Chapter 17

Sorry if I made you wait to long...hopefully it was worth it (This is the longest chapter, yet).

Her hand clashing against his cheek echoed throughout the apartment. he turned to her, cheek newly red, with wide eyes.

"Don't you dare!" her nose was flaring. "Don't you dare leave me. Don't you do something so foolish."

"Cagalli, I don't know if it would even come to that."

"You shouldn't even suggest such a thing," she balled her hands up tightly.

"Cagalli, I would do it, so that your family would be safe," he lowered his gaze. "I'll do it so you could keep your brother and father. I don't mind. There's no family left for me. My father seems like a stranger now…my mother is gone-"

"You idiot!"

He looked at her.

"What about me?" she grabbed his shoulders. "Do you know how devastated I would be if you died? I can't bare thinking about it."

"I don't want you to lose your father," he removed her hands.

"I don't want to lose anyone, Athrun."

"But, that's the only way you'll have your brother."

If the woman wasn't working so late when the announcements were made, if her phone wasn't on silent when the city sent out the alerts, and if her battery hadn't died minutes before she left the building then maybe she wouldn't be lying on the ground, under the creature. Maybe her body would still be intake. Instead, her arms and legs are spread about the asphalt. A pool of blood seeps from under her skirt, making a crimson trail start from her shoeless foot. There is a gash from her neck to her shoulder Her body is still. Her head faces away from the creature, holding the same horrified expression as when he first greeted her.

"You're doing good, Princess."

My eye twitches at her statement, but I say nothing since it's Myrna. I could never get her to stop calling me that anyway. She's standing beside me, her hands together with a huge grin on her face.

"They're perfectly minced," she says. "Now we'll move on to the garlic."

I sigh as I wipe my eyes with the back of my hand. She comes over to me and begins smashing garlic cloves with the chef knife. I watch intently. For weeks now, Myrna has been giving me cooking lessons. When I came to her expressing my desire to learn to cook her face lit up. Immediately, she grabbed me by the hand and dragged me to the kitchen. In an instant there were a bunch of ingredients on the table, and that night we had stew.

While we were eating, she wanted to know my sudden desire to learn. I told her I wanted to do it for my baby. I want her to come home to homecooked meals. I want to be able to bring cookies to her friends' houses…just like Athrun's mom did. I want to be the kind of mom that I saw Lenore Zala as.

I smile as I stir the veggies in the pan. The scent is intoxicating, causing my patience to become thin. Myrna creeps up behind me, and sprinkle salt into the pan. She looks at me, pats my shoulder, and smiles.

"Thank you," I say.

"What for?"

"For everything you've done, but for taking the time to teach me. I wouldn't be able to do this if it wasn't for you. I love you, Myrna."

"I love you too, Princess," she wraps her arms around my shoulders, and squeezes me tight.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

Our heads turn to the doorway, and we see Athrun leaning against the wall, arms folded. He's wearing a white button up with black pants. He's smirking. I'm shocked by the sudden jerk of my heart. I place my -hand over my chest. My heart beats rapidly. Come to think of it, I'm a bit light-headed and my temperature has gone up. Why is he doing this to me-how is he? It's like I'm girl with a mega crush all over again. No, this is worse. This is love.

He's walking towards us, and internally I'm freaking out. If my heart rate was rapid before, it's completely out of control now. I feel my pulse everywhere.

"That can go in the oven now, dear," I hear Myrna say (I haven't taken my eyes off Athrun). "A lid can go on the pan. Turn the heat off. I'll leave you two alone." She goes towards the door. "The rest is up to you," then she's gone.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" I ask.

He looks down at the stove. A brow goes up.

"Since when do you cook? When you were staying with me we ate frozen food and take out."

"That isn't all that we ate," I frown. "You didn't answer my question."

"Neither did you," he smirks.

"Athrun," I growl.

"I came to speak to your father."

"Why?" I raise my voice.

He stares at me incredulously, as if I said something very foolish.

"Why are you seeing my father," I repeat, a bit quieter.

"What do you mean?" he says.

I can feel my skin crawl, and I want to yell some sense into him, but the look on his face is totally innocent. He is still staring at me, puzzled.

"What subject do you want to discuss with him?" I say through gritted teeth.

Athrun looks away from me. For a moment, he looks sad. He's leaning against the countertop, arms folded. His eyes move from me to the floor a few times before he speaks again.

"I want to see where he stands…with you and Yuna."

The spoon I'm holding nearly drops to the floor.

"Wh-why?"

He gives me that look again.

"Is being pregnant fogging up your head?"

I frown. I have an urge to smack the back of his head, but with a deep breath, I fight it.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" I say. "Yuna has been a suitor for me for years, and father seemed pleased with Yuna's proposal. You might not get anywhere."

He's the one frowning now.

"So, if it comes down to it, you'll marry him?" his tone is like a calm storm.

I feel stuck in place. Athrun must know that I don't want to marry Yuna. We discussed it days ago. Yet, I feel hopeless to sway anyone otherwise. Talking to my father-seeing my father-gets rarer with each passing day. He's just too busy.

It makes my stomach turn by how pleased Father was with Yuna's declaration.

"Thank you, Yuna. I'll have you know that I agree…sadly my daughter has involved herself in other matters," his eyes narrowed. "I just hope you can win her over. Know you have my approval, and, if able, I can arrange-" by then I interrupted.

Since the dinner, Yuna's been sending me gifts-flowers, cards, baby toys or clothes. I throw it all away…even the things for my baby. I don't need him playing father to Athrun's child. I don't need him in general. I'll be fine when father…my body freezes, and I feel a lump in my throat. I take a deep breath.

"Will you?"

My head shoots up.

"Who's going to make me?" I sound more confident than what I am.

Athrun gives me a doubtful look. He leans over and pecks me on the cheek before making his way to the door.

"Wait-"

But the door shuts, leaving me all alone.

My eyes slowly flutter open. With a wide yawn, I stretch and turn to my alarm clock. It's 6:30 p.m. I prop myself on my elbows. Groans escape me as I stare into space, blinking. I'm about to make my way off of my bed when I hear someone let out a breath. I nearly jump out of my skin. My wide eyes notice Athrun sitting on the edge of the bed. I sigh.

How long has he been sitting there?

His back is towards me, and his head hangs low. I wonder if he knows I'm awake. His hand comes up and he grips a handful of hair. My heart drops. The talk with father must not have gone well.

I crawl to him. My arms wrap around him as I lay my head on his back. His body tenses, but soon relaxes. He places a hand over top of mine. We don't move and we don't say anything.

I move my chin to rest on his shoulder. I want to ask about it, but then fear comes. Does my father really want me to get married, and to Yuna of all people? Has he even considered the fact that I'm with Athrun-that we're having a baby? Could I say no if it really came to it? What if it were to be his dying wish? Suddenly my chest feels heavy.

"Athrun-"

"He just wants what is best for you," Athrun says.

My mouth shuts again. There's a lump in my throat, my pulse throbs in my ears and my head is spinning.

"What did he say?" I whisper.

I hold my breath waiting for him to speak. He stays quiet…for too long.

"Please tell me," my grasp around him tightens.

"He…" he takes in a deep breath, "is adamant on his sacrifice…whether or not it works, he won't be around anymore. Unato Seiran will be president, and it would be good for you to be the daughter in-law of the president. He said that, being married to him, you'll have security, financial stability. You won't have to worry about anything while you complete college. You'll stay in the mansion, or a new one, where you'll have a nanny and nursery, so taking care of the baby won't be so stressful. I would be better off too."

I gasp.

"He said that I could focus on school more if you two are stable," he looks at me. "He'll leave more money for you and Kira's savings, but that's what he wants for you. Maybe he's right."

It isn't Athrun's words that stab my heart. It's the look in his eyes as he spoke them; the melancholy in his voice, as if he lost hope in everything. He told me he loved me, and now he's saying it's probably best that I be with someone else.

This growing pain in my chest isn't for me…it's for him. His mother is gone, Lacus is gone. Patrick is pushing him away…and now father is trying to pull me away. I want to sob for him, but I can't. no more crying…for now…because it is his turn to cry, to let it out.

I sit beside him, pulling him near. I rest his head on my chest and begin stroking his hair. He's stiff in my arms.

"Cagalli?"

"Let it out, Athrun," I say. "You've been hurting for so long…please let it out."

"I-"

"Don't hide from me," I whisper in his hair. "I'm here for you. I'll always be here for you. Please don't run."

He rubs my arm. I squeeze him tighter.

"I don't want to lose anyone else," it's more to himself than to me.

I feel my shirt become wet.

"I get a lot of visitors these days," the old lady said, stepping aside.

Athrun made his way into the cottage.

"You've sought me out with the blonde girl. The one who is with child, the President's daughter."

"You came to Orb," Athrun said.

"He wanted me to," the woman sat on the couch, patting the spot beside her. Athrun remained at the door.

"Yes, and now he's going to sacrifice himself to the beast. You seem to know everything, so tell me, did you know that the blonde girl attempted to do the same?"

When she looked up at him she could see a fire burning in his eyes.

"Why would you tell them that?" he took a step closer. "Do you really expect me to believe that the only way is for one of them to die?"

"You say that, but I can see inside of you…like I saw the life inside of her. You thought about doing it too."

The look on his face confirmed it. She smiled.

"Could I even do it?" his voice was low.

"Who are you to him?"

"He's my best friend."

"Hate created the beast, so love takes it away. If you love your friend, your blood could save him. Would you be willing to die for him?"

She eyed him, curiously.

"You doubt me," she continued, "but you're scared."

"You know why…"

"I'm really sorry, boy. I wish there was another way, and I wish I could prove to you that what I say is true. A few more months and it-"

"It will be over."

The woman nods her head.

"Then he dies."

"He does."

"If he dies, then a part of her will die too. I can't let her lose him."

"What will happen to her if you die?"

In that moment, he remembered what Cagalli had said to him. She told him she couldn't bare losing him. Yet, she went through so much to save her brother. She dedicated this entire year to that. It got to the point where she was willing to give her life, even while carrying another life. Athrun knew his death would scar her, but…

I wake up in a white bed, in a white room. When I look down, I'm draped in a white, spaghetti strapped negligee. My stomach is rounder, plumper. My eyes scan the room. Empty. I am about to make my way out of the bed when I hear laughter. It's sweet and soothing. A familiar laugh.

I want to say something, but I remain on the edge of the bed, frozen. The laughter dies, and the voice says.

"You're glowing, Cagalli."

Instantly I feel my chest tighten. My eyes sting. There is someone in front of me. My gaze ascends. A long white dress, flowing pink hair, and then I land on that sweet smile. My eyes meet her blue ones. I missed those eyes.

"Lacus..." I say.

"I'm so happy for you!"

She's normal, she's okay. She looks at me as if I never did anything to harm her, but I killed her. My brother changed her. This can't be real…I look at my stomach. I know this isn't real.

I stare at her.

"Why are you here?" I say.

She frowns.

"I was wondering the same about you," she says.

"You don't belong here, sweetie," another familiar voice, but I can't identify this one.

I look at Lacus.

"Who is that?" I say to her.

She steps aside, and behind her are two people. They, too, are in white. I view their faces. My eyes widen.

"Mom…Dad?" a tear runs down my cheek.

My feet touch the ground, and I am ready to lift myself off of the bed, but they put their hands up.

"You don't belong here," my dad says.

I shake my head.

"Why?" I say.

My cheeks are completely wet now. I want to hold them. I want them to hold me.

"Listen to them," this voice I know very well.

Beside them is Athrun. He wears a white button up, and white pants.

"Why do you all say that?" my voice is hoarse.

"Cagalli," Lacus says, taking a step back, towards the others. "you shouldn't be here."

"Why?"

My eyes shoot open. Someone is knocking on my door. I turn to my side. My eyes are wide, and my breathing is heavy. I place a hand over my stomach. It's back to a small bump. I sit up and look down. I'm wearing boxer shorts and a tank top. I sigh.

"Cagalli?" I hear through the door.

"What do you want?"

"Can you open up?"

I stand up and make my way to the door. I lean my back against it.

"Why are you here?" I cringe when I say it.

"I wanted to see you," he says.

"I don't want to see you," I walk back to my bed. "Oh, and stop sending me gifts!"

He is silent for a moment.

"I'll be here whenever you're ready to come out."

I fall onto my comforter. Why did it have to be him? I wish it were Athrun. I frown. It's been days and Athrun hadn't returned yet. He said he had something to do, but wouldn't tell me what. He never came back here, and when I visited his apartment, yesterday, he wasn't there either. I called his father's office, but Patrick said he had not seen him, and quickly hung up.

"I wish I had his friends' numbers," I say aloud.

My dream flashes into my head. Athrun was there…there with my mother and father, and Lacus. Why were they all there? They're all dead…I jerk up. My heart starts pounding.

"Athrun," I croak.

I swiftly grab my phone off of my dresser, and dial his number. The ringing seems to go on forever.

"Please pick up, please pick up…" It goes to voicemail.

It's been doing that for a day now. Quickly, I throw on pants, and T-shirt. I grab my car keys, and run out the door.

I drove through Orb for hours, just searching out of my car window. I wanted any sign of him, but nothing. I look up, and the sky is now red and orange. Maybe I should go and rest. Another nap would be nice. It would be, but I need to know if Athrun's safe.

The sun set, and I drove around Junius for about an hour. Before I did that, I searched City Hall. Now I'm driving through Heliopolis.

"Cagalli, I would do it, so that your family would be safe,"

I don't want him to be here.

My radio is on, and the reporter is reminding everyone that the temporary curfew is in effect in 10 minutes. She pleads for everyone to go inside, and stay in, for the beast is presumed to still be in the city. Three people have been found dead so far…bodies torn.

How long will you be here, Kira? I think. I wish there was a way I could find out where you'll target next.

I could always drive around until I spot him. That would put me in danger, and I can't risk it. I won't put my baby in harm's way again. Yet, I don't know what else to do. If I'm right, Athrun is here searching for Kira as well, and I could stop him from doing something unforgiveable. But, if I'm wrong, then I'll be Kira's dinner.

I park behind a convenience store. I take my phone out of my bag and dial Athrun again. It keeps ringing. No answer. I growl. If he won't answer my calls then I'll just make him.

"Everything hurts. Blood started running down my leg, and I don't know what to do. I'm scared to tell anyone, but it hurts," is what I text him.

I stare at the phone before pushing send. A pang of guilt shoots through my chest. He'll hate me for lying about this, but I need to know he's alright. I press send. My head falls back, and I cover my eyes with my arm. Now I wait.

I wake up to my phone buzzing over my dashboard. I quickly grab it.

"Hello?"

"Cagalli!" it's Athrun. "What happened? Are you home? Are you at the hospital? Is the baby okay? Are you okay? I'll be there as fast as I can?" He's talking faster than my ears can listen.

"Athrun! Athrun, where are you?"

"I'm…I'm about to come to you."

"You don't know where I'm at, Athrun."

There is a pause.

"Cagalli, tell me where you are. I need to be there with you. I need you two to be okay."

My heart cracks at the sound of his voice.

I swallow. "I'm in Heliopolis, behind a FoodMart. I've been driving all day looking for you."

"What! Send me the address I'll be right there."

I take a deep breath.

"Where are you coming from?"

Another pause.

"Are you in Heliopolis?" I ask.

I can hear him breath.

"Yes."

We're leaning against his car. I look at him.

"Are you going to say anything?"

I doubt he will. He was relieved to see I was okay, but that relief was soon followed by disappointment.

"You lied to me," he says.

"I know," I say, "and I'm sorry."

"Why would you lie about that!"

I jump.

"You had me worried out of my mind. I thought something terrible had happen to you-had happen to the baby!"

His fist meets the side of his car.

"I can't believe you would do something like that."

"You wouldn't answer my calls. I was worried about you, Athrun."

He leans against the car again, and doesn't say anything.

"We need to go back home," I say. "It's getting late, and there's a curfew in affect right now."

He remains silent.

"Athrun, come on!"

"Hey," we turn around, and see a man, in an apron, stepping out of the store. "You kids need to get going. The news said there's been sightings of the monster. It was last seen heading west of the city. I'm about to close up, so you better get on home now." He whips out keys and begins locking the store's windows and doors.

"This is west?" Athrun asks.

"What you ain't from around here?" the man spits. "Heck yeah this is west, and ya'll crazy for being out."

"Is there a motel somewhere?"

"About a few blocks," the man says. "It's called Rin's Stayover. You follow me, and I'll show you where it's at."

"She'll follow you."

My head snaps in Athrun's direction.

"What about you?" I say.

"I have something I need to take care-"

"You keep saying that!" i grab him by the sleeve of his jacket. "I know what you're going to try and do. Please don't."

His eyes are pleading.

"Are you coming?" the man sounds impatient. "I'm not trying to be out here if that thing comes this way."

"I'm not sure if I want Kira back anymore," I say to Athrun. "What is the point of saving someone I love at the risk of losing someone I love?"

Before he can say anything, there is a piercing, unearthly scream in the air. It's reminiscent to someone scratching a chalk board. As if on cue, the man hops into his vehicle and drives off without a word. I search the dark sky. There isn't anything there, but I know that had to be Kira. The screech lingers.

"Cagalli, get in the car."

I don't move. My eyes stay on the sky. I want to see him, see what he's become. I close my eyes, and the noise becomes entrancing. It feels as though my feet are glued to the ground. Athrun speaks, but I don't understand him, and I don't care anymore. I allow myself to be swallowed by the noise, by Kira's calls.

Come back to me.

My feet lift off the ground. Immediately I feel irritated. Athrun holds me in his arms. He is placing me in the passenger seat of his car. His brow is furrowed, creating creases in his forehead. He attempts to buckle me in, but I place a hand on top of his. I slowly stretch my arm and point upwards. His head turns.

There is a winged creature in the sky. Kira! His body is bulkier. Each limb is longer than normal. His once tan skin is completely brown, and scaly. He has the same gargoyle wings that I remember from months ago. His hair is much longer. It's down his back in tangled disarray. I squint, but can't make up much more. He's too high…and getting closer.

"We gotta go!" Athrun slams the passenger door, and hurries to the driver side.

Kira is moving at a speed unimaginable. I can't take my eyes off of him. He dodges, turns, twists. He's close now. Athrun is beside me fumbling for his keys. Kira flies low, maybe a block away now. I don't know, but my heart is pounding.

"Athrun, hurry…"

An engine sounds, but it isn't this car. Up ahead bright headlights appear from behind Kira. A vehicle that looks like a giant military tank/monster truck-I don't know what else to call it-I ever seen, and it's gaining on my brother.

"The vehicle is chasing him!" I shout.

Athrun maneuvers the car to face the direction of the chase. He stares out the window intently. We both do.

Who are they? Are they crazy?

A cannon protrudes from the top of the vehicle. A huge barbwire net, with giant weights, shoots out of the cannon. It lands on top of Kira, enclosing him. He screams louder. We cover our ears. The weights close around each other like magnets, crashing down to the ground with a bang.

So, I would love to hear what you have to say about this chapter. Give me feedback, your thoughts, contribute. Go for it! I love hearing from readers. You are my motivation. Plus, I want to finish this story, so I need to know how it's progressing.