(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Twenty-Three

Judgment Part One

Onogoro Castle

Kira pulled Lacus into a hug, which she returned.

"I should have told you this a long time ago," Kira told her.

Lacus looked into his eyes.

"Ever since I first saw you Lacus, I knew it from the start." Kira told her.

Lacus kept looking into his eyes.

"I love you Lacus, I've loved you from the moment I saw you." Kira told her softly.

Lacus felt her eyes get teary up. "I love you to Kira, and I always will."

Kira leaned closer and they shared a very long passionate kiss. This kiss was a lot different from the ones they used to share; this one had even more meaning.

After a few minutes they broke there kiss and starred into each others eyes.

"Lacus there is something I need to know, and forgive me for asking." Kira told her seriously.

Lacus looked into his eyes; she could tell was painful for him to ask.

Lacus smiled, "Ask anything Kira."

Kira shut his eyes a moment then reopened them, "I have to know what she did to you, I know you don't like to get anybody in trouble, including her…but I have to know."

Lacus looked at him, "She…she told me to stay away from you, which I wouldn't do, she then…had her guards take me to that place." Lacus let her tears fall as she remembered all the past times. "She hit me a few times, when I still refused, she started choking me…the next thing I knew I woke up and you were there."

It pained Kira to put her thorough that, but he had to know every detail. He could feel his anger returning, but he didn't want to show it in front of Lacus.

Kira pulled her closer to him again, "I'm sorry for making you go through this my love, but I need you to do it one more time tomorrow."

Lacus looked at him and smiled, "I know, but…"

Kira held her tighter, "That wasn't the first time you have been their, am I right."

Lacus held him tighter and told Kira about all the past times she was there, Kira always knew Flay was evil, but after hearing all that, the word evil would be to nice for her.

Kira kissed the top of her head; he knew the exact punishment for Flay.

Lacus looked up at him, "Kira, what will happen tomorrow?"

Kira smiled at her, "Flay broke my laws, and since she referred to you as a…slave, she will be charged by those laws, I myself will hand her judgment."

"You already decided her fate didn't you?" Lacus asked.

Kira looked at her, "Yes I have."

Lacus stood silent, she still didn't like the idea of anyone getting hurt because of her, but a part of her was also glad.

"Tomorrow the nobles will gather most are still living in the old world, so I will make an example out of Flay." Kira told her very seriously.

Lacus nodded, "I understand, what will I need to do?"

Kira smiled, "It pains me to say, but you will have to tell what happened again, as well as any past occurrences, your sister also wanted to talk."

Lacus looked at him, "Does she have to?"

"No, and when I told her that she got a little angry, she told me she wanted to speak and seeing as how she reminds me a lot of you I couldn't deny her." Kira told her.

Lacus blushed, "I'm very proud of her, but it appears your teasing me again."

Kira smiled, "I believe I am."

Lacus giggled and they shared another short kiss. After a minute they broke it, and Lacus suddenly asked a question.

"Did my family know about today?" Lacus asked.

Kira looked at her, "Yes they do, and they were there when I brought you out."

Lacus frowned, "Were they alright?"

Kira smiled, "They were here earlier, I told them they could say at the castle and be present at the sentencing tomorrow."

Lacus slightly smiled, "I see, thank you Kira."

"It was my pleasure, now you still need to rest tomorrow will be an exhausting day." Kira told her as she laid back down.

Lacus looked at him, "What about you?"

Kira smiled, "I will not leave your side, I will be right here my love."

Lacus smiled and the exhaustion over took her in no time as she fell fast asleep. Kira noticed and kissed the top of her head as he walked over to the window and started staring out. What Lacus told him was eating at his soul; his anger was at its peak. Kira found the urge to just walk down and end Flay's life more difficult to control. One look at Lacus made him ease up though as he walked back and laid down right next to her, holding her as he fell asleep.

The Next Day

Onogoro Allster Estate

George didn't sleep to well that night, he was up thinking about how he would get his daughter out of that mess. He about paced a hole in the ground as he heard someone at the door.

"Somebody get that!" George shouted as he was interrupted in his chain of thought.

George returned to his desk and sat down putting his hands on his head.

"It seems your little daughter is screwing up your plans Allster," A voice said as the person entered the room.

George quickly turned around to see Lord Jibril standing there. He rode through the night to reach Onogoro. He found out by hearing all the rumors that were around the city that morning.

"Why are you here?" George asked.

Jibril smiled, "I came because of the attack then I heard something in the city that must be true judging by your meaner."

George looked at him, "What will we do know?"

Jibril looked at him, "We will see what plays out first, all you have to do is make sure your daughter isn't executed."

"How will I do that?" George asked.

Jibril smiled, "We will see what occurs, and if it goes bad just follow my instructions."

George smiled he knew he could trust his friend to come through.

"Alright I believe in you," George said.

"Let us go it is almost time for her sentence," Jibril said as they both got up and left the estate.

Onogoro Castle

Lacus' family's room

Siegel and his family woke up earily that morning. Yesterday they came to the castle like Kira said they could and checked on Lacus. They stayed by her side with Kira until it was dark, they were then shown a room by a servant. They went straight to sleep that night and didn't really take a look around the room or castle. As soon as they woke up they went to the main entrance of the room.

"This place is amazing," Mear said.

Eileen smiled, "I agree, it is the most beautiful place I have seen so far."

Mear smiled, "We should take a look around the place."

"Absolutely not, we are here to see if Lacus will be fine, and to give her support at the sentencing later." Siegel said as he entered the room.

Mear frowned, "We could at least look around while were here."

"Your father is right dear we are guests here, it is not proper to just walk around the castle without permission." Eileen told her.

Rachel and Bill finally walked into the room.

"How are you today?" Eileen asked Rachel.

Rachel looked at her mother and smiled, "I will be fine."

"You don't have to say anything later if you don't want to," Siegel added.

Rachel smiled, "I want to father, she…she does horrible things."

"Alright then Rachel, but just keep in mind you can change your mind." Siegel said.

Rachel nodded and started looking out of the window with Bill.

Bill was excited just to see all the knights.

All were just in there own little conversations when there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it," Mear said.

Mear opened up the door and it revealed a middle aged woman.

"Hello there my name is Merna and His Majesty asked me to tend to you this morning." Merna said.

"Thank you very much please come in," Eileen replied.

"Your morning meals should be arriving any minute," Merna said.

"We thank you for your kindness Miss Merna," Siegel replied.

Merna smiled, "It is my pleasure, and your daughter has been such a joy to have around the castle lately."

"Oh really," Mear said.

"Yes, ever since she came His Majesty has been a lot happier." Merna told them.

"Do you know the King?" Bill asked.

Merna smiled at him, "Ever since he was an infant, I tended to him and his sister their whole lives."

That astonished most of them.

"Please tell me Miss Merna have you seen Lacus today?" Eileen asked.

Merna looked at her, "I was just about to wake her, however the doctor told her to get rest so I think she will be my last stop."

"I hope she is feeling better, when will we be able see her?" Eileen asked.

Merna thought about that, she sort of had a feeling that Kira would be in there like always, and she wasn't sure how Lacus' family would respond to that so she quick made an excuse.

"I will ask her to join you before the judgment later," Merna told her hoping she would by it.

Eileen looked at her, "Alright then…tell her to stop by as soon as possible I'm still concerned about her." Eileen told her a little suspiciously.

Merna smiled and gave them all boxes of something in it. "Please open it."

They did and it revealed very fancy clothes, all were astonished by this.

"Miss what is this for?" Siegel asked.

Merna looked at him, "You can't have an audience with the King without looking proper," Merna joked.

"This is amazing," Mear said as she looked at her dress.

"I agree these are gorgeous," Eileen said.

"Please change, while you wait for your food," Merna said.

They started changing, and Merna helped if they need it.

"Everybody looks fabulous," Merna said.

It was after that comment that the food arrived. It was placed on the table and Lacus' whole family had big eyes, since they had never seen food like that before.

"Miss Merna this is too much we could never…" Eileen said as she was cut off.

"This was ordered by the King, it's his way of making you feel welcome," Merna told her as she had to quickly leave the room.

Eileen and Siegel looked at each other as Lacus' siblings started devouring the food, mostly because it was new to them.

Lacus' chambers

Merna quickly got out of there and wanted to get these two up before anyone snuck up there to see Lacus. She knew they had been in the chambers given to Lacus because she was recovering. Merna quickly rushed to the door and opened it. Merna walked in and was awed at the sight, it was the same as always but she still couldn't get over how cute those two looked as they were sleeping while holding each other.

Merna knew all to well what would happen if she woke Kira up when she saw his sword by the side of the bed. Merna looked around and found the clothes she had prepared to have them wear that day sitting out. Merna smirked and threw them both right at the two as hard as she could. Naturally clothes would hurt them, but she was hoping it would wake those two up.

As soon as the clothes impacted it did cause both of them to stir.

Kira felt something hit him and opened his eyes to find his clothes on his face, he felt confused and saw Merna by the bed smirking.

"Why did you throw these at us?" Kira asked her.

Merna smiled, "Simple if I did it the usual way I would have a sword to my throat."

Kira heard giggling and looked down to see Lacus looking up at him, and he had to admit to himself he loved it.

"How are you feeling My Lady?" Merna asked.

Lacus looked at her, "I feel better, but a little nervous."

Merna smiled, "You will do fine later, and your family was asking about you."

Lacus looked at her, "They are all awake?"

Merna looked at her, "I told them you would join them before the sentencing, your mother was still very concerned.

Lacus smiled; after all she was closest to her mother.

"Now both of you get out of bed, if I find you to still in it when I return you will get Merna's special." Merna told them jokingly as she left the room.

Lacus looked confused, and turned to Kira as he had a fearful look on his face.

"Kira what is a Merna special?" Lacus asked.

Kira cringed, "Not something we want, it's when Merna returns with a bucket of extremely cold water."

Thinking about that made Lacus cold as she shivered, which Kira took the opportunity of pulling her close to him.

"Something tells me My King is feeling naughty today," Lacus said jokingly.

Kira looked at her and smiled he was glad she was turning back to normal, but he could help but think she was trying to fake it.

Kira gently lifted her head and kissed her, Lacus immediately blushed and returned it.

After a few minutes Kira broke it and looked into her eyes.

"You don't have to pretend with me Lacus," Kira told her.

Lacus looked at him and was somewhat surprised, yet glad he was able to read her so well.

"I…just feel uneasy about this," Lacus told him.

Kira tightened his grip on her, "After today she will never make you suffer again." Kira said in a different voice than Lacus heard before.

Lacus felt the chill of his voice which she wasn't used to hearing.

"Will you promise me something Kira?" Lacus asked.

Kira looked at her, "Whatever you want."

Lacus looked him in the eye, "Remain yourself."

Kira felt a little confused about her meaning but he agreed.

"I will always be myself Lacus," Kira replied with as smile.

Lacus smiled as well, "That is what I love about you."

Kira smiled, "We better get up before Merna returns," Kira told her.

Lacus laughed and they quickly changed into the clothes Merna threw at them. Merna arrived a few minutes later with there meals which they ate. It was approaching afternoon, and was almost time to go. After there meal they did the little things that needed to be done while getting ready. As soon as they finished they were about to separate.

"I will not see you until the judgment Lacus, but I know you can do it." Kira told her with a smile.

Lacus smiled and hugged him tightly like her life depended on it, which Kira returned.

"I love you," Lacus whispered in his ear.

Kira smiled, "As I you."

They broke there hug and engaged into a very long passionate kiss. After about five minutes they broke it and Kira walked down the hall to meet Mu. Lacus smiled and went to go meet her family.

Kira arrived at the hallway, to find Mu.

"What took you so long kid?" Mu asked.

Kira looked at him, "I was busy."

Mu smiled, "Ready for today."

Kira smiled then, "I am well ready for this."

Mu looked at him, "The council and most nobles will attend this so remain calm."

Kira looked at him, "I am going to use her as an example Mu; the nobles that will be there still live in the old ORB."

"Makes sense kid, just don't go to crazy," Mu told him.

"I will do my best," Kira told him.

Mu chuckled and followed Kira to his study. Kira had to do a little state business, and then he would hand down Flays punishment.

With Lacus

Lacus quickly went to the room her family was staying in. She opened the doors and was happy to see them. She was surprised how they were dressed. She could see Mear trying to smirk at her, but Lacus was wearing clothes made for a Queen so Mear couldn't really boast to much, all of there clothes were just ordinary nobles clothes. Lacus saw her mother and smiled, she started walking over to her.

"Lacus are you alright dear?" Eileen asked as she quickly hugged her daughter.

Lacus smiled, "I am fine mother."

It was Siegel's turn now, "I'm glad you're safe."

"Thank you father," Lacus replied.

Lacus then looked around and found her sister Rachel.

She walked over to her and they hugged each other tightly.

"I owe you my thanks Rachel; you saved me by getting Kira." Lacus told her sister.

Rachel smiled, "You saved me to, I was just returning the favor."

Lacus whispered into her ear, "You don't have to say anything later."

Rachel looked at her, "I want to though."

Lacus thought for a moment, "Alright then."

Lacus got up and saw her brother.

"You seem happy," Lacus asked Bill.

Bill smiled, "I like all the knights."

Lacus smiled and saw her oldest youngest sister.

"I see why you stay here a lot," Mear said.

Lacus looked at her, "I don't stay because of the castle."

Mear smiled, "I know that just kidding, I'm glad you're alright."

Lacus smiled, "I thank you."

Mear smirked, "Looks like that witch will finally pay later."

Lacus looked at her, "I really do hope so."

"Come on the King won't let her get off, you should have seen the look in his eyes yesterday, I swear if that bodyguard didn't stop him he would have killed her." Mear told her.

That look in Kira's eyes is what made Lacus worry. A man, who is so gentle as he holds her in his arms, can be an extremely brutal, deadly, and formidable warrior to those who hurt people he loves. She had to admit she did love that about him, but it could be scary to. She hated the fact that he would turn that way to protect her.

"I know your right Mear," Lacus said as she sat down.

"Are you sure you can do this dear?" Eileen asked.

Lacus looked at her, "Yes I can mother."

"I wish you the best of luck," Siegel told her which made Lacus smile.

They continued talking for a few hours and it had reached the noon hour, they were talking when a knock came at the door.

The door opened and revealed Merna, "I am terribly sorry My Lady, but it is time."

Lacus felt embarrassed Merna addressed her like that in front of her family, but she knew there was no time for that.

Lacus and her family got up and started walking with Merna.

East Wing of the Castle

Via was in the room with Murrue when Cagalli rushed in.

"Mother it is time," Cagalli said.

Via looked at her, "How is Lacus?"

Cagalli looked at her, "I haven't seen her, but after Merna woke me up…with her special she told me Lacus seemed fine."

Via smiled, "I'm glad, now we had better go."

Cagalli rushed on ahead, while Murrue noticed a faint look in Via's eyes.

"Is there anything wrong My Lady?" Murrue asked.

Via looked at her, "Its Kira, he scared me the other day his eyes looked too much like Ulen's."

Murrue looked at her, "I heard from Mu that Kira did go off a little when he saved Lacus, but he was able to restrain himself."

"I know, but he has a lot of pressure on his shoulders especially being a King, I'm afraid it might change his personally." Via said.

Murrue thought for a second, "I don't think that will happen, Mu told me Lacus seems to always bring gentleness to his eyes, he will be fine as long as he has her."

Via smiled, "I know and it's been a blessing having her around, I just don't want my son to become his father."

"I think we have nothing to worry about My Lady," Murrue told her.

Via smiled, "I know your right."

"I hope you remember what your vow was my son," Via told herself as she felt better.

They were now walking towards the throne room to where the sentencing would take place.

Throne room

The throne room was huge so all people would be able to fit in. The council was gathering on the left side of Kira's throne a little ways away from it. The nobles would be situated around the back and sides of the walkway. Lacus' family would sit among them. Via Cagalli and Murrue would sit on the right side of Kira a little ways away. George and Jibril would sit with the council, but George would have to join his daughter at her spot in front of the small stairs that lead to the throne. Kira would sit on his throne, with Lacus to his side, and Mu to the other.

Messiah Castle

Rau's Chambers

Rau called Rey and Shinn to his chambers after he received a message from Azeral that past night.

"What is this about General?" Rey asked.

Rau looked at him, "We will know soon enough."

With that said a knock was heard at the door, Shinn opened it and Azeral made his presence known as he quickly entered the room and shut the door.

"What is this all about Azeral?" Rau asked.

Azeral smiled, "A received a message from Jibril last night, it appears a George Allster has requested a slave traders services."

The name Allster echoed in Rey and Shinn's ears. They knew that that name was the one who caused there humiliation.

Rau seemed to notice there reaction and smiled, "What does it have to do with me?"

"He wants to kidnap the King's future slave Queen, so he can get his daughter on the throne." Azeral told him.

The mention of the King made Rey and Shinn's faces grow even colder.

Rau smiled, "So you're saying you want my help?"

Azeral looked at him, "I believe this will help our efforts along, and I figured these two would like to have another chance at this King."

Rey and Shinn smiled.

Rau thought for a second, "Give me some more details."

Azeral than explained everything the messenger told him.

Rau smiled, "What a fool this Allster man is, however I believe this will be quite entertaining, that King will no doubt come after this girl which could bring that foolish Emperor's war to action."

"It would benefit our plans as well, so I want you to handle this," Azeral told him.

Rau looked at him, "I will not handle this personally, however these two will."

Rey and Shinn smiled again.

"However we will need someone to go with them in case something goes wrong and the ORB King catches them." Rau said.

"We can handle him General," Rey said.

"I will beat him to the ground," Shinn added.

"You fool's!" Rau shouted.

Rey and Shinn jumped.

"You failed to even land a hit on him last time, you will obey these orders." Rau told them.

Rey and Shinn just nodded.

Azeral smiled, "I think I know the perfect man for this job."

Rau had a feeling he knew who he was talking about, "His loyalties to the Emperor are a little to strong though."

Azeral looked at him, "Leave that to me I know what will persuade him, and just make sure these two are ready to go in about a month's time."

"That long," Shinn said.

Rau looked at him and he said no more.

"I will prepare them, just do what you have to," Rau said.

Azeral agreed and walked out of the room, Rau watched him leave.

"All is going according to plan it will not be long know, your use to me is almost finished Azeral," Rau told himself.

Onogoro Castle

Dungeon

The guards arrived to take Flay to her sentencing.

"What do you need?" a guard asked.

"We're here for the Allster girl," Another guard said.

The man smiled, "It's about time, she hasn't shut up all night, just get her out of here."

The guards then headed right to Flays cell. Flay was standing there pouting when she saw the guards.

"Let me out, Daddy will not be pleased with you treating me like this, I'm covered in dirt, and this so called bed is hard, I think my back will fall apart and…" Flay was complaining as the guard silenced her.

"Shut up! It is time for your judgment, and if I were you that is what I would be worried about," The guard told her.

Flay stared at him, "My daddy will get me out, that stupid slave was just lying."

The guard started laughing, "Your beloved Daddy won't be able to save you, I saw the King earlier, and let's just say the mention of your name makes him want to draw a sword."

Flay started looking worried, and then all of a sudden she started whining and bawling out her eyes again.

The guard had enough as he unlocked the cell and drug her out of the cell by her arm, the other guard took her other arm and started leading her to the throne room.

"I didn't do anything, it's all a lie, and I should be the one to be Queen not that stupid slave." Flay was whining out loud.

The guards started laughing again, "You really have no brains, you are accused of breaking the anti-slave laws, and you keep calling Lady Lacus a slave, what a fool you are."

Flay heard them address Lacus like a royal and got really angry, "She is not the Queen, I will be."

"That proves my point that you are guilty," The guard told her.

Flay stayed silent after that as she was nearing the throne room.

Kira's Study

Kira was finishing off some documents when Mu approached him.

"Hey kid it's time," Mu told him.

Kira looked, "Let us be on our way then." Kira said as he instantly stood up.

Mu noticed a small grin on Kira's face as he walked past him. Mu could help, but think at some point that his King would snap at this sentencing.

Kira was approaching the Throne room and noticed Lacus waiting for him which seemed to ease his heart. Just her smile was enough to drive any dark feelings out of his heart, he smiled at her and they waited to be announced to the throne room.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you liked this chapter, originally I planed it to be just Flay's sentencing, but I needed to get a few events in before I could continue with future chapters, so I decided to integrate them in here with the preparations to Flay's hearing. The next chapter will take place mostly in the throne room, and it will be up by Sunday. Bye for now.