Chapter 5: Grandfather's Present

"Sir, we have information on a Mr. Yamato." Said a slightly balding butler as he bowed at the waist. "Mr. Yamato has left the Alliance, and is not aboard the Dark Angel. Miss Leila has told him only what he needs to know, and is waiting for a transmission from you." Stated the butler.

"Thank you Henry." He said looking thoughtful. He hadn't seen his grandson yet in person, and was looking forward to meeting him when they go to Australia. "How is Leila's weapon coming?" he asked looking at a picture of Cagalli and Nikki on his desk.

"The preparations are almost complete Sir." Henry, the butler replied.

"Good, how long until my grandchildren get here?" he said standing and stretching for a moment.

"They should be here within the next two weeks." Henry said, and bowed once before leaving.

"I hope you kids have a good rest, I won't make Leila explain, but I'm not sure if I want to either." He chuckled, then went to attend the High Council meeting, receiving questioning glances as to why Cagalli wasn't with him, and so he explained the situation.

The moon rose slowly, as Cagalli sat enjoying the cool night breeze and the beautiful stars above. There was only about a week and a half left until they got to Australia. They were several days from Orb's territorial waters, and still vulnerable.

Athrun smiled down at a startled Cagalli who hadn't even noticed him walk out onto the deck. He had been trying to escape a love sick Flay who had been chasing him around flirting with him constantly for the last week or so.

"You okay?" he asked seeing her look of thoughtfulness.

"Yeah, just taking a break for awhile." She said with a sigh as she stood and leaned against the rail with him. The two watched the water beneath the Dark Angel speed by, and Cagalli was almost lost in the sound of the ocean below.

Athrun glanced over at her and smiled. She was definitely different than anyone he had met before. Something about her fighting spirit amazed him. She had been betrayed by everything and everyone she had loved, and yet she was still fighting for her own right to live and be free. He saw her shiver as a cold wind gusted past them, and he removed his jacket and handed it to her.

"Thanks." She said quietly taking it, trying not to blush. She put it on, and sighed in the warmth. It was almost winter here, and it would be cold even though at the moment they were near the equator. "How's Flay?" she asked grinning wickedly as he turned to look to see if anyone was there, but when he turned back he wore an expression of relief on his face.

"Oh she's just fine." He muttered, then the two burst into laughter, remembering her last flirting attempt. She had pretended to fall, and Athrun had gone to catch her before she fell off of the ship, and the two ended up sliding on a recently washed floor. They had slid across the ground, Flay on top of Athrun, and had run into Kira, Lacus, and Dearka who had just walked up. They had all fallen in a heap on the ground except for Cagalli who was also almost to her knees in a fit of laughter, tears streaming from her eyes at the pile of people. La Cruse had also walked by at that moment, and rose an eyebrow in inquiry, then simply walked on, reading yet another book.

"She'll get over you soon enough." Cagalli said finally catching her breath. She smiled at Athrun, who was smiling at her too, then quickly turned away, hiding a blush.

"We should go in, it's getting late, and I think Kira was looking for you." Athrun finally said after several minutes of silence.

"Yeah." She said nodding.

Athrun walked with her as they entered and walked down the hallway. Kira was walking towards them, and Lacus was with him as well.

"Cagalli, where have you been? Kira and I have been searching for you all over the place. The commander said there's a message for you from a friend." She said smiling.

Lacus had yet to know the depth of the Orb government. Cagalli was happy to know who the friend was, and without thinking left them all standing there as she ran to her room. Kira and Athrun came close behind, but Lacus had been called to the Lounge.

"Sir." Cagalli said sitting down and smiling broadly.

"Leila my dear, how are you?" he asked seeing her grinning face.

"I'm alright." She said, then turned to stare at Kira and Athrun for a moment. "Sir..." she said as she moved aside for Kira and Athrun.

"Kira..." Sir said catching sight of his grandson. "Kira it's good to finally meet you." The old man said, and Kira looked questioningly at Cagalli for a moment, then back to Sir to take in his appearance. He was a man in his late 70's with grey hair and brown eyes like Nikki's.

"Sir?" he asked looking at the man who seemed very familiar.

"I'm your grandfather Kira." He said sighing a look of happiness on his face. "I have received word on your father. Whatever you have heard, Orb is not responsible, and the members of the council are aware of who the murderer is." He said rubbing his temples.

"What a shame." Cagalli muttered darkly from a seat on her bed. Athrun looked at the old man's sigh at her comment, then at her and sighed as well. Anyone could tell she'd rather have done it.

"Leila, I know something that will cheer you up." He finally said figuring out what would brighten her mood. "Your weapon is nearly complete and will be done within a few days." He said smiling at her delighted face.

"Did they add my specifications?" She asked eagerly.

"Yes." He said grinning. "It's Cagalli's birthday present." He said seeing Kira and Athrun's confused faces.

"Oh." Said Athrun.

"Wow! I almost forgot that out birthday is in three weeks. With all that's been going on it's been hard to keep track." Kira said a look of thoughtfulness coming over his face. He'd have to get her a present when they got to Australia. "That should be fun..." he mused quietly after they had said their goodbyes and hung up.

No Pre-Story Line...

Sorry everyone, I know this one's really short, but I'm getting ready for the next one which is gonna be good. Anyways, cackles evilly I think the next chap's gonna be the best.

Reviews:

Hey everyone, thanks for the reviews. If you've loved it so far, then you'll love the plot coming upgrins and cackles like a mad scientist