'Ello
I'mma back =3 yaysers =DDD
First my shout outs to people =)
Litari Hatake- as i said before but again thanks very muchly =) and i hope you continue to enjoy Tangled Fates
DevilGirl101 - should i wait for that review? ;) thanks ^_^
To _ : thankyous =)))
WritingKnightmare- oooh creative name, that's pretty awesome =) and about the grammar? Really? oh wow, go figure, and thanks for the headsups =)
Falconrukichi- thanks and yeah, you and me both -.-
Mage666- well, i noticed that alot of people tend to over play Cagalli's strengths sometimes, which can be fun, yes. However, when you get down to it she is a Natural (though a strong one) and she is a girl (though a kick-butt one!) so i thought it would make it more interesting if I play up her fighting technique rather then her being strong. Plus,,, Athrun being beaten by Cagalli... just no... no no
Hira-nera,- thanks and here it is ^_^
Precious 1421 - i don't feel very detailed -.- =)
The3pleA- Oh i'm sorry- i didn't mean to not make that clear- yeah, Kira and Cagalli are bestfriends, Archangel is on ORB's side (why? oh cuz i wanted it and writers vote over rules =3 lol )
moi- you would be surprised... ^_^
Fushion AC - oh, the sleeptalking gets better *evil grin* Yule was a mistake of mine, fyi, and Kira and Archangel are with ORB- sorry for not making that clearer =( And sorry about the fighting scene -.-, i forget that it's easy for me to see it- not so much for others =/ i'll work on that though. =) And to the last part about how each chapter ends... is that a bad thing? should i not? Or...what?
Jujuinateacup- omggg hahaha i love that nickname now, thats pretty awesome ^_^ and I totally get what you're saying about the love at first sight, Athrun is more of that type but i'm trying to keep it nice and slow. They just met after all *nods*
Anyway, sorry about all that, I just looove responding to people like you wouldn't believe, lol and thanks everyone who read this and is reading this thankyouthankyouthankyou! ahhhhh THANKKSSSSS =D
And now enjoy =)
CHAPTER THREE
Athrun stared after Yamato, one eyebrow raised before he leaned down, grabbing his ZAFT pilot coat. Weirdo. He thought, shrugging the red and black jacket on, exhaling slowly.
What an interesting fight that had been! And the last move nearly threw him off- a hip-throw? And the unique way she had thrown it. Ducking down and thrusting his weight onto her slim back rather then using her strength to throw him. It was lucky he had known the counter to it otherwise she would have beaten him nice and easy right there- which would be a first for Athrun Zala.
He winced as he remembered the ka-thunk crack-like sound as the back of her head had snapped against the tan, wooden floor. He honestly hadn't meant to slam her that hard, he had only used her own motion against herself and forgot that they were sparring with out gear and on a hard surface.
And the look on her face- surprise, pain and bewilderment when her violet eyes snapped open and she gasped. And then the look of anger, but not directed at him, but rather at her self it seemed.
Of course then she seemed to forget it all when she bolted for the stairway up and Athrun shook his head in amusement. "Yamato you are a strange one." He headed to the stairway, wondering where Yamato had went and where she had learned Hapkido. Hapkido wasn't traditionally taught in PLANT or ZAFT- it was more of an Earth Alliance martial art.
Only ZAFT officers, or important people ever took it up as a side activity.
In fact the entire way that girl fought was different. Athrun mused. She had looked so focused and everything seemed to be a reflex as if her life depended on it. I've never seen anyone fight with such an expression before outside of the battlefield. Different. He rubbed his chin then paused, his hand on the stairway rail, glancing out a small round window. Floating in space was a sector of PLANT where high tech military base was hidden.
And also where his fiancé lived.
Lacus… Athrun's left hand's finger grazed the cool glass. Would Captain Schway permit a quick leave for him to visit Lacus for a couple of hours? Wouldn't hurt to ask… We'll be there for a few days at the most. he sighed and hurried up the stairway, wondering where the rookie could have gone in such a hurry.
OOOOO
"Dammit!" I swung my fist and landed it with a solid thud on the desk in front of me. I had found nothing! Nothing! And the Captain and Athrun would be reporting here any second! I had run out of time!
I swore and kicked the bottom desk drawer shut before spinning about and running out of the Captain's office, snarling under my breath.
Half way down the corridor outside I ran into Athrun.
He paused, noting my cold expression.
"Yamato." He nodded.
Because he was my lieutenant I was obligated to salute him in respect, dumbass that he may be. "Zala." I said shortly back, my hand a fist when I saluted.
"Might as well wait for the captain together, eh?" Athrun suggested and I glared at his green eyes.
"You monopolize me in my sleep and now when I'm awake too? That's a sick hobby you have going there, Zala." I snarked, before regretting my words instantly, realizing what I had said… no, implied to Athrun Zala! Baka! Baka! Baka! I shook my head vigorously. What had happened to Akira? "Ahhh, let me try that again?" I took a deep breath and then smiled coolly, my voice icy. "Of course, Zala, why not?"
Athrun stared at me, his mouth open and then he started laughing. "hahahahah! Aren't we a bit bi-polar?"
I gritted my teeth. "I was trying to be polite but if you want me to hurt you that can be arranged." I brought back my fist to punch but Athrun only snorted.
"Oh let it rest, Akira." He glanced at me, shaking his head and smiling. "I'm just trying to be friendly."
I sighed. "Well don't waste your time, it's not worth it."
Athrun cocked his head curiously. "So sure?"
I waved my hand and walked away, feeling Athrun's eyes burn holes into my back. The moment I turned the corner I sighed and relaxed back against the wall. "Persistent fool. We can never be friends!" I snapped quietly under my breath, pouting to my self.
"Ah, Akira, I'm sorry, were you waiting?" Captain Schway stood, a pipe in one hand, and a thin smile on his face and I jumped practically out of my skin, saluting sharply. My face felt red and I ducked it slightly. "Come come, ah, and I see Athrun as well is early. Everyone into my office then." My eyes focused on some of the folders in his hands.
I followed him last as he led us-me for a second time- into his office where he sat in his chair, leaned back and began rifling through the papers in his hands.
I felt like a lamb being led to sleeping lion. Would today be the day I was caught?
"I will start with Harmony." The captain passes us a fuzzy picture of a golden slim torpedo-like ship that had what seemed to be a thick, black vine-like winding around it. "There is not much known about her, nor her captain. It is rumored that they have an unbeatable defense and a very unique GUNDAM protecting them. They have been classed as incredibly dangerous and must be shot down at all costs. Currently, we do not know where they are at, they disappeared around the moon last time we saw them but chances are they are roving space still."
I passed the picture to Athrun for him to look it over, my left hand was getting ready to jiggle the knife I had in my sleeve free so that it would slide neatly into my palm handle first.
"Next, Cagalli Yula Attha. Though we haven't managed to get any data on her regarding the last eight years. She, of course, is a Natural and shares the same ideals as her father, Uzumi-sohma. Her nation considers her very valuble and place high hopes on her shoulders. Her age would be around sixteen. The two of you will be given the mission of sneaking on to the Harmony and confirm her presence aboard, even kill her if you can, while the Demi-god will enact battle from the Harmony outside."
Wait… so they don't have a picture? I could have smacked myself in the face then or at least perform a happy-dance. Well duh, my mind wanted to say. Of course nobody would have a picture of you for the last eight years because, hm, you've been gone since you were seven, idiot!
Athrun placed the pictures respectfully on the desk. "Is that all?" he asked, looking slightly disappointed.
I on the other hand was struggling to hide a very-unlike Akira expression of gleefulness. Once again I was one-step ahead of ZAFT.
The captain fidgeted. "Well, there has been reported that the original data for the neural-linked GUNDAMs is aboard that ship- we want you to acquire that if possible."
Mind-activated GUNDAMs.
I fidgeted thinking of how powerful I had felt piloting the Huntress with a simple flick of a thought- if the ZAFT acquired that technology… If they figured out a way to pilot it.
A slight crease ran across my forehead and I struggled to keep my expression neutral. This was not at all in the interest of ORB and peace.
"Also, we have two ORB uniforms that you are to report yourself to the Harmony in. I'll give them to you when the time comes and…"
He rummaged in a folder and pulled out a piece of paper, passing it to Athrun.
Athrun's eyes widened and he stared hard at the paper as if he was trying to imprint it into his memory.
Curious and worried I leaned over his shoulder to look at the picture.
"This is, as our Intelligence agency assured me, the Princess of Orb." The Captain leaned forward, his elbows propped on the desk and his hands folded. His eyes glittered at us keenly, his expression intent as he watched us.
My heart froze.
But it wasn't me.
*Flashback*
"Please don't kill her!" I cried.
My fists clenched at my side and I gritted my teeth, a burning sensation in my eyes.
"This is really her?" Athrun murmured.
"We hope so." The Captain said. "Nothing is concrete but after years of nothing, this is all we have."
Screams echoed in the night and in the raging firelight I saw another girl a little taller then me watching me from behind the adults, her eyes solemn yet not betraying a flicker of thought.
It was a picture of a girl with long straight blond hair, sparkling brown eyes that were framed by lush lashes. She was slightly taller then me, her posture graceful even frozen, her curves defined. A definite beauty whose very gentle expression could make a nation fall in love with her. Like another Lacus Clyne.
"Please…please." I whispered into the dirt, the strength to raise my head leaving me. I didn't understand. I didn't want to.
"Our promise was kept. The Princes is safe."
Harsh voice echoed about me, laughter brewing in the people's faces. Bitter tears ran down my nose and dripped onto the ground.
"Why… Why…"
"Is that all Captain?" I asked, my words coming out chocked and I felt the curious gazes of the Captain's and Athrun's rest upon me. I ducked my head so that my golden bangs flopped down and shadowed my twisted expression as I tried to regain my composure.
"Er, very well, as you now understand the extra details you may leave. We will be docking in Octus five. So you each may have three days of rest as we load the ship before disembarking."
The Captain saluted and I quickly followed suit before turning, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, as I trotted swiftly from the room.
A small hand patted my back, a soft voice hushing me gently. Broken and bewildered I lifted my self up to meet that girl's eyes. She watched me as I cried, making loud swallowing sounds.
"Why? Why?" I asked her, rubbing my dripping nose with the heels of my hands.
The girl cocked her head, watching me as if she would an exotic insect that had crawled onto her window sill. "Poor poor princess, it's not your fault." She smiled long and slow and I inched back from her slightly. She gripped one of my small pudgy hands in hers, her nails digging in at the edges of my wrist. "You need not understand what never should have involved you in the first place. Now everything that has been wronged has been righted. What is meant to be will be done." The girl stood up, looking down at me, her eyes flashing triumphantly in the darkness. Though she was the same age as me her youthful innocence was corrupted in a rather ancient look of hunger and sickened-pride.
I shoved past green-coats and white-coats alike in a desperate haste to get to solace in my room. My heart was flying in my chest and my mind was stumbling as it tried to comprehend what had happened.
"Dear Cagalli, pray we never meet again. The princess should stay in her fairytale lest she must be 'righted' as well." The girl pulled out a small thin knife and leaning towards me- I was unable to move in my frozen state of shock, my eyes wide in horror- she took the knife and carved slowly into the skin below my right ear at the edge of my jaw.
I burst into my room and hurried to my bathroom, my body shaking with pain and anger. Facing myself in the mirror I pulled my short blond hair back from my right lobe to display a small scar.
It was the symbol of 'weak' carved into my pale skin at the age of seven.
A reminder.
That I may never forget what happens to the 'wrong'.
A warning.
That nothing can be done- it will always be my fault.
A promise.
That one day the 'fairytale' would end.
I gripped the sink's edges tightly, staring down, trying to force back the memories along with the urge to throw up.
"Who am I? Precious Princess?" the girl stood gloatingly over me and I watched her, tears swimming in my eyes. She beamed. "It's too soon for you to know who I am. The truth would tear you apart." She grinned cruelly as if the idea amused her. "But for now, you may know me as Kimi-hime." A laugh burst from her lips. "And I lied," her eyes glittering as she danced about me, spinning and twirling her knife as she did. Like a demonic version of a pixie, a cherub with a wicked heart. "This is all your fault. If you never existed then it would have never happened." She smiled. "So run, run far, dear princess but never feel safe for I am your shadow and you can never out run me." And with that she stopped, her face-features no longer child-angelic but twisted and extorted by the fire light. The gaunt and hallow look gave her a rather demoniac air as she turned, her knife raised high, the sharp blade reflecting my own terrified, pleading face back at me.
It swung down with the intent to kill, and a single scream pierced the air again as the flames danced higher, the laughter roared and the world burned.
"NO!"
I splashed my face with cold water, washing the unshed tears from me as my shoulders shook with silent sobs.
"No." my lips echoed and I spun and punched the wall, earning myself a dented pride and indignant bruised knuckles. "Kimi-hime." It came out as snarl. Violence was never my first answer, but the memory of Kimi-hime always brought out the worst in me.
Staggering slightly back into the room, I flopped on my bed, arms folded behind my head and my eyes focused on the white ceiling above. "Kimi-hime." I murmured again, my sudden burst of rage deflating and leaving me lost and confused. "Just who are you really? And how much more of my life can you destroy?"
ZAFT see's her as Cagalli Yula Attha. I thought. But she isn't.
What did this mean? And why was she aboard the Harmony?
The door slid open and Athrun poked his head in, his soft-looking dark blue hair rustling about his shoulders, his green eyes curious and worried. "Yamato?"
I ignored him.
He hesitated then continued. "We've landed on Octus five. You are free to disembark."
When I continued to remain silent Athrun took a step into the room. I noticed his hand starting to extend forward as if to touch me then stop in mid air, dropping to his side lamely. "Are you alright? Yamato? Do you need something from the medical care center?"
I turned on my side. "I'm fine." I snapped, my back to him and I heard him sigh.
"Well, I'll be going out. I'll be back tonight. Try and get out and do something, Yamato."
The door slid shut on his departure and I swallowed.
Left all alone once again.
But I had to do what I must- severe ties before they even threaded.
Always.
Always.
Poor poor princess.
OOOOO
"Athrun?"
"Huh?" Athrun jolted slightly in his seat next to a young pink-haired girl. Lacus Clyne observed him, her head cocked, her sparkling blue eyes seeming to contain a hidden smile. She wore a simple blue and pink kimono and slippers, an outfit that seemed young and sweet compared to Athrun's red trench-coat and black turtle –neck shirt.
The two Coordinators were sitting at table in a glass gazebo outside of the Clyne family manor. The programmed blue sky of Octus five was brightly lit, birds swooped and sang, winds rustled the grass and the tree leaves creating an image of peace.
"Haro! Haro!" A pink haro bounced by chased by a mob of multi colored haros. Lacus Clyne smiled a glowing look, watching her mechanical friends chase each other around in her beautiful garden.
"I asked you what was on your mind and you seemed to leave in spirit." She smiled and Athrun flushed slightly.
"My apologies." He said with a slight head bow. "I've been… concerned for my fellow pilot." He had indeed. For multiple reasons. But he was also curious. The expression he had glimpsed when she had first seen the picture of the princess of Orb.
Interesting.
She had looked distraught and upset as she had fled the Captain's office. And later when he found her staring blankly up at their ceiling, she was cross and angry.
Lacus laughed, her voice a sweet trill. "Akira Yamato?" her voice sang it slightly. "The young pilot who you mixed up for a male veteran?"
Athrun's skin grew even pinker and Lacus smiled, leaning forward, interest kindling in her eyes.
"Tell me about her." She asked and Athrun hesitated before leaning down and pulling out a file from the brief case he always carried that sat at his feet.
"I have her public information here." He informed her, placing the file on the table and flipping it open.
"Trained mobile suit pilot, assigned to the Huntress aboard Demi-god." He recited. "Sixteen years of age, no living family relation." His eyebrows raised, pausing as he continued to read silently to himself.
No living family-relation. Athrun stroked his chin. All members lost due to Junis Seven. That Yamato… Athrun closed his eyes, shaking his head slowly in sorrow. She has certainly had her share of pain. I can understand. My own… Mother.
Curiously, half-listening to her fiancé, Lacus picked up the soldier-shot picture of Akira. Her lips pursed slightly and her slanted pink eyebrows raised. She looked… thoughtful.
How interesting. Akira? No, my dear unaware fiancé. That is no Akira Yamato, a Coordinator of ZAFT. She smiled slightly in a sad way. Like her father, Lacus Clyne sympathized greatly with what ORB was trying to encourage: peace. She knew a lot about ORB that others didn't thanks to many her fellow friends who were sympathizers.
Cagalli Yula Attha…. Just what are you trying to do? And if this is the real Cagalli then who is the lady aboard the Harmony. One must be an imposter but which? She sighed, shaking her head and handing a puzzled Athrun the pictures. He too, she noticed thoughtfully, looks as if he just learned something about this puzzling young woman.
"Tell me about her. Please." She asked again, her voice even softer. She always longed to meet the princess of ORB and now here was her closest chance to it.
Athrun looked perplexed but he continued amiably. "Well, she doesn't seem to like me."
I'm not surprised. To her, you must seem to oppose everything she believes. Lacus thought, watching him, her expression guarded. She would not betray the Princess's secret – counting on the fact that that was the Princess. Yet still, not even her to her fiancé.
"She's intelligent and an excellent fighter…"
"Like a soldier?" asked Lacus.
Athrun turned his head slightly, his expression becoming vague. "No… she… is strong." He blinked, looking slightly flustered and trying to cover it up by shuffling the papers back into place, sliding them into his brief case.
Lacus waited for him to continue or explain but when he didn't she felt confused. What did he mean by that?
Seeing her confused expression Athrun chuckled. "She's hot-tempered and gets into a frenzy about the randomest things. Her favorite answer for when she has none seems to be a sharp kick in the shins or a hook punch to the face. I'm getting into the habit of getting ready to jump backwards when ever I talk to her."
Lacus seemed to put down by that. It can't be Cagalli then, the other one must be her. The Princess of ORB couldn't be so aggressive- I think? She thought, chewing on her lip.
What is she thinking about? Athrun wondered. I've never seen her so drawn-in.
"This Akira." She said at last and Athrun nodded. "Please invite her to dinner tomorrow." She smiled. "I would love to meet her. She sounds like an extraordinary young woman. Especially for a rookie pilot."
Athrun sighed, leaning back and rubbing the bridge of his nose. He looked weary and Lacus wished that there was a way she could some how understand how he felt as a soldier. "Extraordinary I guess. She's quite like a rabid tiger." He pointed to a patch of skin on his face that was a shade darker. "She punched me here."
Lacus's eyes widened. Indeed this did not sound like the peace-promoting princess she always dreamed of. She bit her lip nervously, thinking once more of the first Cagalli, trying to figure out the riddle that the two were creating. "She punched you?" she echoed.
Athrun nodded, chuckling, a softening to his green eyes that bewildered Lacus slightly. "Yes. And she hits hard! Though, I guess all Coordinator girls do." He glanced at Lacus who said nothing to confirm his unspoken question and he continued. "I've never sparred nor worked along sides a girl as a pilot before."
And if she is Cagalli Yula Attha. Then that would mean she's a Natural. Lacus reflected to herself. Athrun was right- she is very strong! And to make it through ZAFT pilot academy- that's not exactly as easy as Naturals military training courses.
"Anyway, how has it been here, Lacus?"
The beautiful woman sat up slightly straighter, coming to attention as she began telling Athrun about her plan to join the Memorial Party when they left to visit Junis Seven.
As friends the two got along very well, both two quiet people though Athrun was made of sterner stuff, willing to act with out thinking while Lacus was emotionally led with a passionate and loving heart.
Good, pure Lacus. Athrun thought, watching her idily during dinner later that day. How am I ever, as a soldier who has killed many men and women in cold blood be suitable for you, the very inspiration for hope? He wondered what Lacus thought of him and catching her eyes on him he colored slightly, smiling to himself.
Being around her always makes me want to believe that a world with out war could exist. He sighed. And yet, I worry that our engagement was brought along to fast and purely politically led. Marriage is a commitment to one to another and vise versa in love and dedication. Reaching forward he grazed the back of Lacus's hand with the barest touch of his finger tips.
Lacus glanced at him in surprise and looked down at her plate swiftly, her eyebrows raised, a small bewildered smile on her face.
Athrun drew back into his seat. And yet I worry; my father does not like Siegal Clyne. So why he would set us up in the first place? What is he hoping to gain from the union of Lacus and I?
He watched Lacus absentmindedly as she chewed her food, smiling up at him in random moments. She was indeed beautiful but yet… she was like a glass figurine. Unbreakable only in spirit, willing to fight for what she believed in, but only with words. And as much as he had come to appreciate her, like her, perhaps even love her presence that always shed light on him, he felt unsure of himself as he made his way around her. Like one off-hand tale, gesture, thought might degrade himself in her eyes.
He could tell that merciless killing, and killing in general was not looked upon highly in Lacus's family. Ugh, is now really the time to be thinking about this, Athrun? His mind rebuked himself and he forced himself to take a huge bite of steak, chewing on it hard. It's not like any of what you're thinking makes a difference!
The light gleamed brightly off of his golden ring- a solemn promise for better or for worse.
OOOO
After making sure that I was alone, I let out a long slow breath. My chair squeaked as I swiveled it about to face the computer screen in front of me, clicking away at the computer.
I wasn't hacking- nor did I have the skills to do that- however I was communicating- or trying to- with the mobile suit Kira used. All day I had been waiting for the communications and intelligence room at the military base on Octus Four to be freed up for my personal use, just so I would have no observers, and yet, just to be safe I typed in a series of codes that would make whatever I did untraceable.
Ah, the joys of being friends with a mechanical genius.
I dialed in Kira's secret-air-wave contact code, tapping my fingers on the desk in a rhythmic nervous pattern.
"Come on, Kira. Come on," I muttered, sweat beading at my temples, my eyes flickering to the clock.
Ten minutes passed before the screen blipped, filling up with color.
My friend's face filled up the screen, his shaggy brown hair that dipped slightly over one of his gleaming brown eyes. His face glowing with a friendly smile. If there was anybody positively sweet in the world it was the real Kira Yamato. Despite being distrusted for his birth-right as a Coordinator, Kira was friendly, kind, just and fair. He was my bestest friend from the moment we ran into eachother at the ORB military academy at seven. Him a prodigy of course, enlisted by his Guardians out of their choice despite Kira's love for peace, and me as a training course before I was sent to live in Junis Seven.
I was even more so short tempered then, always beating someone up and Kira was the round-faced boy who followed me around, an utter crybaby when ever I would beat him up. But after a while, before I left, he got tougher and I grew used to having him around me. He even visited me multiple times in Junis Seven before I joined ZAFT, and sometimes even after.
-Cagalli.- Kira breathed slowly in relief, his eyes growing a deep chocolaty brown as his tense figure relaxed. He settled back into the cock pit of his mobile suit, watching me happily.
I glared at him though on the inside I was bursting with joy at his familiar and friendly face. "The name is Akira!" I snapped, struggling not to grin. "What if someone had walked in just then?"
He paled slightly then shook his head grinning. -My mistake, but I doubt you would be in trouble. You could lie yourself right into bed if you wanted to.-
I palmed my face as Kira laughed. "Ugh, enough with the stupid puns or whatever! And that one was waaay over the top, Kira."
He beamed. -There's the princess that I know! I have missed you, Akira.-
I shot him a warning look but found myself sighing in defeat at his earnest smile. With Kira, you just couldn't bring yourself to hate him.
-Last time I talked to you, you were so…- Kira frowned. -Cold. It was unlike you.- He glanced at me unhappily. -I was worried.-
"Kira, you're always worried. Baka." I rolled my eyes, my voice dry.
-Well someone has to because you don't worry enough!- Kira shot back. -You're always charging off when you should be thinking before you leap.- Noticing my guilty expression at that he narrowed his eyes. -Akira? What cliff did you try to fly yourself off of this time?- Yup, he hit the nail on the head.
"Cliff? Honestly it looked like a curb to me." I muttered.
-It must have been huge.-
"Like an ant hill to be exact."
-Dare I ask?-
I sighed. "I didn't get assigned to the Avenger."
-Considering that your code:address is coming from Octus Five I would guess so.- He replied sarcastically. A static line appeared in the corner of the screen and I adjusted the air wave slightly with a twist of a dial until it vanished. -Spill it, princess.-
I raised my fist threateningly into the camera's view. "Keep that 'princess' crap up and I'll punch you the next time I see you."
He waited silently and I sighed again, propping my elbows on the desk, my chin falling lamely into my palms.
"I got assigned to the Demi-god as a GUNDAM pilot."
Kira's mouth dropped. -TheDemi-god? A GUNDAM?-
I nodded, my lips pursed. "The EA attacked a ZAFT base a bit ago and I made a debut there with a spare GUNDAM. The Demi-god took interest and picked me up."
Kira's lips moved mouthing words I couldn't understand and I waited for him to flabbergast himself into a motionless state.
"Oh but just wait; I haven't gotten to the best part yet!"
Kira groaned. -When ever you say that I get really scared.-
"The Demi-god's Top Secret Mission. Yeah, it's the assassination of yours truly, Cagalli Yula Attha. Apparently she's too unpredictable for ZAFT to take so the mission given is to annihilate her." I forced a grin and met Kira's horrified expression.
Kira's fists clenched. -Cagalli!-
I raised a finger warningly and he back tracked. -Akira, you can't stay on that ship!-
"No flipping duh- you caught on to that too, did you? Unfortunately, as my alter-ego hasn't been discovered yet, It's the only place I can stay."
Kira shook his head. "No, no, no! I'll come to get you! When is your ship disembarking?"
I leaned back in my chair, relenting this information but prepared to break it down to him that there was no way in hell he was risking his life just to pick me up like a kid at daycare. No. Way. Kapeesh!
"The morning of the fourth day. The whole crew has to be present the night before."
Kira turned his head slightly, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, mumbling to himself about speed and distance.
Hurriedly I interrupted his thought process before it could get anywhere dangerous. "Kira! You can't just come and get me!" I stammered. "First of all you're on earth."
-Actually… I'm not. And That reminded me of something I wanted to tell you…- He looked oddly amused for reasons I couldn't quite grasp.
Well crap. "Well, that doesn't matter!" I cried, plowing on. "I'm at a freaking military and defense base of ZAFT. You are not just busting your way into Octus Five. Didn't I mention what happened to the last couple idiots who did that? Weren't you listening to the story of how I got assigned on the Demi-god?"
Kira waved his hand, ignoring everything I had just said. -Dooon't worry, princess.- He drawled lazily, grinning at me, his brown eyes sparkling in a heart stopping way. He knew I was a sucker for his 'southern act' and I struggled to glare at him furiously. It was hard to be mad at your bestfriend. Especially when they were performing a 'cute and innocent' act that was like an arrow to the soft part of your heart. Little buggar.
-I'll figure something out, I always do.- He smiled. -And you still got the anklet with the tracker right?-
"Yeah," I sighed for what felt like the millionth time today. "But listen, Kira, there's something I need to tell you,"
He blinked at me. -Uhuh?-
"My roommate, he's-"
Kira froze then jumped straight up, interrupting me before I could get to the important part. Well I had two important things to tell him, one about Athrun, and two about Harmony and it's little 'princess'.
-'He'- Kira yelped, picking up a keyword, his eyes wide. -You're rooming with a guy? Akira! What's going on? Has he, ya know…?- he flushed, trailing off and I felt my cheeks grow hot with embarrassment and indignant anger.
"Yes, Kira, first night together in the same room and things got really hot- no you bleeping idiot!" I snapped, my hands clenched into tight fists. And even though punching the screen wouldn't be as satisfying as his face, the notion did keep popping into my head. "Now will you just listen to me? The guy, he's the son of-!"
Suddenly the door of the room slid open, two male voices carrying in and I yelped, jabbing the button to the screen. Ending the link.
Damn it! Kira!
Growling to myself, I hurriedly checked all the logs and auto saves, pleased to find that everything had been erased before hopping out of the chair in time to see two pilots walking in.
I saluted.
"huh?" a platinum blonde with angry blue (?) eyes glanced at me, noticing my presence and surprise.
While the other…
"What the- Get the hell off of me you moron!" I yelled, aiming a hook at Dearka who danced happily out of my way after wrapping me in a tight hug.
"Akira!" he laughed. "Didn't think I was going to be seeing you any time soon!"
"Same here. Rather hoped I wouldn't actually. Just what are you doing here?" I frowned, allowing my displeasure to leek through. I couldn't believe I had to end a conversation with Kira for…this.
Super.
He jabbed his thumb over his shoulder towards the window and to the ship docking point. "Unlike you, Yzak and moi were assigned to the Avenger. Eat your heart out huh?"
Compared to my life living with a guy who was the son of the chair man of ZAFT while hunting down… Cagalli. Then yes, yes I would gladly eat my heart out.
"I honestly couldn't believe it when I heard you were being assigned to the Demi-god." Dearka went on, dragging a hand through his yellow hair.
"Ever the complimenting, Dearka." I mumbled and he grinned.
His tall friend glanced at him and then me. "She… was assigned to the Demi-god? This runt?"
His tone reminded me of someone who grinded at my nerves and once I made the connection in my memory I sighed to myself. Wonderful. The cherry to my sundae. Or rather the bully to my years at the ZAFT academy. "Yzak." I muttered in greeting and Yzak swung the full weight of his glare on me.
"Oh let it go, Yzak." Dearka waved his hand dismissingly. "She beat you once in sparring, deal with it. She's a lot more fun now then when she was twelve." He grinned and winked at me and a cold chill settled on me as his words clicked. Suddenly I was overcome with the impulse to limit his reproduction system with a swift thrust of my knee.
"Oops, better watch out, I know that mad glint in your pretty purple eyes." He darted out of the way of my flinging fists, cackling evily.
Yzak frowned at us. "So what are you piloting now a days? An old ZAKU?"
I flipped him 'the glare'. "Actually I got assigned to a-" I paused, watching Dearka's amused expression and Yzak's dark and haughty expression.
Perhaps, the thought entered my mind, perhaps ZAFT doesn't want me spreading around the fact that I'm piloting the Huntress? It is a pretty showy thing to do.
I flipped what short hair I had over my shoulders and stalked past them. "Never mind." I snapped, ending the conversation.
Yzak laughed in a scoffing manner from behind and I felt Dearka's curious gaze follow me across the room. The door slid shut behind me and I sighed.
Maybe I was being paranoid, but there was no way I was going to let anyone catch sight of me talking to Kira. Kira was my solace when I felt lonely and I treasured each rare conversation I had with him. He was my reminder of what I strived for, what I worked for. And Kira was of ORB. Communication with him could serve a death penalty, and I had to fight against all matters.
"Just what are you planning now." I murmured as I thought back through our conversation, making my way back to the docking point to get back on the ship, and to my dorm. I checked my watch- it was eight thirty. Athrun would probably be getting back from where ever he was at now too.
The corner of my lips twitched down- I didn't feel exactly too excited about meeting up with him as he might ask me what I did today. All I did outside of my recent activity was work some more on the shooting, visit the Huntress at where she was being worked on and fiddled some more with her controls, adjusting them to my slower reactions. The GUNDAM would be faster where I was slow, stronger where I was weak.
And It would be a real shame if Kira managed to get me from ZAFT and I couldn't take the GUNDAM with me for ORB.
Of course Kira better not be coming- it was way to dangerous. And if he died…if Kira died…
My fists clenched. If I lost another important person… I don't what I would do.
Don't come. Please. Don't come, Kira.
OOOOO
"That's right, I'm definitely going." Kira announced to the bemused Captain Raimus as she navigated through some rubble..
"Oh are you now," she murmured dryly and Kira grinned, his eyes sparkling. What a cute kid, she thought, Its too bad he shares a streak of death wishes. If he continues on with these outrages plans he won't make it to twenty. She frowned. Now that was uncalled for. He was a Coordinator and a smart one at that.
"So repeat to me your plan again?" she sighed.
"Well, we have two scouting shuttles right? And each fits about four people, I'll stock one with supplies, remove all ORB related signs on it and take it to Octus Five. And hopefully, because it's about twice as fast as the Archangel I will get there before Cagalli disembarks again, land as a guest, track down Cagalli and then bring her back!"
"It all sounds so simple." The Captain murmured to herself. Louder she said stiffly. "It's always the easy plans that never work, Kira."
"It doesn't matter. You know what kind of danger Cagalli's in! I can get her back safely!"
"With out being shot down?" Captain Raimus raised an eyebrow questioningly.
"Sure, why not?"
"Goodness." She sighed. "As long as you don't jeopardize Cagalli's secret in case you do get in a fight. The Archangel won't be able to bail you out. Make the risk- it's your own."
"Ah! If he's going then so am i!" Yuna broke in swiftly from where he leaned against the, watching the on going scene.
The Captain rubbed the bridge of her nose. "Wonderful, the two of you may depart in one of the scout shuttles." She glared at them in turn. "Just come back safely, understand?" the heart-felt concern in her eyes told Kira that she really did want him to come back safe and sound rather then dying and bringing Cagalli back. As long as Cagalli was alive there would always be extra chances.
They saluted, grinning before slapping a high five and dashing from the brigg.
The Captain sighed. "Youth, naïve youth. May it never be tarnished."
As the small scout shuttle departed swiftly from the Archangel into the darkness of space the crew on the brig solemnly saluted farewell, hoping that this wouldn't be the last time they did.
OOOO
Athrun stepped into his dorm, yawning loudly before realizing that there someone sleeping in the bed nearest to him. Twinging slightly on the inside with that subtle reminder he tried to tip toe past the sleeping tiger.
Athrun had just gotten back from Lacus's, late too. A red clock on the nightstand between the beds blaringly alerted him to the fact that it was a little past eleven. But he couldn't help it, talking and joking around with Lacus made him forget the outsides world. It made him feel like he was in a dream, but then he always had to wake up and face reality. And Lacus was an amazingly understanding friend. Yet still the question poked and prodded at him. A wife? Lacus? A wife?
It didn't seem right, for some reason. But of course he must do as his father asked.
"Don't come…" whispered a soft voice and Athrun froze, breaking away from his thoughts.
"Or you might die."
Dread filled Athrun. She had awaken and was already making death threats? What was with this girl?
"Is that anyway to greet your higher ranking officer?" he blustered, standing up straight, hands on hips.
"Mmmmhmm…" The blonde rolled over in her bed onto her stomach, snuggling into her pillows. A slight smile crossed her face. "I meant… to tell you earlier… I missed you…"
Athrun blinked in surprise, taken aback at this sudden exposure to a sweeter side of Akira. A friendly side. Was she the same girl who was making death threats five seconds ago? "Um…" he flushed slightly, unsure of how to deal with this new Akira. "Did you?"
"Of…course." She yawned slightly, her face in shadow. "You… mean sooo….much to me… You're… my…only…friend."
Athrun stepped back, confused. Was she drunk? That must be it.
"Um, I'm sure I'm not your only friend…" he mumbled, trying to think of a way to disengage this form of bewildering conversation.
"Yes…you are… everyone else…died… You're the only one…alive. And… I've been…away. You're…important to…me…" her voice began to trail off. "Kira…"
Kira? Like, Akira? Did she just say her own name? Athrun bit his lip nervously, watching the smile on Akira's face grow in a glowing happy expression. She was relieved, she was content.
And apparently, she was asleep.
Her eyes were closed and she mumbled some thing else about how she was going to punch somebody and Athrun shivered, awaking from his frozen stature.
She was asleep. The words hit him like a wreaking ball and Athrun sighed in relief. He was never very good with girls and if Akira had been talking to him he would have been scared into silence. Besides, not liking her back might earn him a spleen-removal. So she talks in her sleep, huh? He grinned, flopping on his bed, wondering how he might use this conversation later on to black mail her.
But I wonder who she was talking about? A lover? Well, not that it's any of my business. But she isn't engaged that's for sure, she doesn't wear any ring. Hmmm… well good luck to ever that is- she must be quite the handful.
Athrun then sighed. That was uncalled for, besides, what do I know about what attracts two people to each other? I haven't fallen in love with anyone to know anything at all… And yet, even Akira seems to have found someone important to her at the least.
Then her first words flashed through his head. "Don't come… or you might die." He shivered- now that he knew that she wasn't talking about him…just who was she talking about? Sounding so worried, and so scared.
He was truly learning some different sides of Akira, whether she knew it or not. She could be scared, she could love.
And the expression he had witnessed when she was talking in her sleep. The expression of happiness. Athrun found himself wishing that she would wear that expression more often. It suited her a lot more then it did her cold and heartless expression.
Er, bewildered with that thought, Athrun ruffled his hair, feeling red-faced. "I'm a pilot-" he spoke aloud. "Not a counselor."
Yet, suddenly, Akira seemed a lot more interesting, not just as an exceptional rookie pilot, but as a puzzle. She was like a puzzle with scattered pieces and oddly enough, Athrun like to, no, wanted to collect her up and put her all together. Figure out this complicated girl.
Still, why did he get the feeling that to learn more about Akira would lead him into a misty darkness where the only person who could help him was the one who guided him there in the first place.
Yawning, he rolled over onto his side, shrugging of his jacket. Oh well, why bother thinking about it now. Lacus is tons better at reading into people. I'm sure she'll figure Akira out by the time the night is over. I wonder…how…those…two… his eyes fluttered close. Will.. get along….
Swiftly, he was sped off in the gentle wings of sleep.
Ah… chapter ended… Ahhh, I'm so tired. Wrote this at like… one in the morning and I have to get up early for what feels like the first time in my life tomorrow . (just a heads up, I'mma Homeschooler =D my wake up time is closer to 8-11 on school days. =)
But anyhoo, you don't care about that so much *rolls eyes and then yawns*
But whatcha think of this chapter? Sorta random? *thinks to self: I thought it was random…* But I felt like it was a good introduction for Lacus and who is this Kimi-himi? Hmm? =D Why she's my OC of course lols! ^_^
Anyway… I had something dramatically important that I know I really really wanted to write….
Oh yeah.
Athrun's mustard yellow shirt HAH! I took my moment in not incorporating that into his outfit. Burn the shirt! Burn it! …Sorry, I have had issues with that shirt… just… no… just say no to the shirt. Lol
I know, I'm weird but hey, it's late, I'm tired and yet creepily hyper.
I deserve the right to be weird, especially after this chapter. Spare me.
Oh right, going on… Uh. Uh…
Oh crap, I give up already. XP R&R so I can get all marvelously hyper again =) cuz I looove it, love, love love love love it… ahhh I can die happy =3
But anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter even if I myself thought it was lame. ( way to go writer, at least try and be proud of your own work, huh?) But then again, I'm never happy with anything I write . bleh.
Hopefully I'll get the next chapter up soon, and my sincere apologies for any grammar, spelling, OOC and so forth.
R&R your thoughts, critics, and questions- they all mean tons to me and plus I love writing back on my AN at the top of the page ^_^ =D
Anyway, now I got to go hit the hay,,, er pillow, whatever because I just spent half a minute swatting at a fly on my screen before I realized that it was the bottom part to the letter 'g' … I'm so stupid. I can't think, must sleep… Ahhh, thanks for reading3, good night, good morning, konichiwa, and…and…
LOL3 (Lots Of Love 3 =)
-Azetta