Yuri moved a chair beside his wife and sat with her silently by the hospital bed, his grief-filled eyes fixed on their son lying there.
Lifting a hand, he clasped his son Nicol's palm, suppressing his sorrow as he forced a gentle smile and spoke softly, "You've slept long enough, little sleepyhead. It's time to wake up. The piano at home hasn't been played in so long—it's waiting for you, just like your mother and I. So please, stop sleeping now, alright?"
Seeing no response from his son, Yuri's eyes reddened instantly. His grip on Nicol's hand tightened slightly, his steady voice faltering. "Please wake up, Nicol!" he pleaded, bowing his head to press his son's hand against his forehead, his tone desperate. "Dad is begging you! Please!" Choked sobs escaped him as tears traced paths down his cheeks.
Beside him, Romina watched her husband's anguish and heard his muffled cries, her own restrained emotions breaking free again. Tears welled in her reddened eyes and fell, her quiet weeping mingling with her husband's.
Hearing her, Yuri looked up and drew his wife into an embrace, patting her shoulder gently to comfort her. "Don't cry anymore—you'll hurt your eyes."
Romina leaned into his hold, soothed by his touch, yet her tears wouldn't cease. Yuri rested his head atop hers, falling silent as he shared in her grief and his own, tears streaming silently from his eyes.
...
Outside Aprilius City District 1 Central Hospital
Felix had just stepped out and was about to hail a taxi when the ringtone from his pocket interrupted his plans.
Pulling out his phone, he saw the caller ID and swiped to answer, addressing Patrick respectfully. "Mr. Chairman, do you need something?"
"Felix, where are you right now?"
"I'm at Aprilius City District 1 Central Hospital."
Felix glanced back at the hospital as he replied. Patrick's voice came through again. "In that case, come to my office."
"Understood, Mr. Chairman."
Nodding in acknowledgment, Felix ended the call.
Staring at the disconnected screen, he muttered to himself, "What is it this time?"
Puzzled, he changed his destination, flagged down a car, and headed for the PLANT Supreme Government Office Building.
...
PLANT Supreme Government Office Building
Outside the Chairman's Office
As Felix raised his hand to knock, a secretary's voice stopped him. "Captain Griffith, the Chairman instructed that you may enter directly."
"Thank you."
Turning to the secretary with a brief smile, Felix pushed the door open and stepped into the office.
Stepping into the office, Felix encountered an unexpected person here.
'Durandal, why is he here?'
Muttering to himself, he turned to Patrick and saluted.
"Chairman, good day!"
"Hmm."
Hearing this, Patrick responded calmly with a hum.
Raising his hand to point at the empty seat nearby, he continued.
"Come over and take a seat directly."
"Understood."
Replying verbally, Felix strode over to the empty seat and sat down. Glancing at Durandal beside him, he happened to meet Durandal's gaze at that moment.
The two exchanged looks, smiling and nodding in mutual greeting.
Withdrawing their gazes, Felix and Durandal simultaneously turned their attention to Patrick before them. Sensing their stares, Patrick looked at Felix and introduced.
"Felix, this is Gilbert Durandal, an outstanding geneticist."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted to Durandal, introducing him with emphasis.
"Gilbert, this is Felix Leo Griffith, currently ZAFT's most exceptional team leader, PLANT's strongest spear and sturdiest shield."
"Chairman, your praise is almost embarrassing to hear."
Upon hearing this, Felix felt somewhat abashed. Looking at Patrick, he spoke modestly.
Patrick waved his hand dismissively, his expression firm.
"Felix, there's no need for such humility. You've earned this praise."
Then, Patrick shifted the topic.
"Felix, I called you here to discuss a matter with you."
"Chairman, please proceed."
Hearing this, Felix immediately straightened his posture, speaking earnestly to Patrick. Glancing at Felix's serious demeanor, Patrick turned to Durandal.
Durandal instantly understood the cue, turning to Felix and sliding the documents on the table toward him as he spoke.
"Captain Griffith, are you aware of your unique condition?"
"Unique condition?" A flicker of confusion crossed Felix's face as he murmured in puzzlement. Continuing to look at Durandal, Felix asked uncertainly, "Mr. Durandal, please speak plainly."
"Captain Griffith, based on the genetic samples collected from you, we've discovered that your genes possess a high degree of compatibility and adaptability, which differs significantly from the genes of all other individuals in PLANT.
To put it simply, your genes can combine with anyone's without any barriers."
Nodding, Durandal gave a brief explanation.
Understanding dawning on him, Felix chuckled lightly in amusement.
"With anyone?"
"Excluding males."
Recognizing the teasing expression on Felix's face, Durandal added the clarification. Internally, however, Durandal felt a pang of envy.
'If only my genes were like Captain Griffith's, perhaps... perhaps... ah!'
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Durandal sighed quietly to himself.
Hearing Durandal's earnest addition, Felix wiped the amused smile from his face, calmly glanced at Durandal, then turned to Patrick and inquired.
"Chairman, what do you need me to do?"
"If possible, we hope you can provide more samples to facilitate research into the uniqueness of your genes, in pursuit of a solution to our current low fertility rates."
Hearing this, Patrick said with a serious expression.
Listening to this request, Felix breathed a slight sigh of relief.
'Thank goodness it's not asking me to be a stud like a mule.'
"Of course, no problem."
Looking at Patrick, Felix readily agreed.
Turning to Durandal, he asked with a smile.
"Mr. Durandal, may I ask what you need me to do?"
"Very simple, just let us draw some of your blood."
Hearing this, Durandal replied with a gentle smile.