Lost Memories Chapter 35
"So are you feeling better?" Athrun asked kindly. He had agreed to fly her over to see her cousin Mu. She was shocked to hear that he was injured inside the colony and especially by that guy. Kira also went with them but was dozing off at the moment.
"Yeah. I think I know him from somewhere," Amarante replied looking at Kira briefly. She fumbled with her hands not very sure what to think at the moment. Was her cousin nice? Did he even know who she was? Massaging her aching temples Amarante looked up at Athrun worriedly. Looking over her worried expression was killing him, she was so much like Nicol.
"From where?" Athrun asked. Athrun looked away trying not to think of Nicol's last moment with Amarante. It kept reappearing in his head. Amarante's sullen face, Nicol's goofy puppy love smile. It was a sad smile but he always wanted to place his best foot forward for her.
"I want to say my first duty station. Where ever that was. Athrun, what would you do in my position?" Amarante asked. There was so much happening inside Amarante's head and in the outside world. It's hard to know what was really going on, and this time Amarante needed a substantial amount of help.
"Honestly, I have no idea. Probably the same thing you're doing at the moment," Athrun answered. They were in the middle of a war, and everyone apart of the Three Ship Alliance was not a part of a formal military. Then there was Amarante which complicated so many other things. She didn't know who she was and where she stood in all of this. What if when she remembered everything, she wanted to go back to Z.A.F.T? Although highly unlikely it was a possibility. Would they have to detain her? Or would they have to shoot her?
"Really?" Amarante asked. Athrun snapped out of his thoughts by her gentle voice. He glanced over at her seeing that her face was twisted with confusion. Athrun was curious on what was going on in her head. She was a very sweet and gentle girl, and she stood firmly by her beliefs. She believed what she was doing was right, yet she still wasn't sure what they were doing.
"Yeah, are you sure that you're okay with him being here? You react very strangely when hearing his name," Athrun asked turning his head towards Kira. Personally, Athrun didn't want Kira to go because of what happened a day ago…AND if Amarante saw the Strike and Kira together, she could go into another panicked memory attack. Yet, Kira was too sweet to really think about that, all he wanted to do was to help people. In a way, Athrun thought that, Kira just wanted to protect her because of what he did to Amarante.
"I'll be fine. I can even say his name now: Kira," Amarante began before giving herself a little pause, "See nothing happened." Amarante gave him a gentle smile trying to keep herself chipper and normal. Yet some memories of Kira flooded into her mind causing her to wince once or twice.
Athrun still wasn't convinced he raised an eye brow before letting out a sigh, "If you say so." He caught her wince and he saw Amarante just shrug it off. Amarante cleared her throat quietly thinking about Nicol. He was killed by someone on the legged ship…or should she say, the Archangel. According to the official report that Amarante hacked into…the pilot was killed by Amarante seemed skeptical. She wanted to believe that Athrun killed him…but she knew that he wasn't. Yet where would someone like him go? Who would take him in because the Archangel left after the Strike was destroyed.
"Athrun…I don't hate the pilot that killed Nicol," Amarante said above a whisper. Athrun gripped the steering wheel tightly; he didn't want to talk about this, not here and not now. Kira was dozing on and off in the back yet, Amarante really wanted to get that out of her mind.
"What?" Athrun asked. It was out of the clear blue. Yet it saddened him to now know that Amarante knew that he was dead. How did she learn? Amarante did tell him that she was assigned to the Le Creuset team…and Yzak, was still with them. Why would Yzak tell her something like that? Why would he break her heart? Yet…she would have had to learn someway…somehow, and those options would still have gutted her heart to pieces.
"I don't hate the pilot that killed Nicol. I don't want to hurt him, kill him, yell at him, or anything. This is war…and people die in war…Nicol…You…Me…Kira…we all have the chance to die…and unfortunately…it was Nicol's time," Amarante replied. She sounded so much like her normal self…and a person he had never met. The Amarante he knew, was a sweetheart and a person who was naïve just like Nicol. Yet, she was just as wise as Lacus which was shocking. At that time Kira was awake and heard the whole conversation. He looked down sadly before placing a hand on Amarante's shoulder. She looked back at him with a gentle smile before taking his hand. She was curious on what Kira was trying to tell her.
"Amarante," Kira mustered. He couldn't believe that Amarante would say that. Did she really know the pilot of the Blitz? When Athrun and Dearka spoke, one of the topics was about the gentle boy named Nicol. Eventually Kira overheard that Nicol was the pilot of the Blitz. Which Kira didn't want to hear, he seemed like a sweet person. Why did he get involved in the war? Why did people like him have to die needlessly?
"What's wrong Kira?" Amarante asked cocking her head to the side. A thick lump developed in Kira's throat and stomach. How did Amarante know Nicol? Were they inlove? That couldn't have been possible! The blitz wasn't at Banadiya, or was it? Yet that couldn't have been possible. It would have been out with the Buster and the Duel.
"Ah…Nothing," Kira choked. He wanted to confess his feelings of sorrow to her. He was tired of this war taking so many good people away from them. Even Amarante was a victim of this brutal war. Kira had killed so many people when he was blinded with lust, love and confusion. He wanted to bring all those people back…yet it was just like Amarante said months ago…
Flashback
"We were both given orders weren't we Kira. To annihilate each other as soldiers! We're on different sides of the chess board. Pawns of the higher ups to control as they please. Even your ship's commander and Commander Waltfeld are pawns. Isn't that right Kira?" Amarante hollered at him.
End Flashback
"Kira," Amarante began shaking him away from his thoughts, "I understand what you're trying to tell me. I don't hate you." Kira sighed, Amarante was so different…she had to have felt some type of anger towards him. KIRA injured her so badly she didn't even know who she was, KIRA took away Aisha, KIRA took away Waltfeld's arm and eye, and KIRA took away the only person she truly truly loved…Nicol.
"We're here," Athrun alerted. Flying into the hangar Amarante locked eyes on the machine that damaged her. She didn't think anything of it as Kira and Athrun escorted her out. Outside of the shuttle Amarante began to feel strange. She looked up at it before getting a large headache.
"O-Ow," Amarante muttered pausing. Her body began to tense and shake as she came to complete stop. Amarante couldn't help but place her hands on her throbbing head. Athrun frowned; he knew this was a bad idea! Hopefully she wouldn't see or hear Kira, she could become even worse, which is something no one wanted.
"Amarante?" Kira and Athrun asked together. She went to the ground as Athrun placed a hand on her back trying to sooth her pain. Mr. Murdoch looked at the young girl. Was this the "small" kid that Mu would sometimes bring up? She wasn't anything like he would imagine, especially since she was a Z.A.F.T. red. She was supposed to be kind and innocent…not some brutal killer. From some gossip that had trickled through the ships. She was a subordinate of Commander Waltfeld when they were in the Saharan Desert, and she was injured by Kira in their last desperate battle.
"What's wrong Amarante?" Kira asked. She blankly stared at the machine before looking down at the ground trying to alleviate the pain in her head. Her eyes were as wide as saucers as Athrun kneeled next to her rubbing her back gently. He felt so powerless when she was like this. She was too unstable to take medicine at the moment and if they knocked her out she could go back to square one, of not knowing anything. At the moment….he could only hope that she could snap out of it soon.
Flashback
"Oh…I shouldn't be talking about that. I should look through my bag for something to wear under my skirt…If not I need some pants," Amarante said with a slight smile.
"Leggings," Aisha suggested pulling the girl out of the laundry room.
"Excuse me?" Amarante asked.
"I'll get you a pair. I'm pretty sure one of my old pairs will fit you fine," Aisha suggested.
"But…I," she started to say before Aisha shushed her.
"It'll be alright. Like I said earlier…you're a cute girl, I would understand why you would want to show your legs off," Aisha teased again before pulling the girl into a room. She began to go through a drawer as Amarante stood awkwardly by the door.
"Um…Ma'am…Maybe I should wait outside?" Amarante suggested.
"Oh Andy won't mind since you're with me. Well here you are my lady.
"Oh Amarante," her commander said standing up behind his desk.
"Oh…Yes sir?" she asked.
"Not to sound like a pervert in all but the skirt. You should change to pants or you should where something under it. There are always high winds around here so many guys would have a field day if they saw what was under your skirt," he said pointing at it.
"Will do sir," Amarante said. "Excuse me."
"HEY! You promised to take me shopping, " Catalina whined wrapping hers arms around his neck in a loving manner.
"Alright. Alright, we'll get something and go," Martin chuckled wrapping his arms around the young maiden. He felt as if he was bonding with her as if they really were family.
"Martin…they're following us," Catalina muttered twenty minutes later.
"I know. Do you like that?" Martin asked noticing the young girl stare at a glass orb.
"Oh I'll be alright," Catalina responded with a smile.
"I promised to buy something for you," Martin answered. She continued to look around before finding something that reminded her of home.
"Try some, this time I blended it with ten percent more Hawaiian Kona," Waltfeld said as Amarante began to cough.
"Are you alright?" DaCosta asked as he placed her mug on the table.
"Yeah," she said between coughs. Her face grimaced at the taste of the liquid which Waltfeld laughed at. She looked like a small child who tasted something horrible.
"It looks like you haven't acquired the taste for coffee yet," their commander chuckled.
"I love the smell of coffee. My mother used to fix coffee a lot before she died," Amarante said as her coughs began to calm down.
"Really?" Waltfeld asked.
"Well you went through an episode of shock," he said drinking some of his coffee.
"Is that bad?" Amarante asked.
"It's almost normal for new soldiers to go through shock after their first mission so I'm not that worried. Just take the next couple of hours to relax," Commander Waltfeld soothed placing a hand on her shoulder.
"The commander is preparing for an all-out attack on the vessel," DaCosta said behind her. Amarante jumped slightly turning around to salute him only to trip over a small box falling to the ground. Amarante let out a cry as DaCosta chuckled slightly. Who knew that Amarante was a klutzy girl!
"Hello sir," Amarante said standing up and giving him a salute. She tried to appear as if the fall had never happened.
"You heard me. An instrument playing cute guy. They always seem to be the nice ones. I bet there are a couple in Z.A.F.T," Aisha replied.
"Wait! Amarante!" he called out losing her in the crowd. He waited impatiently going down the escalator before bursting into the crowd. For a girl with red and pink hair, she's easy to lose track of. I should her told her to take the escalator, he thought walking through the crowd to find him. He called out for her but there was no response.
"Here I am!" Amarante piped after 12 minutes of Waltfeld searching for her.
"Damn…You really worried me there!" Waltfeld snapped. Amarante looked down sadly feeling ashamed of herself.
She muttered softly, "I'm sorry." Waltfeld looked at her with a gentle smile pulling her into a hug.
"Hey…You just worried me a little. Sorry for snapping at you. Next time just wait for me at the bottom of the stairs, okay?" he said gently. She nodded softly following him to the baggage carousel. They watched bags go by until finding their own.
She turned her head away trying to show that she was a strong pilot. Only one person in her life had ever slapped her and that was her father. Amarante didn't like the feeling of being powerless and the memories that flooded back into her mind. She hated appearing weak in front of any man. It just reinforced that women were weak in the eyes of men.
"Hey come on now…Don't cry," Waltfeld cooed standing up to comfort the girl. He could understand why she was crying but if she was going to go back to work she had to look okay.
"I'm not crying…I just have something in my eyes," Amarante replied before rubbing her eyes. Waltfeld gave her a tight hug before sitting her down behind his desk. He had to cheer her up somehow.
"Want to help me make a fresh brew?" Waltfeld asked curiously. She only nodded yes trying to dry the tears in her eyes. She was curious in how to make coffee.
"I'm sorry. I'm a bad soldier," Amarante muttered. She was a weak and bad soldier. That's the reason why there were almost no females in the military. She hated this weakness…sometimes she wanted to die.
"You're not a bad soldier. Come on cheer up. Coffee is always better when you're cheerful," Waltfeld coaxed playfully placing an empty coffee mug on top of her head. She sniffed loudly before lying her head down on the desk in a small sob. The mug fell off her head and on to the desk.
Quietly Aisha came into Amarante room. She was going to shake the sleeping girl awake, and take her on a day of shopping and dressing up. Aisha shrugged away the thought of telling Andy that she was taking Amarante. The two ladies needed some time off by themselves, and she would have her back in time for Amarante to do some work. She left the lights off as she sauntered up to Amarante's bed.
"Amarante…time to wake up," Aisha said sweetly shaking the girl with a mother's touch. Amarante groaned quietly rubbing her eyes before shutting them.
"Mom…I'm tired," Amarante mumbled turning away from her persistent shaker. Aisha was shocked! What did Amarante just call her? She stopped momentarily thinking over if she heard Amarante correctly.
"Wake up Amarante," Aisha continued before turning on the desk lamp. Amarante groaned again this time sitting up rubbing her eyes on the sleeve of her pajama top.
"Yes Ma'am?" Amarante asked politely. Aisha pushed the thoughts of Amarante calling her Mom in the back of her mind as Aisha tossed a cute outfit at her.
"We're going out in the city. Get dressed," Aisha said with a wicked smile that Amarante could just barely see in the dimly lit room. Amarante knew that she was wearing it…Aisha and Commander Waltfeld completely and acted like each other.
"I must be on my way," Waltfeld said sternly.
"Due stay for the rest of the day," Ichiro pleaded.
"Please sir," Amarante asked softly.
"Just today because you asked so nicely," Waltfeld sighed but smiled messing up his subordinate's hair once again.
"Is there anything you would like to talk about?" Aisha asked placing a hand over her's. It shocked Amarante and she almost moved her hand away.
"Huh? Oh…ah nothing really," Amarante said with hints of blush.
Aisha leaned into her closely holding her hand tightly, "Don't get out there and start having sex alright? Wait until you're married, alright? No matter what a guy says, even if he says he loves you. Don't give in okay?" Amarante's face turned bright up as Aisha backed away. She fidgeted in her seat looking down.
"What's the matter?" Andy asked placing a hand on her chin. He pushed it up to see her blushing face. She immediately readjusted her face so he couldn't see her blush anymore.
"Nothing. I'm just the only girl to be dancing with her commander," Amarante replied. It was in a low voice as she looked around at the stares of several soldiers and their dates. Becoming even more bashful Amarante began to shrink.
"You're also dancing with your Dad, remember? And the only female soldier" Waltfeld chuckled patting her cheek. After hearing his words Amarante perked up and smiled.
"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. Whatever 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?
"I can show you my favorite for this month," Kirkwood said cheerfully. He smiled at her in a loving manner as she nodded at the invitation. Carefully Kirkwood placed a hand on each side pulling her closer to him. Amarante made a small noise of uneasiness as Kirkwood laid down pulling her with him. Knowing that she was uneasy Kirkwood slowly moved her into position before sitting up. Waltfeld perked up seeing the two soldiers lying on the ground.
"Okay…Is this alright?" Amarante asked wondering what Kirkwood was going to do to her. The commander continued to watch feeling that he may have to intervene soon.
"Yeah. Do you see the stars right there," Kirkwood asked pointing out several stars that created a box with protrusions coming out of it. Getting out of his chair Waltfeld stretched tiredly.
"Yeah. Which one is that?" Amarante asked curiously as Waltfeld approached them quietly. He wanted to sneak up on them making sure that there weren't doing anything horrible.
"That one is Pegasus. This isn't the first time I've been on Earth. My grandfather owns a ship and he would always take me sailing. He taught me every constellation that he knew of," Kirkwood replied
"We're not going to do this now. You're not even in uniform," Aisha whispered.
"What's going on?" Amarante asked at the same volume. Aisha released the girl walking side by side of her. Amarante touched her injured shoulder slightly attracting Aisha attention. Yet, she thought nothing of it.
"I'm not even sure myself. Come on I want to dress you up," Aisha chuckled softly. Amarante's body slouched because she hated dressing up.
"Ma'am!" Amarante whined. She tried to escape the woman but Aisha just pushed her in.
"I got some cute dresses for you. This time we need to get pictures!" Aisha sang out softly. She closed the door behind herself watching the young girl walk into the room.
"Ms. Aisha…I'm not that cute. You should see my sister. She's the one who is beautiful," Amarante replied as Amarante tripped over herself.
"Oh are you alright?" Aisha asked helping her off the floor.
"What's the matter?" Andy asked placing a hand on her chin. He pushed it up to see her blushing face. She immediately readjusted her face so he couldn't see her blush anymore.
"Nothing. I'm just the only girl to be dancing with her commander," Amarante replied. It was in a low voice as she looked around at the stares of several soldiers and their dates. Becoming even more bashful Amarante began to shrink.
"You're also dancing with your Dad, remember? And the only female soldier" Waltfeld chuckled patting her cheek. After hearing his words Amarante perked up and smiled.
"Thank you for taking me to my room," Amarante said softly.
"You're welcome," Kirkwood muttered. They stared at each other for over a minute. Amarante gave him a tight hug before releasing him. His cheeks turned pink as she gave him a gentle wink.
"Good night knight," Amarante cooed before going into her room.
"Good night princess," Kirkwood whispered before leaving her the front of her room. The love he felt for her was swelling inside of him as he moved down the hall quietly humming to himself.
"Amarante! Hey!" Nicol said warmly. He was working inside his mobile suit, the Blitz. He just noticed her behind his front panel and that she was blushing. Nicol's so cute when he's working…Oh no he noticed that I'm blushing! Amarante thought as Nicol raised an eyebrow at her. She blushed even more coming into Nicol's view.
"What are you doing?" Amarante asked trying to get over her emotions. She was peering into the mobile suit's cockpit. Amarante wanted to know what Nicol did for his work. She barely knew that Nicol was a pilot like her.
"This is my machine…Its name is Blitz," Nicol replied moving the keyboard and front panel. He motioned her to come inside with him. Amarante cocked her head not very sure what he was asking. She looked up and down at the mobile suit before smiling weakly.
"You want me to come inside with you?" Amarante asked.
"Yes…It'll be alright. You can sit on my lap," Nicol replied extending his hand out to her. Amarante looked at the hangar seeing that everyone was busily working. Athrun was chatting with a mechanic on the lower level, and she wasn't sure where those other two guys were. She was still learning their names. One had fluffy hair, and the other always made her giggle.
"Isn't the information classified?" Amarante asked queasily. She didn't want to get court martialed because of Nicol and his innocence.
"It'll be alright. I mean…my father has seen the specs…and so have several commanders. So come here!" Nicol said confidently reaching for the girl with both hands. He turned her around before pulling her into the cockpit. Amarante let out a loud squeak elbowing Nicol in the gut accidentally. He coughed and gagged loudly. On the ground, Athrun honed into the sound, it sounded like a noise that Amarante would make, excusing himself from the presence of the mechanic. What is Amarante doing here? Nicol…Athrun thought going up a near-by set or stairs that lead to the cockpit of the Blitz. The closer he came to his destination he could distinguish the voices of Nicol AND Amarante. NICOL! Athrun thought with a grumble.
"Nicol…What are you doing?" Athrun asked looking at the scene in front of him. Nicol's arms were around Amarante's waist and Amarante was flailing her arms in the air trying to get free from Nicol's hold. Athrun observed the looks on their faces, they were equally terrified and as white as ghosts. Nicol was trying to calm her down so it didn't sound like he was assaulting her. AMARANTE on the other hand, didn't want to get in trouble for seeing information that she wasn't supposed to see.
"Ahhhhh…Hi Athrun…We're…ahhhhhh…I was going to show her the Blitz," Nicol said as Amarante froze in her flailing. She was glad that Athrun was here. She freed herself from Nicol's grip before standing up and leaning out of the cockpit.
"Nicol pulled me in here! This wasn't my fault," Amarante cried out. Blue…she's wearing…Blue panties…Nicol thought looking at what was accidentally exposed to him. He instantly felt his face flare up in red blush, and he couldn't look away. HE knew he had to…but his pervert side was getting the best of him. Looking back at Nicol, Athrun noticed his focus shift from him to Amarante's butt.
"First Amarante…sit down and relax," Athrun ordered to get Nicol back on the main subject.
"NO DON'T!" Nicol snapped. He could feel that he was happy…VERY happy in special places. Amarante and Athrun looked back at Nicol trying to figure out what brought about his sudden outburst.
"Nicol…You're as red as a beet," Amarante said sitting back down placing a hand on Nicol's red forehead. He shifted uncomfortably as Amarante looked into his eyes gently.
Athrun chuckled, "Come Amarante. Let's give Nicol some time alone." Athrun offered her his hand but impulsively Nicol grabbed Amarante. Even if Athrun was his commander…Amarante was HIS girlfriend.
"I think I should stay here with Nicol…I don't think he's feeling well, and he wants me to stay," Amarante replied snuggling her boyfriend.
"Come Amarante," Athrun said persistent that she should be away from Nicol.
"Alright…see ya later Nicol," Amarante said with a sigh, as Athrun pulled her out of the cockpit. Walking with him, Athrun let out a slight laugh. He could barely believe that he just saw Nicol have perverted thoughts. Placing a hand on his head Athrun continued his chuckle.
"Nicol," he muttered through his laugh.
"What's so funny?" Amarante asked. What could Athrun find so funny after this meeting with Nicol. Why was he so red anyways?
"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.
"Oh no…Andy probably wants a 24 hour watch on you," Aisha chuckled. The girl complained and grumbled as Aisha tried to dress her. With a smirk Aisha came from behind placing her hands on Amarante's breasts. Amarante cried out as Aisha became more and more playful with her attack.
"MS. AISHA!" Amarante cried out.
"I'm just being playful, my sweet girl. You know I wouldn't do it if I wasn't teasing you," Aisha chuckled. Amarante sighed angrily causing Aisha to leave.
"Well it looks like you've done an amazing job little lady. The calibrations are a little off though," Waltfeld commented before noticing that she was busy typing away at her computer. He peaked over the edge to see what she was doing.
"Okay, sorry," Amarante muttered. In front of them several screens popped up before disappearing.
"What cha' doing kid?" Waltfeld asked in his playful Tiger manner.
"Fine tuning everything. With the heat convection everything will be off. Also the heat may mess with beam saber if its too hot. I'm just making sure the out puts and inputs are sustainable. If it is too hot the beam saber could begin to liquefy the holster," Amarante replied. Commander Waltfeld raised his eyebrows to what she said.
"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.
"Ah! Kirkwood and Maylam," Amarante squeaked. She hid behind DaCosta trying to make sure they didn't see her. That wasn't possible since her large poofy dress stood out against DaCosta's green uniform.
"Amarante, what are you doing?" DaCosta asked raising an eyebrow. He blinked in confusion as she continued to hide.
"I don't want them to see me," Amarante whispered. She gulped as the footsteps came louder and louder.
"You're hardly noticeable," DaCosta said with sarcasm. They didn't approach them and continued on their way.
"Well DaCosta is right. I want you to stay here and analyze this data," Waltfeld said waving the documentation in his hands towards her. Amarante frowned, she didn't want to stay…she wanted to be where she would be the most helpful!
"But," Amarante whined. Waltfeld shot the girl a death glare causing her to back down. He stood up leaning over his desk. With an amused smile he whacked her with the papers before sitting back down again. Letting out a yelp she stumbled backwards before going back to her original position. Then when she began to think about it Amarante let out a groan before moving away from the desk so she wouldn't be whacked again.
"Let the boys handle this one…besides I'm assigning Maylam to this sortie. You know very well that Kirkwood, Hadat and yourself cannot be on the same team together," Waltfeld scolded.
"So is she your GIRLfriend?" Amarante teased. Kira's face turned slightly pink and Cagalli became aggressive.
"What makes you think that?" Cagalli demanded. Stopping Cagalli got in her face. Amarante was shocked that she would do such a thing. The girl placed a fist in her face to intimidate the girl.
"Well if you two are passing through, I thought that you two had to be dating. Or are you two brother and sister?" Amarante asked playfully. This only angered Cagalli even more. This time Cagalli grabbed Amarante's collar forcing her into a near-by wall.
"Cagalli!" Kira said placing a hand on her shoulder. Protecting this girl was more like baby-sitting right now. Kira gave a sigh wishing that she would stop acting like a spoiled child. She shook it off as Kirkwood pulled her off.
"You shouldn't make stupid assumptions!" Cagalli snapped. She broke out of Kirkwood's hold but didn't go back to physically intimidating Amarante.
"Alright, alright. You have a valid statement. I'm sorry that I made that type of assumption," Amarante conceded to. She placed her hands up in defense causing Cagalli to calm down. Cagalli let out a hmpf and a growl but they went back to walking around as if that didn't happen
"Kira!" Amarante called out stopping in front of the machine. Kira was surprised to hear Amarante's voice coming through his machine. The boy stopped, Amarante then smiled slightly. It was bittersweet, Amarante was glad that she knew that he was the pilot but she wasn't happy that she had to fight him.
"We don't have to fight each other!" Kira called back. She grimaced at the thought before dodging an attack from the resistance fighters. She fired her main cannon at them blowing the trucks up. They lit up in flames and all resistance had stopped in that area. Kira flinched before muttering to himself that he couldn't save them. He was also surprised at her brutality, how could she kill those men with no emotions…period.
"We were both given orders weren't we Kira. To annihilate each other as soldiers! We're on different sides of the chess board. Pawns of the higher ups to control as they please. Even your ship's commander and Commander Waltfeld are pawns. Isn't that right Kira?" Amarante answered aiming her cannons at the Strike. She wanted to intimidate him into backing out of this fight. He froze for a moment realizing the truth in her statement.
"If you're trying to tell me to join Z.A.F.T. I'm not going to!" Kira hollered back charging her. She went into the dust causing Kira to stop and look for her. He knew that he was fighting on her turf. She continued with her dust storm trying to keep him from finding her. He was surprised to see that his infrared sensors weren't working. The day was a scorcher but he should be able to find her somewhere.
"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.
Amarante groaned as her machine beeped loudly. She could hear the battle raging on outside. Her head was slumped as her eyes began to open. Coming to her senses she could see the raging inferno inside her machine. Her left arm was bent over the console and pulsing with pain. She groaned again before sitting up with a jolt. Amarante had to put the fires out! Using her right arm she began to swat at the fire hoping that it would go out. Some of them did but most continued to rage. Amarante was sweating like crazy and the fire was beginning to get through her flight suit. She freed herself of her restraints before moving her legs to get out. She had to get out, Amarante then kicked the monitor trying to force the door open. Letting out a cry Amarante heard a slight crack in her right leg. There was already a buckle in the mobile suit's door. Amarante could feel herself getting ready to black out again. Amarante raised her left leg again kicking the door once more. It opened a larger hole which Amarante then crawled to. She sucked in fresh air which she was glad to feel. The battle was still running rampant and Amarante's malfunction radio could still pick up blips of information. Sitting back Amarante pressed a button to communicate with the bridge.
"PLEASE, someone help me!" Amarante cried out through coughs. She then reached for the button that would send out a distress signal. Yet a nearby explosion rocked Amarante back into her seat which suck all the air out of her lungs and cockpit. Blacking out Amarante slumped in her chair, her right leg on the main monitor and her right hand on the picture that Waltfeld had given her. Waking up again Amarante looked at the picture with a groan. She was really scared as she began to hyperventilate.
"Dad, protect me," Amarante muttered in a frantic and fearful tone as she blacked out for the final time.
"Amarante! Hey kid!" Mu said trying to shake her out of her trance. She had been staring at the Strike for over 20 minutes. Amarante gasped slightly focusing on his face. He seemed to be wincing from pain. She could vaguely remember that he was injured by that brutal commander. Kira and Athrun had tried to awaken her from her trance as well but they had no success. They were relieved that Mu was able to come down from the infirmary to see if he could do something. When Athrun and Kira tried to move her…she just screamed in pain.
"Huh?" She asked coming to her senses. She placed a hand on his cheek before standing up. He stood up as well placing his hands on her shoulders. So many people had tried to gather around and see who this girl was and why she was acting the way she was yet as a courteous to Mu, Mr. Murdoch kept everyone at bay and away from her except for Athrun and Kira.
"You okay?" Mu asked. Amarante smiled before throwing her arms around him. It propelled them into space as Amarante's eyes began to water. Mu let out a small grunt as she brushed against his shoulder wound, but he didn't mind for the moment. He could see Amarante's sparkling tears floating around them.
"Mu," Amarante said above a whisper. She could only bury her head into his chest and cry. It had been so long…since she saw him last.
"Take it easy," Mu chuckled. He was slight nervous at why she was crying. Was she in pain? Or was she sad? She rubbed her face on his shoulder trying not to cry.
"I remember," Amarante whispered into his ear. Her voice was choppy and weak.
"Really," Mu asked setting her down on the ground again. "What do I call you when I do this?" He pulled on her cheeks causing Amarante to squirm. Escaping his grip Amarante made a frustrated sound. Tears were still streaming out of her eyes but they were happy tears.
"You call me Chipmunk!" Amarante snapped. Mu laughed loudly as Amarante looked around the hangar. She noticed the crowd that had gathered around at a distance. Where had they come from? The hangar was almost dead when Athrun, Kira and herself had come in.
"You remember Athrun and Kira now don't you?" Mu asked placing a hand on her shoulder. She smiled at her friends, trying to stop her tears. With her sleeve Amarante blotted her eyes that were turning red.
"Yeah. I met Athrun at HQ and Kira walking around Banadiya. I can remember everything now…but I still have no idea what I'm doing here. Is that Dearka?" Amarante asked seeing the boy in the background. Athrun looked back and nodded. Dearka waved at them and Amarante let out a tearful giggle.
"Yeah that's Dearka," Kira replied. Yet Amarante placed a hand on her head. It was still aching and she needed to rest.
"I have a huge headache, I think I need to lie down…or go back to the Eternal" Amarante muttered. There were still several other memories flooding back to her mind and it was hard to take it all in.
"I'll take her back," Athrun suggested placing a hand on Amarante's shoulder. "Are you coming Kira?"
"Yeah," Kira replied as Mu placed a hand on Amarante's head. Getting her attention Mu smiled at her. She was still trying to stop her tears but it was so hard.
"Well Amarante, I love the fact that you came here and by seeing the Strike that you were able to recovery your memories. I'm also very glad that you came to see me.
I'll see you later," Mu said giving his little cousin a hug and a kiss to the head. He really wanted to talk with her but it was for the best for her to go back to the Eternal and rest.
"Bye Mu," Amarante replied.
Amarante paced around Waltfeld office waiting for him to come in. She wanted to apologize for her behavior. She fiddled with her hands as tears came to her eyes. Amarante felt so bad for not remembering her real and only Daddy. She heard voices outside causing her to gasp. Was it him? She went to the side of the door fixing her skirt and uniform. Earlier she told Athrun and Kira not to tell him that she had regained her memories. The door swooshed open and Amarante saw her commander float in.
"Amarante? What are you doing here?" Waltfeld asked. Amarante didn't respond as more tears came to her eyes. Waltfeld frowned going to his girl. With his one good arm he pulled her into his arms. Amarante sobbed placing her hands at her mouth.
"I'm really sorry," Amarante muttered.
"Hey it's alright. Everything is alright. What's wrong?" Waltfeld asked in a soothing voice petting the back of her head. She continued to cry which Amarante hated. He was curious if Kirkwood, Kira or Athrun said something to her. She soon broke out into a loud sob. It must have been Kirkwood. He was acting so strange lately.
"I'm not sad. I'm happy," Amarante was able to say through her sobs. Waltfeld chuckled softly…Amarante would say something like that. She always tried to make everything better instead of being the one who was always sad.
"You don't sound too happy," Waltfeld replied kissing the side of her head. He wanted to know that she was still very much loved by him. Even if she couldn't remember him, and what he was like. She was still his little girl and she needed so much love. He kept her in his grip trying to cheer her up.
"I'm happy because I can remember you Daddy," Amarante replied. Waltfeld pulled away from her almost confused at what she said. It almost seemed impossible… Amarante…she had her memories back? He seemed to be in a tunnel…and the light was coming closer and closer.
"Wha-What?" Waltfeld asked. He was so happy…Amarante was his baby…he couldn't even find the words to express his happiness to her. He was in shock…he could barely remember what she was like with her memories. He had so many fond memories looking back on Amarante's life. And now…he could finally start looking forward.
"I remember you Daddy," Amarante repeated. Waltfeld then immediately pulled her back into a tight hug. She knew he was happy too…and she didn't dare pull away because she knew that he was crying too.
I told you this was a huge flashback chapter! I hope you liked it though!
~CuteAiboAibo
February 22, 2011
WHOOPS! I accidentally added in a tiny little spoiler...I hope none of you guys caught it . It's gone now.
~CuteAiboAibo