The World Falls Away

Chapter 2: No Zala Day

Jen "The Stampede" Motou

I was bound and determined to get Athrun off of this ship and into the real world now. Getting my blue haired friend some well deserved time off was ranking with my top priorities as he weep in front of me. I smiled at him and rested a hand on his shoulder. "It's alright Athrun, Its not your fault. I recommend you pull yourself to together. God knows what would happen to the 'great' Athrun Zala if someone saw you crying." I grinned lifting my hand and taking a few steps away. "See ya." Was all I said walking away. I knew he wouldn't follow me. I knew he would probably find a corner to yell now. Athrun was always one of those people that needed provoking. I sighed, placing my hands in my pockets. I came to the front –move alive- part of the ship and looked down a coupe corridors trying to decide where I wanted to adventure. I knew the Commander or Dearka had to be around here somewhere.

Luckily for me after a bit of walking I found myself rounding a corner and into my best friend- I suppose you could call that luck. I grinned, almost laughing looking at him. "Oh Dearka!" I shouted in a mocking tone and pulled him into a hug. He stared at me for a bit –like I was insane mind you- until I let him go laughing. "What's gotten into you?" He said in a confused tone. I grinned again. "Zala's sulking again. I tried to get him to talk and I failed –as usual. Oh well we all know the provoking helps." He grinned. "Yzak, My friend you almost sound proud of yourself." "Really? Well I do say, Pissing off Zala is always something to be proud of." We both laughed and began to walk again.

"So what are you doing really?"

"When's the next time we can to back to the PLANTS?"

"We're not that far off why?"

"I was thinking out volunteering Zala for some leave. He NEEDS it."

"Yeah? Why not. Ya know that actually sounds like a good idea."

We then headed to find the Commander, who of course was prowling around in his office. I swear he had nothing better to do than set in that chair. He looked up at us, and smiled. I'm sure it would have been Zala and not us. "Come in Boys. Come in." he greeted us happily...almost as if he'd forgotten what we had done. –However we both knew Le Creze wasn't one to forget such incident- "Commander, how much time until we reach the PLANTS again?" I sounded as we both saluted. "The PLANTS? Well in a day or so…why? Would you like some leave time?" I paused, looked away and then back again. "No, not for me Commander. Zala needs it more than us. You think we could give him sometime?" His expression changed –darkened- at the mere mention of Athrun's name. "Now Mr. Zala is still in quite a bit of Trouble, My trust in him has dropped since the last incident. Why?" His voice was stern, it was clear he didn't want Athrun out of his sight. "Because Commander, If we have to seen Athrun sulking about the place for one more day, he might end up too beaten to be of any use to ZAFT. I can't take it anymore!" Dearka piped up from behind me before I could come up with words to say. The Commander laughed…that's right laughed. He smiled to us again, and nodded. "Alright, I guess in the interest of Athrun's safety I have to give him leave. We'll just have to shove him off on the next colony we get to. It should be in about a day. Does Athrun know about this?" That's when I paused….tongue tided. He began tapping his foot, I could hear it anyway. "Um….No…" I said quick and blunt. "Well I guess I'll just have to inform him. Go fetch him for me." "Sir!" we both chimed leaving the room. We headed towards his quarters and heard yelling the closer we got. –Yup it worked.- Upon reaching out destination we slid open the door and grinned hearing his screams of frustration, he was so easy to read. "Yo Drama Queen. The Commander wants you." Dearka sounded behind me, breaking the 'silence'. He turned abruptly and his emerald eyes started confused. "Me? What for?" he said taking a few steps towards us. "Athrun you are such a dork." Dearka grinned messing up Athrun's hair with a playful hand rested on top of his head. "Just come on." I said butting in, dragging them back towards the Commanders Quarters. Eventually Athrun trailed away from us, and we acted like we left…but seriously we weren't missing this. Athrun entered and we placed ourselves to ease drop.

"Athrun, I've putting you on Leave for couple days."

"What! Why!"

"It begins tomorrow when we reach the PLANT in L2."

"Commander Why?"

"Because I said so! If I hear another word about it, I'll court-martial you. That's an order."

"Yes, Sir."

Zala sulked out and then glared at us. "Ease dropping I see." We both grinned and tried to play innocent. "Us, No no…Never." He glared again. "Right. I suppose you two wouldn't have anything to do with this would you?" "Of course not! The Commander probably just put on leave because he's sick of seeing you everyday. It's a real chore ya know." I grinned, and he glared…which eventually just had him laughing and we head our separate ways. Tomorrow Zala was leaving ya know.

Morning came and after a few hours- around ten I'd say- we reached the PLANT. "Finally! No Zala Day!" I cheered

"Don't you sound excited Yzak."

I turned quickly and there he stood, Zala decked out in a yellow shirt and a red trench coat. He was grin-glaring at me. "Heh Heh…" I laughed, and then smiled. "Well I guess, we'll see ya Athrun!" I chimed quickly shoving him out the door with the help of Dearka. "Have fun!" I finished, closing him outside.

"YES!" I shouted, stretching out my arms. "No Zala Day commence!"

To Be Continued…..