Disclaimer: Most characters in this fiction are not mine unless stated otherwise. Every effort is made to keep this fiction satisfactory; hence, the chapters published are subjected to minor changes without prior notice. I do NOT own Mobile Suite Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny. SUNRISE produced it and it was directed by Mitsuo Fukuda.
AN: This story took place FOUR YEARS AFTER the Second Bloody Valentine War. To identify their present age, just add four years from their GSEED Destiny age.
Acknowledgement: Sleepyreader319. qkiss. elgnis rekresreb. yetsan. YellowLego. Nina. alyceinchocoland. orb90. animelover101. moonlove. blondeprincessa. itsmesassy. Freyris. Arkangel87. IVIoogle. OPrincess ShinigamiO. RabbitArchangel. Cammile Isabelle. . gundamalchemist01. falconrukichi. popcaga. ForgottenTitan. Joycie32. Minatsuki.
HER LITTLE WARRIOR
Chapter Four: Crimson Raven
oooooooo
Orb Union: Orphanage
White, red, and silver expensive convertibles zoomed their way respectively to the orphanage, with a speeding navy blue motorbike weaving in between cars. They positioned their cars in a way that the Supreme Chairwoman of PLANTs, the Chief Representative of Orb, and their little Prince were protected from any trouble or possible assassination attempt. Even though Orb is one of the most peaceful nations in both Earth and space, it was a standard protocol to protect all leaders and high ranking officials at all cost.
The afternoon was fair and a little bit cloudy, perfect for road trip and a picnic in the park. Riding in the silver convertible, Mir and Shiho were chatting about some beautiful vacation spots in Orb, while Dearka was pissing off the driving Yzak with his jokes. Positioned in front of them was a red convertible, which was driven by Kira. Beside the amethyst-eyed Ultimate Coordinator, Lacus was humming a tune as she admired the natural and relaxing view of Orb. Sitting behind the couple were Cagalli and little Ade, who was strapped on his car seat. Cagalli was busy checking her touch pad with important email and updates, while little Ade was playing with Mr. Pink. Leading their convoy, Athrun was driving the white convertible with Meyrin sitting on the passenger's seat. Behind the engaged couple, Piggie positioned his head on Luna's lap.
Lunamaria unconsciously combed Piggie's thick hair as she tried to stare subtly at the speeding navy blue motorbike beside them, specifically on its rider. The person she wanted to find in Orb was her ex-boyfriend, and former ZAFT and FAITH soldier, Shinn Asuka. Their break-up was fast and unexpected. After the Second Bloody Valentine War, both of them returned to PLANTs. Lunamaria was able to cope up from the heavy burdens of war through the help of her family and friends, while Shinn continued to be depressed and hopeless. Shinn had a hard time in moving on from the remnants of war because his main support system, which was his family, was already gone. Lunamaria tried to reach out and help him, but the ruby-eyed Coordinator remained passive.
It was a month after they returned to PLANTS when Shinn announced his big decision. They fought in front of their comrades, while inside a hangar in Armory One.
ooo
Flashback: Four years ago: 1 month after the Second Bloody Valentine War
"What do you mean you are going back to Orb? I thought you'll be staying here in PLANTs for good? Why are you only telling me this NOW!" Lunamaria screamed at him in frustration.
"After the war, I don't know what to do with my life! I realized I can't see myself as a ZAFT soldier, much more a FAITH member. I don't feel I belong here in PLANTs. I want to find my purpose in life, without the influence of others. I want to find myself! I want to do and decide things on my own. If I stay here, I couldn't do all those things! Please understand, Luna. I have to this! I need to leave!"
"Shinn, listen to me! You can do all those things here in PLANTs. I will help you! Athrun, Meyrin, and even Sir Kira will help you! You can do all those things here, Shinn. You don't need to run away just to escape your problems. We will all help you," Lunamaria pleaded, hoping that her boyfriend will listen to her.
"I'm not running away!" Shinn yelled in anger. "You don't understand what I feel! I feel suffocated and useless here! I feel alone! You have your family to support you, while I have NONE!"
"Then consider me as your FAMILY!" Lunamaria yelled back. "I am here, Shinn! I am here! DON'T push me away! I'll be your family!"
"IT'S NOT ENOUGH!" Shinn screamed at her. "Pretending that I have a family is not enough! I need to forget! Every corner of this place reminds me of painful memories from the war! What I need is a HOME! A place where despite I am alone, I can feel at ease, comforted, and at home. I want to GO HOME! Do you understand me, Luna? I want to go to Orb because I feel at home when I am there!"
Lunamaria was now sobbing. "So this is it then? You'll be leaving me? Are we going to break-up?"
"No! Of course not!" Shinn combed his unruly hair in frustration. "All I'm asking from you is time! Give me time to contemplate things and decide for myself. We can still talk and see each other. The only difference is that you'll be staying here, while I'll be staying in Orb. We can work this out."
"I don't want this! I don't want this arrangement, Shinn! I want you to stay by my side forever. It will be very difficult for me if you choose to stay in Orb. I have doubts lurking in my mind if I'll let you leave for Orb. I'm not sure if our relationship will last for long if we stayed apart from each other."
"So are you giving up on us? Is that it? Just because I'll be staying in Orb for a year or two, you are giving up on us now?" Shinn asked incredulously. "I'll be back, Luna! I just need to fix my life first!"
"Are you sure about that, Shinn? Can you give your assurance that you'll be back after a year or two? The future is unpredictable. What if after two years you wanted to stay in Orb for good? What will happen to us then?"
"Why are you thinking that way? You are being pessimistic! How are we going to know if we will work out if we don't try first? Please...I have to do this for myself. I need to go back to where it all began."
Lunamaria grabbed her ruby-eyed boyfriend's red uniform and pleaded, "Shinn Asuka! Please don't leave me. I need you here with me. I'll be your shoulder to cry on. I will help you along the way, just please don't leave me. Please!"
Shinn turned his head away from his magenta-haired girlfriend. His tears were slowly running down his cheeks as he said his final decision. "I am sorry, Lunamaria. I will go back to Orb whether you like it or not."
Lunamaria leaned her forehead against his chest as she sobbed hysterically. Shinn was silently crying above her head, his fists were clenched tightly by his side. When her sobbing subsided, Lunamaria forcefully pushed Shinn away from her. Shinn almost stumbled down if not for his Coordinator and soldier reflexes. When he raised his head towards his girlfriend, he saw anger flashed through her eyes.
Lunamaria dried hastily her tears as she stared at him with anger. "FINE! If that is what you want, you can go back to Orb for all I care! But let me tell you this Shinn Asuka. From now on, there will never be US! Did you hear me? YOU AND I ARE OVER! Go away and just leave me alone!" she screamed, and then ran away from him.
Shinn was full of anguish. He tried to run after her, but it was too late.
"LUNAMARIA!"
End of Flashback
ooo
Lunamaria was heartbroken. Three days after she broke-up with him, she decided to talk to him again and to ask for forgiveness, but she was too late. Shinn had already left for Orb a day after their break-up, without leaving any contact number or home address in Orb. He did not tell anyone about his departure. She wanted to look for him in Orb, but they were all busy in restoring the peace in Earth and space.
When the opportunity was presented for her to go down to Orb for the Peace Treaty celebration, she thought that she will utilize her stay in Orb to look for him. She was even willing to ask assistance from the Chief Representative of Orb just to see him again. She thought it would take a couple of weeks for her to find him because he might be living a simple and low profile life in Orb. She never thought that she will see him sooner than expected. It was also a great shock to her, and to everyone else from PLANTs, to find him working under the woman he declared he loathes the most.
While Lunamaria was thinking about the past, Athrun kept on glancing on his side mirror as he drove their way to the orphanage. Like Lunamaria, he kept on staring at the speeding navy blue motorbike behind them. Good thing he had his dark sunglasses on, or else he would not be able to subtly stare at the motorbike rider. Since they left the Athha Estate, Athrun had this uneasy feeling about the elusive Shinn Asuka and his Cagalli.
Athrun and his friends were very surprised when they saw Shinn Asuka in front of them, much more standing on the Athha private property. Their surprise escalated more when little Ade launched his tiny body at him, and addressed him as 'Papa Shinn' as if it was the most natural thing in the world. The next scene was the most mind boggling sight they had ever seen, like they were trapped in a twilight zone. Shinn Asuka, an ex-ZAFT and ex-FAITH soldier, an anti-Athha supporter, and the number one known hater of Cagalli Yula Athha, was standing there, letting the last member of the House of Athha scream at him like there was no tomorrow.
ooo
Flashback: 1 hour ago at the Athha Estate
Unruly black hair and piercing ruby orbs greeted them. He slowly smirked and gave them a boyish and friendly salute.
"Long time no see everyone."
Before those from PLANTs could react, the Chief Representative of Orb stomped her way in front of the ruby-eyed man and roughly punched his arm.
"WHAT!" Shinn growled angrily.
"What the FU―I mean FUDGE!" Cagalli yelled fiercely, cautious of her words because her little prince was looking and listening at them attentively. "I thought you were an assassin, and worse, a terrorist! What's with the suspicious get-up, you brat! Why did you not inform me that you'll be using a new motorbike? I was expecting that you'll be using your black motorbike and not navy blue!" she continued to yell and rant.
"Will you please CALM DOWN, Lady Athha?" Shinn requested sarcastically. "With in the 6 years that you have been the Chief Representative of Orb, when did you encounter an assassin or a terrorist that stands-up in front of seasoned war soldiers, alone and unarmed? My lady, don't you think YOU are exaggerating it too much? And the reason why I wasn't able to inform you ahead of time because I just bought this bike an hour ago."
Cagalli sputtered in indignation. "ARE YOU INSINUATING THAT I'M A DRAMA QUEEN, ASUKA?"
A vein popped out on his forehead. "Pardon me, Lady Athha," Shinn stressed out her name slowly, a sign of his growing annoyance, "I did not, I repeat I DID NOT say that you were a drama queen. I said you were exaggerating. Really Lady Athha, drama queen and exaggerating are two different words, with different meaning and spelling. Geez! Grade school, my lady, this is grade school. Even a toddler could differentiate the two words," he muttered sarcastically.
Cagalli reddened in anger. She was about to yell a number of profanities not suitable for both young and adult listeners, when Kira silenced her by grabbing her arm, and then turned her to face him.
"Cagalli Yula Athha and Shinn Asuka! Will the two of you PLEASE explain to US, your very clueless friends and comrades, on what is going on, and what is he doing here?" Kira asked them pointedly, waiting for any sort of explanation.
Athrun and Lunamaria were standing behind Kira, waiting for Cagalli and Shinn to explain and clarify things. The others gathered behind them, waiting also for an explanation. It was an unbelievable sight to see two people, one of them holding a very long and huge grudge against the other person, arguing like they knew each other for a very long time, or dare they say it, arguing like they were very close friends.
Cagalli and Shinn stared at each other. Shinn raised an eyebrow at Cagalli as if saying it's up to her to give them a brief explanation to satisfy their friends' curiosity, until they could find a right time and place to explain the longer version of their story. Cagalli pouted at him in annoyance, and then shrugged her shoulders in defeat.
"You owe me big time, Shinn Asuka," Cagalli muttered under her breath. She turned back to face their waiting friends and gave a brief introduction and explanation.
"I know you know him already, but I'll introduce him again to clear some of your questions. This is Commander Shinn Asuka of the Orb Forces and the Security Head of the Royal House of Athha," Cagalli announced at her shocked friends as she carelessly waved her hand towards Shinn.
Shinn nodded his head in greeting, smirking at his astonished friends. He swept his gaze one by one to each of his friends and comrades, lingering a bit longer at Lunamaria.
Kira and Dearka were gaping at the two of them, staring from one person to the other. Lacus and Shiho wear staring at the pair with curiosity. Yzak was impassive, though he was interested on Shinn and Cagalli's amiable relationship. Mir was smiling because she knew about Shinn Asuka staying in Orb, and she was friends with him, too. Meyrin was observing her elder sister, gauging her reaction on seeing again her ex-boyfriend.
Lunamaria was experiencing an assorted of emotions. She was very happy in seeing Shinn again, after all these years of no communication. She wanted to cry in relief, knowing that he was alright and doing great. She felt sadness, guilt, and longing for the man in front of her. And lastly, she was confused and a little bit jealous of his familiar interaction with the Princess of Orb. Lunamaria wanted to approach him, but she held herself as she waited for more explanation.
He knew it was wrong to feel hostility to a long time comrade and friend, especially Shinn, but there was something about his interaction with Cagalli and little Ade that triggers an alarming instinct in Athrun. Half of him told him that Shinn is safe and can be trusted, but the deeper part of him told him that he is also a threat. When Ade ran to the ruby-eyed man and called him 'Papa Shinn', Athrun felt a surge of anger and jealousy at his friend. The worst part was that Cagalli allowed Ade to call Shinn 'papa', while she forbid the little sport in calling him 'daddy.'
'Damn. Don't tell me I'm jealous because Ade is allowed to call him 'papa' and not me?' he thought, scowling in his head, 'I thought Shinn felt deep hatred for Cagalli? So why is he standing beside his supposed to be enemy, and a little bit too close for my comfort at that.' Athrun's scowl deepened in his head, staring at the 'close' pair with his piercing emerald-orbs.
Dearka reacted first and asked his 'unofficial' love-of-his-life, who was standing beside him. "Mir! Don't tell me you know about this?" he asked her accusingly.
Mir raised an eyebrow at him, and replied primly, "Then I won't tell you, Dearka."
"Mir!" he whined. "Do you know about this or not?"
Mir huffed in annoyance. "Of course I know about this. I know about Shinn working for Cagalli for three years now. As a matter of fact, the three of us bond together if we have free time."
"Why did you not tell me about this?" Dearka demanded.
"You did not ask!" Mir defended herself, raising her hands in surrender. "And what's the deal if you know about this development or not? What are you, our guardian?" she said sarcastically.
"This is IMPORTANT, Mir, im-por-tant!" Dearka emphasized. "This is gossip material!"
"What are you babbling about, Elsman?" Yzak snapped. His ears were close to bleeding due to Dearka's loud complaints. "Shut your mouth and stop talking nonsense! You act as if you're not a high-ranking soldier."
Before Dearka could retort back at his platinum-haired best friend, Shiho interrupted them. "The two of you STOP! We have far better things to discuss than your nonsense squabble, such as what is Shinn doing here inside the Athha private property and when did the two of you..." Shiho pointed a finger at Cagalli and Shinn. "...became civil with each other? We want details!"
Kira crossed his arms against his chest, squarely looking at both Shinn and Cagalli. "Shiho is right. WE need an explanation, and we need it NOW."
Cagalli scowled at her brother. "Why do we have to explain NOW? This is not the right time and place, Kira!"
"I agree. This is not the right place and time. Why don't we all go to the orphanage, and let Shinn and Cagalli explain everything when we arrive there?" Lacus suggested, smiling at them.
Kira sighed in defeat. He could never say NO to Lacus. Cagalli mouthed a 'thank you' to her soon-to-be-sister-in-law. Lacus just smiled in welcome.
End of Flashback
ooo
Athrun was anxious. Hopefully, Shinn and Cagalli's explanation would ease his mind and heart. He did not want to be pessimistic, but an impending dread had started to grow in the pit of his stomach as he saw them together.
Three sports cars and a motorbike parked in front of the orphanage. Piggie was barking happily as he jumped out of the car and ran towards the children playing outside the orphanage house. One by one, the group of friends went out of their respective cars as Ade wiggled out of his Uncle Kira's arms, and then ran after his big pet dog, with Mr. Pink floating behind them.
"PIGGIE, WAIT!" Ade squealed in excitement. "Wait! Wait! Piggie! Wait!" Mr. Pink's mechanical voice floated around the area.
The group followed behind the little prince and his dog in a leisurely pace.
"Baby boy! Slow down or you might hurt yourself!" Cagalli called out, reminding her son to be careful.
"YES, MOMMY!" Ade hollered back over his shoulder, waving at his mother enthusiastically.
Lacus chuckled to herself, and then looked at Cagalli. "Ade is really an energetic and adventurous boy. Like mother, like son. Hopefully, he will not take after you on being adventurous and rebellious when he turns sixteen, like what you did to Lord Uzumi back then," she teased the blonde Chief Representative.
Cagalli unconsciously cringed. "Oh, no, no. no! I will not allow him to do that to me," she muttered loudly, crossing her arms against her chest as she pouted indignantly.
"You'll never know, Lady Athha. We can never tell. Ade might be worse than you when he becomes independent," Shinn drawled, peering at her through the corner of his eyes.
"Hmph! Shut-up, Asuka!"
As Shinn and Cagalli continued to banter, their friends were observing them silently. Some were curious and amused, while Athrun and Lunamaria were uncomfortable.
When they entered the orphanage garden, they saw Reverend Malchio and Caridad enjoying their afternoon tea. There were hugs and pleasantries between the two of them and the visitors from PLANTs. They all chatted for a while, updating Caridad and Reverend Malchio about some happenings in PLANTs, and telling Kira and Lacus about the current status of the orphanage. After their short afternoon talk with some pastries and tea, Reverend Malchio and Caridad excused themselves to check on little Ade and the children.
The group was silent for a while, enjoying the relaxing atmosphere and their tea, when Lunamaria cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. All of them stared at her, waiting for what she has to say.
"Uhmm...I was just wondering if maybe Miss Cagalli and...Shinn can now explain to us on how they became civil with each other?" Lunamaria inquired hesitantly as she discreetly stared at Shinn.
Athrun stiffened on his seat. This was the moment that he had been waiting for since he saw the interaction between Cagalli and Shinn. If Lunamaria did not ask for an explanation, he would have asked it himself. Cagalli and Shinn shared a look, silently communicating with each other, which did not go unnoticed by the Prince of ZAFT. Athrun refrained himself from glaring murderously at his long time comrade and Coordinator friend for even staring at Cagalli's beautiful amber orbs.
Shinn raised an eyebrow at Cagalli, asking if who among the two of them will speak first. Cagalli nudged his arm, silently telling him to tell his story first. Shinn sighed, and then turned his head to face their friends.
"As you all know, I went back to Orb a month after we went back to PLANTs," Shinn started, "I thought staying in PLANTs was a good idea, since it had been my home for the past few years. But after a month of staying there, the uncertainty and hopelessness that I felt were slowly consuming me. I realized that I needed to stay away from the place that reminded me so much of being a soldier and a death machine of war, so I recklessly submitted my resignation as a ZAFT soldier and decided to go back to the place where it started it all. I want to go back as soon as possible to the place where I once considered home, to start anew and to heal my emotional baggage."
Cagalli discreetly patted his knee in support, and then moved her hand back on her lap. Shinn felt it and gave her a small nod in thanks. Unfortunately, the gesture did not go unnoticed by a jealous emerald-eyed High Commander, a confused short magenta-haired MS pilot, and a curious amethyst-eyed Ultimate Coordinator.
Shinn continued his story. "When I arrived here in Orb, I have nowhere to go, since my old family house had been destroyed by the previous war. I remembered Kira and Lacus once mentioned an orphanage by the beach, so I decided to visit and see it myself. Reverend Malchio and Auntie Caridad were very hospitable and offered for me to stay here for a while, until I could look for a work and a new apartment to stay for good. Even for a week of staying in Orb, I felt myself slowly healing from my pains. I know I made the right decision."
"I had been in Orb for a month when I first met Lady Athha by chance. That day, I was planning to really start my new life in Orb, such as to look for a job, and then find an apartment for myself. But before I ventured around the city, I decided to visit the Orb Memorial to pay respect to my family and to the victims and heroes of war. I was silently standing there, when someone stood beside me and placed a bouquet of flowers on the memorial stone," Shinn paused and signaled for Cagalli to continue.
Everyone shifted their attention from Shinn to Cagalli when she cleared her throat and continued his story.
"Since the second war, I promised to myself to honor those people who died in the war by offering some flowers on the Orb Memorial, once every two weeks. During my visits, the Orb Memorial was always deserted because I made sure to visit early in the morning. Imagine my surprise to see someone standing there before me. I was not supposed to talk to that person, but when I caught a glimpse of him, I recognized him as the Destiny pilot who I encountered at the Minerva," Cagalli started as she narrated their first meeting.
ooo
Flashback: Two months after the Second Bloody Valentine War
Shinn was silently standing in front of the Orb Memorial Stone when he felt a movement beside him. He turned his head on his right and saw the one person he declared he dislike the most. Cagalli Yula Athha was standing there beside him, looking straight ahead, with a solemn expression on her face. She was wearing her maroon Emir uniform. Shinn stared at her for a few seconds, and then turned his head straight ahead of him.
They were silently standing there for a good five minutes, looking straight ahead the vast ocean. Shinn had his hands inside his denim pocket, while Cagalli had her arms by her side. The atmosphere around them was awkward as they bask in the sea breeze when Cagalli decided to speak, still staring straight ahead.
"You do not hate Orb as much as you hated it a few years ago," Cagalli stated out of the blue with out looking at him.
Shinn did not answer her immediately. He took a deep breath, savoring the fresh sea breeze. "Hate is a strong word. And I could never hate the one place that I call home," he answered shortly, staring straight ahead of him, too.
Cagalli slightly bowed down her head and smiled ruefully. "So your hate is solely intended for the Athha Royal Family," she concluded, "Unfortunately for me, I am the last Athha up to date. I tell you now, I might increase my security measures as soon as possible, so it will be difficult for you to extract your revenge," she joked amiably.
Shinn had a small smile of amusement on his face, unnoticed by the blonde princess beside him. "I told you, hate is a strong word. I think 'dislike' is a much better word to describe my feelings to the royal family."
"Yay! You don't hate me. I feel special that you only dislike me," she announced sarcastically.
"Beggars can't be choosers, Athha. You should be grateful that I don't feel that much resentment towards you. Albeit I still dislike you, at least I am now talking to you, without shouting and spouting hateful words on your face," he declared arrogantly.
"Wow! Thank you, Lord Asuka. I am honored that you bestowed your precious attention to this lowly person," she said, dripping it with a large amount of sarcasm. "Egotistical much?" she muttered loudly.
"For a princess and a Chief Representative of Orb, you act like a commoner, Athha." Shinn sneered.
"Well, I'm sorry to inform you, but I am not your conventional princess. Get use to it."
They were silent for a few minutes. The awkwardness had ceased to exist since they started bickering.
"Are you going back to PLANTs soon?" Cagalli inquired out of the blue as she observed the flock of flying birds across the blue sky.
"No. I've been staying here in Orb for a month already. I decided to stay here for a long time. Maybe two years or more, depending on what fate has planned for me."
Cagalli sharply swiveled her head towards Shinn, staring at him with confusion on her amber orbs. She waited for him to talk and expound his statement.
"I wanted to start a new life away from PLANTs and ZAFT, so I decided to go home here in Orb. I've been staying at the orphanage for a month now, contemplating life and planning for my next course of action. Actually, I decided to look for a work today, after I visit the memorial," Shinn explained, "But as usual, you had disrupted my plans for today. Really, Athha. You have to stop that meddlesome trait of yours," he complained in mock sarcasm.
As she listened to his remark, a vein started to tick on Cagalli's forehead, a sign of growing irritation to the young man beside her.
"You are starting to annoy me. Do you want me to push you off the cliff, Asuka?"
Shinn scoffed. "As if you could, Athha."
"Are you underestimating me?" she snapped at him, placing her hands on her hips.
"I am a Coordinator, Athha. I am a trained soldier of ZAFT and an ex-FAITH member. I can pilot a Gundam," he explained smugly, finally staring at her, "And the most obvious reason why you could not push me is because I am a male. Not a girl dressed in a boy's clothing."
Cagalli reddened in outrage. She fisted her hands by her side, coaching herself to not punch the hell out of the young man before her.
"ASUKA YOU POMPOUS BRAT!" she screamed at him.
"Temper, Athha. You're acting like a spoiled princess," Shinn mockingly scolded Cagalli, finding extreme amusement in provoking her.
"SHUT UP, YOU BRAT! Don't you dare mock me!"
"Really now, princess? I could never mock the Princess of Orb. You are really starting to act like a spoiled princess, Athha. Control yourself."
"Don't call me PRINCESS! You are pissing me off, little boy!" Cagalli snapped.
Shinn was smirking as they started to bicker, but it disappeared when he heard her call him a little boy.
"WHO are you calling 'little boy', Athha?" he demanded for her to answer.
This time Cagalli was the one who was evilly smirking at him. "Ooh! Did I hit a nerve?" she gasped sarcastically. "Is wittle Shinnie boy angry at little innocent me?"
"SHUT UP, ATHHA!"
Cagalli gasped in mock horror, placing both of her hands against her chest. Her eyes were twinkling in amusement. "Oh, Haumea! Temper, temper. You should control yourself, Shinnie boy."
Shinn was about to burst in extreme anger and annoyance to the Chief Representative of Orb, when her mobile phone rang inside her Emir blazer. She raised a hand in front of him, silently telling him to stop and wait for a while as she answered her phone.
"Cagalli Yula Athha, speaking... I'm at the Orb Memorial... No, Kisaka! No need to fetch me, I'll be there with in 15 minutes... No! I said I'll be on my way, no need to bring the whole bodyguards... Gosh! Kisaka. I'm an adult now, stop treating me like a rebellious teenager... What did you just say! Who are you calling rebellious?... Fine, fine! I'll be there... Bye!"
Cagalli clicked her phone, and then faced Shinn Asuka. "Sorry for that. I have to go now to the Parliament. The Orb Council is waiting for me. We have to discuss the rebuilding of Orb."
Shinn nodded in understanding.
Cagalli stared at Shinn. "It's nice talking to you. I hope you'll be able to fully find your inner peace here in Orb. Good luck in finding a job and may Haumea bless you." Cagalli paused for a second, and then hesitantly offered her hand to Shinn for a handshake. "Nice meeting you and welcome back to Orb, Shinn Asuka."
Shinn stared at her amber orbs. They were full of determination and sincerity as she waited for him to shake back her outstretched hand. If he wanted to start a new life without anger and regrets, he had to grab all the opportunity presented to him. Shinn finally strengthened his resolve, and then took her delicate and outstretched hand in his large one to shake back.
"Nice meeting you, too, and thank you...Lady Athha."
Cagalli sincerely smiled at him as they slowly released each other's hand. They nodded to each other in farewell as Cagalli about faced and leisurely went towards her sports car. Shinn turned his body back as he stared straight ahead the wide ocean, a contended expression on his face.
Before she could walk furthermore, Cagalli suddenly stopped three steps away from Shinn. She slowly tilted her head to the side, and had a look of contemplation on her face. She unconsciously nibbled her lower lip, and then squared her shoulders in resolve. She turned around and faced the back of the ruby-eyed young man.
"Shinn Asuka," she called him.
Shinn jerked his head behind him when he heard his name. He saw the Chief Representative of Orb staring intently at him. He turned around and fully faced her. He had an inquiring look on his face, waiting for her to continue what she has to say.
"I don't know why I am doing this. It's up to you if you accept it or not. Just in case you ran out of option...you know. I mean...what I am trying to say is..." she trailed off as she pulled out a private calling card from her blazer, and then offered it to him, "...if you want to continue to be a soldier, the Orb Forces will welcome a very skilled soldier like you in the team. If not, you can try your luck in Morgenroete, Inc. I'm sure they will be happy if you work with them..." she trailed off again, diverting her amber orbs away from him, "...and Kisaka decided to accept interviews and practical tests to those who want to be included in my elite security team. If you want, you can try for the job, in case you can't find a job right away."
Shinn was astonished when she started to ramble and made her offer. He raised both his eyebrows in disbelief, while staring at her intently. Cagalli was a little bit agitated with his continuous staring and indifferent countenance. She huffed in annoyance, and then pulled one of his hands and shoved the calling card on his palm.
"Just contact me if you need help. I have my private office line to both of my offices in the Parliament and in the Athha Estate, my mobile number, my email address, and my residential address written in the calling card if you need anything," she informed him rapidly.
Cagalli pivoted away from him, and then marched her way to her sports car. Shinn blinked in confusion. When the blonde princess was almost near her car, Shinn woke-up from his stupor and stared at the calling card on his hands. He made a decision to go with the flow.
"I will consider it!" Shinn yelled at the retreating back of the Chief Representative of Orb.
Cagalli smiled to herself and continued to walk away from him, without looking back at the raven-haired Coordinator. When she opened her car door, she raised her hand in a single wave, the only indication that she heard Shinn. She turned on her car, and then zoomed towards the Orb Parliament building.
Shinn smirked as he pocketed the calling card. He gave one last glance to the memorial stone, and then walked leisurely away from it.
End of Flashback
ooo
"A week after we met, I went to Athha Estate and applied for her elite security team. I was accepted after a series of practical exams. Admiral Kisaka assigned me as Lady Athha's personal bodyguard for two years, until I decided to enlist as an Orb Forces soldier. I slowly climbed up to ranks. A year ago, I was promoted to Commander of the Orb Forces," Shinn ended.
Cagalli and Shinn waited for their friends to react and ask some questions for clarification. Cagalli silently sipped her tea, while Shinn munched for a cookie. The others were silently absorbing the information given to them. The silence shattered when Lunamaria asked the first question.
"Why did you not contact anyone of us and inform us of your current life in Orb?" Lunamaria stared intently at Shinn.
Shinn slowly swallowed the cookie in his mouth. He stared at Lunamaria, and then to their friends who were waiting for his answer, and back again at Lunamaria. "It was my intention to not contact anyone from PLANTs for the first six months that I am staying in Orb. When I was about to contact one of you on my 6th month here, there was an emergency that I need to attend to, causing for my mobile phone to drop on a puddle of water, destroying the data and saved contact numbers in it."
"Did you not ask Miss Cagalli or Admiral Kisaka for our contact numbers? I'm sure they know our contact details. If not, they could ask Sir Kira or Miss Lacus in your behalf." Lunamaria fired her next question.
"I planned to ask them, but I started to get busy because of the Peace Treaty negotiations. I don't have time to ask them, since I am always out of the country with Lady Athha or Admiral Kisaka," Shinn replied calmly.
Kira, Lacus, Shiho, and Dearka were staring back and forth at the two of them. Yzak and Cagalli had a bored expression on their faces as they listened to the duo. Mir was staring at Shinn in concern, while Meyrin stared at her elder sister. Athrun was listening to Shinn and Luna, but his emerald orbs were fixed on Cagalli.
"But you should have called me!" Lunamaria insisted, her voice slightly raised.
Shinn raised his china cup to his mouth and sipped his tea. He slowly put it down on the round table, and then stared squarely at Lunamaria.
"Why should I? The day before I left PLANTs, you made it clear that you don't care about me and I should leave you alone," Shinn stated calmly.
Luna gasped and stiffened on her seat. She was not thinking straight when she said those hateful words. She was hurt and angry at him when he decided to return to Orb without discussing it first with her, resulting for her to yell those words with an intention to hurt him in return. When she calmed down, she felt extreme guilt and sadness. She wanted to retract her statement and to ask for forgiveness, but she was too late. He already left for Orb.
Feeling the tension between Shinn and Lunamaria, Dearka decided to ask his question. "Are the two of you friends now, or are you just civil with each other?"
"Of course the brat and I are friends!" Cagalli answered immediately. "As if he could resist my friendly charm," she stated smugly.
Shinn raised an eyebrow, shifting his attention from Lunamaria to Cagalli and their friends. "How can I resist when you forcefully demanded that we become friends, to the point that you blackmailed me in to submission," he sneered at her.
"Shut up, Asuka!" Cagalli childishly poked out her tongue at him, raising her nose in the air.
"Mature, my lady. Very mature," Shinn drawled sarcastically.
Kira peered curiously at them. "Are the two of you really friends? Since this morning, the two of you kept on bickering like there is no tomorrow."
Mir laughed in amusement. "I assure you, Kira. These two are very good friends. They are like Dearka and Yzak who bicker and argue most of the time. If I did not know their history when I first met them together, I would have thought they were best friends since childhood. Their bickering and teasing are their way of bonding and having fun," she told their friends.
Cagalli flushed in embarrassment, while Shinn turned his head away from them as he tried to conceal his slightly reddening cheeks.
"Dearka and I do not bicker just for fun, Mir. Your unofficial boyfriend is just plain annoying and irritating," Yzak injected, scowling in indignation.
"Sure. If you say so Captain Joule," Mir drawled teasingly, winking at the smirking Dearka.
Lunamaria was silent on her seat as she observed the interaction between Cagalli and Shinn. She could not explain it, but she felt uncomfortable when she they are together. Cagalli and Shinn answered their friends' questions as detailed as possible. The only person who did not ask any question yet was Athrun.
When most of their friends had asked all of their questions, Athrun decided to speak up as he stared challengingly at Shinn.
"Why is Ade calling you his papa?" Athrun asked a bit demandingly.
Cagalli raised an eyebrow at Athrun. Meyrin tried to catch her fiancé's attention but failed. The others stared back and forth at the emerald-eyed ZAFT High Commander and the ruby-eyed Orb Commander. Shinn looked at him, confusion written on his face.
"What do you mean, Athrun?" Shinn asked his long time friend and mentor. "Ade had been calling me 'papa' since he started talking. And since Lady Athha was fine with it, I don't mind him addressing me as such."
"Why is he allowed to be called as 'papa', while you adamantly refused for me to be addressed as 'daddy'?" This time, Athrun addressed his question to Cagalli.
Cagalli sighed in exasperation. "Athrun, did I not explain it to you already? You are an engaged man and will be marrying Meyrin soon. I don't want for Ade to be very much attached to you, causing him to be confused when you will have your own children. And about Shinn being addressed as 'papa' by Ade, he had been little Ade's known and closest father figure since he was a baby. And since Shinn is not committed to anyone, an overly zealous lover will be the least of my problems."
Athrun wanted to ask more questions. He wanted to know the extent of their relationship. He wanted to ask Cagalli if Shinn is special to her. He wanted to know if she is attracted to him and vice-versa. He wanted to ask those things, but unable to do it because he was afraid to hear their answer. Athrun decided to remain silent, and to just ask them again one of these days.
The group of friends continued to chatter for a few minutes. They were in the middle of a playful debate between their mobile suits, when they heard Piggie barking at the distance. They turned their heads to the sheepdog and saw little Ade jumping beside his large pet dog, waving at them enthusiastically.
"MOMMY! PAPA SHINN!" Ade hollered near the garden door. "GRANDMA CARIDAD SAID TO GET INSIDE BECAUSE IT'S TIME FOR SNACKS!"
Cagalli waved back at her son. "OKAY BABY BOY. WE'LL BE THERE!"
Ade ran back inside the orphanage, Piggie hot on his heels. Cagalli faced her friends and suggested for them to get inside.
"Come on guys! Let's get inside."
oooooooo
Orb Union: Athha Estate
The group went back to the Athha Estate, after Caridad insisted for them to have their dinner first before going home. It was almost 9 o'clock in the evening when they arrived in the estate. Ade was sleeping during the whole ride, his head on his mother's lap. When they arrived home, Shinn scooped the sleeping little prince on his arms as he carried him to his room. He gently laid down the little prince on his bed as Myrna slowly dressed him in his elephant-print pajamas. The others stayed in the living room as they waited for Cagalli to go down from Ade's room. After Myrna changed his clothes, Cagalli kissed her sleeping son's forehead, and then gently closed his bedroom door.
Cagalli met approached her friends, who were resting in the living room.
"Well...I'm sorry, but I have to leave you for a while for work. I know I'm on vacation leave, but this is important for the Peace Treaty celebration. If you don't feel sleepy yet, you can watch a movie in the theater room, or play some electronic games in the game room to waste your time. I will be in my office with Lacus and Shinn if you need anything," Cagalli informed them apologetically.
"Is this about that project, Cagalli?" Lacus asked her soon-to-be-sister-in-law.
"As a matter of fact yes, Lacus. I need to inform you about some details related to it. Shinn will explain everything later."
Yzak furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Wait, wait, wait! What are you two talking about? What is this project that involves the three of you? Why aren't we informed about it?" he asked.
"Yzak is right. What is this important project that you have to be secretive about it?" Kira added curiously.
"We can't tell you about it yet, but we promise that before the Peace Treaty celebration week, we will tell you about it. For now, the leaders or representatives of each nation involved in the Peace Treaty were the only people who knew about this project," Lacus explained.
"How about Shinn? Why is he included in your closed door meeting if the national leaders are the only people involved?" Athrun questioned them.
"Aside from the national leaders, majority of the people working under this project is from Orb. I personally handpicked those non-leaders who are involved, and that includes Shinn," Cagalli informed him.
Satisfied of Lacus and Cagalli' answers, the rest of them decided to stay in the game room to relax and to have fun.
"See you tomorrow everyone and have a good night," Cagalli told their friends, and then turned her attention to Lacus and Shinn, "Lacus. Shinn. Let's go to my office?"
Lacus smiled and nodded at her in agreement.
"Give me a minute to change in to comfortable clothes. I'll follow you at your office as soon as I'm done changing," Shinn informed the blonde princess.
Before Cagalli could respond, Athrun suddenly interrupted them and questioned Shinn. "Give you a MINUTE to change? How long will it take for you to travel from here to your place, and then back here again?"
Cagalli winced and bonked her head in guilt, while Shinn stared at Athrun in confusion. "Lady Athha did not tell you? I started living here in the estate since I became her personal bodyguard. I'm staying in one of the rooms in the West Wing," Shinn informed his emerald-eyed mentor.
"WHAT!" Athrun and Kira screamed, eyes widened in surprise and disbelief.
"Darn! I knew it! I had this feeling that I forgot something to tell you," Cagalli muttered, bonking her head two more times as punishment for forgetting something important.
"What is the meaning of this, Cagalli? Why is he staying in the same wing as you? The two of you ALONE in the same wing!" Kira bombarded her with questions. His over-protective-brother-coz-i-love-my-sister mode was activated.
Athrun was seething inside. 'I thought they are ONLY friends? Why is he staying in the same wing with Cagalli...ALONE? This is worse than I thought.'
"KIRA! Will you stop your stupid questions? He is one of my most trusted friends. I think it would be alright for him to stay in the West Wing with me AND Ade. I repeat…AND Ade. Shinn and I are not alone in one wing because Ade is sleeping in his Prince Room, located inside the Royal Suite. So stop that annoying over-protective brother mode of yours..." Cagalli trailed off, scowling at her sheepish twin brother.
"...and besides," she continued, now staring at Athrun, "...Athrun stayed in the same wing with me when he was my bodyguard. And nothing was wrong with that. Right, Athrun?"
Athrun narrowed his emerald orbs at Cagalli as he stiffly nodded his head in confirmation.
Cagalli clapped her hands to get everyone's attention. "Now that everything is cleared, Lacus, Shinn, and I will proceed to our close door meeting. Have a good night everyone."
One by one, they went to their respective agenda. Meyrin pulled her fiancé by his arm. He was reluctant to leave Cagalli, Shinn, and Lacus, towards the game room.
oooooooo
Cagalli sat behind her office table, while Lacus and Shinn sat comfortably on the recliners positioned in front of her. Cagalli typed her password, and then pressed her thumb on the thumb scanner above the safety box inside her bottom drawer. Inside the safe box, she got a green disc labeled Entwine and gently placed it in front of Lacus.
"After four years of extensive research, Project Entwine is finally complete," Cagalli grinned widely at Lacus.
"Oh my! What an excellent news, Cagalli! When did you have the complete data about it?" Lacus said excitedly, her was brightly smiling.
Cagalli waved her hand carelessly towards Shinn as she reclined on her massive office chair. "Shinn went to Heliopolis Dos a week ago to check the final details for the project. Fortunately, our special research team was able to finish and finalize the details on time."
Lacus had a thoughtful look on her beautiful face. "Hmm...Is that the reason why we did not see Shinn until today?"
The Princess of Orb nodded in affirmative.
"I sent a confidential email to all national leaders involved in this project when we were on our way to the orphanage this afternoon. I scheduled a closed door meeting with all the national leaders next week at Heliopolis Dos Research Institute for one day. Everything about Project Entwine will be explained their by our researchers. If everything is acceptable, we will be able to present and launch the project during the Peace Treaty celebration week," Cagalli informed the Pink Princess.
"It is fine by me. This project is very important to maintain and strengthen the Peace Treaty. Aside from that, both Coordinators and Naturals can really benefit from it." Lacus paused as she remembered something. "Cagalli, how are we going to solve the security issue? A large number of national leaders, staying in one place, are an easy target for a surprise attack from small existing resistance group," she asked curiously.
Shinn answered her question. "If all national leaders and representatives confirmed their attendance for next week's meeting, we will insist that each leader can bring only two trusted bodyguards or escorts to secure maximum confidentiality and safety. We will discreetly deploy one Orb Forces troop around the research institute in case of emergency."
"Shinn will be accompanying me, as well as Kisaka. I know you'll be bringing Kira, but I insist that you leave Athrun, Yzak, and Dearka out of this, until the launching is confirmed. I suggest you bring Captain Waltfeld as your second escort," Cagalli suggested to her best girlfriend.
"I will ask Kira and Captain Waltfeld tomorrow about it."
Cagalli, Lacus, and Shinn continued to discuss some minor details about Project Entwine for another hour, until Lacus excused herself to rest for the night. She kissed Cagalli's cheek and bid Shinn good night as she left the two alone in the office. Cagalli silently prepared and arranged some of her files for tomorrow. Shinn was intently staring at Cagalli's every movement. Feeling that someone is staring at her, Cagalli raised her head and cocked an eyebrow on her ruby-eyed observer.
"Athrun was hostile to me since we met this morning," Shinn stated nonchalantly.
"What?"
"There was something in the way that he stares at me that unnerves me. I don't know if I misinterpreted it or not, but his eyes were blazing with...jealousy perhaps?" he continued as if he did not hear Cagalli.
"What?"
"Are you sure that he is engaged to Meyrin? He did not even pay attention to her today...even once. He kept on alternately staring at you and me, like a starving hawk. It was disturbing." Shinn continued ignoring the irritated blonde princess.
"What!"
"I am not sure, but I think Athrun Zala is still in love with you," Shinn muttered loudly.
"WHAT!"
"How about you, Lady Athha? Are you still in lov―"
"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE, SHINN ASUKA!" Cagalli bellowed in anger and irritation. "If you continue that statement, I swear to all gods and holy that I will retaliate in the worse way possible. I promise!"
"Lady Athha, it is just a simple―"
"Say one more word Shinn Asuka and I'll pester you about the magenta-haired-who-must-NOT-be-named," Cagalli growled slowly to make her point.
Shinn shut his mouth in a snap, and then glared at Cagalli. The smug Chief Representative of Orb raised an eyebrow in challenge, daring him to continue his sentence. Shinn abruptly stood up from his seat, and then went out of the office as he bid the blonde princess good night.
"Good night, Lady Athha. Have a good sleep."
When her office door closed with a click, Cagalli smirked smugly to herself. "Ha! One point for Cagalli Yula Athha."
oooooooo
AN: Updated! This chapter is longer than the previous one. I hope you enjoy this new update. THANK YOU very much to my reviewers. Both YOUR positive and negative comments were very long and elaborate...and I LOVE it!
Please continue reviewing. REVIEWS are very much appreciated. I need your REVIEWS for inspiration and for the will to continue this fiction with vigor. THANK YOU!
PS: For my REVIEWERS ONLY: I'll be giving exclusive update/spoilers about the next chapter, and its tentative posting schedule.
Notes:
* Shinn and Cagalli first talked on the same day that Cagalli fainted and found out that she was pregnant.
* I repeat: I changed Colonel Kisaka to Admiral Kisaka.
* Heliopolis Dos - my fictional setting. Heliopolis was rebuilt after the second war. The construction lasted for almost two years, through the help of PLANTs and Earth Alliance. Its new name is Heliopolis Dos.
- boink! -
08 Apr. 2012
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NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter Five: Project Entwine