(AN): I want to thank all who reviewed.

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Seed or Destiny.

Chapter Eighteen

Fugitive

Earth African Desert

The ground unit loyal to Patrick had finally arrived at their destination as they saw the shuttle in the distance. Inside the bridge of the ship the captain was alerted.

"Captain we have the shuttle in sight sir," one of the crew said.

The captain looked at them, "Prepare the inspection team, use extreme caution."

"Yes sir," the man replied as he immediately began carrying out the captains orders.

As the ship was close enough the captain gave the order to stop which they complied.

The shuttle was practically in the middle of the enormous desert, the captain knew that his suspects wouldn't be able to last long and it puzzled him why it landed here. The reason was simple, Kira wanted the shuttle in an open area that was hard to access, this way it would take more time for a team to inspect it.

"The ground unit is ready sir," another member of the crew said.

The captain looked at them, "Very well, I will personally handle this matter, you take the bridge," the captain said as he didn't wait for a reply he just walked out of the room.

The captain headed down to the hanger and saw that the team was boarding the jeeps, each one heavily armed.

They saw the captain and stood up saluting.

"As you were," the captain said as he took a seat in one of the two jeeps, he then gave the order and they were heading out.

They drove out of the ship and headed straight for the shuttle, "Stay alert," the captain said as the team took hold of their weapons.

When they were about a hundred feet from the shuttle the jeep stopped and all piled out.

"Check it out," the captain said as about six went towards the shuttle with their weapons in a defensive stance.

They began to surround the shuttle while two of them headed for the door; they reached the door and very cautiously opened it as they went inside.

The captain waited for news.

The two inside the shuttle were a little surprised to find nothing; they searched every inch of the ship.

"Situation secured captain, there is no one inside," one soldier said.

The captain raised his eyebrows, "I'm coming in."

"Yes sir," he replied as the four that were surrounding the shuttle joined them as all went inside the shuttle.

The captain walked in and headed straight for the two pilot seats.

"This doesn't make any sense, they couldn't have survived a trip in the desert, its many miles before reaching anything civil," the captain said as he sat down.

The captain sat down and brought up the shuttles main computer, he was looking for answers. The other six watched and searched one more time.

As soon as the captain brought up the computer his suspicions were confirmed as he saw that this thing was automatically launched, the controls were used from an outside source.

"Clever," the captain said.

All looked at him.

"They were never here, this was just a diversion tactic," the captain said as he looked at the shuttles log, and nothing inside was ever used, and that meant nobody would have been inside, even if you used the auto pilot you would still have to activate that from inside, and Kira did it from the outside so it didn't show up on the log.

"What do we do now sir?" one soldier asked.

The captain looked at them, "We are wasting time, we will return to the ship, and get me a satellite radio," the captain said as he stood up and followed by his crew, he was going to personally deliver the news to Patrick.

They headed back to the ship and his radio was set up.

"Head back to base," the captain said as the crew did what they were told and turned the ship around.

The captain accessed the radio and was now waiting for a response.

Aprilious One

When Siegel and Andrew arrived Siegel made sure Andrew would be given access, but he would mostly remain out of sight. They saw the council room and walked in as the soldiers saluted, Andrew stayed towards the back as all members were focused of Siegel. Siegel looked over and saw that Patrick had a very small grin on his face. Siegel took his seat and Patrick began.

"I have called for this emergency meeting for one purpose and one purpose only," Patrick said.

"I believe first we should acknowledge that the Chairman made it back safe for the attack," councilwoman Canaver said.

Patrick didn't like interruptions, he wanted to get this over with, he knew it would be hard for some of Clyne's followers to believe what he was about to say, but all he needed were to make sure they issued the warrant for her arrest.

"I of course as well as all of you are glad that are chairman is alive, however this matter is urgent," Patrick added.

Siegel looked at him funny, but he wanted to know what that information is.

"I agree with you councilman Zala, please proceed," councilman Amalfi spoke up.

Patrick was pleased his backers were jumping in.

"As you all know I have been placed in charge of the investigation for one reason, and that is that the Chairman is to closely involved to make a rational decision," Patrick said.

"Are you accusing the Chairman?" one of Clyne's guys added.

Patrick looked at him, "Not at all, it is his daughter that is responsible."

All started talking among themselves, as they couldn't believe it. Patrick's supporters knew he had something up his sleeve so they would play along.

Siegel stood up, "These allegations against her are absurd, she would not participate in something like that!"

Patrick had a small grin, "I understand you are shocked Chairman, but I have the evidence against her."

Siegel didn't like this at all, "We saw the assassin that day, and he was no where near my daughter, she is missing and likely kidnapped, or worse…and you have the gal to accuse her of being apart of this," Siegel said angrily.

"I believe we should let him speak Chairman," Councilwoman Joule said.

Siegel did not like any of this, it was as if all didn't care that she was missing.

Patrick looked straight at Siegel as he placed a disk in the computer slot that would show up on the main screen.

"He was no where near her alright, then what do you call this," Patrick said as he pressed the button.

Siegel and the others looked on as their eyes went to shock. The first image showed the assassin vaguely in the city square, Patrick got in as close as he could with the tape, Kira was good and knew how to avoid cameras images, but he couldn't avoid them fully. The image showed Kira in the city square taking down all of the guards by gun fire and a few hand to hand combat moves.

"Is that the assassin?" Patrick asked.

Siegel looked at it, "Yes he was the one, but my daughter was no where near the city square."

Patrick smiled, "I'm not done."

The council members got the best look they could of Kira, they were able to make out some of his face, and they could see his hair clearly.

"Now that we have an image we can start a search," a council member loyal to Clyne spoke up.

Patrick didn't care.

"He looks familiar, I could swore I have seen him before," another one of Clyne's people said.

Patrick smiled, "You did see him before, but I will explain that in a minute."

All turned their attention back to Patrick as he clicked another button playing another video.

Siegel looked at it in horror as did the others, Patrick smiled as Rau did a good job with the video, everything looked very authentic. It showed some of the incident, first it showed several Clyne faction members being wiped out by gunfire that was from Yzak's SAW, and they saw a man in black.

"That is what the assassin was wearing," councilman Elsman said.

Siegel knew that was true but he remembered he wasn't wearing a mask.

The next part showed what surprised all of them, it showed several Clyne members firing at the man in black behind a car, this time it was Kira, with Lacus. In reality it was the Clyne members firing at Yzak, then Kira and Lacus behind the car that was actually them evading fire from Yzak, but Rau changed the video around a little and made it look very authentic.

All were stunned, as Patrick zoomed in and saw the assassin next to Lacus, as they were hiding from fire from what they thought was the Clyne faction.

Siegel was stunned, "This proves nothing, she was most likely kidnapped, that is why she was next to him!" Siegel shouted out.

Some of the council members believed that was true.

Patrick smiled, "I'm not done yet, at first I thought that as well, but not after what I saw next," Patrick said as he pressed another button.

The council members immediately went big eyed again, as they saw Kira separate from Lacus while returning fire on Yzak and Lacus rushing up to him to see if he was alright, it was then that they got a little audio, that Rau set up nicely.

Patrick smiled as the audio went; it was perfect match for both of their voices.

"This mission is a failure, I cannot reach the Orb leader again," Kira's voice said.

Lacus smiled down at him, "We will do it in the future, you have completed everything else I asked, lets get out of here for now, with your success on Azeral, Uzumi will go soon enough," The voice of Lacus sounded.

"As you wish, I will fulfill your every wish," the voice of Kira said.

"I know you will, you have always done a perfect job, just like I told you to," the voice of Lacus sounded once more as they got up and avoided more gun fire.

The room was stunned, Patrick smiled, Rau got the voices to be a perfect match, as for the tape it was the moment that Kira tried that suicide move against Yzak, and Lacus smiled because she was glad he was alright, the rest Rau did cleverly.

"It is not true, she wouldn't do that," Siegel said.

Patrick looked at him, "It is true chairman, your daughter has always had a separate agenda, she is a traitor to us all."

Siegel glared at him.

"I don't believe it she wouldn't do it," councilwoman Canaver said.

"You saw it with your own eyes, she betrayed all of us…what concerns me is that skilled assassin she has," Councilwoman Joule said.

"I know I saw that man somewhere, he was the one that took out the blue cosmos leader Azeral…and she ordered that as well," one of Clyne's followers said.

"It's true the video of that is right here," Patrick said as he played that footage, and all looked at it amazed.

Siegel still refused to believe it, and he saw that he was quickly losing support, only Eileen Canaver seemed to be still with him.

"There is some mistake, Lacus would not do this," Siegel said again.

Andrew in the back had his suspicions as well, he could tell something was wrong with what he saw, that masked man and then the unmasked man, their movements were completely different, and he would always believe in Lacus.

"This is why I have given you no information chairman, but after I saw this I did more checking on her and found several calls, faxes and computer messages to this man, as he was always seen near where she contacted," Patrick said as he showed that stuff as well.

An extra gift from Rau, he really did his job well, and Patrick knew he would get what he wanted.

Siegel stood in defeat, he knew he could no longer stop them, but he wouldn't give up faith in his daughter.

"Shall we put it to a vote?" councilman Amalfi said.

"I still find it hard to believe, but I believe it is enough to bring her in for questioning," one of Clyne's supporters said.

Siegel looked at all of them; "She is still missing…" he was going to go on but was cut off.

"She isn't missing she is on the run Chairman," Patrick said.

Siegel said nothing.

After that was said they voted and it came out as only two apposed this, the rest went to Zala.

Patrick smiled, "It is decided then, I will make the announcement as the people are waiting for answers, I believe this will bring a faster end," Patrick said.

The rest agreed and the meeting was dismissed, with Patrick very happy.

Siegel was left in defeat as Canaver and Waltfeld approached him.

"This is not true," Siegel said once again.

Andrew looked at him, "I believe your right sir, something does not feel right here."

"I will give you assistance anyway you need it," Eileen told him.

Siegel looked at them, "I need to find her."

Andrew nodded in agreement, "Your right sir, and we better do it before they do."

Siegel and Eileen looked at him, "What do you mean?" Siegel asked as he was hoping he wasn't implying what he thought he was.

"I mean I do not believe they want her brought in alive, once they find her they will get rid of her…Zala already has the numbers to win the election sir, this way he can secure it," Andrew told him.

"You really think he would go that far?" Eileen asked.

Andrew looked at her, "I never could stand Zala, it was like he always had an agenda, and with him about to take over whatever he has planned I think he will start putting it in motion."

Siegel didn't like where this was going, "Are you saying it was Zala who ordered the hit?"

Andrew looked around, "I have no proof, but that is my guess sir."

Siegel and Eileen went into thought.

Siegel looked at him, "We will handle that at a later date, my first priority is to find my daughter."

Andrew looked at him, "Something tells me she will be alright sir, however you are right…I will immediately start the search again," Andrew said but he had another theory and he hoped that Lacus was with that assassin, he didn't know why but he knew she would be safe with him.

"I will dig around for something on Zala, as well as search for Miss Lacus but we have to stay quiet," Eileen said.

Siegel and Andrew nodded in agreement as all of them left to begin their own search and investigation. Siegel hoped that Lacus would stay well hidden, but he knew he would have to find her before it was too late. Siegel knew something big was happening and it worried him what it was.

Outside the council chamber

Rau was waiting for the council meeting to get out, he was supposed to wait for the Zala team, but he received word from the ground unit that investigated the shuttle. Rau was waiting and then the meeting ended. Rau approached the open council doors, and then saw Patrick.

Patrick was pleased with the turn of events over the meeting, and now he was looking forward to giving his speech to the Plants, he was on his way out when he spotted Rau.

Patrick approached him, "Are they here?"

Rau looked at him, "Not yet sir, I received word from our team on the ground."

Patrick became interested, as he and Rau walked over to an area with no people, "Did you find them?"

Rau looked at him, "The shuttle was empty sir."

Patrick looked straight at him, "How is that possible, they were in the middle of the desert, sure he would be able to make it, but the girl wouldn't last in that climate," Patrick said as Kira's body would be able to handle such conditions, but Lacus was just a normal coordinator so hers would not.

"What I mean sir is the team checked the log, they were never on that shuttle," Rau said.

Patrick's expression changed, "How clever he is…pity he turned against us for the sake of that girl, we have made a grave error in underestimating him."

Rau smirked a little, "What do we do now sir?"

Patrick became angry, "You find them that's what!" Patrick almost shouted.

Rau said nothing as Patrick got an idea.

"They still have to be here somewhere, we cannot afford to have them live much longer…contact one of our units and have them check out his mansion, they might find something that would help us," Patrick said.

Rau smiled, "Right away sir," Rau said as Patrick looked at him again.

"I want them before the night is out, I don't care how you do it but find them," Patrick said as he walked away.

Rau smiled as he made another call over to the Zala Plant, and he gave them Patrick's order to search the mansion, and they immediately would jump on it.

Rau smiled as he headed back out to wait for the Zala Squad.

Shuttle Bay

As Athrun and Nicol waited, the shuttle carrying Yzak and Dearka had finally arrived.

Athrun and Nicol watched as Yzak and Dearka got out.

"Where were you two?" Athrun asked.

Yzak glared at him.

"Training exercise," Dearka said as he covered for them.

As they were about to speak again one of the soldiers for Athrun's father arrived, "Sir's the car is ready."

All four looked at the man as they walked over and got in the car, the soldier got in and drove them straight for the headquarters.

As they arrived Athrun and all of them noticed that their were several news reporters gathering around the podium, the car stopped a ways away and all got out greeted by Rau.

All four stood up and saluted as Rau approached them.

"Good, all of you are here, follow me," Rau said as they headed inside but noticed that Patrick was walking towards the podium.

Athrun was curious and concerned about what happened but they kept walking.

"Sir, what exactly happened?" Athrun finally asked.

Rau glanced at him, "Your father will explain everything," was all Rau said as they approached Patrick's office.

Rau opened the door and walked in followed by the rest.

"As soon as the leader is finished making his speech he will brief you," Rau said.

Athrun and the rest sat down as Rau turned on a monitor that showed Patrick about to make a speech and all listened carefully.

Outside Headquarters

Patrick walked out of the main building followed by a few of his supporters who would only stand in the background, as soon as the doors opened cameras flashed and people stood up to get the story.

Patrick stopped right in front of the podium as all television cameras went live, Patrick smiled and then started his statement.

Kira's Mansion

Kira's small communicator beeped loudly, Kira immediately dropped his fork and looked at it, as Lacus looked on with concern.

Kira saw it and sighed in relief.

"What was that Kira?" Lacus asked.

Kira smiled, "It seems there is a report about to be broadcasted from Aprilious One, I had this set to warn me about these things for information," Kira said as he flipped on the television.

Lacus was relieved as well as they thought they had a guest, both saw the picture come up and it made Kira's blood boil as it was Patrick Zala.

Kira and Lacus then intently watched what Zala was about to say as Lacus got up and took a in the chair next to Kira.

"I know all are still confused about the events that took place yesterday, but first I will tell you that both the Chairman and the Orb leader are alive and well," Patrick said.

The reporters were silent.

Patrick smiled, "There was an assassination attempt on the Orb leader in attempts to disrupt the Chairman's peace treaty, we have discovered the identity of the culprits and we know that they are still somewhere in the Plants."

Kira and Lacus listened even closer as they wanted to see what Zala had up his sleeve, and Kira knew it wouldn't be good.

"The mastermind behind these attacks is none other than the Chairman's own daughter Lacus Clyne," Patrick said as all reporters started talking.

People around the Plant were doing the same thing, they couldn't believe it, Siegel was watching from inside the headquarters was angry.

Kira and Lacus knew this was coming.

Kira looked at Lacus, "He is using this as a way to track us down, which means that they might have found the shuttle already…faster than I thought," Kira said.

Lacus looked over at him, she was shocked at the turn of events but she expected it, she knew what Kira said was true and she slowly reached over and took his hand in hers.

Kira was no longer surprised at her touch, and he responded by holding her hand tightly.

Patrick took notice to the reporters, "I know all are shocked, as were we, but Lacus Clyne is nothing but a traitor, we have video evidence and documents that lead to her, I know it is tough to believe but she is guilty…we are asking for all citizens to remain alert and to contact us if you see her," Patrick went on.

"Take notice, she is not traveling alone, the assassin she hired is without a doubt with her, and under no circumstances try to approach them, they are extremely dangerous, I will bring up their pictures now," Patrick said.

Kira and Lacus watched as they saw a faint image of Kira with Lacus, Lacus shut her eyes as she knew this wasn't good, and what surprised them was that Patrick played the audio as well as their movements.

"I see he changed the tape around again," Kira said as he knew the tactic.

Lacus looked over at him, "They won't stop, will they?" Lacus asked as she knew they were trying to get the entire world after them.

Kira looked at her, "They will stop, when we stop them."

Lacus smiled slightly.

People around Plant were really confused now, they heard her voice and they felt a little more confused, some still believe it was a mistake, others believed she betrayed all of them, and the rest were in shock.

Siegel was tired of watching, but he needed to find out something.

The tape finished and the screen went back to Patrick, "As you see for yourself, but that wasn't all, that man was also the one that assassinated the late leader of earth Azeral, we have proof that Lacus Clyne ordered those hits as well, do not believe in the words of a traitor like her, she wishes only to bring confusion and chaos to the world, she wishes to take control of everything, she uses her influence to manipulate your minds, but no more," Patrick said.

The reporters were starting to by Zala's nonsense.

"Our Chairman doesn't wish to act on this matter, but that is no surprise that he would try to believe his daughter, which is why all matters in this investigation are handed over to me, our chairman is no longer capable of putting the needs of Plant first," Patrick said as he had to add this in.

The reporters started agreeing again.

"The council has issued a warrant for her arrest, if anyone sees these two people," Patrick said as both images came up on the screen. "Call your local authorities immediately, and we will bring back order to Plant," Patrick concluded as a round of applause began, and reporters shot up but Zala thanked them and left.

The people around the Plant were starting to split into those who believe Zala and those that believed Lacus, but they were more heading towards Zala, which was not good for Kira and Lacus.

Siegel knew he could waste no time and wanted to immediately return to his Plant, where he could begin working on finding his daughter.

With Kira and Lacus

When the speech ended Kira wasn't really surprised, but as he looked at Lacus she wasn't really surprised just a little shocked, Kira knew that they had to get out of here soon.

Kira stood up and as he looked at Lacus he hated seeing such a sad expression on her face, Kira walked over to her and reached his hand out to her.

Lacus looked up and smiled slightly, as she took his hand and he helped her up.

"This won't be the end Lacus, I will make sure of that," Kira told her softly.

Lacus smiled, "Your right," Lacus said as she released his hand and wrapped her arms around him.

Kira was no longer surprised at her touch as he returned her embrace, Kira held her as tight as he possible could. He knew she was worried no matter how strong a front she put on. What he did next surprised him a little, as he gently picked her up and led her to the next room.

Lacus was a little surprised but she didn't mind at all, Kira gently sat her down in the main room on the first floor and sat next to her allowing her to gently rest her head on his shoulder, Kira placed one arm around her and the other took her hand as she then moved a little and placed her head on his chest, she didn't know why but she only got this comfort from him.

Kira then gently stroked her hair as he could feel her loosen up. Both knew that things would be getting a little difficult soon, and as soon as they left here they would have to fight, but in this moment they just wanted to stay like this.

They didn't need to say anything, Lacus had what she wanted, and so did Kira, they were happy just like that, Lacus loved the way he stroked her hair she loved his touch. Kira was more than happy to give her the comfort she needed, but didn't ask for, Kira just knew she wanted it, they could somehow tell what each other was feeling.

"We will do whatever it takes Lacus, nothing will harm you," Kira told her.

Lacus blushed, "The same goes for you, I will not let you hurt again," Lacus told him as she looked up at him and their faces inched closer again as they engaged in a long passionate kiss, after a good three minutes they slowly parted from it and Lacus rested her head on Kira's chest again.

Kira continued to hold her for awhile longer as they didn't even know the passing of time.

Outside the Mansion

Outside it was about a few hours after the speech and about two soldiers in disguise arrived at the front of the mansion and they walked straight up to the gate.

Inside the Mansion

Kira and Lacus didn't even realize the time that passed as they stayed in each other's embrace never moving an inch. Both were still awake just relaxing in each others arms, when Kira's communicator alarm went off like crazy.

To be continued…

(AN): I hope you liked this chapter, I don't know when the next one will be up, See you later.