All is Fair in Love and War
Author's Note: There is some slight yaoi in this chapter. If you don't like it then don't read! At last the long awaited chapter is here! Thank you everyone for your time and patience! Please keep the reviews coming! They mean so much to me!
Chapter 5:
"Are you ready Lady Lacus?" Duchess Badjerol asked.
"Yes," Lacus responded tiredly.
It was now morning and Lacus would be leaving for England to study. She was reluctant to go but she did not want to be near Kira. If she were near him, she would just end up crying. Her heart was broken and she knew that if she went away for a long time her heart would eventually mend.
Take care kind Kira, Lacus thought as she walked down the corridor.
"I would suggest using the laevorotatory before we leave." Duchess Badjerol told Lacus.
Lacus nodded as she entered the nearest one. There she entered and knew that this laevorotatory would lead to Kira's room. There was a secret passage that led to his personal chamber. She took a small piece of parchment and a silver ring out of her violet cloak. She pulled the torch holder and a brick wall opened revealing the secret passage to her.
Slowly she walked through it. It took her a god five minutes to get through the passage. She came to a softer looking wall. Lacus silently pushed the tapestry aside. In she stepped into Kira's room. Lacus saw that he was sound asleep… Or so she thought.
"Lacus…" Kira mumbled. Lacus stepped back and looked at Kira who was still sleeping, "I'm so sorry…"
When Lacus took a closer look at him he saw that his tears were tear streaked and his cheeks were flushed red.
"Good bye Kira. Rule wisely." Lacus whispered as she placed the ring and parchment on the bedside table.
"Please don't leave me!" Kira mumbled.
His words didn't affect her at all. She just stared at his sleeping form and walked away back into the secret passage.
: BACK IN THE KINGDOM OF INITIAL DEATH:
"It's been awhile since you last visited me Athrun." Cagalli said once she felt Athrun's chilling presence.
"Forgive me princess." Athrun bowed as he wrapped his arms around her thin waist.
Cagalli rested her arms on his so that they would stay there.
"Dear prince… May I ask you a question?" Cagalli asked.
"Yes." Athrun said.
"When can I go home?" Cagalli asked.
"Do you not like it here?" Athrun asked taken aback.
"No, I mean yes… What I mean to say is that my heart yearns for my home, my people…" Cagalli confided in him, "I miss my dear twin brother."
"Your brother?" Athrun asked.
Cagalli nodded as she said, "I really did not know what the intentions of kidnapping me and bringing me here are… But you have given me wisdom and knowledge to help my brother bring an end to this war."
"Am I not good enough for you?" Athrun asked.
"It's not that…" Cagalli whimpered as Athrun pulled away from her.
"If that is what you wish then you may leave…" Athrun said sadly.
With one motion of his hand the balcony doors opened and revealed the dim sunlight of the outer world.
Tears welled up in Cagalli's eyes as she whimpered, "I thank you for everything."
"I can not stop you anymore." Athrun sighed as he began to walk away.
Cagalli took off her cross-shaped broach and ran towards him. She hugged him from the behind and pleaded, "Athrun wait…"
He broke away from her touch as she stepped in front of him. He stood there staring into her amber orbs as Cagalli stared into his sea green ones. Cagalli's heart beat faster and faster. The color in her cheeks rose as she thought about what her next move was going to be. Slowly she leaned up and touched Athrun's shoulders with her hands. Now on her tiptoes, Cagalli leaned into Athrun. Her lips met his as Athrun tensed up. While Cagalli stood there kissing his lips she felt Athrun become a little bit warmer. Cagalli pulled away and looked up at him. Her eyes seemed to be deceiving her because his pale cheeks had some color in them.
That's it, Athrun thought; Princess Cagalli has the other half to the Heart of Junius Seven.
"Gather your belongings. I will take you to Heliopolis." Athrun sighed.
Cagalli smiled as she went to gather her belongings. She changed into the dress that she had come there in and brought essentials that she had with her when she was kidnapped.
"I will be back later." Athrun said, "As for now, I have matters to attend to."
Cagalli nodded as she finished packing up her items.
: BACK IN THE KINGDOM OF HELIOPOLIS:
"Are you ready La Crueset?" Azreal asked his masked alliance.
"Yes, Azreal." La Crueset said.
"You know the plan am I correct?" Azreal laughed as he looked out the window.
"Tonight Siegel Clyne will die." La Crueset laughed.
"Good, step one of the plan is in motion. His daughter is out of the castle leaving the king at his weakest point. We couldn't have asked for a better opportunity." Azreal smiled evilly.
"Siegel Clyne will no longer be in power and you shall be general of the armies. Are you not proud of your work?" La Crueset asked.
"It will be easy to overthrow that buffoon, La Flaga out of power." Azreal laughed, "As for now that is the plan. You are dismissed. Make sure everyone is in place."
"As you wish." La Crueset said as he bowed.
What a fool! He hasn't even caught on I'm not even alive. I am a vampire. This only makes matters easier, La Crueset thought.
: AS KIRA WAKES:
Kira slowly opened one amethyst eye as he awoke. The world seemed very blurry at that instant but he didn't care. He just wanted to sleep and never wake up. He sat up revealing his perfectly toned body of abs and strong-arm muscles.
"Boo!" A voice said from on top of his bedpost.
"Who goes?" Kira asked frightened.
"It's a shame you don't remember me." Athrun snickered as he hung from the posts and stared down at the young man that lay in the bed before him.
"Athrun." Kira growled.
"The one and only." Athrun smiled.
"Get out of here!" Kira snarled, "there is no place for our friendship any longer."
"Now, now my fair king." Athrun began to say.
"I know what you want." Kira said as he got up and walked to the windows.
"Whatever are you talking about? I want something…" Athrun paused, "and you know what that is?"
"Me." Kira answered.
"Precisely." Athrun said, "now that we are on the same page, do you know about the Heart Of Junius Seven?"
"Heart of Junius Seven?" Kira repeated.
"Yes, it is a mythological weapon. It can turn any metal into gold and grant wishes." Athrun said.
"What does that have to do with me?" Kira asked.
"Legend has it that the heart was broken and sealed inside two different individuals that are the mirror images of each other. And I believe it's in your body. And in your sister's." Athrun smiled.
"What do you want?" Kira trembled.
"I want the stone and I want you." Athrun said as Kira looked at him surprised.
Before Kira could protest Athrun captured Kira's lips in his. Athrun started using his power. In a seductive manner, Athrun pushed Kira on the bed.
"Athrun…" Kira panted as Athrun slowly licked Kira's neck with his tongue.
"Yes, my king?" Athrun whispered.
"If you decide to kill me now… Please don't hurt my sister." Kira begged.
"I have no such intentions." Athrun whispered back taking Kira's lips into his own.
Kira allowed him passage into his mouth. Athrun explored the heated depths of Kira's mouth causing him to moan.
"Gods Athrun. Stop…" Kira moaned.
"Why should I stop now? When I'm loving the way you beg." Athrun chuckled.
Legend has it if I kill him the heart will appear, Athrun thought as he bared his fangs preparing himself to kill his childhood friend then thought, may god pity me.
Before Athrun's fangs could sink into Kira's sensitive flesh a flash of light was seen. Athrun hissed and backed off into a corner of the chamber. Screams filled the room. Athrun looked at the sight amazed and watched something begin to emerge from Kira's chest. Part of a small, golden, heart shaped harp began to come out. In the middle was part of a blood red star.
There it is! Athrun thought, that is what I have been looking for!
Athrun walked over to grab it from Kira's chest but another flash of light was brought upon the room. Athrun felt pain like he had never felt before. When he opened his eyes blood was trailing down from his stomach. Blood spilled onto the floor like water. Kira lay there in the air panting and groaning. The shine from his eyes was no longer there. It was gone. It looked like the king of Heliopolis was dieing. In another groan the half of the heart was beginning to go back into his body.
"No! The heart!" Athrun cried stretching his hand out.
Athrun coughed up blood and thought; I'm loosing too much blood.
His vision began to blur as Athrun fled the castle. He left Kira there panting and lifeless on the cold, stone, floor.
Cagalli was sitting on the balcony awaiting Athrun's return when she saw a black figure come flying towards her at an alarming rate. Cagalli widened her eyes in shock and saw the figurine crash down onto the balcony in a shower of blood. She saw a mass of midnight blue hair and a black cape.
"Athrun!" Cagalli cried as she ran to his side, "What happened?"
"Your brother… Attacked me." Athrun panted.
Cagalli narrowed her eyes and said, "Kira would never do that!"
"Are you so sure princess?" Athrun snarled, panting.
Cagalli's eyes softened as she said, "You are wounded seriously! What should I do?"
"Just leave me here to die." Athrun smiled.
"NO Athrun!" Cagalli begged, "There has to be a way to reverse this."
"I'm sorry princess there is not." Athrun whispered, "The only way a vampire can recuperate is by drinking mortal blood."
Cagalli gasped as Athrun coughed up more blood.
"Athrun." Cagalli whimpered as tears filled her eyes, "I won't let you die!"
"It's too late for me." Athrun muttered, "My time is drawing near."
"No, it's not…" Cagalli sobbed as she buried her head in his chest then looked at his face, "It's not over because I love you."
"You love me?" Athrun asked.
Cagalli nodded as Athrun put his hand to her cheek. Cagalli closed her eyes and held his hand there. Athrun wiped away her tears.
"Please don't go." Cagalli whimpered as her lips met his.
"You have such a big heart princess." Athrun said as his breathing became harsher.
Athrun fell into darkness with Cagalli sitting there softly crying.
"I won't let you die." Cagalli trembled.
: BACK AT THE KINGDOM OF HELIOPOLIS:
"What's going on here?" a startled Kuzzey asked as he opened the chambers to Kira's room.
Kuzzey's eyes widened in horror. He saw Kira on the floor unmoving and pale. To go along with that there was blood all over the floor.
"Kira!" Kuzzey cried as he ran to Kira's side.
"Go help Cagalli." Kira groaned.
Miriellia, Tolle, and Sai all flooded into the room to see what happened.
"Sai help him!" Kuzzey shouted.
"Bring me my medical bag!" Sai shouted.
"Where is it?" Miriellia asked.
"In Flay's room!" Sai said as Kuzzey took sheets off the bed to wrap around Kira's wounds.
Miriellia ran out of the room as fast as her legs would take her. Up the stairs she ran and took the left corridor. She took another right to see that Flay was starting to open the door to her room.
"What on earth is going on here?" Flay asked as she looked upon Miriellia's sweating face.
"It's the king!" Miriellia panted, "He's been attacked! I need Sir Sai's medical bag!"
"Oh." Flay said coldly as she stepped aside for Miriellia to get in.
Miriellia looked around the room frantically. Her eyes wandered upon a large black velvet bag on top of a table by the fire.
That must be it, Miriellia thought.
She ran toward the table and grabbed the heavy item off the table. As Miriellia was going to run out the door she saw a twisted smile on Flay's face. It sent a cold shiver down the brunette's spine. Miriellia picked up her dress and continued to run down the corridor. She saw that Flay was now following her. Miriellia continued to run down the long empty halls drawing the attention of the servants and other important people of the castle. When Miriellia busted into the room Sai gladly took the heavy bag out of her hands.
"Bring me distilled hot water! We must clean his wounds before we bandage them!" Sai shouted as Kuzzey and Tolle ran out of the room.
Both men ran out of the room in frenzy as Flay walked up in her nightgown. She stood there at the head of the door and slowly made her way in. Sai looked up in shock. Flay looked as if she were cured and that nothing was wrong with her. Her icy cold eyes looked down at Kira.
Good, he's suffering. I hope he dies, Flay thought as another twisted smile was placed upon her face.
"Flay you should get some rest." Sai told her, "You shouldn't be in here!"
"What's the matter Sai? Don't you want to see me anymore?" Flay asked in a seductive tone.
"Flay we are in a time of crisis right now. I'll take a look at you later. Right now our king needs my help." Sai told her as gently as she could.
"I hope that he dies slowly and painfully." Flay muttered as she walked out of the room.
:OVER IN THE LIBRARY:
"Do you hear that La Crueset?" Azreal asked.
"Yes, my lord." La Crueset responded.
"Now is an opportune time." Azreal smirked, "Assemble the men and tell them to be ready."
"As you wish." La Crueset bowed and exited the room.
: WHILE FLAY WALKS DOWN THE CORRIDOR:
He deserves to suffer, Flay thought bitterly.
Her mind then thought of a certain platinum blonde that had given her some sort of antidote. She remembered drinking the substance and nothing more. It was like she had fallen into a deep, dreamless, sleep. For reasons that were unclear to the fiery red head she knew that deep instead her heart she wanted to see the young man again. There was something about his icy cold eyes that told Flay there was much more to him than she could ever imagine…
: BACK IN KIRA'S ROOM:
The young man awoke with a jolt. He could feel cold sweat all over his body. He looked around to see his close friends Sai, Miriellia, Tolle, and Kuzzey at his bedside.
"Thank the heavens that he is all right!" Miriellia breathed.
"You gave us quite a scare!" Tolle smiled as he hugged his stressed fiancé.
"You should lie down." Sai said as he pushed Kira gently onto the pillows.
Kira lay down in the comfort of the bed. It felt warm from his body. Miriellia then got up and put a cold cloth to his skin. The cool rag felt good against Kira's heated skin. Kira closed his eyes momentarily and then opened his amethyst orbs again.
"What happened to you?" Kuzzey asked.
There was a long silence and then a pause as Kira replied, "He came to visit me…"
"I beg your pardon but who was it?" Sai asked.
"It can not be! Can it?" Miriellia gasped.
"Whom are you speaking about?" Sai asked confused.
"You are not talking about-" Tolle began to say as Kira nodded his head.
Another silence followed as the group stared down at the ground. Neither one wanting to say anything… They were afraid of the truth, as they knew it.
"Athrun…" Kira whispered, "Athrun did this to me."
Tolle slammed his fist against the nightstand next to Kira's bed. Thus sudden gesture from Tolle was unexpected. He was always so calm and now he was in a state of despair.
"We can not let him get away with this." Tolle said as his fist shook, "even if he was your childhood friend my king, we can not let him get away with this."
"Is Athrun not the king of Initial Death?" Sai asked as his eyes widened in shock.
Again Kira nodded as he spoke up, "That is not all. Athrun told me that he wanted the Heart of Junius Seven. He explained to me that it has the power to turn any metal into gold and turn a vampire into a mortal once again."
"Why is he after that? What is the Heart of Junius Seven anyway?" Kuzzey asked.
"I once heard of the heart." Sai said as he put his hand to his chin in a pondering motion, "I came across it in my studies but it is just a myth right?"
Kira looked away and clenched the sheets as he sat up again, "Athrun told me that the heart was split in two. He said that the heart was supposedly cut into two pieces and hidden inside two individuals that are mirror images of each other."
"You can not be talking about-" Sai began to say.
: BACK IN THE KINGDOM OF INITIAL DEATH:
Two eyes opened slowly. Everything was a blur at first but then became clear once he blinked several times. A midnight blue haired man sat up in the bed abruptly. He looked down at his body and saw that he was half naked because his shirt had been removed. He saw that bandages were placed upon his chest area. When Athrun felt his head he felt that there were also bandages around his forehead.
"I survived but how did I?" Athrun asked himself aloud.
"Sir Nicol came and saved you just in time." A familiar female's voice said.
Athrun looked over to a young woman dressed in gold. Her familiar amber orbs looked at him.
"But how?" Athrun asked.
"Truthfully I do not know. I was whisked away by some of your advisors." Cagalli explained as she looked out of the window.
"Then you did not see." Athrun said.
"No, I was not allowed to see anything." Cagalli told him.
Thank goodness, Athrun thought, he remembered from a long time ago the gruesome process to save a vampire's life. The trauma of a mere mortal seeing that would have put the young princess in a state of shock.
"Athrun…" Cagalli began to say.
"Yes princess?" Athrun asked as he looked at her.
"Please forgive me." Cagalli whispered as she raised her hand and with all the force that she could slap the man on the bed.
Athrun looked up at her in shock and snarled, "May I ask to what I owe the pleasure of this?"
"You were almost killed." Cagalli trembled as tears welled up in her eyes, "you could have died… What would I have done without you? You are so selfish! You go off and do reckless activities that endanger your life? Did you once stop to think about how I feel?"
Athrun gave a slight smile and said, "You are right princess forgive my actions."
"An apology is not good enough!" Cagalli shouted.
"My mistake." Athrun smiled seductively as he stood up from the bed.
"What are you planning on doing?" Cagalli shouted.
Athrun wrapped his arms around the princess's slender waist and leaned into her face. He smiled a warm smile as he whispered, "You were saying your highness?"
Cagalli looked away and then looked back up into the irresistible sea green eyes she wished she could get lost in forever.
"I love you Athrun… King of Initial Death, sworn enemy of Heliopolis." Cagalli whispered as tears welled up into her eyes once again.
"And I love you as well Cagalli Yulla. Princess of Heliopolis. Sworn enemy of Initial Death." Athrun whispered back as Cagalli leaned up closer towards his face.
"This forbidden love will then lead to our beginning and downfall." Athrun added as he leaned down once again.
Athrun captured Cagalli's lips in his own making Cagalli blush fiercely. Every time his lips met hers all the princess could feel was a world of bliss, trapped in her own illusion of her king and lover. Athrun pulled away and said, "Forgive me princess I must go once again."
Cagalli left his embrace and turned her back to him saying, "Then if you must go."
"I will return one last time before we part." Athrun told her.
Cagalli felt a gentle breeze as Athrun disappeared.
My heart aches when he is away. And grows anxious when he is near. For the seconds until he leaves make my heart want to burst with despair, Cagalli thought.
: BACK AT HELIOPOLIS:
It was beginning to get dark. The afternoon's events tired the young red headed maiden. Her mind flashed to the platinum blonde once again.
"Lady Flay?" She heard a voice say tearing her mind away from her daydream.
She turned around to see a man with spectacles on.
"What is it Sir Sai?" She asked meekly.
"You should not be wandering around just yet. Go back to your quarters and get some rest… I will escort you there if you like." Sai said.
"Yes." Flay agreed.
Sai took her arm and slowly walked her back to the room she was staying in. He helped her into the bed and watched her eyes. They looked right at him. Pure disgust was shone in her eyes as she looked at the young doctor.
Sai couldn't take the fierce way his love interest was looking at him. He bade the maiden good night and walked out. Down the corridor he could hear muffled screams.
What on Earth is going on? Sai thought as he went to investigate.
His heart beat faster. He had no idea what to expect. He clenched the rosary in his hand fearing the worst. The door the screams were coming from was slightly ajar. Sai took a peek in and saw a tall man in a mask above the royal advisor.
The man in the mask had a thick piece of rope and was using it to strangle him. Sai was paralyzed. Something about the man in the mask did not seem right. It was as if some force was binding him to the spot he stood in. He heard the advisor give one final cry and saw him move no more. Siegel Clyne was dead. Sai ran off and to his horror the masked man stepped in front of him.
"Going somewhere young man?" He asked in a cruel voice.
"I was just going to attend to Lady Allster." Sai lied.
"You haven't heard anything frightening around these parts now have you?" The masked man asked.
Sai was trying his best not to tremble and scream out. He had just witnessed the murder of the royal advisor… And the masked man knew he had done it. Sai could very well be next to being killed.
"No I have not." Sai said in a steady firm voice.
"Very well, now run along." The masked man said.
There was something about that man that did not seem right… It was faint but Sai could smell the distinct smell of a long since been dead human on him. He could feel the masked man's eyes following his every move so he walked into Flay's room again to convince this man that he was true to his word. He shut the door and breathed a sigh of relief. He heard voice talking. One was female and the other male. Who could be in Lady Flay's room at this hour? The sun had set and it was dark. Sai could make out faint silhouettes covered by the light of the half moon.
"I want to know who you are. I can not stop thinking of you." He heard Flay say.
"You wouldn't care." The male voice said.
"Please I want to know your name. Tell me your full name." Flay pleaded.
"There is someone else here in this room." Yzak told her.
Sai could not believe this. Was his beloved seeing another man? No! This is not happening! Sai quickly exited out of the room. His heart was in pieces…
"What do you mean?" Flay asked.
"Nothing they are gone now." Yzak told her.
"Please…" Flay pleaded.
"My full name is Yzak Joule. Are you happy now?" Yzak snapped.
"No." Flay smirked.
What the hell could this woman want? Yzak thought as he stared down at her.
Flay leaned up and whispered in his ear seductively, "I want you."
"Do you even know what I am?" Yzak scoffed.
"I do and I do not give a far fetched cow about it." Flay continued just as seductively.
She walked up closer making Yzak tense up. She began playing with his silver locks.
"Get away from me." Yzak seethed.
"You have such soft hair." Flay said, "it's beautiful…"
Yzak was not about to give into the temptation to lay her on the ground and do sinful things to her. No matter how much his mind screamed at him to go it he would not give in… Or not just yet. Flay giggled and sat on the balcony and stuck her chest out in a provocative way. She then motioned for Yzak to sit next to her. Yzak let go of his pride and followed her example. He stuck out one pale hand and touched her warm flesh with it. Flay held up her hand and kept his there. She then took his hand off and began kissing his fingertips. Yzak shuddered in excitement.
"I want to be with you Yzak Joule. I know this may not be right but… I have fallen in love with you since the first day that I have set eyes on you." Flay told him.
That was it. She had broken all his pride. He leaned in and captured her lips hungrily. She gave a slight moan and kissed him back just as hungrily. All she wanted were his lips against hers. They deepened the kiss exploring the depths of each other's mouths. Hands flew everywhere. Flay began unbuttoning Yzak's shirt as he began to lift up her nightgown.
: BACK IN THE KINGDOM OF INITIAL DEATH:
Where could Yzak be? Dearka thought pacing around the main entrance of the castle.
He desperately needed to talk to him. That Miriellia woman was now beginning to haunt his dreams. He craved her. He needed her. She was engaged to that peasant Tolle or what ever his name happened to be. It may have just been lust but he wanted her and he was determined to do whatever means necessary to make her his.
Dearka's mind thought of all the horrible things he could do to kill his competition but that would not be right. If Miriellia knew that he killed her fiancé she would not want any part of him. He could just get Yzak to kill him and suck his blood dry. Yzak was always out for blood… Yes that was it. He would trick Yzak into killing that peasant. It sounded easy enough…
: MORNING IN THE KINGDOM OF HELIOPOLIS:
"Someone inform the king!" Azreal shouted, "His royal advisor is dead!"
His shout echoed throughout the corridors drawing attention to everyone.
"What's going on?" A sleepy Tolle said.
The guards came into the room to reveal a strangulated Siegel Clyne on the bed.
"Someone inform the king!" Someone shouted.
Tolle ran to the bed that he had just gotten out of. He shook the sleeping form of Miriellia.
"Miriellia! Sir Clyne is dead!" He said into her ear as he shook her.
Miriellia sat up abruptly and asked, "Is it true?"
Tolle nodded and relied with a weak, "Yes."
"Lady Lacus!" Miriellia gasped, "How will she react to this grave situation?"
Tolle shook his head and ran out of the room. He was about to run down to Kira's room when he saw Kira in a bathrobe running down the hallway.
"It cannot be!" Kira cried as he ran into the advisor's room.
Kira took one look inside the room and went pale. His insides churned with hurt. There lying on the bed, as white as the sheets around him lay Siegel Clyne. His eyes were open with horror and the noose marks had become more evident over night. Kira tried his best to hold back tears as Miriellia held onto his shoulder.
"My lord." Miriellia began to say.
"Who did this?" Kira bellowed.
"No one knows sire." Azreal said.
"Call Mu La Flaga to me." Kira demanded.
Tolle ran out of the room in search of the general. It was now evident that Mu La Flaga was royal advisor and Muruta Azreal was now commander of the armies.
"Someone go for Lady Lacus." Kira stammered, "She will wish to know about this."
Miriellia nodded as she volunteered, "I will go my king."
"Please make haste. Kuzzey, please get her the needed supplies." Kira said.
Both bowed and ran out of the room.
"What has happened here? Are the rumors true?" Mu La Flaga asked as he ran into the room panting.
His face went pale when he glanced upon the deceased advisor's face.
"Please make preparations for his funeral." Kira told him.
"Yes of course!" Mu La Flaga said knowing full well what his job was now.
He ordered Siegel Clyne's body to be taken to the morgue to be dressed. Kira then ordered that the preparations for the dubbing of the new royal advisor and general of the armies. Everyone seemed to be in frenzy that day.
: AS MIRIELLIA RACES DOWN THE COUNTRY SIDE:
I hope that they have not crossed over into another country, Miriellia thought as her horse raced past farm fields and dried up canals.
She had no idea that she was being followed. She was wearing a light blue traveling dress and a midnight blue cloak. Her cloak trailed behind her like flowing water in a stream.
:IN A CARRIAGE ON THE COUNTRY SIDE:
A beautiful young maiden with long pink hair dressed in a mint green dress sat in a carriage deep in thought reading a book. The fact was that she was not reading the book but paying more attention to the scenery and the woman with ebony black hair sitting across from her. Something was stirring up inside her and it didn't feel right.
"Please stop the carriage!" Lacus ordered.
"May I ask why your ladyship?" Duchess Badjerol asked.
"I have the most unpleasant feeling. Something terrible has happened!" Lacus panted as she clutched her chest, "I fear I do not know what it is but a presence inside of my body is telling me to turn around."
"Perhaps it is just anxiety." Duchess Badjerol suggested.
"No, I'm sure of it." Lacus replied firmly, "turn this carriage around at once!"
"Stop the carriage!" Duchess Badjerol commanded.
The horses came to an abrupt stop.
"What seems to be the trouble my lady?" The carriage driver asked.
"We must head back to Heliopolis at once." Duchess Badjerol said.
"May I ask why?" The carriage driver asked.
"Do not question my authority! Do as I command!" Duchess Badjerol snapped.
"Yes, at once! Of course!" The carriage driver gave the signal for his horses to turn back toward Heliopolis.
: BACK IN INITIAL DEATH:
Cagalli sat at the desk writing a letter. She had no idea to whom it was for but she was writing down all of her mixed emotions, doubts, hopes, and dreams.
"I have returned your highness." Cagalli heard Athrun say.
She lifted her head up and looked behind her.
"Athrun!" Cagalli cried happily as she ran up to him and embraced him.
Athrun smiled and embraced her back.
"My dear are you willing to go home tonight?" Athrun asked.
Cagalli's face fell as she looked away. She pulled away from Athrun's touch and responded, "Yes."
"Is there something wrong?" Athrun asked.
Cagalli let out a sob and sank to the floor, "Everything is wrong! Once I return to Heliopolis I will have to go back to the old ways! I will have to hate you! Now that I know who you are I cannot stop loving you!"
"There is something more isn't there?" Athrun asked.
"Yes, there is." Cagalli whispered.
She leaned her lips up to Athrun's ear and whispered, "I want you to make love to me."
Athrun's breath literally ceased at that moment, "I cannot do that to you princess. Love making should be saved for marriage to be preserved by both individuals."
"They will not allow us to get married now will they?" Cagalli sniffed as she wiped her tears.
"But." Athrun protested.
"Let us be together for one more night because this night will be our last." Cagalli whispered.
Athrun grinned and seized Cagalli's lips. She opened her mouth letting him gain entrance. He devoured her mouth and savored every bittersweet place of it. They began to remove articles of their clothing as they made their way over to the bed. They fell over onto the bed with a soft thud. The pair of lovers looked deeply into one another's eyes panting.
"Are you sure princess?" Athrun asked.
"Yes, this is what I want." Cagalli whispered as she moved Athrun's midnight blue strands out of his eyes.
"Then I will hold back no longer." Athrun whispered as he took her lips into his once again.
: BACK ON THE COUNTRY SIDE:
The sun was beginning to set. The day's events were wearing Miriellia out. The fact that the royal advisor was dead and that Lady Lacus might be far away. Not to mention that now Azreal would be in power. Miriellia did not know much of this man but she feared him. He seemed cruel and relentless; shedding blood wherever he went. Orange light covered the land now. There was a curve in the road and a forest that bordered it. As Miriellia drew closer she noticed a carriage with the royal symbol on it.
"Lady Lacus!" Miriellia called.
A young woman inside a carriage stirred. She heard her name be called out again.
"Who is that?" Duchess Badjerol asked.
"My! Who is calling at such late hours?" Lacus asked as she leaned out the carriage window.
She saw a familiar young woman with light brown hair riding up to the carriage in blue.
"Miss Miriellia!" Lacus called out happily.
"Lady Lacus!" Miriellia panted.
"I was correct! Something dreadful has happened! I just know! Please let everyone I know be safe!" Lacus begged.
"My lady I wish I could say that it was true…" Miriellia said looking down at the ground.
"Is the king all right?" Lacus asked.
"He is well." Miriellia whispered, "It is your father, Sir Siegel Clyne."
"Please tell me that his dreadful cough has not come back!" Lacus pleaded.
"Lady Lacus that is not the case…" Miriellia whispered yet again, "your father has passed. Someone has murdered him last night."
"No!" Lacus sobbed, "That cannot be! Father!"
Lacus's eyes filled with tears as she buried her face in her hands.
"The king has sent for me to tell you." Miriellia said.
"Then let us go." Lacus sobbed as she looked up her eyes filling with fury.
"The carriage will not carry us there fast enough! How do you propose we make it there by the time the night is up?" Duchess Badjerol asked.
"I will ride along with Miriellia." Lacus said as she opened the carriage door.
"Night is almost falling! There could be vampires!" Duchess Badjerol warned.
"That is a risk I am willing to take." Lacus said as she mounted the horse.
"Very well then take this oil lamp." Duchess Badjerol said, "and may the everlasting light guide your way."
Lacus's eyes filled with tears as she took the lamp. And put her rosary around her neck. Miriellia did the same as both women took off into the sunset.
:IN HELIOPOLIS:
Kira had dressed up and was now getting ready for the coronation of his new general and royal advisor.
"Are you sure about this?" Tolle asked.
"Yes, it must be done." Kira said, "It is time for a change and I know that Azreal will lead our soldiers well. He will make sure that the vampires are kept away from the castle."
Tolle put on Kira's crown and opened the doors to the ballroom. Everything seemed perfect for the small ceremony about to take place. Everyone rose to the king as Kira took his place in front of the throne. He was given a sword to dub each man with.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today we are gathered so as two very important members of my court are dubbed." Kira started to say.
Mu La Flaga rose up and walked up the red-carpeted stairs. He kneeled before Kira and said, "My lord."
"I dub thee General Mu La Flaga royal advisor to my court." Kira said as he took the sword and tapped Mu La Flaga's shoulders twice.
"Thank you sire." Mu said.
"You may rise." Kira said.
Mu stood up and faced the crowd. There was applause and some cheers. Mu La Flaga was a well-respected man. Even if this was supposed to be a happy day everyone's moods seemed grim.
"Muruta Azreal please come up." Kira said.
Azreal did as he was told. The same thing that happened with Mu La Flaga happened with Azreal.
"Thank you sire." Azreal said humbly.
"You may rise." Kira said.
When Azreal faced the crowd there was little applause and made everyone glummer. When Azreal stepped down the doors to the hall opened with a bang.
"Where is my father?" A familiar young woman with pink hair shouted.
:IN THE KINGDOM OF INITIAL DEATH:
A few moans and cries later Athrun rolled off of Cagalli. Both lay there for minutes panting and trying to take in what had just happened. They were surrounded by a series of blankets and tangled up sheets. Cagalli was the first to get under the sheets. Athrun followed and pulled her close.
"Athrun." Cagalli whispered.
"Yes, my love?" Athrun answered.
"I love you." Cagalli sighed as she closed her eyes.
"As do I to you." Athrun responded as he watched the blonde haired beauty fall asleep in his arms.
He felt a pang of sorrow through his heart as he remembered that he must extract the heart of Junius Seven from the fragile woman lying in his arms.
: SIEGEL CLYNE'S BURIAL CEREMONY THE NEXT DAY:
Everyone was standing outside the royal river, as Siegel Clyne's body lay there on a small boat afloat. It was his dieing wish that he be burned and sent on a voyage down the river. Lacus wore black and a veil over her face. She was sobbing hysterically into Miriellia's arms. Tolle held Miriellia as all of this went through. Siegel Clyne's boat was now lit on fire. It set off downstream as Lacus placed a candle in the water with two shaking, pale hands.
Lacus and Kira were the last to leave.
"My lady?" Kira asked as they stood there looking at the water.
"Yes my king?" Lacus stammered.
"Will you be well?" Kira asked.
"I fear that I am not feeling well at the present moment." Lacus mumbled.
"Dearest. I will escort you back to the castle if you wish." Kira offered.
"Please I fear that-" Lacus began to say but started to fall back.
"Lady Lacus!" Kira cried as he caught her in his arms.
"Forgive me but I feel that my strength is leaving me." Lacus muttered.
Kira sighed and picked the young woman up bridal style. When Kira arrived to the castle another frenzy had risen between everyone. Miriellia was sobbing. Lacus was let down as she walked over to Miriellia slowly.
"What is going on?" Lacus asked.
"Azreal has called all young men to battle. Training starts at the crack of dawn. That means Tolle will be going into battle." Miriellia said falling to the ground sobbing.
"Who authorized this?" Kira demanded.
"I did." Mu La Flaga said, "Quite a ruckus has been caused." Mu La Flaga continued.
"What happened?" Kira asked.
"Your sister has returned…" Mu said, "with the vampire king."
"What? You mean that Athrun is here?" Kira stammered.
"And he wishes to speak to you." Mu said.
Kira's eyes widened in shock as he thought, Cagalli has returned?