Chapter 07 – Operation Reindeer
As the tension eased, they gradually became aware of their closeness to each other, the awkwardness of the moment settling in like a heavy weight upon their shoulders. Slowly, they released each other from their embrace, their eyes unable to meet.
Clearing his throat, Athrun took a step back, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Sorry about that," he murmured, his gaze momentarily wavering from Cagalli's.
Cagalli offered him a sheepish smile, her own cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. "No need to apologize," she replied, her voice soft and tentative. "Thanks."
Their words hung in the air, the moment lingering between them like an unwelcome guest. Yet, despite the discomfort, there was also a sense of relief in knowing that they had each other's backs in times of need. They turned their attention back to the two figures entering the cabin.
An unsteady lamp illuminated the timeworn features of two people who suddenly appeared in the shadows. Both wrapped in layers of weathered furs, they emanated a sense of wisdom.
"Welcome, travelers," the woman greeted warmly, her voice carrying a soothing cadence. The crackling fire cast a warm glow on her features, revealing her brown wavy hair that cascaded gently around her shoulders, complemented by her thoughtful brown eyes that seemed to hold a wealth of wisdom. Standing behind her was a man with blond hair, his presence exuding a quiet strength and resilience. "I see you've sought refuge in this place," she emphasized the last word, her gaze shifting between them with a mix of curiosity and understanding.
Cagalli and Athrun exchanged curious glances, intrigued by the sudden presence of these figures. Remembering what Athrun had just said about the ingredients of a ghost story, they unconsciously held hands.
"Are you seeing what I am seeing?" Cagalli asked Athrun in a low voice.
"If you mean the appearance of two people, yes, clear as day" he replied softly.
Realizing how silly they had been, they both let out a breath and immediately untangled themselves. However, an awkward silence pervaded the air. They had embraced, experienced discomfort, held hands, and felt awkward once more, all within a brief timeframe. Could anything be more awkward than this?
Observing them for a while, a smile evident on her lips, the woman spoke, "I am Murrue," her voice carrying a gleam of warmth. The man behind her whispered something to her, to which she nodded. "This is Mwu, my companion." Mwu gave a quick nod, his eyes seemingly examining the two.
As they introduced themselves, Cagalli's demeanor was open and friendly, her voice carrying a hint of determination and warmth. She offered a friendly smile, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of curiosity and sincerity. Athrun, on the other hand, stood with a composed posture, his voice calm and steady as he spoke his name.
Murrue and Mwu acknowledged them. "Cagalli and Athrun," she repeated, her reaction akin to that of long-lost friends.
Recalling her earlier thoughts, Cagalli spoke up, "Murrue, I sense there's something mysterious about this place."
Murrue smiled, as if revealing a secret. "The cabin, touched by space. The Aurora, touched by time. Time and space intertwine, connecting destinies bound by fate. In their glow, one may find echoes of a previous existence."
Cagalli and Athrun did not know how to respond.
"Come, we know a good spot to view the Aurora," Murrue gestured to them, her movements graceful and confident, like a guide leading explorers through uncharted territory.
"We just saw one, and it was really good," Cagalli broke the silence, her voice tinged with excitement at the memory of the previous display.
"I bet, but the one that I am going to show promises more," Murrue beckoned, her tone laced with mystery and anticipation, as she strode ahead.
Sensing their unease, Mwu reassured them with a calm demeanor, "Don't worry, we won't bite," his voice steady and reassuring, as he followed Murrue closely, his presence offering a sense of security.
The two exchanged glances and trailed behind them.
Athrun noticed they were heading deeper into the forest. Checking his compass, he confirmed they were headed North.
However, he was shocked when he saw their destination. They were back at the lake. How could that be? The notable difference was the campfire. Had they taken a shortcut?
Settling around the campfire, Cagalli and Athrun were grateful for the warmth. They had been out in the cold for too long, feeling it creeping into their bones.
As they finally settled, Athrun, intrigued, asked, "Where are we?"
It was Mwu who answered, "This is Aurora Sanctum."
Cagalli, who had researched every piece of information she could find about Abisko, had never encountered anything about Aurora Sanctum. "Aurora Sanctum? Why have I never heard of it before?"
"There are things that remain hidden," Murrue answered. "Like how the Aurora is not just a celestial spectacle; they are the threads of fate weaving through the tapestry of our lives. Their dance tells stories of past, present, and future."
As if on cue, the Aurora revealed itself again, even more visible to the naked eye than the one they had seen in the dilapidated cabin. The dancing lights were so beautiful that even Cagalli, now armed with her mobile phone, captured stunning photos. She even took a photo of Athrun, who seemed embarrassed when she snapped the picture, and the two people silently exchanging glances around the campfire.
And then it faded away.
"Now I understand why it's called Chasing Aurora. You really must make an effort to see its beauty," Cagalli remarked, her voice tinged with awe as she gazed at the dancing lights above.
Athrun nodded in agreement, a soft smile gracing his lips. "Yes, thanks to you, I got to see them. This trip was worth it," he replied.
When there was nothing to see above, Cagalli finally remembered her question, "This thing about the tapestry of lives, what do you mean?"
Intrigued yet skeptical, Athrun added his question, "Also, about past and future lives? And how is the Aurora connected to them?"
Murrue nodded solemnly. "The cosmic energies that manifest as Aurora transcend time and space. They bear the imprints of souls who have journeyed through the ages, shaping new landscapes in the realms of dreams or imagination, to remind us of significant things we may have forgotten."
Cagalli and Athrun exchanged bewildered glances, grappling with the implications of Murrue's words.
"The mysteries of the Aurora are ancient and unfathomable," Mwu added. "It is said that those touched by its radiance are bound by threads of destiny, and the Dance of the Lights may reveal glimpses of their interconnected past, present, and future." He glanced at Murrue, a warm glance that spoke of a loving relationship.
As they spoke, the Aurora intensified again, casting an otherworldly glow. It was as if someone were manipulating the lights. Murrue gestured toward the celestial display. "The Aurora beckons. Embrace the dance, and perhaps you shall uncover the threads that bind your souls."
Caught in a web of mysteries spun by Murrue and Mwu as the Aurora continued its dance, Athrun and Cagalli found themselves grappling with more questions and doubts.
"I don't know. I am too old for these things," Athrun admitted, his eyes reflecting the lights outside.
Mwu's gaze fixed on the undulating Aurora, spoke in riddles. "Threads intertwine, parting the veil between what is seen and what remains hidden."
Intrigued yet perplexed, Cagalli pressed for clarity. "What do you mean by threads intertwine?"
Murrue responded with a mysterious smile. "Threads are the essence of souls, entwined through lifetimes. The loom of time weaves a pattern that transcends mortal understanding. Seek the threads, and you may glimpse the interconnected tapestry of your existence."
Cagalli's head started to ache, prompting her to lean toward Athrun. "My head hurts," she whispered.
Concerned, Athrun asked, "Are you okay? Do you want to go back?"
"Yes, I think the night has been really long. Actually, it is almost dawn," Cagalli replied, pressing her temple with one finger.
"Okay," Athrun agreed.
"And what's with this alternating response?" Cagalli asked in a hushed voice.
"Yeah, I noticed it too."
Frustrated yet undeterred, Cagalli posed one final question to Murrue and Mwu. "How do we unlock these threads?"
Mwu's response echoed amidst the flickering campfire. "Patience, young souls, for the Aurora reveals its secrets to those who listen with both heart and spirit. Seek not answers, but the resonance within. Truths will unfurl like petals in the breeze."
Here they go again.
"I think all these riddles are beginning to take their toll on me," Cagalli replied, rubbing her temples.
They bid farewell to Mwu and Murrue, who watched their backs as they left.
"Did you notice Athrun wearing the Haumea stone?" Murrue asked Mwu, her tone tinged with curiosity. "What do you think? Do you think they have started to remember?"
Mwu's gaze lingered thoughtfully on Athrun for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly as if lost in contemplation. "Well, it's still early to say, but I can see they seem to care for each other now. This is a significant development since the project began," he remarked, his tone reflecting a mix of observation and speculation.
Murrue nodded, her expression unreadable as she absorbed Mwu's words. Her eyes, deep pools of wisdom, searched Mwu's face for reassurance. "Do you think it's time?" she pressed, her voice a gentle yet insistent inquiry, laden with anticipation for what might come next.
Mwu met her gaze with a confident nod. "Yes, I believe it is."
With a determined look, Murrue reached into her pocket and retrieved a small device, its surface gleaming softly in the dim light of the campfire.
"Operation Reindeer, initiate!" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
N/A: Shout out to my first reviewer nursorasistarz, first story follower fomalhautA, and first story sharer Suhana Sahuri (shared in a private AsucAga FB group). I must admit, I felt a bit hesitant about continuing the story. I found myself reminiscing about the old days when there were many reviewers providing feedback. I'd greatly appreciate it if you could take a moment to leave a review. Your thoughts and insights mean a lot to me as I craft this story. Merci beaucoup!
20.03.2024