My longest chapter =O

BTW thanks to last chapter's reviewers

R&R...Enjoy

"Are...are you sure this is it?" Kira asked.

There was a long pause in the air. "It is," Misaki responded.

"What happened?" Kira asked. He began to manuever Freedom around the scattered debris. He looked around taking in the destroyed area. "Did this place become a battlefield?" he said.

Misaki sat on top of Eternal. "Looks like it," she said. "Kira...Cagalli was..."

"Don't say it," he said. "She might have left before the incident, or fled during it. There's those possibilities, so...don't say it."

Misaki sighed. She buried her face into Eternal's mane, "Yes," she replied.

Cagalli could still be alive, Kira thought. There's a possibility that this was a battle and she evacuated. I have to believe that...I have to...He balled up his fist.

"Let's go," he said facing Misaki.

Misaki lifted her head, "Where to?" she asked.

"We're going back to that village we had passed along the way here," he said. "Remember, I had asked them for a map of the continent. We're going to go and retrieve it now."

"So I can return home?" Misaki asked.

Kira nodded, "My mission was to guide you home and I'm going to do so."

Misaki sighed, "Yes," she said.

They began to ride off, heading back to the small village they passed earlier. Misaki rode with her head down and her hood up. She didn't want anyone to recognize her. Every now and again she would glance at Kira. He had on a brave face, but Misaki didn't buy it. She knew he was deeply concerned for his sister. She was concerned for Cagalli as well.

Please be alright, she thought. She squeezed her eyes shut as she gripped the horse's reins. Please have gotten out of there safe.

It didn't take long for them to reach the village. Immediately Kira went to the shop that sold maps. He purchased the map and they made their way out of town. Once out of town they took a rest at a pond. As the horses drank, Kira laid the map out on a large rock.

"Tarea, Tarea," he mumbled as he searched the map. He glided his finger across the paper, "Is this it?" he asked Misaki, who was hovering behind him.

She looked over his shoulder. "Yup," she said.

"I figured. Just double checking. It seems we were getting closer and closer," he said.

"Yeah...how long do you think until we reach it?" she asked.

"Two days," he said. "I'm glad the store clerk gave me this compass." He let out a dry chuckle, "I'm no navigator like Sai."

"Kira..." Misaki said.

Kira looked at her, "Yeah?"

She had her head down and was fiddling with her fingers. "I don't want to return home just yet." She lifted her head and met his gaze, "I want to know what happened to Cagalli."

"I do too, but, Misaki, we searched the base. You saw that there was no sign left of her." Kira paused. "She's..."

"She could have escaped!" Misaki exclaimed. "You had said so yourself. Maybe that pink haired lady helped her too."

"And if she did, Misaki?" Kira said. "Where would she be now? I don't know, do you?"

Misaki continued to glare at him. With each second, Kira's eyes, were becoming glassy. She knew that this had to be hurting him, but she had to persist. She wanted to know if her friend was alright and she wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted.

"Maybe she's on her way to Orb. Maybe ZAFT had a safe house, or something and they took her there. Maybe-"

"She was a prisoner, Misaki. Wasn't she?" he stood up. "If she was trailing you and Alex and got caught, she was a prisoner. A trespasser to ZAFT land. Why would they treat her so kindly?"

"Kira you can't just give up on her!" Misaki shouted. "She's your sister!"

"I'm not!" His voice echoed. Misaki fell silent. "If Cagalli is safe she can handle herself. She's a soldier you know. But far as I'm concerned the place that contained her is destroyed. I have no information on what happened to her. I have to classify her as MIA. Do you think I want to classify my own sister as Missing In Action, Misaki?"

"No," Misaki whispered.

Tears were flowing from his eyes now, "I want her to be alright so bad, but what can I do? We searched the area and...nothing. My sister could be dead," he began to sob.

"Kira, I'm sorry..."

"Don't apologize," he said with a smile. He wiped his eyes. "I'll send a message to the chief regarding my sister and then we'll head out to Tarea. I know you care for Cagalli. Thank you."

Misaki smiled at him, "I care for you too," she said. "I just wish there was more we could do."

"Me too," he responded, "but for now I'll just make sure you get home safe. I don't want you to be in danger any further."

"Athrun, it's already been a day, and we have no supplies," Cagalli said as she walked behind Athrun. "All we have eaten was some stupid, stale bread you had on you. I'm starving we need to find a town or something."

He looked back at his traveling companion. She looked drained. He stopped to face her. She stopped as well and glared at him.

"You said you'd get me home safe," Cagalli said. "I won't be home safe if I die of hunger."

Athrun let out a sigh, "I know," he said, "but making constant stops will slow us down."

Cagalli folded her arms, "They don't have to be constant," she said, "but let us at least make one or two so we can grab some food."

Athrun sighed again, "Okay," he said. He turned back around and began to walk again, "I have some money on me, so the next village we pass we'll make a quick stop."

Cagalli smile triumphantly, "Good," she said as she followed him.

The two continued to walk as the sun began to set. They had yet to pass a village. Cagalli's tiredness grew more and more. With each step her feet became sore. Her pace began to slow down and Athrun seemed so far ahead. He would peek over his shoulder every now and again to make sure she was alright, but didn't pressure her to walk faster. He knew how tired she must have been.

He was also becoming very tired. They've been walking none stop. He was also dehydrated. Nothing, but green was what they passed. No ponds, lakes or rivers. It was a dry land. He wished it would at least rain.

His head felt light and when he was about to suggest a break he saw people. They were in the distance, but he could see them. If there were people there was sure to be a town.

"Cagalli!" he said startling her.

She slightly jumped, "What?" she said.

He pointed ahead, "I think we're close to a town," he said.

Cagalli looked ahead and seen the tiny figures as well. A huge smile graced her lips. "So what are we waiting for!" she began to run.

Athrun chuckled, "Where did that energy come from?" he said, but soon followed suit.

Athrun was right. They had reached a town. The two stood there for a minute. Both happy to finally see other human beings. Soon they began to make their way through the town. After a few minutes they came across the towns market. This caused excitement in Cagalli.

"How many coins do you have?" she asked Athrun.

Athrun went into his pocket and grabbed the coins. He looked into his palm and began counting. "Only eight," he said.

"Cagalli frowned, "I hope this is a cheap market," she said.

He sighed, "me too."

"I hear you two don't have many coins," the two turned around to find an old lady. "I could help you out. Won't be much but it'll be something."

The old woman looked kind. She carried a sincere smile. Her face was very wrinkled and her eyes looked as if they were closed. The two soldiers believed she was very old, considering how white her hair was. They decided to trust her and take her up on her mysterious offer.

"How so?" Athrun asked.

"I sell many things in my shop, mainly fabrics. I'll give you a free basket full of fruits and bread. You only have to buy one thing from my store," she said.

"Really?" Cagalli said astonished.

The old woman nodded, "Yes. You two look like you've been through a rough situation. I hate seeing young people suffer. I would want someone to do the same for my grandchildren," she said. "Come on in. My shop is right here."

The shop was just inches away. The old lady stepped inside. Cagalli and Athrun hesitated before they followed. The shop was full of fabrics. There were a small amount of other things though. Such as jars, baskets, and a small table of fruits.

"Pick anything you want," the woman said.

Cagalli and Athrun began to look around. They hadn't a clue of what they would need from this shop. Athrun turned to Cagalli. He thought that she should pick.

"You pick," he said to her.

"Really?' she replied.

"I put you through a lot. It's not much, but it's the least I can do for now," he said.

"Oh...well...thanks." she continued to look around. She contemplated what would be necessary for their travels. Finally coming to a conclusion she held up an item. "I choose this," she said holding up a blanket.

"It may be warm during the day, but the nights are cold," she said.

Athrun nodded, "Good choice," he said.

"Lucky for you that's only four gold coins," the old lady said winking.

They made their purchase and left the shop, basket and blanket in hand. They exited the town during sunset. They carried smiles on their faces. The night would be much easier for them. They would have warmth, and food in their bellies. They were even hydrated now. They had found a well, and each drunk a bucket full of water.

They began to head south. Athrun informed Cagalli that PLANT was in that direction. He also informed her if they continued to travel with little to no breaks, they should be there within two days. Cagalli didn't like the idea of hardly any breaks, but she obliged. Athrun did however thought they should find a safe place for camp. He waited until they passed a forest.

The two had found a bunch of rocks by a pond and decided to spend the night there. Athrun made a fire. Cagalli laid out the blanket and placed some fruit on top of it. They sat on the blanket and munched on grapes and oranges. They were still a bit hungry, but decided to save the rest for breakfast.

The two sat silently by the fire as the night went on. Cagalli was wrapped in the blanket. Athrun was rubbing his hands by the flames. He would peek at Cagalli from time to time. He noticed her eyes kept closing. She was fighting sleep.

"You're tired," he said. "why don't you just go to sleep?"

She shook her head, "I'm fine," she said.

"You were the one complaining earlier. Go to sleep, Cagalli," he said.

She shook her head again, "I have to watch my back. We're out in the open," she yawned.

"We can alternate between guarding," he said.

She shook her head once more, "No."

"You don't trust me," he stated. "You think I'll do something again don't you?"

"Of course I don't," she glared at him. The fire dancing in her eyes. "I don't know what you'll do, but I can't trust you anymore."

He sighed, "I see...I'm sorry. I was just following orders. I didn't want to hurt you. I liked you too much. I like you too much to do it again."

Hearing him say that caused her cheeks to burn. She averted her gaze to the fire, unable to look at him. She was afraid to. He said he liked her, but he betrayed her. He kissed her, but he betrayed her. But she liked the kisses. She liked him.

She shook her head. She didn't want to be blushing. She didn't want her heart rate to accelerate the way it was. She didn't want him to make things so difficult. Her mind and heart were at war. She didn't know what to do.

The night went on. Athrun nodded off now and again. Cagalli did as well. The fire blew out long ago. The night was becoming colder, especially since they were by water. Cagalli wrapped the blanket closer to her. She glanced over at Athrun who was shivering.

Cagalli frowned. She crawled over to him. Oh why not? she thought. I'll just move take it off him in the morning. She wrapped the blanket around the two of them. She moved him closer to her. Instantly she felt his body heat. A blush appeared on her face before she drifted off to slumber.

"Cagalli?" Athrun said.

Cagalli opened her eyes and met his emerald ones. She jumped up. She was shocked at how close they were. She nearly forgot she was wrapped in the blanket with him.

Oh crap! she thought. I forgot to wake up.

The two quickly got up. They didn't speak of it, though a blush remained on their faces for the rest of the morning. They ate more fruit and rinsed their faces in the pond. Then they continued their journey to PLANT.

"That's it?" Kira said.

"Yeah," Misaki said smiling.

The two sat on their horses a top of a hill. In front of them was the huge mountain of Tarea. The mountain was covered in mist. At first it wasn't even visible until they got closer. There were homes scattered all over the mountain. Looking down, from the hill, one could see the small towns surrounding it.

"So this is where you're from," Kira said.

"Yeah," Misaki said. She still carried that smile. "I've missed it so."

Kira looked at her and smiled, "Shall we go," he said.

Without a word Misaki headed down the hill. Kira followed suit. She was enjoying every minute of it. She loved how the breezed smack her face and how the wind danced through her hair. She missed the cool weather that Tarea brought. She had forgot all the troubles once she saw her home again.

They were finally down the hill. Misaki lead Kira directly toward the mountain. She couldn't wait to see everyone. She just wished her grandmother came with her. She knew that her grandmother had business back in Orb though. They were almost there, but something was blocking her view.

It was an army. A group of men and horses. Misaki came to a halt. Kira did soon after. A blonde haired man wearing a full suit of armor came forth.

"I see you're alive," he said.

"Who are you?" Kira said.

The man glared at Kira, but ignored him. "Won't you come with us, Misaki?" he said.

"No! Who are you?" she said.

"I am Chief Azrael," he said bowing. "Its been a while."

"A while?" she said. "I never met you."

He straightened himself, "I'm not surprised you don't remember," he said. "But you're coming with us."

"She's not going anywhere," Kira said drawing his sword.

Azrael laughed, "And you're going to get in the way of that? You against my army?" he said pointing to the group of soldiers.

"I can try," Kira said, "don't underestimate me."

Azreal walked closer to Misaki, "I think you should control your friend, or I'll kill him," he said.

Misaki's heart jumped. "Kill him?" she repeated.

Azreal nodded, "Now be a good girl and come with us."

Misaki was quiet. She didn't want to go, but if not Kira could be killed. She couldn't have that. She didn't want to lose anymore friends. She looked at Kira. She could tell he was against it.

She turned to Azreal, "What do you want with me?" she asked.

"It's quite simple," he said, "EA is ahead in the war. We've made the first move and we're sure to win. In case something bad happens we'll need you. we know what you can do."

"With your abilities we can keep fighting," he smirked. "We'll keep on fighting until PLANT is ours and every leader there is dead. We'll destroy anything and anyone who gets in our way."

"That's crazy!" Kira exclaimed.

"I'm not joking," Azreal said, "I'll have you killed."

"Don't kill him!" Misaki said. "I'll come."

"No, Misaki," Kira protested.

"It's fine," she said.

"I'm coming too," Kira said. "I'm still protecting you and I don't trust these bastards."

"No," Azreal said.

"Yes," Misaki said.

Azreal shrugged, "Fine. You better cooperate or this town will burn. I know you don't want the town you were born in to burn. Right?"

"How did you..." Misaki said.

"Why wouldn't I know where my own daughter was born?"

Misaki's heart stopped. Daughter? This couldn't be her father. She never knew her father, but that's because her mother didn't want her to. She couldn't remember why though. She tried to bring the memory to surface, but the shock of everything was in the way.

"You're lying," she said.

Azreal smirked, "We'll talk later," he said.

Misaki and Kira were now on their way to EA. They were aboard one of the EA's ships. Kira was locked away somewhere and Misaki sat on the floor in the captain's quarters. Her face was buried in her lap. It was true, Azreal is her father.

The information from her mother and the story he told her matched up. She didn't want to be his daughter. A man like that couldn't be her father. It was true though and she knew it. Something in her gut was telling her it was true.

Before her death, Misaki's mother told her very little about her father. She said her father was from the EA and that's a part of why they weren't together. The other reason being that he was a controlling man. At first he treated her mother with tenderness and care, but that changed when he learned what she could do.

Once he learned of her powers he exploited it throughout the EA nation. He even proposed to her. Her mother agreed because she loved him. Later on she found out that he only proposed to gain his position as chief. Having a fiancee with such miraculous powers helped him.

Misaki's mother could see the changes in Azreal's behavior. She could see that he was only using her. Yet, she still had feelings for him and ended up pregnant. One day she told Azreal that she could feel the amazing power emitted from her child. Azreal was thrilled with the thought. He would not only have a powerful wife, but child.

Misaki remembered her mother not giving too much information on her birth. Her mother did, however said she fled the EA when Misaki was a toddler. She decided to never return and to stay in her home, Tarea. She told Misaki she fled because Misaki's father was a bad man. A man who didn't really cared for his fiancee or his child, but for what they could do.

That day Misaki saw tears in her mother's eyes. It was the first time she ever saw it. She was so young then, but she could remember now. She wondered if that man ever loved her mother. She thought at one point he had to. At least before he knew of her power.

Everyone in Tarea told her that her mother died for her sake. Misaki was there. She watched as her mother used almost all her power to seal away hers. She said it was because a bad man was coming. Misaki didn't think it was her father, but that night people died. Her mother assisted in protecting them with the little strength she had left.

Misaki was taken away for hiding. Her mother came hours later. Misaki remembered her looking so weak. She had something in her hands. It was a kitten.

"This kitten can't age. I know how much you like kittens," her mother had said. "I put this pretty collar on her. You can call her Destiny."

"The crystal is yours," her mother whispered. "Don't let anyone touch it just grandma. Your grandmother will tell you more."

Her mother was breathing so heavy. Misaki remembered being so scared. Her mother kissed her on the cheek before collapsing. Misaki screamed and cried all night. The next day she learned from her grandmother about what happened. She then knew she was special and her powers were in the crystal.

Now Azreal found Misaki. He told Misaki that he heard so much of her power. He heard how she was becoming the figure her mother once was. With that knowledge he had to find her. She would be a useful tool in the rising war.

A tool? Misaki's heart sank. Her father didn't seek her love or attention. He didn't seek to know her, or make up for lost times. He just wanted her power. Tears began to stream from her eyes. While she's alone she'll cry.

She was protecting me, Misaki thought. When she died she was protecting me from him. I know she was. That's why she sealed away my power. It has to be because of him and now...she's dead because of it.

Cagalli looked around as she walked. She was taking in the view of PLANT. The town her and Athrun were walking through was called Junius 2. She had learned there were small towns, each with the name Junius, surrounding the capitol town Aprillius. That's where his father was.

It didn't take them long to reach Aprillius. Once they did they went straight to his father's office. The man Cagalli learned to be, Patrick Zala, sat at his desk. He looked up at his guest and frowned.

"Father," Athrun said.

Patrick stood up, "Good to see you're alive son. Commander Creuset was fortunate as well."

"He escaped?" Athrun said.

"Yes. Once retrieving the girl he was to make his way back here. Yet when he fetched for the girl he found your fiancee instead."

"Lacus?" Athrun said. What was she doing there?

Patrick looked at Cagalli, "who is she?" he asked.

"My friend," Athrun said. "Father regarding Lacus I would like to know more, but first I have a request."

"A request?" Patrick repeated.

"I no longer want us to be engaged," Athrun said. "I don't have romantic feelings for her. I want to be the one who decides who I marry."

"Very well then."

Athrun was shocked, "You agree?" he said. "But I don't understand you're the one who pushed us to be engaged."

"Her not being your fiancee will make this a lot easier."

"Make what a lot easier?" Athrun asked.

"She helped the girl escape. Her and a fellow soldier. They're traitors to our nation. We got the soldier, and now she's next. I didn't want to because she is your fiancee, but now that has changed. She will be excuted."

"What!" Athrun exclaimed. "Father that's barbaric. You can't just kill her!"

"Who are you to tell me what to do, Athrun! I am this nation's leader. I am the one who's in charge!"

"But father..."

"But nothing, Athrun. Lacus has let our prize escape. For all we know the EA could have her now. We can't afford that. They'll have the upper hand in this war if that's true."

"So is that what it is," Athrun said. "There really is a war."

"Yes, you fool," Patrick said. "That girl can do marvelous things. You had to see it traveling with her. With her our troops will be resilient."

"The girl, the war...That's why our base was attacked?" Athrun was becoming frustrated. "Why father? Why are we fighting another war?"

"To destroy them damn EA troops and pirates and claim their land. I want stop until everyone in the EA bows to the PLANTs. I won't stop until they all bow down to me!"

Don't forget R&R