Sorry for the wait, I am back in school so it is much harder to find time to write.

Phase 38: Underneath

"So she plans on attacking ROW at their Mars base?" Cagalli questioned as her and Athrun both sat together discussing the recent events. They had met with Milady multiple times within the past few days and they had watched as she laid out her plans and her reasoning. It seemed that John Liene was in the Mars base now and that Milady believed with some extra backup she would be able to capture him and thus completely disrupt ROW. If she did this it was certain that ROW would fall and that the only entity they would have to deal with then would be the PLANTs. Milady's reasoning now was that she believed ROW was preparing to make their biggest move next and that without Liene they would not be able to do anything.

"It's risky," Athrun responded, "but I think she might be on to something. Redemption has been following and tracing ROW's movement's for quite a long time and perhaps now this opening they see is the perfect opportunity to secure peace once again." He had been thinking a lot on it because this could be the answer to everything. Perhaps capturing Liene could link Jayley to ROW, in that case she would be out of the PLANTs and Lacus's name would be restored. ORB would be free and the NEA would no longer be under attack by ROW. This one action could cause everything to fall back into place and to restore the world order.

"But there is a chance that they are wrong," Cagalli said with fear in her eyes, "it could backfire on them in so many ways. We have no idea how well thought out their plan is or if the council will approve sending troops into space. In any case we can't leave ORB unprotected, we need forces down here!" Athrun nodded at this, she was right. It would be unwise to leave ORB unprotected for this gamble, but if it was successful. There were so many variables in the equation. Meiko would certainly head the attack but Athrun had witnessed a moment of weakness in her. What if she wasn't ready to undertake such a task against ROW, they were the people who raised her after all. He knew it was wrong to think back into her past and she would not like to be reminded of it but even he knew what it was like to fight against people that you once fought alongside.

"Then there is the matter of Redemption's own agenda," Athrun spoke now carefully as he knew these were his allies, "I am still uneasy about Milady Redemption. There is something about her that is off and she is always wearing that mask. She's hiding something Cagalli, and I know we owe her but it's hard to trust someone who doesn't trust you." Cagalli nodded, this had been troubling her as well.

"She saved Meiko Virea," Cagalli got a distant look as she said this, "which means that Redemption forces were nearby during the battle with the STING and they did nothing. This is something I do not understand and something she did not explain to us." Athrun had not really thought about that. Perhaps that was true and Redemption had just sat by and watched the battle unfold. He wondered now if that was the case how could things have been different. Perhaps Meiko would have never had to make such a drastic choice and he didn't dare think about the possibility that Uzumi might have lived. Treading on that ground would be dangerous to everyone.

"I guess it is wrong to continue to question them after all they've done for us," Athrun replied solemnly, "but I don't know what to do about it all. Their plan seems good but I don't know how to trust them. I want to know more, and I also want to protect ORB. Maybe the best option for us is to hang back, to sit this one out. The plan seemed to include only the Clyne faction, perhaps we won't even be needed." Cagalli agreed with this sentiment, ORB was a nation that did not intervene in the conflicts of other nations and their military's goal was to protect their nation. She felt bad just backing out but she realized that this battle did not really belong to her. This battle was for the sake of the PLANTs and for the sake of Meiko. This battle would fall down to Lacus and Kira.

"I know Lacus," Cagalli said, "and I know Kira, they will both go along with the plans because of Yaro and Meiko. I believe in them. I believe that if they do choose to go then they will win." Athrun nodded, he believed as well.

They sat waiting outside the door of Lacus's office. Yaro and Meiko, together once again. Milady had come up to speak with Lacus and Meiko had accompanied her to see Yaro again. He was happy that Meiko had come, it was still a bit odd seeing her again. Everyone had noticed how much time he seemed to spend away now and they all assumed it was because he was spending time with her, but most of his time he spent alone thinking about things. His relationship with Kira had improved drastically over the past few days as his father had sat down and helped him work out some things. It seemed Kira really did understand everything. The times he did see Meiko they had worked through a lot of their anger about the situation they were forced to endure and had recovered much of the closeness they had before they both knew the truth about each other.

"How long do you think they are going to talk things over?" Yaro asked her. Lacus and Kira had a lot of questions for Milady about the plans to attack ROW and take Liene. Personally Yaro was all for the plan because of all that had happened. Liene had been the one who had really killed Uzumi and the man who had tried to twist Meiko against everything that she believed in. He was to blame for everything that happened and he would have to pay for it somehow. Meiko seemed to share the same view. Every time ROW was mentioned a fire and anger filled her eyes and through that he saw how different she had become. She was harder now than ever before and completely relentless about what she wanted. It was clear to him but to everyone else that she wanted ROW destroyed and that it was the one reason that she had returned to the battlefield. He was glad to see that she was free from the past but he felt very odd about her own personal anger. She had every reason in the world to hate ROW, and that was reason enough for her to fight. It was just so hidden. Everyone else saw her as fighting to protect ORB but Yaro saw her real intent deep inside her eyes when she spoke. Meiko had lived to long in the darkness to have such noble and lofty goals; no she was fighting to bring about the destruction of ROW.

"Not long now," Meiko said in the flat voice she was used to speaking in. He noticed her flexing her robotic hand. One of the things she had lost in the battle with the STING had been that hand, it was odd for him when he had first realized it but she seemed alright with it. "Milady does not have too much to say, she just knew they would have questions. Apparently so much depends on the decision of your parents, whether we actually undertake this mission or not. Milady told me that she knows ORB will not enter the battle but she believes the Clyne faction will as this fight will be for the sake of the PLANTs as well as for the world." Yaro nodded at this.

"I have heard them talking," he replied, "they are leaning toward it and I am sure it is the path they will take. My father was captured by ROW at one time, it had caused him to think a lot recently about what it is these people are doing to the world." Meiko had not known that Kira had ever been captured, that was one of the loops that she had been out of. She saw now that she looked back how much Liene never really trusted her or her will to fight for him. Liene had a second nature to understand people somehow, it was how he was able to twist so many people to follow him. He could see into their hearts and he found ways to exploit their greatest fears and their darkest dreams. This was one of the problems with trying to capture him, she had already determined that she was the only one who was determined enough to withstand him.

"If we do undertake this mission," she spoke now with some resentment, "aren't you a solider of ORB? Surely if ORB does not send troops you will not be able to partake of the mission with us." He had not really thought about that. It made him wonder what actions he would have to take in the certain even that ORB did not go and the Clyne faction did. His family had made It clear they wanted him wit them.

"My uncle Athrun can discharge me," Yaro said as he thought out loud, "he threatened to once before. I don't know what to do about the Dreamer though, it does belong to the ORB military." She nodded to this. She expected as much; the machine was very powerful and it seemed like it had taken a lot to develop; it carried a power that neared the power of the Phoenix and that machine had apparently been in develop for ten years. Meiko wondered what the strength of the two machines would be fighting side by side. She knew Milady hoped that the Dreamer would come along with them and Meiko wanted Yaro with her, but she also knew how dangerous it would be. She knew what actions she would take and she knew that Yaro would not react well.

"Yaro…" Meiko began to speak when he interrupted her.

"Don't worry Meiko, I'm not going to stay behind," he said to her assuringly, "I'm not going to let ORB make any decisions for me, I am with you and Redemption no matter what anyone says about it." Worry filled her eyes at this as she wondered if he even realized what it was he was getting himself into. This battle against Liene would fall to her.

"I appreciate it Yaro," she replied, "but when we do get out there things are going to be very different." He had been wondering about that for awhile now, something in Meiko was different this morning, almost as if she had some idea about how everything was going to play out but she had not shared it with anyone.

"What is it Meiko?" he asked as he saw a hint of sadness in her eyes. She looked down and away trying to keep it hidden inside, her task and her path. She had no other choice nor direction but the one she saw before her plain as day and now Yaro saw right through her. He noticed her shrinking back into the recesses of her mind, shutting him out as she always had in the past; but it wasn't the past anymore, that reservation was what nearly destroyed her then and he wouldn't let it ruin her now. She was not alone in this anymore, with that in mind he reached out and took her hand catching her off guard.

She looked up into his eyes and he saw tears in her eyes threatening to spill out at any moment. She knew he wanted to be there for her but he didn't realize how lonely her path really was. She would have to destroy Liene and she would have to do it before Liene hurt anyone else. Out there on the battlefield she would be fighting for something that was so much more than he or anyone else realized. She had determined in her heart the day she first awakened that it was her job to end everything, to end the cycle of pain that had begun with John Liene's determination to recreate the world. The fight ahead would all fall to her and she knew that she would have to make sure Yaro understood this before she went in, the last thing she wanted was to put anyone else in danger.

Looking into his eyes she knew that he could see right through whatever she said, so she opted to say nothing as he waited for nothing. He was captivated by how easily her eyes shifted from the hardness of a warrior to the softness of a girl who still held back all that she felt; a person who was whole yet still broken in so many ways. She was so complex to him as she could fight on the battlefield with the strength of thousands yet when with certain individuals face to face she became very soft.

She in turn saw the depth in his eyes and things that she knew had come about because of her own broken decisions. She had caused him so much hurt and pain, she had brought about his emotions of anger and hatred that now threatened to tear him apart; because she had not been strong enough. She closed her own eyes willing the memories to go away telling herself she had faced that and that she had erased the guilt that the past had brought but seeing everything that was in him made old wounds reopen. She opened her eyes again knowing that she wanted to protect him with everything that she had left but she had a job to do. She had an obligation to the world to atone for her past and to earn the redemption that she had gained. Somehow she had to make him understand that she cared about him more than anything, but that she was still bound by her obligations and her own honor. But did that really matter in this moment when there was a temporary peace around her? Did anything else really matter but the fact that he was so near to her?

There was no denying the pull between them, something they had not felt in a long time as a strange energy filled the room and they felt gravity drawing them toward each other. Without thinking Meiko acted and connected her lips with his causing him to quickly wrap his arms around her pulling her closer as he kissed her back. When they broke a part he lifted a hand to her face to wipe a tear from her eye that had escaped and she reached up taking the hand as it fell. She did not care anymore, she was so enamored with him there before her; he was her world now. She fought to destroy ROW because of how it had taken the light from inside of him and she longed to win it back for him.

No words needed to be spoken as she held tightly to his hand and they waited for the adults to finish their discussion. Then for the first time in a long time he saw her smile, but this one was different than ever before. It was subtle but it was real, no longer fake as the ones that had existed in the past. Meiko Virea felt the happiness of just being there with him.

Milady had left Meiko with the Yamato's that evening as Meiko had made it clear she was not ready to leave. When Milady, Kira and Lacus had walked out the two had quickly let go of each others hands but something in Meiko's eyes made it clear that things had advanced between them just as Milady had suspected they would. Of course she was happy for Meiko but at the same time she was a little worried as she walked down the beach toward the orphanage where she had left Yaro all those years ago. She had left him there in the hopes that he would have a normal life and after seeing ROW unleash destruction upon the world from a distance she decided that he could not be found so she contacted Lacus through voice and asked her to adopt him. Fortunately for her Lacus had met the boy in this same orphanage and she had become attached to him.

Rayla Frost, Maryah Virea; whatever name she went by she was certain that he would be safe with the Yamato's and that their love and strength would counter his nature. She was sure that in that environment he would take after those who raised him rather than those who biologically created him. She remembered the face of his mother clearly and the anger that had destroyed her and Milady saw much of that same anger in Yaro. Sarah Riague had seen too many evils in the world at a young age and it had destroyed her leaving her child to ROW. Of course Liene had taken him in, Liene wanted to use him. Milady had intervened out of spite for the fact that Liene had hidden her daughter from her. Liene had stolen the one thing she loved most so she retaliated taking the child whom he said would be the most powerful. Liene had hunted her for a year, in that time she named the child Yaro and found a way to leave him in the orphanage. She continued to hide from Liene after that with Redemption as her shield she faced off with him multiple times.

Now standing in front of that building she wondered how Liene would react if he discovered who Yaro was and she wondered how the Yamato's would react to anything she said. She sighed considering it all. It was one of those truths she knew but chose not to expose, something that masked just as her face was masked.

"Try as you did you realize now that you couldn't keep Yaro from the battlefield," she didn't even knock on the door and it had opened by an elderly woman who worked with the Reverend as he stood there. He was getting very old indeed, too old to be working with orphans yet he still persisted to care for them with anyone who volunteered to help him. She smiled at the old man's knowledge, he knew who she was through and through and he knew what she had done. Most importantly he somehow knew why she had done things the way she had and why she was the way she was.

"You know as well as I do that destiny can not be stopped," Milady said with authority, "I brought him here because I hoped that fate would hand him a sweeter Destiny than the one Liene had chosen for him. It seems that Liene knows fate better than I, for Yaro nearly brought the PLANTs to their knees and if it keeps going on like this he will change more and more." Liene nodded.

"He came to me," the Reverend said, "and I could tell that the super seed was rupturing inside him. He is so young and it is already springing forth." MIlady nodded.

"And now Meiko's has come forth unnaturally," Milady said desperately holding up her hands, "Liene forced it out. My little girl is safe with me but there is a war within her as her body can't take the struggle with it yet." The Reverend understood this, perhaps he understood more than her and she had studied the super seed for years. She was worried about Meiko and Yaro. The super seed was a power that Liene believed would remained contained within one's self until the person was strong enough to take it's evolution. The basic seed was still accessible by that person but the super seed could lay dormant for a very long time.

It had been discovered that this power was in many people, they were just unable to use it because of lack of physical strength to take it so it never came forward. Milady had discovered that Ulren Hibiki, Kira's father had been the first one to really discover it's existence and it drove him on in his creation for the ultimate coordinator for he longed to see someone who was strong enough to contain it. Kira was strong enough for it, and Milady knew that it would begin manifesting very soon and his power would increase further still. But in Meiko, Liene's S-System had penetrated her mind. On top of that the explosion had endangered her life and the stress of it all had caused the super seed to manifest early in order to save her life. The result, headaches and visions that she could not control. The next thing Milady was unsure of now was Yaro's recent manifestation. He was still too young to be really having signs that she could understand but it was becoming clear to her that he was more powerful than she realized.

"I remember you telling me about Meiko when you came to me so many years ago," the old man said, "you were so lost then and searching for answers. I didn't have very many that you did not already see for yourself. Now I can only say the same thing I did before, you know the girl is strong and that she has endured much. She will make it through this, if anyone can it's her. For you said back the you believed she would save the world, believe in that and she will be able to defeat even the darkness that is in Yaro." Milady turned away wondering how true that was.

"I understand," she spoke softly now, "I just wish there was some way I could help her."

"Well you are her mother after all," he replied, "It's your instinct to protect her but this is not something you can change."

"It is something that will resolve itself," Milady finished for him, "just as I couldn't save Meiko back then yet somehow her heart remained free. She was not overcome by the ideals of ROW and she came back to me. She's alive now because of the light within her heart."

John Liene stood in front of the monitor and nodded giving the order. His forces had been fighting a battle against rebels who sought to run the ROW agents out of their homeland. It seemed the naturalists were getting more and more hardened against the invaders in certain areas. No doubt the recent movements of the NEA were causing that, but that federation of nations would be of little concern to him once he showed them that ROW was still at large in the world. It had been too long since the destruction of the STING and in that time people thought he had grown soft. Such was not the case and he was going to prove that even if it was from Mars.

"Sir are you sure about that order?" Mike asked as Liene spoke the order clearly to Gilligan who was in the man ROW base; he would then transfer it to their ground forces without question.

"Do you make the decisions around here Mike?" Liene asked as suddenly on the screen before them was a huge explosion as a weapon landed in the center of enemy forces and was exploded by the firepower of nearby mobile suits. Liene smiled as the lines of the enemy military were broken and his own forces advanced. It was then that Mike realized what had taken place.

Liene had used his new weapon, the ANUE. It was something Mike had seen in development months before, a machine that launched lower degree nuclear bombs in the enemy forces. It was quick and deadly but it was also very subtle and crafty. The explosions were very controlled and thus it was hard for the enemy to pinpoint the fact that it was nuclear. No one could blame ROW for nuclear warfare with such a weapon. Mike was horrified at what he had just witnessed and he knew for a fact that much more was to come. So much more was coming from ROW. Someone had to stop Liene before his madness took him to new levels of destruction. Someone had to stop him before he destroyed the entire world.

Meiko giggled a little as Kiran complained to Kayla about unfairness. She was glad she had stayed with the Yamato family this evening, she had never really seen a whole family interact with each other before and now she saw how it was. Kayla, Kiran, Kira and Lacus were all playing some word board game together. Leyas was there during dinner and so was Trey for some reason, but now it seemed that Leyas was in the other room playing the piano quite loudly and Trey was with her. Meiko wondered about that, was there perhaps something between Leyas and Trey?

Meiko and Yaro had played a game earlier with the other four family members but now they sat talking as Meiko enjoyed the laughter that said she was in a real home. These people were enjoying the peace they had and the joy of all being together again. The wars were still raging in the world and decisions were in process for more fighting but in this moment all was forgotten as they remembered what it was like in better times.

"Leyas's songs are getting more and more interesting as she plays," Lacus said to KIra as they waited for Kiran to make a decision on his next move. It was then that Kayla pointed out something wrong with the move Kiran was leaning toward causing him to rethink his strategy. Kira was sure he would never make his move and they would be there forever.

"Of course her songs are getting better," Kayla spoke up now responding to Lacus's comment, "She is apparently writing for a new album." This surprised the family and Meiko was at a loss for why until she remembered that Leyas had once been a singing star in the PLANTs. She had been on top and she lost it all with her mothers demise. Without that fame and without her fan base still she had no contract for the distribution of any new material yet she continued to prepare in hope that everything would return to the way it was. Within Leyas's plan there was a subtle strength of belief in a better and stronger world. This belief was something that everyone around her were longing for and it was something that everyone deserved.

Kira watched out of the corner of his eyes as Yaro and Meiko spoke very quietly to each other and he noticed the way that Meiko touched Yaro's hand being different than before. He wondered what kind of influence she was on his son as she had lived her whole life in war but Yaro seemed to be improving more and more as time went on, but then again he was only judging on being back for a few days. It was as if just by being there Meiko was slowly driving out the anger and hatred that had so dominated Yaro in the past months. Her presences was clearly changing things and her own actions made it clear that he was helping her own heart heal. He watched as Yaro reached for the TV control and flipped it on. Kira thought nothing of it, they were both young and a lot of things could happen. He remembered his own past and relationships that had formed in his life as a result of war. He remembered how Lacus had helped him confront his own fears and own sorrows.

"Your turn dad!" Kiran said catching his attention and he turned back to the game. Meiko looked toward the direction of the game wondering about a few things that had been on her mind. She also listened as Leyas's song changed to one she had heard months before when she was still under the influence of ROW. She stiffened at the thought and forced it out of her mind as she knew that thoughts of the past occasionally caused her super seed outbursts but it was then that a news broadcast interrupted her mind.

"It seems that the NEA has recently signed an alliance with the PLANT authorities," the newscaster said, "all that has been revealed so far is that the two super powers are to join forces against ROW's recent advancements in northern Eurasia and the Middle East. There was attack on the major nation of Carhistan last night which invovled a new weapon," images appeared in the screen of massive destruction. Anger filled Yaro at the sight as the newscaster continued. "The images were sent from a few citizens in the region who have been desperately crying for the NEA's help. It seems that the ROW military has introduced a new weapon of mass destruction and fear has shaken the territories bordering ROW land at this time. The NEA has tried to contact ROW but with no avail. We will keep you updated with images throughout the day." Yaro then turned to Meiko to say something when he noticed that her breathing patterns had changed and her face was white as a ghost, this was strange to him. He had never seen her weak, she was stronger than anyone he knew. He put a hand on her shoulder and and she looked at him as if something was hurting her.

Not now. She begged her mind to stop but she couldn't stop it, the images were starting to form of destruction as she saw the people in that nation being destroyed and crying out. Her connection to ROW was evident in her super seed as she saw everything they were doing. Her head throbbed as tears burst from her eyes and she begged Yaro to save her with her mind as she could not speak. Her hands moved to her head as she curled up trying to block out the pain.

"Yaro," she was able to get his name out.

"Meiko!" He exclaimed trying to grab her arm but she cried out in pain. Everyone in the room turned their attention to what was happening and Kira stood up, it was the same thing he had seen happen in the hangar a few days earlier.

"No," Meiko let out as more tears streamed down her face and a wave of pain shot through her.

"What's happening?" Kiran asked shocked as Lacus rushed to the phone to call a doctor. Yaro wrapped his arms around Meiko pulling her in trying to comfort her as she cried out. Visions were stirring in her mind of everything that was happening in the world. People were dying and she couldn't stop it.

"Call Milady Lacus!" Kira exclaimed stepping forward and Lacus rushed to the phone.

"Yaro!" Kayla then stood up rushing forward, "you have to stop this! You have to help her!" He looked at Kayla as if she was joking. He was doing everything he could. He did not know what to do.

"Meiko I'm right here," he said to her, "Meiko what's wrong? Tell me whats wrong? I am right here, I'm not going anywhere." With all the commotion Leyas and Trey appeared from the other room. Trey was shocked at what he saw and all at once everyone saw Meiko's eyes open with a bright violet glow that filled the room as she struggled with the outburst before her. Trey had seen her use this before to help Yaro but it hadn't hurt her then. He had thought that whatever power was in her she had mastered but now he saw it for what it was, the same thing that had tried to hurt Yaro yet it was much worse when manifested in her.

"Yaro," Trey said his name now, "I've seen this before! Meiko has used this before! I've heard her say something before, it's the super seed!" Everyone in the room was shocked but Kira knew he had heard the term before as well. Kayla nodded now as she remembered her dreams of it. The super seed was indeed real.

Meiko felt the pain threatening her and she knew it was worse than before as the visions faded but the pain increased. She looked for an escape from it. She exhaled deeply and retreated into unconsciousness to escape it all. Yaro felt her go limp in his arms as her breathing became deep and she was in a deep sleep now. Whatever had attacked her had taken her under again.

"Milady's coming now," Lacus said entering now seeing the scene. Everyone was shocked as Yaro held her close unwilling to let go of her sleeping form.

Milady and Yzak arrived later that evening as Yaro had carried Meiko to one of the guest bedrooms and refused to leave her side as she slept. Kira was shocked at witnessing the same thing twice in the girl, she was someone Milady was depending upon in battle yet it seemed her mind was very unstable. Milady and Yzak now stood outside the room with Kira and Lacus as Yaro held onto Meiko's hand and watched her sleep.

"It's something Liene did," Milady began as Lacus had asked her what it was that was affecting Meiko, "but to understand that you must understand the super seed."

"What is the super seed?" Kira asked, "we've seen the regular seed many times and I've used it but I've only ever heard this super seed mentioned."

"That is because people thought it was more legend than anything else," Milady replied breathing in, "but as you see it is very real and it is in Meiko. It is in you as well Kira and all your children. It is in many others." Kira was surprised at hearing this but he wanted to know more than just that. "The super seed is an evolutionary trait which was said to manifest if someone was physically ready for it. Therefore it does not really manifest in children, only in full grown adults and it was believed that such a person had to be strong enough for it. I believe Kira that yours has not ruptured because you have had no need of it. Meiko herself was not strong enough to handle it yet, Liene broke into her mind and caused it to come forth early when he used the S-system on her. She was fighting Uzumi and there was no possible way she could break the S-System's control until she accessed the power of the super seed and was freed from it." Kira had known that Meiko had beaten the system and he had always wondered how.

"So that was it," Lacus responded looking down. "All along we have wondered how Meiko actually beat it. So she had to access that energy even though she was not ready for it because she did not want to hurt Uzumi, and still it did not save him." Milady nodded.

"Had Meiko been strong enough to not only access it but control it, it is certain she would have been able to break Liene's control on her mobile suit as well through sheer will to," Milady said with a heavy heart, "and then things would not have been so bad. But after accessing the super seed Meiko began to go deeper into using it in that final battle, she then used it to save herself without knowing it. Her will was to live even though she felt she had no other choice and her will broke another barrier of the super seed but the effects have been awful."

"So she's weak because she can't control this," Kira finished, "she was not supposed to be able to access it because she was not strong enough and now it's too powerful for her to control because she is not strong enough. In that case she is left to be afflicted and tormented by it randomly and you are allowing her to fight in battles?" He was a little outraged by the thought.

"Meiko insists on continuing to fight," Milady replied, "and she is controlled by no one but herself Yamato. Besides that she has a stronger will when she is on the battlefield, and I believe that by her will she is able to exercise some level of control over it at times of heightened emotion. Something you should know is she has learned more about it. It was resting and falling back into a place of dormancy before the battle with ORB, and I believed that it would return to it's normal state leaving her mind just fine but she forced another setback."

"What setback?" Lacus asked.

"At a moment of heightened emotion as before," Milady continued, "she used the super seed though we had warned her before to leave it to rest. She used it to heal Yaro in the aftermath of the battle with ORB, because she saw that his own super seed had awoken naturally and that pain followed. Yes, Yaro has the super seed." Milady saw that Kira wanted to say something but she stopped him, "In Yaro it seems it has awakened naturally meaning that he is stronger than you realize, in such a case he will be more powerful over the next few weeks than I think you are prepared to handle. I believe that he could potentially be strong enough to be the first person in the whole universe to use a fully evolved super seed." Kira couldn't handle what he was hearing, his adopted son, Yaro could be the first ever to really use a power he had just learned existed.

Yaro Yamato was a special boy, Lacus had always believed this and Kira had seen it many times yet this was beyond any of them. A power that had never been fully realized in mankind was revealing itself in two people before his eyes, first in Meiko and now more strongly in his son. How would this effect Yaro's life and change him now. How would this change everything around them? How was Yaro taking this listening to them talk only a few feet away. Kira remembered what it was like to discover he was the ultimate coordinator. How would mankind react to the appearance of these super seeds?

"What will It do to me?" Yaro asked now and they all turned to him as the saw a coldness in his eyes. He turned to face them with a clear anger on his face, "what will this super seed do to me?"

"It will give you heightened power," Yzak replied not liking the look he saw in Yaro's eyes now, "we are not exactly sure what that entails but we do realize that if you do gain the full evolution of this seed then you will be stronger than anyone else alive at this time." Yaro turned away thinking about this. With such a power he would be able to defend the people he cared about, no one would ever have to suffer again.

The conversation continued on as Kira and Lacus were concerned about Yaro's new evolutionary state. Milady and Yzak said everything they could to put the minds of the people at rest. Milady would have much rather held back all information of this from them but she knew she could not. It involved them and it was imperative that they understand the things that were unfolding around them. These power could effect the lives of their children as well in the years to come. The new generation could be the first to really change.

In the end of the conversation Milady had decided to let Meiko stay with the Yamato's as she knew Yaro would not wan the girl out of his sight and Meiko was as safe there as she would be with redemption. Now that the outburst had stopped all that would remain would be for her to wake up and confront the fact that her weakness was now known by more people. She would not he happy about this but she would have to cope with it. Milady did affirm to Kira and Lacus that their movements would have to begin within the next few days, they would have to make a decision soon.

In this Milady knew they were treading on dangerous ground. She saw the open opportunity before her. Liene was not well defended but Milady also had begun to realize that perhaps there was a reason for this. Perhaps Liene wanted them to come. If that was the case then Milady had begun to fear that Liene might know the truth, and what would he do if he did? What would he do if he knew Meiko was alive?

The next morning Leyas and Kayla sat together on the piano bench as Kayla was helping Leyas write lyrics. The last time these two had written a song together it had turned out very beautiful indeed so they decided to try once again. Kayla was giving suggestions and getting irritated as Leyas seemed to not be focusing very well. Trey was in the room listening as he was always around now. Kayla was a little irritated with this, she was supposed to be writing with Leyas yet Leyas was spending most of her time talking to Trey.

"Leyas!" Kayla exclaimed catching her attention as she glanced toward Trey.

"What Kayla?" Leyas asked her, obviously distracted by something Trey was holding up. The two started laughing almost at the same time as Kayla was a little more outraged.

"Trey why are you here?" Kayla suddenly said standing up as the laughter of the two ceased. Trey seemed confused by the question and turned to Leyas who was more prepared to answer the question.

"He is here because I asked him to be," Leyas responded to Kayla a little surprised at her sisters fuming look. "Trey is my body guard Kayla, and as such he is to accompany me most of the day anyways, and besides what is it to you? This is my writing session and I can have whoever I want here." Kayla had not known that Leyas had asked Trey to be her body guard. Kayla had observed that the two had become close friends in space where they worked on their mobile suit together. Kayla then looked back between the two and thought about it as she had not before. Everyone saw these two as just innocent best friends but now she saw the clear connection between them. Whatever had once been friendship had changed to something more, the two of them spent too much time together now.

A wisdom returned to Kayla's eyes now as she understood what was happening around her. She liked knowing the truth and hated not understanding things. Now she understood the two of them were so similar despite their differences in ages. Kayla was a little troubled by that part, he was practically an adult and Leyas was still very much a little girl. Whatever the circumstances Kayla knew she would not able to just sit back with this taking place.

"It is a writing session Leyas," Kayla said trying to reason with her sister, "there is no reason for him to be here. No one is going to be able to assassinate you here, you are perfectly protected." Leyas turned to the piano keys as if she did not hear her little sisters complaint.

"Well I want him here anyway," Leyas replied, "and he doesn't mind being here." Kayla glanced at them both again and sighed. She would have to alert someone about this soon.

"Mother!" Lacus turned to see little Kayla bounding up to her with an urgency in her step. She smiled at the bright energy of her youngest daughter and almost laughed at the sight of Kiran rolling his eyes behind Kayla. She loved her children dearly and having them all here together again was a relief to her. She noticed her little girl seemed to have a sort of distressed look on her face and she wondered what could be troubling her little girl. Kira had told her that Kayla thought she could see the future in her dreams. She wondered how true that was and she also wondered if this was what had Kayla all worked up but another look at the girl convinced her it was something else entirely.

"What is it Kayla," she said taking a seat on the couch and motioning for Kayla to follow. The little girl sat down but the troubled look did not leave her face as her mother waited for her to speak and give some indication as to what was on her mind.

"I've been watching Leyas for a little while now," Kayla spoke up getting straight to the point, "and I am a little disturbed by what's been happening. I was trying to write with her and I realized that every time I see her now and with everything that's been going on. You see I'm worried that no one else has really noticed it and I"m not sure that it's okay. Do you understand?" Lacus was very confused as to what her young daughter could be talking about. Something to do with Leyas.

"What ever are you talking about Kayla?" Lacus asked her, "I really don't understand."

"Leyas and Trey!" Kayla exclaimed now bringing new understanding to Lacus as at that moment Kira entered the room, "mother I am worried! I think they like each other, maybe they have even fallen in love with each other and if that's the case who knows what is going on! No one's been watching them or even realizing it!"

Lacus turned to look at Kira who had turned white at the words he heard. Lacus had suspected something could be going on, but nothing to give her alarm as it gave the others. Kiran also looked a little surprised at what he heard. Leyas was his twin after all and the two of them usually knew what was going on with each other at all times, it seemed the war had made them both a little distant from each other now.

"But he is four years older than her!" Kiran protested which caused Kira to look even more horrified at the thought. His little girl could not be growing up that fast could she.

"Kayla I am not sure they are more than friends," Lacus tried to reason and she looked at Kira with wide eyes.

"You don't hear them laughing together?" Kayla asked, "and don't tell me you haven't noticed them looking at each other! I even saw them holding hands under the table! She asked if he could be her body guard Mother! Surely that gave you some clue as to the fact that they are getting on a little too well for their own good!"

"Wait you let him be her body guard?" Kira asked Lacus. This was the first he had heard of it and he concluded that Lacus had dealt with it without consulting him because she had no idea that something could be going on between the two teenagers. He did not know if he liked the idea himself, his Leyas was still just a little girl and nowhere near old enough to be constantly alone with someone that she could be falling in love with. Trey was still young, he knew himself what it was like to be a teenage boy around a beautiful girl. With everything that was going the two did not have much supervision.

"She did ask if he could be her body guard but I thought the age difference was enough that it gave me no alarm," Lacus responded to Kira's words, "I thought nothing of it. But now I see that we've been turning our eyes when we should notice things like this!"

"Notice things like this!" Kira exclaimed, "I have no idea how I haven't noticed! I've been so busy I guess, the thought of Leyas growing up just never crossed my mind! I just can't imagine something like this happening so quickly!" Kayla smiled, now that her parents knew something was going on Leyas would probably not be allowed to have Trey over twenty four - seven and then Kayla and Leyas could finally write without distraction.

"That's just weird," Kiran said, "I'm sorry, I just can't imagine it!"

"Well you're going to have to have a talk with her Lacus," Kira said and Lacus tilted her head with a bit of a sarcastic look about her.

"Then you are going to have to talk to him!" Lacus exclaimed, "that ex-ROW agent has been spending almost all his time with her and I am sure that you understand the gravity of that situation so be her father and take care of it!" Kira smiled at Lacus's words. She was right of course.

"We will both get this settled," Kira said shaking his head, "and soon before we get involved in another battle!"

Meiko awakened to the sky outside the window and the sound of Yaro snoring in the chair beside the bed. It was quite a funny sight the way he was slumped over asleep. She then remembered the events of the night before and her super seed outburst at the images that were portrayed on the television screen. A new sadness filled her as she did not understand why this kept happening. It was supposed to be getting better, it was getting better but now it seemed to be returning stronger. Something inside her was not letting go of her and she had no way to completely escape it, she just had to embrace this super seed as a part of her though she did not understand what it wanted from her.

She rolled over reaching her hand to the heart necklace around her neck. Her mother had been there the night before she felt it in the air around her, and she knew that she still needed Milady even though she did not want to admit it. No she needed Maryah Virea, her mother to comfort her once again even though she knew that Milady was still holding something out on her. She resolved to go back today and speak to her. Meiko did not understand what it was she was hiding she only knew that it made no difference. She had spent so long wondering who her mother was and she had forgiven Milady everything the moment she found out who she was, she just had a sinking feeling that there was something more to the story she did not know. It had taken Milady a bit of time to tell her the truth, perhaps time was all Milady really needed. Meiko then heard Yaro stirring and turned back to him as he awakened. She smiled at how funny he looked, he was probably uncomfortable sleeping on that chair all evening.

"I'm alright," She spoke first making sure he understood that much, "and I am sure that I will get through this weakness, it's a part of who I am that I have to face." Yaro nodded and seemed surprisingly calm.

"A weakness that I guess we both posses," he responded as she sat up and he looked her directly in the eye making her understand now. "I have it as well Meiko and Milady says that mine will progress even faster than yours. It seems that we both posses this terrible super seed."

"Then you must understand," Meiko replied looking away, "it's not a path that one can take with another. Each is different and for some reason mine is different than yours. Call it what you will, destiny or not I have a path I have to take regardless of what you want Yaro." He nodded for he did not understand what his own path would be but he knew when the time came for him to take it he would be ready for anything. He had lost enough by now to know that life would not go according to plan, all he could do was protect what he had left through everything and he would fight to protect as she fought to destroy.

I mapped out the ending of this story to fit it within the next 12 Phases. I can't believe there are only 12 next then this story will be done and I suspect once I get to the final five phases will go by pretty quick! I've already started looking into the plot lines for Immortal, which I decided to write around the same time Redemption was birthed based on one plot line idea that I had. I have started putting together the pieces of all the ideas I've had throughout this entire process and I think what is coming out of it is actually a lot more interesting than I originally intended. Gundam Seed Immortal will be a lot darker than this story and a lot grittier. I am really excited about the direction I am going to take with the next story and I hope you all stick with me through the end of this story and till that one is completely written because it may be another long ride!

Well I want to know what you thought about this chapter. I'm in another transition stage in the story and those are usually the hardest to get through! So please review because reviews make my day and inspire me to write, even little reviews that say I love the story or I love the characters just make me so happy! Thanks to those who reviewed the last chapter, I had the most reviews I've had in months for a single chapter and it gave me the inspiration to put Gundam Seed Immortal into pre - production and to get this one into it's final stages!

So please review! And thank you so much for reading!
-Winter Chill