JC: Thanks so much for the reviews. Now I know Athrun isn't getting much action in this story, so this chapter is all about him and his past. Please read and review!

Reminder: Athrun is Alexander, Cagalli is Freya, and Kira is Freyr.

Disclaimer: You guys know already…

Gundam Seed: Mythical Legends

Phase 49: Past Reflections

In a town where peace and tranquility prospered lived a young and handsome man. He was a soldier of the king who ruled the land. He was a great fighter with great judgment and skills. Not only was he kind, he was also very handsome. He had long raven-blue hair tied in a low ponytail and a set of beautiful emerald-green eyes. He was called Alexander.

Alexander was sought after by many girls in the town, but none of them would interest him. He had never fallen in love with the girls in the palace nor in his neighborhood. No girl was able to capture his heart.

One day, he was tasked to kill an Orc creature lurking in a forest near the town. The King was afraid that it might wind up in the town. For the safety of the town, he accepted the task and set out into the forest. His only weapon was a Bastard Sword created by his deceased father who was once a blacksmith.

As he journeyed into the forest, Alexander heard the roar of the Orc. It sounded so near. Heart pumping, he ran deeper into the forest until he came across a lake where the Orc stood. He hid himself behind some bushes as he started planning for a way to kill it.

Just then, the whole lake glowed in a brilliant gold light. It was an unexpected thing to occur. From what he gathered, he knew that there was nothing special in the forest. But what he was seeing was something special. The light slowly gathered in the middle of the lake and it was attracting the Orc.

"What is going on here?" Alexander asked himself as he continued watching the mysterious event.

The ugly and dumb looking Orc scratched his head and stepped into the lake. Suddenly, the water acted up, formed into a serpent, and captured the Orc. The serpent bit the Orc's neck, making the poor monster scream in pain. The serpent pulled the Orc into the water where it drowned and died.

Alexander gasped, his eyes widening. "It's gone."

The light was still concentrated in the middle. Growing curious, Alexander came out of his hiding and approached the lake. He observed how the light changed into a form of a person.

"What is that?"

In the middle of the lake, a girl materialized and the light vanished. She landed on top of the lake, which was greatly impossible. She was not sinking at all. She stood there like she was standing on solid ground.

"She's beautiful…" Alexander muttered, admiring the beauty of the girl.

The girl had long and gorgeous blonde hair. She wore a white robe with golden jewelries on her neck and wrists. Her face was gentle and calm and her amber eyes were dazzling. She looked like a complete goddess.

"The monster is dead. You no longer need to kill it." She has spoken in a voice so tender. She walked towards him and looked into his eyes. "You were sent here by your king to slay the Orc, correct?"

Alexander just nodded his head. He became speechless after seeing such beauty up close. His cheeks were slowly turning light red.

"You seemed to be in a state of shock. I cannot blame you for that."

"Well, it's just that you appeared so suddenly. I'm wondering if you're a fairy in this forest."

"A Fairy?" She giggled. "You are close. Actually, I'm a—" Her words were cut short for she was starting to feel dizzy. She held her temple and tried to keep focus on him. But she grew weak and her knees were trembling. Her vision was blackening and before she knew it, she passed out.

Lucky for her, Alexander caught her in his arms. "Are you all right? Please wake up…" He shook her in attempt to wake her, but it did not work. It seemed like he had no choice but to bring her back to the town to have her checked by a doctor.

Five hours later, Alexander was walking along the main street of town. He was on his way to his house where he left the mysterious blonde girl. It was hard to believe that a girl could appear like that in the middle of the lake. He was still wondering if she was a fairy or something.

A little earlier, he had brought the girl to the town's doctor. To his relief, the girl just fainted and she would be fine after some rest. Afterwards, he brought her to his home and left her in the guidance of her mother.

He finally reached his home. He let out a sigh of relief as he entered. He was tired from the day's work. He did not announce to the king about the girl or what happened to the Orc. He merely lied and told him that the Orc has left the forest. The king, of course, was pleased and even though Alexander didn't slay it, he still rewarded him with some money.

"Welcome back," his mother said, coming out of the kitchen.

Alexander's mother was a lovely lady who had the same color of hair and eyes as him. Her face was very sincere and serene. She was a very good mother and she has always cherished people close to her. She was well-admired by men in the town during her younger days. Unfortunately for them, she chose Alexander's father who had already died.

"Is she still asleep?" Alexander asked.

"Yes."

"I see…" He sat down on a chair and sighed.

"Alexander, you did not clearly explain to me about that girl." She took a chair and sat down in front of him. "Who is she? Where did she come from?"

"I'm sorry, mother. Even I'm asking the same thing about her."

"Nevertheless, she seems to be a nice girl and she's really beautiful."

"I agree with you." Alexander stood, walked over to the room where the girl was, and motioned himself to the bedside. The girl was sleeping so soundly and she looked like an angel.

Suddenly, she flinched and moved towards her side. She slowly opened her eyes and the first thing that came to her view was Alexander. "Where am I?" She sat up and looked up at him. "Wait, you are that man I saw earlier in the forest."

"Umm… Yes…" He stuttered. He did not quite expect her to wake up anytime soon.

"What is this place? Were you the one who brought me here?"

"You see, you fainted in the forest and I could not possibly leave you there."

"If that is the case, then you have my gratitude." She bowed her head slightly and looked up at him again. "May I ask your name?"

"My name? My name is Alexander."

"Well then, Alexander, please call me Freya." She smiled.

He blushed at the sight of her smile. His heart was pumping fast. It was the same feeling he had when she first talked to him up close back in the forest. Why was he feeling this way to a girl he just met?

Disturbed by his sudden silence, Freya asked if he was all right.

Alexander nodded quickly. "I'm all right, Freya." Freya? Where have I heard that name before?

On the next day, Alexander was showing Freya around the town. Everyone they encounter seemed to take notice of Freya. Some people that Alexander knew had asked him if she was his girlfriend. The girls in town were green with envy as they saw Freya and the boys were keenly interested in knowing who she was. They were clearly becoming the talk of town.

They stopped by at the town's square and sat down on a bench near the water fountain.

"The town's people are very nice," Freya said, looking around. "I could get use to living here."

"The king does his best to maintain peace in this town. He is a very good man." Alexander had always looked up at the king. The king was in fact a good friend of his father.

"I would like to meet this king of yours."

"I do not know about that. The king is very busy these days."

"I see…" She sighed. "Where are you taking me next?" She sounded excited.

Alexander thought silently for a moment. "Let me show you my secret place."

"Secret place?" muttered Freya. "Is it all right with you? I mean, that place should be a secret."

He nodded slowly. "Just promise me you will not tell anybody."

Her lips curved into a big smile. "Yes, I promise!" She was getting excited again. She stood up, held his hand, and pulled him up. "Come on, let us go now!"

He blushed at the touch of her hand. "Um…sure…"

It was a long walk away from town. They headed towards the hill where a very old tree stood. As they reached the top, Alexander showed Freya a wonderful view. On the other side lay a field full of colorful flowers. There were rose bushes on one side and lilacs were spread across the field. There were so many different kinds and each of them was breathtaking.

Freya silenced herself as she took her time to watch the field. With the wind blowing in her hair, her smile turned into a frown. The place was reminding her of something.

"How do you like it here?" Alexander turned to Freya and saw her sad expression. "What's the matter? You do not like this place?"

She shook her head. "I think it is very lovely and I thank you for bringing me here." She turned around, averting herself from the sight. She walked towards the tree and leaned her back against it.

"Freya, you were so happy a while ago and now…" Alexander looked concerned. "Please tell me what is wrong."

"This place reminds me so much of my home."

"Your home?" Thinking about it, Alexander wondered where she really came from. She did emerge from the lake but it does not mean it is her home. He still thought of her as a fairy and he still held a lot of questions for her.

"My home where the fields are endless and full of flowers, where a great tree stood in the middle…"

"It sounds like you miss your home."

"I do. I really do, Alexander, but I never want to go back there ever again."

"Why?"

"The truth is that I ran away." She looked up at him as tears streamed down from her eyes. "My best friend was exiled for a crime he did not do. I came here to look for him but I had no luck. Alexander, I want to see him again." She sobbed and buried her face in her hands.

Feeling her pain, Alexander wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him. He brushed his fingers through her soft golden hair. "You must not lose hope."

"It is pointless to say that," a voice spoke so suddenly.

Freya stopped her crying, pulled away from Alexander, and turned around. "Is that you?" Her eyes narrowed. "Freyr?"

A man stepped out from behind the tree and revealed himself to the blonde. He wore a black suit and topped it off with a black cloak. His eyes were colored in the shades of amethyst and his hair was as brown as chocolate.

"I told you not to follow me," Freya said, crossing her arms.

Freyr shrugged. "Sister, this is foolish. It is impossible to look for him all by yourself."

"I am not going back without him."

"Why do you care so much for that trickster? He committed a very immoral crime."

"Freyr, he did not do it. He would never!"

He knew his sister was stubborn but he was not going to give up. He will bring Freya back home whether she will like it or not. "Say what you want, you are still coming with me!" He grabbed Freya's wrists and pulled her.

"Let go of me, brother!" she demanded, struggling herself from his grip. "I said let go!"

Alexander could not stay quiet any longer. He rushed towards Freya's side and brushed her hand away from Freyr. He told Freya to stay behind him and he then stared at the brunette. "I'm sorry. But what you are doing is not right."

"Not right? Mortal, you do not know who you are dealing with." Freyr smirked as he planted a fist on his hip. "As her brother, I am responsible for her. I cannot possibly have her roam around the human world just to look for an exiled god."

God? Human World? Things were starting to unravel for Alexander as many of his questions were already being answered. No wonder the name Freya sound familiar. He had heard that name from stories about gods and goddesses. Those stories were once told by his father. She is a goddess and this man here is her brother, Freyr. Both of them are related to Fertility.

"Freyr, I thought he was your friend too. Why are you believing the lies?!" Freya blurted, clenching her fists.

"They are not lies, Freya. They are the truth."

"No matter what you say, I won't go back with you!" Freya ran off with tears trailing off.

"Freya, wait!" Alexander was about to follow her when Freyr held his shoulder.

"It is better to leave her alone for a while. She needs some time to reflect on things." Freyr explained. He leaned against the tree and stared up in the sky. "Freya is very stubborn. I do not know what to do with her."

Alexander was not sure if he should just leave Freya. He felt like he should go to her and comfort her like he did a while ago. But it seemed like Freyr was not willing to let him go. "May I ask you something, Freyr?"

"What is it, Mortal?"

"Who is this friend that Freya is looking for?"

Freyr's face darkened. It looked like he did not want to talk about that matter. But since that mortal already knew their real identity, it was better to answer him than stay quiet. "Do you know a god named Loki?"

"He is the trickster god."

"Loki always liked playing pranks on other gods and goddesses. Many have grown to hate him in Asgard, the realm of the gods. He was selfish, ungrateful, and foolish, but he was very clever."

"That kind of god is Freya's friend?" Alexander had heard about Loki in the old stories and he had always thought of him as the pest among the gods. He wondered why Freya became friends with such a god.

Freyr walked a few steps away from Alexander. He gazed upon the field of flowers as he felt the soothing wind blowing in his hair. He brushed his finger through his unruly hair and faced Alexander. "Loki never had friends in Asgard. He seemed to be bright and cheerful all the time, but in reality he was lonely. Because of his pranks, no god or goddess has cared for him. Nobody was able to tell that he was a lonely god who only wanted friends."

"Then why is your sister friends with him?"

"Freya has a heart of gold," Freyr replied with a smile. "She was the only one who saw through Loki's mask. She was able to see the loneliness in his heart." He inwardly admitted that he also became friends with Loki. He had a hard time accepting Loki's friendship at first, but because of Freya things had worked out well.

"You sounded harsh when you talk about him a while ago," Alexander reminded him.

Then there was silence. Freyr obviously did not want to talk about Loki any further. He felt hurt and betrayed that Loki had done something so immoral. It was unforgivable. However, his sister still had faith in Loki. No matter how hard he tried to convince Freya, she still considered Loki as a friend.

He walked toward Alexander and put his hand on his shoulder. His amethyst eyes focused on his emerald ones. "Let us go and search for Freya now."

Alexander nodded his head. It's about time!

The two of them journeyed into the forest to search for the blonde goddess.

To be continued…

JC: That's end the first part of Athrun's past. Next part is where the romance starts between Alexander and Freya. Please review and no flaming. Chapter 50 is coming soon. I will be updating late since Finals are coming up in my school. I can't slack around anymore or I'm dead. But I promise to update quickly after my exams. See ya!