(AN) I want to thank all who reviewed

This chapter takes place the last night Kira and Lacus are in Josh-a

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

Chapter Fifteen

Celebration

Messiah Castle

Throughout the week Rau had sent most of his unit into ORB, It was now the night he was going to depart, along with Yunna.

Throne room

The emperor ordered Rau to report to him before he left for Josh-a. Rau reported to him along with Yunna.

"You called My Lord," Rau said.

"I suspect you are prepared to carry out your mission," Gil replied.

"I have made all the preparations, I plan to meet an agent who has been in Josh-a the past week." Rau told him.

"We will not fail My Lord," Yunna added trying to sound cool.

Rau felt disgusted, but he had plans for Yunna so he left the matter alone.

"Very well, I didn't want to kill this King that fast, but I believe he is too dangerous to leave alive, get rid of him," The emperor told them.

"I will personally bring you his head Your Highness," Yunna added again.

"What a fool," Rau thought to himself.

"No matter what happens, do not let them discover your identity," Gil added.

"As you wish Sire," Rau added.

"Now go and do not fail me," Gil told them.

Yunna and Rau both agreed and left the room.

"So general let us go have fun," Yunna added.

Rau looked at him and noticed his act, "Fun you say, but in order to have fun you have to actually fight instead of cowering somewhere."

Yunna felt flustered, "I will not cower."

Rau smirked, "Well then, I will propose a strategy."

Yunna looked at him, "I'm listening."

Rau had a small smile, "When we enter I will leave the ORB King to you, I will handle his bodyguard."

Yunna didn't want to fight at all, and he heard this King was an exceptional fighter.

"Al…Alright General this King will fall in no time," Yunna told him heisting.

Rau smirked again, "Very well, now we have to leave and get there before daybreak."

Yunna agreed and they both got on there horses and left.

Outside Castle

Unknown to Rau and Yunna, some others noticed there departure that night.

"Isn't that the General?" Stellar asked.

Luna noticed that Yunna was with them.

"Yes this is rather unexpected for him to leave at night," Shiho added.

"Something must be going on," Meryin said.

"Where is that Andrew when we need him," Luna told them.

"We will have to find him tomorrow, this must be reported," Shiho told them.

The four really hoped they could report this to Andrew before anything bad happened.

Josh-a Estate

The week went on smoothly for Kira and Lacus, Kira finished his responsibilities the first day they were there, so he spent the rest of the time with Lacus. They were inseparable the whole week; it was the perfect vacation for both of them. They spent time walking around Josh-a, and enjoying there time together. Lacus also took time to see her new friend she met in the town. They spent a little time together as well, all the people in the town loved Lacus very much, and Lacus was always kind and caring to them. The people in the town really hoped she would be the next Queen. Kira loved every second of watching her with the people, he was really looking forward to the surprise he had in store for her when they returned to Onogoro. The week winded down and it was now the last day they were there.

Estate Grounds

Nicol was hastily preparing the feast he had planed for all of them. He really wanted to honor Kira for all he had done for the people, and keeping there country safe.

"Alright I thank all of you for your hard work," Nicol thanked all the servants in the estate.

Nicol saw the three people he wanted Kira to meet.

"I'm glad you made it," Nicol told them.

"Sir we are honored to have this opportunity, but I don't think I can meet the King," A farmer told them.

Nicol smiled, "You have nothing to fear, you have done a lot for this country he would like to meet you."

All farmers felt a little bit better and agreed.

Nicol was very happy. All the preparations were done in the morning for there celebration later.

Inside the Estate

Kira and Lacus both awoke early that morning. They were lying in bed talking like they do every morning they got up if not interrupted. They knew that tomorrow they would have to return to Onogoro. The week for them was the greatest time they had in there life, it had brought them even closer together.

Kira held Lacus close to his body stroking her hair lovingly.

"It seems our vacation is winding down Lacus," Kira told her softly.

Lacus smiled, "We still have one day left."

Kira smiled, "You are right, but I have a feeling that Nicol will keep us busy today."

"I'm sure whatever he has planned, it will be enjoyable," Lacus replied.

Kira said nothing, but he seemed a little distracted when Lacus looked at him.

"Kira what's wrong?" Lacus asked.

Kira broke from his trance, "Nothing is wrong."

Lacus didn't by it, "Please Kira, I know you well enough to know when something is bothering you."

Kira knew he couldn't get out of that, "I have tense feelings for some reason."

"Tense feelings," Lacus replied confused.

Kira smiled, "I don't know what it is I just have a strong feeling that things will not be peaceful much longer."

Lacus held him tighter, "You are still worried about ZAFT?"

"I can't help but hope things will remain as they are now." Kira replied.

Lacus smiled, "That is why you are loved so dearly by your people Kira."

Kira looked at her.

"People don't want a King who would use them to fulfill his own selfish ambitions; the people love you because you rule so people can live ordinary lives." Lacus told him.

Kira smiled, "Well My Lady it seems you know a lot about this."

Lacus smiled, "I am just an ordinary person, people of my stature just want to be able to do the regular things in life, and you allow us to do that.

Kira knew right then and there, she was perfect everything he thought about her was true, and he couldn't be happier.

Kira lifted her chin and kissed her, which she gladly returned to him.

They ended there kiss and just looked into each others eyes.

"Sometimes I think I don't deserve you Lacus," Kira told her.

Lacus looked at him, "I say that same thing to myself everyday, I don't think I'm worthy of you either."

They both laughed a little bit and returned to there normal position, they stayed like that until there was a knock at the door.

"Your Majesty, Sir La Flaga wanted me to inform you that it is almost mid day." A servant told them.

Kira and Lacus looked at each other and chuckled.

"I thank you, you may leave," Kira told the servant through the door.

"Yes My Lord," The servant said as they walked away.

Kira and Lacus quickly got up, they quickly changed from there night robes into there regular garments, and left the room. They were walking down the stairs of the estate when they spotted Nicol.

"It's about time you woke up," Nicol told them.

"Hey it's my last day, I have the right," Kira replied.

Nicol thought for a second, "Well I guess it pays to be the King."

Kira smiled, "So what have you planned for us today?"

"You will just have to wait until tonight," Nicol replied.

Both Kira and Lacus looked at each other and smiled.

Near the ORB ZAFT border

Rau and Yunna were fast approaching the border, when they reached the border they noticed there was an ORB patrol. Rau didn't want to take a chance that he would be spotted, he quickly hid himself. Rau was going to signal that Yunna do the same thing, but Yunna was already hiding long before Rau.

"If you have a problem with a patrol group, you will never last in battle," Rau told him.

Yunna looked at him, "I have no problems with this mission, it will be simple."

Rau noticed Yunna was shaking, "We shall see."

Yunna looked flustered.

Rau waited for the patrol to disappear and he spotted a forest that was give to him by his agent.

"There it is let's go," Rau said as he got back on his horse.

Yunna quickly followed, and got on his horse. They rode into the forest until they came to a path.

"This is it," Rau said.

Yunna looked around, "So he will be on this path."

Rau ignored him and got off of his horse, he stood in the opening so his squad could see him. Yunna didn't know what he was doing.

Not long after Rau stopped his squad emerged from deep in the forest.

"General it is good to see you made it," A man dressed like a bandit replied.

Rau smirked, "Has my agent arrived?"

The man nodded, "Yes general."

"Good take me there," Rau added.

The man agreed and lead Yunna and Rau to where they had set up there camp. They arrived at there camp to see all his men dressed up like bandits. Rau and Yunna entered the main tent and saw his agent.

"I want the report on the ORB King," Rau told the agent.

"Yes General, The King will depart at the scheduled time tomorrow," The agent said.

"What about the security?" Rau asked.

"Sir when he arrives here he will only have his royal guard, but two more brigades of knights will be waiting at exit to help with the escort back to Onogoro" The agent replied.

Rau thought for a second, "It seems La Flaga is a little paranoid about security."

"Yes Sir, ever since they found those two from ZAFT in Onogoro, he has tightened security." The agent told him.

"We will have to accomplish this before they reach the end of the forest," Rau said.

"Sir since the King has his future Queen with him, the security will be extremely tight around him," The agent said.

Rau looked confused, "The future Queen, this is unexpected."

"Yes general, apparently she is some sort of former slave," The man told him.

Rau's head jerked up.

"That is disgusting," Yunna told them.

"This was rather unexpected, but I suppose this might come in handy later," Rau told himself.

"It seems ORB is really weakening, they use those former slaves for everything know." Yunna said.

"I am glad you're amused with this, since you will be the one attacking the King," Rau told him.

Yunna stopped talking, "I can do it, he will be destroyed."

Rau found that amusing, but he had other matters to attend to now.

"You have done great work, I want you to head into Onogoro know." Rau told his agent.

The agent nodded in agreement and left. Rau waited for him to leave then he left the tent to have a look at the main road. When he arrived at the road he was trying to find the best place for an ambush. He came to an area that was coved by a small hill and thick trees; he decided that this would be the spot.

"Commander," Rau shouted.

The commander ran over to him, "Yes General."

"We will attack here," Rau told them.

The commander looked around, "Great selection general, we should start setting up at once."

Rau smiled and knew his plan would succeed. His men started setting up, Rau pointed to two trees he wanted cut down. The trees would serve as a roadblock, so one no could escape easy. Two of his men used axes to start cutting at the trees, they only went a little over half for know. They didn't want the trees to fall until the ORB King was coming. Rau set up on one side and he moved Yunna to the other. They both changed into ruff looking bandit's clothes. Rau moved his archers to the back, and his small armed infantry to the front. These would serve as the first wave, He was going to save the cavalry and heavy armed infantry. The cavalry and heavy armed infantry would be his second wave. Rau expected heavy losses from these two waves, but that didn't matter to him. He was saving the third wave for the last strike, which would consist of mixes of the first two and himself.

Everyone was moved into there positions, they would remain there throughout the night, Rau didn't want to take any chances since he suspected some ORB knights to patrol this area before there King used it. He gave strict orders for everyone to remain silent until there ambush tomorrow morning.

Messiah Outside Castle

All four of the slaves saw the general and Yunna leave, which was extremely strange especially so close to night. They knew something was going to happen, and they knew they had to find Andrew fast. All four tried there best to look around without being suspicious. They searched every area they were allowed to be, and it turned out unsuccessful. It was now night and they still couldn't find him.

"Were you able to find him?" Luna asked.

"No, he is no where to be found," Shiho replied.

"Something bad must be happing for him to leave," Meryin said.

"There must be something we can do," Stellar added.

All four stood there in deep conversation.

"I thought I told you ladies not to draw attention to yourselves," A man said.

All four quickly turned around to find the man they were looking for.

"Where have you been?" Luna shouted at him.

Andrew laughed, "I have been doing my job."

"You could have told us where we could contact you," Meryin added.

"We have very urgent news," Stellar told him.

Andrew looked at all of them, "Calm down ladies, now one at a time."

"As she said, we have urgent news," Shiho told him.

"I am listening," Andrew replied.

They slowly explained everything they saw to him.

"Are you telling me the General has left?" Andrew questioned.

"Yes, we thought that you would know at least something about it," Shiho told him.

Andrew thought for a second, "They must be planning something deadly if they didn't inform any of the brigade commanders, including me."

"What are you going to do?" Luna asked.

"That man is not only a General, he is also an assassin," Andrew told them.

All looked a little shocked and worried.

"If that is true, who would he be assassinating?" Meryin asked.

Andrew thought for a minute then it hit him, "No! The King is on one of his visits to one of his lands," he shouted.

All were worried now; if the ORB King died there hope would be gone.

"What will you do?" Stellar asked.

"If I ride now I will never make it to Josh-a to warn them," Andrew said.

Andrew thought again, "I will still have to try; I thank you ladies for this information if it is correct you shall be rewarded."

After Andrew told them that he quickly got on his horse and started riding, there was no way he could assemble his unit, so he decided to go alone.

All four watched him leave with a little worry in their eyes.

"I sure hope he gets there in time," Meryin told them.

"All we can do is hope," Stellar added as they stood there watching him leave.

Josh-a Estate

The day was winding down fast at the estate, Kira and Lacus were enjoying each others company waiting for the celebration to begin. They were dressed very formally in clothes that were made for occasions like this. They stood by the doors leading into the estate ballroom. This was no where near as big as the one in Onogoro though. Inside the room there was a giant table set up for the feast Nicol prepared. Nicol invited the few nobles that were in Josh-a, the rest were the small group of successful farmers that Nicol wanted Kira to meet.

Kira looked over to Lacus, she seemed less nervous than all the other times. Kira smiled at that, it meant she was getting used to all the matters he goes through everyday.

"You seem very relaxed Lacus," Kira told her.

Lacus turned to face him, "I don't know why, but I feel a lot better at doing this."

Kira smiled, "I'm glad."

They shared a small kiss, until Mu came around the hallway.

"Hey kid it is time," Mu yelled to Kira.

They broke there kiss, "Shall we?" Kira asked as he held out his hand.

Lacus smiled and took his hand, "Yes, let us go."

Inside the Ballroom

People were inside the ballroom awaiting the Kings arrival. Nicol went all out for this celebration. He had the finest food Josh-a could offer prepared. People were dressed very fancy, even the lower class people, Nicol made sure they could have the option to wear fancy clothes. The horns blared announcing the King's arrival, as soon as the horns blazed all turned there attention to the stairs where Kira was expected to walk out from.

Two of the guards opened the doors revealing there King and Lacus. They walked through the doors, and revealed themselves. The crowd was in awe, both looked extraordinaire. Kira put up his arm to acknowledge everyone. He looked over and saw Lacus blushing, she now looked nervous. They started walking down the stairs everybody bowing as they passed them. Nicol was at the bottom to greet his friend.

"I see you went all out Nicol," Kira told him.

"This was done to honor you Sire, and also to congratulate you for hopefully finding our future Queen." Nicol told him in a whisper.

Kira blushed, "I hope that as well," Kira told him as he looked over to Lacus.

"Please let us begin the banquet," Nicol told him.

Kira and Lacus were lead to the front of the table, but first Nicol wanted to introduce him to those farmers. The farmers were near the middle of the table, they were astonished at all the food. Nicol lead Kira towards the front, but stopped in front of the farmers. The farmers saw Nicol leading the King over to them and felt very nervous. Nicol stopped in front of them.

"Before our banquet My Lord, I would like you to meet Josh-a's top farmers," Nicol told Kira.

All farmers thought he wouldn't want to be bothered with them, but they were surprised to see a smile on his face.

"These are the famous farmers I heard about, our accomplishments have been heard all the way in Onogoro," Kira told them.

They looked up in a state of shock, they heard the King was kind, but they never expected for him to be like this.

"We thank you for your words Your Majesty," They told him rather nervously.

Kira smiled and shock each one of there hands.

"All of ORB appreciates your hard work; I want to personally thank you." Kira told them as they seemed very happy.

They finished their conversation and Nicol lead Kira to the front. Kira first helped Lacus to her seat then sat down himself. After the King was seated the rest sat down. They had their meal, Kira heard all the people talking about his accomplishments in the recent battle. Kira turned his attention back to Lacus.

"This is rather normal for one of these get tog ether's Lacus," Kira told her.

Lacus giggled, "It just shows that they appreciate you."

"That is very kind of them, but I only really want to be appreciated by you," Kira told her in a teasing voice.

Lacus blushed, "Who said I didn't appreciate you?"

Kira smiled he love it when she did that.

Nicol did one last thing at the table; he got everyone's attention to make a toast.

"I want to make the toast out to our King," Kira looked over to Nicol, Nicol then continued, "A man who gives his all so we can live in peace, a man who grants us true freedom and justice. To my friend and a man who is truly a Great King." Nicol told them as everyone agreed and took a sip of there drink. Kira felt a little embarrassed but decided to turn his attention back to Lacus.

"Do you know what will take place next Lacus?" Kira asked.

Lacus thought for a second, "You know I don't."

"Next will be the dance," Kira told her.

Lacus felt both nervous and excited, this would be the first time to dance in front of people, but she and Kira did fine when they were by themselves so she felt a little excited.

"We don't have to if you feel uncomfortable," Kira told her softly.

Lacus smiled, "I would be glad to as long as it is with you."

Kira smiled and they talked for a little bit more until Nicol called Kira over to him.

"If you will excuse me for a minute Lacus," Kira told her.

With Lacus

Lacus nodded in agreement and watched him walk away, she saw Jessica standing near one of the doors. Her job that night would be to serve people, Lacus wanted to talk to her so she went over near the door.

"Hello Jessica, I see you have to work tonight," Lacus told her.

Jessica turned to face Lacus, "Wow Lacus you look magnificent."

Lacus smiled, "Thank you very much."

"So what brings you over here?" Jessica asked.

"I saw you standing here and I thought you would want some company," Lacus replied.

"Things are a little slow right now because they are preparing the floor," Jessica told her.

Lacus looked at them removing the table and she knew it was almost time for the dance.

"Can you dance?" Jessica asked.

Lacus looked at her, "Yes somewhat, Kira taught me how."

Jessica had a small smile, "Than you should do fine, I swear there is nothing he can't do."

Lacus blushed, "Your right."

"By the way I know your leaving tomorrow, and I just wanted to say thank you for being nice to me, and my little sister." Jessica told her.

Lacus smiled, "You have been nice to me as well, and I always liked meeting new people."

"I won't be able to see you off tomorrow, but I hope the next time me meet I will get to call you Queen Lacus." Jessica told her as she walked off.

Lacus really blushed now; the thought of her being a Queen still scared her a little bit. She had no time to think when the announcement was made to start the dance.

With Kira

Kira left Lacus and walked over to where Nicol was standing.

"What do you need my friend?" Kira asked.

Nicol smiled, "I just wanted to personally thank you for visiting Josh-a, the people have gained back there morale, and are much happier."

Kira smiled, "Most of that is because of how you govern the land, but you are welcome none the less."

"They seem to have prepared the dance, will you do it?" Nicol asked.

"Normally I would say no, but I think Lacus looks forward to it." Kira told him with a small smile.

Nicol smirked, "Well I hope you will inform us when the wedding is so I can attend."

Kira blushed, "I hope in the future that it will happen, but until then I am satisfied with how things are know."

"Than I suggest you get over there because they are ready," Nicol told him.

With Kira and Lacus

Kira went to the middle of the room, everyone was quite. Lacus really felt nervous now, but she also felt relieved. Lacus started making her way out on the floor; she knew just about everyone was starring at her. Kira held his hand out to her which she graciously accepted.

"Are you ready Lacus?" Kira asked softly.

"I am," Lacus replied.

"We have already done the waltz, so just follow my lead," Kira told her.

The first and last dance were always given to the King, it was an ORB tradition.

The music started from the small band of Josh-a. Kira and Lacus got into there positions and started the waltz. Unlike last time Lacus didn't need to get used to it, they immediately were in perfect unison. The crowd couldn't believe that they danced so well together.

"They aren't bad," Mu said as he walked up behind Nicol.

"I have to agree, it is like they were made for each other." Nicol replied.

All eyes in the ballroom were on them, the crowd felt the same way. After a few minutes the waltz ended and Kira gently kissed Lacus's hand making her blush. The crowd clapped, and bowed when they got off the floor. Now that the first dance was done all of the guest's got on the dance floor. Kira and Lacus were off to the side of the room.

"That was amazing you two," Nicol told them.

"Thank you Sir," Lacus replied.

"I would have to agree, since I have a lovely partner." Kira told them.

Lacus blushed.

There were about two other dances until they got back out there this time with everyone, but instead of dancing to the songs Kira and Lacus just leaned against each other talking and making small steps back and forth. This went on the rest of the night until it was time for the last dance. All people stopped and turned there attention back to there King and Lacus. Mu felt like being very devious asked Nicol to choose a slow song for the last dance.

The song started and Kira wrapped both of his arms around Lacus's waist, and Lacus had hers around his neck. They started there dance never removing there eyes from the other. All people started in amazement, they never expected this, or expected what happened next. The song came to an end, and Kira and Lacus had a long passionate kiss. A lot of people couldn't really believe that they would show that much affection for each other in public.

"You see what I mean?" Mu told Nicol with a small grin.

"You planned this didn't you?" Nicol replied.

Mu laughed, "It worked didn't it."

"Those two really are perfect for each other," Nicol replied.

After a good eight minutes they broke their kiss. All the people were pleased and happy for there King and clapped chanting both of their names as they walked off the floor. When they got off the floor it was really getting late and they had to leave early that morning so Kira and Lacus excused themselves. The night winded down and Nicol was very pleased that his celebration went so well.

ZAFT territory a few miles from the ORB border

Night quickly turned to day; Andrew knew he was not going to make it in time he had just hoped that he could get there in time to help.

"I will never make it, it's already morning I just hope they can hold them off, and I haven't even had my coffee today, a very bad omen indeed," Andrew told himself as he was riding as quickly as possible.

Josh-a

The morning sun rose very quickly. Kira and Lacus were up early, because they wanted to be in Onogoro before night. They were quickly ready to leave and were walking out of the estate. Mu had prepared everything that morning so they could leave after they woke up. He had all possible security measures in place. Kira and Lacus arrived to where there horses were and got on them, Nicol was already on his, he was going to escort them to the town limits. The royal guard was already station in there positions so they could do their jobs. They rode out of the estate and found the whole town waiting to see them off. They reached the town limits.

"I thank you for your hospitality my friend," Kira told Nicol.

Nicol smiled, "It was nothing I hope you two have a safe journey home."

"Thank you for everything Sir Nicol," Lacus told him.

"You are welcome, take care of him," Nicol told her.

"Hey I thought that was my job," Mu told them very jokingly.

I will see you later Sir La Flaga," Nicol told him.

Mu did his farewells and got in his position.

Kira and Nicol shuck each others hands and did there final farewells. Kira and Lacus rode out of the estate followed by Mu and the royal guard.

ORB forest

Rau was still waiting in his position, he was right that they had to stay quite because ORB patrols had been through that forest a few times. Rau knew it was almost time for the Kings arrival and he had a small smile, it grew larger when he heard a lot of horses heading his way.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I apologize for it taking so long, It was normally meant to be two parts, but I decided to put them both together and make one big chapter instead of two small ones. The next chapter will be the first battle; it will be up sometime next week. Bye for now.