Disclaimer for the whole story: I do not own Gundam SEED or Destiny.
Because of the lack there of KxL stories...A friend of mine told me to put this up.
Anam Cara - Amor Meus
Chapter 1
Heart of Ice?
Past
"Give me my son back!" A mother cried angrily towards a father with tears dripping from her violet eyes.
"He's MY son! He is the Ultimate Coordinator, I no longer need you or that natural daughter of yours!" Replied the man harshly, unbeknownst to them that a pair of violet eyes was watching inquisitively. A range of varying emotions marred his cute little face.
"Iie! The Ultimate Coordinator? Will that bring him happiness? That boy is kindhearted and loves this family very much. He is no different from anyone else, he has not evolved into another specie, ultimate coordinator or not, he's still our baby!" Wailed the mother, mere inches away from breaking down from the horrific news and betrayal of her husband.
"Foolish woman, mankind has always strived to surpass itself. Because there is happiness in being better! You and your natural daughter begone from here!" Spat the husband with a soul-searing finality accompanied with a stinging slap that smashed the wife's aching heart as she collapsed onto the floor.
"Chichi-ue! What's the meaning of this? Why are you hurting Haha-ue? Why?" An eight year old brunette stammered questioningly while shivering in fright from the tone that his father used with his mother. He rushed to hug his mother who seemed to be very much out of it.
"Hmph. Do not become tainted by that woman my son. Come here, now!" The father demanded the boy who was obviously torn by looking at the awful condition that his dear mommy was in.
The light brunette haired mother stared in disbelief after hearing her husband's vile words, that regarded her as only a "woman." Tears trickled down her eyes unceasingly until a small hand reached out and wiped them away. She turned to look at who could of done such a thing even though she knew who it was, she smiled at the sight of him. 'How very ironic' she thought. The often crying little baby boy of eight years old that always came to mommy whenever he was in pain from even the tiniest of things, was now comforting the crying and pained mommy.
Talk about role reversal.
Flashing his mother a warm and genuine smile of reassurance, the boy then bravely stood up to face his father. Staring the man down, eye for eye, the boy spoke in a serious tone never before heard from him, surprising both of his parents, "No." His short but affirmative reply sent the man over the edge.
"Nani? Kisama! Ungrateful chikusoume!" (A/N: Son-of-a-bitch)
The tension rose to new proportions until a sudden, rather loud crash broke through the house, startling everyone within the room. A warning message alerted everyone of the presence of the radical terrorist group that was the Blue Cosmos.
Gunfire buzzed through the room the arguing family occupied, piercing all unfortunate enough to be in its wake. All but one body was pelted with bullets. The irate father was the first to fall, as the boy began to cry of anguish at the demise of his father. Even if he did hurt mommy, he was still his father. The mother cradled the boy in her arms and made her way to a secret safe room nearby.
Soon after, the boy realized a soaking substance that stained his blue shirt and shorts. Reaching down to touch the substance, he realized that it was his mother's blood that covered him all over. The mother lifted up her son's chin and looked affectionately into his violet eyes, finding strength and comfort from his lovingly worried gaze.
"Here my son, please do not become of ill-will. When the time comes, you will know who to give this to." The mother lightly spoke to the boy in her arms whilst handing a whitish silver ring engraved with an incomprehensible writing as well as a bracelet with the same writing. An inconspicuous date was engraved on the inner side of the jewelry. "Always love those who your heart cares about. Always and forever." Touching his small chest to emphasize her point. She pushed the codes into the shelter to close it and smiled lovingly to her son.
"Please live happily..." She kissed her son a farewell on his forehead, as she trailed off losing the life in her loving violaceous eyes, whispering her last breath to her son weakly, "I will...always...love you...Kira..."
Present
"Ha. Some kind of Ultimate Coordinator I turned out to be." A brunette spat with venomous bitter laced in his voice. His icy piercing violet eyes bore holes into himself, loathing his existence. 'Couldn't even protect the ones I love...'
He placed a bouquet of flowers he had gardened and hand-picked beside the headstone. He knelt down and hugged the tombstone as if trying to remember the warmth that his mother always surrounded him with in each and every one of her embraces. However, all he felt was the sheer coldness of the fine expensive granite material.
"Haha-ue..." He looked up at the darkening sky. "I've promised...that I would never cry ever again..." Soon afterwards, it began to pour hard. He looked forlornly at the grave and asked, "Then why does it still hurt so much?"
His right hand came up to feel his cheek and felt the water that dripped down from it. He noticed that some of the liquid was warm. Then he trailed his fingers further upward to the source of the warm water. They came from his eyes. After his recognition, his eyes furrowed as his resolve became icy once again, clenching his fist from yet another broken promise. He closed his eyes and began to walk away.
Kira's mind was in turmoil, waging war against guilt, pain, and hatred. The only feelings he was left to always have after that fateful day. He didn't even shiver from the coldness from the frigid breeze that sliced through his damp clothes.
His heart and soul had always been cold ever since that day. It was engraved in his mind forever and it was something he could not let go so easily. After all, the Blue Cosmos' target was the Ultimate Coordinator. Naturally, he blamed his existence for his mother's death. It wasn't fair to have her die while saving him, it wasn't supposed to be like that. He was weak, powerless, and afraid.
The trauma of his past haunted his young mind and plagued him ever since, sending him into an eternal abyss of loneliness. Regardless, the perfect being trudged his way through a rigorous life and created a multi-billion dollar business company that was Ultimate Freedom Inc. all the while remaining remarkably anonymous.
He went by the pseudonym of Mr. Hibiki, a tribute to his late mother. His ruthless tactics and masked identity, even in the sight of his business partners, attributed to his amassing a fortune. Universal reports identify the company to be a plexus of corruption and nothing much but a selfish corporation. In fact, if the company wasn't sheltered by its respected and honest motherland, that was revered by many countries, Ultimate Freedom would have long since been attacked by government agencies.
In an extra step of precaution, Kira's business became dormant 2 years ago, ever since it successful enough to maintain self-sufficiency. Many of its activities were top secret so in a sense, it was a business plexus. However, its nature of wielding and utilizing power in secret to subvert universal laws, morals or ethics was not the case. Only a select few members knew of the true nature of Ultimate Freedom.
In the public eyes, the company wasn't anything but just a bunch of greedy corporate businessmen, despite how wrong they were. However, Kira didn't mind as long as his business helped every cry of those in need, even if it was not heralded and publicized as great deeds to benefit his corporation. Great deeds in his opinion, should not be done in order for the medals, benefits, orders, or public approval, they should be done to help humans in need. The smiling faces of many orphans he himself personally visited and aided by purchasing land and building shelters himself, was enough to satisfy his pained heart.
'I cannot die yet.' His mind often repeated over and over again while trying to come up with reasons to keep living.
He bought and personally brought food to many homeless and abandoned kids. He saved thousands of lives personally while his business saved countless lives. He was indeed an uncredited hero that he himself didn't give much credit to. Every life he saved, he hadn't seen that he saved them. He neglected it in his quest to help more, never being satisfied with helping one person to the next.
There were only a few other companies that were almost as successful as his business. Infinite Justice Inc. was one of them. Led by a reliable emerald eye youth, the company soared into new heights especially after the endorsement of it's motherland, Zaft. Contrary to Freedom, Justice established a respected public appearance for its good deeds that were often publicized for the benefits of the company and its endorser. They were fair, but only helped Coordinators, something that even the bright and youthful President of the company had overlooked, no thanks to his father.
Last but not least was the Blue Cosmos, though quite radical, they fed off the envy and hatred of extremists alike. However, they managed to attain a good reputation in the media for their often exaggerated and publicized deeds for the people. Naturals, that is. Despite their constant corrupt secretive dealings that ultimately only benefitted themselves in their 'helping' of those in need.
The unforgiving and brutal world conspired many lies and deceptions, but the hard truth was something that many people neglected to see with there own eyes. The public, often fed with lies or animosity jump at the chance to hate and develop 'their own thoughts' about a company, which was really not their own. If Kira was to put on a veil of happiness and spot limelight on the good of his deeds, he would be no better than the likes of the Blue Cosmos. True to his word, Kira remained cold and emotionless despite his true intrinsic kindhearted nature that precipitated his endless deeds. All that mattered were the smiles of all the grateful children, who see the truth clearer than those who easily succumb to negative feelings provided by propaganda or 'expert analysis'.
After all, it is easier to hate one another, than to love one another. Blinded by the rashness of the mind, people often fail to see that hurting one another because one is hurt, will only lead to irreparable sadness in the end.
One boy knew all too well of such irreparable sadness. He walked down the lonely path of his righteousness and beliefs while acknowledging the fact that his life would remain dark and hollow without true mirth, despite that fact engraved in his heart, he refused to let himself walk a path of true hatred and remained a part of himself that would never change.
That is why Kira's purpose for helping the cries of all was not for his own personal gain, nor his company's gain.
It was a tribute to his late mother's will and final wish.
Kira's POV
"My son, please do not become of ill-will."
Haha-ue.
Ai shiteru...
Always and forever.
But...it's hard. No matter how much I do, no matter how much those few remaining here do for me, my heart will always alone. I cannot forgive myself, for I have sin through my own fault.
The endless psychological war repeated itself over and over in my mind again.
The chill of the wind that slices through my coat returns me to the reality of the world briefly, though its lack of warmth compares nothing to the chill in my mind.
I faintly notice that I'm almost back to the apartment I shared with a friend of mine by the seaside. I realize that my blond bodyguard had been waiting for me the whole time, seeing as how his clothes are as soaked as mine are. He has a cautioned expression on his face, he probably doesn't want to intrude or bother me.
"Arigatou, gomen ne..." I say to him, startling him from his discreet expression.
"U-uh, iie, it's no problem Kira." He fumbles out of his stupor, scratching his head dumbly.
"Let's go Mwu-san, we need to change. It's almost time that we've got work to do."
"Ah."
We walk to our quarters and I put on some non-expensive (just the way I like it) set of clothes. Just a simple dress khaki jeans, a black and silver belt, a pair of white sneaks, a white shirt and my nurse jacket. It's my favorite one of all the nurse jackets, it's a light blue poly/cotton blend v-neck that's very comfortable, my sister gave it to me as a gift.
Speaking of which, I wonder how she's doing. I hope Uzumi-san's business isn't too harsh on her, learning how to lead a country at 20 years old is a very tough burden...come to think of it, I haven't seen her in awhile. The thought of it makes me sad for awhile, until a good idea strikes my head.
Mwu and I exit our rooms almost simultaneously and I decide to take my plan into action.
"Mwu-san, do you mind if we go visit my sister today?" I ask politely.
"Ah, sure kid. Haven't seen her in a while ne?" He replies gayly, even though knowing that I'm his superior, he still manages to call me 'kid,' which is nice to hear. Too bad I haven't been been one ever since that day...I begin to daydream again.
Thankfully, Mwu puts one of his calloused hand on my shoulder to drag me back into reality. I half-smile appreciatively.
"Let's go. We have about two hours before we have to go to work, but I'm sure she'll more than likely take that much time, ne?"
"Ah."
I hear a sudden grumble. It's Mwu's stomach, and I laugh half-heartedly.
"I see it, you would like her to get some food eh?"
"Hehe," he scratches his head amusingly, "Ah. Let's go."
I half-smile again, glad to have a honest friend.
Mwu's POV
Kira and I move towards our destination, glad that the rain has stopped and everything is all sunny again. As usual, he opts to walk there. This kid sure is something, he has billions of dollars yet doesn't use it to buy himself a car, not even a cheap one. He doesn't use the company limos, doesn't even use the McLaren F1 GTR his sister bought him. He would have long sold that car to give the money to a charity or given it to me, if not for the fact that it was a gift and gifts aren't meant to be given away. For Christ sakes, he doesn't even buy himself a bicycle.
'Every dime I make will go to charity' huh? I've often hear him say that to me every time I asked until I got tired of getting the same answer. The countless times he would help others even if it meant killing himself in the process yet he never said a word of refusal. Even though I've been a family friend of his for a long time now, I still don't understand this boy. How could he be like he is? Maintain a cold exterior even though at heart, he's one of the kindest and loving boy anyone could ever meet, if circumstances were different, he would have lived happily. But fate deals its blows and spreads its woes, as some things can't be helped.
His heart and mind is strong, even though he regards himself as weak. Humble little kid, hell, why am I calling him a kid? Kid's practically grown up, maybe a little too fast. But, even that can't be helped, it was not of his own choice...However, helping others without being credited is his choice...loving his remaining family and keeping a piece of himself is his choice... maintaining his true nature and refusing to indulge in his achievements, in a sense, he is the perfect being, someone who shouldn't exist only because the envy of others prevent him to exist.
I can see that he is indeed hanging onto his essence by a mere thread. He's missing that part of him that was lost that day. It seems as if he will never be able to return to his self, the return to innocence.
Breaking out of my reverie, we walk by a group of teenage girls who ogle Kira like he's a piece of meat and soon become infatuated with him in a matter of seconds. They giggle about how good he looks and make their cutest expressions as if they're going to win him over like that. Ha, fat chance ladies.
I see Kira takes notice and turns his head towards their irritatingly noisy direction and scares them off, throwing out every possibility of him being cute. His violet eyes are laced with obvious fearsomeness and undeniable anguish, the same facade he always wears to ward off people like that.
His icy glare frightens the girls and they scurry away muttering things about how Kira wasn't even that pretty anyway while throwing a couple insults. I've seen this scene plenty of times before, being a bodyguard of the mystery that is Kira. He knows what girls like that want though and often see right through their souls, probably from his genetic enhancements. He realizes that they only see his handsome face and the nurse outfit on his shoulders. Things like that make me sick, and I'm sure it makes him even sicker.
The rest of the trip was uneventful, despite a couple reruns of the same nature. We near the Orb headquarters in Onogoro and walk nonchalantly inside. No one recognizes us, nor gives us a warm reception, heh, very typical of them, seeing as how they are oblivious as much as the public is about who Kira's true identity.
Fortunately, the counter receptionist, Asagi Caldwell if I remember correctly, is nonetheless very fond of Kira. She doesn't know who he actually is, but is still nice enough to grant us unrestricted permission to roam the building seeing as how we're frequent visitors.
We walk to the elevator and Kira punches in the secret algorithmic code that leads directly to his sister's room. Upon entering and being greeted by the Princess of Orb warmly, I see that Kira's icy glare changes into one of his (now rare) warm expressions. I may not understand this boy, but I do know how he acts and I am grateful to serve him. I will always try my best to protect him, for your sake, Via-sama.
Kira's POV
I walk into my sister's room and am tackled by her with enough force to send me into the ground. I smile half-heartedly, I've done too much of that today, but I'm glad to see her well so I try my best to give her at least some assurance that I am getting better. Though, I know she knows I'm not...call it a twin's hunch I guess? I can see genuine concern in her emotionally charged amber eyes that soon I twitch in nervousness. Damn. Cagalli's mad.
Cagalli's POV
Asagi informs me that a guest was coming up and to my happy and mad surprise, it's Kira. I run up to him and tackle him, seeing as how he had that brooding and icy expression of his. He needs to lighten up some more.
"Baka!" I glare at him trying to show my ferocity and I can feel him twitch and a sly smirk comes to my lips seeing as how I got him on the run.
"Why haven't you visited me in awhile, huh Kira?" I pout and say in the sweetest voice I can manage. The look on his face is priceless! Haha! The great and mighty Kira is twitching and stammering with his words! Hehe.
Kira's POV
"A-ano, ah, see, uh what happened was, ah." I stutter out partly because of Cagalli's voice and partly because of her death grip on my favorite shirt, no less the one she gave me! Uh oh, I'm in trouble, I look to Mwu and he just laughs smugly at my plight. My own bodyguard! I thought he was suppose to be taking bullets and shit like that for me?
I must admit, I haven't had this expression in a long long time, but it's a bit of a welcomed change. I give Mwu the I-am-going-to-lower-your-payment glare and he starts to sweat as he is in a tough situation. I give him a smug look, haha, serves you right.
Mwu tries to approach us and then backs off after seeing Cagalli's I-will-fire-and-castrate-you gaze. What a coward! This is the man who's suppose to be my bodyguard? What the hell!
Seeing as how I have some advantage, I say, "Oneechan...you sound...like...a...girl."
Oh man.
Big mistake.
Good job, good going child prodigy.
I see why Mwu backed off. Cagalli now has a face of pure fury, I knew that sweet expression only hid that wrath. Oh man, she's balling her fists...That smile...That evil smile...I'm dead.
Oh shi--
She hugs me.
What the hell?
She's laughing!
What the hell!
Ohhh, now I get it. I smile three-fourths heartedly to show her my appreciation for her little antic. Heh, arigatou Cagalli. I'm glad I still have you sis.
Cagalli's POV
Well I think I should end my charade now, seeing as how I've scared him long enough. I wish I had a camera, that sure was a Kodak moment. Still, I know his scars are practically un-healable...but at least he's not brooding. Baka.
Seeing as how he recognizes my trick, he smiles almost genuinely. I'm glad for that, it's been awhile since I've seen him crack a smile at least over half a smile. I get up from the ground while Kira follows suit.
"Say Kira, why have you not visited me lately huh? All this work I have to do, you know the only time Otou-sama lets me off is when you visit." I ask back in my regular 'boyish' tone.
"Gomen ne, Cagalli." Oh crap, he's back to brooding again, he must have visited Haha-ue's grave or something, that's the only reason why he would be so gloomy.
I place my hand on his shoulder to comfort him and he softens a bit. Our twin powers activate and he nods in comprehension.
"Arigatou..." he says softly.
All of a sudden, we hear a large grumble emitting from the stomach of Mwu-san. He smiles sheepishly and sighing in mock-disappointment, "Follow me, bakas."
Normal POV
Minutes passed by as the three converse about unimportant things, mostly because Mwu-san was quite unabashed in devouring the food. Kira and Cagalli just laughed at him most of the time as he ate too much too quickly and choked many a times. Kira looked at the Rolex watch, that Cagalli had given him, and much to his dismay, he knew he had to part with Cagalli to his part time 'job' on Mondays. Cagalli gave a farewell hug to Kira and gave Mwu a stern look to keep him on his toes.
"Say hi to Uzumi-san for me, okay, Cagalli?"
"Hai, Kira-kun." Cagalli teased.
"Well, Ja Caggy-chan," Kira playfully teased back, referring to their names when they were young and innocent.
'Caggy-chan' just rolled her eyes playfully as a wave of reminiscence swept through her mind. She brushed it off quickly as she tried to focus on the matters at hand and waved a farewell to her beloved brother before disappearing into the building. Cagalli wasn't very good in expressing her emotions by words, but she would always be good at expressing her emotions through her actions. One of the reasons why Kira had a fondness of her since she was unafraid to show her emotions on her clothes, so to speak.
On the way towards the hospital, Kira manages to snag the attention of a dozen teenage natural thugs each hiding a concealed weapon.
"I hear you gave our women a dirty look." The apparent leader yelled from behind the two men.
Unfazed, Kira uncaringly turned around and seeing the weak force, he shrugs and returns to walk alongside an unfazed Mwu as well.
"Don't turn around from us you bastards!" The leader viciously spat out.
Upon hearing the insult, Kira goes into an intrinsic irate form and soon his pupils shrink into tiny pinpricks as his violet iris dilates. Mwu immediately recognizes his form and says, "Go easy on them kid..."
Upon turning around, most of the thugs dash for safety and the leader himself is stricken with fear. Regaining his composure and in a futile effort to save face with the remainder of his crew, the leader blindly charges Kira with a 5-inch switchblade. Kira effortlessly dodged and used his god-like speed to disable the leader in one blow to the solar plexus. Not even Mwu kept up with Kira's movements, but he was glad that Kira took it easy.
'You're lucky he just saw his sister.' Mwu thought amusingly.
"What are you?" The remaining thugs cried as they ran cowardly back into the streets.
Kira whispers bitterly, "The Ultimate Coordinator."
Orb Children's Hospital
Kira and Mwu checked into the hospital and performed their usual routines. As usual, the duo smuggled some 'illegal' foods for all of the ill children. Thankfully, many of the children were released from the hospital since they're injuries have healed. Unfortunately, a special girl had been forced to make a home out of the place, but was very close friends with a certain brunette. A year ago, Kira befriended a young girl of 7 by the name of Conille, he personally nursed her back to health after finding her abandoned.
Even more tragic news came when Kira (who graduated summa cum laude and became the youngest person ever to earn a Ph.D. in the field of Doctorate of Medicine, along with an endless list of accomplishments, all hidden from public eyes by Orb government by his recommendation to remain anonymous) had diagnosed Conille of an unknown disease. After realizing the danger her life was in, Kira had gladly funded millions of dollars (anonymously) too the children's hospital and raised several other health institutes. Sadly, later on he even pitched in manual labor to build the hospice center for people like Conille who needed palliative care, for she was found to be terminally ill.
Kira promised to keep her happy for the remainder of her life as he often visited, read books, and brought several treats for her. She was one of the reasons why Kira volunteered as a nurse, in order to bypass the visiting hours. It was the rare times Kira could be found to crack a genuine smile, even though behind it would be nothing but sadness. He knew he had to move on though, so he obediently did his job while correcting many of the treatments for patients the doctors there often faultered in.
After a few hours, the clock struck 5 o'clock. Kira and Mwu bid farewell to Conille, giving her a hug and a toothache as well. The duo started making there way to the next task at hand.
Mwu POV
"Man kid, those kids get rowdier and rowdier everytime we visit, ne?" I reply warily, worn out by those brats. It seems like the kid enjoyed himself a lot more than usual, he's not even showing the least bit wearing down. He sure loves children a lot, but I've known that for awhile ne? I hope he doesn't take it too hard when she passes...Life is unfair, to her and to him...
"Ah." he replies casually in another one of his efforts to cut the conversation short in order to go to his reverie. I need to snap him back to reality if he is to progress, he deserves at least another chance at happiness. The world maybe unfair, but this child has been a saint in the eyes of who knows him and he deserves more.
"Say kid, why do you take part time jobs?" I ask timidly a question I know all too well the answer to, but decided to ask anyway as it was the only question I could come up with.
'Every dime I make will go to charity' I replay in my mind.
"Every dime I make will go to charity."
Sighing, he chuckles a bit, probably at my blind persistence but I don't mind. We walk, again, to his part time job that he actually earns money from, which is Onogoro Mall's Burger King. Another reason why the boy's such an enigma, how can a prodigy and business savvy and supposed to be pride and ego filled teen put on an apron and flip burgers with the twists of his wrists? I know though, Kira is not anything like that. By far, he should be respected far more than he is given, it angers me to think of all the disrespect he ever had in his life along with all the credit he willingly did not receive. How? Why?
No. That doesn't matter anymore, I start to see why he is the way he is. He's probably more grown up than me. I need to help him though as a friend, the way he has always treated me, never just a bodyguard.
Onogoro Mall
We arrive at the employee entrance and a brilliant idea comes to mind. Hehe. So, to spice things up for the kid, I ask the manager to allows us to have a mask day. Thankfully, he agrees after I whisper a pleasing incentive to him.
I then hand the kid a goofy pink mask, that I've been dying to get on the kid for awhile, it covers his entire face except his eyes. He reluctantly accepts it after the constant nagging of the employees and I. I of course, look much cooler in my jet black Batman mask. Haha, I know he'll hate me for this but it can't be helped.
Kira's POV
...Humiliatingly, I place the pink mask over my face. Ah Mwu, I will definitely lower your payment my friend.
"Oy kid, that mask accentuates your lovely violet eyes." Mwu says ever so gaily.
I stare right through him. I will definitely lower your payment my friend. After awhile though, I half-heartedly laugh it off, after all, it is pretty funny. I return back to business of asking, "May I have your order?" except my tone is of course emotionless and often a few customers leave or just come up to take a picture of my embarrassing plight. Ah who cares, I see a couple kids laughing at me and I decide it was worth it and play along.
"Hey kids, do you all want to see the Cape Crusader here eat this pie?"
They all nod knowing what I want to do. Exact my revenge, or part of it.
"Huh kid? I'm not hungry." Mwu says unconcerned, much to the delight of the kids and I, the blond remained oblivious to what I wanted to do.
"Well okay." I say in my fakest, and cheesiest tone I could come up with and bam! The pie smashes into his bewildered face.
Revenge is sweet.
The children erupt in laughter, doubling over while Mwu maintains his funny bewildered expression. I just smile contentedly. After awhile, we remained in the same position, Mwu's still shocked at what I did, but I can see his lips curve into a semi smile. The children stopped laughing to take a good luck again. I than see another opportunity.
I delicately use my index finger to swipe a part of the pie on his face and lick it gently. "Mhmm."
Mwu is aghast at my actions while the kids are speechless for a moment. After what I did finally registered, the kids broke down laughing on the ground, while Mwu turned beet red. Man what I did was so gay, but it was worth it though. Haha! That expression on his face is priceless! Where's a camera when you need one?
Normal POV
Unbeknownst to them, a pair of baby blue eyes intently noticed the scene and laughed amusingly at the antics as well. After awhile, the laughing died down as the kids were herded out of the scene and Mwu cleaned himself up in the back. The seemingly vacant mall provided a long time of idleness and leisure for all the employees.
Kira's POV
I decide to turn on the TV nearby the register to watch some news, maybe Cagalli would be on or something, I don't know. But it sure is better than sitting around. I constantly need something to occupy my mind...I don't want to let down Cagalli...I can't be selfish, after all I am her brother.
TV reporter, "A terrorist group has attacked and killed off several thousand victims."
My hands turn into fists after hearing such a loss in life. How much blood must be shed until people can accept each other?
"It is suspected that Ultimate Freedom Inc. may have played a part in this, however that is unconfirmed and denied out-righteously by the Emirates of Orb."
My knuckles begin to pale, how could they suspect such a thing? From my company no less.
Mwu's POV
I come back from the washroom to find the kid boiling with raging fury. I notice that he's tuned into some news channel but I am wondering as to what could stir him up so much.
"Traces of such activity from a dormant corporate power such as Freedom Inc. can be led to casualties estimated to be over 7,500 Coordinators."
I see his eyes glaze over in frustration as I myself am tempted to smash something to pieces. For Pete's sake, the President of a good willed company is the Ultimate Coordinator...
I need to do something quick before the kid loses it completely. Cagalli! She's probably the only one who can stop him from going down the deep end. I need to call her quick, dammit, where's a phone when you need one?
I dash for the nearest active phone line, which would be my cell phone that I unceremoniously misplaced. Chikuso, hang in there kid.
Normal POV
TV, "The attack was located in Mendel Colony."
An eery silence followed soon after. The brunette no longer was visibly angry.
"The attack was located in Mendel Colony."
However, his darkened violet hues revealed the tempest of wrath within his calm appearance.
"Mendel Colony."
The place that changed his life. The place that his world shattered. Was the place of her death.
Memories of the scene flooded his mind. The blood, the violence, the chaos. Her blood.
Only this time, his innocence was already broken. His mind drifted into the cataclysm within the trauma of his past.
To make matters worse, a few minutes later, a ruffian walked up to the register and unceremoniously made his presence known to the troubled youth.
Kira looked at the man in disgust for he knew this man was no up to no good. The terrifyingly intimidating blackened violet eyes scared the living daylights out of the grown man, or anyone to behold those eyes for that matter. If not for his own rage, he would not have recovered at all and went back home bawling like a little baby.
However, the malice in his heart allowed him to summon enough resentment to continue his blind rage, "Listen here you skinny little monstrous patchworker. My kid here says you attacked him, and I don't like that." He spat venomously, willing himself to overcome the fear in his bones by turning to his source of anger, as he pointed to one of the teenage thugs earlier today.
Kira remained cold and dark, not even admonishing the fact that the ruffian was speaking to him at all.
Boiling with anger at the boy's emotionless actions, he soon repressed it after seeing an intimidating large blond appear to the side of the kid.
The teenage thug on the other hand was terrified as he mentally demanded his father to stop, even though they were armed, Coordinators were genetically enhanced with more gifted speed and the used to be violet eyed boy exhibted much of that. Much to his dismay, his father tried to save face by saying, "Listen here you scrawny bastard..."
Kira indeed looked scrawny by his appearance, but appearances are deceiving for underneath his clothes lay a muscular but not overly muscular frame, strengthened with years of training in every martial arts and combat styles unheard of any humans except the exclusively elite fighters. Along with the perfected frame of the Ultimate Coordinator, Kira's combat abilities were factually unsurpassable.
Much to the ruffian's dismay, Kira remained emotionless once again causing the man's anger to boil once more. Forgetting the blonde's presence, the man spat "I will kill you if you ever lay your hands on my son again."
The tiniest fragment of Kira's inner kindness and sanity caused him to think that the man's 'request' was reasonable, regardless of how he conveyed his message. Seeing as how he didn't want to fight nor did he actually beat up the teenage thug, Kira just placed his anger aside. The man was just protecting his kids right?
"You heartless low class commoner."
Though Kira didn't take no offense since he was used to much worse, Mwu glared daggers that were willing the man to die as he began to leave. But then he said the vilest words that could ever be possibly said to the brunette.
"I will kill your daddy and mommy as well."
That was the final straw that broke the camel's hump.
Mwu's POV
Oh man this is bad. Damn that asshole. I hold myself back from lunging at the jackass myself, seeing as how Kira's well-being is more important.
He's kneeling down on one knee while clutching his chest.
This is bad.
He's convulsing with rapid spasms but still won't look up.
This is bad.
After a moments pass and that damn ruffian and his children walk out of sight, I worry more for the kid. He no longer clutches his chest as his hands drop from him nimbly. He looks up at me and a shiver of terror goes up my spine. He's no longer in that state that he's in whenever he's angry. His eyes, they seem so different, so angry, so out of control, it seems as if he has evolved to a new level. His pupils dilated this time and I can no longer make out the violet iris of his, which were replaced with a tint of blood red anguish.
This is very bad.
Once more, I shiver in complete fright uncontrollably, his now darkened eyes with a reddish glint chilling me to the core. Enveloped in pain, misery, and hatred, I wonder if that was the final straw to break his remaining sanity. He pushes me back gently, too gently. He calmly rises up. The hatred in his eyes still remaining, his eyes alone are scary enough, if it weren't for the pink mask, I would have long since soiled myself.
As I look more carefully into his eyes, I see that there is no more light. It seems the darkness has swallowed him whole. All seems hopeless, maybe I'm being a little melodramatic but his eyes, they give it all away. I'm not mad at the kid, seeing as how he should have been full of pure hatred and irreparable sadness a long time ago. All those tragedies that happened to him as a young child.
The time I found him alone, I cannot even imagine what could have happened to him then. His eyes were out of tears and they were different as well. But those eyes were imbued with sadness, not this hatred and fury. It's a shame that such a pure and kindhearted soul has been rife with terrible events. What's more difficult to believe is that I can recognize that who the hatred is aimed at.
I downcast my head in a shame at my failure as a protector, a bodyguard, and as a friend. Gomen nasai Via-sama.
I've failed you and your son.
Normal POV
The brunette jumped over the counter, ready to disappear from the face of the earth. Hatred and pain consumed him and he knew there was no coming back. 'Gomen nasai...Haha-ue...Oneechan...I'm too weak.' the broken pieces of his sanity thought apologetically.
There's no coming back.
There's nothing to come back to.
Only hatred and pain that he has felt in this world.
Sad dreams, why are all his dreams sad?
The Ultimate Coordinator should not even exist, it's better that way.
Through his misery and inner turmoil, he was quickly losing the war within him...
It was then that a pair of arms encircled his waist as a head gently rested on the crook of his back.
Kira's POV
I've lost to the darkness.
I'll see you soon Haha-ue.
Just as soon as I made up my mind and jump across the counter to run back to my house and do the deed for the good of the earth, a pair of arms hold me back.
They are warm...caring...devoted...and loving? Just like Haha-ue's...but that's impossible...
She died a long time ago...because of me. Because of...the Ultimate Coordinator. Whose existence shall never be forgiven. I know all too well because I am the result...
A small head flattened itself on my back, snapping myself from my musings. Who can it be? Who could approach such a monster like me? It's holding me back from going down the deep end...like it wants me to live...who would want me to live? Haha-ue? Iie, she's gone... Cagalli? Iie...Oneechan has a country to run soon, and she will live better when she doesn't have to worry about me...I know that's a lie but hell who am I kidding, the truth is I'm a burden to her, to them, to all who I care about...That's why, I need to go.
Then who?
I finally regain a tiny bit of my consciousness, enough for me turn around to see who would do such a thing...
My throat hitches and instantaneously becomes dry at the sight of her.
My heart stops beating.
She's so beautiful.
This can't be real.
No one can be this beautiful...
Baka-na...
My eyes of self-hatred and overwhelming pain remain a steely and icy resolve that bore right through her soul but she doesn't so much as flinch at it. Instead, it's as if her ethereal baby blue eyes pierce and read my soul, filled with pure concern and kindness...
Her soul, why is it calling out to the tiniest remnants of my sanity?
This feeling...It's eerily familiar, like I've known it before. Who are you?
Why are you helping me?
Her POV
My throat hitches...That has never happened before.
My heart stops beating...That has never happened before neither.
He's so handsome.
But those agonized eyes of his, they seem so familiar yet so different. However, they do not scare me as I am not frightened by such false frigidity. I can see there is something more There is unmistakable strength, courage, kindness and love deep down those aggrieved eyes of yours.
It is not fear that has driven me to him.
It is not lust that has driven me to him.
It is my soul that is driven to him.
Please come back.
You're in pain. So much he has gone through. I can feel your heart in motion, deep and in your heart of passion...
I know he wants to leave for good, but I don't want him to leave.
I want him to stay.
Normal POV
An eternity passed within a matter of seconds between the two, neglecting everything in just this one moment. It seemed the inhabitants of the mall deserted the place. For a few seconds, it was just a world for two.
The girl began to sing a light tune as the seconds passed by.
Mizu no naka ni yoru ga yureteru
Kanashii hodo shizuka ni tatazumu
Midorinasu kishibe
Utsukushii yoake wo
Tada matte iraretara
Kirei na kokoro de
The boy was looking over the beauteous youth before his eyes.
Kurai umi to sora no mukou ni
Arasoi no nai basho ga aruno to
Osiete kureta no wa dare
Dare mo ga tadori tsukenai
Soretomo dareka no kokoro no naka ni
An intrinsic feeling that was familiar yet alien emanated from within the confines of his body as he eyed the girl, not of sensuality, but of need.
Mizu no nagare wo shizumete
Kureru daichi wo uruosu shirabe
Ima wa doko nimo nakutemo
Kitto jibun de te ni ireruno
Itsumo, itsuka, kitto
His very being craving the sight of her that gradually led him back to the world, seemingly giving him a reason to live.
Mizu no akashi wo kono te ni
Subete no honoo wo nomikonde nao
Hiroku yasashiku nagareru
Sono shizukesa ni tadoritsuku no
Itsumo, itsuka, kitto
Anata no te wo tori...
However, her heavenly extrinsic appearance was not the most alluring of her being, it was just her soul that called out to his, ever so softly yet strongly.
After several minutes, the brunette finally managed to snap out of his trance. Upon coming back to reality, he realized he was gripping the said beautiful girl's pale tiny hands, a little too roughly. But she did not wince nor back off as she selflessly kept her steady and concerned gaze to coax the troubled boy. The slight assuring smile steadying his inner turmoil.
Tracing the contour of her fingers subconsciously, he noticed a whitish silver ring located around her left ring finger.
Realization struck him as hard as a ton of bricks as fate once again decided to deal its merciless hand.
Soft and wavy, light pinkish hair...Angelic pale complexion...Celestial voice of the heavens...Altruistic crystalline baby blue eyes...Perfectly shaped face...The epitome of perfection...
There in his face was the one who would one day marry the President of Infinite Justice Inc., Athrun Zala.
It was none other than, Lacus Clyne.
Lacus' POV
I feel him tracing my fingers. The warmth in his hands radiating through his gloves, even though all I can see of him are those troubled eyes of his, while the rest of him is covered by some article of clothing, I know him. His eyes gradually returning to a different hue. I do know him or at least, my soul does.
He stumbles across the promise ring on my finger and he stops dead in his tracks. His mouth becomes agape as he seems to have discovered something very troubling. His eyes flash with a million emotions that overwhelm me as well.
Quickly, he turns around letting go of my hands, even though I wish he wouldn't ever let go...wait did I just say that?
It can't be...
"Gomen nasai." He whispers quietly, his voice, even if it was just a whisper, itheld so much emotions in it. I hope he will be alright now...I snap out of my thoughts to see that he has vanished and made his way through the exit. Realization struck swiftly as he may have realized the fact that Athrun Zala is my fiancé...
Does that mean he's jealous?
Iie...he's just feeling bad about being in a moment like that with someone who's taken.
I love Athrun...
Don't I?
And he loves me...
But why do I feel sad?
It can't be...
I fiddle my precious ring unconsciously, vaguely recalling who had given it to me.
Disrupting me from my reverie, the blond man who was with him asked for where he went. A caring flame radiated from his cobalt blue eyes and I trustingly point towards the direct he went in.
Even though I did not get a good look at his face or his real eyes, I feel as if...
It can't be...
Mwu's POV
Did my eyes just deceive me?
Iie.
I need to find him first.
Frantically reaching the exit, I curse myself for not wearing a jacket as the sheer cold penetrated through my clothes. Damn, it's getting late...I need to find him. I haven't failed them yet.
I run to where ever my legs and my subconscious takes me.
They led me to the memorial for Via-sama that the kid built and maintained thoroughly throughout the years. Chikuso. Am I too late?
But it seems he has already replaced the soiled bouquet of flowers he placed earlier today with a small white rose.
A smile emerges on my lips.
He's still fighting.
An amazing kid he is.
I can't help but wonder though...
Already acknowledging my presence, he smiles at me. But this time, it's one of his super rare genuine smiles that I have never seen him used since he was just a baby.
He's crying...again. But his eyes have a hint of inner peace. They were no longer stark and frightening. They reverted back to those violaceous eyes that held intense passion and persevering determination.
It's been hard on him.
But I'm glad that he has found his share of peace.
He waves at me, telling me to return to my apartment. Naturally I comply, but only to phone Cagalli and tell her things are under control, she's glad but wants to check up on her brother herself soon, if she gets off work. I come back outside to bring him a jacket and he has an appreciative expression, even though he probably did not feel the chill. He has that distant look on his face, and my instinct tells me to keep distance so I give him his desired space. He will be okay, somehow...
I am honored to be here for this man.
He has grown up...Via-sama.
My eyes did not deceive me.
The Memorial
Kira's POV
Arigatou Mwu-san...I just need some time to think...clearly.
Tears...and more tears...crying...alone. For a long time I cried...I cried so much. I lost my mother and father and had no idea where my sister was or if she's alive. Just myself. Alone in this dark and empty place. My vision is blurry and my hearing is blurred. But the noise outside has stopped.
The door is opening, if it's those bad guys, I hope they make me leave. I can't stay here...it's too...sad. A man is standing by the entrance, it's Fllaga-san and Ramius-san, Haha-ue's friends...
Am I saved?
No...
I'll always be alone.
There's nobody out there left, haha-ue and chichi-ue are gone...
I'm crying again...But this time, it's because I finally realize how much of a baka I was.
"Oniisan! oniisan! oniisan!" I hear Cagalli repeat joyously the first time she found me again, I am glad she is alright. But I can't shake off this sadness, I still feel alone. I made up my mind not to cry anymore...
I've cried too much already.
But, I'm okay now...
Haha-ue
"Please live happily..."
"I will...always...love you...Kira..."
I made up my mind not to loathe myself, even if I do feel empty, my friends and family have done there best to make me happy, and I can't forgive myself if I crush their attempts.
Lacus Clyne...
She made me realize this...
Why?
How?
Am I...falling in lo--
Iie...
I shake my head at the thought, my heart does not know of the feeling, does it? And, she couldn't possibly feel the same way too, ne Haha-ue?
Besides, I should be happy for old friend Athrun, he has someone special to spend an eternity with...As if on cue, Tori perches on my soldier. I have to smile at that, Tori has always had perfect timing. Always reliable, just like Athrun, that's why I am happy for Athrun.
"They make quite the couple, ne Tori?"
Oh great, I'm talking to a robotic bird that's settled in my hands now... If I hadn't already talked to gravestones... I'd say I was pretty crazy. I chuckle slightly at that.
Demo, she seems so familiar...
It's not her name...
It's not her beauty...
"Here my son, please do not become of ill-will. When the time comes, you will know who to give this to." The mother lightly spoke to the boy in her arms whilst handing a whitish silver ring engraved with an incomprehensible writing as well as a bracelet with the same writing. An inconspicuous date was engraved on the inner side of the jewelry. "Always love those who your heart cares about. Always and forever." Touching his small chest to emphasize her point.
It can't be...