Phase-31: Counteract

The next morning, the various representatives held a meeting. Seren and Athrun had reviewed the security measures and now acted as guards, standing against the wall from where they could survey the whole room. Nothing less than artillery could break through the windows. Chacha was in the girl's pocket. However, she had chosen to put him on sleep mode for the day so she could fully focus on her duties. As much as she took her job seriously, Seren also listened very attentively to anything that was said. Information was shared concerning everything that was happening in the world, both in space and on Earth... the barbarity of the Atlantic Federation, what they knew of Blue Cosmos and LOGOS that called the shots from behind the Earth Forces and had exacerbated the people's resentment and caused this war, as well as ideas on how to deal with them. There were words about how troublesome it was that Orb lent its power to the Earth Forces and entered the treaty. And then, there was the Archangel and Freedom. Even though the Earth Alliance and Orb were clearly in the wrong, what were they doing impeding ZAFT, trying to stop both sides? Was the person with them truly Orb's Chief Representative? Yuna Roma Seiran had denied it, but...

"What do you think of it, Seren Elvira Ledford, former ambassadress of the Orb Union?" Someone asked Seren with an accusatory tone, clearly blaming her for the actions of her previously affiliated country and ship. While she was surprised at having thus been suddenly and maliciously involved, Athrun stepped forward and extended a protective arm in front of her, glaring at the person. But Seren lowered his arm and smiled. She glanced at the Chairman who nodded, granting her permission to speak.

"Orb's government consists of both an elected legislature and members of the noble families. However, the noble families do not always agree on political matters and -as shameful as it is to reveal such embarrassment - they have been known to sometimes violate decisions of the Chief Representative. That is our current situation. Not even the late Uzumi Nara Athha-sama had full control over those wily old foxes, isn't it unreasonable to expect an 18-year-old girl to surpass him when she had already managed to rebuild her country after the previous war? Do you remember she was just 16 when she lost her father and most of her support? Aren't you, yourself, in a precarious position as while you support the PLANTs, many in your surroundings are afraid of the retribution they would face if they left the Earth Alliance? I believe your child just turned 15. Do you think if he lost you and all his backing he could remain as proper head and not end up a puppet for those around him?"

"Th-that's-! We're not talking about my family right now! They have nothing to do with this discussion! Or are you threatening us?"

"Heavens forbid. Since you sought my input, I'm merely advising you to look more closely at your own situation before accusing teenagers of incompetence. In any case, Orb is currently controlled by the Seirans that are pro-Earth Forces. But don't you think the situation would change for the better if Cagalli-sama regained control of the government, once, of course, she had regained her strength and confidence and remembered her ideals? She will surely return once she is ready."

"Then, what about the Archangel? Why are they acting like that?"

"I can't say for absolutely sure. But both in the last war, and now, they aim to forcefully stop conflicts by disarming both sides and avoid casualties. They also helped protect the population in Berlin and defeat that giant mobile suit. This is proof." She typed on her Personal Digital Assistant and showed a video of the Strike Rouge protecting the people, the Murasames fighting the Chaos and the Freedom stabbing the gigantic mobile suit, as well as the Archangel fighting. "This is footage recorded by my mobile suit. I hope you will take that into consideration when you make your decision." She bowed to them. Murmurs rose.

"And the reason why they won't side with the PLANTs?" One insisted.

"I can think of three possibilities. It could be because they lack information and are waiting for everyone to reveal their true intentions while staying on their gray path. Or perhaps it is the opposite. They might know – or believe - something that gives them reason to doubt and makes them cautiously keep their distance. And then, they could be honoring Uzumi-sama's words and will. Uzumi-sama wanted Orb to remain a third buffer power; so the world wouldn't be divided in two sides that could only hate and kill each other. Instead of simply going to destroy an assigned enemy as part of a faction, the crew-members of the Archangel think for themselves and maintain neutrality in this world that is about to be divided in two, exactly as he did. Although I understand many might fear that neutrality and find it bothersome. Will you try to destroy the Archangel because they won't take your side, just like the Atlantic Federation destroyed Orb in the previous war?"

"Seren-kun!" Durandal sharply rebuked her for her rudeness in how she had repeatedly challenged his guests.

"I overstepped my bounds. Chairman, Omar-sama, Matteo-sama, everyone, you have my deepest apologies." Seren deeply bowed again.

"I apologize for my subordinate's rudeness as well." Gilbert bowed too.

"Ah... no... It's me..." Those had been the ones to pick the fight averted their eyes and shrunk in their chairs. They had thought that girl couldn't be too outspoken in that situation but she had still risen to it and fiercely hammered them down even if that caused her to be the one chastised in the end. And then both she and the Chairman had apologized.

"And Seren-kun, you may calm yourself. Nobody said we're going to do what you fear."

"Yes." She smiled reassuringly at Durandal. But nobody said you were not going to do it either... Besides, those words of challenge had not been for those people, but for the Chairman himself. She felt Athrun pinching her side. It legitimately hurt.

"When will you stop defying superiors, causing trouble, and shaving years off my life?! Put yourself in my place for once!" He also angrily scolded her, although in no more than a whisper.

"Sorry. But you know I'm one to ask forgiveness more than permission. I also think it's about time to stop taking things lying down. My words here might end up being buried, but they will still remain somewhere in their hearts. Things that need to be said must be said while they can be said... before someone comes to fully crush my voice..." She smirked. In other words, she was not the slightest bit repentant. Even worse, her words filled Athrun with dread.

"Before someone comes to fully crush my voice" That sounded like she was expecting that to happen, and even that she was welcoming it, judging by her tone and smirk. No, even worse, wasn't she in fact goading that 'someone' into taking action against her? Could he stop her? No. Could he abandon her? No. He sighed and slumped his shoulders in resignation, knowing his days of being swung about by her would continue on and on. He certainly was angry that she was so rash and heedless of her own safety. But again, he could never leave her alone because she was so rash. The absolute worst was she knew everything she was putting him through and still he couldn't help but forgive her for everything. Maybe she was behaving like this because she knew he could never abandon her. But then, it was also true that he believed she could never really abandon him either. That was part of the reason she had stayed with him and enrolled in ZAFT, and why, despite having seemingly broken up with him, she never really rejected him when he'd take a step towards her and touch her, and why she was hesitantly accepting him again. Things happened and they hurt each other... but wasn't it because deep down they believed in each other, that they would be forgiven? Although Seren might behave as if she was taking him for granted, the opposite was also true. Some people might take that negatively, but in a sense, that could also be called a sign of the greatest trust.

After that, no one dared to provoke Seren and the meeting ended without further incident. However, it was also clear they were avoiding some topics and carefully choosing their words. And no conclusion was reached. They were told they would be another meeting this afternoon, but their presence was not required. Instead, they would be attending to Lacus Clyne. The Chairman also understood how stressful things must have been for Seren lately, having to fight her family, and then this... so she was allowed to attend not as a bodyguard but simply as Lacus' friend, so she could fully relax and enjoy this short break. Lacus had also asked this of him since she had few friends her age. And although Athrun could take it more easy than usual as they would have guards disguised as tourists, he would still need to keep a sharp eye as Lacus' fiancé and Seren's friend.

So the fun afternoon of shopping and sightseeing began. Well, not much sightseeing since rather than history or nature, Meer was significantly more interested in the Arab baths, hammam, sauna, scrub, mud envelopment, massages, and such... that Seren got to enjoy as well as part of the girl time. Meer said it was needed to maintain beauty and reinvigorate them after their respective battles. She also said it was her duty as an idol to be pretty for everyone, for her image, and especially for her fiancé. Seren was reminded of Flay then who had wished to doll herself up for her papa as it'd be bad for the daughter of a vice minister of the Atlantic Federation to be all disheveled. They were similar. Both were selfish princesses, dolls who only cared about appearances, a rosy life, and only felt the most superficial, generic pity for the suffering of others.

However, while Flay never hesitated to bare her fangs and did manipulate Kira, could the same be said about Meer? Meer certainly displayed territoriality when other women got close to Athrun despite him being 'her' fiancé, but if anything she's more the type to be manipulated than to manipulate others. In that case wouldn't it be possible by lighting a fire under her, fueling her fears and stoking her territoriality, and reminding her how 'Lacus' used to fight and do what needed to be done... if all those feelings were heated, couldn't they be merged into 'hostility' and 'combativeness' strong enough to make her act?

Meer was definitely behaving strangely, even if that was an act as 'Lacus' to 'have fun with a friend her age'. After all, Meer had never managed to act this friendly to her. If anything, since Meer was jealous of Seren for having all of Athrun's heart, she'd always been hostile and wary of her, trying to keep her away. But today, she was always glued to her instead of Athrun, she was jittery, when surrounded by people, she kept glancing around and turning to Amelia, but rather than excitement, she seemed to be confused, hesitating, and did everything she could to shake it off.

Seren had tested, challenged the Chairman... And now, this. It had to be some sort of response to her recent attitude. Something was going to happen. Only that was clear. She glanced at Athrun, and he nodded ever so slightly. Apparently, he had also noticed that something was off, and Meer was not being her usual self. They would keep a sharp eye on things. However, nothing happened. It was late afternoon they arrived at Europa Point. Meer was curious since they could see Africa, more exactly Morocco, from there. After that they would have dinner and see the Festival of Lights. Well, although it was called Europa Point, the southernmost point of Europe was actually a Spanish city called "Tarifa" (Gibraltar being a former British Overseas Territory) but Seren decided to keep quiet about it.

The sun had gone down quite a bit. It should set in about half an hour. That was why, although there were still a number of tourists and walkers and photographers, it wasn't quite as crowded as it surely was earlier in the day. That made it easier to protect their charge. Terrorists usually targeted crowded places to make the most victims, so something might happen during the festival. After all, that was the most likely option. Make it seem like Lacus was the target to hide their real aim that would be to kill Seren in the commotion. Unless, they wanted to try and avoid civilian casualties despite the fact it would be more difficult to make it look like a terrorist attack? Assassins usually avoided acting in crowded places because of the number of potential witnesses, but for the truly skilled ones, or those operating as an organization, it was another matter. Or could it be they were trying to wear their nerves down for the day and it would actually happened tonight on the way back, or while they would be sleeping? Or tomorrow? Or maybe even on their ride back to the Minerva? That was if that person had truly ordered the operation. But Seren still didn't want to believe he could go that far. She still wanted to believe in him. And she knew Athrun felt the same. That was why she was hoping, praying with all her heart that their trip in Gibraltar would end peacefully.

The group passed Harding's battery, Meer used the binoculars, and they visited the lighthouse. But moments after they came out and walked away, Seren and Athrun scooted closer to the girls, on high alert, their hands on their guns.

"This is bad. We're surrounded."

"Amelia-san, please call for help. Some bad people have mixed in with the crowd. And please take care of Lacus."

"Eh?" Meer fearfully clung to her attendant.

"Understood." Said attendant tensely took out her phone. However, a man took it with his gloved hand from behind.

"Just because you're in a crowd doesn't mean you're safe." He let the device fall and squashed it underfoot. "Die, Lacus Clyne! For the preservation of our blue and pure world!" He punched Amelia away and aimed a gun at Meer. Seren quickly pulled her down and covered her while Athrun kicked the gun away and shot the man. But in the same time, another man tried to shoot the back of Seren's head. However, she had already detected his presence and shot him over her shoulder. Athrun had also got another man in the meantime. Their movements had been perfectly synchronized. Amelia had recovered and the four quickly hid behind a low wall, barely avoiding being pierced through by a barrage from automatic firearms. Screaming in fear and panic, the real tourists had quickly fled the scene. Still, they were too much in the open. They could not stay here. Depending on how the enemies positioned themselves and their weapons they could easily reach their goal.

"I'll draw their fire and cover for you. You guys secure the lighthouse." Seren ordered. The thick masonry walls and solid glass able to withstand the fiercest storms should protect them as long as no enemy was already inside. It would also be a bother if a sniper aimed at them from the top of that lighthouse.

"It's too dangerous for you to go alone." Athrun was visibly worried about her.

"But you know it's the most efficient. Since our guards still haven't appeared despite all that ruckus, we must assume something happened and we're on our own." That is, if they didn't simply abandon us... Those guards had been following them until now while making sure to stay out of Lacus's sight as to not bother her fun outing, but trained people would figure them out from the way they were tailing their group. However, there was not a whiff of those 'guards' now. She used a telescopic mirror to find out the number and the whereabouts of their attackers. She had spotted four. Bullets ricocheted just above her head. "Go." She didn't leave them any choice and started running in the opposite direction before jumping out and running and diving to take cover behind another wall and shooting down the person on the scenic spot. She fired at the man aiming at her from the rooftop of the restaurant. She got him but a bullet grazed her left cheek and ear. She dashed again and reached the wall of the bar/restaurant near the lighthouse from where she could watch over them. She could see a lock on the door to the lighthouse though, so she shot it. Then Seren signaled for the others to come out. The moment Seren peeked out though, people targeted her from Harding's Observation Post. She hid again and retaliated, this time with Athrun's help. But something was off. Why?

"Seren! Behind you!" Zala shouted warningly.

The young woman turned around and lowered herself, more bullets grazed her left shoulder and arm. She sprang forward, keeping a low stance and instantly closed in, caught their arm in a lock, breaking it. She took her gun again and shot his shoulder. But then two men targeted her from the promenade above. Why? Even though they had such a clear shot at 'Lacus' from their positions, why didn't they target her a single time since the initial attack? Seren got one and Athrun the other. But then Canaver was suddenly attacked by three men who had been hiding behind the restaurant. They all had knives and were expert in melee combat.

Why? Did Naturals have that much strength, speed, and agility? Why were they this good at predicting her movements, as if they had extensively studied her? It was taking all she had to keep up. Gashes and bruises were multiplying on her body. They had already swatted her gun away from her. Could she break this encirclement? Could she steal their weapon? However, Athrun helped her before then, shooting one of her aggressors and rushing to her aid. The second the onslaught weakened, Seren managed to disarm one of her remaining opponents and strike a vital point knocking him out. At the same time, Zala caught the arm that was descending on her, and kneed him in the face, sending him flying, before shooting him down as well. They waited a moment, warily looking around, ready to jump the second they heard another gunshot, but nothing happened. It seemed they had succeeded. They relaxed just a little.

"Thanks, Athrun." She smiled at him.

"You're hurt..." He remarked bitterly.

"Scratches and bruises. Nothing much."

"Still, we should quickly get you treated. After that, we have much to talk about concerning this attack..." Athrun took her by the shoulders as they headed to the lighthouse where Meer had successfully taken refuge. As expected of him, looked like he had also noticed how bizarre those people had behaved for a supposed assassination attempt on Lacus Clyne by Blue Cosmos. But of course, they had not completely lowered their guard. How could they in those circumstances? And indeed, as they approached the blue and red tower, other men suddenly popped up from behind the low wall and railing next to the lighthouse.

The couple immediately separated. As predicted, the fire followed Seren. She plastered herself against another low stone wall. She raised her telescopic mirror again, only to have it destroyed when bullets flew her way. However, from her place, she could see Athrun signaling to her and immediately understood his intention. Canaver kept drawing the enemy's fire while her childhood friend circled the lighthouse and caught their flank. From the sounds of gunfire, the female FAITH agent knew her friend's ploy had been successful, or at least partly so. They were still shooting, even if one had to change weapons to a more easily carried handgun. She jumped out and dashed, grabbed the knife on the ground. The man turned his automatic firearm to her again. She hurled the knife that planted itself in his shoulder, then, with her momentum, jumped on him and pinned him down. The moment the other man turned to shoot her, Athrun got him instead. She didn't kill her captive though, nor did she let Athrun kill him. Seren asked Athrun to guard her while she interrogated that man. He agreed and stood at a short distance, surveying their surroundings, gun in hand.

"Now, what do we have here? Why are Coordinators attacking Lacus Clyne? No, you were targeting me, weren't you? And coordinators from a special squad too. Your abilities are too high for Naturals. And although Lacus is far more appealing a target than me for blue cosmos... you quickly stopped shooting at her and focused all your fire on me the moment I left her side... So who ordered this attack? Was it Lacus? Amelia? Or we can even go up to Durandal, right? Even though he had given me the FAITH insignia, and I fought and even harmed my family for his sake both at the Dardanelles and at Crete... what further proof of loyalty can he be demanding from me? On what grounds could he have designated me as assassination target despite how loyal I've proven to be...? Or perhaps is using people for all they're worth before betraying them and having them killed the extent of the Chairman's vessel? Is he that much of a petty bigot? Tell me." She provoked him, carefully observing his reactions. He laughed mockingly.

"You filthy, ungrateful mole. That person knows all of your traitorous actions. Burying yourself deep into our ranks, sinking your poisonous claws... but not anymore... I'll take you with me!" Through sheer force of will, or maybe something akin to fanaticism, He overpowered her, and managed to shift his limbs to escape her grasp and have her in his instead, wrapping his legs and valid arm around her and making them both roll towards the cliff. She caught the ledge in time. Filled with terror, Athrun screamed her name and rushed to her help, shooting the man's joints, making him let go and fall into the sea. Then, he pulled Seren up and immediately hugged her as tightly as he could. She smiled, feeling his warmth and concern for her seeping deep into her.

"I'm fine, Athrun. You saved me." She hugged him back and comforted him. Even though she had been the one who almost died, he was the one trembling in fear, fear for her. Only then, after a moment, did he calm down enough to ask and make sure she was alright. She reassured him again and he pulled back. He kept his hands on his shoulders though, peering into her face. It still took him yet another smile and reassurance for him to finally sigh and let go. Then he spoke of his doubts. He had also noticed they were targeting her, not Meer, or 'Lacus' as those people had said, and that they were Coordinators from a special unit, considering their abilities. They couldn't possibly be part of Blue Cosmos. And even if they were extremists like those who had caused the drop of Junius Seven trying to place the blame on Blue Cosmos, wouldn't 'Lacus Clyne' be a much more appealing target? The young woman nodded.

"Who could have given such an order, and have the authority to move a squad of this level?" He wondered, though from his expression she could tell he already had an idea but didn't want to believe it. She smiled good-heartedly.

"...As expected, he wouldn't give any name. But if we judge by his words and the circumstances... that would be someone who wanted to kill me but not particularly you or Lacus, someone who uses my connection to Orb to get rid of me. I kept advocating for Orb, the Archangel, and Cagalli, despite the current situation with Orb siding with the Atlantic Federation, and the Archangel having once attacked the Minerva. Even though you supported me then and we were together when we met Kira and Cagalli, they only tried to kill me, not you, surely for cutting down their losses. Were I killed by Blue Cosmos terrorists, you'd be angry and all the more devoted to ZAFT, wouldn't you? And there would be no reason to question you anymore. Or... it could be something much more personal... if I'm not here to bewitch you and steal you away, 'Athrun Zala' will naturally return to 'Lacus Clyne' who will comfort him? It might be a cliched plot but for some reason it never gets old. Or it could be all those..."

"Wait, you don't mean..."

"Who knows. Those are just speculations. It's not like I have any proof. But if it's true, what will you do?"

"...I..." He lowered his gaze with a pained expression. Although neither of them had mentioned it, this case was awfully similar to the attempt on Lacus's life in Orb that Kira had told them about. And Kira's words, his doubts, as well as their own replies professing their trust, or at least, their desire to trust in Durandal kept playing in their minds. They could feel the darkness that had been clouding their hearts slowly taking shape. What was the identity of the Enemy they should be turning their blades against? Certainly the Atlantic Federation and those behind them had to be stopped. There was no lie and this belief still had not changed. But was it really all there was to it? Maybe they were going to find out and reach the truth sooner than they thought.

"You still want to believe in him, don't you?"

"But if something happens to you I will..." Pain and hesitation turned to anger as Athrun clenched his fists. He knew just going to complain in a huff wouldn't do and they needed to think about what would happen AFTER that. But there was no way he could simply accept and forgive them for trying to kill the woman he loved.

"Then we can wait just a little more, until we get confirmation. Why don't we start by talking with Meer?"

"ARE YOU CRAZY?!" If Meer and the Chairman had truly plotted this assassination attempt as she seemed to believe then Meer was the second-to-last person they should be talking to! She should know something so basic without him needing to spell it out for her! Wasn't it obvious they should pretend not to know anything to continue observing things?!

"What is the most likely, that she truly wanted to kill me, or she was just manipulated into it?" Sure, Meer might wish to be rid of people in her way, but bearing the weight of someone's life was another matter. Rather than killing, she would surely seek to discredit them or have them in jail... simply 'out of her way'.

"...She was surely manipulated but..."

"If he disposes of all the pawns he deems useless, won't he try to kill her too before her impersonation is revealed and she becomes a liability? Wouldn't it be wiser to try and bring her over before then? If we can, wouldn't that give us one more card to play against him?"

"Well, that may be true, but..."

"Do you remember Flay, Flay Allster?"

"What does she have to do with this situation?"

"I sometimes thought that if I had talked to her more; like Kira had, rather than just being put-off by her, things might have been different. If we had more time, if we had talked more, come to know each other more, if I had properly faced her, we might have come to accept each other. I might have saved her. I don't think Meer is truly ruthless. She's just weak and easily influenced. So if there's a chance, I want to grab it. I want to try talking to her and properly confronting her. Say, can't we at least try?"

"What if it doesn't work? If she's so easily manipulated, isn't there a higher chance that you'll fail?"

"We'll bail out then and there. It's fine. As long as we can get away, branch or root, we'll surely grab something that will pull us out of here." She grinned confidently. And so Athrun folded. In the past, when he was still ignorant, he would have called it 'baseless confidence'. Now he knew that she had an absolute trust in her family and its network, that even if they were at odds, if she truly needed help, someone would extend their hand to her. Then he thought of Prince Alvis's words of warning. Would they help him out too in spite of the matter with Meer? As doubt tugged at his heart, Zala tightly hugged Seren again, ignoring her quizzical expression. Surely they must know she's the only one he loves. They would definitely help him too, even if only so they could scold and mock him themselves.

When they returned to the lighthouse, Meer threw herself in Athrun's arms whimpering about how scared she had been (not even asking them if they were alright) and clinging to him the whole time. Athrun sighed and pried her off of him.

"Lacus, can't you see Seren is wounded? Shouldn't you worry about her first? We need to return and treat her immediately." His voice and tone were still cold and sharp, even though Seren had asked him not to let his feelings show too much. It was really hard for him to contain his anger. But although a part of her wanted to chide him, another part was happy that he was this angry for her sake.

"Ah, you're right! I'm sorry! Seren, are you alright?" Meer recovered and approached her. Seren laughed.

"As you can see, bruises and scratches. Just hoping the blades were not poisoned. But still, you used to command the Eternal in the last war, went to the front lines yourself and you've already been targeted by assassins on numerous occasions, right? I must say I'm really shocked to see you scared and trembling like a little baby girl now after all this. How could you change from a dignified and level-headed princess to such a scared and clingy child? It really doesn't make sense to me." Canaver reminded Meer to act more appropriately. However, since she was angry too, her warning had been much more barbed than intended. Having failed to practice what she had preached, she mentally beat herself over her lack of self-control.

"That's...I... because I..." The pink-haired girl clearly had no idea how to justify her un-Lacus-like behavior. Seren saved her from her floundering with a hug.

"Still, I'm glad you're alright too." Then she whispered in a way only she could hear, "That said, it must be a first for you Meer. We understand how scared you must have been so we'll do something back at the hotel, out of public eye." The female FAITH member pulled away and smiled comfortingly at 'Lacus', petting her pink head.

Upon their return, Seren was immediately taken to the medical wing, accompanied by Athrun and Meer who also received a check-up. Amelia had arranged for everything and left. She only returned when their health check was over. The attendant suggested that Athrun comforted Lacus as his fiancé, and of course Meer jumped on the occasion. But again Seren intervened... as Lacus's friend she had to comfort her too. And Lacus wasn't one to scorn a friend's concerned feelings after all, right? In those cases the more people the better, so she would feel safe, surrounded by people who cared about her. As expected, not Amelia, and not Meer could refute those arguments. The time between fiancés could wait. She also asked that teaware be brought to Lacus' room and she would handle the rest. The amber-eyed girl chose to use the tea and sweets bought earlier.

"So, do you really resent me that much that you'd have me killed?" Seren asked bluntly after Meer calmed down.

"How did you know?!" The idol panicked again before suddenly clamping her hands on her mouth. The other woman sighed, thinking about how stupid and easily tricked she was but Athrun was fiercely glaring at Meer.

"You know how important Seren is to me, that she's my precious childhood friend, lover, and my true fiancée, and you still tried to have her assassinated? Did you seriously think I'd come to like someone who'd do that sort of things?!" He couldn't help but harshly rebuke her. Not only that, but his hand was close to his gun and ready to grip it, although it was unsure whether he had even noticed. He was radiating so much rage and looked so menacing, that even Meer, as empty-headed as she was, seemed to understand the danger she was in, and started crying and cowering, truly terrified.

"Athrun, calm down." Seren placed a hand on his. He squeezed it and forced back his anger. "Meer, those who attacked us were Coordinators from a special unit. Athrun would never get tricked. He'd think about who had the authority to move such people and how my death could benefit others, and sooner or later, he would have come to question the Chairman and you anyway. Killing me would have never got you what you wanted. You can't make someone turn to you with such methods. And while you do think I'm in the way, and want to hurt me, I don't think you're heartless enough to sincerely wish for someone's death, and I don't think you have what it takes to bear that weight on your shoulders. You know that already, don't you?"

"That... I..." She started trembling, hugging her arms as she shrunk on her chair.

"Your hands, Meer, are not made to be stained with blood, but to hold bouquets of flowers, right?" Ledford let go of Athrun's hand and scooted closer to the whimpering girl, taking both her hands and stroking them.

"Seren, I..."

"All you wanted was to sing, and cheer people up. You actually don't want people to die, especially not because of you, right? You didn't truly want to kill me." Seren had sincere eyes that believed in her. In face of this much trust, sincerity, and concern for her, Meer burst in tears and tackled Seren in a hug. Seren comforted her, petting her head caressing her soft pink hair. The crying child talked between sobs.

"Amelia said it was just to test your loyalty... they were worried because you're from Orb who's with the Earth Alliance... and because you used to be a diplomat you could be a spy deceiving us... It wasn't supposed to be like this! I wasn't told about all that!"

"Then, what do you feel, what do you think about me now?"

"...You risked your life to protect me, no way are you a traitor! Even though I helped with the plan and you almost died because of me... you..."

"...But you're still jealous of me, right?" Seren teased her. Meer blushed and pouted, saying "of course!" She started extolling Athrun's virtues (or really, just focusing on 'cool', 'handsome', 'top elite', and 'knight') and how Seren was lucky to have him so devoted to her. Seren laughed at Athrun's embarrassment and agreed she felt blessed to have him by her side. Although she preferred his kindness, compassion, and supportiveness. That said he could be quite awkward and oblivious, which could be a bit irritating at times. But while his perfect soldier mentality clashed with his compassion and caused indecisiveness, she found someone who kept struggling and questioning himself much more lovable than a fighting machine that never doubted. It made her want to keep watching over him and support him.

"Seren, enough!" Athrun finally could not bear it anymore and clamped a hand over her mouth, effectively interrupting her romantic bragging. Even his hand was hot. So she kindly stopped and obediently nodded. He heaved a relieved sigh and let go. Well, to be entirely honest, her bragging had also served to tease him, since he was indeed awkward and easily embarrassed. And it had also served to lighten the previously cutthroat atmosphere. That said, Ledford might need to prepare herself for an eventual retaliation when it was going to be just the two of them. Then they were serious again and Seren asked Meer not to talk about this conversation to the Chairman or her attendants. Meer asked why. She wanted them to know that Seren was trustworthy. But Seren shook her head.

"They might believe I put you up to this and brainwashed you and they could be even more suspicious and take measures against me, and because Athrun sides with me, he could be caught up in it and get hurt or killed too. At least, you need to show some restraint in your defense of us, so they don't start doubting you as well. Only then can you protect us. Meer, you're the only one who can protect us. Of course we'll also do whatever we can to protect you in turn. Right, Athrun?" She turned to her fellow FAITH member who recoiled momentarily and looked between them. Finally he agreed with a sigh. Meer swore to protect them. Seren petted her again. "Now that it's settled, why don't we have a sleepover, the two of us? We'll sleep on the same bed, and have girls talk all you want."

"Really?!"

"Yep!" Or so she decided on the program while ignoring Athrun's protests.

This night, after they had eaten dinner, the two FAITH had written their reports, and Meer and Seren had enjoyed their girl time, and it was time to sleep, Meer thought back on their day. Seren was really like a big sister, who could be harsh but also forgiving and loving. She had protected her from Athrun too. They had enjoyed shopping, and the baths, hammam, scrubbing, massages... She wanted to go out on an outing with her again, for real this time. She only had attendants, no friend her age. But she had a feeling that she could be friends with Seren. She also finally understood why Athrun had chosen her. Meer had thought of Athrun as the perfect Knight to treat her like a Princess. But Seren and Athrun were comrades who supported and needed each other. She was still jealous of course, but now, she had come to like Seren too. How could she not, after she had defended her so much? And she had felt that Seren really understood her.

The next morning, Durandal visited them. He had heard of everything and received their report (of course, said report was written to made it look like they believed it was truly a Blue Cosmos ambush). He praised them for having protected their Lacus and was glad they were alright too and that Seren's injuries weren't serious. He then requested to talk to Seren alone. She half joked "Oh my, where are you talking an unmarried young woman to?" Athrun agreed, given the recent happenings he didn't feel well letting her go without him. The Chairman asked what danger she could be in here with him and all the guards. Athrun replied it's a matter of the heart. Meer unexpectedly backed Seren and Athrun.

"Chairman, Seren is my friend, and we don't get to see each other very often so I would be grateful if you didn't monopolize her. I also believe it would be best for us to listen to any story so we can help." She grabbed Zala's arm, but it lacked the possessiveness from before. Durandal was shocked that Meer had actually defied him and sided with these two. He started to think but gave in with a smile. He had wanted to give some alone time to the fiancés and entertain Seren by playing some chess but alas... 'Lacus' thanked him. It would be too lonely for such a great match to go without witnesses. She and Athrun would spectate and cheer them on.

While playing, Durandal asked more in details what they thought of the recent events, of the Archangel's stance and behavior, and of the attempt on Lacus' life. He wanted to hear their own words, not a report. They spoke of how confused they were by the Archangel, resented them, believed they should have returned to Orb, taken back control of the government, and withdrew the nation from the treaty. But... as always, they followed the path of life... they protected the populations, chose intimidation fire and disarming over lethal blows, prevented destruction... They had protected the Minerva at Crete, so they were not enemies. Were they enemies, the Freedom would have sunk the Minerva at the Dardanelles by shooting the bridge instead of the Tannhauser. Concerning the attack on Lacus, the opponents had obviously received special combat training and had abilities on par with Coordinators. Surely they came from a facility similar to that Lodonia Laboratory. They had a feeling Seren had been targeted more than Lacus, but it was not the first time. As an Orb ambassadress with strong ties to the PLANTs and wishing for peace and coexistence, they knew Blue Cosmos had already designated her as target, so surely the attackers this time must have taken advantage of the situation to try and eliminate her too. Again, the Chairman praised their insight.

In the game, Seren's white queen and rook took the black queen. Her white king came out to attack too. She organized her game, making sure her pieces protected each other. Like this, she had opened a path to the enemy king with her king, rook, and knight and queen. He still retained some pieces. His rook and bishop could help but he had been one turn too late. She smiled as she called 'checkmate', claiming victory.

Then, it was finally time for Athrun and Seren to return to the Minerva. Durandal saw them off. He told them he would have new machines ready for them soon. Until then, he wanted them to help Gladys out with their tactical abilities and knowledge and teach the younger generation. He believed in their ability to do what was right. They saluted and Seren replied that likewise, they believed in his words to pledge themselves to their belief. The pair boarded the tiltrotor and took off.

"To your beliefs, huh?" He had said that to bring them over, but... "So you really won't pledge yourselves to me after all. How unfortunate..." The PLANTS Supreme Council Chairman muttered.

Are we too blind to find a way? Fear of the unknown clouds our hearts again today. The hypothesis we'd denied hits the mark. We are simply being kept alive, testing and being tested all the while. There's no peace of mind as their true colors show a dangerous sign. Drive this craze on through, exposing our instinct and true nature to form an offensive turnaround. Although we're still unsure words and actions are like the moving hands of a clock urging us into a decision. How long until the countdown reaches 'zero'?

Author's note: the rebound starts now! Be it her attitude with Durandal, her relationship with Athrun, or her mindset in general, Seren has clearly switched gears!

We're returning to the main storyline next chapter that is Phase-32: 'The World Revealed'