アスラン祭り

Continuing?

2006-10-19T02:00:27Z

あの。。。are you guys still doing a contest this year?
I just want to know, that's all, since i haven't heard of you guys for a while....(since last year)

[ADMIN] Voting Closed

2005-11-05T04:04:00Z

Voting is now closed. Thanks to the last minute ~~procrastinators~~ voters who...well voted. You helped settle some close finishes for this contest. Reults of the contest will be posted shortly.

[ADMIN] Voting Deadline Today

2005-11-04T21:42:03Z

Reminder that the deadline for voting is tonight at 9 p.m. EST.

...and to those that are wondering why we are emphasizing and saying this repeatedly is because the voting is close. Very close. And we kid you not when we say every vote counts even if it is "late."

[ADMIN] Voting Deadline

2005-11-04T03:48:19Z

Reminder that the voting deadline for the fanart/fanfiction is tomorrow at 9 p.m. EST (Eastern Standard Time). So if you haven't voted please do so before that time. Thank you.

[ADMIN] Voting Deadline and FAQ

2005-11-01T01:17:05Z

A friendly reminder that voting is now up here and will close on November 4 this Friday. We had to change the voting system a little after some unforseen problems came about with the original voting. If you can't see the entry it is because you did not friend the community which the voting is restricted to. If you want to vote then please join the community. And now to answer a few questions that have arisen either through the entry or via direct communication.

FAQ
Do I have to vote for both contests?
No, you don't have to vote for both contests. You are free to vote for either the fanart or fanfiction but we would really appreciate it if you did vote for both contests.

Can I vote for my own entry?
Yes, you can. We don't encourage it but if you feel that your fic/art was the best of the bunch then feel free to vote for your own entry.

I just read/saw an entry which I thought was best and want to change my vote although I already voted. Can I change my mind if I already voted?
You can change your vote but you have to understand that there is a point where if you keep changing your vote your vote will be discarded and not considered into the final tally.

What if there is a tie?
We...really don't know what we are going to do in the event of a tie. If it comes to that we will let the community know the procedures to settle the tie-breaker. Hopefully, it won't come down to that at least for first place.

If there are any other questions then feel free to drop them here and we will do our best to answer them. ^_^

[ADMIN] Contest Closed

2005-10-29T07:09:43Z

As of right now all contest entries from here on out are closed. Polls will be up soon. We would just like to say thank for you for people that submitted entries for this contest. Without all of you this contest would not be successful. ^_^

Fic Submission

2005-10-29T06:28:08Z

Title: Return To Sender
Rating: PG-13?
Genre: Drama, Angst
Word Count: 390

Notes: Written in a rush, meant to be longer, but ah well.

Return To Sender

CE 61:

He is six when his first pet dies.

His father comes home to find a tiny huddle of boy by the porch, stubby fingers curled around a frailty of feathers and cold flesh that won’t move. Older eyes lock onto old ones, unwavering, hands raised in proffering as he whispers Why won’t he fly, Father?

The man puts down the briefcase laden with terse reports and statistics and demands in the voice of requests to kneel beside his son and teach him, for the first time, that life is not only a story of meetings but also departures.

But if he’s only away, the boy protests, he’s still here, just… not *here* anymore. Where did he go, Father?

But because Patrick Zala believes in no heaven, there is no answer he can give, save

Into the earth, Athrun. He went into the earth.

---

He is six when he writes his first letter.

To Torii, blue scrawl on white. The boy tucks it beside the bird, scooping handfuls of soil and sprinkling them over.

Wherever it goes, Athrun hopes his call will be answered.

***

CE 71:

He is sixteen when his first friend dies.

His captor jerks him up by the shirt to find a broken shell of a soldier, the whole hand resting bonelessly on sheets the same color as the sling that holds the unwhole. Furious eyes stare into empty ones, burning, gunpoint held to his jaw as she whispers Why did he have to die, you bastard?

The boy lowers his head running over and over again memories and pain and sadness in the cloak of anger to blink out the tears and teach her, not for the first time, that war is a great tragedy not only of of hate but also dutiful vengeance.

But he was your *friend*, the girl protests, he still loved you, even after everything that passed. Why did you kill him?

But because Athrun Zala has nothing more to believe in, there is no answer he can give, save

Into the earth, Cagalli. They were sent into the earth.

---

He is sixteen when he writes this letter.

To Kira, blue calligraphy on white. The boy places it beside the weathered marker, scooping handfuls of soil and sprinkling them over.

Wherever he goes, Athrun hopes his call will be answered.

phi's asucaga doujinshi

2005-10-29T05:55:29Z

Title: For the better
Pairing: Athrun x Cagalli
Rating: G
Medium: Pencil, scanner, Photoshop CS

Note: takes place immediately post Destiny
Please read from right to left, like for japanese comics
and pretend page 1 is colored.

"For the better"

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

- - -

-end-

*wheeze* finished with 1 hour to spare...!
I started to get burned out here and there...
my first doujinshi, it's rough pencil, and very rushed, but I sincerely hope you enjoyed it ... and I hope everybody understand what I was trying to convey about asucaga ;_; *tremble*
And if you didn't... I'm sorry, I'm sorry... i'm an artist, not a writer... i'm sorry... TAT
I don't think I've ever drawn Asu caga so many times before in my life... my hand aches...

Happy Birthday Athrun!

Knight in Red [ Fanart // Athrun, Meyrin]

2005-10-29T04:09:23Z

*phew* Got this one done in time. ^^

Title: Knight in Red
Characters: Athrun, Meyrin
Rating: G
Medium: Traditional // Colored Pencils, Gel Pens, Paint Makers

*** without background version ***

Fic.

2005-10-29T03:47:28Z

Title: "Our World."
Pairing: Athrun/Kira, Athrun/Lacus, Athrun/Shinn, Athrun/Cagalli. You can take them as shippy or non-shippy as you please.
Rating: PG.
Genre: Gen, romance.
Word count: 1,802.

Our World.

i. kira yamato: home

“I don’t agree,” says Kira, springing lightly along the cobblestones, vaulting up to race along the footbridge’s thick walls, “with what the teacher said today.”

“About what?” asks Athrun, gazing up. His hands are wrapped tightly around his book bag, his feet solidly on the ground.

“About birds.” He punctuates with words with a flap of his arms, ready to take off into Copernicus’s low, blue sky. “About them leaving babies that a human’s picked up. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“They’re afraid of the smell,” says Athrun scientifically, logically, watching Kira’s feet dance a noisy pitter patter just above his head.

Kira makes a face, lips pursed together. “That’s dumb,” he announces, with all the solemnity of a papal decree. “If I were a momma bird, I’d take the baby back no matter what. It doesn’t matter what it smells like or who touched it, ‘cause it’s still a bird, and it’s your bird.”

Athrun manages a faint smile. “Birds don’t think like you do, Kira.”

“They should,” says Kira emphatically, wings of soft brown hair flying in his face as he turns. “Just imagine if you were the baby bird. There you are in the woods or the park or the whatever, all alone for a cat or a dog or some mean other bird to come and eat, and then a person comes and scoops you up, and that ruins your chance of ever going home! That doesn’t help the baby bird and it doesn’t help the momma bird and it doesn’t help anyone.”

“It’s just the way it is, you know.”

“It wouldn’t be, if it were me,” says Kira, sitting on the railing, smiling brightly. “Not ever.”

***

Athrun wakes up nestled in the stiff, starched sheets of the Archangel’s hospital beds, unable to move. There are bandages around his head and torso and a dull, throbbing ache circling sluggishly through his body that still can’t drown out the little voice in his head that hisses You were wrong after all, you were wrong about the chairman after all…

Tiredly, he turns his head to Kira, who perches in his chair with the same smile that he always has, and Athrun realizes that just for a moment, just for this reason, he has never been gladder to have been wrong.

ii. lacus clyne: grace

She chooses the outfit carefully: black dress, black shoes, black bow, and prim black stockings, wishing fleetingly that she could cover her too-bright hair for the occasion. 243,721 people, she reminds herself, threading the ribbon through her hair, remembering the number like the words of a song, though the melody that comes to mind is jarringly off-key. One missile. One colony. The computer at her bedside crackles out the very latest news about the nuclear attack; a chauffer calls from downstairs that it is time to go. She pulls the bow tightly into place, ties the knot with promise. She has to be strong, she reminds herself. For the people who died. For the PLANTs.

And so she stands pretty and straight for the cameras through her father’s speech, pale against her clothes. She scans the shifting sea of sad, tired faces for friends, for people she knows, to bolster her against the cameras’ lights and the weight of the PLANTs.

Her eyes fall on Athrun, sitting silently with his father. His eyes are red-rimmed and shadowed, as though he’s cried too much to sleep, but he is looking right at her, tired but still alert.

She has to be strong, she reminds herself. For the people who died and for the PLANTS, but for Athrun.

She doesn’t leave with her father, as the press and the cars all depart. Instead, she waits in the wings, then begins the slow trip to the Zala home. Into the streets, to the long row of cars, down the straight, quiet streets and through the gates and doors to Athrun, who is staring miserably out the window.

“I’m sorry,” she says gently, one hand resting on his shoulder. “This shouldn’t have happened.”

He looks up, green eyes glassy bright. “It could have been here,” he says hoarsely. “It could have been you, too.”

“It wasn’t,” she says softly. “We’re still here. We can work for peace…”

He hugs her unexpectedly, holds her close and tight and cries silently into her shoulder. And she, for her part, doesn’t even remind herself to be strong, just runs her fingers through his tangled hair, running through snatches of songs she’s sung and songs she’ll sing, trying to calm him or comfort him or just stand there for him while the world bleeds on around them.

“For peace,” he agrees, finally.

***

He realizes, standing before the new mobile suit she’s offered, that he’s always tried to fight for her. ZAFT was supposed to protect the PLANTs and the people on them; the Three Ships were for her world; FAITH was to stop the fighting from spreading, so she wouldn’t have to be involved again. And her ideals are still there, still waiting.

He climbs slowly into the mobile suit, head splitting painfully, but somehow, even like this, he is more focused than he ever was in Savior.

For peace, he agrees, finally.

iii. shinn asuka: smile

There is something about Athrun smiling.

Well, something about Athrun really smiling. Shinn dislikes Athrun’s fake smiles, the strained ones he puts on to try to look like a cool, older commander, or to cover something up. Those are worthless to Shinn, though, admittedly, they aren’t as bad as Athrun’s scowls.

But, Shinn notices, when Athrun is genuinely happy – happy for Shinn, happy with Shinn, it doesn’t really matter – he always smiles. They aren’t Luna’s big, ear-to-ear grins or Rey’s almost-invisible smirks, but they’re smiles, bright and indulgent ones that say, more warmly than any medal or accolade That’s it. That’s right.

And that’s when Shinn thinks – or knows, really – that they must be doing something right, that they really can remake the world without war or fighting, that no one else will cry about sisters and fathers and mothers dying on a battlefield. And that’s why he likes it. Because Athrun’s smile is hope.

***

His hand hovers just above Athrun’s shoulder, hesitating. He could wake Athrun up now, if he wanted, and he does want to. There’s still question after question to ask, some accusatory, some sad, some curious, some angry, some bitter, some lonely, some just to catch up. In a world without FAITH, without ZAFT, Shinn is completely adrift, and there are too many questions left hanging to rest just yet…

… but Athrun is smiling in his sleep, arm draped loosely over Shinn, so peaceful that Shinn’s hand falls away. There will be, he decides, curling into Athrun’s warm body, time for questions, time for answers and the rest of the world. But for now, Athrun is smiling.

And that’s enough.

iv. cagalli yula athha: us

“You can’t,” he says patiently, as Cagalli pads through her suite in the dark trousers and simple white shirt of Orb’s Representatives, “go to the PLANTs dressed like that.”

“Why not?” she growls, brushing out her hair as quickly as she can. “The meeting will be uncomfortable enough in real clothes. Putting on a dress would be…”

“Dignified.”

“Wretched.” She gives herself a precursory glance in the mirror and makes a face. “You know I’ll be the only woman there, and I don’t want to make it any more obvious by dressing like one…”

“There’s nothing wrong with dressing like a woman,” he sighs.

“You’d know how?”

“Not like that!” He catches her shoulders, sighing deeply. “You look fine in dresses,” he says. “You look refined, you look distinguished—”

“And I can’t do that in a suit?”

“And you look lovely.”

She flushes. “Athrun!”

“Cagalli…”

She crosses her arms and refuses to look at him. “Hand me my coat.”

Shaking his head, he draws it from the closet, pulling out the inevitable wrinkles. “They won’t take you seriously like this,” he warns, slipping the jacket over her shoulders. “You’re Orb’s princess, not just a Representative…”

“I’m a Representative, not just a princess,” she snaps. “And Cagalli, stuck somewhere in between, not that anyone remembers…”

“You know that’s not true,” he says, buttoning up the suit reluctantly even as she tries to shoo him away. “But for this meeting, you can’t just be Cagalli.”

“Why? Can’t people take Cagalli seriously?”

“Not everyone will.”

“But you will?”

“Of course I will,” he says, stepping away. “But that’s because I met Cagalli, not a diplomat. On the PLANTs—”

“If you’re fine with Cagalli, they ought to be. The suit fits well, don’t you think?”

“Yes—”

“Then,” she says, smoothing the coat, “that’s good enough for me. I don’t need to be anyone special for this. Neither of us do.”

“Cagalli…”

“It’ll be fine,” she smiles, wrapping her fingers tightly around his. “So long as you’re with me – Cagalli or the Representative or the princess – it’ll be fine.”

***

“I should have come back,” he says. His fingers catch on her ring as he holds her hand, and he winces.

“You’re back now,” she says, eyes tearing up. “That’s… that’s fine.”

He leans back in the bed, eyes resting on the tattered uniform peeking out of the medical ward’s clean drawers. “Even…”

Her eyes follow his, darting across the room for a split second. “It doesn’t matter,” she says firmly. “It doesn’t matter what you were wearing or what you were doing or… it just doesn’t, you hear?”

“I can hear,” he says. “You don’t have to shout.”

Her cheeks tinge slightly pink. “It doesn’t matter,” she says, “because you’re Athrun.”

“And—”

“Because you’re with me.”

v. our world: destiny

“It’s strange, coming back here,” laughs Kira, “after escaping last time…”

“It’s stranger,” says Lacus quietly, “coming home.”

“But it’s home,” he says. “Of course they’ll take you back – they need you here.”

“They need me for the negotiations,” she says, demurring, but she relaxes more cheerfully into Kira’s embrace.

“Exactly,” says Cagalli, following Athrun out the small elevator to Aprillius’s legislative headquarters. “They need you.”

There is an escort awaiting them – a small squad of soldiers and a slight boy with dark, tousled hair who has traded his uniform for a simple black suit. “The delegation from Orb?” he asks. He sounds more grumpy than welcoming, true, but his frown isn’t too deep, and he meets each of them in the eye in turn. Athrun smiles, and, though Shinn rolls his eyes, he smiles back.

Just a bit.

“And now…” breathes Cagalli, fiddling with the simple ring on her finger.

“It’ll be fine,” says Athrun. “Because you’re here with me. Because we’re all here.”

fin.

FIC post

2005-10-28T23:59:33Z

Title: A Not So Surprise Party
Pairing: N/A, implied asucaga
Rating: G
Genre: WAFF!
Word count : 1,546

A/N:
Sorry guys. I really hadn’t meant for it to be this long…but this is actually the short version. ^^;; I’m thinking of expanding this after the contest’s over (including the actual party and all that, and maybe some reminiscent angst XD) so if anyone has any suggestions or crit, I’d gladly accept it.

Athrun’s characterization? Please tell me it’s all right.

Thanks everyone! Great job on all the entries!

There had been hints floating in the air all week. Athrun could feel the excitement prodding him gently, making him wonder whether he should be flattered or terrified. Despite the fact that he knew his birthday was coming up, Athrun still squirmed at his friends’ secretive behaviour, desperately trying to imagine what they had planned for him.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Zala. What makes you think it’s for you at all?” He spoke aloud, voice low, but the words, though concrete, did little to convince him.

Oh yes, he knew that they were planning something. A small, irrational part of him even brewed jealously, wanting to be let in on this inside joke that was everyone else was consumed in. Curiosity pawed at his innards, and Athrun dropped a hand impatiently on his knee, suddenly feeling annoyance as he glared at the video-phone he was supposed to be fixing. It wasn’t as if he didn’t know what was going on—he had never seen Kira look so happy as he handed him the broken thing, positively skipping when he left the machine in Athrun’s arms. He sighed.

“That guy…”

‘Though, really,’ Athrun thought, ‘I should be happy that they’re doing this.’ Parties and celebrations and gifts—it was a way of easing back into normal, everyday life, to relax and settle after living on the borders of insanity for so long. Athrun was amazed that he’d survived it at all. He knew that he wasn’t the only one that had been dangerously close to collapse, fighting battle after battle. His expression darkened.

Sometimes, he still had nightmares about it. They were less frequent now than they were right after he returned to Orb, but no less disturbing. Athrun dreamt of a terrible wound that was, in reality, a scar, while his blood slipped through his fingers and spilled on his mobile suit controls. He remembered falling, falling to his death, but he’d always wake up before the impact, feeling trapped and panicked, sweat dripping off his back.

Athrun blinked and shook his head. He didn’t want to think about that now, anyway. Sighing, Athrun lifted a mug of tea up to his lips, swallowing the hot, bittersweet liquid, feeling it crawl down his throat and into his stomach. Now, he was going to fix this stupid machine…and then he was going to look for Kira, and make him talk.

He sighed again, poking at a thin, fried blue wire. It was going to be difficult—getting Kira to talk straight, that is.

He never got the chance.

Ring, ring

Athrun groped groggily for his phone, mumbling.

Ring, ring

Then he remembered that he’d left his phone on the counter.

Ring, ring

It was only Saturday.

Ring, ring

Athrun climbed, groaning, out of his bed, sheets tangling in his legs and falling to the floor as he stumbled out of the room. The high ringing irritating his ears, Athrun shook his head in a half-hearted attempt to wake up, feeling his messy morning bangs bounce across his cheekbones. Fumbling blindly for his cell phone, he dropped with a sigh onto the couch, raising his hand to his ear, thumb finding and pressing the ‘answer’ button. His mouth was open, ready to speak, when—

“Athrun!” The exclamation on the other side shot fiercely into his ears, and Athrun jumped, forgetting, for a moment, who the voice belonged to. He glanced at his watch. It was 9:00 am.

“Ca--Cagalli?”

“Did I wake you up?”

“Ahh, well…yes.”

“Oh…I see,” she said. There was a pause. “That’s good,” she added, as if to herself, and Athrun frowned, processing those curious words. What an odd thing to say. He waited for her to say something more, but there was only silence from the other end.

“So…” Athrun’s voice trailed off expectantly.

“Ahh, well…we’re thinking…” her voice faded, lilting as she spoke, and Athrun frowned, confusion multiplying at her strange behaviour. It was unlike Cagalli to sound so unsure of herself. In fact, she was rather bossy, most of the time.

“We’re wondering…” she repeated. He heard her take a deep breath, then a quick, irritated tapping suddenly started up on the other end. “We’re wondering if…um, you’re not busy today, are you?”

Athrun smiled, despite himself. Listening to her like this was quite amusing. “No,” he said.

“Then—just come around to my house, okay? Later. Maybe around noon, or something like that, okay?” Her voice sounded slightly forced, exuding bright positive vibes totally uncharacteristic of her personality. Fully awake now, Athrun’s smile widened. He knew they were planning something…was this it? His party?

“Um…all right.”

“Good!” Cagalli’s voice, bright, sugary and excited (it was rather disturbing, actually), made Athrun wince and move the phone a few inches from his ear. “We’ll see you then, all right?” Her words sounded final. She was getting ready to hang up.

Athrun panicked. This was his last chance to get some answers.

“Wait, wait, just wait a moment,” Athrun cried. “Why do I need to go?”

Silence.

“Well…” There was a strange scratching noise. “Um, well, no, reason, really,” she said lamely. “I, uh, I just wanted to…see…you. Though there are going to be, um, some other people there too.” Athrun suppressed a sudden laugh. He could nearly hear the blush in her voice.

“I see,” he said.

“Yes, so that’s all.” Cagalli’s voice turned cheery again. “So, see you later, then. Bye.”

By the time Athrun pressed his finger tersely on the doorbell, he was squirming with apprehension, exercising an enormous amount of willpower as he controlled the urge to fidget. He had no idea what to expect (well, maybe he did, a little), but still feeling curious, Athrun placed his ear tentatively against the door, flushing. Barely a moment passed before he jumped away, eyes widening seconds before he sprang, standing straight just in time as the door creaked open.

There stood Lacus, peeking through the crack. An enormous smile appeared on her face as she noticed Athrun.

“Oh, Athrun! You’re here!”

Athrun blinked, smiling at her guiltily.

“Well, come in then, Athrun.” She beckoned him inside with a pale hand, two thin gold bracelets tinkling as she swung her wrists. Nodding, Athrun stepped inside, feeling oddly breathless. The house, instead of brimming with life as he’d expected, was deathly still, and though he craned his neck, trying to see past the slab of wall that obscured the living room, Athrun saw no life. A prickle of dread churned with his curiosity. What was going on? It was obvious Cagalli was lying (she was a bad liar) when she called him earlier this morning, but he hadn’t expected ‘some other people’ to mean nobody.

“Athrun, can I take your coat?”

“Oh…yes. Thank you,” he said, taking the chance to look around the room. All the lights seemed to be off. For a moment, the only thing that could be heard was the rustling of his coat, but then Lacus started to hum, causing Athrun to look at her sharply. He waited.

Then, Athrun heard it—a muffled bang, a whisper, the sound of giggles. Something like relief dropped in his chest, and he looked at Lacus again, this time expectant, realizing that she was acting as… a decoy. Her soft humming suddenly seemed transparent, her movements drawn out and slow as she hung up his coat. Athrun felt a single butterfly of excitement flutter in his chest.

“Quiet,” someone hissed.

Before he knew it, they were there, a messy group of people cluttered in the hall, nudging and whispering to each other. “Shh!” that same person whispered. Athrun turned his head, moving as if in slow motion, feeling the flutter in his heart grow into a wave.

He saw Shinn’s scowl as he skidded to a stop, crashing into Luna anyway and mumbling an apology, her paper birthday! hat sliding off her head and falling to the floor. He saw the telltale sign of whipped cream on Meyrin’s fingers as she held her hands behind her back, a tiny smile gracing her lips. Dearka was leaning casually against the wall, waving a slow hand in hello, and Athrun waved back, knowing Yzak wasn’t far away. He caught the glint of a gold ring hanging around Cagalli’s neck, and gazed, astonished, at the sisterly relationship Orb’s princess and the Pink Princess suddenly seemed to have.

Kira’s hair poked out from behind the corner. On cue, everyone cried, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ATHRUN!”

An out-of-nowhere haro tackled his knee. “Genki!” it squeaked. Athrun started to laugh, a soft, tinkling sound amid the chaos. They had started clapping.

And then they were engulfing him with hugs, Kira looking like he wanted to join in as he held the chocolate cake trimmed with icing, soft smoke swirling from the stubby candles. Athrun laughed harder, feeling happy, happy, so happy he could hardly breathe.

“KIRA!” a voice suddenly cried, interrupting his thoughts.

Athrun jumped, seeing Cagalli’s red, infuriated face first, then Kira’s, who looked like he wanted shrink into the ground. Athrun looked down.

And saw his beautiful cake lying in a squashed mess on the ground.

But he only laughed harder, tears of glee starting to gather in his green eyes.

‘Thank you,’ he thought. ‘Thank you so much.’

Fin

*luffles* Have a great day, Athrun Zala!

Mou ichido!

2005-10-28T16:47:42Z

Title : Not at the right time.
Pairing : AsuCaga, but there is sneak peek of Kira in there.
Rating : Slight nudity. Top half only. Other than that nothing more.

m( _ _ )m Sumimasen. Hahaha 8D;; another..rushed..work.. uhmm.. yeah. But i like to do story-like pics ^^;; So each pics i do holds a story for itself.

Might upload editted version later, somehow i don't feel quite satisfied with it yet :/ but anyways..

Athrun : ...?
Cagalli : ............
Kira : Aaah.. Cagalli.. i told you this isn't the right time ^^;;;;

In short, Cagalli's have a bad timing case. Either that she didn't listen to what Kira said. Anyways.. that's that. Happy birthday to Athrun again~

*slinks away*

Current Mood : Accomplished.

[ADMIN] Celebration/Deadline Today

2005-10-28T16:16:07Z

*throws confetti and balloons around*

First off happy birthday to Athrun. May you be showered with presents and love today. XD

Having said that remember it's still not too late to turn something in for the contest since the deadline is tonight at GMT-8 11:59 p.m. If you need a reference to your own time let me know your time 'region/region' i.e. GMT-5 or GMT-2, and I'll get back to you with a time related to your own time zone. Also, if you need a small extension of a couple of hours at most let us know and we'll work something out.

Happy (Belated?) Birthday Athrun!

2005-10-28T12:54:10Z

*stumbles in* GAH! I really hope this is not in too late- If it is feel free to delete it. T_T;;

Fanart, General

Um...Yes I know. Crappy, not evenly spaced (the characters) and not even coloured...Doi. *falls over* Anywho, it is basically a comic that is portraying a surprise party for our dear Athrun. From Left to right, it is Shinn, Luna, Cagalli, Lacus, and Meyrin. The text goes as follows:

Athrun: Kira, what-

Kira: You'll see.

*enter a dark room*

Athrun: Why is it so <u>dark</u> in-

Kira: 1-2-3-

Everyone: SURPRISE! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATHRUN!!!

and then we have my ghetto Torii and bootleg Haro near two corners.

*runs off to school*

fic

2005-10-28T09:49:32Z

Title : Amazing Grace
Pairing : Athrun/Cagalli
Rating : General

Amazing Grace

As the hymn softly churns the melody and delicate tune in the background, his mind replayed the steps of his life which led him to harmony.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

How her amber eyes lit a candle which brought him safely home from the darkest pits of sorrow and pain.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

How her faith in him never wavered, through his time of confusion, anger and sadness.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

How her passionate personality shaped the foundation of her homeland, ensuring the existence of a home for many other warriors like him.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

“Athrun, are you feeling alright?” he looked up to a concerned face, framed with gorgeous golden tinted hair.

He gave her a peck on the nose to reassure her that he’s fine. Satisfied with his answer, she resumed her worship, joining in the singing of the hymn with everyone else.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

Yes, he is truly thankful for her, his Grace, who have never left his side and is always there to support him. He has found the peace and home he was searching for. He is the recipient of an everlasting vow of love from her.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

For that, he has become a man of happiness, joy and peace.

------------------------------------------

eepps....I never wrote any fic before....but I just wanna give it a try since it's Athrun's birthday ^^;;(don't we all love him? <3)I hope it's at least understandable? *hides back in her chubby hole*

Friendship is the Best Gift of All [Fanart // Athrun, Kira & Lacus]

2005-10-28T09:03:50Z

Title: Friendship is the Best Gift of All
Characters: Athrun, Kira, & Lacus
Rating: G
Medium: Traditional/Colored Pencils

fanart and a question

2005-10-28T04:43:05Z

Title: Seeing You Again
Pairing: AthxCag
Rating: E. for everyone

I'm not sure if this is allowed to be a contest entry. (I would hope so, but if not Im fine with that. )
I ask mods and everyone else if this can be entered as fanart. I ask this because I had not created the background myself (the sea, sunset, birds). Therefore I'd like to know an answer . But I did do the drawing, ring, boarder and coloring ( see the bad cell shading)

Anyway even if this cant be entered it's my first picture to and for Athrun's birthday.

Fic Entry

2005-10-28T03:16:22Z

Title: 'Last Night I Dreamt of You and Me'
Characters: Athrun, Kira [mild asukira]
Rating: PG
Summary: Despite the years, Athrun can't banish his dreams.

‘Last Night I Dreamt of You and Me’

He wakes in the morning with voices still echoing in his head, the last of his dreams fading away as the morning sun streams in through the window. Often he dreams of the wars despite the years that have passed now (though no matter how long the clock ticks, the dreams come each night, more vivid than before with their vibrant reds and ringing screams). The bed sheet has wound around his ankle. He gives a kick to free himself, pushing away from the mattress and letting green eyes scan the room.

It’s too early for company, but a quiet clatter comes from the kitchen and the scent of coffee is wafting into the bedroom. With a yawn he sets feet on the floor and moves toward the doorway while absently tugging down the hem of his white tee. He’s greeted with a cheerful hello. Kira already has the coffee poured into two black mugs, and he presses one into Athrun’s hands now, lingering a moment too long before turning for his own drink.

“You’re up early.” It’s not even half past seven yet, but Kira doesn’t seem to mind. Athrun takes a seat at the counter and watches the young man move about the kitchen.

“I couldn’t let you spend the day alone,” explains Kira as he pulls out the toaster. Two slices of bread fall into their slots and he lowers the lever, leaving them to warm.

It’s only half the truth, Athrun knows. Since the first war, Kira hasn’t wanted to be alone on this day either. For three years now they’ve had a silent agreement that they’ll spend each Valentine’s together, two ragged soldiers who can’t escape Junius 7. Athrun’s never been to the remains, but Kira has striking memories of being at the site (“we needed water”, he once explained, eyes settled firmly on the floor). His loss is greater though, and Kira acknowledges it silently each year, slipping their bodies into an embrace as Athrun remembers not only his mother, but the bitter anger that led to his father’s death.

The toast pops up. Kira draws it onto a plate and spreads it thickly with apricot jam. Athrun revels in the sweet tang, and just for a moment, allows himself to forget what day it is; all that matters is Kira’s presence, because he, if anyone, understands. Kira, above all others, can share Athrun’s lingering pain.

“Next time you see your mother, thank her for me.” It was Mrs. Yamato who made the jam, giving it to Athrun at New Years. As a child it’d been his favourite treat. Kira use to invite him over when a fresh batch had been made and they’d spread it on anything they could find, which, more often than not, ended in sticky messes.

Kira smiles. “I’ll be sure to.” Their toast crumbles as they bite into it, littering the countertop with crumbs. “She’s worried about you, my mother.” There’s an uncomfortable moment and then Kira adds, “Well, both of us, I guess. She’s afraid the fighting … that the fighting stole too many years from our lives.”

The eyes which stare at him are old, Athrun reflects. He can notice the difference in Kira himself, and only wonders how he has changed. It’s the same with the others. Yzak and Dearka, and Kira’s friends from the Archangel, all of them together have come out of the battles with a calm maturity.

Perhaps that’s why the nightmares frighten him. He’s not in control when he dreams, he can’t stop bloody massacre after bloody massacre or the terrified screams of the civilians.

Worst of all though …

Worst of all …

“It can’t be helped.”

“No.”

They eat the remainder of their breakfast in silence. When they’ve finished, Kira rinses the plates in the sink and Athrun loads the dishwasher. He excuses himself to shower, and from inside his bedroom hears the quiet click of the television turning on. Instead of the morning news comes the clear chime of children’s voices, and just for a moment it makes Athrun pause, makes him reflect on his childhood and the long hours he spent with Kira (inseparable, then and now).

His thoughts tread dangerously about the memory of his mother, but he pushes the memory away and allows the water to sooth him. Finding Kira asleep on the couch when he’s done isn’t a surprise. Just like every other year, Athrun pulls a blanket up around the man’s shoulders, pressing the pads of his fingers against damp cheeks before trailing a hand through brown hair.

The hours pass slowly.

When Kira awakens, it is Athrun who is asleep, curled on the floor beside the couch, his head resting near Kira’s on the cushion. It doesn’t take long for Athrun to stir when Kira presses a kiss to his temple, fingers weaving through damp hair.

If nothing else, war taught them to value each other. Every fleeting touch has gained new meaning and this time they won’t take each other’s company for granted.

Yet he can’t help but dream, night after night, that same war-time nightmare …

“My mother,” Kira says again, bringing back their earlier conversation, “she worries that we’ll never settle.”

Athrun sits on the edge of the couch, so that he’s looking down at Kira now, the other gazing up at him with calm violet eyes. “We’re settled, aren’t we?” In his mind he can see Kira, beautiful and pale, blossoming under the sweep of his hands. The life they have, one of understanding and trust, is enough for him, and to lose it would certainly unsettle Athrun.

“Are we?” Replies Kira with a smile. He moves over so Athrun can sit properly on the sofa, folding his legs and leaning back into the cushion. “I quit my job yesterday.”

“But you-”

“I know.”

“Kira …”

They’ve been here before. The vicious cycle has no end, and no matter how good-natured Kira is, he can only take so much use and abuse from his superiors. It’s why Athrun opted to work from home, building mechanics on private contracts.

“Shigure-san just doesn’t like how I do things.”

“You could report her to the counsel.”

“No.” Here Kira is firm, turning to look at Athrun sharply. “I was the one who decided to quit, she didn’t fire me.”

“And your mother is worried about me settling,” says Athrun, reaching a hand over to mess Kira’s already tousled hair. He misses his target as Kira snatches his wrist. “So, do you want to work with me?”

His hand is released. Kira shoots him a dubious look. “You know I failed microelectronics.”

“Well, what about Lacus or Cagalli? I’m sure they-”

“No, it’s fine.”

The polite dismissal is finite. Athrun wants to protest -both the girls would love to have Kira around- but the other has already moved on to another topic.

“Cagalli has a new suitor, although she won’t admit it.” Since Athrun broke it off with Cagalli two years ago, the Orb leader has focused solely on her work. It was best for the country, Cagalli understands that, and although they live in different places she and Athrun haven’t grown apart. “She won’t tell me because then I’ll have to meet him.”

“A brother’s job.”

“Yes, although she still maintains that I’m younger than her and she should be meeting my girlfriend.”

Each night the dream comes, more vivid than before …

“She can’t meet her until I do.”

“Well, you’ll both have to wait until I have a girlfriend.”

And each night he kills Kira, staining the azure sky red.

athrun_matsuri @ 2005-10-27T23:11:00

2005-10-27T21:14:33Z

Iyaa another Asucaga fanart XD hehehehe :D

Title: Staring at the stars...
Pairing: Asucaga
Rating: N/A Fanart

Fanart

2005-10-27T16:13:12Z

Title : Athrun with plushies ! 8D
Pairing : n/a
Rating : general

In fact... i didn't finished this picture... TwT;;; I drew too much characters for the background that i haven't enough time to finish it properly... XD;; saaa... i'll finish it later~~ :3

Cagalli, Shinn and Kira gave their own plushies to Athrun for his birthday...that's why he blushes... XD what a cute guy... <3
bahh, it was at first an idea for a GSD story for my doujinshi... but well.... i'll do it later... >w<

whatever... Happy Birthday Athrun~~ ;D

Fanart =^.^=

2005-10-27T10:19:34Z

Title : Falls
Pairing : asucaga
Rating : angst, love and dawn??

I thought not to be able to post it in time ^^;
So (because of my law exam) it's not quite finished but I don't have time anymore T.T
Anyway thanks to mid-chan to help me during the drawing of thos one ^^;

TT..TT

2005-10-27T08:43:25Z

Lemme just say first of all that everyone's posts are so great! XD; Everyone is so talented~

Title: [insert title here :>]
Pairing: n/a
Rating: general

Totally killed it with filters and the sort - simple drawing of Athrun with er, flowers of some sort XD;

...And I just noticed how small his eyes are. and and... *nitpicks at own drawing*
I always have trouble drawing him for some reason x_x
I'm sorry Athrun for drawing you at all! lol

I drew something else for this but don't know if I'll finish it... XD; er, we'll see.

[ADMIN] Umm...stuff

2005-10-27T05:35:34Z

♥♥♥

*sniffs pathetically while wiping tears away* I would just like to say great turn out up to this point of the contest. We, as the contest holders, had to admit going into this final week we were a little disappointed in the lack of turn out...but you guys definitely turned it up a notch going into the final stretch. I guess it just goes to show that procrastination is motivation...or something like that. XD

Just a couple of reminders:

- Remember that multiple entries are allowed for this contest so if you have another idea to draw/write feel free to post it.
- Deadline for entries is October 28 (GMT -8). If there is a problem i.e. you plan to turn in an entry but it will be an hour or two late doing so at the latest let us know and we might be able to work something out.
- Voting for the art and the fics will be posted sometime on October 29 after the deadline has passed. For those lurkers that have been commenting on the works that's fine but remember that voting is exclusive to the people that have joined the community. So, if you plan on voting please add the community to your journal.
- If you have any questions about the contest feel free to leave a comment here or contact milchstrasse, twinbells, or me and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible.

And now for the master list which is organized by category (art/fic), alphabetized, and identified by character(s)/pairings. It will be updated accordingly.

Art
Ackward Moment by ryo_hakkai. Athrun/Cagalli.
Athrun as Alex by liltichan. Athrun-centric.
Athrun in a simple day by citrus_shood. Athrun-centric.
Athrun in winter by citrus_shood. Athrun-centric.
Athrun with plushies by shiansu. Athrun-centric.
Falls by maeander. Athrun/Cagalli.
For the better by c2lan. Athrun/Cagalli.
Friendship is the Best Gift of All by abarero. Athrun, Kira & Lacus.
Happy Birthday, Athrun~ by afuji. Athrun-centric.
Happy Birthday, Athrun by moririn. Athrun/Cagalli.
Happy Birthday, Athrun! by wolfn. Athrun-centric.
Haro! Genki? by firefly_glow. Athrun-centric.
In the Fields by geckguga. Athrun/Cagalli.
Knight in Red by abarero. Athrun, Meyrin.
Not At the Right Time by ryo_hakkai. Athrun & Kira & Cagalli.
Seeing You Again by crystal_sketch. Athrun/Cagalli.
Sinking in the Endless Night by dragon_agility. Athrun-centric.
Sky of our own by midoriyuki. Athrun, Cagalli, and Kira.
Staring at the stars by kan_chan. Athrun/Cagalli.
Truly Madly Deeply by midoriyuki. Athrun-centric.
Wedding by kan_chan. Athrun/Cagalli.
Yuuhi by xilverkit. Athrun-centric.

Fic
A Not So Surprise Party by fluffyfledgling. Athrun/Cagalli.
Amazing Grace by brattysheep. Athrun/Cagalli.
Come Together by tokyofish. Athrun/Cagalli.
Down the Road by yumiko_kida. Athrun/Cagall.
Dreams of the Impossible by anime_babble. Athrun/Cagalli, Meyrin.
It's Harder Than it Looks by plucky15. Athrun/Cagalli.
Last Night I Dreamt of You and Me by lb_x. Athrun and Kira.
Petals by firefly_glow. Athrun, Kira.
Our World by crazythorn. Athrun/Kira, Athrun/Lacus, Athrun/Shinn, Athrun/Cagalli.
Reaching Out by hibiscus8. Athrun/Cagalli implied.
Return to Sender by kagu_chan. Athrun-centric.
Things to Cherish by abarero. Athrun, Meyrin, and Cagalli.

Fanart

2005-10-27T03:57:28Z

Title: Pink is so not my color (no..I don't have a title XD)
Pairing: AthCaga
Rating: G // Pink Overdose

It...it's finished!! Quite rushed..and at the same time, very slow >_> I fail at art..it looks like he's giving her a present not Cagalli giving him one. Go-Gomen nasai!!!! I don't know why Cagalli is in pink >_<

Athrun, more fluff for you!! mwahahaha *cough* =hack= Morosawa never happened!! She NEVER happened!! *flees*

Fanart

2005-10-27T03:47:33Z

Title : Arkward moment
Pairing : AsuCaga
Rating : Nothing too serious. Just humor fluff?

Aaaa.. sumimasen @@;; this is done in a rush so it's not good. I could do it a bit better but i have so much to do after this and that i have tests to do etc x___x;; uuugh. But i'll submit it anyways for the joy of it. Haha not really hoping i'd win anyways, there are a lot of others who are better than me and i know i wouldn't stand a chance.

But anyways..

Happy birthday Athrun, and stop being too emo ^^;; *slinks away to hibernate*

Current Mood : Barely alive.