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Forgetting to Remember
Disclaimer: This is a blanket disclaimer for this and all following chapters: I don’t own Gundam Seed.
Summary: After an accident, Cagalli loses her memory. How will this experience affect her? And more importantly, how will it affect her relationship with the enigma that is Athrun Zala, the only person she remembers?
--
“Let’s see...here we’ve got the Buster, the Blitz, the Duel, Kira’s Mobile Suit, the Freedom, mine, the Justice, and yours...” Cagalli’s mouth fell open. “The Strike Rouge.”
“M-mine?” the girl stammered, staring up at the terribly imposing machine. She and Athrun were at the Orb Transport Hanger, which, in addition to the Mobile Suits, housed the legged ship that Athrun and friends had chased for so long: the Archangel. Standing amidst all these amazing machines, the Princess had never imagined being the owner of one.
Athrun couldn’t hold in an amused smirk at Cagalli’s expression. “Wanna get in?”
Her eyes grew wide. “C-Could I?”
The former Zaft pilot nodded, smiling still. “Hey Mr. Murdoch!”
A few seconds later, a tall, burly man appeared, dressed in an orange and white jumpsuit. He was wiping his hands on a well-worn cloth. “What? Athrun! Cagalli! Good to see you both. How’re you doing, miss?”
His infectious smile made the girl feel instantly at ease. “I’m okay. You know about what happened?”
Mr. Murdoch let out a hearty laugh, making her jump. “Do I know about it? Girl, everyone who doesn’t live in a cave knows about it! Your father had a huge press conference about it this morning. It’s all over the media.”
“It...It is?” Once the confusion cleared, rage settled in Cagalli’s stomach. “Oh my...he is so going to get it!”
The girl wheeled around, seething. Athrun grabbed her by the wrist before she could go storming off to the Palace. “Cagalli, you can’t just go barging into the Palace to yell at Lord Uzumi.”
“Oh yes I can!” The teen tried fruitlessly to escape his grip. Stupid Coordinator abilities. “That guy’s my father, and he’s going to get a piece of my mind!”
“But don’t you wanna get into the cockpit of the Strike Rouge?” Athrun sounded slightly more panicked now. Back on the original plan, Cagalli agreed, but the boy knew this was not the end of it.
Mr. Murdoch sighed as he led the pair down to the Strike Rouge. The trio rose up to the cockpit on a small platform, and the door gave a hiss as it opened. Now that Cagalli as standing infront of it, she was a bit nervous about actually getting in. The two men assured her they’d be right outside.
Taking a deep breath, the girl climbed inside, staring at all the screens and buttons. Then came the now all-too familiar head rush.
“The hardest battle...is to keep on living!”
Two guards stood outside the living room doors, and blocked it as the pair approached. Unfortunately, Cagalli’s foul mood had only worsened on the ride over.
“If you don’t open those doors right now, you’ll be the ones telling my father I’m running away to the PLANTS!”
Athrun raised an eyebrow as the men scrambled out of the way. Cagalli had power, a lot more power than she probably realized. She threw the double doors open, growling. The boy, throwing an apologetic glance at the guards, followed her in.
“What the hell did you do that for?”
The teenage princess was livid. Her father sat in the company of a middle-aged woman, and a boy who looked about her age. Kisaka, who stood, as ever, at attention next to the window, tossed a questioning glance at Athrun, who could only shrug helplessly and mouth, “She found out.”
Lord Uzumi seemed not far from his daughter’s current rage. “Cagalli! What is the meaning of this?”
“The meaning, father,” Cagalli hadn’t toned down in the slightest. “Is that I just found out that you, without consulting me in any way, decided to tell the entire country that I don’t know them!”
The man glared. “We are not about to discuss this now, Cagalli. And I don’t have to explain anything to you.”
“Oh, we are so discussing this now.” The girl clenched her fists. “How do you expect me to remember when everyone’s going to treat me like a complete outsider? All that stupid press conference did was make me look like a fool. And it’s all on you. So thanks, father. Thanks a whole stinking lot.”
It was quiet as Cagalli shook from the effort to quell her rage. Finally, Lord Uzumi spoke again. “It was for your own good.”
That did it.
“My own good?”
The teen almost laughed. “The only good thing about this was all the media exposure you probably got. In case you’ve forgotten, father, I’m the one who hit my head. I’m not just some idiotic publicity stunt.”
Uzumi stepped forward angrily. Instinctively, so did Athrun. But Cagalli stopped them both. “Just because I’m stuck here for two days, doesn’t mean I have to talk to you. So don’t expect me to.”
Spinning on her heel, she disappeared out the door. And for the second time that day, Athrun followed.
GUNDAM SEED GUNDAM SEED GUNDAM SEED GUNDAM SEED
She was still angry when he visited the next day. Cagalli lay on her bed staring at the ceiling, fresh off a phone conversation with Kira. If her brother knew anything, it was when to let her just vent. He too, was miffed by Lord Uzumi’s behaviour. But unlike his twin, Kira had better control of his temper.
“Cagalli? Can I come in?”
The teen took a deep breath for measure. “Yeah, go ahead.”
Athrun opened the bedroom door cautiously, as if Cagalli were about to throw something large at his head. He stepped fully into the room, and she stood up. The former Mobile Suit pilot eyed her uncertainly. “Still mad?”
Cagalli just nodded. Athrun sighed and shoved his hands deep in his pockets. “So I doubt you wanna tell me what you saw in the Strike Rouge yesterday?”
Her one track mind had suddenly come to a screeching halt. Cagalli had shoved the thoughts of that memory aside, and of the inevitable confrontation with Athrun. But now it all came flooding back, a sense of panic coming along for the ride. How was he going to react? It had to be a landmark plan in both their lives.
Only one way to find out...
“The hardest battle...is to keep on living.” She said it so quietly, but Athrun heard loud and clear.
“Cagalli...” His expression grew sober, and a wave of sadness washed over them. He had no idea what to say to her. Out of all the memories concerning the Strike Rouge, Athrun supposed he should have at least considered this. Expected it, really. “I’m sorry, Cagalli.”
“You should be!” The girl wondered why she was getting so riled up. But the utter horror of that memory was overwhelming. She wanted to yell and cry at the same time. And Cagalli did just that.
“How could you, Athrun? How could you even think of giving yourself up like that? Why would you?” The tears hadn’t quite passed her eyes yet. Bu they were making her choke up, and it was getting harder and harder to keep them back.
The boy looked away. “I...I thought we had lost. I thought that if I blew up the Genesis and myself, the pain would stop. That it wouldn’t hurt anymore. For me, or anyone else.”
“But it would!” she objected, “Running away like that, Athrun, doesn’t stop the pain. Maybe you’d stop feeling it, but if you died, the hurt would be passed on. To Kira, to Lacus, Dearka, Nicol, Yzak...” Cagalli wiped uselessly at the tears. No stopping them now. “And to me."
The boy rubbed her back soothingly. “It’s okay, Cagalli. I’m here, I’m not going anywhere.”
Cagalli hated crying. It made her feel weak, defenceless, like if she wasn’t strong enough; everything she knew and loved would be stripped away from her. Crying like this in front of someone like Athrun would normally irk her even more, but right now it seemed that wasn’t the case.
It was comforting, reassuring almost, to have Athrun there, holding her up, supporting her. And for some reason, it felt normal.
And then, just like in one of those cheesy romantic movies, Cagalli’s bedroom door opened. Opened to reveal her father, Kisaka, and the woman and boy from the day before. Upon sight of the unexpected company, the teens sprang apart, both red in the face.
Lord Uzumi frowned, as did the woman at his side. Kisame’s eyes twinkled, a barely noticeable smile on his face. It wasn’t like he’d just walked in on the Palace Princess in the arms of a former Zaft soldier, which he had. In fact, the man appeared to be enjoying himself.
As for the unidentified teenager, his purple hair made Cagalli wanted to class him as Coordinator, but it didn’t feel right. He was a Natural, she decided. A Natural with an attitude. The girl could tell in the way he held himself, with that lofty smirk, as if he knew something she didn’t. This boy oozed self-confidence, but not in a good way.
---
She still hadn’t forgiven him. “Can I help you, father? I’d appreciate it if you knocked before coming in by the way.”
Lord Uzumi “hmphed” and adjusted his Representative jacket, reminding Cagalli of a vain bird ruffling its’ feathers.
“Lady Seiran, may I present my daughter, Cagalli.”
The woman was quite beautiful, but ruined the effect with a disdainful glance down her nose. “A bit on the short side, tomboy no doubt. Attitude problem, and we’ll have to do something about that hair.”
It was like she was addressing a model, or a dolled-up mannequin instead of a real person. Cagalli opened her mouth, eyes burning, but Lady Seiran had already turned her attention to Athrun.
“And who might you be?”
The boy eyed her suspiciously, not bothering to hide his distaste. “Athrun Zala. Although I’m curious as to why it would interest you.”
Lady Seiran’s eyes flashed dangerously. “As expected, the son of Patrick Zala shows no respect for those of higher status.”
Athrun’s tense demeanour turned into a full-fledged glare. “Depends on the viewpoint, wouldn’t you say? And as for respect, those who expect it must give some in return.”
Cagalli marvelled at her friend’s ability to remain coolly polite. Then again, she was referring to Athrun Zala, who’d probably been forced to attend his fair share of social functions.
The woman scoffed. “As said by your mother, no doubt. What would your kind know about respect? If you ask me, she deserved to die on Junius Seven.”
Three seconds later, Athrun’s SEED factor had burst forth, and he was pinning Lady Seiran to the wall behind her. The woman clawed at the fingers enclosed around her throat. But Cagalli knew he was barely tapping into his real strength.
“I dare you to say that again,” he hissed venomously. Athrun’s grip tightened a fraction. Lord Uzumi looked as terrified as he was furious.
“Release her at once! Kisame, do something!”
The Princess’s former bodyguard shook his head, that faint, amused twinkle still in his eyes. “Afraid I can’t, sir. He could take me without even trying.”
Cagalli’s father spat something about “no longer employed” before yelling, “Guards!”
By the time the two men arrived, Athrun had released his captive, who crumpled to the floor, sputtering. The teenage boy stepped back, while the other rushed forward. “Mother! Are you alright?”
The lady coughed, glaring up at the former Zaft ace. “You’ll be going straight to prison for this, you little brat!”
His eyes were steely. “No one insults my family, or my friends. You’d best remember that.”
Lord Uzumi shook as he pointed a finger at Athrun’s chest. “Don’t think you can come back after this! If I see you here again, the consequences will be dire!” Then he wheeled on the guards. “Seize him!”
The two men looked at Cagalli, who shook her head discreetly. She was on good terms with the hall guard. They paused, as she turned to Athrun. “I’ll walk you out.”
Her father was beet red. “Absolutely not! I forbid—”
She was already at his side. “Let’s go.”
GUNDAM SEED GUNDAM SEED GUNDAM SEED
They were completely silent the entire walk to Athrun’s car. When his fingers hovered inches from the floor handle, the boy turned, and Cagalli was surprised to find him shamefaced.
“I’m sorry, Cagalli. I shouldn’t have-I shouldn’t have lost control like that.”
She shook her head softly. “Don’t apologize. She was way over the line the second she opened her mouth. In fact, I should be thanking you, Athrun. It was sweet of you, to defend me like that.”
He smiled weakly. “It’s a job. So I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The teen nodded. “See you.”
Cagalli stood at the entrance to the palace, watching as Athrun passed through the gates and sped away. One more night, she told herself. One more night and she was out of there.
As Cagalli stepped through the Palace threshold, a maid rushed up. “Miss Cagalli, Lord Uzumi requests your presence in the living room.”
“Right now?”
The woman nodded, shuffling nervously as the Princess heaved a sigh. “Alright. Thanks. What’s your name?”
“Miko, miss.”
“Thanks, Miko. And can you pass this message along to everyone? Call me Cagalli.”
The blonde swallowed. She had a feeling she wouldn’t like this meeting one bit. When the girl sat down cautiously on the loveseat, her father began. “Cagalli, this is Lady Seiran and her son, Yuuna Roma.”
She nodded at the boy in recognition, but the look in his eyes made her want to shiver.
Uzumi continued. “They are from a very powerful family, and will be staying at the Palace for the next few months.”
And she cared why? If they stayed at the Palace, Cagalli would only have to deal with them for two days at a time. “Not to be rude,” she said, thinking of Kira, “But what does this have to do with me?”
The girl watched as the two adults before her exchanged glances. Suspicious warning signals flashed wildly in her brain.
“While they are staying at the Palace,” her father was saying, “We decided it would be best if you stayed here as well.”
Say what? Cagalli’s jaw hung limply for a second or two. “What do you mean?” she demanded, “I will be here while they are.”
Her father shook his head. “Only on the weekends, Cagalli. We were thinking of a more...permanent arrangement.”
“P-Permanent?” the girl echoed, confused. “And who’s we?” The man didn’t reply. And then it dawned on her. “You mean-no. No way! We talked about this. We agreed I’d stay here two days a week. That was the deal!”
Was her father joking? Did he honestly think that he could get her to live at the Palace permanently? Now Cagalli understood the reason for Kisame’s behaviour. He knew this would not go over well with the princess. And he was right.
“I’m not living here,” the girl declared furiously. “You can’t change the agreement now, father.”
“Actually,” interrupted Lady Seiran, “I think you’ll find he can.”
The teen whipped her head around. Screw being polite. “And this concerns you because...?”
Lord Uzumi was horrified. “Cagalli!”
She ignored her father. Instead, she focused on the new houseguest, who seemed to be enjoying herself all too much.
“If you don’t agree to stay here at the Palace and agree to show my Yuuna around school, I will go to the authorities about that Zala boy.”
Cagalli was practically shaking with rage. “First of all, his name’s Athrun. That’s what you will call him. Not “that Zala boy”, not “that Coordinator”. Second, you will treat everyone who passes through the Palace walls with utmost respect, whether they be Natural or Coordinator, maid of Supreme Councillor. Do I make myself clear, Lady Seiran?”
The woman sputtered, but not from lack of air. “I don’t think you’re in any position to be making demands—”
“Oh, I think I am.” the teen cut in swiftly. “See, because if you don’t listen, the Council will know you provoked a Coordinator into assault. This kind of behaviour is a federal offence; the kind of thing that starts a war. And if another war begins, who do you think will take the blame?”
These things she knew thanks to Kira, who was always glad to teach her what was forgotten. The peace had to be preserved. Lest another war broke out.
Cagalli stood, turning her back on the gaping woman, and her angry father. Before leaving, she turned to Kisame.
“Can you call the Yamatos? Tell them I’ll be home for dinner.”
GUNDAM SEED GUNDAM SEED GUNDAM SEED GUNDAM SEED
She’d been right about Yuuna.
The self-appointed “Ladies-man” (only Natural girls, mind you), was no stranger to flaunting his apparent wealth; with brand-name clothes, a top-of-the-line car, and expensive watches. He also had quite the mouth, no doubt inherited from his mother.
There had already been several occasions where Athrun, Nicol, and Kira had to physically hold Dearka back from pummelling the boy into the ground for bashing Coordinators. In addition to the jabs at the second race, Yuuna had a bad habit of walking all over the Palace staff.
Flashback
Cagalli stepped out of the library on the day of her mandatory visit to find Yuuna hassling a small child, one of the cooks daughters, the remains of a dropped ice-cream cone at their feet.
“Don’t ever run into me again, you little brat. Or else I’ll make sure your mommy never works again!”
The little girl burst into tears, her wails bouncing off the marble walls and into the vaulted ceiling above. Cagalli frowned and approached the pair. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Yuuna spun around, clearly surprised. “Princess! This little urchin walked right into me, and—”
“Oh, be quiet Yuuna.” The blonde did nothing to stifle her irritation. “Remember that talk your mom and I had about respect? Learn some.”
She ignored his insulted noise of protest and bent down to the toddler’s height. “Hey there. What’s your name?”
“K-Kimi, P-Princess Cagalli. Kimi is a bad girl.”
Cagalli shook her head and lifted the tearful girl off the floor. “You’re not a bad girl, Kimi-chan. You’re a very good girl. You were just in the wrong place at hte wrong time, okay?”
Kimi nodded, rubbing her knuckles in her eyes. The Princess smiled. “How ‘bout you and me find your mommy and we’ll go get some ice cream? Sound good?”
The child nodded, and after a call to housekeeping, they were off. Leaving an angry Yuuna behind.
End Flashback
“Hello Cagalli.”
The girl’s frown deepened as Yuuna sidled up to her locker. She didn’t look at him as she closed the door. “Can I help you with something?”
His aggravating smirk grew. “Actually, you can. Go out with me.”
Cagalli tossed him a half-glare, half-“are you kidding me?”
“No.”
Yes, to top off all of Yuuna’s faults, he just had to like her.
You know what to do.
Annie
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