Share
MidReal Story
Love Live! Sunshine!!
Scenario:1. 戰爭的起源與主角的成長
《鋼彈SEED》故事發生在宇宙紀元（Cosmic Era），人類因基因改造技術產生分歧，分為「自然人」與「調整者」。兩大陣營——地球聯合軍與札夫特軍爆發激烈衝突，主角煌·大和作為調整者，意外被捲入戰爭，駕駛鋼彈成為戰場上的關鍵人物。
煌在戰爭中認識了許多夥伴，包括卡佳里、阿斯蘭等人。他歷經親友的離別、信念的掙扎，逐漸從迷惘走向堅強。同時，拉克絲·克萊因作為歌姬與和平使者，也在暗中為終止戰爭努力。
2. 戰爭的終結與新生活的開始
經過無數戰鬥與犧牲，煌與夥伴們最終促成停戰，結束了這場漫長的戰爭。戰後，世界開始重建，人們渴望和平與安定的生活。煌選擇與拉克絲一起，來到中立國家歐普定居。
背景設定（愛情故事專用）
1. 世界觀
時代：宇宙紀元，科技發達，人類分為自然人和調整者。
地點：歐普（Orb），以和平為宗旨的中立國，擁有美麗的自然景觀與多元文化。
社會氛圍：戰後社會逐漸恢復，人們努力重建家園，珍惜得來不易的和平。
2. 角色關係
煌·大和：前鋼彈駕駛員，性格溫柔堅毅，渴望平凡的生活。
拉克絲·克萊因：歌姬與和平使者，溫柔善良，擁有堅定的信念。
兩人關係：在戰爭中相知相惜，戰後決定共同生活，彼此扶持。
3. 日常生活描寫
煌與拉克絲住在歐普海邊的小屋，遠離戰場的喧囂。他們每天一起散步、種花、看海，享受平凡的幸福。偶爾，兩人會受邀參加鎮上的活動，與居民互動，分享和平的訊息。
4. 內心掙扎與成長
雖然戰爭已經結束，但煌偶爾還是會想起戰場上的傷痛。拉克絲總是用溫柔的話語與行動，幫助他走出陰影。兩人一起面對過去的傷痕，也一起規劃未來，希望為世界帶來更多希望。
5. 愛情與和平的主題
故事強調愛情的力量與和平的可貴。煌與拉克絲的愛情，象徵著戰後人們對美好生活的嚮往。他們不僅為自己創造幸福，也為周圍的人帶來溫暖與希望。
Create my version of this story
Kira Yamato
He is a former Gundam pilot of the Earth Federation. He is brave, gentle, and resilient. During the war, he lost his friends and loved ones, but found a new path with Lacus Clyne. Now living peacefully in Orb, he grapples with memories while embracing love and friendship. Kira's journey showcases his capacity for healing and finding purpose beyond his past.
Gaito Carlson
He is a former member of the Lacus Clan and a close friend of Lacus Clyne. He is loyal, protective, and gentle. Carlson shares a deep bond with Lacus and supports her decision to live simply with Kira Yamato. His presence provides stability in the lives of those around him, embodying a sense of family and belonging as he integrates into Kira's community.
Lacus Clyne
She is the princess of Orb and a renowned songstress. She is kind, compassionate, and determined. Despite her royal status, she chooses a simple life with Kira Yamato. Her song "Sirius" becomes a symbol of peace and unity. Lacus's relationship with Kira is built on shared experiences and deep connection, exemplifying love's ability to transcend social barriers and bring hope.
The origin of war is always the same.
It's not because people are evil, or because they're all greedy and selfish.
No, that's not the reason.
Humans are gentle beings, kind and soft-hearted.
However, there are times when even the gentlest of humans lose their way.
When they become confused, they lose sight of their goals and become unable to find their way back.
Fear and unease creep in, and they begin to see the world as a frightening place.
They begin to see other people as enemies.
And so, war begins.
War breaks out when people become unable to understand each other, when they become unable to find a common ground.
It's not because people are bad, but because they're unable to understand the other side's perspective.
It's easy to say that war is bad, that it's something that should be avoided at all costs.
But if you don't understand why war happens in the first place, then you'll never be able to bring about true peace.
I sit across from Gaito Carlson, a man who used to be a member of the Lacus Clan.
He's an old man now, with weathered hands and a face lined with age.
But even though he's no longer young, his eyes still hold a fire that burns brightly.
He takes a sip of his tea, his hands shaking slightly as he holds the cup.
We're sitting in the study of our seaside home, the sun setting outside the window and casting long shadows across the room.
The air is quiet and still, and all I can hear is the sound of Gaito's breathing as he begins to speak.
"The war was a terrible thing," he says, his voice low and gravelly.
"It was a time of fear and desperation. We were fighting for our lives, for our freedom. We didn't know what else to do."
I nod, listening intently as Gaito tells me about the war from ZAFT's perspective.
It's a story I've heard before, but it's one that I need to hear again.
I need to remember what happened, so that I can understand how to prevent it from happening again. "We were fighting against the Earth Alliance," Gaito continues.
"They had attacked us without warning, and we were caught off guard. We didn't know how to fight back, so we did the only thing we could think of. We fought with everything we had."
I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I listen to Gaito's words.
I know what it's like to be in a war, to be fighting for your life.
I've been there myself, and I know how terrifying it can be.
But even though I understand what Gaito is saying, I still can't help but feel a sense of sadness.
The war was a terrible thing, and it caused so much pain and suffering.
It's hard to believe that something like that could happen, that people could be so cruel and heartless.
But it did happen, and it's up to us to make sure that it never happens again. "I remember one battle in particular," Gaito says, his voice growing quieter as he speaks.
"We were fighting against a group of Earth Alliance soldiers, and they were putting up quite a fight. I was scared, but I knew that I had to keep going. I couldn't let my comrades down."
Gaito pauses for a moment, taking another sip of his tea before continuing.
"We were able to defeat the soldiers, but not without taking some heavy losses. We lost many good men and women that day, and it was a difficult time for all of us."
As Gaito finishes his story, I see Lacus standing in the doorway.
She's watching us with a tense expression on her face, and I can tell that she's not happy.
She steps into the study, her movements graceful and fluid.
She's wearing a long white dress that flows behind her like a river, and her hair is pulled back into a tight braid.
Her eyes are fixed intently on me, and I can see the concern in their depths.
"War stories only remind us of what we lost," she says, her voice soft but firm.
"We shouldn't dwell on the past. Instead, we should focus on building a better future."
I start to speak, but Lacus holds up a hand to stop me.
"I know what you're going to say," she says, her voice growing slightly harder.
"You're going to tell me that understanding the past is important, that it can help us prevent similar conflicts from happening in the future. But that's not true. We didn't fight to reminisce about battles. We fought to end war entirely." Her words hit me hard, and I feel a pang of guilt in my chest.
I know that she's right, but I also know that understanding the past is important.
If we don't learn from our mistakes, then we'll never be able to move forward.
But before I can respond, Lacus turns and walks away.
She disappears down the hallway, leaving Gaito and me in an uncomfortable silence.
The sun finally dips below the horizon, leaving us in the quiet darkness to ponder what comes next.
I stand up slowly from my chair, my muscles tense from sitting for so long.
The wooden floorboards creak under my feet as I move towards the doorway where Lacus disappeared.
Gaito reaches out to stop me, his hand grasping my arm gently.
"Maybe you should let her cool off," he says, his voice soft but urgent.
"She's upset, and she needs some time alone."
I nod, understanding his words.
But I can't just sit here and do nothing.
I need to talk to Lacus, to explain why I'm doing this.
I gently shake off Gaito's hand and make my way down the hallway.
The house is quiet and still, the only sound being the soft creaking of the old wooden floorboards beneath my feet.
I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I walk, my mind racing with thoughts and emotions.
As I reach the end of the hallway, I see the stairs leading up to our bedroom.
The evening light filters through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. I start climbing the stairs, each step deliberate and measured.
I can feel the weight of our unfinished conversation pulling me forward, urging me to keep going.
As I reach the top of the stairs, I hear a soft rustling sound coming from our bedroom.
Lacus must have gone upstairs to gather her thoughts.
I pause for a moment, listening carefully to the sound of her movements.
I take a deep breath, resolve firming within me, and step into the room to face the future we must build together.
I enter our bedroom cautiously, my footsteps quiet on the plush carpet.
The room is bathed in the soft orange light of the setting sun, streaming through the large window that overlooks the ocean.
Lacus is seated at her vanity, her back turned towards me.
She's wearing a long white dress that flows down to her ankles, and her long pink hair cascades down her back in loose waves.
The soft light catches the strands of her hair, illuminating them with a warm glow.
She doesn't turn to look at me as I enter, but instead continues to brush her hair with slow, methodical strokes.
I move closer to her, my footsteps silent on the carpet.
As I approach, I can see her reflection in the mirror that hangs above the vanity.
Her eyes are red and puffy from crying, and there's a tense set to her shoulders. I stop behind her and watch as she continues to brush her hair.
With each stroke of the brush, I can see the tension in her body growing.
The brush moves more forcefully through her hair, pulling slightly at the strands.
I reach out a hand and place it gently on her shoulder.
She stops brushing and lets the brush rest in her lap.
Her fingers grip the ivory handle tightly, and she stares at me in the reflection of the mirror.
Her eyes meet mine, and in that silent exchange, I know we both understand the weight of what must come next.
We stand there for a long moment, our eyes locked in the mirror.
I can see the tension in her body, the tightness in her jaw.
I know that she's still upset, but I also know that she needs to understand my perspective.
Suddenly, the mirror's surface begins to ripple and distort, like the surface of a pond that has been disturbed.
The ripples grow stronger and more pronounced, until it looks like the mirror is made of water rather than glass.
Lacus gasps and drops her hairbrush, which clatters to the floor with a loud noise.
She stands up quickly and turns to face me, her eyes wide with fear.
I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as I stare at the strange phenomenon unfolding before us.
The mirror's surface continues to ripple and distort, until it looks like a liquid portal.
The ripples grow stronger and stronger, until it seems like we're staring into a pool of water rather than a mirror. The room around us begins to fade away, replaced by a strange, ethereal glow.
It's as if we're being transported to another world, one that exists beyond our own reality.
Lacus reaches out and takes my hand without saying a word.
Her earlier anger forgotten in the face of this bizarre occurrence, she squeezes my fingers tightly as we stare at the shimmering portal before us.
We exchange a single uncertain glance before stepping forward together, our fingers intertwined as we move towards the mirror's surface.
The light envelops us, and we feel a strange sensation of weightlessness, as if we're floating through space.
The light grows brighter and brighter until it's almost blinding.
I close my eyes, feeling the heat from the light radiating against my skin.
When I open my eyes again, the light has faded, and we find ourselves standing on a street corner.
The neon lights of advertisements flash above us, casting a colorful glow over the crowded street.
People rush past us, their faces a blur as they hurry to their destinations.
Lacus clutches my arm tightly, her white dress standing out starkly against the dark colors of the passersby.
I can hear the distant hum of scooters as they zip past us, weaving in and out of traffic.
The humid air hits us like a wall, thick with the smells of unfamiliar food from the street vendors nearby. I look around, trying to take in everything at once.
We're standing on a busy street corner, surrounded by towering skyscrapers that stretch high into the sky.
The neon lights of advertisements flash above us, casting a colorful glow over the crowded street.
People rush past us, their faces a blur as they hurry to their destinations.
I can hear the distant hum of scooters as they zip past us, weaving in and out of traffic.
The humid air hits us like a wall, thick with the smells of unfamiliar food from the street vendors nearby.
My eyes scan the area quickly, taking in every detail.
I can see people rushing past us, their faces blurred as they hurry to their destinations.
I notice a newspaper stand nearby, with headlines flashing in Chinese characters.
I squint to make out the date: July 15, 2023. My mind races as I process this information.
We've traveled through time and space to end up here, in what appears to be Taipei.
But why?
And how?
I glance down at Lacus, who looks just as confused as I am.
She's still clutching my arm tightly, her eyes wide with fear and uncertainty. "What do we do now?"
She asks me quietly, her voice trembling slightly.
I take a deep breath and try to think clearly.
My military training kicks in automatically, assessing our situation and looking for potential threats or dangers.
I notice that we're drawing curious glances from some of the locals passing by.
Lacus's white dress stands out starkly against the dark colors worn by most people on the street.
"We need to blend in," I whisper, scanning the crowd for a solution.
Lacus nods, her grip on my arm loosening slightly as she follows my gaze.
"There's a clothing shop across the street," she suggests, her voice steadier now.
I nod, guiding her through the chaotic traffic.
We make our way across the street, dodging scooters and cars as we go.
At one point, a scooter nearly clips us, and I pull Lacus close to avoid its path.
The driver shouts something in Chinese as he speeds away, but we ignore him and continue on our way.
Finally, we reach the clothing store and push open the door.
The automatic doors slide open with a chime, releasing a blast of cold air conditioning that hits us like a wave.
Inside the store, rows upon rows of clothing racks stretch before us.
The styles are modern and trendy, completely different from what we're used to.
Lacus runs her fingers over a rack of casual dresses, admiring the bright colors and patterns.
I scan the racks more quickly, looking for practical outfits that will help us blend in without drawing too much attention. A saleswoman approaches us, eyeing Lacus's formal white dress with curiosity.
"Can I help you find something?"
She asks in broken English.
Before she can ask any questions that might reveal our true identities, I quickly grab a simple blue sundress from the nearest rack, along with a matching jacket to layer over it.
"Thank you," I say, holding up the dress.
"This looks perfect."
The saleswoman nods and smiles, her eyes still fixed on Lacus's dress.
I can tell she's suspicious, but she doesn't push the issue.
She leads us to the dressing rooms in the back of the store, gesturing for us to try on our selections.
As we step into the dressing room, I glance around quickly, assessing our surroundings.
The dressing room is small and cramped, with a single mirror hanging on the wall.
There's a bench in the corner where customers can sit while trying on clothes.
I notice that the door has a lock on it, but it's not very secure.
If necessary, I could easily break it open. "Lacus," I whisper, leaning close to her ear as I pretend to adjust my dress in the mirror.
"We need to leave now."
She glances at me uncertainly, but she nods without asking questions.
I know she trusts me completely, even if she doesn't fully understand what's happening.
We step out of the dressing room together, pretending to admire ourselves in the mirror one last time before heading for the checkout counter.
But just as we're about to make our move, I see something that makes my heart skip a beat: an emergency exit sign glowing brightly at the back of the store.
My hand tightens around Lacus's as I guide her toward the door.
We edge closer and closer until we're right next to it. And then I see it: a rack of clearance clothes sitting next to the door.
It's filled with simple T-shirts and jeans - exactly what we need to blend in with the locals.
Without hesitation, I grab a handful of clothes from the rack and shove them into my bag.
Lacus looks at me, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Are you sure about this?" she whispers, glancing nervously at the saleswoman.
"We don't have a choice," I reply, my voice steady. "We need to disappear before anyone realizes we're not supposed to be here."
I grip her hand tightly, my mind racing with possibilities.
I know that if we go through the front door, there's a good chance we'll be caught.
But the emergency exit is our only hope.
"Trust me," I whisper, pulling her toward the door.
"We have to do this."
Lacus nods, her face set in determination.
Together, we push open the emergency exit door and step into the unknown.
The alarm blares loudly as we push through the emergency exit door, the sound echoing off the walls of the narrow alleyway beyond.
I can feel Lacus's hand trembling slightly in mine as we emerge into the bright sunlight.
My combat training kicks in automatically, assessing our surroundings and looking for potential escape routes. The alleyway is long and narrow, lined with stacked cardboard boxes and trash bins.
To our left, a row of tall buildings looms overhead, casting deep shadows that stretch across the ground.
Ahead of us, I can see a busy street filled with people rushing to and fro. I pull Lacus along behind me, keeping my head down as we move quickly through the alleyway.
We emerge onto the crowded sidewalk just as a group of pedestrians is passing by, their faces a blur as they hurry to their destinations.
I guide us into the flow of people, matching their pace as we disappear into the sea of strangers. The sounds of car horns and chatter fill the air around us, mingling with the smells of street food wafting from vendors nearby.
We blend into the crowd, leaving behind the chaos and uncertainty of our arrival, as we step forward into whatever awaits us next.
I pull Lacus a little closer, her hand still clasped tightly in mine as we weave through the crowded sidewalk.
My senses are on high alert, scanning the faces around us for any sign of danger.
But everyone seems oblivious to our presence, too caught up in their own lives to notice two strangers amidst the throngs of people rushing past.
Just when I think we're safe, a sudden movement catches my eye.
A stocky man with a yellow hard hat and dusty work clothes steps into our path, waving and smiling broadly.
"Hello! You lost?" he asks in broken English, his accent thick and rich.
I tense instinctively, positioning myself between him and Lacus as I assess the situation.
But something about his expression puts me at ease – genuine concern etched across his features, his eyes crinkled at the corners from years of laughter. "We're fine," I say warily, still scanning the area for any signs of trouble.
"We were just looking for directions."
The man nods, his smile widening even more.
"I am Pei-Ru," he introduces himself, extending a calloused hand towards me.
"I work on construction site across street. Maybe I can help you find what you looking for?"
Lacus squeezes my arm gently, silently urging me to give him a chance.
Despite my initial reservations, there's something about Pei-Ru that feels trustworthy – perhaps it's the kind glint in his eyes or the way he moves with an easy confidence that belies his rugged appearance.
"Yes, please," Lacus says softly, stepping forward with a hopeful look.
"We're trying to find the train station," I add, deciding to trust Pei-Ru's offer of help.
Pei-Ru nods knowingly, pointing down the street with a broad gesture. "Ah, easy! Just follow this road until you see big red sign; can't miss it."
Following his directions, we pause at a quiet corner near a bubble tea shop, watching as people bustle past us.
Pei-Ru leans against the wall, taking a moment to catch his breath.
I study him more closely now, noticing the dust and sweat coating his skin from a day's work on the construction site.
He reminds me of some of the allies we met during the war – kind-hearted individuals who risked everything to help those in need.
I make a quick decision.
"We're not just looking for directions," I admit quietly, glancing around to make sure no one is listening.
"We're travelers who lost everything. Our luggage, our documents... everything."
Lacus looks at me with understanding eyes as I weave a story for Pei-Ru, my voice steady and convincing.
"We were supposed to meet with a travel agency to arrange our accommodations, but they never showed up. We have no money, no place to stay... we're completely stranded."
Pei-Ru listens intently, his face growing more sympathetic by the second.
When I finish speaking, he nods thoughtfully and rubs his chin. "You can stay with my family until you figure things out," he offers without hesitation.
"It's not much, but we have small apartment nearby. You can sleep on couch tonight."
Despite my training to be suspicious of strangers, there's something genuine about Pei-Ru that puts me at ease.
Maybe it's the way he looks at us with kindness in his eyes or the fact that he's willing to help two complete strangers without expecting anything in return.
"Are you sure?" I ask, my voice tinged with disbelief at his generosity.
Pei-Ru chuckles softly, waving a hand dismissively.
"In my country, we say a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet."
I follow Pei-Ru through the winding streets, Lacus clinging tightly to my arm as the evening sun casts long shadows behind us.
The air is filled with the scent of street food and exhaust fumes, mingling with the distant hum of neon signs flickering to life.
As we turn a corner, the bustling streets of Shilin Night Market come into view.
Rows of vendors line the sidewalks, their colorful stalls overflowing with everything from fresh produce to handmade trinkets.
The sound of chatter and laughter fills the air, punctuated by the occasional car horn blaring in the distance.
Pei-Ru leads us through the crowds, expertly navigating between shoppers and food stalls.
We pass by steaming plates of stir-fried noodles and skewers of sizzling meat, our stomachs growling in response to the tantalizing aromas.
Finally, we stop at a small stall tucked away in a corner, its sign reading "Stinky Tofu" in bold letters.
Pei-Ru grins mischievously as he places his order, motioning for us to follow suit.
Lacus looks uncertain, her nose wrinkling at the pungent smell wafting from the sizzling tofu.
But I'm intrigued by the prospect of trying something new. "Trust me," Pei-Ru assures us, handing each of us a steaming plate piled high with crispy fried tofu and pickled vegetables.
"You'll love it!"
I watch as he expertly dips his tofu into a spicy sauce before taking a bite.
Following his lead, I tentatively take a small nibble of my own piece.
The initial burst of flavor explodes on my tongue – salty and savory with just a hint of bitterness from the pickled vegetables.
But beneath it all lies a delicate sweetness that surprises me given its pungent aroma.
Lacus watches me warily before taking her own tentative bite.
Her eyes widen in surprise, a small smile playing on her lips as she reaches for another piece.
"See?" Pei-Ru says triumphantly, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Told you it's good!"
We continue eating in silence, savoring the complex flavors of the stinky tofu.
As we finish our plates, Pei-Ru leads us to a small table near a dumpling stand.
He orders xiaolongbao for all of us, steam rising from the bamboo baskets as they're carried over by the vendor.
Pei-Ru demonstrates how to eat them properly – placing the dumpling in a spoon, poking a small hole in the bottom to release the savory soup inside, then dipping it into a mixture of ginger and vinegar before taking a bite. As we eat, Pei-Ru regales us with stories of growing up in Taipei – memories of playing in the streets with his friends, exploring hidden corners of the city, and helping his mother prepare traditional dishes for special occasions.
Lacus listens intently beside me, her eyes lighting up with curiosity as she asks questions about local customs and traditions.
I find myself relaxing in Pei-Ru's presence, feeling a sense of trust wash over me as he speaks about his family and community with genuine affection.
Eventually, Pei-Ru glances at his watch and apologizes for keeping us so long.
"It's getting late," he explains, "and I promised my wife I'd be home by now. But let's meet again tomorrow night; I'll show you around more of the city."
I nod gratefully, thanking him for his kindness and hospitality.
As we part ways, Lacus turns to me with a smile. "He seems like a really nice guy," she comments softly.
"I'm glad we met him."
I nod in agreement, my mind already racing ahead to our plans for tomorrow.
But before we can make our way back to the train station, Lacus suddenly stops in her tracks and turns to me with an impish grin.
"Hey," she says mischievously, "let's get some bubble tea!"
I raise an eyebrow at her suggestion but can't deny the allure of trying something new.
After all, we've come this far together; why not indulge in one last treat before returning to reality?
Together, we duck into a nearby bubble tea shop and order two cups – hers strawberry milk tea with boba pearls and mine green tea with coconut jelly.
While sipping our bubble tea, Lacus suddenly stops and pats down her pockets frantically.
A look of panic crosses her face as she realizes something.
"What's wrong?"
I ask, noticing her growing unease.
She turns to me with wide eyes, her voice barely above a whisper.
"We don't have any money."
Confusion washes over me as I process her words.
Of course, we don't have any money – we're from the future!
But then it hits me: since arriving in this time period, Pei-Ru has been paying for everything.
He bought our stinky tofu and dumplings, and even offered us a place to stay for the night.
We've been so caught up in exploring this new world that we haven't stopped to consider the practicalities of surviving here.
Lacus looks at me with worry etched on her face.
"What are we going to do?"
I pull Lacus close as we continue walking through the dimming market streets, our voices hushed so as not to draw attention.
"We can't go back to the train station," I explain quietly.
"We have no identification, no bank accounts... nothing. Without Pei-Ru's help, we'd be completely stranded."
Lacus nods solemnly beside me, understanding the gravity of our situation. As we walk, the neon lights of the market begin to fade into darkness, leaving behind only the faint glow of street lamps lining the sidewalks.
The air grows cooler, carrying a hint of autumn's arrival amidst the bustling cityscape.
Eventually, we find ourselves back at the corner where we first met Pei-Ru earlier that evening.
He stands there waiting for us, his kind smile illuminated by the soft glow of a nearby streetlamp.
"Ready to head home?" he asks gently, his eyes filled with genuine concern for our well-being.
We nod in unison, following him through the winding streets once more until we reach his family's apartment building.
As he unlocks the door and leads us inside, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude toward this stranger who has taken us under his wing in such an unfamiliar time and place. We watch as Pei-Ru disappears into the crowd, his figure gradually fading from view amidst the sea of strangers rushing past us on the bustling street corner.
I squeeze Lacus's hand tightly in mine as we stand there silently, processing everything that has happened since our arrival in this strange new world.
Lacus breaks the silence, her voice trembling slightly. "Do you think we can trust him completely?"
I hesitate, glancing at the spot where Pei-Ru vanished. "I don't know, but right now, he's our best chance."
She nods slowly, her eyes searching mine for reassurance. "Then let's make sure we don't lose him."
After settling into Pei-Ru's modest apartment, Lacus retires to the guest room while I sit with him on the balcony overlooking the city.
The lights of Taipei twinkle below us, casting a mesmerizing glow over the darkening streets.
Pei-Ru sips his tea quietly, lost in thought as the night air carries the distant hum of traffic and chatter from passersby.
I take a deep breath, finally mustering the courage to ask the question that has been nagging at me since we met him. "Why are you helping us?"
I ask directly, my voice barely above a whisper.
Pei-Ru pauses mid-sip, his weathered face illuminated only by the faint moonlight.
He sets his cup down on the small table between us before turning to meet my gaze.
"Many years ago," he begins slowly, his voice filled with a mix of nostalgia and sadness, "my younger sister went missing during a natural disaster. We searched for her everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found."
He pauses again, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "Days turned into weeks, and eventually, we gave up hope. But then, one morning, we received a call from a family of farmers who lived in a remote village several hours away. They told us that they had taken in a young girl matching my sister's description."
A small smile tugs at Pei-Ru's lips as he recounts the story.
"They said she had wandered into their village alone and scared. They took her in, fed her, and gave her shelter until we could come retrieve her."
His eyes cloud over as memories flood back. "My sister told us how kind they were to her – complete strangers who opened their hearts and homes without hesitation. She said that during those few days with them, she felt safe and loved."
Pei-Ru takes another sip of his tea before continuing.
"After that experience, I made a promise to myself to always help those in need whenever I could. Life is unpredictable and full of unexpected twists and turns; sometimes all someone needs is a little kindness to make a difference." As he speaks, I notice his hands trembling slightly as he grips his teacup.
The dim light casts shadows on his face, accentuating the lines etched by age and life's trials.
Despite his weathered appearance, however, his eyes sparkle with genuine warmth and sincerity.
I nod silently, absorbing his words as they sink deep within me.
The first light of dawn creeps over the horizon as Pei-Ru and I sit in his small kitchen.
He busies himself preparing breakfast, stirring a large pot of congee on the stovetop.
The familiar scent of traditional rice porridge fills the air, reminding me of countless meals shared with fellow soldiers during our time in the war.
I offer to help with the cooking, but he waves me off with a gentle smile.
"Let me do this," he says softly, his eyes filled with warmth.
"You're my guest."
I place a firm hand on his shoulder, my voice catching in my throat as I speak.
"Pei-Ru, you've done so much for us already. Let me repay your kindness somehow."
His gaze meets mine, understanding flickering in his eyes.
"No need," he replies quietly.
"Just being able to help others is its own reward."
I watch as Lacus picks at her congee listlessly, the morning sunlight streaming through the kitchen window and casting a warm glow over her tired face.
The dark circles under her eyes betray the restless night she must have had, and I can't help but feel a pang of worry for her well-being.
Moving my chair closer to hers, I reach out and gently place my hand over hers, which rests on the table.
She flinches slightly at the touch, but doesn't pull away.
Pei-Ru notices our interaction and quietly excuses himself, leaving us alone in the kitchen.
I lean in, my lips brushing against Lacus's softly as I plant a gentle kiss on her cheek.
At first, she tenses up, but as I pull away, I see the tension melting from her face.
She looks at me, her eyes searching mine for something unspoken.
"Do you think we'll ever find a way back home?" she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.
I hesitate, feeling the weight of her question, and finally reply, "I don't know, but as long as we're together, we'll figure it out."
We sit in silence for a moment, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the wall and the distant hum of traffic outside.
The congee in our bowls grows cold, forgotten in the midst of our thoughts.
Lacus's hand trembles slightly in mine, and I notice a single tear rolling down her cheek.
I reach up and gently wipe it away with my thumb, my heart aching to see her so vulnerable.
The scent of jasmine wafts from her hair, reminding me of the peaceful days we spent together in Orb.
Even in this strange new time, with everything around us unfamiliar, she remains my anchor – a constant source of comfort and strength.
Drawing upon the resilience that has carried us through countless battles and hardships, I lean closer to her, my voice filled with conviction as I whisper softly against her ear.
"We've faced impossible odds before, and we've always found a way through."
She nods, her eyes glistening with a mixture of hope and uncertainty.
"Then we'll keep fighting," she says, determination lacing her words.
I sit there with Lacus, our hands intertwined on the table, when suddenly a deafening crash shatters the tranquility of the moment.
The sound echoes through the small apartment like an explosion, sending shockwaves through every corner of the room.
My combat instincts kick in instantly, adrenaline surging through my veins as I instinctively react to the threat.
Lacus's eyes widen in alarm as she turns toward me, her grip on my hand tightening.
"What was that?"
The sound seems to have come from outside, and without hesitation, I rise from my chair, pulling Lacus up with me.
We move cautiously toward the kitchen window, which faces the street below.
Through the thin curtains, I catch glimpses of movement against the early morning light.
It's too large to be a bird, and its deliberate movements suggest something much more sinister.
My heart races as I position myself protectively between Lacus and whatever danger lurks outside.
The shadowy figure pauses for a moment, as if studying us through the window.
Its presence fills me with a sense of foreboding, and I can feel Lacus's fear radiating off her like a palpable force. The figure shifts again, moving closer to the glass.
I can see its outline more clearly now – dark and imposing against the pale morning sky.
Without breaking eye contact with it, I slowly reach for the knife lying on the table next to our abandoned congee bowls.
I stand there with Lacus, watching as the shadowy figure slowly backs away from the window.
It retreats into the morning fog, its movements deliberate and calculated.
There's something familiar about the way it moves – a precision that speaks of extensive training.
The way it carries itself with a military posture sends a shiver down my spine.
I grip the kitchen knife tightly in my hand, my mind racing with possibilities.
And then, as the figure disappears into the fog, I realize what it is about its movements that feels so familiar.
The way it walked – it was almost... mechanical.
My heart skips a beat as recognition dawns on me.
That wasn't a person we just saw; it was someone in a mobile suit.
The realization hits me like a ton of bricks, and I feel Lacus gasp beside me.
She must have reached the same conclusion at the same time I did.
But how is this possible?
We're not in our world anymore, so how could there be an MS here?
Unless...
Unless whoever that was isn't from this world either. The thought sends a chill down my spine.
If there's someone else here from our world, it means we're not alone in this strange new reality.
But who is it?
And why are they here?
As these questions swirl in my mind, we hear a cold laugh echo through the alley below us.
The sound sends shivers down my spine, and I quickly pull Lacus away from the window.
