Ultraman A New Light ch 20

As Athrun stepped into the hotel lobby, the weight of his decision to rejoin ZAFT still fresh on his mind, he was caught off guard by a blur of pink hair rushing towards him. Before he could react, a girl threw her arms around him in an enthusiastic embrace.

"Athrun! It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with excitement.

Athrun blinked in surprise, recognizing the girl immediately. It was the fake Lacus, the one he had seen on the broadcast earlier. A familiar robotic ball bounced around their feet, its mechanical voice chirping, "Haro! Haro!"

The girl pulled back, her blue eyes sparkling with genuine joy. "I'm so happy you're here! When I heard you were coming back to ZAFT, I just couldn't wait to meet you properly."

Athrun struggled to find his words, still processing the unexpected encounter. "I... It's nice to meet you too," he managed, his tone polite but guarded.

The girl's smile widened as she took a step back, smoothing out her dress. "Oh, where are my manners? I should introduce myself properly." She extended her hand, her posture shifting to one of practiced grace. "My name is Meer Campbell, but please, when we're in public, call me Lacus."

Athrun shook her hand, noting the slight tremor in her fingers despite her confident demeanor. He could see now, up close, the subtle differences between Meer and the real Lacus - slight variations in the shape of her face, the tone of her voice, the way she carried herself.

"It's... nice to meet you, Meer," Athrun said, lowering his voice on her name. He glanced around the lobby, acutely aware of the curious glances from other guests.

Meer leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I know this must be strange for you, Athrun. But I hope we can be friends. I've heard so much about you from Chairman Durandal."

The pink Haro bounced higher, its flaps opening and closing rapidly. "Friend! Friend!" it chirped, drawing a fond smile from Meer.

Meer Campbell, her arm linked tightly with Athrun's, guided him through the hotel's opulent corridors. Her enthusiasm was palpable, a stark contrast to Athrun's reserved demeanor. The red Haro bounced along beside them, its mechanical chirps echoing in the hallway.

"I know the perfect place for us to dine," Meer said, her voice brimming with excitement. "Chairman Durandal arranged a private room for us. Isn't that thoughtful of him?"

Athrun nodded, his discomfort evident in the tension of his shoulders. He glanced around, acutely aware of the curious looks from passing hotel guests. The sight of 'Lacus Clyne' arm-in-arm with a ZAFT soldier was bound to draw attention.

They arrived at an elegantly appointed private dining room. Meer released Athrun's arm to twirl into the room, her dress swirling around her. "Isn't it lovely, Athrun?" she asked, gesturing to the beautifully set table and the panoramic view of the PLANT's artificial landscape.

"It's very nice," Athrun replied, his tone polite but guarded. He took a seat across from Meer, grateful for the distance the table provided.

As they settled in, a waiter appeared to take their orders. Meer chatted animatedly, ordering for both of them with the confidence of someone used to making decisions. Athrun merely nodded his agreement, his mind still processing the surreal nature of the situation.

As the waiter departed with their orders, Meer leaned forward, her blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. The pink Haro bounced gently on the table between them, its mechanical eyes blinking rhythmically.

"So, Athrun," Meer began, her voice filled with enthusiasm, "I've heard so much about you. Is it true that you were once Lacus's fiancé?"

Athrun shifted uncomfortably in his seat, caught off guard by the directness of her question. He nodded slowly, his green eyes reflecting a mix of nostalgia and unease. "Yes, it's true. It was an arranged engagement when we were younger."

Meer's eyes widened with interest. "That must have been wonderful! What was she like back then?"

Athrun paused, carefully considering his words. "Lacus was... kind and thoughtful. She always put others before herself."

"Just like now," Meer said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "I've studied her so carefully. I want to embody her spirit in everything I do."

Athrun watched Meer closely, noting the earnestness in her expression. He could see the effort she put into mimicking Lacus's mannerisms, from the tilt of her head to the gentle smile on her lips.

"Speaking of which," Meer continued, her tone becoming more excited, "what did you think of my performance today? The broadcast after the attack?"

Athrun hesitated, remembering the unsettling feeling he'd had watching the broadcast. "It was... very inspiring," he said diplomatically. "You certainly captured Lacus's ability to bring hope to people."

Meer beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I'm so glad you think so! I've been working hard to perfect her speech patterns and gestures. It's not easy, you know, to be someone as amazing as Lacus Clyne."

As Meer continued to chat animatedly about her role, Athrun found himself studying her more closely. He could see the subtle differences between Meer and the real Lacus - the slightly different pitch in her voice, the more exaggerated hand gestures, the eager-to-please look in her eyes that the real Lacus never had.

As their food arrived, the aroma of expertly prepared dishes filling the air, Meer's eyes lit up with excitement. She paused her chatter only briefly to thank the waiter before diving back into conversation, her fork poised midair as she spoke.

"You know, Athrun, I've always been a huge fan of Lacus," Meer confided, her voice brimming with admiration. "Ever since I first heard her sing, I was captivated. There was something so pure and inspiring about her voice."

Athrun nodded politely, taking a bite of his meal as he listened. He couldn't help but notice the way Meer's eyes shone when she spoke about Lacus, a mix of reverence and aspiration evident in her expression.

"People always told me my voice was just like hers," Meer continued, a hint of pride coloring her words. "At first, I thought they were just being kind, but then more and more people started to comment on it. It was like a dream come true, you know? To sound like someone I admired so much."

She took a delicate bite of her food, chewing thoughtfully before continuing. "I never imagined it would lead to this, though. One day, I was just a girl who could sing like Lacus, and the next..." She trailed off, her eyes distant for a moment.

"How did Chairman Durandal find you?" Athrun asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Meer's face lit up at the question. "Oh, it was the most incredible thing! I was performing at a local event, just a small gathering really. I had no idea the Chairman would be there. But apparently, he heard me sing and was amazed by how much I sounded like Lacus."

She leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He approached me after the performance. Can you imagine? Chairman Durandal himself! He told me about the important role Lacus played in bringing hope to people, and how her voice was needed now more than ever."

Athrun listened intently, watching the play of emotions across Meer's face as she recounted the story. He could see the mixture of excitement and nervousness in her eyes, the way her hands trembled slightly as she spoke.

"At first, I was overwhelmed. I mean, to be asked to represent someone like Lacus Clyne... it seemed impossible. But the Chairman was so kind and encouraging. He said I had a gift, a way to help people during these difficult times."

Athrun's expression softened as he listened to Meer's enthusiastic recounting. He could see the genuine admiration she held for Lacus, but he also sensed a deeper vulnerability beneath her cheerful exterior. With a gentle sigh, he decided to address the elephant in the room.

"Meer," Athrun said, his voice calm but firm, "I understand your admiration for Lacus, but it's important to remember that it's not just her voice that people need. It's her strength, her conviction, and her unwavering belief in peace."

Meer's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of uncertainty passing across her face. She set down her fork, her hands folding neatly in her lap as she absorbed Athrun's words.

"I... I know that," Meer replied, her voice losing some of its earlier exuberance. A touch of melancholy crept into her tone as she continued, "But right now, everyone needs Lacus's strength. They need her hope and her guidance. And if I can provide that, even if it's not really me they need..."

She trailed off, her gaze dropping to the table. The red Haro, sensing the shift in mood, quieted its bouncing and settled on the table, its mechanical eyes blinking slowly.

"I don't mind that it's not Meer Campbell they're looking for," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "No one really needs Meer personally. But if I can be Lacus for them, if I can give them what they need during these difficult times, then that's enough for me."

Athrun watched Meer closely, noting the mix of determination and resignation in her eyes. He could see that despite her earlier enthusiasm, she was acutely aware of the role she was playing – and the person she wasn't.

...

The next morning, Athrun Zala stood before a mirror in his quarters, adjusting the collar of his red ZAFT uniform. The familiar fabric felt both comforting and strange against his skin, a reminder of his past and a symbol of his renewed commitment. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the day ahead.

In Chairman Durandal's office, the morning light streamed through the large windows, casting a warm glow over the polished furniture. Durandal sat behind his desk, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Meer Campbell, dressed in her Lacus Clyne attire, stood nearby, her hands clasped in front of her.

As Athrun entered the room, both Durandal and Meer turned to greet him. Durandal's eyes gleamed with approval, while Meer's face lit up with genuine admiration.

"Ah, Athrun," Durandal said, rising from his chair. "The uniform suits you well. It's good to see you back where you belong."

Meer stepped forward, her eyes sparkling as she took in Athrun's appearance. "Oh, Athrun!" she exclaimed, her voice a perfect imitation of Lacus's melodious tones. "You look so handsome in your uniform. It's like you were born to wear it."

Athrun nodded politely, a faint blush coloring his cheeks at the compliment. "Thank you, Meer," he said, his voice calm and measured. "It feels... familiar."

Durandal gestured for Athrun to take a seat, and the young soldier complied, his posture straight and alert. Meer remained standing, her presence a constant reminder of the role she played in their grand design.

Durandal reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a small, gleaming object. He held it up for Athrun to see, the morning light catching its polished surface. It was a badge in the shape of a white wing, forming an elegant "F" design.

Athrun's eyes widened in recognition. He knew this badge well - it was the symbol worn by members of FAITH, ZAFT's elite special forces unit. His heart quickened as he realized the implications of Durandal presenting it to him.

"Athrun Zala," Durandal said, his voice carrying a weight of authority, "I hereby appoint you as a member of FAITH. Your skills, loyalty, and judgment have proven invaluable to ZAFT. This position will grant you the autonomy and authority needed to face the challenges that lie ahead."

Athrun stood, his posture straight and respectful. He accepted the badge with a steady hand, feeling its weight - both physical and symbolic. "Thank you, Chairman. I'm honored by your trust in me. I'll do my utmost to uphold the responsibilities of this position."

Meer watched the exchange with wide-eyed admiration, her hands clasped together in excitement. "Oh, Athrun! This is wonderful news!" she exclaimed, her voice a perfect echo of Lacus's enthusiasm.

Durandal nodded approvingly, then gestured for Athrun to sit once more. His expression turned serious as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Now, Athrun, there's another matter I'd like to discuss with you. In light of recent events, we're forming a specialized Anti-Kaiju team."

Athrun's interest piqued, his mind already racing with possibilities. "An Anti-Kaiju team, sir?"

"Yes," Durandal confirmed. "The threat these creatures pose is unlike anything we've faced before. We need a dedicated unit capable of responding swiftly and effectively to Kaiju attacks. Your experience from the recent battle, combined with your new position in FAITH, makes you an ideal candidate to lead this team."