This fanfic is a Fantasy/Action/Adventure/Romance one...

Disclaimer: Michiyo Hikari does not own anything from the anime/manga series, Mobile Suit Gundam Seed.

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Chapter 8 – Complications

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A figure of a five-year-old boy ran through the dark tunnels of the Underworld. He fought the tears that threatened to roll down his cheeks as he focused on his way ahead. He took a risk and looked behind, only to regret doing so as he fell down on the floor when he collided with someone. The boy looked up and met the menacing grey eyes of his older brother. Those eyes full of hatred to the child who stood before him, and the very same eyes who had haunted the young boy everywhere.

The boy stood up and was about to go on his way when the older boy spoke. "What's the matter, little brother?" He asked, shoving the boy against the wall. "Don't you ever speak?" He asked again as he held the child by his neck, lifting him from the ground. "YOU'RE FIVE BLOODY YEARS OLD!" Vincent Zala bellowed and threw the boy on the floor.

The child... was known as Athrun Zala.

Athrun heard running footsteps that halted and surrounded him, they belonged to Vincent's friends. Athrun didn't speak, he was just not able to; he was afraid and knew well enough that whatever he did, he would get punished. It had always been like that. Whenever Vincent saw Athrun, he had always done things to torture his brother. If Vincent was in a good mood, he would only insult Athrun and let him walk away. He hated the boy with his entire being.

"Answer me when I'm talking to you, half-breed!" Vincent yelled and kicked Athrun hard on the stomach. "You disgust me."

Laughter.

That was the only thing Athrun heard as he once again met the cold ground and felt his stomach lurch as he coughed out blood. He soon felt his body stiffen and even a tear could not fall off his eyes. It was caused by Vincent's ability to paralyze anyone as he pleased. For a demon child at the age of nine, Vincent Zala was incredibly powerful.

What happened next was nothing new to Athrun. Ever since he could remember, Vincent and his friends would beat him up for the heck of it. At rare times when he got lucky, they would leave him alone and bully someone else.

Patrick Zala never knew anything that happened to his youngest son and Athrun doubted he would care. The King barely saw his sons because he was far too busy attending to his duties as the ruler of Hell. He was proud that his stepson was "training" Athrun (for that was what Vincent had told him) to become stronger.

Finally, after Vincent told his friends that he already got bored of seeing his brother's face, they left Athrun lying on the ground all by himself. The poor boy's body ached all over as he continued gasping for air. Very slowly, he tried to stand up but miserably failed. His arms shook as he tried to get up for the second time, blood dripping from his face. He wanted to die... but no one would dare kill one of the princes unless the King approved of it. He wanted to kill himself... he just wanted to disappear; to end everything, he was worthless anyway. Tears dripped from Athrun's faced as he continued to cry, after numerous attempts, he had finally succeeded in standing up as he staggered his way through the dark cave.

Athrun Zala had no friends. In fact, he was always looked down upon by everyone in Hell. Adults and monsters alike would glare at him whenever he was around. No one talked to him and no child wanted to be near him. For the youngest Prince of Hell, he was immensely despised. He had no one to turn to... he didn't talk no matter what happened... his mother, he had never gotten the chance to see her, and he was very weak. Alone, scared, and helpless, most of the time he would try and find himself an abandoned cave and would hide there until a demon found him and kicked him out. And every night before he slept, Athrun would always wish for the strength to get out of his homeland. The place where everyone treated him as trash, the place he hated most.

≈

Laura Hibiki stood in front of the Attha-Yamato home with Athrun silently standing behind her. The woman sighed, realizing that the information she got was true: Athrun Zala didn't speak to anyone because of the way he was treated in the Underworld. Laura turned around and bent down so her eyes leveled his. "It's ok, Athrun. There's no need to be afraid."

The boy's eyes widened, surprised that someone called him by his name and did not use 'half-breed', 'boy', or 'imbecile'. He didn't say a word... he wanted to, but somehow, he just couldn't. Add the fact that he wasn't used to getting such attention from anyone. He wasn't used to being treated kindly at all. He grew up with no one liking him or respecting him for crying out loud. So why, on the bloody face of Hell, was he being treated like a prince? There must be some kind of catch to it, something they wanted from him, but what?

"Mommy! Mommy! Is he the boy you told me about?"

Athrun turned and saw pass Laura a blonde girl holding her mother's hand, running enthusiastically to their direction. Laura turned around and smiled as she greeted the two. The little girl cheerily hugged Laura as her mother warmly welcomed her.

The little girl seemed very... high-spirited in Athrun's opinion. He had never seen anyone so cheerful in his life. He wondered how someone could be so happy. And as he studied the girl with curiosity, she intently watched her mother converse with Laura, her aunt. However, Athrun noticed that only a few more seconds went by and the girl already seemed bored. Frowning, she scanned their garden and spotted Athrun.

While the two women were very engaged in their conversation, they decided to talk inside the house in order for the children not to hear.

When the adults were gone, the little girl grinned and ran to Athrun, her pigtails swaying with her every move. In his amazement, Athrun continued to watch her without fully realizing what she was doing or where she was going. And so, it was the least he expected when she came near him and hugged him tight.

"I'm so glad to see you!" She exclaimed, still not letting him go. Then she said, "My name's Cagalli! From now on, we'll be together!"

We will? Athrun asked himself. She grabbed his hand and ran to the tree near her house. Both sat on the soft grass as they leaned onto the tree. Athrun had no idea of what he should do whilst Cagalli was too excited to know more about the little boy. She had been anticipating the day when she would finally meet the boy who would live with them. At least that was what her mother told her. Either way, she was ecstatic upon his arrival.

The girl grinned as she turned to Athrun. "What's your name?" Cagalli asked.

Athrun looked at the girl beside him and wondered why she was treating him nicely. He wanted to talk to her, and he tried, but no words came out.

Cagalli frowned. "Are you okay?" A pout. "You're really quiet, aren't you?"

Blushing, Athrun could only nod.

"I think he's still sleeping."

Athrun continued to listen but heard no more. When he peeked one eye open, slowly followed by the other, he silently watched Cagalli setting up the food on the blanket they had laid on the grass. He wondered where Lacus and Kira went off to but the sight before him soon took his thoughts away as he glanced around. They were on top of a small hill near Lady Laura's house to have a picnic and a little break before they leave to search for the crystals.

Athrun shifted a little on his spot; he was sitting under a tree with his cast arm limply lying on his stomach. After three days of being forced to stay in bed and 'rest', Cagalli, Lacus, and Kira finally told him that it would do him well to go out with them. And so he did, he had been cooped up inside for too long and would be out of his mind to say no right?

"Oh you're awake."

Athrun turned to Cagalli and smiled. "I wasn't asleep to begin with." It was true; he was merely remembering things. But that aside, Athrun enjoyed the peace around them as he listened to the birds sing. "So where did Kira and Lacus go?" He asked her curiously, watching butterflies dance over the field of flowers before them.

Cagalli shrugged as she slowly crawled to him and leaned on the same tree he was sitting under. "I don't know, they just said they'd be back before leaving." Hugging her knees to her chest, she asked, "Ne, Athrun?"

"Hm?"

"You don't remember anything?" She paused. "At all?"

Athrun frowned. "Yeah." It annoyed him really, how he couldn't remember a single thing that happened after his encounter with Vincent in Hell. What did he do to him? He tried to remember, forced himself to think about it for hours, but all he ended up with was the memory of waking up in Lady Laura's house, bruised and injured all over.

Then there was the issue of the crystals being stolen... who would do such thing? There was no one in Heaven who would be twisted enough to commit an unforgivable crime like that. The only suspects were demons, powerful ones. But it didn't make sense... because the second a demon entered Heaven, it would grant him certain death. So who could've done it?

"How's your arm?" He heard her speak.

"It's alright," he told her, watching the birds finally fly by, "the potion Lady Laura made are helping my bones grow faster."

Cagalli nodded. "That's good." She then stretched out her legs and yawned. "Zero's been getting better too. Wonder when he'll be able to talk." Cagalli lazily grabbed a bottle of drink and took a sip. Offering it to Athrun, he nonchalantly took it.

Athrun felt the cold beverage smoothly ran down his throat. Zero... it was like he hated Athrun, he could tell. But why? Athrun wondered. They were such good friends when they were younger, playing together and pulling pranks. But he supposed that was only then, now Zero didn't look too pleased when Athrun was around. He would glare at him and roar, as if telling him to go away. That guy... why is he acting like that?

"What's eating you, Zala? You're too quiet."

Athrun stared at Cagalli and chuckled. "Sorry." He inwardly smiled to himself as he caught sight of the necklace he made for her, before leaving to the Underworld long ago. She actually wore it.

Following his gaze, Cagalli blushed. "Why did you give it to me?" She subconsciously fingered the colourless cross.

Athrun sighed as his head drooped low. He didn't expect her to ask him that so suddenly... but he doubt he could avoid answering the question anyway, or that topic. She had to know sooner or later, and he had to tell her himself. "To protect you," he mumbled, his eyes hazed with shame. "To protect you from me."

Cagalli was taken aback. "What did you say?"

"Cagalli, do you..." Athrun hesitated, carefully picking out the right words deep in his thoughts, "do you remember the time I was injured? When I told you that someday," he stopped to look at her, "I'd tell you what happened?"

The girl nodded.

"See, I'm... cursed." He felt stupid saying it out loud. Truth be told, he didn't want her to know... but she had to, if he wanted her to be safe from any harm. May it be from demons, or her Guardian himself. "I was cursed with this..." Athrun struggled, this what? He thought hard. Demon? Lunatic? Maniac? "this... alter ego that... tries to take over me at nights when a red half moon is up."

Cagalli looked unaffected as she snatched her drink from Athrun and drank another sip. "And what does that have to do with the wound you had before?"

Athrun shook his head. "You don't understand." At all. He breathed out, calming his nerves, telling her was harder than he thought it would be. "The alter ego, when it... when he tries to take control over my body, I won't be able to remember anything afterwards. And... who knows what I'd do? He thirsts for blood, for death, treachery, and I can't stand that. What if... he succeeds in possessing me one night and I end up hurting you, or Lacus, or Kira?" He asked her, worried, "I won't be able to forgive myself."

"What are you trying to say..." Cagalli gaped at him, her mouth slightly hanging open.

"The only thing that can prevent him from coming out is for me to get knocked out cold before I completely lose my will to defy him." He didn't have to do it before, but since the seal was now broken, his curse was again set free. He looked solely into her eyes before swallowing the small lump that started to block his voice. "I was the one who stabbed myself."

"That necklace," he continued, ignoring the look of disbelief in her eyes, "should be able to stop... me from getting near you if I do transform. I'm not entirely positive about it but I just hope that," he scowled at his thoughts, "we won't need to see the day to test it."

"I see..." was all Cagalli could say.

An awkward silence passively hung over the two as they gravely brooded over the thoughts racing in their heads. There was a visible frown on Athun's face as he seemed to be arguing with himself. Cagalli, who still sat beside him, had her brows together in deep concentration as if she was trying to remember something.

"...at nights when a red half moon is up."

It was then that it hit her.

I've seen that moon. That's right, Cagalli assured herself. Although she couldn't figure out how – maybe it was just a bizarre coincidence – she had seen Athrun's alter ego before, she had even spoken to him... the Athrun who tried to kill her in her dream.

≈

Athrun stood behind a tree in Lady Laura's garden as he watched Cagalli and Zero happily talking to each other. A couple of days have gone by since Zero was able to transform back to his original body. Well, quite. Instead of turning into his 15-year old self, his recovering Epheral only allowed him to grow up at the age of twelve. There was no need to worry though, according to Lady Laura, Zero will surely be able to perform better transformations as his injuries continued to heal.

The joy in Cagalli's eyes was evident to Athrun: she was happy.

Just like the old days, Athrun pondered.

And it was.

As he kept on observing the two figures before him, Athrun was able to look back at the times in the past when all three of them would play together. Cagalli's eyes would always light up whenever she saw Zero. Even now, Athrun realized. Cagalli had always been fond of Zero. Did she love him that way? She never looked at me like that. Even without her memories, instinct still lead her to him. The young man sighed at his thoughts, "Get a hold of yourself, Zala."

"Oh, Athrun! There you are!" Cagalli called out, smiling widely at her Guardian.

"Eh?" Athrun looked up, surprised. "Did you say something?"

"Nothing, nothing... can you help out Zero here for a bit?" She playfully stuck her tongue at him. "I remember I have something to talk to Lady Laura about."

Oh. Athrun nodded. "Sure thing."

When Cagalli was gone, Athrun glanced around and took the rake she left behind. At least he had something to do – his wounds have been healed after all. But just as Athrun was about to start raking the fallen leaves on the ground, he felt someone watching him, staring at him, as if the person was trying to see through him. That feeling again... He knew it all too well. Although it was years ago since he had been looked upon like that, the feeling of ice cold eyes still pierced his memory every time he remembered his life in Hell.

Slowly, Athrun turned around. There it was, those eyes. But no matter how hard he tried, it still didn't make sense to him why Zero glowered at him like that. "Oh, hey." Athrun laughled nervously. "Leave the rest to me, I'll be done soon." He didn't know what else to say. What else was he expected to say? Zero had been giving him those looks whenever it was just the two of them. And now that he was finally human again, it wasn't like he spoke to Athrun about anything in particular either. Every time they did, they were only a few phrases or two, just to show everyone that there was no tension between them.

No one bought that of course, no one but Cagalli and Kira. It wasn't like they can remember the past anyway.

"Shut up." Zero snapped. "What do you think you're doing, Zala?"

Athrun grew worried. Never once did he imagine Zero could be so angry. "What do you mean?"

"You don't know?" The boy crossed his arms. "Pitiful."

"I really don't—"

"Spare me, Zala!" Zero yelled. "Do you honestly think I'll believe you?" Walking up to Athrun, Zero continued to question him. "Do you know who stole the crystals? Do you have any idea who did it?" He went on, still glaring at the man before him. He hated him. "Still don't know?" The boy paused. "Well let me tell you then. You were the one who stole those crystals! Do you realize what you've done? DO YOU?"

Athrun was stunned. What did he just say..? No, it couldn't be. He was just hearing things, right? There was no way. He would never do something so absurd! But... why was Zero accusing him like that? Athrun felt his knees fall weak as he staggered towards a tree to support himself. He risked a glance at Zero whose eyes bore on him, watching his every move.

It can't be true, it's not true. Athrun turned away as he gasped to breathe. All the thoughts bombarding his mind didn't make sense. Nothing he thought of provided him possible answers, nothing made him feel any better, and nothing but fear was taking over him. What if it's true? No, it can't be. "T-That's not possible. Zero," Athrun looked at him, "you've known me since we were kids. I would never dare something like that."

The boy arched a brow. "Are you saying I'm making it up then? I am the Keeper of those crystals, the main purpose of my existence is to guard them with my life. Do you honestly think," Zero hissed. "Do you honestly think, I would lie about such crucial matters? Everyone's life is on the line because of the ridiculous crime you've done!"

"But I couldn't... possibly... there's no way I—"

"I don't care if you think it's possible or not. You fought me. Where the hell do you think I got these injuries from? And you—" Zero breathed in, "You..." He slowly went on, a tint of sadness audible in his voice. "You went all out. You were serious about killing me."

"No... no way..." Athrun couldn't believe what he was hearing. He would never, never try to harm one of the most important people in his life. No, not Zero, he was the closest thing he had to a younger brother. No wonder he's been like that around me, but this is just... It was just not possible. It didn't make any sense.

"I'm warning you, Athrun." Zero spoke again, back with those fierce eyes that displayed nothing but hatred. "I won't let this pass. And this time, you won't be the only one protecting Cagalli." Athrun eyed Zero, confused. "If you, her own Guardian, is capable of stealing the crystals with the intent to kill anyone who gets in your way, I will be sure to protect her not only from others, but especially from you... even if I have to kill you myself."

Athrun's eyes widened.

"I don't know where you hid the crystals, but once I'm fully recovered I'll be able to find them again." Zero coldly stated. "I honestly can't figure out what game Destiny was playing to make you Cagalli's Guardian. Her life is much more valuable than that. I know you love her, but don't even think about it. You will never be good enough."

"Zero!"

Lacus ran up to them as she looked at Zero disapprovingly.

"Whatever." Zero avoided her eyes as he left them alone.

Lacus slowly walked towards Athrun as she watched Zero enter the house. Meanwhile, Athrun was still speechless, lost in his thoughts. Did he really steal those crystals? Or... No, I couldn't have... could I? He really couldn't remember anything no matter how much he forced himself to. But he would never commit such act, so then... there was only one answer that made sense. Could he really have transformed and stole the crystals? But I only transform when the red half moon is up. Vincent... he didn't cast a spell on me did he?

"Athrun?"

"Ah." Athrun almost forgot. "Hi, Lacus. What's up?" He forced a smile on his face.

≈

Cagalli stood in front of Athrun's room as she debated with herself whether she should knock or not. It was already midnight after all. He should be sleeping by now, the girl mused. Then again, so should she. But she simply couldn't, something had been pestering her all night, causing her thoughts to lead to a certain someone. She didn't understand why, really. It was as if he tugged at her heartstrings to worry about him, preventing her to catch any sleep.

Besides, something was definitely up with Athrun, that she was sure of. He had been awfully quiet during dinner and quite distant throughout the night. It worried her. She tried not to think about it but the more she tried, the more she got annoyed.

The blonde groaned in surrender. Okay Cagalli, you don't have to knock. Just take a quick peek and go back to your room. That sounded like a good plan. Then, just as she reached out a hand for the doorknob, it moved on its own and opened the door to reveal Athrun himself.

"C… Cagalli?" Athrun asked, rubbing the sleepiness off his weary eyes. "Did you need something?"

"Uh... umm..." So he was asleep after all. "N-No I was just passing by! Yeah... just passing by..." Cagalli looked away. Smooth. Very convincing, Cagalli.

"I see," Athrun replied, sensing the obvious nervousness in her voice. The boy smiled as he gently pat her head. "Don't be so tensed, come in."

Cagalli pouted. "Who's tense?" She huffed, walking pass Athrun and roughly sitting on his bed. After realizing just what she had done, Cagalli mentally slapped herself. Just what was I thinking coming in? Wasn't I planning to go back to sleep right away? Cagalli muttered to herself as she glared at Athrun. He seems fine anyway, and why is it so dark? Then it hit her. For some messed up reason Athrun's room never had a light bulb of any sort.

"Ah, sorry about the darkness… here," Walking towards the window, he pulled up the venetian blinds to allow the moonlight to come in. "So," Athrun turned, catching Cagalli's attention. "Having trouble sleeping?" He sat on the floor before her, looking into her eyes.

Cagalli blushed as she looked away. "Yeah. I didn't mean to wake you up or anything."

Athrun chuckled. "It's fine, it's fine, you worry too much."

Cagalli's gaze landed on him once more. Now what? "Hey," She pointed, "Isn't that a Haumea necklace you're wearing?" Where have I seen it before? She couldn't really remember, but she was positive she had seen it somewhere. Perhaps it was years ago, but she just couldn't remember anything. It was like her memories vanished at one point in her life. But no, that wouldn't make sense. It was probably just a gut feeling.

There was a look of surprise on Athrun's face when Cagalli met his eyes. Although he regained his composure a second later, Cagalli noticed the fondness in his eyes as Athrun fingered the Haumea pendant. "Yeah." The boy finally managed to answer. "It was a gift."

Cagalli whistled. "From your girlfriend?" She teased. But why did he have to blush so much? It was only a joke. For a moment she regretted asking it, and felt a bit jealous seeing his reaction, but she soon snapped herself out of it. She didn't like Zala that way. Right?

"No, haha... don't be silly," Was his response. "She'd never refer to herself as that."

Cagalli felt relieved. What was that..? No, she didn't feel anything. It looked like Athrun really treasured 'her' and Cagalli felt bad about it. Not because she was... jealous, no... but because she had never seen Athrun with that look before. Hey Athrun, don't look like that. Cagalli eyed him, ah, she knew what to do. She would tease him, that should keep his mind off the topic. But to her dismay, she said the wrong thing. "Do you wish she would then?"

Shoot. Where the heck did that come from?

Athrun scratched his head as he turned away, blushing.

"Aha!" Cagalli went on, "Unrequited love huh?" Holy crap Cagalli, just shut up! Why did she have to tell him that? Why did she want to know who 'she' was to Athrun? It wasn't like she'd meet 'her' anyway. Plus, Athrun had never mentioned 'her' before so maybe... maybe she was gone. Cagalli, stop. Right now. But what was this... feeling? It was like every word he said about 'her' drained Cagalli's energy. Why?

Cagalli heard Athrun sigh. It pained her to see him like that. Just leave Cagalli. The girl laughed nervously. "Just kidding! Just kidding!" She frantically waved her hands, "No need to get so worked up. Err, I should go," Getting up, Cagalli headed for the door. Come on, just a bit further. "I just wanted to check up on you and all and... you seem fine! Yes! Hahah! Goodni—" But Cagalli stopped on her tracks as she felt Athrun's hand on her own.

"You," He looked at her earnestly, "were worried about me?"

Let go of his hand, Cagalli. But she couldn't. And she knew no matter how much she tried to reason with herself, she didn't want to pull away. What is this feeling? "I couldn't sleep that's all." She finally found her voice to speak. Regardless, she was completely taken aback when Athrun unexpectedly pulled her into a tight embrace. No, let me go Athrun. Please. He's in love with someone else, just what in the world was she thinking getting close to him like that?

But she felt so safe in his arms. It was something she had never felt before. Perhaps it was because she had never been held like that, it made her feel like everything was alright. She could feel his heartbeart, hear it, it was beating so fast. Like hers, exactly like hers. Was he nervous too? But just as she got used being so close to him, he loosened his hold onto her while his arms still circled her waist.

"Thank you."

Cagalli looked into his eyes. He seemed happier but twice as sad at the same time. She wanted to know what was bothering him, what was hurting him, and why it hurt her as she stared deeper into his eyes. He was so close, so close her nose almost touched his. Reaching up a hand, Cagalli brushed away a few strands of hair away from his eyes. What is this feeling? She continued to look at him in silence. It was like she was finally remembering something. "My prince..." She heard her voice whispering, "has grown so much."

And she kissed him.

She kissed him with a sense of longing, as if they had been separated for years. As if his lips hid the answers she had been desperately seeking. As if his taste brought back memories she had long forgotten. His mouth is so gentle, so caring, so... loving. Cagalli slowly opened her eyes as she pulled away, tears unconsciously streaming down her face. How could she have forgotten? Placing a hand to touch his face, Cagalli closed her eyes as she leaned her head on his chest. "I remember, Athrun. I remember now."

Flustered as he was for what just happened, Athrun barely managed to stand. "Cagalli..?"

"Everything," She continued to cry, holding onto him. "I remember everything. When we were younger... our promise... the Haumea necklace... I remember everything." Athrun felt her tears on his shirt as he held her closer. "And I'm sorry, so sorry for not being able to remember. I... I don't know why I did that... my body just moved on its own... and I just..."

"Sshh, it's okay." Athrun comforted her, gently running his hand on her back. "Cagalli, look at me." He urged her, taking a step back as he met her eyes again. Cagalli struggled to stop, constantly wiping her tears. And as Athrun took her hand once again, he kissed her palm before he wiped her tears away.

Cagalli held Athrun's hand tightly, not wanting to let go.

That feeling again... This time, it was Athrun who tenderly kissed Cagalli. And as he pulled away, he looked into her eyes again. "Forgive me," was all he said, causing Cagalli to silently question him. Soon enough she felt Athrun's forehead against hers before she saw a bright light and lost consciousness upon hearing the words, "Lasare Memoria."

≈

Sighing to himself, Athrun carefully placed Cagalli back on her bed as she continued to sleep soundly. No, her memories couldn't return yet. It was still too early. Athrun did what was expected of him, right? It was bound for Cagalli to remember, but now wasn't the best of times. She couldn't remember everything yet, things have gotten quite complicated than he ever expected. Besides, he only erased what happened between them that night, it should be alright.

There were just too many thoughts running through Athrun's mind that night the moment he got back to his room. Everything that happened that day forbade him to sleep. Athrun knew dwelling on them won't be any good, but still he thought about what happened, what's been said, and what's been done.

He had stolen the crystals.

It had to be the curse. What else could it have been? It was no wonder he couldn't remember anything. That monster succeeded in taking over his body. Athrun buried his face in his hands before he pulled his hair in frustration. He had been too careless. Vincent obviously had something to do with this, or else the curse wouldn't have gotten worse. He had been too weak. Again. How many times had his brother made a fool out of him? Surely too many to count.

And yet he succeeded again.

Did Athrun not promise himself that the curse would be the last time Vincent would win over him? Did he not train all those years to become stronger? Better? To protect Cagalli and to defeat his brother when they finally met again? Did he not? Then why couldn't he do it? Why wasn't he able to dodge Vincent's attack when he was in the Underworld? Now look, look where it got him. And everyone else.

Why was he so damn useless?

Athrun gritted his teeth in frustration. It was all he could do to vent out his emotions without causing any disturbance around him. He stole the crystals... and whether he remembered it or not didn't matter. He was still at fault, he had to get them back no matter what, whatever it took. It had become his responsibility after all. Even if it wasn't, it's not like he could just stand by.

Then there was Cagalli. Of all times for her memories to resurface, it just had to be that night. And she just had to do… that. Not to mention he took advantage of the opportunity too. When did he become so shameless? How could he… kiss her like that as if he actually deserved it? Just because she remembered everything for a short moment didn't mean he had the right to do what he had done.

How selfish could he be? Athrun wanted to die.

He loved her, of course he knew that. He'd been feeling that way since he was a boy. But it annoyed him how Zero's words still rang in his ears, playing over and over at the back of his head. Then again, he was right. Athrun had been foolish, he could never be together with Cagalli. Maybe Destiny really was playing a cruel game. Of all people to be her Guardian, why was he chosen? Did it make sense that the Prince of Hell was selected to become the Guardian of Heaven's— Athrun sighed. No, it didn't make a tad bit of sense.

Athrun furrowed his brow as he continued to recall what happened. Cagalli had mentioned their promise. What a stupid promise, he thought to himself. Really now, what exactly was he thinking telling her that he'd always be her prince? Not only was it a promise from when they were younger, it was also one that was impossible to fulfill. Honestly, he had no right to even think about it.

How stupid.

He had to get over her somehow. He couldn't possibly stay like that forever.

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To Be Continued
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