The Archangel was able to stop the attack from ZAFT ship Vesalius by using Lacus Clyne as hostage, but the shock was most detrimental, witnessing an entire fleet destroyed before the crew’s eyes. Flay became frantic, blaming Kira for her father’s death. “You’re not fighting seriously because you’re also a Coordinator!”
Kira is crushed. It was the ZAFT’s diva Lacus who talked to the dejected Kira. Lacus knew of Kira’s best friend, Athrun. As a matter of fact, she was his fiancé. A retrospect of his best friend fills Kira with deep emotions. Now he is fighting him. Lacus quietly says, “I hope…circumstances change so you two don’t have to fight anymore.”
After much hesitation, Kira decides to hand over Lacus to Athrun, and with the help of his friends, launches Strike Gundam without permission. It’s the fourth time Strike Gundam and Aegis Gundam face each other – Kira and Athrun. Lacus goes over to Athrun, and Kira turns away from his best friend. Fate divides into two. It was their final farewell.