Chapter 6

Ever since that day when Junius Five fell--three hundred and sixty five suns have settled. Three hundred and sixty five moons have passed. Over the course of that time, the vast landscape of the Land of the Rising Sun altered considerably. Nihon itself did not change, rather it was the people that did.

War spanned across the horizon like the vast sunlight.

The noble families that escaped a year ago never found out about the plight of the courageous boy that had saved them. They had often sent their best spy, Nicol, to return to Gujo Hachiman. He would always come back empty handed. The only news he brought was the scorched state of Lord Clyne's castle. On the one hundred eighty sixth sun, Nicol did not return. He sent a letter informing Lord Clyne of his request to stay in an undisclosed area to which the daimyo reluctantly obliged. Nicol also sent a letter informing them of the grave news that he always had. The nobles would have to set the matter aside and looked towards the future. There was not even a single trail left of the boy. If he was not alive, then he was dead. If he was captured, he might as well be dead. Buddha does know after all what was done to captives. That was his karma though. The one he had chosen. The path he chose to follow. There was no way he could have stood up against those odds, yet he took up the sword and tried. Why did he try? Why did he help? Why did he die?

Those questions had always tore away at the noble families even though they knew they had to move on. In particular were two youths who had grown attached to the spirit of the boy that had protected them.

Athrun finally became samurai. The kind that no longer enjoyed life and devoted his to bringing peace through his sword. His features were now raw and rugged. War torn and battle experienced. His emerald eyes held a fierce glint in them. Gone were the innocence and ignorance he had enjoyed in childhood. He had changed. His values remained the same but it was the air in which he breathed that varied. He became the captain of Lord Zala's First Army, better known as Vesalius. He quickly emerged as the strongest warrior in all of Zaft's Legions. He wore a red kimono with black trimmings that signified his elite stature. He was a saviour in Boaz, and a hero to Zaftians.

Lady Lacus devoted her life to bringing peace as well, though she did not know what a she could do. Her father had not made her into a warrior. Her cheerful attitude and carelessness had remained in tact. But it was for her people's sake. Not hers. She often found singing rather a task than a habitual pleasure. Though her songs were still enjoyed by many, she herself rarely found joy in it. Her songs were sung with an underlying tone of sadness that could slightly be picked up with a keen ear. Nevertheless, her voice was still quite influential as she had remained the Songstress of Sakura that warmed the cold hearts of many samurai. Athrun was a different matter. Her touch no longer coerced him as his features roughened to a point where she could barely recognize him. They were still getting married. She had rarely seen him without his military uniform and indifferent face on. In fact she rarely saw him at all. The countless battles he had gone off to prevented them from seeing each other. In the lonesome times, her mind would often stray to the boy who had wantonly saved them all. She longed to see him again, though she knew that was not possible.

The noble families had harbored safe refuge in the lands of Zaft for almost a year. In the year's time, they knew the invasion of Junius Five was no outside job. Someone trusted had given them away. The perfect time to attack. The knowledge of the secret gate. And the particular squad sent to capture them. The evidence amounted enough to turn all of Lord Zala's hair a powdery white like the substance that fell from the skies during the freezing months. They were in war with a notorious alliance of powerful daimyo. The brown-kimono samurai. The Duel Samurai led by the warrior family of Joule. They were indeed up against the EA. But they couldn't put their fingers on why they were attacked so suddenly. Why was the fief of Lord Clyne's the only one to be all out assaulted? Plant was a peaceful province and their lands were prosperous. The only logical reason for invasion was for the large amounts of koku that Plant had produced. Lord Clyne had over a domain of a surplus in one hundred thousand koku. He was a great and wealthy daimyo, but he was peaceful. So why?

For every month, an attack was staged by the EA. Boaz had held out against the waves and waves of invading brown kimono samurai. For each wave, the nobles narrowly escaped tragedy. Yet they never progressed in the war. Plant lands were still occupied by the EA. Lord Clyne's power kept diminishing as he came to rely on the koku that Lord Zala produced. The war was taking its toll. There was something amiss about the battles though. It seemed as if they were not fully reinforced and seemed to be a diversion at times.

Nevertheless, the string of endless battles forced their hands to a desperate call. They had dangerously risked their lives and the lives of many others for this one chance. Samurai did not like to gamble, nor was gambling a cause of entertainment. A small traveling army traversed across the land on horseback.

The noble families' plan was made spontaneously. Lord Clyne had brewed the plan that way in order to save his family from treachery. In the bed of the night five moons ago, they had escaped with a small portion of their most trusted army--the Silver Wind squadron. They were a specially trained group of prime to middle age warriors all donning expensive pink kimono and swords of high quality. They had left a significant portion of the the army division in Boaz in order to defend Zaft lands. Lord Clyne was confident in the abilities of the Eternal so it did not matter if they're numbers were small. They were more mobile in a smaller group as well. All rode on horseback in order to make up for time. Every moment was necessary so comfort had to be sacrificed.

The group neared the city of the Emperor of Japan. Onogoro, Orb. There stood the greatest castle of all. Orb Castle. For months on end, the noble families were unable to get in touch with the Imperial Ones. The carrier pigeons that flew from Zaft to Orb were all conveniently burned to the ground. And the ones raised to deliver messages shared a similar fate. In the past, the Clynes and Zalas all had been in favor of the Tennō. Their daughters having been the best of friends. They had even used to send letters through the winged messengers, but ever since that fateful day, almost everything had changed.

The nobles had often felt as if they were being watched over by divine spirits, which inclined them to take this chance. A chance certainly was better than sitting around waiting for death to reach them. They were confident in reaching the city before sunset. That is until they reached over a small pass and climbed over a hill. What they saw angered many but were prepared for battle.

A familiar feeling of betrayal had arisen in the pits of their stomach. They were in danger. They had been cut off by a small army who seemed to have been prepped for battle a few moments ago. Their brown kimono were tattered and unkempt, it seemed as if they weren't a part of EA even though they were. The opposing army were all on horseback. Though their horses were of an inferior breed, the brown samurai outnumbered the nobles two to one. Lady Lacus had wanted to speak out to the opposing army but Athrun and the nobles knew her speech was futile. The other army was committed. They even felt a sense of desperation from them. There was no need for introductions. Their makeshift flags of EA raised high above the plains, mounted sloppily on a few of their smaller horses.

Athrun and a group of Silver Wind Samurai escorted Lady Lacus towards the back with the other nobles to protect her from the enemies. A fierce battle ensued. The nobles and Eternal had figured the best chance they had were to pound right through. With their goal in view, they charged bravely through the small army of about two hundred brown samurai.

Waltfeld-san led the charge while Athrun and the daimyos stayed back to protect the noble ladies. Clashes of metal rang about. Hundreds of weapons ringing in a sadistic harmony. In the onset of the battle, there was no clear decision of who would win or not. The highly skilled Silver Wind proved to stem the tide against the numbers. It had seemed the Silver Wind would eventually win out, they're confidence increasing with every shriek of metal. They were overpowering their combatants easily, as they had reduced their numbers by a quarter without losing any casualties. The sense of desperation hung thick in the air as the Browns, who were deemed the name from Waltfeld-san, were beginning to fall back.

A last ditch effort was made by the captain of the squad as he rallied a portion of his troops. They concentrated a furious attack in a makeshift gathered phalanx of brown kimono samurai and charged directly at the nobles in the back. Soon they were able to separate Athrun and the daimyos from the noble women.

The noble samurai tried their hardest to fight back against the rushing tide that threatened to overwhelm them. The brown kimono samurai had relinquished their charge and retreated promptly. They had only the objective of pushing out the warriors in exchange for one of the lives of the nobles. Waltfeld-san was irate at the being caught offguard and realized the Browns were after a quick victory instead of trying to win completely. He rallied the Silver Wind to aid the nobles and soon the phalanx was broken as another quarter of the Browns had been slain. Waltfeld-san thought they were in the safe clearing as the numbers were even, but the skill level of the combatants were to their advantage. He was proven wrong though.

A brown kimono samurai left behind found his victim. He who had gotten in close seized the opportunity to strike down someone who seemed important.

His target was . . . Lacus Clyne.

The samurai's hand rose deftly above, his sword poised to deliver a killing blow. Lord Clyne and Lord Zala were speechless and preengaged in battle with over a dozen samurai. Athrun and the rest of the Silver Wind could only watch in horror. They were all in no position to aid the noblewoman. As a symbol of peace, she was one of the few samurai, if not the only samurai to be unarmed. She was helpless, yet she stared death in its eyes without fear.

"Laaacccuuusss!" Lord Clyne yelled in vain.

The samurai did not hesitate. The blade pointed upwards with casts of sunlight illuminating its serrated edges. The glint of the metal shone a tint of crimson, an awful premonition of what he was about to do. He himself did not know what he was doing, nor did he know who he was trying to kill. All he knew was that he was desperate. He needed to do this. The beautiful lady would have to forgive him. He hoped it would be enough. With one battle cry asking for forgiveness, he swung the blade downwards with all his might. The vortex created by the sword swirled menacingly.

The sword never reached its target.

An arrow had whirled past everyone's line of sight at searing speeds. It struck the hand of the man right before his sword sliced through pale skin. His blurring vision led to his bleeding hand shaking profusely until it dropped the sword. He turned to look in the direction that arrow had come from and his veins froze in horror. Even a samurai like he could not prevent the nature of his sanity. He screamed in fright, "Setsu--". Before he could finish, his head was cleanly sliced off. His head fell onto the ground with a small thump while his horse turned wild and ran away from the battlefield. All had paused to catch a brief glance of what or who had done such a thing. By the time they knew it, there were no longer any brown samurai standing with a breath of life in their bodies.

Lady Lacus eyes widened in shock.

A cloaked warrior on horseback was riding in controlled ferocity. They could not distinguish who the person was. All they saw was the blazing speed in which he used to take down all the Browns. Their eyes could barely keep up with his movements as the yumi he must have used to release the arrow was tucked in the sash of the jet black horse he rode. It was a fine beast with a black mane that equaled its dark complexion. The straps of the leather bridle could barely be seen even in the day. The strong muscles of the beast flexed in superiority.

The hooded warrior drew out his blade skillfully and had decapitated the lone brown cleanly. The apparent samurai then dashed to the towards the remaining army of Browns and proceeded to dispose of them equally quickly. He skillfully stood on his horse without the reins showing a connection with the beast and jumped from horse to horse. Samurai to samurai. The unrelenting blade making quick work of the trembling men. The longbow specialty samurai located further from the group of slain samurai fell victim to a shower of metal shards. The finely crafted custom made shuriken gleamed in the sunlight protruding from the jugular veins of its embedded victims who died on impact.

Athrun and the noble families were utterly bewildered, but grateful.

In almost an instant, the entire army were all slain in a matter of seconds. It was a gruesome sight. Corpses fell onto the ground all lifeless. Arms, legs, hands, and heads had all been laid on the ground. A sea of crimson had puddled over the battlefield. The noble women were all petrified and relieved at the same time. They had never seen such a gruesome sight even through the many battles they had encountered. It was the speed and the swiftness that made the sight ghastly.

The lone man on horseback had gone over a little ways from the noble group's location after he finished the last of the Browns. He had reined his horse about a thousand paces from the gates of Onogoro. Then slowly unsaddled the black beast and calmly petted it. The horse neighed in pleasure, highly appreciative of the kind recognition. After the horse was satisfied, the hooded man turned his attention back to the party that he had just saved.

Recovering from the aftermath, Athrun led the way over to their apparent saviour. They stopped about twenty paces in front of him, just enough distance to take a better view at the samurai.

The Silver Wind and the rest of the party were on guard. This man was incredibly dangerous even though he had only slain their enemies. He had wiped out an entire army, though small, by himself in a manner of seconds. A long flowing light brown cloak covered his entire body. There were small holes and a few rips all over, but none too showing of the samurai within. They had acknowledged that the man was no common samurai. He was different. There was an air of fear, power, and courage that permeated from his body. They could see strength in the hands that wielded a blade from a distance. They were gloved in a dark black matching his crepuscular theme. The hood of his coat covered his head mysteriously and it seemed the sword he was carrying had disappeared within the cloak. There was a long awkward silence that lingered in the air. Athrun and his party had been staring agape at the cloaked man. Their minds deep in wonder, awe, and confusion.

The nobles could not believe it. They had barely made out a eerily familiar engraving that was on the base of the sword the man carried. His movements were too fast to tell decisively. They brushed the thought aside, seeing as they could have easily hallucinated the whole thing.

Before long, two samurai on horseback came riding towards the group. They were Orb Samurai. The lion crest on the center of an oblong strip of white fabric had identified their high rank. Another four circular insignias were located on the right side of their breast, one on each arm, and another on the center of their backs. Their daunting belted white and blue kimono fit snugly on their bodies showing the wealth of the Emperor extravagantly. They stopped near the cloaked samurai. In closer view, they could tell exactly what those insignias implied. A small bluish flower of flowers adorned the left side of the chests of the samurai--they were kikukamonshō a type of flower crest that solely belonged to the Tennōhimself. The Silver Wind Samurai had dropped their guard ever so slightly, seeing as they felt protection under the Emperor's men. However, their minds did not stray far too long from the one who had saved Lady Lacus and decimated the opposing army. The two who were on horseback had quickly jumped off. One was a female with short messy blonde hair and purple eyes while the other was a male with dark black hair and fierce red eyes. The two had quickly exchanged glances with the noble party and returned their attention to the cloaked samurai. They had politely bowed to the man. The man had bowed back with lesser politeness as was required, showing his evidently higher rank.

Confusion ran amuck within the noble forces, but were nonetheless a little relieved. The man was a part of the Emperor's forces or so they thought. The two Orb Samurai returned their attention to the noble group and walked closer towards them. The red-eyed man came within a head of Athrun and the daimyos who were in the forefront of the group.

"State your business here," he said briskly. An air of arrogance whirled around him, yet their was a powerful nature that resonated along with it. Though his fierce red eyes showed only anger, it was evident that he was a just young man. The quiet and reserved blonde girl beside him had a smile planted on her lips countering the arrogance of the black haired boy. She had poked him in the side in jest which earned her a mock glare. It seemed the blonde was one of the rare female samurai who were allowed to be armed with a katana. She held a powerful demeanor and seemed worthy of the sword.

"We are here to see the emperor," Athrun responded calmly.

"What for?"

"That is our business to know."

"That is my business to know."

"With all respect--"

"To hell with your respect," the black haired boy responded angrily, "I demand to know your reasons here. I am of the Emperor's forces and it is my duty to inquire such knowledge."

"Excuse me young samurai," Lord Clyne interjected politely, "But it is of utmost importance that we have audience with the Emperor. We cannot state our business for it is a must in order to prevent treac--"

"It doesn't matter how important you say your business is," the samurai said arrogantly, "there has been several attempts at the life of the Living God. You will not pass until you have state--"

"Young boy," Lord Zala beseeched in the same arrogance, having had enough of the disrespecting manners of the samurai and decided to use his own, "first of all, you are not in a position to give orders as you are clearly outnumbered and second of all, I am Lord Zala and this is Lord Clyne who you are rudely speaking to. I demand you let us through--"

"First of all, numbers don't matter jackass," the samurai said stressing the last part to irritate the man even more, "second of all, it doesn't matter who you are. I demand you state your business."

Athrun, Lord Clyne, and Lord Zala was stunned at first, not having been used at being barked back at.

"Wait . . . Did you say Lord Zala and Lord Clyne?" Shinn asked in a calmer tone with his brow arched in curiosity.

Seeing the moment of discomfort on behalf of the young man, Lord Zala puffed his chest up and boldly declared, "Yes you simpleton. I am Lord Zala and he is indeed Lor--"

The daimyo never finished his sentence as Shinn whipped out his sword swiftly. A flash of seething anger flashed on his features as he summoned a wind that swirled upwards as the gleaming metal lustered in the sunlight. A small engraving was etched near the base of the blade. It had said Impulse. The name of the sword fitting the brash young man.

"Those cowards deserve to die!" Shinn yelled wielding the sword dangerously over his head. He was stopped by the blonde beside him, relaxing him with her hand tightly gripped on his hands while her other arm grasped his kimono. After a while she had calmed him enough so that his blade no longer poised for battle. He curiously looked back at the cloaked man and didn't see an ounce of emotion as the man seemed clouded in his own thoughts and looking off to the distance. He knew what he was doing though, he was praying. He turned back around and glared daggers with the ability to kill. The blonde beside him had then looked at him earnestly which caused him to stop his attitude.

"Heh. Don't believe for a minute that I don't believe you cowards deserve to die," the young samurai said smugly with his firm grip still on his lowered sword.

The nobles were in a state of confusion and shock. They were angered by the gall of the young man though he was one of the Emperor's soldiers. Orb samurai were known for their respectful and just and reserved nature. The rest of the Silver Wind were equally stunned and angered as well. Their hands poised to grasp their swords at the second of an order. The nobles were about to respond until the cloaked man stepped in and placed a hand on the red-eyed samurai's shoulder.

"That's enough Shinn. Let them pass. They mean no harm," the cloaked man said mysteriously, his voice having an air of command imbued in it. The sound of his voice sent an involuntary chill down all of the noble families spines. There was something familiar about the voice, but it was different as well. They had no time to ponder on the thought of the sound as the red-eyed samurai reluctantly conceded to the man's request after eyeing him keenly. He gave one last glare at the daimyos, and sheathed his sword slowly. He turned to the cloaked man and politely bowed him once more. The blonde in silence did the same and the two Orb Samurai walked back to their respective horses and saddled them. They had nodded towards the cloaked man and then turned back, riding in the same pace as they had came.

The cloaked man had turned his attention to the utterly bewildered group. A small ray of light illuminated his firm jaw line and showed off a part of his lips. The tanned skin showed lightly as his gloved hands retreated under the cloak.

"Gomen ne," he said in a kind tone surprising the group once more.

A faint smile could be seen lining the visible portion of his lips.

"Shigata ga nai," the man said simply.

The nobles particularly Athrun, Lord Clyne and Lady Lacus had all gasped in disbelief.

'It can't be . . .' they all thought.

The cloaked man turned back around. The long flowing mantle whirling back with him pushing the wind around. The air of strength chasing him towards the horse. He easily saddled the beast and rode back swiftly, making no time to disappear into the first gate of the city.

Orb castle was still a long ways over. The towering figure stood sturdy seemingly overshadowing the giant mountain it was perched upon. It was of a pearly white paint that often inherited the name of Shirasagijo, or White Heron Castle for resembling the elegance of the white bird in flight. It was an architectural work of art, yet of an ingenious design. The castle had utilized a bountiful amount of stone for the walls to fortify its structure as well as every city gate. Usually wood was used for construction of the gates and much of the castle but the Divine City seemed to have not spared any resources. A veil of protection and divinity secured everyone from the menace of the outside world. From afar, the lavishness of the stronghold could be seen. Everything was polished clean and perfected. The donjon outstretched its beauty ten to eleven stories high into the air. The sloped gables eloquently curving the roofs at every level, the tiles having been laid finely without a hint of a crack, the small openings contradicting the vastness of the central keep. It was settled at the base of the mountain Fuji-san. Legend to have the highest summit in the world. The perfect place for the Emperor. The sacred mountain was rumored to be abounded by warriors, which could only be true. War seemed to have yet to grace the sacred land.

Anyone with a right sense of mind who was not accustomed to such beauty would have lasted for hours gazing at the white powder covered mountain. Even in their many visits, the noble family was still awed by such a magnificent view. The vastness of the mountain seemed to embrace the entire world. Though thick clouds covered the peak from view, it left little to the mind to ponder the beauty of it all. It was even more illustrious with the fluorescent lights of the great sun. The light azure sky accentuated the visible tips of the humongous alp.

There were important matters to attend to. So they forcibly set their gazes aside as they made their way towards the city. The group had reached within the outer gate of the city and were fortunate to have more aged samurai garrisoned at the post. A gigantic stone gate blocked their view of the donjon. It was about fifty-feet high complete with bulwarks, bastions and interlocking battlements. A scary first sight with a daunting menace to all who oppose the castle. The daimyos finally registered confusion as it was custom to have the main defensive gate placed closer to the donjon for the protection of the Emperor. They shook the matter aside for the moment.

"Lord Clyne, Lord Zala, and Honorable Ladies. Welcome to Orb. Surprised to see you old timers here. How come you didn't message us first?" a middle aged samurai in an Orb kimono asked with gusto, his eyes searching the Silver Wind Samurai and the nobles. The small group of similarly attired samurai seemed young with inexperience as their ears and eyes perked up to the fabled daimyos. Their youthful gazes traveled to the beautiful pink haired woman on horseback, illiciting overprotective daggers from Athrun and Lord Zala. The middle aged man waved his men's awkward glances away and turned to the nobles, "Uh, nice to see you?"

"Hello Murdoch-san, it is a pleasure to see you," Lord Clyne greeted in a bit of a brisk. He was eager to make his way to the emperor, "Please excuse us for we do not have much time on our hands. We need to see the Emperor. Grave matters are on hand."

"Oh?" Murdoch-san pondered aloud and then looked at the agitated face of Lord Zala, "Okay, okay open the gates!" he yelled over the watch tower with his hands held up in defense.

The huge iron plated portcullis rose from the earth leaving its pointed marks in its absence. The huge iron door behind the suspended iron slats opened noisily. Beyond the gate was a stone bridge, fifty paces wide and five hundred long, spanning the hidden moat and ending at the enormous drawbridge. The deep ditch ran at least a hundred feet below and spanned five hundred wide. The outer wall garrison amalgamated with the inner wall garrison offering heavy cover. The walls were thickened immensely about fifty feet thick for every wall made of huge blocks of stone cut precisely and secured with iron lining. Another gate was set into a second wall, equally as vast. Yumi samurai were perched atop the battlements ready and waiting while another group situated themselves behind the second walls. Thousands of samurai were everywhere while many more seemed to lurk in the shadows, ready to swallow up any invading army. All were wearing a similar white and blue uniform with their taut obi and five circular insignias save for the lion crests. They were all well armed and even a few were on standby donning their samurai kikou. This was indeed Orb Castle. It was impregnable.

The noble families crossed the wide bridge and through the first gate. They were inside the city and were instantly greeted by a waft of pleasant smells. A mixture of elegant perfume to the enticing smell of fresh hot noodles. The air was filled with a certain safeness from the danger as happiness marked every corner and every street of the city within the city. They noticed even the farthest homes from the castle that were generally poorly developed than the ones closer towards the castle were equally made. The shoji and cedar wood seemed to have been made just for the houses. The condition of the roads were well kept and not a single trace of unhappiness lingered in the air. The place was indeed a Divine City and though it was partially because of the presence of the Emperor himself, there was something amiss that the nobles did not know of.

The noble group had walked on through the wide main road accompanied by Murdoch-san and his samurai who suppressed the need to look at the gorgeous woman. Sometime during their walk, a group of palanquins carried by four liveried bearers a piece fell to their sides in place, beckoning the noble ladies inside. The palanquins were of the open sort with exquisite silk curtains draped on the sides of the roof undeterring the nobles of the view of the city. They were nearing the second gate that was equally defended and still had eight more to pass before they were in the threshold of the Orb donjon. Before they reached the gates, Murdoch-san spotted that familiar yet mysterious cloaked samurai the noble group had encountered before. Murdoch-san seemed elated to see him and joyfully called out, "Oy bouzo!"

Once again a familiar chilling feeling went through all of the nobles who looked out from the curtains. There was no way that the samurai before them could be a kid, could he? They had all wondered why Murdoch-san seemed to be at ease and so informal to what should be a high ranking samurai and at the very least a skilled one. He was currently holding a young girl in an embrace as if they had not seen each other in the longest of time. Lady Lacus had an endearing look riddled on her face, as her alluring heart-shaped head tilted off to the side. Her thoughts were straying again as only Lady Clyne had seemed to notice.

Upon hearing the familiar endearment, the cloaked samurai had turned around and waved back warmly. His cloak turning to the palanquin of the songstress ever so briefly and then back around again. The young man returned to his business and handed out a sack of gifts to the brown-haired and brown-eyed young girl. Then the man had waved a farewell to Murdoch-san before he disappeared behind the crowd that had gathered to see the nobles and into one of the small houses. The onlookers had not taken a differentiated interest in him. They were all respectful nonetheless and seemingly at ease and happy around the boy. They seemed to have known him and he seemed to be one with the entire population. Quite another puzzling mystery of the enigmatic cloaked one.

The nobles had shook the thought off and continued to the second gate. Murdoch-san had his men fill out some papers that were ceremonially checked at each gate. Raised flags of the Clynes and Zalas also emerged from the group. They had heightened their pace to reach the castle without interruptions and ignored the polite stares and bows of the more aged men and women who knew of their identities. The next gate having been similar to the first, the two lords were quite amazed by the fortifications of the city. Every housing was getting larger and larger from the gates as was custom, but it seemed everyone had free access to go wherever their hearts desired. Deeper and deeper into the city, the samurai became less visible and lighter armed then before, but still held the same pride and dignity within their inflated bosoms.

After the fourth gate and another ceremonial checking of papers, the road they were taking finally diverged to the right out of the forked pathway. They were headed down a vast avenue lined with extensively fortified houses behind elevated hills and larger and more defendable walls that soon turned into a treacherous labyrinth. Another iron portcullis after portcullis and vast moat after moat and wall after wall with new twists and turns of the earthly paved road. All the while, countless samurai could be seen gazing down from higher elevated plains, battlements, bastions, parapets, ramparts, bulwarks, towers, and outworks. While at the same time thousands of samurai well armed and scrupulously clothed were on foot, marching, guarding, blocking, training, or tending horses in open stables. Though frightening at first glance, the scene only propagated the secure and peaceful allure of the Divine City.

The castle was not just filled with an innumerable amount of samurai as well. Most samurai even seemed off duty and habitually tended to be in place for protection. Morale was evidently high and their faces weren't taut and serious like all of Boaz Castle's men. There were a multitude of multicoloured gardens tended by many gardeners. There were litters of small streams running throughout the castle grounds and little wooden bridges with stones delicately placed here and there. Koi ponds filled with schools of multicoloured carps and zesty green water ferns, clovers, hyacinths and submerged water lilies. A few handsome waterfalls adorned small man-made lakes. Tons of sakura trees with infant flowers depicting the coming of the blooming season. Some ripened flowers fell onto the lakes creating an elegant contrast between the mirrors of the water and adding flavour to the richly viridian water gardens.

At times, the wonderful scenery had captivated the vision of the nobles and Silver Wind forcefully and had to be subsided with equal force. The roads began to narrow and the walls becoming adjoined. By early sunset, they had arrived within the threshold of the great donjon. The gate inside the Castle keep was well protected by over a hundred samurai clad in full armour strategically placed to let counter every blind spot while at the same time perpetuating even defense from attacks on every side. Turrets lined the corners of the donjon from the back to the front. Scores of eyes peered down below while there was a sense of even more sets of eyes lurking in the shadows. A feeling of unease crept their way into the nobles, but was subsided by the feeling of security that had been everywhere.

When they reached the main gate to the donjon, Murdoch showed the papers but this time with more formality. As the large iron gate abruptly swung open, he bowed formally to the nobles and made leave of absence after ushering them forward. They were at a wide cul-de-sac with the center being adorned with a large memorial stone encrusted in the middle while an even larger stone statue of a dragon-like hound stood by protectively. The inner courtyard was elegantly surrounded with blossoming sakura neatly placed in line marking the boundaries of the pavement. Beyond the courtyard laid an expanse of a well-cultivated garden, fresh with a tantalizing aroma of a wonderful assortment of flowers masterly ordered in harmony amongst the different flowers. The porch of the donjon was garnished with paper lanterns hanging in the air. Eloquently written kanji depicted the pious divinity of the place.

Reaching the entrance of the fort, a woman not young and not old had emerged from the keep before them sandal-less. Her hair a medium lengthy brown with orange eyes and her lips a shade of rouge. She was accompanied by a familiar red-eyed boy and blonde-haired girl also without their thonged geta.

The woman bowed politely. The lords bowed back in courtesy.

"Stellar, go inform the Emperor of this," the samurai named Shinn stressed the last part with a conspicuous ire.

The nobles led by the two daimyos and young lord heard him well. An irritated look swept the face of Lord Zala while Lord Clyne and Athrun remained calm. They had sensed that it was by the boy's nature to have an arrogant tone so they just ignored it.

"Ah, you must excuse him Lord Clyne and Lord Zala," the brunette said kindly and then turned to the young man to lightly scold him with an air of command, "Shinn, that is not the way to greet people you know that."

Shinn only turned away in silent acknowledgment.

The woman turned to face the nobles again and were met with squinting eyes of the daimyos.

"Ramius-san!" Lord Clyne said happily, not having fully recognized the woman at first glance.

She smiled in response as the palanquins carrying the noble ladies had been alleviated of their burdens. Lady Clyne, Lady Zala, and Lady Lacus all emerged from them and walked towards the friendly female.

"My, my, it is nice to see you Murrue-chan," Lady Clyne said with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "the years have been good to you I see, how is he?"

Murrue blushed at the insinuation, but then quickly recovered for the sake of her pride.

"That is not important Eileen-sama," she replied briskly, "may I ask what the honour of your presence is for here?"

"We need to speak to His Majesty," Lenore replied earnestly, "there are important matters we wish for him to attend to."

"Ah yes of course," Murrue replied while giving a small smile to Lady Lacus, "how are you Lacus-sama?"

"I am fine, thank you Murrue-chan," Lacus replied with a small smile. Her lips moved to ask another question but decided to hold off and make the surprise visit a surprise visit to her dear friend.

Seconds later, Stellar emerged from the confines of the donjon and beckoned the group in. The red-eyed boy half-glared at the blonde to stop her friendliness until a small jab of the elbow to his gut reminded him of who wore the hakama around the the donjon. As was a custom, the nobles had disarmed themselves of their long swords as well as their sandals before entering the sacred area. Their weapons were neatly gathered up by a few of samurai with the crest of the Emperor. The Silver Wind guards did not follow and obediently remained outside of the donjon. An awkward silence fell on the group as they looked around the hostile yet friendly scenery. The awkward feeling was swiftly replaced with that of mirth as the Emperor's samurai had seemed to loosen up once the Silver Wind had disarmed themselves as well. They had enjoyed a peaceful silence and watched on as the nobles disappeared within the grand donjon.

The nobles descended inside a corridor within the donjon richly carpeted with tatamis. The clean mats were kind to the ankle high tabi worn feet. The standard six feet by three matting fit the squared room perfectly. Towards the middle of the room was a set of winding stairs that led to other corridors and more rooms and more stairs. Several guards lined the way as the dimming sunlight shown through the walled embrasures casting fancy patterns everywhere. The nobles looked out from the slits of the donjon and noticed they were high above, at least at the fifth level. The city and the many gardens and gates and roads and trees were a uniquely patterned quilt below them.

The corridor they were heading through twisted into a sharp corner and ended a hundred paces away. A mass of samurai with the same lion crested head band guarded the door that seemed to lead to the Emperor. The guards seemed far more serious than any of the samurai before. Their lead officer was in front of them, a loyal sense of duty pervading his entire form. He seemed to be wizened and well into his middle ages. His temperance was mild while at the same time serious. He was not wearing a headband of the sort. Instead, he opted for the lion crest insignia to be quilted onto the shoulders of his kimono. His short well kept grey hair did not obscure his vision as his light brown eyes seared into the nobles analytically.

Upon reaching the men, the man's gaze lightened considerably and broke into a small smile.

"Konban wa, Lord Clyne, Lord Zala, and Honorable Ladies," he said in an earnest tone laced with wisdom and a potent commanding nature, "I apologize for the seriousness in our demeanor. We mean no disrespect. Please do not take any offense."

"None taken Colonel Todaka," Lord Clyne said honestly.

"However, you do realize by rules, there is but one soul that can be permitted into the Emperor's presence without appointment and that is not of the Imperial Family," Todaka said in a serious tone. Lord Clyne and Lord Zala knew of the grave issue in appointed audience with the Emperor, but were surprised to hear about the one person granted a leeway.

"We--" Lord Clyne started until he was cutoff.

"We recall that rule. However, we have tried before to reach him but to no avail. Japan is in a state of war once again, and though this city lives in peace, it will only be a matter of time until reality consumes this place as well," Lord Zala said calmly.

A small smile graced the Colonel's lips as he replied, "Rules cannot be broken regardless of the circumstances."

The nobles seemed dejected until the man continued, "However, there is no need for such strictness right now."

Todaka motioned to his men. They all moved aside swiftly as the wizened man opened the door. He carefully stepped into the immense audience room filled with the best quality of tatami, five fingers thick and impeccable. Just past the doorway, Todaka knelt displacing his swords on the floor in front of him as he planted his hands flat on the matting beside them and bowed his head low. His abject position not faltering even with a single breath of life.

The nobles followed suit. The room was fifty paces square and ten high. The far back wall exhibited three doors. All of which were guarded by a pair of samurai. Near the dais, in the small recess of the wall, was a ceramic vase sprayed with cherry blossoms filling the entire room with its vibrant colours while the white and blue walls created a nourishing environment. Streaks of faint sunlight filtered into the room carefully. Twenty paces from the dias, twenty more samurai sat cross-legged.

The Emperor sat on one of the lavish cushions on the dais. A small smile planted on his absent-minded face. The word samurai was written ostensibly in this one man. A sense of overwhelming power came from him saturating the entire room.

The Emperor, Lord of Japan--ruler of all Provinces--head of the Imperial Family, perched atop the kikkamonshō, direct descendant of Emperor Go-Murakami, legendary samurai, was a tall man with a well-built body. His eyebrows were dark and thick as his beard and mustache that rounded about his lips and ended just below his chin. His stark eyes dominated his face. He was in his fifties but strong his his age. He donned a white and blue kimono trimmed with gold linen with a gold silk sash. His famed swords the best quality in the world.

After awhile, he snapped back into reality and kindly acknowledged the presence of the familiar nobles. He motioned for the guards to exit and with some reluctance, all left from view except Todaka. The Colonel stood by the doorway with his back towards the the inside.

"You may rise," the Emperor said in an absolute voice. The nobles did as they were told. Their gazes taking in the all-powerful man of Japan. Though they were accustomed to him and even under his favor after their last leave, they were still quite taken in with the serene look of the fabled man. "Welcome Lord Clyne, Lord Zala, Lady Clyne, Lady Zala, Athrun-kun, and Lacus-chan, it is a pleasure seeing everyone once again," he greeted all of them merrily. He pointed a few samurai servants to bring extra cushions and seated the noble families to the corner of the room, hidden from view of the doorway in which they entered.

They were all flustered by the outward show of compliment that were rarely thrown out in public by the Emperor no less.

"It is our pleasure to see your Eminence," Lord Clyne spoke with utmost respect, "Sire, we apologize for not having this meeting appointed."

"There is no need to apologize my friend," the Emperor said earnestly, "I understand that you have important matters to discuss with me?"

"Yes your Highness," Lord Zala began, "We are here--"

He was cutoff by the sound of by the sound of swift footsteps that abruptly ended by the foot of the doorway.

Todaka acknowledged the visitor easily from afar as a smile graced his lips. The kind gesture was returned politely with a respectful bow. Todaka stepped inside of the room once more and bowed low and formally to the Emperor once again. The Emperor acknowledged Todaka but was a bit confused at his reentrance. Todaka rose onto his feet and smiled an aged smile.

He motioned to the figure standing by the door. Before the Emperor's eyes reached its directed destination, Todaka tactfully exited from view leaving his guard. He knew the Emperor could not have a better protector.

The figure walked in naturally as if he was accustomed to the audience of the Emperor. A rush of silent gasps infiltrated the minds of all inside the room save for the Emperor. A visible smile graced his Highness as he recognized the visitor through his guise.

He had not acknowledged the presence of the nobles in the room. His flowing brown cloak remained covering his mysterious form. The trail of his steps led him five paces away from the smiling Emperor. The closest anybody outside of the Imperial Family could ever reach. The Emperor stood up with much gusto in his knees and legs. He abruptly hugged the cloaked samurai--utterly shocking the nobles. Lord Clyne, Lord Zala, Lady Eileen, Lady Lenore, Athrun Zala, and Lacus Clyne were speechless at the public show of affection.

After a while, the embrace was released.

The initial shock subsided.

The hooded figure slowly removed his covered head.

"Konban wa, Attha-sama," came his gentle yet firm voice.

In a similar voice the Emperor replied, "Konban wa, Kira-kun."