DISCLAIMER: 'Resonance' is a story based on characters and situations from Kidou Senshi Gundam Seed which is a property of Sotsu Agency, SUNRISE and MBS. This work is non profited and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Unless specified, all materials in the web is work done by HERMIT JUNCTION. Please do not use without permission any text or artwork.

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

NOTE: This fanfiction disregards the plotline of the original series' sequel Gundam Seed Destiny. Please go to gseedaftermath.hermitjunction. net for site hosting of this fic. For Dearka and Miriallia's story, please go to 'GS Aftermath Trilogy I: Rebound'; for Rusty and Lain's story, please go to 'GS Aftermath Trilogy II: Repercussion'.

Gseed Aftermath Trilogy III:
RESONANCE
a hermit junction project

Chapter 5

The three of them were in Yzak's office, all silent. Dearka was lying on the sofa with one leg draped over the armrest, staring at the ceiling while Shiho was sitting on the chair across from Yzak's desk with her eyes closed. Yzak on the other hand, was standing at the window, looking out at the busy street below him with his arms crossed, his reflection prominent in the night sky.

The pictures were spread out on Yzak's table with Rusty MacKenzie's full profile.

'What do we do?' Dearka asked for the nth time.

'Again, are you sure this is Rusty MacKenzie?' Yzak asked, also for the nth time, turning to face his two subordinates.

'Believe me, that's none the other than your former comrade Rusty MacKenzie.' Shiho said tiredly, rubbing the side of her head.

'Suck it up Yzak, this picture is so Rusty, just look at him. Look at him and tell me who you see! That hair and that smirk, you really think there could be another Rusty MacKenzie?' Dearka stood up, brushing his uniform. 'Besides, it wouldn't be that much of a surprise. We've seen this sniper's work, Rusty's more than capable.'

'Not much of a surprise?' Yzak scowled. Shiho jumped in her seat when Yzak slammed his hand onto the table. 'Rusty MacKenzie is fucking dead! You've seen this file, it has the words "KIA" on the damn thing, fucking killed in action! Athrun confirmed this, he saw Rusty shot in the head, in the fucking head!'

'Calm down Yzak.' Dearka winced at Yzak's tantrum and choice of language. 'If this isn't Rusty, then who is it? He's got the face, he's got the attitude and he's got the skill!'

'Damn it!' Yzak cursed, throwing his hands up in the air. 'Why? Just… just fucking why of all people?'

'Is Athrun Zala coming?' Shiho asked quietly, picking up the photo again.

'He should arrive tomorrow, you'll meet him Dearka.' Yzak ordered, sitting down.

'Yes sir.' Dearka said lazily, stretching.

'Are you absolutely sure all the data has been erased from surveillance's database?' Yzak asked, leaning forward.

'I'm absolutely sure.' Shiho said. 'I destroyed the data disc as well. All left is the files in the security box and these photos.'

'That's the only good thing going on.' Yzak muttered, pulling at the ends of his hair.

'I guess we can't do anything until we met up with Athrun.' Dearka sighed. 'Well, there is one thing.'

'What?' Yzak asked.

'Well…' Dearka shot a glance at Shiho. 'Miriallia says she met with Rusty.'

'What?' Yzak screeched. 'You knew this and you never told us?' Shiho too was equally surprirsed.

'Well, I just knew about it yesterday!' Dearka said hotly, waving his hand in the air. 'She said he came into her ward disguised as one of the male nurses. You remember Yzak? The male nurse who asked us to move aside with that god damn cart.'

'He had a mask on.' Yzak said, rubbing his chin. 'Are you sure who she saw was Rusty?'

'She's sure.' Dearka nodded. 'She saw me open that file.'

'Since Hahnenfuss has deleted the file, we can't do an official record for her.' Yzak sighed, rubbing his head.

'I'm far too busy too.' Dearka said.

'Busy from having sex with her?' Shiho sneered.

'As a matter of fact yes.' Dearka said smugly.

Sighing, Shiho pursed her lips. 'I could talk to her, I think it would be more appropriate anyway. I'm off in a couple of days, I can take her around Aprilius One, away from any ZAFT buildings, that way we can be sure no one is tapping us or anything.'

'You do that.' Yzak nodded. 'You okay Dearka?'

Dearka shrugged. 'If the council knows about this, we're going to be in really deep trouble. That's really the least we can do, besides, Shiho was in charge, it would be better if she asked Miriallia herself.'

'I'm going to be in deep shit.' Yzak groaned, throwing one arm over his head. 'The council hasn't exactly been the happiest place I've encountered.'

'I'm going to take off then.' Shiho said, standing up. 'I still have something to do.'

'Yeah.' Yzak waved his hand in the air absently. 'By the way, did you get the invitation Dearka?'

'What invitation?' Dearka asked. At that, Shiho stopped in her tracks.

'You know, the annual charity ball.' Yzak said impatiently. 'The thing you hate going but have to go with Eneta every year.'

'Oh, that piece of shit.' Dearka rubbed his chin. 'I think I got an envelope that looked like an invitation yesterday, I have to check though.'

'Captain Jule, about the invitation – ' Shiho walked forward again.

'I don't think you're going with Eneta right?' Yzak smirked.

Dearka rolled his eyes. 'You think?'

'Commander – ' Shiho tried again.

'But you get to bring a guest.' Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'You're taking the missus?'

Dearka shrugged. 'Maybe, depends whether she's still here by then. She should be though.'

'Doesn't she have work?' Yzak asked dryly.

'Yeah, but she's kind of off work for now, you know…' Dearka sat down on the chair.

'So that means she's it?' Yzak smirked.

'Maybe.' Dearka responded with a sly smile.

Pursing her lips, Shiho put her hands on her hips. 'Captain Jule!'

'Hahnenfuss, you're still here?' Yzak looked up. 'I thought you have stuff to do.'

'About the invitation – ' Shiho started again.

'You got an invitation?' Dearka widened his eyes. 'I've never seen you go to those stupid airhead banquets.'

'I invited her.' Yzak said.

Dearka turned to Yzak with a stunned look. 'You're bringing a guest this year, you're bringing her?'

'Hey! What's wrong with me?' Shiho demanded, stomping forward.

'That.' Dearka eyed her. 'You don't look like a girl at all. I can just imagine you tripping over your heels or stepping on Yzak's foot when you're dancing. Ouch.'

'Hey! I can be a lady if I want to!' Shiho snapped.

'Oh, so you're going to bring a drag queen with you Yzak?' Dearka snorted, turning to Yzak again.

'Dearka Elthman!' Shiho seethed.

'Now now kids, be nice.' Yzak joked, amused.

'Now that is not lady like at all Hahnenfuss.' Dearka said dryly. 'I'll bet you a thousand dollars that you can't wear an evening gown and heels. Better yet, a sexy evening gown.'

Clenching her teeth, Shiho shot one hand out. 'Deal.'

Dearka smirked. 'Deal. You do know my extent of sexy. If you don't, you can buy porn as reference.'

Shiho kicked his chair, seething. 'You'll see how sexy I can be on that night Elthman.'

Dearka shrugged. 'We'll see.'

'So this mean's you're going?' Yzak asked, looking up at Shiho.

'Yes!'

Yzak clapped his hands together. 'Great! One problem solved.'

'What problem?' Shiho asked skeptically.

'He doesn't want those council members to talk him into marrying their daughters.' Dearka said before Yzak could tell him to shut up. 'Especially Lamar Wyleed.'

'Oh, so you're using me as a shield.' Shiho said in a low voice, crossing her arms. 'What a nice thing to expect from the most eligible bachelor on PLANT.'

'Hey, you promised, no turning back!' Yzak warned, pointing one finger at her.

'Of course I won't.' Shiho glared down at Dearka. 'I'm still looking forward to my thousand bucks.'

Dearka just smirked. 'We'll see.'

It was the first time in two years since Ezaria Jule was allowed to step out of her house. She was devastated to find her son admitted to the hospital after the bomb attack at ZAFT's headquarters and the council had arranged a meeting for her at the hospital three days later under heavy surveillance.

'Yzak!'

Looking away from the window, Yzak was surprised to find his Mother rushing towards him.

'Are you alright dear?' Ezaria asked in a worried tone, grabbing Yzak's hands. 'You got me worried sick when I heard about the attack over the news! How did this happen?'

'It's alright Mother.' Yzak said tiredly, giving his Mother a reassuring smile. 'Really, the bullet didn't get me, it just made a scratch on my arm and shoulder, see.' He pulled down his shirt for his Mother to see. 'It's not as bad as you think, trust me, I've had more injuries during my war days.' He pointed at his face. 'Don't forget your son got a scar right across the face before.'

Ezaria shook her head and ruffled her son's hair. 'You're a strong boy.'

'Man.' Yzak corrected, frowning. 'I'm twenty.'

'Yes, a young man.' Ezaria laughed and sat down.

'You haven't come out of that house for some time Mother, how does it feel?' Yzak asked, pulling the sheets down slightly.

'Things have changed.' Ezaria said quietly. 'Aprilius One is not how I've known it anymore.'

'It has changed, the surrounding, the people.' Yzak agreed. Everything has changed.

'When can you leave the hospital?' Ezaria asked, putting her hand over his.

'Tomorrow I guess, it's not really that serious.' Yzak replied. 'If I don't get back to work, people will want to kill me, especially the council.'

Ezaria nodded silently.

'Mrs. Jule.' One of the ZAFT soldiers who escorted her stepped in. 'It's time.'

Nodding, Ezaria leaned forward and gave Yzak a kiss on both cheeks, caressing his face briefly. 'Get well soon and visit me when you have the time, okay?'

'I will.' Yzak said, smiling. When the door shut quietly behind Ezaria, Yzak exhaled loudly and lied back down on the bed. He stared at the ceiling for a while before his eyelids started to get heavy. Pulling the sheets to his chest, he closed his eyes, continuing his much needed sleep.

Outside, Ezaria was escorted by the two ZAFT soldiers. It was already getting dark when Ezaria stepped out of the hospital and was led to the limousine she rode in. She was about to step inside when a girl in a red ZAFT uniform walked by with a bouquet of flowers.

'Major Hahnenfuss.' The two ZAFT soldiers escorting her saluted.

Shiho saluted back and was about to enter the hospital when Ezaria called her.

'Are you in Yzak's team?'

'Yes.' Shiho replied. 'You're Yzak's mother, Mrs. Jule right?'

Ezaria nodded, looking at her for a while before she was called. Shiho bowed her head at the elegant lady and watched her step into the car. When Shiho reached Yzak's ward, he was already fast asleep. She found it awkward, seeing her commander in such a visibly vulnerable state.

Closing the door quietly behind her, she took a vase and filled it with water before arranging the flowers neatly. She set it down on the night table quietly before sitting down herself. She sat there silently until it was completely dark outside, staring at Yzak with lazy eyes. If anyone deserved a break, it was Yzak Jule.

Leaning forward, she couldn't help but reach out one hand. When her fingertips brushed against Yzak's cheek, a hand flew out from the sheets and grabbed her fingers. Startled, Shiho pushed her other hand and knee against the bed to stop from falling right on top of her commander.

'Hahnenfuss?' Yzak opened his sleepy eyes. 'What are you doing here?'

'There was a fly.' Shiho said, feeling her heart beat in her ears. 'Uh, mind if you let go?'

'Oh, Sorry.' Yzak let go of her fingers quickly. 'I didn't hurt you did I?'

'It's okay.' Shiho said, rubbing her fingers. 'Soldiers' instinct.'

Shiho helped Yzak sit up, being extra careful with his left shoulder. 'You feeling better?' She asked, sitting back down again.

'Yeah, it's not that serious.' Yzak said. 'Can you pour me a glass of water please?'

'Sure.'

'How's it going back there?' Yzak asked, sitting himself comfortably.

'Its okay, Dearka's watching over stuff back there.' Shiho replied, handing him the glass. 'Everything's still under control, but it's just a matter of time before something goes seriously wrong.' She stopped as Yzak stared at her in the eye. 'What?'

Yzak shook his head. 'Nothing.'

Shiho smiled. 'You're dealing with this in a surprising tranquility, I have to say Commander.'

Yzak frowned. 'I'm not always throwing tantrums.'

Shiho snorted.' Yeah right.'

Yzak sighed and looked out the window. 'Sometimes you just have to accept the fact.'

Shiho sighed. 'I guess you're right.'

Turning, Yzak smirked. 'I want to take a walk, can you help me?'

'Now?' Shiho's eyebrows furrowed.

'Please?' Yzak pleaded.

'Is it against the hospital regulations?' Shiho looked at him sideways.

'Trust me.' Yzak made a move to stand up. 'Get my uniform jacket, it's in the wardrobe.'

'Are you sure about this?' Shiho asked uncertainly, taking the jacket off the rack.

'Yes, don't be such a wuss.' Yzak snarled as Shiho draped it across his shoulder.

'I'm not a wuss, I just don't want to be blamed if you like bleed or anything.' Shiho argued as Yzak put on his slippers.

'I won't. 'Yzak insisted. Opening the door, he looked either way, making sure that the hall was quiet. Motioning for Shiho, he grabbed her arm and pulled her down the hallway quickly.

'I say you're not a patient at all.' Shiho laughed as they reached the gardens.

'I've had much serious injuries in the past, this is like nothing.' Yzak snorted.

'This garden does not look like a place in the hospital.' Shiho declared, looking around as they walked towards the huge fountain in the center. The lights gave the fountain a very soft and romantic glow, an atmosphere one cannot find in a hospital.

'Really?' Yzak sat down beside the fountain, holding his jacket in place. 'Then where should it be?'

'I don't know.' Shiho turned in circles with her arms open, a smile on her face. 'But I know this garden should be for lovers.'

'Lovers?' Yzak repeated. Smirking, he crossed his legs. 'Too bad we aren't huh?'

Shiho stopped abruptly, almost tripping. Coughing, she rubbed her forehead. 'Huh?'

Laughing, Yzak shook his head. 'I should be coming back in a day or two.'

Shiho frowned. 'Don't you need some rest?'

'I'm okay.' Yzak said. 'Have you met up with Miriallia Haww yet?'

'I'm meeting her tomorrow.' Shiho replied. 'Thing's have been so hectic in the past three days I haven't had the time. Dearka said I'd take a day off tomorrow and then he the next day until you come back.'

'Great.' Yzak said tiredly, closing his eyes.

'You should rest while you can captain.' Shiho said, sitting down.

'I know, but I can't afford it.' Yzak sighed.

'Still shaken?' Shiho asked, glancing at him sideways.

'Can't say I'm not surprised.' Yzak said dryly. 'I guess the tables are turned…'

'It's even worse than the scar from Strike?' It sounded more like a statement than a question.

'I didn't know who piloted Strike, it was just another enemy I wanted to destroy.' Yzak said quietly. 'But this time, it's Rusty, Rusty MacKenzie.'

'You feel betrayed?' Shiho tried. 'Like how Athrun and Dearka betrayed you during the war?'

Yzak nodded. 'It hurts you know. I still don't understand why Rusty didn't tell us he was still alive. He knew perfectly well that he had a chance to rejoin ZAFT regardless of his failure during the Heliopolis raid. Why did he choose to be an assassin? A sniper?'

'I bet he has a good reason.' Shiho said softly. 'Don't be too hard on yourself.'

Yzak ran one hand through his hair. 'I really can't think of a reason.'

'Give it some time. He works for Nessar, I'm betting my head that he's going to pull that trigger again in the near future.'

'Speaking of betting.' Yzak turned to Shiho. 'How's that sexy dress going?'

Shiho rolled her eyes. 'I don't think you're going to that banquet in this condition.'

'I'll be as good as new in a week.' Yzak promised. 'I wouldn't miss seeing you all dressed up for the world.'

'You sure? I wouldn't want to scare you in any way.' Shiho joked.

'Oh, believe me.' Yzak gave her a wink. 'I'm looking forward to it.'

Shaking her head, Shiho looked down at her watch. 'Gods, I have to go, visiting time is almost over.'

'Are you sure you guys are going to be fine when I'm away.' Yzak asked as they headed back to his ward.

'Well, for a few days would be okay, but don't take advantage of it.' Shiho warned, pointing one finger at him.

'I can't even if I wanted to.' Yzak muttered, pushing her hand away. 'Shit!'

'What?' Shiho looked back and forth.

'Damn, it's that nurse again.' Yzak whispered, pulling Shiho back. 'That bitch, she's going to kill me!'

'You were the one who wanted to go for a walk in the dark.' Shiho smirked. 'You started it and you finish it.'

Yzak slapped his forehead when the nurse came stomping out of the ward, luckily, she went the other direction. Grabbing Shiho's hand, he rushed back into the ward, pulling Shiho behind him.

'Why do I have to follow you?' Shiho asked, panting slightly.

'I don't know.' Yzak said breathlessly. 'Just a reflex.'

The door burst open with the nurse rushing in with another male nurse.

'Hello.' Yzak waved his hand at them.

'You – ' The nurse looked from Yzak to Shiho. 'You weren't here just a while ago.'

'What are you talking about?' Yzak asked innocently. 'I was here all this time, my colleague was here all this time. Want me to introduce you two?'

'No, no, you weren't here.' The nurse insisted.

Yzak shrugged. 'Maybe I was in the washroom.'

'Did you check the washroom?' The male nurse asked his colleague.

'You better not leave this ward until you leave this hospital.' The nurse warned, pointing one finger at him. 'I don't care if you're a senior councilor, as long as you live under my control, you're going to live by my rules, and that means no sneaking out at night with your girlfriend.'

'I'm not his girlfriend!' Shiho protested.

'Let's go, the doctor's going to check on him soon.' The nurse said, walking towards the door.

'Not even my Mom uses that tone.' Yzak frowned.

'You should clear things with her.' Shiho said, her eyebrows furrowed.

'What? About you being my girlfriend?' Yzak asked, looking over his shoulder.

'Yes.' Shiho said, putting her hands on her hips. 'You're a semi-public figure and I don't want that woman to give others a wrong impression of the two of us.'

'Don't worry, I'll fix it.' Yzak said.

'I've got to go.' Shiho sighed, ruffling her straight bangs. 'I've got an early day tomorrow.'

'Yeah, you go.' Yzak said, waving his hand. 'I'll see you later.'

Bowing her head slightly, Shiho turned on her heel and was about to leave when Yzak called her. 'Yes?'

'Come over here, I want to give you something.' Yzak said, reaching out one hand.

Shiho pursed her lips and walked forward. 'What's going on?'

'Just come over here, I'm not going to bite.' Yzak muttered impatiently. 'Hold your hand out.'

'You okay Captain?' Shiho did as she was told.

Smiling, Yzak took her hand and pulled her towards him, wrapping one arm around her shoulders. At this, Shiho froze, her heart pounding so loud she could barely hear anything else. 'Captain, I – '

'I just wanted to thank you.' Yzak said softly.

'Tha – thank you?' Shiho stammered as Yzak pulled away.

'You've been my support for the past few years.' Yzak said. 'Just wanted to say thanks, you're the best teammate I've got.'

He didn't miss the mad blush on her cheeks as she looked away. 'I was just doing what I had to do.'

'Now go, it's getting late.' Yzak said, giving her a light shove in the shoulder.

'Huh?' Shiho looked at him dumbly.

'You said you have an early day tomorrow, remember?' Yzak reminded.

'Oh yes.' Shiho stumbled towards the door. 'I'll see you soon then.' She disappeared after giving her commander a small wave.

Yzak stared at the door for a while before looking down at his hand. Holding it before his eyes, he found a long piece of Shiho's dark brown hair. Letting it drop to the floor, he held his hand close to his nose as if he could still smell Shiho's fruity scent.

It was just a matter of time before he needed more than just a hug from the brunette he first met during the war two years ago, the girl whom he had come to trust with all his heart despite the betrayal he experienced from his former teammates.

'This place looks beautiful!' Miriallia Haww exclaimed, climbing out of the car.

'It's beautiful isn't it?' Shiho smiled, following Miriallia. Walking up to her, they both looked over the farmland that covered the southern hills of Aprilius One.

'Beautiful.' Miriallia took a deep breath. 'You think Earth has the best landscape but it's really how you see things.'

'Really?' Shiho took off her shades.

'Have you ever been to Earth Shiho?' Miriallia asked.

Shiho shook her head and looked away. 'No, I haven't.'

'Shiho!' A voice called from behind them.

'Vena!' Shiho's lips curved into a huge smile. Rushing forward, she gave her friend a big hug.

'It's been such a long time!' Vena cried. 'Why didn't you call me first? I see you've brought a friend.'

'Let me introduce.' Shiho motioned for Miriallia. 'This is my friend from ZAFT, Vena Posa. She was a technician onboard Versalius.'

'Nice to meet you.' Vena shook hands with Miriallia. 'You are?'

'Miriallia Haww.' Miriallia replied, giving her a huge smile.

'She's a friend of mine, well, my comrades girlfriend.' Shiho nudged Miriallia in the rib playfully.

Vena looked at her smugly. 'Which comrade?'

'Dearka Elthman.' Shiho said quickly before Miriallia could stop her.

'Ted Elthman's son?' Vena widened her eyes. 'Fancy!' She looked at her closely and rubbed her chin. 'Where have I seen you before?'

'TV?' Shiho tried.

Vena gasped. 'You're the person who got shot last week!'

'Yes yes, now let's see those little imps of yours.' Shiho said before Vena could dig deeper into the subject.

'They miss you.' Vena commented as they walked down a wide path between the farmlands.

'We're going to this ZAFT orphanage.' Shiho explained when Miriallia gave her a confused look. 'The orphanage is run by the government and it takes care of all the children who have lost their parents during the war, you know, whose parents were working for ZAFT. Vena here was assigned to this orphanage after the war.'

'Not assigned, I requested it myself.' Vena said, waving her hand. 'I just don't want to get involved with war anymore, unlike you Miss Hahnenfuss.'

'Come on, you're doing good too.' Shiho said.

'I am.' Vena admitted.

Miriallia was surprised to see how beautiful the orphanage was. Located at the center of the farmlands, it was a very quiet place with a huge garden. Children of all ages lived there, from babies to pre-teens. The house was only three stories high but it was big and could accommodate at least two hundred people.

'How are we doing?' Shiho asked as a little boy ran into her arms. 'Has Otoniel been a good boy?'

'He has!' Otoniel gave Shiho a huge smile. Shiho couldn't help but laugh at the holes in his set of teeth.

'Have you been eating too much candy?' Shiho asked.

'No I haven't!' Otoniel denied vehemently, shaking his head from side to side.

'If that's the case…' Shiho reached into her denim jacket and took out a car toy. 'Here you go, a little present for you.'

'Thank you Shiho!' Otoniel cried, kissing her on the cheek.

'Now be nice and share it with other kids!' Shiho called as she watched Otoniel rush into the gardens to show off his new toy.

'He missed you.' Vena said, crossing her arms.

'Is there anything special between the two of you?' Miriallia asked.

'Nothing, it's just…' Shiho shrugged. 'He reminds me of someone.'

'Someone who's very naughty.' Vena muttered.

Miriallia blinked. 'What do you mean?'

'He's got too much energy and, you know, releases it on others.' Vena sighed. 'Don't get me wrong, it's not like he has a disease or something, he's just… he's not the nicest kid around and likes to make practical jokes on others, just to probably gain attention. He's the son of one of the commanders of ZAFT, his Mother died when he was little. He's rich and inherited a lot, but they sent him here anyway.'

'I imagine he was the brat when he first got here.' Miriallia commented.

'Oh yeah, and he still is.' Vena said, shaking her head.

'Poor guy.' Miriallia sighed.

'Poor us.' Vena corrected in a dry voice.

Running her hand through her silky locks, Shiho turned to Miriallia. 'Want to go take a walk, there's plenty of good places you can take pictures of around here.'

'Sure.'

The sun was shining brightly as the two girls walked down the terraces, breathing in the unique fresh air provided by the farmlands. Being here made one so relaxed, unlike the tense war zones Miriallia was use to. Though artificial, the wind was very comfortable, brushing through them quietly.

'You have something to ask me right?' Miriallia asked, taking another shot from the hilltop.

'You know that's partly why I brought you here.' Shiho said, perched against the picket fence. 'Not that I don't enjoy these precious hours of off duty.'

'Before I forget, I have to thank you.' Miriallia said, turning around.

Shiho frowned. 'For what? Don't thank me for the security I did during your press conference because it sucked and you got shot in the chest. I never really heard the end of it.'

Miriallia laughed. 'No, not that, although I do appreciate the security you've set up, let's just say the shot was an unfortunate coincidence.'

'Really?' Shiho raised her eyebrows. 'No resentment?'

Miriallia shook her head. 'Believe me, I've seen people die before me, I've taken shots of people getting killed under heavy fire. It's not fun, but it's reality.'

'From a veteran's point of view.' Shiho nodded. 'You really do have a knack for photography Miriallia.'

'Thank you.' Miriallia bowed her head playfully. 'I just wanted to thank you for helping me, you know, giving me Dearka's address before.'

'Oh, that was nothing.' Shiho waved her hand in the air. 'Really, I've heard about you from Captain Jule before, he was pissed off when Dearka ran after you like that.'

'So I've heard.' Miriallia shrugged. 'Dearka's been complaining a lot lately.'

'But you're still happy just being with him.' Shiho finished, looking at her smugly.

Miriallia looked away, blushing. 'You wanted to ask me about that male nurse?'

'Yes.' Shiho crossed her legs at her ankle. 'Are you sure it was Rusty MacKenzie? Dearka gave you his file right?'

'I'm sure.' Miriallia insisted, slinging her camera over her shoulder. 'That hair, you can't be mistaken, and his eyes, they were like burning holes into my face! He threatened me, he actually threatened me.'

Shiho frowned. 'Why didn't you tell someone immediately?'

'Well…' Miriallia looked away. 'There was too much going on then and I didn't really trust anyone well enough to talk about this. Besides, so much happened after that, I didn't even think about it until I saw that photo on Dearka's computer.'

'It is quite a shock.' Shiho agreed, biting her lower lip. 'I can't reveal too much to you because it involves a former elite in charge of the Heliopolis raid. Anyway, we're almost absolutely sure he's the one who shot you, but if what you heard was right, he doesn't want you dead, it was just a warning.'

'Call me crazy, but I believed what he said.' Miriallia waved her hand in the air. 'And I believe his true target was not anyone from Orb.'

Shiho raised her eyebrows. 'Why's that?'

'Well, for one, no one in that kid's range was anyone important in Orb.' Miriallia said. 'That's what I heard from Athrun.'

'Captain Jule was right, you can't trust them with comprehensive information.' Shiho muttered. 'I'm so glad they called Athrun Zala over.'

'That's really all I know Shiho, but I'm sure it's more than what it seems.' Miriallia warned.

Shiho nodded. 'I have the concept.'

'How's Yzak by the way?' Miriallia asked.

'He's okay, not dead yet.' Shiho said lightly. 'They're all shaken up about it though, I mean, a bomb attack at a ZAFT headquarter?' She shook her head.

'I know, Dearka didn't take it too well either.' Miriallia sighed and looked down at her feet. 'I mean, when he came back, he just sat there, staring into space. I haven't seen him this upset before.'

'I know, he's always the cynical person who wouldn't pass on making sarcastic comments of the situation. The last time I saw him this bummed was when he came back from Orb.' Shiho winked.

'Shiho!' Miriallia made a face. 'I'm already guilty as it is.'

'I'm sure you are.' Taking a deep breath, Shiho stood straight. 'By the way, are you going to that banquet thing?'

'That?' Miriallia pursed her lips. 'I don't know, I heard Dearka's cousin will be there, I don't want to make the situation awkward for him.'

Shiho snorted. 'Believe me, he won't think it's awkward at all as long as he's got his eyes on you. Don't worry, Eneta's totally fine with the situation, she's not the type of girl who'd be mad at a guy she couldn't get. Believe me, she's a nice person.'

'Dearka wants me to go.' Miriallia said uncertainly. 'I don't know though…'

'It'll be fun!' Shiho reassured as they headed back to the orphanage.

Miriallia looked at her weirdly. 'How come? I thought these charity balls are all boring, that's what Dearka said.'

'Believe me.' Shiho smirked. 'It'll be fun because you'll get to see Dearka Elthman lose in a bet he so thought he was going to win.'

'How's that?' Miriallia asked, looking at her with raised eyebrows.

Shiho just shrugged and did a little skip down the path. 'You'll see, I'm so going to make him fork over a thousand bucks.'

Miriallia widened her eyes, picking up her pace. 'A thousand bucks? What did you guys bet on?'

'It's getting interesting huh?' Shiho giggled, breaking into a run.

'Tell me!' Miriallia cried as she ran after the brunette. She had a sudden initial gut feeling that she'd regret big time if she didn't go.

'You'll see for yourself!'

Laughing, the two new friends ran down the winding paths as the sun set completely, night shadowing over the whole of Aprilius One.

End of Chapter 5
Next Update: 22nd November, 2005

A/N: I should probably respond to some of the reviews, but I just got back from a show and I'm tired, so I'll do it next chapter. Off to bed for me, enjoy.