Chapter 119: SEED – Return
Tolle took Cagalli aboard the high-performance Ginn, sent out a distress signal, and dragged along the Skygrasper Unit 2.
Looking down at the well-behaved Cagalli in his arms, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Even though he had disrupted Athrun and Cagalli's meeting, nothing had really happened.
Could it be that since Athrun and Cagalli didn't end up together in the end anyway, this wasn't considered disrupting fate?
Then was the destruction of my Zero-type Moebius backpack thruster just a coincidence? Or was it deliberate—to make me dissatisfied enough to interfere with Athrun and Cagalli's meeting?
Totally incomprehensible. But this wasn't something a small fry like him could—or should—care about.
Tolle shook his head, pushing aside those distracting thoughts. Following Nami's guidance, he steered away from ZAFT's patrol zones and made his way toward the Archangel.
Halfway there, Nami spotted the Strike Gundam searching for him and Cagalli. Tolle immediately opened his communicator and contacted Kira.
"Kira, do you hear me? Kira, we—we've got Cagalli. She's fine. We're on our way back now."
"That's great, Tolle! I'm so relieved you're both safe."
"Mm, thanks, Kira. You must not have had any rest while searching for us. Go back and get some sleep. We'll be there soon."
"It's no problem. I did rest a bit earlier—I only came out after sunrise. Don't worry about me."
Cagalli, obediently leaning against Tolle's side, suddenly sat up and snapped at Kira.
"You're so annoying! Tolle already told you we're fine and told you to go rest, so just go rest already. Why don't you ever listen?"
After saying that, Cagalli nestled back into Tolle's arms again, leaving him to respond with nothing but a roll of his eyes.
Kira, seeing this side of Cagalli, was completely dumbfounded. Had all his efforts to find them been for nothing?
Should he… tell Miriallia about Tolle having someone else clinging to him outside? He hesitated.
Tolle had no idea what doubts were swirling in Kira's head. If he did, he'd definitely shoot him a glare: Didn't you see she's the one clinging to me? I haven't done a thing!
Seeing Kira reluctant to turn back, Tolle had no choice but to mention Athrun to persuade him to return and rest up for the battles ahead.
"Mm, but Kira, you really should rest a bit. I have a feeling ZAFT will be here any moment. I spotted the Aegis Gundam.
When we were hiding on the island earlier, we ran into Athrun. We actually spoke with him.
He'll definitely report the Archangel's position to ZAFT, so we need to get ready right away.
I'm not daring to broaden the comms signal range. If ZAFT picks it up early, we're in trouble.
So you head back first and report everything to Captain Ramius and Uncle Mu."
"What? You saw Athrun? You're not hurt, are you? He didn't give you any trouble, did he?"
"Relax, Kira. We're fine. We told him we were your friends, so we talked a lot—ended up getting to know each other.
But in the end, we're all soldiers, each with our own duties and things we want to protect. So sooner or later, we'll meet again on the battlefield."
"Athrun… why does it have to be like this?" Kira muttered to himself, then replied to Tolle.
"Alright, understood. I'll head back immediately. Tolle, you be careful on your way."
Kira piloted the Strike Gundam back to the Archangel and informed Murrue, Natarle, and Mu about the ZAFT Aegis sighting.
Ten minutes later, Tolle also returned to the Archangel's hangar in the high-performance Ginn.
With more people around, Cagalli stopped clinging to him and left to find her bodyguards.
In the hangar, mechanic Murdoch eyed the completely wrecked Zero Moebius backpack thruster and grumbled at Tolle.
"You brat, stirring up trouble again, huh? How did you manage to wreck the Zero-type Moebius thruster this badly?
How on earth were you piloting? And what, my words just go in one ear and out the other?"
Then he hooked Tolle's neck with his arm and squeezed tight, deliberately not letting him speak—clearly payback.
After a few seconds, Murdoch finally let go, wiping his reddened eyes before muttering at Tolle.
"Damn kid… but you came back. That's what matters. We were worried sick."
Tolle knew this was Murdoch's way of showing concern, even if it felt more like a punishment. But since he'd always joked around with them without formality, he couldn't exactly complain.
Being too close could be its own burden. With a helpless sigh, he pretended to gasp for air and joked.
"Uncle Murdoch, I think you actually wanted me dead! I nearly saw the King of Hell just now—my little body can't handle that much abuse."
"Hahaha! Well, it's because you're such a handful! Maybe a harsher lesson will make you think twice next time."
Tolle spread his hands helplessly and apologized.
"Fine, fine, sorry for worrying you.
But—yeah, I'm about to give you more work. Kira must've told you already: ZAFT will be here soon.
Forget about the Moebius backpack for now—it won't be fixed anytime soon.
Instead, help me patch up the high-performance Ginn, reload all weapons and ammo.
If you can, swap in the Moebius modified mechanical arms so it can use the beam defense system too."
Then he immediately headed toward the hangar exit, calling back over his shoulder.
"And hurry it up! I'm going to rest for a bit. Can't help with repairs this time—I barely slept last night. If I don't get some shut-eye, I'll be useless in the fight."
Murdoch, wrench in hand, nearly hurled it at him, shouting after his retreating figure.
"I knew it! Your apology never means anything good. Damn brat, and now you're giving me more work again!"
Unfortunately, Tolle was stopped before he could leave—Natarle called him over to ask about the Aegis sighting.
Her face stern, she questioned him.
"Ensign Tolle, you really saw the Aegis Gundam? Explain the circumstances of your discovery. And why were you out all night—"
Murrue quickly cut her off, speaking gently to Tolle.
"Don't mind her, Tolle. That's just how Natarle is. She only wants to confirm things and analyze whether ZAFT will actually attack."
To Tolle, Captain Murrue was far more approachable—and she smelled so nice. Much better than Natarle's cold face. He couldn't help but think: I want her.
Sorry, Mu—guess I'll have to find you someone else. As for Murrue, she's mine.
After all, my future ship will need not just Vice-Captain Natarle, but Captain Murrue as well.