JC: Hi! I want to thank all the reviewers who have supported this fanfic! Hel will reveal some important details here. You better read carefully. But I also want you guys to enjoy this story. I did edit this a bit. Okay, now I present chapter 7! Please read on.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed Destiny.

Gundam Seed: Mythical Legends

Phase 07: What is important to you?

Rooftop

Hel, the goddess of Death, was telling her father and his friends about Odin's intentions—the real reason why he wanted to kill Loki. "Do you remember the war 20,000 years ago?" Hel asked her father.

"I participated in that war, but I ended up being banished by that geezer," Shinn replied, sounding irritated.

"During that time, I was summoned to Asgard by Odin-sama. When I got there, I overheard him talking to his Valkyries about Freya-sama and you."

"Freya?" murmured Cagalli.

"Freya-sama is the goddess of fertility. She is an important being in the realm of gods," Hel clearly explained.

Cagalli silently nodded her head, though something about that name bothered her.

Shinn remembered the times he used to spend with Freya. They were really good friends back then. If only Odin didn't banish him, he would still be living a happy life with her. Shinn regretted the day he left her. He didn't even get the chance to say good-bye to her. "After I was banished, what happened to Freya?" Shinn asked with hesitation.

"Freya was completely devastated when she found out that you were gone," Hel answered in a low voice.

"Now I understand," he retorted, "I'm the cause of her disappearance 20,000 years ago."

"No, it's not like that. Odin-sama didn't want Freya to be with you. Odin-sama has a great admiration for Freya. She was like a loving daughter to him. He didn't want to lose her to you."

"So that's why he punished me. I can't believe him! Because of his stupid acts, Freya was... Freya was..." Shinn shook in anger as he clenched his fists. "Damn you, Odin!"

"Shinn..." Cagalli muttered softly, as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

Shinn turned his head at her. He had eyes that wanted to cry.

Gently, Cagalli placed his head on her shoulder. She brushed her fingers through his black unruly hair. "You've been through a lot," Cagalli said.

Suddenly, Shinn hugged Cagalli tightly. "Shinn, what the..." Cagalli was speechless. Her cheeks showed a hint of redness and her heart skipped a beat.

"I already lost a precious friend before," Shinn whispered into her ear, "and I don't want to lose another."

"Shinn..."

Athrun turned around to hide his facial expression from them. Seeing Shinn and Cagalli hugging each other was a little too much for him. He was overrunning with jealousy and anger. Who could blame him? He was having feelings for Cagalli.

Warehouse

In a warehouse near the port, two Norns were having a deep discussion about Loki. Until now, they were not able to eliminate him as Odin wishes.

"What should we do, Urd Onee-sama?" the red-haired goddess asked her older sister, who was seated right across her.

"If only Skuld wasn't helping Loki-sama, it would be easier to kill him." Urd (Miriallia) replied seriously.

"Skuld had always admired Loki-sama."

"I know!" Urd blurted out, revealing an angry face. "Because of that, she's willing to fight us just to protect him." She lowered her voice.

"Onee-sama, I don't want to fight her again." She went to Urd's side. "Skuld is our precious sister after all." She placed her hand on her shoulder.

"We should try talking to her. We have to convince her to side with us."

Verdandi nodded her head in silence.

School Gate

Stellar stood there, waiting for Shinn to arrive. She held a small pouch containing chocolates inside. She was planning to give it to Shinn as a gift. "I hope Shinn likes it," she said. She looked around, noticing random students passing by, as some of them waved her hi. "The mortals today seemed to be in a good mood." She looked up at the sky. Instantly, she saw a strange red bird flying over her head. "That bird... It looks familiar." She stared puzzlingly at the small red bird. Suddenly she realized that it belonged to Verdandi.

The bird quickly flew away. "Hey! Wait!" Stellar shouted as she went after it. She followed it until it led her to an abandoned mansion. She opened the door and peeked inside. She saw some old paintings of old guys and dusty old furniture. "It looks like no one's here." She entered the mansion and went into the living room, where she heard a chirping noise. She saw the red bird perching on someone's shoulder. She gasped when she found out that it was Verdandi.

"Skuld, I'm glad you're finally here. Why don't you take a seat?" Verdandi offered a seat beside her. "Come on, I won't bite." She mocked.

"No thanks..." Stellar's eyes narrowed at her. She held her guard up to be ready for any attacks.

"Skuld, I don't want to hurt you."

"But you already did, Verdandi Onee-sama!"

"That's because you're helping Odin-sama's enemy."

"Loki-sama is innocent."

"And who told you that?"

"I trust Loki-sama's words," Stellar spoke with hesitation.

"Hmph... You shouldn't believe in his words."

"I don't care about what you say. I will still help Loki-sama even if I die."

"Skuld..." Verdandi looked at the blonde kindly.

"If you have nothing more to say," Stellar said as she turned around, "I shall take my leave now." She was about to walk away when Verdandi magically closed the entrance. "What the?!" gasped Stellar.

"I'm sorry," muttered Verdandi.

"Onee-sama, what do you think you're doing?!" Stellar turned back at her sister.

"I will not allow you to see Loki-sama again. I am taking you with me." Verdandi raised her arm and a golden energy sphere formed on top of her hand. She looked at her little sister cunningly.

"Onee-sama, you can't force me!" Stellar chanted a binding spell to restrain Verdandi's powers. As she completed it, a chain of light appeared around Verdandi. "I got you!" Stellar smiled, thinking that she was victorious.

"Do you think this kind of magic can defeat me?!" Verdandi smirked. With one swing of her hand, the chain of light broke and disappeared. "Now, it's my turn." Verdandi pointed the sphere at Stellar.

Stellar backed away until she reached the door. She tried opening it, but a powerful seal was placed on it. She had no way out.

"Pleasant dreams, dear sister..." Verdandi fired the sphere at Stellar. The sphere hit her directly.

Gradually, Stellar fell to the floor. Before she lost consciousness, she thought about Shinn. Loki-sama, it looks like I can't protect you anymore. I'm really sorry.

Verdandi looked at her wistfully. "Skuld..." She lifted Stellar with her magic and brought it closer to her. "I hope you can forgive me, Skuld."

School

It was 5 minutes before classes will start. Shinn looked around the classroom in search for Stellar. Growing impatient, he pulled the guy sitting near him. He looked at him straightly in the eye. "Hey, have you seen Stellar?" he questioned him.

The guy was shaking, because he was scared. Who wouldn't be scared of Shinn Asuka? He shook his head and said, "No, I haven't..."

"I see," said Shinn. He quickly stood and went outside. "Where is she? Class is about to start." He walked down the hallways and down the stairs. When he reached the locker room, he checked Stellar's locker to see if her things were there. But the locker was empty. Shinn was getting nervous. Did something happen to Stellar?

"Why are you standing there like an idiot?!" a husky voice asked Shinn.

Shinn turned around and saw Cagalli looking seriously at him. "Are you waiting for someone?" Cagalli smirked.

"I'm waiting for Stellar." Shinn simply told her.

Cagalli's smirk turned into a malicious grin. She jerked Shinn's elbow and patted his back. "Stellar is one cute girl. I think you two are compatible," she teased. She was trying to annoy him, but he didn't retort. He was too worried about Stellar.

"What the hell is wrong with you? You're supposed to argue with me," Cagalli said as she placed her hands on her waist.

"I have no time to have a pointless argument with you."

"What did you say?!"

"I think something happened to Stellar," Shinn said in a serious tone.

"Are you sure? Maybe she can't come to school, because she's sick."

"Immortals can't get sick." Shinn clenched his fists. He stared at the ground with angry eyes. "The Norns... They must have done something to Stellar." She looked up at Cagalli.

"Well, Stellar is their youngest sister..."

"I have to find her."

"Let me help you." Cagalli offered her help, but Shinn refused. He didn't want to put Cagalli's life at risk. Still, she insisted until he gave up.

"Okay, you can help!" Shinn raised his hands in a form of surrender. "You're so stubborn." Shinn deeply sighed.

"That's how I am, Shinn," Cagalli proudly replied.

The two of them ran towards the gate where they saw a red-haired girl leaning her back on it.

"Hel?" Shinn muttered, as the twosome stopped.

"Good Morning, Oto-sama!" Hel greeted as she hugged Shinn.

"Ah... Good morning to you too... Um, can you let go of me?" Shinn asked nicely.

Hel released him at once and turned to Cagalli with a smile. "Hello, Cagalli... Where are you taking my Oto-sama?" she innocently asked.

"We're going to find Stellar," Cagalli replied.

"Why? Did something happen to her?"

"I'm afraid so," Shinn answered seriously.

"Oto-sama let me help you." Hel pleaded as she held Shinn's hand.

Shinn sighed as he scratched his head. "Okay, but don't get in my way."

Hel nodded her head. "I won't..."

Without any more delay, they ran off.

Garden

Athrun sat down on a patch of grass. He brushed his fingers through his navy blue hair. He leaned back and stared at the clear blue sky.

Kira happened to pass by and saw him. He nimbly approached him. And when he got closer, he picked up a pile of leaves lying on the ground and dropped them directly on Athrun.

Instantly, Athrun bolted up and removed the leaves from his face. "What the hell just happened here?" he asked.

Kira laughed out loud. "You were too funny," he said.

Athrun narrowed his eyes at him. "So it was you, huh?" he hissed. He crossed his arms and turned around.

"Hey, I was only fooling around. Don't get mad at me..." Kira placed his hand on Athrun's shoulder.

Athrun turned his head at him, revealing a serene look. "I know and I'm not mad. I'm just tired that's all. I thought I could get some peace and quiet here until you came along." He deeply sighed.

"Sorry about that," Kira said, smiling wistfully at him.

"That's okay," Athrun replied. He sat down on the grass again and looked up at Kira. "Kira, do you know Cagalli Yula Athha?"

"Cagalli Yula Athha?" Kira muttered. He folded his arms, as he thought about her. "Oh, you mean that girl who is very popular and athletic. I've heard so much about her, but I haven't met her yet."

"She's really cute and smart. She's also nice. You should get to know her."

"You seem to be interested in her."

"I guess you can say that," Athrun said, feeling nervous.

"I see, then why don't you introduce me to her?" Kira said, looking interested.

"Sure," Athrun replied, "I'm sure you'll like her."

Abandoned Building

Cagalli, Shinn, and Hel stopped by at an old building. Shinn wanted Hel to use her powers to locate Stellar. Hel did so without hesitation. "Please hurry," Shinn pressured her.

Hel concentrated hard. She sensed different auras, but one aura caught her attention. It was strong and dark. No normal god possesses this kind of power. Whose aura is this?

"Hel, any luck yet?" Cagalli asked her.

"Not yet," answered Hel. She decided to ignore that aura for a while to search for Stellar.

Shinn was growing impatient. He clenched his fists as he shook in anger.

Cagalli noticed his state and told him to calm down.

"How can I calm down when I know that Stellar is in danger?!" Shinn yelled, looking at her with those enraged red eyes.

"Shinn," Cagalli spoke in a low voice, "I know that you're worried, but please be patient. Hel is doing her best to find her." She pointed at Hel who was still concentrating hard.

At that, Shinn's heart eased up. "I'm sorry... It's just that," Shinn sighed before continuing, "It's my fault why Stellar is in danger."

"Shinn, don't blame yourself."

"Stellar is even fighting her own sisters just to protect me. I feel so pathetic right now. I can't even do anything for her."

"No, don't say that."

"Maybe I should give up and let the assassins kill me."

Suddenly, Cagalli punched him on the face. Of course, Shinn was taken by surprise. He held his swollen cheek as he stared at the blonde with wide eyes.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Cagalli shouted, glaring dangerously at Shinn. "You shouldn't give up!"

"Why shouldn't I? Because of me, your life is also in danger."

"So you're saying that you're going to throw away your life, is that it?! You're saying that you're going to let Odin win?! Don't you dare give up, Shinn Asuka!" she said as tears formed in her eyes.

"Cagalli..."

"The greatest battle ever is to keep on living!"

Shinn said nothing, because he was astonished by Cagalli's words. Everything she said was true and that made him cry. "I'm sorry, Cagalli. I'm really sorry."

To be continued...

JC: Oh my… I hope Shinn wasn't being OOC here. Well, in the series, he can be sentimental at times. He may be tough, but he's pretty emotional. I always find Shinn and Cagalli to be really cute. Please leave your reviews. No flaming, okay?