The Neutron Jammer Canceller meant that the terrifying energy source which once brought disaster to PLANT had been reactivated.
"Why does something like this exist? Didn't PLANT decide to abandon all nuclear weapons?"
As they stared at the Mobile Suits before them, Athrun, Dearka, and Nicol all thought the same thing. Even Dearka, who usually cared most about winning, found it hard to accept the revival of nuclear energy. This was no longer just a matter of warfare—it was a breach of morality and fundamental principles.
"So? What do you think of your new Mobile Suits?" Yuri Amalfi asked the three of them.
As a moderate, Yuri Amalfi had avoided arrest by Patrick Zala precisely because, like Dearka's father, he was a high-ranking official in the military factory—both an administrator and a researcher. The ZGMF Project had been jointly developed by the two of them.
"Father..." Nicol's gaze at Yuri Amalfi was complicated, wanting to demand why he had created something that could potentially destroy the world.
"Nicol..." When Yuri first learned that Nicol was missing in action, he had been devastated, filled with hatred toward Orb. Then, upon discovering that Nicol was still alive and that Orb had unconditionally returned him, he had been overjoyed. But now... he likely couldn't share his relief and worries with his son, because he had forged the key that could end the war—or just as easily destroy the world.
"Nuclear energy... what a damn joke!" Despite seeing more powerful new Mobile Suits, Dearka was uncharacteristically displeased, turning his head away with a low curse.
"There's no other choice. This is war. Nicol, Dearka, you were lucky to survive this time, but more young lives have been lost. Countless others are still fighting on the battlefield, ready to die without hesitation. I hope... you can use this power wisely to end the war as soon as possible—not just for yourselves, but for your comrades still fighting."
The three of them had no answer. Their hearts resisted, yet they had no choice.
Yes, this was war. The war was still raging, and for every minute they wasted, more of their people might die. They were soldiers—they could only accept orders and wield this detestable power in battle.
Moreover, there was another pressing issue before them: Who had stolen the Freedom Gundam? Which faction did they belong to?
If the Neutron Jammer Canceller fell into the hands of the Earth Alliance, the tragedy of [Julius 7] would repeat itself.
...
After leaving the military factory, Athrun, Nicol, and Dearka each returned home to reassure their families. After spending a quiet night with their loved ones, they regrouped the next day.
"Athrun, what do we do now?"
"The Mobile Suits still need a week for final adjustments. Are we just supposed to relax and take a vacation until then?"
Neither Dearka nor Nicol could stay idle at home after learning the truth. They understood the reasoning behind Patrick Zala and Yuri Amalfi's words, but they couldn't simply accept it as if nothing had happened.
"I want to visit the Clyne residence. Maybe... we can find something there," Athrun said.
"Then let's go together, Athrun."
"As her former fiancé, you might actually notice things others can't."
The three exchanged glances and nodded, heading together to the Clyne residence. Their thoughts were in turmoil—shocked by the reactivation of nuclear power, yet also determined to uncover why Lacus Clyne had assisted spies in stealing the Freedom Gundam equipped with the Neutron Jammer Canceller.
By the time they arrived at the Clyne estate, dusk had fallen. The ruined mansion looked even more desolate under the fading sunlight.
"This is truly excessive."
Broken glass littered the ground, the once-beautiful garden now exuded an air of decay, with overturned tables and chairs making the scene unbearable to behold.
"Athrun..." Nicol glanced at Athrun with concern. If anyone was most affected by Lacus's betrayal, it was undoubtedly Athrun—her former fiancé.
"Let's go. Look around. Maybe—"
"Rustle, rustle..."
Just then, movement from a nearby bush made all three immediately grip their gun hilts, alert.
"Who's there?"
"What's going on?"
A familiar voice, a familiar figure—a round, pink Haro hopped out from the bushes, flapping its ears and bouncing energetically, leading Athrun and the others into the garden.
"Haro!"
Perhaps it recognized Athrun's voice, or perhaps its mission was complete—it leaped backward into Athrun's hands.
"Is this Haro?"
"Miss Lacus's mechanical pet. I heard you made it?"
"Yeah." Athrun nodded, staring at the Haro in his hand with mixed emotions. He knew Lacus had many Haros, but her favorite was this little pink one, matching her hair color. If Lacus had fled, taking the other Haros with her, she wouldn't have left this one behind.
He glanced around, and a memory surfaced.
...
"The name of this flower comes from the theater where I first performed. I planted it as a memento."
...
"Let's go." Clutching the pink Haro, Athrun turned and left the Clyne estate.
"Did you find something?"
"Yeah. I might know where Lacus is now."
"Whoa! As expected of the ex-fiancé. Impressive. Should we notify—actually, never mind." Dearka shrugged, joking. He, too, wanted to understand why Lacus had become a traitor. Until they had answers, he didn't want anyone interfering.
"Let's go."
The three got into their car and drove toward Junius. The sky was overcast, perfect for rain. The car stopped in front of an abandoned theater, and the three stepped out, standing before its entrance.
"This is...?"
"The White Symphony Theater. This is where Lacus first performed. The garden back there was originally filled with white roses. She told me she chose them as a tribute."
"If that's the case... then this Haro!"
"Exactly. Lacus anticipated that we—that I—would go to the Clyne estate, so she left Haro there to guide me to her," Athrun explained.
"Heh. Quite the impressive young lady. So, what now? Going in?" Dearka asked Athrun.
"Mm." Athrun nodded. Since Lacus had deliberately led them here, she must have her reasons. Now that they'd come, they had to meet her. But just in case, Athrun warned the other two, "Stay alert."
Dearka and Nicol nodded in agreement. The three drew their pistols and entered the theater in a triangular formation. Shortly after stepping inside, they heard a faint singing voice—one they all recognized immediately. It was Lacus, performing her signature song "Proof of Water."
Exchanging glances, they cautiously advanced toward the source of the music. Pushing open a door, they saw Lacus seated alone at the center of the stage in full formal attire, singing passionately under a spotlight.
After scanning the surroundings and finding no threats, they approached the stage, though they kept their guns drawn as a precaution.
"Again! Again! Lacus!"
Before Athrun could speak, Haro leaped from his shoulder onto the stage, landing in Lacus's hands.
"Ara! Isn't this little pink?" Lacus turned to the trio below. "So you brought it after all. And Dearka, Nicol—it's been a while. I'm glad to see you're safe."
"...Lacus."
"Yes?"
Athrun exchanged a look with Dearka and Nicol. The three jumped onto the stage together, with Dearka and Nicol keeping watch while Athrun addressed Lacus.
"What exactly is going on here?"
"Didn't you come here because you already understood the situation?"
"Then it's true you conspired with a spy to steal Freedom? Why would you do that!?"
"I never conspired with any spy."
"What?"
"I was simply fulfilling a request—to deliver a new sword into Kira's hands."
"Hmm!"
"Kira needs it now, so passing it to him was the right thing to do."
"Ki...ra..."
"Sorry to interrupt your reunion, Miss Lacus, but I'm curious—who made this request? And who is Kira?" Dearka asked.
"I can't tell you who just yet, but you all know him."
"We know him?" Dearka frowned, unable to figure it out immediately.
"As for Kira..." Lacus glanced at Athrun, signaling him to answer.
"Kira... Kira is... the pilot of Strike."
"What!? Didn't he die? By your hand!" Dearka and Nicol were stunned.
"Yes! I killed him! How could he still be alive!? Lacus, what nonsense are you spouting!?"
"No, Kira is alive," Lacus told them. "By chance, Mentor Malchio brought him to PLANT for treatment."
"You're lying!" Athrun panicked, pointing his gun at Lacus. He couldn't accept that Kira had survived that explosion. "What are you scheming!? Lacus Clyne! That guy... there's no way he's still alive!"
"Do you think words alone are unconvincing? Then... what about what you've seen with your own eyes? On the battlefield... after you, all of you, returned to PLANT after so long, did you see nothing?"
"Lacus..."
"Miss Lacus..."
Not just Athrun, but both Dearka and Nicol were shaken—no, it would be more accurate to say they had already been shaken. Seeing the reactivation of nuclear power only intensified their unease under Lacus's words.
"What is the conviction behind your battles? Is it the medals you've been awarded? Is it Chairman Zala's orders?"
"Lacus..."
"If that's the case, then Kira will become your enemy again, all of your enemy. And so will I, and so will Yang Hui." Lacus spoke solemnly to Athrun, Dearka, and Nicol.
"If I were to stand against you, would you point your guns at me?" Lacus stood and stepped forward, one step at a time, toward the wavering trio. The three, however, retreated under the silent pressure radiating from her. "ZAFT's Athrun Zala, Dearka Elsman, Nicol Amalfi!"
"I... I..."
All three lowered their heads with conflicted expressions, their hands trembling as they gripped their guns.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
At that moment, gunfire echoed through the courtyard, interrupting their conversation. Instinctively, Athrun shielded Lacus behind him, while Dearka and Nicol moved to her sides, forming a protective circle around her.
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