WE BELONG TOGETHER
Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN GUNDAM SEED OR GUNDAM SEED DESTINY
Chapter 30: Cruel Intentions
"Athrun, may I have a minute?" Meer said, interrupting Athrun from going over his reports.
"I can spare a few minute." The prince replied, as he stood up for a stretch. "So what's on your mind?"
"Remember our little discussion about not keeping up the act anymore? Well, since you haven't actually told her about how you feel…"
"Wait, how do you know about this?" Athrun said curiously.
Meer laughed. "It's obvious. Call it a woman's intuition."
"So what's your point?"
"I'm here to ask for permission to be the one to explain things to Cagalli."
Athrun looked at her. "You think I'll screw up?"
"That's not what I'm thinking. I just want to explain it to her personally about our behaviour. She's a good friend and I don't want there to be any misunderstanding between us. Come on…" She begged sweetly.
The dark haired prince thought about it for a while, then agreed reluctantly. "Alright, I guess after all the help, you do deserve some justice in the matter. I'll hold off till you have a talk with Cagalli. But make it fast. With all the insanity around, I want to make a statement as soon as I can."
"Anxious, aren't we?" Meer answered sarcastically.
"Extremely." He said with a touch of smile on his handsome face. "And Meer, thanks for doing all this. I might not look it, but I am appreciative."
Meer gave him her secret smile and left.
"Your Highness, you have a visitor. Lady Campbell would like to request an audience." A guard reported to Cagalli from outside of her room.
"Meer? What does she want with me?" Cagalli said to herself. She's not here to talk about Athrun, is she?
"Please show her in." The princess ordered.
Seconds later, Meer came in to Cagalli's chamber and smiled warmly at the blonde girl.
Cagalli did not return the smile, she simply nodded her head and asked her guest to take a seat.
"What brings you here, Lady Campbell?" Cagalli asked politely.
"Cagalli, just when have we become so distant?" Meer asked.
Since you stole my fiancé, Cagalli wanted to scream out.
"I don't think we were ever so close." The princess replied, her tone becoming frosty.
"How can you say that?" Meer frowned. "We are best of friends."
"Look, can you just get to the point? I'm actually kind of busy." Cagalli said in haste.
Meer's expression suddenly turned serious. "Actually, I'm here to talk about Athrun and my…or our recent behaviours."
Cagalli stiffened. She stood up calmly and slowly, "I don't think that's a subject you and I should be discussing. I'm done, leave."
"No, you have to listen to me." The lady said fiercely. "I'm here to explain myself."
"Explain? Ha! What can you possibly say to justify the public humiliation I have suffered?" She wanted to laugh at Meer's face.
"Please understand, we did it because we wanted to protect you. It wasn't Athrun or my intention to hurt you. There's danger all around us and we couldn't take a chance with your safety."
"My safety? How was it related?"
"Athrun convinced me that someone could be after you, so I offered to create a distraction. Athrun had to take his attention off of you or else you could easily be victimized in the political spiral."
"Is that why you were always dangling over him?"
"I do not deny it." Meer looked at Cagalli in the eyes. "If our enemies thought he cared about me more, it would lessen the chance of you being attacked. So now do you understand why we did what we did?"
Cagalli kept her frown and questioned, "Even if what you said is true, why come clean of it now, all of a sudden?"
Meer finally smiled and took the princess' hand in her own. "Because you're my good friend and I do not want to see you miserable. I wanted to explain to you personally so you can understand how difficult it was for me to do what I had to do. I talk it over with Athrun, and he finally decided to let me speak to you first about it."
Cagalli let out a long breath. "I see…Well, I thank you for telling me the truth. Now I know you're a true friend and I apologize for my rudeness in the past."
"Do not speak more on it. I'm just happy you understand." Meer said with absolute sincerity. "Wait, Athrun wanted me to give you this letter." She handed over a white envelope.
Cagalli noticed how tight Meer was holding the note, almost scrunching it in her grasp. The princess thought it was because the lady was having a panic attack, little did she knew how Meer was grasping the letter so tightly because of sadness and anger. She didn't have to read the letter to know what it was about. When Athrun asked her to deliver it to Cagalli, she knew what he wrote just by the expression he held when he handed it to her.
Meer took a deep breath and relaxed her hand, letting Cagalli to take it out of her hand.
"Well, I best be going. I'll see you later, princess."
"Goodbye, and thank you, Meer."
Cagalli read the letter again and again, making sure she did not misunderstand.
Athrun asked her to wait on her balcony at exactly midnight. Plus he wanted her to be in style.
She didn't know what trick he was playing but there's only ten minutes left before midnight approaches.
Cagalli leaned on the balcony edge and looked up at the starlit night. So lost was she in thought that it made her scream when she felt something pulling on her gown. She jumped back in surprise, only to find a laughing prince dangling at the foot of her balcony.
"Athrun!" Cagalli exclaimed. "What are you doing?"
The prince climbed up agilely and gently pulled his princess onto her feet. "I'm here for our date of course!"
"What?"
"Our date, I did ask you to wait for me here, didn't I?" He smirked.
"Well, you were almost late. And what's with the mystery all of a sudden?"
"I just wanted to give you a surprise." He said innocently.
She turned her back to him.
"Cagalli," Athrun called as he turned her to face him, "Meer explained everything?"
"Yes, but I would rather hear it from you."
"I'm sorry. I wanted to be the one to tell you, but I owe her and she wanted to do it. You do understand why I had to keep up such a pretense, don't you?"
"I do, but still it hurts me to see you with her. Don't you know that?" She complained.
"I know, that's why I wanted to see you tonight. So there will never be any more doubts between us." He looked deeply into her eyes.
Athrun stepped back a step and got on one of his knees. He still held a very surprised Cagalli's hand and took out an exquisitely large amber ring from his pocket. Cagalli's eyes widen at seeing Athrun's serious display and the large stone he had just produced.
"I wanted everything to be perfect tonight. This amber stone, which reminds me so much of your eyes, is called Akatsuki, the jewel of dawn. I present this ring, as a symbol of my love. Will you marry me, Cagalli Yula Attha?"
Cagalli covered her mouth in disbelieve. Never had she imagine something so wonderful in her life. All she could do was nod as she let tears of joy slipped down her face. Athrun heaved a sigh of relieve and carefully placed the ring on her finger. "With this ring, I wed thee." Then he kissed her deeply, tasting her sweetness as well as her tears.
Cagalli held on to her prince tightly, feeling his heartbeat pound against her shaken body.
After they broke the kiss, she laid her head on his chest and asked in a dreamy voice, "Athrun?"
"Yes?"
"Can you say it just one more time?" She nudged.
"Say what?" He played with her.
"Athrun!" Cagalli looked up.
The prince laughed out loud and placed another light kiss on her lips. "I love you so very dearly, Cagalli."
The princess returned his kiss and whispered, "And I love you just the way you are, Athrun."
And the royal couple snuggled and embraced, welcoming the first dawn together before Athrun stealthed away, leaving as silently as he came.
Shinn laid wide awake in his bed, thinking about the two most important women in his life.
He has always thought Luna was the only person he will ever love. Lunamaria Hawke Asuka was a spirited and kindhearted woman. She was his one and only soul mate and nothing was going to change that. But she has passed on and now he's left alone in this world. Is it possible to have more than one true love in one lifetime?
Stellar, on the other hand, has been nothing but sweetness to him. Ever since the first day they met, he knew she's special in her own way. Though she has the status and upbringing of a first class noble lady, she has a saucy personality that's able to attract attention wherever she went. But Shinn has always thought there was something special…but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Shinn moaned. He has a million thoughts in his head and no answers.
So much for sleep, he thought to himself, as he tossed and turned, waiting for the first ray of dawn.
The next morning, Athrun noticed Shinn's blood shot eyes and heavy feet as the young man dragged himself into the meeting. Even Yzak and Dearka frowned and looked concerned.
"Shinn, you alright? Stayed up late?" Dearka asked.
"Ya, I had some thinking do to." Shinn shrugged.
"Well, try to get some rest today. I want all of you in top condition. We got a lot of things of handle. Let's continue where we left off last time. Yzak and Shinn will be coming with me to the northern lands. I want to hear what the lords of the north have to report after the initial search. Dearka and Mwu will stay and take care of things while we're away." The prince ordered.
Yzak and Dearka nodded, while Shinn stayed silent.
Athrun noted Shinn's quietness, "Shinn, do you understand?"
"Your Majesty…Athrun…I don't think I can go with you this time." Shinn finally spoke.
"What?" All the other three men exclaimed. Athrun thought he heard wrong.
"I must be hearing things. Did I just hear one of my best men say he's bailing out on me?"
"Athrun, I'm serious and I'm asking you as a friend." He spoke in a serious tone.
"Come on, let's at least hear him out." Dearka cut in, knowing Shinn wouldn't object for no reason.
"All I can tell you is that I have to go to Alliance as soon as I can. Someone needs me there."
Athrun stared at his friend while Dearka nodded understandably and Yzak looking all confused.
"Am I missing out on something here?" Yzak whispered to Dearka.
"Ya, big time." His blonde friend returned a smirk, while Yzak turned away in disgust.
"You mean Stellar?" Athrun asked with a poker face.
"Yes," Shinn admitted, "I have a bad feeling about this engagement. I need to be there for her…No, I want to be there."
"But I need you here, you know that." His Highness said shortly.
Shinn was speechless, all he could offer was a silent apology for his selfishness.
The two men stared at each other, both firm in their decision.
Finally, Athrun sighed and smiled a little. "Fine, if it's so important to you, then go to her. I'll ask Mwu to take your place. But come back as soon as you can. You owe me big for this."
Shinn gave Athrun a brotherly hug, knowing this was not an easy decision for him to make.
Athrun returned the embrace. He knew Shinn didn't take lightly of his duties so Stellar must be a very important person to him. It was rare for him to be selfish, but the prince was glad Shinn has found someone after Lunamaria's death. Also, Athrun wanted his friend to be happy, especially after his proposal to Cagalli.
All the best to you, old friend, Athrun said silently as he began to make preparations to depart.
"Gosh, look who's all bubbly today?" Miriallia teased.
Cagalli blushed but held her head up. She has told anyone about her meeting with Athrun, but Mir being her best friend, could read her like a book.
Murrue and Meer inspected the princess closely and noticed how Cagalli looked different. She seemed to glow from within.
"Something good happened?" Murrue asked casually.
"Well…" Cagalli wondered if she should spill the beans.
"Is it with Athrun? You guys didn't fight again did you? That's not good since he's left already." Murrue sighed.
"No, we didn't fight, at least not as often as you and Mwu like to argue." Cagalli said sneakily.
Murrue blushed a little. It's no secret she's been getting along better and better with the Endymion Hawk.
"Tell us about it, Cagalli." Meer was also looking forward to the news.
Cagalli laughed and began unfolding the good news about the real engagement. She even showed them the beautiful amber ring Athrun gave her with pride in her eyes. All the girls were extremely happy. Mir and Murrue were ecstatic to see the two love birds finally coming open with their feelings. Meer, on the other hand, was a different story.
Though she sort of guessed the reason for their late night appointment, she never expected the outcome of the meeting. Athrun…proposing under the stars…and actually whispering the sweet words of love! This was all too much for the pink hair lady to take.
It was then Meer decided to proceed with her own plans right away. When you want something done, you have to do it yourself.
"So, have you heard about it?" She cut in suddenly.
"About what?" Mir asked.
"Well, there have been rumours about a secret passage way in the palace." Meer revealed.
"What? Is this true?" Cagalli continued.
"I don't know, but supposedly, it connects from the outer forests into castle ground."
"How strange to hear such rumour at a time of unrest." Murrue said distastefully, ready to wave the silly gossip aside.
"Wait, it's true it maybe a gossip, but it wouldn't hurt to knew the truth either. Since Athrun is working away, this is the least I can do to help. Let's check it out." Cagalli said excitedly.
"Princess, I don't think it's a good idea. We can tell Dearka and let him take care of it." Mir replied.
"Come on, Mir. You know Dearka is so swamped with work, there's absolutely no time for him to get to it. We might as well be productive so come on."
"But…"
"Mir, don't worry. I'll ask some of the palace guards to accompany us so there's no trouble. We're simply going to take a look so what's the harm?" Meer rebutted.
"It's two again one, what do you say, Murrue?" Cagalli asked.
Murrue looked over at Cagalli's hopeful eyes. "I'm thinking there's no stopping you even if I object. We might as well go with her, if only to keep her out of trouble."
"Alright!" Meer and Cagalli cheered.
"This is it." Meer said, after reaching an abandon part of the palace.
"You think Le Creuset used this path to get in to the palace?" Cagalli asked around, while looking down the path as far as she could.
"We can never know for sure." Murrue frowned while inspecting the entrance to what looks like an underground path. It's too dark and damp to see what's in there. She took a torch from the guards and looked inside. There was nothing inside, but a faint echo of water drops and pebbles.
While the other three ladies were busy taking a look, Meer signaled to the guards and they nodded. The 6 castle guards moved slowly backward unbeknownst to the ladies.
"We could go for a look." Cagalli suggested, eager to go in.
Mir pulled Cagalli back and reprimanded the princess. "What are you doing? It's cold and dirty down there, not to mention unpredictable. Who knows what's down there?"
"Good point, Lady Haww." An unknown voice came behind them.
The ladies turned around, only to find their guards knocked unconscious by a white masked man and his 4 servants.
"You! Rau Le Creuset!" Cagalli spat.
"I'm honoured that you remember me, Your Highness." Le Creuset smiled. "Please allow me the proper hospitality to entertain you on my grounds."
Murrue moved in front of the princess. "Rau, no!"
Le Creuset smiled behind his mask. "Dear Murrue, I'm glad to see you again. But the princess must come with me."
"Rau, you'll have to kill me first before you take her." Murrue said defiantly, though a bit shaken. For the first time, Murrue realized that there was no going back. The man she had once cared about was no longer the same person she remembered. Lady Murrue Ramius might have lost her love, but she will not abandon her duty. The princess was an important person in a diplomatic sense, but more importantly, she was the heart of Zaft's future. If anything were to happen to her, Athrun would be devastated.
Rau looked at the proud lady, seeing the determination in her eyes. Finally, he relented and ordered, "Fine, take them all."
After a few days, Shinn finally made it to Alliance. He arrived just in time for a small gathering between some of the councilors and the royal family.
"Shinn, glad you can make it. What's the occasion? Is everyone well?" Kira asked his friend.
"Yes, everyone is doing fine." Shinn answered the prince while scanning for a special someone with his eyes.
"?" Lacus shared a puzzle look with Kira.
Shinn didn't pay too much attention to the Highnesses but rather walked to the sides to continue his search. Finally, he found Stellar talking just on the other side of the room.
"Lady Loussier, may I have a word please?" Shinn asked politely.
"Shinn!" Stellar exclaimed. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm glad to see you too. But a word please?"
"Who is this, Stellar?" Sting asked his sister."
"Oh, excuse me. Shinn, this is my brother, Sting and Sting, this is Lord Shinn Asuka from Zaft. He was the one who saved me from the attackers back in Orb."
Sting smiled and shook Shinn's hand. "I've heard a lot about you. Thank you for looking out for my sister."
"Don't mention it, my lord." Shinn returned the smile.
"Call me Sting. So what's your business in Alliance, my friend?"
"Actually, I'm here to…" Before Shinn could finish, another man cut in to their conversation.
"Darling, who might this be?" The stranger asked Stellar while put his arm around her waist intimately and breathed in her sweet scent.
Stellar's face twitched a little and let out a nervous laugh. "My lord, this is Lord Shinn Asuka from Zaft. Shinn, this is…my fiancé, Lord Azreal."
"Pleasure." Shinn said with a stiff expression.
Azreal didn't even bother giving him a second glance. He turned his attention to Stellar and asked her to dance the next song.
Shinn was about to politely remind Stellar about a chat when Stellar left with her fiancé without even noticing him. Shinn stood there with a stunned look, unable to believe the lack of attention Stellar was giving him.
"There, there. Stellar is just doing what she has to do. Don't take it too hard." Sting gave him a word of comfort, but wasn't sure if Shinn heard it.
Back to Stellar and Azreal－
Azreal held Stellar closely, much to the lady's revulsion, and waltzed across the dance floor. "Do you know that man intimately?"
Stellar's heart skipped a beat. She steadied herself and asked, "Define intimately."
"Has he ever held your hand or kiss you, my darling?" Azreal said with a hint of venom in his voice.
Stellar was alarmed by Azreal's intuitiveness for seeing through her so easily. "Of course not, my lord. I have been named yours so I know my place."
Her fiancé smiled with satisfaction. "I know, but your beauty might attract unwanted attention and I was not always there to protect you. But now, you are my, forever and always." In secret, Azreal liked seeing Stellar blow off another man for him. It rather pleased his male ego.
"My lord, a Lord Shinn Asuka called, will you let him see you?" The butler announced.
Sting looked up from his work. "Sure, let him in."
Shinn walked in the door and bowed.
"What can I do for you?" Sting smiled.
"I was hoping for an audience with you sister, if I may ask?" Shinn replied.
"Still haven't given it up yet, have you? But unfortunately, she is not here."
"She's not here? Where is she then?" Shinn asked in a hurry.
"Well, she's off visiting our aunt in a province to the west."
"Thank you for the information. I shall take my leave." Before Shinn got out the door, Sting went on with the informing.
"You needn't worry about her. Azreal is with her."
"What?"
"He has business in the same area so he took her along for the escort. They should be…" But Shinn was gone before he was finished. Sting shook his head and smiled mysteriously.
"Oh, what a wonderful day." Stellar said sarcastically.
She was returning from a visit to her aunt and Azreal was there every step of the way. Being stuck in a carriage with nothing but Azreal's ranting can really deteriorate one's health. Things get even better when their carriage broke down in the middle of the road. Azreal volunteered to find her some water, as they waited for the driver and guard to fix the carriage. She looked around at where they were stuck at and it seemed to be in the middle of some forest. At least there're shades here to keep me out of the sun, she thought.
Stellar waited, but was getting impatient and thirsty by the minute. She wondered what could be taking Azreal so long with the water. Without a second thought, Stellar walked deep into the forest after Azreal.
After walking for a fair bit of time, she heard the sound of flowing water. Stellar smiled with glee, and hurried herself to get some water and to find out where her finance was. Just before she came out of the trees, she heard people talking.
"…here, take it. It's from the master." Azreal said.
"What am I suppose to do with it?" A man answered.
"Bring it to Fllay Allster and she'll know what to do."
"…This is….ambrosia."
"You've heard about it? Then I assume you know the effects quite well."
Stellar hid behind a tree and listened intently to their conversation. What is Azreal doing talking in the middle of a forest and did they just mentioned Fllay?
Unable to contain her curiosity, Stellar carefully looked around the tree to see who the man was. The mysterious man had his back to her but somehow he looked so familiar. When he turned to leave, Stellar almost screamed when she saw his profile. She ducked behind the tree again and tried to calm herself down. What is Heine doing here and associating with Azreal?
Before Heine left, he caught a glimpse of a blonde head but said nothing. All he did was cast his eyes down and left as quickly as he could.
"Hmph! Nothing but a traitor. What is the master thinking trusting that man?" Azreal sneered. He went to the stream quickly to collect some water before heading back to the carriage. But just as he took a few steps closer to the forest, he suddenly became aware of a sweet scent.
Azreal frowned and took a few quiet steps, then with a sudden agility, he jumped in front of a now terrified Stellar and locked her between his arms.
"What have we here? A snooping bird?"
"Let me go!" Stellar struggled.
"I think not. How much have you heard?" Azreal demanded.
"Everything!" She yelled fiercely.
"Tisk, tisk! I'm afraid this won't do." Azreal sighed and started dragging Stellar back towards the carriage.
The driver and guard were already finished with the repairs and watched dumbfounded as their lord dragged the screaming lady back towards them.
"Sir…are you…is the lady－" Before the driver could finish, the guard had stick a dagger in his heart.
Stellar covered her mouth from crying out.
"This has become troublesome indeed. But I guess this will have to do." Azreal took out his own knife and made a deep gash on his arm while his guard did the same on his.
"What are you doing?" Stellar couldn't believe her eyes.
"Here's the story, darling. On our way back, we were attacked by bandits. You were taken unfortunately, while my man and I tried desperately to get you back. In the middle of fight, we were injured and had to return to find more help. You like my story so far?"
Stellar turned her head to the side, almost throwing up in his face.
Azreal laughed madly and ordered his man to get going.
That night, Stellar was taken back to Azreal's house in secret by his man, while Azreal quickly reported the 'unfortunate' event to gather more men for a search party.
Unknown by anyone, Stellar was locked up at a private tower as a prisoner. Her jail has no windows, simply a locked door to prevent her escape.
Stellar sat in the dim room, totally unaware of the passing of time. To her, it felt like she has spent days in there instead of a few hours. The silence and fear was beginning to eat her from the inside.
Unable to take it any longer, Stellar leaped to the door and hammered on it none stop, "Let me out! Let me out! Let me out!" She screamed over and over, until she sank down from exhaustion.
"Somebody help me!" She broke down in despair and wept till she was too tired to move.
"Stellar?" A soft voice came from the other side of the door.
"Huh? Who's there?" Stellar called back, not sure if was only her imagination.
"Stellar? It's me, Shinn." He sighed with great relief. "Step back while I tried to open this door."
Stellar pulled herself a few steps back and Shinn fumbled with the lock. After a few clicks, the door opened.
Stellar practically flew into Shinn's arms as the two landed on the floor together.
"Are you okay? You're not hurt are you?" Shinn was thick with concern.
"I'm fine, but I was so scared. I thought I'll never see you again." Stellar started crying again against his chest.
"I saw you being taken just as I got there and it's a good thing I decided to follow. Either Azreal is a fool or he's overconfident that no one will be able to find you. He didn't even leave a guard outside. Besides, I said I'll be there to protect you, didn't I? " Shinn comforted.
"I know, and you've never let me down." She gave him her angel's smile.
Shinn's heart melted with adoration. He's never felt such fear and happiness since his wife's death. He was terrified that he had lost Stellar without telling her how he felt about her and joyous to see her alive and well.
Unable to bear such mix emotions, Shinn kissed her softly but fully on the lips. Stellar was taken back by surprised but did not reject his intimacy. They cling to each other as they let their bodies feel the heat.
After they broke apart, Shinn pulled Stellar to her feet and finally confessed. "I know I've disappointed you in the past. What you said about me being a coward, it's true. I've been hiding myself in Luna's shadow for long that I've forgotten what happiness taste like. You, Stellar Loussier, snapped me back to my senses. So will you pity this fool and continue to guide his poor mislead heart?"
Stellar stifled a giggle and said in a mock serious tone, "Shinn Asuka, a poor fool you are. I shall do you the charity of taking in your heart and giving you mine, as an example of how the heart loves and treasures. As you mentor, you will have to obey my every command."
Shinn laughed and rubbed his nose with her's. After that, when Shinn was about to take her out of there, Stellar stopped dead in her tracks.
"Oh no…I completely forgot!" She gasped.
"What is it?"
"Shinn, you must ride to Alliance as fast as you can. I heard Azreal giving something to Heine, that's being delivered to Fllay. I don't know what it is or what it's used for but I do know it's not friendly. You must make haste to warn Kira and Lacus."
"What about you?" Shinn asked, refusing to leave her behind.
"I'll be fine. I'm out of danger now, aren't I? I can take care of myself." Stellar pushed him along.
"I won't leave you here by yourself!"
"Shinn Asuka! As Kira's friend and my boyfriend, it is your duty and your mentor's wish for you to get back to Alliance as quick as you can. Now go!"
"Stellar…" Shinn warned.
"Go, I promise I'll be fine." She kissed him soundly on the lips and nagged him a little. Shinn sighed and moved in haste, knowing he could not disobey her in this matter. After Shinn left, Stellar looked around her, inspecting everything.
"Time for payback…" She smirked.
Man, I didn't realize I wrote this chapter a little longer than usual. That was some work! Also, I've decided to write a fanfic on sailormoon. Not sure what i'll call it yet, but for those of you that's familiar with the story, it's about Prince Diamond andthe black moon family. But for this one I will be making up an OC.
Next chapter, Le Creuset will shed more light on the reason for his actions and danger zones in in Alliance! Stay Tuned
PS: I hope some of you enjoy the little AxC moments.