Though the Heavens May Fall
Chapter Ten
By: DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed: Destiny. They belong to their respective creators, owners, licensees.
The cool ocean breeze was a welcomed relief from the heat of the day and Shinn momentarily wondered why they didn't leave for the island earlier, when it was cooler. Now, they were aboard Mwu's cruiser, facing the hot midday sun.
Below him, in the main cabin, Mwu's humming was drowned out by the sound of the waves crashing against the sides of the ship as they cut over the water. On the main deck, just in front of the cabin, beneath an overhang, three men were lost in a competitive game of cards. Or at least, two of them were.
Shinn wasn't sure if it was humorous or pathetic to watch Orb's scholar-warrior and the Federation's monarch locked in simple card game and treating it as if Stellar's love and affection would go solely to the winner. They could pretend it was a casual game of cards all they wanted, it was clear that they were in some sort of fight for the title of 'brother' in Stellar's heart.
In between the two adult men, dressed uncharacteristically in Orb beachwear, was Lord Djibril. He was squinting down at his cards, as if unsure whether or not he should continue playing considering the intense atmosphere around of him. He occasionally glanced at the other two men, confused at why they were taking the game so seriously.
The black-haired heir rolled his eyes. There was no need for that. Stellar had been quite vocal about being pleased with having two brothers. Still, he supposed it could've been worse. Stellar could have come back with a new sister. Shinn shuddered at the thought and turned his head away from the side of the upper deck.
He turned his head towards the back of the ship, on the main deck, where Stellar was sitting with Mayu beside her. They were seated on the edge with their legs hanging out over the water as the leaned forward, against the metal railings. They were laughing about something and vaguely, Shinn wondered if they even remembered that the swim shorts clad Federation nobles were standing behind them.
Sting had his arms crossed over his chest and Auel was glaring. In front of them, Rey had tentatively attempted to join Stellar and Mayu, only to be held back by the two 'bodyguards'. Admittedly, watching him be stopped before he could actually reach the two girls was somewhat amusing to Shinn.
He turned away and leaned back against the cushions of the bench that circled the top deck. His arms rested on the metal railing behind him as he closed his eyes. He had been excited to get away from the city and have a few days of relaxation with his sister and Stellar. Then Rey had arrived at the Seray to visit him.
They had been horse back riding along the cliff side when they were intercepted by Stellar and Murata, escorted by Auel and Sting and two additional Haumea Elite for additional protection. Stellar had been giving her half-brother a tour of the water's edge when they met up and Murata had been the one to cheerfully tell Shinn that he couldn't wait until they went out to the island.
Shinn had mentally sworn. Rey had perked up and upon picking up on his interest, Stellar had invited Rey. The red-eyed knight had been in irritable mood since then; made only worse by Athrun's amusement when he found out what happened.
"I'm afraid I'm going to have to fold." Shinn heard Djibril's voice say solemnly.
"I guess it's just us now, Kira," Murata said, trying to sound so casual, Shinn almost winced.
"I guess so." Shinn could almost see the forced smile on Kira's face. Before he could turn around and peer back over the edge of the deck, he caught the sight of blond hair coming up from the steps that lead the main deck.
A defeated look graced Rey's face as the Plants nobleman trudged forward and then fell on the cushioned bench across from Shinn. The red-eyed young man struggled to keep from smirking. It was clear that Rey had given up for the moment.
"They won't even let me near her," Rey told Shinn pathetically. "They won't even let me near Mayu," he stressed. Shinn cracked a smile.
"They're very wary of you after you got her to dance with you at their welcome party," Shinn reminded him. "The fact that you're one of the grooms makes it worse, Rey. You should've expected staunch resistance."
Rey rolled his eyes. "You make it sound as if you're on their side."
"I'm just saying," Shinn shrugged. "You are a prospective groom and she is their princess."
"But I didn't tell them anything!" Rey complained as he sat up and faced his friend.
"You don't have to," Shinn replied coolly as he leaned back against his seat. He crossed his arms over his chest and gave Rey a knowing look. "It's kind of obvious."
Rey's face flushed. He glanced away shyly. "Do you think Stellar noticed?"
"Shinn!" a voice shouted from the stairs. Large maroon eyes met his red ones as Stellar reached the top deck. She held up a hand to keep her hair from flying around her face as she beamed him a smile. "Shinn has been up here the entire time!"
"I like it up here," Shinn replied as his arms uncrossed from his chest. He resisted the urge to stare at the young woman. She was wearing a white visor to keep the sun out of her eyes and a breezy white, short sleeve top over a light blue sundress. She was barefoot with her sandals hanging from one hand.
She placed them on the floor as she took a seat beside him. Awkwardly, Shinn scooted away from her, silently hoping she wouldn't notice. He didn't want Rey to get any odd ideas.
"Are Kira and Mura still playing?" Stellar asked as she turned around on the bench and looked over the railing. Mayu had gone to check on the men's card game, having been under strict instruction, along with Shinn, to make sure that Kira didn't start some international incident.
Cagalli had been rather exasperated at her brother and since she couldn't come with them to the island, as she had a prior engagement that needed to be attended to immediately, she had charged Mayu and Shinn with the task of keeping her twin from doing something they would all regret.
Athrun was not present and was still back at the Rouge Seray. He thought he could get some work done while Cagalli was away from Onogoro and everyone else was out exploring the Athha Estate. He was also left behind to watch Yzak, at least that was Shinn's understanding.
"Yes, but I'm up here for the view," Shinn told her calmly. He moved his eyes away from her figure and back towards the water. "You can see the area better from up here. I think I saw some dolphins earlier."
"Really!?" Stellar's face lit up.
"Where!?" Rey gasped from across from Shinn. The red-eyed knight raised an eyebrow. He didn't really expect Rey to be just as excited as Stellar at the prospect of dolphins.
"Towards the north side," Shinn said, motioning his hand to the blue expanse behind Rey. Within moments, the two blondes were leaning against the railing across from him, earnestly scanning the waves for dolphin shaped figures.
"Is that one!?" Rey asked hopefully as he pointed.
"I think that's a shark," Stellar replied.
Shinn sighed and pushed himself from his seat. He walked towards the stairs and prepared to climb down. His eyes met those of the two young Federation nobles. Sting gave him a curt nod as Shinn stepped aside to let them on to the top deck. His red eyes then locked with Auel's blue ones.
The blue-haired young man's look clearly told Shinn that he didn't trust him either, but for the time being, between him and Rey, Shinn was the lesser of two evils. Shinn merely froze a stoic look on his face as he waited for Auel to pass before proceeding down the narrow walkway to the main deck.
As soon as his feet touched the deck, two defeated cries reached his ears. "Impossible!" Kira wailed.
"This has to be a trick!" Murata countered. "You can't possibly have the same cards that I have!"
Shinn walked around the cabin and found the cards on the table, their numbers and letters mirroring each other. Mayu was rubbing her chin thoughtfully. What were the chances of that happening?
"The score is tied," Kira frowned. "Shall we try another game?"
"Is there another one?" Murata asked.
"I wouldn't bother!" Mwu shouted from the cabin. The group before him looked up through the open window. "We're almost to the island!" He lifted an arm and pointed in front of them.
Heads turned towards the lush, green island in front of them and the estate house that rested on its' hill.
"Yay!" An energetic cheer bubbled from Mayu's lips. "Shinn, Stellar says that there is a picnic waiting for us on the beach and we'll have time to go snorkeling before dinner!"
"That sounds fun," Shinn nodded as he looked down at his younger sister. "Are you two going to partner up and try to touch the giant clams again?"
"Partner up?" Murata asked as his head rose and met the gaze of the Plants natives. "What do you mean?"
Shinn inwardly cringed. Mayu beamed a smile and stepped forward. "Cagalli says it's not safe to go snorkeling alone, especially close to the reefs where the current can cause you to hit them. So, we always partner up when we go. Last time, Stellar took me and I was her partner. It was really fun."
Shinn could almost see the gears turning inside of Kira and Murata's heads. One…two…
"STELLAR!" Kira and Murata chorused. Their voices rocked the ship as on the deck above them, their sister abandoned her spot beside Rey and rushed to the side overlooking them.
"What!?" a blonde topped head poked out over the railing and gave them a worried look. "What's wrong?"
It was time to step in to avoid a fight between her brothers. Shinn looked up at her and answered before the older men had time to think of a coherent response. "Stellar, since we're going snorkeling later, would you mind if I partnered up with you this time? I haven't snorkeled before and Mayu said that as novice, I should partner up with you."
Kira and Murata both turned to him, their faces a mixture of horror, disappointment, and frustration. Beside him, Mayu looked pleased and above him, Stellar blushed.
Her pale hand squeezed the railing in front of her as a shy smile tugged at her lips. "Okay, Shinn," she agreed softly. "Shinn will be Stellar's partner later."
The black-haired knight nodded his head and turned around. He walked out towards the front of the ship, keeping his back towards everyone as he leaned over the railing. He let out a heavy breath of air and closed his eyes tightly. Red faced and suddenly extremely self-conscious, Shinn knew that if Stellar every looked at him that way again and was noticed by the Federation men, he was in worse trouble than Rey.
After all, it was one thing to have a one-sided attraction to the Federation Princess. It was another thing when the one-sided attraction seemed to be reciprocated.
"Nice job." His sister leaned against the railing beside him, a grin on her face as she lifted a hand and brushed some of her hair back. "I was going to cut in before Kira and Murata, but this is even better."
"What are you talking about, Mayu?" Shinn sighed. He kept his eyes on the island they were approaching. His sister continued smiling.
"Don't worry, Shinn," the younger brunette assured him. "I'll help you."
"Help me with what?" Shinn finally turned to look at his sister.
"Shinn!" His head snapped around and saw Stellar running toward them. "Stellar needs to ask Shinn a question!"
Mayu elbowed her brother in the ribs and subtly stepped aside. Shinn shot her an annoyed look. So this was what people talked about when it came to annoying siblings. He turned his attention back to Stellar.
"What is it?"
"Ah," Stellar's face flushed as she reached his side. She leaned closer and motioned with one hand for him to also get closer. Shinn swallowed a lump in his throat, but kept his eyes away from her and any possible on-lookers. "Shinn knows that Stellar is not the best at swimming, right?"
"Right…" Shinn nodded. His eyes flickered over to hers. "But you did very well the last time we were here."
"It's because of the flippers and the snorkel gear," Stellar assured him. Her eyes darted away. "Umm…just in case..." She took a deep breath and then turned her gaze back to him. "Will Shinn hold Stellar's hand?"
Athrun let out a heavy breath and leaned back against his chair. Sometimes he felt like a spoiled husband when he was at the Seray. With his wife being the Seray's captain and charged with the task of running the Seray and training its' members, she was almost waited on hand and foot, like some exalted goddess.
And being part of his goddess' family gave him some of the benefits, too. He had tried his best not to cling on to Cagalli as she mounted her horse the night before to go on a Haumea Elite related trip with Lieutenant Caldwell. Before she left, after telling him that no – he could not come with her, she suggested that he catch up on work from Plants.
Athrun had wondered if she had been talking to Yzak. It seemed that the entire Seray understood that needed to catch up on his work and when he came downstairs for breakfast that morning, he had been asked whether he preferred to work indoors or out. Not really sure why they were asking, he said it was a nice day, he wouldn't mind working outside.
Right after breakfast, he was lead to a table on the veranda, which he was positive wasn't there earlier. Along with some writing utensils, parchment, and some tea and snacks, he had been placed at his new outdoor desk. He had to admit, the Elite really knew how to get their work done.
He lifted his hand and scribbled his signature at the end of a paragraph. He then reached for some wax to add his seal.
"Amazing," a male voice said behind him suddenly. The corners of Athrun's mouth curled into an amused smirk, easily placing the voice. "I didn't think you would be able to do any work when in Orb."
"I can," Athrun said as he dropped some red wax on to the parchment and pressed a stamp over it. "The change in scenery doesn't make me useless."
"I beg to differ," Yzak snorted indignantly as the chair across from Athrun scraped across the stone floor of the veranda. He took a seat and leaned forward to pour himself some tea in one of the spare cups. "I heard Captain Athha is out of the city doing work."
"That she is," Athrun mused as he moved on to the next document.
"The Federation Royal Party left for the Athha Estate earlier today," Yzak added. "Why didn't you go with them?"
"I'm not their babysitter, Yzak," Athrun replied as his eyes skimmed a sheet. "There wasn't any reason for me to go."
"It is your wife's estate."
"My wife didn't go, either."
Yzak paused with the tea cup at his lips. He narrowed his eyes. "Why are did you stay behind?"
Athrun swept his signature across the sheet he had been reading and looked up. He beamed a wide smile at Yzak. "I thought you could use the company." The silver-haired man bristled.
He nearly slammed the tea cup on to the table as he shot up from his seat. "Do I look like a child to you, Zala?! I don't need you to keep me company!"
Athrun leaned back against his chair. "Then why are did you come over to the Seray?" he asked knowingly. Yzak froze. He really didn't have any other reason to go to the Rouge Seray except to visit Athrun. "Right," Athrun nodded. He looked back at his work. "Where is Dearka today?"
"Who knows," Yzak scowled as he slowly returned to his seat. "I didn't see him this morning."
"Huh…so he really did join Miriallia's training today," Athrun murmured to himself. He flipped the page to read the next. "Cagalli mentioned having to miss a joint training session with the Azure Seray. Dearka probably went to help."
"That idiot is forgetting who he is," Yzak grumbled. "He's a Red Knight not a…a Haumea Elite. He's not even a woman!" Athrun let out a chuckle as Yzak fell back against the back of his chair and seethed.
"You just miss him."
Blue eyes narrowed into angry slits. "Don't ever say such a ridiculous thing again, Zala," he hissed in a deadly voice.
"My apologies," the blue-haired nobleman smirked. "I know that ignoring one's work is not a laughing matter."
Yzak shifted in his seat. "Surprisingly enough, Elsman finished all the work I gave him. He asked earlier this week if he could have a few days off duty if he completed his work and he actually did."
"I know he can be a bit irresponsible at times, but Dearka is still a Red Knight and he would never had gotten his position if he didn't deserve it," Athrun insisted.
"I acknowledge that he is more than capable when he wants to be, but usually he's off doing whatever he wants and when he does turn in his work, it's littered with errors," the white-haired man scowled.
"That's easy to explain," Athrun smiled. "If he does it right the first time, he won't be called back to re-do it and neither your time nor his will be wasted with a lecture on his incompetence. This means he can spend more time with Miriallia."
Yzak's eyes widened slightly. He gave a small nod. "Well…I never thought that there would be any real positive points to him seeing Captain Haww…"
"Yes, well, don't get used to it," Athrun murmured as he wrote a brief response on the parchment. "It won't last forever."
Yzak smirked. "Well, I doubt she'll put up with him for long."
"I was thinking quite the opposite, actually," Athrun said. He gathered the sheets together and placed them in a neat pile to the side. "I'm sure once he's worn down poor Miriallia enough, he'll ask her to marry him. You must've thought about what will happen once Dearka marries Miriallia."
A genuinely confused look momentarily graced Yzak's face. "What do you mean?"
Athrun raised an eyebrow. "Dearka and Miriallia," he began as he held his hands in front of him. "You can't seriously believe that he will not propose marriage to her. He harbored unrequited feelings for her the moment he laid eyes on her before the war even ended, Yzak."
The other nobleman flushed. "Of course I know!" he snapped. "She's all he ever talks about when he can!"
"Then you know that marriage isn't out of the question," Athrun stated. Yzak nodded.
"Yes, and she'll resign and move to Plants," Yzak replied easily. Athrun stared at him as if he had grown another head. Did Yzak really think that Miriallia would be the one to leave her post? If Cagalli was any example of the devotion a Haumea Elite had to Orb, it would be Dearka who would resign.
"Yzak," Athrun began carefully as he moved his paperwork aside. "I don't believe that she will be the one leaving her country."
Across from him, the other captain tensed. "There is no reason for him to leave his post or his country," Yzak said in a low voice. "The Elsmans have been serving my family for years, they are as close to nobility as a non-noble can be. He has property in Plants, his family is there, his job is there! What could he possibly do in Orb? Here he has nothing. He has no position, no property. As talented a soldier he may be, he can never become a Haumea Elite!"
"But Miriallia is here and the same situation applies to her," Athrun countered. "Her position is higher, as well. Even if Dearka cannot become an Elite, he can still take up an Orb military position, much like Kira does. It is not as if he has any shortages of people to get recommendations from in both countries. Mwu would gladly write him one and Cagalli would aid him without a second thought."
The white-haired nobleman gritted his teeth. His blue eyes looked away from Athrun's face and out towards the edge of the forest, at the end of the Seray grounds. He never thought for a moment that Dearka would ever resign. He had assumed that he'd retire eventually, but that was years away. Resigning while still in his prime was something Yzak could not even fathom.
And what was it all for? A woman.
Yzak's heart clenched. He wasn't sure he could give up everything to be with her. He hadn't, so far. Quickly, he shook his head to try to rid himself of the thoughts and emotions that threatened to spill over. The conversation was about Dearka, not about him or Shiho.
"We're thinking too much into it," Yzak stated firmly. "Nothing has happened yet."
"It's still good to think of a plan ahead of time," Athrun reminded him. "You know that. You're a knight. When the time comes, it will be good to know what you will do in order to take care of things efficiently."
"It's not as if it is for certain, Zala. Even if they do get married, there is still a chance that Captain Haww will come to Plants!" Yzak snapped.
"Not according to the Seray gossip," Athrun mused as he reached for a small pastry. Yzak snorted.
"Then you listen to too much gossip."
"I know that nothing is for certain, Yzak, but being prepared will help both you and the other parties involved, so this is something you should consider," Athrun told him. "For instance, Cagalli and I both have family estates in our home countries. While Cagalli's family is not nobility, the Athhas are a very powerful military and political family. Now that we're married, it is expected that we have birth children to pass on our estates to."
Yzak tilted his head to the side slightly. "I thought Shinn was your heir," he said. "You had formally announced it years ago. Legally, both Mayu and Shinn are listed as adopted members of the Zala House."
"I'm aware," Athrun said. "However, situations change. I never planned on re-marrying and Shinn…" He trailed off and shook his head. "Never mind. The point is we are now one family with two countries. Cagalli and I decided that if we do have children, we will simply split the estates amongst them and they will carry both our names."
"What if you only have one child?" Yzak asked coolly.
Athrun had a sly look on his face. "Twins run in my wife's family, you know."
Yzak crossed his arms over his chest. "This is ridiculous. Why are we even discussing this?" he frowned. "And speaking of your heir, why isn't he here doing some work? Isn't he your secretary?"
"He had planned to go to the island days ago and already finished up his work on time. It should be halfway to Plants by now," Athrun assured him. "What about you? If you're here, I assume your work load has been completed?"
"There is only so much sight-seeing I can do, Zala," Yzak grumbled. Rather than mingling with the other Plants nobles who were seemingly treating the trip as an extended vacation, he had stayed up in his suite, going through anything that came from Plants regarding the Red Knights and the familial estate.
Athrun swallowed his pastry and began eyeing the plate for another one. "What about Corporal Labatt? Haven't you gone to seen her?"
As expected, the air around them thickened. Yzak shifted uncomfortably in his chair and refused to meet Athrun's gaze. His jaw clenched, not wanting to reply, but Athrun would get one out of him whether he liked it or not.
"I've actually spent quite some time thinking-"
"How nice for you."
Yzak shot him a glare. Athrun grinned as he bit into a cookie, amused. "I'm trying to be serious, Zala."
"Sorry," Athrun smiled, sheepishly. "Continue.
Yzak took a deep breath and composed himself. "I don't' feel comfortable simply visiting her at this moment, as I have lingering…doubts. In order to remedy this, I've taken the first step in confronting my doubts and straightening out my personal hesitations."
Athrun narrowed his eyes. "How so?"
Yzak prepared himself for whatever reaction his fellow captain would have. "I've sent a letter to Shiho, requesting that she return immediately."
He watched the blue-haired man's eyes widen as a surprised look graced his face. Athrun seemed to let the situation sink in for a few moments. "When…when did this happen?"
"I sent the message the night of the welcome party for the Federation," Yzak admitted. "She should've received the letter already," he added, hoping to fill the sudden silence that settled between them. "Though, it is taking a bit longer than expected for her to reply."
Athrun nodded and allowed himself a moment to mull over his friend's actions. It was uncharacteristic of Yzak to go back on an order, but if this was what he felt was necessary to fix a problem, he would do it. "What did you tell her?"
"It doesn't matter," Yzak insisted. "I just know that I need to speak to her."
Athrun's face relaxed into a thoughtful look. "I have to say that I'm pleased with this step, whatever your reason for it may be. You're growing up, Yzak," he chuckled, earning him another glare from Yzak. The white-haired man turned his attention back to his cooling cup of tea and brought it to his lips. "Perhaps you've finally realized your feelings for Shiho."
He mirrored Yzak's movements and brought his own tea cup to his mouth. Yzak placed the dainty cup back onto the table. "I have."
The surprise hit Athrun just as he prepared to swallow the tea. Instead, he began to choke. He turned his head to the side and quickly placed his cup on the table before raising his hand and slamming it against his chest. Yzak scowled as Athrun caught his breath and turned back to him with an elated look on his face.
"Congratulations!"
What was that? Yzak frowned. "Don't jump to any conclusions, Zala. I still plan on going through with the Orb marriage."
The hot and humid Orb air suddenly felt cold. Icy green eyes bore into Yzak accusingly. "You have one breath to assure me that I heard you wrong, Yzak. That you are not calling Shiho back just to tell her that you're going to marry another woman."
"You do not understand," Yzak hissed. "We are best left as captain and subordinate. I am requesting her return because I need to straighten out my feelings regarding her. Once the air and my head are clear, I can focus on the marriage with Corporal Labatt."
There were so many things wrong with Yzak's response that Athrun could feel a flush of anger flooding his face. Straighten out his feelings for her? He meant tell her that they could never be while knowing full well that Shiho would simply sit there and accept it. Make the air clear? He meant clean his conscience and be guilt free. As for his head, Athrun was sure it was already "clear".
The worst part was the last. A marriage with Corporal Labatt. It meant that Yzak had made his decision. He knew who he was going to marry.
"You're insane," Athrun couldn't stop the words from coming out of his mouth. Watching Yzak was like watching a collision happening and the frustration from wanting to stop it was too much.
Angrily, Athrun rose to his feet and stood over the white-haired noble. He opened his mouth to begin his verbal thrashing as Yzak opened his to defend himself, when another figure joined them on the veranda.
"Lord Zala, Lord Joule, please forgive the interruption," Juri said as she stepped through the double doors. The two men instantly held their tongues as Yzak rose from his seat and Athrun stood at attention.
"There isn't a problem, Juri. May we help you with something?" Athrun asked.
"A messenger dropped this off for Lord Joule just a moment ago," Juri said as she handed the white-haired noble a scroll. "It seems that they have been trying to find you at the palace, my lord, but were unable to find you. Someone finally directed him to the Seray."
"It's from Plants…" Yzak mumbled as he looked down at the back of the scroll. He looked up.
"My apologies, my lord," a voice said from inside the house. Juri stepped aside as a young man tentatively approached. "It took longer than I thought. Sir Hahnenfuss was neither at the Joule Estate nor at the Red Knights Courtyard."
Yzak shook his head dismissingly. "It's not a problem," he told the messenger. He tore open the scroll and began reading it. "Her father lives outside of December City; she probably went to visit since there was nothing else for her to do-"
His voice stopped abruptly and he froze where he stood. Athrun could feel the sudden tension in the air; different from the one before, when they were about to yell at each other. He turned towards his fellow knight and saw Yzak's pale hands grow even paler as they gripped the parchment. His eyes had glassed over in a cold look as his jaws clenched.
"Yzak…" Athrun frowned.
"Someone get my horse!" The scroll was slammed on to the table, shaking the tea cups as Yzak stormed into the house, yelling for someone to get his horse ready.
The messenger jumped aside as Juri gave Athrun an apologetic bow before quickly departing to ensure that Yzak got his horse. Athrun looked back down at the discarded scroll and lifted it up. His eyes quickly scanned the formal letter.
It wasn't from Shiho; it was from the General overseeing the Red Knights. His blood froze.
"…Sir Shiho Hahnenfuss has resigned her position…"
"Cagalli is going to laugh at Stellar when Cagalli sees Stellar's tan…" Stellar sighed as she trudged out of the water. Blue flippers were in one hand as her goggles rested on her head.
A few steps behind her, still waist deep in water, Shinn was desperately trying to remove a flipper from his left foot. How Stellar, who was sufficient in snorkeling, though was still not the best swimmer in the world, was able to remove her flippers so easily, he would never know.
"It's not bad," Shinn said as he finally managed to tug the piece off. With one foot off the sandy ground and the waves swaying against him, he was suddenly off his feet and, with a loud splash, fell back into the water.
"Shinn?" Stellar quickly turned around. Her eyes widened as she scrambled back towards him. Shinn's arms were flailing above the water as he struggled to gain footing. Salt water filled his mouth as he struggled for air.
Then, he felt a hand grasp his wrist and lift him up. He managed to regain his balance with Stellar beside him. A hand caressed his back soothingly as he hunched forward and coughed out the water he had accidentally swallowed. "I'm fine!" he choked weakly. "Really!"
"Stellar will get Shinn some water," she said as she carefully took his arm and lead him to shore. "Shinn just has to sit and rest." The red-eyed heir cringed. Did he look that pathetic? He was by far a better swimmer than Stellar and yet he was the one who needed to sit and rest? "And some lotion," Stellar added as he fell to his knees on the soft sand. He looked up to her hovering face. "Shinn's face is all red."
His face heated up more so at her words. He would have loved to assure her that he wasn't sun burnt, but that would also require him to explain why his face was flushed. Before he had a chance to speak, Stellar was already rushing back into the water. He squinted at her silhouette against the setting sun.
"What is she…?" His voice trailed off as he saw her grab on to a floating flipper on top of a wave before going further out, chest deep, to try for the other flipper. His eyes widened.
His head snapped down to his hands and he groaned. The flippers he had been holding had been released when he fell back and Stellar had to go after them. He was lucky everyone else had returned to the mansion already and was not around to witness his incompetence.
"Stay here," Stellar ordered as she tossed his flippers on to the sand beside him. Hers had been placed there already. "Stellar will get you some water," she repeated as she lifted her hands to remove her goggles from her head.
"Stellar, it's fine," Shinn said as he began to stand. Oddly, his legs were unsteady. He supposed that was what happened after spending an entire day in the water. "I'll come with you to the house."
"Stellar isn't going to back to the house," the young blonde woman replied as she tilted her head to the side. She carefully placed her goggles on top of her flippers. "Stellar is going to the hut!"
"The…what?" Shinn tilted his head to the side, confused. They had a hut? On the beach? Stellar pointed to a small hut built of bamboo and covered with dried leaves woven across each other for a roof. It was hidden under the shade of some of the thick foliage that lined the edge of the beach.
"Cagalli used to play with Stellar there when Stellar was little," the blonde said as she scurried across the sand. Shinn leaned back against his arms and watched as she easily swung the bamboo door open. From the small, rectangular window cut through the front wall and through the slits between the bamboo siding, he could see a yellow light turn on from inside.
Stellar's head could be made out against the light as she wandered around the small hut. A few moments later, she came out with a glass container of chilled water, two cups, and a large beach towel in her arms. A wide smile was on her face as she approached him.
"You keep stuff in there?" Shinn asked as he raised his hands and accepted the large container. He placed it beside him and then reached for the cups. As soon as they were out of her hands, she stepped back and unraveled the beach towel before them, over the sand.
"The maids knew Stellar and everyone was coming, so the maids put some water and towels in the hut," she informed him as she fell on her knees on top of the towel. She crawled forward and fixed the edges before returning to her spot and patting the towel space beside her.
Shinn handed her the glasses and tugged the water container with him as he crawled beside her and sat down. She handed him a glass. "Thanks."
Stellar merely continued to smile as he lifted the container of water and poured him and Stellar something to drink. As he capped the container, he moved it aside and brought the water to his lips. A refreshed sigh left his lips as the cool liquid slid down his throat.
There was nothing like a nice, crisp glass of fresh water after a long day submerged in warm tropical seas. "Did Shinn have a nice time?"
"Yeah," Shinn said as he held his glass over his lap and nodded. "I didn't know there were so many fish here. No wonder Mayu was so excited to do it again."
Stellar nodded as she brought her cup up to her lips and took a small sip. As Shinn looked out at the sun setting before them, Stellar glanced over her shoulder, towards the stone path that lead back up the main house.
Everyone else had already returned earlier, starting with Lord Djibril who proclaimed the sand was too hot and quickly returned to the house just a few minutes after they arrived at the beach. Mwu had followed to keep him company. After less than an hour in the water, Murata had the beginnings of a sun burn and Stellar insisted that he return before it got worse.
She then made Sting go with him. As the afternoon progressed, Mayu screamed that she had a leg cramps and had to be pulled out of the water by Auel and Rey, who she had been partnered up with and was clinging on to for dear life. Both young men had wanted to stay behind, until Kira loomed over them with a sudden aura of authority and hissed that a young girl was injured; it would be rude to just abandon her.
Rey looked defeated and Auel looked torn between duty and chivalry Stellar didn't even know he had. Then again, Kira was somewhat terrifying when he wanted to be. He was not a high ranked military officer for nothing. Eventually, Kira had Auel carry Mayu, still suffering from 'leg cramps', back to the main house and made Rey follow them to hold their snorkel gear.
Since he was the last one left, with no partner, Shinn had asked if he wanted to join them. Stellar had been standing behind Shinn and shook her head to Kira. Her purple-eyed older brother merely smiled warmly.
"No, I should head back, too," Kira had told them. "You two go ahead and continue."
She never loved Kira more. What she didn't catch, as she turned around and pulled her face mask over her eyes, was the look of warning Kira gave Shinn. The red-eyed knight shifted awkwardly before turning around and fumbling with his snorkel.
Now they were alone and she was nervous. Beside her, Shinn contentedly chugged down his cup of water. He turned to her and gave her a bright smile. "Thanks for the water, Stellar. I didn't know how thirsty I was."
Stellar nodded. She placed her cup beside her took a deep breath. The setting was perfect. They were alone, on a secluded tropical beach, during sunset. Nothing could be more perfect. It was now or never.
"Shinn," she began as she shifted in his direction.
The red-eyed knight tilted his head to the side. "Yes?" The young Haumea Elite was suddenly in front of him, with her hands on his shoulders as she leaned forward. His eyes widened as her legs brushed against his. "Stel-"
His mind went blank and his heart stopped.
Stellar was kissing him.
"Kira!" Mwu stuck his head out of the open doorway and swept his eyes across the patio that over looked the ocean. He easily found the brown-haired scholar seated on one of the cushioned chairs, still wearing an intense mask of concentration on his face, as he looked down at the game board.
Across from him, Murata stared with equal concentration and Mwu raised an eyebrow. Had they even moved from the last time he had come outside? Beside Kira, Mayu, who was scribbling some notes across blank music sheets, reached over and tugged on the sleeve of his shirt.
"Huh?" The brunette's head snapped up and he blinked, as if to bring himself out of his trance. "Yes, Mayu?"
"Mwu," the young woman said as she motioned towards the patio doorway with the end of her writing utensil.
"Oh," Kira sat up straight and met Mwu's gaze. "Something I can help you with?"
"There sure is," Mwu beamed. "Food is almost ready. They're bringing it out to the dining room as I speak. Go down to the beach and tell the Shinn and Stellar that it's time to come up and eat."
Kira was already on his feet, quickly making his way to the stairs that lead to the beach. "No problem! I'll be right back!"
"Wait!" Murata was up in a heart beat. He stumbled over his feet as he struggled to put on his flip flops quickly, without falling flat on his face. "I'll join you!"
"Sure!" Kira's oddly cheerful answer was canceled out by the fact that his walk sped up. Mwu raised an eyebrow as Murata scrambled after Kira's disappearing figure.
"Are they going back to the beach?" a voice said behind Mwu. The blond consort looked over his shoulder and saw Rey making his way towards the door curiously.
"They're just going to get Shinn and Stellar for dinner," Mwu replied as he stepped aside to let the younger man through. "Where are Auel and Sting?"
Rey cringed for a moment and offered Mwu a weak smile. In truth, he had somehow been able to lose them in the maze of halls and galleries. "I think they're looking at some of the paintings in the family portrait gallery."
"Oh, they must be looking at Stellar's initiation portrait," Mwu smiled. Rey nodded half-heartedly as he crossed the patio to the walkway. "Where are you going?"
"Down to the beach," the young man replied. "In case they need help!"
"Help with what?" Mwu snorted as Rey disappeared.
"Hmm…" Mwu looked back towards the edge of the patio, where Mayu was standing. She was squinting down, past the top of the trees and towards the beach. "I can't see them…"
"They may be sitting close to the tree line, Mayu. We can't see that part of the beach from here," Mwu informed her. He watched as her nose crinkled up in disappointment. He chuckled to himself. "But we can from the balcony of the eastern master suite…"
Back on the stone path that lead down to the beach from the house, Murata had finally caught up with Kira. "Don't you think you're walking a bit fast?" the monarch asked as he struggled to keep up with Kira. He kept his eyes on the stone pavement warily, just incase he missed a step or landed on an uneven one.
Kira easily walked down the dark colored stone, having gotten used to it over time. He, Cagalli, and Stellar used to race up and down the path. It had taken him some time to get used to it, though. The first time, he slipped and tumbled into the surrounding jungle foliage.
"No, you'll get used to the steps," he answered easily. "Just be careful. If you slip, you could fall into the jungle." He waved one hand casually to the sloping hillside filled with trees and vines. Murata swallowed a lump in his throat and slowed down.
Kira chuckled to himself as he continued to walk at his swift pace. He slowly left Murata behind him and by the time he reached the soft sands of the beach, he had lost all sight of the Federation monarch.
Triumphantly, his sandaled feet landed on the beach and he took a step forward, towards the two figures sitting on the sand. His purple eyes landed on the shadowed bodies and he froze.
At that point in the day, when the sun was setting and it was becoming difficult to see in the water, he had expected the two to be coming out of the sea and getting ready to head up to the mansion. He expected Shinn to be holding Stellar's snorkel gear and Stellar to be smiling and fully tanned as they walked to the stone path.
He did not expect them to still be on a beach towel, their snorkel gear abandoned in a neat pile beside them. He did not expect Shinn to be frozen where he sat, with one hand still tightly clutching a cup of water. He most certainly did not expect to see his youngest, innocent, pure little sister practically straddling the young knight while she pressed her lips against his.
Kira felt all his blood draining from his body as he stared in a mixture of confusion and horror. This was not happening. He had merely swallowed too much sea water that day.
Stellar pulled her head away slowly and opened her eyes. She looked down at Shinn's wide red eyes that hadn't closed at all. His lips were parted, just a bit, making him look stunned. Nervously, she bit her lip and drew her head back. According to what she heard in the Serays, he wasn't supposed to look traumatized after she kissed him.
He was supposed to smile and sweep in for another kiss, as she had see Dearka do with Miriallia. He was supposed to blush and reach out and stroke her face, like Athrun did with Cagalli. Shinn wasn't supposed to remain motionless and with a shocked expression on his face.
Her beating heart began to twist in her chest. This could only mean one thing. Her head dropped as she slowly crawled back. Her mind struggled to come up with something to say to fill the thick silence between them, but nothing but stuttered apologies threatened to come out.
"Stellar…" Her heart nearly leapt out of her chest as Shinn spoke. Her head snapped up and she met his gaze. His mouth opened hesitantly.
"Stellar is sorry!" she shouted, suddenly. Her hands clawed into the fabric of the beach towel beneath them. Her eyes crinkled up and she could feel tears of embarrassment threatening to fall. She turned her head away shamefully. "Stellar…" she choked out. "Stellar really likes Shinn and-"
She felt a warm hand touch her cheek and her mouth snapped closed. Her heart slammed against her chest as her maroon eyes shot back to his face.
Shinn could feel his own heart start to quicken as it recovered from the initial shock. Stellar kissed him. Stellar, Haumea Elite and Federation Princess kissed him. He didn't even do anything. It was terribly clear where they both stood, at least to him. He was right when he was on the boat. His one-sided affection for Stellar was now clearly mutual.
While part of him wanted to celebrate, another part of him suddenly felt guilty. The woman his best friend wanted to marry had just kissed him. All sorts of feelings were rising during what should have been a moment of sheer elation. Damn Rey. Damn Stellar. Damn him.
Shinn looked at Stellar, searching her eyes as if they would tell him the answer to his problem. What would happen if Rey found out? He didn't care about the Federation or the nobles that followed Stellar around like guard dogs. It didn't matter what their social and political affiliations were…
His thoughts faded away. All he could see was her golden hair was glowing in the sunset. Her eyes were moist and he could see the hope in them as his hand subconsciously stroked her face. She was special and somewhere in the back of his mind, he had known that the moment he laid eyes on her the day he got lost in Onogoro.
No words could express his incoherent thoughts. Instead, Shinn's hand steadied Stellar's face and he leaned forward.
"Stellar!?" a horrified voice echoed over the sound of waves and the rustling of trees. It seemed to infiltrate the little world the two had built for themselves and quickly drew them out of their moment.
Shinn's haze filled eyes quickly cleared as both he and Stellar turned their attention to the source of the voice.
Murata was standing at the bottom of the steps, his eyes wide and his mouth agape as he stared at them. Beside him, Kira was standing motionlessly and unusually pale for a man who had spent a day out in the sun.
Stellar felt her face heating up as her brothers caught her in such a position with Shinn. She hadn't expected them to appear and it was clear that neither of them was sure what to feel or do.
Shinn's face, however, began to pale. His gaze had gone past Kira and Murata and landed on the last person he wanted to see them.
Rey was standing on the last step, his eyes narrowed and hurt as they looked at Shinn. The blond knight turned around.
"Rey!" Shinn shouted. He scrambled to his feet, refusing to look at Stellar as she looked up at him.
"Shinn?"
He was already crossing the beach in a run. "Rey! Wait!"
Stellar's eyes widened, unsure why he was suddenly running away from her. "Wait! Shinn!" She called out as she stretched out her arm. Her cries fell on deaf ears as Shinn flew past her brothers and ran up the stone walkway, after his fellow knight.
From the eastern balcony, a scowl was plastered across Mayu's face. She pulled away from the eye piece of the telescope. "He ran away," she hissed.
Behind her, Mwu tilted his head to the side. "What?"
"My brother ran away!" Mayu threw her arms in the air and whirled around. She jumped off the step stool she had been standing on and marched past the Queen's husband. "He saw Rey and then ran after him!"
Mwu's eyes crinkled up. "He ran after Rey?" he asked carefully. Mayu nodded her head, frustrated. "What about Stellar?"
"He left her on the beach!" Mayu exclaimed. She stormed towards the doors. "Stupid Shinn! He couldn't even kiss her! He just jumped up and ran after Rey! Rey!"
Mwu watched as the young musician stomped out of the room. He turn turned back to the balcony. He approached the telescope and looked through the eye piece. Stellar was gathering the beach towel in her arms while Kira and Murata surrounded her, both talking rapidly.
As they waved their arms around, seemingly scolding her, Stellar kept her eyes on the towel, biting her lip. Finally, she threw the towel at Kira, yelled something, and ran past them. Kira seemed to extend his arm towards her and call out, but she ignored him.
Mwu let out a low whistle and shook his head. This would not be the relaxing trip he had thought it would be…
"Are you all right, Lady Joule?" A pair of blue eyes flickered from the window on her right and to the pink-haired woman seated across from her. Ezalia offered Lacus a weak smile as her hands remained frozen on her lap.
"Yes, of course," the noblewoman assured her. "I'm just a bit tired from the trip."
Lacus smiled back warmly and nodded. She was sure that the trip wasn't what was wearing Ezalia down. The closer they got to Orb, the quieter Ezalia had gotten; something unnatural to the outspoken councilwoman. Once they crossed into Orb, Ezalia's mind seemed to have been elsewhere completely.
Elsewhere was made up of her son.
Lacus diverted her eyes to the other window, not wanting to push further. She understood Ezalia's hesitation and worry clearly. They were unsure what to expect when they reached Onogoro's palace and Yzak. If the Red Knights captain had sent a message to his former subordinate recently, then it was assured that he already knew that she was no longer active.
They doubted that he knew exactly what happened, but he, like Lacus, would find something odd with Shiho Hahnenfuss simply resigning without prior warning. If the Red Knights had responded with any additional information, including that Shiho had resigned with his mother's support, then a confrontation between mother and son was inevitable. She glanced back at Lady Joule.
Perhaps that was why Ezalia was allowing herself to break out of her usual composure and wring her hands together on her lap. She loved her son more than anyone else in the world; possibly more than anything, yet Lacus was sure that Yzak would not recognize that.
The pink-haired monarch looked out the window. It was dark already, and the carriage and the rest of their escort were starting to emerge from the hills that surrounded part of Onogoro. In the distance, Lacus could see the lights from the city and the dark expanse of the ocean past it.
She took a deep breath. Somewhere out there was Kira. She suddenly felt giddy at the thought. She couldn't wait to see him. It was a shame that she couldn't see him until the next morning, at the earliest. Of course, that was providing she didn't have any formal royal duties to attend to, which she was sure she had.
If Queen Murrue wasn't already asleep, then she would have to greet her, the advisors, and have a meal with some of her noblemen and their families. No doubt that she would also have to greet the visiting Federation nobility, as well.
She let out a sigh. She was already tired thinking about it.
"Do you think he knows?" a voice asked across from her. Lacus looked back across the carriage to the older woman.
"Pardon, Lady Joule?" she asked as she leaned forward a bit.
Ezalia kept her eyes out the window. "Yzak," she said carefully. "Do you think he knows that Shiho resigned?"
Lacus thought for a moment. "To be honest, I do not know, Lady Joule. There is a chance he knows, but then there is also a chance that he still does not know that she has resigned."
"If he does not know," Ezalia replied as she turned to face Lacus. Blue eyes looked at her, pleading. "Please do not tell him."
For a moment, Lacus' eyes widened. "Lady Joule, I cannot lie to Yzak-"
"It is not that I request for you to lie to him, My Queen," Ezalia assured her earnestly. "I am merely asking you not to tell him. If the subject comes up, it is inevitable to speak about it, but if it does not, I ask that you do not bring it up."
Lacus' chest rose with a heavy breath. In the chance that Yzak didn't know, she doubted he would speak to her about personal matters regarding Shiho. He rarely spoke to her on Red Knight matters regarding Shiho. Lacus lowered her eyes. "I will try, Lady Joule," she began.
"Thank-"
"However, if Yzak does know," Lacus cut her off seriously. "Then I expect you to explain the circumstances of Shiho's sudden resignation to him."
The older woman looked as if she wanted to reject the order, but instead lowered her eyes. "I understand," Ezalia whispered.
Lacus gave her an acknowledging nod and turned her attention back to the window. They rode in silence the rest of the way. It wasn't until the carriage stopped before the front steps of Onogoro's palace, did the two women stir from their thoughts. The footman opened the door and held it in place.
The pink-haired monarch rose from her seat and took a deep breath to compose herself. She held on to the side of the carriage as she stepped down carefully.
"Lacus!" a cheerful voice greeted her. "Welcome back to Orb!"
"Queen Murrue," Lacus immediately smiled. "Thank you for welcoming me back."
"Queen Murrue…my dear, it's late and I'm wearing my robe," the brown-haired ruler laughed. She didn't seem at all perturbed to be wearing a pale blue satin robe and blue shawl over her sleepwear. "There is no need for formalities right now."
"Queen Murrue," Lady Joule greeted. "You needn't have waited up for us."
"Oh, non-sense," the other woman assured her as she and Lacus embraced warmly. "We're not ones to welcome guests into an empty palace!"
"Murrue, where is Mwu?" Lacus asked, dropping the formalities, as she glanced around. None of the advisors were around and Murrue seemed to be only escorted by guards. Under normal circumstances, Lacus would've been worried. A few guards didn't feel like enough late in the night, but then again, they were on palace grounds and Murrue, despite her position, was still a captain level Haumea Elite.
Lacus was sure Orb's reigning queen could take down all the guards around her if she wanted.
"He went to the Athha Estate as the official Orb representative to escort our guests from the Federation," Murrue smiled. She waved her arms, to instruct the guards that were around to begin helping the royal entourage with unpacking their belongings from the carriage. "I don't know if you've heard the latest about our Stellar, but she and her brothers have gone to the island for a few days-"
"Brothers?" Lacus' head perked up. Kira was Stellar's brother. Her eyebrows furrowed. Didn't Stellar only have one brother? She looked at Murrue questioningly. "You mean Kira?"
"I take it you haven't heard," Murrue chuckled. She looked over at Ezalia. "But standing out here after a long day of traveling isn't very hospitable. Would you two like to join me for a late night cup of tea?"
Hoping to hear more at Kira and his current whereabouts, Lacus nodded earnestly. "I wouldn't mind a quick cup."
"Wonderful," Murrue smiled as she ushered them up the stairs. "Lady Joule?"
The blue-eyed woman seemed to snap out of her thoughts and offered Orb's queen a slight smile. "Actually, Murrue," she said informally. "I am a bit tired. I think I should get to bed…old age and all that."
"Oh, don't be silly…you're not old!" Murrue laughed as they reached the main hall. "But your room is all ready, Ezalia. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, my dear," Ezalia smiled thankfully, genuinely relieved. "Lacus, I will retire for the night. Have a good evening."
"Be sure to get some rest," Lacus smiled. Ezalia bowed her head and waited for the two queens to walk further into the hall. As soon as they were out of hearing range, she lifted her head and let out a heavy sigh.
She turned and began walking through another corridor, towards the set of stairs that would take her to her guest suite. Several guards were ahead of her, bringing her things to her room as she trudged up the stairs.
Despite her tiredness, she wasn't sure she would be able to sleep that night. In the morning, she knew she had to face her son and the thought that he already knew and was furious was eating away at her. The anxiety from days of travel had collected to a near overwhelming pressure. She wasn't sure she was ready to face him the next morning.
"Mother," a voice said in the quiet hall. The white-haired woman froze before the open door to her suite. He might as well have yelled her name the way his voice carried in the near empty hall. "Welcome back."
She could feel bumps rising on her skin and ignored the hole in the pit of her stomach. A stern, eternally composed look was immediately pasted across her face as she turned and met the icy gaze of her only son. "Yzak," she greeted curtly. "Thank you. You are up rather late."
He seemed to pause and measure his words carefully. "I was having a hard time sleeping," he replied coldly. She internally winced. While she was used to hearing her son's cold voice, she was not used to hearing it directed solely at her. Frustrated, yes. Angry and curt, yes, but cold and distant, no.
"Well," Ezalia continued. She stepped aside as the guards who had been carrying her things filed out of her suite and bowed their heads to her. "It is late and I should-"
"May I have a moment of your time, Mother," Yzak stated sharply. It was not a question; it was a demand.
Ezalia felt her voice catch in her throat. "Can it not wait until the morning, Yzak?"
"No, Mother, it cannot," Yzak replied icily. She watched as he lifted up a piece of worn looking parchment. "I'd like to speak to you about this letter I received from the Red Knights."
He knew. Ezalia didn't flinch outwardly, but inside, she felt as if she had been struck. She opened her mouth, but was quickly cut off.
"Tell me, Mother," Yzak hissed as his eyes narrowed into blue slits. "How could Shiho resign without my knowing or my approval?"
"Yzak-"
"There is only one way I know of that would make that possible," Yzak said in a low voice. "And that is to have a noble authorize the resignation."
He looked so angry. Even in the dim light of the hall, Yzak looked furious. "Darling, I-"
"Why?" Yzak demanded as he stalked forward. "Why did you force her to resign!?"
"Yzak," Ezalia's voice broke into panic. "Yzak, I didn't force her to-"
"She had never even considered such a thing!" Yzak yelled. His mother cowered back, occasionally glancing over her shoulder and expecting to see the doors swing open and other nobles peek out.
Ezalia quickly narrowed her own eyes and glared back at her son. "Yzak Joule, you will not take that tone with me! You will keep your voice-"
"Why did you force her to resign!?" Yzak demanded.
Ezalia's hand shot forward. She grabbed her son's wrist and dragged him into her room, hoping to make their argument a bit more private. She quickly closed the door behind her. As she took a moment to calm herself, with her son still glaring at her a few steps away, she answered.
"Do not for a minute think that I forced her to resign," Ezalia said in a low voice. She turned around and slowly raised her head. "I had no formal reason to force her to resign."
"Then you were not the one who suggested it to her…" Yzak frowned.
Ezalia shook her head. "I was the one who ordered her to resign; however-"
"Why?" he demanded. "You know she would not deny an order from you! An order from you is law to her! Why would you!?"
"Because she was a distraction!" Ezalia exclaimed. She took a step forward and locked her eyes with his. "Do you not realize that, Yzak? You have eyes for no other woman!"
"That's preposterous-"
"That is the truth!" Ezalia countered before her son could completely deny her claim. "You have always cared for Shiho. It was more than a mutual respect, Yzak! I knew that from the beginning! It is just that I did not know how much you cared for her until recently!"
"That has nothing to do with this!" Yzak raged as he threw his arms into the air. "You dismissed one of my subordinates without speaking to me-"
"No, Yzak, it has everything to do with this!" Ezalia replied angrily. "I gave her the order to resign because we both understood that as long as she was there; as long as she was around you, there was no way you could marry another woman, let alone have children! If you were even able to make it so far as to wed another, do you think it would not hurt both of you to know that you were bound to someone else?"
"What are you talking about?" Yzak growled. "You're not making any sense! You merely went over my head!"
"I went over your head because I had to!" his mother yelled. She looked at her son beseechingly, as he trying to make him understand. "You love Shiho!" she spat out. "You know it, you merely deny it!" Turmoil crossed Yzak's flushed face. "And do not think for a moment that Shiho does not love you!"
His heart twisted. This was not happening. He shook his head. "You misunderstand…" he murmured dumbly.
"You misunderstand," Ezalia frowned. "She would not have resigned if she did not understand why I gave the order. She left willingly, Yzak. She left for your sake."
"No," Yzak shook his head as he took a step back. "No, do not try to blame me on me!" he yelled.
"Who else is there to blame?" Ezalia yelled back. "Had you made your affections clear earlier, do you think I would have allowed you to become a groom?" His eyes widened. "It is far too late to back out considering the circumstances right now, especially without shaming the family or Plants!"
"The family or…" His mind wrapped around those words. "Is that all you care about!?" he yelled. "Our family's standing!?"
"I care about our duty to the country! We were born into privilege, Yzak! Privilege comes with duty! That is the price we pay!" Ezalia hissed. "You are fully aware of that!"
"And so you sacrificed Shiho."
"I did no such thing," Ezalia turned her head away. "I may have ordered her to resign, but I made damn sure that she would be more than taken care of!"
"What do you mean 'taken care of'! She is a Red Knight!" Yzak yelled. "She is a soldier! The most elite Plants has!" Ezalia sucked in her breath and went quiet. Yzak narrowed his eyes more so and took a step forward. "She is still in Plants, isn't she?" Ezalia kept her mouth closed and Yzak felt his heart ripping. "Mother…"
"I do not know where she went," the woman replied quietly. Yzak scowled. He shook his head.
"Don't lie to me, Mother."
"You dare call your mother a liar!?" Ezalia growled as her head turned back to him. "I did what I could to assure her another career! I've spoken to all the necessary connections! Whether or not she took what has been offered is completely up to her! Despite what it may look like I do genuinely care for Shiho and I would not heartlessly cast her out of Plants!"
Yzak threw his mother a disgusted look. "You took away her life," he said coldly. "The Red Knights was everything to her and you forced her out…" He turned his head away and gritted his teeth. "I doubt you care even a bit for Shiho…perhaps even me." His mother took in a sharp breath.
Without another word, he swept past her and headed for the door. "Yzak," Ezalia followed him with her eyes. "Yzak, where are you going?" she asked as she turned around. He twisted the door knob and pulled it open.
"I will find her," Yzak hissed in a low voice, without looking back at his mother. "And I will bring her back to the Red Knights."
"Yzak!" He stepped outside and Ezalia darted after him. "Yzak! The wedding is at the end of the month! Yzak!"
He paid no heed as he swiftly vanished down the stairs. The white haired woman grasped on to the white door frame to steady herself as she tried to hold herself back from crying. Her son couldn't even stand to look at her. Her son…her baby. Didn't he understand?
"Most children do not understand that their mothers will do anything for their happiness," a voice said above her. She looked up and saw Advisor Simmons approaching. "No matter how horrible those things may seem."
"Advisor…" Ezalia lifted a hand swept back her white hair. "Erica…Forgive the yelling…" Her voice trailed off as the other woman lifted a hand dismissingly.
"It is not a problem," Erica assured her. "Though it seems I am a bit late." She turned her head towards the stairs where Yzak had stormed down.
"I'm sorry," Ezalia tilted her head to the side, confused. "I'm not sure…"
"Shiho," Erica said, motioning one hand towards the stairs. "Miriallia told me that some of our sisters who had vacation time had gone out to the countryside earlier this week to help Shiho. She just moved into her late grandmother's cottage."
A.N. – I'm SO SORRY!!! I've been so busy at work and preparing for an upcoming artist alley, that I have been completely neglecting the fic! I'm not even DONE with the stuff for work OR the AA comic and buttons. T_T I'll try to update at least once more before October. TRY.