This chapter sure was painstaking to write. I couldn't seem to decide the course of events, whether I should put this event before the other.

I sincerely thank all the wonderful readers who took the time to review. :D

Even one review could make my day. I love you all~

The holidays are here, so I probably have more time to write, though I can't confirm it. I have to go school so many times that I almost lost count, and when I do go, it's for the entire day. Please be understanding. There may be times where I'll update maybe, at most three times a week, while other times, there might not be any updates for an entire week or more.

I realized that both Chapters 3 and 4 have a lot mistakes, and are quite poorly written. I'm thinking of re-writing the entire two chapters. What do you think? 0.0

And all hail long chapters! Should I make the chapters long or short? I prefer reading long chapters but writing them is an entirely different story. This chapter is actually only half of the supposed chapter. I thought of finishing the entire chapter, but if I did, I wouldn't be able to update 'till after the next three to four days. I have school for the next three days. *groans inwardly in despair* So, it's either this or nothing at all for some time.

Let me warn you, this chapter is rather boring but is necessary for the future chapters.

Hope all of you enjoy reading this chapter~

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed Destiny or any of its characters.

Friends

[Athrun's POV]

"Did I tell you that I hate you?"

I cocked an eyebrow in amusement, suppressing the urge to smile. I shook my head, my dark blue hair flailing wildly. Shinn pressed his lips together and pointedly stared ahead. I nearly chuckled at his reaction but stopped myself in time when he shot me a dirty look.

"Come on, Shinn. It's not that hard," I said soothingly, hoping to lighten his mood.

The dirty look on the younger teen's face immediately turned into an all-out glare. "Easy for you to say."

This time, I couldn't stop the laugh that erupted from my mouth at the sulky tone that he used. I bit my lip as he muttered a spew of colourful words and quickened his pace simultaneously.

"It's not easy, you know," I called teasingly at him. "Think about it. My very life had been controlled since the day I was born. I didn't exactly have a say about things that concerned my future."

Shinn snorted, not bothering to even glance over at me. "You were born with a silver spoon. With all that money, you could get whatever you want."

"Yeah, I could," I admitted slowly. "Be it food, clothes, games, CDs, or whatever. I didn't even have to get out of bed for breakfast if I wanted. But, when I think about it, it wasn't the kind of life that I wanted."

Shinn stopped mid-stride but continued when I was level with him. He tilted his head to look at me at the corners of his eyes.

"It didn't matter to me if I could have all those luxurious things. Maybe, if I had been born into a... less wealthy family, I might actually crave or want all those. But, I know now that those things aren't important," I continued. "I found it hard finding friends when I was young. Well, I had many, you could say. But define 'friends'. Most of them hung out around me because of my father," I swallowed the sudden lump in my throat and went on, "and, trust me, just because they were kids didn't mean that they weren't capable of such things."

I paused briefly. "I managed to find a friend though. A real friend. He was sensitive, kind, caring, emotional, childish and, well, everything a friend should be. In any case, I was engaged when I was thirteen. I -"

"Thirteen? And you agreed?" Shinn exclaimed, disbelief evident in his eyes.

I snorted. "Like I said, I didn't have a choice. At that time, I hadn't even met her in person before. But I was really surprised, though, when I found out that Lacus was my fiancée. To get back to the point, do you really think you want to live the life I had led? I hardly ever saw my dad; he was always at Plants working. In fact, there were times that I didn't see him for over a year. And, I feel kind of ashamed, you know, 'cause I felt... happier when he wasn't around. I suppose I felt that way because I didn't know him well. The only things I knew about him were his name, that he was my father and his job. As for my mom, she was the only kin that I knew who was close to me."

I glanced sideways and the corners of my lips curled upwards. Shinn seemed to be at a loss for words. His expression was so torn between shock and disbelief that he almost looked comical. "So, uh...," he began hesitantly. "I suppose you're very close to your mom. How is she?"

My eyes widened fractionally. I inspected his face and knew that he didn't mean any harm by asking that. Nevertheless, it didn't stop me from feeling upset at his words. I tried to keep a straight face and stared ahead. "She was one of the victims of the Bloody Valentine tragedy," I said emotionlessly.

I heard a small gasp and the sound of footsteps behind me faltered before stopping completely. I turned around to completely face him. This time, I could detect hints of guilt on his features.

"It's okay, you know," I smiled, though it didn't reach my eyes. "It already has been about three years. People who aren't close to me are bound to forget."

It was common knowledge to both the people of Plants and Earth that the wife of the late Chairman Patrick Zala had fallen victim to the tragic disaster.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

I took the few steps that separated us and tugged lightly at his arm. "Come on, let's go."

He hesitated but fell into step as I started walking again. "You haven't answered my question," I prompted after a few minutes of awkward silence.

"Which one?"

"That one. I only asked you one question." I rolled my eyes.

Shinn frowned. I could bet my first salary that he had completely forgotten about it. A few minutes passed and he still hadn't replied. I sighed.

"Do you really think that my life was one that you wanted to have?" I finally asked.

"Oh, that one," Shinn nodded absent-mindedly. "Well, after thinking about it, the answer is... no. I mean, no offense, but that kind of life sucks. I would never agree to an arranged marriage, especially not at that age. Though I wouldn't mind having breakfast in bed," he added thoughtfully.

I chuckled softly. "Hey, enough about me. You haven't told me things about yourself."

He looked at me in surprise. "What's there to know about me? Don't you know everything already?" Seeing the blank expression on my face, he continued, "I used to live in Orb, led a completely normal life, that is until... that happened."

I didn't have to ask to know what he was talking about. I patted his shoulder lightly, shaking my head. I could tell from his sudden change of tone that he still hurt just by talking about it.

"No, not that," I changed the subject. "I don't know what you like or anything. What's your favourite food and colour? Your hobby? What do you like to do in your pastime?"

Shinn snorted. "What am I? Your boyfriend? Why do you need to know?"

"Well," I tried to find the right words. "Like I told you previously, I didn't have many friends. I don't need to know but I want to know. I don't really have much experience with this so I'm using the... direct approach," I said awkwardly. What am I saying?

I cleared my throat. "You can just say I'm curious. Aren't friends supposed to know about this kind of things?" I asked, and added softly, "We're friends now, right?"

The black-haired teen looked at me, startled at the abrupt question. "Yeah, we're," he answered after an agonizing minute of waiting. Much to my surprise, he laughed.

"What's so funny?" I demanded.

"I didn't know you were so... ignorant of such simple things," he smirked teasingly. "I suppose you're right. Friends should know, though I don't think that it's very important in a friendship. But, from what I know, only a boyfriend or a girlfriend would ask his or her partner the way you did."

I could feel heat forming in my cheeks. "You can't blame me for that. I didn't know."

"Of course I don't blame you. But, seriously, do you ask all of your friends that?" Shinn asked curiously.

"Well, uh...," I hesitated. "Yeah..."

A smile threatened at the corners of his mouth. "I see. Who were they?"

I was about to voice out 'Kira' but stopped myself in time. "Lacus, Rusty and Nicol."

"Only three? I understand that you had to be friends - engaged -," he amended, "with Miss Lacus. Then that only makes two," Shinn exclaimed in amazement.

"Yeah. I told you I had only a few friends. As much as I hate to admit it, my life was pretty lonely. Kind of hard to make friends when you're not sure of their real intentions." Especially after the war had ended. I added silently.

"Where are these two people now? This Rusty and Nicol."

I grimaced. Shinn seemed to be asking the questions I would rather not hear or answer for the rest of the lifetime. I really didn't want him t o feel guilty anymore, but I knew that if I lied, it would do neither of us any good. So, I tried to answer only part of the truth. "They were my comrades during the previous war."

"Oh. What are they doing now?"

I groaned inwardly. Looks like I had no choice. I managed a small smile and looked at him apologetically. "They didn't survive."

I felt a pang of regret the moment the words left my mouth. Guilt shadowed his features as the words sank in. His mouth opened and closed, unable to form any coherent words.

"It's okay. You really didn't know," I said soothingly.

He bowed his head, his dark hair obscuring his face. I heard a faint sigh escape his lips. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked that. I should have known not to."

I sighed as well. I sucked in a deep breath. "Well, hey, you haven't answered my questions this time," I said cheerfully.

He glanced over at me gratefully. He seemed to think about it for an infinitesimal minute before answering. "Well, I like the colour green, because it's the colour which represents nature best. I'm not really fussy about food, as long as they don't taste so bad. I absolutely detest vegetables though," he stuck out his tongue. "They taste horrible."

Both of us came to a stop outside the dining room. We had agreed to grab something to eat before discussing about the task I had given him.

"I'm not hungry anymore," Shinn sighed and feigned wistfulness. "Your request completely took away my appetite."

I arched an eyebrow in confusion. "But you were the one who asked me to come here first to eat with you. And you asked after I made the request."

He pouted childishly. "Fine," he muttered curtly.

I grinned and was about to enter when he suddenly pulled me back roughly.

"What?"

The latter seemed uncomfortable as he shifted from foot to foot. "Well, uh... why don't we talk about the uh task first?"

"Why?"

He looked at me impatiently. "There's no particular reason." Seeing what must have been disbelief on my face, he insisted, "It's really nothing."

"Doesn't look like nothing to me," I retorted.

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Athrun. Let's go," he muttered as he began walking pass the dining room.

I stared at him in confusion, but fell into step soon after. "Where are we going?"

"Outside. It's easier to talk there without having anyone hearing us."

I nodded skeptically, wondering what exactly was on his mind. Silence enshrouded us as we walked, none of us speaking. Usually, I would feel kind of strange and awkward, but this time, I felt calm and, well, normal. I marveled at my sudden ability to feel this way. This rarely ever happened. The only past occurrences were during the times I was with Kira, Rusty, Nicol, Lacus and Cagalli. I suppose I could include Dearka and Yzak in but we spent most of our time together either fighting or conversing sarcastically. That time the three of us visited our fallen comrades, it was actually the first time we ever had a decent conversation.

As I mulled over this, I felt the sudden spark of curiousity burning inside me again. I eyed the teen beside me until I gained his attention.

"What?"

I felt the smile that had gradually formed on my face widen. "You haven't answered all of my questions yet. What about your hobby? Your pastime? And, what's your favourite book?"

[Shinn's POV]

I was mildly amused at Athrun's questions that he bombarded me with as we made our way through the immense ship. I answered as truthfully as I could. I was pretty amazed that he had actually asked all of these to his friends. And I thought the former Zaft ace was actually cool and everything. I looked back and nearly sighed in relief that he didn't question why I had insisted that we don't enter the dining room. I mentally threw my head against the wall in punishment that I had actually forgotten that Rey and Luna were inside.

As we took a step outside, I felt a sudden gust of wind tug at my hair. We stood next to the railings and stared at the open ocean. The sun was slowly descending towards the ocean, its bright rays giving the water a strange, ominous colour. I marveled at the sight, appreciating the beauty that was before me. Much to my dismay, the times that I could simply stare at nature's beauty was becoming less and less frequent. Instead, I had to spend more of my time on the battlefield, kicking the crap out of all my enemies.

"So, you do remember what I told you a moment ago, right?"

I gazed skywards and took in a deep breath. "Yeah. I do. But, I still find it hard to believe..."

"Yeah, I didn't believe it initially. Though I did suspect something was definitely wrong."

I furrowed my eyebrows, wondering how to reply. "Well, hey, let's forget about it. She's probably just another one of those lovesick people out there." I shrugged carelessly.

He looked at me skeptically. "If you say so."

I knew with a sudden certainty that I wasn't going to get a better time than this to talk to him. I took one last glance at the ocean before turning all of my attention to him.

"Athrun, we need to talk. I know we had agreed to look more into the task but, right now, what I have to say is more important."

His cool, emerald eyes grazed against mine and I could see the mild surprise in them. He kept silent and I took it as an affirmative.

"You are wavering, aren't you?"

I simply stared at him expressionlessly as he took a step back, probably taken aback my abrupt question.

"Shinn, no... I-I... I don't know," he sighed, his face bleak with confusion.

My lips thinned as I took in his words. "I see. Athrun, listen to me. Don't listen to any crap that bloody Freedom told you, you understand me? He's lying, and even if he really does believe in his so-called justice, than he's wrong. He has no idea on what he's doing. I know his words hurt you and you're no longer sure on what you should be doing. But, think about it, Athrun! Have you thought about the consequences on what that moron had done? I know he hardly ever kills out there. I know he's choosing to become some sort of angel who dismantles mobile suits instead of just killing off the pilot. And, yeah, I admit, I kind of admire him for that. For his benevolence. But, it doesn't change the fact that he's fighting for the wrong things.

"Like, seriously, what can you actually get by interfering in a battle? He's not only fighting our enemy, but us as well. If he's trying to get the battle to stop, then he already failed; he just created more havoc!" I was about to list more out when Athrun lifted his right hand up to stop me. I narrowed my eyes in having been interrupted but stopped anyway.

"Shinn, I get your point," he started, but I didn't believe him somehow. He may look convincing but his expression sure didn't match his tone. "Maybe they are simply trying to break the treaty between Orb and the Ear -"

"That's crap!" I growled. "That stupid blonde did try to make Orb stop, but did they stop? No, they didn't. Just what the hell do they want to do now, huh? Interfere in every battle just to show people that they're powerful? I don't give a damn even if they were once the war heroes who stopped the previous war. It doesn't change the bloody fact that we lost many Zaft soldiers on account of them. And it doesn't change the fact they are being ridiculous and impulsive! By fighting both sides, nothing will change, except make both sides hate them to the core. And, yeah, I hate them too.

"I know, maybe I don't have any right to say this. Maybe they are doing this for some unknown reason that might actually make their actions reasonable. But, at this instant, I do know that they are our enemy. If they really want the war to stop, the first thing they should do is make their intentions clear. Who are they fighting against? Why are they fighting? And, probably the most important of all, get Orb to break the treaty. Use force if necessary. They heard what the Chairman said. If they need help, we can help them, if our goals are the same. And, our goals are the same, if they aren't lying. We are fighting to end the war. To eliminate the cause of the war. But, their doing this, doesn't this show that they want something else?"

Athrun looked at me impassively. I had the distinct feeling that he was hiding something from me. I brushed away the uneasy feeling and continued, "Maybe, you do know why they're doing this more than I do. But, just think about it Athrun. Look at us. Look at what we've done. We helped so many people. Be it Coordinators or Naturals. I know not many people like Zaft, but I think we're certainly better than that asshole and his ship," I paused, and added softly, "If ever the time comes when you doubt yourself and your actions, then think about what we had done, and compare it with his actions. And then decide for yourself who it is you should be fighting against."

In actual fact, I didn't know where all those words came from. I had just intended to knock some sense into him but not utter a speech that long. I shook my head slightly. Just what in the world was wrong with me? I scrutinized my commander's face and could see that he was obviously having a mental war within himself. I almost sighed. As far as I knew, sighing could become my pastime. I looked at the ocean again and waited patiently for him to re-collect his thoughts together.

I really couldn't understand why Athrun was so unsure on his path. I mean, Zaft was right. The Chairman is right. What the Freedom and the Archangel were doing was completely unnecessary. So what if they fought both sides during battle? They aren't stopping the war at all. I knew that I had to, at least, make Athrun see sense. I understand that they were once his comrades and maybe he didn't want to believe that they are his enemy. Still, he has to accept it sooner or later. I didn't know if what I said made any sense. I have never been good at advising people or anything, but I hoped that he would understand the meaning of it. If he didn't, I'd just try again.

"I really can see your point, Shinn," Athrun suddenly murmured.

If he had not been emotionally shattered, I would have sneered derisively at his words. Instead, I asked emotionlessly, "Really? Then why are you still so unsure?"

A sigh escaped his lips as he paused. "I don't know. But I'll try to take your words in mind."

"Yeah, right," I muttered.

I suddenly felt my hair being ruffled. I turned to look at Athrun indignantly. "Hey!"

"What?" he asked innocently.

When I didn't deign to respond, he chuckled. "Relax, Shinn. Hey, I wanted to ask you this for a long time," he paused, searching my face. "Do you like that blonde?"

I felt incredulity and rage sweep through me in an instant. "What? How can -"

Athrun quickly held his hands up and shook his head. "Wait! I didn't mean that blonde as in Cagalli but -"

This time, I found myself feeling dumbfounded by his question. What was he asking, anyway? I steeled myself and deadpanned, "You think I like Rey, don't you?"

The green-eyed teen lifted an eyebrow in amusement. "No, I don't think that," he said, his smile threatening to widen at the corners. "I'm actually talking about that girl... Stellar, was it?"

'Oh' was the only thing I could muster. I could feel my cheeks burning with such intensity that I wished I could find a hole and drop inside, where no one would see me again.

I shifted my foot uneasily. "Well... I guess so," I admitted.

I swore if I had a gun, Athrun wouldn't still be alive. He had that same dazzling smile on that face of his which was seriously annoying the hell out of me. His green eyes were shining with some sort of triumphant emotion that I couldn't comprehend.

"What's wrong with you?"

"It's nothing. I just suspected it all along. And, well, someone once told me I would never be able to distinguish between such things. It's kind of nice to prove that certain someone wrong," he shrugged.

I rolled my eyes. "I never knew my 'cool' commander could be such a kid."

Athrun laughed again. I was quite surprised at this. He seemed to become happier as the day went on. He didn't even laugh once before the Saviour was taken down.

THIS IS THE CAPTAIN SPEAKING. ALL PILOTS ARE TO REPORT TO ME IMMEDIATELY. I REPEAT, ALL PILOTS ARE TO REPORT TO ME IMMEDIATELY.

Both of us looked up at the sudden message which blasted through the speakers, demanding our attention.

"Let's go. The Captain needs us," Athrun said almost lazily.

"You're included as well?"

"I suppose so. She said 'all pilots', did she not?"

I merely nodded as we headed quickly for the Captain.


[Athrun's POV]

"Do you see the urgency of the situation?"

All of us - Shinn, Rey, Lunamaria and myself - looked up and nodded. The Captain looked at every single one of us sternly, emphasizing on the danger that awaited us in the horizon.

"But, why? Why would they do such a thing?"

I tilted my head and saw the burning flames of rage glinting in his eyes. I lowered my eyes and felt the same rage course through me. Why would people do such things? Hadn't the previous war taught us enough not to repeat the same mistake ever again?

"I don't know, Shinn," Captain Gladys said gently. "But, it is our duty as Zaft soldiers to wipe out the cause of the massacre as soon as possible. Many lives have already been lost. I trust that all of you will do your best in this upcoming battle. This is one battle we must not lose."

The four of us saluted and started to file out of the room.

Silence fell over us like a shroud as we made for the pilots' room. The upcoming battle was one that would determine a lot of lives. Even as I thought this, more people were falling victim to the heartless Earth Alliance. I clenched my fists at the thought. Damn them. Damn them for taking away each second of the innocent lives that they stole.

My mind started taking on a rather insane edge, wanting nothing more at the moment than to punish those responsible personally for the current massacre. I sighed, unable to keep it in any longer. Three heads turned towards me at once but I pretended otherwise.

We soon reached the room designated for pilots only. I trudged pass them and settled on the couch, frowning as I thought over everything the Captain and Shinn had said. Lunamaria sat down not far from me, wisely keeping quiet.

Shinn was right, in a way. The Earth Alliance certainly was our enemy. It was the right thing to do, wasn't it? Look at them now! The Earth Alliance had almost completely destroyed western Eurasia. All those lives... They were gone, and they weren't ever coming back. Kira... Who should I be fighting against? Why is it that I still can't find the answer? Who should I believe at this moment of time? You or Shinn?

Shinn and Rey entered the room again, each holding a helmet in their hands. I shifted slightly to look at them.

"Be careful out there. This is the first time we ever came across such a thing," I said emotionlessly.

Rey nodded whereas the ruby-eyed teen simply stared at me.

"Shinn, remember what I told you. Don't feed that impulsive nature that you're so prone to having," I continued lightly - though I was dead serious - knowing that I certainly was going to hit a nerve. And I did.

"Of course I won't, Commander," he muttered curtly.

As they left, I waited with exaggerated patience as the Minerva continued on to Berlin.*


*It's the battle where the GFAS-X1 Destroy was taken down by the Freedom. I intend to allow the same thing to happen, and since all of you already know the outcome of the battle, should I write it still?

As I'm sure you've realized, my skills at writing fighting scenes aren't exactly what I would like to call even mediocre. The only difference between the fight in the anime and the one here is the interaction between Shinn and Kira. Nothing else will change.

I know this chapter is rather boring but both Shinn and Athrun have to become closer to each other. I don't know about you guys but I find reading something like 'They had become rather close with each other after that particular incident had occurred' rather depressing.

The chapters to come after this will set the story into motion. Finally. And I haven't written exactly what Athrun told Shinn. Do you think you can guess?

And, of course, the first thing you should do now is click on the 'Review this Chapter' right in the middle of the screen. Review please! Feedback and criticism are appreciated to better improve my writing. Thank you~

~ Immersion