This fanfic is a Fantasy/Action/Adventure/Romance one...

Disclaimer: Michiyo Hikari does not own anything from the anime/manga series, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed.

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Chapter 7 – The Mission

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The violent winds wailed outside as the rain continued its massive down pour. Inside Laura Hibiki's house, it was hard to see outside because of the terrible weather. Thunder and lightning clashed one after the other signalling their presence as they intensified the frightening storm.

Thankfully, the situation inside the house was better. Laura glanced at the others as she comfortably sat on her rocking chair. Lacus, along with Kira and the two E-Soldiers, sat at the sofa together while Cagalli sat comfortably in the love seat with the small tiger enveloped in her arms. Cagalli had taken care of it right after Lacus had finished bandaging its wounds. She even named it Zero because somehow... that was the first thing she thought of when she first saw it in Miriallia's arms. She didn't know why and she also didn't bother to think of the reason as she shrugged it away.

Cagalli read her watch and it stated that it was already ten o'clock in the evening. In Syphoria though, it only appeared to be seven. The girl quietly yawned to herself as minutes flew by, waiting and hoping for the arrival of a certain someone she would gladly give a welcoming punch to.

The house was surrounded with laughter and stories that flew about from one person to another under the bright chandelier that hung above them. The small table in front of them were filled with snacks, drinks, and other delights to satisfy everyone's appetite.

Cagalli watched everyone chat the night away. She didn't hear whatever came out of their lips; they were mere soundless words to her at that moment. Her mind wandered and drifted to Athrun as she stroked Zero's small head absent-mindedly. She heard his gentle roar and she smiled at him in return. Slowly, Zero opened his tired eyes and Cagalli was mesmerized by a majestic shade of crimson orbs. Zero painfully raised a paw towards Cagalli's face. It flinched upon what seemed to be a jolt of pain he felt inside him. Cagalli's eyes softened at its sight and she carefully lifted its small body. She soon rested him on top of her shoulder as if it was her way of telling him everything would be okay.

A shocking thunder surprised the people in the house before it was followed by a long streak of lightning. Even the lights flickered as if they would die out. Not a second longer, everyone's attention was turned to the noise they heard near the entrance of the house. It was a rather loud 'thud' that indicated something had collided with the door.

Each pair of eyes in the room turned to Lady Laura as they silently questioned her. A slow nod from the slightly old woman was all it took for Kira and Dearka to rush to where the sound came from. Kira slowly turned the cold doorknob and pulled open the door with Dearka on high guard behind him. A strong gust of wind and stinging drops of rain greeted the two men.

The sight they saw next made everyone gasp at what they witnessed. The ladies, all except Cagalli, had a hand covering their mouth with terrified eyes. The smell that quickly took over the room reeked with blood.

Apparently, what made the sound was not an object but a young man. A young man... who was almost covered with his own blood that was caused by the awful amount of cuts and injuries he received from who-knew-who, what, or where. He was unconscious as he lay on the floor, soaked by the freezing rain with nothing to keep him warm but his mercilessly torn clothes.

No one spoke for a good minute or two... each second felt like days of silence. After the said time, everyone was unsure of what to do. Minutes later, the living room was filled with orders and instructions of what should be done as everyone around Cagalli started to move. The body was carried and laid down on the sofa, blood immediately spreading on the cushion as it absorbed the red liquid from the man's back. Everyone made preparations to help the young man in every way possible. Everyone did something, everyone, except Cagalli.

Cagalli couldn't find her voice; she was too shocked to speak. Her vision began to blur by the gathering tears in her eyes that were close to rolling down her cheeks. She felt as if her heart was tightly clenched by her own chaotic emotions because she couldn't summon the will to breathe. She mainly stood there, staring at the scene in front of her, as she remained glued to her spot, immobile.

After coming back from upstairs, Lacus knelt down and dabbed on the man's bloody forehead. Cagalli continued to watch her friend as the pure white cloth slowly gave way to the red blood that took over it. Lacus continued her task but the amount of blood that trickled seemed out of control.

The smell of so much blood... the sight of it being too much to bear... weakened Cagalli as her knees started to lose their strength and her eyes slowly welcomed the darkness her entire body yearned for. And before she passed out, an almost inaudible whisper slid out of her mouth.

"A...th...run..."

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The atmosphere had never been so dark and depressing at Lady Laura's house. Although everyone tried their best to smile and tell a few jokes or two to ease the gloomy air, it was obvious to their fellow friends that they were all in pain and imprisoned by worry. No one ate as much as they used to, no one smiled as often as they usually did, and no one had looked so troubled, not after the unfortunate storm.

Two days had passed and Athrun was still unconscious. His body was covered in bandages with stains of blood from the deep wounds he had. According to Lady Laura, every bone in his left arm was brutally broken and completely fragile. His forehead was bandaged due to its unstoppable bleeding the night he came back. He lay on his bed, cold, and unmoved... as if he would breathe his last any minute. As if he would never, wake up again.

Laura had stayed in her library and read through books and searched about information in order for Athrun to heal quickly. Lacus had tried various times to create herbs that would be able to reduce his pain. Kira had been locked up in his room and had not gone out if it wasn't necessary. He seemed to be putting together the pieces of clues and possible events that might've happened to Athrun when he was in Hell. And Cagalli... had never looked so empty as she remained in Athrun's room, watching him, whenever she had the chance to.

It was early in the morning as Cagalli sat on a chair beside Athrun's bed. Zero, once again in her arms, studied the girl's eyes that had lost their fire. The last real smile he saw from her seemed like a decade ago. Cagalli was dazed, as if trapped in a barrier she created for herself. She barely spoke to anyone and was as moody as ever.

"Damn bastard." She whispered. Her eyes finally rising as she glared at the blue-haired man before her, regaining some of the energy her aura used to give out.

Painfully, Zero turned its head to look at Athrun and hissed furiously. What he did seem to have caused the pain from his injuries to intensify as it roared softly afterwards, shutting its eyes tight.

The tiger's clear hatred to Athrun went unnoticed to Cagalli. It confused her why, but it wasn't like she could ask. That would prove she had lost it. Maybe it was because she had acted differently since Athrun came home? Could she help it? No. But the thought of Zero actually worried about her painted a small smile on her face as she embraced the cub closer.

Cagalli was in the middle of recalling a few memories with Athrun only a month ago when she heard a small movement coming from the bed beside her. Her eyes immediately snapped back to Athrun as she watched him opening his eyes.

"A-Athrun." She heard herself whisper. "Y-You're awake."

Even if faint footsteps were heard from outside of the room, the two occupants took no notice of it. They didn't need to, Athrun had just woken up, Cagalli couldn't think of anything else.

"W-What... happened?" Athrun's voice was far from okay. It was too raspy and dry, as if he had a difficult time talking... and by the way he winced and clutched the bed sheet with his right hand, Cagalli assumed every word he spat out hurt him more that she could tell.

It pained Cagalli to see him like that. Athrun was always fine and smiling ever since they met and his situation that moment made her feel utterly sad. He was one of the last people Cagalli could think of who deserved such thing.

He's such a good person... he's always been there when people needed him... he thought of other people before himself... why is he... why... is he... the one who was treated like that? I don't get it... it's not fair!

Tears started welling up in Cagalli's eyes when she found her voice to speak. "I should be the one asking that." She plastered a fake smile on her face. She wouldn't cry in front of him. Not then... not ever again. Cagalli knew that Athrun seeing her cry would only make him feel worse. He would be guilty for worrying everyone and seeing her cry was the last thing he needed.

Athrun nodded, or at least attempted to. It took a huge amount of energy for him to do it and he hated the fact that he was in a very weak condition.

Loud footsteps were heard just a few feet away. "Athrun! Oh goodness, you're awake!" Lady Laura declared upon her arrival. She walked towards Athrun's bed and whispered something in his ear. Whatever it was, the surprise and angered look on Athrun's face told Cagalli it wasn't any good.

"He's... he's... going to pay." Athrun painfully coughed as he tried to speak. "There's... no doubt... in my mind... that he was... involved."

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The only source of light in the main floor of the house that night came from the crescent moon high up the dark vast sky. The house appeared to be abandoned and haunted for not a thing moved or made a sound. The tall shadows that tainted the walls didn't ease the dark atmosphere that loomed over the place and the chilly air brought nothing but numbness to its occupants.

"Is he asleep?" Kira whispered to Lacus just outside the door of Athrun's room.

She gave him a sad nod as a soft 'click' came from the door when she closed it gently. Her head drooped sadly as Lacus stood, her fringe covering her eyes.

"Lacus?" Kira watched her with worry.

Lacus didn't answer. She stayed silent until thin steaks of warm, colourless tears travelled down along her cheeks. She slowly lifter her gaze, her azure eyes blurred by the tears that waited to fall as she stared into Kira's eyes.

There was a feeling of guilt that crossed Kira's face before he immediately pulled Lacus into his arms, letting her cry away the pain she felt inside her.

"Oh Kira!" She sobbed, her arms around his neck, and her body leaning onto his for support.

The sight of seeing Lacus cry, always had a huge effect on the Kira. He couldn't afford to see her cry; it hurt him too much to do so. He was willing to do everything, anything he could to soothe her pain, even just a little. Her head on his chest, his arms that tightly held her delicate physique, and her cries that were muffled by his shirt... meant so much more than what he took it for.

"Don't worry, Lacus. Athrun will be okay... I know he'll be." Kira felt her nod. "Lacus?"

Lacus lifted her head as her hold on him loosened. With her cold hands, she wiped her tears dry. "Yes, Kira?"

He warmly smiled at her as he wiped a lone tear that rolled down her cheek. "No matter what... I'll always be here for you." Kira took her hands in his and raised it to his lips, giving each a soft kiss. "I promise."

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The night was still young when Miriallia and Dearka left the minute they got an order to slay a demon in another city, leaving Zero in Cagalli's care. They vowed to come by and visit the next time they could and wished Athrun well before they went on their way.

The hours of the night continued to go on, each minute feeling longer than what they were supposed to be.

The library was a fairly large room with books that filled every single shelf available. A table occupied the side of the room near the window as it was associated with pens, papers, and a big wooden chair with exotic, elegant carvings. On that chair sat Lady Laura as she looked at Lacus, Kira, and Cagalli who sat on the other side of her table. Every single one of them knew they were called in that room for a serious matter. It was as if after Athrun came home all banged up, nothing ever went their way.

"I've received urgent news that the four element crystals in Heaven were stolen and lost in Syphoria." Laura began.

Lacus gasped. "Oh no!"

Kira and Cagalli looked clueless.

"E-Element crystals?" Cagalli asked.

Laura gave Cagalli a slight nod. "Yes, child. There are individual crystals in Heaven that are highly kept and protected. The Earth, Water, Air, and Fire crystals are what keep Syphoria a good place to live in. Without them, it would be like Hell. The land will slowly die and lose its ability to grow crops, the air will be too foul to breathe, the water will be too polluted to drink, and the temperature in Syphoria will continue to decrease overtime. With the crystals stolen and the seal broken for demons to be able to come to Syphoria, it won't be safe for its people any longer."

Both Lacus and Cagalli looked alarmed.

Oh no, what are we supposed to do? This can't be happening. Cagalli spoke to herself.

"Is there… something we can do to help prevent things from getting worse?" Kira asked. Apart from Lady Laura, he was the only one who took the news calmly.

"Yes, Kira, I'm glad you mentioned that." Laura slowly sat forward and rested her arms on the table. "I know it's very unexpected, but I strongly believe that you three, along with Athrun when he heals, are very capable of retrieving those crystals. They have been scattered in Syphoria and it's very important that we find them as soon as possible. I know this is sudden but will you do it? I'd understand if you don't want to."

"It would be my pleasure to help, my lady." Lacus bowed.

Kira nodded in agreement. "The same goes for me."

Cagalli didn't know what to do. She could barely summon her Epheral and she was already asked to retrieve crystals that kept Syphoria alive? She was definitely not sure if she would be of service at all. "Um..." Everyone turned to her.

On the other hand, Cagalli couldn't exactly let Kira go and just leave it at that. Yes, she trusted Lacus, Athrun, and Lady Laura but what good was she of a sister if she didn't go? Even if she would be of little help, she was still responsible for looking out for Kira as a sister. What in the world would she tell her parents if she came home without Kira? At least if they were both gone, their parents would assume they were together. Right? But it wasn't the time to think about it then so Cagalli decided to put that aside and ask Lady Laura another time.

Screw it all, I'm going! "Well... I probably won't be able to help as much as I want to since... I just discovered my Epheral but I'd still go and do everything I can." Cagalli said as her eyes flamed with determination.

Lady Laura smiled. "Thank you very much, all of you." The worry written over her face seemed to have lessened after their responses. "Rest assured I will also be doing everything I can to help you. Now you must remember, in order to avoid causing panic to the people of Syphoria, I ask you to keep the information about the lost crystals to yourselves."

Cagalli, Lacus, and Kira nodded in unison.

"However, it's very crucial that we find the crystals before demons from hell do." said Lady Laura. "The crystals are not able to affect both Syphorians and demons but it can intensify the Epherals of those who can control each individual element."

It all started to fall into place, at least that's what Cagalli thought. "Y-You mean..."

"We can use the crystals to..." Lacus continued.

"Increase the powers of our Epherals?" finished Kira.

"Yes, precisely the reason why the four of you, including Athrun, are the best candidates to search for the crystals." Lady Laura grew more serious as every minute ticked by. "If you do find them, I trust all of you to use them wisely only, and I do emphasize, only when you absolutely need to." She took a deep breath that seemed to calm her down. "The missing crystals will take their effect in Syphoria in the span of a year. That's already a long time for you to search. The only problem is this, if demons found all the crystals before we do and gave it to their King, matters will get worse."

"How?" Cagalli couldn't help ask.

Lady Laura sighed. "If the King of Hell gets his hands on the crystals, he's not only capable of absorbing their powers, he will also be able to completely destroy Syphoria whenever he pleases."

"I see." said Kira.

"My lady, if it's not too bold to ask," said Lacus. "how will we know where to start the search?"

"Ah, that's a very good question, dear." Lady Laura then walked over to Cagalli and gently took the sleeping Zero in her arms. "He may be very weak right now but he will be useful in your journey."

In her disbelief, Cagalli yelled subconsciously, "Eh? Zero?" She was confused beyond comprehension. "But he's just... what does he have to... how can he possibly... I mean... what do you mean?"

Cagalli's reaction brought a light chuckle from Laura. "It's quite amazing that Miriallia and Dearka found him and brought him here. You see, just by looking at someone, I can tell in an instant what their Epheral is, what they are, and what other things they are able to do." She explained. "When I first saw Zero, I found out that he has the ability to teleport and he can sense the crystals' presence."

Lacus looked down at her hands with a sad look on her face. If Cagalli and Kira noticed, they would have asked why... but nobody saw the songstress's expression that moment.

"Unbelievable." Kira chimed in. "But how will we know if the crystals are near? You know... since he's a tiger."

Lady Laura sadly smiled as she stroked Zero's head. "When he has fully recovered, he will be able to speak and perhaps transform into his true form."

"Wow." Cagalli was excited at the idea of being able to speak to Zero. "Just...wow."

After Kira, Cagalli, and Lacus had gone to bed that night, Lady Laura still sat on her chair as she thought things through. She had just confirmed that the seal between Syphoria and Hell had finally been broken and the fact that the crystals were stolen just made the situation a hundred times worse. The only good thing that appeared to have happened that day was Athrun's awakening and... Zero's discovery.

Although she was occupied with her thoughts, Lady Laura slid open the drawer on her desk and took out a picture. In the photo were five children who looked very happy and adorable. The lady smiled and fingered the picture in her hand, memories flashing back through her mind.

Knock, knock.

Quickly putting back the photo where it belonged, Laura called out to her visitor. "Come in."

The door sprung open and revealed Lacus who didn't look delighted at all.

"What's wrong, child?" asked Laura.

Lacus silently closed the door and slowly walked over to Lady Laura with her head facing the floor. Upon reaching the table, Lacus finally looked up with tears in her eyes. "My lady..."

Laura knew what was about to come. "I'm sorry, Lacus."

Lacus nodded as she quietly cried. "He... oh my lady...!" Lacus ran to Lady Laura's side as she fell on her knees and sobbed.

Lady Laura covered her mouth as she felt tears starting to sting her eyes as well. "I know, Lacus, I know."

"I knew it!" Lacus continued to cry. "It's him, isn't it? It's him, my lady, it's him!"

"Yes, child... it can't be denied."

"Poor Zero..." said Lacus as her shoulders shook. "Poor, poor, Zero! My lady... he was almost killed, wasn't he?" Lacus looked at Laura's eyes as tears continued to roll down her cheeks. "Zero didn't deserve any of this!"

Lady Laura nodded as she stroked Lacus's hair, trying to comfort her. " I know, my dear, but he was only fulfilling his duties." By then, tears began to fall from her eyes. "I don't know why he came to us at this time. It seems rather suspicious that he's already with us right after the crystals were stolen."

Lacus nodded.

"One thing is for certain, Lacus, someone is behind all this and he or she has planned this all along." Lady Laura went on. "You must all be careful when you leave to find the crystals and remember to keep Zero's real identity a secret. At a time like this, every single demon will hunt for him if they find out that he's still alive."

Lacus sniffed. "Yes, my lady."

"I wonder..." said Lady Laura. "Cagalli named Zero without knowing it's actually his real name, correct?"

The songstress nodded.

"I see... as expected, a small amount of her memories are returning."

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To Be Continued
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