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

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

Chapter Eighteen

Aftermath

ORB Forest

As Mu and Andrew were talking the doctor interrupted them.

"Well how is he?" Mu asked.

"I bandaged his wounds for the short travel, but I will need to do a examination of him when camp is set up, plus his body used a lot of energy he will need rest." The doctor told them.

"Then we will waste no time, lets be on our way," Mu said.

Andrew glanced over to Kira, and noticed that his wounds were affecting him more than he was showing.

Andrew looked back over to Mu, "Your right, we have to have him examined before his body gives out.

All knights of the royal guard were very concerned for their King, but they were also filled with great pride that they had a King who could fight the way Kira did. Even after the battle Kira was concerned for them more than himself, which made him even more loved. They hastily got into their positions so they could get him out of the forest.

Kira on the other hand, was struggling on the inside to stay conscious. He refused to let his knights see him in a weakened position, especially from a ZAFT attack. Kira knew that a King must always be strong for his people. The only people who knew he was really hurting were Mu, Andrew, and the most important was Lacus.

Kira saw that his knight's faces were filled with pride and respect for him, just as he felt about them. Lacus never left his side, she saw his wounds were still serious, and she didn't really want him to push himself. They were both walking over to there horse's ready to leave this forest.

Lacus walked beside him interlocking her arm with his for two reasons, the first was so she could be near him, and second was so she could be there in case his body gave out.

"Kira please don't push yourself," Lacus told him with a concerned whisper.

Kira smiled, "You give me all the strength I need."

Lacus blushed as they reached there horses. Lacus was about to get on when she felt Kira gently touch her cheak.

Lacus could always melt into his touch as she put her hand on top of his, they stared into each others eyes for a second as if there eyes could communicate with each other. They each leaned in and shared a small sweet kiss. Words didn't need to be said as they knew what each other was thinking when they stared into each others eyes. When there eyes met they were thanking each other, Lacus for coming back to her, and Kira for giving him the strength to come back to her. They broke their kiss and Kira helped Lacus to her horse as he always did, but this time he was careful not to use the arm with his shoulder injury. Kira did the same thing for himself when he got on his horse.

Mu and Andrew watched the whole exchange.

"When did all that happen?" Andrew asked.

Mu smiled, "I will tell you the story when we reach camp."

Kira looked back at the battlefield; it was filled with bodies and blood. He questioned himself why the ZAFT Emperor would send his own men to there deaths. He wanted to know why it was so important to the Emperor for ORB's land. These were questions he knew the answers to; he knew that war was not far into the future. Kira made a pledge to himself that he would never let ZAFT harm his people, or take his land, and what was most important to him. He would die for all three of these things.

Kira glanced back to Lacus and smiled, he then gave the order to proceed. All started to ride and they soon left the forest.

ORB ZAFT Border

Rau was fast approaching the border he didn't care if anyone survived all he was pleased about was his plan was working nicely. He reached the border and had to wait for nightfall to pass. He heard a few horses behind him and was surprised to see the commander and a few survivors from the battle.

"I see you made it commander," Rau said.

The commander stopped in front of him. "General our battle was a failure, and Yunna was killed, but we did injure that King."

Rau looked down and saw a few survivors carrying Yunna's body.

Rau smirked, "Well I see the useless trash was killed, what a pity."

The commander found that a strange comment, he never liked Yunna either, but they were still on the same side.

"He was killed by the ORB King; however it wasn't an honorable death. Lord Yunna didn't fight with honor so…" The commander replied as he was cut off.

"Regardless Yunna was still a high noble who was on the council, which his death could be very useful to justify a future attack on ORB." Rau told him.

The commander was shocked, Rau only made Yunna fight in that battle so he would be killed.

The commander was deep in thought when Rau spoke again.

"Commander did you witness that King's battle?" Rau asked.

The commander looked at him, "Yes sir, he is remarkable, a great swordsman, however his personality is different from his fathers."

Rau smiled, "That is all I need to know, and we will wait for night fall then return to Messiah."

"I understand Sir; however the Emperor will not be pleased with this failure." The commander told him with a serious voice.

Rau looked at him, "There is no need for concern, his orders were to get that King out of the way, well I say with the injuries you told me about he will be out of action for awhile, which should give us time to plan our next move."

The commander stood silent there talking ceased after that.

Outside ORB forest

Kira and company exited the forest; it was good to finally be able to see sunlight again. On the outside there were the two brigades from Onogoro's guard waiting to escort them to the capital. All were horrified when they saw there King and his guard. Some were injured, and all were covered in blood. They could tell whatever happened it was a bloody battle. Kira's condition was unchanged which was making Lacus worried, but she was glad it wasn't getting worse. Kira was really fighting the pain, but he knew they were almost their.

The captains of the two brigades hastily rode to their King.

"You're Majesty, what happened sir?" one captain said.

Kira had a sad smile, "A ZAFT ambush, we lost twenty three, and destroyed the ZAFT force."

"Your injured My Lord, we must get you to Onogoro quickly," The other captain told him.

Kira shuck his head, "No, we will set camp for tonight; I will not have the people see us like this."

"I understand Sir, what should we do?" The first one asked.

"I want your squad to return to Onogoro, and resume guard of the city," Kira told him.

"As you wish Your Highness," The man said as he rode back to his squad.

Kira then looked at the other captain, "As for you captain, I want you to retrieve our fallen knight's bodies from the forest, be careful of all the fallen ZAFT soldiers."

Kira paused for a second the pain was hitting him again, the wound on his leg was bad, but not that serious. The wound from the spear started bleeding again which was causing him to feel dizzy again.

The doctor kept his eyes on his King he noticed that he was getting weaker; he rode next to Mu and Andrew.

"Sir La Flaga, we will have to stop soon, His Majesty's wounds need to be treated before his wounds get infected." The doctor told him seriously.

"I know Doc, we are almost their," Mu told him sternly, Mu was still blaming himself.

"What should we do with the ZAFT bodies' sire?" the captain asked.

"I doubt ZAFT will want them, since they just through them to there deaths, to prevent disease we will have to burn them, but leave a tomb acknowledging there existence." Kira told him.

The captain looked a little shocked, which Kira noticed.

"Whether they were enemies or not they were still people captain, so I want you to honor that." Kira told him.

"I understand Sir, anything else?" he asked.

"Once your finished with that have your knights stand guard, and we will return to Onogoro tomorrow," Kira said.

The captain agreed and rode off to give the knights their orders.

They kept riding until they stopped in the spot where Kira wanted them to set up for the night.

"Have them set up down there Mu," Kira told him.

Mu agreed and gave the orders; all royal guards started setting up leaving only Kira Lacus Mu Andrew and the field physician.

Kira turned around, and finally noticed Andrew.

"I didn't notice your arrival Andrew, when did you get here?" Kira asked glad to see him again.

Andrew laughed, "I arrived after the ambush, I found out about it to late though I am sorry for failing you sire."

Kira smiled, "No need to apologize, you are the best agent we have so they must really put a lot of thought in planning this."

"You're still the same My Lord, but I can see you have been busy as well," Andrew said as he glanced at Lacus.

Kira and Lacus blushed, Kira then introduced Lacus to Andrew.

"It is a pleasure to meet you My Lady," Andrew said.

"Please just call me Lacus Mr. Waltfeld," Lacus replied.

Andrew smiled, "Only if you call me Andrew."

All got a chuckle out of this when Kira suddenly slumped over breathing heavily.

"Kira," Lacus said as she immediately rode next to him grabbing his hand.

"I'm fine…Lacus," Kira replied.

The doctor instantly checked his King.

"Your not fine kid, you need treatment." Mu told him.

"I will soon…enough Mu, but first I need…something from you," Kira told him.

"Your Majesty, you must relax your body will give out if you continue this." The doctor told him.

Andrew looked at him, "His body will give out long before his honor I see." Andrew told himself.

"Please Kira, just do as the doctor says," Lacus told him with a tear forming in her eye.

Mu whispered over to Andrew, "Watch him cave in now."

Andrew giggled, "It appears he will not be able to resist her."

Kira looked into Lacus's eyes, and that did it he caved in.

"Alright Lacus I will," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled.

Kira sat straight up on his horse with Lacus holding him a little.

A guard ran up to Kira and knelt, "My Lord, the camp is prepared."

"Well done, have a few guards posted and get some rest," Kira told him.

"Yes, Your Majesty," The man said as he stood and left.

"You should take your own advice kid," Mu told him.

Kira smiled, "I will, but first I want you to send messengers to Josh-a, Boaz, and Logos inform the Lords of this incident and to be alert for future attacks."

"Will do kid, anything else?" Mu asked.

"Yes, send another one to Onogoro to inform the council that we will be delayed and won't arrive until tomorrow." Kira told him.

"Should we inform your mother and sister about this?" Mu asked.

Kira thought for a second, "They will know something is wrong if we don't arrive today so only inform them about this attack."

"Alright kid, now you get some rest," Mu told him.

Kira laughed, "Very well."

After their conversation the captain returned from retrieving the fallen guard member's bodies. "My Lord, we have finished with there retrieval."

Kira looked at him, "Thank you captain, we will give them an honorable send off when we reach Onogoro."

"As you wish Your Majesty," the man said as he left.

Lacus noticed Kira looked a little sad, and Lacus knew why.

"They faught for you Kira, to make sure you lived." Lacus told him softly.

Kira looked at her, "I know that Lacus, I will give there families benefits from the royal treasury, but I know it will not be enough." Kira replied to her.

As they were talking the doctor rode up next to them.

"Your Highness, I have to treat you know, please come." The physician told him sternly.

Kira looked over and saw Lacus was getting angry that he was stalling his treatment so he agreed.

Onogoro

Castle

The afternoon soon fell to dusk; Kira was past due which was making the castle worry.

The council called an emergency meeting, to discuss the matter. A few council members even called George so he made sure to be there as well.

Cagalli and Via were awaiting Kira's arrival as well. They were especially worried since they knew Kira would never be late when it came to travel.

City

The atmosphere was practically the same in the city, over the past week people were able to learn that the woman who rode with the King was named Lacus, word travels fast there. All wanted to be able to greet them when they returned, but night was fast approaching, and there was still no word from there King.

Downtown

Miriallia was anxious to see her friend today; Tolle and Kuzzy were waiting with her as well. They were worried that something was wrong, Tolle and Kuzzy were needed for the return, but there was no word from there commanding officers to begin there duties.

Near the castle road

Lacus's entire family was waiting for her return by the castle, they couldn't believe it was taking so long, they really wanted to see her after so long, suddenly they heard a horse. They glanced over and thought that it was them, but it was a single horse that was fast approaching the castle.

All who were awaiting the King's arrival noticed this single horse which hastened its pursuit to get to the castle. All in the city felt that something was wrong. All watched as the man disappeared into the castle gates.

ORB Camp

The camp was set up by the river like Kira wanted; Mu gave the last few orders to the messengers, and then joined Andrew at a table in a tent. Kira was getting treated in the medical tent, Lacus refused to leave his side.

Kira entered the tent with the doctor and Lacus. Both were still covered in bloody garments. The doctor first looked at Kira's leg, and determined that it just needs a few stitches.

The doctor ordered Kira to remove his armor so he could examine his shoulder more thoroughly. Kira painfully removed his armor and cape with Lacus's help. Kira then removed his shirt which caused Lacus to blush madly. She had only gotten as far to seeing half of his chest; now that she saw all of it her heart really started beating.

The doctor looked at his shoulder and immediately ordered Lacus out of the room.

"I am sorry My Lady, but I need to do this alone," The doctor told her.

Lacus wanted to immediately object, but she saw Kira nodding to her.

"Alright I will leave you alone," Lacus told him.

"I will see you in a little while Lacus," Kira told her as he watched her leave the tent.

Kira then turned his attention back over to the doctor.

"Alright doctor, it must be bad if you wanted her to leave," Kira said.

"Yes and No, it seems some metal chipped from that spear or your armor and is still imbedded in your wound, I will have to remove it, but since I have no remedies here, it will be a very painful process Your Highness." The doctor told him.

"I see when do we begin?" Kira asked.

"I have stopped the bleeding for the moment, so I will stitch up your leg, and then we will proceed with the matter." The doctor told him.

"Very well proceed," Kira told him.

Lacus was standing outside the tent; she couldn't remove herself while Kira was in there.

Mu and Andrew

Mu and Andrew were at a table catching up on matters. Mu explained how Kira met Lacus and everything that went on between them.

"I see that's how the kid got with her," Andrew said with a smile.

"Yeah I have a feeling she will be the one," Mu replied.

"From what I have seen she looks like a good candidate," Andrew replied.

"I agree, now how are things going in ZAFT?" Mu asked.

Andrew looked at him, "The Emperor was hot after there loss, he will not stop until the invasion until he has ORB."

Mu looked at him, "I see, it looks like all out war."

"I agree, however I have a few people who are slaves to major nobles helping me if there is anything major I should be able to pick it up." Andrew told him.

"When are you heading back?" Mu asked.

"I will leave tomorrow," Andrew replied.

Mu glanced around and saw Lacus standing outside the tent with a worried look on her face.

Mu excused himself from Andrew and walked over to her.

"There is nothing to fear My Lady he will be fine," Mu told her.

Lacus looked at Mu, "I know, but I'm still worried."

Mu smiled, "You should return to your tent, he will join you later, staying here will only make you more worried."

"I understand, goodnight Sir La Flaga," Lacus told him as he walked away.

"By the way you should have those clothes cleaned; it would not do well to ride into Onogoro like that." Mu told her.

"I understand," Lacus replied as she walked over to the tent she would share with Kira, she was still worried, but she knew she had to get her mind off of it.

Mu watched her leave and the doctor came out of the tent, "Sir La Flaga I will need your help in here."

Mu agreed and called Andrew to join him and both went into the tent.

With Kira Mu and Andrew

Dusk soon turned to night, Mu and Andrew walked into the tent, and saw there King sitting up. His leg was stitched, but his shoulder started to bleed again.

"How do you feel kid?" Mu asked.

"Like I have been stabbed," Kira replied.

"Well what do you need us for doctor?" Andrew asked.

The doctor looked at them, "I have to remove medal that is stuck in his muscle tissue, it is right by a nerve so it will be painful," the doctor paused for a second, "If it is not removed it will cause infection, I have no remedies so I need you to hold him down." the doctor told them. (AN: I have no idea about medical knowledge back then, so I made that up.)

"Alright when do we begin?" Mu asked.

"Whenever His Majesty is ready," The doctor replied.

"Get on with it doctor," Kira told him.

"First I need that fire burning for more light," the doctor said.

Mu made the fire that was burning inside the tent blaze giving him all the light he needed.

"Alright, know one of you hold his arms and the other his legs," The doctor told him.

Mu took his arms, "Sorry kid,"

Andrew grabbed his legs, "I hope we won't be executed for this," Andrew joked.

All got a chuckle; the doctor looked at his wound and saw the medal inside it.

"Alright I will have to do this slowly, I am sorry sire," The doctor said.

"Just do it," Kira told him sternly.

The doctor slowly entered his wound with some weird looking tweezer like things; Kira felt the pressure on his shoulder and flinched in pain. Mu felt his arms tense, but he knew he had to hold on. The doctor had good sight on the object and grabbed it with the tweezer like object. The doctor then very hastily yanked it out, this made Kira groan a little louder, but he never screamed. Mu and Andrew were astonished that he barley made a sound.

"Thanks for your work gentlemen," the doctor told them.

They let go of Kira and he slouched his head breathing heavily.

"You did good kid," Mu said.

"I agree Majesty, good to know we have a strong King," Andrew told him.

Kira looked at them both, "Well I had some good teacher on pain," Kira said as he looked over to Andrew.

"Well you were a good student, I think Mu agrees," Andrew replied.

Mu taught Kira to fight, while Andrew taught him about survival if you're wounded in battle.

"We will leave you to get some rest, I told Lacus to return to your tent," Mu said.

Kira blushed at the name Lacus, "I appreciate that, I will see you tomorrow, as for you Andrew if I don't see you before you return, I wish you luck."

Both thanked him and walked out. The doctor then stitched up Kira's shoulder, and told him to return to his tent for rest. Kira first switched out of his bloody armor into some of his royal pants and just his robe, and his sword he didn't bother to put on a shirt. He left the tent, and started walking to his tent. When he walked past a few other tents he saw most of his guards were still awake. The guards instantly stood as he walked by, Kira motioned for them to sit back down.

"Please, you have all had a rough day just relax," Kira told them as he put a hand on the shoulders.

"We are glad you are alright Sire," a few guard members said.

Kira smiled, "As am I, I am proud of all of you for your courage today."

"We will fight for you, and ORB anytime My Lord," a guard said.

"We will never submit to ZAFT," another guard said.

Kira smiled again, "I assure you neither will I." he said as he walked back to his tent.

All guards were honored to hear there Kings words. They were proud to serve a King like him.

Kira finally arrived at his tent, when he heard someone talking to themselves, which Kira instantly knew was Lacus.

He listened to what she said, and entered the tent

"Please don't say that," Kira said as it entered the tent.

With Lacus

Lacus went back to the tent which was being guarded; the guards didn't stop her as she went inside. Lacus looked down at her clothes which were still stained in blood, which was mostly Kira's. She immediately changed her clothes, but most of the garments she was given to wear were still packed away so she only had a long shirt to wear. She could have easily asked someone to retrieve something for her, but she didn't want to disturb anyone after the day they had. She changed into the shirt which went down about mid thigh. She walked over to the bed that was set up and sat down, she started thinking again.

She didn't like being alone at that moment, it only made her think of what happened that day. She had never witnessed the brutal reality of combat, she heard tales of battle, but witnessing one was completely different. She then remembered Kira's battle which only served to bring tears to her eyes; she knew that Kira ordered his guards to look after her. She blamed herself for the wounds he suffered; she thought if she wasn't there the guards would have saved Kira.

"If only I wasn't here," Lacus told herself.

"Please don't say that," Kira said as it entered the tent.

ORB ZAFT Border

As soon as night hit the sky Rau and the rest of the survivors hastily crossed the border and returned into ZAFT territory. They knew by mid-morning they should reach Messiah.

Onogoro

Most people still waited even at night, they saw that one lone horse and nothing for a few hours. As soon as night hit they saw a brigade of soldiers heading towards the city, which was the battalion Kira sent back to guard the city. They entered the city and immediately went to there posts. The captain of the guard saw all the people waiting for there King and he knew he would have to make an announcement. After addressing some of his squad he turned to the crowd.

"People of Onogoro, His Majesty's return will be delayed until tomorrow." The captain said.

This caused crowds to converse amongst each other, people were a little disappointed that they wouldn't see there King. Many of the older citizens were around long enough to feel that something was wrong.

The people spread the message amongst themselves, and were slowly returning to their homes. Lacus' family was one of the last to leave.

"I wonder why they are delayed," Siegel said.

"I don't know dear, but I'm sure everything is alright," Eileen replied.

"They were probably all over each other, and decided they wanted it to go farther," Mear joked.

This didn't sound good to Siegel, who gave his middle daughter a horrid look.

Mear saw that look, "Or not."

Eileen giggled, "You keep forgetting Siegel she is not a little girl anymore."

"I know that, but still," Siegel replied.

"Let us return home, we will see her tomorrow." Eileen said.

Siegel agreed and they left for there homes.

ORB Camp

Kira and Lacus

Kira finally arrived at his tent, when he heard someone talking to themselves, which Kira instantly knew was Lacus.

He listened to what she said, and entered the tent. As soon as Kira entered his heart immediately started beating that was the most exposed he ever saw Lacus. He could have admired her beauty all night, but her sadness hurt him deeply.

"Please don't say that," Kira said as he looked at her.

Lacus looked up and saw Kira looking at her with concern. She saw his wounds were bandaged and he was alright. She immediately raced up and hugged him gently. Kira gently returned it as she buried her face in his chest.

"If I wasn't there you would be…" Lacus said as Kira cut her off.

"If you weren't here my life would be empty, these injury's are a small price to pay for having you safe with me." Kira replied as he gently lifted her chin and kissed her.

Lacus was touched by his words and returned his kiss with more passion. There kiss lasted about five minutes when they started backing up towards the bed. Lacus removed Kira's robe and threw it on the ground. Kira gently laid her down never breaking their kiss. They continued there kiss until they were both out of breath. When they broke the kiss they stared intensely at each other. Kira admired her form from head to toe, Lacus did the same, but she paid careful attention to his shoulder.

Lacus didn't know what came over her as she instantly kissed Kira again; Kira was surprised yet happy she did. Lacus wrapped one arm around Kira's back pulling him closer to her, she used her other hand to intertwine with his hand. Kira placed his other hand on her thigh rubbing down to her knee. Lacus immediately blushed at this, but she didn't want him to stop. There kiss went even more passionate, and lasted a good ten minutes. Lacus was losing all control over her body when she removed her hand from his back and accidentally grabbed his injured shoulder.

As soon as she touched it Kira let out a groan. They immediately broke their kiss and Lacus starred worriedly at Kira.

"I am so sorry Kira, I didn't mean to touch your shoulder," Lacus said almost on the brink of tears.

Kira smiled, "No need to apologize, no where did we leave off," Kira told her lovingly.

Lacus blushed at his manner, and they started kissing again. After about three minutes they heard something outside the tent.

"Your Majesty," a man called out.

Kira and Lacus immediately broke there kiss with a sign of frustration on both of there faces.

"State your business," Kira said in an annoyed voice.

"I'm sorry Your Highness, but we need to clean your garments for the return to Onogoro tomorrow, and your armor must be repaired." A squire said.

Kira and Lacus looked at each other and giggled a little bit, Kira got up and stumbled a little bit. The doctor told him he need rest not activity. Lacus saw him stumble and felt a little uneasy. Kira didn't even bother with his robe as he hand both his armor and Lacus' garments out of the tent.

The squire took the clothes, "Thank you sire," the man said as he disappeared.

Kira returned to the bed and laid on his back, Lacus cuddled up next to him being careful not to touch his shoulder. After two interruptions it really killed the mood for them to continue, plus Lacus knew that Kira should be resting.

Kira put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. Lacus buried herself into his neck and spoke.

"Kira, what do you think the future will bring for us?" Lacus asked.

Kira glanced down at her, "For us I think that is simple, but in the near future I fear war will become inevitable."

"Will you have to fight again?" Lacus hesitantly asked.

"I hope not, but if there is all out war I will not have a choice," Kira replied.

"I understand just promise me one thing," Lacus said.

"Anything you want I will give to you," Kira replied.

Lacus lifted her head and looked right into Kira's eyes.

"Promise me if you have to fight you will always come back to me," Lacus asked.

Kira smiled, "Nothing on this planet will ever stop me from coming back to you."

Lacus smiled and they kissed again, after about two minutes they broke it.

"Thank you Kira," Lacus said.

Kira smiled, and she buried her head back into his neck, Kira held her tighter and not long after that they both fell asleep.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you enjoyed this chapter; the next chapter will contain the four messengers, Rau's report and Kiras' departure back to Onogoro. It should be up by Wednesday. Bye for now.