(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.

Chapter Twenty Three

Inside

Outside the Underground Base

Kira watched and waited and he knew they couldn't stay here to long so they would have to make a move soon. Kira knew that once inside the security would be even tighter, Kira saw one chance that he could take to get in and before putting it into motion he turned to Lacus.

"Stay right behind me, we only have one chance at this," Kira told her as Lacus slightly smiled.

Lacus placed her hand on his cheek as she inched closer placing her lips to his, Kira returned her kiss and a few seconds later they parted from it.

"Whatever happens I have no regrets," Lacus said as Kira smiled at her as he returned to looking around the corner and as soon as he saw the chance they made their move.

From earlier observations of the surrounding area Kira took notice to the number of guards and their patterns of patrolling. In front of this facility they had two watch towers with three in each. There were ground patrols of about five that each walked a similar pattern around the front. The front gate was guarded by two and all were heavily armed.

Kira wasn't at all surprised that Patrick guarded a facility that was practically impossible to find. Kira knew that if the security was this tight for the outside it would be far worse on the inside, but he would have to worry about that later. His first priority was getting inside and Kira knew the perfect way for doing that. They were still loading in supplies for the base and some were fairly large containers. Kira knew that the club's floor did make a large elevator, but with the supply containers that large it made Kira think that their had to be another way to get down here, and it had to be a way that wasn't located in any of the logs anywhere or he would have saw it when he hacked into the files.

Kira put that off and figured out a way to get inside, from what he saw that if they got into one of these containers then it should at least allow them to get inside the base. With the loader coming back for another container Kira would make his move once they were finished, he timed out the guards movements and that would give them about thirty seconds before they would be seen. Kira could have easily done this alone, but with Lacus he would have to take extra caution so it was going to be close.

Kira watched as the loader picked up the container and placed it on the back of a truck, the truck could take one more so this had to be it. As soon as the loader machine turned with that container Kira quickly looked around and saw that the guards were far enough away so they made their move.

Kira grabbed Lacus' hand and he moved from that wall straight towards the other container, Kira kept his eyes all around and his gun in his free hand, if he had to he would fire but that would blow their cover and they would never make it. As they got to the back of the container, that took about ten seconds so they still had another twenty. Kira looked around real quick again and saw that he still had time so now came the hard part of getting in; the opening was locked so Kira pulled out his small custom made device and began trying to pick the lock.

Lacus watched as this was the way he got into her room when they first met. Kira got the lock open but the door was a little jammed so he had to use his strength to move the opening hatch to get in. they were down to about thirteen seconds and Kira once again looked around to see that the guards were starting to make their last round before they would turn towards the container.

Lacus watched again as it was getting a little to close, Kira pulled with all his might and the hatch finally opened. Kira turned to Lacus and helped her quickly get in as he followed closing the hatch while holding it in place for precaution. The lock was picked, but just looking at it you wouldn't be able to tell, so he just made sure that it stayed shut. It was now dark but Kira would be able to check, but he wouldn't do that for awhile. Kira finished all of this with three seconds to spare.

Lacus found herself next to him as she leaned up against him, they couldn't see each other, but she was relieved.

They had to stay quiet for awhile and wait, but from where Kira remembered on the maps he saw this would get them to the storage building located towards the far left side of the facility. That would also give him the access he needed to make his way to the hangers, but that was all he knew, everything else he wasn't able to get so he was practically going in knowing nothing.

They stayed like that and the loader returned picking up that container and loading it on the truck, as the last container the truck could hold they would now move in towards the base. Kira and Lacus stayed quiet as they were picked up and placed on the truck. Kira didn't open the hatch at all yet, he would know when it was safe. They felt the truck start moving and it stopped right at the front gate.

Kira very slightly cracked the hatch and he heard the guards speaking, using his abilities he could hear a little better than most when the situation called for it. Kira listened and slightly smiled as they cleared him and he shut it when the truck started moving again.

They went inside the gate and the truck started heading for the storage facility, the place was very big and all Kira and Lacus could do now was wait until they stopped. The truck pulled in to the storage facility and stopped. Kira could tell that they had to arrive, but now would come the part where they would have to unload and he didn't want to be here for that.

Kira cracked the hatch a little further and looked around to see that they were in the storage building and he saw no guards yet, he looked to the sides and saw lots of equipment and supplies stored here so they would have to make their move now.

"Let's go," Kira told her as Lacus agreed.

Kira opened the hatch as the guys weren't even out of the truck yet. Kira jumped out of the hatch and landed on the ground, he looked around real quick and when he saw no one he looked up at Lacus.

Lacus got out and climbed down, but Kira helped her when she was near the ground as he lifted her off and placed her on the ground. They didn't want to say anything yet, so they wasted no time and began heading into the stored supplies using it for cover. Kira kept his UMP aimed and Lacus followed behind as they made their way towards the door, the place had all silver outlines and it wouldn't provide much for cover so Kira knew that he would have to engage at some point, he only hoped that he could get a little further first.

Kira and Lacus wasted no time as Kira looked around and they ran towards this door as Kira didn't hesitate and he opened it aiming his rifle straight in front as Lacus watched.

Inside the Facility

Kira was at first surprised that the door wasn't locked, but then again they most likely didn't think that anyone would ever find this place either. Kira kept his rifle pointed straight in only to find nothing but the empty hallway.

Kira was relieved but that would be short lived Kira looked straight ahead and into a few security cameras. Kira now knew that it wouldn't be long before the entire base would be alerted to his presence so they had to make this quick, but in a place he had never been before that would be difficult.

Kira lowered his rifle only slightly as he looked over at Lacus, "It won't be long before they sound the alert, we have to move quickly, whatever happens don't stop and stay right behind me," Kira told her with a touch of concern.

Lacus nodded to him as she got right behind him.

Kira turned his attention back towards the door and they moved in. Kira kept his rifle raised as he looked around. This place was very different from what he had ever been in, the walls were made of some sort of metal and they were very narrow, Kira knew that was a security measure and he knew they would have no where to run if they ran into trouble, but that would be inevitable now that they are in here.

Kira quickened the pace as he saw something towards the end of the first hallway, Lacus was able to follow and she did what Kira asked.

Kira stayed up against the wall as he looked at the upcoming door and when he was close enough he stopped with a small smile.

Lacus stopped behind him as she noticed his smile, "What is it Kira?" Lacus said in almost a whisper.

Kira looked back at her a little, "This is the first security door…this could be useful to us," Kira said as he started removing one of his grenades, his supply was now critical but he knew if they had a terminal inside then he might be able to do something about his short supply.

Lacus watched what he was doing, and she was a little relieved when it was a non-lethal one he was using.

Kira pulled out his smoke grenade that would work well in his favor at the minute. Kira then moved towards the door silently as possible with Lacus following behind.

Before Kira removed the pin he quickly looked over at her, "Wait for my signal to come in, I shouldn't be long," Kira told her as Lacus nodded to him with a look of worry in her eyes.

Kira started taking a couple of deep breaths which would be enough for him to last several minutes at normal pace, on the last one Kira moved towards the door and popped the pin out as opened the door slightly as he heard voices and then he threw the grenade in, and a few seconds later he followed.

Security Room

Inside the security room where all monitors for cameras and a few other measures were located along with about five guards they were sitting their playing some sort of card game when Kira and Lacus entered the base. These guards were the type not to take their job very seriously but as soon as the door opened they did hear something come in.

"Why are we stuck at this base?" one said.

"What are you talking about…our future main weapons are located here," another replied.

"What about all those rumors about the leaders number one? I mean all of you saw the broadcasts," the other said as they were talking about Kira.

It was then that one was going to answer but that was when Kira threw the grenade in. the door opened and the next they saw was something rolling in. It only took a second to register what it was as all stood up and before they could get a word out the grenade went off releasing the smoke and immediately filling up the room.

Kira outside waited for a second before he entered the room, closing the door behind him to keep as much smoke in as possible.

The guards inside were surprised and had no time to prepare as they were coughing like crazy and others were feeling very dizzy.

Kira entered with his breath held and he saw two straight in front of him, they didn't see him and they never would as Kira struck them both hard on the back of the head knocking them both out.

Kira looked around and saw another one starting to take notice of what was going on and he was reaching for his weapon. Kira didn't take any chances as if he were to die here so would Lacus. Kira dropped in a front roll and landed right at the man's feet as he removed his knife and stabbed it straight into the mains right side. The man felt his strength leave him as Kira was looking for the other two. Kira felt him stop struggling as he spotted the other two.

Kira dropped his body as he was still on one breath and would be able to go at full strength for a little while longer.

The other two were next to each other and one did take notice to Kira as the other one wasn't able to take the strong gas anymore and passed right out. The other one moved towards Kira but as he was blinking his eyes Kira was no longer there, he was confused at first until he felt a hand go around his throat and that was Kira. Kira used his speed as he got in front of him and Kira normally would have killed him right then and their but he didn't want Lacus to see anymore death than necessary so with his free arm he threw a sideway punch to the side of his head knocking him to the ground and out cold as the gas was now fully taking affect.

Kira now wasted no more time getting out of the room, as he headed for the door. He reached it and went out as Kira opened the door and went out.

Lacus saw the door open and she saw Kira come out and to her relief unharmed; Kira let his breath go as she quickly got to him and wrapped her arms around him afraid he would collapse. Kira was a tad bit out of breath but nothing he couldn't handle.

"Are you alright Kira?" Lacus asked in concern.

Kira looked at her, "We have to wait a few more seconds then it should be clear," Kira told her as Lacus frowned.

"That wasn't what I asked Kira," Lacus told him in a serious voice.

Kira slightly smiled, "I am fine…I took care of the room so we should be able to get what we need in there," Kira said as he wrapped his one arm around her and pulled her close to him as Lacus leaned into him. Now was defiantly not the time for this, but Kira was starting to enjoy this feeling more and more of being around her, but to those that knew him best would say that his skills were starting to soften a little and that was not good for their situation.

After a few seconds Kira made sure to keep his eyes on the hallway and it was very strange that they weren't spotted yet, and they saw no one, but he would worry about that later.

"It should be cleared now," Kira told her as he opened the door again and the smoke was practically gone. The bodies that were still alive were still knocked out and Kira took full notice to the room.

There were several monitors near here and a few computer terminals and Kira wasted no time as he began to look around.

Lacus stayed behind him as she placed a hand on his shoulder, and watched him.

Kira looked around on the terminal and he tried pulling up all the files on this facility and from what he gathered this place wasn't as big as it looked on the outside as much of the facility was for the mobile suits so Kira found the place where they were at now and knew to get to the hanger they had to keep going and head straight towards back…Kira knew that was their way out but he checked on something else first.

Kira checked another room at the opposite side of the next hallway and found what he was looking for as it was a weapon's storage, there he could probably gain a few more supplies. This was a necessary risk that would have to be taken, it was a little out of their way but Kira decided they would have to stop here.

Not much more could be found here as this place was only a security station so Kira looked one last time at the back area and memorized where they would have to go.

Kira finished and looked at Lacus, "We have to hurry," Kira told her as Lacus nodded and she followed him up and out of the door.

Kira was in a defensive stance as he looked around outside the door still found no one. Kira looked at Lacus and they were on their way again, as they went down the hallway that lead to the weapons storage that was when they found trouble.

Little did they know that they were being watched the entire time from the main room leading towards the mobile suit docks and they had seen enough.

Kira peaked around the hallway at all of the guards going in and out of the storage and he counted about seven or eight but there were probably more inside.

Kira looked around the hallway and there was only a small weapons crate and that was their only cover but it was a little ways away. Kira knew that once he opened fire it they would be on him so he had to make sure they could make it to that crate so he was watching the guards for any sort of pattern they were walking but time wouldn't allow that anymore.

Kira was looking and Lacus was to the side of him, but that was when the alarm was sounded from the main room a little ways away.

Kira and Lacus immediately looked around as the alarm was sounded, but Kira turned his gaze back to the hallway and saw that the guards were now aware they had an intruder, Kira knew it was now or never. He looked over to Lacus and she understood as Kira turned the corner and opened fire with his UMP.

Main Room

The main room was a room that connected to the mobile suit hanger, the one in charge of this base was well aware of Kira and as soon as Kira entered this base the team in here was not slacking off and they became aware of the situation as the commander slightly smiled as he saw them.

"We have intruder's sir," one said as he was watching.

The base commander got a notice from the leader Patrick earlier saying to tighten up security as precaution, but he never thought that the famous Kira known to practically only a few selected people would come here for his escape route.

The commander slightly smiled, "What a fool this number one is."

"Should we tighten up security sir?" one asked.

The commander looked at him, "Not yet."

The team looked confused, "Sir…" they said.

The commander slightly smiled, "Let him them get in a little further…this will be my glory day when I catch both the traitor and the Clyne girl, once they get past the first station have our outer troops head in the way they came, cut off their escape routes he will have to come here and we will make sure he has no where to go," the commander said as this was a good way to up his career.

"Yes sir," one said as they started calling everybody patrolling outside to head in.

"Why would he come here?" one asked.

"How he even found this base is beyond me," another said.

"He wants his toys that is why," the commander said as he was referring to the mobile suits, "After all he did have a major role in building them, designed most of them…a pity he has turned on us," the commander said as most didn't know Kira but they listened to their commander.

"What is the status on the suits?" the commander asked as they did a major overhaul on them earlier.

One team member looked at him, "The three are at about ninety percent sir…the other five are around thirty percent still sir."

The commander took that into thought as he looked at the security channel, "Sir it appears he has entered the security room."

The commander smiled, "Not yet," the commander said as Kira took care of business their and then when he watched them leave he frowned as Kira started heading towards the weapon storage.

"That will not work," the commander said as all looked at him.

"We cannot let him re-supply sound the alarm and move them in," the commander ordered, "One last thing get me our leader on the line," the commander said as it was time to report, he was expecting to get Kira with no trouble.

"Yes sir," the team replied as they did what they were told and the commander watched with a smile as the alarm went off and Kira started to take action.

"You are my ticket to glory," the commander told himself as he knew of the reward of bringing in these two.

Weapons Storage and Nearby Hallway

As soon as Kira heard that alarm sound he knew the guards were listening to the alert so it was best to take advantage of the situation. With the guards alerted by the alarm Kira wasted no time as he opened fire at the opposing guards. His weapon was silenced so many didn't know what was happening until it was over. After the first three dropped from Kira's perfect aim the others were well aware as they saw the lone figure firing at their comrades.

They wasted no time as they started aiming their weapons and Kira was able to take another one down but there were now still four left.

The others watched another one fall as they opened fire towards Kira, Kira quickly moved back against the metal wall as the bullets flew past him.

Lacus stayed back like Kira told her to and Kira was waiting as a few of them stopped to reload while others were waiting for Kira to counter attack.

Kira only responded by aiming his rifle over the side and firing randomly while not looking. Kira didn't want to waste too much ammo so he reached into his assault vest once again and this time pulled out his lethal grenade. Kira fired again with his one hand as he used the other to pull the pin out and he stopped firing as he threw the grenade down the hallway.

The guards stopped firing as they saw the grenade but that was too late, it detonated and took out three immediately while critically hitting another. Kira waited a second as the smoke cleared and he once again came out from the side of the wall and into full view as he saw the damage.

Kira saw the one left that was moving but he wouldn't be able to do anything so he just let him be. Kira looked back at Lacus as he took her hand and now they made their way towards the storage room. Kira was surprised that no one came out from the storage room and he was beginning to wonder just what was going on in this base.

Lacus looked around at the devastation and it was terrible, but if they didn't stop Patrick Zala's plans then there would be a lot more of this and far more deadly. They made their way towards the room and Kira was once again cautious as he opened the door aiming his rifle in and once again, he found the room empty. Kira and Lacus wasted no time as they went in and the door shut.

Weapon Storage

Kira and Lacus walked in to find it deserted but very well equipped and full of supplies.

"They must have just got a shipment in…but what worries me is where everyone is," Kira said as he began looking around for the ammo that fit his weapons.

Lacus looked around and it surprised her as well, "Do you think this is a trap?" Lacus asked.

Kira looked at all the ammo and since his rifle was very rarely used he didn't expect to find much. However they did have a small section of things for it and Kira slightly smiled as Lacus joined him.

"I don't think that they initially had a trap planned for here, but they without a doubt know now so I wouldn't put it past them to try and come up with something," Kira replied as he began stocking up his vest, pockets and bags. Lacus offered to put some in her bag and Kira didn't really want anything to slow her down, but this was a desperate time so she packed it in her bag along with him.

Kira took a few for his Ump, plus a few new attachments that were just lying around so he would put them to good use later, Kira headed over towards the handgun section and grabbed a few more for his Socom and his M9s. Lastly Kira wanted to restock his grenades and after a quick look at the door he grabbed a variety of them and placed some in his vest and a few others in his bag, this would last him if he used them wisely, but now Kira had a little heavier load so he was worried it would slow him down a little.

Kira and Lacus finished packing a few things and Kira looked at her, "We are running low on time we have to move," Kira said as they were now moving towards the door.

Lacus went with him as they walked out and as soon as they neared the crate they were fired on by two towards the hallway where Kira entered from.

Kira moved Lacus downward as they ducked behind that metal crate and the other two didn't seem to stop firing.

Kira couldn't get a good angle with his rifle and the only thing he could reach without breaking cover was the M9 towards his ankle. Kira kept his arm around Lacus making sure she didn't break cover while he was counting the shots fired, Lacus only placed her head on his chest as he clutched his vest tightly. Kira shut his eyes to let his ears do the work here and from the angle of the shots he could tell where they were firing from.

Kira waited for it and as soon as he felt the time was right he rose up quickly firing a shot towards the left of the wall striking the one man in the head, Kira immediately dropped back into cover as the other one fired shortly after that. Kira kept the pattern they used in his head and knew when to get the other one.

Kira waited again as he released Lacus causing her to look at him with worry, and Kira didn't even wait for the other one to stop firing as he moved to his side and rolled a few times while firing from the ground striking the other one twice, once in the stomach, and the other in the chest. He fell shortly after that.

Kira got back on his feet as he walked over towards Lacus after holstering his M9 and raised his hands to her as she took them and he helped her up, Kira then took hold of his UMP again as he knew they weren't out of danger yet. Lacus understood and got behind him as he made his way back towards the hallway. Kira could tell that these guys most of had come from the outside and there were probably more coming so they had to hurry.

Kira and Lacus now went down the path that would take them right to the main control room and once again it was empty. Kira kept going as he was remembering the map he memorized in his head and as he turned down the last hallway he saw the door leading into the main room.

Kira and Lacus slowly went to the door as Kira didn't want to break silence here so he pointed for her to get to one of the corners and she did, but not before Kira kissed her softly. Lacus blushed but returned his action as they parted and she went to the corner away from the main door. Once Lacus was out of the way Kira wasn't wasting any time as he put a new clip in and as soon as it was clamped in he took care of business.

Main Room

The commander inside watched as his storage team was wiped out and he kept an eye on the soldiers moving in but all were scattering around and it was taking longer, the commander knew most of the forces were in the hanger bay and couldn't be disturbed so he had to leave them alone, per the leaders orders a few days ago not to bother them at all. As Kira entered the storage room a few guards were getting close and the commander got his call from Patrick.

"Sir, the leader is on the line," one soldier said.

The commander took the phone, "Sir, we have both targets attempting to get into the facility…well they are in but they are most likely heading for the suits."

"Why am I not surprised at this, you know what you have to do, I want their bodies in front of me by morning," Patrick told him.

The commander smiled, "Don't worry sir…consider it done," he said.

"I am sending more forces from the surface down, as soon as they arrive at the entrance they will assist you," Patrick told him.

The commander knew that would mess with his glory but he had to agree, "I understand sir, I will next contact you with victory," the man said with a smile.

"I will say this once and once only do NOT fail me," Patrick said as he hung up the phone.

The commander gave some commands and went into thought and then he took a look at the monitor again as Kira and Lacus were already out of the room and right in front of there's.

"Sir he is right outside the door!" one shouted.

The commander didn't know what over came him as he looked over his shoulder to the door leading to the mobile suit hanger.

"We…ah…prepare…" the commander was now struggling as he expected the forces from outside to be in by now and they were closing in, but that was far to late as the doors opened and all they saw was a flash.

Main Room

Kira knew that the door was sealed but a little work on the security door lock and he was in, as soon as Kira got the door unlocked, it took out a flash grenade that he got inside the storage and as soon as he opened the door he threw it in and shut the door as he shut his eyes.

The team inside didn't know what was going on and as soon as the flash from the grenade went off they were covering their ears and eyes in pain as some others fell immediatly to the ground. Kira moved in quickly as he ran in and took down the ones with weapons with one shot. The rest he knocked out but the commander was starting to regain his senses as he moved for the door, he wanted out; he wanted no part of Kira.

Kira knocked a few out as he saw that the commander ran for the door and as he went out he spotted something useful as he smiled slightly.

Kira didn't want him to get out as he rushed out and as he was about to get out he was attacked by another security guard in the room as he jumped on Kira's back.

Kira was easily able to fight him off as Kira struck him hard with the back of his rifle and as his back was to the door he heard a voice.

"I think that is enough playing don't you agree?" the voice said as Kira quickly turned around in horror but he only turned to his side.

Their in the doorway was the commander holding a gun to Lacus' head, as soon as he ran out he saw her where Kira left her and decided he would get two birds with one stone. First use her as a hostage kill him, then her a perfect idea.

Kira felt a deep hatred boil in him at what he saw.

"Now you will drop your rifle," the commander ordered.

With his head turned and he looked at Lacus as her eyes were pleading with him to do what he told him.

"Drop it now, or else," he said as he placed the gun straight to her temple.

Kira had to think fast as he slowly removed his rifle from the strap and began placing it down.

The commander smiled, "Playing dirty is fun, boy will I be rewarded for these kills," the commander told himself.

The commander didn't see Kira's other arm that was out of his eyes, as Kira was setting his weapon down he reached for his other M9 in his assault vest.

The commander smiled as he tightened his finger on the trigger as soon as that weapon was down he would finish her and then him.

Kira let go of the rifle as the commander watched, but that was the last thing he watched, as soon as Kira dropped it his reflexes and speed pulled the M9 out and shot the man straight in the head.

Lacus had her eyes shut but she trusted Kira and knew he wouldn't miss.

The commander was on top of the world for a minute then everything went blank as the bullet struck his forehead and his grip on Lacus loosened as he fell to the ground.

Kira was relieved and he placed his M9 back in his vest as he walked over to Lacus embracing her tightly, Lacus responded by putting her arms around him.

"I'm sorry Lacus, but he wouldn't have…" Kira didn't have to finish as Lacus cut him off.

"I said I trusted you Kira and I knew it would be alright," Lacus said as they heard noise from outside.

Kira and Lacus broke from the embrace as the guards and soldiers from outside were making their way towards here. Kira rushed over to a terminal and shut the door making the lock several times more powerful as they wouldn't be able to break into his security measures so easily.

"That should by us time," Kira said as Lacus handed him back his rifle.

Kira and Lacus could waste no time as they walked towards the back to the sealed door.

"Is that it?" Lacus asked.

Kira smiled, "Yes it is, and we have no time to waste," Kira said with a small smile.

Lacus smiled back at him as she reached up and gently pulled his head towards hers as she gently kissed him, Kira responded as their kiss lasted about a minute.

After that Lacus looked into his eyes, "Like I said before we will face it together."

Kira smiled as he did a few things to the terminal and the next thing they knew the door opened leading straight into the hanger.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you liked this chapter; the next one will be up early next week, as Kira finally sees his creations. Bye for now.