A/N: Here is the first chapter, on which you all have been dying to read, correct? Anywho, I'm glad that a lot of you liked the first chapter, even though it was angsty. And I know a lot of you wish Clive to be dead...but I can't kill him yet!

Digital-Dragon-Master: You pronounce his name Jade-in. The next name that I'm sure tons of people will have a hard time with is Syiria. It's pronounced Sy-er-e-a. There you go!

Now, this chapter pretty much clears everything up. And for those of you who are wondering, the little italizied words at the beginning might be there throughout the whole series. They pretty much sum up everything that has happened in the previous chapter and what may happen.

WARNING: Text and all related materials are rated R/M and may mild strong language, violence, cruelty, explicit adult content (sex), death and nudity unless otherwise stated. Please do not read if you are underage or may be offended by such material.

A/N: And do not complain that I have added 'inappropriate scenes' for I will then not update. So, if you do not feel comfortable with reading this story, then remember that you all wished it to be R/M rated!

Ever since that day, Cagalli had gazed longingly at the sea, hoping that her son would appear on its frothy waves. Yet no such hope appeared for her. She had stayed long into the night, gazing out at the ocean, eyes brimming with the tears that were clear as crystal. Kira and Lacus had come as soon as they could, but already the perpetrators were gone. Not being able to bear the pain, she had locked herself in a shell, away from the horror that lay not even an inch from her thoughts.

Athrun, too, was devastated that his only son was gone. Holding Cagalli, he stayed with her for the days that followed, helping her like he had so many years ago. And, just like his wife, he never took his gaze off of the sea, off the frothy waves that Jade had played in. Kira and Lacus had tried to help as well, bringing the twins – Sheera and Nicol (named after the boy that Kira had killed in the last war) – and trying to comfort them. Nothing, however, could end the pain that swallowed Cagalli, even though it was kept at bay as the two watched their daughter grow.

Ten years have passed since that fateful day and Syiria has grown quickly. Hardening herself because of the fate that befell her parents, she matured much faster than most people, always keeping an eye out for when her mother might next break down. For, she vowed to herself, when she came of age, she would find her brother and bring the villains that took him away and caused her parents so much grief to justice.

Chapter 1
War Anew

Syiria yawned as she pushed the covers away from herself. Leaning over the bed, she glanced under it, searching for her clothes. Her midnight blue hair cascaded down the side of her face and she pushed it absently away. Finding what she had been looking for, she pulled out a large T-shirt and slipped it on. Sliding out of bed, she caught herself in the mirror. Turning, she narrowed her tawny gold eyes and stared.

Her midnight blue hair hung to the middle of her back and her tawny gold eyes – that were flecked with shards of green – held the kind of serenity she was told that her mother's held. Her suntanned body was agile and well toned, hidden only because of the baggy clothing that she wore. She had heard that that was how her mother had been when her Uncle Kira had first met her, hiding underneath a cap and baggy clothing. She shook her head as she studied the rest of her body.

After steeling herself, she had matured much faster than her, or her parents, thought possible. Already, she was well past the end of puberty and she was only the age of fifteen. She turned to the side, pulling the shirt taunt, and frowned as she noted the curves that played over her body. Sighing, she released the shirt and walked over to her dresser, where her brush and other accessories lay. Picking up the ivory comb, she ran it through her hair until it was shining. Then, she pulled on some shorts and opened her door.

The filtering light of dawn shone through the windows of the house, giving it an almost haunting glow. Syiria walked past her parent's bedroom and stopped in front of her brother's. Glancing at the closed door, she curled her fingers around the handle and turned.

She had never actually gotten acquainted with her brother, having only been five when he was stolen away from them. However, as she had grown, she had seen her mother sometimes cry as she watched the waves that lapped gently against the beach, and never had Syiria once seen her mother enter the fresh water pool near the house.

Pulling open the door, she was met with a sight that almost brought tears to her eyes. Sure, she had seen the photos of her brother and had been told about his personality many a time, but not once had she made an attempt to enter his room. The room was decorated with planes and other devices; carriers, pictures, anything a nine year old would find interesting. And he was sure an artist. Every picture she touched, every picture her gaze landed on, was a beautiful intricate work of art, crafted with pictures of her mother, father, and her, when she was still a child. She touched one such page, with the writing of her name below it. It was when she had turned five, the day before Jade was taken away. She turned away from the picture and gazed at the rest of the room, marvelling on the pictures, the snapshots of Jade and her parents. She saw one such picture of Jade with their mother, her arms wrapped around him and her face beaming, sitting on a rock that Syiria had a habit of going to when she was depressed. Taking the picture from the frame, she found the words on the back to be shocking.

Never will my heart show remorse against that of a Natural, for my mother has shown me the love that lies in all of us. We only have to reach out and grasp it.

Syiria was taken aback by her brother's knowledge of words. He had been nine, yet he talked as if he were an adult! Placing the picture back in the frame, she gazed at it and traced her brother's face. He was so different looking than her, yet she loved him without actually knowing him.

Stepping towards the door, she took one last longing look at the room before opening it and shutting the door softly behind her, shutting off that part of their lives for the time being.

As she walked back to her room, she heard a strangled cry come from her parent's room. She then heard a scream, an ear-splitting scream that set her blood on ice. She whirled, eyes wide and reached for the handle of her parent's room.

"He's gone! Why is he gone!" came her mother's voice from inside the room. Another scream was heard and she wrenched open the door.

She found her mother, lying on the bed, the sheets torn up around her with her father standing near, his eyes never leaving her face. She saw the pain, the torment it took for him to watch her scream. And then she lurched up, clutching the shattered sheets in her hands.

"Just like before. I've lost another one…" she said so softly that if it weren't for Syiria being a Coordinator, she wouldn't have heard her.

Athrun knelt beside her, eyes wandering over her face.

"I've lost another one, Athrun. It's just like before, just like the last one. I've lost him, and he's never coming back," cried Cagalli, reaching out her arms like a child. Athrun held her close, whispering soothing words.

"Will I ever be able to live with myself? First Meer takes my child away, then Clive. Please tell me Syiria will never face that torment," came Cagalli's voice. Syiria was frozen to the spot, eyes wide. She had had another sibling?

"Mom?" said Syiria softly. Cagalli looked up, tears still in her eyes and wiped them away furiously.

"What is it hun?" she asked.

Syiria swallowed hard. "I had another sibling?"

Cagalli froze, her hand halfway to her eyes, and they filled with tears once more. She looked back at Athrun, whose face was a portray of shock.

"Yes…" she said softly, looking down.

"Why didn't you ever tell me?" she accused.

"Because I was almost killed from that experience," replied Cagalli, looking up at her daughter. She saw the horror filter into her gaze and swallowed.

"You…almost died?"

"Yes. A woman by the name of Meer Campbell decided that Athrun belonged to her, and only her. I was shot in the showdown, and the womb was punctured. Thus, I lost my first child." Cagalli bit her bottom lip, eyes watering. "Then they took Jadein away; they took him and I could do nothing!"

Syiria felt her feet take her forward and soon she was in her mother's arms, listening to her sobs. Athrun watched the two through hooded eyes and then looked at Syiria.

"Go have breakfast, Sy. I need to talk to your mother," said Athrun softly.

"Yes, dad," replied Syiria, getting to her feet in a fluid motion. She seemed to be walking on her own accord; her mind was still reeling with the results of her mother's confession.

---x---x---x---x---x---

Athrun waited until the door was closed before turning to Cagalli. She was still hugging herself, remembering her little boy's face as he stood upon the rock. He went to her and knelt, eyes serious.

"Cagalli, you mustn't let this rule your life. I know you to be strong, but right now," he bit his lip, afraid of the reaction he might get from her when he said what he knew must be done. Choosing his words carefully, he continued, "right now, you're being a selfish little cry baby. You're no longer the woman I married; the woman who would never be shown showing weakness, even to her loved ones. Please, Cagalli, if you are still the woman I know you are, stop hiding and face the true matters at hand."

Cagalli looked up, eyes wide. Athrun's words pierced a part of her soul, a part she had kept submerged in her sorrow. She stared up at him, noting the pain it had caused him to say those words to her, to say what he feared would break her. Then she did something that shocked even her. She nodded.

"C-cagalli?" asked Athrun, hand straying to her face. She just nodded once more; gaze curious as it met his.

"You agree so willingly?"

"I have been foolish, hoping and desiring something I know that is naught to pass. I hope you can forgive me, Athrun, for I have been a fool. If Jadein does live, then he lives knowing his parents were not harmed. I just hope he hasn't been hurt in the process." Steeling herself, she stood. Never again would she let it haunt her. "Come now, we should get ready for breakfast."

Rushing down the stairs, she looked into the kitchen to see Syiria, her feet curled beneath her as she sat on the island in the kitchen, her gaze on that of the ocean. The sun played upon her features and Cagalli marvelled at how much she reminded her of Athrun; the looks, the stubbornness, and the soft spot that resided in her heart for Naturals.

Athrun followed soon after, and smiled at the two. He then pulled out some instant breakfast and quickly began to eat.

"Father?" asked Syiria, turning her gaze to her dad. "What do people usually go to war in?"

Athrun was taken aback by her question, the food raised halfway to his mouth. He paused; thinking back to the war, and then said softly, "Mobile suits, ships – like the Archangel – or mobile armour. Why do you ask?"

"Because there is a mobile suit in our back yard," replied Syiria calmly.

"Shit!" said Athrun, jumping up from the table. His food crashed to the floor and Syiria winced at the sudden impact of glass upon ceramic tile.

Cagalli followed him out, eyes widening at the person that appeared from the cockpit.

Blond hair, tanned skin, and a million dollar smile to boot, Dearka Elsman stepped onto the grass-covered land and stretched. Smiling at the two, he began to walk forward, but froze when he saw Syiria leaning on the doorframe.

Pain shrouded his amethyst eyes as he gazed at her and then quickly turned back to his two friends.

"So, Zala, whatcha been up to?" asked Dearka, grinning like a fool.

"Well, let's see, I've started a family, built myself and my wife here a house, had a son and a daughter, was about to eat breakfast and are wondering what the hell you're doing here with a mobile suit in my backyard!" Athrun's voice had risen in tempo as he went and Dearka winced at every word.

"Yzak sent me. He wants you and Cagalli to – well…" Dearka rubbed the back of his neck as he handed him the letter.

Ripping it open, Athrun's eyes widened in disbelief. "Another war? When?"

"About two months ago. It's taken a helluva long time to find you two; it's impossible to find this island when the house isn't in plain sight. Also, the three pilots we sent out have yet to return; we had to send out our best pilots too." Dearka sighed. "Yzak's in a fit. An unknown vessel has attacked the Earth Forces and they think it is ours. They also think it was Yzak that declared some of their children be taken away. Seemingly, there have been reported kidnappings all over Earth – as well as the PLANTs – and we have yet to find the perpetrators. They are all Coordinators though, so we think we know what's going on."

"Jadein?" whispered Cagalli, her eyes shining. Athrun nodded.

"Your son was taken?" Dearka's eyes widened. "Damn. Ever since Milly and I got our daughter stolen, she has been up in arms with revenge. I'm afraid she's going to hurt herself."

"How old was your daughter? And I didn't know you two were married!" said Cagalli, a little hurt. Miriallia had promised that if she got married, she would be the first to be invited to the wedding.

"We had to get married in secret because many assassination attempts on Milly's life have occurred. They don't like the idea of Natural/Coordinator relationships. Our daughter was thirteen when she was taken. Five years have passed. She'd be eighteen now."

Jadein would be nineteen, thought Cagalli sadly.

"If our daughter was still with us…well, she would almost look like your daughter, except with different coloured eyes and hair," gestured Dearka, eyes haunting once more.

"Why do you want us to join ZAFT?"

"Because we aren't fighting the Earth Alliance; we're fighting the new organization that is firing on both sides, destroying both. We need to destroy them; they have extremely experienced pilots and are wiping us out, one by one, and we need you and Cagalli to join. I know she knows how to pilot; we even asked Miss Lacus to join our campaign. She and Kira are discussing it right now with Shiho."

Athrun sighed and looked back at Cagalli. Her eyebrows were furrowed as she thought of all possibilities.

"You stay here, I'll go," said Athrun softly, taking her hands in his.

"No. If you die, then…then…" she choked on her words and looked up at him.

"I won't die. I just need to resolve the issue. Maybe we can calm down the forces that have upturned both sides. Don't worry," whispered Athrun, stroking her cheek.

"Daddy! You can't go!" shouted Syiria, rushing towards them and throwing her arms around her father. He was taken aback by her sudden action, and hugged her back.

"I'm sorry, Sy. I have to."

"No, you don't! Don't throw your life away! Please, you belong here with me and mommy!" shouted Syiria, tears flooding her tawny gold eyes.

Athrun sighed and closed his eyes, trying to think of another way. Nothing came up. He opened his eyes again and gave her an apologetic glance before letting her go.

"Um, Athrun? I think Kira has decided," said Dearka suddenly. Sure enough, the head of the Strike Freedom was above water as it raced for their island. Another mobile suit trailed behind. "At least Hahnenfuss convinced one of them."

Kira landed the mobile suit and stepped out in his pilot suit – black up the middle and underside of the blue arms and legs with a silver and red neck guard. He took of his helmet and gazed at Athrun, eyes clouded with memories.

"Why do you have to go?" asked Syiria quietly, her arms tight around her mother. Athrun shook his head and turned when he heard a new voice.

"All set, Dearka. Kira convinced Mrs Lacus to stay away, so I brought her here, thinking Athrun did the same for Mrs Cagalli," said the brown haired girl. Her eyes were a deep set violet and they shone with hidden miseries of the past. She smiled at Cagalli and waited for Lacus to disembark.

She stepped out gingerly, eyes going to Kira before helping the twins from the cockpit. One had brown hair – Nicol – and the other had almost a dark cherry coloured hair – Sheera. They both had lavender blue eyes and were a year older than Syiria.

"Cagalli! Please say you're not letting Athrun go!" cried Lacus, looking at her friend. Cagalli looked away, her eyes watering. Syiria still clung to her mother, tears streaming down her suntanned cheeks.

Athrun smiled softly and walked over to his wife and daughter. He hugged them both, and whispered, just so they could hear, "I'm going to come back, with all of this resolved, and maybe with someone. Don't give up hope. Remember," Athrun touched the ring on Cagalli's finger, "this mean's I'm coming back for you, no matter what."

He then released them and turned towards the cave. He walked over, followed closely by a trio of people: Cagalli, Kira, and Dearka. He came back out, wearing an indigo pilots suit with silver up the sides and undersides of his arms. His neck guard was silver as well, with a white lightning bolt on the right side. His helmet was in his hands.

"Come on; Dearka, you can show us where we have to go," said Athrun softly, voice betraying no emotion. But inside, he was fighting with himself. Could there ever be peace?

Syiria watched with tears in her eyes as the red Gundam that she had seen on only a few occasions sprung from the cave. The phase shift armour reflected in the sun and Kira climbed into the cockpit of his mobile suit. Dearka and Shiho soon followed suit and then they were gone, just like that. Cagalli felt tears swim in her eyes.

"Just promise to come back to me, Athrun. Just as long as you keep that promise, I will be happy."

To Be Continued...
Next Update:
.07./.10./.05.

A/N: Another chapter ended! Now, I have some bad news. After the next update, I have to go on a field trip to Victoria for about a week. Yes, it is part of one of my courses (Journalism). So I won't be able to update after the next chapter for about two weeks (Because of the report due after the trip ((sigh))) So yes, I hope you all don't mind!

Here is a preview from the next chappy, titled Trainees. It is circulated around, yes, you guessed it, Jadein! Remember, he is nineteen now, and hasn't seen his parent's in ten years. Here it is:

"So, why exactly were you hitting your head against her bunk?" asked Calista casually.

"I–" began Jadein, and then he frowned. He shut his mouth firmly and glowered at the two of them.

"Another nightmare?"

"Why didn't you tell us!"

"I thought you just enjoyed hitting your head against my bunk!"

He winced as the girls went into a frenzy. They had known about his nightmares; they had both been there when the first one had occurred. They also had had the chance to see his dreams (thanks to the stupid machine he had invented) and he sighed when they brought up the blonde haired woman.

"Was it about her again?"

"Who is she?"

"And the blue haired guy too?"

"You two have the same colored eyes!"

"Shut up!" snapped Jadein, becoming angry. He hated it when people thought they could figure him out, much like Akimi. He glowered at his two friends when they promptly shut their mouths.

"Well?" asked Akimi timidly.

"Yes. I've been having the same dream over and over for the last two months. I don't know what to do. Is it a message? Should I help my – I mean, them, before what befell them in my dream occurs in real life?" These questions had haunted him since he had first seen his mother and father in his dreams.

"Don't worry, Jadein. I'm sure they're fine," said Calista softly. She then frowned. "Do you know these people?"

Guilt tugged at Jadein's conscience. Akimi and Calista didn't know his last name; he had gone by an entirely new name: Hibiki. He didn't know why he chose that name, just that it felt right. He didn't like the fact that everyone knew Athrun Zala and Cagalli Yula Attha, the first Coordinator and Natural to actually follow through with marriage and sustain it. He hated not being able to be proud of his parents, but he knew that if his identity ever escaped his lips, got around the base, he would be immediately killed, for, in the bases terms, his parent's were traitors, to both Natural and Coordinator.

But he couldn't do it anymore. He couldn't lie to his two best friends, who had stuck by him and had trusted him for so many years.

Sighing, he nodded.

"You know them?" exclaimed Akimi, hand going to her mouth. "Is that why you want to save them?"

Jadein bit off a laugh and looked at the floor, shading his eyes from his two friends. Pain and guilt tugged at him, making him want to heave. But he didn't. He needed to be strong, at least for now.

"Of course I would want to save them. They're my parents," he said softly, and heard the two girls gasp.

((gasps)) His parents you say? What ever shall they do? Sorry, a little hyper on sugar at the moment. Anywho, the next chappy is my fav because it introduces MY characters: Akimi, Calista, and Jadein. Yeah!

Well, review and tell me your thoughts because I would LOVE to know them! And yes, Syiria may seem odd and I only mention her slightly, but she is a KEY character. So yes, REVIEW! ((commands you with evil brain powers)) Sry...hehe...adios!