After the Archangel's escape from Africa...
The formation of the Zala team... Le Creuset laughed at the absurdity of the idea. After telling the rest of the pilots of Athrun's relationship to the Strike's pilot, he couldn't believe that the idea even came to his mind. Still, the facade must go on. He had summoned Yzak Joule and Dearka Elsman earlier to emphasize the point. The commander even told Yzak to put up a show for Athrun, which the teen grudgely agreed.
"But, Commander, do Athrun really have to come along," grumbled Yzak.
"You know very well that without him, the 3 of you couldn't take out the Strike. Give the boy some credit. At least, he did put up an open fight against his old friend," said Le Creuset with his ever-present smile.
Yzak's shoulders sagged. He knew that it was pointless to argue with his commander.
"Besides, you ARE too hot-headed to lead the team despite your age, Yzak."
Yzak was about to protest when Dearka, acting as a lookout, gave the signal. Nicol and Athrun are on their way. Yzak began his argument with Le Creuset...
After his little chat with Athrun, Le Crueset returned to his office. As he had ordered, both Yzak and Dearka were still around.
"Apparently, Athrun hasn't forgotten his promise to kill his friend," said Rau with a slight sneer in his voice.
"He hasn't? Well, his memory seems to be better than his skills," Dearka digged at his team leader. Yzak merely gave a cynical laugh.
"Remember to tell Nicol what I've told the two of you. Also, if Athrun tries to stop any of you from taking out the Strike..."
"We will gladly do the job, Commander." Yzak really had enough of Athrun's meddling. Dearka nodded.
At the back of his mind, Rau knew better. Though Yzak, Dearka and Nicol were ace pilots, they won't be a match for Athrun Zala. The commander had seen the teen's shooting abilities for himself. He knew that the Aegis will have to be the one to take down the Strike. Still, there's no harm in placing a little hope on the Duel and the rest to get it done...
"What!" Nicol Amarfi couldn't believe his ears.
"Those were the commander's orders, Nicol," said Dearka. Yzak was leaning aginst the wall, watching them. Obviously, the subject of their conversation wasn't around.
Nicol was speechless. Knowing that his team leader had a friend in the Strike's pilot was bad enough; his commander's orders to terminate Athrun should he interfere was another blow. The teen respected Athrun. Besides being older, Athrun desired peace, just like Nicol; he himself had joined ZAFT not because of glory, but out of duty.
"Here comes our beloved team leader now," said Yzak with a tinge of sarcasm. Ever since he knew of Athrun's secret, he had wanted to pound the younger boy. He was near his bursting point; he nearly had the Strike back then, if not for HIM...
Dearka looked at Yzak. Like his friend, his dislike for Athrun had increased because of his commander's revelation. But, he was better at hiding it than Yzak. Indeed, the blond had to constantly remind Yzak not to let Athrun know that they knew of his secret.
Athrun, on his part, suspected nothing. He always knew that Joule and Elsman disliked him; they thought that he was too soft. At least, he had Nicol to talk to...
Later, after the Archangel had entered Orb, the Zala team finds themselves in the country of peace...
"Oh, a robo-pet," said Nicol.
As the trio watched Athrun talk to the teen across the chain link fence, Yzak and Dearka had this weird feeling that they've seen the teen somewhere before. As their team leader turned to leave, they did the same. But the teen behind the fence spoke.
"I got this as a gift. It was given to me a long time ago by a very good friend of mine. Thank you for returning it. It's very important to me. More than I could say."
Those words hit Yzak like a ton of bricks. Without thinking about what he's doing, he turned around and blurted, "You're the pilot of the Strike!"
Both Kira and Athrun stared at the platinum-blond teen. Dearka palmed his face while Nicol looked away.
Yzak couldn't contain his rage any more. The pilot who gave him his scar was just behind a chain link fence. He stormed towards Kira.
"Thanks to you, I have this on my face!" Yzak pointed to the scar.
"You're the pilot of.." Kira regained his composure. Birdy flew from his hands to perch on his shoulder.
"The Duel! Next time, your Strike is going down!" threatened Yzak as he strode off. The other 2 teens ran after him.
"Kira!" Cagalli called out.
Athrun was finding it hard to breathe. First, his teammates know of his relationship with Kira. Now, even Cagalli was here?
Cagalli was also surprised to see Athrun. How could ZAFT have infiltrated Onogoro? She quickened her pace towards the fence...
The 3 stood where they were, looking at each other. Cagalli was the first to speak.
"Don't worry, Athrun. I won't call the guards."
Now, it was Kira's turn to be surprised. Cagalli knew Athrun? Athrun saw the look on Kira's face.
"I met Cagalli before, the time when she was shot down," explained Athrun coldly, his green eyes staring at his best friend.
"You 2 know each other?" Cagalli's mouth fell open.
"We're best friends. Once," said Kira. Like Athrun, his tone was hardening as well. Athrun turned to leave.
"Next time we meet, Kira, the Archangel and the Strike WILL fall," declared the ZAFT pilot.
"Not if I can help it," replied Kira. "Besides, I will not be the one doing battle with you."
Athrun swung around.
"Why?"
"My superiors know about us, Athrun. I'll only attack the others, so stay out of my way."
Athrun's anger was rising. But, he knew better than to argue on.
"We'll see."
Back on board the Cousteau...
"How long have you guys known," exploded Athrun. His pent up anger was too much to bear.
"Since before Artemis, Team Leader." Yzak replied. He, too, think that it was time to lay out all the cards onto the table.
Athrun looked at Nicol, who nodded. Dearka, on the other hand, was deep in thought. Now that Yzak had blown it, the team will almost certainly fall apart. He shuddered to think what Commander Le Creuset will say to that.
"Don't say I didn't warn you, Athrun. If you get in our way when we attack the Strike, we'll not hesitate to shoot YOU as well," said Yzak.
Athrun looked away. That must have been the commander's order. He knew how callous Le Creuset could be.
"So, Athrun, what do we do now," asked Nicol.
Athrun thought for a while. Despite his anger, the mission must still take precedence.
"Tommorrow's mission back to Onogoro will be cancelled. We'll sit and wait for the Archangel to leave Orb."
Yzak and Dearka didn't object. They HAD confirmed that the ship was in Orb. Now, for the sake of unity, all they could do, is wait.
In Onogoro, Kira and Cagalli told each other about their experiences with Athrun. Kira had to bite his lip to prevent himself from laughing when he heard Cagalli's story. Cagalli, on the other hand, wondered aloud about Athrun's plans, now that he knew both of them were here.
Kira knew that this was no laughing matter. ZAFT will attack the moment the ship leaves Orb.
"I guess I'll have to inform the captain. She has the right to know."
"Kira, about your promise not to attack the Aegis..." Cagalli had her doubts.
"It's true. The captain has forbidded me to attack Athrun head on. It's better that way; La Flaga can handle him, I'm sure," said Kira confidently.
Sure enough, upon the Archangel's departure for Alaska, the Zala team striked...
Athrun knew that this attack was different. Now that his team mates are watching him, he had to shift his focus to the Archangel. He hoped that the 3 could handle the Strike on their own.
Kira, on the other hand, thought of his strategy. He will work to disable the enemy Mobile Suits instead of destroying them. The teen had grown confident of his skills; without Athrun at the back of his mind, he would show the other ZAFT pilots what he was capable of.
As the battle raged on, Athrun began to realise that the Strike had become more powerful than he remembered from their previous encounters. You have become better, Kira, thought the team leader. He wanted to help his team, but the Archangel was focusing her fire on him. The Skygrasper too was keeping him occupied. Kira's warning to Murrue and La Flaga meant that they were prepared for the skirmish. Tolle, being the new guy on the ground, was in charge of the Strike's equipment.
For the other ZAFT pilots, the Strike was fast becoming a problem to them. Despite their knowledge that its pilot was a Coordinator, and Athrun's staying out of the fight, the 3 were losing ground. Yzak had to admit the bitter truth: he wasn't good enough to take out the Strike. His threat to Kira now sounded like a hollow boast. Both Dearka in the Buster and Nicol in the Blitz couldn't find an answer to the Strike's attacks either. Nicol was especially at risk. He knew that the Blitz could never stand to the Strike in a head-on challenge.
Taking advantage of his enemies' despair, Kira pressed in. He calmly activated his SEED powers.
The Strike surged forward. In a single instant, it had cut off an arm and a leg each off the Duel and the Buster. Yzak and Dearka cursed. The crew of the Archangel cheered. Even La Flaga was amazed at Kira's feat.
Nicol was shocked at the extent of the Strike's capabilities. Knowing that the Duel and the Buster couldn't continue with the battle, he called out to Athrun. He hated to do it, but Yzak and Dearka needed an escort or their Mobile Suits would become their coffins instead.
"Athrun, we'll have to withdraw!"
"The three of you go ahead," replied Athrun. He was still being pinned between the Archangel and the Skygrasper.
"What's the matter, Aegis? Are we getting a little too much for you to handle," challenged La Flaga over the intercom. He knew that Kira couldn't touch the Mobile Suit. It was up to him and the Archangel to get the Aegis.
Athrun swore. His situation was getting desperate. The Aegis's almost out of power, and his team was withdrawing.
Suddenly, the Skygrasper scored a hit. The Aegis lurched. Alarms and sirens were going off inside the cockpit. The Aegis was out for the count.
As Kira saw the Phase Shift armour of the Aegis fading, he heard Natarle's voice.
"Ensign Yamato, capture the Aegis and bring it back to the Archangel!"
"I copy that," replied Kira in a triumphant voice. The Aegis was finally back where it belonged.
As the Strike grabbed hold of the Aegis, Kira spoke over the intercom, "Don't worry. They won't hurt you."
Athrun smiled in spite of his defeat. In a way, it's ironic that Kira had managed to capture him instead of the other way round. He now wondered what will lie in store for him.
In the Archangel's hangar, the guards on duty pointed their rifles at the Aegis's cockpit. Kira, La Flaga and Murrue stood with them as Athrun opened the cockpit and meekly descended to the floor.
"So, you're Athrun Zala, fiance of Lacus Clyne," said La Flaga.
Athrun gave Kira a surprised look. He didn't expect the enemy to know this fact.
"I told them everything," said Kira with an even tone.
Murrue stepped forward. "I'm Murrue Ramius, captain of the Archangel. I believe we've met before, Athrun." She extended a hand towards the pilot.
Athrun looked at the lady. He remembered now: she was the technician whom he shot at before he saw Kira. He shook her hand firmly. He knew that the only reason why he was being treated so kindly was Kira. He saw no reason to spoil their relationship.
"Come this way. We have some questions for you."
"In fact, a LOT of questions," added La Flaga, as he winked at Murrue.
In the interrogation room, Murrue and La Flaga asked about his knowledge of ZAFT tactics and personnel. Athrun was uncooperative; at the end of it all, he gave nothing away. La Flaga and Murrue sighed. Though the teen was respectful, they doubted they will get any information out from him.
"Captain, Lieutenant Commander, may I have a word with him, in private?"
Murrue hesitated; she had faith in Kira. After granting him permission, she left the room with the Hawk.
Athrun had no idea what Kira wanted from him. But he knew that he will not tell him anything about ZAFT.
"How's Lacus?"
Now, this was completely unexpected. Athrun struggled to find the right words.
"She's... fine. She asked about you too." came the reply.
Kira knew that his question had unnerved his friend. At the same time, he's touched that the lady still remembered him.
"I heard about your encounter with Cagalli from her. Looks like you really took care of her back there."
Athrun had to smile at that. Cagalli came across to him as a little foolish and naive during their chats, but she's likeable. Of course, she had wounded him with that wayward gunshot when she threw the pistol at the wall. But now that he recalled the incident, he couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Is she onboard as well," asked Athrun out of curiousity.
Kira shook his head. "She's back in Orb." He hesitated before asking his next question. He knew that it would touch a raw nerve.
"Why was Aunt Lenore on Junius 7?"
Athrun glared at Kira. At the same time, he fought back the urge to cry.
"She was there... as a researcher. Then, the missiles came.."
Kira walked over and placed his hand on Athrun's shoulder. Though he had only vague memories of Lenore Zala, one thing that stood out was her pleasant smile. He was sure that Athrun learnt his mannerisms from her. As for the teen who had lost a mother, he cried. The pain was still too recent for him to forget.
"I've been to.. Junius 7, or at least, the ruins." said Kira.
Athrun looked up at his friend.
"We're there to look for supplies..."
Suddenly, a flood of emotions swept over Athrun. First, they held Lacus hostage and now, they wouldn't even let the dead rest in peace? Athrun grabbed Kira by the collar and slammed him against the wall.
Murrue Ramius and Mu La Flaga barged in, along with some guards. They restrained Athrun while the captain checked out if Kira was hurt.
In tears, Athrun screamed at Kira.
"Why couldn't you guys even leave the dead alone? Is the EAF really a bunch of maruading thieves with no honour at all?"
Kira looked away. He, too, was embarrassed by what he did. He wanted to explain but Athrun clearly was not in the mood.
"Take the prisoner to his cell," ordered the captain. She whispered to Kira,"What happened?"
Kira shook his head. He didn't know where to start...
On the Cousteau...
Yzak was throwing his usual tantrums. Only this time, there was as much self-loathing as anger. He found it hard to swallow the fact that not only had the Strike managed to scar him, now even the Duel was badly damaged. He hammered his fist on the wall.
Dearka was in a foul mood too. The Strike was good, too good for even them, the Le Crueset team. Come to think of it, it's improbable that even a fellow Coordinator could beat the 3 of them so easily. He decided to voice his doubts.
"Hey, do you think there's something fishy with the Strike's pilot?"
Nicol and Yzak looked at the blond. When Dearka isn't making snipe remarks, his observations are a valuable asset to the team.
"what do you mean, Dearka?" Personally, Nicol too couldn't fanthom how the Strike's pilot could be so skilled, even if he is a Coordinator.
"The Strike's specifications are not that different from ours. So, how the hell can it take on the 3 of us and win so easily?"
Yzak tried to sort out his thoughts. Dearka had a point. The 3 of them certainly did their best in engaging the Strike (He has his doubts on Nicol, but he didn't expect the younger boy to be very good either.) . Something is definitely strange about that teen behind the chain link fence.
"Anyway, what are we going to do now," asked Nicol. He was sure that the mission to pursue the legged ship will have to end for now. With only the Blitz fully functional, there is no chance that ZAFT will be able to sink the Archangel before it reaches Alaska.
"Looks like it's time for us to face the music with the commander," said Dearka as he shrugged his shoulders.
Yzak and Nicol had a resigned look on their faces. They could only hope that Le Crueset doesn't do anything drastic.
"Wait! What about Athrun?"
The 2 older teens couldn't care less about their team leader. But his disappearance (and possible capture) will have to be reported as well...
Afterthoughts
-The same as before: All events not referred to follow the original storyline.
-Please RnR!