Though the Heavens Fall
Chapter Five
By: DamageCtrl
All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Gundam Seed/Gundam Seed: Destiny. They belong to their respective creators, owners, licensees.
The carriage bounced along the stone paved streets of Onogoro on its way to the palace at the top of the hill. From where she sat inside, Shiho stared vacantly out the window, her eyes fixated on the white palace towering in the distance. It glowed with lights shining from its base and stood out against the dark sea beyond it.
Within its walls were several noblemen, their families, and their escorts from Plants. Among with them was her captain and lord, Yzak Joule. Her hand dug into the fabric of the dark red pants of her Red Knights uniform. She was fairly certain Yzak had instructed her to join them for dinner as a formality, considering she was his subordinate. Therefore, she had kindly rejected the dress Miriallia offered to let her borrow in favor of her uniform.
A dress wouldn't have done her much good, considering the circumstances. She was a soldier more than a woman in the eyes of Lord Joule and she didn't feel the need to attempt to impress anyone else at that table by wearing a dress. If anything, it would've been an odd distraction; something unexpected and possibly unnatural to see.
Even when they were in back in the Joule Estate and both Yzak and Dearka were wandering around in civilian clothing, she maintained her uniform. In fact, she was sure than when she returned to Plants, she would continue wearing her uniform every day, despite the fact that her superior officer was in another country all together.
"That is merely how disciplined I am," she thought to herself. She was serious when she told Dearka that she knew her place and her duty. Her place was the dutiful secretary to one of the Red Knights captains. Her duty was to serve him both as a soldier and a servant of his house.
To her, there was a clear line between Shiho the loyal Red Knight and Shiho the woman. She had thought that much was obvious. When Yzak ordered her to return to Plants without him, she wasn't sure how to react. They had only been reunited for one day and previous to her trip, they had scarcely been away from each other.
Despite herself, she had wanted to ask why. That was an abnormality all together. She had always trusted Lord Joule's decisions; fully confident that his reasons behind it had been well thought out and would be for the best. His order for her to return seemed out of character.
She understood his reasoning. It was a good precaution to have someone in Plants to oversee his orders, especially when he was to stay in Orb for an uncertain amount of time. Her mind told her it was a valid reason, but somewhere inside of her, something was clawing at her and telling her his order was off.
Why would he send her back this time when he had brought her along the first time they came to Orb? They knew full well why he was there. It didn't bother him the first time that she was with him. In fact, there should have been no reason why it would bother him at all, yet when they were out on the veranda, he couldn't even meet her gaze.
Her lips tightened into a small frown. That was not the confident captain she knew and was loyal to. She did not understand his trouble with her at the moment, but the more she thought about her dismissal to Plants, the more she disliked it. It was as if she had been demoted both in duty and in his eyes.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. As arrogant as it may have sounded, she was certain that no one understood Yzak Joule better than she did. Not Dearka, who had been his underling far longer than her, or Athrun, who was virtually his equal in everything since birth.
She knew when Yzak needed to get away from the world. It was why she left the door to her chambers unlocked. It was why she never complained and even assured him it was acceptable for him sneak into her room and sleep on her bed. She knew what to say to help him relieve stress. She knew what to do in his place. In her history of being his secretary, she had never once made a decision he completely disagreed against.
Which was why despite all her rationalizing, something still felt wrong with Yzak's order to return to Plants.
Before she could mull it over any further, the carriage jerked to a stop. Shiho snapped out of her thoughts and blinked. She looked out the window and saw the steps that lead to the main entrance of the palace.
"Sir Hahnenfuss, we have arrived," the footman said as the door was opened from outside. Shiho took a deep breath to gather her bearings and rose from her seat. She gracefully stepped down from the carriage and gave a small bow of her head in thanks to her driver and footman before calmly ascending the stairs.
She passed several guards and was about to inquire as to where dinner was being held with the other guests from Plants, when a familiar blond rounded the corner, fixing the cuff of his uniform sleeve.
"Sir Elsman," Shiho called as she turned in his direction. The tan skinned man lifted his head and smiled as he gave a small nod of his head to greet her.
"Right on time," he said as he approached her. "I was hoping to meet you outside since I figured you didn't now where the dinner was taking place."
"I was about to ask a guard when I saw you," she told him. "Has everyone arrived yet?"
"No, we're actually a bit early," Dearka told her. His eyes looked down at her matching uniform and he let out a tired sigh. "I see you opted to wear your uniform..."
The woman across from him raised her eyebrows. "There is no reason why I would not," she told him clearly.
Dearka nodded understandingly, though couldn't help but think that the uniform was unnecessary. "So you are set on leaving tomorrow?"
"Around dawn," Shiho answered. "Captain Haww has some meals prepared for my journey."
At the sound of the other woman's name, Dearka smiled stupidly. "Yes, she's very thoughtful."
The corners of Shiho's lips curled up. "Is there anything else in you mind other than the good captain?"
Dearka glanced over at her and let out a small sigh. "Yes, but there really isn't anything I can do about Yzak's order, is there?"
Her eyebrows furrowed. "Pardon?"
"His order," Dearka repeated at he met her gaze. "To send you back to Plants? To be honest, there really isn't any reason to send you back."
Shiho tensed and straightened her back. "Of course there is Dearka. It is a perfectly valid reason to have me return to Plants."
"But all of Yzak's orders to the Red Knights have already been completed. His rounds have been completed as well. He can easily oversee the knights from Orb."
"Perhaps, under normal circumstances, but considering the looming issue of the Atlantic Federation at our doors and Lord Joule's search for a wife, I hardly think he can properly function as a captain without aide back in Plants," Shiho chided him.
Dearka tilted his head back and ran his hand through his golden hair. "Shiho," he began carefully. "Doesn't it even strike you as mildly odd that Yzak would give you such an order?"
A small feeling of dread peaked for a moment before quickly being smothered by her logic. "Of course not," she answered easily.
Dearka narrowed his eyes. "And you feel absolutely nothing about what he's going to do?"
Shiho raised an eyebrow. "I don't feel any concern about the captain choosing an unsuitable woman, if that is what you are asking," she assured him. Dearka stared at her, almost dumbfounded. She couldn't possibly be truthful. Her mere presence was enough to keep noblewomen away from Yzak. "To be honest, I await the new addition to the Joule House. It would be nice to have a Haumea Elite nearby to speak to. I greatly enjoyed my time at the Seray and wouldn't mind having one of them stay with us."
Dearka looked at her incredulously. "Are you really fine with it?" he asked quietly.
"Of course she's fine with it," a voice almost boomed behind them. Shiho's body immediately tensed as Dearka's head snapped up. He looked past the female knight and saw the white-haired man approaching them with a usual tight-lipped frown on his face. "She is the ideal knight and secretary. Unlike you, she understands the importance of his merger. There is no reason for her to disagree."
Shiho nodded in agreement, despite the churning feeling in her stomach. He had said it so confidently, as if there was no room for her to disagree even if she wanted to. Dearka's face had darkened as he shook his head and turned around.
"Fine," he said in a low voice. "If that is what you both agree to," he murmured. "The dining hall is this way, Shiho," he called out as he began walking down the corridor. "And Yzak, your ribbons are lopsided again."
The white-haired man swept past her and Shiho barely had time to glance at the pinned ribbons above his breast. Her first instinct was to reach out and stop him so that she could fix the ribbons. Her arm rose part way and just missed the sleeve of his coat when she suddenly realized what she was doing.
Silently, she quickly withdrew her arm and looked away. She followed Dearka and Yzak into the dining room without a word. Casual greetings were given and she formally greeted Lady Joule. The beautiful older woman was pleased to see her and asked how her citizenship went.
Shiho replied in kind, polite and calm as always. As they ate dinner, she found herself withdrawing further and further from the conversation. They began to focus on the reason that they were there in the first place; to find a Haumea Elite bride.
It seemed that two of the grooms who had been there the first time already had someone in mind and had been dutifully keeping touch with them while they were back in Plants. From the boyish blushes on their cheeks and the fondness they spoke of the girls in the Alabaster Seray, it was clear that they were smitten.
The newest groom, Rey, had nodded, embarrassed, when they half-jokingly told him to keep his eyes away from the Alabaster Seray. They began to suggest various girls they had met, as well as asked Rey what kind of girl he was interested in.
"Well, it would be wonderful if we got along well and I felt comfortable with her," Rey told them. "I sense of humor is good. I don't have to worry about intelligence. Simply knowing that they are Haumea Elite assures them that."
"Do keep your eyes on the volunteers though, Rey, dear," Lady Amalfi said from across the table. "It seemed quite troublesome for Orb to have Lord Zala fall for Captain Athha."
Shiho listened intently, though she didn't answer. Beside her, Dearka raised an eyebrow in question. Clearly, he didn't believe it was troublesome at all for Orb. If anything it was just troublesome for the two who had fallen in love – which he was sure they were.
"I think it was more troublesome for Athrun and Cagalli more so than it was for Orb," Yzak said suddenly. He had been relatively quiet and several pairs of eyes turned to him. They were surprised that he had spoken out on the subject as well as referred to the noble and his wife so familiarly.
"Was it? I was under the impression they were very much in love," Lady Durandal piped curiously.
"I heard quite a lot of rumors while we've been here," Lady Amalfi added. "They were both hesitant, but it seems our Lord Zala swept Captain Athha off her feet."
"He is a charming man," Lady Durandal chuckled. "To think that he actually proposed to a Haumea Elite Captain…it was such a shock."
"I think it was romantic." Lady Amalfi smiled.
Yzak lowered his eyes and continued to finish his meal. Athrun was the biggest fool he knew. He was a lucky fool, but a fool none-the-less. He couldn't believe Athrun married the woman he had once sworn vengeance against. However, when he had gone to visit them and saw how Athrun's face lit up ridiculously at the sight of his wife, Yzak begrudgingly admitted that beneath all his disgust, he was a tiny bit jealous.
Several chairs away from him, Lady Joule glanced at her son's darkened face and then looked back at the table. "Well, now it is the other grooms chances at being romantic. I have no doubt that every young man here will be able to find a suitable wife," she said proudly. She looked back at her son. "What about you, dearest, did you find someone?"
Dearka bit the inside of his cheek to keep from speaking his thoughts out loud. "He found one, but he's an idiot and doesn't realize it!"
"Actually, mother, I am still weighing my options," Yzak answered smoothly. "Although, it is good to know that the Alabaster volunteers are taken. It narrows the choices down for me." He gave an acknowledging nod to two of the other grooms.
"You should hurry and choose soon, Yzak," Lord Durandal said with a winning smile from his end of the table. "I have no doubt that once they meet my boy, they will see no other."
"Father!" Rey gasped, horrified, as his face reddened. The table laughed as he looked down at his plate and frantically tried to pretend he hadn't heard anything.
Shiho smiled warily and continued eating. Towards the end of dinner, the nobles began to disperse. The grooms, aside from Yzak, pulled Rey aside and began to ask him cheeky questions that set the young blonde's face on fire. Their parents were speaking in one corner of the room, briefly going over particular parts of the marriage provisions before they retired to bed.
Lady Joule stood amongst them, though kept her eyes on her son. He stood off to the side, seemingly not paying attention to the quiet conversation that Dearka and Shiho were having. Her eyes narrowed. The way things were going, her son would remain single forever and the Joule House would cease to exist.
As Shiho stiffly bowed to her peer and her captain, indicating that she was about to leave, Lady Joule took a step forward. "Dearka," she called out smoothly. "May I have a moment of your time? I require an errand of you."
The blond-haired knight nodded and was about to walk towards the older woman, when she took steps towards them. She made a motion with her hand, indicating that she would come to them. "My lady," Shiho bowed as the white-haired woman stopped.
"Shiho, will you be returning to the Azure Seray now?" Ezalia asked casually. "You know, you are more than welcomed to stay at the palace as you are my son's secretary."
"I understand, my lady," Shiho replied solemnly. "However, I will be returning to Plants tomorrow to continue my duties there."
Ezalia's eyes widened. "Plants?" she spat out. "Already? Are you certain?"
"Mother," Yzak interjected swiftly. "I felt it was in the Red Knights' best interest to have Sir Hahnenfuss return and assist me back in Plants rather than here. I trust in her abilities enough to have her oversee my decisions."
Ice blue eyes narrowed as she looked at her son. "If you are certain," she conceded. She looked at Shiho and gave her a kind smile. "Have a swift and safe journey, my dear."
"Thank you, my lady." Shiho bowed once more.
"Yzak," Lady Joule snapped as she turned to her son. "Escort Shiho to her carriage."
Shiho's eyes flickered over to Yzak's face. She could see the brief, almost unnoticeable flash of irritation in his eyes. He didn't seem to want to follow his mother's 'request', but knew he had no choice. He nodded obediently.
"Of course, Mother," Yzak said. He glanced over at Dearka. "Dearka, co-"
"He cannot join you," Ezalia cut in quickly. "I need him for an errand. Honestly, Yzak, can't you even escort a lady without help?"
The younger Joule tried to suppress his scowl as he turned towards Shiho and gave her a curt nod. "Let's go."
Shiho bowed to his mother and Dearka once more before turning around and following the man in the white suit in silence. She could feel the eyes of Lady Joule and Dearka following them until they disappeared from view in the hallway.
Yzak walked stiffly a full pace ahead of her. His eyes were focused on the doors of the approaching front entrance. The air between them seemed to scream that speech was forbidden and that feeling carried out until they reached the carriage. The footman saw her arrive and began to move from his seat to open the door to the carriage.
Yzak held up his hand to keep the man back, indicating that he would open the door for Shiho. A pale hand rose and gripped the handle of the door. He easily pulled it and held the door open for Shiho.
The brown-haired woman gave him a small nod of her head. His hand extended. Her eyes briefly wandered to it. Rather than accept his hand, she reached upwards and grabbed on to the small handle at the side of the door and pulled herself into the carriage.
Yzak's face didn't change expression as his hand slowly lowered. He suddenly felt like a fool for evening offering, but then again, Shiho was more than capable of taking care of herself.
"Thank you for your escort, Captain," Shiho said as she sat on the edge of the seat and looked down at him.
Yzak nodded his head. "Yes," he murmured. "Have a safe trip back to Zaft…Sir Hahnenfuss." He didn't have to say her name so formally. His eyes lowered and he prepared to close the door.
"Sir," Shiho's voice made him freeze. He quickly looked up at her, his eyes meeting hers once more. She could feel her heart quicken. She always thought he had such lovely eyes. "May I say something…off record?"
His shoulders seem to relax and he nodded, barely keeping back his eager feelings. "You may."
Shiho bent down and reached forward. Her hands rose to the ribbons across his breast and she silently fixed them. "Your ribbons are still crooked," she smiled softly. Her eyes rose and met his. "What is the world to think of me if my lord and captain cannot even properly display his ribbons?"
In the back for his mind, he wondered why his lungs were starting to burn. Then he realized that since she had touched him, he had been holding his breath. All he could see before him was Shiho's amused eyes and all he could feel were the brief caresses of her fingertips against the cloth of his uniform...and he never wanted to retract an order more in his life.
"Tha…thank you…Sir…Shiho…" he mentally cringed. Sir Shiho? Good gods, was he Zala?
Her smile widened a bit and she gave him a respectful bow before she slipped back into her seat. "I await your orders in Plants, my lord."
Her words jarred him back to the present and he found himself nodded as he straightened up. "Yes," he agreed. He gave her a curt nod and stepped back. "Have a good journey…"
The footman appeared and closed the door for him. Shiho brushed aside the curtains of the window as the carriage began to move away. Yzak remained standing at the foot of the steps, watching her with a distant look as she leaned back against the cushions and allowed the curtains to fall back into place.
Her fingers carefully wove between each other as she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. She could feel the heat from his body even through the thick, coarse material of his white uniform. One hand rose and rested itself over her chest. She pressed her hand against her, trying to dull the odd ache.
It was strange that she had fixed those very ribbons hundreds of times in the past and it was only this time that an abnormal feeling swept through her. It was as if she would never be able to touch him again.
"Your Queen has been most gracious in allowing us to see Lady Stellar, Captain Haww," Lord Djibril stated as his face angrily contorted. "As she has permitted her highness leave in order to see us. Knowing that, I do not understand why Lady Stellar is not here today! It is imperative that we have her remember her home country and regain her lost memories! Every moment she is not here is a moment lost!"
Miriallia remained standing stiffly by the door, poised and barely keeping herself calm as the nobleman from the Atlantic Federation verbally thrashed at her. She had already prepared herself for such a reaction previous to arriving at the palace that morning. In fact, she had been going over what to tell the Federation nobles in her mind for half the night.
"Lord Djibril," she began carefully. "It is not that we are purposely keeping Stellar away from you. She had spoken to her brother yesterday and, this morning, after being informed of her leave to the Federation, she has decided to stay with her brother before she leaves."
"Her brother?" Lord Djibril choked out, almost shocked.
Behind him, two young noblemen looked at each other curiously. They didn't know she had a brother. They had been informed that, after being adopted into the Athha family, she had a sister – Captain Cagalli Yula Athha herself.
"Yes," Miriallia continued. "Kira Yamato, Captain Athha's fraternal twin brother."
The older nobleman shook his head vehemently. "No! It is not allowed!"
Miriallia raised an eyebrow. "May I ask why?"
"Because that is not her brother!" he told her, exasperated. The captain's eyes widened. She bit her tongue to keep from yelling back at the old man. How dare he make such an accusation! "Lady Stellar is not bound to that man by blood! It is not fitting for a member of the Murata Royal Family to be living with a peasant! Especially one of the opposite sex! This is a scandal!'
Her fists tightened at her sides. Miriallia gritted her teeth. "With all due respect, Lord Djibril, Stellar has already accepted the order to go to the Federation. She will leave before her sister has a chance to return and see her off. I do not think it is asking too much for her to spend her last few days here with the only brother she has ever known," she stressed in a low voice. She lifted her chin and took a deep breath. "I only came to relay the message from Stellar herself, Lord Djibril. She will be unavailable to you until you are to leave."
"Captain Haww-" he tried to counter. Miriallia turned around, effectively cutting him off.
"The time of leave is but a few days away," she said carefully. She paused at the door way. "Surely you can be patient for your princess."
The older man bristled, but said nothing. He gritted his teeth and gave her a small nod. Miriallia closed the door behind her.
As soon as it clicked close, she allowed her placid face to twist into irritation as she stormed down the hall. She burst into the nearly empty meeting room, sending Queen Murrue jumping up from her seat.
"Miriallia-"
"You couldn't have waited for Cagalli to return?" Miriallia said as the door closed behind her. Desperate eyes searched those of her mentor and monarch. "Why does Stellar have to go so soon!?"
A sad look graced Queen Murrue's face. "I am sorry, Miriallia…but I was given little choice."
Miriallia's eyes crinkled up. "Were we threatened?"
"Not directly," Murrue replied. "The decision to order Stellar to go to the Federation was made as a ruler, not as a friend." With her words, Miriallia sank down on one of the seats that lined the long table in the meeting room. "I am sorry for not conversing with you regarding the matter, but the advisors and I, as reluctant as we were, have decided that this is for the best."
Miriallia raised her hand and lifted it over her eyes as she closed them. "You understand that Cagalli will not accept this."
"You do not give her enough credit as a Haumea Elite," Murrue told the other woman carefully. "Officially, Stellar is going to the Federation as a diplomat. She is going to represent Orb. Off record, she is going to meet her half brother, the King. Tensions have been high here in the palace since they recognized her."
"What do you mean?" Miriallia asked with a frown. "I thought the negotiations have ceased due to the issue."
"Officially, yes, but it became clear that if we refused to allow Stellar to leave, the Federation would forcibly try to bring her back," Murrue explained. "And we do not need that kind of trouble from them. The advisors and I have decided that, for the sake of Orb, Stellar would be sent on an official journey to the Federation."
The other woman's eyes narrowed. "Stellar is not a pawn or a sacrifice!" Miriallia shouted as she rose from her seat.
"But she is a Haumea Elite!" Murrue replied desperately. "Do not forget that even though she is family to us, she is still a Haumea Elite, just like you, Cagalli, or me! She knows what her duty to Orb is, Miriallia. She understands what she must do and I know that, which is why I approved the order. We cannot let selfishness or personal connection stunt our choices when we are running a country! Had it been another Elite, I would have given the same order. If it were me, I would go!"
Miriallia balled her hands at her sides. She shook her head and sent a pained glare at the table. "And what if she doesn't come back?" she asked. She lifted her head and met her queen's gaze. "What if Stellar goes and they refuse to let her return?"
"That is a bridge we can only cross when we arrive before it," Murrue whispered.
"And Cagalli?" Miriallia asked, her voice shaking. "What do you expect me to tell her when she returns? Kira is already livid that Stellar agreed. Cagalli won't accept it!"
"Do not underestimate Cagalli's strength and sense of duty, Miriallia," the Queen told her proudly.
Across from her, Miriallia shook her head. "I need to speak with Kira and Stellar."
Murrue lowered her eyes and nodded her head. The door opened and closed, leaving the monarch alone in the room. Outside, Miriallia walked swiftly down the long corridors of the palace. Servants and assorted guards bowed to her, clad in her Haumea Elite maroon uniform, as she passed.
"Captain, your horse is ready," a guard reported as she walked past him.
"Thank you," Miriallia replied. She stepped outside, her eyes quickly adjusting to the bright sunlight, as she walked down the steps and headed for her horse. With a swift movement, she mounted the saddle and grasped the reins.
She gave a gentle kick to the side of the horse and galloped off. Her mind whirled, partially afraid of what she'd tell Cagalli and partially worried about what she'd find at Kira's.
Early that morning, she had gone straight to Kira's apartment above the chocolate shop before she headed to the palace. The siblings were already awake and Miriallia hesitantly gave Stellar the orders. Stellar had paled and fell back against the couch. Kira look the parchment she had been given and read over it.
Immediately, the yelling had started. He demanded to speak to Queen Murrue regarding the decision; however, Stellar talked him out of it. Stellar then accepted, much to both Kira and Miriallia's surprise. Kira couldn't understand why she would and, after giving Miriallia a message to give to the Federation nobles about staying with her brother until they left, fell into an argument with Kira.
The last she heard from them, Kira was telling Stellar to at least wait until Cagalli returned. "She'll be back in a few days!" he insisted.
Miriallia let out a heavy sigh as she reached the harbor. Kira, the dotting older brother that he was, probably felt as if he were losing his sisters one by one; his twin to Athrun and his younger sister to the Federation.
The brown-haired captain stopped in front of the chocolate shop and dismounted. She tied Archangel's reins to the post and walked around the side of the building to the stairs that led to Kira's apartment. It was strangely quiet and she wondered if they had yelled themselves to sleep.
She lifted her hand and knocked on the wooden door. After a few moments, it opened a bit and she was met with the wide, maroon eyes of Stellar. "Miriallia," she said quietly. "Did Miriallia tell them?"
She stepped aside and allowed the older woman to enter after her. "I told them," she said. She looked around the living area. A piece of paper and some writing utensils were placed on the table. Stellar seemed to have been writing a letter. "What's that?"
"Letter to Cagalli," Stellar said quietly as she closed the door behind Miriallia. "When Stellar completes the letter, Stellar will give it to Miriallia to give to Cagalli."
"Alright," Miriallia agreed. She glanced around the apartment. "Where is Kira?"
"The bedroom," Stellar admitted wearily. "Kira is very angry at Stellar."
"No…" Miriallia whispered and shook her head. "He isn't angry at you, Stellar. He's upset about this whole thing and what it's making you do."
"But Stellar thinks it is a good idea," the blonde told her. "It would appease the Federation and make things easier for Orb."
"But how do you feel about it, Stellar?" Miriallia asked as she took a seat on one of the chairs. "This can't be easy for you…and Cagalli…"
"This is what Stellar needed," the blonde assured her as sat down on the couch across from the captain. "Stellar was very torn…and wasn't sure if Stellar should stay or go. At least now, Stellar has an answer. Stellar isn't completely sure of it, but it is better than doing nothing. It is also Stellar's duty as a Haumea Elite."
The captain bit her lip and looked towards Kira's room's door. Duty had once again taken another sister from him. "I see…"
"Stellar doesn't know what to tell Kira," the young woman said as her eyes dampened. "Stellar doesn't want Kira to be mad…"
"I'm not mad," a voice said behind the door. Stellar looked up eagerly from her seat as Kira's door slowly opened. With his clothes and hair out of place, the temple scholar slipped out of his room solemnly. "What you should tell me is that you won't go."
"Kira…"
"Kira, that's not fair," Miriallia frowned. "We can't make Stellar's decision for her."
"But Queen Murrue can?" he retorted sharply.
"That's not what I meant-"
"Miriallia, what if Stellar doesn't come back?" Kira asked, his voice hoarse from his earlier tirade. "What if she goes to the Federation and…and we never see her again?"
"Stellar will return!" Stellar shouted from her seat. Her eyes were narrowed determinedly as she rose from the couch. "Even if Stellar has to sneak back into Orb, Stellar will come back. Orb is Stellar's home!"
"But will they understand that?" Kira asked painfully. He looked at his sister beseechingly. "I know I can't be selfish, Stellar. I know you have your duties and if what they're saying is true, then you have a right to find out for yourself. I just can't bring myself to trust them."
Stellar looked down at the letter she had been writing to Cagalli. "There is still a chance that the Federation is wrong and that Stellar isn't a princess. If Stellar is the sister of the king, then the king won't let anything happen to Stellar."
"At least we hope," Kira added. He shook his head. "That assures me nothing, Stellar."
As silence went over the group, a quiet knock came from the door. Kira let out a heavy breath as he crossed the room to answer it. He put his hand on the door and opened it. His eyes immediately narrowed at the two young men standing at his door.
They looked somewhat hesitant as they came face to face with Kira. "Um…" the young man with the green hair stood up straight and gave a small bow to Kira. "We are looking for Stellar Louisser?"
Immediately, Kira's face darkened. "She is not here. Please leave."
"Wait, we saw Captain Haww-" the blue haired young man began, only to receive a silencing look from Kira.
"Sir," the green-haired young man said again. "Do not misunderstand us. We only want to speak to her."
"Did you not hear me the first time?" Kira asked sharply. "I said she isn't-"
"Kira, it's okay," a quiet voice said behind him. Stellar gently pried her way between her brother and the door he was barricading with his body. She looked up at the two men who had come. "It's fine."
"Why?" Kira asked. "I know that Miriallia wouldn't tell them exactly where you were, so I'm guessing that they followed her."
Inside the apartment, Miriallia frowned. The two nobles outside shifted awkwardly as Stellar whispered something into her brother's ears. He looked hesitant, but nodded. Stellar smiled brightly at him and stepped aside as Kira opened the door a bit more. He jerked his head into the apartment.
"Thank you," the green-haired young man beamed. He and the blue-haired youth slipped in. "My name Sting Oakley of the House of Oakley in the northeast region of the Federation. This is Auel Neider, son of Lord Neider from the central Federation."
"Kira Yamato," the brown-haired man answered curtly. "What is your business with Stellar?"
Miriallia silently shook her head. As kind and gentle as Kira was, he could also be painfully protective.
"We wanted to see Stellar," Auel told him carefully. "We are sure she King Murata's sister. She even confirmed her name."
"Stellar carried her mother's last name," Sting explained. He looked at Stellar fondly and smiled. "But King Murata says that once you come home, you'll of course be given the Azrael name by ceremony. It was only because you were born to a mistress that you carry Loussier."
Stellar frowned. "Stellar doesn't want the king's last name. Stellar wants to stay an Athha."
"You can tell your brother that when you reach the Federation," Sting assured her. Behind them, they didn't see Kira's hands clench at the implication that another man was Stellar's brother. A man she hadn't even seen in ages, let alone remembered.
"If you're worried about her safety there, we can assure you she will have the utmost protection," Auel told Kira as he turned around. "She is our princess. She will be safe. Sting and I have already pledged to remain at her sides as guards throughout the journey and her stay."
"Her stay…" Kira murmured as his eyes narrowed.
"Does this mean that Stellar will be able to return to Orb after Stellar meets King Murata?" the blonde asked hopefully.
Auel and Sting exchanged unsure looks. "I'm sure you'll be able to come back to visit…" Sting trailed off. He looked at Stellar uncertainly. "But why would you want to come back?"
Stellar's eyes widened. She looked at them as if they had lost their minds. "Because this is Stellar's home," she told them proudly as she lifted her head. "This is where Stellar's sister and brother live. This is where Stellar's family's house is. It is where Papa Athha is buried, where the Haumea Elite are."
"But you're a Federation Princess," Auel choked out, unsurely. "You belong in the Federation. You belong in the palace with your brother. Your family."
"Does Stellar's picture hang in the palace with Stellar's family?" she asked with a glare. Before the two could answer, she continued. "Stellar's portrait hangs in the Athha Family Estate along with Cagalli's and Kira's and Papa's."
"Stellar…" Sting began, only to be cut off once more. Stellar took a step forward.
"Stellar is willing to go, but Stellar will return," she informed them sternly. "Stellar cannot easily turn Stellar's back on those that love and raised Stellar, no matter what waits in the Federation."
Auel and Sting looked at each other once more, unsure of what to make of the young woman. Sting let out a heavy sigh and met her gaze carefully. "Stellar," he told her. "Understand that you may have to stay there for longer than you feel comfortable with. Your brother…he thought you had died in the shipwreck. Practically everyone did. Auel and I…we held hope that you were still alive and to find out that you are…" he trailed off.
"We used to be so close," Auel told her. "Always together, the three of us. We'd like to be that close again, if you'd let us, and…if you really want to come back, we will try."
"We cannot promise you that for certain," Sting stressed. "But if you wish to return, we will support your decision. We just don't want you to vanish again."
"I think we are all relieved to hear you say that," Kira said behind them. Several eyes turned to him and Kira walked towards his sister. He placed a hand on her shoulder protectively. "We understand that Stellar is important to the Federation, but she is important in Orb as well."
"Stellar is still a Haumea Elite," Miriallia added. "She is still an Athha and Kira and Cagalli's sister." Her eyes darkened as she looked at the two young men. "If something happens to Stellar or her goodwill, Orb will not be pleased."
Kira narrowed her eyes at the two noblemen. "You have been warned."
"I can smell the sea…" Cagalli said as she held her head close to the window of the carriage and inhaled the air. "I can almost hear it, Mayu."
The girl seated across from her craned her neck to the window and struggled to hear the sound of the crashing waves. "I can't hear anything…" she frowned, disappointed.
Beside her, Shinn let out a small snort. "We're too far inland…"
"But I can see the ocean," Mayu insisted, pointing out towards the great blue mass beyond the city in the distance. She looked back at Cagalli. "Can we go to the beach tomorrow?"
"On the day of rest," Cagalli promised her with a warm smile. "Tomorrow, we need to go visit the Music Academy in the city."
Mayu's eyes lit up. "Do you think they'll accept me?"
"Of course," Cagalli assured her. "I'm positive that they will."
As the captain and his sister continued talking about the music school Mayu would attend, Shinn lazily looked outside the window. His official task was to escort his sister and lady of the house to Orb and then resume his official duties as Athrun's secretary when Athrun arrived.
However, Shinn saw it as a prolonged vacation. He didn't seem to do much work when they were in Orb and considering that he had just finished the majority of his beginning of the year duties while they were still in Plants, he had nothing to do.
Perhaps he could meet up with Rey since he was in town, too.
"Stellar is on duty, Mayu, I'm afraid she can't take you to the island unless she is on leave," Cagalli said, snapping Shinn of out of his daydreams.
The red-eyed young man sat up attentively in his seat and quickly cursed himself for looking too forward. Cagalli and Mayu didn't seem to notice his change. "I was hoping to see her again…" she trailed of. Then a large, devilish grin appeared on her lips. "I know Shinn does."
Cagalli raised an eyebrow and settled her gaze over the younger man. "Does he?" she asked, amused. Shinn's cheeks reddened.
"She's good company," Shinn defended as he quickly averted their gaze. "And I may not have time to see her anyway since Rey is here and he may need me for something."
"Ah, yes, that's right, the other grooms are here," Cagalli nodded. "I wonder if he has become attached to any of my sisters."
Mayu's predatory gaze settled on her brother. "Perhaps Stellar helped him," she stressed. "Stellar's really nice, maybe Rey picked her."
"Don't be ridiculous," Shinn snapped. "He can't. She's not a volunteer."
"Cagalli wasn't a volunteer," Mayu pointed out cheekily. For a moment, Shinn wondered why he had wanted to hear his sister speak for so long.
"It won't happen," he stressed, making both his sister and Cagalli smirk.
"Captain Athha!" a voice said outside the window. Cagalli turned her head towards the window and smiled brightly.
"Mayura!" Cagalli beamed.
"Welcome home, Captain!" the Elite bowed as the carriage trotted through the gates to the Seray.
Cagalli peered out the window and let out a content sigh as she saw her home. "It's good to be back…" she whispered. The carriage came to a stop and the door was quickly opened. Cagalli happily jumped down, meeting both her first and second lieutenants at the steps of the estate.
"Welcome home, Captain," they greeted her formally.
"It's been too long," Cagalli smiled. Behind her Mayu and Shinn climbed out. She looked over at her Elites. They remained where they stood and seemed to avert their gaze. Cagalli's wide smile began to falter. "Is something wrong?" she asked carefully.
"My lady," a voice said behind her. "Shall I unload your things?"
"Please do," Cagalli told him casually. She marched up the steps. "Juri, make sure that our things are brought up to our room."
"I'll stay and help Miguel," Shinn said. "Mayu, tell them which bag is which."
"Okay!" the girl nodded.
Cagalli nodded. "That's fine. I will go and have something prepared to eat."
"Captain," Asagi said as she walked along side her commanding officer up the stairs. "I know you just arrived, but Captain Haww would like to see you immediately."
"At the Azure Seray?" Cagalli asked curiously as they reached the foyer.
"No, Captain, she's already waiting in the meeting room," Asagi reported. Cagalli nodded.
"I see…" she murmured. She walked through halls of the house. "Have a meal prepared for Shinn and Mayu and myself. I will join them once my meeting concludes."
"Yes, Captain," Asagi bowed her head obediently and parted ways with the other blonde woman.
Cagalli walked down the hall. It was oddly quiet and she wondered where everyone was. She made her way to the meeting room and knocked before she pushed it open. Her eyebrows furrowed as she entered and saw Kira sitting on one of the chairs.
"Kira?" she asked as her lips turned into a frown. Her eyes drifted to Miriallia, who sat across from him. Both had somber looks on their faces. "Is something wrong?"
"You may want to sit down," Miriallia told her carefully. Cagalli narrowed her eyes.
"I'm fine standing," Cagalli answered. Miriallia nodded her head and took a deep breath. "What is this about?"
"It's about Stellar," Kira said carefully. "I…" His eyes lowered and his mouth closed, unsure of how to explain it.
Miriallia lifted up a folded piece of paper. "She wrote you a latter."
Cagalli narrowed her eyes and swept across the room to Miriallia. The letter was quickly snatched from her hands and practically torn open. Kira and Miriallia held their breaths. They could feel Cagalli's emotions rise with every passing moment she read the letter.
Confusion, disbelief, and anger seemed to fill the room as Cagalli's amber eyes raked across the carefully written words. Her sister…a princess? Of the Federation? She knew not to rule anything out, but it was too unbelievable.
Her eyes continued down the body of the paper. With each sentence, Cagalli could feel her heart constricting in her chest. She suddenly felt it was difficult to breathe as she reached the bottom of the page. Was this serious?
Amber eyes shot up and bore into Kira's and Miriallia's. "Why wasn't I informed?" Cagalli asked in a low voice. She slammed the paper on table, making the other two people jump. "Why didn't anyone tell me!?" she growled furiously.
"You know why!" Kira countered as he shot up from his seat. "No one was allowed to contact you regarding the Federation!"
"This isn't about the Federation, Kira! This is about our sister!" Cagalli yelled. "I have the right to know!" Tears welled up in her eyes. What had happened while she was gone? Her sister left the country? What kind of hideous joke was that?
What was worse, she didn't even know about it. She was the one who found Stellar and not a word of it had reached her ears.
"Cagalli, Stellar didn't want to worry you," Miriallia told her seriously. "You've done so much for her already; she didn't want to trouble you further. She didn't want to tell Kira any of it."
"I had to find out through Miriallia," Kira added. "Then right after I found out, the order was given."
"If you're angry, you should speak to Queen Murrue," Miriallia told her. "You have our support if you want her to come back."
Cagalli closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Of course she was angry. She returned to her country only to find that her precious sister had left just days before…to an enemy country…as their alleged princess. It hurt that no one told her. It hurt that they purposely kept it from her, but what hurt the most was that she was helpless to help Stellar.
The girl's letter was clear on her intent. It was her duty as Haumea Elite. It was an order she agreed with and was willing going to see through. Stellar made her decision and she knew that Cagalli would've done the same.
Angry at herself and frustrated at everything else, her hand crumpled up the letter it had slammed on the table. Her trembling shoulders stilled as Cagalli lifted her head and took a deep breathe. Kira and Miriallia looked at her wearily.
"Cagalli?"
"She made her decision as a Haumea Elite," Cagalli said, forcing herself to repeat the words in the letter. Her blood felt cold. She never regretted Stellar becoming an Elite until that moment. Kira's eyes squinted, worried.
"Cagalli, are you alright?" he asked carefully.
The woman turned her head away from them, her hand still gripping the letter. "I'm going to my room," she said in a low voice. "It was a long trip."
Miriallia frowned. "Cagalli…"
"Make sure the kids eat," Cagalli said, her voice hollow as she reached out and opened the door. "I…" Her voice trailed off unsurely. She looked back down and slipped out of the room in silence.
Somewhere in the background, she could hear Shinn and his sister in the kitchen, thanking some of the Elites for the food they prepared. She was supposed to join them, but any appetite she would've had disappeared with the knowledge she just learned.
Her footsteps were heavy as she climbed the stairs to the third floor. She stopped before a door and lifted her head. Stellar's bedroom.
Cagalli's hand reached forward and twisted the handle to open the door. It opened smoothly. Cagalli stepped inside and sat down on the edge of the bed, her eyes staring at the empty space in front of her. Her heart clenched and she closed her eyes tightly.
"Don't worry, Cagalli!" the letter told her. "Cagalli will always be Stellar's big sister."
"Captain Zala?" Athrun snapped his head back towards the Red Knight that was his escort around the Junius City Base. The captain blinked, surprised that he was caught with this thoughts elsewhere. "Is something wrong?"
The blue-haired man gave the knight a smile and shook his head. "No, of course not. Everything here looks in order."
"Thank you, sir!" the knight said strongly.
"Let's head back to the main office. I want to make sure my orders for my section are carried out before I leave," Athrun said as he turned around.
"Yes, sir!" the knight nodded.
"Sir," another knight said as they headed back to the main building. "If you are not feeling well, we can go to the medic office."
"Medic office?" Athrun raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "I assure you, I'm fine. If anything, I'm just a bit…home sick."
A.N. – Thank you all for your thoughts. I will try my best to continue the story. I would also like to complete it. Thank you very much for reading! Rest assured that Yzak has his reasons, no matter how stupid they may be.