Chapter 3 - A Promise

An unbreakable promise unless either of us finds another love before the wedding... but I know I'll never find one... because you are my love...

A girl's own engagement ceremony, there is almost no female in the world who would feel unhappy about it. An ordinary girl would be so excited to the point in which she cannot fall asleep for two days! Cagalli isn't ordinary.

Today is her engagement day. A week has passed quickly since her father made the announcement. It's now the time for her to meet her fiancée - the only heir to the Zala family. She still cannot understand why is her father Uzumi doing this to her. Cagalli is no happy, not happy at all. She sat in her room, frowning, and thinking about her escape plan. There's absolutely no way that she's going to sit here and get engaged to a guy without putting up a fight. She still has 3 more hours.

The entire Attha mansion is surrounded by their own family security guards. Cars equipped with the world's top technology weapons are parked around the area disguising as limos or normal transport vans. Even Cagalli's room is well protected. Two guards are standing outside her bedroom door. It seems exaggerating, but today is indeed a very important day. No accident are allowed to happen. Everything must go perfectly. Cagalli of course is noticing about what's happening outside in the courtyards. She knows it's almost impossible for her to succeed. But she is not giving up just like that.

Cagalli stood up and scanned the room. The door was definitely not the escape exit. Her eyes soon landed on the big opened windows. She walked up and out to the balcony. To her surprise, the guard who was suppose to be on duty for this area was no where to be seen. "That guy must be on his lunch break," she thought, "this is my chance!" Without a single bit of hesitation, she jumped off the balcony and landed on the soft grass field. Cagalli had a tom-boy personality and climbing over stone walls was probably one of her best abilities. This skill proved to be pretty useful when it came to getting more sleep and not being late for class. Easily, she landed on the other side. If you were asking about her cloths and luggages, Cagalli didn't care. As long as she was not getting engaged today. But just as she was looking around for a way to go, the guard was on his way back from lunch break. He caught a glimpse of her.

"HEY! You there! Don't move! Or else I'm gonna shoot!" he shouted pulling out his pistol. 'O shit...' Cagalli thought, 'maybe I can find a way to breakthrough." She lifted up her feet and started running as fast as she could. -Boom!- The sound of a gunfire was heard. It missed. Cagalli kept running, 'if you think you can catch me that easily, man, you are wrong,' she thought as she made a sharp turn around the street corner. -Boom!- The gunfire was heard again. 'Can't those people just give up!?' The guard made a sharp turn following Cagalli, 'damn! he's so fast!'

"Emergency, emergency! This is #8, I spotted a suspicious personnel in Area E3. He is now heading towards Area D5. Reinforcement is needed. Over." The guard talked through the radio transmitter. "Understood, we are heading over to Area D5." Suddenly, several men in black came into Cagalli's sight. "You are surrounded, don't even think about running away," one of them said. Cagalli stopped, still trying to find a way. She looked around, just to see that she was indeed surrounded. She frowned and raised her arms over his head.

"Okay okay, I'm busted. My plan totally backfired," She sighed.

"You are trespassing a private property," the man said.

"Don't give me this crap, this is my own house!"

"Excuse me mister, please watch your language."

"Who the hell are you calling MISTER!? For heaven's sake I'm Cagalli Yula Attha!"

"......" the guards stared at each other, "Yeah, like I'm going to believe that. Anyway, you are under arrest for trespassing private properties. You have the right to remain silent. But what you say will have effect in the court." A guard walked behind Cagalli and crossed her arms behind her back.

"HEY! What do you think you are doing!?? Let me go!" Cagalli struggled. Just this moment, a tall man with gray hair and beard walked into the crowd.

"What is going on here?" he saw Cagalli, "Cagalli, what are you doign here?" he frowned. The guard who was arresting Cagalli immediately let her go.

"We are terribly sorry Uzumi-sama. We thought Cagalli-sama was a suspicious person." All of them bowed.

"Who witnessed this event?" Uzumi asked.

"It was me sir." The guard who first caught Cagalli raised his hand.

"Would you please kindly explain to me what happened?" Uzumi asked again. Cagalli hung her head low, 'man, this time I'm definitely busted, or... maybe I can steal a way out now!' She carefully moved sideways, making an attempt to get away since no one was paying attention to her.

"Ahem," Uzumi coughed, "sorry to interrupt, Cagalli, I would like you to stay here and listen," Uzumi said it kindly but sternly.

"Whaaa!? oh hehe... okay..." Cagalli answered.

After the guard had explained the whole incident in carefully and in detail, Uzumi said: "Cagalli, is it true?"

"... huh, oh... yeah..." Cagalli slowly nodded her head.

"If this is so, I would like to have a talk with you in my private study room. The rest of you, please get back to your position. I really appreciate all your hard work." Uzumi said calmly.

-Uzumi's study room-

Uzumi sighed: "Cagalli, what am I ever going to do with you? You are getting engaged in two and a half hours! I know you don't like this marriage but for the goodness of Orb you must make some sacrifices!" Cagalli knew she's not getting out of this. Nothing was going to change her father's decision. She didn't say a word. "Marna, please come in here," Uzumi said through the intercom. The door soon opened and a woman entered.

"You called me, Uzumi sama?" she said.

"Yes Marna, please go and help Cagalli to get ready for the engagement ceremony. We only have two and half hours."

"Understood sir." She walked over to Cagalli, "Cagalli-sama, we don't have much time." They headed towards Cagalli's room.

-Dressing room-

"NOOOO!" Noises came out of the dressing room, "Marna! I am absolutely not, absolutely NOT wearing a dress!"

"Cagalli-sama, this is your ENGAGEMENT ceremony. Please don't tell me you are going to wear what you are wearing now to the ceremony?" Cagalli wore a red tank top with white shorts.

"Marna! What's wrong with tank tops and shorts!?"

"Sigh, Cagalli-sama, if you are not cooperating, I am going have to use force."

"AHHHH! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

The engagement ceremony was held at the Zala mansion. Many famous people came, including all the medias. It was said to be the biggest wedding of the century. But little did the people know, the bride and the groom never wanted to be in this.

Cagalli sat in the limo, being on her way to hell. At least that was what she thought. She stared the window, at the horizon, "Afmed..." she whispered to herself.

"Cagalli nee-san, are you okay?" Kira asked with concern. He was accompanying his sister. Cagalli turned to face her brother, who was sitting across from her, "I think I'll be okay... Don't worry Kira," she forced a smile.

The same time in the Zala mansion, people were getting ready to welcome the soon to be bride. Athrun was wearing a black tux with a bowtie in front paired up with the shining ebony shoes. His hair was combed with perfection. He paced around in the great hall. "Why is my heart beating like this? It's an arranged marriage. I'm not suppose to be nervous right?" he asked himself. He didn't know why he has this burning feeling inside him. It was as if this fiancée was someone he felt very close to. "Cagalli..." the appeared in his mind again. This was about the tenth time. "Argh, why am I still thinking about her!?"

"The fiancée has arrived!" A butler called out. Athrun rushed outside the door. The limo parked in front of the mansion. Athrun walked up to the limo and opened the passenger's door.

Emerald met gold.

Athrun couldn't believe his eyes - the girl who caused him to go through all those sleepless nights, the girl of his dreams. It was destiny. Cagalli was shocked too, it was the guy who crashed into her at school and then helped her in the medical room. Athrun held out his arm, and took her out of the car. As she stood before him, his jaw dropped a little. She was so beautiful. The green gown went down to her ankle, showing her perfect curves. Parts of her golden hair were strapped by a matching green ribbon. Although she didn't wear any kind of jewelry, she still looked perfect. It was just her style. Cagalli could feel her heart beating faster and faster. To the two of them, the time seemed to have stopped... until a voice brought both back to reality.

"Athrun... Athrun Zala!" A voice called out. Athrun turned around and saw a boy with chocolate brown hair and purple eyes. He instantly recognized him, however he never thought that guy would be here.

"K...Kira! Kira Yamato!" Athrun was surprised. The two boys hugged each other.

"How have you been Athrun?" Kira asked.

"I'm fine as you can see. How about you?"

"My life just can't get any better," a smile crept up Kira's face as he thought about Lacus. "I never knew you are one of the Zalas! Besides, if I remember correctly, your last name wasn't Zala when we were back at high school."

"Yeah, I didn't want everyone to make a fuss about me so I changed my last name. Am I surprised to see you here!"

"Haha, of course, how can miss my sister's engagement ceremony? Let me introduce," Kira pulled Athrun over to Cagalli. "Athrun, this is my sister Cagalli. Cagalli, this is my best friend Athrun."

"You never told me you had a sister." Athrun asked.

"Well you never asked." Kira replied looking innocent.

A butler walked over and said: "Excuse me to interrupt. Patrick-sama requests Athrun-sama and Cagalli-sama's presence at his study room."

"I understand. Thank you." Athrun replied. The butler walked away. "Com'on Cagalli, I'll take you there." Athrun said facing her. Cagalli nodded and followed him towards the study room. After a few turns and up the stairs, they stopped in front of a large dark wood door. Athrun knocked on it. "Come in." A voice from inside replied. Opening the door, there sat an elderly man. "My name is Patrick Zala and I welcome you to my mansion," the elderly man spoke as he stood up and walked over to Cagalli.

"My name is Cagalli. Pleased to meet you." Cagalli bowed a little. Patrick then turned to Athrun, "Athrun, there are many medias and guests in the main hall. Would you go and greet them? And may I please have a private word with you Cagalli please."

"Yes father." Athrun turned and left the room.

"Cagalli, please, have a seat." Patrick sat down on one of the couches. "I just want to thank you for doing this. I know how hard it is on you. In this world right now, many people are fighting for peace. Sometimes, we must make some sacrifices. Both your father Uzumi-sama and I agree to use this marriage to become allies."

"I understand. My father told me the same thing."

"I see. Just as expected from Uzumi," he chuckled. "I won't keep you here long, for the ceremony is about to start. If you ever come across any trouble, please don't hesitate to come and find me."

"Thank you." Outside the door, some servants were already waiting for Cagalli to make some final preparations. All the guests were seated into the private chapel in the Zala mansion. The ceremony had finally begun. Lacus held on to Kira's arm tightly, hoping nothing would go wrong. "Don't worry Lacus, everything will be fine." Kira said calmingly.

Accompanied by the beautiful music sang by the choir, Athrun and Cagalli walked down the aisle side by side. Uzumi was smiling. Marna couldn't stop crying. The whole chapel was filled with happiness. Cagalli didn't know what to feel. Thousands of different feelings possessed her body. Happy? Sad? She didn't know. All she knew was that marrying Athrun was her only choice. Soon, they reached the altar. There stood a priest holding the bible. Athrun nodded signaling the priest to begin.

"Today we stand here to witness a promise between two lovers. They are to be wed to each other after 4 months. This promise is not to be broken until either finds another true love. Under the watch of God, please repeat after me."

"I swear I will keep this promise until I find another true love." Athrun and Cagalli repeated after the priest.

"Please exchange your rings."

A man handed Athrun ring. Looking into Cagalli's eyes, he found some unsureness. Ignoring it, he gently slipped the diamond ring on to Cagalli's small slim finger. Cagalli did the same thing.

"Now you may kiss," the priest announced.

Athrun held her hands, leaning closer and closer. He wasn't sure if he should do this. He could tell that she didn't want to do this. Since the priest said that, he didn't have a choice. 'Please don't hate me...' he thought.

'What??' Cagalli thought. 'Kissing!?' before she could react, she felt a pair of warm lips covering over hers. Electricity flowed through her body. 'this feeling...' Their lips soon parted. The whole engagement ceremony ended with loud cheers from the crowd. Camera flashes were everywhere. Cagalli was still in shock because of the totally unexpected kiss. But just right this moment, Athrun realized something. 'I'm in love...' he thought to himself.

In a dark room, a man was reading the newspapers. When he saw the headline, he said to himself, "Cagalli, you moved on..."


Author's Notes

YAY! I finally managed to finish this chapter! I know it isn't great... Anyone wanna guess who's the mysterious person at the end of this chapter?? and... I am really really really really really sorry for not updating for so long... it took me forever to write this... and I know I suck... The next update won't be anytime soon because I'm flying back to Canada. Soooo you know all those jetlags and stuffies.. In this chapter, things are going pretty well by the looks of it, BUT I'm not just gonna let everything go smoothly. Haha, I'm so evil. Okay I think I said a bit too much about the next chapter. Anywayz, I promise you guys I'll continue with this story, so don't worry about me giving it up. Most importantly, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for all your support and reviews! You don't know how happy I am when I see them. LOL BIG BIG THANKKIES to the reviewers below. Til next time! muAHz!

Keirin-Sama

zoro

Kazumi Kairi or Kairi-chan

Princess Paine of Darkness

Lomithiel-YzaknNicol fangirl

PreciousRose

Rednal29

Heaven's Reaper

charice

nifer-inc

Blue Savage

Kichi-chan

fenrir722

black-thief

Craze