Thank you to everybody that submitted a review. As I said, some of your questions will be answered in this chapter, with the first sighting of ZGMF-GN01.

Disclaimer: I only own some plot and the characters' new personalities, and ZGMF-GN01.

Dark Hearts

Chapter 3: Discovery and Realization

Why couldn't I shake her off? Kira thought. He was sitting on a sofa in the living room of the Clyne mansion. Lacus was asleep with her head on his lap. Why can't I shake her off even now? He kept questioning himself. Am I so helpless that I can't be without her? I'm pathetic… And why did she stop me from leaving? It's not like she likes me or anything, does she? She clings to me like… a lover?

God damn it, Kira, she's got Athrun. His other side said.

But Athrun doesn't deserve her. He argued back.

What does that change, huh? She's still engaged to him!

Not when I kill him! He reminded himself.

Hmm… Good point… His other side said…

He sighed, staring at Lacus' sleeping form. She hasn't said a thing since she pulled me back from the door. He laughed without humor at himself, remembering that she was one of the only reason that he stayed back and protected (or at least tried to protect) the Archangel. He lifted his right arm and stroked her cheek, how natural the gesture seemed to him, as he used his other hand to weave through her long pink hair, stopping sometimes to disentangle strands that are stuck together by his dried tears. He looked at her peaceful face wearing a natural faint smile. God! How he wanted this moment to last forever.

Is this what I want, to see her smile? Or is there more? He thought as his memory flashed back to when his lips brushed over hers, the sensation was indescribable, his heart was on fire, and his lungs seemed to be puffing smoke. And he wasn't really surprised that she pulled away slightly.

But after that, the only emotion he felt was… confusion… extremely confusing… He had prepared himself for the rejection, so why did he still feel confused? And the confusion that he felt seemed so… alien… it was as if the feeling wasn't his. And then there was the pain he felt when he was watching his blood run down the sink as Lacus stepped forward to see what's happening. He didn't even feel the pain when he cut himself, so why did he feel pain when she saw what he was doing? Again, the feeling doesn't seem to be his. Then there was the astonishment he felt when he saw his wound close, why was he surprised? He knew his body deals quickly with injuries. So why did he feel surprised? And then there was the pain and more confusion he felt when he was about to walk out the door, then the contentment he felt as he was dragged back to the house. It doesn't make any sense, why the hells on Earth were my feelings so simple? I couldn't even tell what I felt before, so why can I distinguish every emotion I felt now? Except if they were… her emotions? I guess that kind of makes sense. Oh what the fuck? How can I feel her emotions? I've got to be hallucinating! Yeah that's right, I must be hallucinating…… Ok, maybe that wasn't very convincing since I didn't feel any relief when I thought I figured something out. And why the heck do I feel calm right now? I should be feeling disgruntled, confused, etc. etc. And out of all the feelings I feel calm? Oh, right. It must be Lacus' feeling, huh? Geez, all this thinking is wearing me out. I'll figure things out later. He thought, and began to doze off, lying down next to Lacus on the couch, wrapping his arms around her and feeling… pleased. Wait, was that what I felt or what she felt? A sigh escaped his mouth. Oh, who cares…?

……

Meanwhile:

On Earth:

Athrun stepped out onto the ZAFT boat, returning to ZAFT had never felt so depressing. He looked back over his shoulder and forced a smile onto his sorrowful face, he waved at Cagalli once with his good arm before turning around and returning to his squad or whatever is left of his squad. So, only Yzak is left, huh? Athrun thought as he boarded the vessel, hopefully he would see Cagalli again in the future.

……

PLANTs:

Patrick Zala looked at the monitor. Standing in the hangar was a mobile suit they had found two days ago in the Debris Belt. The design has never been seen before, possessing technology that far surpasses their own. They have done a full scan of the mobile suit. There were two things that they still couldn't figure out. 1. What powered the suit? 2. Why were there two seats in the cockpit? Sure they have tried to start the system, but all that came up on the screen was:

ACCESS DENIED

OPERATOR ERROR

NO GENUINE ONE OR SEED BEARERS PRESENCE DETECTED

Then after a long time, they managed to ask the AI what it meant, the screen replied:

OPERATOR MUST BE THE GENUINE ONE

OR

TWO PSYCOLOGICALLY-INTERFACED SEED BEARERS

FALSE OPERATORS MAY BE TERMINATED…

After that, the AI refuses to answer any more questions, and when they threaten to destroy the suit, it threatened back saying it would destroy the entire complex. They stopped then, even though the engineers and scientists are still busy trying to figure out the material used in the suit, they have absolutely no clue to what the answer meant.

Patrick had asked them why not just dismantle the AI unit and force it to answer what they didn't understand, but the only reply he got was:"ARE YOU CRAZY, it threatened to destroy the entire PLANT if we even tried something like that! And we have no idea what it's capable of."

To say that he was annoyed would be an absolute understatement. That is, until Rou showed up in his office and he told him what they had found.

"Well, I don't know anything about the 'genuine one' but I do have some information regarding SEED bearers." Rou said with his sly tone. (That's what I think anyways)

"Explain."

"Well, SEED bearers are basically human beings that have gained the trust of the 'gods' through determination and major changes in life. There are only a few of them scattered around the place, and they are normally hard to find." Rou gave his best at explaining.

"Oh, that's just great… I doubt we'd ever find one. How the hell are we supposed to find two that's psychologically-connected?"

"Actually, there is a SEED bearer in PLANTs right now." Rou said.

"?"

"Lacus Clyne." Rou answered the unspoken question. "How she obtained SEED, I don't know. But it is a fact that she holds the SEED."

"How would you know that?" Patrick was a little suspicious.

"Let's just say that I have my ways." The masked man said," I'll be in my quarters if you need me, sir. Now if you'll excuse me." He bowed and walked out of the door.

Lacus Clyne, huh? Patrick thought. "Prepare a car and tell the commander that he'll be accompanying me to the Clyne mansion in 2 hours."

"Yes sir."

……

In the Clyne mansion:

Lacus woke up, finding herself in Kira's embrace, she felt warm all over. I think I love him… She thought, and was beyond surprised to hear Kira's voice. You do?

Wait, did I say that out loud? She pondered, red faced.

I don't know. Kira replied. Wow, how can I speak without moving my mouth? This is new…

Are you reading my mind? Lacus asked through her mind, looking at his face, his eyes were open now, the deep amethyst color returning to the orbs. Pretty… She thought, forgetting about the facts again.

Kira raised an eyebrow, pretty?

Oops, forgot that he knows what I'm thinking. I better not think about his other… Lacus quickly shook her head, trying to get rid thought of Kira's image and how handsome he looked.

Wow, that's some pretty nasty thoughts, Lacus… Kira spoke: I never knew you thought about me like that. He seems amused, but his mind was heading in another direction. Maybe she doesn't hate me after all… Oh, crap, I forgot she could read my mind as well…

Lacus giggled, so, care to explain why you're reading my mind?

I'm as clueless as you are, don't ask me. Lacus, were you able to feel my emotions before?

Now that you mentioned it, I think I have been… since you kissed me, I guess. She admitted with a little red on her face, remembering how great it felt. The feeling had set her body on fire, even though it had been for a fraction of a second… Her face turned even redder as she remembered that he's reading what she's thinking right now.

Too late, Kira teased. Wow, and I thought you hated me for it… His memory automatically took him back to when he 'turned emo' and cut himself, followed by memories of his time spent on Archangel, everything… Oops, sorry. Didn't mean to show you that… Lacus?

Oh my god, why didn't you tell me? Lacus screamed in her mind, you should have told me! She said, burrowing her face into his shirt, tears fell from her eyes. Now I know what you meant by wanting to kill him…

Kira sighed, what could you have done about it? It would only make you sad as well.

I could have done this! Lacus replied, placing her lips above his, kissing him lightly. Kira was a little stunned at first, but responded by moving his own against hers, deepening the kiss. The two felt ecstasy overwhelming their senses as their bodies entangle together as one.

However, before they got any further, the door opened to reveal Siegel Clyne walking through… His jaw dropped to the ground. He quickly cleared his throat and made his presence known. Then watched with amusement as the two teens quickly tried to reorganize themselves so things didn't look the way they were, both had deep blushes on their faces.

Siegel chuckled at the scene before him. Hmm… Well, this is interesting. Lacus was never like that, even when she's with Athrun. I wonder what made her go head-over-heels for this boy.

"Sorry to disturb you two, I'm just here to tell you that Athrun's father and Commander Rau Le Creuset are heading coming for a visit." The chairman informed them," They'll be here in about 30 minutes. I suggest you get into something formal."

"Mr. Clyne, is Athrun coming?" Kira asked, still a little embarrassed from being caught kissing Lacus like that.

"No, he won't be. He's actually still on Earth, I think." Siegel replied," Is there something that I should know about?"

Phew… lucky. Kira thought, and quickly replied:" No, nothing at all."

"Alright, I'll leave you two alone now. Remember, 30 minutes." He reminded them before leaving through the same door, chuckling under his breath. Those two looked adorable, I guess that's what you call a match made in heaven, huh? He chuckled again and went on to his duties.

30 minutes, huh? Kira thought. I guess that's plenty of time for… Before he could even finish his thought, he was tackled onto the couch again by Lacus.

Hmm… I never knew you had such a dirty mind Kira! She teased him, reading his mind.

You should talk about yourself. Kira said, as his lips met hers again in a fervent kiss, are you sure you want to do this? He asked again, still a little unsure of what they're about to do.

Yes, Kira, it's fine. Can't you read my mind? Lacus replied as Kira started planting butterfly kisses down her jaw, earning a moan from her.

……

(I'm going to skip the lemon because I don't want the rating to go up to M. Sorry to everybody that wanted to read the lemon.)

……

30 minutes later, Kira and Lacus were finished with their intimate activities and both took showers to wash away the smell of the other just in case someone notices. Of course, they did peer into the other's mind every now and then to 'admire the view'.

After the quick showers, the two gathered near the door step and awaited the arrival of the two men. Kira had insisted that he stay back, but apparently Siegel said he had some new to announce, so he stayed.

As the Defense Minister's car pulled up against the porch, the driver stepped out and opened the doors for the two to step out. Patrick and Rau walked up to the door, pressing the bell a single time, the door was opened by a butler and the two walked in. They were offered seats and waited for a while before Siegel stepped out followed by the two teenagers.

Kira glared at the two men, his mind filled with hatred. Athrun's father and Commander, huh, so they were the ones that forced him to join the military? This Rau guy gives me a bad vibe. He seems like a copy of Mu. He thought, having no idea how right he was.

Don't worry, Kira. Athrun probably haven't told him who you are. Lacus said, also noticing the resemblance between the two men.

I know. I'll try not to kill them. Kira said half-jokingly.

That drew a mental giggle from Lacus. Come on, Kira. Get your mind off these things, at least for now.

Ok. But you better remember this is for you. Kira said in the same tone again.

Oh, are you seeking payment from me? Lacus suggested. Her memories jogged back to their 'fun' half an hour ago.

Hmm… maybe so, get your mind out of it, Lacus. I'm sure we'll be able to have the full night to ourselves. Kira said, himself reliving the memory.

Talk about yourself, Kira. Lacus replied.

On the other hand, the other three watched the two with interest as they made 'weird' facial expressions towards each other. It's as if they were in their own world, conversing between them with an unknown language.

Siegel cleared his throat, bringing the attention of the two back towards him, they blushed a tiny bit from embarrassment and nodded. Lacus, this is your fault. You body distracted me. Kira exclaimed shamelessly, she was the only one he felt at ease around. But at the same time, he could never live to see any harm come to her.

Just shut up for now, Kira. Lacus said.

Fine, came a dry reply.

"Sorry about that, we were thinking about something." Lacus apologized to the adults.

"Don't worry about it. Do you mind introducing us to the gentleman next to you?" Rau answered for the three of them.

"Of course, this is Kira. Kira Yamato. He's currently staying at our home. Kira, this is Commander Rau le Creuset, and the other man is the ZAFT Defense Minister, Patrick Zala."

"It's nice to meet you all." Kira said in an icy tone, holding his hand out for the two men to shake. Patrick accepted it straight away, while Rau did later. Kira Yamato? The same Kira Athrun talked about? The Strike's pilot? How is he still alive? And he seems to have the SEED as well.

"Excuse me, but do you think that I could have a word with the defense minister?" Rau asked, he needed to tell Patrick about this.

"Yes, of course." Siegel replied.

Rau and Patrick took a few steps backwards.

"What is it, Creuset?" Patrick asked, a little annoyed, it was obvious that Siegel wanted to tell him something and he had wanted to hear it. Not to mention that Kira had triggered some of his memories. He had seen him before.

"It seems like today is our lucky day, minister." Rau said casually," Kira is a SEED bearer."

Patrick's eyes widened, before narrowing," you sure about that?"

"I'm 100%ly positive sir." Rau nodded," and it would seem that they have already psychologically-Interfaced." He added with a smirk.

"Perfect." Patrick muttered, he couldn't believe his luck.

"We're done now." Rau said, as they walked back towards the residents.

Unknown to them, Kira's superior hearing had heard everything. He's sharing with thoughts with Lacus even now.

"Great. So Patrick, I have something that announce to you and I'd like it to be made public as soon as possible." Siegel started.

"Of course, chairman. What may that be?" Patrick asked, he was a tiny bit interested.

"I'll have to call off Lacus and Athrun's engagement, I'm afraid."

All occupants of the room were surprised. Thank you. Father, Lacus thought. Kira approved of the thought with a simple nod.

"I see." Patrick tried hard not to be angered," Is there a reason for that?"

Siegel nodded," Yes, but I'm afraid I can't tell you."

"I understand, I'll send the official announcement right away." He replied.

"Thank you for your understanding."

"Now, about the reason that we came here," Patrick started," We were wondering if we could borrow Kira and Lacus for a test of a mobile suit. Apparently, they are the only two that fits into the category. We won't go into details, but it's only for about 2 hours, if that's okay with you?"

Siegel looked towards the teens. They both nodded. I need a weapon and they provide for us, how generous. He thought.

Careful, Kira, it may be a trap. Lacus warned.

Don't worry. I'm sure they won't hurt us physically. Kira replied

How do you know that?

Just a hunch…

Sigh…

"We'll leave immediately, if you two would please follow us." Rau announced, gesturing the teens to follow him. They did.

When they were in the car, Patrick told the press for the announcement to be made while Rau typed in his laptop: Subjects retrieved, exterminate the witness.

They didn't know what they just did had just changed the fate of their lives, and that of many others.

The mobile-television-set in the car announced the break of the engagement between the Clyne and the Zala while Patrick himself was busy giving out orders via his laptop.

ORDERS:

Yzak Joule is to get back to PLANTs ASAP and assigned to ZGMF-X10A.

Athrun Zala is to get back to PLANTs ASAP and assigned to ZGMF-X09A.

Rau Le Creuset is to be assigned to ZGMF-X13A after the expedition is made.

Search on the stolen ZGMF-X11A Regenerate and ZGMF-X12A Testament are to be suspended for the time being.

The above are to be carried out ASAP.

The car drove past the heavily secured blast doors, heading straight go for the hangar.

The two teens got out of the car, staring at the mobile suit they were told about: Seradom-Gazer.

The GUNDAM stood about 20 meters tall, its armor was mainly white and extremely thick, there were two cone shapes protruding from its shoulders. The main weapons they could see were the two cannons, each mounted on a hand, there was also a sniper rifle slung across the back. The cockpit rested at the chest of the GUNDAM.

The two teens watched in awe.

Inside the cockpit:

On the main screen:

TWO NEW PRESENCE DETECTED

CHECKING DATABASE…… MATCHING DNA RESULTS……

99.79% MATCH

MATCHING CONFIRMED

THE GENUINE ONE HAS BEEN FOUND

UNEXPECTED SITUATION OCCUR

THE GENUINE ONE POSSESSES THE SEED

THE ONE WITH THE GENUINE ONE POSSESSES THE SEED

REWRITE PROTOCOL NUMBER 384

SYSTEM REBOOT

SYSTEM LOCK SET

UNLOCKABLE BY THE GENUINE ONE

SYSTEM FAIL SAFE SET

SELF-DESTRUCTION ON STANDBY

Chapter 3 END

I know this chapter was a little boring with barely any action in it. It's supposed to be an interlude that explains how Kira and Lacus finally understood each other and lose their doubts. And helped Kira find a reason to live and fight as well.

As you can see, I didn't want Yzak to die too quickly, and Freedom was supposed to be assigned to him to begin with, so I gave him the sword he was supposed to have. (Also because I don't like adding in OCs) I also intend to give him lots of trouble piloting it. (Hehe *evil laugh*)

ZGMF-X11A Regenerate and ZGMF-X12A Testament are Gundams that only appeared in Gundam Seed Astray. Don't worry if you don't know about them. They aren't going to make an appearance in this fiction.

As if the situation can't get any worse, Patrick and Rau are going to give Lacus a reason to fight. I feel sorry for them… I feel even sorrier for Siegel. Forgive me Siegel, but your death will not be in vain.

Next Chapter: Awakening – both the GUNDAM and the pilots.

(Will include some cracks about Yzak)

But for now: Reviews!!!