Ultraman A New Light Ch 14

Once more, Haru found himself in a dream, standing within the desolate graveyard that had haunted his previous dream. The lifeless surroundings and unsettling atmosphere made him uneasy. As Ultraman, he had become attuned to the presence of negative and dark energy, and this place was overflowing with it. Despite his sensitivity to such energies, he was aware that this was merely a dream, so the sensations he experienced were not entirely real.

“This place again. I hope another Kaiju doesn’t attack me.” Haru's fear of being stomped on again was palpable. He saw another black orb releasing dark energy, just like he remembered from last time. He is a lot more cautious now since the dark energy it released turned into a Kaiju. He doesn't want to get crushed again.

“What is this thing?” he asked, and he felt the beating sensation again.

BUDMP

He now knows the name of the black orb. “Cancer Seeds… Is that what this is called?” The Cancer Seed began emitting a surge of ominous dark energy, coalescing into the form of another monstrous Kaiju. This Kaiju was Pedoleon, the same fearsome creature that Haru had confronted just a few days prior. Undaunted, Haru courageously fixed his gaze upon Pedoleon instead of succumbing to fear and fleeing.

“Is this the reason why Kaijus keep appearing? Is it because of these seeds?” The urgency of the situation weighed heavily on Haru's mind, the potential threat of more Kaijus looming large.

As the dark giant dispersed, the scene changed once more. Dozens of fragments flowed through a portal, revealing a world that seemed strangely familiar to Haru. Amidst the vast expanse of space and Earth in the distance, he could discern the PLANT colonies and three ships locked in combat with a formidable space fortress. Amidst the ongoing war, two incredibly powerful mobile suits stood out, effortlessly overpowering hundreds of other mobile suits with their sheer might.

“Is that the Freedom and Justice Gundam? Then this must be the battle of Jachin Due… Wait! I saw more Cancer Seeds going into the world. Does that mean more Kaijus are going to appear!?”

Haru's heart pounded with fear. Cancer Seeds had been lurking in their world for at least two years. Haru shuddered to think of how many Kaijus might have emerged during that time. Suddenly, a brilliant light surrounded Haru, and he jolted awake from his slumber. As he scanned the room, he realized he was back in his own bed, but an unsettling feeling lingered.

“That dream… if it is real, which I’m sure it is. Then Kaijus will just keep emerging. Those Cancer Seeds are the problem. If I don’t deal with them, more Kaijus will just go on a rampage.” Haru imagines how much destruction there would be if multiple Kaijus appeared. He felt chills through his spine. He won’t allow that to happen.

…

As the time approached for Athrun to depart and journey back to the PLANTs, he and Cagali found themselves on the helipad outside her manor, waiting for his transport. Cagali's wistful gaze lingered on Athrun, betraying her desire for him to stay, but she knew she couldn't ask that of him. Athrun, too, hesitated, still reeling from the recent monster attack, reluctant to leave Cagali and the looming uncertainty of the situation.

Athrun looks guilty toward Cagali. “I’m sorry I have to leave at this time when the monster just attacked Orb. I know Orb is still in a disorganized state.”

“No, it is okay. I know it is difficult with the current situation, but I’m sure to overcome it!” Athrun sees Cagali determined, which puts him at ease a little bit.

“I don’t know when we will see each other again, and seeing us almost losing our lives. I don’t want to have regrets.” Athrun's words were filled with emotion as he reached for Cagali's hand.

Athrun gently slides a stunning ring onto her finger, a dazzling masterpiece adorned with a radiant ruby gem. Cagali's mind races as she processes what Athrun has placed on her finger. In a sudden rush of realization, she understands that it's an engagement ring!

“...What!?” Cagali's eyes widened in disbelief, her surprise palpable. The suddenness of Athrun's gesture caught her completely off guard, a pleasant shock she hadn't anticipated.

Athrun couldn't bring himself to look her in the eye. He felt so embarrassed thinking about it. The timing was just all wrong, so he didn't say anything and just slid the ring onto her finger.

He forced himself to look at her to see her reaction. “Y-You… Um, ah…” Cagali stutters and doesn’t know what to say. “This is no way to give a woman a ring, you know!?”

“Sorry ‘bout that.” was all Athrun could say.

When Cagali sees how embarrassed Athrun is, she laughs at his uncharacteristic behavior. Athrun usually knows what he's doing, but seeing him like this makes him cute in Cagali's eyes.

Athrun's face lights up as he sees her radiant smile. His ride has arrived, and they embrace each other tightly. “Take care. Keep in touch.”

“Yeah. Hang in there, Cagali.”

As they gazed into each other's eyes, brimming with love, Cagali closed her eyes and anticipated a sweet kiss. Athrun didn't disappoint, and their lips met in a tender embrace. Both wished this moment could stretch on indefinitely, but reluctantly, they parted, their cheeks flushed with warmth. Athrun had to leave, and as he collected his belongings, Cagali clutched the ring he had just given her, watching him until he faded into the distance.

…

On the day of departure from Orb, the Minerva is fully repaired and prepared for launch. Haru meticulously checks the ship's systems one last time as they get ready to leave. Meyrin's voice comes through the announcement, signaling that departure is imminent.

{We’ll be leaving at the appointed time. All units, hurry with your final checks.}

Haru is feeling a bit glum. “So we are finally leaving. That’s pretty sad. I just made some friends in this country.”

Shinn, who was checking the Core Splendor, looks at Haru. “You have already made friends on Orb?”

Haru looks proud. “Of course, we met when I visited the cenotaph. His name was Kira, and he was staying and helping at an orphanage. I visited him and played with the children. You should have come with me, Shinn. You could use more friends.”

“Shut up.”

They finished their final checks and met up with Rey and Luna.

Luna complains about their stay in Orb. “Where finally going to Carpentaria. I thought we were just going to get the Minerva repaired and resupply. Who would have thought we would be fighting another monster? It is unbelievable.”

“I know. Do you think we will be fighting another one?” asked Shinn.

Luna raises her hands to surrender. “Give me a break. Fighting those monsters is hard. Our attacks barely did anything to it, and it was only with the help of Ultraman we defeated it. And those monsters are ugly. Did you see the last one!? It had all those disgusting tentacles and slime all over its body! It nearly made me vomit.”

Shinn and Haru awkwardly smile. “That’s true…”

“If we are ordered to fight another one. Then we have no choice.” Rey said as if it was a matter of fact.

Luna slumps her shoulders. “I don’t look forward to it.”

Haru vividly remembers his dream and realizes that many more monstrous creatures are likely to emerge as numerous Cancer Seeds have found their way into his world. He doubts that the Minerva alone can handle all of them, especially those appearing in areas outside of ZAFT's jurisdiction. He ponders the idea of venturing to these areas to confront the creatures on his own, but he fears that his frequent disappearances will raise suspicions. Moreover, he acknowledges that he may not possess the power to vanquish these monsters single-handedly, as his previous battle against Pedoleon humbled him. Haru recognizes that addressing this issue is crucial.

“I guess I will need to think of a plan for that.”

Shinn hears Haru mumbling. “What’s wrong, Haru?”

“Hmm? Ah, it’s nothing.”

“Okay.”

As they walked down the hallway, they spotted Cagali, who had just finished saying goodbye to the Captain. Haru was thrilled to see her, so he went over to chat with her.

“Cagali! It is nice to see you again.”

“Haru! Me too.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I was just saying goodbye to the Captain. I’m glad we met before you left.”

“Me too, but don’t worry. I’ll come to visit when there is a chance. We can continue to talk all we want then.”

Cagali chuckles a bit. “That is true. If you ever visit, make sure to contact me.”

Haru notices the ring on her left ring finger. “Cagali is that…” He then gave a smirk to Cagali. “Is that what I think it is?”

“Cagali looks at her ring and blushes. “Yes.”

Haru's smirk grows wider. “Is it who I think it is from~?”

Cagali’s cheeks become even more red. “Yes, Athrun just recently gave it to me.”

“Hahaha! Congratulations, Cagali! Athrun is one lucky guy! Is a wedding already planned?”

Cagali is fully embarrassed. “No! I mean, not anytime soon. Orb is still in chaos, and Athrun went back to the PLANTs.”

“Huh? Why is he leaving at a time like this?”

“It is something important to him. So forgive him.”

“Well, okay. But I better be invited to your two’s wedding.”

“I promise.”

Cagali and Haru promised to meet each other again, and Shinn, Rey, and Luna looked at him with curiosity. “What? Is there something on my face?”

“Since when did you get so close to her?” asked Shinn.

“After you started shouting at her. I talked to her and Athrun, and we became friends.”

“Who would have thought that Athrun Zala would be engaged to the princess of Orb.” said Luna.

“They must have some long history together. Besides, those two look good together. As their friend, I support them!”

Luna shakes her head. “Yes-Yes.”