WE BELONG TOGETHER
Returning once again to AxC, base on popular demand. Thanks to all who have reviewed!
Chapter 16: Revelations in the Dark
Cagalli and her lady companions waited restlessly for the prince to return. They have received word early this morning that Athrun and his soldiers were already on their way home and they should be arriving any minute now.
The princess paced the room back and forth, asking the anxious Mir again and again if there were any more news. Even Lady Meer appeared somewhat nervous sitting in the corner. Murrue shook her head, after witnessing all the young ladies' response to the homecoming.
After what seemed like an eternity to them, the door to the chamber room finally opened and Athrun strode in with his companions. Cagalli brightened at his sight but quickly composed herself to receive her lord.
"Athrun, you're finally back." She smiled gently at him. The princess cursed herself. It's only been a few days since she discovered her love for him and at the time, Cagalli swore she would let him know about her feelings. But now all of her courage has left her and Cagalli didn't know where to begin.
"Hey Cagalli."Athrun smiled wearily at her, holding on to her and placing a short kiss on her nose. Disappointedly, Cagalli could feel Athrun's fatigue so she looked at him closely to see if he's injured or not.
Strange, he's not suffering from any damage from what I can see, she thought. The princess also inspected Commander Yzak and Mwu but they seemed grave as well.
All the ladies felt relieved at the safe return of the men. Yzak nodded his head at each of the ladies while Mwu did the same, but instead of nodding, he winked at Murrue, who returned by ignoring him.
Dearka came into the room followed by Shinn. Tense grew in the room as Athrun asked everyone to be seated.
"First thing's first. Shinn, what have you found out from Alliance?" Athrun asked.
Shinn took out a report and handed it to Athrun. "I've already discussed the seriousness of the matter with Dearka. It's just as you suspected. Alliance has recently had outbreak of riots. Prince Kira has already taken care of the matter for now but it's still difficult to find out who's pulling the strings. So far all evidence points to Azreal."
"Yeah," Dearka added, "What makes it worse is that he's using Princess Lacus as an excuse for opposing House Yamato. The bastard is making the princess out as weak and phony."
"What?" Cagalli exploded. How can anyone portray Lacus that way? "This is madness! Why I'd like to get my hands on…"
"Calm down! Let's get to the bottom of the matter first." Murrue chided.
Cagalli tried to visibly calm down while Athrun secretly whispered a thank you to her. Murrue smiled a little and let them continue.
"It's no coincidence both Zaft and Alliance are suffering from instability and attacks at the same time. I fear there's a darker design behind all this." Yzak replied angrily.
"I agree," said Athrun, "That's why I would like Shinn to go back to Alliance to get in touch with Prince Kira so we can both get all the details. I hate to do this to you at this time of the year but it's necessary."
"As you wish, my lord. I know my duty. Do not concern yourself with it." Shinn saluted. Before he left the room, Mwu called out.
"Wait! There's been something I've been dying to ask for days. The leader of the bandits, both Your Highness and Commander Yzak seem to know him. I've kept quiet about his identity as asked but I think we all have the right to know who our enemy is."
Athrun and Yzak looked at each other and Athrun nodded. "The man you speak of, was a friend, or as I have always thought. I've asked for your silence up till now because his identity is crucial to all of us here. There's something both Yzak and I have to be sure of first."
"So who is he exactly?"
"Like I said before, he was my father's first commander of the imperial guards." Athrun began, looking straight at Murrue.
"Was?"
"Yes, his name is Rau Le Creuset. He was supposedly dead three years ago."
"Impossible!" Murrue stood up, shaking angrily, "I don't believe you! How can Rau still be alive? Not to mention the leader of the bandits…It's just not possible!"
"Calm down, Murrue." Yzak said. "I know this is a big shock. Athrun and I were both in denial but we can't hide from the truth. Mwu was also there, he can tell you just exactly who he saw."
Murrue put her arms around herself and turned to look at Mwu.
"I don't know who the man is but he had sunlit blond hair and a pretty face. But what I'll never forget is the frozen empty smile he gave me. Gives me the chills…" Mwu stopped suddenly after witnessing Murrue's fury.
"Murrue, it's Rau. I can vouch Mwu's words." Athrun hated to do this to Murrue. She was a sensible friend and a reliable older sister to him. Revealing this news was surely a great shock to her.
"He just can't be…" She muttered repeatedly to herself.
Cagalli pulled Athrun's sleeve and asked, "Athrun, who's Rau Le Creuset anyways?"
"Not only was he my father's first commander, he was also Murrue's fiancé."
Cagalli looked out at the scene from her room while Athrun hugged her from behind. "What are you thinking, princess?"
Cagalli held her silence for a while and sighed. "It's so tragic about what happened to Murrue. It's hard to believe how fate can be so cruel to her."
"Yeah, I know. It's bad enough to think your fiancé died but to find him alive and well, but turned renegade. After all the years of mourning, it seems but a joke now."
"Not a joke, but waves of anger and resentment. How can Rau do this to her if he loved her?"
"…" Athrun didn't say anything but pulled her closer instead.
Cagalli snuggled close to her prince and thought about what happened today. Murrue was absolutely livid at first for the outrageous news, but the three men could not all be lying to her. She was forced and defeated to accept the truth. This was too much for her. Thank goodness Mwu was there to keep her on her feet. The drained Murrue had excused herself politely with Mwu trailing after her.
Thinking this through, Cagalli pitied the lady and her love. It was not something Cagalli wanted to ever experience. This strengthened her resolve to tell Athrun how she felt. But it was difficult for her to spill her heart out to him.
"I wrote a letter to Lacus today. Shinn is going to personally hand it to her." Cagalli said, still trying to sort out the words inside.
"Really? Telling her about what?"
"Just about how wonderful Zaft and her people are. I didn't want her to worry about me."
"What about me?"
"What about you?"
"Don't you want to tell her about her supposed fiancé?" He teased.
"What's there to tell? That Prince Athrun of Zaft is arrogant and too full of himself? Like she wants to know."
"Haha, I was thinking on the line of handsome and intelligent. Or about how Prince Cagalli is totally in love with him."
"…"
"What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?" Athrun turned the blushing Cagalli around to face him. "You're turning red. Are you okay?"
"Yes…I'm fine. It's just that…that…"
Athrun waited for her to finish the sentence.
Cagalli muttered the rest of the words.
"Excuse me? I didn't hear it. What did you say?" Athrun leaned closer.
Cagalli grew redder and mumbled again. Athrun leaned even closer. "Come on, speak up. What is it?"
For the third time, Cagalli pulled next to his ear and whispered.
Athrun widened his eyes and with his mouth gaping open. He turned to look at her, asking, "Did you just say…"
She nodded and looked at him in the eyes.
The deadly seductive smile crept back on Athrun's handsome features and that lazy sweet tone returned. "Well, well, well…Princess Cagalli…I'm truly flattered."
"Is…that all you have to say?" Cagalli waited, hoping Athrun would tell her the same of his feeling.
"What do you want me to say?"
Cagalli couldn't believe Athrun would toy with her at a time like this. She fumed and was about to punch him when he bear-hugged her tightly.
"Thank you Cagalli. You don't know how much this means to me." He said sincerely.
Though this was not exactly what she wanted to hear, Cagalli was content for now. I'll wait Athrun. I'll wait till you are ready…
Murrue kept running faster and faster, trying to shake off the pain that's eating away at her inside.
Don't think, just go! Go! She cried inside.
"Lady Ramius, wait!" Mwu called from behind. He's been following her for hours, afraid she might do something unthinkable. Seeing how there's no end to her sprint, he raced to catch up to her.
"Stop it! That's enough. This isn't going to help."
"Let me go this instant!" She commanded angrily. "This has nothing to do with you."
"On the contrary, I have every right to know. I want to know about the bastard who dares to hurt the lady I admire. A lady of great respect and beauty."
Murrue covered her ears. "I don't want to hear it! Not now, not ever."
He pulled her hands away. "You have to face it sooner or later. It's time to let go!"
This was too much for her to handle, she tried to slap him but stopped just before her hand smacked his face. Mwu held his sympathetic gaze and she broke down and cried in his arms. Mwu simply held on to her in silence, letting her cry out all of her anguish. He waited till the crying subsided before releasing her. Murrue got up and shielded herself behind a mask of stillness.
"Tell me about him." Mwu asked gently.
A wave of silence passed before Murrue took a deep breath and replied in a composed tone. "He was my fiancé before his supposed death. Born an orphan, Rau showed much talent at an early age and was therefore recommended to enter the palace to start his knighthood. With no strong background, he worked so hard to make it in society. Just after he made first commander, he asked for my hand. But three years ago, during a war front, Rau were witnessed to have been stabbed through the stomach and thrown off the cliff on his horse."
"Now the question is why is he in opposition now? What is his objective?"
"Good question. That's what I like to know. He owes me at least that much."
"Have you finally made up your mind?" The shadow asked.
"Yes." Meer answered.
"Your decision?"
"You will have my assistance."
The shadow smiled. He knew she will eventually bend to his will. "Be prepared to act as soon as you can. I'm not a very patient person. I don't think you want to know about what I do to failures so don't disappoint me."
"You are in no position to threaten me!" Meer sniffed arrogantly. He was the one seeking her help in the first place.
The shadow gave her a chilly laugh. He grabbed Meer by the throat and slammed her to the wall. "Hasn't anyone ever taught you never make a deal with the devil? Guess not. Welcome to my world, Lady Campbell!"
Meer struggled for air and trembled as his hysterical laugher echoed through the halls.
"Safe journey, Shinn. Hopefully things are not as bad as I think they are in Alliance." Athrun said.
"I hope you're right." Shinn said before getting on his horse.
"Wait!" Cagalli called out just before he took off. "Shinn, this is the letter for Lacus. Please let her know I'm fine and that I send my regards."
"I will, princess." He waved one last time at his friends before galloping off.
The rest of them waited till Shinn's party was out of sight. As they head inside the palace, Meer asked to see Athrun in private. "My prince, there's something I have discuss with you. Could you please give me a moment?"
Athrun nodded and told the rest of them to head in first. Then he led Meer to the privacy of the west wing.
Cagalli first went with the rest of them, but had a strange feeling something was amiss. She carefully slipped away from the others and secretly followed Athrun. She watchfully positioned herself in a corner and listened in on Meer and Athrun's exchange.
"What is it, Meer?" Athrun asked.
"Athrun, there's something I need to ask you." Meer said seriously.
Athrun waited for her question.
Meer cleared her throat and said, "Do you…love Cagalli?"
Cagalli's heart almost stopped when she heard the question. She was also dying to know the answer.
"Come on Meer! Quit kidding around. Now's not the time to ask about my private life." Athrun tried to wave the matter aside but Meer persisted.
"I've never seen you like this before. It's as if you're a different person around her which leads me to believe I am right about you and her."
Athrun's impatient grew as Meer pushed for his answer.
"Why does it matter to you anyways?"
"It matters because I have always thought there's something more between us…something special. You have always treated me differently than others. I think I have the right to know where I stand from now on."
It was true Athrun have always treated Meer differently from the other ladies in court because Meer has always been so gentle and patient beside him. Perhaps he gave her exceptional treatment because his friends and especially Meyrin have always liked her. Sure he flirted around her all the time but it's different now.
Athrun couldn't imagine himself flirting with Cagalli watching him. He couldn't and wouldn't do that to her. Last night when she told him she loved him, Athrun was on cloud nine. He was sure he felt the same way about her but he had never confessed to a lady before, not to mention a princess. Hence, he kept silent and thanked her instead.
Now Meer wanted to know how he felt about her. Well, Athrun was prepared to tell her the truth when he spotted a shadow lurking in the back. Not knowing if the shadow is friend or foe, he could not take the risk of exposing Cagalli to danger. If words got out about his love for Cagalli, the princess would surely become his weakness.
Immediately, he put on a sexy smile and put his hands on Meer's waist. "Meer, do you really think I can change so easily? Cagalli is to be my wife; I have no choice in the matter. But we've been together for years and I don't see any reasons as to why I have to end it with you."
Meer smiled, rubbing herself against him and whispered, "Athrun, what's going on?"
He whispered back, "Just play along. I'll explain later."
Meer needed no encouragement. She put her arms around his neck. "I knew it. But it sickens me to see you with her and act so intimate."
"For diplomatic reasons, you have to understand. As long as I put up with Cagalli, Orb will have no reason to doubt Zaft's friendliness. She means nothing else. Don't worry baby, my heart and my needs are right here with you."
Meer giggled and with Athrun's hint, saw the shadow in the corner. They both laughed as the shadow retreated quickly out of sight.
Cagalli ran as fast as she could. She didn't want to hear anymore of their words. Her anger and heartbreak were burning through her like wild fire. Now she felt so stupid about her confession last night. Oh, how they both must be mocking her now…
It was unbearable. Her pride had been badly damaged as well as her heart. How could Athrun treat her like this after all they had been through? Had his tenderness been a façade?
Yet her feeling could not be overturned. Though Athrun had humiliated her in the cruelest way, deep inside she still loved him. It only made angrier know it. Another blow to the face was how deceptive Meer had been. Ever since her arrival to Zaft Meer had been like a sister to her. Cagalli had been appreciative as Meer had been so understanding towards her, just like Lacus had been. Now Cagalli has finally seen the conspiring face behind the mask of sweetness. Meer was nothing more than a scheming husband-stealing tramp.
But regardless, the princess still held the prince responsible for most her damage.
Athrun Zala, I will never forget the humiliation you have just delivered. If you expect me to just go along docilely then think again!
Athrun released Meer when the shadow was out of sight.
"Alright Athrun. I ask to know where I stand. Where did all of this come from?" Meer was not complaining about the intimacy Athrun had just showed her. Sure he flirted with her all the time, but he had rarely put his hands on her, if at all.
"Meer, I think you already know the answer. I apologize if my behavior surprised you but you saw the shadow in the corner didn't you? With all the disturbances I can't expose Cagalli to danger."
"You mean…"
"Yeah. Cagalli will be my wife and I will honor my promise of protecting and cherishing her. So anyone who dares to hurt her will meet my blade."
The more Athrun spoke, envy ate away inside Meer. It was not or never to put her plan in action. "I understand. But sooner or later they will find out the truth so why don't we go all the way with it?"
"You mean…"
"I adore Cagalli as a friend and though I also don't want to hurt her, I'm willing to do what I can to keep her safe. Since whoever was here has already mistaken our relationship, why don't we keep this up for now? At least until we're sure who's the enemy."
Athrun crossed his arms and thought about it. It was a dangerous gamble. He ran the risk of losing his kingdom or his wife. "Thanks for offering but I can hardly put you in danger instead."
"Your Highness, I want to do my part in helping Zaft and my friends. Pray do not worry about my safety. I'm quite cunning you know." She chuckled lightly.
"Well…If you insist, okay. But I will do all I can to keep you out of harm's way. This I promise."
"I'm sure you will." Meer smiled suggestively.
Oh no! Cagalli is really angry now. What is she going to do next? Meer is playing both sides...danger to our characters! Next chapter, back to Alliance and there's going to be a little more SxS. Please keep up the awesome reviews!