A/N: First of all, I would like to give special recognition to someone who has given me the most interesting review yet. Susan, (she's an anon) your reviews are hilarious! I love how you just rant! It gives me something to read and it just makes it more fun to write for people like you! Thank you, and keep up the long reviews! Love em!
Now, my purdy vacation was awsum! I have a killer tan, I got to swim in a purdy lake, and I got to waltz around in 32 degree weather! Totally cool. So, now that I am back in my pitiful town, with it's freezing cold temperatures and rain ((sighs)) I can't help but want to go back to the warm purdy place.
Anywho, I have put up the new chapter! Now, this is an interesting chapter! ((laughs)) Anywho, this chapter is mainly about what the title implies: hardships and a journey back to Earth. Also, in this one you will find out what happens to Cagalli and Athrun, who is behind the secret plot and then you get to find out who said what! Yeah! So, onto the chapter.
Chapter 7
Journey To Earth; Hardships
"Cagalli!" shouted Athrun, throwing himself out of the seat and onto the young blonde beside him. Luckily, in his rush to get away from the restaurant, he hadn't put on his seat belt, making it easy to lunge out of the seat. The car slammed into his side and crushed it. He felt the metal graze his back, but he only cared about protecting the girl beneath him.
Cagalli's eyes squeezed shut and she felt a warm body press her deep into the seat. A scream ripped from her throat and she felt her cell phone fly from her hand. The car that had struck them propelled them forward; the metal screeching and hissing as sparks flew up. She pulled the force above her closer, fingers digging into the velvety soft material. She heard a grunt of pain, and the sound of brakes being put on. Slowly, she opened her eyes.
Cagalli, eyes terrified, looked up at Athrun and the pain on his face. The car stopped moving and Cagalli carefully pulled away from him, looking back to see what was causing him pain. His foot was caught in the mesh of metal and she quickly climbed over him, trying to pull it out. She heard a car door open, but ignored it as she pulled. She managed to move the metal – with much effort – and he pulled his foot out. She then crawled back over to him, breath ragged.
"Are you okay?" he asked, wincing in pain at his ankle. Cagalli looked up at him, eyes still wide and threw herself on him.
"You fool! You protected me when you should have been watching out for yourself! You could've died!" she shouted, hugging him.
They heard the distant sound of sirens and Athrun noticed someone looking inside the car, asking if they were all right. Cagalli, furious, and scared, jumped out the minute the door was taken off.
"You bastard! You could've killed the Chairman and me! Were you not watching where you were going, dumbass? What the hell is wrong with you!" she screamed at a young man with black hair. His red eyes widened at the mention of the Chairman and he shot at glance at Athrun as he struggled to get out. Cagalli rushed over to him, and helped him as he put most of his weight on her.
"You're – You're Athrun Zala. Oh hell," muttered the young man.
"Yes, and you almost killed him, you insane driving maniac!" screamed Cagalli, storming up to him once the paramedics had taken Athrun to the ambulance. She brought up her hand but he stopped it before she could hit him.
"Let go of me, you jerk!" she roared, bringing her hand to one side and pulling it in the other as fast as she could. A sense of déjà vu washed over her as her fist slammed into the young man's face, making his eyes go wide.
He put his hand to his cheek and stared at the petite blonde.
"Cagalli," said Athrun, calling her name. She turned and walked away, leaving the man to stand by himself.
"Are you okay?" she asked, sitting beside him. The paramedics had taken off his shirt and were wiping at the wounds on his back. Athrun grinned at her and ruffled her hair, which made her huff.
"Just a few scratches. What's more important is that you're all right. You are, right?" asked Athrun.
"Yes, I'm fine. You're an idiot you know that? You almost sacrificed yourself to save me." A sense of awe filled her expression. "Wow, Kisaka will be honoured to meet someone who can also protect the prin–" she stopped when she noted the paramedic listening. She glared at him and crossed her arms.
The young man that Cagalli had hit had walked over, eyes still wide. A red welt had appeared on his face and Athrun eyed it. He then turned to Cagalli, who was shooting death glares at the red-eyed man.
"I'm so sorry, Chairman. I-I was trying to get home, because my sister is home alone. I didn't see the other car…and I'm sorry if I hurt you or your lady friend," he said, timidly. Cagalli still had the death glare on her face.
"That is quite all right. We aren't in critical condition, so we should be fine. Thank you for helping us out, Mr…?"
"Shinn. Shinn Asuka," he said, edging away from Cagalli.
"Well, Shinn, how did you get that mark on your face? You weren't harmed in the accident I hope," said Athrun.
"Well, um, your friend here took it as her duty to, uh, straighten me out," he explained, casting wary glances at Cagalli.
"He deserved it! He almost killed you! What was I supposed to do, weep in front of him? I will not have some asshole get away with hurting you, Zala, so I gave him something to remember me by," muttered Cagalli. "Especially not after all the concern you have laid at my feet."
Athrun smiled at her and turned back to Shinn. He was shifting form one foot to the other, switching glances from Cagalli to Athrun.
"You saw the news, I presume?" asked Athrun.
"Y-yes," stuttered Shinn, surprised. "Is she a Natural?"
Athrun looked over at Cagalli, whose eyes had gone wide. Before he got a chance to say anything, she had marched up to him again.
"So what if I am? Is it that damn hard to believe that a Natural can survive a car crash? Is it that damn hard to believe that I can slap you or hit you and you still feel pain? God! You are all the same!" she shouted. Shinn was looking at Athrun, eyes wide and Athrun chuckled.
"Calm down, Cagalli. I think that's enough emotion for one night. Just breath," he said. Cagalli sat down beside him and began to take deep breaths, all the while keeping her death glare on Shinn.
"Again, I am terribly sorry!" began Shinn.
"You better be. If I wasn't in a dress and trying to be ladylike, I would have kicked your ass by now," warned Cagalli.
Shinn laughed nervously before bidding the two farewell. He had given them his personal information so that if there were any other problems, they had the numbers.
As he walked away, he couldn't help himself; he had to look back at the young blonde on last time. Had the Chairman gone mad, or was he just helping out a Natural? By the looks of it, it seemed like the Chairman had gone mad, because that Natural was one tough cookie. As he walked, he picked up his cell phone and followed the car that had picked up the two. He needed to get this done.
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"What?" cried Kira into the phone.
"I don't know where she is, her phone died half way through and I heard her scream. Kira, find her. If she dies, it will spark another war," said Kisaka, worry flowing through his voice.
"Of course!"
Just as Kira hung up the phone there was a knock on the door. He rushed over and saw Cagalli, wearing a dress, and Athrun, limping slightly with bandages over him.
"What the hell happened?" asked Kira, grabbing hold of his sister. He pulled her into a tight hug and then looked her over. There were no evident scratches, besides the one on her shoulder, and she looked for the most part unharmed.
"We got into a little accident," said Cagalli.
"Why didn't you call me in the last five days? I've been worried sick, nearly dying here wondering what the hell Athrun was doing to you and you didn't think once what that was doing to me? And what do you mean by accident?" shouted Kira, furious.
"Athrun was taking care of me. I … went into a state of shock, so he helped me through it, like you did before, Kira. But don't worry, I'm fine now," said Cagalli.
"And what is this about you and Athrun having a relationship which I don't know about? And instead of you informing me, they inform me over the television!" exclaimed Kira.
"That is actually a load of bull. Athrun and I are just friends. And…well Kira, he, um, he–"
"I know that she is actually the princess of Orb, Lord Uzumi's daughter," said Athrun, limping towards the two.
"What?" exclaimed Kira, shocked.
"He found out at the party. That is why I've been at his house for the last week. He didn't want me to get hurt. And…well Kira, um, I've been threatened."
Kira's face paled and his eyes grew wide.
"Wha…?" he managed, feeling faint. All this had transpired over the past week, and he had been kept out of the loop!
"Kira, you have to believe me when I say I intend no harm upon your sister. I need to keep her safe, that is all. I am partially responsible for her, as I have been threatened as well. If they see me without her, then I'm dead as well as she. That will not be good.
"Furthermore, she has been suffering from a mental breakdown over the past few days, and I believe I know more about her than you do. I'm sorry about this, but she has to stay with me for a few more days," finished Athrun.
Kira, eyes still wide in shock, didn't notice the red eyes that flashed beside the house, nor the sound of a car being started. He was too focused on the two people in front of him. He saw something in Cagalli's eyes that wasn't there before, and it shocked him. He also saw the same thing in Athrun's eyes and was mildly shocked that the barrier was down. Were his sister and best friend in love?
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"She is still alive," whispered Shinn into the cell phone.
"What? How did you miss the goddamn car! It was all over the news!" shouted the other voice.
"I didn't miss it; the stupid Chairman got in the way. And how do I know that she was really the princess? You told me she hates wearing dresses! She was wearing a goddamn apple dress and jewellery! What does that tell you?"
"Was she a bitch?" asked the other softly.
Shinn was taken aback by the response. "Well, she did punch me, come to think of it. And, she said that if she wasn't wearing a dress and acting ladylike then she would have kicked my ass."
"That's her," replied the other. "Now, kidnap her! I don't want her anywhere near the PLANTs any longer. We have to get her back down to Earth, dead or alive!"
"You know what? I don't care if some Natural bastard wants to marry her. She looks happy here! And who I am to mess with someone's life?" asked Shinn, furious. He could see from here the fond looks she was giving the Chairman and in turn was quite happy for the guy. The Chairman hadn't been caring or merciful since his father died.
"You will do as I tell you, Shinn Asuka. Or did you forget the deal we made? I really don't want to have to kill her off," said the other voice.
Shinn's fury turned into blind rage at the mention of Stellar. He didn't want her to die, but he really didn't want a cold Chairman anymore either. It wasn't fair! He could see how happy the Natural made the Chairman, and it pained him to think that he had once been that happy as well, with Stellar. Could he force himself to kidnap her, to destroy the happiness she brought to defrost the Chairman's cold heart?
"Fine!" he snapped, flicking off the cell phone. It wasn't fair!
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"What did he say?" asked the young man, playing with a small paper airplane.
"He'll do it. But he doesn't like it. Is this really a smart idea, Leon?" asked the one man, putting the phone back down on the receiver.
Leon looked up, lavender blue eyes dancing with mischief. He had a half grin on his face and his orange hair was sticking up in places.
"Of course this is a smart idea. Do you know how much we are getting paid? I thought if we threatened the Chairman, he would give her up. But it seems he is more stubborn than I thought. We're going to have to stage it well if we want to get her away from him."
"But from what Shinn said, she looks happy with the Chairman."
Leon's hands froze above the table, eyes narrowing. "How is it possible for a Natural to be happy with a Coordinator? How is it possible that she is happy on the PLANTs? How?" He turned. "I don't care for her happiness or not, Lord Yuuna wants her back here now!" (A/N: ((dun dun dunnnn)) Ho, hum, now what is this? Did I accidentally tell you who was behind the whole plan? Oops!)
"Fine. But I almost agree with Shinn. We shouldn't be messing with people's lives." He looked over at the young woman in the cell. "And we shouldn't have taken her from him either."
"All you can do is hope for the best," replied Leon, again playing with his airplanes.
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"So, Kisaka was wrong?" asked Kira, sitting down heavily on the couch.
"What do you mean?" Cagalli questioned, sipping from the cup of tea Kira had prepared for her. Athrun sat beside her, grimacing as he lifted his leg up onto the cushion Kira had provided. He rested his head on Cagalli's shoulder and closed his eyes, trying to forget the pain. Cagalli looked over at him, smiling at the top of his head and touching his hand lightly.
Kira watched this exchange through hooded eyes. In his mind, Kisaka might be right, but he highly doubted that Cagalli would let any man force himself on her. Especially a Coordinator, and Athrun for that matter.
"Well, Kisaka said that you and Athrun…had…well," Kira blushed, trying to think of the right phrase.
"Done what you and Lacus do so often?" suggested Cagalli, watching as Kira's face went even redder.
"No, Kira, I would never do that to your sister. Not even if she said it was all right. The only way I would do anything of the sort was if the feelings I have for your sister are mutual," muttered Athrun. Cagalli looked at him sharply, surprised at his words. She knew the paramedics had given him some painkillers and some drugs to stop the pain, but would it make him delusional?
"You…wha?" said Kira, again feeling faint. His best friend had just admitted that he had feelings for his sister – a Natural.
Athrun didn't answer; his breathing had evened out and he had fallen asleep. Cagalli looked over at him, still shocked from his words. Had he just…?
"Cagalli? Did you know?" asked Kira, looking at his sister.
"No! I…I remember one night, that we shared a moment, but that was only because I was depressed! And, besides, I hardly remember it!" It was a lie, but Cagalli didn't want to tell her brother that. She could still feel his lips pressed against her own, his tongue in her mouth, the taste of him, the feel of his arms wrapped around her back, as she cried about the nightmares. She could even still feel his chest against hers, as she moved to kiss him. She shivered at the memory, a warm feeling beginning in her stomach. She didn't want to think about what could have happened if she had stayed awake. When she had awoken, she had realized that he had seen her naked, but hadn't panicked, only thought about what he had seen. She couldn't help it; thoughts about what could have happened made her feel extremely warm. She looked at the top of his head, wondering what he meant.
"Well, I hope he doesn't hurt you, Cagalli," said Kira, standing. "You can stay here for the night; I don't think you can get home. I'll drive you two home when I think you should go."
Cagalli nodded, and leaned her head on Athrun's. Kira smiled down at the two, watching as Cagalli fell asleep. He pulled a blanket from the closet and pulled Cagalli away from Athrun, laying her on her back. Athrun fell back as well, his head landing softly against her chest. Kira winced, and tried to move him, but Athrun grimaced in pain as his ankle moved. Sighing, he draped the blanket over them and shut off the light before retiring to his own room.
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Athrun woke halfway through the night, pain lacing through his leg. He felt arms around his head and moved slightly. Cagalli groaned and shook her head, eyebrows furrowed in confusion and pain.
Athrun sat up, looking back at her. She was gripping her dress in both hands, her mouth open in silent prayer.
"Cagalli," he said softly, shaking her shoulder. He moved slightly, putting his legs on the carpet. He then moved to the side of her and shook her shoulder again.
"You will not hurt me again!" she screamed, back arching. Athrun jumped, eyes wide and carefully said her name. She looked at him, her eyes wide in sightless fear and clawed at him, teeth bared.
"Athrun!" called Kira, running out of his room. Athrun was fending her off as she tried to hit him.
Kira kneeled beside Athrun as he pulled her into his embrace. She fought wildly against Kira, and managed to hit him in the temple. Kira winced in pain and then felt his sight waver.
Athrun took Cagalli as Kira fell and held her to his chest, ignoring the pain lacing up his leg. Cagalli calmed immediately, her eyes closing and tears streaming down her cheeks. She then opened her eyes slowly, looking up at Athrun.
"You…don't want to hurt me right?" she gasped, pain in her eyes and face. Athrun stroked her tear stained cheek and shook his head as she pulled him to her, lips taking his.
At first, Athrun was shocked. She just had a nightmare, and now she was kissing him? But that thought soon faded as he kissed her back, tongue entering her mouth. She pulled away from him and buried her head into his chest, tears streaming down her cheeks once again.
"Cagalli?" asked Athrun, slightly breathless.
"He was hurting me again, but this time he used the gun. He didn't shoot me; just hit me with it. Then he told you to do it as well, and you…you did. You hurt me so badly Athrun, striking me over and over. Then Kira came out and told me I was worthless and that…that you never did care for me."
"Cagalli, I would never do that to you, never. Neither would Kira. Please, calm down," said Athrun. Cagalli nodded, looking back at Kira.
"I didn't mean to hurt him. I just thought you two were in my dream still. And when you said my name and shook me, I thought you were hurting me again. Don't hurt me, Athrun. Please…"
Athrun nodded, and pulled her to her feet. He carefully placed her back on the couch and kissed her forehead. She grasped his sleeve while he checked over Kira, not wanting to go to sleep again.
"Kira? Are you okay?" asked Athrun, shaking his friend. Kira's eyes fluttered open and he blinked, surprised that he was on the ground.
"I'm fine," said Kira, getting up. He massaged his temple and looked over at Cagalli, whose eyes were wide. "You're okay, right?"
"I'm…fine. I'm really sorry, Kira. I didn't mean to strike you," she said softly, sitting up. "You were just hurting me. You and Athrun both. I…had to fight back, even though Yuuna kept telling you over and over to continue. I don't want to hurt anymore!" she cried, clinging to Athrun. Kira's eyes went wide; Cagalli had never mentioned anything about Yuuna hurting her.
"Yuuna hurt you?" whispered Kira.
"Yes," she said, still holding tight to Athrun's arm. "That is why I didn't call you in the last five days. Athrun was helping me get over it, even though it was partially his fault it started."
"What did you do to my sister?" shouted Kira, picking up Athrun by the collar.
"Kira!" cried Cagalli, standing. She tried to pull Kira away from him but he wouldn't have it.
"I hurt her, but I tried to make it up to her. I never wanted to hurt her Kira, I didn't even know that that bastard Yuuna hurt her!" Athrun looked away. "She has been kind to me – maybe a little on the edge – but she has tried to get the wall down between us. I shoved her away, hurting her." He then looked back at his friend, eyes blazing. "I would never mean to hurt her, Kira! I care for her too damn much to let her wallow in that type of grief!"
Kira's eyes were narrowed, as were Athrun's and they stared at each other. Cagalli was still pulling on Kira, trying to get him to drop Athrun.
"He didn't hurt me, Kira! My fear was already rekindled when Yuuna saw me with him at the party," she cried. Kira glanced at her. "Athrun would never hurt me, never. Even if I am a Natural, he still cares!"
Kira let Athrun go, and Athrun crumpled, his leg useless because of his ankle. Cagalli knelt beside him and then looked back up at Kira. She helped Athrun to a sitting position and then stood and stared down her brother. He surprised her when his eyes softened and he hugged her.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you, Cagalli. I'm sorry I dragged you to the PLANT. Can you forgive me?" asked Kira against her hair.
She returned the hug and nodded. He then helped her put Athrun on the couch and looked at the both of them.
"Wait a minute," muttered Athrun, drawing violet and gold eyes to him. "The threat came the minute after Yuuna saw you with me. What if it's him? What if he wants Cagalli to re-marry her?"
Cagalli's eyes widened and she shuddered. "I don't want to be anywhere near him! He's pure evil! If he ever gets his hands on me…"
"Don't worry, you have two Coordinators – no three, including Lacus – who want to keep you safe."
"I hope your right. I don't want to go near him again," said Cagalli.
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Kira bundled Athrun and Cagalli into the car, after the three days they had spent at his home. Lacus had joined them and they had kept Cagalli from her nightmares and helped her through the times that followed. Athrun had been reluctant to go back to work; worried for the safety of Cagalli and his two friends. On the third day, Lacus suggested that Kira take them back to Athrun's home, where they could pick up some clothing. Cagalli agreed, as she was tired of wearing Lacus's dresses.
Now, Kira sighed as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, waiting for Cagalli and Athrun to return from the house. He had driven them back to Athrun's home, after much discussion. He didn't want his little sister hurt, now did he like the fact that she was becoming so close to his friend. His overprotective nature made Athrun back down a little, but he didn't completely stop. In some ways, Kira was grateful, as Cagalli only calmed down from her nightmares when he held her. But in another way, he wanted to help her; she was, after all, his little sister.
The two came trekking out of the house, Athrun carrying three suitcases whilst Cagalli only carried a small bag. Kira stepped out and helped them pack it into the car and then sat down behind the wheel as Athrun and Cagalli climbed in.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay here?" asked Kira, starting the engine.
"Positive," replied Athrun. "They know that she is here and they will continue to know that she is here. We need to go somewhere else, somewhere where people won't recognize us."
I meant just you, not you and my sister, mused Kira angrily. He then pushed away the thought as what Athrun had said registered in his mind.
"How is that possible? You're the Chairman of the PLANTs! Everyone has seen you on television, not including Cagalli as well," said Kira, looking back at the two in his rear view mirror.
"That's why I booked us a shuttle. We're returning to Earth," said Athrun.
"What?" exclaimed both Kira and Cagalli.
"We'll return to Earth, to Orb more precisely, and I shall take over guarding you. That way, no one will know who I am," said Athrun. He had an odd feeling that this should have happened earlier, but he ignored it. "And also, that will keep Yuuna from you, for I will always be by your side, protecting you."
Cagalli thought it over. If that happened, then she would be able to take over her fathers' position and also steer clear of Yuuna.
"All right," said Cagalli. Kira sighed.
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"You lost her?" shouted Leon. Shinn winced at the look on his face. "How could you lose her? She's with the Chairman of the PLANTs, for God's sake!"
Leon slammed his fist against a wall and glared at Shinn. "I wanted you to kidnap her and instead you let her get away."
"I went to the Chairman's home, hoping to kidnap her right then and there while he was at work, but no one was there. So I looked around," said Shinn. He had looked around and had found the Chairman's journal. Inside, it stated that they had gotten shuttle tickets to Earth. Why he would go to Earth, confused Shinn, but he had done his job; he had gotten her back to Earth.
"What did you find?" snapped Leon.
"They're heading to Earth," he said shortly.
Leon raised his eyebrows and began to laugh. Perfect! "You've done well, Shinn. You can have her back."
Shinn sighed with relief, and walked over to the cell. "Stellar?" he called. She didn't move, no did she respond.
He opened the cell and moved forward, shaking her shoulder. She still didn't respond. He looked back to see Leon leaving, still laughing.
"Stellar?" he asked, and pulled her over. A scream echoed from his throat when her sightless eyes connected with his own and the dried blood cracked off the sheet.
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The shuttled launched and Cagalli stared out the window, wondering what would happen to her. Athrun's ankle had healed miraculously fast and he had donned his glasses and a new outfit. He had also changed his name to something Cagalli found extremely funny. Alex Dino. She chuckled softly as she thought about his true name, being replaced by something that sounded like a dinosaur of sorts.
Dearka and Miriallia sat behind them, with Miriallia holding tight to Dearka's hand. She hated flying, especially when they would be in space for a few days. She shuddered at the thought of their shuttle exploding, like the one that Kira had tried to save during the war.
Kira and Lacus had stayed behind, Kira taking over Athrun's position for the time being. No one protested when Lacus told them it was for the better good.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" asked Cagalli.
"Of course. It's good that I get away from work. Also, I want to punch in that assholes face for hurting you," replied Athrun.
"Athrun," she said softly, putting her hand over his. "Yuuna can't hurt me anymore, not with you here with me."
"I don't care. I want to do something to give him the pain he gave you," said Athrun, fist clenching.
Cagalli picked up his fist and kissed his knuckle, looking up at him through her bangs. "You've helped me so much, Athrun, and I can't thank you enough."
"Excuse me, miss?" asked a voice from beside Athrun. Cagalli looked up and felt her eyes grow wide and fear grasp her voice.
Athrun glared up at the man beside him and moved slightly to hide Cagalli. Yuuna raised an eyebrow, black eyes narrowing.
"Who are you?" asked Yuuna.
"Her bodyguard. I'll have to ask you to leave her alone. Miss Attha is extremely tired from the long flight," replied Athrun, eyes narrowing.
"You look familiar."
"So do you, but I just can't place you, even though something inside of me is telling me to kill you," growled Athrun.
Yuuna's eyes widened and he glanced at Cagalli, whom had her forehead resting on Athrun's back, eyes closed. His eyes narrowed into slits then.
"Did she hire you from the PLANT?" asked Yuuna, his voice changing. Cagalli gripped Athrun's jacket tightly from behind and he got the warning.
"No. Her previous bodyguard, Kisaka, hired me on Earth. I was on the PLANTs visiting the Chairman."
"Oh yes, I have heard that the Chairman is ill. A young Coordinator named Kira Yamato has taken his position for the time being. Is that not Miss Attha's half-brother?"
"Yes it is, and I believe that is the wrong reason to–" Cagalli hit him hard in the back and he stopped, glaring at Yuuna.
Yuuna raised an eyebrow and then looked again at Cagalli. "May I talk to Miss Attha?" He held out his hand. "Alone?"
"No."
"Excuse me?" Yuuna was taken aback.
"I said no, you worthless bastard. Get away from her, get away from me, and go die in some pit," snarled Athrun, furious.
Yuuna stared as Athrun turned his back on Yuuna, touching Cagalli's hand. She looked up at him and smiled slightly, then turned away, looking out the window.
"What did you just say to me?" asked Yuuna, putting his hand on Athrun's shoulder.
Athrun stood and flipped Yuuna over in one fluid motion, eyes furious. "Don't you dare touch me with your filthy hands, you asshole. If Cagalli hadn't asked me not to kill you, I would have shot you by now."
"Athrun," she warned, and he glanced at her. Her eyes grew wide and she said softly, "Alex, stop this."
Yuuna hadn't heard the first name or the second for that matter; his eyes were too focused on Athrun and his eyes. They were emerald fury, raw rage so deep that Yuuna thought he would have died if Cagalli hadn't stopped him.
"You're lucky, Natural. I would have killed you on the spot if I didn't care for the well being of Cagalli."
Yuuna's eyes snapped to Cagalli as what Athrun said registered in his mind. He had called him 'Natural' meaning that her bodyguard was a Coordinator. She had lied to him.
Athrun stepped away, and Dearka stood, walking over to the purple haired man. He kneeled down beside him, eyes cold.
"You hurt Miss Cagalli and I will make it my duty to shoot you dead with my Buster, understood?" said Dearka. "Oh, and a word of advice. Alex doesn't like it when people think they can talk to Miss Cagalli in private, or at all."
"And who are you?" asked Yuuna, struggling to get up.
"Dearka. Dearka Elsman. I'm the Buster pilot, so watch your back. You've already made enemies on this shuttle so I suggest you back off and stay out."
Two Coordinators on the shuttle to Earth! What was going on? Yuuna glanced at Cagalli, whose hand was being held by that Alex man. He was smiling at her, and pulled something from his pocket. Cagalli's eyes went wide and she laughed as he slid the item onto her finger. Fury raged through Yuuna; she was talking with a Coordinator, laughing with one! What was going through her head?
Cagalli laughed as Athrun slid the ring onto her index finger. He smiled at her, and whispered, "It's nothing great; it mostly means that I will always be with you, no matter what." He kissed the ring and she smiled at him. She then saw Yuuna, shooting her a death glare and promises that would be met. He then stormed over to them.
"I thought I told you to leave Miss Attha alone," said Athrun, turning to Yuuna.
"I would like to talk to my future wife," snapped Yuuna. Athrun stiffened and Cagalli felt her throat cease up and dread slid up her back.
"Your…future wife?" asked Athrun, stunned.
"Yes. I have talked to her father, and because her stupid Coordinator brother ruined the wedding before, he has decided that I will have another chance. The wedding is scheduled for five days from today."
"No," whispered Cagalli.
"I'm sorry, my dear. It's final," said Yuuna. He reached across and took her hand, gripping it in an iron grip. He fingered the ring that Athrun had just given her and Athrun felt a beast in his chest spring forth.
"You let go of her," he growled, ripping him away from her. He twirled Yuuna around and leaned down, whispering in his ear, "If I find one bruise on her before the wedding, I won't hesitate to decapitate you, understood? I will not have her hurt, not now, not ever. Understood, Yuuna?"
Yuuna swallowed and tried to move his arm but Athrun held it firmly. "Who do you think you are? You're her bodyguard, not her lover," snapped Yuuna.
"Are you so sure?" he whispered, and let Yuuna go. Athrun glared at him and sat back down.
Yuuna's eyes were wide, fear lacing through him. He now knew why that bodyguard looked so familiar. He was the Chairman of the PLANTs, Athrun Zala. And he was now Cagalli's bodyguard. Oh crap.
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Cagalli woke slowly on the third day in space, her eyes fluttering open. Athrun's arms were wrapped protectively around her, his breathing even and calm. She smiled at him and fingered the ring on her finger. She wondered if he did care for her, almost loved her. She was somewhat befuddled about his confession, wanting to know if the feelings he had for her were mutual. She didn't know the answer, all she did know was that when she was around him, her feelings became jumbled and confused.
"So you're awake," said a voice from beside them. She looked up into the dark eyes of Yuuna and her arms wrapped tighter around Athrun.
"What do you want Yuuna?" she asked.
"You told someone about what had happened, didn't you?" he snapped, anger in his voice. Cagalli winced and felt Athrun's arms wrap around her tighter.
"Of course I did! You think I would keep quiet about something like that?" she retorted.
"I know who your bodyguard truly is, my dear. Why do you travel with the Chairman? And why does he care so much for you?" he asked, his hand moving forward.
"Get away from me! I will not marry you, nor will I let you harm me anymore," she said, gripping Athrun's jacket.
"You will not speak like that to your future husband," roared Yuuna, reaching forward to grab her neck. Athrun's eyes snapped open and he grabbed Yuuna's wrist, snapping it in one sharp twist. Yuuna howled in pain and fell backwards, waking Dearka and Miriallia. Dearka jumped up and rushed over to the pair, Cagalli holding tight to Athrun, a death grip on his jacket.
"I warned you," snapped Dearka, pulling forth a gun. He pointed it at Yuuna and Cagalli's eyes widened.
"Dearka! Stop!" shouted Cagalli, pushing out of Athrun's grasp and standing in front of Yuuna. "Don't kill him. He's too worthless to die at the hands of a gun."
Dearka let his breath hiss out of his teeth and replaced his gun, glaring at Yuuna. "You're damn lucky. You know I wouldn't have hesitated." Dearka was about to turn around when he remembered something. "I told you that you had made enemies, yet you didn't believe me. Well, believe it now."
The shuttle landed shortly after and Cagalli quickly stepped off, Athrun following. Yuuna was the last to leave and was stopped by Athrun as Cagalli got into the car.
"Touch her once, and I'll hurt you. Touch her twice, and I'll shoot you. Touch her a third time and you'll have no head," warned Athrun. Yuuna's eyes went wide, and he walked away, muttering something about stupid Coordinators.
"So, where are we going?" asked Athrun, sitting beside her.
"Home," replied Cagalli, smiling slightly.
To Be Continued...
Next Update:
20/08/05
A/N: Thus concludes another chapter of Influence of the Fates. Now, to start off, I would like to tell you that, yes, this chapter has a bit of OOC scenes, but I thought about it and how would you feel if you found all this out? Next, I would like to tell you all that a lot of this has to do with GS Destiny, like Shinn for instance. And Athrun's identity change to Alex Dino. Also, the ring thing I had to add, because it was cute and it is in the series, but I still like it. I also liked how I wove Kira's overprotective nature into the context. It's cute, yet not too overwhelming, don't you agree?
Now, seeing as how the date isn't that far away...I'll give you a little dialogue, from the next chapter. Any guesses what it is about? If you guessed the wedding, then you are right! Here are some interesting little speeches from Wedding Disaster. Now, this next chapter is my longest yet, and I love it! It's sooo perfect! Anywho, here you go...
"Do you feel anything when you look at me?"
"You might be, but by then, you would be so worn out you wouldn't be able to protect me!"
"You were never weak. You bested me last night, for God's sake! If that isn't strong, then I don't know what is."
"How can you say this, Mr Seiran, when you have hurt more people than this man?"
"He is the Chairman of the PLANTs! What will that tell people? He has betrayed his own kind to be with a Natural! That might also spark another war."
"Sure, you get her into bed within two weeks, and I'm stuck with Ice Princess who, if I'm lucky, will let me give her a peck on the cheek."
"Stop shielding your eyes, idiot, and look at me."
"I told you if you touched her a second time, I would shoot you."
"I won't let you get away with this anymore! You have already ruined my life, scarred my soul! I will not take it anymore, I will not!"
And there is some dialogue. ((gasps)) Whoa! I just got the greatest idea ever! Let's see who can name all the people that say what in this dialogue. If you guess correctly, you will get a special mention, and I'll gladly read all your stories and tell others about it. How does that sound? I can't believe I didn't think of it earlier! Gah! Oh, but the one that is five down, that isn't said by anyone you would know, so leave that one out.
Well, the next chappy will be up on the 20th. School is starting soon ((gags)) Meh. Well, you know the drill! Review, ask questions, and ponder! Adios!
A/N: For some unknown reason on which I cannot fathom, I'm not being sent your reviews! It's driving me insane, because I have to check back here, on my story in order to see what you have all said. ((angry eyes)) I don't know what to do so if you have any ideas, please do tell me what Ishould do!