Lost Memories/Amnesia Girl Chapter 16

I don't remember the date for this chapter. So sorry!

"Well someone looks really tired," Waltfeld, teased looking at the sleep deprived Amarante. She looked up at him, seeing that he was well rested and she let out a tiny groan.

"Hello Commander," Amarante said in her daze. Waking up at 0335 was hard on the girl. Having to report at 0530, she had to do everything earlier including going to the mess hall. Aisha said she was going to wake up with her, but she had forgotten. Then again, Waltfeld probably told her to go back to sleep.

"Come on, DaCosta's probably waiting for us," Waltfeld answered leading the girl to where DaCosta was. She stumbled along trying to stay awake and to not look so tired.

"Sir where are we going?" Amarante asked with a yawn. She ruffled her hair slightly not really caring that one side was sticking up. Waltfeld chuckled laying that piece of hair down.

"To the PLANTs. There is a meeting for all the prominent commanders. Including me," Waltfeld replied. DaCosta was waiting in a jeep in front of them. He gave his commander a salute as they climbed into the jeep. Amarante sat in the back giving another yawn. It had been awhile since Amarante had woken up this early. DaCosta drove them to the tarmac where a carrier was waiting for them. Being the klutz that she was Amarante tripped on her way out. She regained her composure quickly causing the two men to never notice. Moving up to the carrier Waltfeld stopped. Amarante and DaCosta eyed each other, wondering why he had stopped.

"Lady's first," Commander Waltfeld answered stepping to the side. Alarmed at the hospitality Amarante stiffened staying next to DaCosta side. DaCosta just knew what was coming…Amarante would go up the stairs with no protest.

"No sir," Amarante replied. DaCosta was surprised to see Amarante stand up against Waltfeld. Surprised, Waltfeld raised his eye brow.

"Come here," Commander Waltfeld cooed to the young girl. With a little gulp she came closer just a little out of arms length. His voice was sweet and innocent, and Amarante felt uncertain if she should trust him. He grabbed her arm pushing her up the stairs and into the plane. Amarante let out a small squeal of shock.

"I meant what I said little lady. Now sit there," Waltfeld said sitting her in a chair next to the window. He sat next to her and DaCosta sat in the row in front of them. They flew to Kaohsiung where they were ejected into space. 20 minutes into the flight Amarante began to nod off and 5 minutes later Amarante was asleep. This wouldn't be their first flight…there would two more. At each flight change, instead of waking Amarante up…Waltfeld carried her from flight to flight. If she woke up, Waltfeld would allow her to walk about and to the next plane.

"She's really tired," DaCosta said quietly to his commander. They were finally in space and even DaCosta had taken a nap. Waltfeld gave a nod but was holding back of laugh. Seeing Amarante's face pressed up against the window. He really wanted to laugh but he didn't want to wake up the girl.

"Yeah, she's been able to sleep through anything," Waltfeld answered. He stifled his laugh watching Amarante's head roll back against the window as they flew threw space.

"Welcome Commander Waltfeld," a soldier announced saluting him. Amarante and DaCosta saluted back as they entered a car awaiting them. She was now wide awake, her hair was fixed nicely and for the moment Amarante had tied a black bow in her hair.

"Amarante," Waltfeld said sternly. She had been looking out the window before looking at her commander. Her look of innocence was still on her face and the normal cock of the head was her fad. Looking into the eyes of the tiger, Amarante could barely figure out what he was going to talk to her about.

"Yes sir?" Amarante asked shooting a glance at DaCosta. He looked back at her and Amarante couldn't decipher his eyes as well. Confused and nervous Amarante looked back and forth at DaCosta and Waltfeld. Waltfeld snapped his fingers together in front of her face to get her to focus back on him.

"Many Commander's don't think the way I do. Many will destroy a whole town with all of its inhabitants. Almost all are needlessly violent. I'm not that kind of guy, as you can see and I've taught you that needless violence isn't needed. When I go into this conference today…you'll encounter several soldiers that will differ with you. No matter what happens don't get angry out there okay?" Waltfeld explained. He took her hands in his as she cocked her head in agreement and confusion. Commander Waltfeld was a likeable guy, who didn't like him and his ideals?

"Commander Waltfeld is right. There will probably be soldiers around your age. Your views will probably contradict because of their commander's ideals. What ever you tell them will reflect on Commander Waltfeld's command. If you say something wrong…It'll reflect back on him. Even if it's your personal ideals…It'll be used against the commander," DaCosta explained to her as well. The little mouse on its wheel in Amarante's brain was running rampant. There was so much information being told to her it was hard to take it all in.

"So should I keep my mouth shut?" Amarante asked. How would she talk to her fellow peers, subordinates and superiors.

"No, it's okay to agree to disagree but don't say anything stupid," Waltfeld answered. Well that's a lot of help…Amarante thought. There were obvious stupid things NOT to say but what about the other not very obvious stupid things? How would she know what to say?

"Sir, any idea who will be here?" DaCosta asked. He knew that Amarante was on overload mode and now she needed a distracter. Almost immediately Amarante focused on DaCosta's question. He gave a slight sigh of relief seeing her face relax

"I know Commander Le Creuset will be there on other business," Waltfeld said distastefully. Amarante cocked her head cutely before looking at DaCosta and then Waltfeld.

"Sir, who is Commander Le Creuset?" she asked curiously. Her commander had always spoken highly of anyone…Waltfeld hated no one…or so she believe until now.

"Don't worry about it. I'll tell you later," the commander said with a sigh. The car eventually stopped with Amarante and DaCosta getting out first to make sure the area was secure before the commander. They fell in behind him as they went up a flight of steps and inside. Amarante was about to gawk at the building but she remembered what Waltfeld and DaCosta said. This was the first time Amarante had been to headquarters. It was large, busy and bustling with people.

"Unfortunately it's a Commanders ONLY kind of thing. You two stay here until I get back," Waltfeld informed.

"Yes sir," the soldiers said in unison with a salute. Amarante really wanted to know what was going to go on in that meeting but she knew better. Also, DaCosta was there to keep her out of trouble.

"Well I should say don't wander off too far," Waltfeld chuckled before leaving them. Amarante smiled slightly and DaCosta just didn't change. Then something felt weird…Amarante didn't know what it was.

"Are you hungry?" DaCosta asked feeling that Amarante's body was really tense. He knew something was wrong, but that wasn't her hungry look.

"No sir," Amarante sighed. She felt something or someone was coming their way. It was a dark feeling and she wanted to escape. She was about to leave his side to sit down somewhere but DaCosta didn't budge. Amarante began to hesitate…should she move or stay put.

"Wait here," DaCosta replied as he saw Commander Le Creuset heading their way. He had a boy about Amarante's age following him. He also wore the elite red uniform. Amarante observed this masked man, besides getting that weird feeling that she couldn't pinpoint, he seemed eerie and creepy.

"DaCosta was it?" the Commander asked as Amarante and DaCosta gave a salute. Amarante stared at the young man behind him. The blue haired boy behind her was also looking at her, yet seeing her stare back shocked him and he turned away.

"Yes sir," DaCosta replied. Amarante then felt the masked commander's eyes fall upon her. Inside she squirmed as is if she was on fire.

"Who is this young lady here? It's not normal for Commander Waltfeld to bring other subordinates with him," Le Creuset asked. The same feeling…she couldn't be the same daughter of…the commander thought. The red hair was striking to him, and with that same "feeling" this red haired girl could possibly be of that family.

"Amarante Takahashi, sir," Amarante replied. The eerie feeling was coming from him. Amarante was sure of it! Now she wasn't very sure if she could trust him. Who could he be and why was he so eerie?

"Athrun, since we have a little time before we leave, why don't you spend some time with Amarante. You can exchange battle tips and strategies. It's a rare occasion to meet up with a fellow red like this," Le Creuset ordered. The boy was now looking at her and was just as puzzled as her with his commander.

"Yes sir," the boy behind him replied. Amarante saluted silently to her superiors before leaving with her comrade. He had blue hair and was taller than her by a couple of inches.

"You're name is Athrun right?" Amarante asked as they walked away. The boy perked up at hearing his name before looking down at her.

"Yeah, yours is Amarante?" Athrun asked. She nodded happily before looking up at the boy. You know…he was kind of cute, but Amarante knew that she had her boyfriend. Besides, Kirkwood was cuter!

"Yes. Honestly, I really don't want to talk about battle or commanders," Amarante sighed. Athrun was curious who her commander was but if she didn't want to talk, she didn't want to talk, and he respected that.

"Just one question: Are you apart of the ground forces?" Athrun asked. She wasn't wearing her ground forces uniform and Amarante thought it was creepy that Athrun asked that question.

"Yeah. Why do you ask?" Amarante retaliated with her own question. She wasn't sure if she could trust the boy either. Athrun felt her hostility, and knew that he probably SHOULDN'T have asked the question.

"My commander told me," Athrun answered. Well now this boy was less creepy.

"Oh…so what do you want to talk about?" Amarante asked. The feeling was odd and awkward as Amarante and Athrun continued to walk. The girl wished that DaCosta was with her, so this would be less awkward.

"What are your comrades like?" Athrun asked. He was getting less and less creepy and Amarante was beginning to trust him.

"They're okay, I'm the only red at the base. One of them is my boyfriend. How are yours?" Amarante said with a blushing face. Athrun smiled at her bashfulness and now was beginning to trust the girl himself.

"Ahhh, I guess mine are okay. Sometimes we agree to…"Athrun began before getting cut off. He was surprised that she wouldn't let him finish.

"Disagree? I know the feeling. My commander likes to put me in charge of battles a lot since I'm the only red," Amarante chuckled.

"Same here, except my team has three other red on it. Sometimes there's a power struggle, since we graduated at the same time," Athrun replied.

"Are any girls?" Amarante asked curiously. Unlike the male academy, there were only about 3 female reds graduates instead of the normal 5 to 10 for boys. She already knew her answer but no harm in asking.

"No…You're the first female red that I've met," Athrun answered. He knew she would probably be sad and it would probably get awkward again.

"It's okay, you look queasy from the answer," Amarante said with a yawn. Now he had a chance to really look at her, she looked so tired. Yet that was understandable since she was a ground forces soldier.

"You must be really tired," Athrun suggested. Amarante nodded before wiping her eyes quickly. She wanted to appear strong and not fatigued but it was all sinking in. Athrun didn't mind though, he could sleep through anything.

"Yeah I had to wake up 0330...three days ago? I haven't had much sleep since then," Amarante replied with a laugh. Athrun nodded knowing the feeling. His comrade Yzak would always bark at him if he fell asleep.

"I'd probably be asleep right now," Athrun said with a laugh. Amarante was really enjoying his company now. He was cordial and reminded her of comrades and friends.

"I want to sleep but I know my actions reflect upon my commander," Amarante answered. She yawned again trying to do it discretely but it came out loudly. She blushed but Athrun didn't mind.

"Right. The ground forces uniforms are different correct?" Athrun asked out of the clear blue. Amarante looked back and forth trying to add up his question to what they were talking about.

"At least just the uniform jacket. We roll up the sleeves and it ends just below the waist instead of passing it," Amarante replied. In a quick instant she felt that weird sensation again. Was it that man again?

"It looks like you have made your acquaintance, Athrun," Le Creuset announced coming up behind them. He had moved up so quietly and so suddenly it gave Amarante an eerie feeling. Amarante and Athrun saluted to the commander as DaCosta watched from a distance. Who would have known that one of the Takahashi girls, would end up in Z.A.F.T. Le Creuset thought with an evil smile.

"Yes sir," Athrun replied. Amarante noticed the smile becoming highly distrustful of this commander. It was odd, strange and a mixture of queasiness.

"Your name is Amarante correct?" Le Creuset asked. Feeling his eyes on her Amarante acted as if she was looking at him, but was really looking to the left of his head.

"Yes sir," Amarante answered. Her voice was strong and unwavering even if her body and mind was panicking on the inside.

"I considered putting you on my team instead of Athrun's teammate Nicol. Yet they work so well together, I didn't want to break that bond. I'm glad that you been taken in by the fine Desert Tiger. It's time for you to say good bye to Amarante, Athrun. See you on the battlefront," Le Creuset said coldly to her. Amarante saluted to him and Athrun and once they left, DaCosta came over to them. Amarante was glad that she could finally relax and that DaCosta was back with her.

"That was commander Le Creuset," DaCosta whispered to her. His voice was cold and bitter like Commander Waltfeld's. Amarante looked up at him but saw his face was unchanged and not angered.

"Why are you bitter?" Amarante asked as they moved to a back wall. DaCosta looked up at the lights before looking back down at her.

"I'm not at liberty to tell you the details of why we're here but Commander Le Creuset is a ruthless man. He will do anything to achieve success in his missions. He'll probably have his red soldiers as commanders before you. With his tactics of ruthlessness, it'll be seen positively by the top brass. I assure you that you will never get that type of status unless you do something like the commander. Even then the Commander was never really seen until the Suez Battle. Not being needlessly violently will keep you faceless," DaCosta replied, "but you'll keep your humanity."

"Right," Amarante said after a couple of minutes. They stood in silence watching for their commander. "Sir…Why, are we so different?" Amarante asked innocently. She moved her foot gently before looking back up at DaCosta.

"Commander Waltfeld isn't just leading is into battle but he's also teaching us. I know I disagree with him with many things since I'm so uptight but you're pretty malleable and instead of bulking to his ideals you embraced them. I know everyone is placing an extreme amount of pressure on you but only because everyone knows how great you'll be as a commander," DaCosta answered.

"You're too kind sir," Amarante said bashfully. She blushed looking away to hide it.

"So how's your relationship with Kirkwood?" DaCosta asked. Amarante perked up and smiled. She loved Kirkwood, and everyone on base knew it.

"Great! He's going to take me around the base when we get back!" Amarante chuckled.

"So it's a date?" DaCosta teased. Hey! DaCosta never teased her! What was up at that.

Amarante blushed, "I guess." DaCosta signaled her to follow seeing their commander get out of his briefing. She followed after him giving their commander a salute once they were close enough.

"How did it go sir?" DaCosta asked curiously. Amarante wanted to ask the question but Waltfeld would probably give her some witty response.

"Let's not talk here," Waltfeld answered. He spoke in his commanding tone, causing Amarante to stiffen. Uh oh…Something was wrong, what had happened in that meeting?

"Yes sir. Are we heading back?" DaCosta asked. He was use to these different changes in tone so it didn't effect him.

"Yeah. Amarante, what's with the tired face?" Waltfeld asked in his normal light-hearted manner. Amarante relaxed knowing that everything was okay…at least on the surface.

"I'm just really tired sir. Sorry," Amarante replied. She tried not to yawn but it came out anyways. Waltfeld chuckled placing a hand on top of her head. Amarante ducked away from it following behind him so nothing embarrassing would happen.

"Well we're going home so let's go," Waltfeld signaled. "You can have some coffee when we get back." Waltfeld knew she didn't drink coffee, maybe he would trick her into drinking it…like normal. They followed behind him going out the door and down the steps. A smaller car was waiting out front for them. This time DaCosta was going to chauffeur them around.

"Sir, why does DaCosta always drive? Shouldn't the lowest rank drive?" Amarante asked as DaCosta opened the door for Waltfeld and her. She wanted to be a good subordinate and she should be the one driving.

"Don't be silly. You're to young," Waltfeld chuckled. Amarante pursed her lips coming closer to the car.

"I can drive," Amarante retaliated as DaCosta helped her into the car. She crossed her arms trying not to pout.

"Yeah but you're too little. Maybe next year little tyke," Waltfeld teased sitting next to her. NEXT year? That's too far away! She could drive and she should drive.

"Sir are we going directly to the spaceport?" DaCosta asked. He just wanted to confirm that he wanted to go home. Sometimes he wanted to pick up some coffee but probably not.

"Yeah. There's nothing else that needs to be done here," Waltfeld replied. Amarante looked out the window at headquarters one last time. She knew that this would be the last time to look at the grand building.

"Yes sir," DaCosta replied starting up the car. Amarante was deep in thought giving Commander Waltfeld the perfect chance to tease her.

"Marriage isn't on your mind, right?" Waltfeld asked closing his eyes. Amarante's face lit up quickly feeling it glow red. She sat up awkwardly straightening her back before looking at her commander. What did he mean by that?

"Sir? I don't think I'm ready for that yet," Amarante replied shrinking down in her seat. This was extremely awkward for Amarante as Waltfeld laughed. She was such a bashful and easily embarrassed girl.

"I don't think so either," Waltfeld answered placing a hand on her shoulder. He continued to chuckle and shook her slightly. He enjoyed being playful and toying with her.

"What do you think about Kirkwood?" Amarante asked slyly. Waltfeld smirked, she was just as sly and playful as him. Amarante loved her "father" and she wanted to know his thoughts about her boyfriend.

"He's a good kid. Nothing like Maylam. He's a good match for you," Waltfeld said thoughtfully. Amarante let out a sigh of relief in her mind, but now she had nothing to talk about.

"Can I sleep sir?" Amarante asked with large yawn. She was so tired and watching buildings and people go by was just making her even more tired.

"Of course little baby," Waltfeld teased pinching her cheeks. She hated when her cheeks were pinched. After that person was done pinching her, Amarante's cheeks always blew up. Her family members would then call her chipmunk. Her cousin Mu would commonly pull her cheeks. He was the one who coined the nickname of chipmunk.

"COMMANDER!" Amarante cried as DaCosta just surveyed the scene through the rear view mirror. He only sighed shaking his head as Amarante became even more embarrassed. Her cheeks were already swelling as Waltfeld released her red cheeks. He then scrambled her hair trying to mess with her mind even more. DaCosta sighed again wishing that sometimes his commander would act like a man more than a boy of Kirkwood's age.

Hey just like to say…before this story gets off into chapter 20 and beyond, I would like some constructive criticism of the now 16 chapters. I DO KNOW I NEED TO REDO THE BREAKER LINES IN THE FIRST COUPLE OF CHAPTERS AND MANY OF MY STORIES. Please no flames like, "I hate your story!" or "I hate original characters!" I have received stuff like that before. You're welcome to share your disdain with me and my answer to you most likely will be:

If you don't like it don't read it. I'm not forcing you to read all the chapters.

Teehee!

Also, if anyone would like to suggest any characters to add or use. It can be an OC or not…I don't mind, but they won't appear until Chapter 27 plus because that's where I am in the writing of this story. I know WOW! How come I don't post them? I like to reread chapters and add stuff before posting. Also for the original Gundam Seed cast…don't make it too strange. It has to be plausible. I'm also opened to new ideas because I'm kind of running into writer's block.

So writing to you, I hope to get some responses. I hope all of you have a good morning, afternoon, day or night!

~CuteAiboAibo