(A\N): I want to thank all who reviewed.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed of Destiny.

Chapter Twelve

Acceptance

Onogoro City

"It is time are you ready Lacus?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "Yes, I am just glad you're here with me."

Kira smiled and the two leaned over to share a small kiss. All in the courtyard saw that. A lot of people were happy except George and a few council members.

Kira and Lacus broke there kiss and Kira told the guard to proceed. The castle guard members then opened the gates.

The people gathered near the castle heard the gates starting to open and turned there attention towards the castle. All people were excited to see there King again, but they were more interested in the Kings companion.

Kira and Lacus started riding out, Lacus really started feeling nervous. Kira noticed and rode his horse really close to hers.

"I once felt like that as well Lacus," Kira told her.

Lacus turned to him, "What do you mean Kira?"

Kira smiled, "You're nervous, I felt like that when I first became King."

Lacus curiously listened to him.

"It was when I made my first ride in front of people; I was worried they wouldn't accept me." Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "How could they not accept you, I heard even when you were prince people couldn't wait for you to become King."

Kira blushed, "I will say something similar to you Lacus, I know the people will accept you," Kira paused for a moment, and held his hand out to her.

Lacus blushed and placed her hand in his.

"We will face this together Lacus," Kira told her.

"Yes we will," Lacus replied.

They were now reaching the end of the castle gate; they could see some of the people. Mu was already in high alert, as was the rest of the royal guard.

The people could now see there King, all started cheering. Lacus heart started beating really fast from worry. They were now in full view of the people. Kira took his free hand and started waving to the people. Lacus was unsure what to do. All were staring at her; they couldn't believe how beautiful she was. The people were even more astonished when they saw that they were riding hand in hand. Lacus was a little afraid to look at the people at first. She would have probably remained that way if she didn't hear a little girl in the crowd call out to her.

"Your really pretty My Lady," The girl called out to her.

Lacus heard someone address her like a queen and looked, she saw a little girl about her brother's age smiling and waving at her.

Lacus immediately smiled and waved back at her, she then looked to the rest of the crowd. She saw all people smiling and waving at her, she really didn't expect that. Kira knew everything that was going on, he just knew the people would be able to love her. They didn't even know her name yet, but he knew that would change soon.

Lacus immediately felt no more fear; she couldn't believe people would be this nice to her so soon. She saw nobles and servants both waving at her. The people were addressing her like she was there Queen.

Mu seemed to notice all what was happing as well; he was glad that everything seemed to be going alright. He knew that Lacus would finally make his King whole.

Kira smiled at Lacus he couldn't be more happy. The people were accepting her; he knew right then and there that she was truly the one. Lacus noticed he was smiling at her; she returned his smile and held his hand tighter. She was a little shocked when Kira kissed her hand, but she was glad he did it.

All the people seemed to notice how open they were to each other. They were truly glad that there King seemed happy. They continued riding and Lacus became more open she was smiling and waving to all the people who were greeting her. She then saw her best friend Miriallia in the crowd smiling at her.

Lacus immediately smiled and waved to her, Miriallia was extremely glad that her friend finally seemed happy, she knew Lacus didn't care about all the royal benefits, Lacus was happy because she know had someone to care for her.

Kira noticed that Lacus seemed to be paying attention to someone in the crowd.

"Someone you know Lacus?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "Yes, my best friend from childhood."

Kira smiled, "I'm glad you have people who care about you like that."

"She is like a sister to me, we tell each other everything." Lacus replied.

They continued riding, people kept greeting them, Kira appreciated that people were treating Lacus so kindly. He continued greeting people with smiles and waves. Lacus did the same. They were about half way out of the city when Lacus noticed her family was by the road. Lacus was happy that they wanted to see her off. She saw her father and mother both looking at her almost with tears in there eyes. Her eldest sister was smirking at her, and her two youngest siblings were smiling and waving at her. Kira noticed that Lacus was staring at a small group of people, then he saw here younger brother, and he knew that they had to be her family. Kira looked back at Lacus, and noticed she seemed very happy.

"Is that your family Lacus?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "Yes I am glad they came."

Kira smiled, "They seem to care deeply about you."

"They do, I am very grateful to them," Lacus replied.

Kira thought for a moment then turned back to Lacus.

"When we get back, I would be honored to meet all of them," Kira told her.

Lacus immediately smiled, "You mean you want to meet them?"

"Of course, they are important to you, so I would love to meet them." Kira replied.

Lacus was very happy; she wanted Kira to meet her parents, just like if they were normal. Lacus knew Kira cared deeply about her, but by saying that it meant he was truly serious about her.

"Thank you Kira, it means a lot to me," Lacus told him almost in tears.

Kira held her hand tighter, "We don't want that Lacus, if your family sees you crying they might think I'm hurting you or something." Kira told her almost in a joking voice.

Lacus giggled, "I don't think there is anything to worry about, and I know that you would never hurt me."

They continued riding until they were right by her family. Lacus waved and smiled at her family, she knew that by being with Kira she and her family would be in a spotlight. She didn't want to burden them with that yet so she just smiled and waved. Kira was on the opposite side of Lacus and couldn't really see her family, but he still waved to them.

Siegel and Eileen were watching there daughter. When they first saw her they couldn't believe how she looked. They saw the happiness in her eyes, but it wasn't from the clothes or anything material. They knew the happiness came from the man riding next to her. All of her siblings were stunned as well they couldn't believe that she was there sister.

"Just look at her," Siegel told his wife.

Eileen smiled, "I hope that you see her happiness, and will finally le the matter go."

Siegel smiled, "Your right as always."

Kira and Lacus were now reaching the end of city. They continued there routine of smiling and waving. They reached the city gates and they stopped. The gates were raised, and about half of the royal guard went in front of them. Mu was on his horse right behind Kira and Lacus; he was never taking his eyes off the crowd. As the royal guard was riding past them, Lacus turned to Kira.

"Kira what's going on?" Lacus asked.

Kira smiled, "This is procedure, when we are outside the city, half the guard rides in front while the other half rides in the back."

"Is there a reason for that?" Lacus asked.

"Yes, it prevents an ambush from the front and rear; some guards will also ride to the side of us to prevent the flank ambush." Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "I see that all the guards care deeply about you, to risk there own lives."

Kira smiled, "Mu and I chose the members, I trust them with our lives, but I seriously hope that none will ever come to harm."

Lacus loved how Kira cared for his people.

"They will stay that way the whole ride?" Lacus asked.

"For most of the trip yes, but when we reach the Josh-a perimeter we will join the Blitz squad, and the escort will grow." Kira told her.

They continued talking until half the guard left, Kira then smiled at Lacus and they rode out together, Mu was not far behind, and they were followed by the rest of the royal guard.

There trip throughout the city went very well. Everyone in the city seemed to like Lacus, except for the one red haired noble. Flay saw everything, the people of ORB treated Lacus like she was there queen. Flay wanted that to be her, and she vowed that she will do anything to become queen. Flay started pouting, but she realized it was almost time for her fathers meeting so she quickly returned home.

Onogoro Castle

After Kira and Lacus's departure from the castle George Allster immediately walked over to that fifth council member.

"Are you ready?" George asked.

The man smirked, "Whenever you are, however I have spent a lot of time in Onogoro lately, so I must return to Logos immediately after our meeting." the man told him.

George frowned a little, "You agreed to help me why are you returning so quickly?"

The man looked at him, "I don't need to remind you what your doing is treason so I would be careful what you say to me."

George thought for a moment.

"I will help you, but I will do it in my own land," the man told him.

George felt a little better, "Very well, I will return to my estate now, after a few minutes join me there, is that satisfactory Lord Jibril."

Jibril smiled, "I will be there."

George left after that feeling like he was on top of the world. Jibril watched him leave and he laughed to himself.

"What a fool you are Allster, You are just a small pawn to me." Jibril told himself as he left.

Messiah Castle

Rau's Chambers

Rau was in his chambers talking with one of his spies he had in ORB.

"So the King left for Josh-a, do you know when his return is scheduled?" Rau asked.

The man nodded, "Yes general, he is scheduled to return in a week."

Rau smiled, "Well this will turn out nicely for me, and I will enjoy this."

The spy was a little confused.

Rau looked back at the spy, "I want you to return to ORB and report to me anything else."

"Yes general," The spy said as he left.

Rau was in his chair rehearsing how he would go about reporting this to the emperor, he had to be sure that he didn't reveal too much.

He was deep in thought when a guard entered his chambers.

"General it is time for the meeting," The guard told him.

Rau rose from his chair and left heading right for the council's room.

Outside the castle

Shiho Meryin Luna and Stellar were doing the work they were told to do when they got word of a ZAFT war meeting.

"What do you think they will discuss?" Stellar asked.

"I don't know, but we have to somehow find out," Luna replied.

"Even if we find something out we still don't know how to get it to ORB," Shiho told them.

"I think we should just worry about one thing at a time," Meryin replied.

Stellar frowned, "Who would even want to help us?"

"Great point, it's not like we can just ask someone for help," Shiho replied.

"Even so, do you just want to be a slave your whole life?" Meryin told her.

Luna started getting flustered, "Well arguing with each other won't help anything."

All went silent.

"I suppose we should just keep our eyes and ears open," Shiho told them.

"Yeah I'm sure we could find someone to take any information we heard to ORB," Luna replied.

All four kept talking, but there actions started to get noticed by one man. He was walking near the castle when he heard what they were discussing. He normally would have liked to observe them for a little while longer, but if what they were discussing was heard by the wrong person, they would be executed.

The man thought to himself, "Well first I will have to approach them; General Athrun might find there information useful, then I need some coffee, but it's terrible in ZAFT." The man giggled to himself, then walked right near the four slaves.

They were still discussing about the meeting ZAFT was having when a man approached them.

"You know ladies, you better watch how you discuss these things or you could find yourselves dead." The man told them almost in a whisper.

All four quickly looked at the man thinking there plan had failed.

ZAFT Council Chambers

The meeting was starting very quickly. Emperor Gil sat at the head of the table. Governor Azeral sat at the other end. Yzac and Dearka sat in two chairs at one side of the table. Sai and Yunna sat at the other side of the table. A few other council members sat in the remaining chairs, leaving only one chair empty. It was quickly filled by Rau when he entered last. All were seated when the emperor decided to start the meeting.

"I think everyone knows why I called this meeting," Gil told them.

"Yes sir, it must mean that we are going to have a big battle soon," Azeral told them.

Gil looked at him, "No, it is too early for that; I don't want another defeat like the last battle."

Yzac looked at him, "It is simple My Lord, just send me and the Duel squad, and we will crush ORB."

"I will also volunteer for this Sire," Dearka added.

Gil looked at both of them, "Attacking with brute force will not beat them, we tried that and it failed."

Yzac looked annoyed, "Well then why not send me to get rid of this King myself, I am one of the greatest swordsmen we have."

Gil thought about this for a little bit, it made a lot of sense but he couldn't risk one of his commanders when they could have all out war in the near future.

"No Yzac, it is too soon for that plus, we don't know when we will have a chance to get the King outside his castle.

Rau heard this, but he decided to remain silent for a little while longer.

Yzac was very annoyed now, but decided to remain quiet.

"Well My Lord what should we do?" Yunna asked.

"I called this meeting so we could prepare for a war in the near future," Gil told them.

"Well Sire, I believe we should plan a flawless strategy," Azeral told them.

Sai heard this and jumped a little, he knew there last battle was lost because of his last strategy.

"I don't think we have to wait that long," Yunna added.

Gil looked over to Sai, "Well Argyle I expect you to pan for a battle that will get us past there borders this time."

Sai turned to the emperor, "Yes sir I will not fail you again."

"Make sure you don't," Gil told him seriously.

Sai felt tremendous fear.

"My lord if I may," Rau finally added.

Gil turned to him, "Go ahead."

"I have received recent information that ORB's King is on his way to Josh-a right know." Rau told them.

Yzac heard this and was getting angry like a lot of people there.

"Why did you not say anything earlier?" Gil told him a little frustrated.

Rau smirked, "I only thought it significant to report when you were discussing the strategy."

"This is perfect let me fight him know." Yzac told them.

Rau looked to him, "That would not be wise, I brought this up because if we can get past the border of ORB than Josh-a should be the next target."

"Why is that?" Dearka said.

Rau looked to him, "Josh-a supplies most of there food supply, if we capture that we will have a great advantage."

"You seem very familiar with ORB general," Yunna told him.

Rau didn't like his comment.

"That shouldn't matter, if we want Josh-a than we should attack it know," Yzac said.

"The entire Blitz squad is stationed there, if we occur to many losses at the border than we will be annulated when we reach Josh-a," Sai added.

"The losses don't matter, but you are right it is pointless to go if we lose," Gil finally spoke again.

"How about attacking near Boaz?" Azeral added.

"Wouldn't that be the same situation as Josh-a, the entire Aegis squad is there," Dearka told them.

Yzac was getting flustered, "Well then let me attack there King that is heading to Josh-a, I will even go alone."

"You fool, you think you can fight off hundreds of royal guards and that King," Rau added.

Gil was listening to all of the complaints, we wanted ORB's land badly, but the defense there King had set up almost made it impossible. He believed that he should stage an attack on their King to test his abilities.

"I have heard all of this, and I believe an attack on there King directly would be a great benefit to us." Gil told them.

Yzac smiled, "Well I shall prepare to leave at once."

"Your Majesty it is better if I go," Rau added.

The emperor looked at him, "I tend to agree."

Yzac was flustered again.

"If I take knights then ORB will know it is a ZAFT attack, which will make them double there security, so I will lead a small brigade dressed up like bandits." Rau told them.

"That is funny General," Yunna added.

Rau didn't like him very much, "I'm glad you think so because you will be coming with me."

Yunna stopped laughing and started shaking with fear. "What do you mean?"

"My Lord, I will take him because he fights like a bandit, I heard they will leave Josh-a in a week so we will ambush them on the way back." Rau told him.

Yunna was almost crying he was too frightened to fight.

"You sound confident General, so I will grant your request," Gil told him.

Rau smiled, "I thank you My Emperor."

Yzac was too happy about this, but he knew he didn't have a choice.

"Now I want you two to prepare your squads, for an upcoming battle," Gil told Yzac and Dearka.

"Yes sire," they said in union.

Yunna was shaking with fear and he wanted to plead to the emperor not to let him go, but he knew if he tried it would be his death.

"I believe we have concluded our business today, everyone is dismissed," Gil told them as he left the room.

Yunna looked at Rau, "Why did you want me?"

Rau smirked, "You will know when the time comes, as for know I suggest you prepare for a battle in a week."

Yunna quickly left the room. Rau was the only one left.

"Well this is rather entertaining, but we will meet again very soon Mu La Flaga." Rau told himself as he left the room.

ORB road to Josh-a

Kira and Lacus were finally on there way to Josh-a, Lacus was very amused at all the scenery since she never left Onogoro before. The entire royal guard surrounded them making sure they come to no harm. Kira enjoyed spending this time with Lacus since everything was new to her. They were fast approaching a forest that would give them a quicker route to Josh-a. Kira knew all of the roads in ORB even some of the roads no one knew about he knew them.

"Tell me Lacus, what do you think so far?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "I have never seen anything like it before."

Kira smiled, "Just wait until we reach Josh-a, it is lovely land."

"I look forward to it, but are you sure Lord Nicol would want an extra guest?" Lacus asked.

"There's no need to worry Lacus, Nicol is a very gentle person who loves to meet new people." Kira told her.

Lacus felt better and the two of them keep talking. Mu was riding behind them happy they were having a good time; he took a small glance at the road and had a very bad permeation that they would have trouble on this road in the near future. Mu thought about it for awhile then shuck it off like it was nothing. They continued riding until they entered the forest.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you like this chapter, sorry for the long wait but these holidays are throwing my timing on everything off. Once the New Year is over I will be able to update like I normally do. The next chapter won't be long so I will hope to have it up by Monday. See you later.