Edited: 231105
Changes: Major changes with sentence construction; some paragraphs added; plot still the same
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Chapter 2 - Happenstance
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The room had been witness to many chronological events. It was where the fate of two twins was decided. It was where a leader became a father and a stubborn child a daughter. It was where two parents requested for their son's innocence. It was where a leader became a hero. It was where a daughter found solace during turbulent times.
The room itself was fairly simple – not too classy, not too flashy, with just the right amount of casual elegance. The walls were painted a nice shade of white and the floor was carpeted with lush purple. The lighting was dark giving the room a warm, homely appeal. An oak desk was placed on one corner of the room, several personal items strewn on top of it. Shelves lined a part of the wall, filled with books from Politics for the New Era to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Two couches, dark violet in color, were placed in the middle of the room with a center table in the middle. Various papers, magazines, and other books littered the top of the table.
And now, it was about to witness the birth of a leader or the downfall of a nation. And it all depended on one person.
Ledonir Kisaka uncrossed his arms and stared at the door, waiting patiently for it to open. He had received a call from Cagalli that morning, asking him to stop by at Rep. Uzumi's – no – her, office. It was hard to believe that the stubborn, boyish, little child that he had watched over for so many years, was about to carry the weight on a nation on her small shoulders.
But Cagalli was still that stubborn, boyish, but-no-so-little-anymore child in so many ways – a child who just recently lost a father and a loved one because of the war. He knew that what he said up in space was a little too harsh, but Cagalli needed to realize that she should learn to let go, that those things happened to make her stronger.
He had always been there for Cagalli, acting not just as her bodyguard but also as her confidante – the closest thing that the princess had as a best friend. Sometimes he thought that maybe the reason why Cagalli acted like a boy was because of him. He vaguely remembered the time when Cagalli was 7. A boy told her he liked her and she punched the boy in the face.
He knew everything about her – her allergies, her phobias, her extreme dislike towards dresses and all things girly, her unusual fascination with guns, her non-existent cooking skills – everything. He knew everything about her and Athrun – from the first time they met and until he died. He knew of her feelings for him, of his feelings for her, of her doubts, fears and insecurities. He knew of the unbearable grief that she felt – was feeling when he passed away.
And at times like this, he wished that Rep. Uzumi had hired a lady bodyguard instead, for the reason that a female would know exactly what to say to ease Cagalli's sadness.
Like his current situation, for instance. He knew what he should say. The problem was, how should he say it without sounding like an 'insensitive prick'?
His train of thought was put to a stop when the door opened, admitting a serious-looking Cagalli. He could tell by the look on her face that she meant business but he didn't miss the sad look in her eyes, which were still red from crying.
He stood up and waited for her to acknowledge him before taking his seat once more. Cagalli gave him a tired grin and sat on the couch opposite from him. He sat back down and cleared his throat. "How are you?"
She gave him a small, sad smile. "Okay, I guess." She averted her gaze and stared intently at her lap, twisting her hands nervously.
It was a sign that she was anxious. She looked like the way she did waiting for a telling-to from him. Kisaka smiled. "Cagalli," he began in a gentle tone. "You wanted to tell me something?"
Cagalli visibly relaxed. "I want to know what's been happening since I, uh, I mean, when we, um, came back," she stuttered. She looked down guiltily and he noticed that she was fiddling with her thumbs.
"Cagalli, you don't have to act so nervous around me," he said kindly. "I put the reports on your desk, but I will give you a brief summary of what has been going on."
She smiled uncertainly at him. "Thanks."
"You'll be glad to hear that we're almost halfway through the reconstruction," he reported. "With the help of various other neutral nations like the Kingdom of Scandinavia, everything will be back to normal in a few weeks."
"That's good," Cagalli commented.
Kisaka watched her expression carefully. He sighed and shook his head slightly, knowing that there was no other gentle way of putting it. "There's another thing, Cagalli. Some of the representatives from the other noble families want the Athha family to step down. They keep saying that you're still very young and you're still not emotionally stable," he said grimly.
When Cagalli remained silent, he took a deep breath and plunged on. "They also think that your views would be clouded… because of Athrun."
At that Cagalli raised her head sharply and said angrily, "That's unfair! They know that Athrun defected and – God!" She threw up her hands exasperatedly. "He sacrificed himself just so GENESIS wouldn't blow up the Earth! How did they know of us anyway?"
"See, that's another thing, Cagalli. The news says we were the ones who exposed your relationship with Athrun but I suspect that some of the Emirs were behind it. They want to gain leadership of Orb. They keep on spreading rumors about you and Athrun, making him look like an evil person who 'brainwashed' you. Now, the citizens are confused and are starting to doubt your capabilities in running the country."
Cagalli stared at him in disbelief and shock. "What?"
Kisaka sighed. "Remember what I told you about some of them thinking about joining the Alliance? It's like hitting two birds with one stone for them. They get you out of the picture and make the citizens even more wary of ZAFT."
Cagalli was close to tears. She looked at him expectantly, as if he had all the answers. "What do you think I should do?"
Kisaka returned her gaze. Cagalli had never asked for his opinion before – he knew her as a stubborn, determined girl. He could tell that something was off with her. He had to make sure. "First, I need to ask you something." He looked at her face searchingly. "Do you want to take over your father's place as leader of Orb?"
Cagalli's face fell. She looked uncertain. "Yes..."
Kisaka sighed yet again, and then he stood up. "I'm giving you one week, Cagalli. Think things through, and then we will release your statement to the public. See you in a week."
This is a battle that Cagalli needs to face alone. No one can make this decision for her.
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Cagalli had asked initially that Kira accompany her during her talk with Kisaka but he refused. Kira thought that Cagalli should have that talk alone. Cagalli had been reluctant but he promised that he will wait for her outside the office and will be there for her once the meeting had ended.
He leaned on the wall and crossed his arms, slightly worried for Cagalli. He knew it was too soon, but he hoped Cagalli would make the right decision. He heard the door open and he straightened up. Kisaka bowed his head slightly to acknowledge him.
"It's over. She's inside," he said simply before walking away.
Kira stared after his back curiously, wondering what went on inside. He walked towards the office and knocked twice before opening the door. He stood in the doorway, still holding to the doorknob. "Cagalli? May I come in?"
Cagalli looked up and smiled weakly. Her eyes were watery.
"So...what happened?" he asked. He sat down beside Cagalli.
"Did you know what they were saying about Athrun?" she asked tearfully.
"I saw it on the news," he admitted gravely, a frown marring his features.
"Whatever they're saying, Athrun's not like that all!" Cagalli burst out.
"I know." Kira put his hand on Cagalli's shoulder in an effort to calm her down. "I know," he repeated.
"Do you miss him?" Cagalli asked quietly.
"Very much. Sometimes, I wish that we spent the time with each other being friends rather than fighting against each other," he answered sadly. "But if there was one thing that I have learned in the war, it would have to be how to let go and how to move on."
Cagalli wiped away her tears. "I know. But how do I do it?"
"We all have different ways of dealing with our grief. And I would be a hypocrite if I tell you that I have moved on."
"I'm just so confused," she confessed sadly. "I don't know what to do anymore. I know I promised you I'll try to snap out of it but, I can't. I want to help Orb but I don't think I'll be able to run a whole country even with your help!"
Kira gave her an encouraging smile. "Cagalli, I know you can do it. It doesn't matter what they say. Prove them all wrong."
Cagalli shook her head. "Easier said than done. Kisaka said that I'll have to announce my decision by this time next week. I don't want to make the wrong choice, Kira. What if I take over my father but I end up messing things up?"
Kira remembered what Mwu La Flaga told him during his moment of hesitation being the Strike's pilot. "If you have the power to do something, you should, and you must also have the will and the resources," he added, thinking of Lacus.
"You already have the power, I'm sure of it – the resources, too. All you need is the will," he continued. "I know that it's not the same as piloting a mobile suit but, if you were able to save the world, I'm sure you can do this."
He waited for Cagalli's reply. But when she didn't say anything, he engulfed her in a brotherly hug. "This is one decision you have to make by yourself. But whatever choice you make, I'll be behind you one hundred percent."
Cagalli seemed to be carefully absorbing his words. "Thanks, Kira," she said gratefully, as she pulled out of the hug.
Kira ruffled her hair affectionately, "Anything for my little sister."
And just as expected, Cagalli swatted his hand away and snarled, "There's no way I'm younger than you. I'm definitely the older twin."
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After their talk, Kira had wanted to spend the rest of the day with her but she refused, saying that Lacus was waiting for him. She said she needed the time to think about certain things and after assuring him that she was going to be just fine, he finally relented.
Kira had left for Reverend Malchio's island, leaving her to think, just like she wanted. But she wasn't able to think things through like she intended to. Her thoughts were just jumbled pieces and she couldn't think straight.
Deciding that what she needed was fresh air, she immediately put on a pair of jeans, a shirt, her windbreaker, a cap and a pair of sunglasses. Cagalli looked at herself in the mirror. She was completely unrecognizable. Perfect.
She knew she promised Kira and the others that she won't run away again, but technically, she wasn't running away. It was more like 'going out'.
She tiptoed quietly down the hallway and went to the kitchen. She remembered that there was a little gate near the kitchen's back door. She could sneak out through there. But she knew it wasn't going to be easy because she wouldn't only hiding from passing guards making their rounds but also those nosy reporters outside the main gate. She just hoped no one would think about passing through her escape hatch.
It was as if the heavens had answered her plea – she met no one on her way out. Once she was outside, she casually snuck her hands through her jeans pocket and walked away, smiling slightly to herself.
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He was a bit surprised when he saw the princess go out of the same gate that the brown-haired young man and the pink-haired lady used the other day. He almost didn't recognize her because her face was hidden by her cap and sunglasses. He shook his head as he remembered that Cagalli had a knack for going out incognito.
He waited at least five minutes before going after her. He knew that the road was a good 500 meters away and he didn't want to be seen by her.
When he reached the main road, he thought he almost lost her. But he spotted her walking slowly in the direction of a mall.
He looked around. Even after being attacked by the EA, the city was still a buzz. The sight always seemed to amaze him – Orb was on its way to a full and speedy recovery.
He saw her enter a coffee shop near the mall. With a final glance at his surroundings, he pulled his cap low and waited a full three minutes before coming after her.
It smelled like freshly-brewed coffee and as he looked around, he noticed that only a few people had decided to take an afternoon coffee/tea break. He went to the counter and the barista gave him a once over and laughed.
"What's this? Hide-your-face day?" she asked jokingly, probably in reference to Cagalli's 'disguise'.
He gave her a withered look and placed an order for a cup of cappuccino. While he waited for it, he turned around and quickly scanned the store behind his sunglasses. He saw her at the farthest corner, playing with her latté. Her eyebrows were wrinkled and she seemed to be deep in thought.
After he got and paid for his coffee, he chose a table where he could see her perfectly. He sat there silently; his cappuccino ignored, and contented himself with the sight of her.
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Athrun... can you help me? Can you give me an answer? You know, I'm trying hard to move on because Kira and the others keep telling me that you'll be sad if you saw me crying and forgetting about my life.
I must say I'm doing a good job. But only in front of other people. I don't want them to worry anymore, so I cry when I'm alone. When no one can see me.
Cagalli took a deep breath and forced herself to think about other things. Now was not the time for that. She promised Kira and Kisaka that she will think about her decision carefully. She diverted her gaze to the glass windows and observed the bustling city street.
Kisaka was right...
She sipped a little of her latté and frowned when she noticed something peculiar from the reflection of the glass windows. A guy was looking at her, stock still, not even bothering with his coffee. His black hair was peeping out of his cap and he was wearing a pair of dark sunglasses but she was sure as hell that he was staring at her.
She pretended to look at something as watched him from the corner of her eyes. He continued staring at her.
What's his friggin' problem?
She wasn't exactly known for her patience. She stood up and marched towards the person, crossing her arms and giving him a death glare. The black-haired young man suddenly sipped his coffee and looked away. She was amused when he suddenly blushed and choked.
She smirked. "Hot, isn't it?" And then she snarled. "Leave me alone, if you want your head the way it is."
With that she turned on her heels and walked out of the coffee shop, not even waiting for him to apologize. Her moment was ruined and she didn't feel like finishing her latté anymore. She stopped for a second to think about where she could go next.
But standing in the street during the afternoon rush hour was a bad idea.
"Hey!" she exclaimed as someone pushed her aside, knocking her off balance. She closed her eyes and braced herself for impact but it never came.
Someone had come to her rescue and prevented her from kissing the pavement and making a big fool out of herself. She felt that someone's arms on her waist and she relaxed unconsciously. She slowly opened her eyes and saw a pair of striking ice-blue eyes behind the dark sunglasses, looking directly through her amber-colored ones.
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Author's Notes: Well, if someone's still bothering to read this, please review and tell me what you think. Did you notice the changes? Which is better? The first draft or this one?
