I woke like every other morning, but this time to a cold atmosphere. I blinked my eyes to the window, where soft, white and graceful snowflake were descending to the ground. I awed by their crystal like appearance. They were so beautiful and luminous, barricading the landscape in a layer of creamy milk.
I got out of bed, to walk over to the window touching the clear glass, as if it was never there. It cold, which slowed down the movement of blood to a gradual pace. I felt as arctic as of a sudden as if ice was pelting down the spine of my back, creating a line of frost.
I turned and started walking over to my vanity, where a picture of a blond was and two blue headed people, all smiling and holding on to one another. I smiled and wrapped my arms around myself unconsciously.
"I miss them already." I whispered as tear of sadness trickled down my face. I wiped them off, and stood up to go to the washroom.
I splashed to icy water onto my face to relieve myself of my warm and tired face, to a fresh one. Unclothing myself I stepped into the shower and gave myself a quick clean up. I wrapped a towel around my body, hiding all the scars that ruined my once flawless skin. I wore some black pants, with sleeveless shirt on top of a sweater. I examined myself in the mirror.
"Pathetic" I mumbled.
I walked down the staircase to be greeted by a no one. Of course what would I expect, I was living in a vacant house for crying out loud. It was 9am sharp, so I decided to wander aimlessly. Memories started flooding back of why I was here, why I was alone, and where was everyone?
"Athrun, you stupid jerk." I sobbed "It's your entire fault."
I stared to a wedding band. Only to be replaced five words that screamed out
"I want a divorce, Cagalli."
I sat on the floor. I still couldn't believe that Athrun could even suggest a thing like that. I was going to give him a piece of mind. He couldn't leave me. I'd die before that happen. Who does he think he is? That…ugh, I couldn't think properly. As for Aiden, I already knew he'd be safer with Athrun.
I decided to write a letter. I took a piece of paper and a pen and started writing all the answer my friends were still waiting for and my beloved. I finished it and slipped in one of my prized possessions. I held the letter tight. I wished I could say good bye personally, but I wasn't if they wanted to see my face. And there was the fact that, they could come after me, and I didn't want to risk them…they had their lives ahead and it was more prized then mine, and it became like that because of me. I wasn't important anymore I Orb, my county, my home. Hate or dislike is so easily proved, and the line of trust that I had with everyone was so easily broken. I sighed and knew this was it. I remembered all the times I had with Athrun and all the kisses we shared. Each one was so precious.
I looked up with a new fire in my eyes. I hadn't died yet and I wasn't going to without taking out the one person who destroyed my life. He was going to pay for ever crossing Cagalli Zala. I was going to kill Manes, and give a piece of torture so great; he'd beg me to finish him off.
I got up. My heart was racing, and I knew I was scared. Scared to realize, that I might not come back, that there was a chance I could never see my family again, Athrun and our baby, who loves me so much. Aiden gave me his support, when other doubted and I didn't want to leave him. I kissed his picture and left. I'd live for him. I'd survive, I knew I would. I couldn't leave his smiling face. My soul wouldn't bear the tears if one day Athrun would have to answer where Aiden's mother went to him.
My breathing was ragged as I slipped into the car. I felt jittery. There was a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, something I didn't want to consider.
I stopped at the end of the street and quickly stepped inside the house where I knew Athrun was with Aiden. I noticed a lot of car, meaning everyone was there. At least I could steal a glimpse of them, before I'd …no that wouldn't happen. I saw an opened window and I heard voices of them coming in. I guessed they had a bad night. I sat on the grass listening to their voices.
With Athrun...
Athrun sat in the house of his best friends. He was on the brink of tears. Aiden was sitting quietly knowing that his father was hurt, instead of crying for his mother. In that baby's head he wanted to be in his mother's arm, just to let her know that he was alright. For a baby he knew already what was good and bad.
Aiden looked around the new atmosphere he was in and saw a picture of his mother on one of the stands, with his father and himself. He yelled out and reached for the frame. Lacus came and placed him on her lap. She picked up the picture and placed it in front of Aiden. Aiden happily gurgled and touched him mommy's face. Everyone frowned at his behaviour.
"Athrun are you alright?" Kira asked
"Not really, Aiden's missing Cagalli already, same with me," Athrun said banging his hand onto his head in frustration, "She wouldn't do that me? Maybe Daniel forced her. Cagalli never did like him one bit, then how did that happen. I was so confused and said nonsense about back there. How could I ever leave her?" he laughed
Outside I smiled as tears streamed down my cheek listening to him
"Athrun calm down, we all know Cagalli well. She would very well put all her pains before, even thinking of betraying you. I mean she loves you so much. I think what she did to protect Aiden for your happiness proves how much loves you and cherishes each of your smiles," Mir said
"I bet you, the only thing hurting her right now was the look you gave her and your sadness," Shiho said
I nodded unconsciously
"We all have been horrible to her, but we still believe in her Athrun. You can't just stop. I am still confused on who believe, since we all know Cagalli well, but Daniel" Lacus said
"But Daniel, so far I've seen and heard nothing wrong from him, so Cagalli was being unjust to just hate him and treat him like dirt," Yzak said.
I grabbed the grass, they were so close.
"You're right, but all those secrets she kept form me. She told me today I'd know all her problems. If that (she wanted Daniel and not Athrun) was her problem then I gave her the solution, but Cagalli saying no, is confusing my mind," Athrun said
I wished that moment I could slap Athrun for thinking such nonsense. Why the heck would I want a stupid perverted ass?
"I still think Cagalli deserves a chance to explain her. We can do that." Kira said
"I feel jittery," Dearka said
'You're not the only one,' I thought
"Yeah, I'm having a weird vibe, that something bad is going to happen," Lacus said
"Bad, hasn't enough happened already," Mir said
"Daniel, do you think we should trust him. Do you think there was a reason Cagalli disliked him? All these questions and only Cagalli can answer them," Lacus said
"I don't know what to do," Athrun said, "Should I believe Cagalli? I know I should, but her actions, words and thoughts have upset me a lot. I think I need a few moments to think. Make that all of us. I still love Cagalli, with no doubt, it's kind of impossible to just stop because of today, but it definitely hurt me."
"And it should Athrun. We all should think. I'm just wondering why? Cagalli takes on too many burdens…that conversation with her, that I had. It seemed as if she was trying to tell me something. You guys do know her behaviour was abrupt and it started with Daniel himself," Mir said
"But she hasn't met the guy before, has she," Dearka said
"I don't think so…but she did recognize him…at the shooting," Athrun said
"Did Daniel?" Kira asked
"No, he said he never met her," Athrun said
"That's odd," Yzak said
"We've been so horrible to her," Lacus said
I shook my head. Of course you'd be horrible, I caused it didn't. Don't blame yourselves.
"We have. I haven't stopped believing in Cagalli, but because she won't say anything and does random wild things, I can't say I have to just accept everything she does," Yzak said
"Circumstance?" Mir said
"What?" Dearka said
"What did she mean by that?" Mir said, "No one can play with death."
"Did Cagalli say that?" Shiho said
"Yes, why would she ever need to play with death," Mir asked
"Bwaa!" Aiden said in his language jumping up and down
"Oh my, Aiden seem to be hyped up," Dearka said
"No, Aiden knows what's wrong with Cagalli. Damn, if only he could talk. It's funny how I can seem to see Cagalli whenever I look at Aiden's face. He definitely has Cagalli in him, the Cagalli I still love. I can't leave her. It's obvious. I would die before I'd separate from Cagalli. I don't care what she feels for that Daniel. I can compromise anything for her happiness. If she wants to leave then so be it, but I can't. It would be too hard. " Athrun said
"You stupid jerk," I whispered, getting up and slipping in the letter. How could I die leaving that dense idiot? My dense idiot, you says too many emotionally things about me. When I come back I was going to give him a piece of my mind and yell at him, until I had voice, punch him, slap him and then kiss him, until no tomorrow.
"Hey little guy, what are you looking at?" Lucas said with him in his lap.
Aiden was staring at a flashing button on the wall. Lacus looked up and said, "A message was left, probably when we weren't home."
"I'll go and see it," Kira said getting up. He pressed the button answering the question we all had in our mind.
"Mailbox 1, one new message," the machine said
"You," Cagalli said
"Now come on Cagalli. Don't push it. Little Aiden's life is on the line," Manes said
"Fine what business. I don't' have all day," she growled
"So what did you think of my trap," he said seating himself on the couch
"A pathetic joke," she said, "So it was all a trap."
"Nope, you stopped half of my men," he said, "But the other half is still waiting to destroy Orb and because you unaccepted the people from entering port, they will simply call it revenge."
"Nice try," she said
He frowned, "Well see,"
"You know if Athrun heard you right now, you'd be shot right now," she said
"Oh! Zala's going to get his hands dirty. I think my act will make him believe. It's worked till now hasn't it, and your pathetic friends," he said
"Don't you dare say anything about them with your tongue, you don't deserve the right to say stuff without knowing the truth," she said
"Truth, like how Athrun doesn't know the truth about me and how I'm a killer and how you were my next target and how I threatened to your darling son to get you to comply," he said laughing
"They won't know anything," he said
"Just leave," she said
"I'm not done yet," he said, "I told you that you're soon going to bring tears in your eyes and that husbands or your, not to mention your beloved nation. Each and every one of them will have nothing but hate for you, and you'll be doing it. We'll your country hates you for sure and people have cried at your behaviour. As for your husband, he'll cry today. You tortured your beloved Athrun. The world doesn't trust you anymore Cagalli. And now I'm going to separate a mother from her son."
His footsteps moving foreword were heard and Cagalli's moving back
"What do you mean?" she said
"Zala's on his way home, with your friends. Now it's time to bring tears into there eyes, I always wondered how delicious you looked underneath," he snickered
"I'm never going to give away Athrun's rights," she said.
"Well Ms. Cagalli, you have no choice," he said
"It's Mrs. Zala. I'm married you bastard," she said. Her running was heard to the door. Her arm touched the handle. A scream was heard and the sound of Cagalli bashing into the table and glass breaking into pieces. There was no sound of her being hurt, meaning she was held by someone, Manes.
"How does it feel to be weak Cagalli, you used to be so much to the world, now look at you, a pathetic nothing? Remember your country. The country your being tortured to save with every once of pain and rejection. So much patriotism, yet your spat at on the street, people think you've gone mad as well. Why, because of me. I'm going to destroy your soul today and you triggered it," he said
"How did I trigger anything," she said
"The Prince of Zaft is on his way here Cagalli. Your words you'll find out everything today. I wonder what you are planning on telling. Well you might have to change your plans, because no one can stop you from being mine," he said as her body was thrown on the floor.
A winced was heard.
"NO!" she screamed as he came walking onto me.
"Now Cagalli plans failed, didn't they? As for this gun, I don't think it's of use," he said
"GET AWAY FROM ME! ATHRUN," she yelled
The sounds of fighting was heard, kick, knees and yelling.
He growled and smirked, "Cagalli do you love me?"
"Of course, I do-" He caught my "don't" with his lips and abruptly got off me.
"Mr. Zala I can explain," he said
"Athrun it's not what you think Manes he-" She said stopping
"I've seen enough and heard enough. This is what you wanted to talk about then fine, but I'm keeping Aiden with me," Athrun said
"Cagalli," Lacus said
"Please Athrun listen. What you saw isn't true. He forced himself on me. Believe me," she said
"Then why the heck were you on top of him," he yelled
"Because…"she said, followed by a click of a gun, and then she stopped talking
Athrun said one phrase and left, "I think this will be good for all of us, but I want a divorce."
"What Athrun you can't be serious," she said
"Aiden's staying with me. I don't plan on staying anywhere near you," Athrun said.
"Mr. Zala. I apologise, I didn't know Mrs. Zala had these feelings," Manes said. Athrun didn't say anything and left with my friends to explain what was going on and I heard all their cars drive away.
A slap was heard followed by and array of colourful language.
"See Cagalli, look who hates you so much that he wants a divorce," he said
Another slap was heard, so loud, we knew it had left a mark
She said, "Rot in hell,"
"You're dead tomorrow," he said
"Don't worry, I'm sure I'll know whose really going to die," she said
"Change of plan happened neh Cagalli," he said
He continued, "Isn't it funny how I can change perspective in a flash. Like how I did just a few seconds ago and got your divorce happen, and used your love of Orb against you. Your love for thing Cagalli got you in this mess. Your love for Aiden, Athrun your friends. I just aim a little gun at their head and you kept quiet. You really are a funny person."
"My love and trust will hold on in the end," she said
"The end, tomorrow I plan on your end, and no love or trust is going to save you," he said, "No Athrun, Orb or the people who are so called friends."
"They aren't my friends, I know that, but they are my family. They stick up for me and believe in me, even when on the outside they seem to hate me. As for Orb, they'll save me by making sure this country is safe. And Athrun will save me by keeping our Aiden safe from harm. That Manes is how the people I love and trust will save me," she said
He laughed and left the house saying tomorrow would be it.
A door closed, and after that sound of pitiful crying.
End of Message
The room became quiet and hatred spread through each of their heart like wild fire, for the death of one man, by the name of Daniel.
"So he's the cause of our confusion, messing up Cagalli like that," Kira said
"I can't believe we trusted him like that," Dearka said
"She bore everything because of us, if he didn't threaten us, we would have never lost belief in Cagalli. How could we have mistaken years of friendship for someone who's a freak?" Lacus said
"And she doesn't even hate us, what a person. I'd slap myself right now," Shiho said
"I see why she didn't want to play with Aiden's life," Mir said
"Athrun?" Yzak said
"She's something don't you think. She's just too much, and I don't know whether to love or hate her for it? Of all people, I can't believe because of him, I let down one of the most loved person in my life. She thinks she can just go and take 50 million burdens and think, I won't get mad, because she believes it's too sad or that there were too many threats, then she's got something ahead of her. I love her too much to not think that. She's just too much, and I can't even hate her for that. I was such a jerk to her wasn't I? I won't even blame her if she wants a stupid divorce. I definitely deserve it don't I?" Athrun said
"No Athrun don't say that, you stuck with Cagalli till the end, and don't you dare think that Cagalli would want to leave you, she hasn't tilled now. I looked at Cagalli yesterday; she was more hurt at how you felt, then her. It makes me how little I know Cagalli. She does something with reason, and the right reason," Lacus said
"Orb needs to know the truth and realize the mistake they made like us as well. And Cagalli calls us her family. What kind of family are we, who can't even trust Cagalli after she makes little mistakes and ignore her as if, we never met," Shiho said
"I've never met anyone in this world who loves as much as Cagalli. She has a huge heart, that she gave a piece to all of us, but her love for Athrun and Aiden, is just wow," Dearka said
"How can she still love a person like me after what I said yesterday? Who knows how long she must have cried for," Athrun said
Aiden at that moment cried out, reaching out at the door. Athrun looked at his son and held him tight, after taking him from Lacus. Athrun looked at his son in the eyes and noticed something, he was pointing to the window. He went out and looked out and saw Cagalli's retreating form. She was at the gate, when she froze and turned around.
I kept on walking slowly. I really wanted to hold Aiden and cuddle in my arms. I hoped that they see the envelope. As I reached the gate, I felt a weird stare bear my back. I felt a chill tingle my back, and I turned around to see the two faces of love, I was dying to meet my eyes.
I smiled at them and mouthed an 'I love you'. I blew a kiss and through my eyes they got a message that all was forgiven and I felt tears streams down my cheek and I let out a cry as I rushed into the car, leaving their confused faces.
Athrun saw his love leave. He was happy to know she still loved him, and how she singled that there was without doubt going to be no divorce. Why did she leave and go? That confused him. Why didn't she go home? Aiden had a sad face on a literally slapped an envelope on Athrun's face.
Athrun placed Aiden on his lap and opened the worst letter of his life
To my loved ones,
You might be thinking why I did these havocked events occur? Well I know that now you are in no danger, I will tell you through this letter. Daniel Manes for one is a murderer, a devil who does actions and completes task the devil would do no less. He was ordered to destroy me slowly. He started off by first by filling my head with a pathetic plan that his men were going to destroy Orb, by coming in from airlines, boats, submarines and any possible transportation machine into our country. I had no choice but to stop all entrys into this country.
Second he made my hatred towards him to his advantage. I took out my hatred, he bubbled up to my friends ands and turned there trust to him and away from me.
I wanted to answer all your questions. The on I will answer is why?
Why did I do this? This wasn't to save my friends. I hated the people where called my friends. There not my friends anymore, but something more. My family. You people still believe in me, I know that and once after knowing the truth you'll blame yourselves for hurting me.
Whenever I could have told you the truth in the past, I'd heard or see a gun ready to take away a part of my family from my lives. I couldn't risk Clare losing her parents, Shiho and Yzak the start of a family, and Dearka fainting when he one day hears that Mir will one day give him a child. No, I couldn't do that. I'm not that cruel, and I believe you guys would do the same, that's what we promised when we became friends.
Aiden. That little boy, has made me cry, thinking of him. Whenever Manes would come and threaten me, hurt me, he'd come up and talk in his baby language and calm me down instantly. A mother would risk everything for the safety of her child. Whenever I'd see Aiden's face, I'd know everything would be alright, because the look he'd give me always reminded me of a jerk.
This jerk, my jerk gave me reasons to live my life. He's a person I love very much, and I just want to hate him, for even thinking I'd want to leave him, but I never thought you'd want to someday leave me. I know I'd die before anything like that would happen and Athrun I know your thinking the same. Don't blame yourself okay. I know I've hurt you so much yesterday at the sight you saw, but now you know the truth of Manes, you must hate yourself. I said so many bad things about halves indirectly and I know since our son was one, you were shocked.
I did, still do and forever will love you Athrun. I still remember the first we told each other. I could never forget that day. That triggers all my memories and I kept that moment close to my heart.
My love for things weakened me, Manes says. I believe it makes me stronger. And it will shine today. My love will win this fight. What fight, my game with death. Now you know Mir what were the circumstance and why I couldn't play with death. There were too many risks. The risks of losing my family, Orb, Athrun, our baby.
I might not come back today. I'm crying right now thinking, how I never could say good bye properly, but I had to finish to game of death and I won't lose it for sure, but I'm not sure that I'll make it. Manes will die and nothing will stop that. He destroyed my happiness with his act, now no more. No more pain. He won't hurt anyone anymore.
I never did finish another why? Why me? The answer my love. My love for Orb. If I'm gone, then they'll win. Athrun find the key. The key to the truth, I might learn today but maybe not you. If I don't make it in the next two hours, look for the key I left about FLASH and stop them. I don't want more Gundams created. I don't want Aiden to be in another…please stop it from happening.
Two hours will decide my fate. Listen for my voice and you'll know that I'll promise to come back. I love you Athrun and keep Aiden safe. And everyone else helps Athrun in the fight to protect Orb if I don't come back and take care of him. Take care of yourself and I hope to call you in two hours. The wait will be long…
Love,
Cagalli
Aiden take care of daddy for me and if mommy doesn't come back make sure to find a mommy that loves daddy.
Athrun read the letter out and met the tearing facing.
"I'm not waiting for her death call," Athrun said, "I'm going to find her now. I bet she's gone to kill that garbage. He's not going to even dare hurt Cagalli anymore," Athrun said, "Lacus watch Aiden for me. I'm going to bring his mother back, and hopefully not die by Cagalli's hands."
"Wait, I'm coming," Shi said
"Are you mad?" Yzak said, "Don't you dare even think of stepping outside this house."
At that moment Shiho tears came out in streams. Yzak became flustered and quickly explained to her that he didn't want to hurt the baby and that she should keep it safe inside. Shiho agreed and kissed him goodbye.
So all the men went because Lacus was taking care of Aiden Mir would be watching Shiho and helping her.
They all went to the cars and said, "Ok where we are going to start?"
"We'll track her down," Athrun said turning on the engine and zooming over the speed limits following the tracking device, while the rest tired to stay still.
I reached the cliff where I called Manes over to give him a good bye present.
"Why Ms. Cagalli how good to see you," I heard his voice say
"Ready, to see who dies today?" I said turning around
"Yes, but we better quick up, I have a busy schedule ahead, and I need you dead, to kill Athrun next and destroy Orb," he said
"FLASH, will than" I said
"Oh so you've done your research, I guess you were the one hacking into our files and stealing all the documents. You know all our secrets don't you?" he said
"I know more than that," I said taking out my gun, "It won't work."
"We plan more, how many people have you told," he said
"That's my concern" I said
"My, my your pathetic, you didn't tell anyone did you," he laughed, "I guess that cuts out my work."
"Now, I didn't say I that did I? So it's true," I said
"More real than you can imagine," he said
"You know, if I escape your beloved FLASH is gone," I said
"You said you'll escape," he said
"I do," I said
"I little voice against us. What kind of odd is that?" he said
"You're their main weapon, if you're gone, then I can stop this from happening," I said
"And if your gone, our plans will succeed," he said
"Well let's see who wins. Good or bad," I said
"I believe good always win," he said
"Yes I will win," I said
He growled and I took that moment to shoot a bullet him. It hit him on the arm and I smiled.
"Nice aim," he smirked
"If you think that was only a bullet then your wrong," I said taking a seat on the hood of my car, "Now two minutes, after that either you'll beg for your death, or you'll kill yourself."
Even he was scared by my threat. In a matter or second I heard a scream of pain. I looked and him hold a purple arm. I gave him something; I myself was disgusted to give. It was a flesh eating poison. I might have to add instant. I didn't smile at his pain and how a layer of skin from his arm disappeared in a minute, till the bone. I was cruel I know, but the fifty girl he killed. He deserved it and after the 5 pregnant women, ten babies and countless victims from him, they all knew what I gave him wasn't enough. He was disgusting.
I saw half of his face go and I looked down at the sight. I cried loudly as I felt a force in my stomach. I looked at my hand stained in blood and looked up to meet his bleeding face. He was standing with a gun in his hand laughing
"If I die, you go with me," he said shooting wildly everywhere. I fell on the ground and I felt two more bullets implant on to me. The firing stopped and I saw him on the edge of a cliff.
"Mission failure, but my target in fulfilled," he said falling of the cliff dying instantly at the collision. I moaned on the floor as I formed a puddle of my own blood. I'm alive I thought in my mind.
I climbed myself on the door, opened it and started the car. It was over.
I started up the car, wanting to immediately get home to my baby, my family and my Athrun.
I pressed on the accelerator and dialled Athrun, wanting to hear his voice. It rang and I heard him calling my name
"It's over," I said
"Cagalli I'm almost there," he said
"Athrun I'm on my way, Aiden is he alright," I said
"Cagalli I'm so sorry," he said
"No, I'm sorry. I should have taken a risk and at least have told you," I said pressing on my brake.
"Cagalli you did the right thing. I should have trusted you more," he said
"Athrun I love you," I said crying
"Cagalli what's the matter," he said
"I'm sorry, please take care of Aiden and Orb," I said
"Cagalli why are you talking like this," he said
"You'll wait for me?" I said
"Yes, but Cagalli," he said panicking
"Don't you dare forget me, and keep Orb safe and remember I'll always love you. I don't think I'll come back now," I said
"What why?" he said
I didn't say anything as I stepped on the broken brakes, crashing into car at my last word to Athrun creating a sound Athrun sobbed at the millisecond it reached his ears.
"CAGALLI!" he yelled into the phone, "please don't leave me."
I opened my eyes, looking my state. Glass shards were sticking out of my stomach and torso. My legs were dangling in my hood, and my head on the steering wheel. Luckily I heard Athrun's voice.
"Athrun," I moaned
"Cagalli!" he said, "Are you okay."
"I don't have much time," I said as the car moved forward sliding my body forward, tearing my torso more from the glass. The car would fall of the cliff into the river of rock at any moment.
"Cagalli don't say that, you're still talking," he said crying as he reached the pile up of crashed cars in front of him.
"Athrun, save Orb, make sure Orb doesn't fall. And find my key; you need it to stop the future. Promise me you'll find it Athrun. I now you will, tell Aiden I love him, and Athrun take care of yourself," I said
"I promise, where you are Cagalli?" he said going past the cars, and came down to the edge and saw many toppled cars.
"Hey Athrun," I said
"Cagalli I love you, please I want you with me," he said
"I love you too, and don't worry I keep my promises, I'll come back, I promise," I said as the car slipped falling off the cliff
"I love you too, and don't worry I keep my promises, I'll come back, I…" was the only thing Athrun heard before he heard a cry and turned around and saw a car fall and explode at the bottom, before it reached the and knew who it was before falling to his knees and breaking down instantly.