Thank you so much for reviewing! It took me exactly a week! Sorry! I hope you haven't given up on this story! If you want to read on how Athrun proposed to Cagalli, read 'The Proposal'. I wrote it under as one-shot. Please continue to review!

Note: words in italics here is what happened in between the time shift

Dedicationsin alphabetical order: a reader, Byron Lancaster, CagsZala, Dhevz, UnderProtection

Chapter 7

Cagalli was in dream land. Right now, dreaming was the only way her unborn child and her could be safe from the horrors that awaits them when she wakes up. She dreamt about the happiest day of her life, their wedding day.

It was a spring wedding; little birds were chirping, flowers of myriad of colours were in full bloom, and butterflies were prancing around the flora. The wedding was held at the west wing garden among the lush greenery and the crystal lake.

It was a grand affair. Leaders from all over the Plants and the earth came for this special union. Among the other guests were of course their friends and the crew members of the Arc Angel, the Eternal and the Minerva.

Cobblestones paved the way to the white pavilion where Athrun, clad in a smart white suit, waited anxiously for his bride. The guests were seated in neatly arranged satin-draped chairs and the towering trees that rose up like giant pillars provided a cool shade for them.

To make way for the wedding set-up, the grand piano was temporarily moved to the side. As Ashley began playing the familiar tune of the wedding march, all eyes turned to the back where Cagalli graced down the aisle, escorted by her dear twin brother Kira.

Cagalli's blonde hair was tied up and adorned with delicate white lilies. She wore a simple and elegant strapless wedding dress that was tinted with gold.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…" the priest began.

Alas! It was now time for Ashley's nerve-breaking moment, which was after the exchanging of the vows. She had hoped and prayed that her dream will not come true. She had been very meticulous that day especially with the security. She took no chances in anyone bringing a weapon into the mansion. Just to make certain, she casted her eyes on Meyrin and readied herself. She was going to pounce on Meyrin should the latter do anything suspicious.

The priest announced, "Is there anyone here who objects to this union? Speak now or forever hold your peace."

Ashley held her breath. No one stood up.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Looking at his emerald eyes, Athrun looked like he was about to tear as he bent his head towards Cagalli. She threw her arms -bouquet and all- around Athrun as they kissed passionately.

The crowd erupted into applause and everyone wiped their tears of joy. Dearka shouted, "We are going to see little Athruns and Cagallis running around soon!" Everyone laughed. Shaking his head and putting his arms around his wife, Athrun declared, "Everyone, this is my wife, Cagalli." The blushing bride then threw her bouquet and Lacus caught it.

Slowly waking up, Cagalli found herself lying down on a mattress in an old abandoned warehouse. Her left wrist was cuffed onto a pipe. Somehow, though with great difficulty due to her huge bulging stomach, she managed to sit upright. It was then when she noticed she was not alone in the room.

Ashley was beside her, unconscious, with both hands cuffed to another pipe.

"Ashley, sweetie, Ashley!" Cagalli called out in a worried tone.

"Don't worry. She's only been drugged. She'll wake up soon." a shrilly and sinister laughter echoed through the giant warehouse.

"That voice," Cagalli said aloud, shocked. She recognised that voice.

"Hello Cagalli. It took you quite a while to wake up." From the shadows, the owner of the voice finally made her appearance.

"Meyrin?" Cagalli was seething with anger and confusion. "What do you want?"

"You!" Meyrin replied with venom in her voice.

"But why? If you only want me, why did you take Ashley along? Let her go, please. The girl's innocent."

Just then, Ashley moaned. She was starting to wake up. The blur memories of last night slowly flooded into her head.

Ashley walked outside to the balcony to breathe in some cool fresh air. Just like her father, she liked to spend some quite moments alone to think. She thought about why she was still there when everything was perfect.

"Ashley, Cagalli made some tea and asked me to bring them out for everyone to drink. Would you like some?" Meyrin said as she walked into the balcony, carrying a tray of tea.

"Yea sure, thank you," Ashley replied as she reached out to grab a cup. Taking a few sips, she savoured on the bitter sweetness that lingered in her mouth. Suddenly, she felt dizzy. Her vision was blurring and she felt as if the whole world was spinning. It wasn't long before darkness engulfed her, but not before she caught sight of a grin on Meyrin's face.

Snapping her eyes open, Ashley jolted up right but was stopped halfway by the cuffs that chained her down. Glaring at the woman who did this to her and her mother, she cursed to herself, "Damn it! What now? It can't end this way!"

Meanwhile at the orphanage…

Athrun was frantically pacing up and down the living room. "Where could they be? The car is gone! They should have known better than to go out now ESPECIALLY when Cagalli is DUE anytime soon! Did anyone answer the phone yet? Do you think something happened to them?" panicked Athrun.

"Calm down Athrun, I'm sure they'll be fine. Besides, Ashley's with them, so you shouldn't worry too much," Kira assured him.

Just then, Lacus put down the phone. "No one's picking up. Why don't you just check the GPS? I'm sure it'll tell us where they went." Lacus suggested.

In all the panic and mayhem, everyone forgot about the tracking system that was installed in the car in case of emergencies like this one.

"Yea good thinking Lacus," Kira said as he stood up and walked over to assist Athrun.

"This is not good Kira. The GPS said they are off town in some deserted area. Damn it! Something must have happened to them! We've got to go, NOW!" Athrun said.

"Hold on Athrun, don't you think we need a plan?" Shinn interjected. For once, Shinn was being calm and collected; he was not as impulsive as he was before.

"Yes, we'll think of one in the car. Girls, stay here ok," Kira said as he made his way to the car, Athrun a few metres ahead of him with Shinn following suit.

Back at the warehouse…

Meyrin was laughing. She was laughing so creepily that it sent chills down the spines of Ashley and Cagalli. Pointing at Ashley, she accused, "How could you not have known? For crying out loud, she has your hair and his eyes!"

At first, confusion covered Cagalli's face. However it wasn't long before realisation dawned on her. It hit her like a tsunami; it was quick and powerful. She was rendered speechless for five minutes; her eyes wide open in shock. Looking at the figure beside her, she saw the guilt-ridden face of Ashley.

To be continued…

Ok. I hope you like this chapter. I'll post the next chapter which is probably the last one by next week! I should be faster now since I have free time. Please review! Thank you!