Performances - Part 1 (Gundam Seed, Athrun/Lacus, #3)
Title: Performances - Part 1
Author: the Black Rose
Pairing: Athrun x Lacus
Fandom: Gundam Seed
Theme: #3, Jolt!
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed. This fanfiction has no commercial value and I am not making any kind of profit or income off of this story, or the use of characters owned by Sunrise and Bandai.
AN: Set around episode 10 - between Lacus's rescue/return (from the ArchAngel) and her return to PLANT. Deviates slightly from canon events in later parts.
Performances
Part 1
"If you do not withdraw your troops, we cannot guarantee the rights of Lacus Clyne."
Athrun yanked the thruster bar towards him; his Gundam lurched to a stop. The young pilot glanced around the battlefield, expecting to see his comrades... But, the other soldiers continued their assault. Cold sweat saturated his skin. He hailed the commanding Zaft ship Vesalius: "Commander-"
"We cannot risk losing the battle for the sake of a single girl." La Creuset's voice oozed through the channel.
"But, Commander, she's-"
"The daughter of Chairman Sigel Clyne. I'm sure he'll understand her sacrifice. He's no stranger to war, Athrun."
Shots screamed through space. The battlefield slowed down, and every bullet, every missile sparkes - trailing light across the sky. Their trajectories…
The first missile struck the enemy ship. Athrun's heart stopped. "Lacus!"
He threw the thruster forward and spurred the Aegis into action. He hurtled towards the legged ship. "Stop firing! Don't-"
The next missile hit, and then another. Small explosions burst into larger flames.
"Athrun Zala, fall back!" A voice echoed in his ear.
Another missile speared the fabric of outer space. The ship exploded into a single, fiery blossom of death.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Athrun jolted upright in his bed and stared into darkness. The Zaft soldier heaved for air. "It was…" Breath. "…a nightmare. Lacus is…" Huff. "…all right. She's on…" Pant. "She's on board this…" Gasp. "Ship."
He laid back down. Athrun listened to the sound of his breathing as it slowed. He pulled the sheets up to his neck; they smelled of soap and sweat. The quiet hum of the Vesalius's engines reached his ears. Sleep tugged at his eyelids...
Flames consumed her white and purple dress. Her hair-
Athrun's eyes shot open, but the image was burned into his head. "This isn't going to work." He sighed and rubbed a hand across his face. He sat up.
"I guess…I could go see that she's all right. Then, I'm sure I'll be able to get some rest." The Zaft soldier climbed from his bed. He shuffled over to the closet and pulled on a pair of shorts. Athrun dug out some socks and running shoes, then opened the door. He glanced both directions before stepping into the hall.
"I'm sure the Commander wouldn't approve of this," He told himself as he tread lightly down the corridor, passing the mess hall-
"Humph. Some soldier." Yzak's voice snarled from behind him. "Sneaking off to your fiancée's room for a quickie when we could be engaged in battle at any time."
Athrun cringed. "I uhhhh…" He turned around to face his rival and comrade. "It's not like that."
Yzak crossed his arms against his chest and glared. "What would the Commander say?"
"I’m sure I'd be more disappointed if he wasn't trying to sneak into her room." His voice entered the corridor before the white mask and commanding presence. La Creuset's mouth stretched into a weird grin. "She's a lovely girl."
Athrun shook his head. "We don't have that kind of relationship. It's an arranged marriage."
The smile fell from La Creuset's lips. "And I'm sure you're aware that the purpose of any arranged marriage on the PLANTs is procreation. That you and Miss Clyne will father a third generation of Coordinators. So, it seems that you would have almost a duty to have that sort of relationship."
"It's her choice, too."
"Ah, yes. And before this whole incident, I would have chalked her up as being as willing as she is beautiful. But, after your little rescue incident…" The weird grin reappeared. "I must admit I'm intrigued. As your fiancée, I'm sure you know her best. Which is the real Lacus Clyne? The naïve singer and sheltered only child of Sigel Clyne, or the self-possessed young woman who would dare give orders to a commanding officer on the battlefield?"
Athrun swallowed against the lump in the back of his throat. He didn't think he imagined the change in his Commander's voice. He's pissed. "I…uhhh…well, you see-"
"You may speak freely, Athrun. Nothing you say here will be held against you nor get back to Miss Clyne."
"Well, you see…Lacus is…"
-
"I'm very glad to see you again, Athrun."
"How…How did you end up on that ship?"
"It's a long story. The people who went with me to the memorial…They didn't come back, did they?"
"No one did. The ship disappeared."
"They sacrificed their lives for me. I know that, now. But not all of the Earth forces-"
-
"We're waiting, Athrun." La Creuset's voice cut into his thoughts.
The Gundam pilot lurched to Attention; he squared his shoulders and raised his chin. "I believe the 'incident' you're referring to was a fluke, Commander. I've known Lacus a…a while now, anyway, and she's never been anything but…" Beautiful. Loving. Innocent. "…child-like. She's lived a sheltered, pampered life and could never understand the duties of a soldier. Nor our responsibility."
La Creuset nodded slowly. "As I thought. I'm sure that once she's the wife of a soldier, retired to private life to raise soldiers of your own, she'll be more understanding. Or perhaps your frequent travels will bring you in contact with others who may appreciate your sacrifice." His mouth curved up on one side. "Carry on. But don't stay too long. You do have to report early in the morning." He retreated towards the mess hall.
Athrun grimaced. The Aegis pilot sagged against the wall, and considered, for a moment, returning to his room.
-
"Stop firing! Don't-"
The next missile hit, and then another. Small explosions burst into larger flames.
-
Athrun spun on his heel and ventured further down the hallway; he could see her door growing closer.
"She's all right. You're being an idiot." He told his legs to stop and go back, but it was like something was beckoning him, drawing him closer. He reached the door and opened it.
The room was empty.
"Dammit!" Athrun whirled around and charged down the corridor. "I told her to stay in her room!"
Another thought struck him in the gut. "Maybe someone-" Athrun froze. He shook his head. "That's sick."
He turned the corner and took the opposite loop around the mess hall - avoiding the way he came in. Just as he rounded the bend in the corridor, he thought he heard…
A soft melody."…and dreaming of you…."
He stopped and strained his ears. I'm imagining things.
"Time passes by…" Her voice danced lightly through the air.
No, no I'm not. He took off at a jog.
"And memories fade. But time can't erase the love that we made."
He picked up his pace, every step brought him closer. Her voice grew louder, steadier, and Athrun wasn't entirely sure it had to do with the dwindling distance.
He followed the curving corridor and slowed back to a jog - heading in the direction of the observation desk. It was where civilians would most likely be drawn.
"Follow the stars that lead...."
A small group of people gathered at the entrance. "Into the quiet night..."
As he approached, her song ended and the soldiers and staff broke up; they began to drift away. As they passed, Athrun heard their whispers.
"…so beautiful."
"Her voice is, too."
"…so glad she's safe."
Athrun pressed the button to open the double doors. She stood next to the giant LCD monitors arranged to look like windows. The images projected on the screen came from several cameras mounted on the outside of the ship and gave the appearance of looking into space.
Light streamed from the monitors and bathed Lacus in simulated starlight. Her pink hair glowed like a fire had ignited and leant her an aura around her skin. Athrun heard the doors close behind him and wondered when he'd stepped inside.
"Athrun…" Her voice was soft, musical, even when she was only speaking. As he drew near, the aura faded; her eyes were dark with shadows, uncharacteristic lines pulled at the corners of her mouth.
"You weren't supposed to leave your room." He heard his voice say in a harsh tone.
She clutched Haro. "Mr. Pink-"
"Don't give me that nonsense, Lacus. I told you-"
"At least the Earth forces didn't yell at me when I left my room." She bowed her head. "Mr. Yamato was very kind…"
"Kind? KIND? They threatened to deny you your rights as a prisoner of war! Do you have any idea-"
"They only threatened because they were at a disadvantage in the attack by Zaft. It doesn't change who Mr. Yamato is. He's still your friend."
"He's a Coordinator! He's betrayed us. And me." Athrun turned away from those eyes. "You need to go back to your room." He held out his arm.
"I can find my own way, thank you." Her voice sounded cold as she stepped around him.
"What? Lacus…"
She stopped a few yards shy of the door. Her shoulders tight, her head held high; her back turned towards him. "How long are you going to fight, Athrun? How many people have to die before it's enough?"
"I didn't ask for this! I didn't do anything wrong. The Earth forces attacked Junius 7 unprovoked! It was a peaceful settlement. My mother-"
She spun around. Her eyes flashed. "The father of one of the girls on the Earth forces ship was killed in that battle. Is that enough? Her father died in exchange for your mother's life. Are you even, now?"
"It's not like that." Athrun shook his head. "You don't understand. You're such a child!"
"Yes. I am a child. And so are you, Athrun. We should be home, now, worrying about homework and teachers…who to ask to the dance. You and Kira should be friends. But this war has robbed us. It has made us grow into adults." She lifted a hand towards him. Her eyes softened. "Soldiers, before our time."
"The Earth forces must be stopped so they can never do this again. They're wrong-"
"You think they believe they are wrong?" Her hand returned to her side. "Do you think their soldiers go into battle believing they're wrong? It wasn't the people you fought out there who attacked Junius 7. It wasn't Kira who attacked and killed your mother."
"No, but-"
"But you'll fight him. You promised to kill him. Will that bring her back?"
"No one thinks like that! Where do you… You're just so naïve, Lacus. Find your way back to your room." He stomped past her towards the door.
"In truth, I came out here because I didn't want to see you right now."
"What?"
The doors shushed open.
"Your time is up, Miss Clyne." Commander La Creuset stepped into the room. Before the doors closed, Yzak slipped inside.
Athrun turned to look at her. Lacus glanced away.
"You see, Miss Clyne? What did I tell you?" La Creuset said with a grin.
The Gundam pilot frowned. "Commander, what's going on?"
"Oh, your fiancée and I were just playing a little game. Weren't we, Miss Clyne?"
She spoke to the ground. "I don't believe-"
"Lacus?" Athrun heard his voice croak.
"You see how far your father's ideology will go? It doesn't hold water even with those closest to you. Though I am disappointed." He stepped forward and leaned in close to Lacus.
"For a man like Athrun, literally starved for affection, I would have thought you'd use more of your feminine assets." He tipped Lacus's chin. She clenched her jaw.
What is he-
Movement. A blur flashed in front of his eyes. Athrun blinked and Yzak stood between La Creuset and Lacus.
The Commander stumbled backwards, caught himself, and that weird grin reappeared. "Yzak."
"You know I've been ordered to protect Miss Clyne."
"Yes. I do know of those orders. But, I'm hardly a threat, am I?"
"I'll escort her back to her room."
"Thank you." Lacus bowed her head and stepped past La Creuset. Yzak let her get a few steps ahead of him - towards the door.
"Athrun."
"Yes, Commander?"
"Excellent performance. You'll go far with the military. Your father would be proud."
Author: the Black Rose
Pairing: Athrun x Lacus
Fandom: Gundam Seed
Theme: #3, Jolt!
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed. This fanfiction has no commercial value and I am not making any kind of profit or income off of this story, or the use of characters owned by Sunrise and Bandai.
AN: Set around episode 10 - between Lacus's rescue/return (from the ArchAngel) and her return to PLANT. Deviates slightly from canon events in later parts.
Performances
Part 1
"If you do not withdraw your troops, we cannot guarantee the rights of Lacus Clyne."
Athrun yanked the thruster bar towards him; his Gundam lurched to a stop. The young pilot glanced around the battlefield, expecting to see his comrades... But, the other soldiers continued their assault. Cold sweat saturated his skin. He hailed the commanding Zaft ship Vesalius: "Commander-"
"We cannot risk losing the battle for the sake of a single girl." La Creuset's voice oozed through the channel.
"But, Commander, she's-"
"The daughter of Chairman Sigel Clyne. I'm sure he'll understand her sacrifice. He's no stranger to war, Athrun."
Shots screamed through space. The battlefield slowed down, and every bullet, every missile sparkes - trailing light across the sky. Their trajectories…
The first missile struck the enemy ship. Athrun's heart stopped. "Lacus!"
He threw the thruster forward and spurred the Aegis into action. He hurtled towards the legged ship. "Stop firing! Don't-"
The next missile hit, and then another. Small explosions burst into larger flames.
"Athrun Zala, fall back!" A voice echoed in his ear.
Another missile speared the fabric of outer space. The ship exploded into a single, fiery blossom of death.
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Athrun jolted upright in his bed and stared into darkness. The Zaft soldier heaved for air. "It was…" Breath. "…a nightmare. Lacus is…" Huff. "…all right. She's on…" Pant. "She's on board this…" Gasp. "Ship."
He laid back down. Athrun listened to the sound of his breathing as it slowed. He pulled the sheets up to his neck; they smelled of soap and sweat. The quiet hum of the Vesalius's engines reached his ears. Sleep tugged at his eyelids...
Flames consumed her white and purple dress. Her hair-
Athrun's eyes shot open, but the image was burned into his head. "This isn't going to work." He sighed and rubbed a hand across his face. He sat up.
"I guess…I could go see that she's all right. Then, I'm sure I'll be able to get some rest." The Zaft soldier climbed from his bed. He shuffled over to the closet and pulled on a pair of shorts. Athrun dug out some socks and running shoes, then opened the door. He glanced both directions before stepping into the hall.
"I'm sure the Commander wouldn't approve of this," He told himself as he tread lightly down the corridor, passing the mess hall-
"Humph. Some soldier." Yzak's voice snarled from behind him. "Sneaking off to your fiancée's room for a quickie when we could be engaged in battle at any time."
Athrun cringed. "I uhhhh…" He turned around to face his rival and comrade. "It's not like that."
Yzak crossed his arms against his chest and glared. "What would the Commander say?"
"I’m sure I'd be more disappointed if he wasn't trying to sneak into her room." His voice entered the corridor before the white mask and commanding presence. La Creuset's mouth stretched into a weird grin. "She's a lovely girl."
Athrun shook his head. "We don't have that kind of relationship. It's an arranged marriage."
The smile fell from La Creuset's lips. "And I'm sure you're aware that the purpose of any arranged marriage on the PLANTs is procreation. That you and Miss Clyne will father a third generation of Coordinators. So, it seems that you would have almost a duty to have that sort of relationship."
"It's her choice, too."
"Ah, yes. And before this whole incident, I would have chalked her up as being as willing as she is beautiful. But, after your little rescue incident…" The weird grin reappeared. "I must admit I'm intrigued. As your fiancée, I'm sure you know her best. Which is the real Lacus Clyne? The naïve singer and sheltered only child of Sigel Clyne, or the self-possessed young woman who would dare give orders to a commanding officer on the battlefield?"
Athrun swallowed against the lump in the back of his throat. He didn't think he imagined the change in his Commander's voice. He's pissed. "I…uhhh…well, you see-"
"You may speak freely, Athrun. Nothing you say here will be held against you nor get back to Miss Clyne."
"Well, you see…Lacus is…"
-
"I'm very glad to see you again, Athrun."
"How…How did you end up on that ship?"
"It's a long story. The people who went with me to the memorial…They didn't come back, did they?"
"No one did. The ship disappeared."
"They sacrificed their lives for me. I know that, now. But not all of the Earth forces-"
-
"We're waiting, Athrun." La Creuset's voice cut into his thoughts.
The Gundam pilot lurched to Attention; he squared his shoulders and raised his chin. "I believe the 'incident' you're referring to was a fluke, Commander. I've known Lacus a…a while now, anyway, and she's never been anything but…" Beautiful. Loving. Innocent. "…child-like. She's lived a sheltered, pampered life and could never understand the duties of a soldier. Nor our responsibility."
La Creuset nodded slowly. "As I thought. I'm sure that once she's the wife of a soldier, retired to private life to raise soldiers of your own, she'll be more understanding. Or perhaps your frequent travels will bring you in contact with others who may appreciate your sacrifice." His mouth curved up on one side. "Carry on. But don't stay too long. You do have to report early in the morning." He retreated towards the mess hall.
Athrun grimaced. The Aegis pilot sagged against the wall, and considered, for a moment, returning to his room.
-
"Stop firing! Don't-"
The next missile hit, and then another. Small explosions burst into larger flames.
-
Athrun spun on his heel and ventured further down the hallway; he could see her door growing closer.
"She's all right. You're being an idiot." He told his legs to stop and go back, but it was like something was beckoning him, drawing him closer. He reached the door and opened it.
The room was empty.
"Dammit!" Athrun whirled around and charged down the corridor. "I told her to stay in her room!"
Another thought struck him in the gut. "Maybe someone-" Athrun froze. He shook his head. "That's sick."
He turned the corner and took the opposite loop around the mess hall - avoiding the way he came in. Just as he rounded the bend in the corridor, he thought he heard…
A soft melody."…and dreaming of you…."
He stopped and strained his ears. I'm imagining things.
"Time passes by…" Her voice danced lightly through the air.
No, no I'm not. He took off at a jog.
"And memories fade. But time can't erase the love that we made."
He picked up his pace, every step brought him closer. Her voice grew louder, steadier, and Athrun wasn't entirely sure it had to do with the dwindling distance.
He followed the curving corridor and slowed back to a jog - heading in the direction of the observation desk. It was where civilians would most likely be drawn.
"Follow the stars that lead...."
A small group of people gathered at the entrance. "Into the quiet night..."
As he approached, her song ended and the soldiers and staff broke up; they began to drift away. As they passed, Athrun heard their whispers.
"…so beautiful."
"Her voice is, too."
"…so glad she's safe."
Athrun pressed the button to open the double doors. She stood next to the giant LCD monitors arranged to look like windows. The images projected on the screen came from several cameras mounted on the outside of the ship and gave the appearance of looking into space.
Light streamed from the monitors and bathed Lacus in simulated starlight. Her pink hair glowed like a fire had ignited and leant her an aura around her skin. Athrun heard the doors close behind him and wondered when he'd stepped inside.
"Athrun…" Her voice was soft, musical, even when she was only speaking. As he drew near, the aura faded; her eyes were dark with shadows, uncharacteristic lines pulled at the corners of her mouth.
"You weren't supposed to leave your room." He heard his voice say in a harsh tone.
She clutched Haro. "Mr. Pink-"
"Don't give me that nonsense, Lacus. I told you-"
"At least the Earth forces didn't yell at me when I left my room." She bowed her head. "Mr. Yamato was very kind…"
"Kind? KIND? They threatened to deny you your rights as a prisoner of war! Do you have any idea-"
"They only threatened because they were at a disadvantage in the attack by Zaft. It doesn't change who Mr. Yamato is. He's still your friend."
"He's a Coordinator! He's betrayed us. And me." Athrun turned away from those eyes. "You need to go back to your room." He held out his arm.
"I can find my own way, thank you." Her voice sounded cold as she stepped around him.
"What? Lacus…"
She stopped a few yards shy of the door. Her shoulders tight, her head held high; her back turned towards him. "How long are you going to fight, Athrun? How many people have to die before it's enough?"
"I didn't ask for this! I didn't do anything wrong. The Earth forces attacked Junius 7 unprovoked! It was a peaceful settlement. My mother-"
She spun around. Her eyes flashed. "The father of one of the girls on the Earth forces ship was killed in that battle. Is that enough? Her father died in exchange for your mother's life. Are you even, now?"
"It's not like that." Athrun shook his head. "You don't understand. You're such a child!"
"Yes. I am a child. And so are you, Athrun. We should be home, now, worrying about homework and teachers…who to ask to the dance. You and Kira should be friends. But this war has robbed us. It has made us grow into adults." She lifted a hand towards him. Her eyes softened. "Soldiers, before our time."
"The Earth forces must be stopped so they can never do this again. They're wrong-"
"You think they believe they are wrong?" Her hand returned to her side. "Do you think their soldiers go into battle believing they're wrong? It wasn't the people you fought out there who attacked Junius 7. It wasn't Kira who attacked and killed your mother."
"No, but-"
"But you'll fight him. You promised to kill him. Will that bring her back?"
"No one thinks like that! Where do you… You're just so naïve, Lacus. Find your way back to your room." He stomped past her towards the door.
"In truth, I came out here because I didn't want to see you right now."
"What?"
The doors shushed open.
"Your time is up, Miss Clyne." Commander La Creuset stepped into the room. Before the doors closed, Yzak slipped inside.
Athrun turned to look at her. Lacus glanced away.
"You see, Miss Clyne? What did I tell you?" La Creuset said with a grin.
The Gundam pilot frowned. "Commander, what's going on?"
"Oh, your fiancée and I were just playing a little game. Weren't we, Miss Clyne?"
She spoke to the ground. "I don't believe-"
"Lacus?" Athrun heard his voice croak.
"You see how far your father's ideology will go? It doesn't hold water even with those closest to you. Though I am disappointed." He stepped forward and leaned in close to Lacus.
"For a man like Athrun, literally starved for affection, I would have thought you'd use more of your feminine assets." He tipped Lacus's chin. She clenched her jaw.
What is he-
Movement. A blur flashed in front of his eyes. Athrun blinked and Yzak stood between La Creuset and Lacus.
The Commander stumbled backwards, caught himself, and that weird grin reappeared. "Yzak."
"You know I've been ordered to protect Miss Clyne."
"Yes. I do know of those orders. But, I'm hardly a threat, am I?"
"I'll escort her back to her room."
"Thank you." Lacus bowed her head and stepped past La Creuset. Yzak let her get a few steps ahead of him - towards the door.
"Athrun."
"Yes, Commander?"
"Excellent performance. You'll go far with the military. Your father would be proud."