A/N: ((rage)) My stupid teachers are being stupid by going on strike. Now, if they go on for more than three weeks, it cuts into our summer vacation! ((goes into a fit of rage)) Damn you teachers and your stupidity! Gah!
Woot! I have finally put up my FAVOURITE chapter thus far. I love this chapter, because...well because I just do. Jadein, Akimi and Calista are introduced in here, and you should all tell me your fav character out of this chapter.
Okay, a lot of positive reviews and I'm glad! I thought that no one would review because it was in the 'M' section, so yeah. I was having a few difficulties with this chapter...
ChatterBox101: Jadein cannot leave for reasons you will soon find out. And Cagalli does see Jadein again, but not for a while. But I don't really have much planned for their reunion...or do I? Mwha!
IYGU: Mwha, my brain powers worked! Yes! Now I must use them on my mother! ((runs off to do so, gets grounded)) Okay, bad idea. Anywho, keep reviewing!
You get to find out who Miriallia and Dearka's daughter is! ((cheers)) Yeah! And you find out more about Jadein! ((applause)) And Clive! ((deathly silence)) ((coughs)) okay...Well, anywho, read on!
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!
Five months before any of this happened, before Athrun and Kira found out about the war, three best friends were thrust into Fate's tangled web. After being kidnapped, Jadein has found his place amongst his kidnappers as an excellent Gundam pilot. Along with his two friends, Akimi – a mysterious brunette – and Calista – a quick-tempered redhead – they are forced to fight against their own kind, and their families.
Finding out that the one man that had torn him from his family is controlling his life, he swears that he will somehow destroy him. But the training begins, and he has little time to work on his plan, or anything else for that matter.
Constantly plagued by dreams of his mother and father, he feels cursed when he steps into the mobile suit that was specially designed for him. Now comes the hard part; figuring out whether what they are doing is for better – or for worse.
Chapter 2
Trainees
It was just like before, just like in all his other dreams. A voice from far away; a swish of blonde hair; the stare of golden eyes. Then a flash of light. Everything went dark and he reached out feebly, hoping to touch something that reminded him of home, of where he belonged.
A hand shot from the darkness and grabbed his hand, pulling him to it. Arms encircled him and held him tight. He pushed back and looked up into the tawny eyes of the one person he knew he would never forget.
"Mother."
Then a shot; a scream of fury and pain; the tears in the golden eyes. Pain shot through his heart at the sight of her, begging for him to come back, for him to help her get rid of the pain. He cried out, reaching forward to help his mother.
Another man stepped out from the shadows, rushing to the woman's side. He had midnight blue hair and emerald green eyes. He looked up at Jadein and his eyes widened. He then shouted something that he couldn't hear.
"She is a Natural," spat a voice from the darkness.
"She is my mother!" he retorted, fighting against the darkness that throttled him. He saw her face lift, the shine of hope in her golden eyes as she said words he could no longer hear. He saw the man's face become peaceful as he reached out a beckoning hand to his son. He saw the silver gun shine in the light that shone from elsewhere. And he saw the shot.
Jadein jerked awake, and almost screamed in pain when his head made contact with metal bars. He gritted his teeth and swore loudly, rubbing the top of his head.
He heard the rustle of blankets and winced when a pair of crimson eyes flashed at him. Smiling weakly, he opened his mouth to explain himself to the black haired beauty.
"You have woken me up three – no, wait, four! – times so far, Jadein. If you don't stop banging your head against the bars of my bunk, I'll start banging your head against a wall if it will make you stop!" she snapped, silver twined hair cascading down to frame her pale face. He grinned.
"Go back to sleep, Akimi," he said softly, brushing his blonde streaked brown hair from his eyes.
"How can I get back to sleep when you keep banging your head against my bunk? I'm surprised you have enough brain cells to even talk to me after hitting your head so many times!" snapped Akimi. Though her voice was meant to be sharp, he noted a hint of affection in it.
"I'm not stupid," he grumbled.
"That's not what I meant," she growled and threw a pillow at him. He dodged it and laughed, listening to her angry growls.
Akimi nimbly climbed down from the top bunk and stared at him, her eyes flashing. They were a deep shade of crimson, and reminded him of blood for the most part. Her black hair was let free, and was intertwined with silver. It ran down the length of her back and ended just below her waist. She wore an over-sized T-shirt and her undergarments, and looked small in the pale moonlight.
Jadein grinned as she loomed over him, crimson eyes burning. They danced with mirth and Jadein thought back to the first day he had met this girl, the first day they had become friends.
Jadein had first met her ten years ago, while he sat in a dank cell somewhere in space. He had been there for two months, somewhat getting used to the jail life. She had been thrown in, kicking and screaming and she soon huddled in the corner, her eyes flashing a savage red. He had gathered the courage to go over to her soon after, noting how the other kids shied away from her. He had sat down beside her and was almost immediately scared away by the fierce glare she had directed at him. However, beyond that initial look she seemed to tolerate his company, so he had stayed, though they didn't speak for a long while. Soon enough, however, he discovered her startling distaste for Naturals, almost going blind with fury when they were mentioned.
As they grew, they became closer, but she still didn't trust him completely. Though he never showed any harm to her or what she did, she only built the barriers around her heart higher. But what he did for her one day changed that all.
She had been thirteen when that day occurred, and he had been fourteen. He seemed to think that protecting her from harm – emotionally and physically – had become his duty. He didn't realize how much she despised this, but she tolerated it because she wanted him to feel like he was accomplishing something.
She had been lying on the bottom bunk of the cot that she shared with him. He had been out, getting their food. She had begun to notice the curves that played upon her body, and she wasn't the only one. Since she was the older of the two other girls in the cell, boys began to notice her. And she knew what happened when little boys let their hormones fly. Not only did the boys in her cell notice, but so did the guards. She had been guarded ever since she had first noticed her changes, but she didn't have to be guarded with Jadein. He just laughed when she told him about her changes, and told her that everything would be fine. He hadn't looked at her with a hunger in his eyes, only a friendly gaze that made her heart settle. She had then become ever more protective of herself, keeping her gaze cold whenever a guard would walk towards her, or replacing her generally calm demeanour with her trademark fierce glare whenever a cellmate got too open with their staring. She had even managed to get the guards to leave her alone, but not for long.
She had sat up when she heard the jingle of keys and looked around, finding the source to be a young guard. He glanced at her and smiled, a chilling smile that made her want to retch. He had opened the door and she had retreated to the corner, eyes widening. He had that look she had seen so many others have and felt a chill travel up her spine.
"Get away from me," she said distastefully, her eyes narrowing into slits.
"Now, now, what is a guard to do when there's a pretty girl in the cell, not doing anything?" he grated, closing the door behind him. He didn't lock it however, which she found to be very stupid of him as Jadein was due back any minute.
She relied on her speed then, rushing past him on a dash for the door. He had grabbed her long hair, pulling her back and she had hissed, her eyes flashing crimson. She had clawed at him and had sunk her teeth into his hand as he tried to stop her from yelling. She fought viciously, but he had had enough and had flung a hand across her cheek, sending her careening into the wall. He then walked forward, pinning her as he stared into her with eyes that sung death. She fought against his hands as one curled around her neck, the other around the belt at her waist, kicking and clawing at him, but he held tight. Black spots swirled in front of her eyes and she swung her head from side to side, whispering 'No', and envisioning her parent's faces over and over.
That was when she heard a tray clatter to the cement floor and the door swing wide. The guard glanced to the side and then was spun away. Jade green eyes replaced grey and she sagged against Jadein in relief. She began coughing as she rubbed her throat, gasping for air. Jadein looked her over with worried eyes, then hugged her, whispering that it was all right. She nodded against his chest, letting up her death grip that she had on his shirt. He had then pushed her behind him when he heard the click of a gun being drawn.
"Don't think you can come between me and her, boy," snapped the guard, cocking the gun. Jadein felt her hand curl in the sleeve of his T-shirt and pushed her back more; until he felt her back hit the wall. He had them backed into a corner.
Jadein looked to the side, where he saw the small metal pole they had given Akimi when she had beaten one of them in a duel. She had outwitted, and outsmarted the guards in the duel, using her smarts to devise a plan. He stretched forward and saw a feminine hand grasp the bar. He glanced back at her and saw her forehead resting against his shoulder, eyes glowering at the man that stood in front of them.
"Violence against prisoners is forbidden," spat Jadein, his voice iron. Akimi glanced up; she had never heard him say anything in that type of voice before. She tightened her grip on the pole.
"I wasn't being, violent, boy, I was just having fun with the young lady. I've seen the bored expression on her face; seems like you can't give her what she wants," laughed the guard.
Jadein jumped forward, fury pumping in his blood and slammed his elbow into the man's stomach as he pointed the gun to the ceiling. The shot fired and ricocheted off the ceiling. Akimi yelled out a warning and rushed forward when she saw the guard slam Jadein into the ground. He gasped as pain laced up his side where he knew the bullet had grazed and cried out when the guard pushed the metal pole he had against his throat. Akimi jumped up, swinging the pole with all her might and watched, with a sickening crack, as the pole made contact with the man's jaw. He was flung off Jadein and fell against the wall.
Akimi knelt beside Jadein when he failed to get up and bared her teeth at the other man. Many of the other prisoners in the cell glanced at the two, wondering what was happening.
Blood had soaked through Jadein's white T-shirt on his chest and Akimi lifted the shirt, examining the wound while all the while keeping an eye on the guard. The bullet that had been fired had managed to hit him, after ricocheting off the wall. Jadein winced when she touched the cut and pulled her hand away. He sat up then.
They heard footsteps down the hallway and Akimi sighed with relief when she noticed one of the older guards. He had been kind to her, giving her medicine and items for the younger children when she had asked. He walked into the cell, glancing first at the two that sat on the floor, then to the blood on Jadein's shirt, and finally to the guard slumped against the far wall.
"Violence against prisoners is forbidden!" he roared, stalking over to the guard. He pulled him up by the collar and dragged him back out, but not before telling the other guards to get Jadein cleaned up.
Two guards appeared with a bucket of soapy water and a rag to clean the floor, and a first aid kit for Jadein. But Akimi wouldn't let them get near, her faith in the guards quite thoroughly ripped to pieces.
"I'll do it," she snapped, taking their things from them, and they nodded quickly and left. The older guards recognized her dangerous moods…and they had learned to keep clear. Sniffing imperiously, she went over to Jadein, who was sitting on the bed, wincing as he prodded at his wound.
"Don't poke it, idiot, it'll get infected." She dropped the rag in the water and put the bucket on the floor, pushing it out of the way with her foot. She knelt at the bedside and unzipped the first aid kit, taking out antiseptic and gauze. She looked up at him and raised an eyebrow. "Okay, first things first. Lose the shirt."
Jadein made a show of rolling his eyes as he pulled the shirt over his head and, grinning, held the bloodied rag out to her.
"You're disgusting. Throw it in the corner, I'll get rid of it later." He complied, and while he was distracted, she slapped the antiseptic-soaked gauze onto his cut. He yelled at the unexpected pain and clamped his hand over the one that held the gauze to his side.
"You could have warned me!" he chastised, breathless and half laughing, trying to use humour to cover up his discomfort.
She made a general huffing noise of whatever and pried his hand off hers. "You're such a big baby; you wouldn't have let me do it otherwise. Sit still, you're bleeding again." But her voice was affectionate.
While she worked – though it went against her usual caution – she had explained to him her history, wanting him to know why she hated the Naturals…wanting to give him something to prove that she trusted him. For he was someone she could come to when she was depressed, someone to share her laughter and tears with. To her, he was the only thing that kept her from taking out the Naturals in all her hate. For, if it weren't for him, she would already have been dead.
Jadein now knew where her distaste for Naturals came from and he pitied her. Her first family – her biological parents – had been murdered in a brutal attack on their house. Ten of the Blue Cosmos group broke down the door and rushed in, machine guns held ready. Her father had yelled at her mother and her to run, and her mother had. They had caught up with them though, and her mother threw her in the bushes, hiding her from sight and from seeing the end that befell them. Akimi had sat, alone and afraid, until she knew they were gone. She had then crawled out of the bushes; she had only been six.
She had then gone to an orphanage and was adopted at age eight. She had only a short time with her second family, for the Naturals found her once again. Her parents were shot in front of her eyes as she hid in the closet. She had seen their faces, seen the horror as the bullets pierced them. Her second mother had fallen near the door and she looked up at Akimi with sad eyes. She then said, softly, 'I love you,' before passing away. Her hate grew into a blind rage and she had sat in the closet for two days before ZAFT soldiers had swarmed the place. There, they had found her and threw her in the cell with Jadein and the other children. Thus, began her friendship, and her redemption.
For in that cell, she found that her new friend was the child of a Coordinator and Natural relationship. She had blanched in horror, but soon she had calmed when she noticed the admiration that shone in his eyes. He truly loved his mother, and in his heart lay a special place for both Naturals and Coordinators. Despite his heritage, she had immediately taken a liking to him. Though she didn't know the names of the two people that had made such a union, she had a certain liking towards them because of their son.
She was drawn to him because a sort of serenity surrounded him, making it so that she couldn't ignore him, so she became his friend. And thus he became her best friend, saving her life and protecting her from most harm. She hoped one day she would be able to return the favor, and in turn, his loyalty.
Now, Jadein wondered if she would hold that favor into account, for she looked like she was about to beat him to death with the pillow in her hands.
Jadein laughed as she pounced on him, beating him over the head as she cursed him with every word she knew. He managed to get under her pillow and grabbed her by the waist, changing the way of the battle. She landed on her back, her pillow gone, and he sat on top of her, pinning her arms above her head with one hand.
He leaned down then, nose inches from her own, and she felt her pulse race. She could see her reflection in his eyes and felt her breath quicken. He was too close, way too close.
And that was when she noticed that he was only wearing his boxers, and she an over-sized T-shirt and her undergarments. The dog tags that were around his neck tickled her chest – as her shirt was cut low – as he loomed over her. Her shirt was hiked up too high, no longer covering her thighs, or her stomach for that matter. She wanted desperately to pull it down, to cover herself from him, but he held her hands tight, giving her no chance for such a thing.
"Pillows…hurt," he whispered, glowering at her with his green eyes.
She swallowed hard as he seemed to move closer and felt her heart thump wildly against her breastbone, trying to break free. She could feel his breath on her lips as his bangs brushed her forehead and she felt him brush his lips against hers. A warm feeling blossomed in her chest as he slanted his lips slightly, and she kissed him back, moving her arms as she tried to free them. He didn't comply, but pulled away instead, his eyes staring into hers, asking her if she wanted this. She desperately wanted him to lean down and kiss her again, to feel his soft lips against hers in the breathless connection that made her body ache. She almost moaned aloud when he shifted his body weight. She moved then, squirming her legs beneath her and arching her back to get closer to him. He bit his lip as he closed his eyes and then looked at her, his eyes a pool of desire. She arched higher, opening her thighs slightly and he moaned, shaking his head over and over.
"We shouldn't - I mean - well," he began, and Akimi knew he wouldn't stop. He couldn't, because just like her, something inside was telling them to try this out, to taste each other. And she knew why he wouldn't stop as well. The 'why' had been growing in his boxers for the last few minutes and prodded at her closed thighs. She looked up at him with pleading eyes. He just smiled softly at her, giving into his own desires, and captured her lips in another breathless kiss.
This time, he let go of her arms, letting them snake around his neck. He prodded her bottom lip with his tongue, and she opened her mouth willingly, letting his taste fill her mouth. He tasted of blueberries, her favorite flavor in the world and she felt a sudden urge come over her as she pulled him closer, raking her teeth over his bottom lip.
A small whimper escaped her lips as she felt his hand slid up her shirt, pulling it up higher as his fingers caressed the underline of her breasts. Her nipples hardened and she felt like an intense fire was being stroked within herself. Warmth pooled in her loins and she panted when he pulled away, letting them catch their breath. She pulled him back to her, lips capturing his and felt his need wash over her as he slid his hands higher, making her gasp. She felt something snap inside her and her common sense became blotted out entirely as a wash of desire plummeted her into its depths. He gently stroked her breasts, marvelling at how they felt, how she arched up against him and panted for breath. Fascinated with this new discovery, he dove to her breasts, licking and prodding as she whimpered. She grabbed his head and pulled him back to her, kissing him with a renewed vigor. He laughed against her mouth, stroking her and she arched her back, breaking the kiss and let his mouth wander to her neck. He moved his lips down farther, his mouth hot against her cool skin.
She wanted this. She had always wanted this. And it felt way to damn good for him to stop. She didn't want him to stop; she hoped he never would.
But, Jadein pulled away suddenly, shaking his head. He pulled his hands out from inside her shirt and muttered something under his breath, looking at her with curious eyes. He traced her lips, and then closed his eyes, fighting with himself. She didn't say anything, her mind confused by the procedure of things.
She was breathless when the door beeped, signalling a visitor. Jadein jerked his head back, making her release her arms from around his neck. She swallowed again, her lips tingling and breath coming in small pants. Then she realized something. Pulling her shirt down furiously, she pushed at him, trying to get him to get off. She felt her face heat up with humiliation and rage. He just let her up, moving off of her. The door opened then, and the two looked over at the newcomer.
"What the hell are you two doing in here?" asked the newcomer. She had her long red hair – streaked with blonde – up in a high ponytail and was wearing a white tank top that was two sizes too small. Her red sweats were too long for her legs and she constantly stepped on them.
"Oh nothing, Jadein just kept banging his head against my bunk so I decided I would beat him to sleep in hopes he would stop!" snapped Akimi, trying to forget the kiss. Her mind, however, refused the act and repeated the incident over and over in her head.
Jadein smirked. "At least you didn't bang my head against the wall. I would have been for sure knocked out if you had. You have a helluva hit."
Akimi flushed and smacked him over the head. However, her mind was concentrated on other things at the moment, mainly a green eyed Coordinator that was sitting casually by her side. His thigh brushed hers and she shivered. When did she begin to respond to him like this? And why had he kissed her with such need?
The newcomer laughed and walked into the room. She sat cross-legged on the chair across from her two friends, and smiled.
Calista, another of Jadein's best friends. He only had a total of two; Akimi and her, but he enjoyed her company. She had a sarcastic side that never quit and always was defending those that were weaker. Her physique was well muscled, even though it hardly showed. She seemed like an angry teenager, determined to throttle you if you crossed paths with her again, but given the chance, she was a loyal friend and an even better adversary.
For you see, Akimi and Calista had never actually gotten along. Well, after five years of being stuck in the same room, one had to get along with the other. But Calista had a personality that grated on Akimi's nerves and Akimi had a tendency to fan the flames of Calista's ever-present temper.
Jadein had first met Calista when he was fourteen. She had been hauled into their prison, snarling profanities and even managing to knock out the two guards holding her. She had made a mad dash for the door, screaming for her father. But the guards had managed to get behind her and gave her a sharp crack on the head. She fell without another word.
Jadein and Akimi had been in charge of her and when they had boarded the shuttle to go to Earth, she had woken up screaming, her eyes wide. She then turned to Jadein. She swore he looked like one of her father's friends, someone she knew quite well. But she couldn't place him. She had also taken a liking to him, in more ways then one.
Calista smiled at him, her navy blue eyes twinkling with amusement. She had long ago gotten over her infatuation of Jadein – he had held a certain quality that seemed to attract women like flies to him – and had decided to prey on other men. Currently, she was dating a pilot, and feared he would die soon. But she, too, would enter the battlefield – along with Jadein and Akimi – and risk her life for a better world.
Calista hide a secret grin as she saw Akimi cast a glance at Jadein. She knew of her friends infatuation with the green eyed Coordinator, and couldn't blame her. He had a tendency of drawing a fan club of girls to him, and he couldn't, for the life of him, begin to wonder why. Calista had laughed her head off when a swarm of girls had attacked him, trying to get him to go out with one of them. So, she wasn't all that surprised that Akimi liked him. Anyone with a brain and two eyes could see how much Akimi cared for him. But the only thing is that the red-eyed girl didn't dare voice that certain secret.
"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.
Grimacing, he looked up. Calista's eyes were wide and Akimi just looked shocked.
"Your…parents?" questioned Calista, poking a finger in her ear.
Jadein sighed and nodded again. Time to come clean.
"I haven't been totally honest with you two. I remember telling Akimi I was the child of a Natural/Coordinator relationship. You see; I'm the son of Athrun Zala and Cagalli Yula Attha."
Calista seemed on the verge of fainting; her face paled and her eyes grew even wider. Akimi just moved closer to him, eyes pained. She touched his arm and he put his hand over hers.
"Why did you never tell us?" she asked softly.
"Because they are considered traitors! What am I to do?" he snapped, jerking away from Akimi. He began to pace, "If word got out that I am the son of Athrun Zala, they would kill me in an instant! And even if they didn't kill me, they would try and get the information out of me about my father's piloting skills, and my mother's knowledge. I can't do it! I can't betray them!" He turned on his friends, whose faces were blank. "Say something, damnit!"
"We don't know what to say, Jadein," replied Calista, her eyes pools of sorrow.
"Just…leave," said Jadein, pointing to the door.
Akimi rose in a swift motion as Calista headed towards the door. She walked over to Jadein, who stood by the window, his eyes watching as the moon played upon the waves of the ocean. His face was pained, his eyes filled with sorrow and confusion. She stepped in front of him, eyes searching his own.
"I'm sorry," she said softly and wrapped her arms around his neck. She touched her lips lightly against his and then pulled away. He looked down at her, at her soft eyes and opened his mouth to respond. She just shook her head and walked away, not looking back. Calista motioned her out and the door closed softly.
Jadein closed his eyes, lips tingling with the aftermath of the gesture. He ran his hands through his hair and then banged his head lightly on the windowpane. The night had begun perfect, but now it was not shaping out to be how he wished it.
---x---x---x---x---x---
Akimi sighed as she stepped into Calista's room. Sitting down heavily on the chair beside the bed, she buried her head in her hands.
What have I done? She wanted to scream, to cry, to laugh. She was such an idiot! She couldn't believe she had responded to him. She had actually responded to him with a passion that scared the shit out of her. He probably thought her a child, a love struck child that was chasing after him. Why, why, why?
But then why would he kiss her in the first place? She froze. She still remembered him on top of her, and almost moaned aloud when she remembered the feeling of his body moving against hers. She wanted to taste his lips again, to feel his hands on her body as they ignited the fire deep inside her; hell, she had wanted him since the day he had saved her, but had kept the feelings hidden. This was the first time she had done anything so drastic, as returning the kiss. But why would he kiss her? And with such need?
She banged her head against her knees and froze when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"It's okay, Akimi. I'm sure he understands," said Calista softly, gazing at her friend.
"W-what are you talking about?" stuttered Akimi and she cursed herself. She never stuttered.
"Jadein, of course. You kissed him, showing him your true feelings, and now you're afraid that he will reject you, like he has so many of the girls at this base," replied Calista calmly, moving away to sit on the bed.
Akimi glowered at her, but said nothing. Calista didn't know of the little episode beforehand, so why should she inform her? It wasn't her business anyway.
"I know it's none of my business, but," said Calista, reading her mind. She smiled softly at her friend. "I'm sure he feels the same way. He wouldn't hurt you, Akimi, not in a million years. He holds a certain place in his heart for you, and only you. Don't worry so much."
A sudden knock on the door alerted both girls before Akimi could answer. A man walked in seconds later, eyeing the two younger girls. He shook his head and handed them both letters before leaving.
"What the hell are these?" complained Akimi after reading her letter.
"They're sending us back into space? For training?" exclaimed Calista, pulling out a shuttle ticket.
"Let's go find Jadein. He better have gotten a letter," said Akimi, fear in her eyes. They exchanged a glance and rushed out the door.
---x---x---x---x---x---
Jadein glanced at the door, hoping, wishing, for his two friends to appear. He felt desperately alone at the moment, like a void had opened in the pit of his stomach, draining him of all emotion and strength. He felt horrible for snapping at them, but he also felt fear. What if they told someone?
He also remembered the kiss that Akimi had given him, and touched his lips absently. Did she feel anything for him, or was that just friendly concern? He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, closing his eyes in confusion. He had felt her desire when he had kissed her before Calista had interrupted, and he began to visualize her beneath him, begging him to take her, begging him to continue. He could still feel her soft lips, her skin beneath his fingertips, the feeling of her breasts, soft and velvety. He could picture her screaming his name, wrapping her legs around his hips as he – He tried to force them away, but the thoughts continued, until he shook his head. He banged his head absently against the window, hoping to keep pictures of Akimi away from his mind.
He had changed after they left, donning his usual baggy blue jeans and his red collared white shirt. He stared solemnly out the window, wondering if he tried to escape, if he tried to get back to his family, if he would be killed.
He picked up his goggles – the ones that his mother had given him for his ninth birthday – adjusted the strap and snapped them on. He put them just above his eyes and looked at his reflection, gritting his teeth. He looked like a mixture of his mother and father: jade colored eyes and golden streaked hair. He turned away when he heard a knock on the door and stared at it with anticipation.
A young man; a few years older than Jadein; walked in and handed him a letter. He then saluted him and walked back out.
Jadein tore open the letter and felt all thoughts of the night fly from his mind. He was to go back into space? To train with a new Gundam designed especially for him? What the hell was going on?
Jadein scratched his head and heard the door open again. Calista and Akimi rushed in, eyes wide.
"You got a letter too, I see," stated Calista, smiling slightly. Akimi sighed and smiled weakly at him.
"We're to go back up to space? To train with new Gundam's?" exclaimed Jadein, eyes going back to his letter.
" 'Shuttle 106X, to the base of Jachin Due'," said Calista aloud. "I thought the Earth forces blew up Jachin Due in the war over nineteen years ago?"
"Father blew up GENESIS when the base self-destructed," said Jadein, sighing. "He told me that the Earth Forces had used nukes on the PLANTs and the only way him and Uncle Kira could disable GENESIS and stop the war, was to blow up GENESIS and Jachin Due. I guess they just rebuilt it."
"But wasn't it an asteroid?" asked Akimi, staring at her letter.
Jadein shrugged. "It's not hard to find asteroids in space, Akimi."
Akimi glowered at him and then thought back. "Wait…you said 'Uncle Kira'. You mean, Kira Yamato? One of the heroes of the first war?"
Jadein nodded. "The one and the same. He's a bit of a klutz, but Aunt Lacus has him figured out."
"Lacus Clyne…wow. I never thought I would meet someone related to the famous Lacus Clyne. She had a duplicate, didn't she?" question Calista, becoming fascinated by his history.
"Yes. And Meer shot my mother," grated Jadein, fury in his eyes.
"Meer…?" asked Akimi.
"A woman named Meer Campbell thought that my father belonged to her. She was infuriated when my mother came into the picture, stealing my father's heart. She became hostile and ended up shooting her. Damn near killed her too," explained Jadein, crossing his arms.
"Your father told you this?" they both said.
"No, I hacked into the database and found some old newspaper disks."
A sudden knock alerted the trio and Jadein turned, eyes hard. A short woman walked in, baby blue eyes flashing. She smiled at the three, and tossed her black hair – which was streaked with light blue – over her shoulder.
"Hey. I'm Sherika. I'll be your trainer," she grinned, showing perfectly straight teeth. She then glanced around. "Why are you all standing here? Come on, come on, pack!"
Akimi glowered at the short woman. She was being too…too…bubbly.
"Uh, Sherika? Our shuttle doesn't leave till tomorrow," said Jadein softly.
"Did you check what time it is, Einstein?" barked Sherika in return. She glanced at the clock and smirked.
"What? It's…it's almost dawn!" exclaimed Jadein in surprise. The shuttle left in less then two hours!
"Yes, yes, now hurry up!" said Sherika, smiling. "I'll meet you three down by the shuttle. Remember, it's shuttle 106X. Don't forget!"
And just like that, she walked away, her black hair swaying gently with her hips.
"I don't like her," grumbled Akimi as she grabbed her clothing from the closet. Jadein pulled out his suitcase and tossed the clothing inside.
"She's just too…I don't know…bubbly and enthusiastic. Not someone you would want around all the time," shuddered Calista, with a wink to Jadein. He laughed and ripped open another drawer.
Sighing, Calista glanced around. "I guess I'll just go pack. Then I'll have to go and tell Derek that I'm leaving. He'll be devastated."
Waving a farewell to her two friends, she left, and thus, plummeted them into an awkward silence.
Jadein moved past her, brushing her arm with his as he opened another drawer. She shuddered at the contact, and quickly packed her clothing, wanting desperately to get out of the place, out of the tension that choked the room.
She pulled out an amulet that she had bought with her second family and looked at it. It was the same colour as Jadein's eyes, and she bit her lower lip. She had bought it because of its protective charms, but she didn't actually believe in those. What did she have to go on? Two dead families, and a life in captivity. Not something a good luck amulet gave you. She then breathed deep before calling his name gently.
"Yeah?" he asked, turning to her.
She walked forwards and placed the amulet over his head, holding the gem between cupped palms. She looked up at him and smiled.
"It's a lucky amulet. Something to keep you out of trouble," she whispered, and added under her breath, "and to remember me by." She pulled away before he could respond and turned her back on him. She grabbed her bags and was out of the room before Jadein had even a chance to reply.
Touching the amulet, he brought it to eye level and studied it, surprised by her act. He found letters carved into the back and examined them. 'A.N.S.' He wanted to ask her why she would do such a thing, but decided not to. No use treading in dangerous waters, and he knew Akimi was thinking, and thinking hard. She just had that look.
Tucking the amulet into his shirt, he began packing once more, thoughts straying to Akimi. She had been a great friend, but something was developing inside of him, something that had forced him to kiss her tonight, to just taste her and feel her beneath him. He frowned when the thoughts that had surfaced before came to life, and along with the thoughts, came the feelings. He shook his head, banishing them to the corners of his mind.
Sighing, he straightened and glanced out the window. Dawns golden fingers, gliding over the waves and casting a golden hue over the base, replaced the fading light of the moon and Jadein heaved the many bags he had over his shoulder. Walking to the door, he whistled softly and a tiny robotic creature fluttered out from its hiding place.
Jadein smiled as the robotic bird flapped over to him. It had followed him onto the boat and stayed with him ever since he had been kidnapped. His father had made it for him, and he cherished it more than anything else. The blue bird landed on his shoulder and shrilled a soft 'Birdie!' before quieting. Jadein grinned and opened the door, leading to his next destination: Jachin Due and a new war.
---x---x---x---x---x---
"Sir! The three new pilots have arrived!" saluted one man, his eyes dead to the world. The man sitting in the chair grinned and nodded, waving his hand.
"Let them in," he said softly, placing black shades on his eyes. He glanced at the door and waited for the three to be admitted.
First, a red-eyed brunette walked in, eyes narrowed and searching, followed by a redhead. She glowered at him and positioned herself beside the red-eyed girl. And finally a boy walked in. The man grinned slightly as the jade coloured eyes flickered to him.
Jadein stopped dead when his gaze hit the man in front of him. He recognized him. How could he not? Clive Grener, the man that had stolen him from his family and had forced himself on his mother.
He gritted his teeth as his eyes narrowed and walked forward stiffly, eyes never leaving Clive's face.
"State your name, age, and the age of your…attendance," said Clive in a soft voice. Jadein felt his fingers curl into a fist and desperately wanted to punch that sneer off the man's face.
Akimi spoke up first. "Akimi Sheritra, eighteen, age eight."
Calista came second, her voice frosty, "Calista Elsman, eighteen, age thirteen."
Jadein glared at Clive, not opening his mouth. Clive raised an eyebrow and motioned for him to speak.
Jadein still said nothing, his eyes glaring daggers at him.
"Speak, boy," snapped Clive, an amused grin appearing on his lips.
"Only if the guards are to leave," replied Jadein.
Clive sighed and waved his hand to his guards. They saluted and the door closed softly behind them.
"Bastard. You filthy bastard. You know my goddamn name, what age I was when I was captured! You were the one that took me away from my parents!" exclaimed Jadein, his hands slamming down upon the desk. Clive just smiled.
"Ah, yes, Cagalli's son. She is such a beautiful woman. Too bad she married Chairman Zala. She would have made a lovely bride," stated Clive, his eye twinkling with a hidden desire.
"Shut up!" roared Jadein. "If I could punch you and still make you stumble at age nine, what do you think my strength is now?"
Clive's eyes turned to stone as he absently touched his nose. He glowered at Jadein over the rim of his glasses, and sneered.
"Your mother was a whore who thought she could get what she wanted. For reasons unknown to the PLANTs, or me, Athrun Zala fell for her. She must have seduced him, or done something to force him away from his civic duties. Now an idiot rules the PLANTs and the Earth Forces are just plain stupid. I don't want any lip from you, boy, or I shall personally drag your mother up here to have her killed before your very eyes." Clive's face turned dark. "Understood?"
Akimi's eyes had grown wide and Calista felt weak. This man had taken Jadein away from his parents? And had thought his mother a 'lovely bride'? This was too much.
"I will not have you rule my life, Clive. If I must, I'll kill you," snarled Jadein, before taking a step back to stand beside Akimi.
Clive seemed unaffected. He just smiled softly and said, "You have been brought up to the new Jachin Due to train with the three new Gundam's that we have prepared for you. Akimi," Clive nodded to her, "your Gundam is known as the ZGMF-X66G Chaos Legacy. Calista," Clive nodded to her, "your Gundam is known as ZGMF-X64G Forbidden Buster. And Jadein," Clive smirked, "your Gundam is the ZGMF-792S Collision Fire. I believe the names are to your consent?"
Jadein glowered at the man, and didn't salute when the guards took them out. Clive just smirked, his smile haunting as the door closed. The smirk turned to a scowl and he tossed off the glasses, fury pumping through his veins.
It had been the same Jadein he had kidnapped ten years before. He swore he had ordered him to be sentenced to death. He turned to his computer and began typing furiously, his thoughts wandering to the promising look in Jadein's eyes. He would need to be careful. Extremely careful.
---x---x---x---x---x---
Jadein slammed his fist into the wall, eyes closed in rage. Clive. The bastard was here! He was directing his life, after essentially destroying it.
Akimi was the only one in the room with him; Calista had left to go check out her Gundam. She watched him from the opposing wall and shook her head when he hit the wall.
"Jadein?" called Akimi, floating over to him.
He looked back at her, and she was shocked to see tears form in his eyes. He turned away, passing a hand over his eyes to clear the water. But it was of no use. The droplets floated past his hand and Akimi reached out to them, looking at her best friend.
She moved closer, eyes worried and touched his face. He didn't turn to her, so she moved in front of him, searching his eyes for anything. All she saw was pain; pain and a deeper wound than she could repair.
Biting her bottom lip, she decided on impulse and reached out to him. Her momentum crashed her into him and she pulled him close, her head beneath his chin. He blinked in surprise and then wrapped his arms about her, burying his face into her midnight coloured hair.
"He wants to rule my life again, just like he had ten years before," whispered Jadein. She said nothing, preferring to keep silent. He continued, "He tried to take my mother, and ending up forcing himself on her before we left. Father was furious, and I had managed to get Clive off of her before he did anything, but he caught me by surprise. The last time I saw my mother was when she was sitting on the beach, her face stricken and father beside her."
Tears welled up in his eyes and he pulled her closer. He felt his back hit the opposing wall and they floated through space, holding each other. Akimi pulled away slightly and looked up at him, touching her lips to each of his cheeks before pulling fully away. She then touched her lips to her fingers and placed them against his lips before departing.
Jadein sighed and floated over to his bed. Lying down, he closed his eyes and imagined his mothers' smiling face, his fathers' laughter. But it didn't take long for his memories to be replaced with the current situation, the situation that made him want to tear apart something.
Jadein pulled at the collar of his uniform, loosening the midnight coloured material. He sighed and put his hands behind his head as he floated through the chamber. He was sharing it with the two girls, and he hated it when people saw his weakness.
Wanting to rip the uniform that he wore to pieces, he reached into his bag and pulled out Torii. The robotic bird chirped at him and cocked its head to the side. It then spread its wings and took to the air, gliding through the room.
Jadein smiled and dug in his bag, finding the picture he had printed off when he had hacked into the database at the Earth Base. Smiling, he traced his mother and fathers' happy faces and clutched the picture to his chest. He wanted so desperately to see them, to know that they were alive and well.
But the only thing he didn't know was that he would see them again, much sooner than he anticipated.
To Be Continued...
Next Update
.31./.10./.05.
A/N: Another chapter ended. Bad news everyone. I won't be able to update until Halloween, because my stupid parents want me to spend time down with my grandparents. ((sigh)) So I will be gone for what seems likethree weeks (the time the teachers are supposed to strike till). Anywho, I shall update maybe sooner if I can find time ((sighs)).
Now, the next chapter is called Reunion. Two guesses what it entitiles ((winks)) So yes, I shall all give you a purdy preview:
"He told you this?" asked Athrun softly, pulling his coffee cup towards him. They had sat down near the island and Athrun had listened intently to her story.
Cagalli nodded as she lowered her chin onto the counter top. She sighed and wrapped her hands around her head, running her hands through her hair. She had wanted so desperately to convince him to come with her, but she had seen the look in his eyes, the fear for her safety.
"Yes. I wanted to tell him to come with me, I wanted to just damage his mobile suit and carry the cockpit here, but I knew he wouldn't let me. I knew, Athrun. The look in his eyes; it's the same look you get when you are determined."
Athrun sighed and stood, taking Cagalli's hand. He pulled her to the living room, where he looked out the window, her at his side.
Glancing down at the people on the street, he said softly, "All these people could die if I don't do something. I'll be the one to damage his mobile suit. I'll be the one to bring him back here to us. Don't worry," Wrapping his arms around her small frame, he continued to stare at the street.
"I never do," she said softly, running her hands up the length of his back. She rested her head against his chest and listened to the steady beat of his heart, closing her eyes as memories filled her head.
The phone rung suddenly and he glowered at it. Releasing Cagalli, he walked over to the phone and picked it up.
"Zala," he answered curtly.
"Day two and Yzak wants us in his office," sighed Dearka on the other line. The screen in front of him flickered and Dearka appeared.
"Why?"
"He said he found out more info about the machines. Seemingly, they were ZAFT produced, but they failed to tell him that. He's in a fit. Shiho's with him right now, trying to help him work out everything." Dearka looked exasperated. "Milly is still in a fit, but I've managed to calm her down."
Cagalli came to stand beside Athrun and smiled at Dearka.
"You didn't tell me your wife was here! Milly will be thrilled!" exclaimed Dearka, standing. He called Miriallia and the auburn haired woman appeared.
"Cagalli!" she exclaimed. She looked worn, her eyes filled with miseries, but she smiled affectionately at Dearka. "He never told me you were here! He just told me that Athrun was."
"How about lunch?" asked Cagalli, getting straight to the point.
"Sounds great. I'll meet you at Athrun's apartment at, say, eleven thirty?"
"See you then."
Cagalli turned and walked away, heading back towards the kitchen. Athrun sighed and ran a hand over his eyes. "When does Yzak want us in his office?"
"An hour after the time that Miriallia will pick up Cagalli. I guess we'll just have lunch with them," said Dearka, grinning. "Gotta go. Miriallia is cooking something good."
Athrun stared blankly at the screen for a few minutes, thoughts racing. Yzak knew something about the mobile suits. That meant weaknesses. He would have some idea on how to beat Jadein and bring him home.
There is your preview!
Well, gotta go. Need to get packed for my trip. Review my dears. Review! ((haunting music)) haha sry. Oooo and check out my other story I posted last night. "Memories" Uh huh, its awesome. Mwha Adios all!