(AN): Thank you to all who reviewed.

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

Chapter Sixty-Nine

New Future

ORB

Oceania Lands

After night came upon the battlefield, Kira and the remaining ORB knights returned to the camp to get rested and to decided how they wanted to proceed. Kira and Mu's wounds were tended and all of them returned to the main tent to come up with a new strategy. Kira ordered the remaining knight battalion leaders to give him a count of how many were lost in the battle, it was going to take awhile but they promised to have the number by the morning. Kira went over all the details with the former Oceania captain on where their villages were so they could route out all remaining ZAFT presence in this land, after the captain gave Kira all he needed, Kira ordered Athrun and Mu, and Nicol each to take their units and any additional support they needed to get the ZAFT presence out. Kira and the captain would take the biggest village, Kira would leave most of his force here to take care of the deceased, it pained him that he couldn't return them to ORB, but they could not risk disease to spread from the dead. Kira made the painful decision to have them disposed of at this very spot, and after the count was given to him the knights were ordered to do just that, along with ZAFT's fallen knights.

When the morning hit Kira got the count he wanted, ninety thousand of ORB's knights would not be returning home with them, most were from the main squads, and Kira was sadden that they would not be able to get a proper burial. His knights came in with ZAFT's count as well and that neared two hundred thousand, mostly because a lot of their knights were not ready for battle, and it was a pity they had an Emperor who didn't care.

After Kira got the count they set out on a week long mission to rid Oceania of ZAFT presence, the five of them each led units to a number of villages and to the surprise whatever ZAFT forces remained surrendered immediately, the former Oceania noble traitors were also arrested and charged with treason against the former nation. All villages were beyond relief to see ORB's forces, and they were once again free from ZAFT's control. It took a week to accomplish this and Kira was prepared to head his forces back home, he promised Oceania aide and would assist in rebuilding their country, but the people objected immediately, and the reason they did was because they wanted to become part of ORB. Rebuilding their nation would only cause ZAFT or something else to conquer it again. Kira promised he would help, but the people asked to be a new territory of ORB. Kira was honored they wanted this and accepted.

The people were overjoyed and Oceania was now a part of ORB, Kira sent out his forces to set up a new border patrol near the newly formed border to ZAFT, Kira rewarded the captain by making him part of his council back at ORB. The captain was honored to have such a ruler and the people agreed as well. Oceania's former force was now being trained to become more ORB units, and some were even starting to be integrated into ORB's other units.

As Kira was prepared to set back to Onogoro, the Oceania people decided to do something to thank this King and they were going to see him off in proper fashion. They even found out the King was going to marry and they promised to celebrate the occasion, and the captain was even invited. The fallen knights were cleared out and given the best send off they could, and they set fire to the remains just to be sure no disease would be spread… Kira and the captain decided to build a monument to remember what had happened here today, so it would be forever remembered. The day came for Kira's departure and Oceania saw him off like the hero he was, Kira was grateful to his new people and the remaining units started to make the journey home. Kira and the rest were relieved that they fended off another ZAFT attack and hoped it would forever remain like that.

ZAFT Lands

Back at Messiah, Gil returned with a far less army than he had, Andrew was the first to notice and he smiled as ORB was the one victorious, it surprised him that Kira left this many go, but he new if he did the kid had a reason to do so. Gil returned in absolute defeat, and would not see anyone for days. Dearka found Yzac, who was still in a state of shock and it looked as if he lost the will to live. Yzac was beaten again, and this time it looked a little too much for him. Rey and Shinn received news of Rau's defeat, and both didn't take that news lightly. Rey was angrier about the news than Shinn and they vowed to get even with this ORB King someday. Gil was still not seeing anybody, but he did not pity his defeat. Gil knew his numbers were low, and it would take years to raise a massive force like that again, but he decided he would take care of that by using his last playing card. Azeral on the other hand couldn't be more pleased about the outcome and his and Jibril's plan was going to be easier on this side, but a little more difficult for Jibril, but Azeral knew he could handle himself.

Gil was prepared to use his final card, but it would take a few months if not a year to get it ready to use, he finished it and was now ready to begin.

ORB Lands

City

The ORB citizens received word of another ZAFT massive defeat, as it wasn't soon after Kira left they found out what was going on. The citizens erupted as they found out ZAFT was almost totally destroyed, they had celebration every night and it would not stop unit their King returned, they even heard about Oceania becoming apart of ORB, and that would increase their trade and bring a better economic development to all in the country.

Castle

Kira sent several messengers after the battle, which is how the city found out, Kira wanted to make sure everyone would stop their worry. The castle was pleased that everything went alright, and now they could prepare for the Kings wedding which was scheduled a week after his return.

Via and Cagalli got a letter from Kira and Athrun, Cagalli was the only one to read Athrun's letter, Via and Cagalli read Kira's message and they were beyond relief that everything was alright.

Murrue also got a message, but hers was from Mu, she couldn't contain her laughter as she read it, as Mu was still being Mu, in fact since Rau was gone, he seemed to be a lot better, she could tell by his words.

Jibril was able to get word, and like with Azeral they decided to put their matters on hold for the time being until they could find another way to go about what they had planned, and for the time being he would just act like he has been and draw no suspicion to himself.

Lacus was the final one to receive a message, it was from Kira saying he was alright and everything went well, but the other was a private message just for her. As soon as Lacus received it she couldn't stop reading it, Kira told her it was his promise to her that kept him alive, he lived for her. He stated he was looking forward to marrying her upon his return and was eager to start their lives together. Lacus had to wipe away the tears as she read it, she couldn't be happier. Lacus read it at least a hundred times a day until his return.

Onogoro City The army returns

As the returning ORB army made its return the battalions returned to their bases, while the others returned to the cities and villages they guarded. Athrun gave his second in command the go ahead to take the remaining Aegis squad back to Boaz, as he and Nicol were going to stay in Onogoro until the wedding, which was exactly a week away. Nicol was grieving over the loss of his second in command but he gave the next in line the duty of seeing the remaining squad back to Josh-a.

As they were nearing Onogoro the Strike squad headed to the base that was constructed for them a little way's from Onogoro. Mu resumed his duty as head of the royal guard and the Kings personal bodyguard. As they neared Onogoro it was already dark out, they could have gotten a grand entrance if they arrived in the morning, but all they wanted to do was get home, as they approached the city it was in it's seventh night of celebration, ever since they got word of the victory a week ago.

They stopped as they saw the city gate.

"What are we stopping for kid, the parties in there," Mu said as he wanted to have fun, as he did after every victory, but they were a little busy to have one in Oceania, even though the captain offered one, but they wanted to get home.

Kira smiled, "I vowed that the next time I saw this city, it would be as I left it, if we lost that conflict this city would be in flames right about now."

Mu looked at the city, "You kept your vow kid, so you should have fun, let's go," Mu said as he started heading towards the city.

Athrun and Nicol watched from afar, and they found it funny.

Kira smiled and started riding again, when he got an idea, he really wasn't in the mood to celebrate yet, so he decided to take his own entrance in.

"Athrun," Kira called out to Athrun.

Athrun rode up next to him.

Kira looked at him, "Take Tori in for me, I have something to take care of."

Athrun looked confused, and he remembered what he saw in Kira's chambers when left for Messiah, Kira wanted to use his entrance to get into the castle.

"What about the party Kira?" Athrun asked.

Kira smiled, "The people didn't know we would return today, and I doubt the ones left will be sober enough to remember us returning."

Athrun laughed as he remembered what a victory party does to this city, "I will handle it." Athrun said as he held Tori in one hand while Kira got off, he could use one of his entrances outside the city to connect to the one that led to his chambers.

As Kira thanked him and began to walk away Athrun spoke, "You sure about this Kira, after all this is your victory."

Kira smiled as he looked around, "No my friend, it was ORB's victory," Kira said as he ran off to his entrance that was not to far away.

Athrun smiled as he couldn't be prouder of his King, best friend, and soon to be brother in law, but now Athrun only had thoughts of seeing his fiery wife to be.

All the royal guard and the rest of them rode up to the city gates and the guards smiled widely as they saw them, but they were a little shocked not to see the King, but Athrun covered for him, the guards bought his story and opened the gates, As the royal guard rode in, the remaining people that were able to still stand did greet the caravan, they didn't see their King, but it was dark so they just figured they missed him, Athrun and the rest did continue to greet until they reached the castle, with the exception of Mu, who jumped right down and started partying with the remaining people who were still able to see straight. The castle gates opened and they rode in.

Castle

Kira went through his entrances like he always did and when he reached to where his chamber entrance was he slowly opened it, as the door to his secret entrance opened, Kira slowly walked in to find Lacus asleep, which he expected her to be. Kira smiled and he swore her beauty multiplied each time he looked at her, as he slowly shut the entrance and as it closed he slowly looked at her sleeping form, he slowly approached her removing his sword and putting it in the place he always did. As his sword was placed down, he looked at her more closely and saw that she was clutching the letter he sent to her after they won the battle. Kira smiled again and slowly leaned in placing a small kiss on the top of her head, before retreating to remove his equipment, but as he was turning away Lacus grabbed his arm.

Lacus didn't notice Kira, come in, but as she was asleep and Kira kissed her head, she felt the sensation she had not felt in a long time and woke right up; as she opened her eyes slowly she could see the figure moving away, and though she didn't see his face she knew exactly who it was.

Kira felt as Lacus grabbed his hand and he smiled as he slowly turned around, as Kira turned around his eyes met with hers, those blue eyes he had not seen for what seemed like forever, but if saw as the tears started to form in them.

Lacus saw his eyes and that was it, he kept his promise, she knew by the letter he sent her, but it was not the same as seeing him in person, and she couldn't control herself.

Kira smiled and was about to say something when Lacus instantly kissed him very passionately, Kira smiled as he missed this, and returned it with equal passion, after about a good five minutes they slowly broke it.

"If that is the welcome I get when I return, I suppose I should go away more often," Kira told her softly.

Lacus blushed at his statement, "Your back, you kept your word."

Kira smiled, "I told you I would never break my word to you," Kira said as he kissed her again, and Lacus just melted into it.

As Athrun and the rest of the royal guard made their way into the castle, the whole castle practically woke to greet them. Cagalli met Athrun at the entrance and it was safe to say, he would be occupied for a little while. Nicol smiled at their actions, and Via who had got up to see them return as well decided to leave them alone, but she wondered where her son was. Nicol however filled her in and she smiled as she heard where he was. Murrue was awake as well and when she asked where Mu was she sighed, shook her head and went back into the castle, as she knew Mu would probably not be able to find the castle until the morning that was how he was at these celebrations.

Up in Kira's chambers Kira and Lacus never removed each other from each others arms, they spent the rest of the night just with each other, speaking about everything that happened and what was going to happen in a week. Lacus smiled widely as Kira brought up the wedding, the town was already in preparation for it, and all they had to do now was set up for it. They spent the rest of the night like they did the first time they met face to face and just enjoyed being with one another.

Onogoro One day before the wedding

As the week went on Kira refused any state matters for now, and did not brief anyone on anything, all he wanted to do was focus on the wedding. The invitations were sent out weeks ago, and the guests arrived much like they did when they had the ball, however this time the normal people would get to enjoy this a little bit. Kira and Lacus decided to get married in ORB's grandest cathedral, which was located near the center of the city. The reverend Malchio would be the one to perform the royal wedding ceremony.

They would have the wedding in the cathedral and then they would publicly make the trip back to the castle were the reception, which only invited guests could attend would be held. The only place big enough was the ballroom, but this time Mu made sure to have security everywhere. In fact after he recovered from his hang over that was all he worked on for the week. As a bodyguard he didn't like the fact that Kira and the new Queen Lacus would make a public ride back to the castle, but they wanted to share some of this with the people. Mu had security in the crowds and the best archers they had on the rooftops. The royal guard would be present everywhere, in the cathedral, the road and even in the reception. Mu was very satisfied with what was set up security wise.

The staff had prepared the ballroom during the week and everything was set up. Some ordinary citizens throughout the city decorated everything, and people were already staying in one spot so they could get a glimpse of the King and Queen as they returned to the castle.

Lacus' dress was finished by the finest tailors in ORB and was guarded all the way to the castle, along with the other garments she would wear. Lacus stored it in the other room she was given in the castle, but she was not going to let Kira see it until right before the wedding. Kira had special garments made from himself as well, but it wouldn't look that different. Kira had the two remaining rings that were to go with the pendants guarded round the clock and they were already at the cathedral under heavy security. The wedding ceremony would also crown Lacus as the new Queen.

The people of both the castle and city were really getting anxious as they were working extremely hard to make this wedding perfect for the two of them. They believed that would be the least they could do for Kira and Lacus as they have both done a lot for the people. Everything was ready and all that was left was the big day tomorrow. The city was planning another celebration, and merchant, and shop owners expected a lot of business throughout this occasion as people were coming from all around ORB.

Athrun and Nicol were looking forward to the wedding, for Athrun it would be what he would have to go through in Boaz, when him and Cagalli had their own wedding. Nicol was just happy for all of them, as he was selected to lead the orchestra in the reception hall, and he honorably agreed.

Mu wouldn't get much sleep this night at all, he had the royal guard placed throughout the city, he was not going to repeat the mistake that happened at the ball, but Kira's request was not to make it hard for the citizens to enjoy themselves, which made it difficult for Mu, but he would get it done. Patrols were going throughout the castle and cathedral as a precaution.

As it was nearing the end of the day Kira and Lacus were having their final conversation before they parted, not seeing each other until they arrived at the cathedral. They were in the room Lacus would stay in for the night, just enjoying the view from the balcony.

"Nervous?" Kira softly asked her.

Lacus smiled, "I have to admit I am, but I wouldn't change it for anything in the world."

Kira smiled, "I am pleased My Lady, but I think we should just forget about that whole not seeing each other until tomorrow," Kira said jokingly.

Lacus turned around to face him with that famous look Kira loved, "I hope you are joking, My King."

Kira chuckled, "I changed a lot of traditions already throughout my reign, why not change no more?" Kira said as he knew Lacus really wanted to do everything right for the wedding.

Lacus looked at him again, "Unless you want to spend the wedding night alone, I suggest you drop that subject My King," Lacus said as she wanted to see how he would react.

Kira frowned, but he knew she was trying to see his reaction, "Well I suppose we could wait on that subject," Kira said as Lacus instantly spun around and playfully hit him on the shoulder.

"What was that for?" Kira asked.

Lacus smiled, "For teasing me."

Kira chuckled, "Well considering the threat, I'm the one that should be upset," Kira joked again.

Lacus blushed, and they both got a small laugh out of that.

Kira walked back up to her and embraced her, which she returned, "I had better be going now, but I look forward to our day tomorrow." Kira told her softly.

Lacus looked up at him, "As do I," Lacus said as the two once again shared a small but slightly passionate kiss, after a few minutes Kira slowly broke away.

"Until tomorrow then," Kira told her as he walked out of the room she would stay in tonight and headed back to his own chambers.

Lacus smiled and watched him leave, she was beyond excited for the wedding tomorrow, she slowly retreated to the bed and she found it hard to fall asleep but she was able to.

Kira was having the same problem as he tried to sleep, he looked back at his accomplishments against ZAFT and how it led him to where he was now, he thought about each encounter with Lacus since they met. He found it hard to sleep but he did as he thought of her.

The night passed and soon the morning sun rose to the day of the wedding.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you liked this chapter; the final chapter will be up by the weekend. I will combine how they had royal weddings in the past, with the way they are done now, and probably add a few things in myself so it might be something completely different from both. Bye for now.