WE BELONG TOGETHER

Chapter 17: Blinding Paths

Stellar came into the room and noticed Lacus has once again dazed off. She sighed and went to sit beside her, waving at the princess.

"Hello? Lacus, are you there?" Stellar called out.

"Huh?" Lacus replied, "Did you say something?"

Stellar sighed again. "What's the matter with you and Kira lately? Both of you are acting so strange. You're always drifting off somewhere and Kira has hardly anytime to spend with either you or me. I mean, it's not strange for him to not spend time with me but not with you, there's something fishy here."

Lacus smiled weakly. "Even you noticed? I hate to admit it but I think Kira's keeping something from me. I know there's trouble in Alliance but his avoidance has been much too apparent."

"When did you start noticing the change?"

"It started when he came back from quenching the riots. I can't think of any reason for him to act this way."

"Hmm…Maybe I think I'll do a little snooping around. Did anything peculiar happen lately?"

"Well…" Lacus was a little hesitant about revealing Heine's confession to Stellar. Normally she would tell Fllay but they have grown apart somewhat since their stay in Alliance. It just seemed a little uncomfortable to tell Fllay about it. The pink-haired princess considered it for a second, knowing Stellar would not betray her trust, Lacus told her everything.

Heine had proposed his love to her on the rainy afternoon just before Kira returned. Though Lacus was flattered and completely taken by surprise, she had politely rejected his feelings. Her strong dedication to Kira would not let her stray otherwise. She felt she was destined to be with him with or without the treaty and after all Kira has done for her, Lacus has already decided to devote all of herself to her fiancé physically, mentally and spiritually. Heine had accepted her decision and they had both swore to keep this from Kira.

Stellar blinked twice. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Heine loved Lacus? The always gentle Heine?

"Wow! Talk about being surprised." Stellar lay flat on the bed. "Wait," She got up, "Does anyone else know about it?"

"Of course not! Think of the scandal it will create…"

"Okay, okay, I got it. Alright, I find out what I can." She promised. Her cousin has always been kind hearted. It was unlike him to act so out of character. Whatever was keeping the two lovebirds apart, she was going to get to the bottom of it!

"Your Highness, Lord Shinn Asuka has just arrived from Zaft and wishes an immediate audience."

"Send him in." Kira ordered.

Kira waited for Shinn to enter and took a moment to relax. It was difficult to keep himself from Lacus these past few days but the scene of Lacus and Heine together was just too painful for him to accept. He had to physically remove himself from them to keep himself calm up to now. Not to mention all the political turmoil Azreal was putting him through. Shinn's sudden arrival could not be a coincidence. Kira has a bad feeling about it.

Moments later, Shinn came in and bowed to Kira. "Your Highness, I hope you have been well since my last visit."

"Thanks, Shinn. But I think we can skip the formalities today. Why have you brought yourself to Alliance?"

"Not in the mood for diplomacy I see. Actually, I came on the order of Prince Athrun. He wants me to bring a report to you. There have been disturbances in Zaft that you should know about."

Kira narrowed his eyes and frowned. "What has happened?"

"Rau Le Creuset was recently discovered to lead a group of bandits, raiding the northern borders. The prince and Commander Yzak have just returned from crushing the attack not long ago. Athrun thinks there's something bigger behind the scene so he sent me here to see if there's anything in Alliance that might be linked to Zaft's problem."

"Now that you mention it, I think there might be possibilities." He scratched his chin, "You've heard of Azreal I believe?"

Shinn nodded his head.

"I'm almost positive he's behind a series of uprisings here but it's hard getting evidence against him. His family has a lot of influence here in court and I can't take him down without sufficient proof."

"I see…So what we heard in Zaft was true."

"Zaft's problem is similar. Rau Le Creuset used to be first commander, right? He's extremely familiar with Zaft's battle tactics and as well as soldiers of Zaft. Not to mention it's almost like he came back from the dead to stir Zaft up into a battleground. My problem is Azreal creating an opposition again my house while he's sending his cronies into the provinces and making false accusations again my family. So we both have someone on the inside making our lives difficult."

"I see your point, but it makes me wonder if they are related in any way? If they are, then we are in a much bigger danger then I had thought."

"Remember, now that Lacus and Cagalli are tied to our kingdoms, Orb might also be involve." Kira replied.

Shinn sort all the information in his head, and then he decided to take action. "Kira, if it's okay with you, I would like to do a little investigation here."

"By all means," Kira patted his friend, "Do all you can to help all of us. It would be even better if you can take Azreal down as well."

Shinn smiled. "I'll do what I can." They gave each other a pat on the back.

Suddenly, the door slammed open and a petite blond girl rushed in and ran straight to Kira. "Kira, I need to talk to you right now."

"Stellar, I'm a little busy right now."

"Please, it would only take a few min—"Stellar stopped when she saw Shinn's amused look.

"It's you, Shinn Asuka!" She pointed at him.

"Lady Stellar, I see you are as energetic as ever." He bowed.

"Energetic as ever…" She repeated, "Wait, are you laughing at me?"

"Of course not. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to." He turned to leave.

"Hey! You can't leave yet." Stellar grabbed on to his arm and stopped him from going. "I want to ask you something."

Shinn looked at the tiny girl holding on to his arm, unable to decide what he should do. Kira coughed warningly at Stellar's actions. "Stellar, I thought you wanted to ask me something."

"Kira, I'll talk to you really soon but right now there's something I need to tell Shinn."

"Fine, tell him now before someone sees you like this." Kira said.

"It's not for others to know. Sorry, cousin, but you have to excuse us." She said as she pulled Shinn out of the room.

Stellar kept leading Shinn around the palace until they reached the garden. Thank goodness they didn't see many servants on their way here.

Before Stellar could open her mouth, Lacus walked around the corner and joined the company.

"Hi, you must be Shinn. I've heard of you from Kira and Stellar. Please to meet you at last." Lacus smiled.

"Princess Lacus, what a coincidence. I was just about to find you and give you what was entrusted to me."

"?"

"Princess Cagalli bids me to bring you this letter and her regards." He handed the letter to Lacus. The princess brightened with surprise and quickly opened the letter. It read:

My Dearest Lacus,

I hope by the time this letter has reached you, the anger and hurt of me switching our positions has gone. I apologize for doing so but I had really thought this for the best. It is my strongest confidence that no man can resist your charm and though I have the highest regards for Prince Kira, surely he must be deeply in love with you by now.

There is another matter I must confess. Athrun is not at all the arrogant jerk I had labeled him to be. After spending much time here in Zaft, he is truly a good man with a heart of gold. I am happy and a little ashamed to tell you that living here in Zaft makes me very happy.

Dear sister, if you are not in the same position as I am now then I will never forgive myself. If anyone is making your life even a tad bit uncomfortable, I want to know who is it and I will personally straighten it out. You have my word!

Another matter I wish to discuss is the recent disturbances in both Zaft and Alliance. Recent unrest has made everyone a little edgy so please watch yourself. I have absolute faith in Sir Waltfield's ability as your knight and begrudgingly acknowledge Fllay's protection of you as well. I heard from Athrun that Azreal might be the one behind it so keep your distance from him by all means.

Hopefully father is alright and Orb is safe from the disorder. I am still looking in into the matter and will let you know somehow when I am able to learn more. I dare not sent information enclosed like this to just anyone. Too much can be revealed and I trust Shinn will personally hand this letter to you. Let me know how you are doing soon, alright?

Love always,

Cagalli

Lacus smiled with tears in her eyes. It was great to hear from her sister again and it looked like Cagalli was having a great time in Zaft. Lacus was thankful that this letter managed to reach her in a time like this. This did bring great comfort to her heart.

"Thank you, Shinn. You don't know how much this means to me."

"My pleasure. I'm happy to be of service to both princesses."

Lacus held the letter to her heart and thanked him again.

Stellar waited patiently for Lacus to finish, then gave her a hint. Lacus caught the look and slightly acknowledged the cue.

"Well, I must be off to write Cagalli back. Hopefully we can get together again and if possible, please give Cagalli my response."

"No problem. I shall await your reply then."

"Thank you. Good day." Lacus curtsied to him and winked at Stellar before leaving the room.

Stellar mouthed a silent thank you and watched Lacus leave.

Shinn turned and waited for Stellar to open her mouth. Stellar looked straight into his eyes and laughed nervously. Neither of them said anything.

"Lady Stellar…" Shinn started, breaking the awkward silence. "You were saying?"

"I know, I know," Stellar waved her hand. Geez, it's not as easy as it sounds to confess your love to someone. But I gotta let him know once and for all how I feel…

She wetted her dry lips and tried to start. "Well, you see…there's something…something important you have to know!"

Shinn raised his left brow and waited some more.

"Actually you see…I…It's really about…" She struggled again and again until Stellar could no longer stand herself and blurted everything out.

"Okay! I think I'm in love with you alright!"

Shinn stood paralyzed with his mouth hanging open slightly. Stellar lowered her head and felt her blushing cheeks burn with embarrassment and excitement.

Both of them stood there without glancing at each other.

Finally, Shinn recovered from the surprise and cleared his throat. "I…umm…Thank you dear lady…But…"

Stellar frowned at his words. "But?" Oh no…The "but" word, not good!

"I'm really flattered about your lady's considerations for me but you do know about my past don't you?"

"…"

"Luna…My late wife…She was everything to me, actually she still is. I can and never will forget about her. That's why all I can ever respond to you is my gratitude."

"But…she's dead!"

"Yes, but death does not separate those truly in love. It only deepens the bond you share."

Stellar felt tears in her eyes as she spoke, "You're wrong! Totally wrong! If she wanted you to be happy then you have to seek your future, and not be weigh downed by your past. You will never be free if you don't look for a new beginning in life."

Shinn's face grew cold. "I don't have to listen to someone who fancies herself in love with me. Had you experienced true love like me then you would not speak of such words now."

Tears started to fall down Stellar's porcelain face. She felt her heart being crushed by the harshness of his words. But she pitied his poor excuse of not advancing in life. "I am not the simpleton you think I am. At least I have the courage to express what I seek. It is you who cannot see what is more important. I do not blame you for rejecting me but how dare you mock my feelings!"

They glared at each other fiercely, both did not back down.

Stellar wiped her tears dry and answered with the same coldness. "Shinn Asuka, I pity you. You are ignorant and a coward. Rather than refusing me outright, you hide behind the shadow of a dead person. You have lost sight of what is important in life and with it; you have shamed your late wife. Think about what I have just said. I will no longer speak of this matter until you have thought this through."

After declaring where she stood, Stellar left the equally angered Shinn to ponder on her words.

Lacus held the letter closely to her breast, thinking of Cagalli's words. Her sister seemed to be doing fine in Zaft and making good progress. Herself on the other hand…

She shook her head, refusing to think about her current situation. Whatever problem she and Kira were facing right now, they will have to see through it together. If only she could figure out what the problem was…

What was she to tell Cagalli then? It's impossible to tell her she's unhappy. Knowing how impulsive and hot-headed her sister was, Cagalli would probably do something outrageous. It was not something Lacus wanted to see nor will it be helpful. She needed to phrase her words carefully.

She was walking to her room when she spotted Kira coming in from the opposite side of the hallway towards her.

"Kira!" She called out overjoyed. It's been days since they've spent some quality time together. Perhaps Kira has finally snapped out of whatever was troubling him and he has finally returned to her side.

"Lacus…" Kira looked at her emotionally. Suddenly, he shook his head, as if trying to break away certain images that chose to surface.

Lacus walked over to him, but the prince looked away. "I…gotta go. There's something that requires my immediate attention."

"Wait!" She cried while grabbing his arm. "Kira, I was hoping to talk to you some time."

"Look Lacus, maybe some other time okay? I've got a lot on my mind. Just watch yourself in trouble times. I'll get back to you soon." He then hurried off without looking back.

"Kira…" Lacus whispered, feeling once again the gap that has opened up between them. She suppressed the urge to cry and trudged heavily back to her room.

Kira hated himself for what he had just done. He promised himself to protect her always and now he's eating his own words. But the pain of being betrayed by your love and best friend was just too strong to overcome right now. He has turned coward and retreating from them seemed like the best idea to cool off for now. Perhaps not the best of options but at least he will be able to find some peace to deal with all the troubles that have arose lately.

"So this is how things in the palace have been." A dark man reported.

"Well, well…I do believe this presents an opportunity for me to act." Azreal smiled. His men have just informed him of the separation of the prince and the princess. Rumor has it that the emotional detachment was caused by the intrusion of another man. Perhaps he can hit two birds with one stone…

"Let see how House Yamato defend against this…" He threw back his head and chuckled loudly throughout the room. "Find out what you can about…There's someone I would like to meet…"

The carriage carrying Fllay has finally stopped in front of lone mansion just outside of busy streets of the city area. She stepped out of the carriage with caution and looked around the environment. The house was dark and lacked upkeep.

Fllay hid her disgust for such a place and headed inside. She was politely escorted into the greeting hall of the dust filled house.

Just yesterday she received an anonymous note asking her to come. Normally, she would have either reported this issue or ignored it, but the mystery person has stated it's about the prince. Her curiosity got the best of her so she came unafraid of possible danger.

Time passed and she was getting impatient.

"Alright! Is this any way to greet a guest? I am to leave this instant if whoever has asked me to come does not show his/her face!" Fllay stormed.

"Bravo, Lady Alster!" Azreal clapped, walking through the door. "You have my highest respect for your courage of coming here without protection."

"Azreal…" Fllay narrowed her eyes. He was Kira's enemy. It surprised her that the person who had invited her would be him. What did he want with her?

"Dear lady, there's no need to look at me like that. All I want is a truce." He smiled.

"A truce? You are working to take Kira down and you want me to make peace with you? Azreal, you are definitely crazier than people credit you to be." Fllay snapped. "I have no time for silly games. Good day."

"You want Kira, do you not?" He answered just before she crossed out the door. The question successfully stopped her dead in her tracks. She turned around slowly, carefully placing an expressionless face.

"There's no use to deny it." He circled around her slowly. "I can see it ever so clearly. Those fools in the palace may have been tricked by your cute face but it takes a trickster to know one."

Fllay curled her lips. "So what if I am? It's no crime to have affection for the prince."

Azreal smiled, "It must be hard seeing him with the princess everyday, and watch his attachment to her grow deeper and deeper, isn't it?"

Fllay clenched her hands but stubbornly refused to respond.

He continued to bait her. "They do look like a lovely couple. Prince Kira has never showed so much attention on a lady before. He must really be in love with her."

"What do you want, Azreal?" Fllay couldn't take it anymore. It was too much to hear Kira's name connected to Lacus'.

"I'm offering you an opportunity."

"Opportunity?"

"Give me your cooperation. As Lacus' lady-in-waiting and Kira's advisor, you know much more inside news than anyone else. Give me what I want to know and I will get you what you seek."

"What I seek…" She started picturing Kira's gentle face, looking adoringly down at her.

"There's no guarantee in what you are promising me…"

"I take it you are starting to consider my proposal? As long as Kira is the prince of Alliance, he must marry Lacus no matter what. This is the heart of the problem. If he's not the prince, then he will no longer be bound by the treaty to marry a princess of Orb. You know this. I can break it for you."

Fllay bit her lips, thinking of the possibility of the plan coming true. What Azreal said was right. It didn't matter to her if Kira was a prince or not. All she ever wanted was to be by his side. But as long as he remained as prince, then he will be obligated to marry Lacus. Finally, she made her decision.

"Alright, you got it. What do you want to know?"

"I'm glad you see it my way." Azreal smirked dangerously. "Now tell me the truth behind Kira and Lacus' division…"

Most of the enemy alliance has been set. How will our heroes and heroines deal with the threats? Stellar has finally confessed her love to Shinn. How will he respond? Next chapter, going back to AxC. It's time for war Athrun Zala --- Statement by Cagalli!!!