Chapter Text
It was a rainy and gray day. That day was quite sad.
“Great sign, Destiny.” –Juliet thought, who was a little wet. “He should have chosen an easier place to put the Armor…”
The girl had already gone down several floors in the elevator, now she was following the stairs. The walls were reinforced and so was the ceiling. That was the most protected area of that place. The environment had no windows, making it claustrophobic, it was worthy of a common and dangerous game barracks, and Juliet was the one exploring the place in search of the greatest relic.
Gjallarhorn's HQ was known for being one of the safest environments on the planet and perhaps one of the best guarded in that system (even though it had been robbed in a very obvious way in the safest region). No one expected that attempted coup, but that specific region was the most patrolled, as it contained important relics from human history and the Calamity War. It was in that place where they kept some Armors and Bael, the Gundam piloted by the creator of Gjallarhorn himself.
Juliet was looking for a specific Armor at Hatsumi's request. The Armor that Mikazuki had defeated, and that Juliet now had in her possession. Elion had given her a relic that belonged to the World Government. A great birthday present.
The girl questioned what Hatsumi wanted with the Armor (and how had she discovered that Juliet had possession of that specific Armor?), since it had happened suddenly. She had overheard Hatsumi talking the other day that they needed to find a way to stabilize it, but an Armor? How would she use a Mobile Armor to stabilize Mikazuki? He might have machines in his body, but using an Armor was insane. So the young woman discarded that hypothesis, but the doubt reigned. Why would she use the Armor to stabilize something? And what was that thing? Why an Armor, which was one of the most unstable things she had ever seen?
She would question this later, because there was no way to go back there after walking all that way. Julieta could finally see the solid iron door at the end of the corridor. And the biometric system working perfectly. There were no guards in that region, after the attempted coup that showed that that protection model was already flawed and the humans couldn't do anything, everything was digitally protected (which also wasn't of much help in the Incident, by the way).
The presence scanner detected Julieta from a distance of 10 meters, and found her in the database. She approached the door, which with another biometric reader, read the girl's irises and granted access after Julieta took her fingerprints.
A cold, metallic breeze tinged Julieta when the door opened. That place was almost a giant freezer. She closed her clothes better, to avoid catching a cold. The girl entered the giant freezer quickly and the door closed with a thud, which made all the lights turn on. The place was wide, with lots of scaffolding and machines working in every corner, that wing was still under construction. Its project was to be a warehouse for the Gundams that Gjallarhorn owned and the ones she would own, since the plan was to get all 72, as well as a place to store the Armors; which was a bit of a problem, since the Armors activated when they sensed the presence of suits. Elion ended up refuting this plan, and that wing would only be a maintenance place for the Armors (Why? Julieta had no idea, it was better to destroy them and the place where they would be stored.
Julieta continued down the corridor and did the same process to enter the chamber where the Armor was. The Armor was placed in a pool, tied with titanium cables and contained by an innovative and unique system. It had not been rebuilt, they just put some parts together to keep them from being thrown around. They were afraid that it would work again, hence the containment system. It was kind of impossible due to the state the previous enemy had left it in, which was depressing:
–What a wonderful gift! – She says sarcastically. –An Armor falling apart. I'm sure these ropes aren't to stop it from moving, if it ever starts working, but rather to hold this bomb. – Julieta continues. It was clear that she had loved the gift.
After expressing her displeasure about the Armor to the Armor, she went to a panel, clicked a button and all that water went down the drain. Literally. Soon she made the cables come loose, and as she imagined, the Armor's pieces came loose from each other and the remaining structure fell onto the platform. Julieta smiled proudly and disappointedly. The platform where the Armor was standing began to move. It was a huge elevator. The girl set it up once more and sent it further down the HQ. The elevator began to descend, and Julieta, without much choice, climbed on it.
The descent began slowly, until at some point, the speed increased a lot. Her hair flew into her face, and Juliet had to hold on to keep from being sucked in or left behind by the speed.
Juliet enjoyed that ride. It was exciting.
Soon, the elevator slowed down, reaching its destination. Juliet saw the last curve and soon after, Hatsumi's red eyes and occasional wine-colored clothes were seen. Hatsumi was a little scary, especially with her red eyes that glowed for some reason, which reminded Juliet of the eyes of a certain Gundam, on a certain day.
The girl was really terrified of the King of Wolves.
Hatsumi was deadly beautiful, and quite similar physically to Mikazuki, even though they were not related by blood. Perhaps, the only visible physical difference between the two was their height. Hatsumi was tall, almost as tall as her husband, who was insanely tall. Mikazuki was short, not as short as Kudelia's wife Aina Bernstein, but he was short.
The platform finally stopped, in front of Hatsumi, who seemed indifferent. Julieta jumped from there, reaching the ground:
–Thank you, Julieta. – She thanks her elegantly. The woman approaches the Armor's carcass. Julieta stands next to her.
–Why did you want this old thing, miss? It's all destroyed. – Julieta asks, looking at the Armor again. – It's not to modify Mikazuki, is it?
–Of course not, Julieta. This is for Barbatos. I think Thalia will like this material. – Hatsumi explains. Julieta can't help but raise an eyebrow and turn to Hatsumi. The woman looks at the girl with those terrifying red eyes.
–An Armor for a Gundam? Doesn't that go against all the rules? – Julieta asks with slight indignation.
–One is against the weight of the other, Julieta. If the two repel each other, why not use the other to stabilize the next one? Maybe, if we use some parts of the Armor, we can repel the system from gradually destroying the pilot, when it goes over the limit. Or is it just a stupid plan. –Hatsum explains in more depth. Julieta found the confusing and risky plan a bit stupid. –But, I just want to look at this thing's system. I think I missed something.
–Elion said the same thing and went to check, but didn't find anything relevant. –Julieta remembers. Hatsumi laughs, looking back at the weapon's body.
–Elion may have the entire Gjallarhorn in his hands and great technology, but he doesn't have the knowledge that my family had. Not everything is lost. –Hatsumi concludes. The blonde girl still doubted.
–The Haitani? What were they, after all? The way you refer to them, they didn't seem like just any rich family.
–My family had a lot of scientists. It was a family that valued knowledge a lot, it was their motto. We had engineers, architects, technologists and doctors of law, and many more, who gained prominence in the fields we chose. During the Calamity War, they helped develop the Gundams and other weapons to stop the Armors, as well as other things that kept humanity alive, such as most of the terraforming machines used on Mars and Venus, and the Venus Mirrors, and some of the Arks. But, during that period, they discovered something bigger and with the help of the Augus, they developed something much bigger, which is not in the records. They went to Mars to protect something. –Hatsumi says, Juliet is a little interested, she had no idea that the family was so powerful. It was sad to think that a family with such an incredible legacy had no records, and was massacred.
–Protect what on Mars? –The girl asks, her eyes shining. Hatsumi seems to travel back in her memory to those days, to another world.
–I don't know, I don't remember that part anymore. –Hatsumi answers simply. Juliet blinks a few times, confused. The black-haired woman starts to laugh at the girl's expression, which was disconsolate.
–What do you mean you don't remember, miss?! –The young woman exclaims. Hatsumi crosses her arms, turning her back to Armor and looking at Juliet, who has stopped in front of her.
–It's been many years since my mother told me about this, Juliet. Many years. Mikazuki is already over 20 years old, and my mother told me this when I was only 12 and his mother was 9. –Hatsumi explains. Juliet is now curious, how old was Hatsumi after all?
–How old was Mikazuki's mother when he was born? –Juliet asks curiously. Hatsumi smiles, a sad smile this time. –Only 19 years old, she died at only 21. Her son has already lived longer than her. –Hatsumi says and notices that cruel coincidence. Juliet's heart is moved a little by Hatsumi's pain.
–So, if she were alive, she would be... 41 years old? –the girl asks. Hatsumi agrees. –And you are 44 years old then.
–Exactly, girl. –Hatsumi confirms. Never, in a million years, would Hatsumi be that age. She seemed very young, but... 44 years old?! It was a reality check.
–Wow!
–Let's go now, Juliet. I need to take this to Thalia and you go rest, your departure is tomorrow. –Hatsumi reminds, as she walks away from the platform, while calling someone. Juliet catches up to her running a little. They both walk side by side.
–Miss.
–Yes?
–How is Mikazuki? –she asks embarrassed.
–Stable, but we need to do the surgery soon. You know that the only thing missing is the blood, if we take any longer, it will get harder. It is already hard, actually. I believe that if we take any longer, it may be truly irreversible. –Hatsumi answers sadly. Julieta noticed that Hatsumi really did have some appreciation for the boy, even though she had never really met him. After all, that man who was in a coma was not the 3-year-old child that Hatsumi knew. Mikazuki was someone bigger, he always was. Just by surviving everything he went through, he was something bigger.
–I still hadn't found a way to acquire at least some blood. –Julieta shares. Hatsumi looks at the girl.
–And did you find it? –The older girl asks, curious. Julieta smiles proudly.
–A way that won't hurt either of them, I think. –Julieta reveals. Hatsumi can't help but raise an eyebrow, finally hanging up the phone.
–Can you share your plan, Juris? –The woman asks, curiously.
–When I get back, I'll tell you. Or, the plan can tell you without me having to. –Juris jokes. Hatsumi raises an eyebrow, even more curious. Julieta didn't have that air of mystery at all, so the plan must have been very well done, to be a surprise for the older woman.
Another frame was wrapped in bubble wrap and placed in the cardboard box with a warning: Caution! Fragile!
Atra had never noticed that they had so many photos. And as she picked up each one of them, she remembered every story and every detail that the photographs told. So many memories.
Now, she reached for a photo, and upon seeing the image, it made her heart warm. The first time the two brothers had seen each other. Izuna must have been between 1 or 2 months old, Akatsuki was a newborn. Atra remembered that Kudelia had placed the girl next to her brother, one lying next to the other. Izuna spent long moments staring at Akatsuki, getting to know this new little creature. Akatsuki, on the other hand, was focused on sleeping. Who could judge him?
More memories came to Atra's mind, some that she wanted to lock with all her might inside her subconscious.
The girl remembered the day Izuna was born, exactly hours before the girl actually came into the world.
Atra was at home, preparing dinner. Kudelia had gone out to visit her parents, after a little over 2 years without setting foot in the house. The girl was worried, maybe they would start an argument, because Kudelia had called off an engagement she didn't even know existed, to marry a woman. Besides the most obvious, getting pregnant.
Even though Kudelia didn't say anything about it, Atra noticed how stressed she was. Kudelia was dealing with heavier things. Freedom from Mars, marriage, Admoss, Gjallarhorn, pregnancy, family problems and, above all, mourning. It had been less than 7 months since Mikazuki had died, less than 7 months since that family had fallen. Kudelia needed to fix what they had done, she was still fixing it. She really didn't have time for anything in those long 7 months. Not even to vent. Mars and the world needed her. All that stress must have been bad for her and the baby, who they hadn't even decided on a name for (although Atra believed it would be Fumitan). However, if she had been, Kudelia would have been silent. She was away more than she was there, and when she was, her time was completely devoted to Atra and preparing for the arrival of Atra's baby, who would be born first. She never opened up about herself, and only told anyone when Atra asked. Kudelia had only revealed that it was a girl almost a week after receiving the results, when Atra remembered that the results were ready.
Atra wouldn't say anything, but her behavior was bothering her. The girl wanted her wife to tell her what was happening, she wanted her to open up and cry, like she had done with Fumitan. Atra knew that Kudelia needed to cry, to let it all out and get it all out. She needed to feel vulnerable, so that she could become strong again.
But... she didn't know what to do. She was completely lost. She had lost part of her way when Mikazuki died. Even though he was like that, all “indifferent” and direct, he knew how to comfort. Well, knowing wouldn’t be how Atra would like to refer to it, but it was the best synonym. Mikazuki knew them well, he had an idea of how they worked. In a strange way, he knew where to hit each one, so they would loosen up. At that time, Atra also knew where to hit. Now, he was in a new and dark environment. Kudelia had changed and… Atra too. Mikazuki changed them.
Atra received a call. An unknown number, but he had already seen part of it in his wife’s contact list. Atra answered the call:
Atra: Hello? Who’s this?
Neoma: Atra?
Atra: Yes?
Neoma: Sorry to bother you, but I’m Neoma, your wife’s younger sister.
Atra: Neoma? Kudelia already told me about you. What happened?
Neoma: My sister went into labor, Atra.
Atra: W-what?
Neoma: Kudelia went into labor!
Atra: I don't understand. She's only 7 months along, the baby won't be born for another 2 months! That's impossible.
Neoma: I know, Atra! But she's in labor right now!
Atra: What happened?
Neoma: I think she fell against a table and her belly got deformed. Kudelia got hurt and, on top of that, I think she got really angry. She and our father started arguing, but I have no idea what happened in detail, until she went to check what all the fuss was about. She was already hurt.
Atra: Which hospital are they going to?
Neoma: To the main one.
Atra: Tell her I'm coming.
Neoma: Of course. She said not to worry, that everything will be fine. And what should I tell a certain 'Eugino'?
Atra: Eugene? I'll tell him. I'm going right now.
Atra had never felt so worried in her life. Maybe when Mikazuki was fighting he felt something so strong, but it was never this strong. He arrived at the hospital at the same time as Eugene and ran to where his wife was. At that moment, the doctor was doing an emergency ultrasound. Kudelia was almost writhing in pain and the so-called Neoma was holding her older sister's hand:
–Kudelia! – Atra exclaimed. Kudelia looked quickly at Atra, holding back a grimace of pain. Atra approached her wife, grabbing her left hand with both hands and almost kneeling down.
–Atra. – Kudelia said hoarsely. – I'm fine.
–You're not, Aina! –Neoma exclaims from the other side. Atra looks at the girl with brown hair and gray eyes. Atra smiles at the girl, thanking her mentally.
–Are you a friend of Mrs. Kudelia? –The doctor asks. Atra nods, standing up, with some difficulty.
–She's my wife, doctor. –Kudelia answers tiredly. The doctor was polite enough to ignore that they were both pregnant.
–Mrs. Kudelia will need an emergency C-section. I can still feel the baby, but her heart is slowing down and the placenta is lacking oxygen, she could suffocate. –The doctor explains. Kudelia is worried. Atra notices that her belly had become really deformed, in the liver area. How strong had that beat been?
–But the baby is still 7 months old, doctor. –Atra argues. The doctor removes the ultrasound device from the woman's belly and adjusts her lab coat.
– She is already big enough to be born, ma'am. It is better to take her out now, and have her stay in the Neonatal ICU because she is premature, than later, because she is a baby with physical and mental disabilities due to delay. Or worse, not surviving. – The doctor says.
– Perform the cesarean section, doctor. – Kudelia finally declares. The doctor agrees, leaving the room and notifying the administration. It would be necessary to have a bed in the Neonatal ICU and prepare the operating room.
– Kudelia… – Atra says. Kudelia smiles at her wife, then looks at Eugene, who was standing near the door.
– Eugene. – Kudelia calls, taking the man out of his world.
– Yes, Kudelia. – Eugene says, taking a small step forward.
– Change all the appointments in my schedule for an indefinite period, and be my spokesperson for really important appointments. I will be on leave for a while. – He instructs tiredly. Eugene agrees, going to the other side of the room. The nurses enter the room and approach Kudelia. Atra and Neoma release Kudelia, Atra reluctantly:
–We need to prepare Mrs. Bernstein for the procedure. –The nurse who should be their boss warns. Another nurse approaches Kudelia.
–Can you sit down, ma'am? –She asks with concern. Neoma approaches her sister, helping her to sit down. –Thank you, child. What is she yours, little girl?
–My beatiful older sister. I was with her when it all happened. –Neoma explains. The nurse smiles.
–And you? –A question directed at Atra, who holds her wife's hand again.
–I'm her wife. –Atra answers. The nurse smiles, also being polite in not asking questions.
–Right. Is there anyone else besides you two? –The nurse asks.
-Her assistant is here too, why? –Atra asks suspiciously. The nurse grabs one of Kudelia's arms, looking for a vein to do some introspection.
–She needs someone to support her, to help her walk around after the anesthesia wears off. I don't think you can handle it, can you? – She asks carefully. She finds a vein and prepares the needle, inserting it into Kudelia's arm.
Before Atra can answer, Kudelia cuts it:
–No, you can't handle me. - Answers for Atra. Before she can protest, Kudelia cuts it. – You've been pregnant for almost 8 months, don't even try.
–Oh, right. So, your assistant will be one of your companions and your wife the other? – Asks the nurse, friendly. Kudelia agrees, until a wave of pain returns in full force, almost making her scream. – The vein burst. I'm sorry, ma'am, but I have to puncture it again. The anesthesiologist soon comes.
Atra looks at his wife worriedly, while she writhes in pain. She wished she could ease it, but there was nothing she could do.
Soon, she sees her wife disappearing on her way to the operating room. Then, she sees herself watching the birth of the little… child. She watches her wife meet her daughter, who can’t hold back tears, and then watches the child being taken to the Neonatal ICU. Everything happened very quickly.
Kudelia was taken to the room, Atra and Eugene taking care of her. The anesthesia began to wear off, and the first thing Kudelia wanted to do was go to the ICU. Eugene held her back and shoulders, supporting Kudelia’s entire weight. Atra followed them, pushing the dispenser that had the medicines Kudelia was receiving intravenously. She refused to go in a wheelchair. They spent long minutes watching the baby, Kudelia thoughtful.
Later, they were given documents for Kudelia to fill out about the baby. Atra saw her wife even more thoughtful, until she went to see what she had done. She hadn’t even started, since the first thing she had done was to name the baby:
–What’s wrong, Kudelia? Haven’t you decided on a name yet? –Atra asks, sitting on Kudelia's bed.
–I'm trying to remember a perfect name, I've dreamed about it many times. The baby has different colored eyes, and so does the girl in the dream, I think it's some sign. –Kudelia explains, trying hard. –I think I've met her before.
–I thought I would choose Fumitan, in the end. –Atra reveals. Kudelia smiles.
–Not this time. I don't think she looks like Fumitan. –Kudelia jokes. Atra lets out a light laugh. –Iz… Iz…
–Do you remember? –Atra asks. Kudelia doesn't say anything, while making a face.
–Izuna! Izuna! I remembered! Izuna! Her name will be Izuna. –Kudelia exclaims. Atra almost gets scared, before laughing.
–Izuna? Like the star? –Atra asks. Kudelia smiles in agreement. –Izuna is a good name, I'm sure Mikazuki would like it.
–Izuna Augus. –Kudelia concluded. She picked up the pen and filled in the baby's name field. Izuna Aylin Bernstein Augus. Atra watches Kudelia write, and is unsure about the child's middle name.
–Aylin? –Atra asks. Kudelia smiles.
–Aylin means “the one who comes from the moon” or “moonlight”, I think it suits her. It comes from ancient Turkey. Since we use middle names a lot, I thought of using it to honor her father. –Kudelia explains. Atra could have sworn she saw a tear fall against the document, but she wasn't sure.
–Izuna, I know it's a star, but which one? –the youngest asks. Kudelia looks at her in surprise.
–I was almost sure I already told you, Atra. –Atra shrugs. –It's a star that can only be seen from Mars and only on the Winter Solstice. It's a very rare star. On its night, it's the brightest, despite it being the longest and darkest night. It means hope in the midst of despair.
–That's amazing, Kudelia. – Atra comments impressed. – You chose a name that matches the little one's here. – Atra caresses her belly. Kudelia holds Atra's hand against her belly.
– Even though I chose his name, Atra. – They both laugh. Kudelia remembers that she can't laugh so much, despite the stitches being safer and smaller, it wasn't safe. Laughing hurt, a lot. She puts her hand to her belly. Atra stopped laughing quickly, with only a smile adorning her angelic face. Kudelia just enjoyed her wife's face, which was so adorable. – Akatsuki means dawn, which we can say is already a symbol of hope and Izuna is a hope in the midst of despair. The name Akatsuki suits you, Atra.
– And Izuna suits you, Kudelia. But you are the true symbol of hope here, Revolutionary Maiden. I am sure that in the future, your name will mean “hope is greater than despair.” – She explains while gesturing.
–Maybe, Atra. Maybe. – Kudelia answers. Atra pretends to look angry, pouting and crossing her arms. Kudelia holds back a laugh. Atra wasn’t helping by doing such adorable things. Suddenly, she feels a kick from Akatsuki under her hand that was still resting on Atra’s swollen stomach.
–Do you feel it? Even Akatsuki agrees with me. – Atra answers confidently. For a moment, Kudelia missed Izuna, who had previously been in her belly, now, that was an anguishing emptiness. At that moment, she was sure that the anesthetic had completely worn off. That empty, hollow feeling in her chest indicated it. She wanted her baby.
Someone knocks on the door and comes in. It was Eugene, who had a big, beautiful smile on his face:
–What's wrong, Eugene? - Atra asks. Eugene approaches, very happy.
–Tomorrow the little one will come to the room! – Eugene exclaims. Kudelia smiles, which spreads across both of them. Atra jumps to her feet.
–Tomorrow?! But already? She was born the day before yesterday. – Atra asks. Kudelia agrees.
–The doctor said that despite the prematurity and the difficult birth, the baby is very strong. She is already healthy. – Eugene explains. Atra hugs Kudelia, almost forgetting about the stitches.
–The baby will be called Izuna, Eugene. – Atra shares, after hugging his wife.
–Izuna? Like that star that appeared the day before yesterday? – Eugene asks. Kudelia and Atra look at each other. – Did you two forget? The day before yesterday was the Winter Solstice, July 27th. –He explains, a little shocked.
–It wasn't intentional. –Kudelia simply says.
–What this damn luck. –Atra lets go, then covers her mouth.
–Atra! –The girl is taken out of her reverie when she hears Lucine's voice, who appears next to her.
–Hi, Lucine. What's wrong? –The older girl asks. Lucine pouts before shrugging.
–Are you okay? I've been calling for years. –Lucine reveals. Atra smiles tiredly. –You were staring at that picture for about three minutes, I thought you had fallen asleep.
–I'm fine, Lucine. Thank you for worrying. But, what do you need? –She asks, as she finally wraps and puts away the frame.
–Where did my sister go? –Lucine asks.
–Which sister? –Atra jokes. Lucine laughs at the joke, remembering that there wasn't just Neoma at home anymore.
–Both of them. –Lucine answers.
–Kudelia is working, then she'll check on how the house is doing. And Neoma went out with Izuna and Akatsuki, she went to the market. –Atra tells. Lucine thinks for a moment.
–And she didn't even take me. –Lucine complains.
–You were still sleeping when they left. And, can you help me pack this? –It wasn't a question.
–Of course. –Lucine volunteers. –What should I do?
–Can you get those boxes? –It wasn't a question either. Lucine runs and grabs the boxes, handing them to her sister-in-law. –Thank you, just open them and fold them.
Lucine sits on the floor, starting to do what Atra asked, after the older one explained how to do it. A comfortable silence settled in. Lucine thought her sister-in-law was really cool and enjoyed the older one's company. Atra liked Lucine, as if she were a younger sister. Their relationship settled naturally, they were both alike:
–Atra. –Lucine calls. Atra makes a sound in her throat to indicate that she was listening. –Why are we moving? We haven't even been here two months.
–Kudelia said it's closer to your work and school. –Atra answers, hiding the most important information.
–And the hospitals? –The girl proposes. Atra agrees. –Do you want to leave?
–No, but it's the best thing to do right now. We'll go back someday, when everything is stable. –Atra explains. Lucine agrees, she was a curious child.
–So, when are we going to move? –Lucine asks.
–In two weeks. –Atra says. Before Lucine can say anything else, Atra notices something strange. –It's been hours since they left.
–What time did they leave?
–8:30 or 40 AM. –Atra shares. It was already 11:30 AM, the market wasn't that far away.
–Maybe it's just crowded, it's Saturday. –Lucine argues.
–But even so.
–They're fine, Atra. –Lucine promises.