Believe, Realize, Reason
Chapter 2: Shani: Facing Reality
Legend:
"…": Speech
'…': Thoughts and other italic words are also within this category
Scene Changes are listed in bolded italic brackets
Pairings in this story include: KiraLacus, AthrunCagalli, DearkaMiriallia, YzakOC –unless you suggest a real character for him-, ShinnStellar, LunamariaShaniStellar –this would be amusing to write-, and CrotMeyrin.
AN: Thank you all for your reviews everyone, and since I have only 15 reviews, I could actually spend some time to do some one on one chatting and responding. I will do my best to answer some of your questions.
Jasx316: Your reviews are always appreciated, I hope this chapter pleases you.
Anonymous: I am glad that this chapter pleased you. I do hope that the future chapters would please you just as much.
Darth Riven: It's given that you have no idea what my writing style is like. I do not make short chapters, that's a fact that all the Naruto readers who read my work know about. So, if you like to read short work, you have a very clear idea that my work is not for you. Thanks for your limited words of encouragement.
Mick: Let's hope this chapter continues to interest you, thank you for reading!
asga: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing for me, I hope this chapter can be as pleasing as the last.
swordDieXeQtion: Glad that you like it but I may not emphasize on Dearka or Miriallia as often as I want to because although they are a good pair, I really didn't fall in love with them or too interested in it. However, I will try my best.
KiraLacus: Haven't watched Naruto? Well, don't. That series is so damn long and dragging that it takes a lot of patience to watch. Some of the episodes are clearly a waste of time and more or less the series is a disappointment. I like Naruto for the characters, not the storyline. Anyway, hope you like this latest chapter of mine.
Angel of Dreams: Thanks for your review!
hawkhanyou: Thanks for your words of praise… but who is Shiho? Is she in Seed? If she isn't, I won't follow your pairing. If you tell me who this person is, maybe I could actually change the pairings. Luckily, I haven't fully decided on the Yzak pairing that character did not show up yet.
MissKT: Glad you liked it a lot, lady. Thanks for your comments about how I made Shani and Crot, they are one of my favorite characters after all. Enjoy this chapter for me, okay?
D.D Designator: You review every chapter of my work, thanks man! DFL3 will be postponed for certain, sorry.
Forbidden: Another fan who would not cease to support me, thank you so much, my good friend! Thank you so much for your hope and spiritual help!
LoverOfDestiny: ShaniLuna is a pairing that no one has created, maybe it's because I love these two characters so much that I had to put them together. I seriously do pray that I do not let any one of you down. Thanks again.
Shadows: Am I that unpredictable? Wow, I am gratified by your words. Thank you so much for your comments and endless praise, I really do hope that you loved it. Hey, writing it was fun, too.
NightmareRider: Dying of anxiousness, hey, this new chapter should cure it!
AN: Let the saga continue, shall we?
(The next at the conference room of North Kyoto Collegiate Institute in the very early morning)
"Why the hell is it so annoying?" inquired Crot loudly again for the third time this morning as he looked at the course sign up sheets with over eighty courses available. "Why can't this blasted school just give us any course at random so we don't have to do such troublesome things?"
When it came to a competition of ranting, Crot and Yzak were the best competitors. Ever since yesterday afternoon, Yzak had been complaining about which room he should get; how tidy their entire condo must be at most of the times; who got which bathroom since there were two and he obviously wanted to hog one bathroom to himself; the conditions at night so they wouldn't bother each other (when Yzak only cared about Crot and Shani not bothering him); and a whole bunch of crap that Shani did not want to deal with. All the Forbidden pilot wanted to do was to eat, sleep, and fool around. He had no intention to make anyone's life troublesome. Conveniently enough, others were always there making life more complex.
Just when Shani thought Yzak's demands and rules were enough, Crot had not been much of a help to him in terms of calming his mind. Ever since the topic about going back to school was presented yesterday afternoon, Crot had been ranting non-stop to Shani, and sometimes agreeing with the Duel pilot that school was a waste of time. The Raider pilot told him that the Duel Gundam had the perfect opportunity to shoot down his suit butYzak chose not to, and Shanireally wantedYzakto kill Crot before so he did not to need to suffer through this infernal racket nearly 24/7. Ever since then, Shani did not even have the time to listen to one good song. To the very least, Crot and Yzak seemed to getting along quite well... surprisingly enough.
"Pick it for you?" questioned Shani raising his right eye a little with absolutely no interest. Anyone who heard his voice today knew he was very tired. Stellar –who was sitting next to Shani- watched him worriedly from his left. She just had an intuition of something must have happened during their apartment last night. From what she could gather, the one eyed natural seriously lacked rest. "I don't think you would want that…"
"And why not?" retorted Crot giving off a dragon eyed stare.
"Then they would give you some courses that you may not want to take," replied the Forbidden pilot wearily as he checked off the sixth of the eight courses that he was able to take. "If I were you, I would not rant about checking off 8 courses because I rather not have you yell and scream about some lame course later on. You are more than likely to protest saying that 'I wish I did this' or whatever."
"Hey, you taking me for a crybaby, Shani?" the Raider pilot leered.
"I don't have time to argue with you," Shani said back while standing up and signing the form with his signature. With that said, Shani exited the room with dead silence not wanting anyone to talk to him. Crot and Stellar watched confusedly as to why the Forbidden pilot appeared so frustrated. Although he was very anti-social and never preferred human contact, he had never brushed anyone off in that degree.
"Crot-sempai," said Stellar with a touch of guilt, "What happened to Shani-kun?"
"Who knows," answered Crot scowling a little bit, "Shani was always weird."
"He seems angry… I don't like seeing him so upset…"
"Then why don't you go and cheer him up then?" suggested the Raider pilot not so wholeheartedly. "After all, you are worried."
"I don't know how to though…" Stellar said back shyly with her head looking down a little. In addition, her cheeks were filled with a tint of pink. Crot only gave off a loud sigh casually before walking away from Stellar the second time already. The blond hair girl knew Crot was quite the insensitive at times, she grimaced a little before finding another person to talk to. It was then when someone approached her.
"Stellar," called Cagalli with Lacus and Miriallia. The mentioned girl smiled immediately when her friends came looking for her. Fortunately for her, Stellar fit right in to the group with no problem. For the first time in her life, she felt very accepted and safe, having friends was very comforting. "What kind of courses have you picked?" The Orb princess offered her course selection sheet to Stellar so she could match. With a smile, Stellar took it and carefully scanned through it quickly. For a natural, she was very fast.
"I picked drama, dance, aqua biology, psychology, English, and vocal." Stellar replied gently.
"But that's only six courses though," Cagalli reminded.
"I want to have two spares, Cagalli," reasoned the magenta eyed lady still having a smile, "Believe it or not, I am a lazy person." Lacus and Miriallia giggled hearing that remark where as Cagalli's eyes opened up with interest.
"We are allowed to have spares?" the Orb princess inquired with utmost hope. "Then screw having eight courses! I am so taking six!" She then scratched off world history and chemistry off her list and she seemed quite satisfied with the list she had now. When Lacus and Miriallia peeked over, a smile crept on their faces.
"You picked family studies, Cagalli?" asked Lacus hopefully.
"Yeah," the blond twin replied easily, "Why ask?"
"You don't seem to be the family type," commented Miriallia jokingly but Cagalli certainly found that to be teasing. It wasn't like she was completely enraged though. "Don't tell me you and Athrun are trying to-"
"What are you talking about?" Cagalli made an outburst withembarrassment and a thick blush on her cheeks, "I wasn't even thinking about that!" Stellar fought hard not to choke with laughter where as Lacus just smiled one of her heartwarming smiles too knowingly.
"We know you aren't," stated Lacus still carrying that smile that bugged the lights out of Cagalli, "We know." That obviously did not make the Orb princess feel any better. It was then she snatched the sheet from Lacus –who yelped due to the unexpected action- and read out loud. At first, Cagalli was going to tease her good friend of the courses she had chose but her golden orbs no longer held that feeling when she noticed what the songstress actually selected.
"Psychology," began Cagalli slowly, "Sociology, anthropology, family studies, English, and vocal…" The Orb princess noticed the first four were human science courses, and judging by how Lacus looked away sadly at that moment, Cagalli and Miriallia figured the pink princess selected those deliberately for the sake of one person; Kira. Stellar also detected the distress from them, she was not as ignorant as Crot imagined her to be. Despite her lack of ability to grasp the full scenario, Stellar safely assumed that this must involve someone Lacus treasured. "Oh, Lacus…"
"It's okay, Cagalli," Lacus told them all with assurance, "I do want to take those courses. Don't think that I am forced to take it, okay?"
"I do want to believe you…" said Miriallia biting her lower lip slightly. "But…"
"I know you are trying to help my little brother for taking these, Lacus," stated Cagalli rather directly. "You know what, I will put some sense into him myself. Don't worry about it." Using that voice, anyone knew the solution the Orb princess had in mind was violence –and lots of it. Lacus quickly shook her hands with frantic not wanting Kira to be hurt in any physical or verbal way. Cagalli merely sighed at Lacus' kindness inwardly, they all knew Lacus was just too kind to resort to any force.
"Let's just hope these courses help Kira, okay?" Miriallia said at last looking at Cagalli and Lacus for a consensus. Luckily for her, the two nodded in agreement and Cagalli –for the sake of Kira- also switched a class to learn about psychology. When she stole a glimpse of Stellar, Cagalli was puzzled seeing her confused look.
"I got one question…" mumbled Stellar quietly.
"Ask ahead."
"Who's Kira?"
(At the cafeteria after getting their timetables finalized)
"So far so good," said Dearka to the gang as he slipped back his timetable into a slot into his backpack, "Looks like all of us have English as first class tomorrow morning."
"Why do all of us need English?" questioned Kira as he crossed his arms.
"English is an universal language in all countries," justified Athrun, "We all have to learn it in order to survive in society."
"Talk about annoying…" grumbled Yzak as he looked left and right to familiarize himself in this new vicinity. Judging from things, he didn't like it. People were too natural (not because they are naturals), too kind, always having smiles on their faces when Yzak was accustomed to rules and solemnity.
"It can't be that bad," said Dearka as a devious smirk reached his features. "Remember, if you don't get enough credits, you can't get out of school, and you will be a laughing stock of a lifetime." Yzak flinched angrily as the Buster pilot gave him such an unwanted reminder. He seriously did not need that.
"You know that lady is just trying to intimidate me," corrected the Duel pilot attempting to keep up a confident smile. The lady he was referring to wasclearly Murrue."No one is going to do anything to me if I do fail. Of course that's not going to happen to me since I won't fail to begin with."
"Actually," said Shani suddenly from the rear –which caught the four male coordinators in an instant, "They do kind of make a big deal out of it." That did not please Yzak at all. To be precise, that got everyone interested except for Crot since he lived under earth circumstances. They waited patiently for Shani to continue.
"What are you saying?" questioned the Duel pilot for patience was not a strong trait in his blood.
"What I am saying is everyone does know if you passed or fail in the end." The Forbidden pilot told them all in a whispering voice but definitely audible. "At the end of each semester, they post up the names in terms of rank on a board. And each name on that board has your overall mark and rank, but everyone passes their grade level if their names are up there."
"In other words," Crot stepped in conveniently, "Those people who are not listed failed their grade. That is how everyone knows if you failed or passed in the end." Yzak paled up in an instant where as the other three coordinators did not find that to be much of a problem. Shani and Crot appeared to be quite confused since only Yzak seemed very frightened where as the other three appeared to be fine. "Yzak… are you okay?"
"High school is going to be a snap," declared Athrun as he wrapped his left arm around Kira's neck like best buddies. In fact, they still were. "It's gonna be like old times again, right, Kira?"
"Yeah," replied the Freedom pilot finding a little hard to breathe due to Athrun's grip, but he didn't mind. "We are so going to ace this high school!"
"Don't leave me out of this," Dearka said joining in with his two good friends that he knew in Archangel. "Athrun, we didn't do that bad ourselves when we were in the ZAFT military school,did we?"
"I remember," replied the Justice Pilot having a smile on his face, "The two of us had the best grades in the academy. We were pretty much rivals in terms of academics but we were cool. If military school was easy, I doubt this high school wouldn't be that much different." Dearka promptly agreed but Shani stole another glance at Yzak. He jerked just slightly when Yzak's face displayed stun, shock, fright, and surprise. What was wrong with him?
"Yzak seems kind of worried…" commented Kira watching the Duel pilot carefully.
"That's what I was saying a minute ago…" said Crot in exasperation.
"Shut up, Yamato," growled the Duel pilot completely irritated, "What do you know about me getting worried?"
"Don't worry about him," Athrun told Kira as a grin crept on his lips, "Let's just say Yzak Jule here doesn't have the best academic skills."
"Zala!" warned Yzak loudly as his teeth gritted and clashed with another. "Don't you dare spill anything to Yamato! I am warning you!"
"Kira is going to know eventually," Dearka told Yzak with a touch of fake understanding. "You might as well save yourself from losing more of your dignity and admitting your weaknesses now."
"I have no weaknesses!" yelled the Duel pilot threatening to shake a fist. However, Athrun could've cared less knowing Yzak's idle threats never advanced to action. Instead of taking the warning seriously, the Justice pilot continued despite Yzak's distress.
"What Yzak is trying to say is, he was at the bottom of the food chain," explained Athrun still having that too knowing grin on his too handsome face. "If you are wondering how he ever got to be a red-coat… let's just say his mommy persuaded the Chairman and his zeal was desperately needed."
"Zala..." the Duel pilot continued to hiss begging him to stop.
"What I am saying is," announced Athrun ignoring Yzak's pleas, "Yzak sucks at school!"
Yzak instantly cracked knowing one of his most detestable secrets were shared to the guys as if it was the easiest thing in the world; Dearka started to chuckle and he was certain that it would soon turn into sounds of laughter; Shani's visible eye raised a little with amusement before he smirked; Crot just stared with astonishment not ever believing Yzak would actually be bad when he was a strong pilot in the war; and Kira simply absorbed everything.
"I am going to kill you, Zala!" screamed the Duel pilot furiously enraged. "Since you take so much pleasure in embarrassing me, vengeance is the only thing that I have left!" The blue haired coordinator acted as if he was threatened very badly, but Yzak's angered visage soon evolved into a sinister grin. From the looks of it, Kira knew something was up Yzak's unpredictable mind. "I wouldn't be laughing now, Athrun. Do you happen to remember what was the first thing that we saw you have when you opened your suitcase in the dorm?"
"What was in that suitcase?" questioned Athrun using his eyes to inquire further. "I remember nothing."
"Of course you don't remember anything," continued Yzak confidently, "Who would want to remember anything as embarrassing as showing their military comrades that they have a clean pair of pink bunny slippers given by their fiancee?"
Recalling that memory, Athrun's green eyes paled up into pools of clear white. Yzak's snarl increased knowing Athrun had been hit very hard in the emotional department; Dearka burst out laughing with his hands on his abdomen; Kira just imaged a very solemn looking Justice pilot in meditation, and what seriously made him crack was that pink on his feet with bunny heads. Like Dearka, Kira also lost his control and joined the Buster pilot with a howl of laugher.
Athrun's face flushed up with absolute embarrassment, how he wanted to rid his mind of that scenario when he kindly rejected Lacus' little present after needing to return to the base. Unknown to Athrun, Lacus just thought he was too humble to accept anything from her, andso without him knowing she had slipped the pink slippers into his suitcase as a good luck charm. In the end, he went back to the military lacking the fact that the cuddly objects were the first things in his luggage. Therefore, when he unpacked, the first thing that fell out was those slippers and Nicol, Rusty, Dearka, and especially Yzak bawled with amusement that entire afternoon and a several days after that. He had no face to show to anyone until he aced a test that Yzak failed miserably on later on that week.
"Yzak…"growled Athrun with his face very red. "Why did you have to bring that up?"
"Chill, man," commented Crot while chortling as he slapped the Justice pilot on the back quite hard but not to an extent that was hostile. "Being a laughing stock isn't so bad, Zala, it's good to see you embarrassed when I always known you as the annoying guy in the red suit. This is a very good change!" Those words were intended to wound Athrun's pride further without doubt.
"Crot, don't you start…" the blue haired coordinator gave a warning stare but he stopped when he saw Crot's face.
"Oh, I insist that I do, Athrun Zala," interrupted the Raider pilot with a smile before a solemn snarl came across his face, "This small embarrassment of yours is only a small portion of the agony that I received from losing Gamie-chan. I will catch your every fault until you give me back my baby!" At this moment, the Justice pilot cold sweated. Who knew what this guy would do to make his life a living hell, Athrun did not even want to assume. "Right, Shani?" Just as he wanted some feedback and support from the Forbidden pilot, Crot flinched when his response was nothing but dead silence.
Damn you, Shani…
"Hey," yelled Crot, "I am talking to you!"
"I know," Shani's reply came back extremely dull. Kira blinked a several times wondering why Shani was suddenly so quiet but he soon realized his attention was given to a several flyers and magazines. However, what the gang did not understand was what on earth he was reading.
"What are you reading, Shani?" questioned Yzak not very impressed by the green haired natural's stoic attitude. If he was trying to be cool, he had a long way to go.
"Some sales," Once again, his answer was vague.
"What kind of sales?" inquired Dearka motioning Shani to speak more than that.
"Sales on computers and laptops, printers, scanners, and such." replied Shani as he circled one of them that marked his interest. "From what I can gather, a vast majority of assignments are preferred to be typed knowing that many of the students have very poor level of handwriting. And also, I noticed that we don't have any computers in our apartments and we wouldn't last for very long without it."
"I wouldn't worry too much, Shani," said Dearka with reassurance although he really didn't know the Forbidden pilot nor did he like him very much. They were enemies not too long ago after all and it did take Dearka some time to readjust to all this. "It's not like the fact this school doesn't have any computers. I am sure we would survive."
"Of course we would survive," Shani continued with his eye narrowing a tint more, "But definitely not too gracefully. Besides, I wouldn't give this school full reliability knowing how many other students may need a PC at times, you should be prepared not needing to depend on them." All of them had to agree with that logic since it carried nothing but the facts and not opinions. "Regardless, I am planning to get a PC and some other things today using that money we got."
"You're going to get it now?" Kira asked not believing how Shani planned out a game plan for the day already. He indeed was organized.
"Yeah. I suggest if you have nothing to do, come with me, you won't regret it."
"We'll see…" said Athrun smiling to accept the kind offer. "Thanks again."
"Don't mention it…" Shani finished silently before he bid a farewell with the group and taking a small map from the office so he could gain access to another part of town. After taking a several thousand dollars from his new bank account from a bank nearby, he proceeded with his activities for the rest of the afternoon.
(5 hours later)
The Forbidden pilot was exhausted after the journeys of venturing through places to shop. Of course, he wasn't window shopping or doing it for the sake of entertainment. For obvious reasons, Shani never was someone who preferred shopping. Opposed to that, he really loved to be alone so he would know himself more. In addition, he was buying things because it was a must, or he seriously should. In the long run, it was worth it knowing that his efforts were not wasted when he would have an easier time in school. This tiring day was worth it, he kept telling himself as he walked with a large bag of stuff and a box under his right arm back to his apartment that was on the first floor.
His merchandises included a P4 laptop, an optical mouse, today's newspaper, instructions to have internet access for their apartment –after he made deals with the company-, several binders, paper, writing utensils, blank CDs, several music CDs he found in the store, several manga, and others. He walked around the city madly just to find everything that he needed, and his lips continued to keep a grin of satisfaction when he found them all.
As Shani placed his keys into the lock, his eye opened up lightly when he noticed the door was not locked. At the same time, he heard a lot of noises from behind the door. Judging from the mood of the sounds, it didn't appear to be thieves trying to steal their stuff. The wasabi green haired male wondered what could be happening inside without him. Nonetheless, he turned the doorknob and entered his suite.
He certainly was surprised when he found everyone inside. Moreover, he was stunned when his apartment was under the state of a chaotic party. First of all, why was there a party? Secondly, why didn't anyone invite him or tell him? Crot was the first person to notice Shani's return.
"Hey, Shani!" greeted Crot in a cheer as he grabbed a bottle of cola and approached the Forbidden pilot who still was carrying a lot of stuff. Shani clearly found the Raider's pilot's breath smelled like BBQ chips. Actually, the entire place was filled with junk food and pop.
"What's going on here?" Shani asked a little bit disappointed at this but Crot didn't catch it.
"It's a party, idiot!" the orange haired natural told him happily with glee.
"Why wasn't I told about this?" At that time, Dearka and Yzak came along. The Buster pilot appeared to be very content about this event since a wide smile plastered on his face where as Yzak simply wiped his mouth with a napkin. Although a look of neutrality was all the Duel pilot showed, he did appear to be enjoying it deep down.
"Cagalli and Miriallia decided to celebrate our success soon after you left, Shani," Dearka replied as he gulped down another satisfying sip of cola. "Damn, I never knew soda tasted this good!" Yzak only smirked at Dearka's words, he sure was someone easy to satisfy.
"Yeah," added the gray haired coordinator with a neutral grin, "It was such a good idea that we couldn't refuse. It had been a long time since we had fun."
"Why didn't you guys look for me?" At this point, Shani was quite displeased.
"We didn't know where you were though," answered Crot. "Guess what I got today?" Shani only gestured Crot to continue stoically. He then practically dragged Shani to the living room to where all the action was. Miriallia was sitting on the couch eating a sandwich; Lacus was beside Kira cheering him on a game that he was playing on the big screen TV; Athrun was next to Cagalli as he encouraged her to toughen up on her game; and Stellar's smile widened delightfully when she found Shani came back. However, what puzzled Shani was why was their a game system here when they didn't have one yesterday.
"Crot…"
"I followed your advise, Shani," stated Crot proudly, "Since you were getting whatever you want out there, you indirectly convinced me to buy what I wanted. And of course, I need a good replacement for Gamie-chan, and which I have in my room, and I also wanted a game system that I could have endless fun on. This PS2 is the best thing that I have ever bought. Don't you think that it's a beauty?" Dearka immediately agreed with Crot, Yzak merely made a small nod, but Shani did not find any interest in this piece of machinery. Nonetheless, he gave a nod to comply –which pleased the Raider pilot quite a bit.
"NO!" screamed Kira when he found Cagalli's racecar reached the finish line five seconds before his. Lacus pouted slightly at Kira's defeat but decided to massage his shoulders as encouragement. Kira –being a good loser- only smiled at Lacus' kindness and managed to give a humble grin to Cagalli. However, Cagalli was not such a good winner.
"Take that, little brother!" shouted Cagalli with zeal and fiery passion before Athrun could congratulate her. "Never challenge a woman like me, you got owned! Owned! You heard me, Kira, owned! I am the best! I am invincible! I am unstoppable!" Miriallia chuckled at the Orb princess' exuberance, she never knew how she could have so much energy over the smallest matters. She did have grown quite fond of her over this short amount of time.
"Cagalli," Athrun spoke holding her shoulders, "You do know there are such things as a bad winner, right?"
"You're supposed to agree with me on these things!" Cagalli said back as she reacted on impulse and pounced on the Justice pilot with her on top watching him alluringly. No doubt Athrun flushed up noticeably when his lover performed such a maneuver of affection and charm, and Cagalli's cheeks burned as well after her little act. Sheepishly, she retracted from him to lessen the weight on his chest, and Athrun took this chance to sit back up. "I…"
"It's okay, Cagalli…" whispered Athrun also wanting to hide his face due to the immense blushing. Much to his discomfort, it was then when Dearka placed his hand hard on his shoulder as a sign of cheer.
"Damn it, Zala," commented the Buster pilot now patting on his former Captain's back supportively. "You always seem to have the best amongst all of us. Man, you better treat Cagalli well, she seems to be on fire!" Athrun jerked distinctly with eyes filled with discomfort and timidity. Dearka laughed again for the fifth or tenth time today and making sure he wasn't laughing at his own jokes, he noticed Kira, Lacus, and Miriallia joining in with agreement. Cagalli, however, did not find it amusing, and her temper once again took better of her judgments.
"How dare you, Dearka!" screamed Cagalli at the top of her lungs –which startled the quiet Stellar. "You like to make fun of me? I am going to beat you up good!" When the Orb princess said that, anyone who knew her well enough knew that she meant it fully. As of result, the blond coordinator gulped hard before dashing off elsewhere but Cagalli only pursued with utmost zeal.
Whizzing by Shani –who nearly dropped all of his stuff since both Dearka and Cagalli almost knocked him over-, the Forbidden pilot now found his apartment in a state no different from an insane asylum where the patients held no common sense or knowledge. Miriallia giggled to herself seeing Dearka would soon be tortured; Stellar just stared confusedly but amusement was also present on her emotions; Athrun got up and followed his lover; Kira and Lacus watched with anxiety; but Shani wanted to scream with grief when those two entered a room –his room.
In a flash of events, Cagalli suddenly tackled Dearka at the back despite him being a coordinator. Giving a painful grunt, the Buster pilot did what he could do at the moment and tried to find the softest part he could land on. Since this was not a large bedroom, the first thing that Dearka had in mind was the bed, and fortunately he didn't smash any of his body parts on the wood and landed safely. Yet, the Orb princess seized this chance and began to pound him either playfully or not so playfully. At the same time, the others made it inside and witnessed this violent display.
"Go, Cagalli!" cheered the Justice pilot happily. "Take him down!"
"No, Dearka," objected Miriallia who squeezed herself through the crowd and emerged at the front. "Fight back, fight back! Don't lose to her!" Having Miriallia as a support, it was then when the Buster pilot began to block and defend himself. However, when the tides seemed to be even, the songstress began her cheering.
"Go, Cagalli-san!" Lacus shouted supportively. "Go get him!"
"Lacus?" questioned Kira not believing the pink hair coordinator would prefer a violent outcome.
"Come on, Kira," she held his hands lovingly. "Join the fun!" Kira did not know who to cheer for. He could support Cagalli and Dearka would seriously be pummeled to the ground. Yet, if he helped Dearka to exhilarate his enthusiasm, his sister would have his head for not helping her. To the Freedom pilot, this was a hard decision to make. He stole a glimpse at Yzak and Crot; they clearly did not care who was going to win at the end. It wasn't like the fact they were getting beat up.
Shani, on the other hand, cringed lightly when he heard a wooden cracking sound. From what he could gather at the moment, he figured that sound must have came from the bed. The noise only got louder as each second went by, and due to the fact everyone was paying such close attention –except for Stellar who was watching Shani the entire time- they did not notice a thing. In a matter of moments, one of the legs snapped due to the constant force, and in perfect coordination, the rest of them instantly broke thus the bed collapsed in a loud whump.
"No!" the Forbidden pilot screamed at last as he unintentionally shoved all his belongings to the shy Stellar, and rushed to the front. "What did you do? Where the hell am I supposed to sleep tonight!"
"Oops?" Cagalli said back nervously as she scratched her head above a seriously wounded Dearka since he took all the collapsing impact. Oops? After messing up his bedroom, all she could say was oops? For once, Shani's right eye flared up angrily, and this time Cagalli knew he was being frighteningly serious.
"Get out of my room…" the green haired natural hissed darkly. Everyone swallowed hard to remain calm.
"But Shani," reasoned Crot stepping in. "It was only an acci-" The Raider pilot quickly shut himself up when Shani tilted his head with a deadly slow movement.
"Right now." If the gang had a high level of imagination, Shani's aura was as threatening as Medusa summoning her snakes to kill. All of them felt frozen solid as if Shani's gaze turned them into stone, and immediately, all of them rushed out of the room not ever wanting to cross the Forbidden pilot again. Once he no longer felt their presence nearby, he groaned with maximized irritation when he saw the remnants of his bed.
Where the hell am I supposed to sleep, on the mattress?
"Shani-kun…" came a voice holding nothing but bashfulness. It didn't take Shani long to figure out who that was.
"What is it, Stellar?" he questioned lowly as he moved the broken wood and splinters to the side so he could throw them out later. Then he sat down on his mattress and laid back as he watched the ceiling lacking passion. Hearing that he had acknowledgement of her presence, Stellar approached him before sitting beside him. This girl sure liked hanging around him, Shani thought to himself.
"I came back to give you back your stuff…" replied the blond natural as she placed the laptop and the large bag beside him as those objects served as a small barrier.
"Thanks…"
"What else did you buy other than a computer?"
"I brought some stuff…" Shani said back vaguely. "Can you pass me the newspaper?" Nodding to comply, Stellar searched the bag for the designated object and handed it to Shani as he sat up straight. When the Forbidden pilot looked at a section that she had no knowledge of, her curiosity kicked in.
"What kind of article are you reading?" she asked hoping to start a conversation.
"I am actually looking for a job." Shani replied as his concentration all went into the paper.
"A job?" inquired a shocked Stellar. "So soon? We just came here for one day though."
"It's always better to plan ahead," justified the Forbidden pilot as he shifted a little closer to Stellar so he could share the paper with her. The blond girl leaned in and looked at every article and advertisement quickly hoping to find any reasonable job that Shani could be able to do without any degrees. However, she didn't really find any.
"Can't you settle for part time?" asked Stellar.
"That's what I am intending to do but I don't want to be lowlife busboys or people that work in the produce isle in grocery stores. I rather use my time wisely."
"I don't think you could use your time effectively if you only want a part time job."
"I guess not… all of these are asking for store clerks, or labour that could kill you than help you, or be a human coat hanger, or a living decoration, and anything useless in between those lines." Shani stated out loud as Stellar began to giggle cutely. When Shani looked at her again, she was adorable in his eyes.
"If you are looking for a job," she suddenly said catching him a little off guard, "Crot has a lot of experiences with getting a job. He said that he always had a chance to become an employee."
"You don't know half of it, lady," Shani told her with a snicker. "Don't you know that he always messes it up in the interview?" Stellar gently shook her head left and right.
"So, Buer-san," said the employer behind his desk in his office talking to a fourteen year old Crot who was applying to be a paperboy. "What do you see yourself in five years down the road? A mechanic? A college student? A doctor's assistant? Someone who is in university?" The young Raider pilot was currently deep thought trying to figure the ideal answer.
Don't say doing your wife… don't say doing your wife…
"Doing your-" Crot spoke and cursed himself knowing he already messed up in looking for the right words to say. He then hopelessly searched for a diversion or another answer by looking at any object available. It was then when he landed on the picture next to him -which contained a woman, the employer, and his young boy, and then choked out, "…Son…" The employer's eyes widened and Crot already knew the interview was over.
"Oh, my," said Stellar with her hand over her mouth with her cheeks heating up.
"Yeah," finished Shani as he took a garbage bag and stuffed all the broken wood in there preparing to throw it away. "That is the story."
"How did you two get enlisted in the military then?" she continued asking. The Forbidden pilot would never deny that she was unquestionably persistent. "Did Crot did the same thing?"
"Kind of…" replied the green haired natural uncomfortably.
"How did you guys get hired if you guys pissed off the Captain?"
"That guy could've cared less," he explained exasperatedly, "But of course he kind of threatened Crot that if he valued his genitals, he would not speak of that subject again." Stellar once again did not even know whether she should be blushing hearing it or giggle. The Forbidden pilot knew that confused look, he did find it somewhat amusing talking to Stellar right now. "At the same time, he gave me the same threat."
"Ouch…" That was all she could say. "Shani-kun…"
"What is it?"
"Where are you going to sleep tonight?" she questioned knowing he no longer had a bed no thanks to Cagalli and Dearka.
"Don't worry, I still have my mattress," reassured Shani sincerely as he took out his laptop and placed it on his desk. "You should join the fun outside with the others, Stellar, you don't need to worry yourself with me. I will be fine in here."
"But it's not fun without you out there," Stellar reasoned as she went beside him, "Besides, it's not the same without you."
"I am not a loyal supporter of parties," he told her softly, "It's not really my thing."
"Come on," the blond girl continued to plead as she now held his hand in hers and pulled. "Everyone is out there having fun. You should be with them and enjoy it." To her surprise, Shani only scoffed darkly. This frightened Stellar to a degree, she wondered what was wrong.
"If they actually wanted me to be there," Shani said wanting to spit. "They wouldn't have started the party without me. Where is the heart, Stellar, where is the heart when nobody even bothered to look for me? If they looked for me and told me but I refused, I would still be glad that they had the heart and consideration. Guess what, they did not do a thing and trashed up this place and my bed so I have to sleep on the floor. I am still very frustrated with them, you know that?"
"I'm sorry that I am a bother…" Stellar sniffed with guilt as she looked away from him.
"It's not your fault, Stellar," the one eyed male said as he gave her a gentle hug of support. This time, Stellar's cheeks flushed a bright shade of red that contained nothing but timidity and charm. "It's that Crot Buer and that other coordinator, Yzak… Because of them, I barely slept last night…" He stopped talking when her arms crept up around him and pulled him into a firmer embrace. For someone so closed in, this feeling was so foreign to him but he had to admit it felt welcoming –just like Lacus' kind greeting when they first met.
"Poor thing," the girl whispered involuntarily in his ear. Sensing that soothing feeling, Shani quickly broke their hug with a heavy shade of crimson on his face. Just when the Forbidden pilot wanted to say something, he choked when he saw her innocent smile and her head tilted to the right with the same manner. Why did she do that? Although he wanted to banish those previous thoughts of Stellar, he couldn't despite his actions.
"Ano…" Shani continued to stutter badly as his mind made endless efforts to think of a justifiable excuse, "I will throw this garbage away…" After grabbing the garbage bag, Shani immediately rushed out of his room leaving a frowning Stellar –who really did not want him to go so soon. Giving out a small moan and pout, the magenta eyed girl slowly exited the room to rejoin the others in the living room where Cagalli just beat Athrun for the 3rd time in racing. Once more, she was being a bad winner.
(At N.K Collegiate Institute the next morning)
To be very honest, learning another language wasn't such a big deal to most of the class since they had knowledge of it from before. Actually, nearly all of them had a background that was not Japanese or Asian. In other words, English was more or less their first language in their lives. This class was seriously a joke to them all, and it wasn't even much of a problem to Kira Yamato. They would've enjoyed it greatly if the teacher –Mr. T. Tanaka- was not such a bore and if the students weren't such suck ups.
As expected, Kira sat next to Lacus in the middle–who kept looking at him whenever the opportunity was present-; Athrun chose to sit next to the grumpy Cagalli –but she kept smiling when she found out Athrun was paying more attention to her than the teacher-; Dearka sat beside Miriallia –who did not have the heart to simply reject his decision but she found out he wasn't bad at all as her seat partner-; Yzak sat beside Crot and talked about games, stunts, and mischief; and lastly Stellar was beside Shani. Despite that they all sat with their preferred friends, they were bored out of their minds as the teacher started yapping again like a machine for the third time in half an hour.
Kira did not know whether this teacher was a natural being grown from boredom or over passionate about Shakespearean literature. Tanaka was explaining about Act 3 Scene 1 of Hamlet for the third time today about the major importance of his soliloquy. For crying to the forbidden angels of hell, explaining it once was enough, why couldn't he just realize that people do get bored overtime. Even if they did want to protest, their retarded class seemed to be fascinated by his words. Taking a short glimpse of his friends, the Freedom pilot's eyes narrowed when he found out they were deathly fed up. Even the supportive Lacus gave a small, unnoticeable yawn wanting to fall asleep on his shoulder.
Yzak seriously did not give a damn, and a scowl of disgust never left his face after the second explanation. At the same time, Tanaka detected the negative aura emitted from the Duel pilot. From the expression on his face, the adult knew Yzak was pissed. However, in Tanaka's opinion, he simply believed Yzak was disrespecting him and his teachings.
"Mr Jule," the teacher spoke with a light slam on the Duel pilot's desk. Crot leveled his head a little bit due to the shock but Yzak cared less as his face turned into a confident smirk. "Can you explain to me what you are doing right now?"
"I am just sitting here, Tanaka-sensei," Yzak spoke with a high level of sarcasm; especially the sensei part.
"What about that look of yours? Are you mocking the great art of Shakespeare?"
"I wouldn't dare do that," the gray hair coordinator spoke again with utmost mockery and fake respect. At this point, the remaining 24 students were turned their attention to him. "It's just that I find your teachings way too… passionate for my taste." Some students –more or less Yzak's friends- began to chuckle and Dearka even silently cheered in his mind since Yzak's words were the exact feelings in his mind.
"Too passionate?" Tanaka questioned in disbelief and mistrust.
"In simpler terms, sensei, you are very boring." No one had ever said that to him right in front of his face or in front of the entire class. At that second, the teacher was undoubtedly enraged.
"This is your very first class, and you are already being so rude! Yzak Jule, I think you are asking for a detention, mister." That did not even faze the Duel pilot for he merely continued.
"And I think you lost your virginity to mechanical bulls." Yzak retorted sharply before snickering again. By this time, the classroom erupted with raw laughter. Although most of the students were terrible sucks, they couldn't control their chuckles and giggles when such a devastating insult was given to the teacher. Certainly –to everyone's knowledge- this did not happen everyday and damn hell they would cherish it.
Class ended very soon that day.
(At the Cafeteria during lunch time)
"I think you lost your virginity to mechanical bulls?" questioned Athrun still chuckling as he took a fry and dipped it in the gravy before his tongue tasted the satisfying salty flavour. "Man, you got him good, Yzak." The Duel pilot was not one bit impressed by Athrun's words. Instead, he merely grinned cockily.
"Do you think you went too far though?" asked Lacus kindly to Yzak as she received her cheeseburger from Kira.
"It's not like we liked him that much," justified the Duel pilot easily. "I am sure that one of you would've said something but I am just honourable enough to do this for you all."
"You and your honourable stuff again…" Athrun scoffed as he took a sip of soda.
"Still…" the songstress said still a little guilty that the teacher received such a blow. To make it worse, Yzak was more than likely to be transferred to another class. Even though Lacus did not know Yzak exceptionally well, she had to say they weren't strangers either. They have met another at times and the Duel pilot could be quite the gentleman when he was ordered to do so.
"Don't worry about it," said Dearka finishing his burger. "Nothing's going to happen." He then silently stole a fry from Miriallia's plate without the girl looking. Unfortunately, Miriallia slapped his hand before he got it successfully to his mouth. To emphasize Dearka's defeat greater, the brown haired natural slowly tasted it with much pleasure before slowly swallowing down her throat. Dearka watched her with a jaw drop, why did she have to make it so much for him to bare? It was only a fry, as Dearka said, couldn't she spare one? Not even one?
Seeing him so desperate, Cagalli sighed before offering one of her fries on her plate. When Dearka saw it, he had no interest in it for he only wanted to make Miriallia pay some attention to him. Of course, despite the fact that he failed, he still had fun. "I don't need your fry, Cagalli." Dearka told her but to everyone's surprise, the Orb princess misunderstood his meaning.
"Look!" the blond twin exclaimed angrily as she stood up from her seat and stomped one foot on the table roughly. Crot –at this moment- wasterrified to the core. "You were so anxious for a fry a second ago, and now I give it to you, you don't want it! Is it because I touched it? Just because I took this fry with my fingers, it doesn't mean it is diseased you know!" By this time, a vast majority of the students stopped whatever they would doing and turned around. Some of them were amused; others watched with pure shock; and the rest were very scared.
"Cagalli…" whispered Athrun in a hiss not believing what Cagalli was doing. "Get down from there."
"I still haven't settled the score from yesterday!" declared Cagalli ignoring Athrun and Kira, "Without Shani here, you are going down!" Dearka's eyes widened when the Orb princess actually used the other foot on the table and prepared to dash at the Buster pilot at full speed. Even if he had coordinator reflexes, there was no possible way to evade when the place was naturally crowded. Dearka simply prepared the worst.
However, Cagalli yelped when someone forcefully made a firm grip on the helm of her shirt and yanked her back down to her seat. Miriallia gasped with relief knowing someone saved Dearka from endless torment, where as Cagalli immediately flashed a glare to whoever pulled that stunt on her. However, she silenced when she saw Kira's stern eyes looking intently into hers. The Orb princess gulped knowing that was one face that she couldn't deal with, Kira's solemnity meant business.
"Kira…" growled Cagalli still frustrated that she couldn't even lay a punch on Dearka.
"What are you even doing, Cagalli?" questioned the Freedom pilot wanting an answer and no excuses. "Don't make such a scene in a public facility. Look at the people around us, come on, this world does not revolve around you only."
"I know that!" hissed the girl seething her words so only the gang could hear her.
"Then act like it. You are freaking the others out, okay?"
"Fine! I will spare Dearka then."
"And everyone else." Kira pressured on. The girl had no choice but to give in.
"Fine! Everyone else, too, okay?" Lacus, seeing that Cagalli had calmed down, knew exactly what to do.
"Hello, everyone," she said nervously giving a bow but the slightest lack of confidence was barely detectable, "The problem is solved now… There is nothing to see. I am very sorry that we have disturbed your lunch period, please continue what you were doing before. Thank you so much!" The songstress wiped a bit of sweat as she turned back around. Athrun gave her a good pat on the back for giving off such a good improvised act.
"You do know that I am listening to you because you are my little brother, you know that?" questioned Cagalli eyeing Kira a little bit before giving off a smile.
"Judging from what you did, I wouldn't surprised that you are the younger one, Cagalli," replied the Freedom pilot giving a snort. Athrun nodded to agree, and so did the others. Cagalli just felt defeated but kept her pride nonetheless.
"There is no way you are older than me."
(Meanwhile in the Computer Labs in the Library)
'From the looks of things…' thought Shani to himself as he searched the web for job info, 'Looking for a good job is definitely hard. I wonder if there are really no opportunities for me to look for a good job.' He sighed wearily as he searched for another site by clicking on the mouse. 'Damn it… do I seriously have to finish school like a loser? From what I can see, Crot and Yzak would make a living hell out of my life if I continue to stay there. In just one blasted day, I already have to sleep on a mattress without the bed support. Those bastards –especially Crot- never ceases to tick me off…' Unexpectedly, he suddenly found something that could be some use. He wondered why he did not notice it until now.
"What's this?" he asked himself as he darted his mouse to the link. His eye showed a high level of surprise when he actually found a job that he could actually apply to. However, this was an advertisement made by ZAFT. In other words, this was application to join the military. Memories of pain soon consumed his mind as he just remembered needing to wear that blue uniform that designated him to be a living CPU until the war was over, Shani gritted his teeth knowing what kind of hell he went through in order to survive. He was cast aside like an object, and he only received minimal attention when any executive officer came to them having an order from Azrael. As if fighting Freedom and Justice were already hard enough, they were treated badly when they desperately needed time to recover.
Shani did not want to read the application form, but yet his curiosity disobeyed his will and scrolled down a little bit as he began reading the requirements. However, he did decide to read what was ZAFT's purpose for needing
"It is very fortunate to know that PLANT and earth finally have a time of understanding, we all hope that peace can continue to remain as long as humanity exists." Shani read to himself but a snicker came across his lips knowing what kind of cheesy line that was. "Regardless of the war is over, PLANT does wish all people to remember the tragedies both sides received and prevent all these events to ever happen again. In order to do so, ZAFT welcomes all people to enlist into the ZAFT military to protect the peace that was so hard to obtain. Also, picture it as a new start for yourselves and the future. Do it for the sake of the future so such tragedies would not need to occur ever again, use your power to the fullest for together we are strong…"
Shani didn't even bother finishing the rest of the paragraph. Whoever wrote this really made him laugh. In fact, it was the most cheesy piece of crap he had ever read. Who would be convinced by this? Advertising must use logic and skill, not emotional persuasion. Even though it was cheesy, Shani continued down to the requirements to be enlisted. He could sign up as a student and work his way up by going through training, or he could already apply as someone experienced. There was no way that he would become a lame trainee; he didn't have that kind of time to waste. Obviously, his eyes traveled down to the other part of the form to apply for higher ranks.
'Okay…' the Forbidden pilot said in his head, 'Age does not truly matter in this case… what they require you to have is experience in battles, years of experience in the military, leadership, skills with basic machinery, and most importantly mobile suit or mobile armour experience?'
Shani was sure surprised as he read each requirement vaguely. He wasn't expecting this last qualification at all, and he just kept pondering if he had what was needed to become better than just normal soldiers. He was enlisted in the military ever since he was 15 –and he was 18 now-, trained with machines and mobile suits, became the pilot of a GATX model suit, his logic dominated his persuasion, and Shani just couldn't think of anything that didn't make him qualified enough. This was the ideal opportunity for him to live out life right, and despite him being a soldier again; all he needed to do was to set things in the correct path.
As he finalized everything, his eyes cringed when they required a phone number to contact them. Shani had a bank card, health card, passport, library card, credit card, but what he did not know was his own telephone number for his apartment. At the same time, he cursed when he also lacked a cell phone. Although it was not a mandatory, anyone would've known that this was strongly advised. How hard could it be to get a cell phone, there were so many stores that sold those phones in the district he was in yesterday. After finding there were no further problems, he saved this form into his floppy disk before making a print out. When school was over, he would make plans to get a monthly plan for his cellular phone.
When he looked at his watch after slipping his application forms into his backpack, his right eye opened up when the watch said 12:50PM. He was already five minutes late for class! Fortunately for him, it was only his gym class yet he didn't want to make a bad impression for the first day although there was a high chance that he would never return. Regardless, he cursed out loud before taking off to the gymnasium as fast as his legs could carry his slender and fit body.
(After school somewhat over two hours later)
'No Crot… no Yzak… no Athrun, no Kira…' the Forbidden pilot thought as he left alone through the front entrance of the school with a grin plastered on his face as he looked left and right. 'Looks like it's clear sailing from here… I don't want those guys to bug in my business.' Shani walked casually through the crowds and groups of people not caring about any one of them, why did he need to obligate himself to do such a thing? He then took out his application form again to check if there were anything that he personally needed to do some more research on before he send it by email. He grinned knowing that nothing was wrong and proceeded with his plan.
"Shani," he congratulated himself with rare zeal, "You are a genius. Your plan to leave earlier than those other people was a great way to isolate yourself. Now, they wouldn't suspect anything!"
"Shani-kun," a voice called his name which made him stop in his tracks. It didn't take any wise person to identify who that was.
Crap.
"What are you doing here, Stellar?" questioned Shani with a high degree of panic.
"What were you talking about just now, Shani-kun?" Stellar asked him innocently as she took a several steps to get right in front of him. "What's that in your hand?" The one eyed natural instantly panicked while shoving his form back into his bag pretending that he wasn't carrying anything. Stellar had both hands behind her back as she leaned down a bit to observe his actions to a closer depth. She knew he was hiding something.
"Nothing, nothing," he replied back very hesitantly as in a hurry, "It's nothing!"
"What were you talking about just now?" she asked as she took another step closer. If she was tiptoeing now, she would be able to kiss him. What amazed the Forbidden pilot was that how did Stellar do all this without blushing or feeling any shame, she was shocking.
"I wasn't planning any conspiracy," Shani told her in the calmest voice possible as they both started to walk towards another district, "It takes two people to plot a conspiracy, so you can't sue me for planning anything evil! I am warning you, Stellar," he then moved one step back. "I didn't do it! I didn't do it!"
"I didn't accuse you of anything…" she said timidly as she rested herself an inch closer like a school girl in love with her crush.
"Good, good. Let's leave it at that."
"Why are you hanging out here by yourself, Shani-kun? Are you going somewhere?"
"Yeah…"
"Why aren't you going with the group then?"
"I don't want to get all of them involved with my own personal stuff. It wouldn't be fair to them…"
"What are you looking for then, Shani?" Stellar asked again with endearment and charm.
"I am actually searching for a cell phone," replied the green haired natural, "I suppose it would be easier in the long run." By this time, he noticed that he was already near the shopping district. At the same time, why was Stellar with him? "Don't you have a place to go, Stellar?"
"No," she said back happily, "I barely have any work today."
"So?"
"So I want to help you."
"You really don't need to, you know that?" asked Shani sighing silently.
"But I want to," she said back not giving in to Shani's words. The Forbidden pilot only grunted to himself knowing the girl wasn't going to leave that easily. At the same time, he wouldn't simply ditch her in a place that was so unknown to her. As the green haired natural thought about it, having Stellar around wasn't all that bad, she was a good friend to a degree, and it did beat walking around by himself.
When Shani gave her a nod in agreement, Stellar brightened immediately and kept up the pace with her sempai. He did not know how she did it but her presence made his day somehow just so much more welcoming. As the two naturals continued to do some window shopping, they didn't know that they got themselves within a shopping centre. In other words, they were in a mall. Shani suddenly saw a girl with short dark magenta hair talking to her friend happily in front of him. She was a mere 10 meters away, and that other guy looked around a year younger than the girl. Furthermore, he had black hair and creepy red-violet eyes. He reminded Shani of a vampire –and Yamato.
Normally, Shani would not care about what other strangers were talking about in their conversations since it wasn't his business. However, since that violet haired girl was speaking quite loudly, it was difficult not to hear her. From her words, she was quite happy to be able shop on earth since PLANT did not have some of the merchandise that she truly wanted. Stellar and Shani figured that girl must be from PLANT and her friend was more than likely to be no exception. Just as the two naturals were going to do their own thing, the coordinator girl slipped despite her reflexes and abilities.
Despite Shani being a natural, he actually had good reflexes and speed due to the insane amount of dosage of the Gripheptan. To put it in simpler terms, he was quick. As the girl stumbled a several steps forward before her face would personally have an acquaintance with the polished mall floor, fortunately, Shani rushed in front of her and put his hands in a position that her shoulders would fall safely in his hands. Much to his disbelief, since the girl took another small step for a millisecond, her shoulders weren't the part that made contact with Shani's hands… Instead, her pair of sizeable breasts landed perfectly in it. Shani's hands served as an ideal cup, and damn hell he knew he was screwed.
The vampuric looking boy shrieked in a sudden gasp as his face showed nothing but fright.
Stellar's face reddened as she put her hands in front of her mouth to control her jealousy and stun.
Shani did not say a word or moved a muscle. Underneath all that hair, his forehead was beginning to generate terror sweat while wondering what would happen to him in less than minute. He was so scared that he did not dare to move at all.
The coordinator girl simply blushed a deep red for a good ten seconds -in Shani's warm, firm chest- with her face rivaling the colour of strawberries before she forcefully retracted away. She panted and gasped heavily and embarrassingly not ever believing that such a humiliating thing could happen to her. No one touched her breasts in her entire life! She then glared at Shani angrily along with a strong, evident hostility. Her blue eyes displayed no other than rage.
"Lunamaria…" whispered the black haired boy wanting to know if his friend was okay.
"Shut up, Shinn…" hissed the coordinator girl by the name of Lunamaria with her right hand flinching and twitching. Unbelievable to Shani, Lunamaria walked up to him slowly, and each footstep to his ears contained a deep sense of dread. The Forbidden pilot was nervous but at the same time he could not imagine how soft breasts truly were. In spite of his current circumstance, his hormones were taking control of his mind and only able to recall that soothing feeling. Shani knew he should not be imagining these things, he cursed his hormones with the darkest, most insulting words that he could think of, yet it wasn't enough. "You…"
"…" The Forbidden pilot was literally mute at this point.
"Do not EVER allow me to meet you on the streets again, you hear me!" Lunamaria shouted loudly so every bystander could hear her. "You per-" Shinn quickly shut her mouth by putting a hand over it so Lunamaria did not need to yell anymore. Although the coordinator girl struggled for a few moments, she knew that Shinn was only doing her a favour. She already lost a lot of face but letting some nobody touching her forbidden areas, and yelling like a wild, frenzied bitch would not do any good for her. Taking a deep breath, she continued, "I don't want to see you again. Got it?"
With that said, Lunamaria stomped off angrily away from Shani and Stellar with Shinn following her tail quietly. "I am really sorry for this…" Shinn apologized for Lunamaria in a whisper, "Please don't take it personally, okay?" Before the Forbidden pilot could even respond, Lunamaria make a loud knowing cough.
"Shinn?" she questioned him immediately, which made the vampuric male stiffen before he caught up with her. As they were no longer within Shani's sight range, the Forbidden pilot finally loosened all the pressure within himself and sighed heavily. His hand were still twitching nervously but frantically, he did not know what the hell just happened, it was like bliss but nothing close to pleasurable.
"You felt them in depth, didn't you?" questioned Stellar with a sad frown and pout.
"No, of course not!" the one eyed natural nearly yelled out loud.
"Shani-kun is a pervert…" she said sadly before walking ahead of him.
"Stellar, Stellar! You are misunderstanding me!" Shani had no choice but to run after her. How did things become this troublesome? "Stellar, wait!"
Kuso…
(Four days later at the Spaceport)
"Well, looks like this is farewell," said Shani to the gang as he placed his blue cap on his head. "I really do wish that I could have stayed here longer… but it looked like PLANT really was in a hurry for experienced soldiers." Cagalli, Lacus, Miriallia, and especially Stellar were not taking all this too well. Just when things were finally going better at school and in life, they did not expect that Shani would just leave like this so unexpectedly. Although they did not know another for a long time, they sure felt like family.
"You punk!" shouted Crot, "You went applying as a soldier when all of us has been working hard in school? Shani, man, how could you ditch us like this when all of us are having a new beginning with another? Come on, please reconsider."
"Sorry, Crot," replied the green haired boy apologetically, "I need to get things right this time… and I do not believe that school is the path for me to fulfill my… wishes."
"You know what," said Yzak cutting in the conversation, "Why is PLANT not telling Dearka, Athrun, or myself to return to PLANT if they actually need people up there?"
"Yeah," agreed Dearka with the Duel pilot's statement completely. "PLANT is our home, we are supposed to help whenever we can despite our circumstances. Shani, we are going to come with you, we can't stay here like this if they actually need our assistance."
"Oh, please don't," the Forbidden pilot stated against their actions, "I was wondering about that myself when I sent them my application by email. In my reply, I found out that Ezaria Jule ordered that the Crusset squad pilots not to step in with political matters at the moment."
"Why not?" questioned Yzak flashing a stare when he heard his mother's name being mentioned.
"I don't know… but from what I can gather, she wants her child and his squad to simply discard everything that has relevance to the war and take time to recover. I do not know what her true intentions are, but I do believe that her decision is for the best for all of us."
"But you are one of us, Andras-san," argued Lacus sadly trying to persuade him to stay. "You don't have to do this and become a soldier…"
"I was nothing but an EAF living CPU," explained Shani with a small grin, "I basically was the force that made this war escalate into further realms, and I did not make a difference at all. Maybe guilt is telling me to do this, but at the same time, I feel that it's the right thing for me. I may be a soldier, but no longer a killing machine, not someone who gets ordered around like a piece of trash. I will be making a difference, trust me."
"I believe you!" cheered Cagalli suddenly as she took Shani's hand and held it with tight passion. Kira and Athrun saw that Shani flinched when the Orb princess' force crushed his hands. "You said to us yesterday that you would be a good Lieutenant, right?" He nodded still with his left eye showing he was experiencing pain. "During this week that I have known you, you are one mature, reliable, trustworthy person who can do this job no problem. You can do it, I know you can. Crot has light years to be able to keep up with you."
"HEY!" the Raider pilot yelled hearing an insult. "I am still here, you know!"
"We all believe in you," continued Cagalli supportively as she patted his shoulders. Shani simply smiled a smile that he had not made in a long while, that made the princess happier in less than an instant.
"Speak for yourself, Cagalli," scoffed Yzak not caring at all but Dearka jabbed him with his elbow to shut him up.
"Take care of yourself up there, okay?" Kira said with a sad smile. "Don't make any mistakes that we all have made in the past, Shani-san." Not knowing what to truly say, the Forbidden pilot just took Kira's hand and gave it a friendly shake. Athrun also followed suit.
"Despite that we may have been enemies before," Athrun told him, "I wish you the best of luck up there. We all would want to see you alive."
"Thanks, Zala," replied Shani giving off a dark chuckle, "I never would've expected such words of encouragement to come from you."
"Are you still holding a grudge on me?" the Justice pilot amusedly asked Shani with a snicker around his lips.
"Of course not," the Forbidden pilot said back still carrying that grin before he stole a glance at Stellar -who was quiet for the entire time ever since she finally found out what Shani had been planning for these several days. Shani did not even want to remember the details of yesterday night that involved Stellar for she wept, pleaded, argued, and used all sort of emotional reasons for Shani to stay. To put a long story really short, it took a very lengthy amount of time until Stellar finally compromised. Yet, the magenta eyed girl still wasn't too willing to agree.
"You got something to tell him?" asked Crot knowing Stellar always admired Shani like a little sister would to a successful older brother.
"Come on," urged the Buster pilot giving Stellar a gentle nudge, "Or you won't have the chance later on when he is up at PLANT."
"Yeah," Yzak added smirking again with no notion of friendliness but mockery, "Your girlfriend has something to share with you, Shani Andras." Stellar flushed up at that second hearing the word girlfriend and Shani in the same sentence. The Forbidden pilot did not find any amusement in those words that came from the Duel pilot. After one week of knowing another, he kind of figured Yzak was a negative, sadistic, dark, and insulting person. The best example had to the virginity comment he made earlier that week. When Shani –or practically anyone else- recalled it, they couldn't help themselves but to crack up a smile.
"Ignore him, Stellar," the Forbidden pilot told her as he motioned her to continue, "Is there anything you want to say to me?" The blond haired natural hesitated as she still maintained those shades of timidity on her cheeks. Stellar didn't have something specific that she really wanted to tell him but yet she indeed did want to talk to him before he left. Without thinking any other possibilities, she quickly tiptoed to his height before she kissed himcaringly on the right cheek as her gift for him.
Crot jerked with stun; Cagalli, Lacus, and Miriallia gasped like school girls who were witnessing the cutest guy in school being kissed by a girl; Yzak wanted to cough and vomit seeing such an act; Dearka did not find it sick at all for he would want to get kisses from girls; and finally, Kira and Athrun just stood shocked. Once Stellar pulled back, she blushed slightly remembering that others were here. However, she didn't truly mind that much when she found out that he was smiling.
"Sorry… Shani-kun…" Stellar wanted to justify her actions for she knew better than to kiss Shani like that. "I… I just… I just…"
"It's okay, Stellar," said Shani as he hugged her very lightly but Stellar felt as if her heart had finally going through serenity and happiness. "Thank you very much for your… uh…"
"You're welcome," she responded very sweetly with a cute smile. "Be the best commander ever, okay?"
"I hope so."
"Where are you sitting in the shuttle, Shani?" asked Lacus kindly with her genuine smile.
"I don't know… the ticket said that row 23, seat C, in the second class."
"Is it time to go yet?" Cagalli inquired taking a look at her watch. "Isn't your flight at 10 AM? It's already 9:45?" Shani hurriedly checked his watch and found out that the Orb princess wasn't lying. With only fifteen minutes to spare, he had to leave quickly. After giving Stellar another hug, Crot another good brotherly embrace, handshakes with everyone –other than Yzak who acted as if he did not give at all-, Shani bid another farewell before he lowered his cap a little more and turned towards the entrance to his shuttle.
Within a several minutes, the Forbidden pilot finally made it inside the shuttle, and the first thing he did was to find his seat on the ship after putting his suitcase in the designated area where everyone else's luggage was. Once he found his seat, he noticed that the one next to him was still empty –and he thought he was late enough already. Shani could've cared less knowing that whoever that person may be, he or she would show up eventually. As far as he knew how society worked, the cost of riding in a shuttle did not come cheap. Placing his headphones in his ears, Shani soon slouched slightly in his seat as the music flooded in his ears and mind. After closing his eyes in a tired fashion, Shani allowed his entire body to rest peacefully for the first time this week –Crot and Yzak were not the most ideal roommates if complaining was a strong force in their blood.
(Meanwhile)
"So," said Lunamaria as she, Shinn, and Meyrin made it to the second class section, "How was earth?"
"I loved it!" exclaimed Meyrin, Lunamaria's younger sister, "You can't believe how much things I have brought! I got to come down here again when we have another vacation."
"Easy for you to say," Shinn said with a bored tone, "You used at least half of my money for your merchandise, Meyrin…"
"Oh, you know I didn't bring enough," Meyrin pouted with puppy eyes, "You should be helping your good friend when she is in need, Shinn."
"But you spent over thirty thousand yen on your stuff…"
"Fine, I will pay you back, okay?"
"Nah," Shinn told her shaking that subject off, "Just think of it as my present for you, Meyrin."
"Really?" questioned the younger coordinator girl happily like a little child.
"Really."
"Hey, Shinn," said Lunamaria in a very knowingly sweet voice as she swayed her hips before approaching the male coordinator, "Where is my present? You know I like to accept gifts, too."
"Luna… I…" Shinn choked nervously when Lunamaria's eyes tightened slowly to intimidate him. "I… I… I…"
"Well, you gave my sister thirty thousand yen worth of presents, it is only fair that you give me something too, right?" Shinn promptly nodded despite Luna's logic may not necessarily be correct. However, due to the fact that her eyes were doing all the work, Shinn had no will to fight back. "So, where is my present? You can't just favour Meyrin more… unless you like her…" Shinn instantly blushed.
"No, that's not it!" he protested flailing his arms.
"Then what?"
"It's just that… it's just that I don't want Meyrin to be sad…"
"You don't like my sister, Shinn?" Lunamaria suddenly changed the subject. The male coordinator felt more hopeless as each question came out from the older Hawke's mouth, she wouldn't stop killing him until she got what she wanted. Without any option, Shinn had to give in.
"Luna!" Meyrin whispered with a thick blush, "Don't say such things…"
"Luna, fine, I will buy you something when we get back. Better yet, I will buy you dinner too!" Miraculously to Shinn, Lunamaria began to laugh, he did not understand what she found to be so funny. After ten seconds of pleasurable laughter, the girl just smiled.
"I was kidding, Shinn," she told him in a sisterly way, "You don't need to buy me anything. If it upset you so much, I will pay you back later on, okay?"
"Forget it, Luna. I will buy you dinner when we go back home, it will be my gift to you… you know, so both you and Meyrin received something."
"I thank you then," Lunamaria replied in a grateful voice, "Hey, Shinn, do you know our seats?" Hearing her question, the vampuric coordinator quickly reached his shirt pocket and took out their ripped tickets.
"Well, it says that I got row 23, seats E. You got D, and Meyrin has F."
"It shouldn't be too hard to find those seats," commented the dark magenta haired coordinator as she took on the lead. When she found her seat thirty seconds later, she was surprised that someone was already here before her. When she looked at her watch, Lunamaria did not notice that it was already that late. Luckily, the shuttle did not lift off yet, or she would be really screwed. "Hello…" she greeted to the passenger on the C seat with a blue cap.
"Hi…" his response came dully as she saw headphones in his ears.
"Is this row 23 seat D?" asked Lunamaria a little slowly as if she was observing him without him knowing.
He looks familiar… green hair like wasabi… where have I met someone with green hair?
"Yeah," replied the green haired male as he turned his head to face her. At that instant, Lunamaria shrieked with disbelief when she suddenly recalled who this person was. Green hair that was long enough to cover his left eye, his right eye was violet, she could not believe this was happening to her!
When Shani finally gave her a complete but queer look, his mind kept on attempting to remember who this girl may be. She had short dark magenta hair, a rare kind of blue eyes, her chest was quite appealing, and then it hit him like a mobile suit travelling at full speed before colliding into a wall and exploded. Suddenly, he felt scared.
No, it couldn't be her…
"You…" hissed the coordinator girl as she leveled her right hand pointing accusingly.
"Lady, let me explain-" Shani tried to reason in a desperate hurry but she cut him off abruptly.
"You're that guy that groped me in the mall!"
AN: I apologize for this cliffhanger in such an early state in my story. For those who know how I write, or know what my writing style is like, you should know I make numerous of cliffs –but not all the time or I get gunned down by those readers who received assault weapons last Christmas from me. Thank you all for your honest reviews, they seriously helped me to write better… or more efficiently… or they simply gave me the persistence to continue. Nonetheless, thank you so much.
I hope you all liked this Shani centered chapter, believe it or not, he is my favorite character in Gundam Seed, and Lunamaria is my favorite female character in Destiny. I pray that you guys liked how Shinn and Lunamaria entered this story, somehow, I just had no other ideas of doing it nicely. If I did do it in a coordinated manner, I think that would be too smooth. Anyway, I hope you all liked this chapter of mine, hopefully I could get the other pairings well constructed in the future chapters. I will see you all next chapter, thanks again for reading!