Summary: Please read the top description.
Main Paring: Dearka X Miriallia.
Disclaimers: I do not own Gundam Seed or Seed Destiny.
Chapter 14
Today was the day when Miriallia would be discharged from the hospital and Dearka took the liberty to celebrate by bringing her out to lunch. But their peaceful lunch was disrupted when terrorist attack the area. But it seems that this was no ordinary terrorist attack and both him and Miriallia were the target. He could at least figures out this much and decided to fight back before any major damaged occurred.
Dearka, who has recalled most of his memories was able to fight the terrorist off and even killed three of them. Of course he did not escaped unharmed. A bullet has caught him while he was retaliating and he did not realized it until he felt the pain from it.
"Are you sure you will be alright with just this simple bandaged Dearka?" Athrun asked, while bandaging the blond man's injured leg. "It would be better to have an X-Ray scan at the hospital to see if there's any fracture to the bones".
Dearka gave him an annoyed look and said, "I've been through much worst in the past compare to this little scratch Athrun".
"There's a chance that the bullet might still be inside you-" he stops when he realize what Dearka has just said. he looks at him shockingly and asked, "Did you just say in the past Dearka?"
He nodded and said, "I have recovered some of my memories for the last three days while Ms. Miriallia was still hospitalized". He knows what Athrun want to ask from his looks. Dearka breaths out heavily and told him what he remembers.
"And the worst time I faced a bullet was a life and death situation", he said. "A bullet shot through my pilot suit and landed near my heart. I was hospitalized for two months, or is it three? And mind you, Yzak was pissed off like hell the whole time I was hospitalized."
"Well, you can't blamed him for that", Athrun said, half laughing as he recalled the past event. "The bullet was meant for him if you hadn't jump in and took it instead".
Dearka also told him about the time while they were chasing after the Archangel and the time he spent there while he was a captive.
"Then do you remember anything about a female with brown hair?" Miriallia asked suddenly.
The boys were not surprised because they knew she has came in when they were deep in their conversation.
"Well, I do recall a brunette female in a pink Earth Alliance uniform. She's the one that tends to my meal every day", he said. Depressed could be heard from his tone of voice. "I don't remember how she looks or sounds like. Whenever I dreamt about her, her face would always blurred out and I could not hear what she's saying at all".
Miriallia looks depressed but she quickly hides it with a smiled. "I see!" she said. She took a deep breath and said, "Right, now that we have that settled", she turns to look at Athrun, "Athrun, could you arrange a ride for us to the nearest hospital?" she asked.
"EH! Are you hurt anywhere Ms. Miriallia? Do you have a headache or-" Dearka sentences was cut short when he accidentally used his injured foot. Dearka held onto his injured knee and moan softly.
Miriallia shook her head. "I'm not hurt at all but you are Dearka. The bullet might have damaged your ligament muscle or fracture your bone", Miriallia look at Athrun.
The navy blue hair coordinator nodded and leave to tend to Miriallia's needs.
The brunette took the vacant seat and said, "You said you wanted to lend me a helping hand with my deadline don't you? I don't want you to fall in the middle of helping or worst, not able to use your leg in the future".
Dearka look at Miriallia and saw the concerned look in her eyes. He suddenly felt nostalgic upon seeing those concern baby blue eyes. It was like he longed to see those eyes again. But why? Does that mean Ms. Miriallia might have some connection with the girl that I have been dreaming all these times? He thought.
"Did you hear a single thing I said Dearka?" Miriallia's voice cut though Dearka's chain of thought. "We are going to the hospital for a check up alright? I don't want to hear any complains about not wanting to go okay?"
Dearka blinked a few times seeing how motherly the brunette Natural could be. "I understand Ms. Miriallia. Man, you really resembled my mother sometimes", he said. Miriallia smiled and pocked on his wounded leg lightly. Dearka flinched at the pain and tear began to fall from his eyes. "Wh-what did you do that for Ms. Miriallia?"
"That's for calling me old Elsman", she gave him a sadistic smile.
"I never said you were old. I said you resembled, that's all", he explained. Dearka saw the dark look in her eyes as her finger approaches again. He quickly pulled his leg away and put both his hand up showing that he surrenders. "Ok, ok! I'm sorry for insulting you. Just don't put anymore damages on my foot again".
"Then are you going to come quietly to the hospital?" she asked. Dearka nodded abruptly. "That's a good boy", she smiled.
Dearka sweatdrop. She is one scary woman when she's angry, he thought.
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He was sure that he would be dead this time on because he did not finished what he was assigned to do. He will definitely be screwed by his section manager this time and not to mention the additional paper works handed down to me by his co-workers. Pedro was scratching his head as he quickly gone through his work handed to him by Kristy. With the final sentence typed out in his computer, he breathes out in relief as he saved and printed the document out.
"God, I finally finished them. With this done and I still have", he looks at the mountains of paper works in front of him and continues, "A mountain loads to do. Why am I the only one that has to go through this hell?"
"That's because you were recommended by the CEO himself", his co-worker on his left tells him. "Kristy trusted you a lot and only you get to do all those big cases that she took in. Besides, your pay is always higher than the rest of us".
"But that doesn't mean I always have this much work? It's the size of a mountain here", Pedro said. Then he realized what he heard and was shocked. "How on earth did you know about my pay? Did Samantha tell you about that?"
"Calm down Pedro. I accidentally found out when you drop your pay slip", he said. "Who would have thought that your pay were three times higher than us".
Pedro chuckled and answered, "Though I do enjoy the amount they are paying me but that also means I have to endure hard labor", he pointed at his desk, "They are three times of the amount of yours".
He co-worker blinks before laughing at his point. "I get your point there", he said. "Well I'm done for this time around. You want to head out to lunch together?"
"I wish I could but as you can see, I could not go anywhere until I get the important documents arranged", he said in a sad tone. "Can you get me something for lunch?"
His co-worker chuckled. "Sure. The usual?" he asked.
Pedro nodded. He stops his co-worker from leaving his seat and said, "Thanks for taking care of me all these time".
His co-worker looks confused but he smiled and pated him on his back. "What's with you today Pedro? It looks you are about to leave us", he said. "Besides, I'm only going to the store a few blocks down the road. It's not like this will be our last time seeing each other".
It might just be the end for me. "I guess this work load has finally gets to my head", he laughed.
"Relax a bit", he said and playfully messages Pedro's shoulder. "Well I'll see you later then. Good luck with those mountains of paper Pedro", he said and left with his coat by his arm.
Pedro smiled as he saw his co-worker left the office. Then his field of vision brought him around his office where his other co-workers were either working their heads or conversing among each other. He smiled upon seeing this soothing atmosphere. But he soon frowns when he thought about his supposed work.
I wonder when will she summons for me, he thought as he continues with his work. It's not like that woman will keep her side of the bargain. I hope I could at least enjoy my last meal before it all ends.
Pedro nearly jumped out of his seat when he heard his station phone rang. He was shocked when he saw where the call was from.
He gulp when he picks up the received with trembling hands. "This is Pedro Roussier from the publishing section speaking".
"Come to the top floor now". The brunette was shocked when he heard his master's cold voice from the other side of the phone. "I would like to speak to you regarding your recent activities Pedro Roussier".
Pedro gulped and as cold sweats were trickling down from the side of his head. "I understand. I'll be there right away madam".
Even though he was afraid of what awaits for him in her office, he still pull out his courage and went towards the elevator where it will leads to the top floor of the building. Pedro greeted his co-workers when he left the office. He gave them a sheepish grin upon steeping into the elevator that's going up. His co-worker gave him thumbs up when the door closes behind him and he wave in return. Pedro pressed on the highest floor of the building and leaned on the wall of the elevator as it ascends to the highest floor.
I wonder will I be able to see everyone again after this. Will I be able to live to see the next sunrise? He though while looking at the ascending numbers. No matter what I must believe in the path I have chosen. This is what I have to do to avenge for the death of my comrades and her. I have to eliminate my targets for good. Pedro thought as he looks at his reflection with a cold look.
The elevator door opened at the highest floor. Pedro walks out of the elevator and stop right in front of the CEO's office. After standing there for roughly five minutes, he turned around and walked into the dark alley that leads him to the hidden office in the building. After knocking on the double wooden door, he steps into the office. Pedro walks forward and bows at the figure sitting on the armchair behind the desk. The armchair's back was facing him so he could not see who was sitting on the chair.
"You wish to see me madam?" Pedro asked, without lifting his head.
Pedro heard the armchair turning. He still had his head down and he will not lift them up unless she was told to.
"Pedro Roussier", the person in the armchair started. "I want you dead".
Pedro eyes shot opened and he quickly look up. "Madam-"
A gunshot was heard. Pedro was shocked as he falls on his back. The room was silent for a moment before a moan could be heard from the brunette's mouth. Pedro sat up as he plucks the suction bullet out from his forehead.
"What the hell?" he asked. Pedro looks up and saw a red hair boy sitting on the armchair with a toy gun pointing at him. "Castle? What are you doing here? Where is the madam?"
"Do you see her anywhere around here?" he asked. Castle smiled and jumped over the desk and landed right in front of him. "Gotcha didn't I Pedro? Come on tell me? How does it feels like to be killed by your beloved master?" he asked, in a screwed tone.
Pedro glared at him and got hold on Castle by his collar and lifted him up. "I'm asking you now Castle Brown. What are you doing here? Where is the madam?"
"Calm down Pedro. What you need now is to calm down", Castle said, as he break free from Pedro's grip. After adjusting his collar, he continues, "The madam went out on a little business with his 'goldilocks' and asked me to cover her if there's any in-coming call".
Pedro look surprised at Castles words. Master went out on a trip with that woman? Why wasn't I informed about this? He subconsciously put his hand into his pocket and grabbed hold onto his dagger. What if…What if…
Castle smirked and laughed.
Pedro was confused why the red hair man was laughing. He glared at him and asked, "What are you laughing at?"
"You were thinking whether 'goldilocks' would reveal your secrets, weren't you?" Pedro flinched upon hearing those words and Castle laughed. "Lighten up a bit pal. You can release your grip from your dagger and please have a seat. If not, I'm not going to tell you anything"
Pedro glared at the red hair teen and took out his hand from his pocket. He took a step forwards and took a seat in front of the desk.
Castle smile and sat on the desk in front of Pedro. "That's not that hard, isn't it?" he said, and received another glared from him. "Don't worry, I'm going to keep my side of the bargain. Like I have said earlier, the boss has gone out on a little business with his 'goldilocks'. But she did not inform me what sort of business she was gone out for. But I did heard something sweet from 'goldilocks' though".
Pedro glared harder at him. That woman did spill the beans, and to this bastard some more.
Castle smiled when he saw his reaction. "It seems that you have made a trade you made with 'goldilocks'. If you die in your next assignment she get to own your dead corpse, isn't it Pedro?"
"What good do you get from hearing about this?" he asked.
Castle smirked and said, "Why don't you make a trade with me". Pedro gave him a confused look. "You took up this job just to avenge for the people of the past, especially your little sister Stellar".
The brunette jumped off from his seat and glared at him. How did he found out?
Castle sighs and took a photo out from his pocket. "Though I have to say, you hide this side of you really well, but not well enough". Pedro was shocked to see the photo. He jump forwards to grab it but failed to reach. "Don't underestimate our information network, rookie".
Pedro stood back and glared at him again. "What do you want? What are your aims Castle Brown?"
"Like I said, I just want a trade", he said. "In the end, your body will be handed down to 'goldilocks' for her own entertainment. You do know what that woman specialize in don't you?" Pedro lightens up as he listens to Castle's words. He smiled at his submissive reaction. "That's more like it". He began to explain the trade's details and Pedro is still confused by it.
"What is it for you in this trade", Pedro asked. "I don't see you are getting any benefit from this".
Castle laughed. "Not bad for a dying rat", he said. Then his expression turned serious and said, "This Company's history and data. You are a capable hacker aren't you? So that's all I'm asking from you in this trade". Pedro was hesitating at first until he heard the man's next offer. "You are driving it hard. Then why don't I add one more chip in this trade? I will provide you the support you need in your next assignment?"
Pedro smiled and asked, "And what do you have in mind then?"
Castle grins and said, "It's simple actually", he took up a dart and took his aim and the dartboard. "We are going to strike on the day of her exhibition". He threw the dart and it landed on the picture pinned on the board. The person in the picture is none other than the famous photographer, Miriallia Haw.
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Lacus and Kira had decided to go down to Orb Union to meet up with the Junkies to gather more detailed information about the Ultramarine Flower after they were informed by the letter sent by Lowe Gear. They concluded that this could be a galactic matter and if this were to be leaked out, another war could be erupted just from this small matter. On the other hand, a certain PLANTs councilor is trying his best to stop Captain Dearka Elsman's search since his MIA in the Mendal Colony investigation. But with Lacus, Yzak and Eileen's stronghold, the other councilmember could do nothing until its six months period was over. Lacus was worried that the councilmember might push this matter to the next level while she was away that's why she had told Yzak to stay behind at the PLANTs to hold on this matter on until the very end.
When he thought he could finally catch up with the books he has put aside on his long awaited day off in his apartment. Yzak cursed his luck when his Major, Shiho Hahnunfuss, called him on an urgent matter. He quickly changed into his ZAFT uniform before heading out to the Military base in Armory One.
"What is this urgent message you have for me Shiho?" Yzak asked as he steps into his office. "This has better be important or I'm going to be really pissed off about this". He noticed how pale his major is today and she seems to sweating a lot as well. "Have a seat before we continue with this".
Shiho nodded and took a seat. "One of our scouts has returned", she said, and presented him the file. "But he did not bring us good news".
"What is the news that he had brought back with him?" Yzak asked accepting the file. He notices his major would grimace from time to time but she quickly hides it. "Are you feeling alright Shiho? You seem really pale today".
"I'm just tired from the work I have to do since Dearka's absents. I'll be fine after a day of rest Commander", she said. "Moreover, we have something more important that we must take care off in our hand". Shiho placed her right hand on her waist.
Yzak noticed her gesture but said nothing about it. If she wished to hides it then there will be no point in asking her. He breathes out heavily as he reads through the file he received and was shocked. "Are this information for real?"
"I'm afraid so Commander. Here are some pictures that they have taken from the site", Shiho said, showing Yzak the pictures of the Ultramarine Flower population. "It seems that someone has claimed the deserted land in Junius Five to start the Ultramarine Flower plantation".
Her right hand is still on her waist, her grip tighten on the fabric of her uniform.
Yzak took the picture for a closer inspection and found out something more disturbing within one of the photos. If what this show is true then this might turn into something big. "We need to get to Junius Five as soon as possible. I need to get on a flight that leaves today".
Shiho was shocked at Yzak's order. "But that's impossible", she said, tightening her grip on her waist. "There's no way we could get a flight to Junius Five in such a short time".
"If there isn't any, we will be moving Rousseur to Junius's Military base", he said seriously. He pressed on a button on his desk and speaks after the beep. "Ensign Stadia, check if there's any more seats from Armory One to Junius Five. Get back to me as soon as possible".
"Right away Commander Joule", Ensign Stadia said on the other side of the line.
After that, Yzak pressed on another button that links to another lieutenant. "Lieutenant Steven, bring me the path movement of Rousseur into my quarters now".
"Do you want the latest ones Commander?" Steven asked on the other side of the line.
"Yes! I want today's path movement as well", Yzak replied.
"I understand! I'll bring them in once I have compiled them Commander", Steven said and cut off the line.
Yzak noticed the confused and grimace look his major's face.
Shiho tried to hide the painfully look by asking, "Why are you in a rush to Junius Five Yzak? There are still a lot to be done before we leave this station. How are they going to meet up with us without contacting them before hand? We might just be walking into the enemies' traps".
"I think we might have already fallen into our enemy's traps Shiho", he said, in a cold tone. Yzak look down as he clenches his fist. "I just hope we are not too late to save them". When he looks up, he saw Shiho was trying to suppress her pain and she was clenching on her lower abdomen. "Are you fe-"
He was cut short when someone knocks on his office door.
"Lieutenant Steven is at the door commander", Steven said from the other side of the door. "I brought you the Rousseur's Movement path sir".
"You can come in Lieutenant Steven", Yzak ordered. The door slides open and Steven walks in with a file on his hand. "Thank you for your hard work. You can go after leaving the file with Major Hahnenfuss, lieutenant".
"I understand sir", Steven said. He passed the file over to Shiho and Shiho was not responding at all. "Major, the file".
Shiho jumped slightly when she heard Steven's voice. "I'm sorry Steven. What is that you were saying?"
"The file Major", he said. "The commander said to give you the file".
Yzak knows something was wrong with his major and chose to stay silent because she did not mention anything. He knows that he did the wrong choice when his major collapsed right in front of his eyes.
"SHIHO!" Yzak exclaimed. He quickly dashed out from his seat and hurried to his major's side. He slowly held her up and began to shake her lightly. "Shiho, pull yourself together. Shiho!" he called.
Shiho was gasping for air as she held onto her side.
Yzak looked up and saw Steven has also knelt down. "What are you still doing here? Go and get the medic and bring a stretcher with you. HURRY!" he yelled.
"I-I understand sir", Steven said. He dashed out of the room later.
Yzak looks at Shiho with a worried look. He could see that his major was in a lot of pain as she kept on clutching her side. "Don't you dare, Shiho? Don't you dare to leave me like this, SHIHO!"
== Continue in Chapter 15 ==
A/N:So sorry for the long leave and thank you for all your reviews and supports. The Writer's block just would leave me in peace but I have finally managed to get over this huddle. I just hope I could get over the next one. XD Anyway, Dearka and Miriallia did not appeared much in this chapter. So I have planned special section for them in the next chapter. This story is finally near its completion, I really don't want to stop writing this story. Nevertheless, there always must be an ending. There should be roughly three to four chapters left, or even more. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter and thank you again for your heart-warming reviews. I wonder if this story could reach 5,000 hits? See you all in the next chapter.