Disclaimer: I own Gundam Seed/destiny only in my dreams but NEVER in my real life.
IMPORTANT: Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Hey people! Cagalli's father is no longer Kisaka. I changed it to Uzumi already. And Shinn will now be the one playing Nicol's role. I removed Nicol not because I hate him, okay? I just love a little Shinn… hehe so cutie :)
My Dreams Come True
Episode 3: The Start
"Junius Seven Village…" Athrun muttered as he looked up and read the welcome remark written on the towering arc.
'I can't believe…I was able to go here at last!' Athrun glanced back at the palace. It was just yesterday he was at the terrace viewing a blurred village that's very far. But now he was not just having a clear view of it but also standing right in front of it. 'I'm now Alex Dino and I'm FREE!' those were the thoughts that lingered his mind.
As he was walking along the streets he couldn't help not to stare at the blissful people of his kingdom. Contentment reined his buoyant spirits. The ear-piercing noise made by the people who seemed talking all at the same time was like a melody that Athrun's ear was searching for so long. His emerald eyes glistened astoundingly that as if he saw extraordinary people. It was really a new feeling for the prince that it came to a point that he already didn't know where he was heading to.
'I like to go there!' Athrun thought as he was heading to the park. It was the crowd that attracted him to go there. He was carelessly walking and still his attention was focused on the teens that gathered nearby. As he was about to turn his head, he saw a girl running so fast and was going on his way. The girl seemed not to mind him so he just opted to get out of the girl's way, but before he could do that he felt a very fierce brunt. The girl was loosing her balance and Athrun tried to catch her so she wouldn't fall nor be hurt. But accidentally things didn't turn out as expected because Athrun lost his balance too. So to ease the sting he hugged the girl tightly in order to protect her from the great impact made as soon as they'll fall.
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Cagalli's heart was pounding dreadfully fast that if this appallingly fast heartbeat will persist there was a possibility that it would explode. She was blushing furiously for a reason she honestly didn't know why. She really couldn't stand on this any longer so before her illusions can devour her completely, she managed to stand.
"Are you all right, Miss?" A very tranquil and concerned voice came nearby.
For an unknown reason a very insensitive and irritated voice responded to the calm and concerned voice of the guy.
"What do you think? OBVIOUSLY NOT! Look what happened to my things…AAHH… they all scattered!" Cagalli frantically screamed as she sat down picking up every single thing back in her paper bag.
"But why are you blaming me for all this?" The lad mumbled faintly, he wasn't expecting for a reply because he thought it was soft enough for the girl not to hear it. But he was wrong…
"Why? Why blame you? Because you already saw me running and yet you didn't go!" She roared but louder this time.
The lad realized that arguing with the girl will do nothing good hence he decided to apologize. "Well… I'm sorry for that." He looked at the girl just checking if he was able to, at least, calm her down but a very devastating and deafening voice swallowed his ears.
"WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! COME BACK HERE!" Cagalli tried to run fast like what she always do but pain from her ankle prevented her from doing this so.
"Hey! What's the matter with you?" The lad asked her anxiously.
"Please…Please help me! That boy has stolen my wallet," Cagalli pleaded as she pointed to a little boy with coal-clack hair.
Without a word the young lad did chase the boy. While Cagalli, on the other hand walked feebly as she followed him.
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Athrun ran effortlessly but nevertheless swiftly. He was already close to the snatcher but it seemed that the latter wouldn't just give up. So he continued chasing him until they reached the dead end.
The boy slowly turned around to face Athrun. He knew that there'll be no way for him to escape. He grasped the wallet securely, not wanting to let the thing go. Then suddenly, tears fell down from the boy's ruby eyes.
The prince went closer and knelt down to level his face with him. He believed that an innocent kid like him would never do such thing without any valid reason at all.
"Please… don't get this wallet. I know… this is wrong but I need money to buy food for me and my sister. We haven't eaten since yesterday! We have no more parents! No relatives! And no one cares for us!" The little fellow sobbed even louder.
Athrun grasped his small shoulders. He hugged him soothingly and whispered softly something on the boy's ears. "There's no reason for you to cry, my dear." Then he eyed those innocent ruby eyes with his emerald ones. "Okay, calm down now and will settle on this…" The tender and calming voice of Athrun was too captivating for the little boy to stop from crying.
"I understand you… but what if you're on the position of the wallet's owner? What if she worked hard for that money because she also needs that the same as you do? Do you also want someone to steal it from you? I know you're a good boy you ought not to do this. And I'm sure you're sister won't be happy once she knew that you only stole the money you buy for food. So I guess you have to give it back to her now…okay?"
The little boy gazed on Athrun's emerald eyes with so much admiration. Somehow he sensed something special or royal was concealed on this lad's identity. "Yes, I'll do it," he said assuredly then he walked towards Cagalli's direction who was just a very few distance away from them. It was like she was staring and listening to them for a long time.
"Ahh…Miss…uhm…Here's your wallet… I'm really sorry. I hope you can forgive me." The boy apologized shyly but sincerely.
"Just promise me that you won't do it again, alright?" Cagalli replied. She wanted to get mad but she couldn't, after all he is just a little child and very innocent.
"Promise!" the boy said whole-heartedly.
"I forgive you now," she smiled at him.
After that, the little boy blithely ran back to Athrun and said, "I already did it!" It was an awfully light feeling for him after returning the wallet he had stolen from Cagalli.
"Good! Now take this," he took the boy's hand and laid an unknown bill on it. "Buy food for you and your sister, alright?"
"Yes… but isn't this too much?" He looked at Athrun teary-eyed.
"That's just right… so you can buy everything you want!" Athrun smiled at him.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Uhm…"
"Alex… Alex Dino…. Can I ask yours too?"
"Me…my name is Shi—n… Shinn Asuka."
"What a nice name!"
"Hehe… By the way thank you very much again, Mr. Alex, I hope we'll meet again someday," The little boy had given his warmest smile to Athrun then he left.
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"Uh…Uhm… Alex, I'm sorry about what happened earlier you know I really didn't mean to shout or blame you… hehe." Cagalli was flushing totally red well because she was embarrassed after all ill-treatment she did to him. Also, she did realize that this young lad has a kind heart. "And thanks for recovering my wallet…."
"My pleasure, by the way how'd you know my name?"
"Hehe… I heard it when you gave it to that little boy, Shinn. Well, I'm Cagalli can we be friends?"
'Friends,' Athrun thought. He was already on cloud nine after hearing the word 'friends.' Actually that was one of the reasons why he was there so one thing is for sure he'll definitely not going to let this pass.
"SURE, Cagalli," Athrun smiled. Then he saw the hefty bag the lady had been carrying.
"Do you want me to help you carrying that thing?"
"These…" She looked at the bag she had been carrying and realized that carrying a heavy bag until their house at her present condition was unbearable.
"But Alex, are you sure you have nothing else to do?" Cagalli was really pleased with Alex help. She wanted to accept it but she has just met him and being accompanied with a 'guy' was a thing she's not even used to.
'Cagalli is along with a GUY… not to mention he is CUTE! I like that!' Oh! That one was Cagalli's other persona secretly flickering belly dancing on her psyche once AGAIN.
"Yes, no problem…It's my pleasure to help you," he smiled.
Cagalli realized that there was nothing bad if she would accept it. On the first place, the guy is good so there was nothing to be afraid of. At the end, Cagalli agreed and the lad had accompanied her until they reached her house.
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Knock…knock…knock
'Who might be this again?' Kira thought nervously, making his grey lips turned to all-white. He went near the door and spoke in a very low tone. "Who's this?" he asked.
"Don't worry Kira, its Murrue!" A voice behind the door made a reply. Kira opened the door…
"Murrue, thank God it's you." He replied in an exhausted manner.
"It's lunch time, Kira. I came here to serve your food."
"I'm glad that this time it was you who brought it." At last! Kira was able to stabilize himself.
"I'm sorry if I'm not the one who brought your snack earlier… but Kira you're brilliant! The maid who came here didn't even suspect you."
"So you're sort of testing me, right?" Kira's violet eyes squinted censoriously.
"Somewhat like that," she grinned.
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Five people standing inside a small chalet house were having a sizzling conversation. The most distinguished one was Cagalli. The others include Athrun, Kisaka and Erica who where Cagalli's parents and of course Cagalli's friend, Miriallia, who was very happy with Cagalli's visit.
"HOW MANY TIMES WILL I TELL YOU THAT WE'RE JUST FRIENDS?" That shout was inexplicably extraordinary. Cagalli was entirely wound up with her parent's incredulous looks.
"FINE!" A woman with carroty hair color that curves back and forth and auburn eyes shouted that almost match the decibels of Cagalli's voice. This woman is Cagalli's mother or rather known as Erica. "What's that smell? Oh my-" Erica almost forgot the food she was cooking so she hurriedly proceeded to the kitchen to check it up.
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"Pa, I have already given my monthly salary to mama. Don't forget to buy your medicine so you'll recover fast, okay?" She said to a man with cloudy grey hair.
"Cagalli, please…don't worry much about father. I'm now feeling well. Look at you…you don't give time for yourself anymore. You look so stress!" Her father, Uzumi, apprised. "I thought you like the prince… Do you think he'll be attracted to a girl who looks so much stress? Well… I guess not. So better change that attitude until it's early… you might even regret that later." Uzumi threatened.
"But- that's not the issue here!"
All of a sudden Erica emerged breaking off the conversation between the two. "Its lunchtime already…let's eat. And you young lad join us too."
Cagalli's parents including Athrun went to the dining area leaving Cagalli and Mir at the living room.
"I want the honest truth, Cagalli. He is good-looking, right?" The brown-haired girl whispered delicately as she patted Cagalli's shoulder.
"Kind of," she replied irritably.
"He's handsome and the truth is you look good together." Escaping before the bomb explodes was the only option Miriallia had left. So she had run to the dining area before her best friend burst with anger. But honestly, she did love teasing her friend with a guy….
"MIR! You haven't changed!" She followed Mir.
"Cagalli, stop running you're in front of the food," her father disciplined.
"Uh… oh I'm sorry…." She looked at Alex and noticed his teeth were out and somehow wanted to laugh. She felt ashamed because she acted very childish.
They started eating lunch. Cagalli was really hungry her stomach was totally blank. In fact, she wanted to drink all the food on her plate in one time. But having Athrun in front of her prevented her from doing this so. Much worst was that the table manners Athrun was showing made Cagalli eat uncomfortably. Well actually everyone could notice it for them he ate like a royalty.
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Being uncomfortable was a word for Cagalli only because others specifically the prince who on the contrary really felt comfortable that time. '5 people on this table eating all together… this was something new… I do adore this feeling…'
Suddenly Cagalli's mom asked him.
"What's your name again?" Erica glanced at him.
"Me…I'm Athr--lex Dino…"
"Pardon me?"
"Alex Dino," he smiled.
"Where do you live?"
It took time for Athrun to digest the question. He wasn't ready for that one but no matter what happen he should formulate an answer.
"I live at the palace," he answered uncertainly.
Cagalli nearly choked to death after hearing that Alex live at the palace but Mir gave her drink to be relieved. Everyone was looking at her.
"WHAT? You—you live at the palace… I mean Alex, you see the prince… yes… the prince!" She said gruesomely.
"Yeah… I know him. I know prince Athrun," his comfortable feelings had just departed, living uneasiness as the only thing present within him. Athrun had no idea where this conversation will bring him. He just hoped that it will not lead to the revelation of his true identity.
'Duh! Who the heck doesn't know him? Of course I know you know prince Athrun, What I'm trying to say here is…' Oh! You're here again…
"Can you tell me something about prince Athrun? Anything will do please!" For Cagalli, the long wait was over… Alex was the key sent to her by heaven… the one who will help her to triumph all her dreams.
"Er…Cagalli, I'm just a gardener at the palace." He paused and thought 'A gardener… where did I get that idea?' "You know Cagalli, I rarely have chance to talk to him or know him well because… as you know we aren't allowed."
"About how prince Athrun looks… can you describe him to me?" Amazement and excitement was still visible on her sparkling eyes.
"Cagalli, just talk about those things later," Kisaka interrupted.
'Phew! That was close!' Athrun thought. He really wanted to disappear that time only if he could. He was like being electrocuted on an electric chair and the last question Cagalli asked him was kinda mind-breaking. He really didn't know what to tell, thanks to her father he was able to breathe for a while because for sure Cagalli will be asking that same question to him maybe right after they finished eating.
'What will I tell her? Prince Athrun has blue hair, green eyes… the same as Alex. Will she believe me? I'm sure she won't. Those features are the same as mine… it's really weird. She might even think that I'm fooling her but that's the truth.' He continued eating then thought again. 'What if I'll just invent? No, it won't help. I don't wanna lie anymore.'
Lunch was over but still Cagalli wasn't asking Athrun that executing question.
"Alex, do you wanna go to a hill. I'm sure you'll going to love there. It's very refreshing up there especially when you'll gonna lie down, feel the cold breeze and look at the vast skies."
"With those things that you told me, do you think I'll still let your invitation pass?"
"Okay, let's go!"
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And so the two went to the hill covered with green grass, as they walked up all they could feel was the lowering down of temperature and the invigorating breeze which was from the crystal blue sea revealing in front of them.
At last the two have reached the peak of the hill. Athrun sat down while beside him, Cagalli felt the grass as she lay down on it. Athrun was looking at the vast blue sea and was sensing its breeze. While Cagalli closed her tired eyes, she still felt the tiredness from her yesterday's work.
"Alex," She spoke as she opened her auburn eyes. "Do you still remember my question a while ago?"
"About how Prince Athrun looks?" Athrun spoke without any feeling of being uneasy. "Cagalli, I'm sorry but I am not also allowed to say anything about-"
"It's okay!" She smiled and took a deep breath. "Even if you describe him to me I can't still imagine him. I'm sure that there'll come a time that I can see him with my own eyes."
'You don't have to wait till that time comes… I'm prince Athrun, Cagalli.' Those were the things that wanted to come out from his mouth. But even if he opened his mouth still no voice was coming out. 'No! I can't do that. If only I can tell her who's the real me!' Silence spread but was soon broke again by Cagalli.
"Alex, how do you feel living at the palace?"
"Luxurious but boring"
"Luxurious but isn't he just a gardener?" Cagalli thought strangely "Really? Do you think prince Athrun feel the same way as you do?"
"Yes! Well…maybe, I mean because almost everyone there treated him differently… you know… like he's an abnormal person." He spoke like he's the one experiencing it though he really was.
"If only I can just go there, I'll definitely make his world go round."
"Wanna apply as entertainer- a juggler, clown, conjurer…!"
"…" Cagalli remained silent.
"Sorry! I'm just kidding."
"Why not? If only opportunity will permit, I certainly would!"
"…" He remained speechless.
"Alex, you're a gardener right? Is it true that the garden in the palace have all kinds of flowers even the exotic ones? Because you know that's what rumors say."
"There are many but maybe not all and you know what Cagalli, the garden is the most favorite place of Queen Lenore. Every time she's at the palace she spends most of her time taking care of them or sometimes she even talks to them."
"Really! What about her favorite flower?"
"Actually she likes all of them but I think it is the daisy she loves the most."
"What a circumstance! You know the Daisy is also my favorite flower."
"May I know why?"
"You know Alex; I like it not only because of its exquisiteness but also because it symbolizes love and hope. For me Cagalli is like a daisy, a young girl who continues to hope that someday her dream love will comes true…" she spoke as she slowly closed her eyes. "But Alex, do you think someone like Prince Athrun will fall in love with a girl who's very ordinary, simple and…" She spoke while her voice softened until it was all gone.
"Why not? As long as she has a good heart, Cagalli," Athrun looked at the young girl beside him. He was surprised after seeing that the girl was already sleeping. He could feel the tiredness enveloping her petite figure but it was her peaceful face that concealed everything. He gently removed some strands of hair from her face and gazed down upon it. He realized that this girl somehow owns a very unique beauty to admire. 'Her short disheveled blonde hair. Utterly different from those aristocratic ladies I've met which were long elegant and stylish. But honestly it's cute!' Saying that a girl with disheveled hair is cute was kinda odd, right? 'Her face, though not the most beautiful nor perfect one I've seen, is very simple. That to look at it for the rest of my life will never ever get me tired… and that's for sure.'
Athrun decided to lie down too and looked at the infinite skies. 'I'm with Cagalli, my new friend. I'm now free but I'm sure this will last once they discovered the real me. I don't know when… but maybe I should enjoy this no matter what happen….'
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It was already afternoon when Cagalli woke up. She found the blue-haired guy still sitting beside her. She had no idea how much time had slipped away. She sat and Athrun noticed her.
"How's your sleep?"
"Great! But how about you? I'm sorry because I brought you here then
I only slept. Haven't you got bored?" She asked with guilt.
He laughed…
"What's so funny about that?"
"Why would I get bored? Just watching you sleeping is entertaining you know…"
"WHAT? YOU DID THAT! YOU'RE BAD!"
He continued laughing, "I'm sorry but honestly you look cute!"
'Oh…thank you, Alex. But actually I'm not just cute… I'm also beautiful…' Cagalli's opposite persona spoke like a flirtatious kitten.
Cagalli was flattered, being complimented as 'cute' was a thing she's not accustomed especially from a handsome guy like Alex. So she did what almost all people do when they're embarrassed- change the topic. "Alex, the sun is setting and after that it will get dark…" She watched the sea that was once crystal blue on its color was now dyed with red and so with those infinite skies.
"Yes…and I think it's time for me to leave," Athrun stood up and then followed by Cagalli.
"Alex…When can I see you gain?" The question was something that didn't even register on Cagalli's mind it just came out from her mouth.
"Oh! You missed me already, huh?" he teased.
"Of course NOT! Humph! Ignore the question."
"Monday, 9 a.m. at the park, so what do you think?"
Cagalli was very happy she knew that she could meet him up there because she went to the market every morning.
"If that's what you want, fine with me."
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Athrun accompanied Cagalli until they reached her house. "Bye and… thank you." The prince smiled appreciatively. He's really fortunate to have met Cagalli.
For Cagalli, Athrun's 'thank you' had a very deep meaning that digging for it was impossible for it was bottomless. "Thanks also!" said she.
"Take care, Alex!" The young lady shouted as she waved her hand to Athrun who was slowly vanishing from the horizon.
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Jangling sounds made by the heavy lustrous silvery-white iron epee was heard all-over the expansive paved area at the palace. Just right beside of it was the significant botanical garden where every single exotic and exquisite flower on the world can be found. The sun rays nourished each and every plant in the garden and in return the flowers blossomed releasing its enchanting fragrance. It was hot and the high temperature intensifies the young lads' fencing duel. Every stroke of their epee produced a sparkle with a vitreous diamond-like luster.
"One last touch Kira and you're dead!"
"Let's just see!"
Athrun thrust forward in a lunge while Kira prepared to parry. Kira swept his epee sideward attempting to attack Athrun. But Athrun was able to deflect it by tactically moving his weapon circularly.
"Game over, Kira"
"…"
Athrun bent his right foot frontward followed by a swift forward of his epee. Kira attempted to fend off Athrun's attack by downwardly sweeping his weapon but it was useless…. Because beneath his face… a shining silver pointed epee was already touching his neckband.
"I told you!" Athrun bragged as he slowly removed his mask.
"Athrun, will you please stop blowing those horns of yours." He said pettishly. "But the truth is you're really great... Or isn't it just because of this inspirational girl, CAGALLI, why you're so enthusiast playing fencing?" Kira examined his best friend.
If only Athrun knew that Kira will just tease him to this girl he wouldn't have told about Cagalli to his best friend on the first place. But he needs to tell everything to his best friend and Murrue since they're the ones helping him to disguise. "You're wrong! I just love fencing and besides I'm really better than you," He insulted Kira so he'll get angry and stopped teasing him to Cagalli.
"How could you say that? I vow that you'll going to taste my wrath the next time we play," he threatened. "But do you think insulting me will stop me from teasing you to that girl? You're wrong too!" He teased again; Athrun was preparing for his defensive remarks when suddenly a blonde-haired with white mask and a high-ranking official of the Zaft kingdom interrupted them.
"Excuse me. You asked for my presence, your majesty? What can I do for you?" He spoke in a very proficient and stately manner.
"Mr. Le Creusset, you're the right hand of my father and the overall in charge of our citizens' condition right? I will just ask you a little favor; do you know the Asuka's?" He asked with composure.
"Yeah, their parent's have just died recently due to arson. Pathetic children… no parent's to nurture them. They just wander around the streets with no future awaits them…" He would still continue if only Athrun didn't speak.
"Good, you know them. Now what I want you to do is to give them a shelter. Educate the children in a school near the village and make sure that they will be provided with all the things they need. And Mr. Le Creusset, I want that as soon as possible and it will be better if you're the one who'll personally accomplish those tasks." Athrun demanded.
"No problem, tomorrow everything is done!" He said with great assurance but deep inside he was cursing actually he didn't want to personally deal with those poor citizens. "Your majesty, If you'll excuse me can I go now?"
"Well… I guess everything is settled, you can leave." He looked at Le Creusset who gestured and left.
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"Athrun!" he looked at the brown-haired lad running towards him. He didn't even notice that Kira left when Le Creusset came and now he's holding a pink envelope very familiar to him.
"I'm glad that man already left honestly I'm not feeling good every time I saw him. I don't know why but I don't care." Then he continued, handing the pink envelope to Athrun, "This is for you, Murrue told me to give you this." Somehow Kira felt excitement upon seeing whatever that envelope contained.
Athrun opened the envelope then read it. "It's from Lacus!" Then he continued reading together with Kira. "I'll be going to visit you tomorrow…" he read.
"Visit me? But I already made a promise to Cagalli that I'm going to meet her tomorrow too." Athrun was confused he didn't know what to do.
Kira was also somewhat puzzled. First of all he doesn't know this 'Lacus' Athrun was talking about. Second Athrun will meet Cagalli tomorrow kinda intriguing for him. Lastly why was Athrun giving his ever 'intense-stare,' the look Kira was afraid of because he knew his best friend will going to ask a favor he couldn't turn down.
"Kira… Lacus Clyne is a princess of Earth Alliance Kingdom, one of the three main kingdoms as you know. She has also been a good friend of mine since we were very young. She's very angelic, knowledgeable, and well-bred and her beauty was too perfect that I find it hard to describe. She's also a very friendly type of person that anyone…even you Kira will easily have light feelings for her."
"So why are you saying those things to me?" He was expecting for the answer he has been waiting.
"Oh come on, Kira, I know you knew it already!"
"Here I go again… Athrun as what you have said Lacus is your friend since childhood. Do you think I can easily convince her that I'm the true Athrun?" Kira tried if his excuse will work.
"You have a point there but how about Cagalli?" he asked. "Please Kira, I'll just talk to her and be back here early."
'Now Cagalli is the problem,' He thought. "Alright I will disguise BUT promise to come back here early before everything expires." He said helplessly. It was another request Kira was not able to resist…poor fellow. 'Tomorrow, I will meet Lacus Clyne. I just hope that I can work on this faultlessly….'
To Be Continued…
A/N: At last revising stage is complete. I can now start writing the fourth episode. I hope you can wait till I finish that. Hehe… this chapter is the longest one I had. I just hope you didn't get bored. So that's it… Sore dewa! ♥.♥
R&R
