A/N: W00t! Halloween! The time where you get to scare the shit out of little kids without getting in trouble for it! I mean, they deserve to be scared when they are the ones who come trekking up your drive way and beg for candy. Buuuut, Halloween is also the best time to play pranks on the adults who 'have a life outside of halloween' and collect all the free candy that other families have spent money on buying. I'm going out hunting for candy! And mischief of course! ((big grin)) So, if you do have time to read my beloved story, then I wish for you to read it whilst eating buckets of delicious free CANDY!

Anywho, I have written the next installment. Thnx to everyone who has reviewed; I've gotten many more reviews than I thought I would!

Now, seeing as how I have run out of words, here's the beautiful chapter! (With lotsa of key parts. Read carefully!)

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.

The three months passed much quicker than the trio anticipated and soon Jadein was at the top of the list of 'Top-Gunners'. His new mobile suit suited him perfectly, and he concentrated all his anger on completing the tasks in front of him. His fury built, and soon he, Akimi, and Calista were called upon to journey into battle.

Meanwhile, Yzak had sent out his best forces, hoping to get a message to the legendary heroes living on Earth. But to no avail. Jadein blocked his every attempt, destroying the Gundam's that came too close to him or tried to pass him. But the Buster pilot, Dearka, managed to slip by, but not without alerting a certain nineteen year old of her father's existence.

Calista soon finds herself wondering what she is doing, fighting her father. Jadein worries that his father may also join the battle, and soon his fears are realized.

Two months after the war started, Athrun, Kira, and Dearka join the battle once more. Jadein fears of facing his father, and Calista fears of destroying her relationship with her father. Can they overcome their fears before both lives are ruined?

Chapter 3
Reunion

"Your Excellency, Athrun Zala, Kira Yamato, Major Elsman, and Major Hahnenfuss are here to see you," said the black haired woman. She smiled softly at the foursome and waited for her Chairman's response.

"Finally! Send them in," came Yzak's irritated reply.

Dearka walked in first, his face a scowl. Athrun and Kira followed and Shiho closed the door softly.

"About time. What took you so long?" snapped a tired looking Yzak. His platinum hair looked the same as it had those many years ago, but his ice colored eyes held a weariness that Athrun knew all too well.

"I still can't believe you've been the Chairman of the PLANTs for nineteen years! I could hardly handle three," said Athrun, pulling up a chair. He sat down with a sigh. Yzak glared at him and motioned for the others to sit.

"I take it Cagalli and Lacus aren't coming?" asked Yzak wearily.

Athrun shook his head, and Kira said softly, "I still can't believe another war is beginning."

"Believe it. We just got word from the commander of the group. Someone named Clive Grener," said Yzak, turning towards the screen. Athrun stiffened and his eyes grew hard, staring at the screen.

Clive's face appeared, the smirk in tact and red eyes glaring. Athrun clenched his teeth and glowered at the screen as Clive explained his demands.

"This was over two month's ago. And this…" Yzak pulled out a small disk, "came for you, Athrun."

Athrun stared down at the tape, eyes wide. The word on the front made tears well up in his eyes. Jadein. His boy, his boy was alive.

He stood and walked over to the holograph reader, placing the disk in the chamber. He then stared at the screen.

A flickering image of Clive in his chair came on. A soldier saluted and then a brunette and a red head walked in. Who walked in next made Athrun's breath catch.

Jadein had grown into a handsome young man, his emerald eyes were fiery with hate and his blonde streaked hair was longer than usual. Athrun felt something wet trail down his cheeks and realised he was crying.

"State your name, age, and the age of your…attendance," came Clive's soft voice and Athrun realised his fists were clenched.

The brunette was known as Akimi and the redhead was known as Calista. Jadein just glared, his eyes narrowed into slits. He then told Clive to take out the guards.

"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!"

Athrun winced but didn't take his eyes off the screen. Clive said something about Cagalli and Athrun felt his blood boil. He could see the anger building up in Jadein and was glad his son was giving this bastard a piece of his mind.

"I will not have you rule my life, Clive. If I must, I'll kill you," said Jadein dangerously and Athrun was stunned. He was overjoyed that he would kill Clive, but Clive was ruling his son's life? No, that couldn't be.

Then the mobile suits were named and Athrun felt his throat seize up. His son was to be a mobile suit pilot. In the war…

The tape ended abruptly and Athrun turned. He saw Dearka's shocked face and Yzak noted the tears in both his friends' eyes.

"Calista…she's still alive," Dearka said softly, smiling. But his smile changed as he thought about his daughter. "But…she's a pilot now? Of the 'Forbidden Buster'?"

Yzak glanced between his two comrades and snapped, "Snap out of it, you two. This is a war."

"And you expect us to fight our own children? Our own flesh and blood?" barked Athrun, furious.

"Did you not hear his commander, Athrun? He will kill your wife if he doesn't fight. Do you think he has a choice?" snapped Yzak, eyes burning.

Athrun gritted his teeth and looked away. Kira had a pained look in his eyes, and Dearka ran his hand through his hair.

"I won't kill Calista. You know that, Yzak. And if you order me too, then I'll just resign," said Dearka softly.

"Yes, I know," replied Yzak, passing a tired hand over his eyes. "But the thing is, they are part of the organization raising hell all over Earth and the PLANTs. I don't know what to do."

Dearka frowned suddenly. "Wait. If Calista were a pilot, then wouldn't she inherit my abilities? Thus, becoming a long range gunner?"

Yzak's face turned pale. "Damn. That would destroy a lot of the bases." He looked at Athrun, "Jadein would inherit many impressive piloting skills."

"I'll fight him, but only to capture him. I will not, under any circumstances, kill my own son," said Athrun darkly, eyes brooding.

Yzak sighed. "I should just retire. This job has got me down in the pits."

"Not to mention that you haven't had a date in…oh, five years?" teased Dearka, smiling weakly.

"For your information, I am seeing someone," snapped Yzak, and then promptly shut his mouth, glowering at his friend.

Dearka burst out laughing and Kira smiled. Athrun grinned weakly and then turned towards the door.

"When do we launch?" asked Kira.

"In three days. Meanwhile, get some rest," replied Yzak. His eyes narrowed at Dearka's snickering face. "Shut up, Elsman, or I swear I'll throttle you."

Dearka chuckled, and stood, glancing at the beat red Yzak. He then turned and walked towards the door. Shiho had been silent throughout the whole conference, and she held open the door for the three men. She smiled softly at Yzak and then was gone.

"Damn work," muttered Yzak, scattering papers and sighing. "I should just retire."

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

Athrun had hooked up in his old apartment, the one that his father had left him to when he was busy. He had called Cagalli, and found out that Syiria had wanted to practice in the mobile suit. Twice, she almost submerged the thing and a third time, she burnt the trees around the beach area. Cagalli had become frustrated and had taken the controls from her daughter, showing her the ropes. Though she was only fifteen, she knew what she was doing and nodded to show her understanding.

Athrun woke up on the second day abruptly, his eyes snapping open. He had just had a dream about his upcoming battle, where Jadein flew down and sliced one of his friends in half, just like Kira had done so long ago. He grimaced and sat up, touching his stomach where he swore he felt Jadein's sword thrust through.

Groaning, he threw his legs over the side and rubbed his hands over his face. Glancing at the clock, he found it to be five thirty in the morning. He glared at the carpet beneath his feet and stood, patting around in the dark for his boxers. Sliding them on, he made his way to the kitchen, eyes blurring when they came in contact with the light. He blinked stupidly, for it seemed a blonde person was in his kitchen. Shaking his head, thinking he was seeing Cagalli only because he missed her so much, he glanced back at the person standing in front of him. It was Cagalli.

"Cagalli!" he exclaimed, grabbing her and whirling her around. She laughed as he did so, hugging his neck and kissing his cheeks. He laughed and kissed her; joyous that he could see her face once more.

"But how?" asked Athrun, setting his wife down.

"Syiria was worried about you, but I wouldn't let her go into space. So I took the Akatsuki and left Syiria with Lacus and the twins." Cagalli's brow furrowed. "Athrun, I met up with some peculiar Gundam Pilots on my way here. They were just outside Jachin Due." Her face fell and Athrun felt fear seize his heart. "The leader of the three mobile suits fought with the other two and then approached me. I was terrified that I would have to fight, but then he spoke to me." Tears welled up in her eyes and she felt them trail down her cheeks. "Athrun, I've talked to our son. I've talked to Jadein."

-Flashback-

Cagalli stretched once she entered space, pressing the golden button beside her. The mobile suit flew forward, on track to the PLANTs. She had hoped that she could get through the atmosphere unscathed and her father's will had been successful.

She neared the PLANTs and noticed Jachin Due – well, the new Jachin Due. The PLANTs had gone out and found a new asteroid, rebuilding the base that Athrun had destroyed so long ago. She froze, however, when her monitor picked up three mobile suits.

The mobile suit in the front was a dark red, with black accents upon the gun, torso, arms and legs. It hesitated before turning to the other two. One of them – completely black with silver accents and a crimson stripe up the middle – pointed its gun at her but was pushed away by the leader. The third one – navy blue with red stripes – went with the dejected black Gundam. The leader turned to her.

Cagalli sat, stunned, as it approached her. She raised her gun and the mobile suit hesitated. Then, someone came on the transmitter.

"Cagalli?" they asked and she stiffened.

"Lower your weapon and open your cockpit," she replied, her voice shaking. It seemed deeper than she remembered, but she could never forget that voice.

The cockpit opened suddenly and from inside came a figure. They floated into the space between the cockpit and the opened area, holding onto the top.

"No," she whispered softly, tears coming to her eyes. She quickly opened her cockpit, coming out to stand in front of this newcomer.

"It is you," he said softly, jade eyes gleaming. "Mother."

"Jadein!" she cried, pushing away from her mobile suit and grabbing onto the surprised boy. He was pushed back by her momentum and then hugged her.

"Mom. I can't believe its you," whispered Jadein, hugging her tight. Cagalli cried softly, her tears building up in her helmet.

"How…how are you?" she hiccupped, looking at him. He smiled warmly, and just shook his head in amazement.

"Actually, quite good. Though I haven't been able to see you or dad for a long time, I was only kept in captivity for five years. Then we were brought down to Earth, to the Equatorial Union base. I stayed there for another five years." Jadein smiled at her again. "I have so much to tell you and dad! But…why are you here?"

"Jadein, your father has been called into ZAFT to help fight the war that your organization has started."

"I know," he said darkly.

"Why do you fight?" she asked, pleading.

"Because if I don't, they'll kill you. And Syiria. I can't let that happen."

"Jadein –" she began.

"No. I have to mother, I can't let Clive get a hold of you again. I won't!" he shouted, turning his face from her. But he kept his grip on her shoulders tight.

Cagalli smiled slightly. Though she was shocked that Clive was involved – and she desperately wanted to kill him in every means possible – she was glad to know that he had not once forgotten about them.

"You've grown into a handsome young man," said Cagalli warmly. "I wish I could see you without the Gundam or in space, but I take it you have to go back?"

Jadein nodded grudgingly, his hold on her tightening. Cagalli just shook her head, "You father would be proud of you, Jade, even if you are in another allegiance. We just want you home," Her eyes swelled with tears. "I thought you were gone forever; that I would never see you again. But…you're here; you're all right. And for that I am grateful."

Jadein laughed at his mothers nickname for him, but his humor was short lived, for a signal flare shot from Jachin Due and he sighed. He pulled his mother to him and hugged her tight, knowing this may be the last time he would ever see her.

"Go. Tell dad that everything is all right, and if I do see him on the battlefield…" Jadein's face darkened as he pushed her backwards, towards the Akatsuki. "Tell him that I have no choice."

Cagalli bumped into the Akatsuki and held tight to the top, watching as her son climbed back into his mobile suit. He turned, risking a glance back at her, and sped off towards the base.

"Jadein…"

-End of Flashback-

"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 he 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 bout 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.

Athrun started when he felt someone kiss his neck.

"Come on. I just got here and you haven't once talked me into going to bed with you," said Cagalli in a smoky voice.

Athrun chuckled and stood, grabbing onto Cagalli and hauling her up against him. He kissed her deeply, pulling her backwards as he did so. He always enjoyed these little tease fests he did, and he broke off contact with her. A pout formed on her lips and she grabbed his face, hooking one hand behind his neck to pull him to her. He laughed and moved his head down, so he could kiss her neck. She froze and he heard a small whimper escape her throat. Grinning, he finally managed to get into the bedroom.

He tossed her down on the bed, and she pushed at his shoulders as his lips trailed down her neck. She hummed softly and arched her back, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling her upwards. He made a strangled sound and she smiled.

"I know what you're thinking," she whispered softly, pushing back the soft locks of midnight blue hair. He kissed the side of her mouth and whispered in her ear, "You have no clue what I'm thinking...but I could give you a hint. Even Coordinators have a hard time performing what I have in mind."

Cagalli laughed and Athrun undressed her quickly. He pushed her back in the covers and began kissing her chest. As he finally slid out of his boxers, he looked up and was shocked to see his Princess asleep. Her eyes were closed, the long eyelashes laying softly upon her cheeks. Her hair was spread out around her and her hands were above her head. With her lips slightly parted, she looked so enticing to him that he almost didn't care if she was awake or not.

Sighing, he pushed away from her and turned her with an insistent hand on her hip. She curled against him, her arms resting around his waist and her head against his chest. Her lips pressed softly against his beating heart and she moved slightly to get more comfortable.

"Good night, Princess. You've due for a good rest," whispered Athrun. He then felt her move slightly, sliding her thigh between his legs and moving around, rubbing against his erection. "Damn you, woman. You could kill me from all the enticing you do. Just fall asleep so I don't die!"

He swore he saw her smirk.

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

Jadein sighed as he pulled off his helmet. He shook his hair out and stared up at his Gundam, eyes trailing over every aspect of it. It suited him perfectly, like a glove, and he felt a desire burn within him to just take it and leave, forever. But he knew he couldn't. His mother's life was at stake.

"Jadein!" cried a voice from above. Jadein looked up and smiled at Akimi, floating down towards him. She still wore her pilot suit and he knew he would get some lip from her for forcing her away.

She landed in front of him and jabbed her gloved finger into his chest. Her pilot suit was the same colour as her mobile suit and her helmet was floating slowly behind her.

"Why the hell did you shove Calista and me away? What if that mobile suit had–" she was cut off when Jadein placed a finger against her lips. She glowered at him.

"I pushed you two away because I needed to talk to the pilot." Akimi opened her mouth. "Do not object, or raise questions here. We'll go somewhere we can talk in private."

The two floated away, grapping Calista on the way. She had been chatting with a young pilot, smiling at him and touching his arm. She jumped when Jadein grabbed her roughly by the arm and floated off with her.

"I was talking to him you know," she huffed.

"I need to talk to you," he said softly, his voice leaving no room for complaint.

Calista exchanged a glance with the red-eyed girl and the two floated after him. He went into the change rooms, closing the room softly. After floating around to check for tape recorders or surveillance tapes – they had found one and had successfully covered it up – he turned to his two friends.

"The reason I pushed you both away was because I didn't want you to engage the golden Gundam in battle," he said softly.

"But –" began Akimi and he cut her off with a look.

"The reason I didn't want you to engage it in battle was because…well, because the pilot is my mother," said Jadein, his voice barely above a whisper.

Akimi glanced at Calista and Calista stared at Jadein. He just ran his hands through his hair and shook his head.

"Why are you still here than?" asked Calista softly.

"What?"

"Why are you still here if you could have easily gone with her. I mean, she's your mother and you passed up a chance to go with her to see your father for this?"

Jadein gritted his teeth. "I have to stay. They'll kill her and Syiria if I don't. I won't let them harm either of them."

"You could have just as easily protected her there instead of here. I don't understand you, Jadein. You tell me how much you miss them, yet you pass up an opportunity to go with your mother, to see her and talk to her?"

Jadein clenched his fists and walked forward, his hands kept tightly at his sides.

"You don't know what its like, to see your mother piloting a mobile suit, to know that your father will be fighting you soon because of the havoc that this organization has wrought upon the Earth and PLANTs. How can you say you don't understand? I cannot leave here without endangering my parent's live, and Syiria is still on Earth, making her an easy target! So, don't tell me that I've passed up an 'opportunity' when you have no fucking clue what I've gone through!" he shouted, his eyes slits and fists clenched.

"Jadein–" began Calista,

"Screw it," he muttered and stormed out.

Calista winced when the door closed and turned to Akimi.

"You said it, not me. Be glad it wasn't worse," she said shortly, and floated out.

"Damn it!" shouted Calista, her face scrunched in fury. She then looked down, feeling her tears that she had cooped up for so long run down her cheeks. "One thing your wrong about, Jadein, is that I do know what it feels like, knowing you will soon fight your father in battle. For, I have already seen him, and I'm sure he knows of me."

Calista moved towards her locker, pulling out her clothing. Slipping out of the uniform, she was pulling on her shirt when the door beeped. She didn't even have time to cover herself before someone walked in.

"Oh – jeez, I'm so sorry – I'll leave – I didn't–" he stuttered, turning.

Calista stared at him. He reminded her so much of her father it was scary. But he looked younger and more alive. She felt tears well up in her eyes as she tried to speak.

He turned at the sound of her whimper and his chocolate brown eyes widened. She tried to stop the tears that fell down her cheeks, but she didn't want to release her hold on the shirt that she had pressed against her bare chest.

"Whoa. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry," he said softly, walking forward. She tried to push him away, but he ignored her and tilted her head up.

He has different coloured eyes, she thought, as she stared into the depths. He just grinned at her, a lopsided smile that made him look cute.

"Listen, I'm sorry I walked in on you, but you didn't have to get all teary eyed," he said softly.

"Shut up. I wasn't crying," she snapped and wiped furiously at the tears. She then turned her back on him and slid on her shirt, ignoring his eyes on her back.

"Well, I'm sorry all the same. You remind me of someone, by the way. I don't know who, but …wait! It's that pilot, of the Forbidden Buster. Right?"

Calista turned and nodded slightly, still trying to ignore his eyes. He was trying to help her, but she just couldn't bring herself to look at him. It brought tears to her eyes when she thought about her father and right now, she didn't need the distraction.

Just as she was about to open her mouth to retort, an alarm sounded. "Prepare for level one battle stations. Level one battle stations."

"Damn it!" she swore and grabbed her outfit, rushing to the curtains to change. She was out and past the other pilot before he even knew where she'd gone.

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

Cagalli lay face down on the bed, her eyes fluttering open at the sound of the phone ringing. She felt something move beside her, and then a sleep-deprived voice said, "Zala."

"Where the hell are you? Miriallia and I are just outside! Fall asleep again?" snapped Dearka.

"Shit!" exclaimed Athrun, poking Cagalli awake and tossing her some clothing. She stared at him and he pointed at the clock. It read '11:39' and she jumped out of bed.

Slipping on a shirt and pants, she brushed her hair and put in earrings. She then grabbed Athrun, who was busy buttoning up a shirt, and was out the door, dragging him.

They made their way downstairs and Athrun had yet to button up his shirt properly. Cagalli sighed and stopped, right before they entered the car and did it for him.

Jumping in the back seat with Miriallia, Cagalli rubbed the back of her head and smiled apologetically. Miriallia just grinned and hugged her friend, happy to see someone from Earth.

The two girls chatted while the men stayed silent. Athrun finally broke the tension. "You said that Yzak knows something about the new mobile suits. Weaknesses? Battle strength? Anything I can go on here, my friend?"

Dearka shook his head, not taking his eyes off the road. "Nothing I know. Yzak said he was so shocked that we wouldn't believe it if he just told us. So, where are we eating?"

Dearka's sudden change in topic puzzled Athrun. His friend knew something, and it wasn't good.

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

Jadein looked up from his typing when he heard the alarm ring. He would need to go out into battle already? He shook his head and put on his helmet, watching as Calista and Akimi climbed into their mobile suits.

He walked his mobile suit over to the launching pad and began to type, looking up every now and then. He made sure he had all his weapons and then the signal for him to go lit up.

"Jadein Hibiki, Collision Fire, launching!" he said, and his mobile suit flew forward. He pressed the Phase Shift armour button and turned his Gundam, watching as five warships approached, with smaller ships surrounding.

Akimi and Calista soon joined him, as did many other pilots. Flying forward, Jadein unhooked his Beam Rifle and pointed it at the ship.

Pressing the intercom button, he commanded, "State your origination and business. We do not wish to fight you if we must not."

A smirking figure appeared on the screen, his appearance so close to Clive's that Jadein felt a momentary flash of hatred. His hatred was so strong he almost pulled the trigger on the gun.

The man sneered and said softly, resting his chin on his hands, "We are here from Orb to talk with your leader. Please, let us pass."

The screen went blank and so did Jadein's face. Orb…his mothers' homeland.

"Orb? Did they say Orb? What the hell are they doing up here? Are they not a neutral country?" asked Akimi, coming up on Jadein's screen.

"Return to base. We need to do some snooping," said Jadein, turning his Gundam. Why ever Orb was here, it couldn't be good.

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

Jadein snuck towards the room, Akimi and Calista following closely. Leaning down, he picked at the two small shapes on the floor, rearranging them and then gave Akimi the thumbs up. Akimi plopped down, typing furiously. Soon, the surveillance cameras within the room swivelled to life.

"Now I'll just turn up the volume," said Akimi softly, sitting cross-legged. Jadein and Calista crowded around her, staring unblinking at the screen.

The voices rang clear as day and Jadein felt his face blanch.

"What exactly do you expect to gain here?" asked Clive.

"I expect your total cooperation of course. You see, they have just elected me as new governor of Orb. My first duty is stopping this war…" he paused, his smile widening. "And the way I plan on doing that is scoping out the top pilots from the previous wars."

"Then you would want Kira Yamato and Athrun Zala," replied Clive, a frown appearing on his face.

"Correct. We have found out certain information that points us more in the direction of Athrun Zala, so we plan on choosing him. However, we cannot get to Zala that easily. So we plan on getting to his wife, the previous head representative of Orb, Cagalli Yula Attha.

"I plan on changing their lives forever, by taking away Cagalli's third child," said the govern, his lips curling into a smile. Clive laughed, his features twisted.

"Third child? But…mom had another kid?" said Jadein softly, falling back on his heels. He frowned. "I need to warn her."

"When do you plan on enunciating the plan?" asked Clive, leaning forward.

The other frowned, his eyes searching Clive's. "The plan will move into action once we have more information," his smile was slow, almost menacing. "And we know you know which island they have made their home."

The screen suddenly went blank and Akimi blinked, her eyebrows furrowing. Typing in a certain extent of commands, she smacked the computer and her frown turned into a scowl.

"They managed to input a virus into my computer. Damn it!" she snarled, slamming down the top of the laptop. Jadein then stood, helping the girls up.

"Come on. This is too much for me to think about here. Let's go."

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

Athrun frowned as Yzak handed him a stack of papers.

"What are these?" asked Athrun, shifting through them.

Yzak huffed and folded his arms, glowering at the two pilots. Dearka blinked as the papers were shoved towards him and moaned.

"Damn. More paperwork. I thought I was free of this once I married Miriallia," Dearka seemed to disappear behind the loads of more paper and glared at the former Duel pilot.

"It's not paperwork, dumbass. It's a number of different mobile suits previously created by ZAFT in the last year. And yes, all three of those new mobile suits are in there," explained Yzak, rubbing absently at his eyes. He blinked and frowned, noting how the door was open just a little.

"Read those. I need to go check on something," said Yzak, walking away from the two befuddled pilots.

Dearka made a strangled sound and dropped the documents onto the floor, staring in horror as they came up to just below his chin, even though they were on the floor.

"Yzak expects us to read all of this? What is he, crazy?" asked Dearka, muttering to himself.

"Actually, I think he's love sick," said Athrun absently, flipping through some documents.

"Wha…?" said Dearka, eyes growing wide.

Athrun grinned. "Did you not notice how his attention seemed to be focused on the door, where we left one of the Major's there?"

"Shiho? No, he wouldn't! I mean, I can understand some attraction, but Shiho wouldn't find him…would she?" Dearka seemed at a loss for words.

"That made no sense, Dearka. It wasn't even a sentence," Athrun chuckled and began to flip through the files, ignoring the persistent questions that seemed to fly from Dearka's mouth. Finally, Dearka stood and walked over to the door.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you," warned Athrun, tossing down another document.

"And why not?" snapped Dearka, edging closer to the door.

"Yzak has a sixth sense when it comes to spying. You'll be in hot water, my friend, if he figures what you're be doing," explained Athrun, closing another document and picking up another.

Dearka just glowered at him and touched the handle. Athrun grinned as he heard the two people outside silent themselves. Dearka didn't seem to notice, as he tried to push it open slowly.

Yzak must have been waiting for him to do that, for he slammed it back onto Dearka's nose, relishing in the fact that he had gotten his friend finally.

Athrun burst out laughing and picked up another file. He turned to look at it and his laughter was abruptly cut off. He stared at the document, flipping through the pages, scanning the numerous words.

"No. It can't be. These mobile suits…they can destroy us all," gasped Athrun, studying the picture.

The picture was that of the Collision Fire, Jadein's mobile suit. The mobile suit was shown to change into something far more dangerous than that of any other weapon. Collision Fire, along with the other two suits, could change into smaller versions of GENESIS.

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

"What are you doing?" asked Cagalli, watching as he slipped into his pilot suit.

"We have to get Jadein and the other two away from Jachin Due. If Clive tells them what those mobile suits can do, we're all screwed." He pulled at the necklace that was around his neck and smiled at Cagalli. "Your amulet will keep me safe, don't worry."

"I shouldn't. I'm coming with you," said Cagalli, undressing quickly and grabbing her suit. She slipped it on and was just about to zip it up when Athrun grabbed her arm.

"You're not coming with me."

"Yes I am."

"No."

"Yes!"

"No!"

"If you love me you'll let me come," she said softly, smiling up at him. Athrun raised an eyebrow and she gave him a teasing kiss on the side of his mouth. He sighed heavily. He hated the fact that she could use his love for her against him.

Putting on a pout, he folded his arms around her and looked her in the eye.

"You can only come with me if you promise to stay behind with the ships and not get involved in the battle. All right?" said Athrun softly, his lips brushing her temple. Cagalli sighed heavily and snuggled against him.

"If that's the only way I'll be able to be near you and make sure you won't get hurt, than fine. I'll stay behind with the ships." She pulled back and looked him in the eyes. "Yzak said something about nukes. Are we really going to use them?"

"Not on the Earth forces, so yes. We need to destroy Jachin Due, and Clive." Athrun pulled away from her embrace and grabbed his helmet. "Time to start."

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

The alarm bell rang shrilly and Jadein jumped up from his bed. Eyes blinking in the dimness of the room, he rolled over and poked Akimi. He then sat up, rubbing his hands over his face. The alarm screeched again and this time Calista shot up, her eyes wide as she looked around.

"Another battle? But we just got back," grumbled Akimi, pulling on her pilot suit. They had brought them back with them to the room just in case.

"War waits for no one," replied Jadein, zipping up his suit. He grabbed his helmet and walked out, the two girls following him.

The three pilots slipped into their mobile suits and lined up, prepared for launch. Jadein went first, his voice only slightly shaking, for he had a feeling in his gut that today was the day he met his father in battle.

Pulling out from the base, he turned his suit and almost threw up. Wincing, he watched six mobile suits approach the base, along with what looked like hundreds of warships.

Akimi and Calista soon joined him and they faced the onslaught of the PLANTs and Earth Alliances best forces. The number of ships behind them looked pitiful compared to this number. Akimi began to assemble her weapons and Calista stared solemnly at the number of men that she would have to take down.

Jadein felt his throat seize up when his monitor picked up two suits he all but recognized. The golden Akatsuki and the blood red Infinite Justice. He gritted his teeth and looked away, wishing it was not so. He also noted the Strike Freedom, the one that he had not a chance to see before hand. He stared in wonder, musing over the fact that he was going to battle almost all of his family.

The first shots were fired and Jadein evaded them simply, pulling out his Beam Rifle. He fired and destroyed two of the ships. Calista flew above him, assembling her numerous cannons, firing with rapid succession.

"That's Calista all right," murmured Dearka as he fired back. Athrun, Cagalli and Kira flew forward in formation and aimed for Jadein.

"Don't destroy his Gundam, only damage it enough that we can take it back," said Athrun.

Jadein saw his three family members coming at him and unsheathed his two Beam Sabres. Flying forward, he noted Akimi beside him, her black Beam Boomerang in her hands.

Akimi flew past Cagalli and Kira, whirling and throwing her Boomerang. She knew of Jadein's mother, how she piloted the golden Gundam, and she had made a promise not to kill her. She aimed the Boomerang low and smiled when the golden Gundam evaded it, but ended up loosing one leg.

Jadein faced off against his father, his eyes narrowed and his teeth gritted. He didn't want to fight; especially when it was his father. They flew around each other, avoiding each other's shots, avoiding each other's swords.

"Jadein! Why?" cried Athrun, slamming into his son's Gundam. Jadein blocked it and pulled back, pushing Athrun away.

"Because I have no choice, father. I have no choice," replied Jadein simply, slashing and evading.

Athrun gritted his teeth and changed his target, noting how the black mobile suit was watching Jadein's movements. He turned and flew towards it, sword ready.

"No!" shouted Jadein, slamming into his fathers' side and sending him away. Akimi looked back, shocked as Jadein flew after his father. "You will not harm her! I won't let anyone be harmed anymore!"

He slashed down and felt his sword connect, and for one second, he felt a huge wave of insanity crash upon him as he stared. The sword sliced easily through the arm and the Infinite Justice moved back.

Meanwhile, Calista was fighting off desperate attempts by both Yzak and Dearka. They moved closer and closer to a certain colony, forcing her back as she tried to defend. Akimi came up behind Dearka and Calista frantically told her not to destroy it. She settled with cutting off a leg and then flew to Calista's side.

Jadein was fighting desperately with his father, evading his attacks and trying to move away from the attempts. The two blood red mobile suits crashed together, sending up a world of sparks. Cagalli stared in horror as Athrun made a wild arc and slashed off the Collision Fire's head. He then made for the legs, but Jadein evaded.

Something snapped inside of Jadein, and he felt as though something was taking over his mind. His fuelled hatred of Clive focused on the Gundam in front of him, but he didn't want to destroy, just damage. He slammed into the red Gundam and smiled as it flew backwards.

Athrun was shocked by his son's display, but he quickly pulled out of the dive. Then his monitor beeped, signalling something behind him. He turned slightly, and saw a life pod, floating not far away, circling around a small asteroid just shy of Jachin Due. Athrun wanted to go to it, wanted to save the people within it, but his thoughts were cut off as Jadein flew towards him, severing his arm. Athrun whirled and slashed, but Jadein easily evaded.

Cagalli watched this with a heavy heart, and then flew back towards the many warships that lined up behind the mobile suits. She signalled and a series of smaller ships were released.

She hated the idea of using nukes, but they had no choice. Clive was on the new Jachin Due and they would destroy him even if it meant using the weapons that had nearly destroyed the PLANTs.

The tiny ships made their way towards the giant asteroid. Easily targeting the moving base, they released the numerous missiles ready to fire. They then flew back towards the ship and Cagalli watched with some guilt as the nukes flew towards the base.

"All mobile suits pull back, nukes have been released," said Kira. He saw Jadein jerk to a stop and the other two mobile suits turn towards the base. "I repeat, all mobile suits pull back, nukes have been released."

A brilliant flash of pink caked the base and every mobile suit was thrown back. Jadein cried out as he slammed into another asteroid and Akimi flew to him, grabbing the mobile suit.

Every mobile suit pilot stared on as the whole asteroid seemed to deteriorate before their very eyes. Jadein knew his vision was going; darkness crept at the corners of his eyes and he blinked. Smiling, he knew he was free of Clive. Finally, he was free...

To Be Continued...
Next Update:
Yet to be decided.

A/N: As you can see, I have no idea when I can update next. School is being dragged out quickly, and the teachers are loading us with homework because of the past events. The teacher strike definitely brought us down to earth, and I have hardly any time. I was lucky to even get this posted up; my schedule has been so crammed. So, I am terribly sorry that I cannot update as soon as I want to, but school is a little more important than this at the moment, so I shall do my best.

Seeing as how that might have brought you all down, I have prepared a small portion of my next chapter in this preview. It is called Kidnapped. This oughta be interesting ((big grin)):

Akimi wrapped her jacket tighter around herself. Searching the streets, she felt a shiver travel up her spin as she remembered all the memories it hid. She had left without telling Jadein or Calista of where she was going and she hoped she didn't upset them too much. She just needed to get away. There was too much love, and none of it was directed at her.

Watching as the condensation from her breath froze in front of her, she tried to bury deeper into her coat. It was stupid of her to leave with only a slim jacket and gloves, but she hadn't expected it to be so freezing outside.

Turning once more, she followed the alleyway until it ended and glanced about. She noted the number of people surrounding a small barrel, flames leaping to life inside it. They were rubbing their hands, hoping to get warm. She remembered all the times she had had to do that when she was in the orphanage. She even remembered why she had been out on the streets.

Walking over to the many people, she nodded slightly and then settled beside the roaring inferno. It was slowly becoming dark; winter was closing in on them quickly. She rubbed her hands against the flames then held them against her cheeks for warmth. It was so damn freezing.

She shifted from one foot to the other, purposefully moving her body to keep it from numbing itself. She accidentally hit the man beside her and saw him give her an appraising look. She shuddered as his eyes travelled down the length of her body. She turned away from him and hid in her coat.

Jadein's face came unbidden to her mind and she winced. She remembered the kiss she had given him before leaving; how she had wished he had been awake. He had told her how beautiful she was, how she was always wanted. But not many people saw it the way Jadein did.

She guessed that she did love him, and she had ever since he had protected her against the guard. Well, she had loved him before, but the love had turned to something more sweet and desiring and now she wanted him to be with her and warming her rather than this fire.

Glancing to her side, she noted the two men that were staring at her. Giving them an icy glare, she moved away, searching for more comfortable fires.

As she walked, she remembered the times on which she had lived on the streets, before going to an orphanage. She had pick pocketed and stolen to survive and when she was finally forced to go back to the orphanage, she hated it. She loved the thrill of almost being caught, or the chase when the shopkeepers tried to capture her.

As she travelled down memory lane, she heard footsteps behind her. Her hearing picked up four sets of feet and she frowned. Following. This wasn't good.

She moved out into the busy street, where she hoped they would stop following her. She watched as cars whizzed by, sending currents of air to tug at her hair. The braid slowly began to unravel and she pulled it out, sighing as the wind caressed her tresses. She glanced back, and was relieved to see no one following her.

When she turned to the front again, she felt her heart seize with terror. Two men stood in front of her, one grinning and the other holding rope. She stepped back and bumped into a broad chest. Turning slightly, she saw two more men, smirking at her. One made a kissing gesture and she backed away.

Another fatal mistake. She had backed into an alleyway. She felt horror lift her heart into her throat and felt like she was in a bad movie. She noticed how they surrounded her, pining her against the wall. She screamed when one man touched her arm and flung him away, holding her hands up in a defensive position. Glowering at them, she kicked one man in the stomach and managed to flip the other over her back. She yelped when she felt freezing air wash over bare skin. Her jacket had been ripped from her. Now she was only wearing her thin shirt and cargo's. Growling, she narrowed her red eyes and gave them her iciest stare.

"Get the bitch and let's finish this. I haven't had a good woman in a long time," drawled one of the men, snapping the rope.

"Aw, she's just so much fun to provoke," sneered another, surrounding her.

One of the men, a brawly man with long black hair, waved his hand and they all charged her.

She felt their hands all over her body and screamed. It wasn't like her, but she screamed until her lungs were sore and continued screaming.

And the one name echoing from her throat over and over was Jadein.

Oooo. Yes yes, I know the question on everyone's mind. Why did she leave? Why would she do that? Well, I shall let you ponder. Ooo another idea. If you aren't all busy getting chocolate smeared all over your faces ((grins)) Guess on what happens next. It'll be interesting to read some suggestions.

Soooo yes. I must go. Fireworks! ((gawks)) purdy lights. Well, review and I shalt update ASAP! Adios all!