Mikazuki entered the Eternal's hangar, and after parking the Barbatos, he made his way to the ship's bridge.
As soon as he stepped onto the bridge, a soft figure threw her arms around him. A familiar fragrance filled his nose. No one spoke to interrupt them, not even Athrun.
It was a long time before Lacus finally let go of Mikazuki, a smile blooming uncontrollably across her face.
"Mika, why are you here?"
"Ah, I heard Murrue say that Athrun was going to PLANT. I had a feeling that I had to come, so I just followed behind them."
Athrun froze, speaking in astonishment. "Eh? You were behind us? But why didn't Kira or I notice you?"
"It must be the Mirage Colloid," Nicol said, turning his chair and floating over to Athrun's side. He studied Mikazuki with an amazed expression. "So you're the pilot of the Wolf? That's incredible. You look about the same age as me."
"This feeling is a bit familiar... You are..." Mikazuki paused. "Oh, I remember now. You're that black suit, right? The one that can turn invisible."
Mikazuki recalled the Blitz, which possessed the Mirage Colloid. Nicol smiled and extended his hand.
"Yes. My name is Nicol Amalfi. Hello."
Mikazuki raised an eyebrow, shook the offered hand briefly, and then withdrew his own. "Mikazuki Augus."
Nicol felt a bit awkward dealing with Mikazuki's indifference and rubbed his cheek in embarrassment. Athrun patted him on the shoulder.
"Let's go have a chat."
"Alright." Nicol looked at Lacus and Andrew. "If you'll excuse us, then."
"Of course," Lacus replied. She didn't stop them; after all, the Eternal had successfully escaped danger, and there was no need to keep their nerves so tightly wound. Next, they only needed to rendezvous with the Kusanagi and the Archangel, just as Mikazuki had suggested.
"Young man, we really owe you one this time."
Andrew, who was sitting further down, turned around and spoke to Mikazuki with a smile. Aisha also came to her lover's side, smiling warmly.
"You're still alive," Mikazuki noted flatly.
Andrew gave a wry smile. "Goodness, you certainly don't mince words when asking about someone's life or death. That time... you intentionally threw us into that spot, didn't you?"
Andrew's gaze turned sharp. Mikazuki scanned the bridge, replying calmly, "I suppose so."
"Why? You could have finished us right then and there. Why show mercy?"
This was something Andrew had never understood. Based on his impression of Mikazuki, the boy was the type to say he would eliminate anyone who got in his way. At that time, they were certainly in his way. Mikazuki had no reason to let them live.
Mikazuki stopped his wandering gaze and looked at Andrew and Aisha. "You seemed alright to me. I didn't want to kill you."
"Alright? Hey now, is that the only reason?" Andrew was caught between laughter and tears. There was nothing he could do; the reason Mikazuki gave was simply too far beyond his expectations.
"Not entirely. You treated me to that black, bad-tasting stuff once. Consider it my return gift."
"Bad-tasting...? You little brat who doesn't know quality! That was the absolute best among coffees!"
"Whatever."
Mikazuki, who had no interest in the subject, simply turned his head and gave a perfunctory response, leaving Andrew speechless.
"Ah, this kid is so infuriating!"
"There, there, Andy," Aisha said, moving past Andrew and giving Mikazuki a polite bow. "Regardless of the reason, thank you for your mercy."
The corner of Mikazuki's mouth twitched slightly. "It wasn't necessary. By the way... why are you all together?"
His question naturally referred to the alliance between Lacus and the Desert Tiger's forces. He had seen many familiar faces along the way, all of whom he had met once at the Desert Tiger's residence.
Lacus stepped forward to explain. "Captain Waltfeld shares the same goal as us. We are partners."
"Oh, I see."
Andrew spread his hands and added, "Actually, back when I first joined the ZAFT Military, I was already on Mr. Siegel's side. When Chairman Zala summoned me back to the homeland, Mr. Siegel personally came to discuss things with me, hoping I could assist the young lady. Well, I agreed quite readily. After all... there's no meaning in continuing this war."
Mikazuki nodded. Just then, Orga's voice came through his earpiece, asking a question.
"What did you ask for?" Mikazuki asked aloud, sounding puzzled.
Lacus and the others looked at him with strange expressions upon hearing his words.
"What's wrong, Mika?"
Mikazuki looked up at Lacus. "Oh, it's Orga. He told me to ask how that thing he requested is coming along. Did he ask you to make something?"
Lacus clapped her hands together. "Yes. Mr. Orga asked me to prepare something for the Barbatos."
"I'll take you to see it. Captain Waltfeld, I'll leave things here to you."
Although Andrew was curious about this 'Orga' Mikazuki spoke of, he didn't ask. "Understood. Please, go get some rest."
"Thank you very much. Let's go, Mika."
After Lacus offered her thanks, she took Mikazuki by the hand and led him away from the bridge. Aisha stood beside Andrew, leaning against her lover's broad shoulder with a beaming smile.
"Miss Lacus has certainly set her sights on quite an extraordinary man."
"Yeah... Mikazuki Augus. A terrifying youth..."
Lacus pulled Mikazuki toward the pilot's lounge in the hangar. Through the glass, Mikazuki saw a familiar, massive object.
"This is the Long Distance Transport Booster Kutan Type-III."
🚨 Note: Consider supporting this story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access 400+ advance chapters and 2 new chapters daily! (Full story bundles also available without a subscription).