JC: Chapter 24 is finally up! I'll be introducing Tyr's mortal name here, though many of you have already guessed who he is.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed.

Gundam Seed: Mythical Legends

Phase 24: Another Enemy

It seemed almost like a dream, to be a goddess of fertility. Cagalli had taken the truth with full force that it almost gave her a heart attack. With all the confusions back then, she seemed to be dying for clear answers. Sure, Shinn and the other gods have answered her questions slowly without a doubt. She was thankful for having them as supporters and friends. She even thought it was cool to have such beings as friends.

Of course, she didn't seem to mind that her life was changing. Heck, she didn't care if she had powers and authority over the other gods. But she was very troubled with one certain god—Odin. Although his intentions were questionable, it was very clear he wanted her badly. And because of him, Cagalli had to stay alert for any trickery Odin might have up his sleeve.

She frowned, looking a little sleepily, while staring outside through the window. She was quietly sitting alone in the classroom, with her elbows resting on her desk. "The gods and goddesses of Asgard," she spoke in a low voice, hoping nobody in class would hear. She remembered some of the gods' name after reading Athrun's Norse Mythology book. She was impressed on how the author portrayed each gods and she was a little flattered with Freya's description.

"What are you doing? Looking for bird brains?" Cagalli recognized that voice anywhere. As soon as she turned her head at him, she stood and shouted "Shinn Asuka!" right in front of his face. "You're not supposed to be here."

"And so?!" retorted Shinn, smirking. "I don't care."

"Fine!" she yelled back. "Be that way."

"Gee Cagalli, don't be such a hothead."

"Look who's talking. You're one regular hothead yourself," Cagalli informed him, poking his chest. "Don't try to deny it, Shinn."

Shinn groaned in frustration. "Well… That goes the same for you!"

Arguing was Cagalli and Shinn's favorite past time. They would usually start on a nice conversation until one of them breaks the peace and rants about something pointless. But their day wouldn't be complete without their arguments. At first, they felt so alienated and weird, and they kept getting stares from other people. But they've gotten used to it. What do you expect from childhood friends?

"By the way, Stellar said my magic is improving." Cagalli glanced at her hands, imagining the energy she unleashed not too long ago.

"That's good. You better keep up the good work, Cagalli," Shinn said, pasting a mischievous grin. "Try not to give Stellar a hard time."

"I'm not giving her a hard time. Actually she enjoys teaching me."

"It's because you're a fast learner."

"And I'm proud of it." Cagalli laughed, sitting down.

"I can see that," replied Shinn, as Cagalli leaned back and sighed. Cagalli put on a frown and Shinn knew exactly why. "Are you going to be all right when you're going to talk to the principal?" Shinn took a seat right in front of Cagalli's desk and faced her with eyes of concern.

"A little bit," Cagalli answered, playing around with her bangs. "I hope the principal will understand my explanation."

Shinn was certain he was also worried. He had to admit that making the principal reconsider her decisions was a tough job for a student. However, he had to have faith in his best friend who was brave enough to defend him. He had to stay confident and optimistic as well. If he'll think it's the end for him, then it will really be the end.

"You can do it, Cagalli. I'll support you," Shinn announced, raising Cagalli's confidence. He took her hands into his and gazed intensely into her golden-brown eyes. His lips curved into a smile as he rubbed her hands gently.

Cagalli's eyes softened, feeling touched for Shinn's kind action. "Oh Shinn…" She smiled tenderly as she clasped Shinn's hands. "Thank you," she then said.

The bell rang, ending their heartfelt moment. Class was about to begin and the teacher would come into the room any minute. Shinn, though, doesn't give a damn if the teacher sees him or not, but it was a different case for Cagalli. She gripped Shinn's right arm and pulled him towards the door by force. While struggling to break free from her painful grip, Shinn declared that he'll stay around to watch over Cagalli. Of course, Cagalli felt flattered and everything, but she assured him that she can take good care of herself.

Okay, Shinn believed in her but he wanted to play safe. "I'll be on the rooftop when you need me," he informed, turning around. "See ya later!" He walked away with one hand slowly waving back at Cagalli.

"Stay out of trouble, got it?" Cagalli reminded, her voice sounding solid.

"Got it," he replied shortly. "You don't have to worry about me."

Cagalli went back to her seat and took out her blue-covered notebook with a lion insignia on it. It was her favorite notebook and she had kept it since the 5th grade. She flipped through its pages, admiring every bit of detail and scribbles on it. Everything in the notebook brought back memories, one she could never forget. The time Shinn gave her the said notebook for her birthday—it was hilarious. Shinn almost crashed into her birthday cake just by trying to give his present. He could be reckless most of the time, Cagalli mused. But being reckless was one important trait that made Shinn unique.

She was about to snap the notebook shut until a photograph fell out and landed on her desk. "This is…" She picked it up and stared at the adorable photograph of Shinn and herself when they were still in kindergarten. She simply smiled at it, recalling the good old childhood days.

"Shinn Asuka… Loki…" she muttered slowly. The friend she'd known for so long was also her friend 20,000 years ago. Almost unbelievable enough to make one crazy, her memories guaranteed her special friendship with Loki. "The past is so like the present."

She smiled and held the picture close to her heart.

Rooftop

"I'm dying of boredom here," Shinn complained out loud. He wished he could go to the arcade and play some games, instead of sitting around and doing nothing. He would consider fighting Heimdall a lot more fun than waiting for Cagalli to come. Patience will never be a virtue for him for sure.

He straightened and took a deep breath just to calm his nerves. Luckily, the breeze blowing through his dark unruly hair was just right to settle his mood down. He decided to sit down and enjoy his rest of time napping. He yawned and stretched in ecstasy. He positioned his legs and arms in a comfortable position as he lowered his head. He was fast zooming into the dream zone when all of a sudden…

"Looks like Loki is a bit tired," a hoarse voice spoke, disturbing Shinn's desired nap.

Shinn popped his eyes wide open and brought himself back to his feet. Standing alertly, Shinn glanced around in search of the person who had spoken awhile ago. He threatened the person to come out or else he'll have to use drastic measures. Not another second, a towering blue flare appeared in front of him. Of course, Shinn was shocked.

This aura, Shinn thought. His senses were picking up a familiar aura and he was getting a little worried. When the blue flare was forming into a being, Shinn took a few steps away from it. He was already expecting a very horrendous act from his rival from Asgard.

The blue flare slowly dispersed as a blue-haired god materialized. "Loki, I actually missed you for crying out loud," he said without a care.

Narrowing his eyes, Shinn asked, "Tyr, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you're working for Odin as well?" He clenched both of his fists hard.

"I'm here to visit and no, I don't work for Odin," Tyr replied.

"I see…" He looked and sounded unconvinced, obviously. He didn't care if his reaction would bother Tyr. Shinn don't always get along with Tyr—even in the past. It was all quarrels for them and Shinn would usually be the one to deliver the first blow. His aggressiveness often led him to defeat, which was rather embarrassing for his part. He hoped Tyr wouldn't bring this subject up.

"So, where is this Cagalli I've heard so much about? I'm curious to know who she is," Tyr told Shinn, looking interested.

"She'll be here later."

"Okay, I'll wait for her then."

"Why don't you go harass somebody?" Shinn boomed, sounding sarcastically, as he glared at Tyr.

Tyr shook his head in a fashionably manner. "I can't do such a thing." He walked over to the door, with his head slightly facing towards Shinn. "I wanna explore the school. Why don't you give me a tour, Loki?" he asked.

"I don't wanna waste my time with you, Tyr," retorted Shinn, shifting his eyes away from Tyr.

"Hmph! Grumpy as ever…" Tyr mumbled.

"Shut up and go!" Shinn stomped his foot hard on the floor, showing how irritated he was.

"Man, can't you be patience for once?" Tyr made a silly expression and told Shinn how funny he looked when angry. Back in Asgard, Tyr also used to make fun of Loki a lot and he usually got away with it.

Scratching his head in frustration, Shinn murmured, "Will you just go now?!" If Tyr stayed for another minute, Shinn swore to hit Tyr right on the face.

"Well then… I'll see around, Loki."

"It's Shinn—Shinn Asuka," Shinn told him seriously.

"Your mortal name, huh? Pretty nice if you ask me." Tyr leaned against the doorway, looking cool, as he crossed his arms. "By the way, I also have a mortal name and it's Auel Neider," he announced.

"I take it that you're going to be on Earth for a while."

"Yeah… You're totally right." Auel marked a sinister expression on his face.

"Oto-sama, I heard you got ex-!" boomed Fllay, appearing right in front of Auel and giving him quite a surprise. Fllay looked pretty upset as a drop of sweat trickled down her face. But she put on a fierce face when she stared into Auel's azure eyes. "I wasn't expecting to see you again, Tyr. What brings you here?" She spoke in a cold tone.

"You still hate me until now, Hel? Unbelievable…" Auel slowly shook his head in disappointment. He looked up at Fllay and gave her a malicious grin.

Fllay, though uncomfortable and worried, had the courage to push him aside and ran to hide behind her father's back. "Oto-sama, I can sense evil within him," she whispered as her hands trembled.

"Yeah… I can feel it too," Shinn replied, wrapping his arms securely around his daughter. He glared at Auel and said, "I know you're up to something."

"Say what you want, Shinn, 'cause I don't care." He sighed in frustration, thinking how exasperating Shinn was. No matter how Auel lied and pretended, Shinn manages to read him like an open book. But Auel wasn't about to blow his cover easily. He believed if he continued his act, Shinn would definitely trust him in due time. All he had to do was to be patient.

Once again Auel sighed and gazed at Fllay, with his azure eyes. Of course, Fllay was concerned from the way he looked at her. It was as if he desired her, which was sending shivers down to Fllay's spine. She turned away, completely avoiding his gaze, as she uttered, "Go away, Tyr!"

"Same old Hel… You're still afraid of me until now? What a pity…" Auel laughed maniacally as he insulted Fllay with thrash talk. Fllay couldn't stand him anymore that she wanted to vaporize him in a flash. But her father halted her and told her that he will handle Auel himself.

Extending his arm towards Auel, he started manipulating strong winds around him. He glared at Auel as he ordered the wind to gather around him. Overwhelming power was unleashed, with a mixture of anger and hatred. Shinn's body glowed in a beaming red aura, signifying his thirst for rage. He was prepared to kill Auel in an instant if he were to insult Fllay again.

However, Auel wasn't at least scared of Shinn's attempt. He was even disappointed, because Shinn's power wasn't at its fullest capability.

"Auel, will you just leave? I can't tolerate you any longer!" Shinn shouted, exerting extra energy to make the winds wild.

"Going… Going…" Auel replied sleepily as he yawned. He turned around and descended the stairs, finally giving Shinn and Fllay some peace.

As soon as he was gone, Fllay dropped to her knees and clasped her hands together. She already stopped trembling but her heart was still a little jumpy. Shinn knelt down to her level and held her hands gently. He looked into her eyes, with a smile that assured her she was safe. He pulled Fllay into a hug as he whispered words that only a father knew.

"Oto-sama…" Fllay muttered, leaning her head against Shinn's chest. "Tyr… Why is he here?" Her voice stiffened at the utter of Tyr's name. Tyr did something to Fllay in the past which traumatized her. She didn't want to be reminded of the painful experience with Tyr ever again.

"Hel, be strong. You mustn't be weak in front of him. Show him that you got over it." Shinn brushed through her long red hair with his fingers. He kissed her forehead, knowing it would help her eased up a bit.

Fllay felt like crying because of her father's kindness. Her father, as she would smugly say, was considerate, gentle, and kind. Though she knew Shinn was hot-tempered and reckless, she was still proud to say he was her father.

Hallways

As Auel descended the stairs, he saw Gilbert Dullindal leaning casually against a wall with his arms crossed. "I met Loki and his daughter Hel a while ago," he said, smirking. He thrust his hands into his pockets and sighed. "Loki hasn't change quite a bit. He's still hotheaded as ever."

Gilbert noticed the impish expression on Auel's face that stroked him dreadfully. Clearly Auel was eager to fight Shinn. And judging from his expression, Gilbert thought, Auel was ready to do all the necessary tricks to take down Shinn. "Tyr… I mean Auel Neider," Gilbert said as he straightened. "You better not mess things up." Gilbert sounded solid. Of course, he trusted Auel without any doubt at all. But he had to be serious to discipline Auel.

"I'm not going to mess up, Gil!" Auel uttered, dropping his arms. "And you better call me Auel from now on!"

"Then I'll be expecting some good news from you-" Gilbert paused for moment as he stared at the blue-haired god. "Auel…" he said deeply.

Auel motioned his head away, looking irritated. Sometimes he just wished he could slap Gil's mouth shut, he pondered. Gilberts was expecting way too much from Auel as he was with Rey. It was pressure and hard work for him. But he had a score to settle with Shinn and for that reason he chose to side with Gil. He had always thought of "Revenge as a dish best served cold."

Unknown to them, Meyrin was around the corner, eavesdropping on their conversation once again. For a girl who loved books, she sure can spy on people. Not that she enjoyed spying or anything, she just happened to came across the blue-haired guy and Gilbert again. She thought their first conversation was weird, but now it seemed to get weirder. However, she was somewhat pleased because she got to hear the blue-haired guy's real name.

"Auel, huh?" she muttered under her breath. "I wish I could get the chance to talk to him someday." She stared at Auel dreamingly as her cheeks flushed red.

Since he had nothing else to do, Auel decided to take a look around the school. He had to say that the school was so big for him to handle. He needed some kind of tour guide or a student familiar with the physical setup of the Archangel University. As he furthered his exploration, he came across the gym filled with basketballs. He picked up one ball and faced the ring with utmost interests. "How do you play this game again?" he asked himself, holding the ball into position. He started dribbling the ball slowly, and then he quickly did some ball maneuvers. He ran around the gym, guiding the ball in each way, and stopped outside the 3-pointer line. With one turn he turned around, faced the ring, and released the ball.

"Come on!" Auel shouted, hoping the ball would shoot. The ball hit the ring, making the ball bounced up high, but as it fell down it went through the ring. "Yeah, I'm still good." He raised his fist up in excitement. For a god, he was sure fond of sports like basketball.

To be continued…

JC: Tyr is Auel Neider! I think Auel is so cute and it's a pity he had to die in Destiny. Oh well… Well, sorry for the short chapter. I was gonna make it longer but I had no time left. Please review and no flaming.