(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

This chapter take place fully in Onogoro Castle

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

Chapter Fifty-Four

Ball

Onogoro Castle

The doors in the back opened again and all stopped what they were doing the servant entered and whispered something to the guards and the horns sounded around the ballroom. All in the room knew who was coming.

"It is my honor to present, His Majesty Kira Yamato, and Lady Lacus Clyne," the servant said.

The ballroom kept their eyes on the door, Kira and Lacus smiled at each other and then walked out the doors. As soon as the crowd saw them the room went almost silent in awe, until it erupted in cheer. The people truly loved their King. Kira and Lacus stood by the stairs as Kira just put his arm up to somewhat wave at them. Kira and Lacus smiled at each other as they started walking down the stairs. All eyes were on them and the cheer stopped as people bowed in respect of their King.

George and Flay glared at her as George almost had to put a hand over her mouth to keep her silent.

"Daddy that should be me," Flay said in a whisper.

George glared at her, "Quiet."

Flay said no more she just glared at Lacus as they walked by.

Jibril saw the King enter and smiled, he knew this was the time he had to make his move over to George. He looked around and he could not spot Rau anywhere.

As they were walking towards the podium Lacus spotted her family and smiled widely. She gave them a small nod as they passed.

"Just look at her," Eileen said.

"She looks pretty," Rachel said.

Bill nodded in agreement.

Siegel looked at his wife, "Yes I know, we can finally let her go, he will take care of her from know on."

Mear smiled at her sister as did Miriallia.

They watched her walk by and they couldn't be happier.

Mu was over near Murrue and Via as they saw her come in and they smiled as well.

"They are certainly happy together," Murrue said.

Via looked at her, "I agree."

Mu saw an opening, "You know we could be happy to," Mu told Murrue.

Murrue looked at him, "I already told you I would dance with you later so will you stop acting like a moron."

Mu smiled, "I am just stating the truth."

Via was the one who got a chuckle out of those two.

Kira and Lacus were nearing the podium and Kira saw Nicol and gave him a nod. Athrun and Cagalli smiled at them as they reached the podium. They walked up the stairs and turned around to look at the people again. They smiled as Kira helped Lacus to her seat and then he stood in front of his.

"I thank all of you for coming, now please let this continue," Kira said as the crowd clapped and the orchestra played again.

After Kira said that he sat down and looked at Lacus who was seated next to his. He held out his hand and she graciously accepted it as she placed hers in his.

The crowd went back to the ball as Kira would wait awhile before joining in. In the back of the ballroom a figure was watching every move. Rau smiled as the King and his target walked into the ballroom. Rau decided he would not take the risk of being spotted anymore so he walked towards the ballroom doors and headed straight for Jibril's subordinate.

A little ways from the podium

After the King and Lacus' entrance Jibril knew he had to get towards George. He couldn't spot Rau anywhere so he figured he was heading to his spot to get prepared. Jibril walked over and spotted George and Flay, but Flay seemed to be whining so Jibril knew this would be a good time. He would have to wait to stuff the letter on him somehow. George spotted Jibril walking over towards him and he felt relief as Flay would finally shut up. Jibril stopped right in front of them and Flay noticed and shut her mouth.

"Glad to see you made it," Jibril told them.

George glared at him, "This is too dangerous, I can't believe you wanted it done here."

Jibril smiled, "Relax, if you're here less suspicion will be placed on you."

George thought about it, "I trust you know what you're doing so I believe you, now is the person here?"

Jibril nodded his head, "He is here and since I cannot spot him anymore, I believe he is headed to his assigned spot."

George smiled, "I am extremely grateful for all you helped us with; when my daughter is Queen we will take care of you."

Jibril smiled again, he couldn't believe how foolish George was but it made no difference to him.

"When will it be done I'm tired of looking at her," Flay finally spoke.

Jibril knew she wouldn't be able to keep her mouth shut the whole time.

"It will happen at his announcement, I believe that would be the best time," Jibril said to them.

Flay smiled widely, "That's great; I can't wait for her to be gone."

George motioned for her to remain silent and she for once listened. Jibril knew he had to keep Allster near him until it happened and then he would make his move.

Outside the Ballroom

As soon as Rau slipped out of the ballroom he looked around, the guards were certainly doing their jobs well, but he wasn't worried about keeping his presence a secret the whole time, in fact it was essential to his plan that he makes himself noticed. He just needed to be silent until he did the first task. Jibril made his way towards the stairs making no suspicious actions and the guards left him alone. He was still in an area that was not closed off so all he needed to do was act casual. There were a few guests out here talking amongst each other so he easily made his way to the stairs. As soon as Rau neared the stairs to the balconies he saw the subordinate of Jibril's.

Jibril's subordinate was keeping an eye out for Rau and he found him in no time. The man smiled as he saw Rau approaching. The subordinate took a look around and than Rau stopped near him.

"Everything is set general, I did a check earlier and have been here ever since," the subordinate said to him as he acted normal.

Rau smiled, "Good, I will head up now and when he makes his announcement I will take action."

The man smiled and took a quick look around but found no one looking so he quickly moved out of the way and Rau very hastily went up the stairs. After he went up the subordinate quickly went back to his position and smiled as no one saw a thing.

Rau went up the stairs a little cautious but he found that the subordinate's words were true so he quickly went to the correct room. He opened the door and went in closing it behind him. Rau went through the curtain and saw the ballroom. He remained back a little ways just as a precaution. Rau glanced down and he saw the King and his target, he smiled as he bent down and removed the cloak to find his crossbow. He picked it up and loaded an arrow into it; he placed it back down and sat with his back against the wall. He now only had to wait until he heard the announcement to get up and fire it.

Ballroom Floor

The ball was about half over as Lacus was walking back up the podium to her spot next to Kira. She left a little while ago to see her parents and her friend as she wanted to thank them once again for coming. Her parents were astonished by her and they were getting anxious to here the announcement, but it would not come until the end of the ball. Kira remained at his seat and discussed a few things with Mu and Athrun but he was yet to rise and most likely would not for a little while longer.

Kira saw Lacus walked back up and he stood as she sat back down, after helping her he sat back down and looked at her.

"Everything go alright?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled at him, "I am glad everyone came, but my parents are anxious."

Kira looked at her, "So is mine." Kira said as both Lacus and him looked at her and she was staring straight back at them wanting them to announce it.

Kira and Lacus looked back at each other and laughed a little bit. They started talking amongst each other and it was like they forgot about what was going on around them.

After his conversation with Kira, Athrun looked over at Cagalli who looked bored out of her mind. Athrun smiled as she noticed him looking at her.

Cagalli stared at him, "No you don't there is no way I am going to."

Athrun smiled, "I believe we have no choice princess, this is for us."

Cagalli wanted to run out of the room, "I am not going to dance."

Athrun chuckled, "I could always tell your brother about this."

Cagalli glared at him, "You are blackmailing your own fiancé."

Athrun smiled, "It is only a couple of dances know come on."

Cagalli sighed as she took Athrun's hand and he led them down to the floor. Some of the crowd noticed and he stopped a little while to look, but a glare from the princess made them stop looking. Cagalli took Athrun's hands and they got into a dance position and started dancing.

Mu seemed to notice the most and right know he wanted his date, Mu looked over to Murrue and she knew it was that time.

Via noticed and had a little chuckle.

Mu walked up to Murrue, "The night is nearing completion my fair maiden." Mu said as he reached out his hand to hers.

Deep down she found that hilarious but she put up her act. Murrue sighed and took his hand letting him lead her out onto the dance floor. Mu was smiling widely as they stopped.

Mu looked at her, "Are you ready to tear up the floor?"

Murrue glared at him, "Should I change my mind?"

Mu shook his head in disagreement, "No need, but I know you love this." Mu said as they started dancing. Mu had never been happier.

Back up at the podium Lacus saw all of this and got a good laugh out of both couples, she looked over and saw Kira with a somewhat distracted look on his face.

"Kira," she said.

No answer.

Lacus leaned over and grabbed his arm, "Kira are you alright?"

Kira broke from his trance and looked at her, "Yes Lacus."

Lacus looked confused, "Is something wrong? Are you feeling alright?"

Kira smiled, "I was just thinking about something, never mind me."

Lacus didn't by it, but she let it go. Kira went back to his thoughts as something really was bothering him, that feeling returned and it was really making him uneasy.

Around the Ballroom

Nicol decided that it was enough of just standing around and talking, he really wanted to play with that orchestra. The ball was nearing completion so Nicol knew he had to do it know. Nicol walked near the band and most known him, Nicol was an excellent composer so a lot of the newer music came from him.

Nicol looked at them, "Do you mind if I join you?"

They were all to pleased as they knew he was one of the best. Nicol joined them right away and started playing; all were impressed with him as he was doing well. A lot more people started dancing as well.

Up in the balcony Rau was still waiting patiently for his chance that he knew he would get soon. He was smiling as he waited.

Siegel was amazed at just about everything, but both Eileen and himself really wanted to hear that announcement as it was important for their daughter. All of her siblings seemed to enjoying themselves so they were in no real hurry.

Ballroom Floor

Athrun and Cagalli had been out their awhile, after a few songs Cagalli really got into it as Athrun really expected her to. They stopped a few songs and rested but then they started up again.

When they were waiting for the next song they spoke.

"I wonder what is taking that brother of mine so long to get out on this floor." Cagalli asked.

Athrun looked at her, "Don't worry he will get out here soon enough."

Cagalli looked at him, "He is surely taking his sweet time the ball is nearing completion, and there is only a few songs left."

Athrun seemed not to hear her, and she noticed.

"Are you listening to me?" she almost shouted.

Athrun didn't look at her but he smiled, "It looks like you will get your wish." Athrun said as he pointed over near Kira. Cagalli hastily looked and smiled.

A little ways away, Mu and Murrue were doing almost the same thing, they were dancing the whole night without stopping once, Murrue didn't know she had it in her, and she seemed to enjoy this time with Mu.

"I wonder what is taking them so long," Mu said as he wanted to dance again.

Murrue looked at him, "You seem to be getting worn out."

Mu smiled at her, "I am just getting started my dear."

Murrue giggled a little bit, which Mu noticed.

"I'm starting to wear off on you, good that is my plan," Mu said.

Murrue did blush a little bit and would have been caught if she didn't notice something.

"It appears His Majesty is ready as well," Murrue said.

Mu looked over and smiled, "It's about time, but I taught him everything so he will be alright."

Murrue glared at him, "If you taught him everything she would not be with him."

Mu frowned, "Ouch…that hurts my wounded pride."

Murrue laughed again as they were preparing to dance again.

Kira was sitting in his throne as his feeling was starting to go away.

"Nicol sure is good," Lacus said as they listened to a few songs.

Kira smiled at her, "He should be he wrote most of them."

Lacus looked at him, "I see."

Kira smiled at her, "I think we have sat here long enough." Kira told her.

Lacus looked at him, "You mean?"

Kira stood up and held his hand out to her, "Let us show them how it is done."

Lacus smiled and blushed as she took his hand. They stared at the crowd for a second and then started down the stairs, there was no song at the moment so the people bowed and let them get through. As soon as they were on the floor they faced each other. Lacus was a little nervous as she knew they would dance alone for about half this song until anyone else joined in.

"Look Lacus is going to dance," Rachel said.

Her whole family looked at her.

"I didn't know she could," Mear said.

Siegel and Eileen smiled as they watched her and other couples were starting to get ready to join them, but this dance would most likely be just them.

Flay really wanted to start whining as she saw what they were about to do. George knew she was going to say something so he clamped his hand over her mouth and she started pouting. Jibril watched with interest.

Nicol saw that the King was up to dance so he wanted to do one of his first songs he composed. Nicol informed the orchestra and they started playing.

Kira stared into Lacus' eyes as she did the same, both had to admit with the ballrooms eyes on them they were a little nervous. They moved closer to each other and into a dancing position, they smiled at each other and began the dance. It didn't take them but a few seconds to be in perfect unison, like they were at everything perfect. All had to admit it was a sight to see.

Flay was really going crazy, as George almost had to restrain her, her face was completely red from anger.

Eileen and Siegel watched with awe as they didn't know Lacus could do stuff like this; it was the same with her siblings.

It was without a doubt a perfect sight, about half way in others started to join in, leading the way was Mu, followed by Athrun and Cagalli. As soon as the song ended the crowd clapped for their King as it was one of the best sights they have ever seen. As soon as the song was done Kira and Lacus looked at each other and smiled. It was truly a sight to see.

Flay was really angry, and she wanted to storm up there and do something, but Georges glares and the crowd near them was also picking up on her actions.

After a few more songs and dances the ball was almost at an end. During one song Kira whispered something to Lacus.

"Are you ready?" Kira asked softly.

Lacus looked at him as she knew what he meant. She smiled and nodded in agreement. After the song ended the crowd clapped again and Kira and Lacus started heading back up to the podium. Athrun and Cagalli joined them as well, they didn't know what was going on, but they went up their anyway. The crowd bowed as the King walked by, and as soon as they were at the top of the podium, the crowd was waiting for the next song, but Kira looked over and raised a hand at the orchestra and they knew he wanted to speak. All eyes in the ballroom were now watching their King as it looked like he was making an announcement.

Jibril smiled he knew that it was time; George saw the smile on Jibril's face.

"It's going to happen," George whispered.

Jibril didn't say a thing; he just wanted to accomplish what he had to when it did happen.

Flay on the other hand had her eyes focused on Lacus, she really didn't like the sight of her up there where she wanted to be, and it was making her angrier.

Up at the balcony Rau knew that the night had to be coming to an end so when there was a long silence he peaked over the edge and he knew it was time.

Podium and Ballroom

The room went silent as all were staring at their King. A few in the ballroom knew about this announcement but they were still anxious. Kira and Lacus smiled at each other for a second and then he began.

"It was an honor having all of you here tonight, on the most glorious of victories we have ever obtained against ZAFT," Kira said.

All in the room kept listening.

"Before we continue I would like to give my personal congratulations to my sister and to you Athrun my friend, I know you two will have a happy, if not interesting life," Kira told them as all room got a little laugh, as did Athrun and Cagalli.

Kira went silent again, and Lacus felt nervous as Kira was about to make the announcement.

Up on the balcony Rau was listening to every word and he decided now was the time. He kneeled up to the balcony railing and placed his crossbow on the ledge a little and aimed straight for Lacus.

Down a ways below Mu was listening with Murrue, but the feeling hit him again, and it hit him hard. Mu knew something was wrong and this feeling only came when he was around.

Back up at the podium Kira quickly looked at Lacus and she smiled as Kira looked back at the crowd.

"My sister is not the only one getting married soon," Kira said.

All looked a little confused, and Athrun and Cagalli did as well.

Kira smiled, "I have also proposed to my future wife and Queen Lacus, and with her acceptance we are know preparing for our wedding as well." Kira announced.

There was silence for a second as all took that to heart, and then the room erupted, all mostly knew of Lacus and they did want her as their next Queen. Cagalli and Athrun wanted to extend their congratulations, and those who knew of this were relieved that they had finally made it official.

Rau heard the applause and know would be the time.

Back on the floor the feeling hit Mu hard again as he started looking around, Murrue didn't know what he was doing. Mu hastily looked around and couldn't find anybody, he knew the man was here, and Mu decided he had to get up to the podium, but the cheer from the crowd and the number of people ahead of him would not allow him to get up there anytime soon.

Kira and Lacus were smiling and Lacus looked over at her family who were also smiling and glad. Kira saw the people's reactions and couldn't be happier.

Up at the balcony Rau smiled widely as he know had a clean shot at Lacus, Rau noticed something and he quickly fired his crossbow, with the arrow heading straight for Lacus.

On the ballroom floor amongst the cheers there was also Flay and she was not to happy, George found it harder to restrain her as she was making a lot of noise but with the crowds cheers she would not be heard, Jibril waited in for the moment he could finish his task.

On the podium, Lacus was smiling as she looked around. Kira was studying the peoples reaction when out of the corner of his eye straight in front of them Kira saw Flay having a fit, and it almost ruined his moment to see her, but he would not let her spoil this joy of his and Lacus'.

When Kira was about to look away from Flay, he stared towards the back of the ballroom and something shined a little bit in the balcony area as he was looking around, Kira saw the shine and looked directly up at the balcony area. Kira tried to adjust his eyes and he swore there was a person up there, Rau noticed that Kira spotted him and he stood straight up with his crossbow and fired the arrow.

Kira saw him stand and aim something he had never seen before, but whatever it was it was not aimed at him, the angle he saw was it looked like it was aimed next to him. The balcony was a ways away, but Kira somehow saw all that clearly. When Rau fired the strange thing, Kira knew what came out of it, and it was an arrow.

Kira knew it was heading straight for Lacus, but its speed was something a lot faster than he ever saw before. Kira tried to remove his sword but he would have no time to swing it as this arrow was going to fast. Kira did the only thing he could do.

Lacus was smiled again at her parents but when she turned to look straight ahead she also spotted something heading straight for her, and she saw that it was an arrow, Lacus froze and she quickly shut her eyes. Lacus expected to be struck by this arrow, but she only felt herself being thrown the ground, she was thrown to the next podium over where Via was sitting and she hit the ground.

Lacus hit the ground hard but that was not bothering her at the moment, she lifted her head and saw the crowd first, the crowd went silent as she hit the ground, however she feared they went silent for another reason, some guests had their hands over their mouths and others were staring in shock. Lacus slowly turned around and her heart shattered.

Lacus looked over and the tears fell immediately, she saw Kira still on his feet with his sword stuck in the ground as he was balancing himself with it. She looked up and saw the arrow had pierced his chest area. Lacus was frozen the pain in her heart was getting worse. The crowd was absolutely stunned.

Kira did the only thing he could do, Kira had his sword removed as he was skilled at connecting with arrows in mid air, but this new weapon was to fast. He quickly shoved Lacus out of the way, but he knew it would leave no time for himself as the arrow struck him, his sword impaled the podium and he used his remaining strength to hold himself up.

Kira felt his strength leave him as his blood was soaking out, Kira saw Lacus look up at him and he saw the pain in her eyes, it had to be done. Kira's vision was getting worse as his body was ready to shut down, Kira looked into her eyes and smiled slightly at her. He no longer had the strength to speak anymore, but he spoke to his mind.

"I'm sorry Lacus…I have no regrets…at least you will be alright…" Kira told himself as he was able to stand no more.

Kira released his grip on his sword and fell a little to the side and then straight on his back down the podium stairs stopping at the bottom.

The crowd let out a small noise, but they were frozen. Lacus watched everything the room was totally silent and after he came to a stop all that could be heard was the sound of her anguished scream of hurt that she was no longer able to conceal.

To be continued…

(AN): What a spot to leave it in, the next chapter will be up by the weekend. See you later.