DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE GS/GSD CHARACTERS

AN: Lia and Char are not part of GS/GSD they are my friends :D

Same goes with Haumea, Eris, Queen Caira (I kind a thought since Caridad was their Aunt's name in GS/GSD so then I just created a name Caira) and Queen Lisa are just my characters.

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Chapter 7: The Attack

Cagalli and Miri has been staying with Lia and Char for the past three days. The four get along very well and has been touring at the Central. Cagalli never felt free for the longest time. Even though she was being guarded by Miri she can go anywhere she wants to. Cagalli's classes and job will start in a week and so she is enjoying her time.

"Good thing Stellar was able to request a vacation on her job at Heliopolis" Miri said while eating their lunch at their backyard

"I'm still wondering how can you act as Stellar? Won't they notice the difference? You two look the same but you have different eye color." Lia asked as she pours tea for everyone.

"Well I was planning on telling them that I used a certain medicine in Orb that changes eye color for a month." Cagalli said as she pours chili sauce to her Kebab.

"That was a good idea-" Lia was interrupted when Char came dashing to them.

"Terrible News!"

Char was breathing heavily from running, sweat is visible on her and almost on her knees. They gave her water and time to breathe before asking her some question. She looks very pale and scared she was trembling. Lia hugged her and Cagalli tapped her shoulder to comfort her.

"Ki-…King Bruno of the Northern Kingdom was assassinated and Queen Gladys was injured. It was a complete chaos and they say that might turn into war" Char told them as she calmed herself

"What?! How did you know about that?" Miri almost shouting with the shock

"I heard from the merchants coming from the Northern Kingdom. They're suspecting the assassins are from the Western Kingdom"

"Oh no! I wonder how's father and Kira" Cagalli said as she tries to also calm herself.

"Why don't you write a letter and ask. Maybe it's better if we head back to Orb." Miri suggested

"Yes, I'll write to them immediately. I think it's better for us to stay here for a few days definitely security from another Kingdom will tighten, I need to ask advice from Kira and Father." Cagalli said

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Prince Athrun Zala just arrived at the Central when he heard the news about the assassination of the Northern Kingdom's King and the Queen's situation. He was also aware that their suspects for the attack are them. Athrun was feeling down about her mother's death, he wants to go back and mourn but he was ordered by the King to not go back and continue their quest. The Western Kingdom always respect and followed their King's order, it is absolute. As the current Commander of Zaft he needs to set aside his personal feelings for their people.

Athrun was a person that have a firm belief that if soldiers follow their orders then eventually peace will be claimed. He believes in his father that this quest is for peace, the King's are chosen not by blood but by the people. His father was chosen because of his achievements as a Duke and people respected and feared him as the previous Commander of Zaft. Originally, the Western Kingdom has the smallest territory among the four Kingdom. But, during King Patrick's time as the military Commander they're able conquered villages near the Central Region and some villages near the boarders of the Southern and Northern Kingdoms. Now, the Western Kingdom is the strongest when it comes to military and he assigned Athrun to continue his plans in conquering the world.

Now that a tragic happened to his beloved wife, his father pointed out that he has to find Haumea to reincarnate his mother. It was their last option; they will preserve Queen Lenore's body so if the time comes, they could just kill Haumea, have her blood transfer to the Queen's body. He was that desperate, he wants to conquer the world for her and so the King is willing to do what it takes to bring her back.

"Athr… I mean Commander Zala our men are on position now. What should we do next?" Lt. Hein asked as they've been staring Athrun for a while.

Athrun was not concentrating and not paying attention to any of them and that has been silent since he read the news about his mother. All soldiers understand why as they also look up to the late Queen. All of them want to continue the quest without their Commander and let him have time to mourn. His three Lieutenant and captain are on his room they rented and was worried for him. They never saw any shed of tears from him, he had blank face and has been silent and has been uncertain on what he is doing. But he has his orders and he must do it for his mother and for their people.

"We will not attack yet…We have to observe first the situation. I was wondering if this was all a set up. It all happen right the moment we are supposed to attack this place." Athrun said as he was able to compose his self and to focus on finding Haumea and conquering the four Kingdom.

"Good your back, we're very sad and sorry on what happen but we have to follow the King's order as soon as possible." Yzak commented

"Yzak!' Nicol complained

"It's okay Nicole, I am very sorry if I was not capable to separate my duties and personal feelings. I should have never showed any weakness." Athrun said.

"We never thought of that Athrun. You are by far the most respected soldier you should know that by now. Give yourself a rest." Dearka said trying to comfort their Commander but most importantly their friend.

Athrun just nodded to them and rest his chin on his hands. He was thinking some recourse. There must be someone from Zaft who planned the attack to King Bruno. No one knows their attack supposed to be at the Central the day the King was killed. If they did not stop for a day for them to rest when they traveled back from Orb everything should have happened at the same day and there's a possibility that the three Kingdom will all gang up on them.

"The assassin's motive is to attack the King and blame it on Zaft. Doing the assassination, the same day we are supposed to attack was all planned. If that happened the three Kings could have an agreement and attack Zaft." Athrun explained to them

"You right the merchants said that the assassins looked like people from Plants" Nicol said as he now gives some water to Athrun.

"But why?" Heine asked

"They also want to conquer the world. Once they bring Zaft down because there's no way one Kingdom can beat our military. They needed three kingdoms number of militaries to match us up" Yzak commented and smirking with the thought on how coward their enemy is.

"But unfortunately, this group conquering the world is not for peace but for more war." Athrun said and looked at them

Zaft's goal was just to conquer the four Kingdom's let them have the authority, but King Patrick also instructed them to not kill the nobles instead they will be placed on a jail and he has his own plans for them. So, killing King Bruno or any other royalties was not part of the war. Athrun doesn't want to kill them too, but if incase these royalties and nobles insist and fight back then that will be their last option.

"Lt. Westenfluss, gather your men and proceed to the Northern Kingdom and observe the people, there might still be there. We have to know who are enemies are and what's their motives and how large is their military. We have to know if you have traitors on our end. Please go immediately" Athrun commanded

"I understand… I'll take my leave now." Heine saluted and left immediately.

"Athrun I want to clarify one thing" Dearka asked which caught the attention of the three men remaining in the room

"Go ahead." Athrun responded

"Aren't we trying to conquer the four Kingdom isn't the same thing? If we attack now it will have the same result the three kingdoms could still join forces and attack us. Did it not give us an advantage since the Northern Kingdom's now is a mess?" Dearka pointed out.

"There's a difference between our objectives. We are attacking this area to stop the trades and if that happens, some villages will lack in supply and would suffer economically. It might take within a week or two for them to feel the drastic change and if that happens, we're supposed to negotiate with the representative of the villagers to surrender up until the three Kingdom has no choice but to surrender as well and be part of Plants. Our objective is to do it peacefully as much as possible to achieve peace. They are conquering through bloods and death which will start fear and could result to a war." Athrun explained and glanced at Yzak which he understands immediately what he meant. He wants him to continue further as he is tired.

"We may have advantages in military but we will not enforce it immediately. We will only attack the Kingdom if they insist to participate and attack us instead of peaceful negotiations. Our main objective in this quest was to conquer the world to create unity." Yzak added

"I understand…" Dearka who seems satisfied with the answer of the two

Athrun gave them some plan to do for attacking the area. They gave Shinn instruction that he have to send a message to the current leader about their attack once they gathered the information, they needed. Yes, they will warn them as said for them to either surrender peacefully or if they choose to battle. After having a meeting with his men all of the passed the instruction to their subordinates located in different areas. Athrun decided to head at the nearest village and stroll.

Athrun went at the Village of Tassil with Dearla and Yzak to observe the situation. This Village was the last village within the Central Region's territory and it only took them four hours to travel there from the Center. It was already sundown when they decided to go back as they already gathered much information. Their Military are strong and they could easily sweep them out in case they decided to fight against them.

The sun was about to go down and have the moon shine, the sky is clear and the horizon is painted with a mixture of blue and orange. Everything was peaceful and wonderful, Athrun was staring at the sky and remembering her mother. He doesn't want to have his hopes high about Haumea as she was a legend and no one has encountered her existence. They also asked some villagers about her and they just laughed at them which made Yzak very irritated.

They are almost at the center and passing by a retail shop when they heard a sudden scream. The three had they guard up and looked on their surroundings. They spotted an isolated house near the shop and saw four women running behind them are also ten men attacking them. They're about to help when Athrun recognized the two women a blond one and a brunette.

"Athrun!It's the Doctor and her apprentice" Dearka blurted out

"Let's go" Athrun commanded to the help them.

They had their horses running to where they are located but was shocked on what they saw. The other two lady was running toward them asking for help and the other two was actually fighting the attackers. Five men continued chasing them and the other five was fighting with the two women. Athrun, Dearka and Yzak was able to knock down the men immediately and saved the two ladies. They tried to save the other two but was amazed on what they are seeing.

It was Dr. Kagari (Cagalli) and Miri fighting the men and they are actually winning. Out of amusement Athrun was lost in words. That doctor could actually match Shinn in speed and basing on her attacks she could also match Nicol in strenght. Two men left they had one enemy on their own. Cagalli was already out of breath and tired but still it did not stop her from beating her enemies.

She catches the man's punch and she countered attack using her feet. She kicked his stomach which made the man stepped back little, but she did not let go of his arm as she twisted it on his back and pushed him down on the ground. The man stands up but shows great pain but she did not care about that. She extended her leg to kick the man on the side of his neck, after that one attack the man screamed in pain and was now unconscious. After her fight she Cagalli checks her subordinate and her friends.

Miri was also doing well she actually kicked the mans faced which almost knocked him down but she did not stop from there. She was fast and pulled a dagger from her waist and pointed it on the man's neck while she was holding and twisting his arm. She was about to slash him on his neck when she was stopped by Cagalli. She glared at Miri and so she dropped didn't killed the man but instead they just tied the man down for questioning later on. When everything was settled Cagalli was shocked to see who saved her friend.

"I think it's faith to see you again my lady" Dearka said and winked at Miri.

"Urgh…I'm out of here" Miri walked back to the house out of irritation.

Dearka laughed but still escorted the lady back to the house while Yzak was able to tie down the men who attacked them. The five men whom they fought died as they faced the swords of the Zaft soldiers while the other five who fought the two ladies was still alive but unconscious. Lia and Char actually explained that those men suddenly attack their house and asking for money so they started running to ask for help and to have a wider space for counter attack.

Yzak tied the men on his horse and dragged them to the nearest officer and to report the incident. Even though the roads are not yet established and very rough he did not care and just drag the men down with his horse which made more bruises to the men who are tied down and unconscious. Lia and Char came with Yzak to give statement on what happened. Leaving Athrun and Cagalli alone out in the dark.

Sun was about to disappear yet the strands of her golden hair shines. Athrun smiled while staring at the lady in front of him. She looks exhausted and was running out of breath so he gave her a water. She just stared at him for a while but then took it still. She took some tablet on her pocket and popped it on her mouth.

"Is that a medicine? Are you feeling okay?" Athrun asked.

"Never thought a perverted Prince would care for my health" Cagalli barked at the blue haired guy in front of him.

"Per-perverted Prince?"

"Oh! I'm sorry Your Highness how about Prince of the perverts?"

"Hey! We saved your friends don't you have anything to say?"

"Fine. Thanks, Athrun Zala Prince of perverts" Cagalli said while walking on a different direction.

"Wha—Hey! Stop calling me that and how did you know my name?" Athrun asked while following her

"Stop following me!"

"Well? How did you know who I am?"

"I just remembered that I read it on a book and saw a portrait of you" Cagalli responded as she sat down behind a tree and somehow taking a deep breath.

"Oh…Hey are you really okay?" Athrun asked worriedly because the doctor in front of her looks pale.

"I have a medical condition fighting was exhausting and made my body weak so I just need to rest and have some fresh air" She responded nicely.

"Oh…" Athrun remembered her mother during her weakest time where he was not there with her and felt sadness in his heart. He also took a seat on the opposite side of Cagalli.

"Dr. Kagari…tell me if you need anything I'll be here and help you" Athrun said

She just ignored him and rested. Silence…no one actually talked for some few minutes. They just watched the sun disappear slowly in front of them.

"I'm fine now, Thanks. So, what's with you? Cagalli asked

"What do you mean?" Athrun asked with her sudden question "I could easily take those guys down"

"Not physically, mentally you look off… something happened?" Cagalli stated as she come closer to Athrun and stared at his eyes observing him.

"I think you're too close my lady. Do you need a mouth to mouth resuscitation?" Athrun smirked

"For a Prince really…You're a jerk" She said as she blushed and stepped back

"I was observing and physically examining you If there's a problem idiot." Cagalli said

"And for a female doctor you really have a foul mouth" He barked back at her "Plus, you already know you are talking to a Prince yet that's how you act in front of me"

"You are not in your Kingdom's territory I do not have any obligation to respect you just because you are a "Prince" in name and I have no intention of stepping in your territory"

"Interesting" He said as he stares at her amber eyes

"I only respect people base on who they are not because of their position. Once you gain it then maybe I might give you a proper respect as a person"

Athrun was amused on how confident, strong, intelligent and definitely a beautiful lady Kagari is, he never met any lady like her in Plants. And no women dare to talk back at him let alone no ladies in Plants tried to talk to him casually. Somehow being with her made him comfortable and made his mind at peace. He closed his eyes and rested; he remembers this feeling it's the same as being with his mother.

Her mother was caring and loving. Her presence alone would calm the King and her smile completes their day. But now she's gone, it's starting to sink in, his mother is gone. He wanted to bring victory for her, he hasn't achieved anything yet, everything he has done was for her to live peacefully. Now that he thinks about it, does this quest really important now? He wants to go home and mourn his mother's death. He was reminiscing their time together as a family when he was kid, when his mother was with him cooking for him and reading stories. She fell ill when she heard the news about the Northern Kingdom incident but was still happy with him.

The day they discovered her illness was just two years ago, she has been restless and always in pain. Athrun was scared to see her die and so he asked every professional to help her mother up until just recently where they said its gotten wort. His father became impatient and was stricter than before. Their family was starting to rip apart and now its all gone. His mother had suffered too much and its time for her to rest peacefully. He sometimes thinks he wants to be with her too. Suddenly a tear drops on his face which shock him and Cagalli.

Cagalli already knew what happened to the Queen of Plants, but she doesn't want to talk about it with him. She knew immediately what's going on, he was under pressure as the Northern Kingdom blame them their King's lost and they've been calling their family names as traitor, cruel and killer yet he also missed the burial of his mother. Without thinking Cagalli pulled Athrun into her embrace.

"Wha-?" Athrun was about to protest on her sudden action.

"We are not in Orb, It's okay. Just shut up and take it…" She tightens her hug and stroke the strand of his hair.

"Everything will be Okay, It's Okay, everything will be fine. Just keep moving forward but never forget the happy memory. One of your sunshine might have disappeared but remember the darkness in your life will not be forever as a new ray of sunshine will come to complete you and it might give you light even in your darkest life."

She then rubbed his back to comfort him and he hugged her back. He then rested his head on her shoulder and was thinking about his mother. He was sobbing silently and Cagalli did not interrupted him. When he calmed down, he thanked her and gently pushed her to see her face.

"I might respect you now as human" Cagalli smiled and wiped some of his tears

"It was very unmanly of me to cry in front of you" Athrun smiled back at her

"Oh, right I forgot you are a man, you know you are very pretty for a man. You have a soft and feminine facial feature that I forgot" Cagalli teased him just to lighten up the mood. He was shock with her words but then he knew she was just making him smile.

"Hah! Yeah right when you hugged me, I thought of a board hugging me. It was soooo fla.."

He was about to continue when suddenly Cagalli again slapped him. She was blushing and her eyes showed death in it so he did not continue teasing her. He actually laughed looking at her being pissed when she started teasing him. She then just stomps and walk back to their house. He was left laughing but he felt now relieved.

"My sunshine hmmm…You are very interesting Dr. Kagari." Athrun muttered before following her.

Thanks for reading! Please review and give me your thoughts….