Chapter 12
Lacus, Kira and Caridad were seated on the living room's couch when Athrun walked in, and what he saw on the enormous projection, that they all had been watching, caused him to drop his orange on the floor. The soft thump prompted the room's occupants to turn their attention to him.
"Athrun?" Kira had said.
But Athrun had ignored him. He was too preoccupied with listening to the reporter, announcer, or whoever the woman on the screen was, talk—with a large group of people, who looked unhappy, behind her—about the citizens demanding a proper burial or memorial for the Princess of Orb. The image switched to the Prime Minister, Unato Ema Seiran.
"This is a private matter," the Prime Minister said, "but I can see why the people are angry. We lost many of our beloved leaders and have no bodies to bury for them. We aren't in possession of the Princess' body, but I don't see why we can't have a public memorial for her—"
"No!" Athrun didn't care to hear more.
The attention was on him again. Everyone watched him with confused expressions. Kira stood up and walked to his best friend, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"I can't stand the thought," he said, "but, maybe it's time...I think we should hold a proper funeral."
"No!"
The ladies, who were still across the room, but now standing, jumped.
"I promised her," Athrun said. "I promised to keep her body safe. I promised not to bury it...it was her dying wish. And if we have a memorial then it's like...it's like..." It's like she's gone forever.
Athrun stared at the ground with a forlorn expression. Kira noticed, and his heart ached not only for his friend, but for the girl he once knew. When Athrun looked at him again, his eyes burned with vehement determination. Kira removed his hand from his shoulder and took a step back.
"Are you really going to go against the wishes of Cagalli?" Athrun spat.
Kira frowned. He did not know what to say. Without a word, Athrun left the room.