Under the night sky, in District 5 of Junius City, a black sedan came to a smooth stop in front of the silent theater "White Symphony." The headlights, which had torn through the thick darkness, were extinguished, and the car's dark body blended into the night like camouflage.
A moment later, the tightly shut door opened.
A young boy with his arm in a sling gazed at the theater slated for demolition, his deep eyes reflecting a mix of confusion, anger, and pain.
Gently closing the car door, the boy gripped a pistol and strode into the theater.
As he stepped inside, a faint light guided him like a beacon, and he quickened his pace toward it. The glow grew brighter as he approached, accompanied by the sound of a beautiful singing voice ahead.
Hearing the melody, the boy, who had been walking steadily, broke into a jog.
He passed through the corridor and entered the main hall.
The boy halted, and the girl singing on stage stopped as well, turning to look in his direction.
A faint smile graced her lips as she spoke softly, "Long time no see, Athrun."
"Athrun," he murmured her name, his paused steps accelerating as he rushed toward the stage in a few quick strides.
On the stage moments later, the dark muzzle of a gun pointed at Lacus. Confusion and anger welled in Athrun's eyes as he demanded, "Why!"
"Why what?" Lacus replied calmly and composedly, smiling lightly as she countered. Sensing her demeanor, Athrun's fury intensified, his voice rising as he pressed again, "Why did you steal the Freedom?"
"Because I need it," Lacus answered with a serious expression, her smile gentle.
Athrun was taken aback and was about to speak further when Lacus continued first, "I want to end this escalating war, to stop people from piling on anger and dragging all of humanity into an unfathomable abyss."
Taking a deep breath, she stood up, holding Haro, her gaze firm as she declared with conviction, "So I need it. I need it to fight for peace!"
Her expression softening, she smiled warmly and asked Athrun, "Athrun, what is the gun in your hand firing for?"
The question struck Athrun's heart like a heavy hammer, shattering his resolve and leaving the reason for pulling the trigger a mystery.
Standing frozen, he began to ponder why he was aiming the gun and what purpose it served.
In his confusion, the tragic image of Junius 10 surfaced in his mind. Recalling the devastation, he seemed to find a justification for his intent to shoot.
Meanwhile, Lacus, seeing Athrun's state, pressed her advantage and continued speaking.
"Are you saying you pulled the trigger for Junius Seven?"
Hearing this, Athrun's pupils contracted sharply as he looked up at Lacus, his eyes filled with shock. Seeing his reaction, Lacus continued with a stern expression.
"Haven't enough shots been fired for Junius Seven? How long will you keep shooting for its sake? Until every last Natural is dead?
Do you truly intend to keep shooting like this forever?"
"I haven't!"
Faced with these hammer-like questions, Athrun immediately voiced his rebuttal loudly.
Hearing his denial, Lacus shifted her approach, though her tone remained severe.
"Then tell me! What will your gun be fired for in the future? For your father's praise? For shiny military medals? Or simply for the sake of shooting?"
After posing these questions, Lacus paused briefly before intensifying the seriousness and sharpness in her voice.
"Answer me!"
"I..."
Athrun found himself completely speechless, his mind thrown into chaos by Lacus's interrogation, with no answers to be found.
"Miss Clyne, the squad sent to capture us is searching nearby."
Just as Athrun was lost in confusion, Vania approached the stage and reminded Lacus with a serious expression. Lacus nodded in acknowledgment.
"I understand."
After responding, Lacus turned back to Athrun, setting aside her serious and sharp demeanor. A gentle smile returned to her face as she spoke to him.
"Athrun, there's an ancient saying in the East: those who walk different paths cannot make plans together. Let us part ways here! May you find peace and happiness in the future, and meet someone who will truly accompany you through life."
Hearing this, Athrun gazed at Lacus's face, where he could clearly see the expression of farewell. Staring at this parting look, he knew deep down that this goodbye would be anything but ordinary.
"La..."
"Goodbye, Athrun."
Before he could fully call out her name, Athrun heard Lacus say farewell. That single "goodbye" swallowed all the words he wanted to say.
Watching Lacus's retreating figure, his gun-holding arm dropped powerlessly. Athrun pressed his lips together, ultimately unable to take the step he wanted to take.
...
Several minutes later,
Footsteps echoed through the quiet theater.
Athrun, still on stage, turned toward the sound and saw Baron leading a search squad into the hall.
"Young Master Zala?"
Baron's eyes showed surprise as he spotted Athrun on stage, expressing his astonishment aloud.
In response, Athrun asked, "Who are you?"
"Young Master Zala, we're a search squad under the Chairman's orders to capture Lacus Clyne."
Hearing the inquiry, Baron gave a brief explanation.
Understanding the situation, Athrun replied without changing his expression, "I'm also looking for Lacus Clyne, but I arrived too late. She wasn't found here."
"I see!"
Baron acknowledged the information.
However, he didn't take Athrun's word at face value and ordered his subordinates to continue the search of the area.
Watching Baron and the others' movements, Athrun didn't say another word, striding outside. Noticing Athrun's departure, Baron glanced back at him briefly before returning his attention to continuing the search operation.
Outside the theater
As Athrun emerged, he spotted someone leaning against his car. Just as he recognized who it was and was about to speak, a familiar voice reached him.
"Finished inside?"
Hearing the question, Athrun wa
lked over to the car, saluting Felix before asking, "Captain Griffith, how did you know it was me?"
"Lucky guess!"
Hearing this, Felix glanced at Athrun beside him and chuckled.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "TLGod" on Patreon!"
Thanks!