DISCALAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GUNDAM SEED (DESTINY).

From Princess to Peasant

Chapter 3: The Good, The Bad,… and Everyone Else

"You." Cagalli said while pointing an accusing finger at him; placing a hand over her mouth to muffle her gasp. Cagalli was an average eighteen year old. She had somewhat of unruly blonde hair which complimented her beautiful hazel eyes. She was thin and had a nice body, but never flaunted it. Instead, she wore clothes that were a bit baggy. She was about five feet and three inches. The only thing that made her different from everyone else was that she was a princess, the Princess of Orb to be exact. But right now, she was trying to keep that a secret.

"Yeah, me. You dropped this so I thought I should return it." said the eighteen year-old as he pulled the paper out of his pocket and stretched his hand out in front of him. Truth be told, Cagalli is five months and eleven days older than him. Athrun, too, was royalty. He was the Prince of Zaft and wore his uniform at all times due to his father's command. He was roughly about five feet and seven inches. He had the most gorgeous, yet mysterious, eyes you have ever seen. They were the color of emerald that showed all of his emotion if you looked carefully. He was a man that had won many hearts. But he wasn't interested in them. Well, except for Lacus, his fiancé. He loved her, right? There was this little voice in the back of his head that would continuously tell him that, it was not true love and never would be because they were only friends since childhood.

She eyed him and then took the paper. "Thanks."

"Why don't you come in and have something to drink?" Sara offered.

"What? No." Cagalli instantly said.

"Why not? What's wrong?" asked a confused Sara.

"Umm, uhh," sigh "never mind." She waved her hand in the air excusing her outburst.

"Come in." Sara said as she stood to the side and raised an arm welcoming him. Athrun walked inside and looked around. The house consisted of simple wood walls and two chairs by a fireplace. Then there was a simple handcrafted wood table next to the kitchen which consisted of a wooden countertop.

"You have a nice home." he complimented.

"Why thank you. It took eighteen years to get it to look like it does now." Sara told him. It was evident that she took much pride in her work. "Why don't you take a seat next to Cathrun while I get us some tea?"

He walked in and saw Cagalli sitting on the chair with her eyes closed. She was intently thinking of something very important. He unintentionally gazed at her. She has beautiful blonde hair that matches her hazel eyes. Wait, what am I thinking? I can't think like that. I am to be wed soon. But a little voice in the back of his head said softly, "But it is arranged, so you don't have to love her. It was said too softly that it was hardly audible. He shook his head as he tried to clear his mind.

(Cagalli's POV)

Cagalli took in a deep breath. Why was that soldier in town? I know that this is somewhat of a neutral town, but what business would he have here? She was in such deep thought she didn't notice someone sit down next to her. There must be a simple explanation. He has to be up to something. But what? Maybe…

"I'm Athrun" he interrupted as he stretched out his hand. Cagalli immediately jumped at the sound of his voice. She wasn't expecting that. She placed a hand over her heart as she felt it beating rapidly. All Athrun could do was chuckle at the sight of the startled blonde.

"What's so funny? Stop laughing!" Cagalli was frustrated. She tightened her fists and brought one slightly upward. First this guy bumps into her then he laughs at her for no apparent reason. He didn't stop laughing. In fact, he began to laugh even louder.

"I see you two are enjoying yourselves." Sara walked in with a huge grin on her face and a tray in her hands. "Here's your tea." Cagalli sat back down but didn't dare make eye contact with this Zaft soldier.

"So, I'm guessing you two have met before?" Sara asked.

"Yes. I accidentally bumped into her when she dropped the piece of paper." Athrun explained. Cagalli was acting as if the color of the tea was fascinating. She did not want to look at him whatsoever.

Please just leave, please just leave. She chanted. She was afraid that she would do or say something stupid that would reveal her true identity. She heard him answer one of Sara's many questions. She cracked a smile. His voice, it sounds so gentle and… oh man. Why am I thinking such things? She slapped her forehead with her hand at her stupidity. Athrun immediately stopped talking and looked over at Cagalli.

"Are you okay?" he raised an eyebrow. Cagalli's head immediately shot up and she started to blush at her actions.

"Ye-yeah. I-I'm fine." she stuttered. "I just remembered I, uh, forgot to do something important." She was never good at lying on the spot. She looked around everywhere but at him until she dropped her head once more to look at her cup.

"Well, I best be off now. Thank you for the tea." Athrun said as he stood up to leave after giving her a concerned look.

"You are welcome here at anytime." Sara said sweetly. Cagalli head shot up with a look of disbelief. Her neck is going to hurt tomorrow if any more surprises occur. Her mind wanted to yell no, but another part held her back from doing so.

"Thank you." Athrun replied to her generous offer. "I definitely will." Sara takes the cups and heads to the kitchen while Ahmed enters the house. He was about to say something until he heard a voice. "Your name is Cathrun, right?" he asked Cagalli.

For the first time in a while she made eye contact with him. "Uh, yeah."

Athrun just gave her a warm smile and said, "It was nice meeting you Cathrun. I hope we meet again." And with that he turned around to leave.

Ahmed's face grew red in anger and his fist were tightened enough to make his hands bleed. He was jealous of Athrun even though he only heard a small part of their conversation. Is that guy trying to hit on Cathrun? Ahmed saw him get up and walk his way. Good he's leaving. I see he's a Zaft soldier all the more reason to show him a piece of my mind.

When Athrun walked by, Ahmed purposely made their shoulders collide "Watch were you're going soldier." Ahmed sneered as he gave him a death glare. He could obviously tell that he was a guy who would win many girls hearts, but he wasn't going to let Cathrun fall for him. Athrun gave him a puzzled look and left. Athrun was not someone who would be cruel unless there was a really good reason.

"Who was that guy?" Ahmed asked rudely as he pointed his thumb over his shoulder to the door.

"Just a guy I ran into at the town market. Which reminds me I never got to buy all the things your mother asked me for." Cagalli answered as she put her hand in her pocket to find the list of goods Sara needed. She let a yawn escape as her hand reached up covering her mouth. "I'm really tired. I think I'll get some rest. I'll buy the stuff afterwards." Cagalli stood up and stretched after sitting for what seemed like hours but were really minutes. She always becomes impatient whenever she has to obediently sit next to her enemy doing absolutely nothing, nada zip, zilch… I think you get the point.

"Is she okay? Have you found her? What happened? Where is she? asked one of the most annoying voices you've ever heard.

"For the umpteenth time, we don't know where she is or what might have happened." Kira replied through gritted teeth. He was trying to be as polite as ever, but his effort was close to worthless. He tried breathing routines, counting, everything. Nothing, I repeat, nothing was working. The purple haired guy sitting in front of him just wouldn't be quiet and was getting on everyone's nerves. Yes, this was Cagalli's fiancé Jona. Uzumi always had bad taste when it came to arranging marriages. But then again, how would he know what the person would be like if they were only just born. But, I mean, come on. I'm sure that hideous, purple hair would have driven him away. Kira disliked him very much, but never showed anyone the disgust he had for him. He had known him since he was a child and even then he was infuriating.

"Shouldn't you be searching for her at this very moment?" asked Jona sternly.

"You seem so persistent about it why don't you go look for her? Miriallia said threateningly as she raised her closed fist up to his face. She saw him squirm in fear and she was glad she made him slightly suffer, even if for just a moment.

Jona swatted her hand away and stood up straight. He cleared his throat and adjusted his collar acting as if it had been uncomfortable. "Well, I think Cagalli would be disappointed if she heard we had not come to search for her yet. Besides, we know she is in the Zaft castle."

"We don't know that for sure. She had run away…" Kira mumbled "because of you" which went unnoticed by Jona, "before the attacks occurred. She might be safe."

"How could you have let her escape? You just have lousy guards. Lucky for you, when Cagalli and I get married I will get much better guards to protect us." Jona said. His head was up and his hands were clasped together. His eyes were shimmering. It seemed as if he was imaging him and Cagalli together. Miriallia grabbed her throat and pretended she was throwing up. Kira could only stifle a laugh.

"Anyway, I would love to help search but I'm, uhh, busy with politics. Yeah, that's it." Jona once he came out of his daydream. It had something to do with holding hands, kissing, and all the other things that would make you sick to your stomach.

He runs his hand against the side of his head as he turns to leave. "Well I'll be going now. Please inform me when you have the whereabouts of Cagalli."

And he finally left. He slammed the door with a thud, only to open it again to pull his shirt which was stuck from when he shut the door. He laughed nervously while scratching the back of his head and then quickly fled. This time he forgot to close the door. Once he left Kira grabbed his stomach as he laughed uncontrollably. Milly was doing the same only she was on the floor.

"Aah, Lacus. I'm glad to see you. Athrun should be back soon." Patrick Zala said. It sounded as if he was trying to convince himself more than telling her. He is the leader of Zaft and a strict one may I had to that. Everyone saw him as wise and loving. Not many saw his true side, the side full of hatred, betrayal, bossiness, and just plain being cruel all the time, especially to Athrun.

"I trust he will be." replied Lacus in her usual cheery, sweet voice. Lacus is the most graceful person there ever was she is very understanding and wise beyond her age. Although, she is as innocent and has as much faith as a child. She too is eighteen years old. She is five feet and two inches tall and has a well shaped figure. She is always wearing dresses, some casual, some elegant. But no matter what, they always look good on her. Sometimes, no, most of the time she wins hearts just by her looks. She has a beautiful singing voice which is what she is most recognized by. Everyone enjoys her singing and, let's just say, she has many fans.

"Make your self comfortable. I have... some business to attend to." Patrick stated. Turning to do the nearest guard he yells, "Inform me at once when Athrun has arrived. And tell him I need to talk to him."

"Yes, sir." The soldier replied with a nod. His name is Shinn. He has black hair, fiery red eyes and a spirit to match them. Yet in those eyes, the feeling of being alone could be found. He is only sixteen and a young soldier, but even though he is small, he carries a big role. Patrick stormed up the stairs and into his room to 'attend to his business'.

Lacus sat down in a chair as she waited for Athrun. Being curious she decided to ask the guard some questions. "Where has Athrun gone off to?"

"He's on a quest to find a natural and bring her here." replied Shinn, still standing tall. (A/N: It's medieval times but they still have naturals and coordinators)

"A natural? Could you please be a bit more specific?" Lacus inquired. She shifted her position to face the guard while he spoke.

"I'm sorry. I don't know anything else. And even if I did I'm not sure if I could tell you."

"I see. That's okay. I can just ask Athrun once he gets back." Lacus gave Shinn a gentle smile as she turned once again to face forward. She silently prayed that this natural girl would be okay. From the sound of it, it seemed like she was and enemy of Zaft.

After Nicol had delivered the news of how they failed the mission, which is why Patrick has to 'talk' to Athrun, Nicol was sent off to scout out how the rallying fleets were doing. Patrick knew he would need all the help he could get in this war which he had planned to start for many years. He looked out from the balcony and saw hundreds of tents lined up, each one containing a voluntary soldier.

"He must have known what was going to happen for years. These men have even all been trained and have Zaft uniforms indicating their rank." Nicol had worry etched all over his face. Nicol was seventeen yet wise beyond his age. He had a love for music and only became a soldier in hopes of helping his nation.

"It's a bit disturbing, isn't it?" a brown-haired girl stepped out from the shadows of the hallway. She had ocean blue-eyes that were darker than Lacus's eyes but were still magnificent and alluring. She carried a huge burden and secret on her shoulders, one she would never ever wish to put onto someone else. All Nicol could do was nod.

"So I'm guessing you're the soldier that King Zala sent to check up on things." She said as she extended her hand. "I'm Chirese. I'm in charge of everything you see here."

"Nicol." He gladly accepted her hand. "So how is it going with the rally?" He turned back to look at the soldiers and tents.

"Everything is going the way King Zala had planned it. We have yet to have one fault. Except that's what worries me. There has been no mistake at all. Not even one mediocre mistake." She leaned against the railing looking down. Nicol turned around and leaned his back against the railing with his elbows resting upon it.

"It sounds like someone isn't consulting you about mishaps." The green-haired boy said. Her grip tightened on the railing. He gave her a wide reassuring smile as she made eye contact with his hazel eyes.

"Commander, Commander!" shouted one of the soldiers below. "We need your assistance immediately!"

Chirese spun around on her heel and ran through the hallway leading down below with Nicol following in hot pursuit.

"I'm sorry to disturb you. But that kind man forgot his sword. Would you be a dear and quickly run to catch up with him and return it for me?" Sara asked sweetly.

"Uhh…seeing you asked so nicely, I guess I could." Cagalli said hesitantly. "And I could get the groceries while I'm out." Sara held out the sword. Cagalli took it and walked out the door with a fake smile plastered on her face. "What am I going to do? I should have just said no. Oh well. I might as well just find him and get it over with."

She looked down at the sword she was holding. It was a magnificent one, the sheath was an average looking one but the handle had emeralds in it. He must be one important fighter. She looked around to see if anyone was watching. When she knew the coast was clear she gently pulled out the sword. It was an elven rapier. It got its name because it was such a mighty weapon it was thought to have been made by elves. It obviously was not true, it was just one of the best swords ever crafted. Okay, he must be a really important fighter. She put the elven rapier back in its sheath and headed off in a direction hoping to find him there.

She ended up walking to the town. After a while she felt like she was being watched. She looked up and around her, only to see people starring at her. What's their problem? She thought. She looked down upon remembering that she was carrying a sword. What, have these people never seen a girl with a sword before? Since she was looking around she didn't see the person in front of her. She crashed into the person and fell to the ground. Just as she was about to say sorry she heard a snobbish voice.

"Watch where you're going!" the girl spat. Cagalli looked up to see who it was. She had long red hair and bluish-grey eyes. She looked to be seventeen, a year younger than Cagalli.

"Look. I'm sorry. I just wasn't-" Cagalli didn't cut off because she was interrupted by this girl, Flay Allster.

"I don't care about what you say." Flay spat, once again. "What's that? You want to be a warrior? Be my guest, I think I would enjoy you dead." Flay began to laugh manically.

Cagalli gritted her teeth as she tried to calm down. "This would be a sword. I'm just giving it to a soldier who forgot it. And I am a warrior, but I'm not going to die. My skills are prodigious." She said slowly as if she was talking to a child.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Flay asked with attitude.

"My, you really are incompetent, aren't you?" Cagalli said, victory evident in her smirk. Flay turned around to leave but not before she let out a little "hmph" as she violently turned her head.

"Well that's taken care of…" Cagalli began to continue walking to find the soldier but as she turned her head she bumped into someone else. As she felt the pain of falling again she thought- Why is this world out to get me? Looking up to see who it was, she saw yet another girl. She had neon pink her and blue eyes. Could her hair be a bit more subtle? She wondered. She stood up and patted dirt off her pants. She looked up and her eyes met her gaze.

"Watch where you're going. Natural." Mia said, but with even more hatred than Flay.

"What did you just call me?" Cagalli said through gritted teeth as she clenched her hands at her sides. Mia had made a mistake.

"You heard me. Natural." Mia snickered. Now she made a BIG mistake. Mia felt a surge of pain as she grabbed her left cheek and took a step back to catch her balance. Cagalli's fist was held out in front of her while Cagalli glared daggers at Mia. She was not someone you would want to make mad. But still Mia pushed her luck.

"Did you just hit me natural? Is this how you were raised. Your parents must be pathetic." Mia began to smirk, but she didn't know that she just said the worst thing she ever could to Cagalli.

"Don't you ever talk about my parents like that." Cagalli shouted as she wrapped her hand around the swords handle. She began to thrust the rapier out of its sheath until someone put a hand on top of hers and shouted, "STOP!"

To Be Continued…