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 15

It was a nightmare unfolding before her, a nightmare that had dominated her dreams for the past five years. The screams were ringing in her head, she could see herself in the picture, she could see her sister in the picture, all the other helpless girls before her.

She wanted kill them, kill them all.

Her hand in a fist so tight, Shiho narrowed her amythest eyes and without another thought, pulled her gun from her purse and shot at the ceiling.

'Holy fuck! Who the hells is – ' Looking up, Lyn was stunned to find his Major standing before them. He didn't know what was more embarrassing, Shiho pointing a gun at him or him straddling a naked girl. Other ZAFT soldiers, including Iwen, Ciet and Ohin were equally stunned at the sudden appearance of their Major.

Shiho felt her hand shake as she saw the terrified girl who looked no older than seventeen scramble away from Lyn's grip, hunching herself against the wall with another three girls who looked equally terrified, both at the soldiers surrounding them and the gun pointed at them.

'Get out.' Shiho whispered in a dangerously low voice.

'Wha – what?' Lyn frowned. 'Major, we're just having a little fun here, it's my birthday.' He couldn't say he wasn't startled by the appearance of her, but he thought it ridiculous that she was barging into his business, in his free time.

'Get out!' Shiho suddenly shouted. At the blink of the eye, a shot was fired and Lyn found himself frozen in place, blood sliding down the side of his face. Behind him, the girls screamed.

'Are you crazy Major?' Iwen hollered. 'You just shot one of your comrades!'

'If you don't get out of here and leave those girl's alone, then I'll shoot your balls.' Shiho whispered dangerously.

Seeing that she was dead serious, Lyn shot her a glare before picking up his shirt from the floor, wiping the blood from the side of his head. 'You're not going to get away with this Hahnenfuss, I don't care if you're my boss or not, you're going to pay the price for this shot.'

Shiho glared at him silently. 'Get out.'

The group filed out of the huge room from the back door. The room was suddenly silent again as Shiho stared at the three girls before her, one desperately trying to cover her body up despite her shredded clothes.

'I remember you, you're the head of those perverts when the brothel was pulled down.' The girl spat. 'What, you're shooting their asses off so you can screw us all by yourself? You know ZAFT isn't that high and mighty!'

Shiho just stared at her. It was obvious hurt, she could see it in her eyes despite her attempts to act strong. She was on the verge of breaking down.

'Say something!' The girl shouted. 'I don't need your pity, we don't need anyone's pity!'

'Go.' Shiho said quietly, looking away.

'Fuck you!' The girl screamed. Scrambling to her feet, she dashed out with the other two girls following her.

Silence suddenly washed over her until she let go of her gun, the thud echoing in the room. Feeling her knees buckle, she collapsed to the floor and buried her face in her lap. She couldn't stop it, the tears just kept overflowing.

'Damn it!' She suddenly cried, hitting her fist onto the floor. 'Damn it!'

Behind the door in the shadows, Lain took a deep breath and looked away, closing her eyes, Shiho's sob ringing in her head. When she looked up again, she saw Rusty staring down at her.

'Why don't you go up to her?' He asked softly.

Shooting a glance at Shiho, Lain shook her head. 'I can't always save her. I did it five years ago and now, it's up to her.'

Rusty frowned. 'You're cruel.'

Lain stared up at him. 'I'm not cruel, it's just a past she has to get over, no one can help her.'

No one could except for herself.

For the first time in his entire life, Yzak found himself out of words. He really did not know what to say.

Looking from Lyn to Shiho, he could only raise his eyebrows, his hands folded on the file Lyn had sent in. He shot a glance at Dearka who was sitting on the sofa, obviously feeling the same as Yzak. Out of words.

'I – I just don't understand.' Yzak took a deep breath. 'It's just, this is just bizarre!'

'Yeah.' Lyn pointed at the side of his face where now a bandage covered the wound Shiho had made last night. 'Can't say I'm not surprised Commander.'

Yzak narrowed his eyes at Lyn. 'I'll deal with you're problem later Lieutenant Stera, and in the meantime, I hope you'll make sure nothing similar will happen Major Elthman. I do not appreciate people of my team associating with hookers.'

'But – '

'I know we don't have proof Stera,' Yzak said shortly, 'but I can tell you there are ways to treat this kind of behavior in ZAFT, with or without evidence, so I suggest you take careful steps and think before you act.'

Biting his lower lip, Stera nodded.

'You may leave, I want to talk to Hahnenfuss.' Yzak shot a glance at Shiho who was staring out the window behind him the whole time.

'Yes sir!' Giving Yzak a salute, he shot a glare at Shiho before stepping out of the office.

'Don't be too harsh on her okay?' With that, Dearka left the room too, leaving Shiho and Yzak alone.

'Care to explain?' Yzak asked, leaning back in his seat.

Looking down at her Commander, Shiho narrowed her eyes slightly. 'I sent in my report.'

Sighing heavily, Yzak pawed one hand through his hair. 'You shot a comrade Shiho, if this gets into military court, you may lose your career.'

'If Stera insists on sending it to court, then so be it.' Shiho said stubbornly.

Yzak's eyes soften. 'What's wrong Shiho?'

Shiho stared at him for a brief moment. 'Nothing Commander.'

Yzak narrowed his blue eyes. 'I'm not asking you as a Commander.'

'But you are my Commander now.' Shiho said promptly.

Throwing his hands up, Yzak pushed himself from the chair. 'I don't understand you sometimes, I really don't. If you can just be honest with me for once, I might find a way to take care of this mess but you obviously will not and are not prepared to open that god damn mouth of yours.' Slamming his hands on the desk, he leaned forward. 'Hanenfuss!'

'I don't have anything to say!' Shiho snapped. 'Everything I will say is already in the report!'

'You didn't tell me why you were at that abandoned ZAFT building.' Yzak accused. 'And don't give me that bullshit about it being mere coincidence because no way could would need to pass that friggin' place if you wanted to get back to the base!'

'I don't have an explanation.' Shiho said quietly.

'You are really challenging my patience Hahnenfuss.' Yzak pointed a finger at him, something he really hated doing but couldn't help when he was ultrally pissed.

'You need the practice.' Shiho said shortly. At that, Yzak glared at her.

'I don't want you to ruin your career like this Hahnenfuss.' Yzak said silently after a few moments.

'I don't care.' Shiho responded.

Yzak looked at her with furrowed eyebrows. 'You don't care?'

Shiho stared at him hardly. 'Yes, I don't care.'

Taking a deep breath, Yzak sat back down on his desk and looked down. 'Fine, if you don't care, then I'll do everything according to the procedure. You may leave Major Hahnenfuss.'

Taking a step back, Shiho gave Yzak a salute and turned, walking out of the office without hesitation. Clenching his teeth at the door, Yzak fought the urge to throw something at the door, anything. How could she say that? She didn't care about her career? Didn't care about ZAFT? It was like saying she didn't care about herself at all! This is was not the optimistic Shiho he knew, the Shiho who would give him support when he was going throught the toughest spots of his life! She was giving up on herself, literally throwing her life away and it was painful and simply unbelievable for Yzak. It was just…

'Damn it!'

Outside, Shiho wandered her way down the corridor. Locating her room at last, she stepped into it and let the door slide shot. Looking down, her vision was blurred. She couldn't stop the tears.

She couldn't.

She was throwing her life away, everything. And the scariest part was, she didn't care. She didn't want to care. It wasn't her, it was the Shiho Hahnenfuss who had fought so much to achieve the success she had now. She felt the old Shiho crawling back into her, penetrating her.

The thought was appalling, utterly appalling and she had a feeling that she was about to lose everything, everything, from her career and status to Yzak and maybe even her life.

'I'm sorry.' Was all Shiho could mutter as she buried her face into the bed, kneeling beside it. She couldn't do it… she just couldn't…

I'm sorry Geherin.

'I don't know Dearka…' Miriallia looked around nervously as she sat at the ZAFT sleeping quarter's lobby. 'You really think it's okay?'

'You're the only one left.' Dearka said firmly. 'I mean, you're the only one who could actually get her out of the room. You need to talk some since into that stubborn ass.'

'Is it really that serious?' Miriallia asked, watching as Dearka paced the lobby. He had just got off duty and was still in his ZAFT uniform.

'The case should be sent to Aprillius One in a day or two.' Dearka said solemnly, looking down at Miriallia. 'I'm not putting my hopes up if it really does get to military court. I can tell you that Lyn is very insistent.'

'Bastard.' Miriallia muttered.

'It's human nature Miriallia.' Dearka said quietly. 'If someone shot me with a gun like that, I'd do whatever it takes to pull him down. I'm not surprised that Lyn is so insistent, I'm more worried about Yzak though.'

Miriallia frowned. 'Why?'

Dearka shook his head. 'You won't understand, he's… surprisingly calm towards the situation. Too calm.'

'I can imagine it being scary.' Miriallia agreed.

'Shiho!' Dearka raised his hand up as he saw her walk out of the lift. Her hair pulled up behind her head, she wore only jeans and a T-shirt with a fleece thrown over her shoulders.

'It's pretty cold outside.' Miriallia said.

Shiho gave her a small smile. 'It's okay, I'm not that cold.'

'Well, what are we waiting for?' Grabbing Shiho's arm, Miriallia dragged her out of the lobby. 'We'll see you later Dearka!' she called before the door closed behind her.

Shaking his head, Dearka gave them one more look before turning. Running his hands through his hair, he decided to check out on Yzak before he retired to his room, knowing he'd be doing nothing but his God damned paper work. It wasn't surprised that his speculations were correct when he pushed open the door to his office.

'What is it Dearka?' Yzak asked, glaring up at him briefly before turning back to the file he was skimming through. 'This better be good.'

'Miriallia just took Shiho out.' Dearka said shortly, sitting down.

Pausing, Yzak looked up again. 'What are you getting at Dearka, I'm a little tired and a bit too old for games.'

'How can you be too old, you're only twenty-one.' Dearka sneered sarcastically. He raised his hand up when Yzak glared at him. 'Okay okay, no jokes.' His sneer faded. 'Are you really going to send Shho's report back to Aprillius One?'

Yzak looked at him in the eye. 'It's not for me to decide, it's for Stera and apparently, he's very keen on it being processed.'

Dearka leaned forward. 'You sent it already?'

Yzak shook his head and drew open his file drawer, taking out a green enevelop that had the huge block letters 'ZAFT' printed on it.'

Dearka sighed loudly. 'Thank God.'

'It's going to be sent tomorrow afternoon by courier.' Yzak said flatly, tossing it back into the drawer.

Dearka almost jumped up in his seat. 'What? You're kidding aren't you?'

Yzak raised his eyebrows. 'Do I look like I'm kidding Major Elthman?'

Dearka narrowed his eyes as he watched Yzak turn back to his work. After a few moments of silence, he opened his mouth again. 'Something's wrong with you Yzak.'

'What do you mean?' Yzak asked absently, his eyes scanning the report on his desk.

'You're too calm.'

Frowning, Yzak looked up again. 'Is that supposed to be a compliment?'

'You're not you.' Dearka said, ignoring the comment. 'Do you seriously want Shiho's career to just end like that? Come on, it's not that serious, and it's not like Lyn hadn't done anything wrong, we just don't have evidence. Sure, Shiho may have shot the bastard in the head, but it didn't kill him! Surely if you did something, the whole thing can close file without jeopardizing Shiho's career or even her life, you do know how the court works Yzak, you've been there yourself.'

Yzak looked at him for a few moments before sitting back, sighing loudly. 'First of all, I'm just doing everything according to standard procedure and second of all, it's not like I didn't give Shiho a chance, apparently she doesn't care whether her career ends because of this so I have no choice to but to get things done according to the regulations.'

Dearka threw his hands up and stood up. 'Come on Yzak! Even if it's not for her, think about you! I mean, do you really want her career to just end like that? I mean, come on! If it weren't for her, you wouldn't be where you were! You owe her credit for all this!'

'I owe her a lot of credit but I can't control her life!" Yzak suddenly bawled, glaring up at Dearka. 'If I could I would, but I can't! You think I want to see her throw away her life like this? You think I want her to go to military court? You think I want to see my own fiancee send her whole career to hell like that? I don't! But she doesn't feel the same way and I can't help her unless she opens up to me! So don't judge me on something I can't help because Shiho doesn't want me to help her! Jesus!'

Standing up abruptly, Yzak stomped towards the end of the room where a coffee maker was boiling. Pouring himself a cup of coffee, he turned and found Dearka staring at him as if he had grown two heads. 'What is it?' he spat, glaring at him.

Dearka blinked. 'Let me get this straight, he called her Shiho and claimed her to be your fiancee?'

Yzak stared at him straight in the eye silently until his cellphone rang. Putting the coffee mug down, he walked back to his desk, ignoring Dearka's stare of disblief.

'Yzak Jule.' Yzak answered curtly. Dearka sat down slowly, still staring at Yzak, his mind still comprehensing the outburst.

'I don't think I know you that well Yzak.' Dearka finally said when Yzak hung up. 'And apparently, it's hurtful that you're keeping something away from me.'

Eyeing him, Yzak stood up, grabbing a file. 'Breaks over Major, we have an operation.'

Dearka's eyes widened as he stood up. 'What? Where in the hell did you get that source? Come to think of it, all your sources are too accurate.'

'If you have to know.' Yzak stopped at the door and looked over his shoulder. 'They're all from Mrs. MacKenzie.'

Dearka could only stand there with his jaw dropped open as the words started to register slowly in his mind. A few seconds later, he dashed out of the door, shouting after Commander slash friend.

'I can't believe you Yzak Jule!'

'I have to say, you don't look like you're having the time of your life Shiho.' Miriallia raised her eyebrows at the quiet brunette as the waitress in the coffee house handed them the menu.

'You think?' Shiho stared at her briefly before opening the menu. 'I wasn't exactly on holiday, if you have to know.'

'I cinemmon latte please.' Miriallia smiled at the waitress.

'And for you miss?' The waitress cocked her head at Shiho's silence. 'Miss?'

'Shiho!' Miriallia hissed.

'Huh? Uh, espresso.' Shiho said quickly, handing her the menu.

'Can I get some scones too please?' Miriallia asked.

'No problem at all.' Smiling, the waitress left.

'Since when did you drink coffee?' Miriallia asked, folding her hands before her. 'I thought you hated coffee.'

'I do.' Shiho said softly, looking out the window at the not so busy street. 'But he doesn't.'

Miriallia cocked her head. 'Who?'

Shiho shook her head and gave Miriallia a small smile. 'Nothing, I was just murmuring. Satisfied with the stuff you got?'

'Good enough.' Miriallia gave her a smirk. They had wondered around the city and by chance, Miriallia found a bottle of cologne Dearka had been dying to find. Of course she wouldn't hesitate and bought it right away, which was the last bottle.

'You're leaving tomorrow right?' Shiho asked.

Miriallia nodded. 'I have a meeting with my agent and publisher so I have to go back. Dearka's not too happy.'

'I can imagine.' Shiho muttered. 'How are the two of you by the way?'

'Us?' Miriallia couldn't help but widen her smile. 'We're great. I still can't believe it's been two years already.'

Shiho nodded. 'Two years… I still vaguely remember Dearka dragging himself around the headquarters after that two week leave he had, he had a temper that could be compared to Yzak, no one wanted to anger him.'

'Really?' Miriallia touched her face. 'I can't say I was exactly happy during those three months but I'm glad he came after me. I'm really glad…'

Shiho rested her chin on her palm. 'I can't tell you how happy I am for you, I'm happy when people around me find they're match.'

Miriallia looked at her in the eye. 'How about you? Have you found your match yet?'

Blinking, Shiho sat back, giving her a small smile. Sighing at her silence, Miriallia leaned forward. 'Are you sure you're okay, you know Yzak can do something to help you. No one wants to see you go to military court, Yzak being the least.'

Shiho looked away quietly. 'I know.'

It had been four days since the shooting incident and she had been deprived of all cases on hand until her report was sent back to Aprillius One for court evaluation. She had not seen Yzak since they're confrontation that day and she had basically locked herself in the room. She didn't feel like doing nothing, all energy was drained from her and it definitely scared her. She had barely eaten for the past four days and felt physically and mentally weak. In four days, the energetic and optimistic Shiho Hahnenfuss had reduced to a piece of living shit. She hated this feeling but couldn't help it.

She knew Yzak wanted to help her, she knew Yzak could help her but she didn't want his help, declined it with more than just a 'thanks but no thanks. She knew he was pissed and at the same time caught between a rock and hard place. It pained her to see him in this situation but she couldn't summon the will to do anything, a feeling that resembled that of five years ago, before she was sent to Earth and before her sister died.

Closing her eyes, Shiho bowed her head low. She knew her face was pale, a very sick pale, like that of a ghost. She didn't feel well, she could feel it in her gut and it was driving her crazy. Everything was driving her crazy.

'Are you okay Shiho?' Reaching out one hand, Miriallia touched Shiho's arm gently. 'Is something wrong? You can tell me if you want.'

Shiho shook her head, holding back the tears that had welled up, threatening to overflow. Looking up, she gave Miriallia small smile. 'I'm okay, I really am, trust me.'

Miriallia frowned. 'I don't believe you, you look sick, really sick. If anything's wrong, you can tell me.'

Shiho gave her hand a squeeze. 'I'm fine Miriallia, honest. Our coffees are here.'

Giving her a look, Miriallia reached for the plastic stir and brown sugar. 'This smells nice.'

'You really like lattes don't you?' Shiho commented.

Miriallia nodded. 'I can't stand the strong smell of caffeine but I like that mix of milk and coffee. I have a friend back at Orb who is crazy about coffee and has this really rare collection of coffee beans from around the world. I think you might have heard about him, Andrew Bartfield.'

Shiho raised her eyebrows. 'At one point during the war, we were chasing after him and Lacus Clyne. Can't say I'm surprised he decided to join Orb.'

Miriallia shrugged. 'What can I? The war changed everything. Who had thought Patrick Zala's son would deflect to Orb, there are thing's you'll never know.'

'Yeah…' Shiho's voice trailed, looking down at her reflection in her cup of dark expresso.

Reaching for her scone, Miriallia looked at Shiho. 'Are you going to drink that?'

'I don't drink coffee.' Shiho murmured, holding the cup with both hands.

'Then why did you order it?' Miriallia asked gently.

'He does.' Shiho whispered. 'He drinks it, not me.'

Miriallia raised her eyebrows. 'He?'

'Loweirng her eyes, Shiho rubbed the handle of the mug. 'Yeah. That bad-tempered man who has an ego no one can compare to. That man who waited two years until he finally had the guts to ask me out. That man who said he loved me, wanted to spend his life with me, wanted me to stay by his side…'

'Shiho…'

Lowering her head, Shiho shaded her eyes. 'What am I doing? The the hell am I doing? I promised to be by his side… what am I doing?'

'It's okay Shiho.' Holding her wrist, Miriallia squeezed it. 'It's okay…'

'I love him so much but I'm hurting him Miriallia.' Shiho looked up, her eyes welled up. 'I'm hurting him like I did five years ago to my sister. I'm…'

They didn't know exactly how they're coffee break ended, but when they stepped out of the coffee house, they were nothing but silent.

'You want to head back to the base?' Miriallia asked gently.

'I don't see anyother place I can go.' Was all Shiho could say.

'Everything's going to be okay Shiho, trust me!' Miriallia tried her best to sound cheerful as they approached her car. 'Shiho?'

Shaking her head, Shiho turned away from the building she saw afar. 'Let's go.'

'I think there's an accient up front.' Shiho commented as the car came to a slow stop.

'Hmm…' Miriallia tapped her cheek. 'I guess we should take another route.'

'There's a path that goes through the woods that separate Gilberta from Rykel.' Shiho said quietly.

Miriallia sighed. 'It's longer, but it's better that getting jammed here.'

Shiho nodded absently. 'I guess so.'

'This's road's like really quiet.' Miriallia commented as she drove into the woods.

'It's used to be the only path entering Gilberta.' Shiho explained absently, looking out the window. 'That was when Gilberta was still a pure military base, but now that it's nature has changed, the let the roads from the other side connect into the base, so now the wood roads are only used for cargo transport.'

'I can see that.' Miriallia raised her eyebrows at the deep tyre skids on the moist ground. She frowned at a grumbling noise, the jeep suddenly shaking violently.

'The engine's dying.' Shiho commented.

Miriallia sighed as the car stopped. Shutting off the engine, she tried to start it again, but couldn't. 'Not the first time, I have to say.'

'Where did you get this car?' Shiho asked as Miriallia got off.

'It's a friend's.' Miriallia said, pushing the hood open. 'I've had my fair share of cars breaking down, can't say I'm surprised, not that it's a new car or anything, but sometime's it just pisses me off.'

'I guess it would for everyone.' Shiho walked up to her. 'I think you might need call a tow or something.'

Taking her cell phone out, Miriallia frowned at the weak signal. 'I guess we're already in Gilberta's region.' She turned to Shiho who too had took out her cell phone.

'Sorry, I forgot to charge it.' Shiho held her phone up for Miriallia to see. 'It's really not that I was out of my room so I didn't use it.'

MIriallia sighed. 'Well, I guess I can walk back to the base and give Dearka a call.'

'I can if you want.' Shiho offered.

Miriallia shook her head. 'No, you stay here, you're tired anyway.'

'But – '

'I'll get everything done, trust me.' Miriallia gave her a pat on the shoulder. 'You just stay here until I get help.'

Shiho nodded and could only watch as Miriallia headed down the road, disappear around the corner of the trees. Sighing loudly, Shiho leaned against the jeep and looked down at her shoes, mud smeared on the heads of her runners. Looking at her watch, it was only four in the afternoon. Looking up, she shaded her eyes from the sun. She suddenly jerked her head sideways at some noises around the bushes.

'Miriallia?' Shiho took a step forward, cursing the fact that she had handed over her gun. Her ears perked at faint sounds of rapid foot steps. 'Show yourself!'

Narrowing her eyes, she dodged behind the car at the sound of a gunshot and stared at the hole in the tree directly in front her. It was definitely not good for her. It was possible that they were remnants from the conquered tribal groups of ZAFT.

'I can tell you haven't changed one bit you little slut.'

Shiho widened her eyes at the familiar words.

'I take that you should remember me still.'

Shiho felt herself pant as memory's she tried so hard to forget crashed into her mind again. Covering her ears, she knelt down on the muddy ground, shaking her head.

'No…'

'I'll teach you a lesson you bitch.'

'Yzak!' Shiho suddenly screamed, burying her head into her knees. Feeling a sudden sting in her back, she fell to the ground, only to see a dark figure hover above her before losing complete conscious.

Behind a tree, Mirialla had her mouth covered as she slid to the floor, watching with trembling eyes as Shiho was dragged away by three men away from the base in the direction of Rykel.

End of Chapter 15
21st Jan, 2006