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 18

'How's it going champ?'

Looking away from the window, Shiho smiled as Dearka stepped into her ward quietly. 'What are you doing here? Aren't you being transferred back to Aprillius One?'

'We.' Dearka corrected, standing at the foot of the bed. 'We are being transferred back to Aprillius One, you included of course. What's Jule Squad without our very own Shiho Hahnenfuss huh?'

Shiho smirked. 'I didn't know I was that important.'

'Seriously.' Dearka leaned against the table. 'How's it going, are you sure you can survive this long trip back?'

Shiho rolled her eyes. 'I'm a soldier, of course I can.'

Dearka shrugged. 'How would I know, I'm not a girl so I'll never have miscarriages – ' he bit his lip and fought the urge to slap himself. 'Sorry.'

Shiho shook her head. 'There's nothing to be sorry for Dearka, it's the truth. I lost a baby.'

Dearka sighed. 'I'm hurt man, physically hurt. How could you two do this to me? Not telling me you've been fooling around for what? Half a year?'

'Nine months.' Shiho replied promptly, eyeing him. 'And if Yzak hears you saying he fooled around, he'll kill you.'

Dearka snorted and shot a glance at the engagement ring on her fourth finger. 'Right, almost forgot the two of you were engaged.'

'Are.' Shiho corrected, glaring at him. 'We still are.'

Dearka snickered. 'Damn you two, why am I always the last to know things?'

'Because you're too preoccupied.' Shiho said flatly.

Dearka pursed his lips. 'Well, yeah, I am pretty preoccupied.'

'I'm sure.' Shiho said warily, reaching for a glance of water on the nightstand.

'But seriously.' Dearka sat down. 'Come to think of it, Yzak was acting a bit weird, he actually asked me if he'd ever get married.' Dearka made a face. 'Like I had any idea he was into you.'

Shiho raised her eyebrows. 'He actually asked that?'

Dearka nodded. 'I distinctively remember it being the day after that stupid council ball where, you know the day when we were all "coincidentally" off.'

Shiho looked at him weirdly. 'You don't believe the coincidence?'

Dearka shrugged. 'After what you two have done to me, can you blame me for wondering?'

They both looked up when a soft knock was heard from the door.

'Come in.' Shiho called.

Opening the door quietly, Lyn stepped in hesitantly with a tray in his hand, a neatly folded red elite uniform sitting on it.

'What are you doing here Stera?' Dearka scowled, glaring at him.

'Came to deliver Major Hahnenfuss' uniform sir.' Lyn said, setting it down on the table.

Shiho looked at him. 'Thank you Lieutenant Stera.'

Lyn looked down at her. 'Major…'

'Don't you have work to do Stera?' Dearka asked, standing up. 'We're launching tomorrow at fifteen hundred hours.'

'Yes sir.' Lyn looked away and was about to turn when Shiho suddenly called him. 'Yes Major?'

'Have the girls been transported yet?' Shiho asked.

Lyn stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. 'They're scheduled to be transported the day after we leave.'

Sighing, Shiho gave Lyn a small smile. 'Can you do me a favor Lieutenant Stera?'

Lyn nodded immediately. 'Anything.'

'Shiho?' Dearka's eyebrows furrowed.

'There's a girl named Chavi.' Shiho narrowed her eyes slightly at Lyn. 'You've seen her before.'

'Yes?' Lyn looked at her uncertainly, shifting slightly.

'Can you arrange for me to meet her tomorrow before we leave?' Shiho asked.

'What?' Dearka shrieked. 'Are you crazy Shiho?'

Nodding his head, Lyn gave her a salute. 'Consider it done Major, I'll contact you when we're ready.'

'Shiho! Why on earth would you want to see her?' Dearka asked incredulously, staring down at her.

Shiho sighed and looked out the window again, gripping the glass of water in her hands tightly. 'Personal.'

'What?'

Shiho turned and smiled at Dearka. 'I'm okay, trust me.'

Exhaling loudly, Dearka slouched. 'I'll see that that idiot doesn't screw things up.' When he flung the door open, he almost crashed into Lain. 'Talk some sense into the girl, please.' Rolling his eyes, he held the door open for her before disappearing down the hallway.

'I'm sure you heard what I said.' Shiho said, eyeing Lain.

Lain shrugged and crossed her arms, still standing at the doorway. 'Like I said, I know a little of everything.'

'Not going to talk me out of it?' Shiho asked, raising her eyebrows.

Lain smirked. 'When have I ever?'

Blinking, Shiho nodded her head and looked down at the glass of water in her hands.

'That's true… that's true.'

It was like staring at herself, the rebellious Shiho five years ago.

'What do you want?' Chavi spat, glaring at Shiho from across the white room.

Shiho continued staring at Chavi as if seeing herself through a time turning mirror. She was exactly like that five years ago, a hopeless girl who would do nothing but hurt herself and others who loved her dearly.

'Where are you from?' Shiho asked.

'That's none of your business bitch.' Chavi snarled. 'Why don't you just mind your own fucking problem, okay? I don't need your pity!'

Pity, she too never wanted pity, hated when Geherin stared at her with nothing but pity in her eyes. It made her feel lower than she could ever feel, it was an unbearable feeling, she knew it.

'You think I'm pitying you?' Shiho asked.

Chavi snorted. 'What else could it be? I don't think anyone would congratulate peole who live a life like me, a hooker.'

'You're right.' Shiho looked away.

Chavi stared at her, obviously not expecting that response.

'I pity you.' Shiho whispered, she looked into Chavi's glaring eyes. 'But I pity you because I've been through the same thing.'

Chavi rolled her eyes. 'Please, you? Don't make fun of me Major.'

Shiho narrowed her eyes, wincing at the pain in her stomach as she felt a sudden anger rise within her. 'You think I like making fun of people? You think I like to revisit my past? You're doing nothing but ruining your life.'

'So what if I am?' Chavi seethed. 'It's none of your business, a person who has everything!'

'You think I have everything?' Shiho whispered.

'You have thing's I don't have.' Chavi said quietly. 'Thing's I will never have.'

Gritting her teeth, Shiho stood up abruptly, looking down at Chavi. 'You think I was born with what I have now? I had to work for my career, I had to push through all the shit and pain to become what I am now, to have what I have now! I was nothing, lower than you and I had to work my way to be respected!' Gripping her hands in fists, she looked down, trying to refrain the tears from overflowing. 'No one can help you but yourself. You're given a new life now, don't throw it away.'

With that, Shiho turned and walked to the door.

'How can I possibly start a new life after all this?' Chavi asked in a dark voice, staring at her back.

Shiho looked over her shoulder. 'You don't ask questions, you just do it.'

'Major.' The ZAFT soldier held the door open for her. Nodding, Shiho stepped out, leaving Chavi in deep thought. She felt that she had to talk some sense into her, she just had to before it was too late, like her.

Gritting her teeth, Shiho held her stomach with one hand as she stumbled her way down the hall, biting her lilp as she felt the pain run up her body. When she got to her ward, she almost collapsed onto the bed in pain.

Kneeling by her bed, Shiho buried her face into the sheets for a moment, waiting for the pain to subside before she shot a glance at the clock, noting that it was already two.

Sighing loudly, Shiho stood up with week knees and walked to the table where her uniform was neatly folded. Grabbing it, she laid it on the bed and started taking off her hospital robes.

'Bad memories will never go, won't they?'

Shiho gasped and looked over her shoulder, crossing her arms in front of her bare chest. 'Yzak!'

Yzak stared at Shiho's back with trembling eyes, trailing the prominent scar running over her back.

Shiho's eyebrows twisted as she looked away abruptly in only white cotton panties. 'Commander, do you mind if I change in privacy – ' she let out a low gasp when Yzak wrapped his arms around, uplling her into his warm chest.

'I'm sorry Shiho.' Yzak whispered.

Closing her eyes, Shiho held onto his arm. 'Sorry for what Yzak? You shouldn't be sorry for anything.'

'I should be!' Yzak cried, tightening his grip.

Shiho bit her lip. 'Yzak…'

'I shouldn't have waited.' Yzak whispered, trembling. 'I should have asked, I should have did something sooner. If I had, you wouldn't have gone through so much pain, pain that could have been avoided!'

'It wasn't meant to be avoided Yzak.' Shiho said quietly, shaking her head. 'It wasn't…'

Yzak looked up. 'What?'

Turning around, Shiho wrapped her arms around Yzak's neck, burying her face into his neck. 'It just…'

Pulling away, Yzak picked up Shiho's undergarments and helped her dress silently, ignoring her protests. When he finally finished buttoning up her collar, Yzak brushed some of her dark brown hair off her shoulder and caressed her cheek.

Shiho stared up at him and started to tremble when Yzak leaned his head down. Biting her lip, she jerked her head away, much to Yzak's surprise.

'Shiho?' Yzak stared down at her with wide eyes.

'I'm sorry.' Shiho whispered. Placing her hands on his shoulders, she leaned her forward onto his chest. 'I'm sorry…'

Sighing, Yzak placed a soft kiss on her forehead. 'Let's go home.'

Shiho stared up at him. 'Home?'

'Home.'

'What in the fucking hell is this?' Yzak yelled, slamming the magazine onto the desk. Jumping in his seat, Reiss stared at Yzak.

'Maybe you should tell me!' Reiss said hotly, pointing at the magazine cover. 'ZAFT Commander dipping his pen in the company ink, hooked up with subordinate and former prostitute?' Reiss shook his head. 'I had no idea Shiho – '

'She's not a prostitute!' Yzak shouted, glaring at Reiss. 'You say that one more time and I'll kill you, mark my words.'

'Woah, no need to be that touchy!' Reiss cried in defense, holding up one hand.

Yzak narrowed his eyes. 'It's my fiancée they're talking about, careful with your words or I'll rip your tongue out.'

Reiss widened his eyes at the serious threat.

'Mark his words Reiss, he really might kill you.' Dearka said, stepping into Yzak's office.

Reiss turned in his chair. 'He's gone mad!'

Dearka shook his head. 'It's not the time.'

Shrugging, Reiss turned back in his chair. 'Of course it's not the time, I know.'

'What are you doing here Dearka?' Yzak scowled. 'The last thing I need is for you to ask for leaves.'

Dearka raised his eyesbrows. 'You think I'd do that at a time like this? Shiho's already on sick leave, there's a bunch of stuff on my desk, waiting for my attention plus this piece of shit? I wouldn't dream of even asking you Yzak, I still want to live with Miriallia around.'

Standing straight, Yzak racked his straight hair violently. 'Damn it.'

'How could you be so careless Yzak?' Reiss accused, standing up as well.

Yzak bit his lip. 'I should have killed them back at Gilbratar.'

Reiss blinked. 'Who?'

Yzak shot a glare at his council secretary. 'Gazelle Wyleed and her assistant.'

Reiss turned to Dearka. 'Is he usually that violently when he's in his ZAFT uniform?'

Dearka sighed and ignored Reiss. 'I hate to kick you when you're down, but there's a bunch of reporters outside the headquarters, demanding that you answer their questions.'

'What?' Reiss screeched. 'There's no way!'

Dearka exhaled loudly and sat down beside Reiss. 'I know.'

The intercom on Yzak's phone beeped.

'What is it?' Yzak asked curtly.

'Commander, the lobby is starting to get out of control.' Yzak's secretary stammered. 'Receception asked if you're going to go down and – '

'Are you crazy?' Yzak snapped. 'Tell security to disperse the crowd, I don't care what they do just get rid of them, got me?'

'Yes sir!'

Reiss sighed heavily. 'What are we going to do Yzak? Huh? Seriously! I'm sure Lamar Wyleed is giddying somewhere in his pathetic little mansion, celebrating the fact that he can still pull you down after all your struggling. I can't say using the media to stab you in the back isn't dirty, but hey, it's good enough!'

Yzak gritted his teeth. 'If he thinks he can pull me down like that, he's got another thing coming. I've worked too hard to get my ass back into this office, you think I'm going to let him get away with all this?'

'I appreciate your determination Commander Jule, but I can tell you that this piece of news has done all the damage it can possibly do.' Reiss said flatly. 'No offense, but look at the pictures and the history of Hahnenfuss they managed to find? Who care's if it's not true, the public won't give a damn, nor will the council and you know reputation and image counts like hell in politics!'

Slamming his fists onto the desk, Yzak looked down, trying to calm himself down as he counted to ten. Gripping the cover of the magazine until it crumpled helplessly under his strength, Yzak closed his eyes.

'Commander Jule.' Yzak's secretary beeped from the intercom again.

'What?' Yzak seethed, slamming his fist into the button so hard it almost broke.

'It's a message from your sleeping quarters.'

Yzak widened his eyes and gave Dearka a look, who was equally shocked.

Dearka shook his head while Reiss sighed. 'It can't be…'

'What is it?' Yzak asked carefully.

'The reporters practically tore down the building if it weren't for Commander Roldan.' Yzak's secretary said. 'However – please wait a second Commander, there's someone on the other line.'

Normally, Yzak would have snapped and threatened to fire her, but right now, he didn't have the will.

'Nigel?' Dearka raised his eyebrows. 'Nigel to the rescue?'

'Commander!'

'Yes?' Yzak responded tiredly, sitting down.

'Commander Rolden is on the line, would you like to speak with him?'

Yzak almost jumped in his seat. 'Yes!'

'Yzak!' Nigel's voice came through the speaker phone.

'What's going on Nigel?' Yzak demanded, standing up.

'You really know how to create a scene Yzak Jule!' Nigel scowled. 'How long have you been back? Four days and your news practically tears down the sleeping quarters! I'm rather found of this place you know!'

'Get to the point Nige! Yzak's about to explode!' Dearka warned.

'Okay!' Nigel snapped. 'I really don't know, but I hope this is good news to you. Hahnenfuss was taken away by a limosine.'

'What?' Yzak shrieked. 'You're telling me that's good news?'

'Calm down!' Nigel scowled. 'It had the Hahnenfuss emblem on it, thought I've give you a note on that. I think she's okay, I mean –

'Okay my ass!' Yzak shouted, making Dearka and Reiss jump. 'You know nothing Roldan!'

'Of course I know nothing!' Nigel shot back. 'And for your information, your Mo - '

'Good bye!' Yzak said curtly, cutting the connection.

'Yzak! The guy was just trying to be nice!' Reiss argued in disapproval.

Seeing that Yzak made a move to reach into his uniform, Dearka quickly jumped forward and grabbed his arm. 'Don't create a bloody scene Yzak!'

'Let go of me you idiot!' Yzak scowled, nudging him the ribs hard, causing Dearka to slouch back. 'Who said I wanted to shoot him, but I will if he says another word of stupidity.'

Reiss raised his eyebrows at Dearka who was doubling over in pain. 'You should be glad he didn't nudge you in the balls.'

Looking up, Dearka glared at Reiss. 'If you don't shut your stupid mouth, I'm going to shoot you before Yzak does.'

'Okay! I'll shut up!' Reiss raised his hands in the hair. 'So what do you want to do Yzak?'

'I thought you said you'd shut up.' Yzak said in a low voice, looking down at Reiss, who shrugged.

'She's probably taken to her family, is it that bad?' Dearka asked weakly, still holding onto his stomach.

'It's the worse thing that could ever happen.' Yzak said in an abnormally calm voice. 'I have to go.'

'Wait!' Dearka followed Yzak.

'I guess I'm left to wrap up this shit then Councilor.' Reiss called from behind.

'That's what you're paid for Reiss.' Was all Yzak said before he marched out of his office, almost slamming the door in Dearka's face.

'I'm not going to be here for the rest of the evening, reject all calls and appointments for me until I say so.' Yzak instructed his secretary quickly.

'Commander, the lobby is – '

'I know!' Yzak snapped, 'Just call security!'

'You really think it's a good idea Yzak?' Dearka asked uncertainly as he followed him down the hallway.

'You know nothing about Shiho's family.' Yzak said quietly as they entered the lift.

Dearka shrugged. 'Can you blame me? I'm not the one who had a relationship with her for the past nine months and is planning on marrying her.'

Yzak glared at him. 'For once, just shut up Elthman.'

Dearka raised his hands up in the air. 'I'll shut up!'

When they reached the lobby, it was undoubtedly packed with reporters with cameras and recorders while the ZAFT security tried to block them off. When they caught sight of Yzak coming out of the lift, they almost stampeded their way past the security, surrounding Yzak.

'Mr. Jule, would you like to say a few words?'

'Mr. Jule, sources say that you've been engaged to Agrip Hahnenfuss' daughter Geherin Hahnenfuss and now to his second daughter Shiho Hahnenfuss who coincidentally is also your subordinate, is there any connection?'

'Mr. Jule – '

'Get out of the way!' Dearka shouted, trying to open a path for Yzak with the other security members.

'Mr. Jule, is it true that Shiho Hahnenfuss has been a prostitute in her teens?'

At that question, Yzak turned around and glared at the reporter through narrow eyes.

'Please answer that question Mr. Jule.' The reporter said sharply. 'Sources say that both Geherin and Shiho Hahnenfuss had been sold to Nessar's human trafficking business five years ago. Does the recent abduction of Shiho Hahnenfuss have anything to do with the fact that she wants to return to this lucrative business of sex trafficking?'

'Yzak!' Dearka tried to pull his Commander back when he lunged forward and grabbed the reporter by the collar. Unfazed, the reporter stuck his voice recorder up.

'Mr. Jule?'

Taking a deep breath, Yzak let go of him roughly and turned away. 'Dearka!'

'Yes sir?' Dearka looked at Yzak.

'Get my secretary to contact my lawyer.' Yzak order. 'I'm going to sue Maygan.'

Dearka couldn't be happier while all the reporters started a commotion. Ignoring them, Yzak marched out of the building while security formed a wall, blocking the reporters off. Unlocking his car, he made no hesitations as he gunned the engine and steered out of the parking lot, just as his cell phone rang.

'I was expecting your call.' Yzak said curtly. 'Couldn't have called earlier though could you?'

'Better than not calling at all I say.' Lain said flatly on the other line. 'I take that you already know where she is.'

'Of course.' With that, Yzak cut the line and threw his cellphone on the dashing board, trying to calm himself down as he hit the highway, noting absently that the sun was starting to set.

Giving the telephone cord a violent yank, Shiho sighed at the abrupt silence that filled the air. Her telephone had been ringing nonstop for the past few hours and she had no choice but to cut the line. She needed the silence.

Walking to her window, Shiho drew the curtains back slightly and sighed heavily at the crowd of reporters waiting in the parking lot in front of the building lobby. They were insistent indeed.

Rubbing the side of her forehead, Shiho plopped herself onto the sofa, looking sideways at the magazine lying on the coffee table. She knew something like this would happen, she knew there was something wrong with that reporter who had stalked them at the ranch. Though having only a vague memory, she knew that Gazelle Wyleed and confronted Yzak at the hospital four weeks ago and being Gazelle Wyleed, she'd have her ways of making herself feel better after all that humiliation she suffered. She had to thank lain for slapping her though, she heard from Dearka that it was one of the best moments of his life.

Pulling her knees to her chest, Shiho buried her face. Her body was still a little sore and she had trouble sleeping at night so basically she was sleep deprived. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't fall asleep, visions of recent events flashing through her mind.

Will she ever have a turn to get peace and quiet in her life?

Shiho jerked her head up, her eyes widening as her phone suddenly rang. She sighed in relief when she realized it was the intercom. Climbing off the couch, she dragged her feet across the carpeted floor and reached for the receiver, hoping security had done a good job in blocking the flock of annoying reporters downstairs from abusing it.

'Yes?' Shiho answered tiredly.

'Major! You have a visitor.'

Shiho's eyebrows furrowed. 'What do you mean I have a visitor? At a time like this? I don't want to see anyone.'

'But – '

'Are you going to let me in or not?' Shiho heard a familiar woman's voice. Frowning, she heard the guard stammer before the line going dead. Her forehead creased, she walked to the window and threw open the curtains again, cursing at the pack of reports snapping their cameras away as two men in black suits entered the building, a limo with ZAFT's logo printed on it. She kept staring down the window until her doorbell suddenly rang. Hesitating, she looked through the peephole just to see a man in shades staring back at her.

'Is Major Hahnenfuss in there?' a man's voice asked.

Sighing, Shiho had no choice but to open the door. 'Yes?'

The man held out a card. 'I'm from council security, Lady Ezaria Jule would like to see you.'

Shiho widened her eyes in shock as Ezaria Jule stepped from behind the man in a white suit and heels. She stepped into Shiho's apartment before she could even invite her.

'You two can wait outside, I want a private conversation with Major Hahnenfuss.' Ezaria said in an authoritarian voice.

'Lady Jule, you know we can't let that happen.' The council security said, frowning.

Turning around, Ezaria gave him a sly smile. 'Then prepare to explain yourself to the high council when my son gets his hands on this case.'

'Lady – '

'Get out.' Ezaria ordered in a low voice. 'Don't make me repeat myself.'

Bowing his head reluctantly, the man retreated, closing the door behind him.

'Are you sure that's okay?' Shiho asked uncertainly. 'Will Yzak get into trouble?'

'Defending him already Major.' Ezaria turned around and stared at her. 'I wonder how you've managed to seduce my son.'

Shiho took a step back, clearly intimidated by the woman before her. 'I'm sorry if I offended you, I didn't mean to in any way.'

Ezaria narrowed her eyes. 'Of course you didn't mean to or I'll hate you for putting my son into a situation like this. I remember you from the hospital a year ago, Shiho Hahnenfuss.'

Shiho stared at her. 'I…'

Closing her eyes, Ezaria sighed. 'I still wonder why Agrip Hahnenfuss insisted on hiding you.'

Feeling her heart wrench, Shiho looked away abruptly. 'If you're here to mock me then I suggest that you leave Lady Jule, I don't have time for this.'

Ezaria looked at her silently before opening her mouth. 'I understand why my son loves you so much, loves you to the point where he can risk everything, including his career.'

Stunned, Shiho watched as Ezaria made herself comfortable on the couch. 'Can I have a glass of water please Shiho?'

Blinking, Shiho walked to her open kitchen and poured a glass of water, watching as Ezaria ran one hand through her silky locks. Sitting down after handing her the glass, she watched as she took a sip. Putting the glass down, she looked at Shiho with a small smile.

'Don't get the wrong impression,' Ezaria paused, crossing her legs elegantly, 'but you look a lot like Geherin, though I doubt Yzak's with you because of that.'

Shiho bit her lip. 'Why are you here Lady Jule?'

Ezaria smiled slightly. 'I wanted to meet the girl who made my son fall head over heels.'

Shiho blushed and looked away. 'I'm sorry…'

Ezaria raised her eyebrows. 'Sorry? Why are you sorry? What are you sorry for? You're just two people falling in love, I don't see what you should be sorry for, except for the fact that Yzak is a public figure and you happen to be his subordinate.'

Shiho closed her eyes. 'I ruined his career.'

Ezaria shook her head gently. 'His career will only be ruined if he wants it to be.' Smiling, she leaned back. 'If he wants something, he'll do whatever it takes to get it.' She turned to Shiho. 'And when he gets it, he'll never let go.'

Shiho stared at Ezaria.

Ezaria picked up her glass of water. 'That son of mine… he's an aggressive kid, a possessive one indeed. Of course he also has the temper to match this aggressiveness of his. It's a long time since I've seen him this happy.' She turned to Shiho. 'And I'm thinking it's because of you.'

'I…' Shiho's voice trailed. 'I promised to be with him no matter what.'

'Then are you going to leave him because of all this?' Ezaria asked, shooting a glance at the magazine on the coffee table.

Shiho closed her eyes. 'Of course not.'

Ezaria looked at Shiho. 'I admire your courage Shiho, and the fact that you pulled through so much in your life makes me wonder how you've survived at such a young age.' She looked out the window. 'Just like any other kid who survived the war as a soldier, a warrior.'

'Yzak pulled through a lot too.' Shiho said quietly.

Ezaria lowered her eyes. 'Indeed he did, and he's going to pull through these crises as well. He pulled through the last one and he's going to this time too. Are you going to be with him?'

Shiho closed her eyes. 'I want to, but I don't know if there's still a place for me.'

'You're right.' Standing up, Ezaria dusted herself off and walked towards the door, much to Shiho's surprise. When she had the chance to stand up, Ezaria already had her hand on the doorknob. Looking over her shoulder, she narrowed her eyes slightly. 'I can tell that my son loves you very much, please don't give up on him because I know he'll do anything to make it work, and I know he can do it.'

With that, Ezaria opened the door and stepped out, not waiting for Shiho to respond. When Shiho finally managed to snap back to reality, her door was already closed and she was left staring.

That was all? Ezaria Jule just came to tell her that her son loved her very much? Why?

Smiling, Shiho picked up the glass and headed towards the sink. Narrowing her eyes, she slammed the glass into the sink, almost breaking it. 'I don't need you to tell me that, I know he loves me, I know…'

She didn't know how long she stood there, staring down at nothing in particular, lost in thought until the ring of her intercom cut through the air. Pursing her lips, she marched towards the intercom and grabbed the receiver with force.

'I don't want anyone to disturb me, just reject all who want to see me okay?' Shiho said impatiently. 'Can a person rest in peace?'

'I'm sorry Major, but there's someone you might want to see.' The guard stammered.

'Who?' Shiho snapped.

'Your parents.'

End of Chapter 18
Last Update: 10th Feb, 2006

A/N: The last cliffhanger, I promise! Last update next time, including the last chapter plus the epilogue, the story and the whole series will come to an end very soon. Thank you for those who reviewed the deleted scene, it was deleted for a reason, not only just for the rating. Anyhow, I got a review saying that Shiho was lying to Yzak, but she wasn't, if you look back in the prologue, I've made a very subtle reference of her being a virgin, or was a virgin before sleeping with Yzak, Lain saved her, though I didn't really clear that up in the previous chapter. Anyway, enjoy the chapter, review please. Oh, can you guys tell me which character you like most in all three stories, including originals and GS characters, I'm just curious.

P.S. The chapter was slightly late because was being an ass and timed me out.