Fifteen years might be but a fleeting moment in the vastness of the universe, but for a young man—Char Aznable—whose soul had transmigrated from another world, bearing heavy memories and grand resolve, it was an unforgettable, long journey capable of completely altering the trajectory of his destiny.
The starting point of his memories wasn't a warm swaddle, but the towering flames of when he was three years old.
It was supposed to be a peaceful night, yet the luxurious mansion of the Flaga Family was suddenly engulfed by a raging inferno.
Young Char Aznable didn't even understand what had happened; he only remembered the acrid smoke choking him, the scorching heat licking at his skin, his mother's desperate cries, and her hands, which had tried to push him out of the fire but ultimately fell limp.
He was rescued from the blaze by the loyal old butler, Alfred, who fought desperately, clutching a smoke-blackened music box with the family crest—the one his mother often wound for him, playing the only lullaby of his childhood.
But his parents, Al Da Flaga and his gentle mother, remained forever in that sea of flames.
His elder brother, Mu La Flaga, already a teenager at the time, was away at a training camp and luckily escaped the disaster, but he bore the immense pain of not being with his family during their hardship.
Char Aznable knew this fire was no accident.
Fuzzy fragments of memory, mixed with his innate, Flaga Family-specific precognitive intuition, vaguely pointed to a name—Rau Le Creuset.
An avenger hidden in the shadows, whose soul was twisted by the pain of genetic flaws, causing him to vent his hatred upon Al Da Flaga and his family, who had created him.
Three-year-old Char Aznable, in that catastrophe, felt not only the scorching heat of the flames but also a bone-chilling malice, coiling around his senses like a venomous snake.
This perception was so clear, yet so powerless.
He was just a child, a toddler who couldn't even ensure his own safety.
He watched helplessly as his mother was buried by a collapsing beam while protecting him; her eternally gentle eyes, in their last gaze at him, mixed with love, reluctance, and a hint of regret for not completing her protection, became an unhealing scar in Char Aznable's heart.
He returned to that night again and again in his nightmares, trying to reach out and grasp his mother, but always woke up with heart-wrenching cries, futilely reaching out to the empty room, with only cold air and deeper guilt lingering on his fingertips.
He hated his weakness, hated that he didn't possess the strength to save his loved ones at that moment.
This sense of powerlessness and guilt, like maggots clinging to bone, gnawed at his soul, shaping the premature and melancholic foundation of his character.
After the disaster, the Flaga Family seemed to vanish from the social stage overnight.
The outside world only knew that Al Da Flaga and his wife had died in an accident, leaving behind their two young sons.
No one knew that Al Da Flaga, a legendary figure known for "making the impossible possible," had already accumulated astronomical wealth through his almost supernatural business acumen and technical insight.
Even less known was that he had also utilized the powerful intuitive precognitive ability, similar to Newtype, passed down through generations of the Flaga Family, to meticulously select a group of servants with absolute loyalty and exceptional abilities, and had arranged all future paths for his sons before his death.
Char Aznable and Mu La Flaga inherited this vast hidden fortune.
Under the guidance of the old butler, Alfred—an old man of iron will and wisdom, also selected through the family's precognitive ability—they moved out of their original residence into a secluded estate on Earth, far from the madding crowd.
The place was heavily guarded, with servants performing their duties, not only taking care of the brothers' daily lives but also forming a strict protective network and information filtering system, ensuring that the Flaga Family's immense wealth and the existence of the two brothers were not discovered by the outside world, especially by forces that might covet this inheritance or harbor hostility towards the Flaga Family, such as Kruze.
Young Char Aznable quickly displayed special abilities inherited through his bloodline.
His intuition was exceptionally keen; he often anticipated minor dangers, such as avoiding a falling vase or knowing what the butler was about to say before he even spoke.
More importantly, he could vaguely "see" fragmented glimpses of the future and perceive subtle emotional fluctuations and hidden intentions of others.
This ability was verified when selecting servants—those who passed Alfred's strict scrutiny and made Char Aznable feel "safe" and "pure" were retained, forming this loyal and reliable core team.
Alfred strictly followed Al Da Flaga's will, creating the illusion that the Flaga Family had fallen into decline and was barely surviving on a small trust fund.
Days passed in a strange calm. The grand estate was like a magnificent birdcage, materially carefree, but spiritually filled with the shadow of losing both parents and confusion about the future.
Char Aznable immersed himself in books and simulated training, greedily absorbing knowledge, especially about history, politics, military affairs, and Mobile Suit technology.
He knew the world he was in—"Mobile Suit Gundam SEED."
This realization had awakened at the beginning of his transmigration, but what truly transformed this realization into a resolve for action was the choice made by his only living relative.
Mu La Flaga, acting as both an elder brother and a quasi-father, awkwardly but genuinely took on the responsibility of caring for his younger brother.
The blow of losing his parents was equally heavy for him, but he forced himself to grow up quickly, filling the void in his heart with exercise, study, and love for his brother.
The two brothers relied on each other, sharing their sorrows, fears, and hopes for the future, building their small world within the silent estate.
Char Aznable could feel the heavy sense of responsibility and protectiveness deep within his brother's heart; this close bond became the warmest light in his gray childhood memories.
The time came to C.E. 68. Char Aznable was twelve, and Mu La Flaga was nineteen.
In this year, the world's pattern was quietly undergoing drastic changes.
The antagonism between the Earth Alliance and P.L.A.N.T. grew sharper, and seeds of discrimination and hatred proliferated wildly between Naturals and Coordinators. News was filled with reports of various conflicts and frictions, and the shadow of war pressed down on everyone's hearts like a lead weight.
The history of the Cosmic Era was irreversibly sliding towards the devastating war known as "Jachin Due."
Just at this moment of impending storm, Mu La Flaga made a decision that shocked Char Aznable—he was going to join the Earth Alliance Forces.
When Mu La Flaga stood before Char Aznable, dressed in a brand-new Earth Alliance Forces cadet uniform, his eyes filled with a determination beyond his years and a hint of imperceptible sadness, Char Aznable froze.
He looked at his brother's tall figure, that military uniform symbolizing strength and order, and in an instant, countless scenes from the "original work" flooded his mind: Mu La Flaga battling in space in his Moebius Zero, his emotional entanglement with Murrue Ramius, his heroism and helplessness on the battlefield, and... his tragic end, sacrificing himself to block the Lohengrin cannon to protect the Archangel.
"Why?" Char Aznable's voice trembled slightly; he couldn't understand.
They possessed enough wealth to live a comfortable life, protected by loyal servants; why choose to throw themselves into this impending bloody grinder?
Mu La Flaga knelt down, gently stroked Char Aznable's soft golden hair, his tone more serious than ever: "Char Aznable, this world... isn't safe. The tragedy of Mom and Dad cannot happen to us again. The Flaga Family's wealth and power, without sufficient armed self-protection, will ultimately be nothing but a castle in the air. I'm joining the Allied Forces to learn the power to protect us, to... be able to protect you."
Mu La Flaga's words, like a thunderbolt, shattered Char Aznable's long-held mindset.
All this time, although he knew this was the world of SEED, he had always subconsciously regarded it as a "story," a script with a known ending.
He sympathized with the characters' fates, worried about the tragedies, but that feeling was more like a high-level player watching an immersive movie.
"—No. I don't want brother to go to dangerous places."
He still clearly remembered that this impulsive line almost slipped out uncontrollably at the time.
But at this moment, Mu La Flaga's choice, the resolute determination in his eyes to throw himself into war to protect his brother, and the sense of responsibility revealed in his words when mentioning his father's last wish, struck Char Aznable's heart profoundly.
Mu La Flaga was not the character "Mu La Flaga"; he was a living person, his brother, a real existence with flesh and blood, emotions, fears, and resolve.
Kira Yamato, Athrun, Lacus, Cagalli... behind those names he knew so well stood individual lives that could cry and laugh, love and hate.
Their lives were not a predetermined script, nor were their fates unchangeable.
If he did nothing, this world would continue to unfold according to the trajectory in his memory.
The "Bloody Valentine" tragedy of Junius Seven would occur, P.L.A.N.T. and the Earth Alliance would erupt into full-scale war, and countless lives would turn into cosmic dust, including his brother, and likely other characters he cherished.
Those moments he had been moved by and regretted in front of a screen would truly unfold in this world with blood and tears.
No! He could not accept it!
He was not merely a reincarnator; he was now Char Aznable, a part of this world.
He possessed the Flaga Family's wealth, status, precognitive abilities, and most importantly—foreknowledge of the "future."
This foreknowledge should not be a tool for him to passively observe tragedy, but rather a weapon for him to change fate and protect what he cherished.
He liked the world of SEED, not just for its exciting battles and profound themes, but also because after countless hardships, there was a relatively "happy" ending—Kira Yamato and Lacus joining hands, Athrun and Cagalli standing side by side, Mu La Flaga and Murrue Ramius reuniting... Although the shadow of war had not completely dissipated, the peace and reunion that the main characters achieved at that moment was a "treasure" he deeply wished to protect.
He hoped this real world could also have such an ending, or even better.
"Brother..." Xia Ya looked up, his eyes shining with a determination unbefitting his age, "I understand. I will wait for you to come back."
At that moment, Char Aznable, a boy of only twelve, truly awakened.
He was no longer an detached observer; he wanted to be an active participant, a player who could influence the balance.
His goal became clear: to use all his resources and advantages to intervene in the world's progression, avoid tragedy as much as possible, protect the people he cherished, and guide this world towards the "happy ending" he yearned for.
And becoming a powerful Mobile Suit Pilot, especially piloting the GAT series units that would play key roles in the early stages of the war, was undoubtedly the most direct way to intervene in the core plot and approach key figures.
As he grew older, Xia Ya's resolve became increasingly firm. He used the resources within the estate to frantically absorb all knowledge and skills related to Mobile Suits.
Although Alfred didn't fully understand why Xia Ya was so obsessed with Mobile Suits, based on his trust in the young master's precognitive abilities and the Flaga Family's underlying need for self-preservation, he tacitly, and even secretly, supported Xia Ya's actions, providing him with the highest-level simulation cockpits and relevant technical data.
Xia Ya's talent was astonishing.
In the simulator, his Mobile Suit piloting was fluid and precise, his tactical judgment sharp and decisive, and his progress far surpassed ordinary people. He could even conduct targeted adaptive training in advance based on his "foreknowledge" of the GAT series units' performance.
At the same time, through Alfred's intelligence network, he closely monitored the development of the world situation.
In C.E. 70, the "Bloody Valentine" tragedy occurred as expected, the wreckage of Junius Seven was shattered into a debris belt by a nuclear attack, and Siegel Clyne, Chairman of the P.L.A.N.T. Supreme Council, issued a declaration of independence and declared war on Earth.
War had finally broken out.
When the news arrived, Xia Ya's heart sank to the bottom. Although he had anticipated it, the actual occurrence of the tragedy still made him feel suffocated.
He knew that this meant the gears of fate that would draw Kira Yamato, Athrun, and others into the war had begun to turn, and he didn't have much time left.
Around late C.E. 70, Xia Ya had just turned fifteen. He believed the time was right.
He needed a legitimate identity to enter the military system, gain access to the GAT series development plan, or at least become a Pilot as soon as the new units were deployed.
He found his brother, Mu La Flaga, who was about to graduate from the Allied Forces Officer Academy and be officially assigned to a unit.
"Brother, I think... I also want to join the Allied Forces." Xia Ya tried to make his tone sound calm and mature, though his heart was filled with apprehension and anticipation.
He had prepared a set of arguments about following his brother's footsteps, defending his country, and using his abilities to contribute to the Alliance.
However, Mu La Flaga's reaction far exceeded his expectations.
Hearing Xia Ya's words, Mu La Flaga was first stunned, then his expression changed dramatically, and he almost immediately objected: "No! Absolutely not!" His voice carried a rare sternness and a hint of imperceptible panic.
"Why?" Xia Ya frowned, "I'm not a child anymore; I have the ability to protect myself, and even..."
"Even what?!" Mu La Flaga interrupted him, grabbing Xia Ya's shoulders in agitation, "Xia Ya, you have no idea what the military is like! It's not a simulation game you play! It's a real battlefield, where people die! I joined the military so you could stay away from all this! How could you..."
He looked at the unyielding and resolute gaze in Xia Ya's eyes, unbefitting his age, and his tone suddenly softened, his voice choked, and tears even welled up in his eyes: "Xia Ya, Mom and Dad are gone... I only have you. Promise me, don't go to such a place. No one from the Flaga Family needs to risk their lives on the front lines anymore. You staying here, living safely, is the greatest support for me, and also... the best comfort for Mom and Dad."
Mu La Flaga rarely showed such a vulnerable side in front of Xia Ya. He fought back tears and hugged his younger brother tightly, as if afraid that if he let go, this only remaining family member would disappear. "Please, Xia Ya, don't leave me."
This sudden, deeply emotional plea struck Xia Ya's heart like a heavy hammer.
All the reasons and arguments he had prepared seemed pale and powerless in the face of his brother's sincere tears and entreaties.
He couldn't tell Mu La Flaga the truth.
He couldn't say, I know what will happen in the future, I know you will face danger, I know the direction of the war, I know the corruption and darkness within the Earth Alliance Forces, I know the GAT series will be stolen by ZAFT, I know the Neutron Jammer will plunge Earth into an energy crisis... These "spoilers" that transcended contemporary understanding would only make Mu La Flaga think he was mentally unstable, and might even attract unnecessary trouble and surveillance.
More importantly, he saw the deep fear in Mu La Flaga's eyes—the fear of losing his last family member.
This fear was so real, so heavy, that Xia Ya could no longer persist.
He realized that forcibly joining the military would not only hurt the brother he most wanted to protect but might also destroy the precious trust between them because he couldn't explain his motives.
After a long while, Xia Ya gently hugged Mu La Flaga back, his voice low and hoarse: "Okay... Brother, I promise you. I won't join the military."
Mu La Flaga's tense body finally relaxed. He hugged Xia Ya tightly, as if to meld him into his own body, and only after a long time did he let go, wiping the corner of his eyes, forcing a smile: "Good boy, that's right. Don't worry, with your brother here, I'll definitely protect you."
Watching Mu La Flaga's relieved smile, Xia Ya's heart was filled with mixed emotions.
He temporarily gave up the path of directly joining the Earth Alliance Forces, but this did not mean he had abandoned his goal.
Watching Mu La Flaga leave the estate to report to the army he was about to serve in, Xia Ya stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the distant sky, his eyes once again becoming sharp and profound.
The direct path to joining the military was blocked, but this was only one way to his goal.
He still had the vast resources of the Flaga Family, the support of Alfred and his loyal team, his own extraordinary abilities, and his foreknowledge of the future.
"If the Earth Alliance Forces won't work, then... what about Orb?" Xia Ya murmured.
Orb's neutral philosophy and technical strength, especially their investment in independent Mobile Suit research and development (such as the M1 Astray), and the presence of Cagalli, made this path seem quite appealing.
Or, use the Flaga Family's financial resources to secretly fund or establish his own private armed forces? Or even... contact the Clyne faction within P.L.A.N.T.?
No, it was not the time yet.
He needed a more meticulous plan, greater strength, and a more suitable opportunity.
The GAT series units were about to be completed, the Archangel was about to set sail, Kira Yamato's fate was about to be rewritten... He had to find a way to intervene at these critical junctures.
Becoming a Pilot of the GAT series remained his goal. Only the method of achieving it needed to be re-planned.
Xia Ya clenched his fists.
Fifteen years had transformed him from a naive reincarnator into a young man burdened with a heavy past and a grand determination.
The road ahead was still shrouded in mist, with challenges coming one after another, but the fire in his heart, that determination to protect the "happy ending" of this real world, had never been so fervent.
He turned around and walked towards the simulated training room deep within the estate. The screen lit up, reflecting his young yet exceptionally resolute face.
A new voyage was about to begin. And he, Char Aznable, was ready to embrace his battle.
He not only wanted to change his own destiny but also tried to shake the established trajectory of this world, for the people he cherished, and for the future he was determined to protect. The wind had already risen.