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

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

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Athrun Arrives

ORB\ZAFT Border

Yzac, Rey and Shinn rode throughout the night, and arrived at the appointed spot where they would cross into ORB.

The man George sent to escort them arrived a few hours before they did, and awaited their arrival. The man saw three people ride up on horses, he then showed himself. They were in a desolate spot by the ORB ZAFT Border patrols were very light around here since there was no way an army could march into such a small area.

The man step out and approached the three men, they instantly drew their swords on him.

"Identify yourself," Yzac told him.

The man looked at him, "I serve George Allster, he sent for you," The man said as he held up a small flag, which would prove his identity.

Yzac looked it over and sheathed his sword along with Rey and Shinn.

"I want the details of our target," Yzac said.

The man looked at him, "I believe you have most of the information on her, I will show you around, and point her out to you personally, the rest is up to you."

Yzac smirked, "Fine by me, how long before we reach Onogoro?"

The man looked at him, "If we take the short cuts we should arrive by afternoon."

Yzac smirked; this would prove vital information for his Emperor.

"Good, now let's go," Yzac said.

The man got on his horse and began leading them to Onogoro.

Rey and Shinn were quite the whole trip, mostly because Rau told them to just do there duty.

"So why is this girl so important?" Yzac asked because he was getting bored, "I heard she was a slave."

The man looked back, "That is correct she is a slave, the governor wants his daughter to become our next countries Queen, and this girl is in the way."

"Why not just kill her?" Yzac asked.

"The King would know, and we would all be put to death, he proved that a month ago when he nearly killed the governor and his daughter for insulting her." The man told him.

Yzac smirked, "Is this King a good fighter?"

The man looked at him, "Probably the best in ORB, the only one who could possibly stand a chance at him is the Boaz lord."

This made Yzac feel kind of excited, and he wished for a chance to battle this King.

The rest of the ride was quiet as they reached Onogoro.

Onogoro City

The sun had been up for about two hours when Athrun and his escort finally arrived at Onogoro. Athrun rode up to the entrance to the city a little bit happy that he saw the city again, but his visit was more important to him at the moment.

"The place still looks beautiful My Lord," An escort said to him.

Athrun smiled, "Your right, His Majesty has done well to keep our country running…Let's go in."

"Yes My Lord," The guard replied.

The three of them rode up to the gates, and were intercepted by the city guards.

"State your business," A guard told him a little suspicious since these men were all wearing armor.

Athrun smiled and rode next to the man who then recognized him.

"I'm sorry General, I was not informed of your visit," the guard told him.

Athrun looked at him, "No need for an apology, I came unannounced."

"It is an honor to see you again General, I will have someone escort you to the castle," The guard said.

Athrun looked at all the added security.

"Security seems tighter than usual," Athrun said.

The guard looked at him, "That's correct General, Sir La Flaga order our patrols doubled after what happened, and we are on the lookout for more ZAFT spies."

Athrun frowned, "I see, it's a shame that ZAFT is so brutal, anyway I will head to the castle now."

"Yes Sir, these men will escort you," The guard said.

Athrun smiled and thanked him.

They started riding toward the castle, the people that were out and instantly recognized him. People knew Athrun was a kind Lord and was just like their there King. Athrun looked around taking the sights in when he looked at an escort guard.

"I hear we may have a Queen soon," Athrun said.

The guard looked at him, "It would seem like it Sir, Lady Lacus is becoming well loved around here especially what she does for the lower class children."

Athrun looked at him, "That King of ours is serious about her."

The man laughed, "That's correct Sir, however I think His Majesty will be able to fill in all the details."

Athrun than decided to take a chance in asking a certain question. "How is the princess doing?"

The guard looked at him, he knew the story. "She is doing like she always does, but it seems like she is waiting for something, since she hasn't tried to run away for awhile."

Athrun blushed; he really hoped she thought about what he last told her.

"I see, that's good to hear," Athrun said.

They continued riding until they reached the castle gates. People still greeted him as he returned their jesters. The castle guards instantly recognized him and opened the gates, all of them rode in.

"Been awhile since I've seen this place," Athrun said.

The guard looked at him, "I will inform the King of your arrive General."

"Thank you," Athrun replied as he and his escorts got off their horses. The guard instantly went into the castle.

Onogoro Castle

Dinning Room

Kira Lacus Via and Cagalli were sitting down to there morning meal like they growing accustomed to doing. Over the last few days Lacus seemed troubled by something; Kira sensed it but didn't want to push the issue if Lacus didn't tell him. Kira was being swamped with matters that needed attention over the past few days as well. He was always in meetings or going through state documents. Kira was troubled that Lacus seemed sad about something, and he decided he would take a chance on asking her later.

"Lacus are you alright?" Cagalli asked.

Lacus looked up and gave her a fake smile, "I am fine thank you."

Cagalli didn't by it and neither did Kira.

"I hear that your work is going splendidly as well Lacus, if you need any help please feel free to ask." Via told her.

Lacus smiled, "Thank you for your kind words…I will consider your offer." Lacus told her hesitantly.

Kira eyed her closely something was bothering her and it pained him to see her like that.

Kira was about to question her when a guard entered the dinning room.

The man ran up to Kira and knelt, "Your Majesty, Lord Athrun has just arrived."

Cagalli immediately jolted her head towards the man's direction.

Kira smiled he was glad to see his friend again.

"That is wonderful news, escort him to the throne room," Kira told him as he stood up.

"Yes My Lord," The guard said as he left.

"It's wonderful to have a guest," Via said, she always like Athrun.

Kira eyed his sister properly, "Let us make our way to the throne room."

Cagalli blushed, "I suppose, it wouldn't hurt to say hello." Cagalli told them trying to act like she didn't care, which made Kira smirk a little bit.

Cagalli and Via immediately got up and left leaving only Kira and Lacus.

Kira glanced over to Lacus who seemed in a daze.

"Lacus are you sure you're feeling alright?" Kira asked.

Lacus looked at him and smiled, "I am fine."

Kira didn't by it, "Lacus something has been bothering you these past few days, will you tell me so I can help."

Lacus loved it when he did that, but she couldn't tell him, she knew this news would crush him and with the amount of stress he was under lately she didn't want to take any chances that he would lose it again, and on top of all that Flay was getting out tomorrow which would only add to the pressure.

Lacus smiled, "I will be fine." Lacus said as she wrapped her arms around him tightly holding on for dear life.

Kira decided to let the matter go and kissed her softly.

Kira then broke the kiss, "If you say so, now let us go meet my friend."

Lacus smiled, she knew that Athrun was like a brother to Kira.

They then left the room heading over to the throne room, as Lacus locked her arm to Kira's.

Throne Room

Athrun and his two guards were already in the throne room awaiting his friend's arrival, and the arrival of someone else.

The doors to the throne room opened revealing Via and Cagalli.

As soon as he said Cagalli his heart immediately started pounding, as was the same for her.

Via knew to well the reaction, but she decided not to address the matter, and just leave it up to them.

Via walked over to Athrun who bowed when she stopped in front of him.

"It is quite a pleasant surprise to have you visit Athrun," Via told him.

Athrun looked at her, "The honor is mine My Lady."

Via smiled, "No need for formalities," Via looked at Cagalli and motioned her to get over here.

Cagalli saw the reaction and walked over to Athrun who gently kissed her hand when she stopped in front of him.

Cagalli blushed, "What brings you here?" Cagalli asked playing dumb; she knew exactly why he was there.

Athrun smiled, "I am here on business with your brother," Athrun told her lying through his teeth.

Cagalli turned her head away to hide her blush again, "I see."

Athrun looked around, "Where is he by the way?" he asked.

Via smiled, "He is just taking his time."

"I did not take my time mother," Kira said as he entered the throne room.

All turned around to see Kira and Lacus walk in.

The guards inside instantly bowed at there King's appearance into the room.

Athrun smiled when he saw his friend, he and his escort also noticed Lacus for the first time.

Kira and Lacus stopped right in front of Athrun.

"It has been awhile my friend, thought you would be here sooner," Kira told him.

Lacus saw him and thought that he was like Kira a little bit, but there were still differences.

Athrun smiled, "Had to make sure ZAFT spies weren't running around my city, and I see you have been busy Your Highness." Athrun said as he looked over to Lacus.

Kira looked over to her and blushed, "I have, may I present Lacus Clyne."

Athrun looked at her, "It is a pleasure to meet you My Lady, how you put up with him is beyond me."

Lacus giggled a little bit, "It is an honor to meet you Sir."

"What was that last line Athrun?" Kira asked.

Athrun laughed, "It was nothing My Lord."

Kira looked at him, "That's good because I still hold the majority of victories in our duels."

Athrun looked at him, "Only by one Sire."

Kira laughed, as Mu entered the room.

"Sir La Flaga it is great to see she hasn't killed you yet," Athrun said as he saw Mu enter.

Mu frowned, "I am perfectly healthy, I know that she is wearing down, it would be long before she falls for me."

All got a good laugh out of this.

Via then looked at them, "You said you had business to attend to so I think we should leave them alone."

Athrun know knew he had to postpone the real reason why he was their when she said that.

"I suppose your right mother," Cagalli hesitated as she looked over to Athrun who gave her an, I will see you soon look.

"I am not need here either so I will leave you alone," Mu said as he ran out of the room all knowing where he would be going.

Kira looked at Lacus who gave him a small smile.

"I am sorry Lacus, I wanted to spend the day with you," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled, "It's alright Kira, I have to go see my sister anyway."

Kira smiled, "Say hello to the kids for me, and tell Angela I will see her as soon as I can."

Lacus heard that name and cringed a little bit, "I will tell her," she said hesitantly.

Kira and Lacus then shared a not to long, but not to short kiss as she left the room.

Athrun saw that, "I see you are moving along rather fast."

Kira looked over to him and smiled, "I will tell you that later know what business do you want to discuss?"

Athrun knew he had to think of something fast.

Outside Cagalli was waiting at the spot she knew Athrun would find her at when he was done.

Onogoro City

Yzac and the others made a small stop before they entered the city, they stopped by a wagon that was hid near the city, and it contained George's payment and some ORB armor.

"Why do we stop here?" Shinn asked.

The man looked at him, "You can't enter Onogoro looking like that, the city is on high alert for spies."

Shinn looked a little annoyed; they weren't wearing ZAFT armor since not even George was supposed to know about their identity.

Yzac looked at him and his glare was enough to shut him up. All three changed into there new clothes that would hide there swords well. They got back on their horses and rode to the city gates.

"Were about to enter if they stop us don't say a word," the guard told them.

All four started to ride in, and were stopped by the guard.

"You four halt," The guard said.

Shinn wanted to go for his sword but Rey stopped him.

"Is there anything wrong Sir," The messenger said showing off his armor.

The guard recognized it as an Allster guard.

"These three with you?" he asked.

The messenger looked at him, "Correct, I just found them some work, because they were from a border village in the Josh-a land," he lied good.

The guards bought his story and let them in. All four then rode in.

"Some story you came up with," Yzac said.

The man smiled.

"How exactly will we get the girl out of here with this tight of patrol?" Rey asked.

The messenger looked at him, "They change there shifts at different times, but he easily got there schedule."

Rey took that as a satisfied answer.

"I will show you all the places the girl visits," The messenger said.

He took them to all the places that he saw her go the past month, to her family's mansion, the few orphanages, and the downtown area where she would sometimes go, and finally right to the castle.

"This place is bigger than Messiah," Yzac said as he looked at the castle.

"I really want to get this over with and have my rematch with that King," Shinn said.

"Does this girl travel with any security?" Yzac asked.

The messenger looked at him, "Yes, she has two of the elite members of the royal guard with her; I suppose you will have to deal with them however they are quite skillful."

Yzac smiled that was what he wanted to hear.

The messenger instantly shot his head over to the castle, "She is coming."

Rey and Shinn instantly had to get out of sight, because Lacus would remember them.

Yzac looked at her, and noticed her escorts would be good opponents.

"Why not grab her now?" Shinn asked staying out of sight.

The messenger looked at him, "It won't work we will not have a patrol change for hours."

Shinn became flustered.

"We should follow her, I want to get a look at what she is doing," Yzac said.

The messenger agreed and all started following her at a safe distance.

Onogoro Castle

Kira and Athrun were still in the throne room talking.

"So where did you meet her?" Athrun asked.

Kira then explained everything that happened since he arrived back that day after the last war.

Athrun was a little amazed, "You're serious about her?"

Kira looked at him, "I am, she is the one I know it."

Athrun smiled, "I am happy for you, now what do we do about ZAFT?" Athrun asked hoping Kira wouldn't ask him about his love life.

"I have a feeling war will come in again, and very soon," Kira told him.

Athrun looked at him, "I believe your right, which is why we should be ready for it."

Kira looked at him, "I have already prepared for that, now it is up to the ZAFT Emperor."

Athrun nodded in agreement, both of them spent a little more time discussing numerous things. They spoke of what happened in both lands since they last departed. There discussion lasted a good hour before they winded it down.

"How long will you be staying?" Kira asked.

Athrun looked at him, "I'm not sure yet, not to long since I'm concerned about Boaz."

Kira smiled, "I know you must be tired, why don't you rest then we will have a gathering in the dinning room for dinner?"

Athrun smiled, this was the chance he wanted, "Very well, I will see you later." Athrun said as he left the room heading to a certain place.

Kira smiled, he knew what Athrun was up to.

Onogoro City

Yzac and the rest of them did follow Lacus the rest of the day; they made sure not to be spotted as they trailed her. Lacus then arrived at a certain spot that looked like an orphanage. She started talking to someone that looked very much like her.

"What do you think she's doing?" Rey asked.

Yzac looked over the situation, "I think I will get a closer look, of the situation."

"Why don't we go?" Shinn asked.

Yzac looked at him, "Fools, she has seen your faces, and she has not seen mine." Yzac told them making sure the messenger didn't hear him.

Rey and Shinn said no more. Yzac started walking up the side of the building; he stopped at the corner and listened to her conversation.

"How is she Mear?" Lacus asked.

Mear looked at her, "She might not make it through the night."

Lacus looked sad, "I see I would like to see her."

Mear nodded, "By the way Miriallia came by yesterday, she said she was going to the downtown shopping district, and since you haven't seen her in awhile why don't you join her, to take your mind off of things?"

Lacus thought of that for a second, maybe it would do her good, she was very distant lately because of the situation in this orphanage.

"I believe I will join her, but for know I just want to see her," Lacus said.

Mear nodded in agreement.

"You haven't told the King yet have you?" Mear asked.

Lacus nodded her head, "He has been under to much stress lately, this is something I don't want to drop on him yet, he would not be able to see her like this."

Mear nodded again.

"I think I will stay with her tonight," Lacus said.

"Its fine, but what will you say to the guards?" Mear asked.

Lacus smiled, "I will think of something."

Yzac heard every word, and that just made his job a lot easier as he returned to his group.

With Yzac and the others

Yzac returned to the others with a small grin on his face.

"Learn anything Sir?" Rey asked.

Yzac looked at the messenger, "Where is the downtown shopping district?"

The man looked at him, "It's over on the other side of town."

Yzac smiled, "She is heading there tomorrow, we should make our move then."

The man thought for a second, "It's crowded but it should work, there are a lot of ways out of the district."

Yzac smiled, "Then we will make our move tomorrow, I would like to rest until then."

The man smiled, "Very well sir, please follow me."

All four of them left and headed to Allster estate, the man set them up in a small shed until they would complete there mission tomorrow. The messenger then entered the main estate to inform George of everything.

With Lacus

Lacus entered the orphanage and walked to the room where there was a very sick little girl. When Lacus first set this up she was one of the first she helped. Kira and Lacus became very close with her. She loved both of them as the big brother and sister she never had. Angela came down with a terminal illness that none of the doctors could cure. Kira knew she was sick but he didn't know it was this bad. Lacus didn't have the heart to tell him, and she knew it would destroy him especially after how close they became. Lacus knew that Kira would be furious that she didn't tell him, but she knew he would understand in the long run.

Lacus looked at her than left the room, to speak to her guards.

Lacus walked over to the guards, "I'm sorry to trouble you, but would you inform His Majesty that I will be staying here?" Lacus asked.

The guards looked at each other, "I will go My Lady."

Lacus smiled, "Thank you."

Lacus went back inside the house and a single guard started to leave, when Lord Jibril walked up to them. Both of them knew him so they thought nothing of his request. Lord Jibril followed Lacus and the people George sent for all day. He knew in order for his plan to work he would have to have a chance like this.

"I hope your having a good day gentlemen?" Jibril asked.

The guards nodded in agreement, "How is Lady Lacus doing?" Jibril asked again.

The guards informed him of what they were planning, since he was never any threat.

Jibril smiled when he heard that, "No need to leave your post, I will inform His Majesty personally."

The guards looked a little confused, but knew they could trust him and agreed.

Jibril gave a farewell and waked away smiling, of course he would not inform the King of this, this was the chance he was hoping for, and since he had little chance of being caught he gladly agreed to tell the King.

Onogoro Castle

Cagalli was waiting in her spot, and the time was really getting to her she was becoming flustered until she felt something grab her.

Athrun arrived and pulled her close showering her with an extremely passionate kiss. After a few minutes he broke it.

Cagalli blushed madly when he broke it.

"What was that for?" She stammered to stay.

Athrun stared at her, "I was thinking of doing that all day."

Cagalli blushed, "Took you long enough."

Athrun stared at her, "I just went over a few items with your brother than I came here."

Cagalli smiled, "Now why was it you came here?"

Athrun blushed, "I think you know the reason, I take it you got my letter."

Cagalli smiled, "I got it."

Athrun stared at her, "Cagalli you know I love you, I have for years."

Cagalli blushed, "I know, I love you to."

Athurn smiled, "I came for only one reason and that was to ask you in person one more time, "I want you to come and stay in Boaz, and I would love for you to marry me," Athurn felt nervous, "You are the world to me my princess, will you grant me the honor of becoming my wife."

Cagalli never felt happier, they had concealed there feelings for years, not knowing how Kira would react to it. Cagalli even felt a few tears in her eyes, but she quickly hid them.

"Yes I will come to Boaz, and I will marry you," Cagalli told him.

Athrun smiled widely as he instantly hugged her showering her with another kiss. This was a long one that lasted a good five minutes. When they broke there kiss they stared into each others eyes for a few minutes.

"We should go your brother said he was preparing a feast for me," Athrun said.

Cagalli smiled, "You sound a little full of yourself."

Athrun smiled, "An honor from a King no one would refuse."

They got a laugh out of that and started heading down the main hallway.

Unknown to them someone saw that whole exchange, it was Mu.

Mu saw what happened and instantly thought of Murrue, "Why does that never happen to me?" Mu asked himself with a sigh as he left.

Onogoro City

Lacus walked back in and sat next to the little girl, after a few hours it became night and the little girl opened her eyes.

"Sister Lacus is that you?" The girl asked as her vision was blurry.

Lacus felt her heart tear, "Yes Angela I'm here."

"What about brother Kira?" She asked.

Lacus didn't know what to say, "He will see you shortly."

The girl smiled, "I'm glad when I get better can we all play again?" she asked.

Lacus slightly smiled, "We will dear, now you just have to get better."

The girl held out her hand and Lacus grabbed it.

"Big sister…I really…want…to see you…and big brother…Kira be happy…….." That was all she could stammer out as her heart stopped.

Lacus could hold the tears any longer as she let them all out.

Onogoro Castle

The gathering was held for Athrun that night, all were having a good time, however Kira still didn't see Lacus. He knew she would work hard at the orphanages but she always informed him. Jibril however never informed him of the message Lacus sent him. Kira knew something was bothering her, but he just didn't know what it meant. What worried Kira was he started to get another bad feeling; he decided he would speak to Lacus tomorrow and discuss everything with her. She was troubled and it was killing him not to know what it was. The night ended with Lacus not returning, Kira figured she went to her parents to stay and since she had the guard that he trusted he wasn't too worried, but he still had that bad feeling in his heart.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you liked this chapter; the next one will be up by Tuesday. See you later.