WE BELONG TOGETHER

Thanks to all who have taken the time to review! You guys are so so awesome! I've been thinking for a long time as to why the ending between Cagalli and Athrun at the end of Destiny has been left so open for interpretation? It's such a shame unless it's been answered in Stargazer, which I have yet to see? Anyone know if there's a third installment in the series??!!?!

Chapter 19: Operation: Princess Captured!

"Cagalli, you heard what the prince said. Please reconsider." Mir begged.

After Athrun and Cagalli's argument, things got even worse. They have officially stopped talking to each other. The rest of them tried on countless occasions to reconnect the two, but their attempts have been met with no success.

Just now Cagalli told Mir that she was to visit the Temple of the Goddess to pray for her family.

"Mir, I'm going." The princess said stubbornly. News has also reached her ears of Lacus' postponement for marriage. Cagalli couldn't figure out why this was happening. Was this also a twin thing?

Could the politics in Alliance be so bad that Kira and Lacus had to lay off the wedding?

Regardless, Cagalli decided to pray to the Goddess for her sister's wellbeing. So no matter what Mir said, this trip for her has already been decided.

"Fine. If you're going, then I'm coming too." Miriallia stated, since her friend has threaten her about summoning an escort. For some reason, even Mwu was not informed.

Cagalli groaned and was about to protest when Murrue joined in the argument. "Sorry, but I overheard. I can't possibly let both of you go alone. Guess that includes me too."

Finally, the princess put her hands up in defeat and allowed her two friends to come along. Passing out the door, she neglected to notice Murrue slipping a piece of note on the table before heading out the door.

Cagalli took them on a secret trail she mapped out from her days in the palace. Athrun had ordered the guards to keep her in the palace and he has eyes everywhere. The blond princess refused to play by his rules. Slowly, she led her way around and managed to get their rides.

"See, wasn't so hard after all." Cagalli congratulated herself on her small venture. "Piece of Cake."

They rode out toward the Temple in the west, never noticing their trail was being followed by a certain pair of crafty eyes.

"Mir, Murrue, I'm going. Come back for me in a few hours, okay?" Cagalli said to her friends before entering the Goddess' inner sanctuary. It was tradition for the person praying to enter alone to communicate personally to the Goddess.

Both of the ladies nodded and went outside. Cagalli headed inside the sanctuary and kneeled down on the cushions. She put her hands together and closed her eyes. Cagalli remained in the same position and offered her prayers to the deity.

Time passed and silence ensued. Suddenly, Cagalli heard footsteps behind her.

She got up slowly and turned to face her opponent. "We finally meet at last, Rau Le Creuset."

The blond man in front of her was certainly not what she had expected. He was still wearing a white mask yet he was beautiful to the point of perfection. Tall and muscular, he looked agile and powerful.

"The pleasure is mine, Princess Cagalli Yula Attha." Even his voice is luring.

"What do you want with me?"

"I just want to ask Your Highness to come for a little trip." He smiled gracefully.

"If I refuse?"

"I'm afraid saying no is not an option."

Cagalli weigh the odds and reluctantly went along with his orders, though she's glad her friends were safe elsewhere. She was escorted out with Rau following behind her, with his daggers at her back.

Just outside, she didn't expect to see her friends held at sword's end.

"Let them go, this has nothing to do with them!" Cagalli shouted angrily.

"I'm the one giving the orders now." He stated quietly. He took a long look at Murrue. His ex-fiancé stood tall, completely unaffected by the danger around her.

"Murrue…I've been wanting to see you for years…" He moved next to her.

"Rau, why are you doing this? I thought you were dead…" She replied with tears in her eyes.

His expression softened as he took her hands. "My dear, I'm so sorry…If only I…" He stopped before he finished the sentence and walked away, deliberately turned away from her. "Keep the ladies here without harm; the princess will come with me."

"Rau! Wait!" Murrue called out but the men blocked her from getting closer. She could only watch as he dragged Cagalli out of the temple.

"You know you're not going to get away with it!" Cagalli spat.

"Watch me!" He took both of their reins and pulled out with his men.

"Where do you think he's taking Cagalli?" Mir said shakily.

"I don't know. But reinforcements are on the way." Murrue whispered.

"How do you know?"

"Before we head out here, I placed a note in Cagalli's room notifying them of where we're going."

Miriallia brightened a little at the thought.

They sat and waited for their rescuers to arrive.

Suddenly, they could hear horse gallops and men shouting from all four directions. Zaft soldiers came rushing out from all sides, taking their kidnappers by surprise. The enemies grouped into two and separated the ladies.

"Murrue! Miriallia!" Mwu and Dearka yelled at the ladies, drawing their attention.

"Dearka! Mwu! We're here!" Miriallia shouted.

Soldiers tried to take the enemies down but they were surprisingly strong. Dearka and Mwu nodded to each other and both of them led a group of soldiers to free each lady.

Dearka held on to his swords tightly and started to cut down anyone who dares to keep him from Miriallia. He told her to close her eyes but Mir couldn't take her eyes off of him. Dearka fought like there's no tomorrow and managed to reach her with a few scratches.

Mwu on the other hand was not as successful. Though his opponents were no match for him, the kidnappers positioned farther away pulled out their bows and started firing arrows at him. Mwu had his shields ready and blocked most of the arrows. The man leading the group realized his defeat and before he retreated, he grabbed Murrue and forced her on the getaway. Mwu, being slowed down by the flying arrows, could not let the woman he loves being taken away. He had to abandon his shield to move quickly to her rescue.

He threw down his shields and did the best he could to block the raining arrows with his swords. The knight's skills were impressive but not perfect. In haste, he took an arrow on the shoulder and on his left arm. But it did not slow him down. Mwu dashed in just in time to pull Murrue back behind him as he cut down the leader, while Dearka and the soldiers cleared off the rest of the attackers.

"Mwu, are you okay?" Murrue supported him and gently laid him down to check his wounds.

He chuckled weakly. "You finally called my name."

Mwu couldn't believe he was still in the mood to joke. "Don't speak. Save your strength." She felt guilty for his injuries, but she would be lying to say she was not impressed.

"Don't blame yourself," He said when he saw her face, "Let's just say I've got a thing for playing the hero. At least you're safe, my lady."

"You idiot!" She chided gently. But smiled with tears falling down her face. Mwu embraced her with his right arm and comforted her. "It's okay. Everything's okay."

Murrue cried even harder, for Mwu and for Rau.

Dearka held Miriallia up and stood next to them, carefully not to interrupt Murrue and Mwu.

"Thank goodness you guys showed up. What about Cagalli? She's been taken by Rau Le Creuset! You must go after her!" Mir pulled on him urgently.

"Milly, it's alright! Athrun has already gone after her. He'll bring her back safely."

Knowing the prince was already on the move, Miriallia, as if lost all of her energy, melted into Dearka's arms and held on to him for comfort.

"You'll never get away with what you have done!" Cagalli spoke coldly.

"But I will and when this is over, I'll be a different man." He laughed out loud.

She gritted her teeth.

Le Creuset kept pulling Cagalli's mount along with the princess holding on tightly to avoid falling off the horse. Just before they reached a bridge, men jumped out from the side bushes, frightening his and Cagalli's mount.

"Whoa!" Rau yelled out, stabilizing the two horses. He eyed his situation carefully and slowly slid down his horse, pulling Cagalli next to him in the process.

The soldiers filed to two sides to reveal a path with Athrun riding in steadily towards them.

"Rau Le Creuset, it's been too long" Athrun said dangerously.

"Your Highness, you've grown over the years." Rau flashed a cold smile, holding on tightly to the princess. Cagalli swallowed her pain when she felt his grip on her tighten.

Athrun clenched the tilt of his sword and stepped down the horse. "Le Creuset! You are arrested on the account of treason! Throw down your weapon and release the princess. There's no escape today!"

"Ah, contraire…As long as I have her, I have the upper hand." Rau laughed.

"You would use a lady as a shield? Where's your honor?"

"I've left all of it behind years ago. I can't and will not turn back now!"

"Really?" Athrun sniffed and baited. "Forsaking your honor I see…A peasant is still a peasant after all!"

Rau's expression started to distort slowly with a mix of fury, disgust and self-pity. He threw Cagalli to the side and pulled out his sword. "Let us draw our swords then, boy! It's been too long since I've taught you another lesson!"

Athrun gave him a frosty look and pulled out his sword in response. Everyone gasped when he did. The blade of the sword was shining in bright glimmering red. This blade was the striking signature of Prince Athrun Zala. He rarely brought this weapon to the field. The dark red color of the sword was rumored to have been tainted by the blood of countless lives. But Athrun has named it 'Justice', and he believed he has used it to correct wrongs that needed to be right. To Athrun, this sword held the strongest virtue of his house, and that was fairness in making decisions and just in one's cause.

"Come, let's do this, Justice." Athrun ran his hand over his blade and positioned himself for the coming duel.

Rau came at Athrun with the first move. He swung his sword agilely at the prince's face, but Justice was there to block the blow. Blades swung back and forth, with evenly matched strength. "I see you have kept what I taught you, boy." Rau breathed.

"Of course, and I've got new moves as well." Athrun replied.

Cagalli watched anxiously at the side. She was so afraid that something might happen to Athrun. The thought of losing her fiancé was enough to make her blood run cold. But the men were so engaged that there's nothing she could do to stop them.

The exchange of blows went on. Men of both sides held their grounds and witness the two men battle it out. Cagalli wanted to do something to help Athrun, but an imperial captain stopped her. "Your Highness! This is not your fight. If you interfere, the prince will lose."

Cagalli took a step back, understanding what he meant. To Athrun, this battle was about his honor and pride. If she stepped in, he would be shamed for the rest of his life.

The captain saw her disappointment and encouraged her. "Do not fret, Highness! Keep you chin up! All of us men, allies and enemies, want to know who has better skills. That is why none of us will interfere with the duel. I'm afraid ladies just cannot understand this pure masculine instinct. But we have complete faith in our prince's victory!"

Cagalli nodded her understanding and kept her back straight. She focused all of her attention on the duel and prayed for the one she loved.

Rau swung madly at Athrun, making him on the defense. The more blows Athrun took, the more he stepped back. Accidentally, the prince tripped on a rock and fell on his back. Rau took his chance and forced his sword down. Athrun brought his sword up to block it and kicked out his right foot into Rau's stomach. Both men fell back and repositioned themselves.

Athrun stole a glance at the worried Cagalli. Time to end this…

He concentrated and timed Rau's movements. When Rau came at him once again, Athrun charged forward with one clean cut, knocking Rau's sword out of his grasp. Zaft's soldiers cheered at their prince's success and moved forward to arrest the rebels. Rau looked at his empty hands, unable to admit his defeat even after the soldiers restrained him.

"Take him away." Athrun ordered.

"Yes Sir!"

He slid his sword back into its sheath.

"Athrun!" Cagalli came running at him, panting hard from the anxiety she was suffering.

Athrun kept the same cold expression and grabbed Cagalli by the arm. "We're going. Not another word, till we reach the palace."

Cagalli knew she had finally successfully broke Athrun's patience…

"Hey, have you heard the latest rumor?"

"What is it?"

"You'll never believe it! Princess Lacus…"

Two maids whispered to each other in the hallway as Fllay and Lacus walked by. When they say the princess, they abruptly stopped and went about their way, giving her a strange look.

"What was that about?" Lacus asked. She noticed a lot of people were avoiding her in the past few days. She would be a fool to not notice the change around her.

Fllay shrugged and didn't reply. The red haired lady smiled to herself. Azreal has finally started his plan. Lacus will never know what hit her.

The ladies move about their way like they always did when Aisha came running up to them. "Princess!" She panted breathlessly.

"Aisha, what is the hurry?" Lacus patted her friend.

"You must come with me at once! Your presence is required in the throne room immediately!"

Lacus was confused. What was so urgent for Aisha to come sprinting all this way?

"As you wish." She turned and all of them started towards the throne room.

Aisha caught her arm just before she was about to enter. "Lacus," she whispered, "Prepare yourself…"

"?" Lacus looked at her friend, who held a concerned look on her face. The princess gave Aisha an adorable smile and walked into the room.

"Your Majesties." She bowed to her future parents-in-law and the prince. When she looked up, she saw the whole court in presence, as if passing judgment on her. What was more alarming was that Azreal stood in the front of the crowd smirking down at her.

She glanced back at Kira to read his expression but she couldn't read anything from him at all. He remained expressionless and serious.

"Lacus," King Haruma said sternly to her, "You have been summoned here in the presence of the whole court to defend your reputation against certain charges laid before you."

"What? I don't understand…"

The Queen looked sympathetically at her. "Azreal has claimed you to be unfaithful to my son, as well to Alliance."

Lacus widened her eyes, stunned speechless for the first time. How can something so absurd be laid against her? She looked immediately at Kira for his support, but to her disappointment, he refused to look her in the eyes. Lacus' heart sank. She knew what she has to do. With a clear voice, she stood up for herself. "I have never and will never do something so unworthy and wicked to my home and family. Lord Azreal, how dare you speak of such blasphemy? What evidence do you have for your defamation?"

Azreal walked next to her, circling her as he speak. "Highness, permit me to ask a few questions. But before that, I would like to have Lord Heine present."

Heine stepped out with a cautious look on his face. Kira was about to open his mouth to speak but was silenced by the King.

"Well, now that everyone is here, why don't we get started?" Azreal smiled. "Princess, it's a well known fact that you are a sweet and naturally compassionate person. Yet being friendly has a dangerous side. Sometimes, some people tend to take your friendliness the wrong way and…Let's just say it might leads to something else…"

Lacus narrowed her eyes. "What are you trying to say?"

Her opponent chuckled. "Come now, Your Highness is a highly attractive woman. How can any man refuse a warmhearted beauty with a smile like yours? Isn't that right, Heine?"

"Azreal! That is enough! You have over stepped your line!" Kira shouted.

"Prince Kira, I have full use of my position as the plaintiff to ask the questions."

Though Kira understood the laws, he couldn't control himself to what was about to happen next.

"Allow me to continue. Please answer my question, Heine."

Heine breathed heavily and felt his heart pound clearly. How did Azreal found out about his affection for the princess? Had he been so obvious that people could just read it off his face?

With his back straight, Heine nodded bravely to the question. The court was instantly in an uproar. Stellar staggered a step back, almost fell if Shinn did not caught her from behind. Andrew clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white, but Aisha held on to his hand. Worst of all, Lacus felt paralyzed while Kira felt his blood run cold.

Heine appealed to the court. "It is true I love the princess, because she will be my queen and I have sworn to serve her and defend her with my life!"

Azreal threw his head back and laughed. "Tell me, my lord. Do you admit the embrace you gave your future queen to be warm and chivalrous as well?"

This threw yet another bomb into the whole court. Chatters spread like wild fire around the room and the King was forced to silent everyone.

Fllay secretly applauded Azreal's ability at creating the public scandal.

"The embrace was one out of sympathy! I was there when it happened!" Kira yelled out all of a sudden.

Both Azreal and Fllay's smile froze on their faces. They did not expect Kira to lie to the public. It was out of his character as the prince value honesty and truth above all else.

"I was there." Kira repeated. "I was there with Lacus and Heine together. There was no affair whatsoever." He finished quietly.

"Your Highness…I would suggest..."

"Silence!" The prince boomed, shooting daggers at Azreal. "Hold your tongue if you do not wish to lose it. I will not have any more lies against my fiancé and friend."

The entire room was so quiet, stunned by the prince's sudden outburst. Never had Kira spoke with such force and intensity. Fllay almost pulled her hair out in anger. She was so close to ruining Lacus! How could Kira lie for her?

Azreal was also furious. But he calmed down after some quick thinking. Kira had lied and now the matter was in the open for the love birds. Their relationship will be even more difficult so he will probably have another shot at House Yamato sooner or later…

"The matter dies here. No more rumors and no more gossip!" He ordered as he walked next to Lacus and held her cold hand. She looked at him and realized he was there on the day Heine proposed to her. He had protected her reputation, but in return, she had broken his integrity and character. Now she will have to pay the price.

Heine looked appreciative at his friend but Kira directed him a meaningful glance. The look composed of anger, pity as well as pain. Heine now understood Kira knew all along and had been suffering for his own recklessness. Trust and friendship has been broken.

Kira took one last look around the room. "I think I have delivered my request quite clearly. Please excuse us as Lacus and I have other matters to attend to." He gently pulled Lacus towards him and guided her out of the room, with their friends watching troubled after them.

I like the angry Kira in this chapter! In the anime, he's a little too goody-goody for me sometimes. I hope all of you Kira lovers like it as well! Looks like the ladies are in deep trouble with their fiances this time. Next chapter, KxL and AxC confrontation and a big surprise is in store! Please R&R!