Disclaimer: Sunrise

Chapter 3 : I pray for my wish to stay alive; for I have sworn to fulfill it, I'll fight for it

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A beep from her phone on the desk pulled Cagalli from the documents she was reading.

Pressing a button, she answered the call. "Yes?"

"Lady Cagalli, Former Representative Homura is here to see you."

Ojisama? Cagalli thought. Immediately she replied, "Lead the Former Representative to the reception room and ask the maid to prepare some tea for us. I'll meet him shortly." When the person affirmed her request, Cagalli sorted the documents scattered on her desk and got ready to meet her uncle, her only relation to her father's family.

After the first war ended, along with the rest of the Patriarch who were sitting at the throne at the time, Homura resigned from his post as the Head Representative of Orb, but not before training Cagalli to continue the legacy of Athha family. As the election result was leaning toward the wish of the congress for the Athha family to take the position as the head of state, Cagalli had no choice but to follow. She understood even before she was involved in the war, that one day she was going to have to participate in the political world just like her father. Now that Uzumi sama left this world sooner than expected, Cagalli assuming the post had come sooner than expected as well.

And the one who had helped and guided her through the first few months of becoming the head representative was Homura. He might have different views with Uzumi, but Homura couldn't leave her to the hands of Seiran as he didn't believe Unato Ema completely. So he taught her everything he could, so Cagalli could at least be on her own when he actually resigned. And Cagalli was grateful for it.

After the incident at the Olofath Tower Hotel, Cagalli was urged by the others—mostly the security forces and the other Patriarch—to stay at her personal residential quarter to reduce her time going back and forth from the Athha Manor to her workplace. Moreover, the residential quarter is guarded 24 hours by the security force and the military for double protection along with the Government Office. Cagalli's safety could be guaranteed more than if she spent time commuting from her manor, no matter how tight the security was.

Maybe that's why Ojisama is visiting me here, Cagalli thought; because she wouldn't be going home for a while, while seeing and judging if the shooting incident was really an assasination attempt at her or a starts to some kind of terrorism act.

But what was he wanted to talk about that he had to visit her so soon?

When Cagalli arrived at the reception room, the maid had just arrived and was pouring tea for her uncle.

"Good evening, Ojisama," Cagalli greeted Homura and took a seat across from him. Homura returned the greetings as the maid turned to Cagalli and poured her tea. "What brings you here? You can see me later when I'm back to the manor."

"Can't I visit my niece whenever I want?" Homura answered with his ancient voice, one that showed how much experience he had had all through his life. "I can't sit well in my house after I heard what had happened to you, child. I simply want to make sure you are safe and well with my own two eyes."

The news already reported to the entire nation regarding her assassination attempt, and of course about the fact that she was not injured or anything was broadcasted too. So there was actually no need for him to check on her like this.

But still, the gesture warmed her heart.

Just like her father, even though they weren't blood related, Homura still treated her as family. His harsh teaching back then was nothing compared to the reality that awaited her. And he did all that to protect her.

"And since you will not be going home for a while, I thought I could make some time to visit you here. I'm not disturbing your work or anything?"

"No, I'm just checking the documents regarding things that will be discussed in the next parliament meeting. Also, I'm planning to hold a meeting regarding the security plan for the Patriarchs with the security force and the military forces, in case the previous incident is going to happen again."

With a downcasted expression on his face Homura returned, "I know that's an expected thing to do, but I'll pray to Haumea that it would never happen."

"That's what we'll make sure to happen," Cagalli smiled.

"Has the case been investigated?"

"Yes, the security force found out some information. Hopefully it's nothing big, and it will stop just like this and there won't be next time. They are still looking deeper into the matter though. So we wouldn't be disclosing any more information to the media for a while."

Suddenly, a knock came from the outside.

"Excuse me, Lady Cagalli." It was the one in charge of the guest reception.

"Come in," Cagalli said. If he was asking for her while knowing that Cagalli was entertaining a guest, her own uncle even, he would refrain from bothering them unless it was something important.

The receptionist walked in and said that he was relaying a message, "Admiral Athrun Zala is here, requesting for an appointment tomorrow morning, regarding the report of his visit to the Equatorial Union."

"Huh?"

Oh yeah, he was supposed to be back today, Cagalli thought. She was quite absorbed with the incident and didn't realize it was his scheduled time for his return.
Then she realized what the receptionist said.

"He is here?"

"Yes, he came here with the intention to talk with you today, but when we told him Former Representative is here, he changed his request to discuss the matter with you tomorrow, as soon as you are available," he explained again.

"So he has time tonight, right?" Homura suddenly joined the conversation.

"Eh?" Cagalli turned to her uncle, confused. He turned his gaze from the receptionist to his niece.

"Representative, if it is okay with you, I would like to talk with him for a little bit," Homura asked Cagalli who stared at him in confusion.

"Well.. Fine by me…" She answered, though confused as to why her uncle wanted to talk with Athrun. "Can you ask Admiral Zala to come here now instead of tomorrow? If he's okay with it, please lead him here immediately. Also, ask the maid to prepare another set of tea for him," Cagalli turned to the receptionist. He was here for work, but it would seem weird if she was having tea together with her uncle while not serving him anything, while talking together in the same place. Besides, he would be her uncle's guest this time.

As the receptionist walked out of the room, Cagalli turned to Homura. "Do you have something to say to the Admiral?"

"Athrun Zala… Athrun… I believe that's the name of the boy who fought for us when Kusanagi departed to space, right? He was the pilot of the red mobile suit, Justice wasn't it? I still recall having seen him in the military base, just before Brother ushered me to evacuate with the others." His eyes blinked a few times recalling the fateful day when Orb was burnt so it wouldn't fall to the wrong hands; and Cagalli as well. "And he used to live in our manor for a while, after you came back from space after the first war ended, right? Well, I do remember he introduced himself as Alex Dino to me at the time." Cagalli nodded. Homura was one of few people who knew that Athrun Zala and Alex Dino were the same person. "Then he became your personal bodyguard, and a lot of things happened after that, but now he has become an Admiral. I just thought I want to see him and talk to him again after the last time I saw him. We didn't talk much back then, but I'd like to thank him for staying with you back then, and for his contribution to the Orb Defense Force as the admiral."

Just as Homura finished talking, a knock came again from the door. "Representative, this is Athrun Zala."

"Come in," Cagalli answered, suddenly her heart throbbed a bit at his voice. Even though she just saw him four days ago.

He opened the door and walked in, stood by the door to give the two Representatives a formal salute. At the same time, the former maid came again, placed another set of tea beside Homura's and left the room.

"Thank you for your hard work. What time did you arrive?" Cagalli asked from her seat.

"We arrived at the base around 18.00 as expected. There are a few urgent things that I'd like to discuss immediately with you, Representative. But if you are busy now…"

"Actually, the former Representative said he wants to talk to you."

"To me?" Athrun focused his gaze toward the former Representative.

"It has been a while, and now you are an Admiral. Time sure flies by fast. I still remember you had always greeted Cagalli at the Manor no matter how late I sent her back home after her training to become the next Representative."

"Thank you for your kindness back then, for allowing me to stay at the Manor even though it was a hectic time post-war," Athrun bowed deeply expressing his gratitude. He actually didn't expect Representative Homura to remember him, given how small their interaction was back then; only purely incidental to when he waited for Cagalli to be home.

"Come here, sit with me," Homura patted the sofa beside him.

"N-no, Homura-sama… That's…"

"Why don't you just follow what he said? He was the one who invited you first," Cagalli added.

And since Athrun couldn't refuse a request from two top people in Orb, while still feeling confused and nervous, he did as he was told.

"Cagalli," Homura suddenly called as Athrun sat on his seat. "I'm sorry, but could you leave us for a second?" He was ordering her as her family, not talking to her as the Head Representative.

"Huh? But…" Cagalli stared back and forth to the males in front of her, perplexed.

"Just five minutes, you can stay in front of the door if you are worried, but I won't do anything to him, I promised," Homura smiled at her, the way an old man would smile at their grandchildren, to keep them from worrying.

Cagalli was not really worried, but he was confused about what could be the things that her uncle needed to tell Athrun that he felt the need to usher Cagalli away?

Even so, the five minutes felt so long for Cagalli.

But eventually, both of them walked out from the room, meeting her who were standing just in front of the door, trying desperately to listen to what they were talking. But since the interior of this residence was using the best material, the heavy door prevented the voice from inside from leaking out.

When Homura greeted her again, he smiled at Cagalli—no doubt he knew that Cagalli was trying to snoop their conversation. "I'll take my leave now, take care, Cagalli."

"Huh, you are leaving already?"

"Seems like the admiral has a lot of things to discuss with you, so I won't hinder him anymore for today," Homura said, with a difficult expression. "Promise me you'll be careful, always."

Cagalli couldn't understand what made Homura look so conflicted and worried like that. But no matter what his request was something that she'll definitely do.

"Of course. I'll keep that in mind."

Both her and Athrun followed to see Homura off. As he was about to get inside the car, with his personal guard opening the car door for him, Homura turned his body toward the ones who were seeing him off.

"Admiral Zala."

"Yes?" Athrun answered immediately, while not being able to help the confusion in his face.

"I'm counting on you."

Blinking a few times at his request, Athrun was a little bit surprised. But then, without hesitation, he answered with one word. "Yes."

"Sorry about that, Ojisama insisted on talking to you, that's why he asked you to join us," Cagalli said to Athrun who were following her from behind as they walked back to the former room they used. She could see the teacup her uncle had used was already cleared. "Did you go straight here from the Onogoro headquarters? You said you arrived around 6PM; there's no way you could arrive here in this hour if you—" Cagalli stopped mid-sentence when she half-turned her body toward Athurn, who immediately pulled her into his arms as soon as he closed the door completely, leaving her dumbfounded at the sudden gesture.

"Wha—Athrun…?" Cagalli stuttered, surprised—involuntary calling him with his name instead of his formal title like earlier.

"Just let me hold you like this for a while, I just want to make sure…" he said as he tightened his grip on her, reveling on the fact that she was still alive in his arms. This was the first thing he had wanted to do as soon as he arrived back at Orb—even more so when he was finally able to see her; the only one stopping him was the former Representative Homura.

Cagalli was frozen for a while from the surprise, but quickly understanding dawned into her; of course—there was no way he hadn't heard the news. Slowly she lifted her hands, "I'm okay," she whispered, her arms now returning the hug, trying to assure him that she was indeed more than okay. "Not even a scratch," she added, trying to lighten the mood.

When was the last time she felt him close to her like this? Cagalli almost forgot how soothing it was just to be in his arms. The hug she gave him, which was supposed to be reassuring him, she used it for herself as a means to comfort herself; she was giving as well as taking from him.

And in that moment, flashes of yesterday's event came into her mind. The sharp realization that she almost lost the chance to be in his arms like this again made her shiver.

"Cagalli?" Athrun noticed that short reaction and started to pull away to check on her, but Cagalli held him firm.

"No!" She hugged him tighter. "Just a little bit more," Cagalli added, whispering. She also needed the reassurement that she was still with him.

It dawned on him that she might be just as scared as he was. But it reminded him of something else. "I'm sorry," he said out of nowhere.

Which of course confused Cagalli. What was he saying all of the sudden? "Pardon?"

Releasing her, Athrun stood face to face, but Cagalli could see that his eyes were not seeing her, like he couldn't meet her in the eyes. "After all that I said about protecting you, in the end I couldn't do anything. I could only brag, but I could do nothing. Just like back then..." The memories of him leaving her at her lowest point, that time when he could only watch her when she was out there, almost being cut-off in front of his eyes while he could only watch helplessly. "And now when you were in danger again, I wasn't there to protect you."

"Stop it! Why are you blaming yourself for something that isn't your fault at all?" Cagalli's voice raised. "You weren't even there, you are not responsible for that. You are not my personal bodyguard anymore. And I'm not expecting you to always be there with me all the time. You have your own responsibility, much more important than just protecting me. So cut it out already," Cagalli reprimanded him, slightly shaking him to make Athrun focus on her.

"I know, but I couldn't help but feel that way after promising to protect you. I feel like a jerk who can't even keep one promise."

"Remember this, I can protect myself. And I have a lot of trustworthy people in the security force who are more than capable of protecting me. Don't let this eat up your mind," Cagalli reassured him.

Smiling at her optimism, Athrun could only smile at her. He would let it go, for now.

Not really.

As Cagalli urged him to sit on their seat, Athrun started interrogating her, "Have the investigation unit found anything yet?"

Gnawing the inside of her mouth, Cagalli took the cup of tea that was already lukewarm, and took a sip before she answered. Which piqued Athrun's attention since Cagalli was usually straight to the point and not the type to stall on important things.

"I think it was mentioned in the news that the police found a body there," Caglli started, probing with how she should deliver the information.

"I heard that in the news, but didn't particularly pay attention on that part," Athrun was too focused on making sure that Cagalli was safe, and he paid no mind to other trivial things—aside from Cagalli's safety, the rest of the news was trivial to him, at the time.

"She was 17… a civilian..." Cagalli said, in low murmur.

"She? A young girl, was the shooter?" To which Cagalli nodded. Athrun was stunned, a civilian kid just risked her life attempting to kill a head of state. "A civilian? And what do you mean with 'found the body'?" he repeated, he thought it was a weird way of saying.

Cagalli nodded again, "They found her body, as the security force members got to her she was already dead," Cagalli paused, "By her own bullet."

"She killed herself?"

"Yeah. She fired all 14 bullets toward us, and left one to shoot herself in the head," Cagalli answered as she recalled the report handed to her earlier this morning. "They ID-ed her, found her place. And… There, they found a lot of her personal notes… mostly plans… on how to ki—"

"Okay, I get it," Athrun stopped her before she could finish the sentence. Killing and Cagalli weren't words he wanted to hear in one sentence. "Anything else?"

"Pretty much the same thing," Cagalli ran her finger on her teacup.. "They checked her personal computer, found that her recently visited site was a discussion board with the topic of hatred toward me. And there, people with the same intention as that girl were not just one or two. She was the first one who was brave enough to execute…"

"Cagalli, stop. That's…" Athrun couldn't stand Cagalli pratling so calmly about the attempt of some groups to kill her.

"You know as well as I do that that's an unavoidable thing. Don't you remember how Shinn Asuka had looked at me the first time we met?"

My family was killed by Athha!

Those words were still fresh in her mind, even though she had heard it years ago.

Those hostile eyes, full of sorrow and hatred; Cagalli was sure Shinn Asuka was not the only one who hated her for what her father had done in the past. Moreover, for her disappearance at the start of the second war, right after Orb joined the security treaty with the Atlantic Federation. And the climax was the second battle of Orb when she fought in the front line with the last sword her father had left her, Akatsuki. The casualties resulted from the late evacuation warning, and the prolonged battle in the search of Lord Djibril who had been hiding in Orb, conspiring with the Seirans.

"I'm sure after the second war more people like Shinn will just grow. And this kind of attack is not unusual, it's to be expected. You said it yourself that there is no talking with these kinds of people, no matter how ideal my intention was. And I can't hide behind it. That's the consequences of the path I chose."

Of course Athrun knew too well about this. This was something they both had to endure ever since the first war stopped. Athrun with the sin of his father who wanted to annihilate Naturals to the point of creating a mass destruction weapon, and giving birth to people who still follow that ideal to heart. And Cagalli with the repercussions of what her father had done to protect his nations, the intentions were noble but the result brought a bitter aftertaste, and some people had used it to shake Cagalli's position back then.

"If there is anything I can do for you…" Athrun stared at her deeply. He had been striving to be where he was now, and part of it was so he could be in a place where he could protect Cagalli with the power he had and his current status.

A sword is just a sword, and would be useless if it was not used for what it was made for. This was the power he had wished for, the power so he could protect what he wanted to protect.

"I think you can," Cagalli smiled at him.

"How?"

"I'll send you the details and official notice later."

This story IS on a serious side, that first chapter was just the calm before storm. I want this to be a story worthy of the happy end that awaits them. At least I can promise that, the happy end.

Spoiler, there will be a glaring flag in the next chapter,

Cheers~