(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Nineteen

Messengers

ORB Forest

Mu did as his King asked; he gave orders to four of there most trusty horse riders in the royal guard. Since Onogoro and Josh-a were the closest to their position, the messengers would arrive by the evening or at night. Boaz and Logos were farther away so the messages would not arrive until the morning. The four were chosen, and give the message the King ordered all to deliver. They quickly got on their horses and rode to there assigned cities.

Onogoro ORB Castle

Onogoro was the closest to the position; the messenger arrived in the evening like expected. The city was still full of people awaiting their King's arrival. The messenger left after Kira sent one of the brigades back to the city, but because he was a member of the royal guard he knew shorter ways to reach the capital he arrived before them. The streets were crowded, but he paid no attention as he raced for the castle. When he reached the castle the guards instantly recognized him and let him in. He quickly got off his horse; he had two messages to relay. The first was to the council, and the second was to the princess and former Queen. The man decided to give the council his report first.

Council's Chamber

The council consisted of five instead of the normal six, since Jibril returned to his land. There were ten including Kira that would make a full council. Athrun, Nicol, and Andrew were the remaining ones. However these three had there lands, and Waltfeld was busy in ZAFT, so they hardly were able to make it to a meeting.

Since it was well past the King's scheduled return the council called an emergency session, naturally that included George Allster. All five were in there assigned seats discussing the matter when the guards opened the doors revealing the messenger.

"What causes this intrusion?" Number one asked the man.

The messenger walked to the table and bowed, "I bring a message from the King."

"We were just discussing that matter, I hope there is nothing wrong," Number three said.

"I regret to inform you Sir, but we were ambushed on the return to Onogoro," The man said.

All council members looked horrified for a moment.

"What are you saying? Is His Majesty safe!" number two blurted out.

The man looked at him, "Yes sir, His Majesty fought them off brilliantly, however he was wounded in the exchange." The man said almost in shame.

"Will he live?" George asked him worried about his plans for his daughter.

"His wounds were not that serious, just to the leg and shoulder, but he will need rest the doctor told us." The messenger replied.

Number three sighed in relief, "Thank the heavens, now we must have him looked at here just to be safe, when will he be returning?"

"His Majesty has set up camp for the night, he will return tomorrow." The messenger told him.

"That is a relief; however do you have any idea who did this?" Number four asked.

"Yes sir, at first we thought they were bandits…however it was a ZAFT squad." The man told him.

All lifted their heads again.

"It appears ZAFT has not given up, and an assassination attempt on the King's life is what this appears to be." Number two said.

"This is an outrage; we will have to do a full assault on the ZAFT Empire." Number one blurted out.

Number three looked at him, "You are being hasty, we will wait until His Majesty returns to hear his opinion."

"I agree, it is a simple fact that ZAFT will only expand this war we should strike," Number four added.

"That is a decision His Majesty will make when he returns," number two said.

The messenger finally spoke again, "I have to excuse myself, I need to speak to the princess, and Lady Via."

They didn't even acknowledge him as he walked our, they continued bickering amongst themselves.

The four just went back and forth like they always do; George for once was extremely quite. He knew he had to get his daughter married to him fast, but he knew that there was one obstacle standing in the way that had to be removed.

Inside the Throne room

Cagalli, Murrue, and Via were in the throne room awaiting the King's arrival. They knew it was well past the time Kira was supposed to return, and he would never be late when he was arriving or leaving any place. Via knew her son was strong, but she couldn't stop her motherly instincts, which told her something was wrong. Cagalli was a little worried as well though she would not dare show it. As they were waiting the doors came open revealing the messenger.

All three watched the man as he walked up and knelt down in front of them.

"I bring you news from His Majesty My Ladies," The man said.

"Please give me the message," Via said with a tone of worry in her voice.

The man did as she asked and gave the message to them.

"What do you mean attacked? Who attacked them?" Cagalli shouted.

"Never mind that know, how is Kira?" Via asked.

The man clenched his fist in shame, "He was wounded in the exchange, but they are not fatal."

That news hit all of them hard.

"Where is my son, and what about Lacus? " Via asked in a distraught matter.

"He has set up camp for the night, and will return tomorrow, Lady Lacus has not left his side from what I saw." The man replied to him still ashamed that the royal guard failed to protect their King.

Via sighed in relief, "I thank you for your report."

"What happened to Sir La Flaga?" Murrue suddenly asked.

The man looked at her, "He successfully drove the ZAFT general away."

Murrue didn't say anything after that.

"You mean it was a ZAFT attack?" Cagalli asked.

"Yes princess, at first it looked like bandits, but it was a ZAFT squad in disguise." The man replied.

"So the war will start again," Cagalli said.

The man looked up, "If you will excuse me I wish to return to camp, and help with the escort." The man said.

"I thank you again," Via replied.

The man nodded and left.

"I can't believe ZAFT wishes to fight again," Murrue said.

"It appears they didn't get the message the last time, Kira and Athrun will just destroy them again." Cagalli blurted out.

Via didn't say anything as she was just glad her son and Lacus were alive.

Josh-a Estate

It was night when the messenger finally arrived back in Josh-a, there weren't that many people left on the streets so the messenger instantly rode up to the gate and identified himself. The Blitz guard instantly recognized him and let him in.

Nicol was in his main room going over some papers with his commander when he received a knock at the door.

"Come in," Nicol said as he turned around.

"Sir, a messenger from the royal guard just arrived, he said it is urgent." a servant told him.

"Send him in," Nicol replied.

The royal guard entered and bowed. Nicol could tell something was wrong.

"Sir, the King was ambushed in the forest,…" the man said as Nicol shot to his feet.

"Ambushed, what about His Majesty's safety?" Nicol said.

"He was wounded Sir, but it is not deadly," The man replied.

Nicol sighed in relief, "I am glad he is safe, but who did this?"

The man looked at him, "It was a ZAFT squad Sir, and it appears it was an assassination attempt."

Nicol stood silent for a moment.

"Sir, His Majesty wanted me to inform you to be on guard in case there are any others still in ORB." The man said.

"I thank you for informing me, please tell the King that I am glad he is safe," Nicol told him.

The man bowed, "I shall deliver the news myself Sir," he said as he left the room.

Nicol and his Commander were left in deep thought.

"It appears that we will have more war My Lord," the commander said.

Nicol frowned, "I am just glad the King is safe, however it appears you are right."

"I believe engineers from Boaz will arrive later this week to begin construction on our defensive fort, we will have to be extra alert until it is finished." The commander told him.

"I agree, until then have the Blitz squad do extra patrols, starting tonight…have every inch of Josh-a searched just in case." Nicol told him.

"As you wish My Lord, I shall handle this personally," the commander said as he left the room.

Nicol sat back down at his desk, and just thought about why people had to fight each other.

Onogoro Allster Estate

George arrived home late that evening, he knew with war more evident now he had to speed up his plans. George took out the letter that Lord Jibril gave him when hey last met. George had to get rid of Lacus so he could succeed in his plan. He now had to contact this slave trader to get his plan started. George started writing the letter, when he was finished he took a look at what the man's name was. George smiled and signed his name so the man would know him. George instantly sealed up the letter and sat back in his chair.

"I look forward from hearing from you Murata Azeral," George told himself.

The Next day

Logos ORB Territory

It was first thing in the morning when the messenger arrived at Logos. Logos was the third largest cities in ORB, the only ones bigger were Boaz and Onogoro. Logos land was pretty much varied; however it was a port city so it was important for ORB, because it shipped supplies to traders and merchants in smaller villages all over ORB. The leader Jibril was one of Kira's father's biggest supporters. The upper class still didn't treat former slaves with respect here, the new laws prevented nobles from harming them, but they were still looked at like garbage. Lord Jibril ruled the lands mysteriously, and Kira even had a few spies in the land since he really didn't understand this man. Since his father's death, Kira and Jibril were never really vocal with each other, so it is hard to define the stability of the two.

The messenger arrived and rode up to the large estate in the middle of the city. The guards recognized the man and let him in. Lord Jibril was standing in the man hall overlooking the scenery from outside the window, when a guard entered with the royal guard.

Lord Jibril noticed the men, "Well what honor does a member of the royal guard have here?"

The man bowed, "Sir, His Majesty was ambushed by a ZAFT squad yesterday."

This sparked his interest, "Is he dead?"

The messenger grew a little angry," No Sir he was just wounded, he told me to inform you to be on guard for anymore ZAFT patrols in the area."

"I have received your message, you may leave," Jibril said as he started walking away.

The messenger grew disgusted with this man and left the estate. Jibril had a small smile as he was walking away.

"Well it appears you will have to speed up your plans Allster, I will be expecting to hear from you shortly." Jibril told himself.

Boaz Fortress-city ORB Territory

Boaz was the second largest city in ORB; it was quite an impressive piece of work. It was located in the mountains of ORB, since Boaz was a primary target like Josh-a it had constructed a massive fort surrounding the city. Boaz was famous for mining metals for weapon, and that made it a great target for enemies. If they ever lost Boaz there resources would be exhausted in no time. The fort around the city was strong and sturdy, it was said that it would be impossible to destroy this impressive Fort. Athrun was in charge of this city like his father before him. Athrun's father was killed around the same time as Kira's, and just as mysteriously. Athrun was a gently ruler, and everybody loved him. The city was always filled with happy citizens. The estate in the middle of the city had a small constructed fort around it as well. The Aegis squad would always patrol both the estate fort and the main fort.

When the messenger arrived at Boaz the guards recognized him and let him in. Athrun was preparing the engineers for the trip to Josh-a when he arrived.

As soon as the fort gates opened Athrun turned and saw a royal guard enter. The messenger instantly saw Athrun and ran up to him.

"Sir I bring urgent news from the King," The messenger said.

Athrun walked up to him, "Calm down,"

"General on His Majesty's return from Josh-a we were ambushed by a ZAFT squad." The man said.

Athrun's eyes went wide, "Tell me is the King…"

"He is safe General, wounded but he will be alright, along with Lady Lacus." The man replied.

Athrun looked confused, "Who?"

The man explained everything to him.

"Why am I always last to find out these things, however go on," Athrun told him.

"General, His Majesty wanted to inform you to be on the lookout for any more ZAFT squads." The man replied.

"I am glad he will be alright, I will do a patrol of the Boaz area myself, and then I shall visit Onogoro in a few weeks." Athrun told him.

"Yes General, I should be returning now," The man said as he started walking away.

"Wait a moment," Athrun shouted.

The man stopped.

Athrun ran up to him and handed him a letter he pulled out from his armor.

"I would like you to give this to the princess," Athrun said almost in a blush.

The man knew the history and agreed.

Athrun thanked him and watched him leave, Athrun then turned his thoughts to the possibility of another war.

Messiah

Outside Castle

Rau the commander and the surviving members of the squad rode through the night and arrived back at Messiah in the afternoon. There mission was a failure, but Rau didn't seem to care about it. As they arrived at the city some of there civilians noticed Yunna's body. Some were shocked, but a lot didn't seem to care about it. They arrived at the castle and rode into it. Knights greeted them in hope of victory, however there were only less than a dozen which meant they must have failed, when they saw Yunna's body that almost confirmed it.

"General the Emperor is expecting you," A man said as he grabbed his horse.

Rau had a small smile, "I understand I will see him immediately."

The commander got off his horse and approached the General.

"This will not be pleasant General," The commander said.

"Commander you will accompany me, this wasn't a total failure since you learned some information on this King, so you will report it." Rau told him.

"As you wish General," The commander said as they went inside the castle.

The knights in the castle weren't the only ones that noticed the small amount of people return. The four slaves that were helping Andrew also took an interest in what hey say.

"Isn't that Lord Yunna?" Meryin asked.

Luna smiled, "Yes I can't believe he is actually gone," Luna said as she remembered everything he did to her.

"I see you're happy," Shiho said.

Luna looked at her, "Of course I'm happy, this is great if they lost this bad I guess Andrew got there in time."

"I am happy for you, but that just means you will be given to someone else," Stellar said.

"I know, but just let me enjoy this for a little longer," Luna replied.

They agreed and let her have her moment.

Throne room

Gil was sitting on his throne awaiting the return of his General when a knight rushed in.

The man rushed towards the throne and knelt, "My Lord, the General has returned."

Gil looked at him and asked, "Has he succeeded?"

The man looked down, "My Lord he has only returned with a number lower than ten, and it seems Lord Yunna has perished."

Gil looked very angry at this moment, "Get him in here now."

"Yes Highness," The man said as he rushed to retrieve Rau.

Gil kept his eyes on the door waiting for Rau to enter.

The doors opened again and revealed Rau and the commander. Gil had a very angry expression on his face. They neared the throne and knelt.

"We have returned Your Highness," Rau said.

"It appears so, what of the battle?" Gil said.

"We suffered a total defeat, the royal guard and that King was to strong for us." Rau told him not caring what he thought.

Gil stood up, "You said your plan would not fail! Do they know that we carried out the attack?" Gil shouted.

"They are not fools, I suspect they know by know," Rau told him.

Gil sat back down, "So this King was able to stand up to your sword?"

"I wouldn't know Highness, I engaged the chief bodyguard, the commander would know." Rau told him as he glanced over to the commander.

Gil looked at him as well, "So you engaged him?"

"No My Lord, I was commanding the attack, however I witnessed his battle with my own eyes." The commander told him.

"Go on," Gil said.

"This King is one of the best swordsmen I have ever seen," The commander said.

Gil lifted his head in interest.

"He engaged from the start not letting his guards do all the fighting, when the second wave hit he fought of six heavy armed knights on his own," The commander told him.

Gil continued to listen.

"He was wounded in the attacks, however it something seemed to make him stronger, he finished off all the attackers then Lord Yunna charged at him rather cowardly…that King then instantly knocked him to the ground and killed him," The commander reported to him.

"I have heard enough of this, although this was a pitiful attack I would not call it a total failure," Gil said.

Rau and the commander looked at him.

"We are learning more about this King, and it seems I myself may have to face him down one day," Gil said with a small smile.

Rau smiled as well he liked that idea.

"Yunna was a fool, however we can use his death to our advantage," Rau said.

Gil looked at him, "I think I have heard enough out of you two today, leave I will call upon you when we are ready for the next attack."

Rau smiled again, he hated Yunna which is why he requested him to accompany him, and Rau was getting everything he wanted when he heard the next battle.

Both men got up and left the room, Gil stood up and watched them leave. He was angry; however he could now use Yunna's death to get what he wanted which were all the people in ZAFT chanting for war.

There was another person listening to that conversation, Yzac heard every word and it only fueled his desire to have a fight with that King.

ORB Camp

The morning was quite which was unusual for a military installment. The battle yesterday was still waning heavy on people's hearts. Normally after a tremendous victory like yesterday it was cause for celebration, however the Knights thought the war was over so they were sadden that it looked like another one was going to start.

Mu was one of the first to wake up that morning; he looked around and noticed that Andrew had already left back to his assignment in ZAFT. Mu woke up the knights that were sleeping and ordered then to prepare for departure. Mu then knew he had to wake his King, but from past experiences there was no way he was going to barge in that tent this morning.

Inside the King's tent Lacus was the first one to wake up that morning. As soon as she woke she wanted to go back to sleep. She found herself in the same position they both fell asleep in last night. She smiled slightly as she watched Kira sleep; she knew the last battle had exhausted him. She didn't want to wake him even though it was almost time for their departure. She looked at the wound he had on his shoulder and an amount of guilt returned to her, she still blamed herself for his injuries. She used her free hand and gently stroked Kira's hair; she then kissed him on the cheek and laid her head back on his chest. She gently shut her eyes and remembered all the time she spent with him; she knew that ever since she met him it was the happiness she has ever been in her life.

Lacus continued to relax until she felt someone stroke her hair and kiss the top of her head. She smiled that had become one of there daily routines in the morning.

"How long have you been up?" Kira asked her softly.

Lacus smiled, "Not long, I just couldn't bring myself to wake you up."

Kira smiled, "We have to head back today."

"I know, our little vacation is now over," Lacus replied.

Kira held her tighter, "We can always take another one soon."

"Don't tell me I'm making you lazy, My King," Lacus said jokingly.

"I don't hear you complaining about it, My Lady," Kira replied joking as well.

Both got a chuckle out of this.

"What will happen when we reach home?" Lacus asked.

"First we have to get through the castle without causing the people fear, and then I will have to address the council." Kira told her.

Lacus looked in his eyes, "Will we have another war?"

Kira looked in her eyes, "I will do everything in my power to try and avoid war, but I don't think the ZAFT Emperor will agree with me."

"I know, but still I worry about you," Lacus said.

Kira lifted her head and gave her a very passionate kiss. Lacus as usual melted into it and returned it. There kiss lasted a good ten minutes until they broke it.

"I know you do Lacus, and I will always keep my promise to you." Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "Thank you."

"Well I suppose we should get ready to leave," Kira told her.

Lacus agreed, they shared a short kiss and got up. There clothes were prepared and cleaned that night. The squire who cleaned them slid them into the tent. Kira and Lacus dressed themselves and left the tent.

Kira had to be looked at by the doctor before they left; while they were doing that the royal guards had everything packed and were ready to leave. Kira's wounds were not getting any worse and the doctor told him he could ride.

The armor would weigh heavy on his wounded shoulder, but Kira had to wear it or when the people saw him they would become suspicious about something. Kira knew that they would find out eventually what happened here, but he wanted then to enjoy as much piece of mind as they could have. Lacus assisted him as he was equipping his armor.

Kira knew that this was going to be painful, and he would have to fight through it so they people would not see him wounded. It hurt Lacus' heart to watch him hid the pain as his armor was applied.

"Hey kid, are you sure you want to wear that?" Mu asked as he joined them.

Kira looked at him, "Yes, I will ride into Onogoro like I normally do."

"Alright just be careful you don't apply any pressure to that wound," Mu told him.

Kira smiled, "I will be fine."

Kira's wound was a lot more painful today and if it was touched the pain would over take him.

Lacus looked concerned as he looked at her. "Kira please take it easy when we arrive."

Kira smiled, "You know I could never deny any request from you."

Lacus blushed, "I will hold you to that."

Kira smiled and they kissed again, afterward they broke it and Kira helped her on her horse then got on his. The royal guard had everything packed and were in there positions. Kira got on his horse and gave the order to move out. The trip back to Onogoro was fairly quite, Mu never left Kira and Lacus' side.

It was afternoon when they saw the Onogoro gates. The guard and battalion of knights were happy to return home. Kira and Lacus smiled at each other as they saw the gates.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you liked this chapter, it was never intended to have a lot of action, but some parts will play a big role in the upcoming chapters. The next chapter will be up either the end of the weekend or the beginning of next week. See you later.