Gundam SEED Fan Fiction ❯ MS Seed Girls ❯ The Awakening Sword, The Opening of the Pandora Box ( Chapter 11 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

By: Baran

Fllay is a MS Girl now.
She goes to Alex and request her help.
As the Archangel approaches Earth, the Three Musketeers decides an ultimate assault.
Donning her Zeta configuration power armour, Alex guides the Gerbera Tetra power armour into battle.
And behind the eyes of Kira, something stirs.

Anime/Manga: Gundam SEED Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Sci-fi / Mecha | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 09.05.2007 | Pages: 17 | Words: 16.4K | Visits: 466 | Status: Work In Progress

MS Seed Girls

Disclaimer: I own nothing except Alexandra Kerensky.

Notes: At last! My muse is visiting me again. Sorry for the long wait. I hope I didnáŒ¬t lose my touch.

Thanks to Vampwriter for being my pre-reader.

Some words in Russian and their translations.

Da: yes.

Niet: no.

Tovarisch: comrade.

Priviet: hello.

Chap 11: The Awakening Sword, The Opening Of The Pandora's Box.

Aboard the Alliance vessel Archangel, a trial was conducted. Kira Yamato, first generation coordinator, was grimly facing the three officers of the Archangel for his conduct during the release of Lacus Clyne.

The serious voice of Ensign Natarle Badgiruel was sounding on his left. áŒ¬The defendant fails to understand how much he threatened the shipáŒ¬s safety as a result of his actions.áŒ¬

His defence on his right, Lieutenant Mu La Flaga, was trying his best. áŒ¬That comment is no more than an analogy. I ask that it be taken out of the minutes.áŒ¬

Kira wasnáŒ¬t sure of what he was feeling as he faced Lieutenant Murrue Ramius. áŒ¬I authorize its deletion.áŒ¬ The visage of the ArchangeláŒ¬s captain was void of any clues.

Mu managed to contain a sigh as he consulted his manual of military law. áŒ¬LetáŒ¬s see. In the first place, I believe that taking a civilian as hostage goes against Article 4 of the Corsica Treaty.áŒ¬

Natarle replied in an emotionless voice. áŒ¬Correct. However, the decision had been already taken by the late Captain Koopman and as the surviving ship still under attack we have no choice but to pursue that action. Furthermore, the actions taken by Captain Koopman could be justified under Exception Section C of the same article áŒ¬Measures Taken During WartimeáŒ¬.áŒ¬

Mu blinked. áŒ¬Hey?áŒ¬ He rapidly searched in his book and muttered under his breath. áŒ¬Exception Section C? Never heard of it.áŒ¬ Meanwhile the duel of will between Kira and Murrue continued.

Mu sighed and tried another track. áŒ¬Ah, welláŒ¬ but the Nazca-class withdrew and we escaped a difficult situation because we released the hostage!áŒ¬ He really wanted that his own developing New-Type abilities could be used in this situation.

The purple gaze of the Earth New-Type Ensign didnáŒ¬t even waver. áŒ¬Correct again. However, it could easily have ended differently.áŒ¬

Murrue looked directly into the purple eyes of the young man. áŒ¬Kira Yamato, is there something you would like to add?áŒ¬ Kira remained silent and Murrue leaned on her desk. áŒ¬Why did you take such action without authorization?áŒ¬

Kira narrowed his eyes. Even if his friend, Alexandra Kerensky, proved to be instrumental in his actions and their subsequent victory, it had been his decision first to act. áŒ¬I didnáŒ¬t rescue her to use her as a hostage.áŒ¬ Natarle managed to stop herself to look at Kira.

The blond Mobile Armour pilot had almost a smirk. áŒ¬Right. If anything, youáŒ¬d want to take her from Alex as your girlfriend.áŒ¬

Kira glared at the blue-eyed soldier and Natarle jumped on her feet. áŒ¬Objection!áŒ¬

Murrue almost groaned. áŒ¬Will the defence please watch what you say?áŒ¬

Mu shrugged apologetic and Natarle sat down again before glaring to the smug officer.

Murrue turned her attention to the young coordinator. áŒ¬Kira YamatoáŒ¬s actions are in violation of Article 3, Section B, in violation of Article 10, section F and go against Article 13, Section 3 of the military law.áŒ¬ She pinned the young man with her narrowed orange eyes. áŒ¬Therefore said person shall be sentenced to death!áŒ¬

Kira couldnáŒ¬t stop a gasp of dismay and disbelief as the sentence was pronounced. áŒ¬DEATH!?ê…

After a poignant pause, Murrue pursued with the same flat voice. áŒ¬However, this is purely a sentence for those under court martial. The military law carries with it no provision to sentence a civilian. I call upon Kira Yamato to consider his actions seriously from now on.

I now adjourn this court case.áŒ¬

Still shocked, Kira was almost afraid to understand. áŒ¬U-UháŒ¬áŒ¬

Mu took pity of him. áŒ¬In other words, from now on, donáŒ¬t do stuff like that without permission.áŒ¬

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In the infirmary of the ship, Fllay Allster looked at herself in a mirror. The blue-eyed redheaded girl had managed to banish her red white-trimmed Inner Suit and was back in her pink dress. She had much to do and needed to find someone about that.

She turned to the exit and let her barely-understood New-Type senses searched for a familiar aura. She nodded and followed her intuition.

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Outside the cabin used for the trial, brown-haired Sai Argyle and honey-haired Miriallia Haw were floating and waiting anxiously for their friend Kira. Another friend of them was leaning on the opposite wall and remained still with her arms crossed and her eyes closed.

Alexandra Kerensky, New-Type born a thousand years ago in another dimension and MS Girl, was back in her light purple uniform of the Alliance Military Volunteers. She had remained silent when her trial had been finished and had only said that she was waiting for the sentence of Kira before saying anything. That didnáŒ¬t reassure her two friends and participants in their little escapade with Lacus Clyne. Especially since Miriallia couldnáŒ¬t use her New-Type powers to find out what was happening because of the presence of Natarle Badgiruel who would have sensed her.

Finally, the door opened and Kira exited still thoughtful. áŒ¬Excuse me.áŒ¬

ê…Kira!áŒ¬ The young Coordinator turned to the call of his friend Sai and smiled as he saw who was waiting for him. Sai was anxious despite the smile of his friend. áŒ¬HowáŒ¬d it go?áŒ¬

Miriallia nodded. áŒ¬What were you told? Alex wouldnáŒ¬t tell us anything.áŒ¬ Kira blinked and looked to the green-eyed redhead who simply waved to him smiling.

Sai leaned to his friend. áŒ¬Do you have to clean the toilets for a week, too?áŒ¬

Kira blinked again then truly smiled. áŒ¬Toilet? No, itáŒ¬s alright: TheyáŒ¬re not punishing me.áŒ¬

Sai smiled. áŒ¬ThatáŒ¬s good.áŒ¬ He then frowned as he realized something. áŒ¬But that means itáŒ¬s just us?áŒ¬

Kira blinked in confusion and looked to Miriallia. áŒ¬The petty officer totally scolded us. He said, áŒ¬Do you two even know the meaning of áŒ¬dangeráŒ¬?áŒ¬

Kira winced. áŒ¬Oh, sorry. IáŒ¬ll help.áŒ¬

Sai shook his head. áŒ¬Never mind. WeáŒ¬ll be meeting up with the 8th Fleet soon, anyway. It wonáŒ¬t be a burden.áŒ¬

Kira nodded and looked to Alex who had approached the group. áŒ¬And what about you, Alex?áŒ¬

The MS Girl had a pale smile. áŒ¬My punishment began before our little escapade, Tovarisch.áŒ¬

The group blinked in confusion to the redhead.

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Inside the cabin exited by Kira, the three officers of the Archangel took more relaxed stances after the tension of the trial.

Mu sighed in relief as he took off his cap. áŒ¬Well, I think we attained our objective.áŒ¬

Murrue massaged her eyes and nodded. áŒ¬Yes, thanks to Natarle.áŒ¬ She turned to her second and friend. áŒ¬So what did you sense during the trial?áŒ¬

The black-haired Ensign finished putting on a shelf her law manual. áŒ¬Our triple approach managed to shake him down and Lieutenant RamiusáŒ¬s cool countenance was perfect. He will seriously consider his actions and the consequences in the future.áŒ¬ She then sighed and frowned. áŒ¬And once again, Alexandra was rightáŒ¬áŒ¬

Murrue frowned. áŒ¬I know, but like she said, Kira need to be aware that the military could and can reach him and his friends despite his usefulness. We are his allies, I would even say his friends, but others will not.áŒ¬ He eyes narrowed. áŒ¬However, I donáŒ¬t like how Alex seemed to have such intimate knowledge of us and how her friends can react in advance.áŒ¬

Mu pressed his lips in a thin line. áŒ¬ItáŒ¬s not that.áŒ¬ He turned to the two women. áŒ¬At least I think itáŒ¬s not.áŒ¬ He hesitated. áŒ¬ItáŒ¬s as if she was using personal experience, as if our Miss-Glowing-Eyes had lived through this before.áŒ¬

Natarle nodded slowly. áŒ¬I agree. I think sheáŒ¬s really respecting our mental privacy.áŒ¬ Her eyes hardened. áŒ¬So, I think she hasnáŒ¬t finished telling us the truth about her. I also donáŒ¬t like the fact that she had to form Fllay Allster.áŒ¬

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Fllay finally arrived to her destination. She could even hear the voices of Kira, Sai, Miriallia and Alex approaching.

Sai decided to vent a few things. áŒ¬Kuzzey told us that he heard you two talking with that girl.áŒ¬

Kira blinked and Alex nodded in comprehension. áŒ¬Aaah. ThatáŒ¬s conversation. Da. Must have been a shock for him.áŒ¬

Sai nodded and turned to the two warriors. áŒ¬Yeah, it was. I canáŒ¬t even begin to understand how you two feel knowing that the pilot of the Aegis is a good friend of yours.áŒ¬

In an adjacent passageway, Fllay was shocked by that bit of knowledge. She then remembered what her New-Type senses perceived during the battle that cost her the life of her father and finally understood the rage, anger, despair, pain and feeling of betrayal that she sensed in Kira. She KNEW about AlexáŒ¬s feeling for the Three Musketeers because she had seen it in her memories but she wasnáŒ¬t aware that the young Coordinator was feeling so much angst on that also.

Unaware of the maelstrom of emotions he unleashed in his fiancáŒ¬e, Sai continued. áŒ¬Honestly speaking, I was a bit worried.áŒ¬

Kira looked bewildered to his friend. áŒ¬Sai!áŒ¬ Alex merely lifted an eyebrow and smirked.

The brown-haired boy nodded. áŒ¬But IáŒ¬m glad. You two returned like you said you would.áŒ¬ Miriallia and Sai then waved them goodbye. áŒ¬Well, IáŒ¬ve gotta report to the bridge for my shift.áŒ¬

The two friends passed before a very thoughtful Fllay. Kira also didnáŒ¬t remark her as he called the elevator. His mind was reliving what happened when he departed the Archangel with Lacus.

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As he observed the Strike walking through the airlock, Sai repeated his heartfelt wish. áŒ¬Make sure you do, Kira! Alex! I believe in you!áŒ¬

The honey-haired girl near him `sent' a last thought. Good luck, my friends. And come back to us.

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Kira entered the elevator, missing completely the floating Fllay behind him.

The blue-eyed redhead finally stopped her derive and blinked to the last person present in the corridor.

Alexandra Kerensky observed the girl she loved turning to her: Her visage didnáŒ¬t betray the hot tornado of emotions behind. Except for a New-Type, of course.

She had sensed the approach of the stricken girl and immediately understood the reasons. She wanted to rush to her, to take her in her arms and to soothe her wounded soul. She wanted to bury herself in her lithe body and make themselves forgot about the war, about the dead, about everything but the two of them.

She longed to caress the pale pink skin, to breath in her luxuriant mane of dark red hair and to taste the interior of her perfect mouth.

But the two blue eyes were pinning her where she was. She couldnáŒ¬t move away, she could only wait for her destruction or salvation and both knew that she would be powerless to stop her.

A long moment, Fllay looked and searched for something into the deep green eyes. áŒ¬In the past, many new MS Girls could call you áŒ¬OneesanáŒ¬ or Big Sister.áŒ¬

Alex gulped but she could only answer. áŒ¬Da.áŒ¬

Fllay nodded and took her decision, her eyes flashing. áŒ¬Then, I want you to teach me all you know, Oneesan!áŒ¬

Alex closed her eyes, daggers were piercing her heart. She could only whisper. áŒ¬Da.áŒ¬

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Far away from the detection grid of the Archangel, two Laurasia-class ships were cruising. One was the Abishai of the Porto team, the other was the Gamov. Aboard the Gamov, the Three Musketeers were holding a war council.

The captain, Dearka áŒ¬PorthosáŒ¬ Elsman and Yzak áŒ¬DáŒ¬ArtagnanáŒ¬ Joule were listening Nicol áŒ¬AramisáŒ¬ Amalfi. áŒ¬Sure, itáŒ¬s possible to catch up to them before they join the fleet but we have only ten minutes once we get there before coming within firing range of the lunar fleet.áŒ¬

Dearka smiled. áŒ¬You mean we have a full ten minutes.áŒ¬

Yzak smirked áŒ¬DonáŒ¬t overanalyze the problem, Aramis.áŒ¬ Nicol raised an eyebrow. áŒ¬Are there only ten minutes, or is it a full ten minutes? ItáŒ¬s all in how you view it. My opinion is, if we have ten full minutes before they join their fleet itáŒ¬s a chance we canáŒ¬t overlook.áŒ¬

Dearka nodded. áŒ¬I agree. The success of a surprise attack isnáŒ¬t measured by the actual time spent.áŒ¬

Nicol was thoughtful. áŒ¬It could work and Artemis has proved that the áŒ¬PrincessáŒ¬ canáŒ¬t always sense our approach, butáŒ¬áŒ¬

Yzak cut off the green-haired youth. áŒ¬I hear that the Vesalius will be returning as soon as Miss Lacus is handed over to Commander LaconiáŒ¬s ship.áŒ¬ The silver-haired leader became serious. áŒ¬We can and weáŒ¬ll sink the legged ship before that. Got it?áŒ¬

Dearka lifted his thumb up. áŒ¬Okay.áŒ¬

Nicol nodded. áŒ¬Well, since we have the Poto team with usáŒ¬ Very well.áŒ¬

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The Nazca-class Vesalius was cruising to rendezvous with the ship of the Laconi team. Aboard, Athrun Zala was quietly floating down a hull corridor, lost in his thoughts. He blinked when he heard a door opening and a pitching little voice.

ê…Haro. Haro. Athrun.áŒ¬ A pink ball almost hit Athrun in the head. Fortunately, his reflexes caught it. He blinked and sighed as he recognized his own creation: the robot called Pink Haro. And of course, its mistress shouldnáŒ¬t be too far away. He sighed. áŒ¬Lacus!áŒ¬ áŒ¬I never should have given Haro the capacity to override standard locks.ê…

Speaking of the She-Wolf, Lacus Clyne floated in his direction, smiling. áŒ¬Haro seems to be overly excited.áŒ¬ The two teenagers caught each others to stop their movements. áŒ¬HeáŒ¬s happy to see you after all this time.áŒ¬

Athrun hid a wince. áŒ¬Haro has no such emotional side to him.áŒ¬ áŒ¬Although with the A.I. I gave to it, I shouldnáŒ¬t be too surprised by its actions.ê… He smiled to his fiancáŒ¬e. áŒ¬You are a guest here, but the Vesalius is a warship. Please do not wander outside of your room too much.áŒ¬ He gently took the pink-haired girl and pushed her in her cabin.

Lacus sighed in good humour. áŒ¬IáŒ¬m told that everywhere I go. It isnáŒ¬t any fun.áŒ¬

Athrun almost rolled up his eyes. áŒ¬It canáŒ¬t be helped. ThatáŒ¬s the position youáŒ¬re in.áŒ¬

Lacus giggled and turned to the dark-blue-haired boy. She blinked as her New-Type sense perceived confusion andáŒ¬hidden anger and guilt? áŒ¬What is it, Athrun?áŒ¬

Athrun blinked, taken out of his mental fugue. áŒ¬Nothing. UháŒ¬ I was wondering how you were feeling.áŒ¬ Lacus blinked. áŒ¬Well, you were taken hostage, and went through a lot.áŒ¬

The songstress smiled. áŒ¬IáŒ¬m fine, thank you. Your friends treated me very well while I was on that other ship.áŒ¬

Athrun looked down. áŒ¬Is that right?áŒ¬

There! Again, this hidden mix of anger and guilt. áŒ¬Mr. Kira and Miss Alexandra are both very kind. And theyáŒ¬re very strong.áŒ¬

Athrun narrowed his eyes and bitterly answered. áŒ¬TheyáŒ¬re fools.áŒ¬ LacusáŒ¬s eyes shone with dismay as she perceived the conflict and the feeling of betrayal within the green-eyed Coordinator. áŒ¬They insisted that theyáŒ¬re not soldiers, yet heáŒ¬s still in that thing and she allowed her genes to be tampered with.áŒ¬ Anger tainted the voice of Athrun as he thought of his two best friends. áŒ¬TheyáŒ¬re just being used! Something about friends, they say!áŒ¬ Athrun closed his eyes in sorrow. áŒ¬Because his parents are Naturals. Because Orb betrayed the Torino Protocols. ThatáŒ¬s whyáŒ¬áŒ¬

Lacus reached for his cheek but Athrun dodged her gesture. áŒ¬He doesnáŒ¬t want to be soothed. He wanted to linger on the pain of his wounded heart. Can I still reach him?ê… áŒ¬They said they would rather not fight against you and the Three Musketeers.áŒ¬

Athrun hotly responded. áŒ¬Same here! And itáŒ¬s the same for Dearka, Nicol and Yzak! Why should I want to?! Why should they want to?!áŒ¬ Lacus was dismayed by what she sensed: Athrun was too deeply wounded by what he took as a personal betrayal to listen to anything she could say. The ZAFT pilot straightened. áŒ¬IáŒ¬m sorry. Please excuse me.áŒ¬ He turned back and exited the cabin.

The blue-eyed girl tried again. áŒ¬You always have that bitter expression lately.áŒ¬

The black-haired boy didnáŒ¬t look back at her. áŒ¬I canáŒ¬t exactly fight a war with a big smile on my face.áŒ¬

The door shut and Lacus sighed. She extracted a data disk from her dress and looked pensively at it. áŒ¬He isnáŒ¬t ready. Showing him the last words from his mother would only wound him deeper.ê… She slowly turned the disk in her hand. áŒ¬Ah! Alex. What enormous responsibility you gave me.ê…

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Time had passed and finally, the Archangel began his final trajectory.

Murrue Ramius looked at the main screen. áŒ¬WeáŒ¬ll reach the rendezvous point in about thirty minutes.áŒ¬ She held a little smile. áŒ¬Well, we somehow managed to make it this far.áŒ¬

Unfortunately, Natarle Badgiruel had her training AND her New-Type power to not be happy yet. She turned to the sensor crew. áŒ¬Conduct enemy searches and lookouts rigorously! The enemy is nearby and they fully intent to attack us at all cost!áŒ¬

Murrue frowned at that. She had hoped for the contrary, but the intuitions of her second could no longer be taken in jest. Beside she could see that the Ensign was tensing as if she anticipated a punch.

At the main sensor consol, Romero Pal nodded. áŒ¬Yes, maáŒ¬am.áŒ¬ For once, he envied the New-Type senses of the Second. It would make his work a lot easier.

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Inside the main cafeteria, Kuzzey Buskirk and Sai were discussing the situation. The black-haired boy was feeling anxious. áŒ¬We went through a lot, but weáŒ¬re almost there.áŒ¬

Sai wasnáŒ¬t feeling very hungry and poked at his food. áŒ¬Yeah.áŒ¬

Kuzzey didnáŒ¬t even touch it as he pondered. áŒ¬They will let us off, wonáŒ¬t they? Onto Earth?áŒ¬

Sai blinked. áŒ¬Huh?áŒ¬

ê…Well, becauseáŒ¬áŒ¬ Kuzzey was focussed on a scene of the past, where everything turned upside-down. áŒ¬Remember what Lieutenant Ramius told us back then?áŒ¬

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In front of the Strike Gundam, Murrue pointed her automatic with her unwounded arm in the direction of the group of teenagers. áŒ¬Regardless of how it happened the fact is that you have seen a top military secret. Until I reach the appropriate authorities and it is determined how the situation will be handled you have no choice but to remain with me at all times.áŒ¬

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Sai nodded as he remembered the scene. áŒ¬Yeah. So wouldnáŒ¬t the fleet be the áŒ¬appropriate authoritiesáŒ¬?áŒ¬ He smirked. áŒ¬And besides, doesnáŒ¬t our dear Alex throw her entire weight on our behalf as an officer of Orb?áŒ¬

Kuzzey remained still. áŒ¬YouáŒ¬re right. ButáŒ¬áŒ¬

Sai turned to the brown-eyed teenager. áŒ¬But?áŒ¬

Kuzzey gazed into the blue eyes behind the orange glasses. áŒ¬WhatáŒ¬ll happen to Kira and Alex? Will they be allowed to disembark? They got involved in a whole lot of stuff, after all.áŒ¬

Sai frowned. Kuzzey was right. He blinked as he saw Kira entered the cafeteria. The young Coordinator was still a little depressed and he went directly to the food without acknowledging his friends beside a very slight nod.

A pair of red-pink shoes entered the room a few instant after Kira. Sai stood up as his girlfriend appeared. áŒ¬Fllay!áŒ¬

The young girl was better looking but the seriousness of her face was new. Her blue eyes searched for the violet eyes of Kira.

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EYECATCH

The Strike Gundam appears in its basic configuration, wielding its twin Assault Knives. Then, it shows the Hyper-Impulse Cannon áŒ¬AgniáŒ¬ of the áŒ¬LauncháŒ¬ configuration. Finally, we see the anti-ship blade áŒ¬Schwert GewehráŒ¬ of the áŒ¬SwordáŒ¬ configuration.

EYECATCH

Murrue Ramius, in her dress uniform, whirls on herself, beaming. Mu La Flaga in a more relaxed uniform, sitting on the grass, is blowing soap bubbles. Half a dozen of differently coloured little Moebius Zero are flying around the couple.

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Sai approached the young girl, worried about her emotional state. áŒ¬Fllay. Are you all right? ShouldnáŒ¬t you still be resting?áŒ¬

Fllay held a pale smile to her boyfriend. áŒ¬IáŒ¬m better.áŒ¬ The blue-eyed girl walked calmly to Kira and bowed to the mystified young boy. áŒ¬Kira. I apologize for earlier.áŒ¬

Kira blinked. áŒ¬I was so full of anger, of hatred then, that I said things I shouldnáŒ¬t have said to you and Alex.áŒ¬ Sai was surprised. Fllay was apologising, without prompting. He then amended this last thought as Alex appeared on the threshold of the room.

The gaze of Fllay hardened. áŒ¬I must confess that for a timeáŒ¬ I wanted to kill both of you!áŒ¬ Kira gasped alongside his friends. Fllay lowered her head. áŒ¬For that, IáŒ¬m really sorry.áŒ¬

Kira didnáŒ¬t know what to make of this confession. áŒ¬Fllay!áŒ¬

Fllay held her hand up to stop the protests from Kira. áŒ¬Let me finish! I knowáŒ¬ I KNEW that you both fought the best you could, to protect us.áŒ¬ She bit her lower lip. áŒ¬IáŒ¬áŒ¬

Kira tried again. áŒ¬Fllay. ItáŒ¬s all right! DonáŒ¬t be so hard on yourself. In that situationáŒ¬áŒ¬

She shook her head. áŒ¬I knew very well that you were doing your bestáŒ¬! But I didnáŒ¬t want to accept it. Accepted it meant that Papa wasáŒ¬ Papa isáŒ¬áŒ¬ Fllay stopped herself as unwanted tears shone in her eyes. She brushed away the helping hand of Sai and angrily wiped her eyes.

Kira attempted to soothe the girl he liked. áŒ¬Thank you, Fllay. IáŒ¬m just sorry that I couldnáŒ¬t save your father.áŒ¬

Fllay looked down on her hands. áŒ¬Wars are so unpleasant.áŒ¬ She clenched them into fists. áŒ¬But now, IáŒ¬m caught in the middle of it!áŒ¬ Kira gasped and moved to say something but Fllay, once again, interrupted his efforts. áŒ¬No! I say hear me out!áŒ¬ She plunged her intense blue eyes into the widened violet ones. áŒ¬I have asked Alex to help meáŒ¬ To train me and she has accepted.áŒ¬ Sai gasped and turned an accusatory look to Alex who stayed grim-faced at the threshold.

Fllay continued as she pinned the young Coordinator with her haunted gaze. áŒ¬You and I have been drawn into this war against our wills, IáŒ¬m asking you to help me to end it quickly. I need you! Will you do it?áŒ¬

Kira gulped but could only nod to the dismay of Sai.

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Romero frowned as six plots appeared an instant on his radar display before it was jammed. áŒ¬Radar wave interference! N-Jammer levels increasing!áŒ¬

Natarle actually snarled and MurrueáŒ¬s eyes narrowed.

Outside, the three stolen Alliance units and three GINNs heavily equipped were approaching their objective. The Gundams pilots activated their Phase-Shift Armour.

Murrue activated the internal general speaker. áŒ¬All units, take level one battle stations!áŒ¬

In the CIC, Dalida Lolaha Chandra II focused on his thermographic display. áŒ¬Two Laurasia-class in 103 orange alpha!áŒ¬

Jackie Tonomura was manning the Target Assessment Display. áŒ¬Mobile suit thermal patterns confirmed!áŒ¬ Everybody waited for the specifications of the enemy. áŒ¬Three GINNs andáŒ¬ Blitz! Buster! And Duel!áŒ¬

Natarle scowled. áŒ¬Damn them! And of course, just moments before our rendezvous!áŒ¬ Her violet eyes glowed as she summoned her New-Type powers. At her place with the Flight Coordination Display, MirialliaáŒ¬s eyes did the same.

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In the main cafeteria, the alarm sounded. áŒ¬All units, take level one battle stations! I repeat!

All units, take level one battle stations!áŒ¬ Kira gasped. Sai and Kuzzey were dismayed. But Fllay and Alex only frowned and tensed as their New-Type senses seized the situation. In his room, Mu La Flaga narrowed his glowing eyes as he let float away a porn magazine.

In the corridor, a young girl, daughter of one of the passengers, ran afraid. áŒ¬ItáŒ¬s a battle! Another battle!áŒ¬

She was so blind with terror that she couldnáŒ¬t stop before hitting an exiting Kira and fell on her back on the floor. Kira immediately stopped to help her. áŒ¬Oh, are you all right? Here.áŒ¬

He wasnáŒ¬t the only one. The sheer terror emanating from the child hit Fllay rather hard. It was too much like her remembered own terror. She must do something to help this little girl. She helped Kira to bring up the brown-haired girl. áŒ¬WeáŒ¬re sorry. Kira was in such a hurry.áŒ¬ She summoned a small smile on her face. áŒ¬Yes, weáŒ¬re entering another battle, but weáŒ¬ll be all right.áŒ¬ Alex approached the scene and blinked. áŒ¬Because we are all going to fight to protect all the little girls like you.áŒ¬

The statement gripped at the hearts of the young Coordinator and the MS Girl but for different reasons.

The little girl looked with her blue-eyes at the redheaded girl kneeling in front of her. áŒ¬Really?áŒ¬

Fllay took her final decision. áŒ¬Yeah, weáŒ¬re gonna go and do our best to beat up all the bad guys.áŒ¬

Although he wasnáŒ¬t a New-Type, Kira understood what Fllay was truly saying. He looked to Alex who slightly nodded back to him: Fllay will do everything in her new-found power to prevent a tragedy like hers to befall children like this little girl. No matter the cost!

Kuzzey turned to the three fighters. áŒ¬Kira! Alex!áŒ¬

Kira, Alexandra and Fllay quickly gained the elevator. Sai looked surprised to the presence of Fllay. áŒ¬Fllay?áŒ¬

The pink-dressed girl didnáŒ¬t even look back to him. áŒ¬IáŒ¬m fighting, Sai.áŒ¬

Sai blanched. áŒ¬Fllay!áŒ¬

She turned to him, exasperated. áŒ¬I said IáŒ¬m FIGHTING!áŒ¬

The orange-glassed boy turned to Kira and Alex who could only grimly look back to him. Alex shook her head. áŒ¬Niet! ThereáŒ¬s nothing I can do about that, Sai. Kira and I can only help and protect her, not stopping her.áŒ¬ áŒ¬I only hope she wonáŒ¬t drown in her thirst of vengeance.ê…

FllayáŒ¬s eyes hardened and narrowed. áŒ¬ThatáŒ¬s right. No one will stop me!áŒ¬ She snarled. áŒ¬And if it is necessary, I will beat them all up myself.áŒ¬

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Clad in his pilot suit, Mu quickly started up his Moebius Zero. áŒ¬Damn! WhyáŒ¬d they choose this moment to attack us?áŒ¬ He snorted. áŒ¬What I am thinking? Of course, they would choose this moment.áŒ¬ He opened a channel to the bridge. áŒ¬Mu La Flaga, taking off!áŒ¬

Rapidly, the Mobile Armour was ejected into space by the electromagnetic catapult.

Kira promptly gained the Strike and opened a channel to the CIC. Miriallia briefed him on the situation. áŒ¬Kira! The attacking ZAFT forces are two Laurasia-classes. Three GINNS, Duel, Buster and Blitz!áŒ¬

Kira narrowed his eyes. áŒ¬The three Musketeers!áŒ¬

Under the careful eyes and direction of Miriallia, the Strike was prepared for the coming battle. áŒ¬APU activated. For the Striker Pack, we will attach the Aile. Connected to catapult. Strike, stand by. Systems all green.áŒ¬

The mighty war machine gained the left electromagnetic catapult and Miriallia gave the final sign. áŒ¬Route clear. Strike, ready for takeoff.áŒ¬

Kira breathed deeply and put aside the fact for now that the girl he liked was going to fight alongside him. áŒ¬Kira Yamato, taking off!áŒ¬

The Aile Strike Gundam ejected and activated his Phase-Shift Armour.

At the right electromagnetic catapult, two young girls were facing each other. Alexandra Kerensky nodded and brought out her power. áŒ¬Mobile Suit Power ArmouráŒ¬ ON!áŒ¬

Her New-Type power exploded around her: In a sphere of pure energy, Alex changed into the Mobile Suit Power-Armour MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam configuration.

AlexáŒ¬s uniform changed into her white blue-trimmed inner-suit and the Power-Armour formed around her. First was a blue gold-trimmed upper torso-armour with a red centre. Blue coloured shoulder-pads with a gold trim followed. Her hips were encased by white hip-protectors. On the forearms, a large blue and red armour piece with gold trim appeared in a flash of power. White gold-trimmed armoured knee boots with the secondary propulsion unit and red sole materialized promptly behind. Black red-trimmed inverted wings deployed with the main propulsion in the back of the torso. And finally, the white blue-trimmed headpiece with the golden V-fins appeared to complete the Power-Armour.

While the sphere of energy diffused, Alex focused on her external weaponry: An elongated black Beam Rifle appeared in her golden-gloved right hand, an elongated black and red Shield on her left forearm and the impressive blue Hyper Mega Launcher fixed itself on her right shoulder Weapon Mount. Finally, two Grenade Launcher Cartridges supplemented the forearms launchers.

She stepped into the electromagnetic field of the catapult. áŒ¬Alexandra Kerensky! Zeta Gundam Armour, taking off!áŒ¬ The most powerful MS Girl ejected and waited for her new apprentice.

Inside the bridge, Murrue was perplexed by the actions of the green-eyed Russian. áŒ¬What are you waiting for, Zeta Gundam?áŒ¬

Alex answered grimly. áŒ¬YouáŒ¬ll see.áŒ¬

Inside the hangar, the technicians looked bewildered to the lone girl near the catapult airlock.

Fllay took a deep breath and closed her eyes. It would be the first time that she willingly summoned the Armour. She opened glowing blue eyes and screamed in defiance to the Heaven. áŒ¬MOBILE SUIT POWER-ARMOURáŒ¬ON!áŒ¬

Everybody on the bridge and in the hangar gasped as a ruby sphere formed around the young girl.

The pink dress of Fllay disintegrated and was replaced by a red white-trimmed Inner Suit. Then, her own Power-Armour formed around her. First was the completely red upper torso-armour. Next were rounded red-coloured shoulder-pads with a metallic exhaust nozzle. Her hips found themselves encased in red hip-protections. The forearms were covered by an elongated red armoured gauntlet with metal-grey trim. Red armoured knee boots with the secondary propulsion unit materialized. Red wings deployed with the main propulsion in the back of the torso. Finally, the red helmet-like headpiece with the left antenna appeared to complete the Power-Armour.

Fllay shuddered under the flow of energy passing through and around her. It was as if she was bathing into the heart of a star. She remembered to focus on her external armament as the crimson sphere dissipated: A wicked-looking black Beam Machine Gun in her right hand and a Standard red Shield with Anti-Beam Coating in her left.

Murrue gasped in dismay. áŒ¬What is the meaning of this, Alexandra?!áŒ¬ Natarle was also flabbergasted: Another civilian launched without training into battle! What the hell was that damn Russian thinking?!

Alex sighed. áŒ¬ThereáŒ¬s nothing I can do, Captain. Short of using almost lethal force, no one can stop her if she wants to fight.áŒ¬ She closed her eyes and pronounced a sentence that she had prayed to never utter again. áŒ¬SheáŒ¬s a MS Girl now. The best I can do is helping her during the battle and praying.áŒ¬

Ignoring everyone, Fllay gained the catapult like she had seen time after time Kira and Alex did it. She closed her eyes and remembered a memory that wasnáŒ¬t her own. áŒ¬Fllay Allster! Gerbera Tetra Gundam Armour, taking off!áŒ¬

She let her instincts guide her as the catapult ejected her into hard vacuum. For one too brief instant, she felt awe that she was in space protected only by her own willpower, then the brainwaves of the enemy reached her senses and she activated her propulsion.

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Murrue swore internally, but there was little she could do except used Fllay like she used Kira. A bitter taste soured her throat. She shook her head and focused on the tactical situation. áŒ¬The 8th Fleet is heading our way! So hang in there and fight defensively!áŒ¬

Natarle remained calm at her post. The adjunction of Fllay Allster as a MS Girl was catalogued in her mind for now. She will deal with her emotions later. áŒ¬Activate Igelstellungs! Prepare anti-beam depth charges! Set up all stern missile tubes!áŒ¬ The mighty Archangel prepared itself for the battle.

The Blitz, Duel and Buster manoeuvred in a strange whirling triangular formation. Behind them, the Gamov opened fire. The three suits steered away from the trajectory of the beams and one of them grazed the left side of the Archangel, shaking the whole ship.

Murrue grinded her teeth. áŒ¬TheyáŒ¬ve analyzed our evasion algorithm.áŒ¬

In the CIC, Natarle opened a mental link with Miriallia. Miriallia! Link me with Pilot Neumann. IáŒ¬m going to focus on those damned beams!

Miriallia nodded and her eyes glowed amber. At his post, Arnold Neumann blinked and then smiled.

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Thrusters at full military power, Alex rushed into the battlefield. She focused her telepathy on the red Power Armour flying behind her. Alright Fllay! Listen! YouáŒ¬re my wingmate. You stay close to me and you make sure to put to use your shield and your superior mobility. Your main role is to protect my back when I focused on my adversaries so donáŒ¬t rush to engage at close range. Of course, feel free to fire at will on anyone trying to kill you. You got it, Tovarisch?

Fllay nodded hesitantly. The soothing voice pursued. Relax. Kira and I are here. Stay alert and youáŒ¬ll be fine. ItáŒ¬s your first battle so concentrate on survival first. Okay?

This time the nod was more firm and Fllay accelerated to stay in the rear arc of Alex. Already, she was beginning to adjust to the myriad of information that her New-Type senses and the pseudo-sensors of her Power Armour showed her.

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Using his superior speed, Mu La Flaga was already in range of the Mobile Suits. áŒ¬Hiding their line of fire with those machines? ThatáŒ¬s very cute!áŒ¬

The Moebius Zero arrived in range, ejected his Gun-Barrels and unleashed a full volley to force the suits to break rank. It worked! If the stolen Alliance suits could ignore his fire, the standard GINNs couldnáŒ¬t.

Using a pre-planned manoeuvre, Mu circled around the main formation and targeted the Buster which was the most dangerous for the Archangel in term of firepower. His fire hit the suit, but the Phase-Shift armour absorbed the projectiles.

Dearka snorted. áŒ¬ThatáŒ¬s useless.áŒ¬ He began to fire at the agile Mobile Armour.

ê…DEARKA! BREAK LEFT!áŒ¬ The scream from Yzak surprised Dearka, but the reflexes of the pilot played. The Buster dodged to the left and Dearka paled as a crimson beam passed where his suit was a instant ago.

A Russian-accented mental voice sounded on the battlefield. Priviet, guys. Ready for another round?

Dearka swore. áŒ¬Damn! We almost forgot the áŒ¬PrincessáŒ¬ predilection for long-range sniper fire!áŒ¬

Nicol nodded. áŒ¬DonáŒ¬t worry! This time, weáŒ¬re ready!áŒ¬ He switched on another frequency. áŒ¬Porto team! Execute Death Wind!áŒ¬

The three GINNs separated from the main formation and rushed to the approaching Power Armour.

Meanwhile, Kira was also reaching fire range and opened fire to cover the Moebius Zero. áŒ¬Lieutenant La Flaga!áŒ¬

The Duel saw the manoeuvre and fired on the Strike. Kira defended with his shield and successfully blocked the deadly green beam. He flared his thrusters to ascend to a better position.

The Duel pursued, followed by the Blitz. Yzak initiated the second part of his plan. áŒ¬IáŒ¬ll lure the mobile suit away! Nicol! The legged shipáŒ¬s all yours!áŒ¬

ê…Roger!áŒ¬ The Blitz turned around and flew to the ship. So far, so good, all the defenders were occupied.

The duel opposing the Moebius to the Buster continued. The suit connected its two weapons in the Sniper Rifle configuration and opened fire. The beam almost hit the Mobile Armour. Mu swore and re-evaluated his tactics.

The Duel and the Strike circled each other and exchange a few shots that didnáŒ¬t connect. Yzak stored away his beam rifle and activated his Beam Sword, searching to close the range. áŒ¬áŒ¬StrikeáŒ¬ was it?áŒ¬

Kira narrowed his eyes and blocked the charge. He opened the range and resumed shooting with his Beam Rifle. Yzak tried again to close to melee range.

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Aboard the Archangel, Natarle Badgiruel was multitasking. Her violet eyes were almost burning as she focused her New-Type power to simultaneously track the approaching suits, monitored the position of the enemy ships, listening to the surface thoughts of her crew and taking the strategic and tactical direction from Murrue Ramius. If she could have spared the energy, she would have exulted in the sensation of her power working in synergy with her military training. This was what she was born for! By the voice and the mind, she directed the warship as if she was directing her own body. áŒ¬Valiants! Fire!áŒ¬

The electromagnetic guns bracketed the Blitz. Nicol didnáŒ¬t lose his cool and activated his Mirage Colloid, disappearing from sight and sensors.

Jackie blinked. áŒ¬IáŒ¬ve lost Blitz!áŒ¬

Murrue acquiesced. áŒ¬ItáŒ¬s deployed its Mirage Colloid!áŒ¬ She smirked. They have tactics against that. áŒ¬Anti-beam depth charges! Get the anti-air shrapnel warheads!áŒ¬

Natarle smirked like her captain. áŒ¬Fire anti-beam depth charges! Switch stern missiles to anti-air shrapnel warheads!áŒ¬

The Blitz fired, but his shot was thwarted by the anti-beam depth charges that dispersed the energy of the beam. Nicol swore.

The smile of Natarle became ferocious. áŒ¬IáŒ¬ve got you! BlitzáŒ¬s position is in 315áŒ¬, elevation 5áŒ¬! Anti-shrapnel warheads! Fire!áŒ¬

Diabolically directed by the estimation of Natarle, the four missiles rushed to zone where the Blitz was and released their cargo of saturation charges. The deadly shrapnel cloud forced Nicol to switch off the Mirage Colloid and covered himself with his shield. The main weakness of the Mirage feature was that the Phase-Shift armour was impossible to use simultaneously.

Taken by surprise by the incredible reaction time of the counter-attack, Nicol paled as he saw the Armour Display of his shield taking a dive directly in the orange zone indicating serious damage. áŒ¬Damn! I know this used to be yours and I know you know its weak points! But how did they estimate so quickly my position?áŒ¬ The green-haired teen reengaged the Mirage.

But that was without taking into account the now sharpened instinct of Natarle. áŒ¬Disengage Igelstellung auto-tracking! Put up a barrage in the front arc 15áŒ¬, elevation 30áŒ¬!áŒ¬

Under such a volume of fire, Nicol didnáŒ¬t have any choice but reengaged the Phase-Shift and fall back to re-evaluate his approach.

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Yzak screamed a battle cry as he charged again. Kira was sweating but continued to use his scope to target his enemy.

The shield of the Duel stopped the barrage of beams. áŒ¬YouáŒ¬re not getting away today!áŒ¬

Kira used the lessons that Alex had provided. He let go of his Beam Rifle on a programmed vector and activated his Beam Saber. This trick enabled him to swiftly switch to melee combat and still knowing where his ranged weapon was. áŒ¬IáŒ¬m not about to be defeated here!áŒ¬

The two weapons connected and each pilots fought to take the advantage. Kira screamed to focus his fighting spirit and rushed into a series of hit and run attacks.

Mu redeployed his Gun-Barrels and continued to harass the Buster.

Dearka was becoming irritated. áŒ¬YouáŒ¬re such a pest!áŒ¬ He launched a missile barrage.

Mu smiled as he used his New-Type power. The Gun-Barrels changed course and angle and provided a curtain of projectiles before the Mobile Armour, destroying the missiles. Using his high speed to bypass the suit, Mu cut his thrust, executed a turn-around and opened fire with his main Linear Gun, scoring a direct hit to the back of the Buster. Dearka unleashed a fountain of curses.

The Abishai opened fire on the Archangel, trying to force it in the range of its sister ship. But that was counting without the trio of Natarle, Miriallia and Arnold.

The Ensign was reading the aim of the enemy ship and Miriallia relayed immediately to the ship pilot. The result was a series of evasive manoeuvres that was superior to any piloting software. The Archangel literally danced among the deadly beams.

Natarle used the manoeuvre to prepare a nasty surprise. áŒ¬Aim the Gottfrieds! Fire!áŒ¬

The main guns of the Archangel forced the Abishai out of the formation with the Gamov and reduced the efficiency of their shots.

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Meanwhile, Alex and Fllay were dealing with the GINNs. Normally, the Russian MS Girl would have no problem with standard ZAFT suits, but those three have been prepared to deal specifically with her and especially to prevent her to reach fire range against the warships.

One suit was equipped with multiple Short-Range Missile-Launchers to create a kill-zone, another used a Recoilless Rifle with shotgun ammunition and the last had a nasty Ion Cannon. If Alex had been alone and in her NT-1 áŒ¬ALEXáŒ¬ configuration, things could have become dire.

Unfortunately for ZAFT, Alex was in a new and non-fully observed configuration and she was no longer alone.

The Missile-GINN launched a volley and the Recoilless-GINN manoeuvred to create a crossfire. They expected her to dodge the attack and entered the range of the Ion Cannon. But Alex saw the manoeuvre and understood that she was dealing with an unit armed to counter her. She smirked: In the past, such units were common against the MS Girls and they had inherent weaknesses. The worst was they were specific to one type of MS Girl only. She sent a message to her friend. Okay Fllay. Here is the plan. We separate and you gain the flank. You stay at distance and simply fire at your maximum rate. Do not worry about hitting something, itáŒ¬s mainly to distract them from my attack. Got it?

Fllay swallowed and firmed herself. Got it! Her thoughts betrayed her nerves but Alex could sense the steel core of determination underneath. Fllay boosted her thrust to full military power and her superior acceleration quickly placed her on the flank of the enemy formation. The pseudo-Minovski Particles of her Power Armour had enabled her to escape the electromagnetic sensors of the GINNs who were too focused on Alex to simply saw the red Power Armour.

Alex sprung the trap and dodged the deadly crossfire by flying directly into the field of the Ion Cannon. The ZAFT pilot smirked as he targeted the small Exo-Frame. And then screamed as heavy fire rained on them.

One of the main advantage of a MS Girl was that unless the weaponry was specifically built like that, there was no problem of ammunition. Fllay was using a Beam Machine Gun: She was simply hosing the enemy formation. The surprise was total and the Missile-GINN blossomed in a fireball as Alex nailed him with a direct hit.

The ZAFT unit was thrown into disarray but they were Coordinators and they used their superior reflexes to fall back into the fire-range of the Abishai. Even if they hadnáŒ¬t prepared for the presence of the red and fast Exo-Frame, they have correctly deduced that the powerful beam weapon of the blue Exo-Frame required time to recharge and had a shorter range than a standard Beam Rifle.

Still untrained, Fllay lagged behind and prevented Alex to push her advance to reach a proper fire-position. They found themselves dodging the shots of the warship, forced out of its formation with its sister ship by the previous actions of the Archangel, and the two surviving suits. Alex frowned: The situation required some fancy footwork.

Fllay was feeling bewildered. She had an instant of panic when the beams bracketed their position, but she was finding that her mobility was truly incomparable to the comparatively clunky Mobile Suits. On a thought, she was literally dancing through the lethal lances of energy with meters to spare. She grinned as she understood why Alex was so deadly in battle: The small size and the agility of the Power Armour were superior to any Mobile Unit.

Alex ostensibly manoeuvred to gain a position where she could fire at the warship. The two suits took the bait and circled around her to stop the action. Alex grabbed the Hyper Mega Launcher from the shoulder weapon mount in a two-handed stance and activated a previously unknown function.

The Ion-GINN pilotáŒ¬s eyes widened when the Exo-Frame displayed what could only be a giant Beam Saber. The Hyper Mega Launcher, like many weapons of the Zeta configuration, could double as another weapon. Manipulated like a naginata, the large Beam Saber bisected the suit on its length.

The last pilot screamed in anger and targeted the now still Blue Exo-Frame. The suit shuddered as beams hit it. The ZAFT pilot tried to dodge but it was too late. Fllay launched an Alpha Strike and fired with all her ranged weaponry. Her four 11 mm Machine Cannons and Beam Machine Gun tear at maximum cadence into the enemy suit which promptly exploded.

Alex then revealed a last surprise. She couldnáŒ¬t close to the warship to use the Hyper Mega Launcher without exposing herself to the fire of its sister ship, but she had other weapons. Her Mind Voice reached and terrified the crew of the Abishai.

Targeting!

The twin Grenade-Launchers opened fire at maximum rate. A volley of grenades rushed to the Laurasia-class. Onboard the warship the tactical officer emitted a strangled moan: The Close-In-Weapon-System of the warship couldnáŒ¬t target something small like those projectiles. The Captain screamed to his pilot for evasive manoeuvres.

Too late! The flight of Armour-piercing grenades hit the right side of the warship and inflicted serious damage. The Abishai belched smoke as several key systems were destroyed. Engaging its thrusters on Emergency Mode, the Laurasia-class retreated from the battlefield.

Alex turned, at last, her attention to her friend. Fllay was still in the same position after she unleashed her Alpha Strike. The blue-eyed New-Type was shocked. She had sensed the impact of death during the last battles, but there, she had killedáŒ¬

She had shed blood herself. She had seen and heard the death of the pilot in the enemy suit. Her hands began to tremble as she released the Beam Machine Gun. She looked at her hands as if she could see blood on them and a nausea seized her. After a fit of dry heaves, she found herself in the soothing embrace of another redhead.

She searched desperately in the green eyes for something. áŒ¬HowáŒ¬ How can you support yourself afteráŒ¬afteráŒ¬áŒ¬

There was no pity in the eyes of Alexandra as she continued to hold the body and perhaps the sanity of Fllay. áŒ¬I remember what the alternative is.áŒ¬ She sighed and at last closed her eyes, releasing the tension in the body of Fllay. áŒ¬I remembered and honoured the deatháŒ¬ All the deaths, even those of my enemies.áŒ¬

Fllay laughed bitterly, her mind on the verge of snapping. áŒ¬RememberingáŒ¬ Yeah, you can certainly do thatáŒ¬áŒ¬ She closed her eyes to try to stop the nightmarish images playing and replaying. áŒ¬And after that?áŒ¬

ê…You cryáŒ¬a lot and you take all the support that others can afford youáŒ¬ YouáŒ¬struggle to make sure that the reasons for a deatháŒ¬for any death never happen againáŒ¬ And you go onáŒ¬áŒ¬

She looked back into the intense green eyes. áŒ¬You go on? How can you go on? Why do you go on?áŒ¬ Her voice faltered. áŒ¬What is there to go on?áŒ¬

ê…What you buildáŒ¬ What you chooseáŒ¬ And what you hope.áŒ¬

Fllay shook her head. áŒ¬After all this time, you continue to hope?áŒ¬

She smiled and her eyes shone with a glow she remembered from Heliopolis. áŒ¬FllayáŒ¬ People like you, Kira, Lacus and the others are the reasons why I continue to hope.áŒ¬

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Nicol finally understood his error. He was using something too complex to resolve the problem. He smirked. For once, the usual tactics of áŒ¬DáŒ¬ArtagnanáŒ¬ were the ones to use. He began to use his mobility and agility to weave around the defensive fire of the ship, willingly taking hits when he knew they were inefficient against his Phase-Shift and approached head-on the Archangel.

Jackie winced as he observed his sensor screen. áŒ¬Blitz approaching!áŒ¬

The Blitz had finally found an angle where the defensive fire could be bypassed and rushed to the attack.

Natarle turned to Sai. áŒ¬What are the MS Girls, the Strike and Zero doing?áŒ¬

Sai narrowed his eyes. áŒ¬The Girls are too far away and locked in direct conflict with a Laurasia-class! The others are more nearer but still battling Duel and Buster!áŒ¬

Kira and Yzak were locked in melee combat and furiously pounded on each other. Their shields accumulated the hits.

Yzak snarled. áŒ¬YouáŒ¬re not making it easy for me, áŒ¬RochefordáŒ¬!áŒ¬

Kira narrowed his eyes and focused more of his frustration in his reflexes.

Mu engaged the Buster in a game where he had the advantage: High-speed manoeuvring.

Dearka was ready to spit nails. áŒ¬YouáŒ¬re nothing but a mobile armour! Get outta my way! Fall!áŒ¬ He continued to shot at the elusive target. To his increasing frustration, Mu was firing his Gun-Barrels in sequence around the Buster: The impact of the projectiles was still throwing the suit out of alignment when he fired even if the damage was negated by the Phase-Shift.

The Blitz managed to land within the defensive perimeter, directly on the hull and open fire at point blank range.

Natarle punched her armchair. áŒ¬CanáŒ¬t use the cannons!áŒ¬ She turned to Miriallia. áŒ¬Call back the Strike! HeáŒ¬s the nearest Mobile Unit!áŒ¬

The scarred Mind Voice of the honey-haired girl erupted in the brain of the young Coordinator. Kira! Kira! The enemyáŒ¬s come right up to the bridge! Get back here!

Kira gasped in dismay as his secondary screen focused on his ship and showed the glow of the shots from the Blitz. His eyes widened as his deepest fear was happening. áŒ¬The Archangel!áŒ¬

His mind came back in a series of flashbacks to the destruction of KoopmanáŒ¬s fleet and the death of the father of Fllay. Her tormented visage danced in his memory and finished to focus to the scene with the little girl before the battle.

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Fllay summoned a small smile on her face as she held the hand of the little girl. áŒ¬Yes, weáŒ¬re entering another battle, but weáŒ¬ll be all right. Because we are all going to fight to protect all the little girls like you.áŒ¬

The little girl looked with her blue-eyes at the redheaded girl kneeling in front of her. áŒ¬Really?áŒ¬

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A violet seed burst behind the consciousness of Kira. A psychic echo reverberated across the battlefield and all the New-Types present suddenly stopped and turned their attention in the direction of the ripple.

Kira opened unblinking eyes of ice. He didnáŒ¬t know what was happening and he didnáŒ¬t care. His mind was crystal clear and he knew what he had to do. Better, he knew how to do it. áŒ¬I wonáŒ¬t let you sink the archangel!ê…

Yzak charged again the Strike. The suit seemed to disappear before his eyes. áŒ¬What?áŒ¬

The Strike materialized behind the Duel at the end of his high-speed manoeuvre and struck. His Beam Saber slashed along the left side of the suit, damaging the Phase-Shift armour.

At full power, the Strike rushed back to the Archangel. Yzak snarled and activated his scope to target the rapidly departing suit. áŒ¬Take this!áŒ¬ He opened fire at maximum cadence.

The Strike simply danced among the rain of shots like it was nothing. Yzak openly gaped at the spectacle. áŒ¬He avoided it!áŒ¬

Nicol continued to concentrate his shots on one point of the hull. The armour began to buckle under the constant barrage.

Kira dived directly on the Blitz. áŒ¬STOP IT!áŒ¬ Nicol escaped in extremis the deadly slash, but the Strike followed and ran his knee into the main body of the suit, driving it back and shaking Nicol like a leaf in the wind.

The Duel arrived in the back of the Strike, his Beam Saber in a high attack position. áŒ¬Gotcha!áŒ¬

DONáŒ¬T TOUCH HIM!

Yzak gasped as the feminine Mind Voice charged with anger and hatred exploded in his being. A red blaze rushed to him at impossible speed. Using her fantastic acceleration, Fllay Allster had reached the Archangel before everyone else.

From her hip armour, a Beam Saber was ejected and landed in her hand. As if she had always done this before, Fllay activated the melee weapon and struck directly where Kira had damaged the enemy suit. The beam blade cut deeply into the suit, provoking short-circuits. The main screen of Yzak exploded to his face.

Nicol manoeuvred the Blitz to collect the inert and damaged Duel. áŒ¬Yzak. Yzak. Are you all right?áŒ¬

Still in battle with the Zero, Dearka received a message from his partner. áŒ¬áŒ¬AthosáŒ¬!áŒ 72;

ê…WhatáŒ¬s wrong, áŒ¬AramisáŒ¬?áŒ¬

ê…ItáŒ¬s áŒ¬DáŒ¬ArtagnanáŒ¬.áŒ ;¬

Inside the cockpit, the explosion had showered Yzak with sharp plastic debris and some had pierced through his helmet visor and wounded him. áŒ¬It hurts!áŒ¬ Blood could be seen on the fissured high-strength plastic. áŒ¬It hurts! It hurts!áŒ¬

Dearka was dismayed. áŒ¬Yzak?áŒ¬

Nicol pursued. áŒ¬Dearka, we must retreat! The enemy fleet is coming!áŒ¬

The blond-haired Coordinator swore. áŒ¬Damn it!áŒ¬

As Murrue sighed in relief, the Strike and the Gerbera Tetra landed on the hull of the Archangel. The Power Armour and the Mobile Suit seemed to stare at each other for a time.

As Kira attempted to regain his breath, the voice of Mu reached him through the radio. áŒ¬They left! You were marvellous, kids!áŒ¬

ê…Lieutenant!áŒ¬ Kira didnáŒ¬t understand what was going on. He felt like he was recuperating from a high induced by something.

Mu tilted his head as his New-Type senses tried to make head or tail from the mind of the young boy. áŒ¬WhyáŒ¬ youáŒ¬áŒ¬ He shook his head and decided to let this mystery to the New-Type specialist. áŒ¬No. YouáŒ¬re unbelievable.áŒ¬

Kira closed his eyes and smiled. áŒ¬Not really.áŒ¬

He switched to another frequency. áŒ¬Fllay? Are you all right?áŒ¬

The new MS Girl was gazing in the space, her Beam Saber still activated. Her visage revealed nothing. She cut off the sword and stored it in her hip armour. áŒ¬I will be.áŒ¬ Her voice was also very neutral. She closed her eyes and let her mind focused on the masculine mind behind her. áŒ¬Thank you, Kira.áŒ¬

The teenager blinked and then smiled. áŒ¬No, thanks to you, Fllay.áŒ¬

Romero sighed in relief as his screen showed new information. áŒ¬The 8th Fleet is here!áŒ¬

As many points of light appeared in space, signalling the arrival of the 8th Fleet, Alex landed directly in front of Fllay. The two redheads stared to each other, each searching for something in the soul of the other.

Fllay closed her eyes the first. áŒ¬You were right. We have to go on.áŒ¬ The ghost of a smirk appeared on her lips and the heart of Alex stopped in dread. áŒ¬Otherwise, this war will never end.áŒ¬

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Preview:

They had to adjust to things.

They had to stand against enemies.

All for their tomorrow.

But looking back, the footprints left behind are deep.

The past will always remain in the form of daggers in their hearts.

Now that they can no longer return to their innocence what future will the youngsters choose?

Next, on MS Seed Girls áŒ¬FllayáŒ¬s Decision, the Tears of a MS GirláŒ¬.

Will you rise in a new battlefield, Gundam?

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Notes: PhewáŒ¬ It was hard. IáŒ¬m not entirely satisfied with this chapter but it seemed well-shapedáŒ¬ I hopeáŒ¬

I have stopped the adjunction of hard data on the mechas of Gundam Seed only becauseáŒ¬ I lose my information in my old portable computer. DonáŒ¬t worry, I think I can find them again.

Please read and review, thanks.