Yo everybody. Before we begin, I want to give a special thanks to my new (and first) Beta Reader, Bradley McCloud.

Phase Nineteen: Seen and Unseen

Clyne Residence

Aprilius City

"We've got a problem!" the infamous Mr. Pink announced excitedly, bouncing around in the backyard of the Clyne residence.

"Mr. Pink! Don't go there!" Lacus called out as the pink Haro entered the glass sunroom.

The Haro landed on the bed situated in the sunroom. Lacus followed after it and grabbed it from the bed before it could wake the boy up. However, the moment Haro landed beside him, there was a groan and the boy's eyes opened. Lacus noticed this and cheerfully said, "Oh. Good morning, Sleepy Head."

The brown haired boy, disoriented, blinked a few times before his eyes finally focused in the harsh lights of what he assumed to be the sun. "Where...Where am I..."

"There will be time for that later," she instantly replied.

His violet eyes locked with the pink haired girl beside him. "You're Miss Lacus..."

"Oh my. Just plain Lacus is fine, Kira. Okay?" the songstress said smiling. "I'm so pleased to hear that you remembered my name."

Haro hopped off of Lacus' hands and back onto the bed next to Kira. "No problem! No problem!" it chirped happily.

"So, has our sleeper awaken?" a raven haired man asked as he entered the sunroom from the garden.

Lacus glanced at the blind man who entered before responding. "Yes, Reverend Malchio."

"You must be surprised waking up here." Malchio said. "Miss Lacus was insistent that we bring your bed out here."

"Perhaps because it feels better to be outside than inside, don't you think?"

Kira glanced around at his surroundings noting how unfamiliar it is. "How did I get here?"

"I found you lying unconscious in my garden," Malchio answered. "You were injured and were in need of assistance. So I brought you here."

Suddenly, as if a dense fog in his mind had instantly cleared away, memories of what happened came flooding back to him. His vicious battle with Athrun. Athrun killing Tolle. The Aegis grabbing onto the Strike and self-destructing. The memories kept pouring back like being hit by a ton of bricks. Kira's breathing became labored as he started to sweat.

"What's wrong Kira?" a concerned Lacus asked as soon as she noticed this.

Despite all the horrible images, there was something Kira didn't understand. "But...Why...Why am I..."

"Because you possess the seed." Malchio said. "That is why."

Kira shot up, clutching the blanket. Grasping for air. "Kira!" Lacus said as she leaned over him, trying to see what was wrong.

"There's a problem!" Haro chirped.

Tears poured down Kira's face. He was in pain. Physically, mentally and emotionally. Lacus reached out and held one of his hands to comfort him. "I...fought Athrun..." he said. "I...I couldn't have survived..."

"Kira..." Lacus said, trying to comfort the boy.

Aboard the Odin

"As you all know, we've been ordered to participate in Operation Spitbreak," Commander Diana Kessel announced to the gathered officers and pilots of the 11th Fleet. "Specifically, we've been ordered to be apart of the first attack group dropped from space. By Chairman Zala personally."

"Hmph. So Zala's putting us in the most dangerous part of the Operation," Basque Gideon said, punching his palm. "They won't stand a chance against us."

"That's true," Lisa DeCosta agreed. "But don't forget, we'll be fighting on Earth. Something we've never done before."

"Gah...I hate Earth's gravity," Herbert Von Reinhardt complained.

"Oh shut up," Hilda retorted, punching her teammate in the shoulder.

"Enough," Diana said, silencing the group. "We won't be participating in the Operation."

Most of her gathered subordinates all stared at her as if she had grown a second head. They had never backed down from an assignment. "But why?" Lisa asked.

"Ajay has approached me with his increasing feelings of dread over this Operation."

Those that had wondered why they weren't going had their questions all answered by that statement alone. Something bad was going to happen. Ajay's sixth sense about these things was never once wrong. If it wasn't for his feelings of dread at Endymion Crater, none of them would have escaped in time before the Cyclops System was activated.

"We will report that we are having mechanical problems and will be unable to arrive in time for the battle," Diana stated. "And this will give us time to get in touch with the Junk Guild."

"You think they got a message from the Commander for us?" Ajay asked.

"Possibly. It's been awhile since we've received a message from him. Either way, the next couple of days will certainly be interesting."

Aprilius City

An Hour Later

Kira sat in his bed, thinking about everything that had happened. He wondered about everyone else on the aboard Archangel. He knew Tolle was gone, but did everyone else make it out alive? Had they made it to Alaska? Or...well, he didn't want to think about that.

"It was inevitable, I guess," Kira spoke out as Lacus placed a cup of tea on the small table next to the bed. "Because he thought I killed his friend, he killed my friend. And that's why..."

"So you tried to kill Athrun with all your might and he tried to do the same to you," Lacus finished. "None of that could be help, now could it?"

Kira glanced at her. "Because that's war," she continued. "And you were both fighting against the enemy. Am I mistaken?"

No, she wasn't. And as much as Kira hated to admit it, he and Athrun had gone from best friends to mortal enemies all because of this stupid and meaningless war.

The Archangel

The Next Day

Flay opened her eyes. Siting on the side of the bed was Chris who putting a shirt on. She sat up pulling the blanket up to cover her naked body. "Good morning," she finally said. "What time is it?"

"Quarter to seven," he replied as he put the jacket of his uniform on.

"I have just over an hour then," she said lowly before moving to grab her scattered clothes.

"Yeah..." Chris said. "Before you go, there's something I want to give you."

"What?"

Chris reached underneath his collar and pulled out his grandfather's dog tags. "Here," he said handing them to her. "These belonged to my grandfather. He claimed that they protected him. I thought it was foolish before, but I've had bizarre luck ever since I first stepped into the Raven. And I want you to have it so that bizarre luck can protect you since I won't be able to anymore once you leave the ship."

She grabbed his keepsake, smiling just a little. "Thank you." Flay said putting the tags around her neck.

ZAFT Fleet

In Earth Orbit

The ZAFT fleet was abuzz with activity. GINN Long Range Reconnaissance Types patrolled the area around the fleet watching for any possible threats. GINNs and CGUEs left their Nazca class and Laurasia class warships to board the drop pods tethered to the large dropships awaiting for their orders to launch into the Earth's atmosphere.

"Where the hell is Kessel and the 11th Fleet?" an annoyed Admiral Darlian yelled. "They're suppose to be in the first wave!"

"Message coming through, sir. It's from the 11th Fleet. Reads; Unable to arrive in time for the start of the Operation due to mechanical problems. Will join up with assault group when able to."

Darlian slammed his fist into the armrest of his chair. "Hmph! It serves them right!" Darlian said in contempt of the 11th Fleet. "They always think that they're the best and that normal military hardware isn't good enough for them. They waste their time installing black market parts into perfectly good mobile suits and warships. But we'll show them. This Operation will succeed without their help."

Jachin Due Control Center

'It's time. Time to cut off the beast's head.'

Patrick Zala stood up from his chair on the upper balcony of the control center. "As we embark on this operation, it is my strongest wish that bring the war to swift conclusion!" he said, his voice being transmitted to the ZAFT forces participating in the Operation. "Inspiring the hope in us all that this will lead to true freedom and justice! Let Operation Spitbreak now commence!"

The officers a floor below him scrambled to relay the orders to the ZAFT forces on standby.

"Message from Central Command. Target for Operation Spitbreak is...JOSH-A, Alaska."

Momentary confusion flooded the ZAFT forces. Just about everyone thought they were going to attack Panama and take the last Mass Driver from the Earth Forces. Not attack their central headquarters. But this confusion quickly subsided and everyone resumed their duties.

Aboard the Cousteau

"JOSH-A?" Saya said sticking her head out of her DINN. "I thought we were attacking Panama."

"It appears that Panama was a feint to draw the Earth Forces away from JOSH-A," Zane said from the cockpit of his GINN. "A clever ploy."

"Yeah. I knew Chairman Zala was put in charge for a reason," Yzak said from the Duel.

The Odin

"JOSH-A?"

"Yes, Commander," Captain Lee said. "They just announced it. Spitbreak's true target wasn't Panama, but Alaska."

"It's a clever gamble," Diana said. "Draw the enemy's strength to where you're most likely to attack and then attack where they least expect it."

"Do you think it will work?"

"No," Diana said. "Ajay felt that something was wrong with the Operation and hence, there's no doubt in my mind that it will fail. The real question is, how badly will it fail?"

Kira, Lacus and Reverend Malchio sat in sunroom drinking tea as the rain poured down outside. Kira had asked if there was any way to get back to Earth. Which Lacus's father was checking on for him.

"It's impossible. Even if you use the Reverend's shuttle," Siegal Clyne said as he approached the group, "Flights to Earth just aren't being allowed."

BEEP BEEP

"There's a call coming in from Ms. Eileen Canaver and Mr. Ian Kessel," a voice said over the intercom.

The faces of a man and woman appeared on the screens within the glass. "Siegal, Zala has deceived us all," Kessel said. "Spitbreak's target wasn't Panama. It's JOSH-A."

"What?!"

At that instant, Kira's eyes widened in shock as his cup fell from his hand and shattered. The Archangel was at JOSH-A. All of his friends were in danger.

"Kira!" Lacus said as she reached out to him.

"He's trying to take out the Alliance Command in one fell swoop," Ian informed.

"The Council is in an uproar. We've never approved anything like this," Eileen added. "He's overstepped his authority."

"What do you expect from a man like Zala? I told you all that a man like him shouldn't be in charge."

Kira didn't need to pay attention to the rest of the message. His friends were at Alaska and he needed to get back there before it was too late.

Submarine Pen

JOSH-A

"Just line up here. You'll have to show them your papers when you board," Mu said handing Flay her papers. "Got it?"

"Yes," Flay said.

"Good," Mu said walking away from the group.

"Wait. Where are you going?" she asked. She didn't want to get separated from familiar people.

"I forgot something." Mu casually replied as left.

The drop pods tethered to the dropships were deployed falling through the atmosphere towards JOSH-A. While ZnOs and GOOhNs were launched from underwater sub carriers and heading for the base. Early warning alarms went off in the abandoned control room of the JOSH-A base. A moment later, the alarms went off through out the base, alerting the garrison there as well as the Archangel. The manned and automated defenses of JOSH-A activated preparing for the incoming attackers.

The battle of JOSH-A had begun.

The Archangel

Murrue and the bridge crew were all stunned when they heard the alarms go off. Suddenly, Captain Sutherland appeared on the main screen.

"Captain Sutherland! What's going on?!" Murrue asked.

"They tricked us!" a stunned Sutherland replied. "At the last minute, they switched their target to JOSH-A. All Defense Forces are to launch immediately. Commence interception."

"Damn." John said as he, Chirs and Liz rushed into the hanger. "Who would have thought that they would have taken the gamble to attack JOSH-A."

"This seems to happen just about every time we get a break," Chris said as put his helmet on. "This ship must be cursed or something."

"Well, it's not the most conspicuous of ships," John replied, heading for his mobile suit. "And I think its reputation has made it a major target for ZAFT. Anyone wanting to make a name for themselves will be gunning for us out there. So be careful"

Chris headed for the Raven while his sister headed towards the Buster and the Surge.

"Hey! What's the status on the Buster and the Surge?!" Liz called out.

"We've got them both up and running!" Murdoch called back.

"Then get the Buster ready for launch! I'm using it!"

"You heard her, guys! Get the Buster ready for launch!" Murdoch called out the crews.

"And keep the Surge on standby, just in case!" John said as climbed in the Farsight's cockpit.

"I'm surprised that you aren't going to use it," Chris said as the Raven was loaded onto one of the catapults.

"The Farsight has been a good companion. I won't abandon him for another mobile suit," John replied.

"You know, I actually feel the same way about the Raven. I don't think I could ever use another mobile suit."

The first catapult opened up. "Chris Dante. Raven Gundam launching!"

The catapult activated propelling the Raven forward. Once it cleared the catapult, the Raven transformed into a Mobile Armor. The Buster was loaded onto the second catapult. "Liz Dante. Buster Gundam launching!"

The Buster was launched from the Archangel. "Finally! I get to pilot one of these machines!" Liz said with a grin as she cleared the ship.

"This isn't a game." Chris said.

"I know. But I've wanted to pilot a mobile suit for long time now."

Chris shook his head. "Just get on."

"Right," Liz said as she landed on the Raven.

The Farsight launched and landed on the Archangel's hull. "This is going to be a tough one," John said.

"Stick close to the Archangel. And pray that we can hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive."

Aboard the Cousteau

Rau Le Creuset glanced at his watch. It was almost time for them to launch. So far, the Operation had gone off without a hitch. Save one. The 11th Fleet had been delayed and wouldn't be arriving in time. Technically, it wasn't a danger to what was going to happen, but the Cyclops System could have removed a potential threat to his plans saving the trouble of dealing with them himself. "No matter. I'll have to deal them later," Rau said to himself.

"Zane, Yzak," he said over the radio.

"Sir!" the teens said.

"I'll be scouting out their inner defenses. I trust that you'll both be able to proceed as planned."

"Yes sir," the two replied.

"Good. It's time to launch."

The three vertical catapults opened. Rau's silver DINN launched followed by the Duel and the red GINN and their Guuls. DINNs and GINNs were soon launched afterwards.

"The curtain has risen," Rau said to himself. "And now it's time for the actors to show their talent."

Submarine Pen

Flay was waiting in line to board the sub when the alarms went off. They were under attack! Flay knew the sensible thing to do was to wait and board the sub. There wasn't anything else she could do. But... She was worried about Chris and everyone else on the Archangel.

So she did the only thing that made sense to her. She ran out of the sub pen and headed to where she had last seen Archangel.

Aprilius City

Lacus lead Kira through the corridors of a ZAFT installation. Kira wasn't exactly sure why they were here, but he figured that they were going to find a means to get him back down to Earth in time to save his friends on the Archangel. They approached a large pair of doors. In front of the doors were a pair of ZAFT technicians and that man in the purple ZAFT uniform that had called Siegal Clyne, Ian Kessel, if he remembered correctly.

"Hello, Mr. Kessel," Lacus said with a smile.

"Hello, Miss Clyne. And you were the pilot of the Strike, correct?" Mr. Kessel said.

"Yes."

"Before we go in, could you tell me what happened to the Surge and it's pilot?"

"No. I'm sorry, I can't," Kira replied.

"I see." For the briefest of instances, the man seemed older and worn out like how he had acted before then had mostly been a mask.

But that moment passed and the man's appearance returned to what it was before. "Well then, let us give you your new sword."

The doors opened and Lacus entered the dark hanger with Kira close behind. It was pitch black inside. All Kira could see was Lacus and part of the catwalk they were floating over. Suddenly, the lights in the hanger came on. Standing before the teens was a...

"A Gundam!" Kira said as he stared at the mobile suit in awe.

"Actually, that's not what it's called. This is the ZGMF-X10A Freedom," Lacus stated. "But you know, Gundam is better because it sounds more powerful."

"Under orders from Chairman Zala, they designed a new mobile suit using the technology of the captured Earth Forces machines and then added state of the art technology," Lacus continued.

"But why are you giving me this?" Kira asked.

"I feel that this machine is going to have the power that you're going to need," she replied. "Neither will alone nor strength alone will be enough. That is why. Will this take to where you want to go? Will it help you when you get there?"

"Neither will alone nor strength alone." Kira said, echoing her words.

He turned to her. "Who are you, really?"

"I am simply Lacus Clyne," the pink haired songstress told him, "and you are Kira Yamato."

"I'm grateful for you help." Kira said with a smile.

Kessel entered the hanger. "We've knocked out the cameras," he informed them as he approached the two, a red ZAFT flight suit and helmet in his hands.

"So what do you think of the Freedom?" he asked.

"I honestly don't know what to think." Kira answered.

"You must make sure that this machine doesn't get into the hands of the wrong people."

"Huh?"

It's equipped with a nuclear reactor and an N-Jammer Canceler. I don't think I need to tell you what could happen if it fell into the wrong hands," the man said.

"I understand. But why are you trusting this with me?"

"For most of us, it's because you have the trust of Miss Clyne. For myself and others, this is an act of defiance against Patrick Zala and those that follow him. We wish for the war to end peacefully. Not with one side wiping the other out, which is where Patrick Zala's beliefs will lead ZAFT if nothing is done," Ian said. "You'll be going back to Earth and the war, while we will remain here and fight to bring peace in our own way."

"How?"

"Because of Miss Clyne's popularity, she's one of the most influential people in the PLANTs. And my family has strong ties with many leaders in the military," Ian said. "We'll be fine. Here, you better get suited up."

He handed Kira the flightsuit as Lacus turned away. A few minutes later, he was wearing the flightsuit and heading for the cockpit. "Are you sure about this?" Kira asked.

"Yes. I too will be singing the great song of peace," Lacus said, floating next to him.

"Be careful."

"I will. You take care too, Kira" Lacus said.

"My strength goes with you," she added kissing him on the cheek causing both of them to slightly blush.

"And now you should be on your way," Lacus said pushing off the Freedom and headed for the catwalk.

Kira climbed into the cockpit as Lacus and Ian left the hanger.

"Neither will alone nor strength alone," Kira said to himself as he powered up the Freedom.

The Freedom took off flying out of the hanger alerting ZAFT security in the process. The officers in the Dock Control Room frantically tried to stop the Freedom from escaping, but it was too late. Kira had already cleared the hanger and PLANT itself. But they weren't the only ones to try to stop Kira. A pair of GINNs on patrol moved into Kira's path and fired at him. Kira effortlessly dodged their fire and, in a blur of speed, sliced off the GINNs' heads with the Freedom's beam sabers. With the threat neutralized, Kira sped off towards Earth passing a shuttle heading for the PLANTs.

Athrun sat quietly in his seat on board the shuttle. There was barely anyone on the shuttle and those that were on board were mostly soldiers that had been too badly hurt to continue fighting in the war like the man a few rows ahead of him. The brown haired man had lost his left eye and his left arm and was forced to walk with a cane. Clearly, his days of fighting were over. He glanced out his window just in time to see a mobile suit he had never seen before fly passed the shuttle with tremendous speed heading for Earth. It looked similar to the machines built on Heliopolis, but unlike any of those mobile suits.

Neither Kira nor Athrun realized they had just encountered each other again.

That's all for now. You know the drill. Review!!