WE BELONG TOGETHER
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN GUNDAM SEED AND GUNDAM SEED DESTINY
Chapter 28: Homecoming
"Father, take care of yourself. You too Lacus." Cagalli bid her family goodbye. After receiving news about Rau's escape, Athrun and Cagalli were forced to return to Zaft with their company as soon as they can.
Cagalli walked over to where Shiho was. After Shiho said her farewell to Murrue and Miriallia, Cagalli said to her, "Take care. You're part of the family now. I'll get news to you guys as soon as I can. Lacus will be here a while longer should you need any help."
Shiho hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"See ya, Za Burrel." Cagalli waved at Rey. She still did not like him, but at least she was civil to him now.
Rey rolled his eyes and bowed.
Miriallia said her tearful goodbye to her family and Tolle, then climbed into the carriage with Dearka helping her.
Shinn was about to get on his horse, when a small hand grabbed the corner of his coat. He looked down and saw Stellar standing next to him with her face down.
"Remember what you promised? Back in the woods?" She said in a small voice.
"Of course." Shinn smiled at her. "I'll be careful."
"Shinn…"
"Yes?"
"I hope I'll see you soon." She whispered and brushed a kiss on his face. Then she raced inside the palace, leaving Shinn baffled and speechless.
"We're off!" Athrun commanded.
"Be careful, dear sister." Lacus prayed.
"Yzak, what happened?" Athrun stormed in, throwing off his riding gloves with Cagalli, Shinn and Dearka behind him. The four of them rode ahead, leaving the safety of the party to Mwu. Athrun was anxious to find out what happened and where Rau Le Creuset went off to. As soon as he hit palace ground, he had Yzak summoned for a status report.
"Your Highness, we don't know how he escaped. Perhaps he had accomplices we didn't know about. I'm extremely confident about our security measures and just don't get how he could have gotten out under our noses. I am to blame for the mistake" Yzak said with a frown.
"We are dealing with Le Creuset, and he knows every detail of this place. It's not your fault. I got careless with the details." Athrun sighed, "And now it's going to cost me. What do you have for leads?"
"So far, nothing." Yzak said frustrated.
The prince rubbed his throbbing head. "That's one unsolved incident after another. Could there be a correlation, Shinn?"
"So far there's no direct evident linking them. But we can't deny the possibility." Shinn answered.
"Are you saying Lady Talia's death is connected to Le Creuset?" Cagalli interrupted.
"We can't discard the possibility. Plus I've never been much of a believer in coincidence." The prince sniffed. "Yzak, have the northern lands searched again. I want every rock, every tree checked for his tracks. Dearka, arrange to have Murrue's house watched. We can't be sure if he might try to contact her."
"Athrun!" Cagalli gasped, "Murrue is our friend. She would never betray you."
"I didn't say she would, it's Le Creuset I don't trust, not her. You never know what he might do. All I know is that I'm out of clues so I'm willing to take a few chances." Athrun commanded.
"At once." Yzak and Dearka bowed.
"Wait! On second thought, once Sir Mwu arrives, have him informed as well. He's a lot closer to Murrue so he should be able to protect her." Athrun stated before they leave.
After they left, Athrun collapsed into a chair and rubbed his aching temple.
"Are you alright?" Cagalli asked.
"Yeah, just a little fatigue. Why don't you guys get some rest. We've got plenty to do and a sly criminal to catch."
"How long till we reach Zaft?" Murrue asked.
"About another day's ride or so." Mwu answered for the millionth time. "What is the big rush anyways?"
Ever since they departed Orb, Murrue has been asking him every hour when they will get back to Zaft. Especially after the prince and princess rode off, the lady seemed even more anxious and restless in the carriage. It even got to a point where Murrue couldn't stand the stuffiness of the carriage, so she decided to go on horseback instead. Ever since, Mwu's been riding next to her.
"The sooner I get back the faster I can learn about Rau, of course." Murrue stated the obvious.
That does it! Mwu has finally reached his boiling point. He could't stand hearing about Rau this and Rau that, coming out of her mouth.
He stopped his horse and turned his glare at her. Murrue noticed and stopped her mount as well. She looked up at him and was about to ask what the hold up was, but was frozen by his angry stare.
"What is it?" She asked cautiously.
Mwu had to take a deep breath, preventing himself from yelling at her.
"How long are you going to mourn over that man? He's turn renegade and he's never coming back to you." He said through gritted teeth.
Murrue was shocked. Mwu had never spoken so harshly to her before. She held her back straight and faced him with a frosty tone. "How dare you speak to me so! This is my affair so why should you concern yourself in my matters. Just because we had to go around pretending we're a couple gives you no right to judge me!"
Murrue spoke in an especially harsh tone because she honestly thought Mwu would understand. He has been so patient beside her that it really hurt to hear his accusation.
The two of them glared at each other without flinching.
Finally, Mwu sighed, "You're right, I have no right to interfere with your business. Excuse me!" He turned away in defeat. It seemed that no matter how charming or understanding he was, he could never break the bond between Rau Le Creuset and Murrue Ramius. Geez, I thought our time in Orb has brought us closer. Maybe I'm just kidding myself…It's best if I just walk away…
He urged his horse to keep a distance from Murrue, finally bridging a gap between them.
Murrue watched him go with guilt. She wanted to slap herself for the damage she has caused. It was never her intention to push him away.
"Are you alright?" Miriallia said from the window of the carriage.
"You heard, huh?" Murrue smiled bitterly.
"It's kind of hard not to, since both of you got pretty emotional."
"Was I wrong to push him away?"
Miriallia thought for a minute, then she spoke, "Well, I guess you have to ask yourself who is the better man for you. If you cannot break the spell of Le Creuset then it's best to keep your distance from Mwu. I've known Sir La Fllaga for a long time and it's hard seeing him so depressed."
"…" Murrue glanced behind Mwu.
Miriallia offered a small smile. "Just a few days ago, I almost lost my chance to be with Dearka. But love gave me hope, and the courage to fight for the one you want to be with. Well Murrue, do you have to courage to embrace the one you love?"
Murrue thought about Miriallia's words for a long time, and finally decided to approach Mwu just when they entered Zaft territory.
She walked her horse next to his, much to his surprise.
"I thought you were avoiding me." He said.
"I wasn't. I just needed some time to think."
"So what can I do you for, my lady?" Mwu put on the theatrics again.
Murrue didn't like the sarcasm in his voice. Then she realized this must be how he felt when she spoke so unkindly to him before.
Murrue cleared her voice, "I was hoping you can forgive me. My outburst was too severe and I regret it."
Mwu looked a bit surprised. "Apology accepted."
"So we're cool? Just like before?" She said eagerly.
Mwu smiled rather sadly, "We're definitely cool, my lady. But I'm afraid we can't go back to the past."
"?"
"I've also been thinking. I like you, Murrue. Perhaps my feeling is even deeper than that. But I have come to the conclusion that my interest in you is only causing you discomfort and annoyance. No, I can take rejection when I see it. Let's at least end on good terms." He said in a low voice.
Murrue widened her eyes. She was speechless after hearing Mwu's declaration.
"Allow me to bid you goodbye after we reach Zaft—"
Murrue slapped him before he could finish his sentence. Mwu rubbed his stinging cheek while staring at Murrue's downcast face.
"Are you joking with me?" She said in a low voice. "Do you come and go as you please? Am I the object of your amusement? How can you throw me away after I have discovered my…my fondness for you!"
"What?"
"You heard me, buster. Don't ask me to repeat it." She finally looked up and stared straight into his eyes. "I'm sorry about my indecisiveness. Miriallia gave me some advises and after thinking about it, I know my attachment to Rau is useless. If I keep reminiscing in the past, then I will never be able to move ahead with my life. You've asked me to give you a chance in the past, so now it's my turn to do the same. So will you give this poor lady a chance for a fresh new start?"
Mwu answered by taking her hand to his lips, "Your words have brought me more joy then you can ever imagine. Of course it's a yes!"
"Then you will stay by my side when we finally face Rau?"
"As long as that is your wish, then it is my command." He said gaily. "Oh, by the way, remind me to thank Mir later."
Murrue gave him a dazzling smile. She knew she could count on him to face the unknown with her together.
Athrun trudged back to his room. It's been tiring for them all. Not only was fatigue eating away at him, the feeling of anger and helplessness because of the unknown whereabout of Le Creuset was also tearing him down.
He walked wearily towards his own chamber, then he noticed someone standing there waiting. Athrun walked closer cautiously and realized it was Meer.
"Athrun!" She called, "You look terrible!"
"I've been better." He summoned a smile, "I take it everyone got back safely?"
"Yes, everyone is getting a bit of rest before getting down to business."
"So what're you doing here?"
"I need to speak with you immediately."
"Can it wait?"
Meer's face darkened, "I'm afraid not."
"Fine." Athrun sighed and led her into his room. He threw himself on a seat and ran a hand over his hair. "What's on your mind?"
She took a deep breath before plunging in. "Ever since that time in Orb, you've been distant from me."
Athrun looked casually at her. "What do you mean?"
"I'm talking about our agreement to protect the princess, the pretense of course."
"Oh, that."
Meer mentally screamed. How can he act so offhandedly?
"Yes, that. What happened? You're not trying very hard to look convincing."
A flicker of annoyance crossed Athrun's face. "Look Meer, I appreciate your cooperation but I don't think it's necessary anymore."
"What?"
"Actually, I grow tired of the charade." Ever since the talk at the lake, the relationship between Cagalli and him has drawn closer. He loved holding Cagalli in his arms and see the wonderful smile on her face. The prince realized that rather than protecting Cagalli through a disguise, he should believe in his own strength to care for the person he loved. Yes, he admitted, he loved her. Plus after what happened to Lady Gladys, he never wanted there to be any regret between him and his princess.
"So what are you saying?" Meer narrowed her eyes.
"Meer, I will protect Cagalli no matter what happens. I thank you for your help but I've decided to tell Cagalli everything." Athrun smiled gently at his friend.
Meer couldn't belive it. Athrun has never smiled like that to anyone. If only the good-for-nothing, tombish princess never came to Zaft…
Meer put on her sweetest smile for her prince and happily agreed with him. Inside, she was boiling with rage and disappointment. To think that all of her hard work, and it gained her nothing.
At the very moment, she swore to herself. I will take you down, Cagalli Yula Attha. I'll make you regret ever setting foot on my territory if it's the last thing I do!
In the darkness of the night, Meer carried herself in secrecy to commence with her own plans. When she got to the abandoned warehouse, her guest was already there waiting for her.
"Exciting, isn't it?" Rau Le Creuset smiled sarcastically at her.
"Yeah right, thanks to you the whole place is shooting fireworks." Meer sneered at the former commander. "So how did you get away?"
"Do you really have to ask? I was the commander after all. Is wasn't hard leaving some of my loyal men here and there."
"Hmph! Clever, I'm impressed." Meer was clearly not interested in hearing about his exploits. "So why did you send word for me?"
"Before that, how's it going with the hunt?" Le Creuset asked casually.
Meer's face darkened.
"Nevermind." He hid an evil smile to himself and cleared his voice. "I would like to give you a special assignment."
"An assignment?" She repeated slowly.
"Yes, a mission of utmost urgency. I was fortunate to have the time to move my own plans while your absency. Now it's time to take the next step."
"My absency…Wait, Lady Gladys—"
"Is none of your concern." He interrupted her with a hard stare. Meer froze under his glare. "Listen carefully, you're going to like what I have to offer."
"…" Meer swallowed hard and tried to regain her composure.
"I'd like to invite Her Highness the princess to be my guest of honor, and you, Lady Meer is going to help me with the invitation."
"You're planning to kidnap the princess? But that's impossible!" Meer gasped.
"Please, save the drama. I happen to know your exact feeling for the girl. Like I said, it's an offer you can't refuse." Le Creuset was losing his patience. He knew Meer would jump at the chance to get rid of Cagalli.
"I'll leave the method to you, just bring the girl to me. Is that clear?" With that said, he slipped away silently into the night.
Meer watched him go, wiping away the shocked expression on her face. She smiled pleasantly to herself. Just when she swore to rid herself of the princess, an opportunity opened itself up in her face. All she has to do now is to hand Cagalli over without anyone, especially Athrun, knowing. It wouldn't be easy, but the reward of such a feat would be most satisfying. She licked her lips hungrily just thinking about being with Athrun. Ready or not, here I come…
Finally, Meer decides to move in for the kill! What is she planning to do? Next chapter, we will once again return to Alliance with Kira and Lacus. They will manuver a bold move against their enemy. Ok, I can't say more! Stay Tuned