(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Thirty One

Injured

Earth Pacific Ocean Islands

Lacus felt her heart drop again as she immediately checked him out, she knew it couldn't end like this, not after all they had been through, she couldn't have lost him now.

Kira slumped over after he passed out, Lacus fought past her emotion as she checked him out, she straightened him back up and saw that his wound was now bleeding again, she felt his neck really fast and discovered he still had a pulse.

Lacus sighed in relief, but knew he was no where near out of the woods yet. While checking his wound she could see that his body was doing its best to heal the wound, but even being the ultimate coordinator didn't mean he was invincible.

Lacus did her best once again to apply pressure to the wound as she now had to figure out what to do, Kira did need medical attention, and she led them to this location to try and get help from an old friend but she didn't know if the friend knew of their arrival yet, Lacus feared she would have to use the communication of this mobile suit to try and contact him but that could be a big problem if others were listening.

Lacus heard a groan from Kira as she could tell he was in pain, but it didn't seem like pain from the wound it was like mental pain, after learning what he did at the Mendel Colony she couldn't really blame him, Kira always knew what he was, but she figured that he believed their would be more to it then just a weapon for Patrick Zala.

She placed her arms around him while making sure to keep pressure on his wound, her heart went out to him, in ways he did just act like a weapon but she saw through that, she saw who he really is, she wished they could just let all this go and disappear but knew that it wouldn't be that simple, she didn't want him to have to fight anymore especially after seeing him like this, but times would just not allow that.

Lacus was figuring out what to do while she held him, she felt him ease up a little, but he was still in serious condition.

Lacus knew if she didn't get help soon he would get worse but she didn't have to wait much longer, Lacus heard the mobile suit give off a alert that it was being approached.

Lacus looked at the monitor and saw that it seemed like personal that was approaching; she looked and saw just what she had hoped.

Lacus smiled as she saw her old friend and a few others arrive.

Lacus reached forward and opened the cockpit of the machine as she gently released Kira back on the seat as she came out quickly.

Lacus looked down, "Reverend Malchio," Lacus said as the blind man was led to the machine with several of the children he looked after.

Lacus led Kira and herself to the island where Reverend Malchio resided, he was an old friend of her fathers and she knew she could trust him, Reverend Malchio heard the machine approach after if fell from the atmosphere and one of the children explained it to him, from what the child told him he knew that with the location and what was going on he knew it to be Lacus and he and the children went to investigate, and upon their arrival he already knew it to be Lacus.

The children explained everything to him as they approached the machine and it was then that Lacus came out and called to him.

"I am glad you are safe Miss Clyne, I heard about what was going on," Malchio replied as several children were holding his arms.

Lacus knew now was not the time, "I am sorry for involving you reverend but I have an injured person here…he…" Lacus didn't have to continue.

"Say no more Lacus you know I will help you, let's bring him down and we will treat him back at my cottage," Reverend said.

Lacus was very happy, "Thank you reverend," Lacus replied as she knew she could explain everything to him once Kira was stable but the wound was very serious.

Orb Onogoro Island

The island was not that far from Orb so when Kira and Lacus broke through the atmosphere Orb immediately picked it up. It was a fast strange object that didn't have a code number in any data base.

Colonel Kisaka was in charge at the moment as the Orb personal called for him once they found the object.

Headquarters

"What is going on?" Kisaka asked as he entered the radar room.

"Sir an unidentified object has just fallen near the outer islands, we can't identify it at all," an officer said.

Kisaka was in thought for a moment, he was well aware of the situations that were going on in the world, a blue cosmos leader killed, an attempted assassination on Lord Uzumi at the Plants, and the theory that Lacus caused all of this, which to any that knew her personally knew was false.

Kisaka knew with the world on the brink of war this was something that had to be investigated.

Kisaka called for a military commander so he could give out a mission, but as he was waiting he got someone else in the form of Cagalli.

Cagalli was at Onogoro when she got word something landed near their territory and she wanted to know what was going on.

Cagalli walked in as she saw Kisaka, "What is going on Kisaka?"

Kisaka looked at her, "Lady Cagalli we discovered an object of unknown source landing near our territory."

Cagalli looked serious, "What are you doing about it?"

"I am preparing a team to investigate and was about to contact Lord Uzumi," Kisaka replied.

Cagalli didn't know what overcame her at this moment but she suddenly got a feeling that she had to go to this location, she didn't know what overcame her but it felt like apart of her would find what she was looking for. Cagalli had been busy trying to find Lacus and other things concerning what happened but she didn't know why this feeling it her so suddenly it was as if something that was missing all her life would finally be found, she didn't know why but that was her thoughts.

Kisaka was able to reach Uzumi as he starting giving him his report.

"Sir I believe we have to investigate this matter," Kisaka said.

Uzumi was on the screen, "With everything that is going on I believe that is the best course of action, I grant your request."

Cagalli suddenly spoke up, "Father I wish to go as well."

Both Uzumi and Kisaka looked at her.

"I don't believe that is the best course of action Lady Cagalli," Kisaka said.

Uzumi agreed, "We don't know what to expect I cannot have you risking yourself especially for these times."

Cagalli grew angry, she was getting her way this time no matter what, "This is something I have to do, you cannot treat me like a child forever, I can take care of myself, and besides I feel this is something I have to do," Cagalli said very seriously.

Uzumi and Kisaka knew if they turned her down she would likely find another way.

Uzumi sighed, "Very well then, I will give you permission, Kisaka make sure you report all the findings to me and make sure you are prepared."

Kisaka saluted, "Yes sir," Kisaka said as the link was turned off.

Kisaka looked at Cagalli, "We are taking a few transport shuttles meet me down their in about a half hour."

Cagalli nodded as she immediately left to get prepared, this was something she had to do.

Shipping Bay

Kisaka briefed three teams they were sending, all reported to the transport ships as he briefed them on their mission, it was simple they were to discovery what landed and see if it was a threat to their nation, after the machine landed they didn't get another signal so it either was destroyed or it had not moved so they wanted to be prepared and brought as much security as possible.

Cagalli arrived as Kisaka finished up and all three teams boarded their planes.

"Are you sure about this Lady Cagalli?" Kisaka asked.

Cagalli looked at him like he was a fool, "I wouldn't have requested it if I didn't mean it," Cagalli replied as she was wearing pants body armor and had a few weapons on her, Kisaka could tell she meant business as well.

Kisaka shook his head as she boarded the plane as he was the final one and after the planes were powered up they took off heading for the island that the machine was on.

Orphanage Island

Lacus reverend Malchio and the children were able to get Kira down as they took him back to the orphanage, inside they laid him on one of the beds as they cut his body armor off to see the wound, the reverend was blind but he was still very well observant as he could immediately tell this was serious.

Once they got Kira out of the mobile suit the reverend could tell something was very different about him, she could tell Lacus was extremely fearful, many of the children remembered Lacus and were happy to see her but all of that had to wait.

They were able to cart Kira back to the orphanage as there were a lot more medical supplies but it was still no hospital.

They laid Kira down and got the rest of his shredded body armor off him as Lacus could now fully see the wound, she could tell if Kira's body wasn't the way it was it would have died a long time ago.

Reverend couldn't see but he could tell, "This young man is quite different."

Lacus looked up at him, she never left Kira's side for a second, "You…you can tell," Lacus said not wanting to say too much for respect for Kira, she knew he didn't want everyone knowing what he was.

"This wound is very serious and I can tell he has lost extreme amounts of blood, but his body is without a doubt doing its best to counter that effect," Malchio said.

Lacus looked closer his wound was a little deep and his lung was pun chard, Kira's was sweating badly as his fever was getting higher.

Lacus felt tears in her eyes seeing him like this, "What can we do for him…I can't lose him now," Lacus said fearfully.

The reverend didn't like this at all, "I am sorry Lacus, but he needs a hospital, we can stop his blood flow for a little while but it will keep going until his lung is repaired, his body his working in overdrive to restore blood but it will only last so long."

Lacus quickly changed his bandage again as she placed a clean one over the wound, she knew Kira wasn't too happy with Orb, but she knew she would somehow have to contact them, she would not lose him. She didn't want to leave his side for a second but knew she would have to, she stayed with him stroking his skin trying to get him to rest, but she knew time was not on their side.

The children all stayed out of the room as the reverend didn't want them seeing that, the reverend knew this young man had to be saved, and he knew a way to do it.

"Miss Lacus I believe we should contact Lord Uzumi of Orb, he will take you in," Malchio said.

Lacus looked at him, "That was where we were heading,"

"Can I ask what exactly happened this entire time?" Malchio said as they could do no more for Kira, Lacus nodded as she told him everything, Kira sent to kill her, Kira saving her, their stealing the mobile suit, their discovery about Patrick Zala at Mendel to their arrival, but Lacus left out the part about Kira's own discovery.

Reverend Malchio understood, "I shall contact Orb personally Miss Lacus, Lord Uzumi has been helping your father secretly search for you so I know he will help."

Lacus was amazed at all the information he always seemed to have.

She looked down at Kira how was breathing a little heavy as she could tell he was still in pain, he hadn't woken up and was stable for the moment but he wasn't no where near out of the woods yet.

Lacus was about to say something when they heard another noise and this time it was the three Orb transport planes.

The reverend heard them as well, "I guess they already know you're here."

Lacus knew they had to see their reentry, Lacus got up for a second, "Will you stay with him Reverend?"

"I will be happy to, if they are Orb planes they will help go," Malchio said as Lacus bend down kissing Kira on his forehead before whispering something to him knowing he wasn't conscious as she quickly left the orphanage and heading back towards the suit.

A few children followed her as they wanted to make sure she was alright.

Mobile suit

The trip wasn't that long as they finally arrived over the island.

Cagalli looked down as did Kisaka, "Is this it?"

"Correct My lady," Kisaka said.

One pilot looked back, "Sir we have something at two o'clock."

Kisaka and Cagalli looked down seeing what he meant as the machine was out in the open as plain as day.

"What is that?" Cagalli asked.

"Some sort of mobile suit, I am not getting any reading as it seems to be powered down, but its signatures doesn't match any from the alliance of Zaft," Kisaka told her.

Cagalli got that feeling again, "Take us down."

Kisaka was a little cautious but knew that was the best decision, "Land by the shore we will go on foot."

The planes did what they were told as all two landed while one still circled the area, Security teams led the way towards it as they were being very cautious, they finally got to the point as they aimed their weapons around to be safe clearing the area.

They got the clear as Kisaka and Cagalli came out of the trees around it.

"Impressive," Kisaka said.

Cagalli looked at it; she had to admit that it was it looked very powerful.

"But where is the pilot?" Cagalli asked when all of a sudden they heard noises from the other end of the forest area.

All pointed their weapons as a few figures showed themselves.

Cagalli was shocked at who she saw, "Lacus."

Lacus got through the forest as she got the surprise of weapons being pointed at her, she froze as the children hid behind her and then she heard the voice.

"Everyone stand down," Cagalli ordered as they listened.

Lacus saw her friend and was extremely relieved.

Zala Plant

Patrick ordered his team to the surface as now he was doing last minute campaigning, he was expecting results by the time he got the chairman's seat, the polls favored him by thirty points over Siegel and the election was in two days, Patrick was confided Le Crueset would handle his orders as he wasn't taking anymore failures, he had the plans all worked out and would not let anything stand in his way.

Zala Mansion

Lenore Zala however hadn't spoken much to her husband since she received the news, and now she was eager to attend that peace gathering that the current chairman had set up, many high ranking officials from Zaft and the alliance were attending, her goal was to make sure no war would be started and if her husband didn't want to attend so be it, but nothing was stopping her from attending.

Earth Atmosphere-Zala Team

Not to long after they received their orders the Zala team boarded a military shuttle that would take them down to earth. Rau of course was leading the team to their destination, Rau kept in constant check with the personal tracking the stolen machine. Rau knew Kira was intelligent and if he did a full system check on the machine then he would eventually find the transmitter that was tracking the machine so they had to work at this quick.

After their shuttle was launched they were escorted by a few warships that were under loyalty to Patrick.

The Zala team had many emotions running in their minds; the three remaining members still had a variety of emotions going on in their heads.

Yzak of course wanted this chance more then anything, he was tired of losing to Kira and vowed that he would put an end to him on earth.

Dearka was just being Dearka, and he saw this as any other mission.

Athrun however was the most conflicted at the moment, he remembered both his father and mothers words, and was now struggling to find the solution of what he had to do, Athrun was very angry over the death of Nicol, and that was what mostly reflected in his mind at the moment. Athrun kept silent as emotion was still running over his mind and all he could think about was what Kira did and their past; Athrun opened his eyes as he now made his decision.

The Zala team packed all of their equipment as they were dealing with Kira, which was by far the most deadliest opponent of the times, and one they couldn't take chances for, so they were more then ready for when they get the go ahead.

Rau was sitting in his seat going over the latest report, when he was finished he went towards his team and gave the report.

"Our latest intelligence has our stolen machine in one location in the pacific ocean islands off the coast of Orb," Rau told them.

Athrun heard the country of Orb being spoken and a brief image of the feisty princess crossed his mind quickly as he heard the name but he was solely focused on something else for the moment.

"Do we have clearance to attack commander?" Yzak asked quickly.

Rau looked at them, "Not yet, we will land at Carpentaria as scheduled, get information about the area then move in."

Yzak seemed flustered he wanted this to end now.

"I need not remind you what is at stake here, your former leader is now a traitor and the information he has can severely hurt our soon to be chairman and destroy all of us in the process, the leaders goals will only be a dream if we fail," Rau told them seriously as he went and sat back down.

Yzak looked annoyed, "You don't have to worry about me going soft," Yzak said.

Dearka laughed, "You're our team leader now so I think our record will be far better then when he was on."

Yzak smiled as he looked back, "Here those words Zala, try not to fail your father, and I don't care if you die, but if it looks to me like you will go soft I will shoot you myself."

Athrun stood up grabbing his collar roughly he was in no mood, "I know what I have to do Yzak, just remember it was you that failed against him countless times before so I suggest you worry about yourself!" Athrun said angrily.

Yzak got out of his grip as you could cut the tension with a knife between the two and Dearka stayed out of that.

Both backed down as they returned to their seats, while the rest of the trip was quiet.

Carpentaria Base

The shuttle eventually broke into and through the atmosphere as they made their way to the Carpentaria base which was the closest to the location they last had.

The shuttle doors were opened as Rau was the first one out and they met with the base personal.

Rau saw they looked rather eager on the ground as he met up with them and the Zala team slowly followed but kept their distance.

Rau's expression never changed but from what he heard the team could tell it wasn't good.

Rau got everything as he looked back up motioning for the team to join him.

The team lined up as Rau went on, "It appears we will have a change of plans, the mobile suits tracker is on the move again."

Yzak grew furious as this would delay their efforts as the others just listened.

"Get your equipment settled and meet me in the briefing room ASAP," Rau told them as he left with the base personal to trying to stay with the location.

Yzak and the team left as they settled their equipment and headed for the briefing room.

Rau got word as the tracker on the machine stopped again.

Rau saw the location, "This could be a small set back," Rau said but knew they could still make it work.

Island-Near the Mobile Suit

With Lacus and Cagalli

Lacus saw her friend and couldn't have been happier; it appears her timing was perfect.

The soldiers did follow Cagalli's orders as Cagalli approached her, she was very glad her friend was alright.

"I heard what they tried to do to you on the Plants, I am just glad your alright," Cagalli told her as Lacus smiled but it was more of a relieved smile.

"Thank you Cagalli, we were heading to Orb but I am glad you came here," Lacus told her.

Cagalli noticed the 'we' part of what Lacus said, "Tell me Lacus what really happened?"

Lacus nodded and quickly explained it to her.

Cagalli couldn't believe it, but she expected something like this, "So you actually found him again?"

Lacus lightly blushed as she quickly remembered they were on a time basis, "Please Cagalli will you allow us entrance into Orb, Kira needs medical attention fast, we don't have the tools to help him here, will your father help us?" Lacus asked in a panic.

Cagalli could tell the situation was serious, "I know my father will allow it, but even if he didn't I would get you in."

Kisaka listened to everything, "Lord Uzumi will be glad you're alright, I know the situation is urgent Miss Lacus so please take us to him so we can prepare him for the trip."

Lacus nodded as they started walking but Kisaka looked at the large machine and gave an order to some of the crew, they were in transport ships so they couldn't just leave this new machine in the open so he ordered the crew to load it up and they would take it with them.

The crew did what they were told as Kisaka caught up with them, Lacus' only thoughts were on getting Kira better.

Orphanage

They approached the Orphanage as they the crew they brought had a field stretcher with them so they could load Kira up and on the way Lacus answered a few more questions.

"Patrick Zala my father always got a bad vibe from him and now I can see why," Cagalli said.

Lacus looked back, "My father stands against everything, I would have gone to him for help but I was afraid that he would kill my father, so I stuck with Kira."

Cagalli heard that name again, her feeling was back again and it was extremely strange like she was having a reunion or something.

"I am terribly sorry for asking you all this," Lacus told them.

"We never believed what they said about you Lacus, we are glad to help you," Cagalli told her.

"Worry not Miss Lacus, we will get your friend medical attention and you can report everything to Lord Uzumi, I am sure he can help decided what to do next," Kisaka told her as they approached the orphanage entrance where the rest of the children caught up with them.

Lacus forgot all about what she and Kira found or she would have told them more but his safety was first on her mind.

They arrived at the door as they walked in and Lacus saw the reverend, "How is he?" Lacus asked worried.

"No change Lacus, I can see you brought some help though," The reverend said knowing he couldn't see but he could tell.

Lacus looked at him, "It was Orb ships and they agreed to help," Lacus said walking back over to Kira.

Malchio was glad as Kisaka nodded to the soldiers as they approached Kira.

Kira was still out cold but still in a lot of pain and they could see it was a miracle he was still alive, Lacus knew otherwise but didn't tell them.

Lacus once again got by his side and wouldn't leave it for a second.

Cagalli now got in as her and Kisaka walked towards Kira, Kisaka talked to the reverend as Cagalli saw an opening seeing Lacus by his side but when she looked at the face of who Lacus was with that feeling hit her a hundred times harder, it was like she knew this man somehow.

Something was very familiar about him and she kept thinking she saw him before or something like that but it was a lot stronger.

The soldiers loaded him on the portable stretcher as they started making their way out, they couldn't waste anymore time, Lacus followed but looked back at the reverend.

"Thank you for everything reverend Malchio," Lacus told him gratefully.

Malchio only nodded, "I know everything will work out for you, and if you ever need my help I will be here," he told her as she quickly caught back up with Kira.

Cagalli and Kisaka followed as Cagalli still had that strange feeling.

"Is something wrong?" Kisaka asked.

Cagalli shook her head, "I just have a strange feeling, I know that I know him somehow."

Kisaka shook if off as nothing as the children waved them goodbye.

Orb Transport ship

The crew of the ships did as they were told and got the machine loaded on the transport as Kisaka and the rest arrived back.

Kisaka led the way, Lacus wasn't saying much but she was worried and they understood, as they would have time to speak in detail later, but he also saw Cagalli acting strange, she still had that feeling.

"It is loaded sir, quite impressive," one crew member said.

Kisaka nodded, "We will store it in our underground facility in Onogoro, I believe rough times will be ahead of us," Kisaka said as the man nodded.

"Once were airborne get me a connection with Lord Uzumi," Kisaka said as he saw the crew loading the injured man on the plane and Kisaka could tell this was no ordinary man.

Holding

They got Kira on as they put him in a secured location to rest as they had some medical supplies but nothing that would help him to much, it was up to Kira's strength to hold on.

Lacus followed him and never left his side as Cagalli silently followed, this strange feeling about this man, it was driving her crazy.

Lacus saw Kira in pain and it was killing her heart as she held his hand trying to give him as much peace as possible while attending to his wound as Cagalli now joined in.

"This is him?" Cagalli asked.

Lacus nodded, "I knew I was right about him…he has had a tragic life the man at the hotel that one night is not who he really is."

Cagalli assisted her as she somehow agreed, "I don't know how but I think I agree with you," Cagalli said.

Lacus heard what she said and was a little surprised.

Lacus continued to stay with Kira, he was all that mattered to her at the moment, and everything else was being put on hold.

Lacus gently kissed him again as it always calmed him down even if for a minute, she wanted all this over and if Kira didn't want to be seen anymore and just disappear she would go with him, if they wanted to throw everything away she would be selfish for once and stay by his side letting the world decided their own fate, but deep down she knew what he would do if he wanted to stop Patrick Zala she would be right next to him, they would build their own future.

That was what Lacus was holding on to right now.

Cagalli knew something was up with him and she really wanted a chance to speak with him, something told her she had to do it.

Cockpit

Kisaka got that connection, "I have found the object sir."

"What was it?" Uzumi asked.

"A mobile suit sir…carrying both Miss Lacus and the man that saved her life," Kisaka reported.

Uzumi heard that and was relieved, "Thanks good to hear, is she alright?"

"Yes sir, however the man was severely injured, and needs medical care…something is very strange about him, it is like his body is trying to heal itself at record pace, it is incredible but he still needs help," Kisaka said.

Those words made Uzumi think of something, but what would be the odds of that.

"Of course, take them to Onogoro and we will do our best to keep this quiet," Uzumi said.

"We have the machine as well sir, would you like an image?" Kisaka asked.

Uzumi nodded, "I would…and an image of the young man you spoke of as well."

Kisaka nodded as he brought up the image of the machine, Uzumi was impressed but this meant trouble if it was going to be used to start a war.

The second image was brought up from the holding room, Uzumi for some reason had to see this and when Kira's image was brought up the color of his hair and facial structure was dead on.

"It couldn't be," Uzumi told himself.

"Sir," Kisaka said.

Uzumi snapped back into it, "Bring them in and get him to medical as soon as you arrive, good work and I will hear more from Miss Clyne later," Uzumi said rushed.

Kisaka seemed to notice.

Uzumi quickly reached into his desk drawer as he unlocked the box that held the picture and stared at it, "After all this time could it be…" Uzumi said as the odds, the situation and now this, it seems the past was going to finally resurface.

The ship continued on until they got to Onogoro.

To be continued…

(AN): Sorry for the long wait, I was working on my other two stories and forgot what was going on in this one. I had to re-read the entire thing to remember which delayed it. The next chapter will take place a few days later and will be fully in Orb as Kira wakes up and not to pleased The Zala team gets new orders and Patrick's ultimate goal is close to being unveiled. It should be up by midweek. Bye for now.