(AN): The Prequel to The Great King

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.

The New King

Chapter One

Gaining Power

The continent of Plant was located near the center of the world and stretched between the northern and southern hemispheres of the world. It was without a doubt one of the largest in the world and throughout the centuries their existed many Kingdoms on this continent. Throughout time however two emerged the strongest of them all. In the north was the Empire of ZAFT and in the south the Kingdom of ORB. With all their power the only thing stronger was their hate for each other.

Both royal lines were tyrannical when it came to their rulers. Both nations invaded the smaller nations taking control of their land, resources and enslaved their people. For centuries this went on until there were no more nations to conquer and the ORB/ZAFT borders were right next door to each other. That was when the two nations battled each other and for decades their stood no winner.

The current rulers of the nations were the Emperor Durandal and the King or ORB Ulen. King Ulen first took the throne when he was twenty four years old, he was of highest nobility but wasn't the first born son of his father. He was actually the second but that didn't stop him from making sure his elder brother never lived long enough to reach this moment. Ulen immediately went into battle against both Scandinavian and ZAFT forces whenever he could. When he was home he allowed the nobles and council to implement just about any laws they wanted as long as he had money to keep the fight going. Ulen was very tough on the slaves and commoners as he saw them as nothing more then garbage for the slaves and tools for war for the commoners. Ulen then begun to take consorts of his own. One woman in particular was his favorite, Ulen was going to make her his Queen but circumstances wouldn't allow it with a possible rebellion in the east. Ulen however was able to make her a consort and eventually she gave birth to a son. Ulen's first born but not of a Queen.

All of that came to an end when ZAFT tried an attack, and Ulen kept this tradition of war with each other alive battling with each other many times. Ulen got very close awhile back actually killing the father of Durandal but was unable to take the nation. Durandal however pulled back and with the stale mate Ulen focused his attention elsewhere. He returned home were he decided to rule for once and not focus on war. Nearly sixteen years ago Ulen took a Queen from the eastern lands of ORB that were unstable. Taking the highest nobles daughter as his Queen quieted the lands. It quieted the lands and soon produced him twin children. His legal heir and one he had no use for but could probably find a use for in the future. Ulen then took two more consorts of his own, his second produced him another son and daughter and finally his third consort produced him another daughter. All the children of his consorts were placed after the two from his Queen in the succession line. Ulen knew this and although his first son and consort were his favorite he began to show favor to his second born son and crown Prince Kira. Kira soon begun to show a lot of promise, especially in athletic talent and intelligence. Ulen believed his son would become a perfect clone of himself; however that soon began to change.

When Ulen conquered the Kingdom of Scandinavia he wanted to show his heir how slaves should be treated and after that night in front of everyone Kira's opinion of his father very quickly began to change. Kira who was very ashamed at what he did made a vow that night he would never do that again. His actions started changing and he started treating slaves more leniently. Ulen however was furious at this and ordered his son to beat a group of newly slaves they acquired. When Kira refused in front of everyone embarrassing Ulen in front of the nobility he punished his son severely in the face, but Kira didn't fall back and took it. He was only nine at the time this happened, and when he still showed no weakness to his father making him look even more a fool Ulen ordered him confined for how ever long he pleased. It was then that Kira thought about the nation and how he was going to change it, but in order to do so he had to do as his father wished no matter how hard it hurt. Ulen had Kira confined to the castle for two years and ever since never really looked at him the same.

When the two years were up he ordered Kira to do something he has regretted ever since as he stabbed a slave in front of his fathers eyes making Ulen believe he was following in line.

During those two years Kira also studied very hard in books and such mostly self taught. He also worked hard with his sword, exterminating with creating his own style of swordplay. When he turned twelve Ulen found him a tutor as well as a swordsmanship teacher to help him make the best use of his swordplay. The fast upcoming knight Mu La Flaga who was only ten years older but very skilled.

Mu was also the teacher of Kira's best friend and son of the highest nobility Athrun Zala. As Mu trained Kira he soon became very impressed with his student and Kira eventually trusted him with secrets. Mu liked the kid's style especially when he bested him a thirteen. Mu vowed then he would follow him to death.

Almost two years after this, nearing Kira's fifteenth birthday his father summoned him.

Seven years prior he conquered the Kingdom of Scandinavia the last nation on Plant besides the two superpowers and throughout these years resistance was building up. Ulen decided to send Kira for his first taste of actually combat. With a force of two thousand knights Ulen gave the order for Kira to crush the resistance and gather any spoils he could.

Kira obeyed and soon left the region on his first campaign. Athrun volunteered to go with him and his own father agreed it would be good for him to see action as well. Mu was placed as head bodyguard and would help lead the men. The only thing was the two thousand men were new recruits and mostly commoners with no experience in battle or command.

The resistance was attacking the colonized former capitol that was now occupied by ORB citizens that took the land as their own, the force was only about fifteen hundred men that were all veterans of war and escaped into hiding when their nation was destroyed. They finally believed they could deal a blow to ORB and attacked. The defense forces were not holding out long when the Prince arrived. Mu was going to give his opinions on the battlefield since he was about the only one with battle experience but was shocked at the Princes judgment on the matter. Unlike most armies that want power he preferred speed.

The rebels met him on the open battlefield at first but that was soon their largest mistake. A rookie Prince took advantage of his speed in the cavalry and crushed their flanks in under a day. The survivors tried to fall back to take the town hostage but the Princes reserves flanked around during the battle and were waiting for them there. Surrounded on all sides they decided to fight to the death. The battle was then soon decided.

Former Scandinavian Capitol

The sounds of battle were coming to an end as the remaining remnants of the rebel army were routed inside the city.

"Its no use sir." one rebel said to their commander.

"I will not be paraded around like a fool in front of ORB's streets. Fight to the death!" The commander said clearly.

Soon they were completely surrounded on all sides with only twenty or so warriors left.

"That will be quite enough." A voice said approaching through the crowds.

The commander and remaining rebels looked in the voices direction and they were completely shocked at what emerged.

Silver light armor, with a long cloak attached to the back. The cloak bore ORB's royal symbol. The figure removed his light helmet to see better. Two figures were behind him one about the same age and an older gentlemen but still quite young.

The commander was in shock. "A child…"

"I am Prince Kira of ORB…I implore you to end this conflict and surrender." Kira told them.

"I lost…to a child…" The commander said.

"I am nearly fifteen commander. Fourteen is the age of becoming an adult in my country." Kira replied.

"You…your nation invaded mine, enslaved my people, and now you dare to mock our honor?" The commander asked clearly.

"That is most unfortunate…but that is the reality we are in. Now do as I say and I will spare your lives." Kira told him.

The commander stood back up and raised his sword.

Mu did the same quickly but Kira raised his arm.

"Let me handle it." Athrun said moving forward.

"That will be quite alright my friend…he claims honor so I will grant him that." Kira said handing Athrun his helmet and moved forward.

"Commander." One of the rebels said.

"He seems a little different from his father…but he is still the son of that man." The commander said moving forward.

Kira stopped about fifteen feet in front of him, "I should warn you commander…I have been observing your moves as I approached."

The commander was confused. Looking at the Princes armor and clothes he was without a doubt in combat so how could he observe him.

"This is my final warning…surrender." Kira said clearly.

"Attack!" The commander yelled as the remainder charged.

Kira raised his sword still a good foot shorter then his opponent, however.

The commander swung with all his power as Kira parried the blow and quickly jumped to the side.

The commander tried again but Kira was able to move away again. The commander kept it up as Kira kept dodging.

Athrun finished off two opponents as he now watched; he knew what his friend was doing.

Mu kept an eye out as well just in case things got bad, but for this level opponent he didn't have to worry.

Kira dodged again as something out of the corner of his eye caught his attention as one of his knights was about to be finished off by a rebel. The commander swung again but this time Kira spun away throwing his sword impaling the attacker and saving the knights life.

"Kid." Mu yelled throwing his own sword which Kira took and ducked dodging the next blow but as he did Kira swung hard and slashed into the commander's abdomen.

The remaining rebels watched him fall as they soon followed. The war was over.

"He should have listened." Kira said clearly.

Kira then looked around to his knights which they started cheering.

"They honor you kid." Mu said approaching.

"Being as young as you are you won a great victory with very little causalities." Mu added.

Kira slightly smiled, "They just wanted their lands back."

The city now started looking out their windows as well. All ORB colonists were pleased it was over.

"They were camped just outside of town…it appears they had families with them." Athrun said approaching.

Kira thought for a second.

"Your orders were to retrieve spoils as well." Mu told him, "Those people are included as spoils." Mu told him clearly.

"The King will not be pleased if you just ignore them and allow them to escape." Athrun told him.

"He is right kid…you cannot afford to anger the King anymore." Mu told him hoping he would think of the future.

Just then a knight approached and knelt.

"My Prince." The knight said.

"Report." Kira replied.

"A separate ORB force has attacked the camp from the outside." the knight replied.

"Separate force?" Kira asked.

"Who's?" Mu asked.

"Lord Zala's forces." the knight replied.

"My father?" Athrun asked.

Mu thought for a second, "It appears the King didn't trust you enough to complete the task."

"My father was on standby in case you failed." Athrun said knowing now what happened.

"Those people don't have a chance." Kira replied.

Athrun lowered his head. Patrick Zala was a man not to be trifled with, but he wasn't always like that. After his mother died his father just turned off the world, his mother was poisoned from a drink that was meant for him. Patrick blamed himself for that as the assassination attempt was made by some commoners in Boaz when Patrick refused to release grain supplies meant for Boaz forces so the commoners could eat during months of shortage. It got bad enough where they bribed the kitchen staff to get rid of Patrick but they got the kind hearted Lenore instead. Patrick's wrath was heavy as he destroyed all in the plot and tortured the kitchen staff to death.

Ever since his heart had darkened even further.

Kira looked around as he gave the orders to finish up here and secure the remaining parts of the city.

Rebel Camp

Patrick's forces rushed the civilians with force quickly taking them into custody, the elderly were executed for being useless and the remaining men women and children were enslaved to be sold in auction.

"My Lord it is over." one Boaz knights said.

Patrick looked at him, "Secure the camp and send word to the Prince to return to Onogoro with his forces…we will handle the rest."

"Yes My Lord." The knight said riding off.

Former Scandinavian Capitol

The messenger arrived shortly after that.

He gave his report as Kira listened and dismissed the man.

"The King wants me back so soon?" Kira asked himself.

"It might be a good idea kid…" Mu told him.

Kira slightly went into remembrance.

Two Years Ago

Mu was assigned to the Princes sword training, however when he first begun he was amazed at just how much the Prince was able to teach himself in his two years of confinement. At first Mu was easily able to win their sparing matches. A year later it took him quite awhile and the victories were narrower but Mu was still winning. Six months later Mu lost every time. The Princes adaptability was amazing and almost god like.

Mu taught Kira his techniques and that along with Kira's self taught style he was nearly invincible, it was the first time Mu was defeated that he vowed this man would become great and he would follow him till death.

Present

Those were fond times for Kira.

Athrun was left in thought as well after hearing the messenger his father sent.

Athrun remembered his first meeting with the Prince. That was ten years ago.

They easily became friends fast and that also led him to think about one other person he also met at that time.

Ten Years Ago

Kira and Athrun were walking around the castle after their first meeting as Kira wanted to introduce someone to his new friend.

Athrun saw the figure in the distance as it appeared to be a blonde.

"This is…" Kira said as the figure didn't turn fully around.

"I thought you had a sister not a brother…" Athrun said.

The figure quickly turned around, "What did you say!" Cagalli quickly yelled charging at the boy.

Athrun turned and quickly started running away as the crazed figure quickly came after him.

Athrun later apologized and that was the first time Cagalli called him an idiot. The young princess was extremely aggressive not what he was taught a princess should behave like but it was fun for him.

They were only five at the time after all.

It took another five years for Cagalli to forgive him. Even if she didn't know it she settled down with him present.

Throughout the remaining four years his interest began to turn to something more then friends. Especially because she was now forced to dress like a girl.

Cagalli was a princess and he was of highest nobility there could be something more if the King didn't find a better use for her which was a high possibly.

Present

Those memories still brought a smile to his face.

Athrun headed back to his tent as they had to prepare for the journey back to the capitol.

They soon packed up and within a day they were on their way back to the capitol, leaving the Boaz forces to handle the rest.

Onogoro

The city of Onogoro and the capitol of ORB was a fairly large capitol but it was completely split once you went inside. At the back was the large ORB castle but many centuries ago. Surrounding the castle was the large nobility district was separated off from the rest of the city. The nobility district looked like a complete paradise, greenery and well polished stone. You saw noble carriages and horses from all of ORB's upper class. They only difference was behind the carriages and horses were the people in chains. The nobility touted their slaves around like prized possessions. In each estate were the huts that the slaves were caged in. It was truly a depressing site for those who despised such a thing but the nobility did not.

In front of the nobility district was the market district which sold the products for the nobility as well as where slave traders set up shops and worst were the upper class brothels which took only the best looking slaves for the nobles to spend top dollar on.

The district in the middle of the city was the military district where the knights were stationed to keep order and protect the nobility. It also led to the outer walls where knights were stationed to keep watch over the city as well.

A well balanced military machine.

The fourth district housed the market district for the commoners. It was like the nobility market but the items were of poorer quality and the slaves here were far cheaper and less obedient. Not many commoners had slaves so they were used for other means, some to the brothels for the commoners and the others were placed for entertainment such as gladiators for games or worst was hunting. The hunting was where they would set the slaves loose and people would hunt them like they did animals.

The fifth and final district housed the commoners, unlike the noble district it was pure slums mostly. Crime and murder were common here as the knights rarely intervened. That was how this city operates.

Castle

The castle was extremely grand as Ulen loved expensive decorations as well as gargoyle statues. There were royal guard members stationed on every floor as their barracks were located in the east of the courtyard. Many of the servants of the castle worked here, and the majority was commoners that were stationed in the west courtyard barracks. Slaves were seen in the castle as well as they were stored in cages in the basement. Some slaves were allowed to work here but their actions were limited.

Other slaves were used by Ulen and some members of the high court in other ways and they were stored a few floors below the royal floor for easy access.

At the second to the top of the royal floor which housed Ulen's consorts and their children. Even they were not permitted to enter the top floor. However Ulen made one exception for his favorite.

The top floor housed the main royal family. Ulen and Via had separate chambers as King and Queen and they rarely spoke these days.

A few rooms over housed the Prince and Princess.

The remaining rooms were for the servants of the royal family. Those they trusted most and those that served them nearly twenty four hours a day.

Throne Room

Inside the throne room the King was getting a report on what transpired from the battlefield.

"That is all Your Majesty." The messenger said never looking up.

Ulen sat there with a slight smirk on his face.

"So he proves useful during battle?" Ulen said sitting back.

Looking around were all members of Ulen's court. Members of high nobility, members of the council, as well as others. They were people that just stood around and agreed with whatever he so liked.

Approaching the King was one man as he slightly bowed.

"Permission to speak sire." The man said.

"Say what you want Jibril." Ulen replied.

"It is true that the Princes battle skills are impressive…however…" Jibril said.

"You speak of his views as well as his blatant disregard of my policies?" Ulen asked.

"Correct sire…I believe that we should take that into consideration." Jibril told him.

"What do you think?" Ulen said looking to his left side where a seventeen year old stood.

The man stood with his arms crossed as he was a mirror image of the King.

"Valens…answer me." Ulen said looking at his first born.

"I need not concern myself with him. I serve only you sire." Valens replied with a slight bow.

Ulen loved that response, after all he loved obedience and that was something his second born didn't give a lot of.

Jibril slightly smiled as well. He thought of bringing an important matter up but with the Prince just winning a big victory now wasn't the time, but soon he would make sure his own future was secure and that young man standing by the King could make it happen.

Near Onogoro

The Princes forces were on their way back when as Kira led the way. Winning his first victory gained him much respect with the men, and that was something he greatly needed.

"What are you thinking about kid?" Mu asked him.

"The future…" Kira replied as he remembered the battle.

"That will be all up to you." Mu replied.

"You will have my full support." Athrun replied.

Kira smiled as the city was in view in the distance.

Mu watched Kira ahead of him as he had a question he wanted to ask him as well, but wasn't quite sure how to bring it up. These were dangerous times for the Prince especially now that he won a victory. He would have to be on his guard as he knew what the court thought of him.

Kira however didn't have the thoughts on that right now. He had to secure the future and remain in favor of his father if he could do anything.

Kira rode into the city as now the harder battle began.

To be continued…

(A/N): We have the start of the Prequel, the story truly begins next chapter. Next chapter we meet Cagalli as well as their other siblings. Lacus makes her appearance as well, but like I explained last story she will not have a very major role in this story. She will have a fair part but this will focus mostly on Kira and even Cagalli quite a bit.

Now for my other stories I have decided to do one of this along with this one to hopefully get both finished around the same time. I have created a poll on which story you would like to see updated. I still have a little more reading to do on both so I will leave the poll open until November 5th.

Back to this story it should be no where near as long as the first two but not even I can say how long this will be. I hope you enjoy it. Bye for now.