(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Twenty-One

Hatred

Onogoro Allster Estate

Lacus' House

Lacus watched as Kira left, she was extremely pleased that her family seemed to like him. She watched a little while longer than went back inside her house.

Inside the house Siegel and Eileen told Rachel and Bill to go to bed as they wanted to speak to her a little while longer.

Lacus walked in and looked at her parents; they seemed to have puzzled looks on there faces.

"What is wrong?" Lacus asked.

Eileen looked at her, "I am very happy for you dear, but is something wrong with the King?"

"Yes I noticed that earlier, and the guard looked a little different as you rode into town." Siegel added.

Lacus hung her head; she was in a difficult spot. Lacus didn't like lying to her family, but she knew that Kira didn't want the news out in public yet.

"It's…there is nothing wrong mother." Lacus told them a little ashamed.

Eileen and Siegel were going to let it go when they noticed that Lacus had a small amount of blood on her cape. Apparently when they changed clothes Lacus forgot to put a different cape on. She still had the one she used when Kira ejected his armor.

"Lacus are you bleeding?" Eileen questioned a little concerned.

Lacus glanced down and saw the blood.

"No…mother it's not mine," Lacus replied nervously.

"Lacus I could tell you were lying before, the King really is injured so tell us what happened," Siegel told her sternly.

Lacus knew she would have no choice, so she made them swear to only keep it to themselves.

They agreed and Lacus told them the whole story of what happened.

Siegel shot to his feet, "I told you it was dangerous Lacus!"

Lacus hung her head.

"Please Siegel let her finish," Eileen told her.

"I will not, being around him will get her killed just look at what happened," Siegel shouted.

"Stop it!" Lacus shouted.

Both Siegel and Eileen looked at her.

"How could you father? He…He was only injured because of me." Lacus said as she had tears forming in her eyes.

"What do you mean dear?" Eileen said as she tried to comfort her.

"He told his guards to protect me; he fought them off by himself by ordering every guard available to stay by my side." Lacus said.

Siegel stood silent.

"He would not have been hurt or worse if I wasn't there; it felt as if my heart exploded when I saw that spear strike him." Lacus continued her releasing her feelings.

Siegel knew that he made a mistake now.

"Lacus we never doubted his feelings for you," Eileen told her looking at Siegel.

Siegel walked over to her, "That is correct Lacus; it is just hard to let you go."

Lacus smiled.

"Come dear lets us turn in for the night, you can tell us all about your trip tomorrow." Eileen told her as Siegel agreed.

All three left and went to bed, Mear who was there watching all of that was left in a daze.

"Wow," was all she said as she turned in as well.

The Next Day

Logos in ORB

Lord Jibril was prepared to head to Onogoro, he knew he would not make the council meeting, but he had a feeling he would be needed by George and since he wanted his plan to succeed, he left and headed to Onogoro.

Onogoro Allster Estate

Main Estate

Flay woke up feeling mighty proud of herself today, she had a huge grin on her face today would be the day she would make that stupid slave girl pay. Flay quickly prepared and found the two guards that would help her with her plan.

"Alright let's do this," Flay said with a huge grin.

"She's outside with her sister right now," A guard told her.

Flay thought, "Just grab that stupid runt as well, we can't have her blabbing her mouth off."

"Whatever you wish Lady Flay," A guard told her.

"What about your father's plans?" the first guard told her.

Flay frowned, "This will not interfere with them; this will be just one last piece of fun for me, while she is still around.

"Very brilliant of you Lady Flay," the second guard told her.

Flay smiled, "Alright just wait until I do the usual then give me a hand when I call you…one more thing I will soon be Queen so start addressing me royally."

They agreed and bowed then all three of them left, and headed right where Lacus was.

Outside Estate

Lacus was outside with her youngest sister just enjoying the day until she would meet Kira later that afternoon. Lacus was telling Rachel all the stories of what she did in Josh-a. Rachel was sitting there listening to her sister when she saw a witch approaching them.

Lacus noticed Rachel was staring at something and she looked over and saw Flay heading towards her. Lacus immediately tensed at sight of her.

Flay stopped right in front of them, "We need to talk now," Flay told her.

Lacus stood up; she knew exactly what Flay wanted to talk about.

"What is it Ms. Flay?" Lacus asked a little annoyed.

Flay stared right at her, "I will only say this once stay away from the King, he is mine."

Rachel never liked her and held on to Lacus.

Lacus couldn't take it any more, "I will not," Lacus told her sternly.

Flay was mad, "If you don't stay away from him you know what I'll do to you."

Lacus looked at her, "You're not allowed to do that anymore, and besides why do you want to be with him when he doesn't even like you?"

Flay was a little angrier, "I will be Queen and he is the way to do that, besides a stupid slave like you could never be a Queen."

"Even if you were to become a Queen, you would only have the title; a spoiled brat like you could never be a true Queen.

Flay was instantly angry and grabbed Lacus by her hair and through her to the ground. Lacus was about to for the first time strike her, but Flay pointed over to her sister.

Lacus looked and saw two familiar people one held her sister. Lacus immediately had flashbacks of these three. Rachel really didn't know what was going on, but she was frightened.

Flay smiled while she still held her hair, "Now slave you remember what happens now don't you?"

Lacus knew exactly what she was planning now.

Flay giggled a little, "If your lucky we will only do this to you, and not the brat."

Lacus looked at her sister; Lacus never wanted her sister to experience this.

Lacus then looked up at Flay, "Just don't hurt her."

Flay laughed and told the guard to grab Lacus which he did, the other one still held on to Rachel.

They were headed to the other side of the estate which Lacus never even looked at once she was no longer a slave. The building that she was taking them to was stone and had been outlawed to enter since slavery was abolished. It was a dungeon that leads to where they would discipline the slaves. Flay took Lacus there a lot when she was still a slave, even if Lacus never did anything wrong. If Flay was ever just having a bad day she would take Lacus there to hurt her.

Flay unlocked the door and lead all three of them in. They entered a room and the guard holding Lacus chained her to the wall where she could no longer move her hands. Lacus kept having bad memories pop in her head as she was there and she could no longer hold the tears back.

Flay laughed," Now you stupid slave we will do things the hard way."

Rachel didn't know what to do as they were holding her there. She never saw that place before and she saw her sister terrified, but she didn't know what to do.

Onogoro Castle

Kira woke up that morning after he returned late last night, he was extremely happy that Lacus' family seemed to like him a lot. Kira then drifted his thoughts to Lacus who he missed already. Kira woke up early but it was almost time for Merna to come barging in to awaking him.

Almost on cue, the giant doors to Kira's chamber swung open.

"Your Majesty…you're actually up," Merna said almost in shock.

Kira smiled, "It's good to see you again Merna."

Merna smiled, "Your right, but where is Lacus I was hoping to see her today?"

Kira looked at her, "She wanted to stay with her family last night, but I expect her this afternoon."

Merna smiled, "That's good you have a good one with that girl."

Kira blushed, "I agree."

Merna smiled, "Now you must hurry you have a meeting in a little while."

Kira looked at her, "Yes I fear that it may lead to another war."

Merna looked at him angry.

"What are you doing Merna?" Kira asked.

"How could you not even inform me that you were injured?" Merna shouted.

Kira jumped, "I knew someone would tell you so…" he got cut off.

"Not good enough, I was hoping you would inform me…I guess I will have to tell Lacus that you are neglecting your treatment." Merna told him.

Kira smiled, "Alright you win, I'm sorry."

Merna looked at him, "Good enough, now get up your meal is prepared then I want to see you heading to that meeting."

Kira looked at her, "Let's get this over with."

Kira quickly got up and had his wound checked, then changed, ate, and left his chambers. The doctor still told him to take it easy, which Kira agreed for Lacus.

Kira left his chamber to find Mu waiting for him like always.

"Are you ready for this kid?" Mu asked.

"How many are there?" Kira asked.

Mu looked at him, "Just five including George."

Kira sighed, "Thank you Mu now lets get this over with."

Mu laughed and agreed they kept walking until they got to the council chamber doors. The guards instantly opened the doors for him.

Council Chambers

As soon as the doors opened all the council members stood up and bowed as there King entered the room. Kira got to his spot and sat down first, followed by the remaining council members.

As soon as they were all seated the meeting began.

"First we are glad you are safe Your Highness," Number two said.

"Are you sure you should be moving around yet Sire?" number three asked.

Kira looked at them, "I thank you for your concern; however we have more pressing issues at the moment.

"Your Majesty could you start by explaining what exactly happened on your return?" Number one asked.

Kira nodded and explained the entire situation that happened.

"I believe we have no choice Your Majesty we should use all our forces and invade the Empire of ZAFT." number four said.

"Isn't that a little rash, we don't even know what there numbers are, if we do a full out invasion our resources will be exhausted." Number two said.

Number three added, "I agree, if we lose our invasion force we will not have enough Knights left to defend a ZAFT retaliation."

"You want them to just keep striking at us first?" Number one added.

Kira started to get a little annoyed, "Enough bickering."

All stopped and looked at the King.

"A full invasion is out of the question; however your point about them attacking us over and over is true." Kira told them.

"What shall we do Your Highness?" number three asked.

Kira thought for a second, "I already sent massagers to the three major cities to step up security, I want patrols stepped up around all borders, and keep a watchful eye on the sea."

All looked pretty impressed.

"I have also order construction of a fort in Josh-a, Boaz engineers will word on the construction." Kira told them.

"I must say I'm impressed You're Majesty," Number four said.

"What will we do if the ZAFT Emperor does not stop his invasion plans?" Number one added.

Kira looked at him, "We will keep a strong defensive position, ZAFT will have to keep using resources to keep up there attacks, when they exhaust I suspect the ZAFT Emperor will want to meet me in person, then we will discuss terms." Kira told them.

"You want to hold off until they weaken themselves?" Number one added.

Kira looked at him, "That's correct; we just have to keep the roads clear for the major cities so we can get supplies to the borders."

"Excellent strategy Your Highness," Number two added.

"One major concern we have is the possibility of spies in the royal capital," Kira told them.

"I agree, we should have some of our intelligence teams go undercover in the city," Number four stated.

"I agree see to that," Kira told them.

"I find it necessary to bring up a certain point Your Highness," George finally added in.

Kira looked at him, "Go ahead Governor."

"I heard that you didn't allow your royal guards to defend you why not?" George asked.

Kira got annoyed, but curious that he knew about that.

"I have the right to engage in battle when I deem it necessary Governor," Kira told him with a serious face.

"Your Highness you should not risk your life like that," Number one said.

Kira knew what George was implying, "I was concerned for my knight's safety, and since they were after me I engaged them myself." Kira told them.

"That is what your guard is for My Lord; you are two important to be lost." George told him in a serious matter.

"I need not remind you Governor, I am King not you, and I will make the decisions that benefit all the people, not just yours." Kira nearly shouted at him.

George knew he was pushing it and decided to back off.

Mu was standing behind Kira having the time of his life; we found it very hard not to laugh as George was getting humiliated again.

"Well said Your Highness, should we prepare some brigades to journey to the border?" Number three asked.

Kira looked at him, "Granted, we will not let ZAFT step one foot on ORB soil."

This seemed to bring morale to all council members except George.

"We will handle everything Your Highness, now should we discuss the expansion plan of the city?" Number one added.

Kira sat back in his chair, this was one of the most boring parts of a meeting, but such is the duty of a King, and it benefited the people so he never complained.

Onogoro Allster Estate

Lacus' House

"Mear have you seen your sisters?" Eileen asked.

Mear looked at her, "Last time I saw them they were outside."

Eileen looked puzzled, "Strange I was just out there."

Mear grinned, "Maybe they went to the castle."

Eileen smiled, "Perhaps your right just don't tell your father, he is still a little edgy on the matter.

"Well they were attacked on the way home," Mear said.

Eileen looked at her, "Let's just hope no more war will happen, although it may be unstoppable.

Other side of the estate in the stone building

Flay was really going to enjoy this, she hasn't been able to do this in three long years. Lacus couldn't move, and they were holding her sister so Flay enjoyed that even more.

"I will say this one more time; you will stay away from the King." Flay shouted at her.

Lacus didn't even bother to say anything.

Flay got annoyed and walked up to Lacus and slapped her across the face.

Lacus couldn't help, but let the tears fall, it wasn't because she was scared of Flay; it was because of the trauma of years of abuse from her.

"You will answer me you annoying little slave," Flay shouted at her as she held her head up so Lacus would look at her.

Lacus still said nothing, Lacus knew Flay would just hurt her more, but she was tired of it. Lacus only found the strength to do this by thinking of Kira.

Flay glanced over her and noticed the hairclip that Kira gave her.

Flay very angrily pulled it out of her hair, which caused Lacus a little pain.

"Where did you get this?" Flay shouted at her.

Lacus still said nothing.

Flay slapped her again, "You will answer me or that brat over there will be next."

Lacus looked over to her sister and noticed that she was crying.

"Kira gave it to me," Lacus said as she was concerned for her sister's safety.

Flay was really mad now. "This clip should be mine; it is a symbol meaning one who will be the future Queen."

Lacus felt a little shocked yet relieved, it meant that Kira truly loved her even if they didn't voice there feelings.

"I can't stand you, I have always hated you slave, I am sick of you," Flay just started shouting at Lacus.

Lacus looked at her, "I am not a slave!" Lacus shouted.

That sent Flay off to her breaking point; she immediately sent both her hands around Lacus' throat, choking her.

Lacus was struggling for breath, with a tear going down her face. She couldn't move her hands to defend herself, and Flays guards found this amusing.

Rachel couldn't take it anymore her sister was in extreme pain and would probably die. She quickly looked around and noticed that there was a small hole in the side of the wall. It was centuries old so it was falling apart.

Flay continued to choke Lacus while yelling at her. Lacus was quickly running out of air as she said the name

"…K..ir…a…" Lacus struggled to say.

Castle Council chambers

Kira was discussing the expansion plan when he suddenly felt his heart ache. Kira quickly put a hand over it.

"Your Majesty what's the matter?" a councilman asked.

Kira looked up, "I felt as if someone called my name."

All looked confused, and tried to move on with matters.

Kira was starting to continue with his expansion, but he couldn't get that felling out of his mind and heart.

Allster Stone Building

Rachel knew she would have to do something or her sister would die, she looked up and noticed the man holding her was laughing really hard. His hand wasn't covered so she bent down and bit his hand really hard.

The man screamed in pain as Flay loosened her grip on Lacus and looked over at her guard.

As soon as the man let go of her, she instantly ran to that hole in the wall and jumped through. The guards were way too big to fit through it.

"You fools find her or she will squeal on us!" Flay shouted.

The guards instantly ran towards the exit.

Flay was left standing there fuming while she looked at Lacus who passed out from the loss of breath. Flay thought she killed her which would have made her happy, but her father would be furious. Flay checked and found Lacus still breathing.

"You stupid slave your sister better not say anything or she is dead," Flay told the unconscious Lacus.

Onogoro City

Rachel quickly escaped and ran right out of the Allster Estate. She knew she had to get help, she was going to go to her mother, but she knew she would not be able to help. She thought of only one person, and that was the person she now thought of as her big brother. She knew he would be in the castle so she started running there. The guards were wearing armor and they found it very hard to find her.

Rachel just kept running hoping to find Kira in time.

Onogoro Castle

Castle Gates

While all of this was happening, a messenger arrived at the castle.

"Welcome back," A guard said.

The man looked at him, "I have a letter for the princess." He said as the man went to find her.

Council Chambers

Kira was finding it very difficult to concentrate as his heart was screaming at him that something was wrong.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you enjoyed this chapter; the next chapter will be up by Tuesday. It will take place mostly in Onogoro. See you later.