WE BELONG TOGETHER

Chapter 12: Of Champagne and Accident

"So what you are saying is that the northern forest regions of Zaft remain largely intact up to this very day, right?" Cagalli asked.

"Yes, the northern forest is rumored to hold mystical powers, or so many believed. Just some silly tale in my opinion, but it is an ideal place for a bandit's hideout. Due to the unpredictable weather and density of the woods, our soldiers have come across countless problems targeting the criminals." Yzak sighed.

"I see. But we have to solve this as fast as we can. The longer we sit to figure out a way, the longer the honest citizens suffer. We can't tolerate any unlawful activities to disrupt order." She demanded.

Yzak grinned. "My thoughts exactly, princess." They both shared a knowing look.

When Cagalli first came to Yzak, inquiring about the status of the state, Yzak had been annoyed by her interruption. But after many heated arguments and discussion, the princess proved to be an excellent thinker, who has contributed much to the reinforcement of law. Cagalli also showed much compassion and consideration to the deserving poor of the society. Much of the time, the king, queen and the prince were present but they preferred to let the princess speak her mind. Now the royal family gave her the highest regards for her effort and passion in state affairs. In their opinion, Cagalli was becoming more familiar to her future role as Monarch of Zaft.

Athrun also shared the same opinion. At first he had went along with the idea but he really didn't expected much from her. After all, her short-temper and stubbornness had proved to be quite unbecoming in some occasions. But that thought slowly melted away. Cagalli was completely different in regards to matters of the state. She took time to plan out and reason the best solution to the problem while evaluated carefully about other factors. Athrun didn't believe her when she told him she took part in state business in Orb, but now it's evident.

"Here is what I propose," Cagalli spoke. "Since the bandits in the woods have far more superior knowledge of the geography, it's a waste of time to try to rattle them out. We should first concentrate on heightening the security in the area to lessen the probability of attacks. The 3 major routes, "She pointed to the map, "Here, here and here, will have soldiers positioned on these check points to overlook passing travelers. In the mean time, I need more data on the activities of the bandits."

"Yes, my lady." Yzak bowed.

"Yzak, carry on with Cagalli's order." Queen Lenore asked. "Now that that has been taken cared off, we can get on with something merrier."

Cagalli turned and waited for the queen to continue.

"Next week is Athrun's 21 birthday and a feast will be dedicated to his honor."

Cagalli felt quite surprised since no one told her about her betrothed's birthday. She secretly turned to look at Athrun and found him winking at her, holding the same devilish attractive grin on his face. She immediately looked away from him, blushing furiously.

"This is not just a birthday party, mind you all. This will be our son's first birthday with his princess by his side."

Exactly, my dear. Know the significance of the event, especially Athrun and Cagalli. There will be no fooling around, is that understood?" King Patrick said sternly.

The young royal couple nodded in unison.

"Another party, Mir. Can you believe it? I seemed like a fool today, being the only person not knowing my fiancé's birthday. Geez, why didn't anyone drop me a hint?" Cagalli moaned in frustration.

"Cagalli, in case you forget, you've been working day and night for the past days with barely time to eat and sleep. Mwu and I tried to tell you several times before you boot us out for interruption. How are we supposed to know you were ignorant of it?" Miriallia cried her innocence.

"Okay, I'm sorry. I won't do that again okay?"

Mir gave her a dubious look as Cagalli rolled her eyes.

"Anyways, what are you going to give for a present?" Mir inquired.

"I don't know yet."

"Well, you have to make it special. It's a Zaft tradition for the girl to present her betrothed a gift of value before the wedding. Since you have yet given one, you can do it on the prince's birthday."

"How do you know?"

"Dearka told me." Mir said proudly.

Cagalli's amber eyes flashed mischievously. "Did he? You two are getting along just fine, aren't you?"

Mir almost bit her tongue. "What…Yes…He…taught me a lot."

"How are you two doing? Are you guys together?"

"No…Yes…No…I don't know exactly. I enjoy his company that much is for sure. But it's still too early to give it more words."

"Alright, I won't ask for more, at least not now. I just don't want you to get hurt."

Mir softened her voice. "I know."

The close friends shared a sisterly embrace, and then Cagalli said, "Now let's start thinking what I'm going to give to His Imperial Highness Prince Athrun."

Meyrin walked into the garden, looking left and right for her good friend, Meer Campbell.

Where is she? Meyrin thought. She searched for another ten minutes before finding the pink hair lady sitting in a gazebo alone.

"Found you!" Meyrin exclaimed, as she hopped in front of Meer.

"Meyrin, you were looking for me?" She smiled gently.

"Yeah, I've only been looking for you in the past hour." Meyrin pouted at her.

Meer said nothing; instead, she turned her head and continued staring at the clouds without a word.

Meyrin glanced curiously at Meer. "Hello?" She waved her hand in front of her face.

Meer merely pushed her hand away but remained much the same.

"Alright!" Meyrin said, unable to bear the strangeness. "What's the matter with you?"

Meer sighed gently. "It's nothing…"

"Come on, Meer. We're friends aren't we? You can trust me with your problems."

Meer turned her sorrowful eyes to Meyrin and simply looked at her, before reluctantly agreeing to the young girl. "Okay, but you have to promise me that whatever I reveal to you, must remain a secret."

"I promise." Meyrin swore.

"Good girl." Meer smiled. "It's really nothing. I'm just a little sad about that's happening that's all."

"What's happening? What do you mean?"

"Poor Meyrin, you are still too young to understand. Don't you realize Athrun no longer consider us his closest sweethearts anymore?"

"What?! What do you mean?"

"Don't you see he's drawn closer to Cagalli day by day? He used to come see us from time to time but now he's hardly ever around anymore. Also, the king and queen are ever so fond of the princess. I'm just scared that we will be forgotten eventually."

Meyrin frowned and thought about what Meer revealed to her. It's true Athrun rarely come by to visit them, but it doesn't mean he doesn't care about them anymore. Does it?

The more she thought about it, the more she comes to believe it's truth.

"You're right! Athrun was so close to us…to you before the princess came along. What if he doesn't even care about us anymore? No! I can't let that happen. Especially not to you! You've been in love with him your whole life. We can't let Cagalli take that away from you." Meyrin stated angrily.

Upon seeing Meyrin's strong reaction, Meer called out worried. "Don't do anything foolish, Meyrin! It won't help our situation."

"Don't worry about me," The young girl said. "Athrun will come back. I'll make sure he does."

The 21st birthday of His Highness Prince Athrun was a huge celebration in Zaft. Nobles from different parts of the Kingdom rushed to congratulate the young prince and his betrothed.

The palace was dressed in a dazzling outfit. Everywhere you turn, there were people dancing and laughing.

Cagalli sat in one of the high chairs between Queen Lenore and Miriallia. She took a peak at Athrun, who was seated on the other side of King Patrick. The prince looked grandeur tonight. Athrun was wearing a stain red suit, embroidered in the finest jewels and badges. Every inch of him looked the prince and it was getting hard not to get breathless if Cagalli continued to glance at him. The princess looked away, only to find Mir winking at her embarrassment.

Mir held her giggles when a pompous looking man came up to her seat. "Lovely lady, will you do me the honor of a dance?"

Miriallia hid her disgust and smiled forcibly at the man. "Why…I thank you but I feel a little faint right now."

"Oh come, surely you can obliged me this one chance?"

Miriallia had no choice but to agree. She allowed the arrogant man to lead her to the dance floor. Mir had to hide her boredom while listening to the man boast about his family and wealth. The unbearable dance lasted for about a few minutes before she tried to excuse herself back to Cagalli.

Unfortunately, the man did not take well to rejection. When she tried to go, she grabbed her arm and held her next to him. Miriallia wanted to avoid making a scene so she kept her cool. "Sir, let go of me this instant! You are out of line!"

"Lady Miriallia Haww, I've had my eyes on you for a long time. But you are always seems to be in the company of the princess or with the despicable Elthman. He may be a marquis but I'm ten times the man he is."

"If you were half the man he is you would not be doing this to me! Now I suggest you do as I say before…"

"Before what?" He challenged.

"Before my fist meets your face." Dearka spoke from behind, making them both to turn his way.

Dearka walked in between them and flipped his hand away from Mir. He pulled the lady next to him and stared daggers at the fool. The man who was cursing Dearka a while ago swallowed hard and made up some lame reason to excuse himself. Mir let out a breath of relief. "Thanks. I don't know what I'll do if you hadn't come along."

"No problem, it's my pleasure. If he bothers you again just let me know."

"That won't be necessary. Under normal circumstances I would have smack him a few times for his behavior."

Dearka whistled at her remark. Mir motioned a few slapping movements to show him she really meant it.

"So Miriallia…"

"Yes?"

"Do you really think I'm the man?" He popped an innocent question.

Mir's face exploded in crimson. She didn't know he was listening in on her. "I…I only said it as an excuse of course."

"Really?" He disbelieved.

"Really!" Mir looked away and forced herself to laugh. Dearka turned his smile on her full blast and Mir forgot about what she wanted to say next.

At another corner of the room…

Sir Mwu La Fllaga was having a great time. Young maidens of the court enjoyed his attention and they were busy flirting to each other.

Court life agrees with me. He thought. To him, all girls are precious and should be treated like delicate flowers. He scanned the room, searching for more young ladies to amaze before hitting eye contact with a pair of mourning eyes.

The owner of such sorrowful eyes was a graceful lady standing off in a quiet corner of the ball. Mwu was a little curious as to why she seemed so out of place. He begged leave from the giggling ladies and slowly made his way towards her. The lady of his attention appeared oblivious to Mwu's advances. She turned around abruptly and fell right into his embrace.

"Whoa! Easy there, my lady. Why are you in such a rush?" He joked. The lady muttered an apology and turn away. Mwu blocked her path and wouldn't let her go that easily.

She looked up angrily at him. Her chocolate brown eyes piercing his.

"It must be fate for us to meet like this. May I have the honor of an introduction?"

The lady refused to speak and tried to move away again. Mwu was starting to enjoy luring her. He gave her an infuriatingly confident smile and asked again.

This time, the lady seemed shocked and stood frozen in place. Mwu waved several times before she finally recovered.

With her back turned towards him, she spoke in a steady voice. "Murrue Ramius." And she was gone, leaving Mwu looking after her flowing brown hair.

After a few songs, the king stood up and silenced the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for attending our prince's 21st birthday. As all of you know, this is a rather special occasion since Princess Cagalli is here for the first time to fulfill her duty to the treaty of the old. May all of you bless their union!" Everyone applauded. The king then signaled his son to continue the speech. Athrun took the hint and stood up.

"Thank you, father. Everyone, I am truly a fortunate man to know so many wonderful people and to be born in Zaft. Now, my betrothed has finally joined me," He walked next to Cagalli's chair. "I believe she will be a great addition to the House of Zala."

The whole room cheered and called out for her to take Athrun's outstretched hand. Cagalli, with her face blushing, stood up and took the prince's hand. Athrun smiled and led her to the center of the room.

"Now it is customary for the a person to present a gift of value to his/her betrothed." He said as he got on one knee. "Cagalli, I hope you will like it." He took out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a perfectly cut ruby ring. "I've want to give you something that resembles you, Cagalli. The red stone I have in my hands, holds the same fire and passion I see in your eyes. This is the perfect gift ever." He took her hand and placed it on her ring finger.

Cagalli held her hand in front of her face, examining the precious jewel as it shined in the light. Athrun got up and smiled mysteriously. He gently tapped her to signal that it's her turn for his present.

Cagalli regained her concentration and also took out a rectangular box. When she opened it, an original necklace, decorated with a dark jade was presented. She took it out of the box and handed it to Athrun. "It seems like such a coincidence that I should also give you something that resembles you. The emerald jade I hold was passed down from my ancestors and I am giving it as prove of Orb's loyalty and my fidelity." She held it out to him as Athrun accepted it and placed it around his neck. What Cagalli neglected to say was how the jade reminded her of the prince's dangerous green eyes. She couldn't find a gift more suitable than this.

"Perfect. Now please allow me the chance of dancing with you, my princess."

Cagalli nodded and they both strolled to the dance floor. The music flowed around the room and everyone watched with pleasure at the perfect couple.

But they didn't notice a face full of anger…

"How can Athrun act so intimate with her? He must be under her spell!" Meyrin cursed behind a pillar.

Seeing Cagalli so content in Athrun's arms and remembering how miserable Meer felt earlier finally made Meyrin snapped. It was impossible for her not to act since she knew better than anyone about Meer's attachment to the prince since their youth.

Meer is just too soft to fight for Athrun. Fine, if she can't do it, then I will! She promised herself.

Cagalli was walking back to her seat after several dances with Athrun before a note was passed to her. She opened the note and found a message asking her to meet besides the lotus pond in the garden alone

Cagalli thought it was strange and dangerous to venture out by herself but the note stated he/she was to reveal the truth about Athrun.

The truth about Athrun? What does it mean? Is Athrun keeping something from me?

Cagalli sat restlessly thinking about it until she could no longer bare the suspense and excused herself out to the garden.

When she got there, she found Meyrin all by herself, pacing back and forth, muttering something inaudible. "Meyrin?" Cagalli called out.

Meyrin turned quickly and when she saw the princess, her eyes narrowed dangerously.

"Were you the one who left me that note?"

"Yes, I want to talk to you about Athrun." She demanded.

"Ok, what about?" Cagalli said, sitting next to the pond.

Meyrin walked straight up next to her and said it to her face. "I want you to stay away from Athrun and keep your hands off of him."

Cagalli couldn't believe her ears. It took her a while to realize the young girl was jealous. Meyrin called her out here to warn her to stay away from her betrothed. The princess couldn't believe how immature and brainless Meyrin was.

Cagalli laughed. "Dear Meyrin, don't you realize that it's impossible?"

"Why? Just do what I say and everything will be like the way it was before."

"No." Cagalli stood up. "Everything has changed. Athrun and I both have obligations. We have to uphold the treaty. We cannot be separated from one another even if we wanted to. You should know this and you should never have spoken of it so recklessly."

Meyrin widened her eyes and fumed. "I'm not being reckless. You appeared and Athrun changed. I want the old Athrun back!"

Cagalli felt sorry for her. Athrun treated Meyrin like a younger sister he never had and it must be a big shock to see another woman in Athrun's life. The princess tried to comfort the young girl but Meyrin pushed her away. Cagalli, didn't expect the push, lost her footing and tripped into the lotus pond behind her.

Normally Cagalli was a great swimmer, but now she struggled in the water as the aquatic plants tangle themselves on her limbs. She could feel herself losing consciousness and sinking into the cool murky water.

Meyrin did not meant to do this. She wanted to get help but the shock and guilt paralyzed her on the spot. She could only watch helplessly as Cagalli slowly ceased her struggle.

"Meyrin! What are you doing! Get help now!" A man with crimson eyes barked.

Meyrin, recovering from her frozenness rushed into the ball for help while a young man dived into the water with a small dagger in his hand. He swam into the deep water, cutting Cagalli free and finally dragged her out of the water.

"Shinn! Give her to me!" Athrun yelled at the man, while taking the unconscious princess from his hands. Shinn gave the princess over and sat on the grass to try to catch his breath.

Athrun placed Cagalli on the lawn and performed CPR on her as soon as he can. He breathed air into her again and again, but the princess seemed determined not to wake up.

"Damn it! Wake up!" Athrun called. He wouldn't stop! He refused to stop! Again and again he tried. His parents and his guests looked on with worry.

Finally, Cagalli coughed and spit the water out of her system. Athrun held her tightly, thanking the gods for her safety. He was afraid this might be it for her.

"Athrun, I'm okay. It's your grip that's killing me now." She joked, trying to ease the tension. Athrun gave her a small smile before turning his attention to the culprit.

"You!"

Finally some more AxC. Hope you guys like the chapter. The gifts they gave each other are similar items in the anime. Such as the promise ring Athrun gave to Cagalli in Destiny and the necklace she gave him in Seed. Next chapter, more on the characters in Zaft! Stay tuned and please review!