Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Seed/Destiny or any of the characters, plot lines, etc. associated with it. I do, however, own this plot line and any other characters not in GS/GSD, so please don't use them without my permission. Thanks so much and happy reading!!!

Prologue

Cagalli's last meeting for this Friday afternoon was finally over. The blonde princess of Orb was thankful to be heading home a little early. A bit exhausted and eager to leave, she stretched and yawned while tapping one foot on the floor impatiently, waiting for the elevator that would take her to temporary freedom. Mondays through Fridays she was the Chief Representative of Orb, but Saturdays and Sundays she got to be plain old Cagalli Yula Attha.

The bell rang, signaling to her and the other council members that the elevator doors were about to open. As soon as they did, she rushed in and pushed the first floor button, smiled to herself, then stepped to the back for the others to file in. They were all chattering comfortably amongst each other about the latest bill to be passed between the PLANTs and the Earth Alliance. All except for the Chief Representative, that is.

"Do you think it's really a good idea though? I find it hard to believe that after the second war the Earth Alliance and ZAFT are finally going to accept each other's differences and allow equal standing between Coordinators and Naturals in all governments. Doesn't it seem strange that they are coming to this conclusion after all of the constant rejections of proposals over the last three years?"

Cagalli sighed as she listened to Representative Nori Seiran, cousin to the late Yuna Roma Seiran. Some things will never change, she thought as she cleared her throat. All chattering stopped at the sound as all eyes turned to her.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please understand that what the Earth Alliance and ZAFT are trying to do is create a better existence for all of humanity. Natural or Coordinator, the labels do not matter anymore to anyone. The only thing that does is creating a world void of unnecessary conflict, so that mankind can move on to better days and focus on more important things, such as our energy crisis on earth. I would think that, as leaders of Orb, who have upheld this particular ideal for decades, you would all clearly understand that. Do not forget that Orb was selected by the Earth nations and the PLANT colonies as a leader and negotiator in this particular plan to integrate the Coordinators and Naturals on the earth and in space. If you'll pardon my comment, isn't this something Orb had been wishing for since the battles began?" The group was now in the lobby, circled around Cagalli, who was getting a bit peeved by their behavior. Didn't we just go over this not even an hour ago? she thought tiredly.

Nori Seiran smiled nervously and chuckled, reminding Cagalli of his detestable late cousin. He even had the same unruly purple hair and blue eyes, though his hair was much shorter than Yuna's. A shudder passed through her at his chuckle, and she turned, straightening herself so she appeared confident.

"Miss Attha, we understand this perfectly, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say that we agree one hundred and ten percent with all of this, for as you said, Orb has been trying to spread this ideal for a long time now. I was simply stating that this conclusion, though it's taken two wars and nearly three years of negotiations, seems to be suddenly accepted, despite the current disputes between the PLANTs and Earth Alliance. It appears that one moment they couldn't understand each other, and the next they were agreeing to allow for Coordinators and Naturals to move to and live wherever they chose, whether it be space or earth. It simply seems unlikely to me that such a conclusion was reached so quickly."

Cagalli sighed again and shook her head. "I understand that, Mr. Seiran, but in all reality this is something that has been building over time. It may seem like it is a large jump from the disputes we heard only a month ago, but in fact it is not. This is, without a doubt, the only effective solution towards a better tomorrow. If we want the unnecessary conflict to subside, a good way to do that would be to allow for Coordinators and Naturals to exist together so that they may have a sense of community and understanding towards one another. What better solution could there be than that?"

"I suppose you have a valid point, Cagalli." Nori Seiran smiled as they walked towards the doors to the front steps of the building.

"Representative Seiran, I would greatly appreciate it if you would please refrain from calling me by my first name. It is disrespectful to me, and I do not wish to be on a first name basis with you." They were through the doors and in the warm evening air. The sun was lower in the sky, but it was only five o'clock, it wouldn't set for another four hours.

"My apologies, Miss Attha, I meant no disrespect. Honestly though, we've known each other since we were children. Must I be formal with you?" He stepped in front of her, blocking the path to her limo, where she saw the tall, dark skinned Kisaka looking at her in confusion. She balled her fists at her side, refraining from pushing Nori out of her personal space.

"While we are at work, please address me formally. Any other time you may call me Cagalli. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a dinner date." Cagalli walked quickly passed Nori and was in the limo pulling away before he could say anything else.

"Cagalli, that was a bit rude, don't you agree?" Kisaka said as they sped onto the highway, toward the orphanage. She ignored his question and instead asked one of her own.

"Did you remember to ask Mana for some clothes for me? I'm going to spend the weekend with Kira and Lacus, so I need to be prepared of course." She turned attention out the window, watching the coastline zoom by.

"I did, though I doubt you're going to like what she's packed for you." The look on Kisaka's face, one of amusement and fear, told her that Mana had managed to sneak in all the things Cagalli detested wearing. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed, something she started doing quite a bit lately. They were rounding the bend just before the scenic driveway to the orphanage by the sea. Cagalli smiled to herself despite her thoughts. Then, without warning, she pushed the button that opened the sun roof and stood on the limo's seat.

"Miss Cagalli, be careful! You really should get down!" Kisaka chuckled anyway, despite the protests.

"Come on Kisaka! Live a little!" She opened her arms and closed her eyes, taking in the warm breeze as they neared the orphanage. She loved the way the wind played with her golden locks, whipping them back as they pressed on. She giggled and opened her eyes to the peaceful scenery in front of her. The house and drive was to the left with the beach in front of her. She braced for the slow and sudden stop, smiling widely at the sight before her.

The orphanage was an older mansion, once belonging to her father. It was a vacation place for her family when she was young. They would make trips there constantly when they couldn't go on actual vacations, getting away from her father's spot in the limelight. It was a huge, Victorian style mansion, a soft white color with lots of windows and lots of room. Memories always flooded back to Cagalli when she looked at it, happy ones about running and playing with her mother and father, Mana and eventually even Kisaka.

"Cagalli, how nice to see you!" Lacus's tiny voice interrupted her reveree. Cagalli smiled at the sound of her future sister-in-law's voice and climbed out of the sun roof and jumped down. Lacus smiled and laughed, knowing very well Cagalli's nature.

"Hey Lacus! It's been a while," Cagalli hugged the long pink haired pop star and kissed her cheek. She and Lacus had gotten close over the years, and Lacus and Cagalli soon found a sister/friend relationship with each other that neither had ever had before. Kira of course loved that his sister and fiancé could get along so well, even if some of the girly stuff freaked him out sometimes.

"It has Cagalli. Kira and I and the others are so glad you could join us after all this weekend. We have some important things to discuss with everyone." The two waltzed up to the front door, Kisaka in tow with Cagalli's bag.

"Really? I hope it's not bad news, Lacus. I don't know how much more pressure I can handle right now." Her amber orbs dulled a bit as the thoughts plaguing her trip here came flooding back. Lacus say the frown and smiled, patting her on the back reassuringly.

"It's good news, trust me!"

"Cagalli, where should I set your bag?" Kisaka broke into the conversation. Cagalli grabbed it from him and stuck a protesting hand up when he tried to take it back.

"Nuh-uh, Kisaka, I've got it just fine. You go enjoy your weekend off now. Don't worry about me, I'm in good hands. And please don't forget to pick me up Sunday evening. I have a conference early on Monday morning with the Scandinavian Representative, and I have some things to finish before that meeting." Kisaka smirked and bowed before turning about face and heading back to the limo. Cagalli waved and turned to head in behind Lacus.

"Cagalli! It's Cagalli everyone!" A little boy of about eight rushed Cagalli as she stepped inside. He latched onto her waist and gave her a huge hug, to which she squeezed back, smiling. He looked up at her, blushing, dark brown eyes dancing with glee.

"Well, it's nice to see you too, Andrew," she kissed his cheek and laughed when he pushed away from her and started prancing around, wiping it with his hand.

"Eww! I have cooties now! Gross!" The dark haired little boy ran into the other room, where she heard children laughing. Lacus covered her mouth, suppressing a giggle.

"That's one way to get him off of you, huh, Cagalli?" Kira came walking over, smirking at his sister. He hugged her tightly and kissed her cheek in greeting. Cagalli laughed and nodded.

"Well, I had to do something or else I was going to have a new growth all weekend."

"True, though you know he secretly has a crush on you right?" Kira raised a brow and smiled again, amethyst eyes dancing at his sister's blush.

"No way! He only likes me cuz I act more like one of the guys. Besides, he's only eight, Kira. Boys don't even like girls till junior high at least." Cagalli rolled her eyes and started for the stairs that led to the second floor.

"Boys are boys, Cagalli. Where are you going?" He eyed her suspiciously as she continued her trek up the stairs.

"Kira, I can't exactly enjoy myself in my maroon suit, now can I? let me change and I'll be down, okay?"

"Oh yea, I guess you're right. See ya in a minute then." With that, Lacus and Kira left Cagalli to her room, hand in hand on their way out of the room, she noticed. Cagalli smiled to herself when she saw this, happy that Lacus and Kira were together.

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Hey all! I'm back with some new fanfiction! Yay! I really didn't wanna write this at first, but since my muse won't stop throwing around these ideas about Gundam Seed in my head, i couldn't pass it up! Anyhoo, I need feedback, and flames are welcome too, though I appreciate nicer ones to mean ones. So, let me know what ya think and if I should keep it up, okay? Much appreciated all! *throws kisses*