Chapter 5

"Come on, don't be afraid. Come here. I won't hurt you."

"Meow"

A young child is climbing a tree and trying to help a cat come down. The child is very gentle with the cat, trying not to scare it. The cat can sense that the boy won't hurt it and slowly moves toward him.

"Yes, that's right. I'm your friend."

The cat rubs its head against the boy's hands, and the boy can feel how soft and fluffy the cat's fur is. He tucks the cat into his shirt, and the cat's head peeks out of the opening.

"Now let's get down."

He climbs down the tree slowly and when he is a few feet above the ground, He misses his step and slips falling down. "Ah~!"

He fell on his back but instead of checking his condition, he checked the cat first. "Are you okay!?"

"Meow~" The cat turned its head toward him and licked his face.

"Thank goodness~"

He checks himself and sees that he is not injured. He feels relieved. The cat rubs its head on his leg as a thank you before leaving. He feels that his job is done and walks home.

When he arrived his mom saw him and she saw him covered in dirt.

"Oh my, Haru. Why do you look so dirty?"

"I helped a cat climb down a tree, but I fell on the way down."

"Did you get hurt?"

"No, I'm fine."

"That's good. How nice of you to help that poor cat."

"Yup!"

"Oh, Haru! Why are you so dirty?"

"Papa! I helped a cat!"

"Really!? I see. Good job, Haru. That's my son for you. You are the light for anyone's darkness."

"Hehe"

"How about I cook your favorite today."

"Really? Yay!"

Haru wakes up to find himself in his living quarters. "It was a dream… even if it was a dream. It was nice to see Mom and Dad…"

After the Minerva and Phantom Pain both withdrew, extensive repairs were necessary for the damaged hull and systems of the Minerva following the explosion. The mobile suits also required overtime work for repairs due to the extensive damage incurred.

"Morning, Haru. Did you get enough rest?"

"Morning, Vino. Barely, repairing the Minerva was tough."

"Right. Let's get some breakfast."

"Okay."

They headed to the dining hall to get some food. They saw their group of friends and sat with them.

"Morning, Haru. Uwa, you don't look so good." said Luna.

"That's because we had to repair the Minerva and your mobile suits."

"Haha… sorry."

"If you're really sorry. You need to improve your skills so they don't get damaged."

"Wow, low blow."

"Just joking."

"Hey, Haru. I would like to ask you something."

"What is it Meyrin?"

"You have seen the red giant in person, haven't you."

Haru was caught off guard. His drink went down the wrong way. "Cough, cough, cough." 

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm okay. Why did you suddenly ask that?"

"I just wanted to know what he is like. I have seen him in the recordings, and he looks so cool!"

"I-I see…"

"Well, how was it?"

"I guess… when he appeared. A bright light covered my eyes, and I felt everything would be safe. I guess he just gives off that kind of feeling."

"He~ amazing. I wish I could see him in person. How about you, Rey? You also saw him fight, right?"

"I don't know. The giant just suddenly appears, and it is concerning that we don't know anything about it."

Rey Za Burrel is known for his calm, collected, and level-headed demeanor. He tends to speak sparingly and follows orders without hesitation. As Shinn's closest friend, he frequently takes on the role of keeping his hotheaded comrade in check, both on and off the battlefield. Rey sports long, flowing blond hair and piercing blue eyes. Graduating at the top of his class, he stands as one of the most skilled pilots within the Minerva, commanding the renowned white Zaku.

"Are you saying he can be a danger?" asked Luna.

"Possibly. He has a lot of power, which took down even that monster, while we all had trouble with it. We don't know its affiliation or if it is human."

"What? Are you saying it could be an alien?" asked Shinn

"Correct, it is not a mobile suit, and from what I have seen. It has biological functions which are not human."

Shinn's was mindblown. "Wow~ an alien. Well, I'm for one grateful to him. He did save us from that monster."

"An alien, huh~. Could this be proof we are not alone in the universe?" said Luna.

"Nee-san, stop spouting nonsense."

"What, Meyrin? It is just something to think about."

As Haru listens to the playful banter of his friends, a smile creeps across his face. However, beneath the façade, he is filled with unease. Revealing his identity as the red giant could lead to disastrous consequences – he might become the subject of a risky scientific experiment. Additionally, he is plagued by questions about the origins of the UltraRiser. Could it truly have extraterrestrial origins? These uncertainties weigh heavily on his mind, and he knows that he needs to carve out some time to unravel these mysteries.

…

In the vast expanse of space, the remnants of a once-thriving agricultural colony, Junius Seven, now lie in ruins. This peaceful PLANT was crucial in providing sustenance for the inhabitants in CE 69. However, on that fateful day of February 14, CE 70, the Earth Alliance launched a devastating nuclear attack, shattering the colony and resulting in the loss of 243,721 innocent lives, many of whom were civilian Coordinators. This tragic event, now remembered as the "Bloody Valentine Incident," stands as a solemn testament to the devastating toll of conflict in the cosmos.

A group of mobile suits is currently on Junius Seven, placing devices called Flare Motors, which are used to move massive objects throughout Junius Seven.

"Is everything ready?"

"Almost"

"Hurry! We need to finish this as soon as possible.

All Flare Motors have been placed and activated. Junius Seven is now in motion with a collision course set for Earth.

"Allen… Christine… I'll see you again once this is over."

The man looks at Junius Seven as it is slowly heading toward Earth. His anger is showing and directed at the Naturals."Now fall! Our great tombstone! On a world that has forgotten the voices of sorrow, that closes its eyes to reality, and continues to live veiled in the shroud of deception… Remember this lesson well!"

…

The ZAFT forces detected the movement of Junius Seven as it changed course and headed on a collision path toward Earth. The reason for this sudden movement is unknown, and discussions are underway to determine how to respond to this looming threat. The Earth Alliance has been alerted and is also experiencing a sense of urgency. The Minerva, upon receiving this crucial information, relayed it to Meyrin, who in turn informed Haru and the rest of her friends.

"Junius Seven is going to crash toward Earth?" asked Haru worried. If Junius Seven does crash to Earth. It may end all life as we know it.

"Yes, There is no mistake. I went over the data with Bart in the bridge," Meyrin replied.

"No way…"

Everyone was silent and was trying to digest the news. They knew what Junius signified; it was a cold reminder for Coordinators.

"How could it have moved?" asked Vino

"Either a meteoroid hit it, or some other thing altered its orbit." replied Yolan.

Lunamaria couldn't help but sigh. "First, the robbery at Armory One and that monster, then before the dust even settles, this? What's going on? Now then, What should we do with Junius Seven?"

Luna asked, but no one had the answer until Rey had responded. "Smash it to pieces."

Everyone was shocked by the unexpected answer. 

"Smash it?"

"The whole thing?"

Rey explained his answer. "It's impossible to change its orbit. If we want to avoid a collision, we have no choice but to smash it to pieces."

"But that thing's huge. It's at least 8 kilometers in diameter right through the middle!" said Yolan.

"How do we smash something that big?"

"And many of the bodies of those who died are still there." said Meyrin. She felt pity they were disregarding all of the bodies left on Junius Seven.

"But if it drops, Earth will be annihilated. After that, nothing will remain—not even those living on Earth now," said Rey. The decision they made seemed to be the only choice available to them. It was a difficult situation and they wished there could have been alternatives.

"But, well, I guess that's just how it is. It's beyond our control. But it might be easier for us on the PLANTs, since it takes care of a lot of stuff that way." said Yolan as if it did not concern him. Haru did not like that. He can't just disregard the amount of lives to be lost even if Yolan did not mean it.

"Yolan! You can't just say—"

"How can you guys talk that way!?"

Orb's Representative, Cagali, overheard the entire conversation. It's completely understandable that she's furious, considering their disregard for her home.

"That's just how it is!? End up being easier!? Do you have any idea how serious this is!? What could happen to Earth!? How many people will die as a result!? Do you guys realize what you're saying!?"

The ZAFT crew felt guilty and kept silent. Haru stepped forward to apologize.

"I'm sorry for what my friend said, Athha-sama. We understand the gravity of the situation. Please, can you find in your heart to forgive him?" Haru bows his head and pleads with her.

Cagali became flustered, not expecting Haru to bow. "Hmph, at least one of you seems to understand the situation."

"You don't have to apologize, Haru. It's not as if Yolan really meant what he said. Can't you tell the difference?" said Shinn, with an annoyed face at Cagali.

"What did you say!"

"Cagali!"

Athrun holds her back to prevent her from doing anything stupid.

"Shin!" Haru warns him not to say anything more, but he can see he has not listened.

"Oh, that's right. She's kind of a big deal, isn't she? She's Orb representative, after all."

She was about to go up to Shinn, but Athrun stopped her, and she complied.

"I take it you dislike Orb. May I ask why? I hear you used to live there. Please refrain from picking a fight with the Representative over an unrelated, trivial reason."

When Shinn heard Athrun say trivial. Something inside him snapped. "Trivial? I won't allow anyone to call it 'trivial!' And unrelated!? You're wrong on that account as well! My family is killed because of the Athhas! We believed in the nation, and we believed in your so-called ideals. And in the end, my family was killed at Onogoro!"

Shinn looks at Cagali, full of hate in his eyes. "That's why I will never believe in you! And I will never believe the nation of Orb! I'll never believe any of your idealism again! When you said you'd protect the nation's justice, did you ever stop to think how many lives would be lost because of your actions!? You don't have a clue. Stop talking like you know everything!"

"Shinn! Stop it!"

"Why are you defending them, Haru!? You're the same, right!? You lost your family in that battle as well!?"

"That doesn't mean you can talk to her like that!"

"Tch!" Shinn leaves the room, and Vino goes after him. Cagali was stunned and didn't move for a while. The ZAFT felt awkward and left the room, but Haru decided to stay.

"Um, Athha-sama, are you okay?"

"What, are you going to mock me as well?" she said her voice choking as if she was about to cry.

"No, I want to say sorry for what Shinn said."

"Huh?"

"I know he said hurtful things, and he might have hurt you, but please don't take it to heart. He has just been through a lot, and he still hasn't moved on from his pain."

"...You, what is your name?"

"I'm Haru Yasu."

"I heard you also lost your family at Onogoro. Do you also hate the nation Orb?"

"Mmm… I don't think so."

"Why?"

"Why? Well, I'm not the only one who lost their loved ones in that battle. If I were to blame you, it would be selfish of me."

"But, you lost your parents. Doesn't it frustrate you?"

"Of course, it frustrates me. I miss them every single day, and I wish I had the power to save them then. I heard you and the Chairman were arguing about power. You said having power will lead to tragedies."

"Yes, the stolen mobile suits are an example. It will only lead to more conflict."

"It could also be used to protect people, Athha-sama."

"Huh?"

"Power is not necessarily bad. It depends on who is using it. Power can be used to harm people or protect them. It could be light or darkness if I had the power to protect my parents. They might still be alive."

"Haru… I'm sorry Orb couldn't do more for people like you."

"It is okay, Athha-sama. They still live with me in spirit. They always said to me to be the Haru(light) in other people's dark times. It's those words that drive me to this day. I'm sure your father is watching you, Athha-sama. I've heard he sacrificed himself in Onogoro."

"Yes, he suffered a great deal over the decisions he made. He sacrificed himself to let me escape."

"Then I would like to ask you, Athha-sama. Was his actions for protecting Orb and you?"

"Yes, definitely."

"Then, I'm relieved. I'm sure he would have no regrets. I'm sure he would have entrusted his ideals to you. Just keep doing what you think is right, Athha-sama."

"Haru… thank you for believing in me. Call me Cagali."

"Eh, I can't. It would be too disrespectful."

"It's fine! Now, call me by my name. We're friends now."

"Then, Cagali."

"Um, it was nice meeting you, Haru. Let's talk again next time."

Cagali left with her feelings lighter after talking to Haru.

"He seems like a nice guy." said Athrun.

"Yes, it really is like he is the light. I felt better talking to him."

"He reminds me a bit of Kira."

"Hehe, I'm sure if those two met. They would get along well."

"Right."

***

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