Author's Note:
This chapter is going to take place about a week after the bombing at the clinic.
Finding Destiny
Chapter 8
(Miriallia's POV)
Report 1:
It's been a week since Dearka and myself have been assigned to our new mission. However, little has been learned and nothing major has been found. You do not realize how large a city really is until you actually walk around aimlessly. We have asked the homeless for any clues to the bombing. But all we received was a glare for every person we asked.
It has been 12 days since Cagalli Yula Zala's death. A ceremony had taken place about 2 days ago, which was hosted by Lacus Yamato. However a proper body ceremony has yet to be revealed. Actually, I take the last sentence back. Dearka had mentioned that Athrun was going to cremate what is left of Cagalli's body and have a proper ceremony for saying farewell.
I do feel sorry for Athrun Zala's loss. It was about 3 days after the bombing, Dearka and myself had visited Athrun. He seemed to be in good shape and holding out well. But then again, deep down, I know and so does everyone else that Athrun is suffering. Yet there is nothing we can do to help him other than giving him space to grieve over Cagalli's death.
Then comes Estella Zala. Her attitude has changed since she learned of her mother's death. She has become more silent and withdrawn from everyone. The only person should would speak to is her cousin, Tarak Yamato. However, Tarak will not speak for his cousin. Instead he keeps his mouth shut, whenever Kira Yamato asks about Estelle. Kira had also expressed that the children have been sneaking around this past week without mentioning it to anyone. He is greatly concern for the children's health and well being.
Well on the subject of Kira Yamato, he has officially taken over Cagalli's spot as the head representative of Orb. At first, I was too was surprised to hear of the announcement. But over a period of time, I have come to accept that was a wise move. Like many people of Orb, I felt that Orb needed a leader to led them in the right direction. Since of Cagalli's absence, Orb has been holding out very well. But because of her loss, the Orb's senate has been in chaos. Without a leader, the country or Orb is in risk of being taken over by the Earth's Alliance. There was no time for elections to take place. And Estelle is way to young to be put in charge. So the next person they could think of was Cagalli's twin brother, Kira Yamato. So far, Kira has appeared before Orb and had given a marvelous speech about his sister and how he will be there for the country in the time of need.
Taking a quick break from the typing, I got up and grabbed my empty coffee mug. Walking slowly to the kitchen, I started to think about the report. It's only been a week, but all these events seemed like is has been taking place for over a year.
"You're done?" Dearka's voice asked from the side.
Turning to face him, I shook my head slightly, while holding up my empty cup. Watching him smile slightly, he walked toward me and gently took the cup from my hand.
"How is the report going?" he asked, as I followed behind him.
"Good I suppose," I responded weakly.
Walking into the kitchen, I fell into the nearest seat at the table. Hearing him pour coffee, I gently laid my head on top of my arms.
"I suppose a lot has happened in this past week," Dearka said quietly.
Hearing him place a cup in front of me, I lifted my head gently. Smiling slowly, I smelled the strong aroma of the coffee. I slowly picked the cup up and took a little sip from it. "It's hot," I replied.
Hearing him laugh from the side, I turned around. "What so funny?" I asked somewhat annoyed.
"You just look too adorable," he replied smiling.
Feeling myself blush, I turn back to the cup of coffee.
"Milly?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied quietly.
"I always wondered something. How close were you and Cagalli?" he asked.
Staring into the brownish-black liquid I felt my self smiling sadly. "To tell you the truth, you really wouldn't consider us best friends. During the war we were only acquainted." Stopping slightly, I paused for a second.
"Miriallia?" Dearka said confusingly.
"It probably was after the war when we finally introduced each other and actually became friends. Just not the best of friends." I finished silently.
"I see," he responded quietly.
"Dearka."
"Yes," he responded.
"What do you think her last thoughts were?" I asked quietly.
"Whose?" he asked surprised.
"Cagalli," I answered.
Feeling him watching me carefully, I became nervous and started to fidget. "Knowing Cagalli, she was probably wondering how she would find the bastard who bombed the clinic and make him pay. But at the same time, probably regretted many things she had said to the ones she cared about and wished she was able to say goodbye to them."
Looking up in surprised, I let Dearka words sink in. Then smiling slightly, I nodded in agreement. "That sounds like her. Arrogant and stubborn. Along with a kind and caring soul."
"Yeah, well that's Cagalli Yula Attha for you," Dearka responded quietly.
"You forgot Zala," I piped in.
We both looked at each other, and smiled warmly. Dearka said quietly, "I always wonder why she never cut her name."
Looking at him weirdly, he added, "Well think about it. Her full name now is Cagalli Yula Attha Zala. Many people shorten it. But why didn't she just cut it down officially to Cagalli Zala. Would have made many people's lives a whole lot easier."
"Dearka!" I shouted out laughing.
"What?" he asked sarcastically.
Laughing for the first time in over a week, I started to feel then tension releases it's hold. Everything will be okay.
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(Lacus's POV)
Watching him work steadily at the desk, I smiled gently. Kira has taken this job seriously and has been making sure that everything will be okay. Orb seemed to be in top shape.
"Lacus?" Kira voice ranged out.
Looking back up at him quickly I responded, "Yes?"
"You should go home, I'll be done in about a hour," Kira replied smiling gently.
"You're a bad liar Mr. Yamato," I responded.
Looking at me surprised, he smirked somewhat. "I do not lie Mrs. Yamato. I only stretch the truth."
"Right," I replied smiling genuinely. Walking towards the desk, I leaned against it. "Can't you finish these document later?" I asked, pouting somewhat.
Shaking his head, he started to pick another one up. "You should go Lacus. It's going to take me longer then I had expected."
"But Kira," I started but stopped when he raised his hand.
"I have to finish these documents for tomorrow's meeting. Plus I have to finish a report that is due as well." Kira replied.
Looking at him carefully, I frowned. "Kira Yamato, you are working yourself way to hard. It's time for you to take a break."
Looking up from the paper he was reading he smiled sadly. "Wished I had the time to do that. But there isn't."
Taking the paper out of his hands, he instantly tried to reach it, but I just held it up higher. "Lacus what are you doing!" he shouted.
"Something that would make Cagalli happy," I replied sadly.
Watching his eyes become large, he whispered, "Cagalli,"
"Look Kira, you are over working yourself. If Cagalli was here," but I was stopped when he stood up and slammed his hands on the desk.
"That's the problem Lacus! She isn't here!" he shouted. "And you want to know why? Because someone thought he had the authority to go around blowing things up! And only because the council or Orb and the government or Orb isn't strong enough to stop these things from happening. Just maybe, this could have been prevented if Orb was just a tad bit stronger!" Letting the tears fall, he held the desk as a form of support from falling.
Watching him cry in pain, I too felt tears forming. "Kira," I whispered quietly.
"It could have been prevented Lacus. This whole ordeal could have been prevented. And then, just maybe, Cagalli would still be alive." Kira said softly.
Walking around the desk, I gave him a tight hug. "It's going to be aright Kira. Everything is going to be aright. Don't blame this on yourself. This is the last thing Cagalli would have wanted you to do." Pausing for a second, I choose the next few words carefully. "She would be furious that you dared to blame the bombing on yourself. In addition, she would have been proud that you had taken over her spot as the Head Representative of Orb. But never in a million of years would she wanted you to push yourself this much."
"I know, but it feels like I can do so much more."
"Kira don't," I started and pulled him back and smiled. "Don't do this to yourself. Let others help you. Don't pull away."
Looking at me carefully he nodded. "Thank you Lacus," Kira replied sadly. "Thank you for being here."
"Anytime Kira," I replied softly. Thinking quietly, I clenched my fists together. No one should blame themselves for Cagalli's death. If anyone were to be blame, it should be me. Not Kira. I was the one to drag her down to the clinic to begin with. I am to be blamed. Only me.
"Lacus, is everything alright?" Kira asked quietly.
Shaking my head slightly, I dared not tell Kira what my true feelings about the bombing were. Only to fear that he meant become enraged that I thought of such thoughts.
Watching him lean in, I slowly closed my eyes. Waiting, I finally felt his warm lips touch mine.
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(Yzak's POV)
Walking through the streets, I thought about the past week. Everything that has happened so far is a major key factor to figuring out who the bomber is. Something is sticking out but yet I can't figure out what it might be.
Zala just lost his wife due to the bombing at the clinic. Why was she at the clinic to begin with? The only person who could possible know the truth to that answer would be Lacus Clyne. Or should I say Lacus Yamato.
It is true that Lacus did drag Cagalli Zala down to the clinic. She has confessed that much. However, all she would say is that she needed to run some tests. But she dare not say what kind of tests. It does sound suspicious. Especially when Cagalli ended up seeing the doctor and Lacus ended up outside the clinic before the bomb had exploded. Now why is that? So many questions can be asked. But will the truth always be told? Due time, Lacus will tell what happened. But somehow, I feel she takes the responsibility for Cagalli's death.
But who could have hired the bomber? Who would have a motive? Passing by a nearby newspaper post, I quickly scanned for anything major. Then I saw it. In bold letters stood the phase, "Will Athrun Zala resigned?"
Picking the paper up, I quickly paid the amount. Walking with paper in hand, I started to read the article.
It has been said recently, that Athrun Zala might soon resigned from running for Chancellor of PLANT due to his wife's recent death. Orb's head preventative was killed in a local clinic bombing a week from today. It had devastated the world and PLANT from this loss. But the main question PLANT has been asking lately is what will Mr. Zala do? Will he continue to run in hopes of winning? Or we he drop out of the election?
As in time, the media has not been able to get a direct statement from Mr. Zala himself. However, we have spoken to councils members and they had stated that they will be giving Athrun Zala one more week before he must come up with a decision on which path he wishes to take with this following election.
Will PLANT be in good hands if Mr. Zala continues to run and wins the election? Many are worried that from this tragedy, Mr. Zala will not be able to fulfill his task as chancellor due to his loss. Which indeed, hurts Mr. Zala chances of winning.
What will Zala do? That's what everyone is wondering.
If his smart enough, he will continue this election. Then a shorter paragraph on the side also caught my attention.
Senator Amarifi, had stated since yesterday that if Mr. Zala resigns from his position in running, he will be taking over and run for Chancellor himself. He has volunteer himself to take the spot of Chancellor and point PLANT in the right direction. Stating, it would be best if Mr. Zala were to resigned and be reelected after Mr. Yuli Amarifi finishes his turn.
Yuli Amarifi. Nicol's father. He has been my number one suspect, ever since I heard about the bombing. It's not that I don't trust Yuli Amarifi. But ever since the war, he had been acting more strangely. At first, I ignored it. He had just lose his only son due to the war. Normally people would mourn and act somewhat strange. But it has been so many years since Nicol's death. And Yuli Amarifi acts the same way since Nicol's death.
Looking down at the paper once more, I frowned somewhat.
What are you up to Yuli Amarifi?
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(Athrun's POV)
Finally arriving home, I opened the door quietly and enter.
"Dad? Is that you?" Estelle voiced asked from what seemed to be coming from the living room.
"Yes Estelle," I replied.
Taking my coat off, I walked inside the living room. Only to be shocked to see Rose sitting in the nearby couch.
"Good afternoon Mr. Zala. Or should I say Good evening?" Rose asked smiling, while she pointed to the clock on the wall.
Looking up, I noticed it was well past 7 at night.
"Ms. Laguna, stopped by and asked if you have came home. But I responded no and she had said that their was a casserole left in the oven. I had invited her inside to eat dinner with us," Estelle explained.
"I see," I said quietly. "Then I am grateful Ms. Laguna. Thank you for watching Estelle."
"And me!" a voice shouted from behind.
Turning around, I noticed Tarak standing.
"Is is aright if Tarak stays for the night?" Estelle asked.
"Does your parents know you are here, Tarak?" I asked seriously.
"Yes they do. They both are still at the office," he responded quickly.
"Then I suppose you can stay," I said happily.
Watching him walk across and sit next to Estelle, they both started to watch the movie displaying on the television.
"There is left-over casserole in the oven, if you would like some Mr. Zala," Rose replied after a moment.
Feeling my tummy rumble slightly, I nodded my head in gratitude and walked off in the direction of the kitchen. But soon before I was able to reach it, the phone rang. Walking over, I picked up the receiver.
"The Zala's residence. Athrun Zala speaking."
"As in Cagalli Yula Zala's husband?" the voice asked.
"That's correct. Who is this?" I asked somewhat annoyed with his question.
There was a slight pause before the man continued. "This is Lieutenant Snyder. I'm a detective with the Orb Police Department---"
"Has there been a break in the case?" If they had a suspect, I would be in my car and driving to the station in a matter of seconds. It was about time the police had something. A man couldn't simply bomb a building in downtown Orb and walk away without some sort of clue left behind.
"No, nothing yet," the policeman hurried to add, "I just need to ask you a few questions."
"Look Snyder," I didn't even bother with the title. "I've already given you guys a statement. There is nothing else we have talk about unless you have a lead on the bomber. I can't be of any help. I didn't even know my wife was at the clinic until I heard her voice message when I finally arrived home from PLANT."
"I know that, sir," Snyder said, "But there is something I want to talk to you about. If you're going to be home for awhile,"
"Can't we do this on the phone? My time is limited," I lied. I tried to think of every detective I had talked to at the hospital on the day of the bombing. The name Snyder wasn't ringing a bell.
I have no desire whatsoever to go over every question again. Cagalli's death was already on constant rewind in my mind.
"No, this would be better in person. You know, face to face. Mr. Zala, I would be happy to come over."
The last thing I wanted, was a cop over here for hours to come. "How about we meet at the coffee shop across from my office? I have to pick up some papers, so it would work out." I said.
Snyder agreed. Giving him the address, I hung up with him.
"Dad? Who was that?" Estelle asked.
Turning around, I was surprised to see her standing there. Smiling at her I said, "It was no one sweetie. But I have to run out for a quick errand."
"Okay," she slowly responded, looking at me oddly. Kissing her lightly on the forehead, I walked away.
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(Estelle's POV)
Watching Dad walk out the door, I frowned. Something was wrong. Walking quickly to the living room, I noticed Ms. Laguna sitting at the same couch from before.
"I think I might go to bed now," I said yawning loudly.
Looking back at me, surprised, Tarak said, "It's not even 8 yet."
"So, but I think we should go to bed NOW," I said seriously and dangerously.
"Okay, I'm going." Tarak responded. Turning to face Ms. Laguna he added, "It's nice to see you again."
Nodding her head slowly she said, "You two have a pleasant sleep. I will wait for Mr. Zala's return."
Walking up the stairs, Tarak waited until we reached my room to ask, "What are you planning?"
Walking to the window, I opened it. "We are going to follow my Dad."
"What! Why?" he asked.
"Because, I want to know what's going on."
Taking a homemade ladder with sheets, I threw it out the window. "Are you coming or what?" I asked, turning to face him.
Watching me carefully, he smiled. "Do I have a choice?"
"Good," I said smiling. Climbing down, I knew this was going to be a long night.
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(Athrun's POV)
An hour later, I walked into the coffee shop across from the office. I noticed a man sitting by the window, watching people walk by. His suit had wrinkles and needed to be sent to the cleaners.
Walking up to him, I took my hand out. "Snyder?"
Looking up, he smiled. Taking my hand, I took noticed he had a strong grip. "Thanks for meeting me. I'll make this quick as possible."
We were about the same age but the lines on Snyder's face settled into a worried expression that in a few years would become permanently imprinted.
I sat across from the cop and ordered a cup of coffee, thinking maybe if this was another time and place they might have been friends. "You need to ask me something more about my wife's death?" I asked, cutting to the chase. "I assure you, I would have called if I had thought of anything new."
Shifting in his seat, Snyder frowned. "I wanted to make sure you were the one who ID your wife. The report was signed by a fireman, the clinic's guard and you."
"I saw her," I replied trying to figure out what he want. "Why?"
"Nothing probably. I'm just checking facts. The fireman didn't know your wife, and the guard is no longer here to answer questions."
Staring intensely at me, I too looked at him. But I couldn't miss his worried look.
"Are you sure it was her?" he asked finally.
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Author's Notes:
New chapter up and done! I'm glad, it took me awhile. But I think it was well worth it. About 12 pages.. I got most of the characters I wanted to add. Plus I updated a week later from the last update. Much sooner than I had expected. Well I do hope you enjoyed it.
Okay I need some help. And as the readers, I am going to ask you guys. I need your opinion. Okay we all know that Cagalli has been living on the street for about a week now. A couple of you have mentioned Estelle's wild behavior. Well I'm having a writers block. There are two plans I have thought of, that Estelle may journey through.
Plan 1 Both she and Tarak will run away from home and live off the streets as a pair of homeless kids. It is then will Estelle and Tarak will meet Jeegi. But they will soon come to meet trouble as well. (As a hint, the gang from the last chapter)
Plan 2 Estelle and Tarak will team up with Yzak (don't ask me why, that will be my little secret) and work with him to figure out what Yuli Amarifi is planning and continue to search for Estelle's lost mother.
Tell me which one I should choose. Don't you worry, Tarak will be there too!
Okay now I want to say thank you to:
Mira
Lady LightAngel of DreamsFukarilightyearsaway
yvonne
cool-girl027AlienPeanutXDoctor KibaStory Weaver1Thank you for reviewing chapter 7 and I hope to see many more reviewers for the chapter!!!
