WE BELONG TOGETHER
I'm so so sorry for not updating in months. Lots of things to deal with in life. But I'm slowly getting back to my writing bit by bit. Thanks for those who still reviews. You guys are great! Don't worry, I will eventually finish this story one step at a time. Take Care all!
Chapter 21: Meet Your New Family!
"Mir, we have to be back in Orb pronto." Cagalli said while pacing impatiently back and forth.
"Princess, we can't just rush off without any consideration…"
"I don't care about that now!" Cagalli spat and turned away, "….I'm sorry. It's just that…You know what this means to me? I've never thought father would ever consider remarriage…It's just too sudden!"
"I know. But there's so much going on here, I think you should consult with Prince Athrun before you make any decision." Mir gently comforts her friend.
Consult him? Ha, he probably doesn't even realize I exist! Cagalli thought. But understanding Mir's point, she had to swallow her anger and agreed to do as suggested.
Mir smiled, but she too was in deep waters. She thought she had more time with Dearka, but it seems like time was cut short. Going back to Orb meant she was going to face Tolle and come to terms with her heart's choice. The more she thought about it, the greater the uncertain grew.
"Come on, let's find Athrun NOW!" Cagalli grabbed Mir and raced out of the room.
They found the prince in his studies along with Yzak, Dearka, Murrue and Meer.
"Please Athrun, I need to convince him otherwise. If you will only give me some time, I'm sure I'll…"
"That is enough, Murrue!" Athrun silenced her with a glare. "He is not worth your time!"
"But…" Murrue pleaded.
"I said that's enough. Le Creuset has committed the unspeakable. You know the sentence for treason. Do not try to challenge the law."
Murrue stared defiantly, but slouched down in defeat. She had tried everything, gone through all her connections to look for a way to ease the sentence of Rau. After pleading again and again with the prince, Rau's death seems irreversible.
"Athrun…" Cagalli called out, " I hope I'm not interrupting."
"No, we're just done. Come in." Athrun sighed.
"Well, to cut to the chase. I need to go back to Orb regarding my father's so-called wedding. I will only need a few to accompany me, meaning Mwu and Mir of course." She stated as a matter of fact.
Athrun smirked to himself. "It seems you have it all planned out. How kind of you to let me know."
"Don't be sarcastic. I mean business. So if that a yes or a no?"
"Do I have a choice? Actually, I think it's a good idea to pay a visit to Orb. Things have been getting kind of gloomy around here."
"Alright, I will inform the majesties. Come on Mir…" Cagalli turned to go.
"Wait!" Athrun replied. "I'm not finished yet. Besides your original companions, I want Dearka and Murrue there."
"What?" Cagalli and Murrue both shouted out in surprise.
Athrun didn't offer any explanation. He wanted Murrue to get out of Zaft while he deals with Le Creuset and her constant interference is not helping.
As for Dearka, Athrun turned to give his friend a wink. Dearka caught on fast and muttered a silent thank you.
"I will be in Orb just a few days behind you, after I'm done with some of the matters. But until then, Cagalli, stay out of trouble."
The princess answered with a huge slamming of the doors.
"I see, then it's settled. I've received word that Princess Cagalli and Prince Athrun will also be returning to Orb regarding your father's wedding." Kira said.
"Well, we better start preparing as well." Lacus said breathlessly. Kira took hold of her hand and calm her down. "There's no rush, Lacus."
Lacus looked up at him. It's been so long since he was this close to her. Just when she was about to reach out to him, he abruptly released her.
"Anyways, I will inform Sir Waltfield of the coming trip. Is there anyone else you would like present?"
Lacus looked away in sadness and spoke softly, "Yes, I think it's also a good idea to bring Aisha and Stellar. I promised Stellar to show her around and I'm sure Sir Waltfield would want Aisha to meet his family."
"…I will make arrangements." They both remained silent.
Kira wasn't sure if this is such a good time to leave Alliance right now. Base on the reports by Andrew and Shinn, things have quieted down a bit and there has not been any movement by Azreal. Though he felt unsafe, he can't bear to see Lacus worrying about her father like that. Also, going to Orb will give him a change to talk to Prince Athrun if there's a possible correlation between the current unrest across the nations.
It's been a few days since Cagalli and her friends set out for Orb. The princess has been chatting nonstop about Orb and everything else. The only forbidden topic was talking about Athrun, which everyone was careful to avoid.
"Mir, you've been quiet lately. What's the matter? Aren't you glad to be going home?" Cagalli asked her friend.
"Of course I am. It's just that…" Mir hesitated.
"You get to see everyone again. There's Sai, Kuzzy and Tolle….Oh, I see…" Cagalli covered her big mouth.
"You see my dilemma…" Mir sighed. She still haven't had the courage to tell Dearka about Tolle. He's been so sweet on trying to making the mood lighthearted for everyone on this trip. Mir just didn't have the heart to break his heart. On the other hand, what about Tolle? He has no idea about Dearka of course and the last time he wrote to her, he told her he's really excited on meeting her again.
"Yeah, but Mir, it's really up to you." Cagalli comforted the brunette girl gently. Mir gave a small laugh and hugs her friend back. The two girls both have their hands full of guy trouble, then they both turn to the other occupant in the carriage, who was obviously having the same trouble as well.
Murrue was forced to come on this trip due to Athrun's order. But not a day went by without her worrying about what Rau's fate will be. She will have to wait till Athrun meets up at Orb with them to find that out. Another source of her headache is Mwu's constant flirtation, whether directed at her or at the others.
She has never met anyone as talkative or as casual as Sir La Fllaga. By now, she's already heard everything about himself, his family, and all the other useless details. It seems the compassionate man who encouraged her about Rau was but a dream.
"Oh, brother…" She gave a heavy sigh. The faster they get to Orb, the better.
"Father!" Cagalli cried and raced into the King's embrace.
Uzumi hugged his little girl tight and inspect her from head to top. Before he could speak, Cagalli already started bombarding him with questions.
"Alright, where is she? Let's meet Lady Talia Gladys." She demanded.
"Cagalli!" Uzumi chided. "Where are your manners? Is this how you greet your father and king?"
Cagalli stick her chin out defiantly. Uzumi stood his ground, but broke out in laughter. Oh, how he missed her!
"Father, I hardly think it's the right time to be laughing. I've been traveling for days so can you at least take me seriously."
"You will meet her in due time. Why don't you rest and get settled in like the rest of your friends? We will talk more when Lacus arrives. In fact, she should be here soon."
"I'm already here." Lacus said at the door with Kira behind her, baffled by Cagalli's outburst.
"Lacus!" Cagalli practically flew to give Lacus a bear hug.
Lacus laughed and hugged her sister back. Uzumi almost had tears in his eyes to see his twins together again.
After the commotion died down, Lacus introduced Kira to her family. "Father, Cagalli, this is Kira."
"My pleasure to meet you both. I am Prince Kira Yamato of Alliance." Kira bowed.
Uzumi nodded his approval, while Cagalli looked at him closely, making Kira blush a little.
"Is there something, Princess Cagalli?" Kira asked politely. Cagalli circled around him and Lacus like a vulture, inspecting him from top to bottom, left to right.
"Cagalli…" Lacus tried to stop her twin's action.
Cagalli was silent for a while, then she smiled, "Alright, I approve!"
"What…what?" Kira astonished.
"I mean I approve of you and Lacus. To think I was worried about what kind of a man you would be to be my fiancé at first, but for a brother-in-law, you're not half bad. So I give you my approval. But if you ever make her sad, you better be prepared to…"
Lacus covered Cagalli's mouth in time before her threatening words can reach Kira's ears. Kira smiled awkwardly and nodded. Despite what Lacus has told him, Princess Cagalli was much more energetically than the rumours. He's joyful to have her as a friend, but also relieved to know she's not the one destined to be his wife.
"Cagalli," Lacus spoke, as if to change the topic, "Where's Prince Athrun?" She can't let Cagalli know about the problem between her and Kira. Or else, Cagalli will definitely take Kira apart!
"He'll be here in a few days. There's some state matter he has to take care of."
"Alright, girls. I'm sure all of you are tired. Dismiss yourselves for now." Uzumi commanded.
All the girls gathered in Cagalli's room, making acquaintances to each other. Only Lady Miriallia and Fllay were missing, with special permission to visit their own household.
"Ya, you know what Lacus, I can't believe Athrun has the nerve of being….being with your cheap double right in front of me. You should see the despicable look on their faces, makes me want to slap them both into shame. What aggravated me more is how I trusted Meer Campbell like a sister." Cagalli fumed, rattling out all the anger she felt in the hands of Athrun and Meer.
Lacus only padded her sister in understanding, while Stellar and Aisha gave each other a knowing look.
"Well, Cagalli, it does sound like…" Stellar began.
"…that you're in love with your prince." Aisha finished.
"WHAT!" Cagalli's face blow red. "What gave you…I mean it's not like…" Her voice started to die down as all of the other girls watched enthusiastically. Lacus couldn't help but chuckled at Cagalli.
"Alright already! Yes, I guess I do have certain feelings for Athrun, but it's not love! Definitely not!" Cagalli faked, stressing to make her point.
"Of course not, and I'm sure it's all a big misunderstanding. I have absolute confidence in your wits to capture his heart." Her sister replied.
"I told you it's not like that!"
"Anyways, I'm glad you and Prince Athrun are getting along. It solidifies the political aspect to say the very least." Stellar stated.
"I agree. So what about you, Princess Lacus? How are things in Alliance, and between you and Prince Kira, if I may be so bold?" Murrue questioned.
Lacus blushed. "Kira and I…We're getting along fine." She lied. "We have mutual feeling for each other."
Cagalli's mouth formed an "O", as she couldn't believe Lacus just spoke out like that. This has always been a major difference between them. Lacus is not one to lie and always spoke the truth.
"That's great, dear. As a citizen of Zaft and as a friend, I'm happy for the both of you." Murrue smiled.
"That's right! At that this part of my plan came true. Kira's an honorable man. Both of you will make each other's lives blissful." Cagalli felt a bit envious at their perfect relationship.
"Thank you, sister. I'm sure your's will be too."
"If we don't kill each other first…" The princess remarked.
The next day in Orb –
"Princess Lacus, Princess Cagalli, Prince Kira and guests of honour, the King summons your presence in the throne room immediately." The guard called.
"We'll be right there. What is the occasion?" Cagalli replied.
"King Uzumi wishes to make the introduction to Lady Talia."
Cagalli frowned. "I see, but we did not anticipate Prince Athrun's absence."
"I'm sorry, but that fact has not been revealed to me."
"Please inform father we will be there in a short while." Lacus answered.
The guard bowed and left.
"It's about time we meet this mysterious lady. It's too bad Athrun couldn't be here. Everyone else is."
"Now Cagalli, promise you will be civil. There should be no judging before understanding." Lacus chided. Cagalli finally agreed, just so Lacus feel assured.
After everyone has entered the throne room, the King cleared his voice.
"Dear guests, my daughters, though it's a bit informal, I would like to introduce a very special lady. Lady Talia Gladys."
The door in the back opened to reveal a lady in a blue gown. She entered with grace and confidence in her stride. Lacus studied her closely. Lady Talia showed intelligence and wisdom in her eyes, but also a hint of sadness?
Cagalli, on the other hand, gave the lady credit for beauty. She can also see the lady has a brain, or how else can she persuade her father to marry her? Another curious fact is the two people trailing after her. There's a young blonde man and a dark haired maiden.
"Ah my dear." The King kissed Talia's hand. "I'm glad you could be here. Rey and Shiho also have my gratitude."
"Rey…and Shiho?" Cagalli said, confused.
"Oh, I forgot to mention it on my letter. Silly me!" The King laughed. "This is Talia's nephew and niece, Rey Za Burral and Shiho Hahnenfuss. They will also be joining our family."
Lacus and Cagalli stared at the 3 members, confused with a thousand thoughts running through their heads. Talia only smiled warmly at her new daughters, while Shiho looked down and Rey directed his penetrating eyes at the princesses.
Lacus felt quite uncomfortable at the gaze but Cagalli refuse to back down and challenged the look. Rey looked surprised, but gave her a playful smirk.
The blond princess' anger immediately flared. This guy is trying to get to me on my own turf!
Just when she was about to verbal slam her newly found opponent, a voice cut clearly through the room.
"Well, I'm glad I made it." Athrun casually strolled in. "Wouldn't want to miss the big party." He grinned.
Cagalli felt a moment's joy at seeing him, but instantly evaporated when she saw Meer leisurely walked in after Athrun.
With her smile frozen on her face, the princess exclaimed, "What are YOU doing here?"
So Talia, Rey and Shiho finally made their appearances. I have to admit it's getting a little hard to keep track of all the character names and their direction. But never fear, I have their characterization planned out! Everyone finally got together at last. So what's in store for our heroes and heroines next? Next chapter, there will be more on the sub couples and our 4 protagonists will get to know each other a bit better!