(AN): I want to thank all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Sixteen

Ambush Part One

ORB Just outside of Josh-a

Kira and Lacus along with the rest of the royal guard left Josh-a after their farewells to Nicol. They had planned to be back in Onogoro before sundown. The royal guard hurried to there positions, half in front, and the other half in the back of them. Kira and Lacus rode side by side, with Mu right behind them. The knights that were deemed the best had the honor of surrounding the King. They were going to be escorted by the Blitz squad, until they reached the forest. When they left the forest, then Onogoro's guards would take over the escort to the capital, but while they were in the forest it was just the royal guard, to guard the King. The forest was so thick that if large numbers were to go in all at once they would have a lot of trouble defending if their was an attack. They left Josh-a, and were fast approaching the forest.

Kira looked over and noticed that Lacus had a small frown of her face.

"Is their anything wrong Lacus?" Kira asked.

Lacus looked at him, "I am just a little sad to leave, I met a lot of nice people in Josh-a."

Kira smiled, "I am sure we will be able to see them again soon."

Lacus smiled, "I guess your right."

Kira was glad that people loved her a lot in Josh-a. Kira took one last look at the scenery and noticed Mu seemed a little disturbed. Kira was going to question him about it, but he thought Mu was just doing his normal routine when they would leave somewhere. They kept riding until the forest was in sight.

ORB Forest

Rau made sure everyone was up early that morning. He wanted everything ready before the ORB King got to the forest. There were a few small ORB patrols through the forest early that morning, but it was nothing that would delay his plans. If a patrol came by they would remain quiet, and just let it pass. When the patrols slowed down he knew it had to be almost time. Rau made one of his guards hide in the trees near the entrance to spot when the King was coming. Rau was set up on one side of the road which was easiest to attack from; he made Yunna go to the other side. Rau knew that Yunna wouldn't attack until there was little resistance left, but that is what Rau was hoping for. The knights were all dressed like bandits, and they were all in there positions waiting for the King to arrive.

"General everyone is ready," a commander told him.

"Is everyone in there positions?" Rau asked keeping his eyes on the road.

"Yes sir, all are ready to fight," the commander replied.

"One more thing commander, I want you to take command on the opposite side of the road," Rau told him.

The commander looked shocked, "Sir, I thought that Sir Yunna was in charge over there."

Rau looked at him annoyed, "If I leave everything to that fool, this operation will fail."

"As you command General," The commander replied as he hurried to the other side of the road.

"It is almost time Mu La Flaga, we will finally duel again," Rau told himself as he silently laughed.

When the commander got to the other side of the road, he had trouble finding Yunna. The commander saw all the men ready to fight, and then he spotted Yunna standing behind a tree shacking a little bit. It was then the commander knew that the general made the right decision in not leaving Yunna in charge of this side.

"Lord Yunna," The commander called out.

Yunna heard and quickly tried to act like he wasn't afraid.

"What do you need commander?" Yunna asked trying to sound cool.

"The general has told me to take command over here; he wants you to just carry out what you were told to do." The commander told him with a small smile.

Yunna was at first mad, but then he realized that he could stay hidden for as long as possible without having to fight a lot.

"I see, well so be it," Yunna told the commander.

The commander felt disgusted at this and left him alone.

Rau was getting anxious, he reached into a bag and pulled out a mask and put it on. He didn't want Mu to see his face again. As soon as the mask was on the man he order to watch the entrance came rushing up to him.

"General they are here!" The man shouted.

Rau immediately smiled, "Everyone get ready," Rau told everyone as he had a solder signal the other side with a flag.

The commander saw this, and got everyone ready fast. Yunna heard this and almost started hugging the tree.

Rau was having a great feeling about this, "First wave standby, archers prepare to fire!" Rau shouted to everyone.

He looked over to the two men who were going to give those two trees a final chop to trap the King, as soon as he saw that King he was going to give the order.

Rau had a very big smile know as he saw the first few horses.

ORB Forest

Kira and the group arrived at the entrance to the forest; from this point on he would travel without the Blitz squad for escort.

"I thank you for bringing us this far commander," Kira told the leader of that battalion.

The man smiled, "It was our pleasure Your Majesty, and we hope you will visit us again soon."

Kira smiled and looked at all the Blitz knights, "You have all served ORB well, and I wish all of you good fortune."

All knights were very appreciate, to receive such a complement from their King.

Kira quickly thanked the commander again, Lacus thanked him as well and both of them started riding into the forest leaving only Mu behind.

"They really are perfect together," the commander told Mu.

Mu smiled, "I agree, it was good seeing you again."

"You are an honorable man La Flaga; I know leaving the King in your hands is wise." The commander told him as they shuck each others hands. Mu then quickly rode back into his position behind Kira and Lacus.

The first half of the royal guard was well into the forest. Kira and Lacus were in deep conversation which was noticed by Mu, but since he tested Kira that last time he didn't worry about it to much. They were all in the forest at this point.

"Kira what will happen when we get back?" Lacus asked.

Kira smiled, "I still have that surprise to give you, and I said I would meet your family."

Lacus smiled, "I am glad you want to meet them."

"They are important to you Lacus, so of course I would like to meet them." Kira replied.

Lacus loved how he would talk, it was like he was planning for the future, and she couldn't be happier. They kept riding until they came to a small hill, in which Mu suddenly stopped which was noticed by Kira.

"What is this feeling?" Mu asked himself.

With Rau and Yunna

The first half of the royal guard was passing, but Rau wouldn't engage until he saw the King and that moment came very fast. Rau saw two men on horses carrying ORBS flags, he then saw a man and women riding next to each other in fancy clothes, which he knew was the King, and that supposed future Queen. What Rau was really interested in was the man behind them.

Yunna saw the same things on the other side, he saw his target and that supposed slave Queen.

"Well commander aren't you going to attack?" Yunna whispered to the commander.

"We attack when the general gives the signal," The commander replied.

Yunna felt flustered.

The commander held up one of his arms and the archers on that side were ready to release their arrows.

"Remember as soon as the trees fall only fire at the guards on the outside of the trees," The commander told a man to relay to all the archers.

Yunna felt confused that Rau didn't want to just use the arrows to get rid of them all at once.

"Why are we doing that commander?" Yunna asked him.

"First ORB has a strange defensive stance for arrows, and second the general wants to go man to man with the King and that bodyguard." The commander replied.

Yunna hated that he really had to fight.

Rau was watching that King and Mu closely until Mu suddenly stopped.

"It seems he sensed my presence well I guess it's time," Rau told himself as he raised his hands to the two by the trees.

As soon as they saw Rau's signal they gave their trees a final chop, and they both fell straight down into the road.

With all of them

Kira glanced back and saw that Mu stopped which he found very strange. As he was preparing to question him about it two giant trees fell both in front of him and behind him trapping him away from most of the guard.

"What is this?" Kira shouted out loud.

As soon as the trees fell Rau gave the archers their signals.

"Fire!" Rau shouted and all archers released their arrows.

The arrows were hastily approaching the guards on each side of the trees.

"Were under attack," A guard shouted.

"Protect the King," Another man shouted as the guards that were stuck in the middle with Kira all surrounded him.

"Kira," Lacus said worried.

"Stay close to me," Kira told her softly.

Luckily a few guards on the outside noticed the arrows and announced for them to take a defensive position. Since all had shields they got in their stance, and luckily all arrows that time either missed or just struck their shields.

Rau had expected this, but he was enjoying it as he kept his eyes of Mu.

"General this forest is to thick must of our archers cannot get a clear shot off," A man told him.

Rau smiled, "Well then send in the first wave."

"Yes general," the man replied as he announced what Rau told him. Another soldier raised a flag to signal the other side of the road to move in.

The flag was raised and the commander gave the order to charge. Yunna on the other hand knew it was way too early for him to fight so he stayed in his position until everyone on the opposing side was too tired to fight back.

With Kira

Kira saw the arrows, but noticed that none were launched in his direction.

"Mu," Kira called out.

Mu rode next to Kira.

Just as Mu got next to Kira, they heard yelling as they turned, and saw a lot of people who looked like bandits charge through the forest and down the hill.

"Bandits," Mu said.

Kira thought for a minute, "No something is wrong, Mu you take the left flank, I will handle the right."

"Hey now kid, I don't think it is wise…" Mu said as Kira cut him off.

"There is no time Mu, I can handle myself." Kira replied.

Mu knew he was right and rode towards the left. Kira glanced back and noticed the worried look on Lacus's face.

"Listen Lacus, just stay in the middle and everything should be fine." Kira told her with a small smile.

Lacus nodded, "Just please be careful."

"I will I promise you," Kira told her as he went towards the right.

Kira observed all the bandits charging, and he noticed that they were all on foot, and they were only light armed infantry. Kira was only wearing his light armor so he knew he had to be alert. Being on horse Kira knew he had the advantage, but he was still going to be cautious. All soldiers in the middle looked to their King.

Kira saw them getting close and pulled out his sword; in almost reflex all knights did the same thing. The royal guard had a mix of all weapons, but in this situation all used their swords. Kira had a few archers of his own which he told them to fire at will.

All knights stood their waiting for their King's order.

"Wait for it," Kira told them.

Kira kept looking at the approaching bandits when they were about twenty yards from for them Kira gave the order.

"Attack!" Kira shouted.

All knights rode towards the approaching bandits and engaged them. Swords clanged together as the start of the battle began. Kira saw two bandits approaching him, but he easily cut them down. Kira at first had his suspicions that these weren't bandits, but since there attack was so disorganized he suddenly changed his opinion.

Lacus observed Kira never taking her eyes off him. Kira was one of if not the best warrior ORB had, but she was still worried never the less.

Mu and the guards on the left were finishing off this wave with little trouble; Mu still couldn't get that feeling out of his system.

Rau and Yunna

Rau was observing his first wave getting literally wiped out, but he expected that. Rau was counting on disorganization so it would mask their identity. Rau decided that he was finished playing around and decided to order the second wave to attack.

"General our men are getting wiped out," A soldier told him.

Rau smiled, "Calm down I expected this, and I want you to prepare the second wave."

"Those guards by that King are strong our men won't be able to reach him," the man said.

Rau noticed that as well, but he was prepared for that.

"We will use the cavalry to push the guards away from him, and use the heavy armed infantry to crush them; I myself will lure the main bodyguard away." Rau told him.

"As you wish general," The man said as he pointed over to one of the squad leaders.

The second wave was composed of heavy armed infantry and some cavalry. Since the forest was so thick their cavalry would be limited.

Rau glanced back at a soldier to signal the other side to prepare their second wave. The man saw the signal and raised the flag.

The commander noticed his men were being slaughtered; Yunna was still hiding in the trees.

"Commander we have the signal," A soldier told him.

"Prepare the second wave; focus all cavalry on those guards, that King is strong, do not underestimate him if you engage him." The commander told him.

"Yes sir," The man replied as he went to prepare his unit to go in.

The commander knew he would have to go in himself with the third wave, he knew Yunna didn't stand a chance against this King as he watched him fight.

Yunna observed the battle and noticed the woman in the middle of the fight.

"So that must be the slave, if I could use her I will be able to kill that King," Yunna told himself out loud.

"Give me an archer!" Yunna shouted out.

"Sir," An archer said as he heard Yunna.

"Listen as soon as I'm positioned behind that tree down their, I want you to shoot that woman," Yunna told him.

The guard was at first shocked, but since Yunna was a noble he had to obey him, "Yes sir."

Yunna then started creeping up to the trees towards the road. The archer knew if he had to shoot her he would have to be in the clearing which made him vulnerable.

Rau observed a little while longer until he decided to show himself, he was going to stand on top of the hill so Mu would see him. Rau knew Mu would never pass up a chance to engage him in a duel.

Rau gave the order for the second wave and went right on top of the hill.

With Kira and Mu

The battle was winding down with these bandits suffering massive losses. Kira stabbed through the last bandit that was near him, and the rest of the remaining bandits ran back into the trees.

Kira looked back at Lacus and was glad she was unharmed. Lacus as well felt the same thing about Kira.

Kira looked to his knights and was happy not a single one was lost in that attack which was amazing.

"Great job sire," Mu told him as he rode next to him.

Kira looked over and saw Mu smiling.

"All of you did a great job," Kira told all his knights.

Bodies were lying all over the ground; Kira glanced at his sword which was covered in the bandit's blood. Kira was about to ride back to Lacus when he saw someone standing on the hill.

"Who is that?" Kira asked himself.

All heard him and turned to look at the man. Mu glanced back and felt his anger boil when he saw the man.

"You were right at first sire, these are no bandits." Mu said as he continued looking at the man.

"You know him Mu?" Kira asked.

Mu nodded, "Yes he is the ZAFT general."

Kira felt at first shocked and then angry that ZAFT was trying it again. Kira was going to speak to the man when Mu stopped him.

"Sorry My Lord, but I need to face him alone," Mu told him.

Kira knew that Mu wanted to do this so he agreed, "Very well Mu, this seems like something you have to do alone so go."

"I thank you," Mu said as he started charging the man.

Kira saw the look in Mu's eyes and knew that he couldn't stop him so he let him go.

The man on the hill got off of it, and got on his horse, he then waited for him in the road.

Kira was concerned for Mu, but he turned his attention towards Lacus.

Kira looked back at Lacus who was smiling at him. Kira smiled back and started riding towards her when he saw a man in the open aiming his arrow straight at Lacus. At that moment Kira thought time stopped. Kira instantly made his horse go faster trying to reach Lacus. Lacus saw his reaction and was a little confused. The man released his arrow and Kira felt his heart sink. As the arrow was approaching her Lacus turned around and saw the arrow fast approaching her, she thought it was the end, and she shut her eyes. She kept waiting for that moment, but it never came. She slowly opened her eyes and saw Kira swipe the arrow out of mid air with his sword.

The man on the hill was shocked as was Yunna.

As soon as Kira swiped the arrow he fell from his horse from the speed he had to use to get there, and he then called for his own archers. The archers heard his call and aimed at the man on the hill. They released their arrows, and all struck the man who was still in shock that his arrow was swiped from mid air.

Lacus saw Kira fall and she immediately jumped off her horse and ran over to him. Kira looked up and saw the tears in her eyes. Kira gently wiped the tears out of her eyes and held her close to his body. About five guards saw him fall, and got off their horses to check there King. It was then he heard more yells as the second wave was fast approaching them there cavalry first. Kira didn't know if there were arrows being fired at them so he instantly shielded Lacus just in case. The five guards surrounded them for protection.

Yunna was hiding behind the trees just waiting for the chance to strike that King.

Onogoro Allster Estate

It was the day the King was scheduled to return, but for the first time George didn't want Flay to greet the King. He knew that Kira was still angry at them so he would have them remain in the estate. George was now focused on contacting this man to get rid of Lacus.

George was in his study when his daughter came running into the room.

"Daddy, when are we going to get rid of that slave girl?" Flay asked.

George sighed, "Listen Flay I will send the letter out next week, and she should be gone within the month."

Flay frowned, "But daddy I want her gone now."

George got annoyed, "Listen Flay, it will take time to get a letter into ZAFT territory so you will have to be patient."

Flay started whining again. "Well just as long as she is gone, then I get to be Queen."

George agreed and was glad she left the room.

ORB Forest Second wave

With Kira and Lacus

Kira didn't know about arrows so he shielded Lacus. He was relieved when there were none.

The cavalry came rushing in and charged at the guards that were still on horses. Rau's plan worked well since the guards were being pushed back. These soldiers were more skilled than the last and a few of the guards were struck to their deaths. They were being overwhelmed, and to make matters worse the heavy armed infantry was right behind them. A few remaining guards instantly went to engage them, but about six broke through and were heading right for Kira and Lacus.

With Mu and Rau

Mu finally caught up with Rau and stopped right in front of him.

"It's been awhile Mu La Flaga," Rau told him.

"Not long enough you monster," Mu replied.

Rau laughed, "I see you're still bitter about me."

"How could I not be?" Mu told him.

Rau smirked, "I see you have done a great job training this King, from what I heard from my men.

Mu looked at him, "You sent those two?"

"That's correct, I have only one goal Mu and right know that King is in my way." Rau replied.

Mu grew angry, "I will not let you harm His Majesty, and I will kill you here and know." Mu said as he rushed towards Rau.

Rau smiled, "Lets see what you got, last time your skills were pathetic." Rau replied as he rushed at Mu, and there swords clashed.

With Kira Lacus and Yunna

The six broke through, but Kira only had three guards with him since the other two on foot had to help with the engagement when the heavy armed infantry moved in. Lacus held on to Kira tightly, but Kira knew they were only after him. Kira looked down and kissed the top of her head.

"Kira," Lacus said.

Kira smiled, "Don't worry Lacus, I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it."

Kira saw all three of his guards ready to give their lives for him, but he spoke.

"Stand down," Kira told them.

All three look at him confused as the six ZAFT soldiers started circling him.

"You're Majesty," They said.

Kira smiled at them, "It is me they are after, and I want you to defend Lacus."

"But Sire," They said.

"Do as I say," Kira told them with a slightly larger voice.

They slowly backed up and circled around Lacus to defend her. Lacus watched hoping that Kira would be alright.

Yunna knew this would be his chance as soon as Kira got tired he would charge.

Kira raised his sword and slowly walked out towards the six. Kira knew he couldn't take six all at once so he had to plan this well.

All six smirked under their armor, they knew by killing the King they would be heavily rewarded by the emperor. They saw Yunna hiding behind that tree so they knew he would just take the credit anyway, so they decided to do their best.

Two of them on the right were about to charge him, but they didn't expect Kira to beat them to it. Kira knew that he had speed on his side so he decided to strike first. He instantly charged towards the far one on the right and put his sword right through his armor and through his stomach, the man instantly died. The five remaining were shocked, but they knew he would have to use a lot of strength to strike through their armor like that.

Kira knew that as well, but he had to win or they would kill Lacus. Two more started circling Kira; one carried a sword and the other a spear. Kira charged the one with the sword, but the man blocked his slash. The man with the spear went straight for Kira's back but Kira moved out of the way slicing the mans spear in two. Kira then spun and slashed right through the man's armor killing him instantly. That slash took a lot out of Kira which was noticed by the man with the sword who slashed at Kira.

Kira was getting tired and at the last second saw the man's sword. Kira moved himself backwards, but the sword connected with his leg causing blood to spray out. The cut was deep, but it wasn't two serious. Kira groaned in a little pain when the sword connected with his leg.

Lacus saw that and could no longer contain her tears. Lacus screamed out his name which Kira heard. As soon as Kira heard Lacus's voice he felt and strong urge of power shoot through his body. He looked up and saw the man with the sword approaching him. The man slashed down, but Kira's speed proved to formidable as Kira instantly made a vertical slash tearing the man's armor and killing him instantly.

Kira then knelt down on the ground using his sword to hold himself up. The three of Kira's royal guard couldn't take it.

"My Lord," They said worriedly as they started approaching him.

Kira instantly turned around, "Stay with her!" he shouted.

The three instantly returned to Lacus. Kira looked back and smiled at her, he could see tears going down her face which hurt his heart.

Yunna saw this as his opportunity and left his tree charging right at Kira.

The three remaining ZAFT knights saw Yunna coming and stopped. Kira knew something was wrong and he heard footsteps behind him. Yunna ran right behind Kira and made a slash right at him.

Kira could tell this guy wasn't that great since he heard him coming. Right before Yunna made the slash; Kira brought his sword up and spun around to connect with Yunna's sword.

Yunna was shocked that Kira blocked his sword; Yunna really didn't know what to do know. Kira with only one hand on his sword got back to his feet and started pushing Yunna back. Yunna had two hands on his sword, and was losing in the test of strength against an injured Kira.

Kira could tell this guy had to be someone of importance since on other knight was attacking yet. Yunna really wanted to run away, but Kira gave him one last shove and knocked Yunna on his back. Kira raised his sword to deliver the deathblow, but Yunna screamed.

"Please somebody save me!" Yunna shouted.

A knight with a sword rushed at Kira, Kira saw him approaching out of the corner of his eye and ducked. As soon as the man passed Kira let him turn around, and then he stabbed right through his armor killing him instantly. Yunna took this opportunity and ran back into the forest.

That blow really did Kira in he was extremely tired and there were still two left, one with a sword and the other with a spear. Kira's wound was still bleeding, and Kira would probably have fallen if it wasn't for one thing. That only thing that kept him going was Lacus.

Near the forest

Andrew finally made it into ORB, but he knew the battle had to already begin he just hoped he would make it to help them.

ORB Forest

Kira still had to left; he looked back and saw Lacus and the guard starring at him with concern. The guard wanted to help, and Lacus was crying. Kira winked at her, and got back on to his feet.

The two remaining circled him and were about to attack. They were very impressed with this King.

Kira saw a blurry vision, and the sword man charged at him. Kira was able to block him, and he noticed the man with the spear seemed to be waiting for something. Kira knocked the man back and slashed right through his armor.

That was the moment the spear man was waiting for, as soon as Kira broke through the armor the man stated charging him. The man with the sword was struck and died, Kira used a lot of strength again and felt his vision blur.

Lacus was relieved another one was down, but felt her heart sink when she saw a spearman nearing Kira.

Kira's senses were dulling, when he heard the man approaching he quickly turned around, but it was to late the spear had struck him.

Lacus thought her heart exploded right their. "NO!" she screamed.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you like this chapter, I know terrible place to end it, but part two will be up tomorrow. See you later.