My Sweetest Heart for You Chapter 10 – Preparation
"What lurked within those young eyes was naught but a hope that could not be given words…"
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Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed Destiny. I am not compensated in any way for my work other than in the enjoyment that my readers experience.
A/N: Along with this chapter, which I hope you will enjoy, are three more chapters that have already been completed; and as soon as a brief and quick review is given to them, I will have them loaded. I ask that you keep a watchful eye this week for their appearance, and do let me know what you think.
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Amidst an ever darkening abyss that blanketed out the sky, the two small figures of Kira and Athrun walked side-by-side along the outskirts of Azure. Having a great deal to talk about, some of which they felt would be inappropriate to discuss in front of Lacus and Cagalli, they felt it would be better to take their discussion outside while under the guise of a walk.
"…Hey, Athrun do you really think we might have to leave Azure?"
"It's hard to say at this point," Athrun replied, "all we know for sure is that everything just seems to be getting more and more complicated."
"…"
In truth, although Kira was unaware of it, the thought of having to leave Azure had crossed Athrun's mind several times before. Ever since he had first laid eyes on Kira and Lacus in the cave, he could see the subsequent chain of events that were already beginning to unveil themselves…
"We shouldn't worry too much about it though," he continued. "Things are still peaceful for the time being, so we should take this opportunity and try to think out what we're going to do next."
"…Yeah, you're right."
After that, they didn't say anything for a while. It was not until they came to a head at a bridge that Athrun halted in his steps. He leaned himself over the railing, allowing his gaze to fall upon the water's gentle flow… its tranquil atmosphere bringing a sense of comfort to his uneasy mind.
Even though he didn't say anything, Kira could clearly see the look upon Athrun's face. He'd seen it before from time to time whenever he was in a serious train of thought. Whenever he was like this… even Cagalli made it a point not to disrupt him.
"…Say, Kira," he said, finally, "what do you think about all of this?"
"…?"
"Have you ever thought it strange how all of these events just seem to be happening one after another?"
"Huh?" Kira tilted his head in a bit of confusion. "What do you mean?"
Athrun sighed briefly. "Sometimes I'm not even sure myself. But ever since I saw you and Lacus in the cave… no, perhaps long before that, I get the strangest feeling sometimes… like we're all just a bunch of dolls being played by someone's hand."
Kira's expression shifted considerably upon hearing such a thing. He couldn't seem to wrap his head around Athrun's logic. Was he suggesting that everything that had happened up until his point was according to somebody's will? …There was just no way that was possible. He and Lacus had met by sheer coincidence, his body having been floating helplessly out in the ocean. And then it was only through their own decision that they had decided to come to Azure.
"…Athrun," Kira whispered, a gentle breeze sending his long hair whipping about him. "…I'm really the last person to know where all of this is going. But don't you think we should focus on what we can do right now instead of having such worries?"
Though faint, Athrun's expression lightened a bit upon hearing Kira's words. A small grin appeared on his lips.
"…Yeah," he said, lifting himself off from the railing, "you're right, Kira."
"Come on," he said, giving Athrun a light pat on the shoulder, "we've still got a lot to talk about."
A light breeze flung Athrun's long blue hair about as Kira walked past him, a mischievous grin so evident on his face.
"…"
"Come on," he repeated, "what're you waiting for?"
After a silent moment, Athrun grinned and shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing, I suppose."
And with that the two friends started on their way once again.
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"How have your wounds been doing, Kira?"
"Hmm…" As if on instinctive impulse, Kira raised a hand up, clenching it time and again into a fist as if to gauge its strength. "I think I'll be fine as long as I can get some rest. It's strange, but I don't feel as exhausted as I think I should."
"Hmm… well, you do have an impressive physical condition, Kira," Athrun said.
"Huh? You really think so?"
Athrun nodded his head in affirmation. "Even if you only think about what's been going here in Azure, you've been keeping up with everyone from the very start, helping to take care of Lacus, and dealing with your own problems too. All of these things take a lot of energy, and not just anyone could do it as well as you have."
"…"
Athrun turned his gaze towards Kira, the depths of his emerald eyes speaking in a mildly serious tone. "Looking at this, it may not be too much of an assumption to say that you're used to multi-tasking at a high level."
'…Is that right,' Kira thought, glancing down at his hand once more.
Athrun narrowly shifted his gaze over to Kira, catching the uncertain look in his eyes.
"…Try not to worry too much about it though, okay? What's really important is focusing on what we can do right now. We'll take it one step at a time, together."
Kira clenched his hand into a tight fist immediately after hearing Athrun's words, a familiar fire lighting itself within his gaze. "Right."
Athrun's eyes softened some at the sight of Kira, he who seemed so ready and eager to face anything that came at him in life, even if that something was the mystery of his own identity. Still, as much of an aid as those kinds of feelings could be to someone, they might also serve as a double-edged sword that could end up hurting him if he took it too far.
Athrun had sensed it from the very first time they met. It was because Kira was a great deal like him, back when he was a bit younger and naïve, that he knew what it was that he was feeling at times. Wishing only to protect that which was dear to him… and wanting the strength to be able to do that, but not knowing where to search or what exactly it was that he should be doing.
"…Say, Kira," Athrun said, his tone a tad bit lower than it had been before.
"Hmm?"
"What do you think of the idea of me training you?"
"Huh?" Kira halted in his steps, a look of surprise evident upon his visage. "You… train me? But how?"
Athrun turned around, folding his hands loosely upon his chest. "Well, I happen to be well versed in several martial arts and defense practices. I'll sometimes give the children in the village some practice sessions, and I think I could do the same for you."
"But… I mean, do you really think I can do it?"
"Yes, I'm certain that you can become strong, very strong. But only if it's something you feel that you want to do, and then only if you're willing to work very hard."
"…"
As the truth behind Athrun's words sunk in on him, Kira had to pause and take a moment to think carefully about what his answer would be. Surely the idea of becoming stronger and acquiring the ability to control his own power was appealing to him. And truth be told, he would probably need all of the power he could get if was going to survive another encounter with Shinn were he to come after him again.
…Still, in spite of all the reasons that there for him to accept Athrun's offer, he couldn't help but feel hesitation at the thought of him acquiring strength. Untrained as he was and still without any clue as to his memories, he was still able to fend off and defeat a powerful man like Shinn. What would await him if he were to train and become even stronger? The thought of losing himself in the heat of battle once again and ending up hurting someone he cared about scared him far more than losing a fight or even his life.
"…Well, Kira? What's your answer?"
...Even so, he knew that if he didn't do something soon, then there was the possibility that even more people would suffer because he had to take the easy route instead of standing and fighting. And even Lacus herself might have to suffer again as a result of his cowardice… just like she had with Shinn.
'…Lacus,' Kira thought, the beating of his heart filled with all of the precious memories that he had shared with her up until that point.
"…Kira?"
The winds about them stirred fervently as Kira still maintained his silence. Amidst anticipation and uncertainty, their long hair whipped about their faces, shielding the world and perhaps themselves from the emotions that lurked deep within their gazes.
And just when it seemed that Kira wouldn't say a word, he raised his head, a look of determination burning brightly in his eyes.
"…I'll do it."
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"How have you been feeling?" Cagalli asked, dipping her washcloth back into the water bowl once more. "Has your wound gotten any better?"
Though wincing some as Cagalli brushed the damp cloth against her still sensitive forehead, Lacus maintained her composure. "Yes, it's been feeling much as of late. It'll be alright once I give it a bit more attention."
"Hmm…" Not entirely convinced by her friend's words, Cagalli brushed aside some of the beautiful locks of her hair so she could examine the wound herself. Upon seeing that it was healing well, she decided not to pursue the matter anymore.
"Alright, but please don't push yourself for at least a few more days. You were still exhausted before, so I don't want you overexerting yourself…"
Smiling gently at Cagalli's concern, Lacus raised a hand and brushed it against her cheek. "Thank you."
Doing naught but closing her eyes as she felt Lacus' gentle warmth caress her skin, Cagalli breathed a soft sigh.
"So… what do you think is going to happen now?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
Cagalli slowly raised her hand upon Lacus' hand, ceasing her gentle affections. "With the way things have been going, I can only feel that things are going to get much more difficult now… for everyone."
"…"
"I don't want to see you or any of my important friends hurt," she continued, her small hand slowly clenching into a fist, "but I just don't feel like I'm going to be able to protect anyone the way I am now."
'…Cagalli,' Lacus thought, her expression softening at her friend's concern.
"…I must sound really silly, don't I?" Cagalli said all of a sudden, forcing a smile on her face.
Lacus' eyes lowered ever so slightly at the obvious transparency of Cagalli's feelings. Behind the 'mask' of being a tomboy, she was a truly caring individual who only wished for the very best for those close to her. And even as a child she displayed the heart of one who would always be willing to work as hard as she had to if it meant helping the world, even if it was just a little bit at a time.
With such thoughts and feelings resonating throughout her consciousness, Lacus raised her other hand upon Cagalli's cheek, gently leaning her forehead upon hers.
"…No," she whispered, "I don't think it's silly at all."
Though more than a bit surprised at Lacus' sudden closeness to her, Cagalli quickly gave into the warm smile she felt.
'…Thank you…'
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"Hey… " Cagalli near whispered, "I've been wanting to ask you…"
"Hmm?"
The expression upon Cagalli's face shifted ever so slightly, a look of seriousness overcoming it. "What do you think about Kira?"
"…"
"…It's just that," she continued, her gaze slightly averting to the side, "I don't understand. Back then you were always putting the well being and safety of the people first, never letting yourself get involved in any kind of romantic idealisms. Now, after seven years, you come back with that boy by your side… acting as if he were…"
"…As if he were what?" Lacus repeated, as if gently trying to urge her to finish her statement.
"…I just want to know what it is about him that makes him so special for you," Cagalli whispered, her fair bangs swaying over her amber eyes.
Lacus slowly folded her hands together upon her lap, her eyes coming unto a close. She wished to find the best way to convey her feelings in such a way that would do them the proper justice they deserved. Even so, it was difficult to do such a thing when her heart was still uncertain of its true feelings.
One thing that she was certain of however was that she wished to continue to stay by Kira's side, along with her good friends, so that the truth they sought would make itself known… in time. And… though it was something she couldn't quite bring herself to tell Cagalli just yet, there was something about that young boy, whose eyes enchanted her from the moment they met, that made her wish to see what kind of a person he would grow up to be.
Cagalli narrowed her gaze as she came to see how Lacus had to think about what she wanted to say. That in itself was a strong indication of how much Kira and her feelings towards him meant to her…
"Maybe..." she whispered, finally, "it's because Kira is who he is."
"…"
'…Really,' Cagalli thought, sighing some, 'you can be such a fool sometimes…'
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"Has Shinn's condition improved any, Lunamaria?"
After checking Shinn's pulse, Lunamaria briefly shook her head. "No, he's still very weak right now. I'm afraid it'll be at least a few days before he'll wake up."
Rey's sharp blue gaze narrowed upon Shinn's still unconsciousness body upon hearing such a thing. "…I see."
"…I don't understand," Lunamaria whispered, brushing aside some of Shinn's hair, "why did he have to go and try to do everything on his own…"
"Hmph." Rey folded his hands over his chest. "Shinn didn't do what he did for the sake of the mission or anyone else, Lunamaria. He did it for his own selfish reasons."
"…!"
Rey sighed. "I must blame myself though for not having taken him off of the mission sooner. I knew what he was capable of from the very start, but I deceived myself into thinking he would put his duty as a soldier above that of his personal feelings."
Lunamaria's gaze fell as she came to understand the truth behind Rey's words. Much as she would've liked to say something, anything to the contrary, there was no denying what Shinn had done. He had gone out on his own, without even making the attempt to contact either of them, and engaged the target as an act of vengeance for the deaths of his family.
'…Shinn,' she thought, gently running her hand across his cheek, 'why do you always have to be so stupid?'
"Fortunately for us," Rey continued, breaking Lunamaria away from her inner thoughts, "our intel from HQ is still relatively certain about the target's presence. We'll need to use what time to have to ascertain his location and capture him."
"But do you even think we can?" Lunamaria asked, standing up. "Someone who was strong enough to defeat Shinn will be…"
"Shinn wasn't defeated without putting up a serious fight, Lunamaria," Rey retorted immediately, kneeling down by his unconscious former comrade's side. "Judging by his condition, I can say with an almost certainty that the target didn't get away without sustaining significant injuries on his part as well. He won't be in any shape to put up much of a resistance if we go after him now."
"But what about Shinn?" Lunamaria inquired, narrowing her gaze back to her friend. "Who'll look after him?"
"The best thing we can do for him right now is to let him rest and recover his strength. I'll be reporting his actions back to the homeland as soon as he's able to make the journey."
"…!"
"We should get going now, Lunamaria," Rey said, making his way towards the door, "we haven't much time on our side."
Though part of her wished to contradict Rey, Lunamaria knew that he was only doing what he felt was right. That had been the way he had already carried out his missions, with a sense of near ruthless efficiency and desire to carry out the wishes of Chairman Durandal.
"…Alright," she said, following in suit behind him.
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In the following days, much to the dismay of Rey and Lunamaria, they were unable to find any significant leads in tracking Kira down. In addition to that, Shinn's continued to improve steadily… and it would not be much longer until he reawakened.
As for Kira, Athrun had decided that it would be for the best that he not go out into the public eye yet, at least not until he had had a chance to gather some information about the encounter with Shinn. Through his own significant influence in Azure, over the course of the past few days he had begun initiating a private investigation on his part to start unraveling the mystery.
As for Kira and Athrun's training; due largely in part to Kira's surprising recovery, they had been able to start even sooner than they had hoped. In order to lessen the burden on Lacus and Cagalli, it had been decided that Kira would stay at Athrun's house from now on. It was more convenient in that Athrun's home was located at the very edge of Azure, a point which would make it by far easier to keep Kira out of sight.
Just how far was their training progressing though? Well…
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"Haa!"
"Daa!"
With concentrated and near fearsome speed, Kira and Athrun's blazing figures dashed back and forth across the empty plain in which they fought. Their powerful bodies clashed time and time again, the very wind itself caught up in the dizzying display of blood and sweat that urged the both of them onwards.
In spite of Kira's strong recovery, Athrun was of the strong opinion that they should take it easy so that he could gauge the limits of his abilities. Much to his surprise and slight worry however, Kira was unwilling to hear any of that. He demanded that Athrun come at him with everything he had, to make him as strong as he could as quickly as he could.
"Come on, Athrun!" Kira exclaimed, dashing out towards him once again. "Stop holding back!"
With those few words, the amethyst-eyed youth halted in his steps, drawing his leg back and thrusting it out towards Athrun's chest cavity.
Kira had a very strong desire to protect everything that he held dear to him as well as the identity of the person that he was. In that respect, Athrun could understand why it was that he was so eager to obtain 'strength'. Still, the path to true power was a slow one, and there was no quick way for anyone to obtain the kinds of abilities that Kira seemed to desire.
Narrowing his gaze in clear realization of the overzealousness present in Kira's attack, Athrun raised a hand and blocked the inside of Kira's leg with his open palm, brushing it aside with relative ease.
"…!"
So as not to give even the slight moment with which he might be able to mount a counterattack, Athrun knelt down and swept his leg alongside Kira's, sending him rolling across the ground. Not a moment later he was at him again, a fury of kicks being thrust out at various points across his body.
It was all Kira could do to be able to dodge Athrun's hits by mere inches, if not millimeters, let alone find enough time for him to strike back. Athrun's attacks were sure and precise, guided by an even more formidable mind whose ability to control its own strength was nothing short of astounding.
Suddenly, Kira's eyes widened in horrific realization that he had been backed up against a pile of rubble. Athrun had attacked him in such a way to corner him like this…
Try as he might to think of a way out of his situation, it was already too late. Athrun was before him, his firmly clenched fist rocketing out in a precise movement towards his face.
Kira clenched his teeth together inside of his mouth, shutting his eyes in preparation for the oncoming pain. And not a moment later did the sound of Athrun's fist connect, the piercing noise of flesh with solid earth ringing throughout the secluded area.
"…?"
"…How many times do I have to tell you not to look away?" Athrun's voice called out to him, ushering him to open his eyes once more.
In truth, Kira was akin to a little brother to Athrun at times. And it was because of the bond that they were forming that he knew his feelings and the unrefined resolve behind them. Even so, it was not the main purpose of their training to teach Kira techniques and skills that would help him to defend himself. Significant though it was, Athrun's real hope was that Kira would become an emotionally and mentally stronger person so that he would be able to face the trials that were ahead.
As Kira slowly beckoned his eyes to open, he found that Athrun's fist was narrowly positioned by the side of his head, torn into the now fragmented pieces of earth from behind him.
Athrun sighed faintly, digging his arm back out. "You must never take your eyes off of the enemy, okay? If you were to do that in an actual fight you might not get the chance to regret your mistake."
"…"
"This is the second time I've had to tell you this," he continued, backing up some. "If there's the chance for a third time, then I won't hesitate to beat that lesson into you the hard way. Understand?"
Sensing that there was not even the slightest bit of hesitation in his words, Kira briefly nodded his head. "I understand."
Replying with naught but a faint nod of his own head, Athrun resumed his fighting stance… the cool depths of his emerald gaze once again taking Kira into their unrelenting gaze.
About the two of them the awakening morning's light slowly ushered in from beyond the horizon, a gentle wind swaying throughout the air. The long strands of their hair fluttered about their faces, as if to try and shield the emotions that lurked within from the other.
Time seemed to pass on in an achingly slow manner… the moments which passed being felt like as if they had dragged on for an eternity. Naught but the rising of the glorious sun over the empty sky gave any indication that time was moving on at all.
In the midst of all this, Kira maintained his defense as best he could, readying himself for any sign of a drop in Athrun's guard. Regardless of how much he might've sought it out though, he knew his friend would give him no such opportunity. In the short time that they had been training together, Kira had slowly come to realize the true depths of Athrun's strength and the significant measures with which he would have to go at him with if he were to stand a chance.
In sheer terms of strength and speed, Athrun didn't differ all that much from Shinn. If that were all that there were to contend with, Kira wouldn't take this so seriously. What made him such a deadly opponent was the sheer level of control that he possessed over every movement and how he used his vast reservoir of knowledge and experience to control the flow of battle.
Somewhere in the back of Kira's mind he couldn't help but wonder if there were something about Athrun that he hadn't yet told him. Granted they had just met and it wasn't his place to intrude upon his private matters… but it just didn't make sense. Where had he acquired all of his skills and knowledge of fighting? Even if some unlikely chance he had learned everything from books and the like, that didn't explain the experience he possessed. As much of an amateur though he was, Kira could tell that Athrun had a great deal of fighting experience under his belt.
"I hope for your sake that you're thinking about something useful, Kira," Athrun said, bringing Kira back from the world of his thoughts.
Sharpening his gaze in insightful realization, Kira saw fit not to say a single word in response and quickly resumed his focus on the matter at hand. He could tell by Athrun's tone that he was no longer in the mood for idle conversation.
Seeing fit not to waste a moment more, Athrun dug his heel deep into the ground and jetted himself towards Kira once again, the speed and fluency of his body even greater than before.
Kira drew in a faint breath as Athrun advanced ever closer, relaxing his body to the point where it would be able to react instantaneously to any change in his movement. Though he knew not the reason why Athrun had chosen to face him in such a direct manner, he knew it would come down to a single moment that would determine the outcome.
As such a thought circulated throughout his consciousness, Kira felt his determination grow even stronger.
'…Show me, Kira,' Athrun thought, his body primed and ready for his attack. 'Show me the 'reason' behind your strength.'
'Let's go, Athrun!' Kira thought, digging his heels straight into the ground, readying himself to take Athrun on.
"Haa!!"
"Daa!!"
And with that, the two young friends' bodies collided once again, the immediate areas caught up in the strong fluctuations of teeming emotions and undying resolve of their wills.
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Lunamaria sat silently as she watched over her still unconscious comrade, a look of concern and near desperation on her face.
Within her consciousness, she couldn't help but wonder as to the circumstances that must've occurred to have put Shinn into such a critical condition. Arrogant though he was, he was one of the very strongest soldiers she had the honor to call a friend, and she knew that he was just about the most dedicated and vicious fighter she had ever seen.
Her hand slowly clenched into a tight fist over the slimming material of her skirt as such thoughts resonated time and time again.
…Just who in the hell were they dealing with?
It was before her time, so she didn't know very much beyond the scope of what had been taught to her during her training and her briefing before the mission's commencement. Still, even those who spoke of the target held an undeniable fear in their voice, as if the very thought of him struck something terrible within their shaking hearts.
"Uhhh…"
Lunamaria's expression shifted considerably, the sound of Shinn's groaning thrusting her back from the world of her thoughts.
"…Shinn?" she whispered, almost as if trying to convince herself that this was real, that Shinn was really waking up.
A few critical moments passed with Shinn not muttering a single word more, slowly draining away at the young woman's hope that she would see him open his eyes.
Suddenly however, as a gentle wind passed through an open window, the dark-haired individual slowly opened the depths of his crimson-red eyes… their emotion filled gaze awakening into the world once again.
"Shinn!" Lunamaria exclaimed, gently clasping his hand in hers out of sheer relief. "…You're awake."
Shinn's gaze shifted ever so slowly over to Lunamaria, the empty mutterings of his open lips falling faint on her now curious expression.
"…Shinn? What're you trying to say?"
Ever so slowly, Shinn raised his hand out from underneath his covers and placed it upon Lunamaria's cheek… the gentle stroke of his fingertips bringing forth a faint blush from the young lady's face.
"…Shinn?"
And then, as if something horrible had come to possess him, Shinn's hand came about Lunamaria's neck in a near crushing manner, forcing her down near his face so that she would be able to hear him.
"Agh!"
"…Tell me," Shinn whispered, an obvious tone of hatred present in his voice, "where is that bastard…"
To Be Continued