Chapter Five: Disrupted Peace
ATTHA MANSION, INNER GARDENS 1600H
Xeth opened the door and found Jared outside. “Jared!” She hugged him.
“Xeth! It’s nice to be back!” Jared squeezed her tightly then looks at her. “Where’s Shawn?”
Xeth took his hand and led him to the garden. When they arrived, she saw Athrun, Yzak and Shawn playing tag. She called out. “Shawn! Look who’s here!”
Shawn immediately shouted in excitement. “UNCLE JARED!” He zoomed towards the dark haired man who is opening his arms for him. “UNCLE JARED!”
Yzak turned to Athrun. “Who’s he?”
“Jared Laurence, a very close friend of Xeth’s family.” Athrun replied. “He’s been with us since Shawn’s little.”
Yzak observed them. Xeth is laughing and ticking Shawn who’s in Jared’s arms. It hurts him to say but they look like a happy family. When he saw Xeth hugging the man named Jared from behind, he concluded Jared’s more than just a friend to her. Drop it, Yzak… A voice inside his head said. He followed Athrun towards the others since Cagalli prepared snacks for them. It’s been a month and a half since his arrival. Everyday was a blast since little Shawn kept on visiting his training with the 56th division and made it fun for him. But now…
Xeth took Shawn in her arms and introduced Yzak. “Jared, this is Commander Yzak Joule of the Zaft forces. Yzak, this is Lt. Jared Laurence of the OI Unit.” She saw them shake hands. She turned to Yzak. “Jared’s been in the family since I don’t know when…” She smiled.
I bet… Yzak thought as he forced a smile. “I see…”
“I missed you a lot, Uncle Jared… I missed riding with you in your mobile suit cockpit and soaring high up in the sky…” Shawn said as he began eating his sandwich.
Yzak immediately felt like it’s wrong. “You take him with you inside a mobile suit?” He asked.
“Yes…commander.” Jared answered hesitantly.
Jesse observed from afar. Let the war begin! She laughed inside. She’s waiting for Andrew to take her since they’re planning to visit the cake shop near the mansion for the coming wedding. They already set a date, a month from now. “Hey Cagalli?” She called as the woman passed by.
Cagalli looked back. “Yes?”
“Don’t you think you should take out leashes for those two?” Jesse pointed with her eyebrows. “They’re at each other’s throat… I suggest you stop them now before sandwiches fly and glasses crack…”
Cagalli made her way towards the two men who are arguing about Shawn.
“Bringing him with you is endangering him.” Yzak said coolly. “What will happen if an enemy mobile suit shows up?”
Jared couldn’t believe what he’s hearing. “Wait a minute… We’re not in a war, commander.” He answered in a strained voice. He doesn’t really want to go against a commander, especially a Zaft commander.
“Accidents happen, lieutenant…” Yzak answered as he drank his juice.
Cagalli immediately laughed a boisterous laugh. “Ahahahahaha! It was just for fun, Yzak… Nothing serious at all. Besides, Xeth also takes him up with her…”
Yzak glared at Xeth. He can’t believe a mother would endanger her own child. No you do not… He gave her that look. When he didn’t get an answer from Xeth he sighed. “I better rest. I’ll see you guys tomorrow…”
Shawn immediately hugged Yzak’s right leg. “Uncle Yzak…don’t go yet… Don’t leave me…”
Yzak’s anger immediately melted as he looked at the boy hugging his leg. He took him in his arms. “And why is that?”
Shawn pursed his lower lip out. “Coz you always leave… Why don’t you stay here so that I could see you everyday? It’s no fun without you around… Come on…” He whispered to the commander’s ear.
Yzak laughed at the answer. “Really?”
Shawn nodded vigorously. “Really!”
Yzak thought about it for a moment. If I stay here… It won’t be boring with Shawn around…and I could talk to Athrun too… And… He glanced at Xeth who is talking to Cagalli. He looked sadly at the little boy in his arms. “I’m sorry, Shawn. I can’t. Uncle has a lot to do…” He explained.
Shawn’s eyes began to water.
Not the puppy eyes… Yzak rolled his eyes. Kids… He walked towards the door. “Tell you what… I’ll visit you everyday to jog around the compound. You like that?”
Shawn began to smile.
Xeth watched the two. She took hold of Jesse’s hand. “Oh my God, Jesse… Yzak likes him…so much…” She sighed worriedly.
“Yep…he does.” Jesse answered blandly. “He must feel a little connection, sweety. After all, Shawn’s his…” Jesse immediately closed her mouth.
“Shawn’s who’s?” Jared sat beside Xeth.
Xeth laughed nervously. “Oh! Nothing…we were just watching Commander Joule handling a kid and all…”
Jared nodded. “Yeah… He’s pretty protective with kids, huh? I was really surprised at his anger about the mobile suit incident earlier… He really does like kids, doesn’t he?”
Xeth stared at Yzak and Shawn. He really does…love him… She thought. He must have wished for a son. Why else would he get himself married? She remembered Yzak’s words when they were still together. ‘I’d like to have a son so that I could teach him and he could teach me to be a good father…and then after that, a daughter. Two is enough…but if you like, we could make more…’ She laughed back then. It was weird hearing her commander talk about such domesticated a subject like having children.
Yzak placed Shawn down. “I got to go, kid…” Yzak smiled.
“Tomorrow then, uncle?” Shawn’s eyes twinkled in anticipation.
Yzak nodded and watched Shawn scampered towards the others. He turned and entered the car waiting for him. He never would have guessed he’d be enjoying watching over a kid. For some reason, he found himself not exerting any effort at all. He used to think that he’s not made to handle kids. But with Shawn, he feels like it’s easy. Maybe because he’s hers… Xeth’s face appeared in his mind. And then, Jared Laurence’s face entered his mind. He clenched his fist in anger. Who the heck is he?! They seem to be close… He said to himself. I have a family now. I shouldn’t be thinking of this… A ring in his phone interrupted his thoughts. “Yes? It’s me. What? I’m working here… Oh go f@*& someone else, Elisa! Get over yourself!” He closed his phone in anger. A family, huh…
MORGANRATE MOBILE SUIT CONVENTION
Several pilots were invited to do an exhibition of the different mobile suits that Morganrate had created. It is actually the 3rd anniversary of the peace treaty between Zaft and Orb. Shawn excitedly seated himself at the frontlines with his mommy, Cagalli Yula Attha – Zala. They are surrounded by several Emirs. He looked at the program.
JUSTICE GUNDAM Commander Athrun Zala
FREEDOM GUNDAM Kira Yamato
AEGIS GUNDAM Commander Yzak Joule
BUSTER GUNDAM Lt. Walter Rivers
STRIKE GUNDAM Lt. Jared Laurence
TEMPO GUNDAM 1st Lt. Jesse Arden
RAGE GUNDAM Col. Adam Raize
VENOM GUNDAM Commander Eric Raize
STORM GUNDAM Lt. Samantha Arden
PULSE GUNDAM Col. Major Xeth Cobalt
“Papa and Uncle Kira are also joining in! I’m so excited…” He laughed and looked at his mommy. “Isn’t the Aegis, papa’s? Well… Uncle Yzak is going to drive it… And Auntie Xeth is piloting Pulse… And Auntie Jesse is piloting Tempo… And…”
Cagalli covered Shawn’s mouth. “I know, honey… You don’t have to shout it all out…” She kissed her forehead. “Let’s just watch, okay? The program is about to start…” She looked about and smiled. It’s nice to see everyone present. Suddenly, she regretted what she said. She spotted Elisa Maxwell – Joule enter the exhibition area. Oh no…
The exhibition went well. In the end all the GUNDAMs line up and their pilots exited the cockpit. Shawn cheered happily by the exhibition area. “PAPA! UNCLE JARED! AUNTIE XETH!”
Elisa Maxwell – Joule turned towards the voice and saw a little boy waving at the pilots. Xeth? That name… Her blood boiled. She immediately walked to the frontlines and watched the pilots carefully. She took a glance at the program and spotted the pilot of the Pulse walking to the center, waving at the fans. So…she’s Xeth… She crumpled the program in hand. The bitch… She smiled evilly. We’ll see then, Xeth… You’re nothing but trash… She hissed inside her mind. “YZAK, DARLING!” She shouted, flipping her long azure hair and waving stylishly. “I’m here, sweetheart!” She got the attention of almost everyone in the tent.
Yzak froze at the voice. Oh God not now… He looks towards the exhibition area where his wife is smiling seductively at him.
“So…she’s the wife…” Athrun grins. “She looks good, Yzak…”
Yzak gritted his teeth in annoyance as his wife kept on calling. “Yeah…and annoying…” He muttered. “I should go to where she is…or there’ll be chaos. See you later, Athrun.” He passed by Xeth not looking at her.
Xeth smiled sadly. Yes, Yzak… Go be a good husband… She sighed and joined the others in the middle of the field to take a bow. That night, she Xeth lulled Shawn to sleep and ended up sitting in the garden gazebo of the Attha Mansion with Shawn cuddled in her arms. She looked at her son lovingly. Will you ever forgive me, Shawn? I’m prying you away from him…I’m sorry. But your papa has a family of his own… She wiped her tears away.
The next day, she was surprised that Yzak Joule and his wife, Elisa Maxwell Joule is chatting and having breakfast with her cousin and Athrun Zala. She slowly walked towards the large dining room. “Good morning.” She greeted with a sweet smile.
Elisa Maxwell stood up with a big smile. ‘Well, good morning! So this is Xeth Cobalt? I’ve heard so much about you, major…” She sat back and gave her husband a knowing look. It was obvious her husband is fond of the young woman. Yzak has been chatting about Xeth since they were not yet married.
Xeth reddened at the statement. “Well…that’s nice to hear, Mrs. Joule.” She took a seat beside Cagalli.
Athrun smiled despite the sudden awkwardness of the situation. “Well, I’m glad you’re awake, Xeth. You see…Elisa wants a tour around Orb. Would you accompany her?”
Xeth stared at Athrun and then at Cagalli. Are you kidding me?! You both know I don’t like the idea! She tried to tell them with her eyes but to no avail. “I’d love to.” She finally smiled.
Elisa grinned. “I thought you’d deny the request…” She took hold of her husband’s arms. “Yzak…you’re coming, right?”
Yzak couldn’t look at Xeth. Maybe it’s better I’m with them since I don’t really want Xeth hurt… He knew his wife has a sharp tongue. “I’ll go with you…” He answered plainly.
Cagalli raised a brow at her cousin. “Hey…why don’t you take Shawn with you?” She smirked.
Xeth gave her cousin a what-the-heck-are-you-planning look. “Why…that would be a bit…hard….Cagalli….”
Cagalli pouted a bit. “But cousin…I’ll be facing the Emirs today and Athrun is busy. Don’t you think it’s bad to leave little Shawn alone?” Cagalli pushed on. “Besides, you don’t want to be left out… With Mr and Mrs Joule together, you’d be a bit alone. Shawn needs watching. Elisa wouldn’t mind, right?” She posed the question to the smiling blonde.
“Of course not, deary. Bring the bra – I mean the kid along…” Elisa said nonchalantly.
“So?” Cagalli now faced Xeth.
“Fine…” Xeth smiled. Cagalli’s right. She needs someone to take her attention from the two love birds. And besides, she loves being with her Shawn. “I’ll be back then…I’ll wake up little Shawn and ready him.” She stood up and took her leave. She sighed as she made her way to her son’s room. She hates that woman. She knew there’s something about that evil aura of Elisa Maxwell. Maybe she wants me to be jealous… She knew the woman knows Yzak had some relationship with her and that ticks her off. She opened the door to Shawn’s room and found the little boy yawning. “Hello, little Shawn…” She greeted.
“Auntie!” Shawn immediately ran towards her. “You taking me out? Hm? Hm?” He beamed.
Xeth nodded. “Now, let’s take a bath…”
“YEHEY!” Shawn leaped up and was caught by his auntie. “Where we going? Morganrate? Air Field? Where, where?” He kept on asking questions as his auntie took off his pajamas and placed him in the hot tub.
“Somewhere nice… We’re off to tour Uncle Yzak and…” She paused for a while. “…Auntie Elisa.”
“Who’s auntie Elisa?” Shawn asked, confused. He played with the bubbles as he waited for the answer.
Xeth scrubbed the little boy gently. She wanted to tell him, She’s the wicked witch of the west in disguise! But that would be bad… “She’s your Uncle Yzak’s wife.” Xeth informed.
“Ooohhh…” Shawn answered rather sadly.
“Why are you sad?” Xeth curiously asked as she rinsed the boy.
“Well…I thought Uncle Yzak is alone…like auntie…” Shawn grinned.
Xeth immediately realized what the little boy would like to do with them. “Ah! You’re too mischievous!” She tickled the kid. They laughed until Shawn gave up. She changed him into a cute boy version of the orb military uniform. “There you go… We’d be visiting the air field, I promise.” Xeth smiled as she finished brushing the boy’s long jet black hair. “Promise to behave?”
“I will!” Shawn shouted and took his auntie’s hand. He dragged her out of the room. “Let’s go!”
The car trip is filled with Shawn’s laughter. Xeth drove keeping to herself. It is obvious that Mrs. Joule is not enjoying at all. She could see her through the back mirror pouting. Yzak is playing with Shawn, this placed a smile across her face. At first, she placed the boy in the front seat beside her…but the boy transferred with the help of a willing Yzak.
“You know…I wonder why you have silver hair…uncle…” Shawn took hold of Yzak’s hair. “It looks weird…” He laughed.
“Oh really?” Yzak chuckled. “It’s normal… Have you seen your Auntie Lacus’ hair? It’s pink.”
Shawn’s eyes bulged at the information. “REALLY?! I haven’t! I haven’t!” He turned to the driver’s seat. “Auntie? Where will we see Auntie Lacus?! I want to see her pink hair!”
Xeth chuckled. “Now, now…your Uncle Kira won’t be visiting until Auntie Lacus give birth to their second child…” She informed. “She’s due this month, Yzak…”
“Really?” Yzak smiled, Shawn still in his arms pointing outside the window once in a while. Kira is having his second son and I’m still trying to have one… He looked at Elisa beside him who is looking out the window.
“That’s the Rochester Orchestra!” Shawn pointed. He was disturbed by Yzak’s sudden silence. “Hey, hey Auntie Elisa?”
Elisa looked at the child on Yzak’s lap. “Yes?” She asked.
“Why aren’t you talking with uncle?” Shawn asked. “Uncle’s your husband right? It means…you live together?”
Elisa smiled coyly. “Of course, my little man. We live…together.” She looked at Yzak and back at the child again. “You’re really very intelligent for such a young boy…” She complimented. She does want to make Yzak know that she too can handle a child. As long as I don’t cuddle him or….carry him around or….urgh…
“Oh! He is…” Xeth smiled. “He’s attending school next year since he passed the entrance exam. He’s really intelligent.”
Elisa snorted a bit. “Of course…his father is a coordinator…” She stated.
“Elisa!” Yzak warned with an angry look.
Xeth bit her lips. She wanted to slap the woman. The term is no longer used because it rouses discrimination.
“Coordinator? What’s that?” Shawn innocently asked.
Yzak sighed heavily. He held the boy closer. “It means your daddy is good with coordinating his body, Shawn. He’s intelligent…just like you.” He explained.
“Of course! He’s Chairman Athrun Zala!” Shawn beamed. “I want to be like papa when I grow up! I will be like him… I will pilot a gundam too! I will fly in the air…”
Yzak laughed. “You? You want to be a gundam pilot?”
“Uhuh…” Shawn answered.
“But you’re short!” Yzak teased.
“I’ll grow, right auntie?” Shawn addressed the question to Xeth. He beamed when he saw a nod. “See? See?!” He then noticed his Aunt Elisa’s angry face. “Why is your face so…ugly, Auntie Elisa?”
Elisa immediately glared at the child. “What did you say?!”
This made Shawn cower in Yzak’s embrace. “Hey…lighten up, Elisa… It’s just a kid.” Yzak said as he hugged the boy.
“A kid?! Just a kid?!” Elisa raised her voice. “That prick has taken your attention since the beginning of the trip!” She pointed accusingly.
Xeth furrowed her eyebrows in anger but reprimanded Shawn instead. “Now Shawn…you said you’d be a good boy…”
Shawn’s eyes began to water. “I’m sorry…” He pouted apologetically. “I didn’t mean it, auntie…”
Yzak sighed.
Xeth parked the car outside the Airfield. “Oh well…since we’re here…” She got out and took the boy from Yzak. “You should take your wife’s side, Yzak… She looks really hurt, you know…” Xeth whispered and left with Shawn in her hands.
Yzak gritted his teeth. He faced his wife. “Tell me, Elisa. Why are you here?” He put his hands in his pocket and looked up at the sky.
Elisa looked at her husband. “Isn’t it obvious? I want to be with you, darling…” She smiled slyly.
Yzak immediately looked at Elisa. “I know what’s in your head, Elisa. You better not do anything to Xeth…” He warned.
Elisa chuckled. “Or what?! Ahahaha! You think I don’t know yet? That boy is her child. The poor girl got herself pregnant…probably got desperate when you left her… Ahahaha!” She was suddenly being held by the shoulders. “Yzak…that hurts!” She cried.
“You listen, Elisa. Don’t you ever get any ideas of hurting her family or you will answer to me…” Yzak hissed and let go. He wanted to join the mother and son who are playing with a ball a few feet away from them but he knew he couldn’t…not when Elisa is watching him…
“You seem to be very protective, Yzak…” Elisa looked down. She was shocked at her husband’s outrage. Perhaps she shouldn’t be. She knew before they were married that Yzak Joule is a man who tolerated little in this world. “Is it because you want a son?”
This took Yzak’s attention. He faced Elisa. “You know I do…” He whispered.
Elisa looked away. She loves the idea of Yzak Joule as her husband. But deep inside, she doesn’t really love him. I don’t love the way he gets angry and the way he demands on things…and…and a lot more… But the prestige? I’d do anything… She loved the way her husband gets angry. It thrills her to know how manly her husband is. But she doesn’t like his wanting a child. She hates children. They’re nuisance.
Yzak sighed and watched. That’s all I can do…watch her…
They dropped Elisa Maxwell Joule in the hotel. Yzak decided to go back to Athrun since he has something to ask. The drive home was silent. Even little Shawn lost interest.
“He’s unusually quiet…” Yzak peeked from the back seat.
Xeth smiled. “Tired…he’s always like this, you know… Every after play time, every energy is drained.”
Yzak looked at the sleeping boy. “It hurts huh?”
Xeth swallowed hard. She knew exactly what Yzak is asking. “Yeah…it does. But…but he needs a family…and I’m not a family…” She fought tears but lost. She suddenly felt Yzak’s hands wiping her tears away. “I’m sorry… I…I’m just a little emotional… I really wanted the best for him but…”
Yzak smiled ruefully. “Hey…you did what you can…” His gazed went back to Shawn. “Whoever left him is an idiot…” He whispered.
At that moment, Xeth would have wanted to tell him but she can’t. I can’t destroy his life now… She sighed and breathed in. “Well…things you sacrifice for the ones you love… hehe…” She wiped off a tear again.
Yzak looked down. Things you sacrifice for the ones you love huh… He mused to himself. “I guess…”
Xeth looked through the back mirror. “You okay? Did you and Elisa have a fight?”
Yzak smirked. “We always do…” He chuckled a bit.
“Oh…I’m sorry. I didn’t want to…” Xeth apologized.
“No. It’s okay. I’ve been looking for someone to talk about this…” Yzak laughed bitterly. “You know…” He hesitated at first. “You know…I was about to look for you after that party and tell…you I’d leave everything else…” He said silently.
Xeth kept to herself. If I only knew, Yzak. If I only knew I was pregnant with Shawn… She said to herself. She never knew back then until she reached the moon colony. “It’s okay. We’re not for each other, I guess…” Xeth smiled ruefully.
“No. We are…” Yzak answered without looking. He kept his gaze outside the window. “I screwed it up, that’s all…” He added softly.
Xeth could hear the remorse in his voice. Talk about torture… She said to herself. She feels guilty all the more seeing Yzak suffer a lot. And here I am keeping his son from him… She kept silent.
“You know…that morning I really am stupid to not realize that I am in love with you.” He said in a hushed tone. He kept his voice down even more when he uttered, “…and I still am…Xeth…”
Xeth parked the car. They stayed inside for a couple of minutes. “It’s…funny, huh? Too many unsaid…” She looked back at Yzak. They stared at each other. She smiled sadly. “But life goes on…” She took Shawn and got out of the car. Yzak followed behind her. They stopped in front of the door. “But things will work out…” She smiled again as she pressed the doorbell.
Athrun opened the door and was shocked to see Xeth carrying Shawn and Yzak beside her. “Uuuhhh…” He stared.
Yzak raised a brow. “What’s wrong?”
Athrun laughed sheepishly. “N-Nothing!” He laughed. “Come on in!” He opened the door wider. They really do look like a family… He took Shawn from Xeth but was surprise to have Yzak interrupt him.
“Here, let me…” Yzak took hold of the boy. “I wasn’t able to wrestle with little Shawn since I was with Elisa… I’d like to hold him a bit.”
Xeth and Athrun stared at each other. Athrun nodded. “You should take him to the gazebo, Yzak.” Xeth suggested. “I must change my clothes for now… Wait for me there…” She saw Yzak nod and went for the gardens.
“You should tell him, Xeth.” Athrun said, worried. “He really loves the boy… I’ve been with Yzak most of my military days and this…this is not him at all…” He explained.
“I know…but what about his wife?” Xeth asked sounding like she’s desperate. “I don’t want to destroy their marriage, Athrun.”
“That is a problem…” Athrun sighed. “How did things get so complicated…” He shook his head in defeat. “I understand what you mean, Xeth.”
Xeth went for the rooms.
Yzak looked at the boy. “You know…you remind me so much about myself…and your mom…” He whispered. What am I doing?! This is silly! He laughed feeling a bit foolish. But he feels at peace. He rocked the boy back and forth. It makes him feel happy. Perhaps it’s because I’m wishing this is my son… He said to himself. “Shawn…little Shawn… You know…I loved your mom…no… I still love your mom. Whoever your father is, he’s an idiot for leaving you and your mom…” He continued whispering. He slowly combed the boy’s hair with his fingers. “Ah…if only things worked out…” He sighed. Suddenly, something caught his eyes. He browsed through the boy’s scalp. Silver? He stopped. Silver hair… The realization struck him. How old did they say Shawn is?! Three? He stared at the boy in his hands. It’s possible…and…who the heck in the moon colonies have silver hair?! My family is the only clan with silver hair! He stood up with Shawn in his arms. When he turned around he saw Xeth. His eyes turned to slits. “Why did you keep him from me?”
Xeth opened her mouth in shock. How did he know?! She panicked inside. She looked away.
Yzak took the woman by the arm. “Look at me, Xeth. Why?” He asked again.
Xeth looked up with tears in her eyes. “Because I don’t want to destroy you.” She answered firmly.
Yzak stepped back at this. “Destroy me? What are you talking about?” His face is contorted in anger now.
Xeth’s eyes also burned in years of kept anger. “Commander Yzak Joule…your ambitions are not unknown to me… I knew you wanted to climb up the top, Yzak. I knew all that… Why you agreed to being married to Elisa… Why you did everything in the PLANTS to benefit your family… And I don’t want to destroy that…” She answered.
Yzak’s eyes began to water at this. “But…but I told you I love you, Xeth. How can you destroy me?”
Xeth laughed bitterly. “When, Yzak? Now?” She wiped her tears. “It’s too late. Things are too complicated to understand.” She stared at her son in the arms of the man in front of her. Slowly, she took Shawn away. “It’s too late.” She sniffed.
Yzak let her have the boy. “Xeth…you could have told me he’s my son.” His eyes speak of controlled anger. “At least you could have let me know. How could you do this?”
Xeth turned her back. “And what could you have done? Could you have left your ambitions? Could you have denied your fiancé? I don’t think so, Yzak…”
“How could you accuse me of such little faith!” Yzak shouted now holding Xeth’s right shoulder and turning her to face him.
“You never ran after me, that’s why...” Xeth answered smiling bitterly with tears in her eyes. “You never told me you loved me. If you do, then why did you not run after me in the moon colonies? It’s just an airfield away, Yzak…” She walked away a few feet and stopped. “Don’t tell me you love me…because you don’t.” With that she walked into the house leaving the silver-haired man alone in the garden.
To be continued. . .
A/N: My next post will be next week. Please forgive me for the TYPOS. XD My fingers are acting weird once in a while... XD Ciao, minna-san!
