WE BELONG TOGETHER
This chapter will foucs mainly on Shinn and Stellar. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN GUNDAM SEED AND GUNDAM SEED DESTINY
Chapter 24: Ambush in the Woods
"What did you…I'm sure I'm tired. My ears must have been playing tricks on me." Murrue shook her head. She's not herself today.
"No tricks, my lady. I…umm…did just propose to you." Mwu admitted, looking a little bit embarrassed.
"Is this another one of your jokes? Because if it is then…"
"No, no, no…" Mwu shook his head in haste, "Come on, I'm being serious."
Murrue sniffed in reply.
"Well, there's more to the catch of course." Mwu went on to explain. "You see, my family has been a little…pushy lately."
"And?"
"Hey, just hear me out first. Like I was saying, my family has never pushed for me being married Since I'm the second son, getting an heir is not a top priority on their list. But I guess you can say I've been putting it off for some time now, and my mother, you know, doing what all mothers do, has somehow remembered."
"So it's about your mother?"
Mwu sighed. "Yeah, mother's never been a patient one. Once she sets her eyes on something, she always sees it through."
Murrue stifled a smile. "She sounds wonderful. But I'm sure this is an easy problem for you to solve, Sir La Fllaga. Surely there are a number of other candidates to be considered."
"I'm not going to lie to say there isn't, but I know they're not for me."
"So what made you come to me?"
Mwu hesitated for a while, the spoke lightly, "You are a lady of grace and intelligence. It might be a little cheesy for me to say this, but I do like you, Murrue."
She blushed a little.
"I know it's a hard thing to ask, but could you just play along so I can get by in front of mother please?" Mwu begged. In his heart he wanted what he was asking for to be real, but perhaps it might be a little too much for Murrue to hear.
"I refuse!"
Mwu felt a little hurt. He kind of anticipated a 'no', but didn't think she would refuse so bluntly.
"I'm refusing for your own benefit. You don't want to get caught up in my curse."
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't you see? My parents are dead, Rau's about to die, everyone who's ever close to me is doomed. Is that what you want for your family? To have their names tied to me?"
"You don't really believe that do you?"
"Do I need more proof in my life?"
"Dammit! That is the stupidest crap I have ever heard." Mwu swore. "Look here, I've been trailing after you and I've been fine. What about the rest of your friends? Anyone died lately? Don't give me that!"
Mwu sighed and put his hands on her shoulder, "Promise me you'll forget about this whole 'curse' thing, alright?"
Murrue kept quiet, a bit taken back my Mwu's outburst. Then she softens her eyes, and gave him a small nod. "Thank you. I guess I needed someone to knock some sense into me, huh?"
"The pleasure is mine."
"But it doesn't mean I agree with your idea."
Mwu put his hands over his heart and feigned heartache, "Dear Lady, you break my heart! Come on, are you really going to just sit by while my mother's wrath devours me?"
Murrue sighed in defeat. I can at least help him this much for his efforts to cheer me up. It's not like it's for real or anything. Just a friendly gesture and nothing else!
"But do you really think it's going to work?"
"Trust me, mother won't see it coming!"
"Come on, let's get going." Athrun said to Kira and Shinn. The three of them have been spending a lot of time investigating Orb. While this nation appeared peaceful, something in Athrun's guts was saying otherwise. Just a few days ago he shared his opinion with Kira and Shinn, and both of them have agreed to help him out. Ever since, they've been out in Orb, trying to uncover some clues to his unrest.
"Let's head to the docks, it's always a good place for information. It's just beyond this forest." Kira suggested.
"Wait!" Shinn motioned. "We're being followed." Athrun and Kira froze, while Shinn slowly got off his mount. He backed away into the bush quietly while the princes heard faint gallops behind them.
Kira and Athrun kept their backs turned, pretending to be unaffected by the coming rider. When the rider came a little close, Shinn took his chance and dived at the caped figure, knocking him out of his horse.
By the time the rider recovered, the three men already have their swords out of their scabbard and in his face.
"Ouch! What was that for?" Came an angry shout.
"Stellar! What are you doing here?" Kira moaned, sheathing his weapon quickly and helping his cousin to her feet.
"What do you think? You've been avoiding me for ages. I'm here to talk to you of course!" She screamed into his ears.
Now it's Kira's turn for the 'Ouch!'
Athrun and Shinn sighed with relief, and smiled at their display of cousinly affection.
"I swear, you guys have been acting so suspicious." She glared at the three men in front of her, "What is going on here?"
"Lady Stellar, we were just—"
"Cool it! You almost killed me, you know that?" She hissed at Shinn, not at all happy at what he has done. Shinn closed his mouth and muttered an apology.
After Stellar's anger died down a little, she turned to Kira. "Cousin, I need a word with you if you please."
"Not now Stellar…"
"You've been avoiding Lacus long enough and I promise I would talk to you about it. When are you going to get over it and come back? This is so not like to you to stay angry for so long."
"Stellar, this is hardly the time and place for such topics. Leave at once!"
"Kira!" But her cousin's tone was authoritative. Stellar stomped her feet in frustration. Darn! He won't listen to me. I might not be able to get another chance to speak with him. Oh wait…What were they saying before…Hehe…I got it!
"Fine, I will do as commanded." She was about to get on her horse, then she remembered something. "Actually, I'm in the mood to have a look at the harbour. I heard Orb has some of the most exotic sea delicacies in our all of our lands."
Upon hearing her words, all three men turned towards her, with a pained expression.
"Shinn," Athrun pleaded, "Mind if we ask you to see the lady back to the palace please?"
"I suppose." Shinn sighed in defeat.
"Thank you, Shinn." Kira also replied.
Shinn lead his horse to where Stellar is, "Please follow me, my lady." And forcibly pulled her mount towards the other direction of the forest.
"Hey! Stop! I didn't say I was going back yet!" Stellar yelled continuously on her mount, while Shinn pretending to be deaf.
Kira and Athrun both watched them leave out of sight, with only Stellar's angry voice still lingering in the woods.
"Hey, Asuka! I can lead my own horse." Stellar said impatiently, "Did you hear me?"
"I heard you."
"Then let go of my reins!"
Shinn ignored her and continued to pull on the reins.
Darn it! She thought. If only he'll let go, then I'll get my chance to ride the other way. I should still have time to catch up with Kira!
Stellar thought quickly and decided to try something else. "At least stop for a while, I'm feeling a bit woozy."
Shinn slowed his pace, stealing a glance at the girl. Though he thought she looked fine, he stopped and helped Stellar down her horse.
"We'll stop for 10 minutes, then it's all the way to the palace."
"What's the rush anyways?" Stellar muttered, finding a nice shade to rest.
"The forest is not a safe place." He said, while tying the horses to a nearby tree and keeping his eyes sharp around their surrounding.
"Say, what were you guys doing anyways? Everyone is worried, you know?"
Shinn kept a straight face and said nothing.
"Hmph! You're no fun at all!" She closed her eyes for a short rest, deciding to ignore him.
Shinn secretly glanced at the resting girl as a small smile crept on his face. Ever since their fallout, there's been some kind of invisible gap between them. She ignored him most of the time, while he avoided her as best as he can. It was not until today did she showed that same genuine attitude and quirkiness towards him again. He really hated to admit it, but it actually felt good having her pout at him.
Stellar had no idea Shinn was smiling warmly at her. She yawned and wondered what she would tell Lacus once she gets back to the castle.
After a while, just when Shinn was about to hit the road, he suddenly moved in front of Stellar and hissed sharply, hand whipped towards his sword. "Who's there? Show yourself."
Stellar snapped her eyes open, startled by Shinn's defense. "What the…"
Clap! Clap! "Very sharp indeed, my lord." Came a sneering comment.
Two men walked out of the shadows. It was Shani Andras and Crot Buer.
"Azreal's dogs!" Shinn spat, pulling his sword out.
"Careful with what you say, Asuka! Ah, the Lady Stellar here as well. My lord gives his greetings, fair mistress." Crot bowed mockingly.
"I'm no mistress of yours, Buer. You should do well to remember that." Stellar warned, annoyed to have her name connected to Azreal.
"On the contrary, my lord has every wish to take your hand. Best take it when the offer still stands."
Stellar just wanted to puke. It reminded her how only shortly after presenting herself in the court, Azreal has his eyes following her all over the place. Whether his attraction for her is one out of lust or power, is uncertain.
"Scums! You dare attack us in the open?" Shinn demanded.
"We wouldn't dream of it. After all, we are law abiding citizens. But we can't say for sure for our new friend." Shani smirked. Behind him, a man slowly revealed himself to the light.
"Heine?" Stellar said disbelievingly. How can it be? Why is Heine with these thugs?
"Lord Westenfluss, what is the meaning of this? Have you sided with Azreal now?" Shinn said angrily.
Heine didn't reply, but merely drew out his sword in response.
"Have you gone crazy? It's me Stellar." She shouted. But the two men kept staring at each other.
Shinn pushed Stellar back to a safe distance, never taking his eyes off of the three men. "Stay here Stellar. Watch yourself."
"No!" She held on to his arm, "It's three to one, you're at a disadvantage. Don't do it!"
"It's alright. Doesn't look like Andras and Buer have any intention of getting involved. Heine doesn't look like he's going to let us go without a fight."
"But…fine…Promise me you will be careful!"
"I promise. Shinn Asuka never forgets his promise." He flashed a brief smile at her.
Heine waited as Shinn took a few step closer and held his stance. "So this is where you end up after leaving Alliance? Kira and Lacus would be ashamed."
Heine's eyes flared temporarily, so fast that no one caught the emotion. He charged in for the first strike. Shinn blocked with ease and countered by slashing to the side.
Heine brought his sword down for a quick block, then pushed Shinn back a few steps with force. Shinn steadied himself and maneuvered his sword straight for Heine's face. But his blade missed as Heine ducked to the side, only successful in shaving off a few strands of his hair.
Between the blocks and the blows, Shinn still managed to keep a part of his attention on the pair to the side. He evaded most of Heine's swings until he saw Crot slipping out a leather whip towards the girl. This distracted him for a split second, and Heine found the opening to slash Shinn's left leg.
Stellar screamed.
Shinn suppressed his pain but could not keep his balance. He fell down while trying to stop the bleeding. He covered his hand over the wound as best as he could.
Heine stood over the injured man, while bring his sword down for the final strike.
Stellar gave a cry of distress and sprinted to Shinn's side, covering his body with her own.
Heine's sword stopped right before hitting the girl. He cursed and slowly withdrawal his weapon.
"What are you doing, Westenfluss? Finish him off." Shani commanded.
"No, he cannot fight anymore. It would be against my honour to strike a fallen man, and a sin to harm a lady."
"Idiot! I'll teach you some obedience." Crot pulled back his arm and cracked his whip at Heine's shoulder.
Heine side stepped the attack, making the whip miss its target. Crot licked his lips in excitement, "Let see how this goes." He flicked his weapon again.
Heine rolled to the side, but quickly realized his mistake. Though he avoided the attack, the whip still managed to find a mark. Lady Stellar was behind him!
The whip slashed Stellar on her back, making her fall on top of Shinn.
Shinn heard Stellar cried out. He caught her and roared, "No!"
Heine dived towards Crot, bringing his sword to his neck, "You dare hurt a lady? I'll have your head for this!"
Crot screamed and begged for his life. Shani cut in and held Heine's arm back. "Enough! We're leaving. The master will hear about this."
Heine was livid, but released Crot after taking a few deep breaths. Shani turned to leave with Crot scampering behind him. Heine turned to give one last apologetic look at Stellar before disappearing.
Stellar could feel a burning pain on her back. She moaned as Shinn moved her slowly towards their mounts.
"Stellar, I have to take you back to the castle. It's going to hurt a little during the ride, but stay strong."
"I…I will..."
"Good girl." He said, wrapping the cape around her body tightly while carefully avoiding touching her wound.
The whole palace was in an uproar. Medic staffs were rushed in and out of Lady Stellar's chambers.
Everyone waited outside of Stellar's door until the doctor was finished before rushing in to see her. The king and Lady Talia were the first to visit. Though Uzumi would like to start investigation immediately, he sympathized and gave Stellar and Shinn some time to rest first before asking about the attack.
The king has also appointed Sir Andrew Waltfield to find the culprits responsible.
"I will do my best, sire." Andrew bowed to his king.
"I trust you will." The king nodded gravely, unable to believe his guests of honour has been assaulted on his own land.
"Excuse me, Your Majesty," Rey cut in politely, "But would it be alright if I joined Sir Waltfield in the investigation as well?"
"Rey?" Talia said surprised.
"I would like to service my king, if he would but allow me." He said humbly.
"But it's so dangerous…"
"Talia, let him. I appreciate your help, young man. You have my permission to proceed."
Rey bowed in appreciation.
"Wait!" Shinn's voice came from behind them. "I would like to be in the investigation as well." After the necessary medical attention, Shinn only suffered a mild cut on his leg, though he did limp a little when he walked.
"Shinn, you're injured. It's best for you to rest now." Lacus concerned.
"No! I was responsible for Lady Stellar's safety and I failed. I want to find the bastards that did this to us. Please, Your Majesty…" He pleaded, resolved to find the criminals who would hurt a lady like Stellar Loussier.
The king sighed yet he understood Shinn's anger. He nodded and walked away with Lady Talia beside him.
"Stellar!" Kira cried, bursting into the room with Athrun close behind him. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, just a scratch." Stellar assured her cousin, while lying on the side, struggling a little on her pillow to keep from touching her wound.
"Who did this to you guys?" Kira said through gritted teeth, furious at the turn of event. Stellar moaned. Whenever Kira was like this, it meant big trouble for someone.
Everyone (meaning Cagalli, Miriallia, Dearka, Murrue, Mwu, Rey, Shiho, and Shinn) save Lacus, Fllay, Andrew and Aisha were a bit taken back, seeing the gentle prince's fury for the first time.
"Shinn, I'm waiting." Kira said, unsatisfied by the silence.
"It's my fault, Your Highness. We were ambushed and I got careless." Shinn apologized.
"Don't blame yourself. I know you must have did all you could to get both of you out as best as you can. Can you identify the attackers?"
"Yes, there's three, Crot Buer and Shani Andras…"
"Azreal's men?" Athrun asked, with Kira nodding gravely.
"I didn't think they would be here in Orb. Azreal has never confronted me outside of Alliance before. And hurting Stellar, I would never thought Azreal would plan this. I mean, everyone in Alliance knows he fancies you. So, you were saying about the third man…?" Kira continued.
"Well, the third man is…"
"Asuka!" Stellar cut in loudly, shaking her head, pleading with him from saying no more.
"Shinn!" Kira commanded, "Who is it?"
Shinn looked down to the floor and answered in a low voice, "It's…Heine."
Lacus paled, gripping her twin's hands for support. Fllay, Andrew and Aisha all gasped out loud. Kira looked as if he saw a ghost.
"It…can't be…" Lacus muttered disbelievingly, "That's impossible!"
"I don't want to believe it either. But I saw him. He was there. What is he doing with Azreal's men?" Stellar cried.
Athrun put his hand on Kira's shoulder and patted. "Heine….Heine Westenfluss…He used to be a good friend of yours?" Athrun said, deliberately stressing in past tense.
Kira nodded, too shocked to speak.
"Nevertheless, he needed to be taken in for questioning along with the other two." Athrun said mercilessly. "Shinn, you know what to do."
"Is there anything else you can provide?" Andrew asked Stellar.
Stellar shook her head, "I wish there's more."
"In any case, we'll have to go with what we have right now." Rey said curtly.
The room fell into silence—
"Excuse me, but would my lords and ladies allow me to speak to Lady Stellar alone for a moment please?" Shinn asked with a faint blush on his face.
Kira frowned while Athrun suppressed a smile.
"Well…" Lacus thought. It's highly improper to have a man in a lady's chamber by herself. Not to mention an unwed lady…
"For a short while then, Stellar needs her rest. I'll leave a maid outside the doors if you need something." Lacus replied, pushing the now grim Kira out of the room with the rest following.
When the room has cleared, Shinn walked over to Stellar and bent down besides her bed.
"What…What did you want to speak to me about?" Stellar asked, blushing uncontrollably with him so close.
"Stellar," He said gently, "I wanted to apologize to you personally."
"It's alright, Asuka, I'll be fine. You don't have to take it so hard."
"I failed, but never again. I swear I will never let this happen again."
Stellar warmed up, "I know, you always keep your promise." She beamed at him, making him embarrassed.
"Wait, what about Heine?" Stellar asked.
"His fate has already been decided. The only thing we can do for him is to bring him in." Shinn said coldly.
Upon hearing his words, she lost her smile and her heart sank.
"I will see to it. Rest and recover for now."
Stellar nodded as Shinn bowed to leave. Just before opening the door, Stellar called out, "Wait, I never got to say this, but thanks for saving me….Shinn…"
Shinn looked back bewildered and gently closed the door.
"Did he pass the test?" The shadow said.
"He would have finished off Asuka had the girl not intervened." Shani reported.
"So Crot gave her a lashing by mistake, did he? Azreal is not going to happy about this. I almost feel sorry for Buer." He laughed maliciously.
Shani cringed. He can't imagine what Azreal is going to do to Crot once they get back to Alliance.
"My lord, why did you accept Heine into our plan?" Shani inquired.
"Use your brain, you fool. Heine has status, he can move around the countries with ease. But I wonder…"
"Can we really trust him? He was after all, the prince's best friend."
"You think I don't know that, you dimwit? I will be the judge for his reliability. Now listen carefully, I have a new mission for you and Heine."
"Sir?"
"I want you to kill Lady Talia Gladys!"
The plot thickens!!!! I'e decided to keep up the sub pairing for a while longer but there will be some KxL and AxC moments definitely. Of all of the characters in the story, Stellar gets my vote. She's just so adorable and sweet (not in the Lacus perfectionist way). Thanks for reviewing!