Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters of Gundam Seed or Gundam Seed Destiny. Some other character names are just randomly thought of and have no relevance to real life.
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Meeting you...
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He can sense a lot of people walking by but he chose to ignore them and focused his vision outside the window, there are things that had been disturbing him for a while now. His first stop will be in North America before he will proceed to the eastern part of the globe and see the progress of the branches located there.
As he watched the clouds just outside the window, a memory of his conversation with the Head of the Defence Ministry came in. "What? You want us to what?" the mere idea alone is absurd.
"We would like you and your cousin Lady Victoria to join the Royal Military and perhaps command them or if you could, please train our cadets to become capable soldiers especially in mobile suit combat.." The Minister of Defence had called him privately to this manor only to be told of such an absurd idea.
"I'm sorry Duke Dermail, perhaps you called out the wrong person. I don't even want to hear such words being spoken in my presence.. So if you'll excuse me –" He stood up, ready to proceed to the door.
"Please Lord Stuart.. We ask for your reconsideration.. Indeed, the world had been experiencing a period of peace but we still cannot be certain of the future. Other countries had been advancing their technology and military training and we can't afford for our country to be left behind. Especially, when we have very capable individuals like you in the Council." The elderly man explained as he motioned to Charles to hear him first.
"It is as you said, I am a very capable person in the Council of Nobles, so I don't see why is there a need for me to serve the military. And as to my cousin, isn't her hand in our conglomerate enough help for this country's economy? Do I have to enumerate to you the things we have done in order to help this country's political and economic stability after the war..? It's not like we are a country in the verge of collapse, or are you people just want supremacy over the others?" He hated confrontations but it seems it's unavoidable. Duke Dermail was rendered momentarily speechless upon hearing those words from the normally polite aristocrat.
"Is – Isn't it natural to want for something better..? Men are afraid to be weak and that is why we train to become stronger.. Especially when we want to assure the security of our own people so they will continue to live comfortably and support the government." It dawned on Duke Dermail that convincing this man might prove to be more difficult than advising the Prime Minister to enter into a mutual military agreement.
Charles raised one defined brow and counter the old man as reasonable as he can. "You only want to become stronger if you're seeing someone as an enemy or a threat Duke Dermail. If there is a threat, it's only then that a need to protect someone arises. If not, then your superiority will only come as boast and will ignite a conflict in the neighbouring countries, especially to ours which happed to be a compact continent." Charles then heaved a sigh and continued.
"Moreover, the experience we had in the past war which almost took both of our lives.. made us realize that there's more to life than toying it or giving it away without definite purpose. Ever since that day when my life was saved, I vowed to never again enter the battlefield or do anything that will help ignite a war.. And that is why we decided to come home and lead a different path of which we can become more of help but not necessarily sacrificing our own self – worth.." This time, he's already opening the door.
"So please, I hope that this will be the last mention of you asking me to join the military. I would also appreciate it if you will never say a word about it to my cousin. Otherwise, the name we bear and the prestige it carries – I won't hesitate throwing it away if only to leave this country." The last words were spoken politely but he's eyes were threatening. Before the middle aged man can say anything, Charles had closed the door and is now on his way to the waiting car.
"Damn old man..! To think that he'll pull that off for me today.." Charles cannot keep his calm. He has another personal and more selfish reason why he decided to loath war. He can't afford to be alone, not anymore..
"Even if it was only for a while.. It was still very lonely.. For the first time, I realized just how sad our life had been albeit in different circumstances.. Isn't it..?" His mind then shifted to a certain blond woman.
Charles awaken from his reverie when he heard an announcement, the plane is now about to land in the international airport of Canada. After he fastens his seatbelt, he stretched his arms and neck to ease some tensions away. He's not bringing any secretary on his business trips, they'll just be in the way. Normally, it would have been him and Victoria together but her acceptance to the request of the Queen made him go to this trip alone. He's hoping that her trip to Orb will be just fine, he then decided to call her up once he gets the time.
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She has been flying for the last seven hours, traversing through the seas in the uppermost part of the atmosphere. According to her calculation, she should be reaching Orb's territory in the next one and a half hour. Her last proper meal had been 11 hours ago and she's already starting to feel hungry but she doesn't want to eat while flying at a high speed, besides her provisions should only be used in worst case scenarios.
"Bear with it my stomach, I couldn't have predicted this stupid arrangement I am currently in right?" She had sent a message to the embassy advising them of her itinerary.
Ever since she had crossed to the eastern part of the globe, she'd been busy looking down the blue seas and the combined brown and green topography. There's something that has been bugging her though, as she look down on the land formations, she's beginning to have a strange feeling of familiarity which is odd because she is certain that it is her first time flying this route.
"Perhaps, it's something I saw from some movie viewing before" she just shrugs off the uncomfortable feeling as she is now starting to get a headache.
"Oh crap! I'm getting a headache and a starving stomach as well.. I need to get there faster." She then changed speed and is now lining through the skies.
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"I am glad to have met you Cagalli..." Just when he was about to kiss her, the person in front of him started to shatter to pieces. The next time he knew, she's already being swallowed by a black hole so he frantically stretched out his hands to catch her.
"Athrun! Let go.. I cannot afford it if you too -" Just as when he's already inches away from her, she motioned her head left and right as a sign of resignation and pulled back her hands out of his reach.
"I love you.. I'll always will.." she said then her figure disappeared in the vast darkness of space where remnants of destroyed mobile suits and ships are scattered.
"Cagalliii!" He desperately tried to find her in that vast darkness but to no avail, feeling desperate, he shouted her name over and over again in the hope that she will hear him and lead him to where she is. Just when he thought that there's no more hope, a small light caught his attention till it grow bigger and bigger that it became blinding-.
"Hah-" Athrun wake up and realize that the sun's rays crept through his windows. He forgot to close the curtains last night. He glanced at the clock adjacent to his bed and it's showing 6:45 in the morning.
"The sun is sure sunny today.. Even though it's still early." He decided to get up off the bed and head towards the bathroom. He then recalled his dream.
"No.. That wasn't a dream. If anything, that's a nightmare." There go those cruel dreams again. No matter how much he tried to stretch both of his arms or his whole body, he would never have the opportunity to catch her even once. Taunting him of the reality, that no matter what he does, he can never get to hold her again.
"And to think that it was in my dreams.. Is this somehow a punishment for leaving her behind before..? I can't be happy even in my dreams.. Do you resent me that much Cagalli? " These are his thoughts while under the shower.
Once he's finished, he immediately went to his closet and wore his Admiral uniform. He has to be early today to meet the envoy who will be landing in the international airport. They can't afford to have them land in one of the military facilities, it's too crucial for their national security. Before heading towards the door, he cast a loving glance to the frame in the bedside table and smiled gently then opens the door and walk through the corridor. He met one of the servants and asked if she had seen Kira and Lacus.
"Kira – sama and Lacus – sama are already in the dining area waiting for you Athrun – sama" the servant informed him while holding some laundry.
"Alright.. Thank you then.. I'll go there now." He went straight to the dining area and found the couple chatting.
"Good morning.." He greeted the two. "Both of you are early today."
"Good morning Athrun.." Both of them replied. Lacus then continued.
"It's because I don't want to keep you waiting before we go to the airport and besides I can't sleep well last night from excitement." She's smiling brightly and giggled.
"I see.. That's good then, since it's been a while when you last saw and interacted with a relative.." He returned her smile and commented politely.
"Ah.. Kira, about the disputes in the western territory.. It seems that it's being headed by a group who wants to declare their separation from their home country and become a part of Orb. I'll give you the details about it once I get a hold of much deeper information." He recited to Kira as they forgot to discuss about it last night.
"Thank you.. I'll be counting on you then. Really, I've been thinking about some possibilities that it might be the case, but to actually have that in reality.. I have a bad feeling about this.. Our neighbouring country is not impressed about the idea that Orb is actually headed by a Coordinator like us." Kira had been worried about that fact since he ascended to the office as the Chief Representative. There's no problem in the internal affairs of their government since both Coordinators and Naturals had been living at ease with each others' presence and are working hand in hand in expanding their economy. Making them an even more formidable country in terms of technology and economy, despite being an average sized.
"Ah.. I've been worried about that as well.." Athrun can't help but trace back when the conflict started.
"Ever since the completion of Neo – Heliopolis 01 and 02.. People from various places of the world came to apply citizenship in our country. Somehow, I can sympathize to those affected countries. Most of the people who applied are of reliable backgrounds if not financiers who wish to expand their industry towards the Plants' economy. The loss of reliable manpower and financial players might be too heavy of a burden especially to those whose economy isn't doing well, even though they cannot blame the people for hoping of greener pastures". Athrun can't help but sigh, perfect harmony is really difficult to achieve when there's a clear picture of inequality.
"My.. my.. Before you both ruin your mood. Why don't you try to enjoy the food first? It's a shame to have a heavy conversation in front of a tasty meal which Myrna – san took her time in preparing for us." Lacus intervened before their discussion will trace back to a not so long past.
"I guess you are right.. Myrna – san thanks for your hard work.." Kira looked at Cagalli's nanny who had also assumed the responsibility of taking care of them inside the palace.
"Oh, it's nothing Kira – sama.. This Myrna will be happy as long as I can see you all healthy and doing fine. Now, please eat well so will gain enough strength and sustain the day." Kira just smiled at her reply. Myrna had always been nurturing, even after she learned of Cagalli's death, she remained strong and expressed her desire to serve him too. He's always grateful of her about that.
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Victoria can already see the moon shaped island which indicated that she's already near the Orb's territory. She then descended at a lower altitude and reduced her speed while passing by a detached island, then proceeded in sending permission to enter Orb.
"Calling Orb Control... This is a mobile suit belonging to the United Kingdom, I am currently approaching your nation. I wish to enter your territory as an envoy sent by my government for a security agreement. Please grant me the permission to enter your country." She sent her audio request and waited for a reply, it took her three minutes of waiting before she received a reply.
"This is Orb Control, we have received your request and you may now enter our territory. Please follow the coordinates being sent to you as your point of landing." She looked at the coordinates and smiled in relief.
"Thank you for accepting my request. I will be arriving in 10 minutes." She was occupied in her conversation that it's already too late for her to dodge a source of heat hitting one of her engines.
"Crap! What on earth was that?" she cursed under her breath.
"What happened? Are you alright?" the person on the other line must have heard her cry and swearing.
"Ah.. It's nothing serious, I was hit by a missile while passing through an island. Kindly inform the airport that I will be having a crash landing.." She's now losing balance, but somehow managed to keep flying as she searched the island below. She then saw a small group of people which she deduced are the ones who fired the missile at her.
"Who are they? Rebels? No, this not part of Orb's territory yet.. Then are they part of the neighbouring government?" It's when she recalled the warning given to her by the Defence Ministry and gave a sigh of relief that she had not been hard headed to come here in an ordinary plane.
"I know it's quite unsettling but I never thought that it's this critical. Did they mistake me as part of Orb's military flying low to spy? How foolish! They did not even try to get my identity or anything." She decided to just let them be since she cannot afford to retaliate while being away from her mother country, and besides, she's not even a part of the military. Her designation is only similar to a diplomat and unless she will have the express authority given by her homeland, she must as far as practicable, avoid actions which will ignite a conflict between her country and the other.
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While on their way to the International airport to welcome the envoy, Athrun noticed that the sun is really shining brightly today as if giving promise for a wonderful day. He glanced through the sea outside and saw a seagull flying freely.
"What a strong flap that was.." His eyes then catch a view of a seemingly distressed aircraft flying unbalanced approaching the main island. Just when he arrived at the airport, did he learn that the aircraft belongs to the envoy and that the pilot had asked permission to crash land.
"Athrun.. Was it hit badly?" Lacus inquired, the distressed aircraft also caught her attention earlier, and the way it sway and stagger shows how much effort did the pilot take to make it to the airport.
"According to the headquarters, it was hit by a missile while approaching Orb. It must have been hit by some armed group in the neighbouring country." He answered as he watched the aircraft touched down and is now crashing to one of the fence of the airport. It looked like a fighter jet though than a normal plane.
By this time, the medics are already on standby but to their surprise, minutes after its crash landing, the aircraft moved towards its designated docking area where Lacus and he are waiting.
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"Damn! Talk about rough landing! I'm going to have an altitude and motion sickness with this crappy situation.." Victoria hold on to the control really hard to continue flying and avoid crashing in one of the establishments. She had been flying irregularly and even with the experience she had, the moment she loses control of the balance, she would experience a rough rollercoaster ride.
She then saw the coordinates of the airport and did her best to touch down without transforming her mobile suit as she cannot afford to be suspected as a spy or enemy. "Just a bit more.." She convinced herself as she ram through one of the airports' solid wall.
"What the heck! Aw.. shit! She silently coursed as the slamming of her mobile suit caused her to be thrown off her seat a little and thus bumping her forehead on the upper controls since she did not wear a suit or a head protection. She felt like seeing some stars with the impact and felt like cursing the entire Defence Ministry in putting her in this kind of situation.
"It really hurts like hell.." She touched her aching forehead and saw blood on her hand. She then feel the trickling of blood from her temple through her face and see the red liquid against her white polo. She waited for some minutes to settle before she wiped off the blood with her arms as she can now see the incoming cars.
"I better move from here.. It's better to dock this thing properly before I get off and let them tend my injuries." She then slowly proceeded to one of the docking terminals which was assigned to her. Behind, she can see the cars following.
When she was sure that she had been properly docked, she slowly opened the cockpit and with all her effort and will to stand up as she's already starting to get dizzy. Once she stepped outside the cockpit, she securely closed it but as she tried to balance herself, she realized that she's already sliding off causing her body to slam to the floor albeit saved as she cushioned her fall by a late on the air flip.
"It is still another sore I earned though" She grimaced as she can feel another injury on her legs. Just then the medics came in rushing to help her.
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Athrun and Lacus, walked outside the building to meet up the people aboard the aircraft. But to their surprise, the aircraft they first thought of as a fighter jet is actually a mobile suit at closer look. From their point of view, the mobile suit could be a GUNDAM based on its material and design, its color is a combination of pale green and blue.
"Are they sending someone from their military?" Lacus asked him.
"That was not in the information we gathered, I am sure that the person they are sending is a part of the aristocracy who is not a part of their military, but who knows, perhaps since it's your relative, she could be part of UK's military after joining the Defence Ministry." He can only speculate. They then saw the cockpit opened and revealed its pilot standing unsteadily.
"That must be Victoria.." Lacus commented when she noticed her long blond hair. She's not wearing any body suit or head gear so she must have sustained some injuries with the impact. The next thing she knew, the woman's sliding off the mobile suit but somehow managed to flip through the air decreasing her descent impact but never the less, she came falling to the ground.
"Ouch... That looks like it really hurts a lot don't you think Athrun?" She can feel that the woman must have been writhing from the fall based on how she remained in her position and waited for the medics to help her.
"Ah.. That fall would really hurt a lot even for someone like her." They decided to wait for the medics in giving her first aid, before they came forward.
It took around ten minutes when the medical team finished their job. She only suffered few bruises due to her fall and one visible wound on her forehead which had been bandaged properly. She glanced around to see if a representative of her embassy is around when her eyes caught a sight of two important looking individuals intently watching the happening.
Victoria was taken aback upon seeing the two individuals, they both look familiar specially the pink haired woman. She readied herself as they came approaching her way - - just then she remembered who the woman is -
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Lacus and Athrun decided to step forward as the medics started to walk away after the patient had assured that she's fine already and doesn't need to go to the hospital. They noticed her turning her head left and right as if looking for someone. Lacus is the first one to come closer to her.
"Victoria.. I'm sorry that you have to arrive in our country in that situation. Does it still hurt a lot?" Lacus asked with concern written on her face.
"Don't worry.. I'm fine. I'm just a little dizzy but I should be fine.. And - it's been a long time since we last saw each other Lacus." After she fixed her bloodied polo, she looked up to Lacus then stands up extending her hand and gave her a small smile.
"Oh my... I'm very glad, you still remember me after all these years -" Lacus happily exclaimed but her smile froze as she stared at Victoria's face.
"I... Uh.. Ahm.." Lacus can't find the words to say. She's staring intently on her eyes, she then questioned herself if Victoria's eyes had always been amber instead of light brown. As far as she can remember, she was fond of Victoria's eye color being light brown which is uncommon considering that she's blond.
"What? Is there something wrong on my face? Is there a blood stain left?" she asked her when Lacus continued to stare at her which she found uncomfortable. She recalled that Lacus is a distant relative as Charles explained to her, when she told him that she looked familiar upon seeing her face on the television during an International Conference a year ago. Then something flashed through her mind as a memory of meeting her.
"Ah no.. no – nothing.. I just thought you looked different from before." Lacus then glanced to Athrun, this is definitely not something she had expected. No wonder the one of the medics was murmuring of something like "She oddly looked the same.. it's like they're twins.."
"Indeed.. it has been a while since we last saw each other.. But I'm glad to meet you here. I'm currently this country's Minister of Foreign Affairs, so we will be able to talk while dealing with the security agreement.. By the way, let me introduce you to one of our admirals to who's in – charge in the agreement." Lacus motioned her hand to Athrun.
Victoria then cast her gaze upon the man in white and blue uniform behind Lacus and supplied the information while having a teasing smile on her face.
"The most sensational ZAFT Red graduate, 1 year ahead of us.. Assigned as a special agent and also appointed to FAITH around the same time as I was.. A hero for the last two wars and an exceptional sharp shooter.. Though, it was a shame not to meet you when you were appointed to FAITH, it is a great honor to meet you Athrun Zala.. I am Victoria Stuart representing the United Kingdom's National Defence Ministry" she then extended her hand to him and saw him flinched a little with her recitation, he then looked at her and motioned his hand to accept her greetings.
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Athrun didn't know how to react to the woman's recitation. "I guess it can't be helped since both of us were from ZAFT and specially appointed to FAITH.." As he saw her hand extended to him in an offer of handshake.
"I don't know whether to feel flattered or to be embarrassed, but I'm glad to meet you Miss Stuart- " he raised his eyes to look at her only to be greeted by a surprise.
He can't believe what his eyes are seeing.. "This is absurd.. Am I dreaming again..?" He asked himself as his eyes are transfixed at the sight in front of him.
"For how many times, did I wish to see your face and hold you in my arms again..? I wished over and over until almost giving up hope.. Finally you're here, and in front of me again.. Can I really hold unto this?" Athrun doesn't want to blink, afraid that the person in front of him will disappear or just like his other dreams, her figure might shatter into pieces.
"Ca – galli.. -" He called her name.. "Cagalli.."
Victoria heard him mumble something but she cannot quiet hear it. She can only catch the word 'gali'. "Lacus and this person.. They sure are acting very strange.." she thought as she watch Lacus and Athrun deeply staring at her. She faked a cough.
"Uhurmm... Uhm.. Staring is quite rude you know." She said trying to catch their attention. Just then Athrun said something loud enough for her to hear very well.
"Cagalli.." Athrun called to her again. This caused Victoria to raise one of her brows, inquiring on their weird reactions upon looking at her face and saying something she cannot understand.
"I don't know if you're talking about something or if you're mistaking me with someone else but would you mind explaining.. What's the matter with you two?"
The slight annoyance in her voice brought Athrun back to his senses – his eyes then automatically shifted to Lacus as if asking her about the situation, but she's also as clueless as he was.
"I.. uhm..-" He doesn't know just where to start..
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Read and please post your thoughts.. I'm actually contemplating whether I should continue publishing the story or not. I think the plot is too much for those who are not politically inclined, so, I might as well stop publishing this here early on..