Hearing Xiao Ran's voice, Athrun, Rusty, and the other three quickly filed into the small classroom. With so many people suddenly crowding in, the room became noticeably cramped.
Athrun had just reached Xiao Ran's side and had not yet asked what he wanted when Kira, on the other side, cried out in astonishment, "Athrun? You're Athrun Zala?"
"Zala!?" Hearing that name, Cagalli immediately turned to look at the handsome blue-haired Athrun, then stared at Xiao Ran in shock. "Patrick Zala's son? The son of ZAFT's Military Committee Chairman, Athrun Zala!?"
"Kira! Kira Yamato!" The moment Athrun saw Kira standing before him, his face lit up with delight. "Kira, why are you here?"
Kira was equally happy to see his old friend, but he still asked rationally, "I'm a student here. What are you doing here? Who exactly are you people?"
Athrun did not answer Kira immediately. Instead, he glanced toward Xiao Ran, then shook his head at Kira. "I can't tell you that, Kira. You and your friends will probably have to move with us from now on. Don't worry, I won't let you get hurt."
Xiao Ran also looked toward Kira. "You heard military secrets you should not have heard. To prevent those secrets from leaking, and to protect you, you will be placed under our supervision from now on. As for our identities, you will find out soon enough."
Miriallia hid behind Kira and Tolle, muttering softly, "Orb's princess? PLANT's prince?"
Sai and Tolle seemed not to have grasped the situation yet. Looking at Xiao Ran and the others, they shouted, "Hey, what are you talking about? We never wanted to hear any of this. Please leave immediately. This isn't a place you should be."
Xiao Ran did not answer them. Instead, Yzak and Dearka smilingly drew the