"Was it intentional?"
"That's impossible, right?"
Cloning was now explicitly forbidden.
Even if Fred was a genius, it was impossible for him to know about the Combat Coordinators, Enhanced Persons, and Clones they had been secretly researching.
Besides, everything seemed normal for now.
Of course, without evidence, any speculation was useless.
"Have Copernicus provide a detailed report as soon as possible."
"Also, our people must be involved throughout the entire process."
"Yes!"
Seeing that the old man wasn't angry, the person quickly bowed his head, finished speaking, and left.
Meanwhile, in Copernicus, the violent explosion was treated as an accident.
By the next day, everything seemed to have returned to normal.
However, some people sensed that something was amiss, and Kira was one of them.
"Athrun, where do you think Big Brother went? How come he's disappeared?"
The corners of Kira's mouth turned down. Although he didn't have dark circles under his eyes, his listlessness was plain to see.
Now Athrun was leaving, and Big Brother's family had disappeared. Kira felt as if his whole world was collapsing.
"Big Brother... went to a very faraway place."
"...Don't scare me!"
Hearing Athrun's words, Kira, being a precocious Coordinator, had seen this line on TV many times.
Wasn't it just something people said to coax children? A very faraway place—that probably meant as far away as heaven.
At this thought, Kira felt his vision go dark.
"You think Big Brother would go to heaven?"
Athrun rolled his eyes, speaking just in time to stop Kira from collapsing.
"Uh..."
Indeed, if Big Brother were really dead, Athrun probably wouldn't be here rolling his eyes at him.
But if that was the case, why wasn't Athrun being direct?
Kira wasn't stupid. After sensing there was something strange about this, he didn't know how to continue asking.
"Kira, we will meet again sooner or later."
Athrun chose his words carefully, looking at the little green bird flying between them as he spoke.
"So don't be sad."
He didn't know why his brother was so certain, but he believed his brother's words.
If that was the case, then Kira and they would surely meet again.
It was just that, perhaps by the time they met again, they would all have grown up.
But for now, he had to be strong, like an adult, and comfort Kira.
This was the task his brother had given him.
"Yeah... We'll meet again!"
The look of relief on Kira's face didn't last long, and the boy's eyebrows drooped a little more.
"With Flay, too...?"
"...Yes."
Is this good friend of mine thinking of becoming my brother's brother-in-law?
Although they were only nine, that was old enough for Coordinators.
Perhaps Kira really did like her.
Although Flay was a Natural, Athrun didn't think much of it at the moment.
However, given how much his brother doted on his sister, he felt that Kira had a long and arduous road ahead of him.
As he thought this, Kira finally emerged completely from his gloomy mood.
"Athrun, since you're leaving too, can't you give me a gift as well~!"
"Homework. You want it?"
Seeing Kira back to his usual self, Athrun rolled his eyes in exasperation and took his homework out of his schoolbag.
"...No way!"
Kira looked utterly defeated.
"Alright, if you don't want it, then hurry up and do your homework."
Only by becoming stronger could he protect his family.
In that case, he had to look up to his brother and work just as hard as him!
...
While the two boys were talking, in Caridad Yamato's home, Kira's parents were speaking through a screen to the bushy-haired and bearded Athha, explaining Athrun's invitation and the recent events.
Of course, this did not include the whereabouts of Fred and the others, as even they didn't know.
"Hmm..."
The Lion of ORB pondered for a long while after hearing them out before continuing, "It's too dangerous for you and Kira to go to PLANT. If they find out about Kira's identity, I'm afraid endless experiments will be waiting for him."
Hearing Athha's words, Mr. and Mrs. Yamato's brows furrowed even deeper.
Although Kira was adopted, unlike Harry Potter's situation, they genuinely loved Kira and had always treated him as their own son.
They would never be willing to let Kira become an experimental subject.
Even though Kira seemed to really want to go to PLANT with Athrun, it was probably not something that could be so easily realized.
"The influence of Blue Cosmos is gradually expanding on Copernicus. You are always welcome in Heliopolis."
Seeing that the couple had completely given up on the idea, Athha continued in a sincere tone.
"Hmm..."
Mr. and Mrs. Yamato exchanged a glance upon hearing this.
They could both see the interest in each other's eyes.
After all, Heliopolis was Athha's territory. With the support of ORB's supreme leader, they would be much safer.
At the very least, an incident like this one probably wouldn't happen again.
Although everyone seemed to be getting along as usual, some things had ultimately changed. The ever-increasing number of documents at the immigration office was clear proof of this.
No matter how much Copernicus advertised its own safety, after experiencing such a terrifying event, those who had the means to leave immediately had already left.
If it weren't for Fred still being around, perhaps even more people would have gone.
"We will consider it."
As the couple said this, Athha didn't press them, just nodded calmly.
"By the way, Mr. Athha, do you know the whereabouts of the Allster family?"
Seeing that her own problem was resolved, Caridad Yamato asked with concern.
"Hmm? I'm not sure. Haven't they returned home?" Athha asked.
"No..."
Caridad Yamato sighed.
She had wanted to say a proper goodbye to them and, if possible, invite Fred to come to ORB as well.
But now it seemed there was no chance.
She was also very fond of that young man, who was a playmate and a good big brother to Kira.
Not to mention, Kira seemed to really enjoy playing with Flay.
Now, not even being able to say goodbye would probably be a regret for Kira.
"Perhaps they just had to leave on urgent business. Interstellar communication isn't very reliable these days," Athha said reassuringly.
"If it's that Fred, he probably won't have much trouble wherever he goes."
"That's true."
Caridad Yamato's spirits lifted. She chatted with Athha for a few more moments before ending the call.
Looking at the screen that had returned to its normal interface, Athha didn't make a move for a while.
He couldn't possibly let Kira go to PLANT.
This was true whether it was out of fear that the truth would be exposed, allowing PLANT to master the technology of the Ultimate Coordinator, or for the future of ORB.
However, it was a pity. It would have been even better if Fred had come over.
After all, he had heard the content of Fred's speech. It was indeed very moving and faintly aligned with many of his own ideals.
If he came over, ORB's elite combat force would only become stronger, and he could even use his reputation to drive the export of ORB's values.
What a pity...
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