Chapter 5: The Fate of Hope

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed/Destiny, its characters or plotlines. I only own the inner workings of this fanfiction.

Herein begins the time skip, I a-pol-o-gize for the long wait 'tween updates, hopefully this'll make up for 't and meet yer fancy!

Two years later…

"Do ye think we'll ever be able to find 'im?" Athrun asked as he stood beside his best friend over the railing of the Freedom.

"It's not whether we'll find 'im, it's whether we'll be able t' save him. We can't get through Rau and his brutes, is all. Every time we make a move, he's there to get in the way." Kira replied. The shining hope that was once within his amethyst eyes was beginning to fade, and Athrun knew his friend was about to give up.

They were all tired and running on little faith. A lot has happened and changed over the past two years; but the one thing that's remained the same is that Shinn hasn't been seen or heard from in that long time. They knew where to go and how to get there, Aprilius One, but every time they came close, Rau and a whole Zaft fleet were ready. They've tried all kinds of routes and strategies, but could never get passed the enraged man.

Speaking of, once Lacus was captured along with Cagalli at her wedding, Rau has tripled the price on Kira's sole head, and added new charges to the long list: Capture of one Lacus Clyne, the fiancé of Rau le Creuset and the daughter of Siegel Clyne- punishable by death.

Rau's hatred only increased tenfold over the years, especially since Lacus was yet again in the arms of his enemy. If he only knew the extent of how close she was in Kira's arms, he may go completely insane with rage…

The crew of the Freedom were once again debarking to go after Shinn. They planned to fight their way through Rau's fleet, sinking and destroying as much as they could, so as not to be stopped once they reach their destination. From there they just needed to locate the school and get Shinn out.

However, another problem had arisen to plague them. A new and highly formidable ship had joined Rau's fleet recently, and was well-matched with the S.S. Voltaire and her captain. Kira had an odd feeling about that ship, the Impulse, and hoped to avoid it when it came time to fight.

"Aye, but we can't give up hope, Kira. Not when we're so close." Athrun replied. A glint of silver from his hand made Kira glance at the ring and smile.

"Yer right. I just fear for him." He replied.

Athrun caught Kira's eye and also glanced down at the wedding band, smiling. He eyed Kira's own ring. "I dun think I'll ever get used t' this."

"I know, although I'm glad we were able to reunite with 'em. The thought of wot would'a happened if'n we couldn't save Cagalli at that blasted wedding…"

"Don't remind me." Athrun said quickly. "I couldn't stand the thought of her bein' married to that pathetic excuse for a man. I'm just glad we were able t' save 'em right in the nick o' time!"

"Ye got that right!" Mrs. Zala replied heartily as she came up beside her husband. "I would'a gone crazy and murdered the bastard in his sleep if ye hadn't come crashin' through the window!"

The men chuckled. "That wouldn'a been very lady-like of ye, dear sis." Kira joked sarcastically.

Cagalli gave him a heated glare which only made him smile wider as Athrun embraced her. "Now, now, let's not remember that time, nor what could have been."

"I was just joking."

"Yeah, yeah, you watch yer cabin tonight, in case I decide to murder ye instead!" Cagalli replied.

"I think ye'd scare Lacus half t' death!" Kira exclaimed, knowing she was only kidding.

"Ah, she'd live." Cagalli replied and shrugged, smiling at her brother.

"I'd wot?" Lacus asked.

"Er, nothing dear. We were just playing." Kira replied and smiled warmly at her.

She looked confused but smiled back, wrapping her arms around him. "The sea looks beautiful today." She said.

"It looks beautiful every day, but not as beautiful as you." Kira replied.

"Oh cut it out with the lovey-dovey!" Cagalli exclaimed. "But seriously, Kira, do ye think this plan'll work? We've tried just about everythin', I'm beginning to believe Shinn is lost to us forever!"

"We can't stop trying or give up, that wouldn't be fair to him. He needs us more than ever now, it may be already too late." Kira replied in a somber tone.

"What do you mean?" Lacus asked. Cagalli and Athrun also looked slightly puzzled at his statement.

"Only that…well…wot if Gil manages to turn him against us? Against me?" Kira asked in a small voice.

"That would never happen and ye know it!" Cagalli replied whole-heartedly.

"'Tis true, Kira, he wouldn't turn against us. He'll fight 'til the end." Athrun added.

"But wot if he can't? Wot if he gives up, or can't fight? You heard about what happened, he was whipped for the first time in his life! He's under the control of that awful man, and Rey is wrestling him into submission. I just don't think he could stand much more, especially after goin' to a boy's school, where he'll be brainwashed and trained up all proper. Wot if they teach him to hate pirates, an' make him obey the law?" Kira said.

"That's true, 'tis a lot for a lad to handle…but he's got spirit, he's determined. I'm sure all is well." Athrun answered.

"But what if they crush his spirit? What if they take it from him? He's just a boy…"

"Oh stop it! Shinn's no boy, he's a man, and he can take care of himself! Wot's got into yer head, Kira?" Cagalli asked.

"I'm just worried. It's been so long…and he's always been rebellious, I just hope they didn't use that to their advantage with him. Plus…oh, never mind." He said.

"What? Tell us!"

"It's just…I have this strange feelin'…it has to do with that new ship…"

"Oh, here we go again!" Cagalli exclaimed and threw her hands in the air.

"Kira, I honestly don't think-," Athrun began but Kira cut him off.

"No, just listen…isn't it odd? He shows up and matches Rau in fighting strength, and he knows his way around these waters, and around a ship! I just get this feeling that I know who the captain is, and it's like Rau is sneerin' in me face! They're taunting me! They're both tauntin' me!"

"Kira," Lacus said and put a hand on his arm. "All this worrying won't help. Shinn is a good soul, he knows what's right and what's wrong, and he trusts you; you're his family, and he would never betray you."

"I know that, but wot if he has no choice? Or wot if they warped his mind, brainwashed him?"

"Ye keep talkin' about brainwashin' like it's so easy! Shinn's smarter than that!" Cagalli told him.

"Besides, Lacus is right, worryin' will get ya nowhere. Let's just focus on the plan, and if anything happens we'll deal with it then." Athrun stated.

Kira sighed and nodded. "Thanks." He mumbled and half-smiled. Cagalli patted him on the shoulder and left with Athrun, while Lacus stayed by his side, leaning against him.

As they gazed into the sea, they began to remember the highpoints of the last two years…

-Flashback-

They were standing on the Freedom, the girls back on board and safe as the crew cheered. They had made it safely away with the help of the Minerva and her crew. Athrun and Cagalli were staring deeply into one another's eyes, while Lacus and Kira were also sharing an intimate moment.

"Athrun, I can't hold it in any longer. Seein' ye again, after that horrific moment when I thought I'd have to marry Yuuna and never see ye again…I have to tell you something…" Cagalli cried.

"What is it?" Athrun asked softly, wiping the tears from her eyes.

"I love ye! I never wanted to admit it, I was afraid, but I love ye, Athrun! I…I want to marry you, not Yuuna! When I was walking down that aisle, I thought of you standing at the altar instead of him, and when you came crashing through that window I…I…"

"Oh, Cagalli, I love ye too." He replied and kissed her deeply. A call came out from the crew that they ignored. "Let's not wait any longer, let's get married now! Yer already all dressed up, and before ye get captured again, let's make our love final!"

"Really?" she breathed. He nodded and she smiled.

"Kira!"

Kira's head snapped up from gazing into Lacus's eyes as he turned to his friend and sister. "Yes?"

"Marry us!"

And that day, by the railing on the quarterdeck of the Freedom, Cagalli Attha became Cagalli Zala, and Athrun became the happiest man in the world. A large celebration was held that lasted for days. The girls were safe and back where they belonged and one couple had tied the knot. A lot of jeers were thrown at Kira and Lacus, the crew wondering when the two would join the other couple in matrimony.

It would not be until the pirates had found a new home, a safe haven that Rau would have a harder time finding than La Strike Island. Once they found the island and settled down, they christened it Just Isle. On the founding day, Lacus and Kira stood before the pirate community and were wed in a fashion that resembled Caridad and Haruma's own wedding. It was a spectacular way to found the new pirate haven, and another large celebration took place.

They kept trying to find and bring back Shinn, but every time they tried Rau would be there, and back-up was never far behind. Not wanting to risk recapture or death, they avoided fighting as much as possible and tried to sneak in a few times. They never made it to Aprilius One, and were beginning to lose hope. Rau was steamed that Kira had captured Lacus as well as Cagalli, and now had added her capture to his list of charges, claiming Kira had taken his fiancé as a slight to him. The girls didn't always join them on their endeavors, in case they got hurt or captured again, but it was getting harder and harder to leave them at Just Isle, especially since Cagalli was so hard-pressed to save her brother and never wanted to be left on the side-lines.

They were happy, but their happiness would never be complete until Shinn was reunited with them. They tried to discover how he was doing, but all attempts to make contact were ruined. Gilbert had a lot of Zaft's forces in charge of keeping them away from his son, and Rau was on their tail every step of the way. Even if they gave up on rescuing Shinn, they would still be hunted. They haven't plundered or pillaged anything ever since that day, and their only efforts were put into saving Shinn, but they were all growing weary and beginning to lose hope.

With the appearance of the S.S. Impulse, the stakes grew even higher and the waters churned more dangerous. This new vessel was powerful and the crew cunning; it was like having two Rau's at once. Ever since they first sighted the ship, Kira has thrown about wild theories as to whom it could be and what it could mean, and he's also begun doubting whether Shinn was still even on their side. This tended to aggravate Cagalli, who swore that Shinn would never be turned against them and was strong enough to resist their efforts, but Kira's worry only intensified after every encounter with Rau and the Impulse.

-End Flashback-

Lacus sighed and glanced at Kira's face. It held worry, doubt, and a profound tiredness. She knew they couldn't keep doing this forever, or Kira's smile would never surface on his face again.

This would most likely be the last time they tried to rescue Shinn. She didn't want to think about what might happen if they failed again, or what Kira would go through. She knew the siblings cared for each other, and she missed Shinn as well, but she too began to doubt whether it would be too late by the time they finally found him. Who knew what was going on, and how he could have changed?

"Do ye think they'll try it again?" Rey asked his father.

"I know it. They'll never give up, which means I'm gettin' closer and closer to catchin' 'em once again. Soon they'll start getting' sloppy and desperate, and become easy pickings. He won't get away from me again." Rau snarled.

"Maybe they'll give up soon; it's been two years, they might be startin' to doubt whether they could actually do this or not." Rey replied.

"Yes, but oh how I'd love t' see the look on Kira's face…"

"I know, father, but perhaps 'tis best if'n he doesn't know. As long as we can keep Shinn away from them, the better I'll feel."

"Oh stop worrying. Even if they did manage t' find and capture Shinn, they won't like what they see. He's with us now, and he knows better. We have succeeded."

"Yes, but still…"

"He won't like that ye doubt him."

"He's so…serious now. He's not the same; he's bitter."

"Who wouldn't be after what he's been through? He's angry because his brother is a fool and his sister is a whore, he just wants t' bring them to justice as badly as we do."

"I know, but I fear his bloodlust may rival yer own."

"Would that be so bad?"

"This wasn't what I meant to happen, ya know. I just wanted him away from his siblings and those pirates. I wanted him to come to his senses about the world and his place in it, beside mine."

"Then you've got yer wish, what else could ye want?"

"I know he's followin' orders, and he's ready to achieve his destiny, but I feel like he's hardened his heart. He's just so…different…"

"As long as Durandal is happy, I could care less." Rau grunted.

Rey frowned. "What 'bout my happiness?"

"You've got him, plain and simple; if yer still not happy, you probably never will be."

"Yes, but for how long will I have him?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean…won't he want a…female companion? Especially once he becomes Chairman, he'll be pressured into takin' a bride and conceivin' an heir."

"Oh, don't worry; those things are all political, like Yuuna and Cagalli."

"What about you and Lacus? Ye coveted her, did ye not? It wasn't only political…"

"She was Kira's…so o' course I wanted her to be mine. Plus she was mine t' begin with; Siegel and I made that deal when she was but a child. With us united, our two families will be the most powerful in the world!"

"Of course, father." Rey replied.

Rau was about to comment when he caught red eyes peering at them. "If ye still have your doubts, why don't you ask him yourself?"

Rey glanced up at him questioningly, but then noticed Shinn and nodded, going towards him.

"How do you like your new position?" he asked casually.

"I quite enjoy it. I have to thank you for helping me along the way, I admit I was a bit…young and naive, but you taught me the ways of the world, Rey." Shinn replied, also casually.

"Your teachers taught you the ways of the world thanks to your father. I did nothing." Rey replied, trying to keep his speech more professional and gentleman-like.

"Oh but you did." Shinn replied and stepped closer, a glint in his eyes. "You don't know how much you've given me, by staying with me…" he said huskily, and then eyed him curiously. "Was there something you wanted to say?"

Rey stared into his eyes and moved his hand close to his face, then glanced to see if anyone was around. The area was clear, and he brushed some hair out of Shinn's face. "Not really…"

"Go on, Rey, you can speak your mind." Shinn replied.

"I just…with all of the changes, I was wonderin' how ye felt about me." Rey asked bluntly, slipping into his usual way of talking.

Shinn smirked. "What do you mean? I feel the same as always." He replied smoothly.

"And that is?"

Shinn wrapped his arms around him as they got closer. "I'm yours." He replied and leaned in for a kiss.

"We're gettin' close, Kira." Nicol called from the crow's nest.

"Do ya see 'em?" Kira called back.

"Aye, the fleet is there."

Kira cursed. "I was really hopin' they wouldn't be prepared for us."

"We'll just have t' fight our way through." Yzak replied with a greedy look.

"Yeah, that worked out great for us the last hundred times." Dearka commented sarcastically and rolled his eyes.

"But this time we'll win, right?" Mwu said and looked to Kira.

"I hope so." He muttered.

On the horizon that they were all staring at was a fleet of ZAFT ships, headed by one S.S. Voltaire, and accompanied by the newly released S.S. Impulse. This fleet looked to be the largest yet, with about twenty ships that they could see, and possibly more hiding behind for reinforcement. The Freedom was thoroughly equipped and ready for war, and the Minerva was waiting farther back, where they couldn't be seen, with a few other pirates. Kira's doubt began creeping in again.

Normally it would be a small fleet, with ten or less ships and just the S.S. Voltaire, but now with the appearance of the S.S. Impulse, more and more ships kept showing up on the battlefield. They seemed to be everywhere, as if they knew the exact movements and locations of the pirates. Every route they tried to take was blocked and resulted in a battle. The war of the seas had officially begun again with full force.

But this time, could the pirates survive with another lucky break?

Kira trained his spyglass on the S.S. Impulse, scanning the quarterdeck for the captain and her crew. He could see small movements, but they were just too far away to recognize faces. The Voltaire usually engaged first, with a few other ships, while the Impulse stayed back and fired extra shots if the pirates got too close. It was like they were purposefully staying far enough away that not only were they out of the firing range, but out of sight as well. This bothered Kira greatly, but he wasn't sure why. He could sense a familiar presence, like he should know someone on that ship, or know something about it; like it was on the tip of his tongue, an obvious revelation.

He scowled. "Prepare for battle!"

-Author's Note: I'm back with a bit of a mystery! This is the time skip, and I'm not sure how many chapters are left in this adventure; it depends on where exactly this thing goes. Please review and tell me what you think, questions, comments, ideas, and etc. are welcome. No flames are accepted, it's rated M for a reason, but helpful critiques are permitted. If you have any top notch sailing or pirate facts you'd like to share in order to enhance the writing, feel free to include them in a review or PM me, but I usually do research on things I'm unsure about (also, if any facts are wrong, please let me know so I can fix it). With that said, peace out!-