AN: Ok, so i have not posted anything anywhere for a while now. No worries. I have a little bit more free time now. This chapter isn't exactly the greatest, but it once again was written rather hurried. More of a stress release than a creative one. I made my first attempt at a flashback/dream sequence so let me know what you think about that. I do not own Gundam Seed or the chars.

The guard was not needed as the two finally made their way out of the tent for the first time that day. Kira had insisted that his strength had magically returned and preparations should be made for their homecoming. As they emerged from the tent they received a grand applause by the men who found them still holding hands, but Kira would not give them the satisfaction of seeing him blush. He had to appear confident in front of the troops. Lacus announced that she would need to freshen up so with a kiss to her hand he took her leave and set off to meet with his old friend.

He found Athrun on top of his horse with a knowing smile on his face. "It seems the years have been kind to you old friend." For a knight, just to be merely alive meant the years had been treating them well.

Kira eyed his friend who remained perched on his steed. "Yes but you on the other hand look terrible" Athrun unmounted his horse and chuckled at his friend's jest. He led the majestic animal to a post, tying it in place before embracing his companion in a friendly hug.

"Forgive me for being late Athrun. We came as fast as we could though my men and I were quite weary from battle. We had just returned from our skirmishes on the outer lands."

"No need for apologies, but I am glad to hear of your success there. I was hoping you would have returned from the outer lands before our party arrived. If not I would have had to have gone searching for you." Athrun replied casually while making his way towards his own tent in the center of the encampment.

Kira's exhaustion bore down heavily upon him and left him confused by his comrade's words. "You have had many opportunities to find me before old friend. What is so special about this particular visit?"

Athrun laughed before entering his little tent and signaled for Kira to join him within. "Kira you will never change. Innocent as always. Tell me, are you not glad you were sent out here to help us, despite your injuries?"

Kira looked as if a new light dawned on him as he realized what Athrun was speaking of. His childhood friend was always smarter than he let on and apparently never lost his thirst for childish antics "I see. Athrun, just what is going on? Why are the delegates of Plant headed for Orb?'

Athrun offered his friend a cup of hot liquid and gave him the same voice he had used with his king just a few moments ago. "I do not know what you are trying to suggest Sir Kira. The representatives of Plant are merely on their way to the Kingdom of Orb to strengthen our alliance and finalize new agreements. I… I mean the King has no other motives. Come now. Let us prepare to leave this encampment and enter the city. I'm sure you must be eager to return home."

Kira nodded at his friend though he eyed him as if his mannerisms would betray him some clues. "Yes, let us do that. Wait, Athrun, that sword…"

Holstered to Athrun's side was a sword that closely resembled the blade that Kira kept with him always. The Sword of Justice. The broadsword was certainly impressive in its size and articulate design as it too was encrusted with gems. The blue knight unsheathed the sword with ease, covering the golden handle with his hand and swung the weapon from side to side as if it were a feather while a reddish glow now filled the room. "This? It was a gift from the King for my services. I am told it is the sister sword to the same one you were given."

"Indeed it is. You must have been very pleased to receive such an honor." Kira smiled as his pupils seemed to reduce in size while his eyes glossed over. He could only think back to the moment where he had been given his weapon.

The King of Plant stood in the armory with the young knight, surrounded by swords and shields mixed with other various weapons. The area was poorly lit despite the early hour of the morning and gave the room an eerie feeling. Neither felt overly comfortable surrounded by tools of death, but such items were often a necessity. The time for a valuable and final lesson was at hand for the would be king.

"Remember Kira, the strength and will to fight is not enough."

"Yes, your majesty. I understand but I still do not wish to fight."

The kindly king smiled warmly at the young boy. Such innocence and youth in a troubled land was often hard to come by.

"Sometimes my good boy, it doesn't matter what you want. So long as there are men who would seek to wrongfully take what is not theirs, the world will need a champion." The king of Plant had obviously seen much turmoil through his days.

"Surely the true champion is the one who avoids such battles all together." For a man who could fight so well, it was odd to see Kira detest that side of himself so much. It's as if he fears an unknown portion of his being, fears the potential that fighting may bring.

"No Kira. The man who runs from a battle that cannot be avoided is a coward, not a champion. When the time comes to help your friends you have two choices. You can run or you can fight."

"Sir, I do not wish to sound ungrateful, but why are you telling me all this?" Kira's confusion over the topic could no longer be contained. It seemed there was something on the king's mind.

"Because I had to be sure before I did something."

"Sure of what sir?"

"Sure that you are truly the person everyone believes you to be"

"Why is that my lord?" It never mattered what other's thought of him. All that mattered were his actions and the results they brought.

"Because I wanted to give you this before you left." The king pulled out a long wooden box with the Clyne insignia upon it. He gave the container to the knight who kneeled down as he accepted the gift from a king.

He slowly opened the container and revealed a long sturdy sword that gently rested upon a bed of blue velvet. He took out the shimmering blade that lacked that nicks and dents of experience while at awe at how easy it was to handle. It produced a slight azure glow that illuminated the shadowy room with a light that brought forth a comforting feeling and washed away the stench of death the other weapons bore.

"My lord, I am unworthy of such a gift."

"Kira my boy, that is what makes you most worthy. She is called Freedom. That sword was crafted using only the purest of metals by the most skilled craftsman this country has to offer."

"And with this you expect me to fight?" The wonderment of holding such a powerful weapon was quickly replaced by the disdain for what he felt expected of him.

"With this I expect you to do what you feel is the right thing. Nothing more. But be careful with the blade Kira. It is not just a jewel incrusted toy of nobility. It is said that the one who wields this blade will unleash his true nature. That is why I needed to be sure Kira."

It was an awesome honor to be entrusted with. A powerful sword that can be used as he deemed fit. Though the young student was enraptured by the King's ending words. The power to unleash a person's true nature and his hidden abilities was a terrifying idea. For an orphan like Kira, this truly laid things to chance. It was a chance he would have to take.

"I will do my best."

"No Kira, you will not. There will be times where your best will not be enough. You must be willing to do whatever it takes. Do you have the resolve to do what it takes?"

"I do." His voice was unwavering

"Then go Kira. Go and serve your people. It's time you went home."

The king was rewarded with a warm embrace from the boy who became like family to the aging king. He could tell this was a man destined for great things. A shame his daughter was away and unable to meet such a noble soul.

Together they exited the tent to find an image that left Kira breathless. With her hands clasped in front of her and a crown of snow white flowers perched upon her soft pink hair he met once again with Lacus. She wore a flowing pink gown which was just a shade lighter than her hair leaving her creamy white shoulders exposed while boldly accentuating her chest. Her gown waterfalled down to her ankles and met with her white shoes that repelled away the dirt of the land.

"You approve, my prince?" She could not call him by first name in front of so many; it would have been far too scandalous.

Still speechless, Kira could only drop the container he held which echoed a small thud upon impact. Finding an opportunity to further his amusement, Athrun spoke on Kira's behalf. "It seems Sir Kira is most displeased with your appearance for he offers you no kind words."

Athrun expected a quick retaliation from the princess he thought he knew so well, but found none as he saw the disappointment veiled across her sad face. It was a look Kira immediately disliked and never again wished to see. "My lady, he does not speak on my behalf. I had not wished to insult you with words that could not fully describe the vision of loveliness I see now before me. I will have him hanged with your consent upon reaching the kingdom."

Lacus offered a melodious giggle as she brought her hand to her mouth. Athrun felt very much betrayed. "Oh my. I do not think we shall need to execute him though." Athrun smiled triumphantly to his old friend, but he acted too soon. "Though I have always wanted to see a tar and feathering." It almost didn't sound like she was joking.

Athrun clutched his hands above his heart and pretended to have been stabbed. "My lady, My lord, I am betrayed!" The knight fell to the ground and closed his eyes before all three of them burst out into laughter. It was a sound most welcome to the nearby soldiers as it drove away the sounds of battle that echoed in their minds.

The time for silliness has departed with the preparations complete and the time to make way to Orb upon them. Kira, who so often found himself leading his detachment form the front lines found himself slowing until his horse was next to the white stallion that Lacus rode upon. Somehow he was surprised it too was not dyed pink. His actions had not gone unnoticed by the princess who could sense his unease from riding so far back from the lead.

"Sir Kira, I have a favor to ask of you" Kira's glance quickly snapped towards the princess, eager to obey whatever command she gives. "I would feel safer knowing you were riding beside me. Could you stay and keep me company?" Kira nodded shyly, having been offered an excuse to accomplish what he already intended to.

"So long as you continue to tell me of yourself milady. I find your voice quite pleasing." She nodded at the knight beside her and complied with his wish. Together they chatted away the short journey towards the capital safely surrounded by more troops than necessary.

Kira learned all about her childhood, from the garden she used to play in as a child, to her life as a princess of Plant. In that short trip they formed a bond closer than that ever seen before. Just behind the King of Plant found himself quite pleased. This trip was already well worth the effort.

I always look foreward to hearing what our readers have to say, so i hope you will take some time out to review this chapter. I look foreward to hearing your comments and suggestions, as well as overall reviews. Thank you once again, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter, even if it was only a little bit.