JC: Thanks so much for the reviews! I'm flattered that a lot of people are reading this simple story of mine. I've edited this chapter a bit. I've noticed that there were so many errors on it. Please tell me what you think of this chapter after reading it, okay? Please read and enjoy your time.
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed/Destiny.
Love Fulfilled
Phase 16: Truth Revealed
Kai was also informed by Jean about Kira being alive and Cagalli being happy again. He practically rejoiced in full spirit. He planned on seeing the princess after his work and maybe confessing his feelings for her.
"Are you sure about that? Nii-san is also in love with the princess," Jean reminded Kai, after listening to his profound words of love.
Kai nodded his head for he was sure. He didn't care if Athrun loved Cagalli too. He didn't want to keep his feelings lock up any longer. He was going for it.
As Kai left, Jean's face turned depressed. She had loved Kai, admired his kindness, his thoughtfulness and his friendliness. But he had regarded her only as a friend and nothing more. "Kai, I know I can never be in your heart, but I will still love you no matter what."
Meanwhile, Miriallia was out spying Rey Za Burrel in his stroll through the powdery white sand of the beach. It was risky, but she volunteered to do it. As a trained soldier, she followed him carefully and steadily. Cagalli had told her about her dinner date with Rey, and she understood Cagalli's feelings. Yet, she still felt sorry for Rey. It was hard on him. "Rey, to be alone now, you must be suffering," she spoke in a low voice while looking at him.
Dearka came into sight as he approached the blonde coordinator. The ZAFT soldier, feeling concerned for Rey, tried to relieve him by inviting him to hang out with him. He assured him that it will be a blast! Although, his attempt was reasonable, Rey refused his offer. "You can't just mope around here," Dearka told him. "Why are you sad anyway? I mean, you are getting married with the girl you always loved."
"She may become my wife, but she will never be mine," Rey responded in a solemn voice. He sat down on a big rock, took his eyes off of Dearka and shifted it to the view of the sunset.
"Rey... I think I know how you feel," Dearka added. "I saw this girl and I fell in love with her. She's hot, cute, and has a kind face. I said to myself, this girl is the girl of my dreams, soI always find ways to court her, to show her how I feel about her. But every time she sees me, she either blows me off or ignores me. Maybe because she's sad about Representative Yamato's death, and from what I've heard, she's a close friend of his."
Hearing this, Miriallia realized that Dearka was talking about her. As she remembered correctly, Dearka had always been nice to her, always showed her a big goofy smile, and told her jokes most of the time. However, she's didn't find time to get to know him or just laugh at one of his jokes. She acted kind of cold towards him. "Dearka, I didn't know that you were so affected…" she murmured.
Rey got interested in Dearka's story. He was actually listening to him.
Dearka continued, "Sometimes I feel jealous, because Yamato is getting all her attention. I can't blame her since she knew Yamato long before me. But it would be nice if she would smile back at me."
"Dearka, who is this girl you're talking about?"
"She's Miriallia Hawe."
"I see... She's one of Cagalli-san's friends. I know her too. She's very kind, but hard to get. Just give her time to heal her heart. After that, make your move."
Dearka smiled. "Thanks, Rey..."
Somehow, Miriallia lost the will to spy on Rey. Rey's and Dearka's words touched her heart, almost bringing tears to her eyes.
Mansion
Athrun, who was standing beside the window, gazed at the beautiful scenery of the garden and the sight of Cagalli sleeping peacefully under a tree. Until now, his feelings for the princess haven't changed a bit. He still loved her with all his heart. "Cagalli, I love you and I want you to know that, but I..."
"You still didn't tell her, huh?" a familiar voice broke into his thoughts, startling him a bit.
"Representative Yamato…" He turned to Kira and saluted. "The plan is going smoothly as we expected."
Kira lightly laughed. "You don't have to be so formal and please call me Kira," he said. "And you didn't answer my question."
Apparently, Athrun heard that and tried to change the subject. But seeing that Kira was interested in knowing, he briefly shook his head. "No, I didn't," he answered disappointedly. "Even if I did, my love won't be returned. She's the princess and I'm just a bodyguard. Our levels are too different."
"That is nonsense," Kira replied. "So what if she's the princess? She's still an ordinary girl, which is just special to ORB. You know, you're the kind of guy I want for my sister."
"I'm rather honored to hear that from you." Athrun shifted his glance back at Cagalli. "Kira, I'm afraid of her reply." He lowered his head, showing a hint of sadness.
"If you don't express your feelings now, you'll regret it someday."
Kira was right. However, Athrun found it very hard to confess. Love wasn't always easy, especially for him. "I know..."
TV Station
Gil was preparing for a speech to be broadcasted live around the world, including the PLANT. He gathered his papers, containing the necessary information to be announced. He called Rey through his cell phone and ordered him to come to the station. After that, he gave instructions to the TV crew, not to mention his bodyguards, Yzak and Shinn, as well.
"Shinn, Rey is going to arrive any minute, so be sure to bring him here quickly when you see him."
"Yes, sir!" he said before saluting. He exited the room to wait for Rey at the entrance.
Stellar approached him to inform him about the present plan. Understanding that, Shinn briskly nodded his head. "If everything goes well, the chairman will be kicked out of his position," she said, showing a lovely smile.
Shinn blushed, but he managed to maintain his composure. "Yeah...I'm sure of it," he said, almost stuttering. "And I wish you luck. Don't get in trouble, okay?"
"I won't," she replied before she took off. She went straight to the control room and when she opened the door, she was confronted by several men, who had perverted thoughts. They tried harassing her, but unfortunately she beat the crap out of them. She was no damsel in distress. She was stronger than she looked. "I'll take over the controls for a while." She walked over to the monitor and pulled a seat. She placed the headphone over her head as she changed the settings and switches. When everything was set, Stellar contacted Athrun, Kira and Cagalli, and told them that she was in position.
Rey arrived in his limo a few minutes later. As he got off the car together with Dearka, he saw Shinn by the entrance. "Shinn, take me to the chairman," he said when he approached the bodyguard.
"Okay, just follow me Rey." Shinn took him to the room where Gil was. "Here we are..." he said as he opened the door, letting Rey in.
Mansion
Kai stood before the large gate of the Athha estate, constantly pressing the door bell. The butler's image appeared on the monitor and asked him for the reason of his visit. He quickly told him that he wanted to see the princess.
"I am sorry, sir, but Lady Cagalli is not here at the moment. She went out with Lt. Zala and Miss Hawe a while ago. Please come back tomorrow. Good day to you." With that, the butler shut down the monitor.
Kai sighed. "She's out... That's too bad. I wanted to see her." He held onto the gate as he looked at the mansion with a sad look in his eyes. He leaned his temple on the gate while his hands rattled it. "Cagalli..." he murmured.
TV Station
And they were going on live in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, the lights flashed on as the cameraman focused the camera at the chairman along with Shinn and Rey by his side. He started explaining about the present conditions of both ORB and PLANT, which gained the people's attention.
"It's almost time to put the plan into action," Shinn thought with a grin, as his eyes focused at the chairman.
Rey, on the other hand, was deep in thoughts—thoughts of regret and pain. An idea crossed his mind, which will lead to his uncle's downfall. But he had no intent of exposing him because of the consequences. He didn't want to risk Cagalli's life.
The chairman finally reached the conclusion part of his speech, the part where he was going to inform ORB that Rey will take over the position as Head Representative and he will become the future husband of their beloved princess. He spoke only a half of it, because an unexpected interruption occurred.
"What happened?!" Gil asked furiously. He shifted his gaze to the television screen and saw the image of Cagalli. Presently, she was the one being televised live throughout the world. He had a very bad feeling about this, so he ordered Yzak to stop her.
Yzak, for the first time, refused to do so. He purely smirked at the chairman, giving him an I-know-what-you-did look to simply intimidate him.
"How dare you Elite Officer Joule?! You can't do this!" Gil told him off.
"If you mind, please shut up and listen to the princess now," Yzak responded coldly.
Cagalli started speaking. "I am Cagalli Yula Athha, daughter of Uzumi Nara Athha. As you've heard from Chairman Dullindal, Rey Za Burrel is going to be my husband and the future leader of ORB. I will marry him for the sake of ORB, for I cannot take the responsibility as head representative. I am still too inexperienced for that. I believe Rey will make a great leader like the Chairman."
It was hard to believe. The Chairman was astonished. For a minute there, he thought that Cagalli had found out about her brother's assassination. He sighed in relief, seeing it wasn't the case. "She's actually helping me finish my speech."
"But, there is something you must know..." Cagalli lowered her voice as she clasped her hands together.
Gil was starting to feel nervous, because of her sudden change of expression, and the same goes for Rey too.
"I have no intention of marrying Rey Za Burrel to fulfill the chairman's schemes. I have found out about the Chairman Dullindal's true intentions. All along, he had planned to take over ORB by using me and his nephew. To show you the proof, my brother here, Head Representative Kira Yamato, will explain everything."
Her last line surprised everyone, especially Gil and Rey. As Kira showed up on screen, he greeted ORB pleasantly.
"But how?" Gil said, turning his head at Rey, as narrowed his gaze at him. "I thought you killed him!"
Rey didn't pay attention to him. He was too shocked and happy to see his friend back. He felt light-hearted seeing Kira again.
To be continued...
JC: Gilbert has been exposed! I wish I could see the look on his face when he saw Kira Yamato. This reminded me of an episode in GSD. Okay, please review! No flaming!!