator couldn't help but feel awkward. To make it worse, those two idiots were scarring his image to Cagalli when this was their first encounter.
"Who are you?" asked Dearka to Yzak as his eyes began to observe whether this Yzak was a cyborg or a very effective –or possibly defective- clone, "What have you done to Yzak?"
"What the hell are you talking about, Dearka?" shouted the Duel Pilot hastily, "Is this all the thanks I get for saving your blasted life out there?"
"I'm with Dearka," added Athrun with a smirk, "The Yzak Joule I know isn't someone honourable." Cagalli tried hard not to cough out a laugh, even Yzak knew the girl was laughing at him and with his former comrades. In other words, he had no allies.
"I was always honourable!" argued Yzak proudly and defensively, "As a soldier, honour is vital in my code of conduct." The other two Coordinators merely raised a brow of distrust. "How dare you two not believe me!"
"We believe you," the Buster pilot told his friend flatly but Yzak knew his mockery.
"See," said Yzak as if he was trying to prove a thesis in an essay, "You two are jerks. At least this girl isn't like that." He then turned to face Cagalli, the Orb princess flinched lightly when she noticed that long scar across his right face. Not only was it creepy, it was intimidating. "I will introduce myself, I am Yzak Joule, former teammates with those two… jerks in ZAFT." Cagalli –again- tried not to laugh at his reference for her friends.
"I am Cagalli Yula Attha," replied the blond girl smiling lightly as she shook his hand, "It's good to know that you saved Dearka out there. We really wouldn't have known what to do without him…"
"You are giving this guy too much credit," Yzak said giving a small glance at Dearka –who was still smirking- before he faced the princess again, "You really don't know some of his immoral secrets, do you? I will say this, you have only seen his good side." The Orb princess suddenly was amused, she certainly wanted to know what those secrets were. Curiosity was a natural human emotion after all, and at the same time it was a powerful driving force in her life. Hearing that, the blond Coordinator instantly began to panic.
"What could that be?" pleaded the girl excitedly as she noticed the desperate look on the tanned boy's face. Just as Yzak was about to say the words that would destroy Dearka's dignity forever, his mouth was closed forcefully as Dearka's palm covered it therefore Yzak's sentence turned into a groaning muffle. Cagalli frowned with disappointment as the Duel Pilot flailed his arms frantically hoping to get free. Athrun Zala was watching all this with raw entertainment, what an event after the war this was!
"You said you would never speak of this again, Yzak…" hissed the Buster pilot dangerously with a glint in his violet eyes. "Do you want me to tell the rest of the world what kind of you-know-what you were when you were in the military?" The Justice Pilot choked instantly when he recalled that memory, during the war he nearly forgotten about it. Cagalli once again awaited with high hopes when she found Yzak cold sweating with pure fear, there were so much knowledge that she had been lacking all this time. Why didn't Athrun ever tell her that his friends were such jokers? She really liked this indeed.
"Fine!" shouted Yzak as he shoved Dearka away momentarily, "I won't spill it…" Then he gave a silent glare at his friend, "If you are willing to keep your mouth shut about my… you know…" Dearka immediately nodded with a calm look, of course he wouldn't try to be intimidated by him. Looks like Cagalli missed her round of entertainment but she was almost sure another scenario such as this would happen real soon.
"Where's Kira?" asked Cagalli changing the subject, "Has any one of you seen him?" Yzak's previous nicer self suddenly turned into a small scowl, it appeared the Duel Pilot still had a slight grudge over Kira after all this time.
"He's here somewhere," replied Athrun with a hint of worry. "He should be okay…"
"What's wrong, Athrun?"
"Nothing…" the emerald eyed Coordinator insisted trying to be as convincing as possible but he failed quite badly. Cagalli refused to let this thing to slide and be forgotten that simply, she demanded answers.
"Tell me, Athrun," she ordered lowly, "What's wrong with Kira?"
"He's been sitting alone in his room after he had rested," said the blue haired Coordinator.
"So, what's wrong with that?" Cagalli asked not seeing this as a problem, "My little brother just needs some time alone after the war. It was quite devastating to the emotional department, you know."
"That's not it, Cagalli," the blond pilot cut in, "He's not just sitting there… he's playing something at the same time… and what worries me is that Lacus-san is with him while watching him do whatever he is doing."
"What is this thing that you are referring to, Dearka?" the Orb princess inquired still not fully grasping what he was trying to elaborate to her.
"It's a portable game console," Athrun said in Dearka's behalf, "I have no idea where he found it but he has been sitting in his room the entire time playing some stupid game where he is a scout plane while destroying massive fortresses. He calls it "The Boss"." For someone who never played a game system in her life, that phrase seemed so foreign to her. "What I am trying to say is," continued Athrun, "Your older… no, little brother has been just playing it non-stop as if it is his life. He hasn't left the room for food, water, or even going to the bathroom when he needs to go… something is really wrong with him."
"I will get some sense into him," Cagalli stated as she pulled up her right sleeve but Athrun halted her.
"Lacus will do that, I don't think that you should interfere."
"You still have that much faith in her, Athrun?" Yzak asked with distinct doubt in the Haro lover's abilities.
"There is no one else that I can count on to help Kira…" whispered the Justice Pilot sadly as a response. Yzak silenced himself immediately with both a frustrated and helpless look. The remaining three also decided to remain quiet as the silent aura among them drove them deeper to their worries. Although the war may be over, the emotional damages still remained in their hearts. The four youths wondered if their wounds would ever heal.
(On the day when Archangel arrived on Kyoto, Japan –which is 3 days after the war ended)
He didn't know how long he had slept for but he had to admit that this was one of the greatest rest he had in like… forever, actually. Ever since he and his other two friends joined the EAF, life was no different to a living hell. They were young, skilled at mischief, had so much potential, zealous, and it was no wonder why Murata Azrael selected them to be his guinea pigs. He seriously thought joining the army was the best way to survive in a war but that soon turned into a living nightmare when they figured out what kind of person Azrael really was.
He didn't want to remember him, or the treatments those doctors gave him and his friends when they failed their tasks. The cold faces, the monotones, the harsh punishments, lack of basic respect, he just wanted to banish all those things to the ends of the earth. Despite his wretched nature, he was a human being and not a biological living CPU for any mobile suit. There were times that he wanted to cry but he was taught that soldiers endured everything given to them. If they succeeded under such trials and circumstances, they were real soldiers and considered a man. However, there were plenty of times that he nearly broke that rule but yet it was so hard to maintain calm.
Just before he woke up, he remembered that the Gripheptan's effect had worn out and there was no supply of antidote. Then how on earth did he not experience any pain from the side effects? The only conclusion he made was that he had been out for enough days for the side effects to pass but then another thing struck him, how long had he been out for? Not taking another moment to think, he instantly sat up and opened his eyes. The first thing that he saw struck him in the face… this was the exact same room that they were designated to stay when he was still on Dominion. However, the wall colour of this room was blue where as the other was white. What in the hell was going on?
"You're awake," said someone from his right that caught his attention immediately.
"Crot…"
"I was wondering when you were going to get your ass up, Shani," said Crot with a calm grin. Shani noticed that he was no longer in his white spacesuit but rather he was wearing a white T-shirt with a pair of blue track pants. Crot was wearing something like him too but his shirt was yellow. One thing was for certain, where the hell were they?
"Where are we?" asked the wasabi green hair natural as he stretched his arm to regain his strength, "Where's Oruga?" It was that moment when Crot's face fell a little, Shani quickly realized what that meant. "You don't mean…"
"Yeah," said Crot no louder than a whisper, "Oruga's dead…"
"How is that possible!" cried the usually very quiet Shani, "He has a Gundam though…"
"Hey," retorted the brash Crot, "Even our suits are not invincible, Oruga must have had an accident out there when we weren't looking…"
"Yeah…" said Shani not knowing what to say as a matter of fact. He was never too close with Oruga for he always preferred to be isolated and alone. At the same time, his heart did hurt a little when someone he knew personally was no longer with them after all they had been through as soldiers or as friends. Was this what wars did to people each day? Shani and Crot were somehow disgusted at themselves that they fought war for the reason of "To kill or be killed".
Crot remembered asking whoever was piloting that red suit about his persistence, but when that same question was asked right back, he didn't know how to answer. Somehow, he wanted to know his answer, he wanted to wonder why that sole reason had made them so strong.
Much to his dismay, the Raider pilot's thoughts were interrupted when someone came in. Judging from the uniform, she was the Captain. Two seconds later, two other doctors entered with her and these medical specialists looked nothing like the ones that were responsible for their health.
"It's good that you two are awake," said Murrue Ramius in a kind voice –which Natarle lacked when she talked to them but she was very considerate as a Captain. "I am Murrue Ramius, Captain of the Archangel." Hearing that, Shani and Crot flinched significantly. They seriously did not expect that they were on an enemy ship and definitely not this one. Azrael had ordered them to destroy this battleship a long time ago and up to this date they still have not been able to complete that task. What an unexpected turn of events this was.
Although Crot wanted to leap out of his bed and attack Murrue, Shani gave him a warning glare silently telling him to drop it. As far as Shani was concerned, this was the enemy ship and Archangel would know who they belonged to as well. With the fine line indicated that he was an enemy, Archangel had the right to execute them right there and then when they were found. Yet, they didn't just kill them but instead they nursed them back to health. Shani did not have the heart nor the physical strength to pick on any unnecessary fights, and he made sure Crot did not start anything stupid nor retarded.
"Why?" asked Shani suddenly catching Murrue off guard, "Why did you save us?"
"You didn't want to be saved?" questioned the Archangel Captain still in a friendly serene voice.
"It's not that…"
"Then what?" she inquired with a smile.
"We are from Dominion," Crot spoke in a defensive tone of voice, "Men that are under Director Murata Azrael's command, pilots of those three suits, and most importantly we are the enemy. Aren't you people afraid that we may just kill you right now and take over this ship? Has your kind natures clouded your judgment?"
"I don't think you would do that," replied Murrue casually with confidence.
"You want me to try it?" the Raider pilot said while smirking darkly. The men behind Murrue instantly tensed up cautiously but the Captain told them to drop it. Just when Crot was about to leap at them, he stopped when he saw that warm smile that was still stained on the Captain's visage. The expression she displayed that showed nothing but peacefulness, Crot just couldn't make a move.
"If you seriously were thinking of hijacking this ship, you wouldn't have said anything and just attacked us as we entered," Murrue told him softly, "Why bother giving your enemy a time to prepare when the element of surprise is the key to achieve victory? That is how I know you have no intention to do something that reckless." That statement silenced Crot, Shani just smirked at this Captain's logic. Unlike Natarle, Murrue cared a lot about human emotions where Natarle only considered about rules and regulations. "As for your question, Shani Andras, I wanted to save you two because I don't want to see another person die anymore… the war took many people already, and I am sure your parents do not want their child to perish, right? If there is one less family crying over their loved ones, that's more than enough…"
"Thank you… Captain-Ramius…" said Shani not knowing what else could possibly be said. Sure, he was stunned that a stranger cared that much about his well being yet there was a fact that Murrue did not fully know; Shani had no family, he had no where to go after this. Crot was no exception. Banishing all those negative thoughts out of his system, Shani prepared to ask the next question that he had for her but Crot beat him to it.
"Where are we anyway?" Crot asked with his voice no longer holding hostility or meanness.
"We are on the earth right now," replied Murrue, "Kyoto, Tokyo to be exact."
"Why are we here?" questioned the Forbidden pilot raising his right eye a little higher to make eye contact.
"I know this is sudden but we are obligated to find a place for all the youths under 18 a place to live until things begin to return back to normal. I do not know how long this may actually take but we need to find a solution to all this and the kids should not be involved after going through so much previously. Believe it or not, you two are also enlisted with them for now. You will be living with the youths on this ship or at least accompany them."
"What?" Crot shouted in disbelief, "We can't do that! They hate us! No, I refuse… thanks for doing all this for us but there is no possible way that we can ever associate with them!" Just to make his point more effective, Crot even used hand gestures –which the green haired natural thought it was unnecessary.
"They won't hate you, I promise," reassured the Captain, "Besides, all you need to do is go with them. It is really your choice whether you want to live with them later on. You are free to go wherever you want after that."
"Really?" the Raider pilot questioned with delight and hope, "That is it, I am ditching this joint!"
"I wouldn't do that if I were you…" Shani spoke at that moment to send Crot's previous hopes to the dumps. No doubt the orange hair male was enraged.
"Why are you talking so much all of a sudden, Shani?" Crot snapped rudely and pointing a finger, "I liked you better when you were all quiet and creepy!" That easily resulted with a bored 'one-eyed' stare from Shani. Murrue really fought back a giggle while watching this display.
"You are not using your head, Crot," the Forbidden pilot stated with exasperation, "Where can we go with no jobs or even a place to live? We can't join the EAF again unless you want to experience all that trash, you got that? With no place to even sleep, how will we survive? This is our chance to live life right, we have to take it."
"But do you want this?"
"Despite how much I dislike this, we have to accept for there is no other way." Shani justified himself in the vaguest way possible. He really did not like to be so outspoken. Crot thought about it for a second and if Shani was going to agree with it, he might as well.
"Fine…" said Crot at last with a cautious glare, "But don't expect me to enjoy it though."
"We will try the best we can to make this all comfortable for you guys. We will also prepare you guys a small luggage so you have some necessities when you guys live together. Please remember to pick it up before you guys leave, okay?" When Shani and Crot nodded, Murrue and the two medics left the room to leave them to have more rest or some time alone. At that instant, Shani fell back onto his bed before closing his eyes as Crot did the same. A new chance to have a new life, the two of them truly wondered how that was like. Not knowing when their eyes closed completely, the duo drifted back to their slumber.
(Six hours later)
"When can we leave this place?" complained Yzak for the fifth time within half an hour, "If I knew that we were coming down to Earth, I would've never came here in the first place!" Athrun and Dearka groaned once again hearing that infernal protest, they had to find an alternative to pass their time. When Dearka spotted Miriallia, he quickly excused himself and approached the brown haired natural and began to have a conversation on a topic at complete random. When Miriallia noticed Dearka's approach, she smiled slightly as a welcome. Dearka scratched his head a little nervously before making a cheesy compliment about her hair today –when it looked the same as any other day. Miriallia eyed him suspiciously for a second before the Buster pilot stepped one foot to the right to reveal a ranting Yzak. The girl got the cue immediately before taking Dearka and herself to isolate from the Duel Pilot.
So, that just left Athrun, and damn hell he wish he was as smart as Dearka.
"I am sure that there were just delays," said Athrun trying to smile, "Remember, your mother wished that you would isolate yourself from the war matters for a while. You should see this optimistically..."
"That's what you said last time, Zala!" retorted Yzak, "I want to get off now!"
"I am sure you do…" Athrun said one last time with utmost exasperation. He had to get out of this or he would die from boredom and frustration, all he needed was an excuse, a good excuse. His prayers were answered when Lacus approached him. Athrun seriously believed that she would be the answer to relieve him from his eternal boredom but yet her saddened expression made his heart sank. When Yzak noticed Athrun was being surprisingly quiet, he turned slightly just to find the songstress was suddenly present but her depressed aura even managed to keep him silent. "Lacus…"
"Athrun," said the usually cheerful Lacus in a whimper, "Can you do me a favour?"
"Sure, anything," the Justice pilot told her sincerely, "Is it about Kira?"
"Yes…" she replied wanting to cry, "I don't know what to do anymore…" Being a good friend to the very least, Athrun pulled his ex-fiancee into a small hug as Yzak wisely gave them their space by leaving the scene. When the blue hair coordinator felt his chest a little bit warm, he could tell that the girl began to cry and tears soaked his jacket. All he did now was cradle Lacus a slightly before she stopped.
"It's okay, Lacus," Athrun told her as he whispered in her ear, "Don't cry, you can tell me everything…"
"I'm really worried about Kira…" she said in a sob, "He hadn't stopped playing that game yet, and he refused to talk to anyone… even Cagalli. I tried taking that thing away from him so I could do something but he reacted like a zombie afterwards…"
"Zombie?" questioned Athrun raising a brow somewhat shocked at Lacus' use of words to compare Kira to. "What do you mean by that?"
"He doesn't even form sentences any more, Athrun…" Lacus told him as she looked down to the ground, "I don't understand how he could ever turn out like this… what can I do?"
"The war must've done him more harm than I imagined…" the Justice pilot mumbled with frustration, "Don't worry, I will talk to him." That response seemed to brighten up the young pink haired princess –which made the green eyed coordinator very relieved. The last thing he wanted was someone making an emotional breakdown when he himself needed a time to reflect. Lacus' worries soon began to affect him without knowing, he seriously wondered what Kira was doing. As Athrun stroked Lacus' back soothingly like he did many times before when they were younger, Athrun smiled when he saw her lips curve back up into one like his. Frowning did not suit her, Athrun would admit that much. Like how he promised, he agreed to look for Kira.
(Meanwhile)
"It's not here…" moaned Crot in casual clothes instead of his uniform as he crawled into the Raider Gundam's cockpit as if he was raiding it. "I swear that I put it in here earlier." Shani was 12 meters below his friend while leaning on the elevation device dully. As the wasabi green haired natural scanned this vicinity, he was surprised it looked no different from Dominion. Judging from what his previous Captain told them once, this was an identical ship to the Dominion. Shani groaned once more before looking up.
"Maybe you crushed it accidentally while piloting it," said Shani loudly so Crot could hear him, "Maybe you're not very organized. You always misplace your stuff before, it's not surprising that you lost it."
"But that game console is my baby!" whined the Raider pilot as if he lost his golden treasure. Baby… what a bizarre connection of words Crot had. "I would never forget where it is!"
"That cockpit isn't that big," stated the Forbidden pilot rather dryly, "If it's not in there, it's not in there, okay?" To rub it in further, Shani placed the headphones into his ears before it started to play some random music that he loved and that smile would make anyone furious. Crot –on the other hand- had a sour look of envy since Shani found his possession while he had lost it forever. Giving out a grunt, he grabbed hold on the rope and slid back down to ground level.
"What should we do now?"
"Who knows," commented Shani as he stole glimpses everywhere for one second, "I suppose we could scout around to pass time and meet some people… it's better than just sitting here and not do anything…"
"I suppose you're right for once, Shani," Crot replied back with a smirk as they started walking away from the mobile suits. Shani only flashed a small stare before enjoying the melodious sound that was delivered to his eardrums. As Crot continued to rant about his game being lost, Shani simply nodded once in a while for the sake of his friend not going worse for a piece of machinery.
(At the exact moment)
"Kira," said Cagalli leaning closer to her brother so she could see more clearly. Whatever Kira was playing, Cagalli clearly did not find it interesting. How did anyone find satisfaction while shooting things in a world of fantasy? "Is it actually that fun? The game, I mean…"
"Yes…" the Freedom pilot replied with his voice plastered with no human emotions. If Cagalli could make a comparison, he was similar to a being where a wraith possessed his soul. As the girl observed his fingers, they were lifelessly moving to press the buttons. There was no sense of passion; no feelings of excitement; no signs that he was actually enjoying the game; no indication of desire; his fingers were just moving lacking a purpose; they just move without having the need to rest as if they were machines. "It's fun…"
"How is it fun?" questioned the blond twin while insisting to be persistent.
"It's just fun…" Kira said back as his violet eyes stared at the game screen more deeply. Cagalli fought very, very hard not to resort to violence.
Anyone who knew Cagalli up to this point knew she had a rather short temper. A simple yes was not considered a thoughtful response to the Orb princess. She was only trying to help her brother like any "big" sister would do and yet he was being so close minded while trying to establish this emotional barrier where no one could cross through. Just when Cagalli almost had enough of this, she took in a deep breath trying to remember why she was here. Lacus needed her assistance, and Cagalli also promised not to do anything drastic before she agreed. Yes, the princess would solve this peacefully while she could consider this as a challenge. However, that gloomy expression on Kira's face really tempted her to punch it. She would do anything to put some sense to him.
"Cagalli," the Orb princess heard someone calling her just now. Raising her head a little higher, she immediately smiled when she found out it was Athrun. At the same time, she instantly frowned when she saw Lacus with him. It wasn't like she was jealous of Lacus being close to Athrun, it was just her down expression easily drowned her spirits like a chain reaction. Nonetheless, Cagalli went up to them in a small jog while leaving her zombie-like brother at the bench as he continued to press buttons on the game system.
"Any progress?" asked Lacus to the Orb princess trying to sound hopeful and optimistic. Cagalli merely shook her head sadly thus Athrun and Lacus' previous happy thoughts vanished in an instant. "Oh, what can we do?"
"How long has he been like this?" questioned the Justice pilot with his eyes focussed on Kira from a short distance. He was certain that the brown hair coordinator did not even notice that there were a several additional figures present.
"He didn't change at all after Lacus left him to me two hours ago," answered Cagalli with evident concern in her tone, "Kira is really starting to worry me, Athrun…" Involuntarily, she held on to his hand hoping for some affection. Much to her despair, Athrun did not detect it and surprisingly his rage took control of him. The girls did not understand why he unexpectedly allowed his anger to dominate the better of him.
"What kind of person is he… he doesn't even need to go to the washroom!" declared Athrun with much disbelief. Normally, the girls would laugh at that comment but knowing the Justice pilot said it with utmost seriousness, they decided to drop it. "This is unreal…"
"What should we do then?" Lacus asked timidly not wanting anything devastating to happen.
"I am putting a stop to this right now…" Athrun told her determinedly as he proceeded with his plan firstly by confronting the Freedom pilot. When Kira saw a towering shadow blocking his game screen, in an inanimate fashion, he levelled his head a bit higher to make full eye contact with Athrun. The green eyed coordinator could not help it but flinch at Kira's drained and exhausted face. Judging from the looks of it, he hadn't slept for at least two days. Not only that, he truly appeared to be somebody suffering from malnutrition. With that kind of appearance, it would convince anybody.
"Athrun…" greeted Kira with a voice resembling an undead male.
"Kira…" Athrun said back as Cagalli closely observed her admirer's actions.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine. How about you?" To the very least Kira was talking, so far so good…
"You're blocking my light…" stated Kira as a matter of fact, "Do you mind moving?"
"You know what," the Justice pilot told him faking a ponder, "No."
"What?" questioned Kira staring emptily at his best friend, "Why not?"
"Sorry, Kira," Athrun then suddenly snatched the game console from Kira's hands. Although Kira wanted to retaliate and grab it back, due to the lack of food, he had no strength to do so. "But this thing has got to go." Cagalli and Lacus had their hands over their mouths when they found out Athrun held that machine over his head ready to smash it. Kira helplessly watched in horror when Athrun's face showed nothing but seriousness, if he went on this far, he was going to do it. Without a second thought, the blue haired coordinator moved his hand downward forcefully before releasing his hold on the game, not even Kira's perfect coordinator skills would stop the inevitable. Once the game system made a very hard date with the polished floor, it immediately shattered into pieces of garbage and Kira felt his heart being crushed when the shards flew all over the place. However, the person who screamed in torment was not Kira, but rather the actual owner –who was eight meters away from the four good friends.
"NOOOO!" yelled Crot at the top of his lungs when he witnessed his poor baby turning into useless scraps of trash in less than a second. In an impulse, the Raider pilot rushed to the broken pieces and broke down in the most undignified way Shani had ever seen and it was for a game console. Cagalli and Lacus stared in awe –not in the positive way-, Kira began to choke seeing his precious being destroyed, Athrun was still trying to grasp why Crot was actually crying, and Shani –for once- wanted his hair to cover his eyes so he did not need to see such a pathetic display. At the same time, Athrun recognized that voice, it sounded so familiar…
"Who are-" asked Cagalli but she was interrupted when Crot gave another howl of sorrow.
"Gamie-chan," cried the Raider pilot with despair, "Fate was too cruel to you! This shouldn't be… Why couldn't it have been me?" At that moment, Lacus' eyes twitched irritably. Did he just call his game Gamie-chan? He actually gave it a name? "My precious… I will never be able to hold you again!"
How… morbid…
"Crot…" groaned Shani wearily, "It's just a game…"
"It's not just a game, Shani!" insisted Crot frenziedly as he grabbed the broken pieces and shoving it to his friend's face. The entire Archangel gang watched the newcomers with partially fear, shock, and amusement. "This was Gamie-chan, the thing that kept me alive for so long! How could you say it was just a game? How dare you!" Surprisingly, he turned to Athrun with a deadly glare. "You…" Crot pointed with a finger while taking steps towards the blue haired coordinator. "You are the one who destroyed Gamie-chan… I will not forgive you… this outrageous event shall not be forgotten!"
"I am sorry…" said Athrun with his hand in front of him defensively but with a hint of seriousness since he was trying hard to remember Crot's voice. Where did he hear it from? "I was just trying to help my friend…"
"I don't care!" shouted the Raider pilot, "You killed Gamie-chan and I won't have her back."
"Crot," Shani grunted with his hand ruffling his hair, "We aren't here to pick a fight… just let it go…"
"You sound very familiar," Athrun said ignoring Crot for a second. Kira also began to catch on. Athrun was right, Shani and Crot did sound very well-known to his ears. "Have we met before?" Cagalli and Lacus also detected the solemn tension between the Gundam pilots and these two suspicious new arrivers. Cagalli sworn she had never met them before but it suddenly hit her like a brick when those two were the boys in the infirmary a several days ago.
"I was about to ask the same thing," Shani said as his lavender eye watched both Kira and Athrun very closely without breaking any eye contact, "You also sound very familiar to me…" Even by name Crot stopped his whining and wailing and finally started to grasp this situation. Hearing Athrun's voice made Crot's mind jump a jolt. Again, he pointed a finger at him but what is different was that the Raider pilot was twitching this time around.
"You are that pilot in the red suit!" exclaimed the orange hair natural suddenly. The three coordinators and Cagalli finally figured out who they were, these two must be the pilots of those two EAF mobile suits. They did not even know how they should really be reacting, they were enemies for crying to the heavens! The one with the green hair lacked much interest to start a conversation where as the other whiny one seemed to be a loudmouth. Even so, an emotion called fear continued to linger through their senses, Athrun immediately went on alert and stood defensively as Lacus immediately hid behind Cagalli. Kira simply watched Shani and Crot tiredly.
"What do you two want?" hissed the blue hair coordinator warningly. To his surprise, Shani merely grinned as his question.
"We don't want anything," the Forbidden pilot stated easily but at the same time outstretching his hand for an initial handshake, "I would like to introduce myself. I am GATX-252 Forbidden Gundam's pilot, Shani Andras. I have a general idea of what you are thinking, do you think that I hate you?"
"I wouldn't say that as an understatement," replied Athrun as he shook the natural's hand in the most friendly way he could muster. What shocked him was that there was no hostility in Shani's grip. Once Cagalli and Lacus saw Athrun's face began to relax, they soon followed suit to trust Shani for now. "We were enemies, we did try to kill each other despite that I didn't want to."
"I seriously do not care who I kill," said Shani in a monotone –which made Athrun shiver. "I was only following orders from Azrael." That name gave all four of them the chills immediately. Even though they never met that man in person, they all have heard him over the PA about his logic about enemies and wars. If wars could be solved over talking and disputes, there wouldn't be any wars, he said. So, enemies must be shot… Those two short sentences made the four flinched noticeably.
"You…"
"I wouldn't blame you for disliking us or not even trusting us," continued the Forbidden pilot with a voice of understanding, "however, all we want now is to live in… peace… I want to live a normal life again…" What took Shani off guard was the now cheerful Lacus took both his hands –breaking their handshake- and held them warmly with a caring feeling behind it. Her gentle smile was so foreign to Shani, no one carried that smile to him when he talked, and there she was, this stranger who he did not know, smiling gratefully at him.
"We don't hate you," stated the songstress, "The war caused all this to happen… we acted the way we did due to hate and anger as our main source of fuel… we all did, actually. Maybe you did what you have to do back then such as following orders but the war is now over, you don't have to live like that anymore. Wars can hurt people, and I am sure it also has hurt you, Andras-san. I really do hope that all of us could live happily now," Lacus frowned a little when she stole a glimpse at Kira –who was still lifeless. "And maybe… all of us can be friends!" This young, beautiful lady fascinated Crot and Shani. Her words were overflowing with wisdom and acceptance, why didn't Shani and Crot meet this girl earlier? If they had met someone before they applied to the military, they would never have proceeded in the manners they chose.
When the wasabi green haired natural found out his hands were still in hers, he –not so gracefully- retracted back to his pockets with a blushing face. He obviously had no idea how to deal with girls due to his anti-social behaviour. The only act of impulse he could perform now was attempting to hide his face. Lacus' innocent giggle made Shani to escalate his embarrassment.
"Thank you…" Shani did not know what else he could produce. "I really thank you…" Suddenly, Crot intervened and shoved the Forbidden pilot aside so he could make an introduction.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Crot began with a very attractive, young voice, "I am Crot Buer, GATX-370 Raider Gundam's pilot! Unlike my friend Shani, I am very social and you can talk to me about anything. I would appreciate it a lot if you and I become friends." Crot did not mean it in a romantic way but certainly he had grown fond of Lacus within a short amount of seconds. Lacus just smiled.
"I'll be happy to talk to someone different for a change," the pink haired princess implied as a hidden message to Kira for him to smarten up. "It's really good to meet you, Buer-san."
"Call me Crot, and you may be…"
"I am Lacus Clyne," the pink hair girl replied gently still carrying that smile.
"I am Cagalli Yula Atha," stated the mentioned person as she stepped forward besides Lacus and took Crot's hand for a handshake and then Shani's, "I hope you and I can settle our difference from before… and…" Cagalli was not very good at speaking such words of friendship. "I hope you and I… can also be friends…" Crot simply grinned as Shani nodded without much feeling.
"I am Athrun Zala," the blue hair coordinator also making himself presentable since Lacus and Cagalli set of a good precedent, "I-" He was cut off when Crot gave off a scowl that he did not show to the girls.
"I refuse to be your friend until you give me back Gamie-chan!" scowled Crot with another pointing finger before he brushed past Athrun giving a cold look. Athrun watched in stun, he had never received such a major rejection before in his life. He, son of Patrick Zala, ZAFT's Special Forces, pilot of the Justice Gundam, one of the most handsomest guys ever, had been rejected on sight. What a significant blow to his pride! Athrun could not help but to mumble gibberish as he watched Crot's angered retreating form.
"I am sure he is okay," said Shani putting a hand on the Justice pilot's shoulder before Cagalli did while giving it a pat, "Things will get better."
"Let's hope so…" groaned Athrun regretting his previous actions already. He did somewhat appreciate what the Forbidden pilot was doing though, it did make him feel less of a loser.
"Did you have to go that far and break that game?" asked Cagalli putting her hands on her hips to Athrun, "I mean, it's only a game."
"It was the only option that was left," stated the blue hair coordinator promptly as if his answer was the most legitimate. "Now, Kira, it looks like you-" Athrun did not even finish his sentence and grunted with exasperation when he saw the Freedom pilot. Without that game console, he immediately fell asleep despite the awkward position he was in. Taking that thing away from him was similar to instantly taking out the energy core in a mobile suit. To the four people who were still awake right now –except Lacus-, their eyes constantly twitched at the sight of an exhausted Kira. Why the hell was he up anyway?
"Now what?" grumbled the blond twin holding her head with her left hand. "Do we have to drag him back?"
"Appears so…" Lacus said timidly as she kneeled down and hugged Kira affectionately. "Poor Kira…"
"How troublesome…" finished Cagalli as she grabbed one of his arms with Athrun taking the other so they could hold him in an aiding support position. By this time, Shani bid a small farewell to catch up with Crot where as Cagalli, Lacus and Athrun took the violet eyed coordinator back to the room to rest. Lacus still worried sick and she immediately offered to stay by Kira's side when they reached his room. Seeing her so caring for him, Athrun and Cagalli agreed before they left the two of them alone once again. As the duo walked together, Athrun –involuntarily- put his hand around Cagalli's waist causing her to blush just slightly. When the Orb princess shyly stole a glimpse of him, she smiled when she noticed he had a grin but not staring at her. Smiling warmly one last time, Cagalli naturally rested her head on his firm shoulder before giving off a sigh despite herself. To make Cagalli's smile widen, Athrun kissed her on the forehead a little before her face turned as dark as a strawberry.
Cagalli knew she loved him, although she never said that once.
(Several more hours later at the residence, of course that was after a bus ride)
Cagalli, Athrun, Kira –who was half awake and half dead-, Lacus, Miriallia, Dearka, Yzak, Shani, and Crot finally arrived to their designated apartment after a "hell of a ride" bus ride. It wasn't the fact that the bus was bad for it was one of the newest models around, but the manholes on the road made the ride little a living disaster. Every twenty seconds or so the bus would literally jolt thus the passengers inside would fly up a several inches off their seats and their heads would meet metal ceiling for a good date. By the time they all got off the bus, Crot did not know if he was suffering from the pain of the Gripheptan or he was going through a migraine. Yzak's pessimistic scowl deepened drastically; Shani's eye continued to flinch as the bumps on his head worsened; and Dearka and Athrun took all the hits for Miriallia and Cagalli. Lacus and Kira were somehow unharmed.
Miriallia thanked Dearka sheepishly knowing that he was quite hurt from all the blows but the Buster pilot said it was nothing with a nice guy face. However, the blue eyed natural knew better when his face started to cringe as he turned around.
Cagalli on the other hand was not impressed with Athrun's noble act. She smiled dryly stating that a simple bumps and bruises would not hurt her at all, men always believed that women were weak. Cagalli was more than willing to prove that statement wrong. Just when she was about to say something, her attention was diverted when her eyes gazed upon the actual condominium. For starters, this place did not look so bad but of course it was nothing compared to the luxurious life she had in Orb. To her, this was even better than being rich since there were no regulations here whatsoever, she was finally a free soul; at least for the time being.
"What's so great about this place?" complained the Duel pilot not impressed at all, "I lived better when I was in PLANT."
"Hey, we don't have to pay a cent to live here," stated Dearka, who was standing next to Miriallia, "Besides, this place ain't that bad now, is it?" asked the Buster pilot as his eyes observed this place. It was above what Dearka first expected indeed. The residence looked quite new; it was on a local road and the arterial road was within sight range -which meant good transportation-; the air was fresh; a very promising sign of agriculture instead of thick polluting fumes; this was not downtown Kyoto; there were plenty of shops and few malls –since they went by it before. Dearka knew life here showed a lot of promise. Now, if only he could get that message across to Yzak's stubbornness, then life would be next to perfection.
"When do we get in?" asked Lacus innocently to no one in particular as she put down her bag of her personal belongings.
"Who knows," said Miriallia in a tired voice, "Things seem to be so disorganized these days…"
"Yeah," agreed Cagalli with a snort, "Waiting for six hours for no apparent reason was not fun at all…"
"I guess the place looks good, right?" Athrun suggested as he –like Dearka- enjoyed the scenery, "I can sure get used to this…" He then glanced over at Kira, his eyes softened a little bit when he found him sleeping again with his head on Lacus' shoulders. The pink haired girl smiled lovingly before she began to move Kira into an even more affectionate and comfortable. She placed him resting on her lap.
"Hey," called out Crot to the crowd, "Can't we just go inside and hang out in the lobby instead of being out here? I mean, it's pointless waiting like this."
"We don't know our instructions yet though, Crot-san," said Lacus quietly and heavenly, "We should wait patiently." Yzak did not like this idea at all. Despite the place being all idealistic and perfect, he refused to allow his time to wait for someone or something that showed no sign of arriving at any time soon. Forget all this, the Duel pilot immediately bashed his way between Dearka and Miriallia and rudely pushed the rotating doors and whizzed right in. Athrun grunted audibly at his friend's low amount of patience. Seeing him already thrashing in, the rest of the gang also went inside.
What shocked everyone at that moment was that Murrue Ramius was already inside the lobby sitting on the couch as if she was waiting for them all this time. She also had a girl beside her that they had never seen before. However, what puzzled everyone to the top of their bent was that they thought the Captain was still back in Archangel, how did she get here earlier than they did. Also, when did she actually find the time to pick someone else up and then show up? No, this was not a good time to wonder about that, they wanted answers and they demanded it now.
"What took you guys so long?" asked Murrue with a smile, "I thought I was going to fall asleep."
"But… you…" Yzak said with a finger twitching as he pointed at her, "If you were here… why didn't come out and tell us?"
"You all were bonding so well together that I couldn't bare to tear you guys apart," justified the Archangel captain. That made Yzak's eye twitch another notch where as the rest of the youths just sighed to themselves inwardly. They never knew Murrue was such a joking type, maybe Mwu's influence was finally starting to influence her as well. When the ones who knew Mwu personally recalled his name, they quickly removed that thought out of their minds not wanting to remember any tragedies when they were supposed to relax. However, they knew they could not hide it in their subconscious forever, but yet avoiding it seemed to their best choice.
"Whatever…" said Shani weakly as his song was starting to get to the good part.
"Anyway," continued Murrue as she stood up as the girl next to her was still sitting down nervously, "I have registered all of you to live in this condominium, and since there are three girls and six guys, it divides perfectly into three groups. So, I registered you guys in three apartments, the girls would be living in one while the boys have to divide themselves into two groups of three. After that, I will explain the rest."
"But, Murrue-san," Athrun spoke in a slight hurry, "What about that girl with you?" Everyone immediately gave their attention to the stranger with golden blond hair with magenta eyes. In a natural reaction, timidity reached her features when she found out everyone was looking at her. She squeaked a little due to anxiety but she relaxed and had a relieved smile when she found two people among them. She didn't know them too well but at least she had knowledge of who they were. Getting off the couch, she rushed at them ready to embrace.
"Crot!" she exclaimed happily to the Raider Gundam pilot as she held him in a good friendship hug. Being Crot, he had no clue as of how to proceed with such great appreciation. Moreover, how did this girl know him? Who was she? When she looked up at him with an adorable blush on her cheeks, Crot finally had an image of her. He had met her before but he could not fully grasp what her name was. However, Shani stepped in.
"Hello, Stellar," the Forbidden pilot greeted in a monotone. "What a… pleasant… surprise…" Oh, good god…
"Shani-kun!" Stellar called out loud with delight. The one-eyed natural flinched at her remark, no one called him Shani-kun other than her, and damn he didn't like it. Yet, he didn't have the heart to simply tell her to stop. "I'm so happy to see you! How have you two sempais of mine been?" Dearka and Miriallia absorbed this with confusion; Yzak scoffed uncaringly; Cagalli had her head tilted innocently; Lacus had a smile of acceptance; Kira was beginning to wake up; but Athrun was the one who said something.
"You know each other?" asked the Justice pilot to one of the three with amazement in his voice.
"Yes," said Shani in a bored tone, "We were in the same military…"
"But we were higher rank," added Crot as he pried Stellar off him. The girl pouted a little bit knowing that she was somewhat rejected, "Since we were higher rank, we were given the mobile suits instead of her when we had the same training."
"Who may you be?" Lacus again intervened with a very welcoming aura of grace. "I am Lacus Clyne."
"I am Stellar Louissier," the magenta eyed girl introduced herself with a voice filled with gentleness and serenity, "Former soldier of the EAF. It's a pleasure to meet all of you… especially you, Lacus Clyne. Do you know I actually really like your songs? Do you still sing?"
"I have stopped for a while actually," the pink haired princess replied a little sheepishly when she knew she would bring forth disappointment, "I don't really like it as much as I used to…" Just when Stellar was trying to give out a response, she was cut off when Murrue gave a short cough. The two girls quickly reverted their attention back to the current speaker but a smile still crept on their faces. Stellar knew she would be able to make friends with her easily, and there was no need to rush things for there would be plenty of opportunities in the future.
"Looks like you already made yourself comfortable, Stellar," commented Murrue kindly and Stellar shyly looked away from her gaze. "Anyway, because we have an additional girl now, the girls would have the largest condo amongst the three. So the group would be Stellar, Cagalli, Lacus, and Milly. You boys need to discuss amongst yourselves to decide who should dorm with who so I can give you your keys." Immediately, the males gathered around and began their discussion. From an outsider's point of view, it looked like they were arguing with Yzak doing most of the work.
After a major argument –when it could easily be solved with compromise but eventually force must be used in the very end- Yzak had to dorm with the two naturals Shani and Crot. A scowl continued to cover his face after the forceful discussion where as Shani and Crot were kind of… shocked… to see someone so passionate about where to sleep. Did it really matter? The guys just groaned at the outcome of this situation.
As soon as Murrue handed the girls the keys to room 106, Kira's group to room 108, and Yzak's to room 110, she handed them each of them and large envelope that had their names written on them. As Cagalli opened hers, hers eyes widened when she took out a small bank book and a bank card that was slipped inside. The book contained the password, some personal information about the user but what Cagalli wanted to know was how much money she had. Once she saw the amount of money that was in her account, her face shined with delight.
"Wow…" she spoke airily with excitement. "I am getting one hundred and eighty thousand dollars for free!" Athrun -who was beside her- instantly grabbed his book from the envelope and checked out his amount. He was stunned to see he had the same amount. The Justice pilot then turned to his left to Dearka and even the Buster pilot reacted while jerking. In a few moments, all of their faces contained that same surprised emotion. What puzzled all of them was why they had that kind of money.
"Let me explain," said Murrue knowing what was on their minds at that mere instant, "This money is what your home country donated to you guys so you could survive through this new life. The reason that the country gave you these is because none of you can find a job without some financial stability. You all need to have education first and the ability to survive. From now on, you need this money to pay for your own expenses for this home until further notice. All the bills would come from this money, your food would be coming from it, other necessities would need it as well, so please don't waste it because that is all you are going to get.
"In theory, this money should last you guys for around two to three years until you can find yourselves a career. You guys can even find yourselves a job to earn a partial living if you want to but I am in no position to tell you what to do, this is your life and it's your decision to live it the way you want to. Also, there is something in the envelope you may also want to take a look at." Obeying without question, the youths also took out a certificate that was with the bank book. Some of them allowed their face to cringe, some were unaffected, and lastly the rest were delighted. Kira was the first one to speak in a very long time.
"This is… this is our registration to become students at North Kyoto Collegiate Institute…" Kira stated his words with awe. He indeed was showing some life again. "Alright!" he suddenly exploded with youthful spirits –which was nearly forgotten due to the war. "I can go to school again!" Lacus finally smiled a relieved smile knowing that her lover at last had the strength to continue, she could not help but feel grateful for this event. At the same time, there were others who spoke their feelings.
"It has been a while since I went to school…" Athrun stated with a smile that displayed he was recalling memories, "I wonder how it's like to go back there again…" Anyone who heard him knew he was looking forward to it. Stellar, Lacus, Cagalli, Dearka, and Milly also had grins or smiles on their faces, they agreed to this without problems. Actually, like Athrun, they wanted to either go back if they left school during the war or want to experience it first hand if they never had the opportunity to enjoy the life of education where military school did not count.
Then, there were the rest…
"School?" ranted Crot immediately in a loud tone of voice so everyone could hear his complaints, "Why? I don't want to go there… damn, this sucks, I thought we have freedom and now we have this crap? Damn it all!"
"…" Shani did not say anything but his face flinched knowing that he had to go back to school when he ditched it several years ago. Needless to say, although he would go since it was free and all, it was quite clear that he would not take school too willingly.
"This is such a gyp!" shouted the Duel pilot with a deadly look on his face. Dearka and Athrun knew he was in raw-fury mode. "I did not come to earth for the reason so I can go to school! I am a red-coat in ZAFT, I don't need this garbage! I refuse to be treated with such treatment! Me showing up as a student at an educational building is an insult to my image, pride, and intelligence!"
"And what kind of intelligence would be insulted?" questioned Dearka with a smirk. Miriallia immediately laughed with the Buster pilot while Yzak flashed a very annoyed glare. His rage merely increased when Dearka avoided his gaze, and to make it even worse, the rest of the youths joined in. How dare he insult him so many times in one day!
"Oh, it can't be that bad," Murrue told the Duel pilot and the rest of the gang at the same time, "School is a place to expand your future, and there are plenty of opportunities in there that you might miss if you don't go. All the people around you would be going too, and I am sure that they would be more than willing to make things more enjoyable for you. Besides, it's another form of relaxation and you do want to keep your mind clear from conflicts. Trust me, you will learn to like it."
"Do I have a choice not to go?" questioned Yzak rudely to see if there were any alternatives.
"You have to go for at least one semester because the government requires you to have at least four credits or you would not be able to quit school. You wouldn't be able to quit for at least six months. Trust me, graduating will be rewarded. And contrariwise, not achieving enough credits would result in utmost humiliation that will not be neglected." Hearing that, Dearka and Athrun wanted to burst out laughing when they saw the gray hair coordinator's priceless expression. It was a perfect fusion of anger, surprised, and finally exasperation. What was the dominant emotion at that moment? Nobody knew but they all came to a consensus that Yzak served as their perfect source of entertainment. The Duel pilot could not do anything but to keep a grimace on his face to save the remaining remnants of his pride.
Oh, this was going to be one hell of a life…
AN: If I made any characters out of character, I will apologize. In any fiction that I make, I tend to twist their personalities a little bit to bring out their other neglected side. Such as their shadows. I know I made Kira into a very boring and dull character but that is only temporary until Lacus or anyone else has time to deal with him in greater depth. I also hope you have no objections to how Stellar knew Shani and Crot, I just can't make Stellar a complete stranger to the group and expect friendship to happen from scratch. I know Lunamaria, Shinn, and Meyrin did not show up in this chapter, they will be in the scenes soon enough.
Although this is not my first attempt at fiction, it is my very first try at Seed. If you can refrain from being lazy and all, I will appreciate it if you leave some comments whether it is good or bad. I am more than willing to hear from you all. Hope you all enjoyed it! Please take care of yourselves out there!