(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Sixty-One

Peaceful Moment

One day before departure to the border

Onogoro

The month pasted in no time and everyone was well prepared, just as Kira had asked. After the council meeting Athrun, Jibril, and Nicol immediately returned to their lands to prepare them for the battle. They spent three weeks making sure their squads were up to par with what they had to face. Athrun left and Cagalli again went with him, he made sure everything was prepared for his city and he prepared the squad for departure. When the preparations were complete, he came back to Onogoro and left his second in command with the responsibility of getting the squad to the assigned point, they were to be on standby when the King called for them. It was the same for Nicol he did the exact routine, he left his second in command in charge and headed back to Onogoro as instructed. Jibril however had no major squad, and he would not take part in this battle, but he was ordered to send his units to an assigned location for when the King left. Jibril put his plan on hold and did what he was told.

The two council members organized all of Onogoro's knights and put them all on standby, when the King left they would join him, Kira set this up so well that all units would unit as they reached the border.

Mu spent almost all his time with his unit as he was preparing them for battle; these knights were all highly skilled so the training wasn't the hard part. The hardest part was getting them to work in unison, but as the month went on Mu was pleased, he knew they were ready; this unit was also on standby for the upcoming battle. Mu knew that guarding the King wasn't difficult since he would mostly be recuperating so he could spend more time training his unit. Mu used the rest of the time to hang around Murrue, who was starting to talk to him just a little bit more, much to his enjoyment.

The city of Onogoro and the rest of the Kingdom became aware of what was going to happen. They didn't know the exact details but after seeing all the knights leaving to their posts and all the training maneuvers they saw they knew that something was up. Kira hated keeping things from his people, but as ZAFT was unaware that ORB knew of their plans, Kira was hoping to keep it quiet, but it would be difficult. He wanted to make it look like they were just doing training exercises, just in case there were ZAFT spies and it seemed to be working.

Kira and Lacus spent the month mostly with each other. Kira's wounds were healing nicely, the first week Kira tried practicing with his sword and he nearly collapsed when he felt the strain, but it wasn't as bad as when Lacus caught him. Kira promised her he wouldn't try anything like that again until the last week and he kept his word. During the other three weeks they planned for their wedding, while Kira kept small tabs on what was going on with his knights. They planned their wedding with no trouble as all that was needed was to prepare for it. Lacus was fitted for the dress she would wear and the greatest tailors in ORB were preparing it. Kira was glad they were moving along, but he also knew that the upcoming battle was not easy and he could very well not be coming back, but it gave him an extra reason to come back alive. The rest of the time they had they just spent with each other, like they were normal, but deep down they knew of what was to come.

As the last week approached Kira was practically one hundred percent, he was able to move his sword with no trouble, there was only minor pain, but that would have to be enough. On the last day before they were to leave Kira called a special dinner for only a select few. Kira and Lacus both invited their families as this would be the first time they would officially meet. There was also Nicol and Mu, with his guest Murrue. Kira wanted to have at least one last peaceful moment before they departed. Lacus agreed and they were all getting ready for the banquet.

Onogoro Castle

Nicol, Mu, Murrue, and Via

All were just about prepared for the banquet that Kira had planned. All of them vowed to themselves that they would enjoy it, usually they would enjoy it without any question, but with the upcoming war minds were shifting. Most knew Kira had planned this just in case something went wrong on the battlefield, but all vowed to forget the war for one night as they could just enjoy it like everything was normal.

Nicol was one of the first ready; he and Mu were waiting for Murrue and Via as they wanted to arrive at the same time. As they were waiting Mu was getting bored.

"How long will it take her?" Mu asked as he was referring to Murrue.

Nicol smiled, "We still have plenty of time."

Mu looked at him, "She is doing this to me on purpose."

Nicol laughed as Mu continued to stare at the doors.

Inside the room however Murrue was already ready for this banquet, it was Via who was not ready which was surprising.

Murrue waited for her, "My Lady, can I give you some assistance?"

Via heard her, "I will be ready soon."

Murrue smiled, "I have never seen you nervous My Lady, but since your meeting your in laws I suppose it is natural."

No matter that Via was once a Queen, she had to admit meeting the parents of her soon to be daughter in law was stressful, but the upcoming events were on her mind as well, she knew her son as King would have to lead the attack, but it was still her son and she was still a mother so she did have fear in her heart, she was going to make sure not to show those emotions tonight. Via was finally ready when she approached Murrue.

Murrue smiled at her, "You look lovely My Lady…shall we go?"

Via smiled at her and agreed, the doors opened and they saw Nicol and Mu waiting for them.

Mu saw Murrue and smiled, "Look at this, you got all dressed up for me." he said as he started admiring her.

Murrue did have a small blush but she hid it, "We are going to be late," she said as she started walking down the hall, leaving a chuckling Nicol and Via.

Mu smiled, "I told you I could wear you down," Mu shouted at her as she didn't look back.

All three then started walking and Murrue slowed down and all four proceeded to the dinning room.

Athrun and Cagalli

Athrun and Cagalli were getting ready as well, Cagalli protested when she saw she had to wear one of those princess dresses, not the usual non fancy ones she liked. Athrun got an amusing laugh out of that and then threatened to tell Merna to help her if she didn't do it herself. Cagalli said no more and immediately changed, she did not want Merna's wrath at the moment.

They were both ready and proceeded to the dining room. As they were walking Cagalli needed to say a few things.

"When will you leave tomorrow?" she asked almost hesitantly.

Athrun looked at her as he could the hesitation in her voice, "Early tomorrow morning, we have to get to the border before they do, and since were moving such a large force it will take time."

Cagalli looked away from him, "Just do me one thing…" She said as Athrun cut her off.

"I know what you want to say, and yes I will return, we still have our own wedding to do, but I your brother will beat us to it," Athrun told her as he wanted to release the mood, tonight they wanted to forget about tomorrow.

Cagalli smiled, "It appears he will, but that will just give us more time to make ours greater."

Athrun laughed, "Trying to one up your brother?"

Cagalli looked at him, "Your changing the subject."

Athrun looked at her, "I am, but tonight we agreed to forget about tomorrow."

Cagalli smiled and agreed with him, they continued to the dinning room in normal conversation with each other.

Onogoro City Lacus' Families Mansion

All inside the mansion were doing the same thing they did for the ball a month ago, they were rushing around trying to get ready. In actual all of Lacus' siblings were ready before their parents, to them it was just a new experience with a few new people, but to her parents it was something else.

They like Via were very nervous, they were about to meet the family of their soon to be son in law, but that was not all since he was the King they were going to be dining with the entire royal family and some of the Lords from other cities. Siegel almost passed out when he first heard of this, but it would have come eventually. Eileen had to admit she was nervous as well, she was a lot calmer but she was nervous. Both of them knew exactly what was going to happen tomorrow but they did not what to act gloomy at this dinner so they decided to try and forget it for one night. Eileen was ready first as Siegel couldn't decide on what garment to wear.

"We will be late," She told him.

Siegel looked at her, "How are you so calm, we are about to be dining with the most important people in this country."

Eileen smiled, "I admit I am nervous, but I believe it will be lovely, besides this is your daughters soon to be husband's family."

Siegel looked at her, "I know that, but still a former Queen, princess and Lords of two major cities will be their, and I don't know how to act around them."

Eileen laughed a little, "You don't have to act, know hurry up."

Siegel finally finished choosing what to wear and he was finished, Eileen smiled as he was finished finally, and they went down the stairs to see their youngest children glaring at them for taking so long.

Siegel looked at all of them, "Now you three better be on your best behavior, have manners when eating and don't talk with your mouth full never…" Siegel would have gone on forever if Eileen didn't stop him.

"They know what to do," she told him.

"We are meeting the entire royal family," Siegel replied.

Eileen shook her head, "Most of them have already met a lot of them," Eileen said as it was true Lacus' siblings did visit her a lot in the castle and occasionally met someone their, but Siegel was so stressed out he forgot.

"Alright let's go," Siegel said as all of them walked out and into the carriage that was going to take them to the castle.

Siegel was getting more nervous as the ride went on, when they arrived at the castle; the guards recognized them and immediately let them into the castle.

The gates opened and the carriage went into the castle, it stopped near the entrance and all got out. A guard met them and started leading them into the castle; Siegel was about ready to pass out, especially when they saw the dinning room doors.

Onogoro Castle

Kira's Chambers

Kira and Lacus were both looking forward to this day; it was a day that their families would meet fully. They decided after they planned this that they would not think of the events in the morning and that is what they did. Kira and Lacus were both ready as they were preparing to go to the dinning room.

"Lacus have you seen my sword?" Kira asked as he looked in the spot where he always put it.

Lacus looked at him, "You're wearing it."

Kira looked down and felt really foolish, he was nervous about this as well, and really wanted things to go alright today, Lacus did her best to hide it but she to felt the same thing.

Lacus thought it was a little funny and she approached him wrapping her arms around him.

"Everything will go fine, I know it will," Lacus told him.

Kira smiled, "I know your right, but you feel the same."

Lacus looked at him, "As you can't hide anything from me, I can't from you."

Kira smiled and slowly leaned down and kissed her, Lacus melted into it immediately.

After about two minutes they parted from their kiss, "If we keep this up we will never make it on time," Kira said.

Lacus smiled at him, "Than we don't make it on time." Lacus said as she kissed him again, Kira was a little surprised but he loved her playful side.

"You're stalling My Lady," Kira said as they released their second kiss.

Lacus smiled again, "You got me again, but I just want everything to go right tonight."

Kira smiled at her, "It will, now let's go before we end up not making it down at all."

Lacus laughed and they left heading straight to the dinning room.

Dinning Room

Via and the rest of them were the first to arrive in the dinning room, they were talking with each other when they noticed the doors opening. They looked over and saw Lacus' family walk in with the escort they were given.

"That's them My Lady," Murrue said.

Via smiled and started walking over there she wanted to greet them personally.

Siegel and the rest were waiting outside the door and were waiting for the doors to open Eileen looked at him as he looked like he was truly going to pass out. Siegel wanted out of there but the doors were already opened, Eileen grabbed his elbow and started dragging him in. They walked in and saw that the dinning room was amazingly set up, it was quite a sight. They were looking around when they noticed a woman walk up to them which they immediately recognized.

"It is truly a pleasure to welcome all of you here tonight," Via said as she approached them.

All looked over at her.

"Lady Via it is an honor to finally meet you, I am Eileen" Eileen said to her.

Via stopped, "Please no formalities tonight, just call me Via."

Eileen smiled at her and grabbed Siegel's arm, "This is my husband Siegel," Eileen had to introduce him as he was about ready to pass out from all this.

Via looked at him.

"It…is truly…a pleasure…Lady Via…I mean…Via," Siegel said as he was really struggling to talk.

"No need to feel nervous, I am just another person tonight," Via replied.

Eileen felt embarrassed as well as the rest of Lacus' siblings at Siegel's actions.

Via smiled, and the rest of her siblings greeted her as they knew her from past visits.

"Please lets be seated," Via said as they continued into the dinning room.

As they were walking in Via noticed them.

"You must be very proud of your daughter, she has been a blessing around the castle," Via told them as they were proud of her. They started having a conversation and everything was going well.

When they reached the other side of the table they were introduced to the rest of the people there and Siegel again made his family embarrassed. All started talking when the doors opened again. All looked over and saw the King enter with Lacus; all stood and watched them approach.

As they were walking in Kira and Lacus observed the situation, and looked at each other.

"Things look good so far," Kira told her.

Lacus looked at him, "I'm glad."

Kira smiled, "As am I."

They said as they approached the table. They sat down and began their conversations with each other; the night certainly did go well. They had their meal and never once did anyone mention the war, but it was on everyone's mind. Kira and Lacus watched as their families interacted with each other and after awhile even Siegel started acting normal. Mu was doing his usual joke cracking and hitting on Murrue, which made everyone smile. Cagalli was fidgeting the whole time, as she wanted to get out of that dress, but Athrun loved teasing her. They spoke somewhat about the wedding as well.

"You're having the wedding when you return?" Cagalli asked.

Kira looked at her, "Yes, it won't be immediately but probably two weeks after, that should give everyone time."

"The castle has already started preparing for it, and the city is having a celebration as well, most of ORB will arrive in the city for this," Mu said.

Kira looked at him, "You'll be so wasted you won't even know there was a wedding."

Mu looked at him and smiled, "You know me to well My King."

All got a laugh out of this.

Lacus' family was really enjoying themselves here, it was not like they expected, and the royal family was just like any normal family.

As the dinner continued the talking never ceased, when it concluded all did a farewell to each other. Kira and Lacus watched as all did their farewells and were glad that everybody got along well with each other. They saw her family off and Kira took in every last bit of it, Kira did the same with his family as they retired to their rooms, he was leaving early and would not see a lot of them as he left. Kira told Athrun, Nicol, and Mu prior to the dinner when they were leaving so when they did their final farewells they knew when they had to leave and it would not spoil the night by asking during the banquet. After everyone was gone Kira and Lacus returned to his chambers.

Onogoro Castle

Kira's Chambers

They returned to Kira's chambers and not much was said, they were very glad that the dinner went well, but now that it was over all that was left to think about was the morning. They both changed and lay down in the bed, as soon as Kira laid down Lacus immediately snuggled herself to him. Kira put his arms around her and held her tight as he knew she was staring to show her worry.

"Nothing will happen to me Lacus, I have not forgotten my promise to you," Kira told her.

Lacus shut her eyes and held on to him tighter, "I know you will keep your promise, but I just…" she said as Kira freed one of his hands and lifted her head up so she was facing him and kissed her deeply. After a few minutes they parted and looked at each other.

"It will end with this battle Lacus, then we will have our lives together," Kira told her softly.

"Just be careful, keep your promise, and I will be waiting for you," Lacus told him as she rested her head back on his chest.

Kira stroked her hair lovingly, "I swear to you on my soul that I will return," Kira told her.

Lacus smiled and she shut her eyes again, Kira soon realized she was fighting to stay awake but she was too much at peace from his touch she fell asleep. Kira kissed the top of her head, and brought all his attention to the battle.

Kira struggled to fall asleep as he didn't want to, but he soon did.

Athrun and Cagalli were in the same position in her room, they were talking and she asked him the same thing Lacus did to Kira and he agreed.

Mu had his mind on his brother and he knew it would end with this battle, he just hoped it would end with his sides victory.

Early Morning

Kira woke up when it was still dark, he looked down and saw that Lacus had not moved as she was sleeping peacefully on his chest. He wanted badly to fall back asleep, but time would not allow it. Kira slowly got out of her grasp and got up from the bed not waking her up. He went over to the balcony like he did when he was injured and looked over his city. Kira vowed never to let his city come to harm.

Kira looked over and saw that his armor was carefully displayed for him; all he needed to do was get it on. Kira walked over to his armor and slowly changed into his clothes he would wear under it. He had heavy armor but he chose his light, which others wanted to object to, but Kira wanted to be as mobile as possible on the battlefield. He clamped his lower leg armor which only went up to his knees, and then put his upper armor on that left his arms open. He strapped his forearms with the some armor as well that only left his upper arm exposed. The last thing was his helmet, it was not a full knight's helmet, Kira hated wearing head gear, but he chose something that would leave his face exposed, Kira wrapped his long cape with ORB's symbol on the back and grabbed his sword strapping it to his side. Kira looked back and approached Lacus, he leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips, after he walked up he placed a rose he had picked yesterday and placed it next to her on his pillow. He looked back at her one last time and left the room, never waking her up.

As Kira walked down the hall the guards were all standing in proper fashion to see their King off to battle. Kira saw the look of concern in their faces and knew they would give anything to go with him. Kira shook each one of their hands as he left, and it honored them that their King would always give them time. Kira did that until he reached the exit of the castle. When he walked out of the castle he saw that Mu, Nicol and Athrun were already waiting and in their armor as well. The knights moved in proper fashion giving the King a direct path to his horse Tori. The royal guard was waiting to leave the castle as well. Kira saw that the two chosen knights were holding ORB's flag, and they were right behind Tori. During the battle they would never leave the Kings side.

Kira stood at the top of the castle and saw that the knights looking proudly at their King, the man who always used his power for the benefit of the people. As Kira started walking down the knights erupted in cheer and praise, it could bring a King to tears but Kira had other matters to attend to. He walked down and got on his horse he took one look back at the castle and gave the order to proceed. The guards opened the gates and all started riding out. The city was still mostly asleep but people did start showing up when they heard all the horses leaving and when they saw the King they knew that it was ZAFT again, but they gave their King a proper send off. The city gates were opened by the guards and they were on their way to the border. Kira set up his army well that as they went they would be joined by other units and their numbers would be a quarter million by the time they reached the border.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you liked this chapter, the next one will be the same day but it will be from ZAFT, it won't be as long. It should be up by Wednesday. Bye for now.