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 17

6 years ago / C.E.69

'Get out!'

'But Miss Shiho – '

'I told you to get out! Get out! Get out! Get out!'

Raising her eyebrows, the Hahnenfuss' housekeeper Mrs. Skloff stopped in front of bedroom door at the far end of the hall. She gasped at the loud slap and watched as the maid came dashing out, holding her hand to her face, tears streaming down her cheeks.

'Mrs. Skloff!' Ewa cried, throwing herself into the old lady's arms. 'She struck me! I was just giving her breakfast and she struck me!'

'I told you to be careful with the little brat.' Mailse, another maid who had worked for the Hahenfuss' for three years scoffed, a tray in her hand. 'You should be glad she just struck you! Last I heard, she threw boiling water at another maid and she had to have plastic surgery to fix her face.'

'Mailse!' Mrs. Skloff hissed. 'Don't say that! Miss Shiho might hear you.'

'If she just realizes just how bratty she is then I'll shut up.' Mailse snarled. 'If she was half as good as Miss Geherin, then this place will be heaven, really! If you'll excuse me, I'll be taking this tea set down to '

Ewa watched as Mailse walked down the stairs while Mrs. Skloff shook her head. 'Always the dramatic Mailse, you'll learn to love her though. Do you want to get something on that red face of yours?'

Ewa nodded. 'But Miss Shiho…'

Mrs. Skloff sighed. 'I'll handle it.'

Biting her lip, Ewa bowed her head and dashed off to the kitchen. Looking out the window, she saw Mailse walked towards the gazebo of the Hahnenfuss Mansion where the always elegant Geherin was sitting with her legs crossed, a book in hand.

'Miss Geherin.' Mailse bowed her head and set the silver tray on top.

Geherin Hahnenfuss frowned. 'I thought I heard some noise upstairs, what was it? Did someone get hurt?'

Mailse sighed. 'It was Miss Shiho. Apprently, she slapped Ewa, one of our new maids, in the face.'

Geherin sighed. 'That sister of mine. Already fourteen and still viscious. No, she's getting more and more viscious.'

Mailse nodded. 'I know.'

Geherin paused for a second before turning to Mailse. 'Can you prepare the kitchen for me? I want to bake a cake this afternoon.'

Mailse cocked her head curiously. 'Of course Miss Geherin. Are you expecting company tomorrow? It's been a long time since you've baked a cake.'

Geherin blushed slightly. 'Yes, I am expecting company tomorrow.'

Mailse smiled smugly. 'Who is it Miss Geherin? Is it the young master Yzak from the Jule family?'

Geherin nodded, biting her lips in embarrassment. 'Yes. I was told that he'd come by tomorrow afternoon.'

Mailse clapped her hands together in excitement. 'I'm so happy for you! It's been a long time since he'd visit! How long? Two years?'

Geherin nodded. 'The last time I saw him was at his Father's funeral actually. I still remember he promised to take me out horseback riding, but it never happened.'

'Maybe you can ask him this time!' Mailse suggested excitedly.

Geherin looked at Mailse weirdly. 'How do you ask someone that?'

'Maybe he's coming to talk about the wedding!' Mailse said, her eyes shining. 'You would look absolutely stunning in a wedding gown, walking down the isle with the handsome Master Yzak!'

'Please!' Geherin's face was now beat red.

'Just think!' Mailse clapped her hands together. 'The two of you willl look gorgeous together!'

Geherin looked away. 'It's not that I don't want to ask him, it's just… with his Father passing away and all, he just wasn't in the mood. Besides, we're only fifteen! It's way too early.'

Mailse rolled her eyes. 'Most people like you two marry at around sixteen and seventeen. You're not too far away I can tell you! And you want to Miss Geherin! Admit it!'

Geherin took a sip of her tea. 'I guess so…'

'The young master is so lucky to have a fiancée like you Miss Geherin.' Mailse sighed in exaggeration.

'You're flattering me.' Geherin murmured.

'And you deserve this flattering!' Mailse insisted.

It was true, Geherin was a very lovable girl throughout the household, among her parents and the community she was in. A gentle, careful and absolutely beautiful girl, no one had a bad comment about Geherin Hahnenfuss, except for maybe not understanding why she had such a rebellious sister. She didn't get that comment that much often because her parents never brought her out with them on public functions, something Geherin felt strongly against but couldn't change. She knew her sister's grudge would just grow from there.

Sighing, Geherin looked down at the bowl of cake batter she was working on.

'What is it Miss Geherin?' Mailse asked, breaking one egg.

Geherin shook her head. 'I was wondering if – '

'Miss Shiho! For God's sake! You went flying on the motorcycle again?' Mrs Skloff cried, following the other daughter of Hahnenfuss into the huge kitchen.

'Get off my case.' Shiho scowled, shooting a glare at Mrs. Skloff while throwing the fridge door open, almost breaking it. Ripping the can open, she drained it down, crushing it in the way.

'Miss Shiho!' Mrs. Skloff put her hands on her hips. 'Do you know how dangerous it is? You're not even of age yet!'

Adverting her eyes, Shiho gave the old lady a glance before tossing the can onto the table, smirking as it dropped squarely into the bowl of eggs Mailse was working out.

'Miss Shiho!' Mrs. Skloff shrieked while Mailse screamed, beaten eggs splashing into her face.

Snorting, Shiho ran one hand through her unruly shoulder length hair. Turning, she was about to leave the kitchen when Geherin called her.

'What?' Shiho asked curtly, looking over her shoulder.

'Do you want to meet Yzak?' Geherin asked gently, setting the scrapper down, unfazed by her little sister's antics.

Shiho narrowed her eyes. 'Who the hell's Yzak?'

'Miss Geherin's fiancé!' Mailse snapped, wipping her face. 'You don't care at all about your sister don't you?'

'Mailse!' Mrs. Skloff shrieked. 'Don't be impolite!'

'Well it's true!'

'Yeah.' Shiho glared at Mailse with her amythest eyes. 'I don't care about anything in this family, so get off my case.' She turned to Geherin. 'And I don't have time to mingle with your life and fiancé.'

'Shiho!' Geherin took a step forward.

Ignoring her, Shiho turned but stopped at a disturbing voice.

'I heard that Yzak's coming over for the first time Geherin! Are you baking a cake?' Lady Hahnenfuss rushed into the kitchen, only to stop in her tracks at the sight of Shiho. 'What are you doing here?'

'Getting my ass out of your business, isn't that what you want?' Shiho said curtly. With that, she flounced past her Mother and disappeared up the stairs, slamming the door to her room shut.

Sitting beside the window, Shiho played with the lighter in her hand while staring out at the twilight sky. Her room was at the far end of the hall and overlooked the whole garden of the Hahnenfuss manor. It was a beautiful sight, but Shiho failed to see it that way. It was a false beauty to her, everything was.

Tossing the lighter aside, Shiho leaned her head back against the cushion and watched with narrowed eyes as the sun started to rise. Through her sensitive ears, she knew that the kitchen was already bustling into life, busy with preparations of whatever the owners of the house wanted, including the only daughter the Hahnenfuss literally recognized.

No matter how hard she tried, she wasn't good enough. Her parents, for some reason, didn't like her, thought she was problematic. She wasn't that probalmetic until realization hit her.

She'd never be as perfect as Geherin.

Sitting up, she watched as Geherin dashed out into the garden with flowers in her hands. She loved gardening and the Hahnenfuss Gardens was practically her heaven.

Narrowing her eyes, Shiho bit her lip, watching as her sister started decorating the gazebo with assorted roses. Beside her, Mailse was laughing at something Geherin said.

To everyone, Geherin could do nothing wrong, and it was actually true. She had the charisma to capture everyone's heart, not to mention men, yer everyone knew she only had her heart set on one. In their society, Geherin was often compared to the beautiful Lacus Clyne, yet she had her own charm and they were, no so surprisingly, good friends too.

She could do nothing wrong, she was the role model and her parents considered her the star and herself a plague.

She had stopped trying to be a good girl, stopped trying to catch her parents attention by trying to be like Geherin because she couldn't. It wasn't in her blood to be the perfect role model of the upper society where the Hahnenfuss belong.

She didn't belong here.

'I don't belong here.' Shiho muttered, staring at herself in the bathroom mirror naked. Grabbing a pair of scissors, she started trimming of her shoulder length hair randomly, gritting her teeth at the hair falling off her shoulders. She couldn't stand her hair being long, it looked too much like Geherin who had silky long dark brown hair.

Tossing the pair of scissors onto the counter absently, Shiho turned and walked out of the steamy bathroom and started to dress herself, chosing her usual attire, baggy worn sweat pants and a jagged T-shirt. Giving her moist hair a slight ruffle, she stuck her feet into trainers and walked out of her room, almost bumping into Ewa, the girl she slapped yesterday afternoon.

'Miss – Miss Shiho.' Ewa bowed her head.

Glaring down at her, Shiho walked past her and went down the stairs.

'Miss Shiho, it's already eleven!' Mrs. Skloff cried, holding a tray of corsages in her hand. 'And what is wrong with your hair?'

'Nothing.' Shiho snapped. 'Mind your own business!'

Marching into the kitchen, she ignored the stares of the maids and threw open the fridge, taking out a carton of orange juice and drank from it directly.

'What is she doing here?'

'I hope she doesn't ruin Miss Geherin's meeting with the young Master Jule.'

Narrowing her eyes, Shiho tossed the carton into the trash bin and slammed the fridge door shut. Stepping out of the back doors that led to the stables, she noticed that one of the stallions was missing. Shrugging, she walked past the stables and went into the garage, flipping the lights open.

Inside sat a brand new motorcycle she had won a few nights ago at a racing bet. She maybe bad at everything compared to Geherin, but there was no way she could beat her in a motorcycle race.

Touching the bike handle, she gripped it in her hand tightly, feeling the coarse handle dig into her skin. She had talent and if she could, she'd leave home and pursue a career as a professional racer, but that wouldn't happen until she turned sixteen and considered legally independent.

Two more years, two more fucking years and she could leave this family for good. Her fingers ached just at the thought of it.

Slamming the door to the garage shut, Shiho walked down the dirt path, watching as a few maids hurried into the direction of the gazebo. Curious, Shiho followed them and found her sister in the gazebo, sitting at the table with a boy with silver hair that was exceptionally straight.

Shiho remembered him, his name was Yzak Jule, the only son of Astrof and Ezaria Jule. She remembered a few years back when she was still eleven, he'd always come and play with Geherin and the two family's would always go on short trips while leaving her behind. She was never introduced to the Jule family so she wouldn't find it surprising if Geherin had never mentioned her name to Yzak.

She rolled her eyes when Geherin laughed softly. Always prim and proper, she wouldn't even raise her voice.

Unable to bear the sight of her sister anymore, Shiho turned and crashed into Mailse who had the cake Geherin baked yesterday on a tray.

'Careful!' Mailse cried, steadying herself. When she looked up, she snorted at Shiho. 'What are you doing here Miss Shiho?'

Shiho narrowed her eyes at the maid. 'Careful with your words or you'll find yourself kicked in the ass because of it.'

Mailse cocked her head mockingly. 'Are you threatening me Miss Shiho? Because that's not what ladies would do, especially not Miss Geherin.'

Shiho fought the urge to slap her in the face. Though she hated her sister, she didn't want to ruin that cake of hers, since she had been looking forward to this meeting with her pathetic fiancé.

Shooting her one last glare, Shiho walked past her. Sneering down the road, Mailse held her head up as she walked to the gazebo with the tray in hand.

'Was something wrong back there Mailse?' Geherin asked, her eyebrows furrowing slightly.

Mailse shook her head. 'It was nothing.' Setting the cake down, she bowed her head and retreated with a smile on her face.

Yzak blinked down at the cake. 'Did you bake this?'

Geherin nodded. 'I wanted to make something special since you were coming.'

Yzak gave her a small smile. 'You didn't have to, seriously.'

Geherin shrugged while placing the sliced cake gently onto the expensive china. 'It makes me happy.'

Yzak looked down at his cup of Earl Gray tea. 'It's been a long time hasn't it Geherin?'

Geherin nodded. 'Ever since your Father's funeral two years ago. It has been a long time Yzak.'

Yzak smirked. 'We used to spend so much time together when we were kids.'

Geherin smiled. 'We were playmates.'

Yzak took a small bite from his cake. 'And now we're engaged.'

Geherin blushed. 'How is it?'

Yzak looked at her blankly. 'How is what?'

Geherin giggled. 'The cake.'

Yzak looked down and smiled. 'Sorry. Yes, it's absolutely delicious.'

'Thank you.'

Yzak looked out. 'This garden is beautiful, I still remember the two of playing here. Are you still into gardening Geherin?'

Geherin nodded. 'It's a passion of mine.'

'Have you seen Miss Lacus?' Yzak asked, turning to her.

Geherin shook her head. 'Not since the last annual council ball.'

Yzak nodded meaningfully. 'Right, my Mother and I didn't go for two years.'

'It's understandable.' Geherin said gently, placing one hand over his. 'Your Father passed away.'

Yzak looked down at their hands briefly before nodding. 'I guess.' Looking up, he gave her a smile. 'Would you like to accompany me to the ball this year?'

Geherin blinked at him in awe. 'You're inviting me? You want me to…'

Yzak gave out a small laugh. 'You don't have to be that surprised, my Mother and your parents were thinking of announcing our engagement sometime, not during the ball of course, but you know.'

Geherin couldn't help but smile. 'Of course I would, I'd love to.'

Nodding, Yzak placed his hand over hers hesitantly. 'Thank you.'

Behind the bushes on the other side, Shiho had her arms crossed, not at all ashamed that she was eavesdropping on her sister and her fiancé. Gritting her teeth, she pushed herself away from the bushes.

When had she ever had the chance to go to these functions? Her parents forbid her. No one outside knew of her existence, knew that the Hahnenfuss family had two daughters, not only one, not only the perfect Geherin.

Slamming the door to her room shut, Shiho looked down the window and saw Geherin walk Yzak out to the gates where his car was waiting for him. Just then, her Mother's private limo pulled up in front of the gates too and she stepped out, greeting Yzak warmly.

Gripping the drapes, she pulled them shut and slammed her fists into the window, nearly breaking it.

If they didn't acknowledge her existence, then she'll make them.

With her legs crossed and almost her whole body sunk into the huge chair in the den of the huge Hahnenfuss Manor, Shiho had her chin rested on her palm lazily, staring out the window as her parents, Agrip and Ires Hahnenfuss sat before her, basically in total dismay, disappointment and anger.

She had got they're attention alright, and she was ready to face the consequences.

When the phone rang, Lady Hahnenfuss jumped up and answered it quickly. 'Yes?'

Agrip Hahnenfuss stared at his wife nervously while Shiho glanced at her sideway.

Lady Hahnenfuss sighed in relief. 'Thank you, thank you very much. Yes, yes, we'll talk about it later about the press.' Setting the phone down, she sighed loudly while her husband looked at her eagerly. 'It's okay, she's out of the coma and she's going to live.'

Agrip sighed in relief while Shiho snorted. At that, Agrip stood up. 'Do you know what you just did?'

Shiho shrugged. 'I almost killed a girl who was blind enough to not see a motorbike coming her way.'

'Do you know you almost killed a human being?' Agrip hollered.

Shiho looked at him nonchalantly. 'I know.'

'You know?' Lady Hahnenfuss repeated. 'You know yet you display no repent whatsoever!'

'I don't.' Shiho said shortly.

Agrip threw his hands up. 'You're hopeless Shiho! Hopeless from the day you were born.'

At that, Shiho narrowed her eyes and sprang up. 'Yes! I am hopeless! I'm hopeless because you two never gave hope to me! You two deny me completely! Admit it!'

Agrip stared at her for a few moments before sitting down again. 'You're going to face the consequences of the trouble you created and I will not let this incident ruin our name in the political world.'

Taking a deep breath, Shiho crossed her arms. 'What do you want t do?'

'We're sending you away, to Earth, ZAFT's rehabilitation and correction center in Gilberta.' Lady Hahnenfuss sat down as well.

Shiho narrowed her eyes. 'You've been waiting for this opportunity haven't you?'

'Don't use that tone on us!' Agrip snapped. 'You're the one who has done wrong and won't admit it. We don't know how to teach you anymore so it's up to someone else to finish the job and hopefully knock some sense into you Shiho!'

'Fine!' Shiho snapped back, startling them. 'Send me away, I don't care! The sooner the better!' With that, she whirled around and stomped out of the room, pushing past Geherin roughly.

Wincing, Geherin held herself against the wall to steady herself. Her eyebrows furrowing, she dashed into the den. 'Are two sending Shiho away?'

Agrip nodded, taking a sip from his coffee tiredly. 'It's the last straw.'

'But – '

'We have no choice Geherin.' Lady Hahnenfuss said, eyeing her. 'But if we let her stay at Apillius One, the media will find out what she did and it will ruin our reputation completely. You don't want that to happen right?'

Geherin bit her lip. 'I know, she went racing and crashed into a little girl.'

'And you think this is forgivable?' Lady Hahnenfuss continued.

Geherin looked away. 'No, it's not.'

Lady Hahnenfuss sighed. 'I know you love your sister dearly, but at times like these, we have a make a decision, a painful yet right decision. You understand, don't you Geherin.'

Geherin gave her a small nod. 'I understand.'

When she stepped out of the den again, she couldn't help but feel her heart sink.

'Miss Geherin?' Mrs. Skloff came up.

'Where's Shiho?' Geherin asked, grabbing the housekeeper's arm.

'Miss Geherin is in her room.' Mrs. Skloff said quietly. 'The Lady ordered me to pack her things.'

'That quick?' Geherin's eyes widened. 'When is she leaving?'

'Two days from today.'

Letting go of Mrs. Skloff's arm, Geherin dashed up the stairs and stopped in front of Shiho's door. She was about to open the door when she suddenly heard a faint sob coming from the other side.

She was crying, her sister was crying.

Staring down at the door briefly, Geherin turned and left, feeling her heart wretch. What were her parents doing? Did they think sending Shiho away would make things better? Why were they doing this? Why weren't they making an effort to actually bond with her?

How about you? A little voice whispered inside her head.

Geherin stopped in her tracks and looked over her shoulder at her sister's door. 'I tried, but she won't let me.'

The next day, Geherin forced a protesting Shiho out of her room and into the limo she had prepared.

'Where are we going?' Shiho demanded as Geherin climbed in.

'We can go.' Geherin said quietly, ignoring Shiho's question.

Pursing her lips, Shiho could only cross her arms and looked out the window stubbornly. When the car stopped, she found them at the top of Mount Sven, Aprillius One's highest mountain.

'What do you want?' Shiho asked, glaring at her sister as she climbed out of the limo.

'You're leaving Aprillius One.' Geherin said quietly.

Shiho shrugged. 'So? The sooner the better.'

Geherin sighed. 'You really do hate this family, don't you?'

'Yes.' Shiho replied promptly. 'I hate this family. I'm glad you finally figured that out Geherin.'

'Even me?' Geherin whispered, looking at Shiho.

Shiho stared back at her silently, refusing to open her mouth. She wanted to deny the fact that she didn't hate her sister. How could she hate her? She was probably the only person in the family, in the household who'd give a damn about her. Shiho understood the restrictions she had, her need to obey their parents, yet she didn't want to acknowledge the fact that Geherin was probably the only one who cared about her, she didn't…

'Shiho.' Geherin took a step forward. 'Don't do this to yourself, don't try to attract attention by hurting yourself.'

Shiho widened her eyes. Gritting her teeth, she looked up abruptly and glared at her. 'Too late, I already have and I won't stop!'

'Shiho!' Geherin cried. 'You know they love you!'

'They love you!' Shiho snapped. 'There's only one daughter in this family and that's you Geherin Hahnenfuss. I've been a no one for fifteen years in this family and it's about to become official.'

Geherin looked away. 'You really want to leave this place don't you?'

Shiho looked at Geherin's trembling eyes and watched as two tears slid down her face. Turning around, she gripped her hands into tight fists, unable to contain the truth.

'Yes, I do. And I never want to come back. '

Looking up when the big double maghogany doors opened, Geherin was welcomed by a smiling face of PLANT's peace icon Lacus Clyne.

As beautiful as ever.

'It's been some time hasn't it, Geherin?' Lacus smiled as Geherin stepped into the door.

Geherin bowed her head slightly. 'It has been, hasn't it Lacus.'

'How have you been Geherin?' Lacus asked as she led them to her backyard. 'I've just added a garden of champagne roses, I hope you like them.'

Geherin smiled back at her. 'I trust that you have good taste Lacus.'

'Haro! Hello!'

Geherin gasped as a pink ball bounced towards them. 'What in the world is that?'

Lacus smiled sweetly. 'This is Haro! Athrun gave it to me.' Holding Haro in her hand, she held it out to Geherin, who took it, watching as it flapped it's electronic 'ears'.

'Athrun?' Geherin blinked. 'Chairman Zala's son? Athrun Zala?'

Lacus nodded, sitting down on the table. 'He visited me for the first time a week ago. My fiancé.'

Geherin sighed. 'What's he like?'

Lacus caressed Haro's head. 'He's a very gentle person and fixed Opaki for me.'

Geherin raised her eyebrows. 'You sat on him again?'

Lacus gave her an embarsssing nod.

Sighing, Geherin poured herself some tea. 'You do know that that electronic pet of yours doesn't actually carry people.'

'I know.' Lacus responded sheepishly. 'But it was fun, he was my only friend when I was little and I used to ride him all the time!'

Geherin shook her head. 'That's because you weigh less than thirty pounds then.'

Lacus smiled. 'That's makes sense too.' Taking a sip of tea, Lacus leaned forward. 'How are you doing Geherin? Has Yzak Jule visited you?'

Geherin nodded. '

Geherin blinked and stared at Lacus. 'How did you know about Shiho?'

Lacus' eyes softened. 'I saw her before when I visited you a few years back. The maids were talking about 'Miss Shiho' and I was curious, so I listened just as a little girl with short hair dashed out of the kitchen. I assumed it was her, right?'

Geherin nodded her head nostalgically. 'It was her. I still remembered that she set the kitchen on fire and angered my parents. She was locked up in her room for a week straight after that incident.'

Lacus frowned. 'When has she not been locked up Geherin?'

Geherin stared at Lacus. 'What?'

Lacus sighed. 'I know it's not my business, but I feel sorry for your sister, Shiho. She's never been formally introduced, you know, like me, you, Athrun, Nicoli Armaf and of course Yzak.'

Geherin bowed her head. 'I know, but I can't change what my parents think. I don't even know what they're thinking, really! They seem to think that locking Shiho up is the only way to make her stay out of more trouble.'

'How is she doing at RCC?' Lacus asked gently.

Geherin shook her head. 'I don't know. It's been four months yet she hasn't called home since she left. I tried calling her, but she refused to answer any calls through RCC.'

Lacus sighed. 'There must be a lot of grief in her then.'

Geherin looked away. 'I really don't know what to do. She's turning fifteen next week and she has to be alone…'

Lacus gave Geherin a small pat on the shoulder. 'Don't take it too hard on yourself Geherin, everything's going to be okay, trust me.'

'Miss Lacus, Miss Hahnenfuss.' A valet came out with a phone on the silver tray. 'A call for Miss Hahnenfuss from the Lady, she says it's urgent.'

Lacus and Geherin looked at each other weirdly before the later picked up the phone hesitantly.

'Hello? Mother?'

'Thank God!'

Geherin frowned as she stood up, giving Lacus an apologetic smile before retreating into the house. 'Has something gone wrong Mother?'

'It's your sister.'

She had lot a lot of weight, that was the first thing Geherin noticed when Shiho was hauled into the white waiting room, shruggling in the arms of a ZAFT soldier. Breaking free, she pushed him away, glaring at him through angry amythest eyes. When she turned around, she was shocked to find Geherin sitting there.

'What are you doing here?' Shiho growled, her hands in tight fists.

'You have returned any of our calls.' Geherin said gently, motioning for her to sit down. 'We were worried about you Shiho.'

Shiho snorted. 'We?'

Geherin sighed. 'Fine, I was worried. Please, sit down, we haven't seen each other in three months.'

Growling, Shiho propped down onto the chair and crossed her arms. 'What do you want? Another lecture? I get those on a daily basis so you can save yourself time and get out of here.'

Geherin just looked at her. 'You've lost a lot of weight Shiho.'

'It's none of your business.' Shiho muttered, looking away.

Geherin smiled. 'And you let your hair grow long!.'

Shiho grabbed her shoulder length hair and seethed. 'I'm going to cut it when you're done, so bugger off.'

Geherin sighed heavily. 'You're hair's beautiful, why should you want to cut it?'

Shiho threw a glare across the table. 'Because I don't want to look like you Geherin.'

They stared at each other for a few moments, amythest eyes to amythest eyes.

'Are you okay?' Geherin asked finally, breaking the silence. 'I was told you engaged yourself in a fight and got injured.'

Shiho shrugged. 'So what? You should have seen this coming. I'm the rebellious one, remember?'

Geherin narrowed her eyes slightly. 'You cut some girl in the face with a knife Shiho, that's no very nice you know.'

Shiho sneered at her. 'There is a time for you to be sarcastic after all, perfect Geherin.'

Geherin stared at her for a while before smiling, much to Shiho's surprise. Standing up, Geherin turned to the offier who was guarding over them. 'Can we go out?'

The ZAFT soldier stared at her. 'Of course not Miss Hahnenfuss!'

Geherin smiled and bowed her head. 'May I speak with your Commander then?'

Twenty minutes later, Shiho found herself sitting inside the limosine Geherin had prepared for her trip to Earth. Sighing, Shiho relaxed herself against the leather chair. 'I don't understand you sometimes Geherin.'

Geherin raised her eyebrows at Shiho. 'How is that?'

Shiho looked at her sideways. 'You're nothing like Mother and Father, yet your presence makes me hate this family even more.'

'Jealousy?' Geherin suggested, looking out the window.

Shiho blinked. 'What? You think I'm jealous of you?'

Geherin paused before turning to her. 'No, I'm jealous of you.'

Shiho stared at her. 'What?'

'We're here Miss Geherin.'

Pulling a reluctant Shiho out of the limosine, Geherin pulled her into the cozy little café by the name 'Pipkins' which was decorated in victorian style. Choosing a private seat at the far corner of the café, she forced Shiho into one of the easy chairs and sat down across from her, ordering two coffees.

'I don't like coffee.' Shiho said flatly, staring at Geherin.

Geherin only nodded. 'Of course. One coffee and lemon tea.'

'Of course Miss Hahnenfuss, I'll be right here with it.'

'This is my first time at Earth Shiho.' Geherin breathed, looking out. 'It really is a beautiful place.'

Shiho snorted. 'To you, everything's beautiful.'

Geherin nodded. 'Including you.'

Shiho stared at Geherin before sneering. 'I'm flattered.'

When they're order arrived, Shiho watched as Geherin put two packets of white sugar into her lemon tea and stirred. She still remembered. Though denying it all these years, Geherin was still the one who knew her best.

Clenching her teeth, Shiho grabbed the handle and gave the lemon tea a big gulp, ignoring the fact that the liquid was close to scalding hot.

Geherin tried not to laugh when Shiho choked. 'Still the careless Shiho I see. Some things will never change.'

Shiho closed her eyes and wiped her lips with the sleeve of her worn red T-shirt. 'A lot of things will never change for me.'

'Don't say that!' Geherin said. 'A lot of things will change for you.'

Shiho snorted. 'Yeah right.'

Geherin sighed. 'I envy you Shiho, I really do.'

Shiho looked at her. 'Why? You have everything you can possibly have. Parents who love you, people who adore you and a fiancé who loves you.'

'Loves me?' Geherin shook her head. 'I don't know, but we have time.'

Shiho looked away. 'I'm sure you do.'

Geherin looked at Shiho. 'You're the one who can be rebellious Shiho, you have the guts to do it and I don't.'

Shiho stared back at Geherin with wide eyes. 'What?'

Geherin exhaled loudly and sat back, looking out the window. 'There are thing's I want to do too Shiho, and not be the prim and proper Geherin everyone sees, including you. In a way, I'm just as lonely as you because I'm trapped, trapped in this beautiful façade I have the live with. I can't walk out of this life, I don't have the right nor the courage to do so.' Geherin turned and gave Shiho a small smile. 'But you can Shiho, and you have. Isn't this what you've wanted all along?'

Shiho bit her lip and looked down at her lap. 'I had no idea.'

Geherin shook her head. 'To be honest, I have no idea why Mother and Father treat you like this, I really don't know why but I've tried Shiho, I've tried to change they're attitude.'

Shiho narrowed her eyes. 'I know, but you don't have to anymore because they won't change. I'm sick and tired of guessing why they're like that to me anyway, I don't want to know anymore.'

Geherin shrugged. 'Maybe it's for the best.'

'Blissful ignorance?' Shiho suggested with raised eyebrows.

Geherin laughed. 'Probably.' For the first time, Shiho actually felt bonded to Geherin, her only sister. She realized that she really cared about her, wanted the best for her. At that moment, she wanted to change, really wanted to start a new life, a life that was for herself alone and not for others, a life where she would hurt herself to get attention from people who would never give a damn about her.

She wanted to show Geherin, didn't want to let her down, but this chance came and went too quickly to the point of no return.

Time did not turn back and no matter how many tears she wept for the death of her sister, she could do nothing and the sister who seemed like a stranger to her would only live as a memory in her, a painful memory that wouldn't be lost.

They were the brightest amber eyes Shiho had ever seen in her life.

'You okay?' A flat voice asked.

Shiho's vision started to come to focus and she found herself staring into a beautiful girl. Apart from the bright amber eyes, she also had long pitch black hair that went past her waist. Long hair… just like her sister.

'Where am I?' Shiho asked, her throat so dry she could barely form the words.

'You're at Pipkins.' The girl said in a flat voice as she helped Shiho sit up from the bed.

Shiho stared at her with furrowed eyebrows. 'Pipkins?'

The girl narrowed her eyes slightly. 'You came here a few days ago with your sister, I saw you before you were caught by those thugs.'

Shiho stared at her blankly as memories flooded into her mind. Their limosine was stopped by four jeeps and they were dragged away and thrown into a hut for three days until Gehein, Geherin…

Panting, Shiho covered her ears at the screams ringing in her head. 'No! Don't do this!'

'Kill her! Fuck her till she's dead!'

'Don't!' Shiho screamed, burying her face into the sheets. 'Damn it!'

'What's going on Miss Lain?' Bursting the door open, Jevo came in with a gun in hand.

'It's okay.' Lain van Ness watched as Shiho shook her head and whispered to herself over and over again.

Jevo raised his eyebrows. 'Are you sure we don't need Nargent to give her a tranquilizer of some sort? She might go crazy.'

Lain narrowed her eyes. 'Better crazy than dead.'

Sighing, Jevo shook his head. 'I don't know why you bothered Miss Lain? You almost killed that pimp, the ace pimp may I remind you, from what I've heard.'

Lain raised her eyebrows. 'Ace pimp?'

Jevo rolled his eyes. 'You know what I mean! He makes a lot of money for Nessar you know.'

Lain looked away. 'I know Jevo, I'm responsible for intelligence, do you think I'm possibly ignorant of this little detail?'

Sighing, Jevo shrugged. 'I have to check on some stuff, just shout when you need me, in her condition, she might bite.'

'Get out.' Lain muttered. Sighing, she watched as Shiho retreated towards the wall, still shaking her head.

'I'm sorry Geherin, I'll be good, I promise…' Shiho whispered, her eyes wide open in prominent fear.

'She's dead.' Lain said flatly, a brutal honesty.

Looking up, Shiho stared at Lain. 'She's dead… she's dead because of me… she's really dead, gone.'

Lain looked away. 'I'm glad you're aware of that, so pull yourself together.'

Shiho shook her head. 'She's dead…'

'You can't stay here for ever Shiho.' Lain said quietly.

Shiho looked up. 'Where should I go? I can't go anywhere…'

Lain stared down at her. 'You almost died, you're alive because you're sister sacrificed herself. Make yourself useful for once and make your sister proud.' Snorting, she stood up and walked to the door. 'At least you still have a family, a real family.'

'I don't.' Shiho whispered, looking down.

Pausing, Lain looked over her shoulder, watching as Shiho lifted her head and stared at her with clear amythest eyes. 'Where do you want to go?'

Gulping down a lump in her throat, Shiho blinked. 'I…'

Lain narrowed her amber eyes. 'You only have one chance, take it or leave it.'

'I know.' Shiho cluched the sheets tighting in her fist. 'Take me back to Aprillius One.'

Sighing, Lain nodded. 'If you say so, don't regret it Shiho.'

Shiho stared at her. 'How did you know my name?'

Lain just snorted. 'I know a little bit about everything.'

Shiho squinted her eyes slightly. 'Who are you?'

'My name is Lain van Ness, that's all you will ever need to know.'

Lain van Ness did keep her word and three days later, she found herself standing in front of the Hanenfuss Manor. Her presents, however, didn't make things better, much to her predictions. The death of Geherin hit hard on the whole household and everyone was ready to put the blame on Shiho.

Blame her, she wanted them to blame her, that way, she'd feel better, because it was her fault, all her fault and she could do nothing to turn back time. If she had a wish, she'd wish that the one to die was her, the one raped and torn was her and not her sister, the sister she had came to finally start knowing.

A week after she returned to Aprillius One, the fall of Heliopolis occurred. Knowing that there was no place for her in the Hahnenfuss family, Shiho joined the military and worked her way up until she met with Yzak Jule, her new Captain and later Commander.

'Get out of here Shiho!'

'But – '

'I want you out of here! I'll be fine!'

'No you're not, hell knows what they're going to do to you!'

'If you get out, you can start a new life. I want you to start a new life! For me!'

'Geherin!'

'Go!'

She started a new life, she did was Geherin wanted her to do. The military gave her a new purpose to live and she was more than willing to put the past behind her, more than willing to smile in hopes of hiding that appalling past that had dominated fifteen years of her life.

She thought she had succeeded, but in the end, the past found it's way back into her life, penetrating into her seemingly calm soul, eating her alive.

Eating her alive…

End of Chapter 17

Next Update: 2nd Feb, 2006

A/N: So, the past is out, it had actually been revised a few times and I had wondered whether or not to put Yzak in a more important position, but decided against it. Yzak's not here much, the focus is on Shiho and her relationship with Geherin. Since it's kind of a sad chapter, I've uploaded a deleted scene from GSA III, it's a separate story though, so you'll have to go to my profile to find it. It's there, don't worry. By the way, there are two more chapters left. Enjoy.